#peri is slowly losing her mind

[chickensarentcheap]

NSFW. YOU'VE BEEN WARNED

@fanficanatic-tw

I unearthed some more smut for you ;)

@tragiclyhip @munstysmind @themaradwrites @secretaryunpaid @thebejeweledwatercat @theesirenteller @youflickedtooharddamnit and anyone else who doesn't mind the dirty stuff ;)

She listens for him now. Searching for signs of life within the cabin; the percolating of the coffee machine or the water streaming in the shower or the clatter of dishes and cutlery in the kitchen sink. But it’s silent; the only noisethe cawing of the sea gulls and the fluttering of the curtains and the rush of the waves as they roll up onto the shore. And she’s in the midst of throwing off the covers and launching a search when movement on the deck catches her attention; eyes widening and her blood pressure immediately rising at the sight of her husband immersed in a yoga session. Sweat dampening his hair and beading across his bare shoulders and on his chest; the tell tale sign of a run on the beach. Clad in nothing but a pair of simple black cotton boxer briefs; shoes and clothes from earlier discarded in a nearby heap.

Her hormones are at an all time high; a mixture of pregnancy and what the doctor had diagnosed as peri-menopause. The sight of his rippling back muscles and the bulging and twisting of shoulders and arms isimply to bear; moisture building between her legs as her pussy throbs with lust and animalistic need. Unable to control herself as she seeks out relief; eyes glued on the entertainment playing out before her as her hands wander her body. Slipping up the front of her t-shirt; toes curling and a long, drawn out moan tumbling from her lips as her fingers pinch and pull at her nipples. One hand continuing the teasing and the torturing as the other slips between her legs; slowly and agonizingly rubbing at her engorged clit before sliding two fingers deep inside. Losing herself to the filthiness in her mind; eyes closing as she conjures up images of his face buried between her thighs as he vigorously finger fucks her while lapping and sucking at her clit.

His name tumbles from her lips when she thinks back to that first time in Dhaka almost thirteen years ago. The anger in his eyes and his hand tightly clutching her throat; the hunger that flashed in eyes right before he lost complete control and pinned her against the wall. Using his full weight to keep her there as he savagely kissed her ; their greedy hands ripping and tearing at each other’s clothes. Only managing nakedness from the waist down before he took her right there and then; a quick and uncomplicated fuck as she clawed at his back and bit at his shoulders and cried out in ecstasy.

“Need some help?”

Her eyes snap open and her fingers still; thighs clamping shut and trapping her hand in place. A furious blush creeping into her cheeks and the tips of her ears as she stares up at her husband; looming over her as he stands at the side of the bed. Hair soaked and body damp with sweat; droplets glistening on smooth, tanned skin and the longer strands of hair plastered against his forehead. His face flushed and his breathing slightly laboured; the lingering remnants of physical excursion, and the appreciation and approval of what he’d just witnessed. The latter made obvious by the beginning of the erection straining against the fabric of his shorts; his palm lazily sliding over it as he drags the tip of his tongue along his bottom lip. Lust and need; darkening his eyes and clenching his jaw and quickening his pulse.

Esme gives a sheepish smile. “Hi.”

“Hi. What’cha doin’?”

“Nothing.”

“Nothing? Looks like something to me. Something I wouldn’t mind seeing more of. Do you? Need help?”

“No.”

“You sure? ‘Cause it looked like you were enjoying yourself and I wouldn’t mind joining in and helping you enjoy it even more.”

“I’m fine!” she insists, and then scowls when he arches a doubtful brow and his smirk broadens. “Go away! You have the worst timing!”

“Ask me, this is the best possible timing. EVER.”

“Oh God…” she groans, and reaches for one of the many extra pillows; pressing it tightly against her face and letting out a dramatic scream. “...go away!”

“I’m not going anywhere. Not when I just saw what I saw. In fact…” Tossing the soiled towel towards the open bathroom door, Tyler kneels on the bed; laughing when she grumbles a ‘fuck off’, gathers the quilt around her half naked body, and then flips onto her stomach. “What’s wrong? What’cha so pissy about?”

“I’m not pissy.” Her voice is muffled by the mattress. “I’m frustrated. Sexually.”

“You didn’t have to stop. Not on my account. You could have kept going. I wouldn’t have minded.”

“I mind!”

“Why?”

“Who wants to get caught when they’re….you know.”

Grinning, he attempts to peel the blanket away. “Fucking themselves?”

“Stop!”

“It’s not like your mum or dad caught you. Or a brother or sister. I caught you. And I’m not just some random person. I’m your husband. I’ve watched babies come out of your vagina. I sat in a tub while you gave birth. I’ve even been shaving or brushing my teeth while you use the toilet. And THIS is what you’re worked out about?”

“It’s embarrassing!” She yanks the quilt out of his grasp.

“Why? Why are you embarrassed? You can’t be serious. You honestly can’t be THAT upset by this. Come on now, Me. Don’t be a baby. There’s no reason to be like this. Are you blushing?” Managing to remove the quilt from around her face, he clears strands of hair off her cheek and then leans over her. “You are. You are blushing. What’s your major malfunction? I’ve only been seeing you naked nearly every day for thirteen years. You can’t be that embarrassed just ‘cause I walked in on ya.”

“You wouldn’t like it if I walked in on you.”

“Well I’m smart enough to lock the door, so…” He chuckles when she flips him the middle finger. “...and I wouldn’t give a shit if you did. Why would I care about THAT? You’ve seen my dick many times. Not to mention I’ve watched you before; at home, on Skype when I’m away.”

“That’s different!”

“How’s it different? You’re either flicking the bean or you’re not.”

“Because it’s planned. We PLAN it. We know what we’re going to do and we do it together. No one walks in on the other person.”’

“Does it help if I tell you how fucking hot it is? How much it turns me on? Seeing you do that?”

“A little,” she pouts. “How long were you standing there?”

‘“Long enough.”

“How long is that?”

“Long enough to pitch half a tent. And to hear you say my name. More than once.”

Her eyes widen as the flush to her cheeks and ears increases. “Oh fuck….”

“If you want to, we can.” His hand briefly cups his cock; lightly squeezing before adjusting it in the confines of his boxer briefs. “ Although I wouldn't mind just sitting here and watching you finish what you were doing. You want to? Make out for a bit? Get yourself worked up again? So you can get back to things? Be nice to me. Be a good little wife.”

“I AM a good little wife.”

“That you are.” He lifts the edge of the blanket, tongue once gliding along his bottom lip as his eyes feast on her scarcely clad form. Slender and incredibly toned, tanned legs and the ink that decorates them, the curve of her hip and the swell of her ass. The way her t-shirt has journeyed up to the bottom of her breasts; exposing her midriff and ever growing baby bump. It’s becoming more and more visible every day, and nothing sexier than the thought of her carrying his child inside her; watching as her body steadily becomes thicker and voluptuous as the life they’d created together continues to thrive.

“You should be grateful,” she says. “That I do the things I do. Outside the bedroom and inside of it. ESPECIALLY inside of it.”

“I am. I AM grateful for that. ETERNALLY grateful. That I have a wife that puts out as much and as often as she does. Especially when she’s fucking hot and I always want her so fucking bad. But…”

He stretches out alongside her; tip of his nose pressed against hers as his hand slips beneath the quilt. Spurred on by the way she shivers when long, calloused digits ghost over her skin; slowly following the curve of her hip and travelling over her hips. Briefly brushing against the underside of one breast before moving downwards; pausing to trace a circle around her navel before sliding even further. Palm pressed flat against her stomach and the tips of his fingers resting on her pubic mound; pressing through the neatly trimmed hair that covers her pussy. Finding her still still hot and wet; able to smell the remnants of her arousal as it coats his skin. And it causes his cock to twitch and swell; erection coming to fruition and becoming uncomfortable within the confines of his underwear.

“....but right now…” he continues, as two fingers slip through her slick folds. “...right now I really want you to keep going. I don’t ask for much, but…”

She stares up at him pointedly.

“Okay, so maybe I DO ask a lot of you. I’ve maybe crossed a few lines here or there in the past thirteen years. But this? This is something I really want. From you. We haven't done it in a while and…”

“We did it while you were in Cambodia. Twice.”

“That’s like, half a year ago, though.”

“Half a year? It hasn’t even been eight full weeks.”

“Come on, Me.” Flipping his hand around, he grazes two knuckles against her clit; grinning when her entire body violently shudders and she takes in a long, quivering breath. “Just humour me, yeah? Do this for me. Please. Let’s have a little fun.”

“What we’ve been doing so far isn’t fun in your books?”

“It’s always fun. It’s always awesome. Just this would...I don’t know…” His gaze locked on hers, he swipes the tip of his tongue over his top lip. “...extra awesome.”

“You just HAD to be out there doing yoga, didn’t you. In your underwear.”

“Didn’t think anything of it. I went for a run and I was sweating like hell so I just took everything off when I got back. Not like there’s anyone around for miles. No one saw me.”

“I saw you.”

“You were asleep. I wasn’t expecting you to wake up. And I definitely was NOT expecting you to get all hot and bothered. Is that really what did it for you? Me doing yoga in my underwear?”

She nods.

“You’re not bullshitting me, right? To feed my ego? You weren’t in here thinking of someone else? Some movie star or pro athlete or…”

“I don’t need to think of anyone else. I’m married to the most beautiful man on the earth. A total sex God that lives up to all of my wildest and dirtiest fantasies. You’re more than enough, believe me.”

“So what WERE you thinking about? While you were…?”

“I’m not telling you that.”

“Why not? We’ve been together a long time. We already know everything there is to know about each other. We’ve done some pretty filthy things. Starting on day one. What’s the big deal? What’s there to be embarrassed about?”

“It’s just weird. Getting caught. Even by you. I don't know why it is. It just IS.”

“How about I help you out? Get you started and then you let you take over. Would that do it? Get you back into things? ‘Cause I would really...REALLY...like if you got back into things.”

“It could work. Maybe.”

“Doesn’t hurt to try, yeah?” He presses a kiss to the bridge of her nose. “Roll over. Back towards me.”

“But I thought…”

“Just do it. Please.”

He peels the quilt away as she obliges; palm sliding up her thigh and over her hip and around to her ass. Fingers gently digging into the soft, supple flesh as he dips his head and brushes his lips across her shoulder and onto the back of her neck. The juxtaposition of warm, moist lips and the scratch of his beard the start of sensory overload, causing her to shudder against him and take a long, ragged breath and then slowly release it. He knows every button to push; long ago discovering every little secret spot that no other man had ever taken the time to search for. And he knows just how to manipulate and caress and torture every single one; able to get sensations and reactions out of her that she’d once confessed she’d never felt before. And kisses his way up to the lobe of her ear, allowing his breath to waft against the side of her face as his rough facial hair continues to torment her sensitive skin.

“You trust me?”

Esme nods.

“I need to hear you say it. Doesn’t count if I don’t hear it.”

“I trust you. I always have. I always will.”

Pressing a kiss to her temple, he slides his free arm between her and the mattress; palm on her collarbone as pulls her tightly against him. Unable to suppress the groan that rumbles deep in his chest when the shaft his cock settles between the cheeks of her ass.

“Not…”

“I would never do that,” he assures her. “Not unless you ask me too. Or tell me it’s alright to do. You should know that by now. I just want you to relax, okay? Just lie there and take it easy and then when you’re ready to take over, you just let me know.”

She turns her head to grin at him. “What if I’m never ready?”

“That’s not the game we’re playing. I said I’d help. Until you got worked up again. So if you don’t want to play by the rules…” He attempts to remove his hand from between her legs, only to chuckle when her thighs clamp shut. “Well, you gotta do what I say then. ‘Cause if you don’t…”

She pouts dramatically. “You’re so bossy.”

“You like it.” He nips at the side of her neck; hard enough to break the skin. “You love bossy Tyler.”

“I love Tyler in ALL ways. But yeah. I do like when he comes out to play.”

Placing a series of feathery pecks along the outer edge of her ear, he uses a knee to both urge and keep her thighs open; a long, soft sigh of contentment and shiver passing through her when two fingertips skim over her clit. Her entire body locking up and then slowly relaxing against his; head tucking under his chin and a hand reaching back to stroke and scratch at the bottom of his hairline. His eyes close as he loses himself in his task; the tip of one finger pausing at her entrance as another slowly and gently strokes at the sensitive bundle of nerves. His cock growing to full prominence at the mere scent of her arousal; familiar and musky and alluring and co-mingling with the hint of sweat as it beads on her forehead and at her temples. The hand that had been resting on her collarbone sliding down the neck of her shirt; fingers briefly brushing against one of her rock hard nipples. And she gives a gasp of pleasure and presses her ass against him; a low, deep groan rumbling within his chest with the simple movement slides his cock even further between her supple cheeks.

He drops his head down her shoulder and his mouth begins to feast; beard scratching and chafing as his lips suck and nibble at the sensitive flesh. The ministrations between her legs slow and deliberate; thumb moving against her clit in lazy, unhurried circles as the tip of his finger finally breaches her entrance. Lingering just inside; creating a delicious pressure that has her squirming for him and attempting to bear down on his hand. And she mewls in disappointment when he abruptly stops; pouting at him from over her shoulder as he removes his hand from between her legs.

“Your turn,” he says, voice gravelly and eyes dark from a mix of desire and the strength to hold himself back. Cock more than ready, willing, and able to perform; thick and engorged and the head a deep, angry red as it drips pre-cum.

The sexual attraction towards her has always been intense. From that moment inside that old shack when he’d seen the curves of her ass in those little jean shorts and he’d had to fight the overwhelming urge to push up the one strap on her tank top every time it slid off her shoulder. But it quickly became so much more than just craving someone’s body and touch. The kind of woman that challenges you both mentally and emotionally; effortlessly digging below the surface to where those hidden and withered pieces of morality and humanity have laid dormant for years. A refreshing yet often frustrating change from other women he’d been with; enjoying those long and intense conversations yet finding himself annoyed by how easily he opened up and trusted and how subtly she managed to reach those areas of his soul that no one had ever bothered to search for.

Over the years, that attraction and want and need for her has only increased. Putting his babies inside of her and watching -in awe- as her body changed to accommodate the life she was nurturing and growing. The pride that comes with seeing her become a mother. Those precious moments immediately after birth; sweaty hair plastered to her forehead and both body and soul completely exhausted. Her eyes and face exuding nothing but pure joy and happiness; newborn - or newborns- pressed to her chest and already rooting for the breast. Watching her at home as she loves upon their ever growing brood; loving deeply and intensely and receiving that love in return. Witnessing the strength that that tiny body possesses; a mental ferocity that could never be matched by another. Taking care of him after the grievous injuries suffered during their first ‘trip’ to Dhaka and those he’d been subjected to at the hands of Nathan. Never losing her patience as she helped feed him and assisted him to the shower and to the bathroom; tending to even the smallest chores of washing and cutting his hair and trimming his beard. Possessing a love and care that no one else had ever shown to him; hands gentle and comforting and always able to soothe both the mental and physical pain. Never drawing attention to the circumstances and what had led up to them; instead chatting cheerfully the entire time and the adoration and respect never leaving her eyes. Fighting for him when need be; battling doctors and hospitals to get him the treatment and care he so desperately needed and defending him against not only other people, but himself.

It’s a love and lust that goes far beyond the physical. To things much more important and beautiful than the curves of her hips and the smoothness of her skin and the fulness of her ass and breasts.

When she rolls onto her back, he leans down to kiss her; her palm resting against his cheek as their lips move softly and slowly against each other. And when he once more lies beside her, he reaches for her hand; pressing his lips to each knuckle before guiding it between her legs.

“Just listen to my voice,” he instructs, and uses two fingertips to clear hair from her forehead. “And look at me the entire time. Don’t look away.”

“I can’t…”

He pecks the tip of her nose and each corner of her mouth. “You CAN.”

Sighing heavily, she briefly closes her eyes and then begins; the tip of her nose pressed against his as a finger begins to tease and manipulate her clit. Gently rubbing in slow, smooth circles, a shiver passing through her and her breath quickening when he slides a hand up the front of her shirt; cupping one of her breasts and repeatedly brushing his thumb across her nipple.

“Were you really thinking about me?” His voice is low; tone quiet and even and his accent thicker. “When you were doing this?”

She nods.

“Do you think about me when I’m not around? When it’s late at night and I’m away from home and you can’t have what you really want? When you get out those toys of yours? You’re thinking about me?”

“Always you. I don’t need to think about anyone else.”

His smirk is a mix of smugness and victory, and he hastily shoves her t-shirt up her collarbone. Hearing the whimper that escapes her when he lowers his head in order to take one of her nipples into his mouth. Her finger moving at a faster pace as he sucks and nibbles as the hardened bud. Her hand reaching for his hair when he pulls away; fingers gripping the longer top strands as she tries -in vain- to get him to continue.

“Tell me,” he encourages, lips against her ear as his hand once more briefly cups her breast. “Tell me what you think about. Tell me what I’m doing to you. When you’re getting yourself off. I want to hear it.”

“I don’t know...stuff...I’m thinking about stuff.”

“What kind of stuff?”

“Tyler, I…”

“Tell me,” he gently orders, and pinches and twists her nipple; hard enough to make her both wince and cry out. “Tell me what you think about. And keep your eyes open; don’t stop looking at me.”

“I think about you going down on me. Your tongue on my clit. Your fingers inside of me.”

His cock twitches against her hip as she speaks; the familiar ache building to epic, uncomfortable proportions in the pit of his stomach and the small of his back. It’s a turn on like no other; the trust and the vulnerability in her eyes and the tremor in her voice as she struggles to hold onto those last remnants of self control. And he’s the one to break eye contact; dropping his forehead onto her shoulder; pressing a series of moist kisses across her collarbone and up the side of her neck. Sucking and nibbling on the sensitive skin; hips involuntarily jutting forward and bringing his erection in contact with her body. Needing that bit of friction; enough to drive him towards the edge but not send him careening over it.

“How many?” He inquires, as he once more trails kisses along her collarbone and moves to the other side of her neck. “How many fingers?”

“Three. And they’re so long and they’re so big and…” She groans as she slips her own fingers inside of her; bearing down on her hand and rubbing at her clit with her thumb. “...and it hurts but it's good. It’s so good. And when you fuck me with them and it’s rough and it’s fast and …”

“Jesus...fuck…” Sweat beads across his forehead and his temples as he begins to unravel; losing his last bit of command and control as the ache and the need become unbearable. And he’s unable to stop himself from reaching into his under shorts for his cock; lips placing soft kisses along her neck and jaw and up onto her ear as he begins jerking himself off. Long and steady strokes at first; covering from base to tip and the callous on his trigger finger brushing across the head. Working himself slowly; eyes heavy and hooded and unable to look away from between her legs; heart pounding and the cock aching at the sight of his wife fucking herself.

“I want to watch you.” She’s breathless; cheeks flushed and chest heaving. “It’s so fucking hot. Watching you. Let me watch you.”

He leans in to press a kiss to her lips; tip of his tongue pushing through her teeth and swiping against hers before he moves away and rolls onto his back. Lifting his hips in order to yank down his boxer briefs; enjoying that little sigh of approval she gives and the way she hungrily runs her end of her tongue over her bottom lip. This kind of play is nothing new. often bringing it into the bedroom or outside after all the kids have bedded down for the night and they’ve retreated to the beach or the hammock for some much needed alone time. And they’re accustomed to watching one another over Skype; eager to aid in satisfying one another despite the miles and the time zones keeping them apart.

“You are so beautiful,” he praises, as he drops the shorts to the floor and returns his attention back to his cock. Thriving on that look in her eyes; carnal and animalistic and full of unbridled passion and lust. Uninhibited; losing herself in the pleasure created by her own hand. “So fucking beautiful.”

“I was going to say the same thing about. I was…” She cries out when he aggressively pulls at one of her nipples; unable to maintain eye contact as her fingers move faster inside of her. Thumb continuing its torture of her clit; pressing hard and moving erratically until her entire body begins to shudder. “Kiss me,” she demands, and reaches for him; aggressively fisting his hair and yanking him into her. Crying out into his mouth when her orgasm hits; toes curling and body locking up as it arches off the bed. Then collapsing into her pillow with a ‘holy shit’; shuddering from the top of her head to the soles of her feet and her sweat-dampened hair sticking to her brow and the sides of her face.

He slows the pace of his hand, then leans in to peck the tip of her nose. “You good?”

“I can’t really feel my feet, but yeah... “ She releases a long, content sigh. “I’m good. You?”

“I will be. In a few minutes.”

“I’m tired of this game,” she says, and then catches him off guard by shoving him onto his back. “I want you to come in my mouth.”

“That wasn’t…”

“The original game was for me to get myself off while YOU watched. Well, success. We did it. Now I’m making the rules.”

“Alright.” He pushes himself up the bed and sits up; leaning against the headboard as his hand once more continues working his cock. “But I’m only letting you make so many.”

“Of course you are.” She says with a roll of the eyes, then waddles across the bed on her knees and grabs a fabric headband from the top of the nightstand; letting it dangle around her neck as she rejoins him. “What rules are you making?”

“I’ll let you know when we get to the point of needing them.”

“They’re supposed to be set up and communicated BEFORE hand,” she reminds him, and slips the band onto her head. “But I’ll let it slide just this once.”

“Is this the new version of you putting your hair up? You put it back and it lets me know you mean serious business?”

“When don’t I mean serious business when it comes to this? I don’t joke when it comes to pleasing my man.”

“I don’t know, you’ve given some pretty questionable gobbies in your time. I remember a couple where you were drunk and they were really sloppy and...OW!” He grits his teeth and screws his eyes shut when she yanks at some of the hair that travels from his navel to the base of his cock. “That’s mean! That’s not friends!”

“You don’t want me to use teeth, do you?”

“You’d never.”

“I would. Now shut up and just sit there and let the mistress do her thing.”

He grins as she shoves his thighs apart and sets herself between them. “Mistress, huh? Do I need to get you a little leather outfit? Thigh high boots? A riding crop?”

“Depends. Is this a kink of yours I’m only finding out about now?”

“I’m just saying if you WANT me to get an outfit like that, I’m sure I can turn it into a kink of mine.”

“Watch it, Tae, You’re treading on thin ice. You’re getting dangerously close to submissive status. Next thing you know, you’re going to want to build a playroom in one of the garages and you’re going to start liking being tied up and dominated.”

“Okay, let’s not take things THAT far. I’m just saying you in leather and being all bossy? I’d cave every once in a while.”

“Well now you know what to buy me for my birthday,” she teases, and leans down to press a line of kisses along the inside of one thigh, then the other. “Would you let me do it? Make you my bitch? My sex bitch?”

“I don’t know if I’d go THAT far. But we can see just how far I WILL go.”

“Never thought I’d hear that coming from you, big, bad, mercenary man. You’ve always been the one in charge. The assertive one.”

“That’s just ‘cause you’ve wanted me to be. Right from day one. And I just merely give you what you want. Happy wife, happy life.”

“So you don’t enjoy being the dominant one? You just do it to humour me?”

“No, I enjoy it. A lot. I’m just saying that maybe once in a while, letting you be the way isn’t such a bad idea. I’m always in charge, yeah? I’ve always got all the control. The business, out in the field, at home…”

Esme laughs. “You are so not in charge at home.”

“So maybe just in charge in the bedroom. And sometimes you get tired of being that way. You want a break from it. Let someone else be the boss.”

“Tyler Rake…” A slow grin spreads across her face. “...you WANT to be dominated.”

“I never said that.”

“Not with those exact words. But it is what you’re getting at . You...all six foot three, two hundred pounds of you...want your little five foot nothing wife to make you her sex bitch.”

He scowls. “You gonna suck my cock sometime today or…?”

“I knew that wouldn’t last long. You being all sweet and docile. But I’m going to remember this conversation. And when you least expect it…”

“I think you need to shut up and…”

His words are replaced with a long, rumbling groan when she unceremoniously takes him fully into her mouth; barely flinching or gagging when the tip of his cock comes in contact with the back of her throat. A woman with many years of experience; a ferociously determined student that had allowed him to teach her exactly how to please him. Breaking out of her own comfort zones to experience sex in a way that she’d never had before; surrendering to the hands and mouth of a patient and attentive lover that had opened her eyes to just how exciting and satisfying love making could actually be. No longer being told she wasn’t pretty or sexy enough to adequately turn a man on; married to a someone that heaps praise upon her and showers her with words of love and affirmation.

And she’s so good at what she does. The mixture of mouth and hands that drives him absolutely insane; the suckling and the stroking and the squeezing that all work together to quickly and effortlessly lead him to the edge. His fingers tangling in the hair at the back of her head; gently tugging in silent encouragement for her to look up at him. It’s an incredible experience; his cock in her mouth as those enormous dark eyes stare up at him. The lewd sounds she makes; the slurping and the gagging and the moans that come when he pushes down on the back of her head and forces her to take him even deeper. The tears that prick her eyes and the small trail of saliva glistens at the corner of her mouth and trickles down to her chin.

“You’re beautiful.” He can barely get the words out; chest heaving and body rigid and sweat gathering at his temples and the nape of his neck. “You are so fucking beautiful.”

He sees it; that glow of happiness and pride that comes over her face. A far cry from the woman who’d spent years being tormented and abused; called filthy and degrading names and forced to eat discarded food off the kitchen floor and use a toothbrush immediately after her husband had used to clean the toilet. Refusing would earn her a beating; knocked to the ground and dragged out of the room and down the hall by her hair and then kicked and punched until she was a bleeding, sobbing mess. Now she’s worshipped and she knows it; loved beyond all measure and ferociously protected and fought for.

“I love you.”

She blinks at the moment of tenderness in the midst of such a lewd act; eyes sparkling and face brightening. And it’s all there for him to see; the love she feels for him in return, the respect and adoration, the complete and utter blind faith and trust she has in him.

“I love you so much, Esme.” His fingertips graze along the curve of her jaw. “ Don’t ever forget that, okay? Just nod or something. Let me know you’ll never forget that.”

She reaches up and laces their fingers together; tightly squeezing before placing their joined hands upon his thigh. And just like that the moment is over; the desire to please him and bring him to completion returning once more. Concentrating on the head of his cock; flicks of her tongue followed by gentle swirls and then aggressive suckling. The hand that had been pumping his shaft moving to briefly cradle and fondle his balls; head falling back and his eyes closing and a string of profanities tumbling from his mouth when she resorts to gently squeezing. And it’s when her finger nail lightly scratches his perineum that his orgasm hits him at full force; hips jutting up to force his cock further into her mouth as he violently cums inside of it. Entire body shuddering as she sucks him dry; until he's a whimpering and cursing mess and his hands are yanking at her hair in order to pull her away. Too much, too soon; the orgasm powerful and every nerve ending below the waist on fire.

“I wanna see,” he says, when she moves away and sits back on her heels. And he reaches for her; fingers under her chin and thumb against her lips. “Open your mouth. Let me see.”

She offers resistance and allows him to pry her mouth open; giving him a view of the semen that sits on her tongue and pools in her mouth and the back of her throat.

“Good girl,” he praises. “Such a good, beautiful girl.”

He waits until she swallows his load and then takes her face in his palms, pulling her into him and kissing her long and soft and deep. Both of her arms wrapping around his neck and his thighs closing as she settles herself in his lap; one hand on the nape of her neck and the other on the small of her back. Several minutes passing before he tugs on her hair; a silent request to look at him. And he loves the smile on her face when she pulls away; contentment and pride and the afterglow of intense and overwhelming satisfaction.

“You are a dirty little thing, Esme Rake.”

She laughs at that, then brushes the tip of her nose against his. “I’ve learned from the master.”

Pulling the headband from her hair, he tosses it aside and pushes his fingers through her hair; lips meeting her brow and lingering for several seconds. “Good morning, by the way.”

Giggling, she presses a kiss to his lips and then buries her face in that warm, safe place between his neck and shoulder. “Good morning.”

[achliegh]

Positive

Month 1

Thank you to: @walking-crisis, @clearsuitcasecookienerd, @blingywitch, @waltzintherain, and @moonofthenight, @onlydreamofmysoul (If I missed anyone who answered my asks please let me know! I know some haven’t answered yet but I am hoping they will)

TW/CW: High school bullies, Coming out to homophobic family, Slurs, Homophobic languages and attitudes, mentions of sex, and pregnancy, teen pregnancy, probably food and drink. Oh! And cigarettes and underage drinking.

Leo and his family belong to: @lumosinlove

This is very long! :)

Chapter 2

The Tests

December 19th, 2015

Cheer practice was a place where Indigo could just lose herself in the feeling of being perfectly balanced. She loved the feeling of flying into the air, clearing her mind when her feet hit Leo’s hands, she trusted him with every cell in her body. He was always there to catch her, never let her fall. That's why today was the day that marked a change.

She still trusted Leo as much as she could but, she was no longer perfectly balanced, her feet hit his hands fully extended and she couldn’t stay. This having never happened before caused the entire team to pause and stare as she started free falling from her perch named Leo. Leo of course caught her with no issues but she was obviously frazzled.

Leo looked at the coach while still cradling Indigo in his arms like she would break if he let her go. Looking at the coach he nodded towards the door leading outside to an ally between the school and gym. It’s where everyone would go to smoke. The coach nodded looking worried. They called everyone's attention to get back to practice while Leo led Indigo outside.

Once the door closed Indigo slid down the wall of the ally and gripped her hair.

“What's up?” Leo sat next to her, resting his arm on her shoulder and acting like nothing was wrong at all. His calm energy made her want to just sink into his side.

“I’ve never been off balance before…” Leo nodded, it was one thing that the coach always praised Indigo for, her perfect balance. Seeing her off was new to him as well.

“Do you think it’s because of the cold you’ve had recently?” Leo was trying to wrack his brain, trying to figure out what possibly could be wrong. She has been complaining about frequent headaches, she said her boobs hurt like a bitch, she has been more clumsy than ever, and her mood changes so easily it's getting scary. “Not to be that guy” He sighs, being on a team of girls has taught him not to ask this question, “Are you supposed to get your period soon?”

He cringes a little and expects her to chew him out for even thinking that but instead she looks at him with pure terror in her eyes.

“What?” She just grabs his arms so tight he thinks her nails are digging in though his shirt. “What!?” He is getting nervous as she just keeps staring at him, her eyes filled with tears for a moment and then she speaks. Just barely loud enough for him to hear.

“I missed my period last month…”

After being excused from practice early, Indigo drank about three full water bottles and Leo casually bought six or seven pregnancy tests from the convenient store. They gave him an odd look and he said he was throwing a baby shower for his sister and thought they would be funny decorations. The real reason he bought so many was because Indigo was paranoid that something would go wrong and she would get a false positive or even worse, a false negative.

After the convenient store stop they headed to Leo’s house, his parents were gone again to follow a wicked storm in New Jersey, so they had the house to themselves. They decided to use the bathroom next to the living room, it was very large and almost never used because Leo’s parents used their ensuite and Leo used his. So if there was anything weird in that bathroom no one would know.

They pulled open a box and read the directions, Indigo kicked Leo out so she could go p-e-e into a cup. Once she was done, she used a Clorox wipe to disinfect the counter and cup on the outside. She put the first test into the liquid for the designated time. Then put the cap on to wait for the result, she did it to two other tests and then called Leo in to wait with her while her heart was beating out of her chest. They sat in the large tub together, Leo holding her close silence falling over the two as they both thought of each possibility. Everything wrong… and right about this situation.

The timer they set was checked every few seconds out of anxiety until Leo took her phone away and set it on the ground. She rested back against his chest, he wraps his arms loosely around her, soothingly rubbing her arms. He would kiss her forehead every once in a while as a way of saying ‘hey, I’m still here’. Indigo was spiraling and he could tell. She was just staring forward trying to keep all the tears in her eyes, one slipping by every once in a while. It would hit Leo’s arm and the guilt he felt would grow with every tear.

The timer went off, Indigo flung herself out of the tub so fast, stepping on Leo’s leg he grunted in pain. He got up a little slower and followed her over to the tests. They looked at each other, then indigo flipped one of the tests over since they laid them face down so she wouldn’t obsessively stare at them.

Positive. Her eyes widened. Her hands shook as she flipped over the next one.

Positive… The next.

Positive. She collapsed into Leo’s arms, completely numb. He caught her, like always. They ended up one their knees facing each other. Leo cupping her face, wiping her tears. He eventually realizes she can’t hear him over her own thoughts, pulling her into his chest, he lets her sob and yell. She thrashes for a moment trying to get away from him but eventually gives up and sinks into him. Like always.

The alarm was still blaring in the background but neither of them cared. Eventually , they pulled away a little and she looked him in the eyes.

“Can we do the rest of the tests?” She was shaking, Leo of course nodded and helped her stand up. They went through the whole process again with the last four tests. Indigo sitting on the toilet with the lid closed as they waited. Leo between her legs letting her fiddly with her hair as she bounced her knees.

The timer went off again and she froze. Leo got up this time to check.

Positive.

Positive.

Positive

Negative… They both were a little shocked to see the negative symbol. Very confused as well. But it was six against one. They were each laid next to the box they came in and Leo checked the date on the negative one.

Expired. Fuck.

Leo turned to her, still sitting on the toilet looking completely distraught. Her eyes were wide and bright, red from crying. Gnawing on her fingernails she just painted a few nights ago, flakes of white paint rested on her bitten lips. Her other hand was gripping the leg of her shorts, leg bouncing, hair falling out of her messy bun. Leo couldn’t deny how rough she looked.

“Let’s go sit in the living room, yeah?” He holds out his hand for her to take, she grabs it like he's pulling her up front he side of a cliff. It breaks his heart. He leads her over to the soft pleather couch he knows is her favorite. They sit down, Indigo pulls a pillow into her lap and hugs it to her chest. Looking up at Leo asking what to do. “We need to have a conversation, this is your decision a thousand percent, but I know you need to talk about it. Do you plan to keep those cells?”

“I don’t know, my parents will kill me if they find out I’m… I’m” She swallows and Leo takes her hand again giving it a squeeze. “Will they be even more angry if I get an abortion?”

` “I think you need to tell them, but this is your choice not theirs, not mine, not anyone else's, it is your body. You get to decide. Okay?” He is trying to get her to understand that no one owns her body but her.

“Do you want a baby?”

“I have no say either way, I’m not the one having to carry.” He kisses her knuckles and smiles a little, just a sad smile. He wants her to know he will always be there but he knows she doesn’t believe it. “Talk to your parents, maybe that will help you decide? You never know, they might realize how harsh they are on y’all and cut back a little.” It was a stretch to think her parents would back off a little but he couldn’t tell her what he thinks will actually happen. It would scare her too much.

“Okay… Okay I’ll talk to them.” She takes a swallow from the glass of water they left on the coffee table earlier. “Tonight” She then stood up abruptly, putting the pillow back on the couch. “Will you drive me? I left my car at the school.” He nods and is up grabbing his keys before she can even finish her sentence. Walking towards the door, he holds it open for her. They climb into his Jeep and start off towards her house. No music, no talking, just holding hands in silence.

He pulls up to the curb outside her house, both her parents were home as their cars were in the drive-way. Leo kisses her cheek before she gets out of the car. She hesitates for a second still gripping his hand while standing outside the jeep with the door open. She looks at him with her big brown eyes and lets go, his hand falling on the seat. She closes the door.

“Should I wait for you?” He yells before she walks away. She shakes her head and gives him a shaky smile. He nods slowly, swallowing the lump in this throat and driving the twelve blocks back to his house still in silence.

Indigo’s entire family was sitting at the table, saying grace before they ate their dinner. She felt sick to her stomach. She slowly moves to sit in the empty chair next to her brother Peri, she stares at the food on her plate and swallows a lump forming in her throat. This might be the last meal she ever has for her family, she might not always agree with her parents but her family is everything to her, family is one of the big things she lives for.

She feels a kick under the table and looks up at Peri who is sending her a worried look, his head still looked weird from when their parents forced him to shave his head after the whole ‘pink incident’ as her father likes to call it. She doesn’t realize she is crying for the fourth time today until he gestures to her face, her parents are busy taking care of the smaller children to even notice her. She quickly wipes her face and starts to eat, forcing her to stomach the food in front of her even if her anxiety is making her nauseous.

After dinner she is washing dishes with Veridian, he also notices she’s off, but she refuses to mention anything. She just gives him an oddly tight hug and a kiss on his forehead without a word. He stands there confused.

She goes to talk to the twins for a little bit, helping them with their homework. Once they are done, the two get into a petty argument and She just sits back and watches with a neutral expression taking in the fire her siblings have. They look at her and raise the opposite eyebrows, usually she tells them to stop being annoying instead she hugs them both and hisses their cheeks before whispering. “sigan luchando…” Then walks away. Leaving them stunned.

After a couple of hours of staring at her room, knowing she was either going to be locked in it or locked out of the house completely she realizes it's time for the two youngest to go to bed. She goes to their room and sees both already tucked into their tiny beds. Thunder rumbles outside as a night storm falls over New Orleans.

Washing away sins as her mother would say.

She walks into the room and tucks them both in more snuggly and kisses their sleepy foreheads. Then she goes to find Peri, he and her are the closest of the siblings besides the twins. She finds him watching tv in his room. She knocks on the door frame and smiles sadly at him. He gestures for her to come in and sit on the bed. She does.

“Todo cambiará después de esta noche.” She says while looking at the tv, he turns and looks at her surprised, blinking a few times.

“¿Por qué?”

“It just will…” She looks over at him and hugs him so tight, she feels tears in her eyes again, there were more to come and she knows that. “Be good” She kisses his forehead and gets up leaving his room before he can answer her. Closing his door, all she has left is her parents.

She finds them together reading in the sitting room and she stands in front of them, silently waiting for their attention. She knows better than to distract them from their reading. Once they finish their pages and look up at her, the realness of the situation sets in. This is it.

“Estoy embarazada.” Her mother drops her book and her father slams his shut.

“¡Era que Leo no era así! ¡Supe que ese chico era malo en el momento en que lo vi! ¡Has cometido uno de los pecados más imperdonables que podrías cometer! ¿Por qué? ¿Para fastidiarnos? ¿Para causarnos vergüenza y dolor?” Her father stood up, throwing the book into the couch next to his wife, making both women jump. He gripped Indigo by her shoulders and backed her up to the wall so she couldn’t get away. He kept screaming in her face about how she would be a disgrace to the family, how she was a sinner and a slut. Unruly child, delinquent. He was yelling loud enough that some of her brothers were peaking their heads around the doorframe to see what was happening.

Then came the slaps, slapping her twelve times in the name of the Father, the Son and The Holy Ghost. Benign backhanded ten times for Hail Mary. He was acting as if she was his rosary that he threw across the room when nothing was going his way. Her mother pulled him off her. Indigo could feel her cheeks swelling, there would definitely be marks. More embarrassment but need punishment in Francisco’s eyes. Valentina looked down at her, her hard brown eyes showing no mercy, spitting in her face she turned her back. Looking at her husband bubbling over with fury, they make a silent agreement. Walking to the front door, a storm raging in full, she opens the door. She silently gestures for Indigo to leave. Not sparing her another look or another glance.

Indigo looked back at her brothers for a moment, wishing she could take them with her, knowing she can't. She takes a deep breath and walks out the front door, no phone, no clothes besides the ones on her back, nothing. She walks into the rain and is about to look back at Francisco and Valentia, but the door slams before she is even done with her thought.

The walk back to Leo’s house was hot rain and bright lightning. She had a lot to think about, her feet were bare but she just kept walking those twelve blocks. She had a lot to think about, but all she could think about was how she just lost her whole family… All because of a group of cells. Those cells were going to be her family now, and she would love them with all her heart, treat them with respect, there is nothing they would do that would make her kick them put in a storm. When she looked up finally, she was at Leo’s front door. Before she even knocked it swung open and was pulled into Leo’s dry arms. He was her family now. She couldn’t help but laugh a little.

She was free.

[monkeebratz]

Gotham Seamstress Marinette - Wayne Gala

I should sTILL BE UPDATING BIO!DAD BUT HERE I AM AGAIN

Initial Idea | Uncle Ozzy | Wayne Gala (you are here) |

So we have the whole Cobblepot Crew at the Wayne Gala. Mari is off wondering, scribbling away in a palm sized sketchbook all the ideas this beautiful place is giving her! (She smuggled it, along with Tikki and Sass, in her purse. Its a little crowded but they can snuggle.) Peri is following behind her quietly, smiling to herself. Not that anybody can see. 

Meanwhile Gale and Ozzy have started talking to dear ol’ Brucie boy. At this point, its been a couple years since Ozzy has declared his vendetta and has calmed the fuck down. It also helps that Bruce is not suck a dick about things and Ozzy can relax the stuffy old Gothamite Socialite act around him. They get to talking and Bruce kinda chuckles about how he heard Oswald brought a plus one? Who’s the lucky lady? And he points out Mari, who’s slowly making their way back to the Cobblepot Crew with Peri gently steering her in that direction. And Bruce, dad of all dads, immediately sorta puffs up. “Oswald.” 

“Eh? What, Brucie boy?” 

“That’s your plus one? She can’t be any older than my youngest-” 

“Oh, get your bird-brain out of the gutter! Just doing this as a little favor to the girl, she’s my favorite seamstress, y’know. Made me and the Girls outfits for this little soiree, her own dress too. Figured I’d get her some more... legitimate business, you see. Sweet songbird’s had a rough go, recently.” 

And Bruce is even MORE side eye-ing bc wtf does all THAT mean, Cobblepot? Wtf? Should he be Batman concerned or Bruce Wayne concerned? There’ll be a full blown investigation in the Bat Cave when he gets home from this but for now he puts on a smile as Oswald introduces them. Mari is, of course, completely flustered. What an honor to meet Mr. Wayne himself! The Gala is so pretty, and she’s heard all about his charitable work, she’s such a fan! 

Bruce is kinda blown away by this little French Sunshine Child and gives her the Father Smile, letting her ramble. Ozzy is preening bc hell yes, his Songbird has Bruce Wayne’s approval. Bruce asks about her designs for the Cobblepot Crew and commends her skills. Gets Mari out for a dance and then she’s dancing with everybody! Bruce, Ozzy, the Girls, even some strangers. Its a great time! 

Bruce introduces Mari to Damien, who is unimpressed and bored out of his mind. He can appreciate the aesthetics of Mari’s designs but holds to the idea that she shouldn’t be so willing to design for criminals like The Penguin. Not that he says any of this out loud, of course. Offers to take Mari out for a dance and there’s a lot of Mari apologizing for being such a horrible dancer. (It was one thing with the Cobblepot Crew, who she knew didn’t mind, or Bruce, who seemed so nice. But Damien is sorta angry looking and she’s nervous as hell.) Damien tells her its no problem and manages to lead her around with minimal toe tromping. 

BUUUUUT of course this couldn’t last, right? A certain blonde model boy notices Mari and breaks up their dance. In the middle of the dance floor. Like the oblivious boy he is. 

And you have panicked French as Adrian grabs Mari’s arm and keeps going on about how glad he is to see her! Where has she been, doesn’t she know how worried everybody has been? Mari, how could she leave him like that? Really, he knew she was upset about the little mishap with their identities and his Father, but did she have to throw such a tantrum about it? 

Marinette, meanwhile, is digging her nails into his wrist and trying to get him off of her, practically tripping on her dress in her haste to get away. Adrian still has a firm grip on her arm, though, and she falls back into Damien who, in perfect French, is asking what the hell does he think he’s doing Agreste? And Adrian puffs up and tells him that he doesn’t need to worry about it, its none of his business-! 

(Mari stops panicking long enough to catch Ozzy’s eye and the Girls make their way over with extreme prejudiced. None of them notice Marinette grabbing something from Adrian’s finger and slipping it into her purse. Nobody but Damien.) 

The Girls pull Adrian away from Mari and Damien and there have their claw hands out, making those upset bird coos. Adrian is kicking about and Bruce is getting an explanation from his son, while Ozzy is trying to comfort Marinette. Its a disaster. 

And then. It gets worse. Because Gabriel fucking Agreste notices the commotion and his sons name attached to it and goes over to figure out what the hell is going on. 

He grips the back of Adrian’s neck and shakes him a bit because he recognizes Mari and, of course, apologizes profusely for his behavior Miss Marin-

“Mari. Its... Its just Mari, now.” 

And Gabriel just nods and apologizes again. “Miss Mari, then. I’m sure this incident will not affect our... agreement?” And Marinette shakes her head and Gabriel nods again and drags Adrian off to leave because not only is this embarrassing, this could jeopardize everything! You stupid, stupid boy!

Mari’s scrubbing tears away from her face and Bruce is apologizing profusely, he had no idea she knew the Agreste’s, or he’d have ensured they didn’t have to interact, and Mari tells him its fine, he couldn’t have known. 

Ozzy bundles her up and takes her back to Arthur’s and seethes. The Agreste’s might be having a little accident soon. He drops her off and Mari shuts herself up in her room and slips on the ring and Plagg fizzes into existence and Tikki tackles him and its an emotional night for everybody. 

Because you see, when Marinette has found out Gabriel and Adrian’s identities as Hawkmoth and Chat Noir, she’d panicked, and when she’d confronted Gabriel and learned why he was doing what he did... She helped him. Used her Guardian training, and Tikki, to fix the Peacock Miraculous, and heal Mrs. Agreste. In return, Gabriel gave her both the Butterfly and Peacock Miraculi back, saying good riddance as long as he had his wife back. Marinette agreed to keep this between them, as long as he worked to fixing the damage he’d caused, with the city, its people, and his family. And Gabriel has sworn to, less she go back on her own promise to ensure Mrs. Agreste’s health. 

Adrian had, of course, figured out Marinette’s identity as Ladybug, and what she had done for his family, and gotten... worse. Not horrible, really, but gradually going from not taking her denial of his advances but becoming more and more pushy about it. Because of course they were meant to be together! And idk if any of you have ever dealt with men like this but its awful. Because Adrian doesn’t understand that what he’s doing is only scaring Mari, and the worse he gets, the more scared she gets. The more desperate to get away. And one day, when Fu names her the official Guardian, she does. She flees to Gotham and never looks back, because Fu remembers so little now, and her family had ignored how her love for Adrian had turned into fear. Everybody had. 

So she left. And here she was. 

(As far as the Fu thing goes, I haven’t watched season 3′s finale(s) so please don’t spoil them. The idea of Fu losing his memories has more to do with the fact that he’s almost 200 years old and the human body just isn’t made to last that long, magic or no magic. So he starts losing his memory and doesn’t always recognize Marinette so in a moment of clarity he passes the torch, unfinished training or not. Marianne comes to live with Fu and take care of him, remind him of things. They didn’t have their time in their prime, but they’ll take it now.) 

Tag List! If you’d like to be added, please send me an ask! Just a little easier for me to keep track of that way, lol

@destinationdesignation @xxmadamjinxx @emjrabbitwolf @meg-chi @officiallyathiana @graduatedmelon @seraphichana (I’m so sorry I can’t figure out why it won’t tag you?) @theatreandcomicfreak @beaversuenightly @7701deathlyhalfbloodprincess

[zai-doodles]

Podcats recs

The adventure zone - brother play dnd with their dad and its funny as hell, story picks up around the 3rd arc but it maintains it humor throughout and it's just fucking amazing

Wolf 359 - these r the audio diaries of doug eiffle on the USS hephaestus, hes a lazy communication officer who is bffs with the ships ai, hera, and I love her sm. Podcast is super funny and light hearted then it kicks u in the feels bc fuck u. Its amazing though and I would holy heartedly reccomend it

The bright sessions- ok soooo imagine the x men in therapy??? So these r the audio logs of dr. Bright, shes a therapist who specializes in kids and adults with powers trying to live normal live by helping them cope with their abilities and teaching them to control them. This one is super cute and funny and great and one of the leading romances is a gay couple and I'm here for it. Plot is amazing and yes

The penumbra podcast - ok so imagine a detective noire black and white style film... on mars.... and gender doesnt exist... and everyone is bi.... and its amazing. Ok so u follow juno steel, a independent detective on mars who's a fucking bisexual disaster who cant catch a break. This one is a bit on the heavier side but still has its moments and its story and characters r so amazing and yes

Deadly manners - this one is short, its basically a who done it murder mystery thing and while cheesy it's very entertaining and funny throughout! Also very very gay

Archive 81- Ahh hhh ok ok so I have no idea how to explain this but basically it's a horror podcast that starts out following the recordings of this dude named Dave who is tasked with archiving some sketchy tapes for this sketchy company and the tapes have some really fucked up shit on them and then things happen and magic is real and it sucks cuz now u gotta give this payphone ur left hand.... it's really good but very dark and a lil confusing but the third season is so amazing and the ending of the second season is a trip and I love it sm

Girl in space - this girl has been left alone on a giant ship with nothing but an AI to keep her company for years, then all of a sudden she has guest and she must adapt and it's funny as hell and I love all of them so much ah

Bombarded - this is a dnd podcast abt 3 bards attending board school and it's super silly and fun and the music is awesome, the plot is still in the works since it's just sorta picking up but it's a fun listen!

Directive - this one is short, it's a man who loses his job and is unable to find a new one so he takes a job as a care taker for rich ppl on a ship who r all taking a virtual vacation, the only problem being that he cant have any human physical interaction with anyone during his time on the ship. This one just made me cry oops, it's funny as hell at the beginning and then crying

Time bombs - another short one, 3 eps of just some bomb squad peeps doing their job on new years eve, this one is super funny and great and I love it so much and I need more of it now

The strange case of starship iris - ok ok lesbians in space. Yes. So violet liu is in a very shitty situation on a ship in space all by herself with little chance of survival until a woman on another ship makes contact with her and helps her out big time... but is she helping???? This one is super funny and all the characters r super fun and just ahh, it's short and updated whenever it wants but it's worth a listen! And also the government is watching ur every move. It's also gay

The far meridian- the story of peri, an agoraphobic woman who's home one day starts moving some where new every day when she wakes up. She has no control where she winds up but sees it as a chance to search for her brother. She makes friends along the way and slowly learns to understand people and learn their stories then fucking some mind thing shows up and starts fucking with her and it makes me so sad. And more gay

The blood crow stories- in its third season on going, this show is split in three separate stories. Season one focuses on a college student working on his final paper by doing an analysis of some old tapes he found of a boat that sunk in the early 1900s and also demons exist somehow and things take a turn so fast I just ahh. It's also super gay. Season two follows sheriff isaac of blackwell, set in American wild west, hes hunting a killer that seems to be targeting men in his town but things get complicated when they realized the killer has an army. This one is also gay. Season three is in a futuristic syfy setting following a hacker who works at an emergency hotline service, she starts getting freaked out by calls she gets at work and other strange happenings in her life. This too, is gay.

The message- NASA found an indecipherable message, determined to be from space, and assigns a team of scientists to figure out what it means. You follow a woman whose documenting the whole thing on her weekly podcast but things get complicated when they find out the reason no one could decipher the message

Life after- a man who's wife recently died is obsessed with her old social media, voice tree. He listens to all of her posts on loop and has memorized most of them. So what happens when it goes off script. This show is incredibly chilling and amazing, its incredibly sad yet impactful and made me cry help

Arcs pod- a dnd podcast in that's very similar in humor and style to taz with the production and editing of the bright sessions. The show centers around 3 idiots trying to get to this school. The npcs r all wonderful and then dm does an amazing job of setting up scenes and making each npc feel like a well rounded character. And gay

The Amelia project- hey ever wanna fake ur own death??? Well then Amelia project has got u covered as long as u can pay and have a good story to tell. This show is recordings of interviews with people explaining why they want to fake their own death and the explanations range from crazy cults to feeling like a background character! This show is extremely light hearted and fun. Fairly easy listen and its over the top humor and concepts are incredibly entertaining.

[blackhakumen]

Mini Fanfic #456: A Gift For My Father (Super Smash Bros Ultimate x Fire Emblem)

Lucina: (Smiles Brightly) Father, I finally managed to finish your Father's Day present.

Chrom: (Genuinely Surprised) Really? For me?......(Eyes Begins Widened at the Memory of him Bringing Lucina a Giant Birthday Present in Magicant Last Year.....Only for him to trip and fell on his face) T-The gift isn't giant or anything, is it?

Lucina: (Giggles Softly) Don't worry, father. The gift isn't the size of a large box or anything. (Pulls out the Gift From Behind Her Back) It's normal size.

Chrom: ('Sighs in Relief') Oh, thank goodness....I do not want my baby girl breaking her back.

Lucina: (Smiles Sheepishly at her Father's Worries) Yes. Well....(Hands Chrom over His Father's Day Gift) I really hope you like it.

Chrom: (Smiles Softly) You don't need to worry about that, sweetheart. (Slowly but Surely Begins to Open his Gift) I'm sure I'll love anything you give- (Eyes Begins to Widened in Surprise at his Gift) Me.....L-Lucina....is this-

Lucina: It's a framed picture of our family together. I know how much you're starting to missed mother and Ingio as of late, so I figured I made this for you to remember them by.

Chrom: I think I'm starting remembered this picture clearly now...

Lucina: You do?

Chrom: Yeah. I think this was taken when we attend the Harvest Scramble together. (Chuckles Lightly) I remembered your aunt Lissa pulling my ear constantly to take a break and go there. (Smiles Fondly at the Picture) It was one of the few times we were all able to spend time with one another as a family. Missed those times...... But...(Slowly Starts to Frowns Sadly) I missed your mother and brother more.....

Lucina: (Hugs Chrom's Shoulders Somberly) I know.....I missed them too...... B-But I'm sure we'll see them again someday!

Chrom: (Turns to Lucina) You.... really think you?

Lucina: (Nodded with a Determined Look On Her Face) Of course. Granted, I'm not entirely sure how or when that time comes, but I do pray that all of us will cross paths very soon enough. You just have to have a lot more faith for that time to come.

Chrom: (Wipe a Tear off From his Eyes) Yeah... You're absolutely right on this, dear. (Hugs Lucina) I just couldn't thank you enough for this....

Lucina: (Smiles Softly as She Hugs Her Father Back) There's no need to thank me, father. I did this because I love you and I want you to be happy. (Gives Chrom a Kiss on the Cheeks) Happy Father's Day.

Elsewhere.....in Nohr........

Laslow: (Laying Down on the top of a Grass Hill, Looking up at the Blue Skies Silently...and a bit Sadly as well) ('Sigh') ...........

???: Lazzy-poo?

Laslow: Hm? (Look up and sees Peri and Xander Staring Down at Him) Oh. It's you guys. (Got Himself Up from the Grass with a Smile on his Face) What's wrong? Is everything okay back in the castle?

Xander: The castle is fine and well. Peri and I noticed you weren't around and.... (Frowns a Little) well.......

Peri: (Hugs Laslow with Teary Look in her Eyes) We wanna know if you're okay!

Laslow: "Okay?" (Chuckles a bit Awkwardly) Come on now. That's silly. (Shrugged) W-What makes you think anything was wrong with me in the first place?

Xander: (Crosses his Arms) You can't fool us with that precious smile of yours, Laslow. Since this morning, you've started to lose your focus. We even noticed you frowning whenever anyone mentions "Father's Day".

Peri: You looked like you were about to cry too. And seeing you sad makes us sad too. (Gives Laslow The Puppy Dog Eyes) So could you pleeeease tell us what's wrong so we can help you?

Xander: (Gently Holds Laslow's Hand) Please....

Laslow: (Sighs in Defeat Once He took a look at Both of His Lovers' Sad Faces) You're right..... I-I'm really sorry for worrying you two. I just....had a lot on my mind today....

Xander: Is it about your father?

Laslow: Yes. But... it's rather about the whole family if anything.....

Peri: You really missed them a lot, do you?

Laslow: (Smiles Sadly) Everyday. You two would definitely love all of them. They're that amazing....

Xander: (Smiles a Little) I'm sure we would, Laslow. (Kiss the top of Laslow's Hand) But if you don't mind me asking, would you like to tell us a little bit more about them?

Peri: (Smiles Brightly and Excitedly) Yeah! I wanna know more about your family too. Plus, I'm positive it'll make you feel better, even if it's a little bit. (Gives Laslow a Peck on the Cheek)

Laslow: (Chuckles Lightly and a bit Ticklishly from Peri's Kiss) Yes. Well....I don't wanna bore either of you with too much detail, but.....(Slowly Begins to Smile Again) I guess it wouldn't hurt telling you about them for awhile.

@keyenuta

@cyber-wildcat

@albion-93

@26shann

@chompycroc

@fe14drabbles

@miki-13

[nexstage]

LIMBO SILVAM - PART 8 (3/3)

However, her battered nerves told her to keep moving and she wrapped her arms around her crush, running even against a ruthless, chill wind and got both of them behind a bunch of rocks a bit beyond in the path. The hail and blizzards kept blowing brutally, but with the improvised shield the rocks gave them, the gems were safe.

The former technician looked at her romantic partner, a mix of bewilderment and astonishment imprinted in her eyes. Lapis caressed her right cheek shakily, a tearful smile adorning her face "You idiot. Heroic i-idiot". Peridot, in an instant, gave her the mother of bear hugs, crying like a toddler, not letting her go for fear of seeing Lapis disappear. The other gem rubbed circles in her back while the tears rolled down her cheeks. Lazuli was trembling, slightly, but trembling afraid of losing Peridot, of dying, of exhaustion and many other things. But holding onto the gem she loved so much brought her some peace, stopping her from going insane in this crazy adventure.

After some minutes hugging, crying and letting her emotions out, Peridot -although reluctantly- let go of her romantic partner and rubbed at her eyes, sniffing. Lapis got up and lent Peri a hand which she took fastly, her grip ironclad for obvious reasons. "I don't want to lose you. Don't leave me, please" she said in a small, pitiful voice. Lapis gave her a kind hug to reassure her everything would be ok, at least for now.

"Thanks for not giving up on me, Peri. It was dangerous but very brave of you. If it weren't for your words... I would have done something really stupid despite my intentions of saving you"

The green gem blushed at her compliments and smiled a bit at her, "You're important to me, Laz. We're important to each other, so, let's protect our backs with all we have AND mean it" the sudden seriousness in Peri's eyes told Lapis that this incident would be something they'd have to talk privately once they returned home. Still, the ocean gem just nodded accepting that and both kept walking through the paved path.

Or both gems tried to, because a strong, chill wind surprised them. Not wanting a repeat of the last near-tragic event, Lazuli and Peridot shielded themselves using the bunch of rocks, waiting for the blizzard to stop. When it did, they ran as quickly as they could, passing by the long, bizarre windows that were letting the cold air of the snow storm to hit them.

The wisps were more savagge the more they advanced. The stress, exhaustion, the marks on their bodies, the glitching and pain, were too much and sometimes they tripped on the stairs or got sweeped by the gales. Some minutes later, fortunately, the path ended in another entrance and they went through it, thinking things would be easier this time for a change.

Both Crystal Gems didn't know how wrong they were.

Once they got out of that dangerous zone at the edge of the side of that mountain, Lapis and Peridot faced an immense white desert. Kilometers of snow dunes where those weird signs were scattered but also many branches of trees, covered by the white, icy substance. Oh! And added to all of that was the enraged lightnings whose roars gave Peridot a big bad vibe. She was never a fan of lightnings.

"We're so close, Peri. The mountain's light is closer to us"

It was in indeed, though still far away. But the luminous pilar that came from the mountain's divided-in-two peak was more clear-cut than before, despite the raging storm and the powerful gales that went in circles like creating a frozen tornado. Peridot gulped at the idea of dealing with such monstruos weather and in the conditions they were in; however, an encouraging smile from Lapis was enough to lift her determination.

"Let's get this over with" both tightened their hold on each other's hands and walked through the snow.

The winds and the coldness was eating them for how painfully slow it made their journey. Lapis side-hugged her crush to prevent the blizzards to separate Peridot from her, though it didn't work with the star-shaped visor that went flying to another part. The only thing they could grab to not be sweeped abruptly was the rock-made signs, but those items weren't that strong to protect them.

Then an ominous shadow got their attention. Lapis and Peridot's eyes widened in horror at seeing the colossal monster. The creature roared and from its body 2, 5, no, 8! 8 robed-like figures came out. All of them flying towards them!

Both gems ran as black arrows were fired against them. Each time one touched the ground, it bursted into long spikes. Lazuli carried Peridot in her arms to protect her from them, taking a lot of damage in her extremities. The green gem pulled away desperately to try to defend her companion from those monsters, but the other didn't let her while she ran.

It didn't last, however, for the former technician was able to got out of the embrace and held both her comrade's hands to lead her to a refuge or anywhere very far away from the ruthless ambush. One of the clodded figures, though, tackled the engineer and the gales sweeped her some meters away from Lapis.

"PERIDOT!!!!" Against reason, the ocean gem rushed to her aid, fear like nothing she had felt consuming her mind. Losing her, such a thought sparked in Lazuli energy enough to rescue her love before those things killed her.

Peridot, on the other hand, had grabbed one of the rock-made signs so the gales couldn't leave her discarded in another place. Her visorless eyes were useless against the snow, hail and cold air blown into her face. Then Lapis' voice got her to open a bit her vision spheres, watching in awe and shock how the other gem was avoiding with the best agility she could show the black arrows of the shadow-y figures. But one of them, suddenly, stabbed her back, coming out from the chest.

Peridot yelled, her shrieks the embodiment of terror. The blue gem fell to her knees and two more arrows pierced each of the legs, from her mouth an agonizing scream escaped. One of the shadows tackled her cruelly and the gem collided with a rock-made sign which left her unconscious.

The mechanic fought endlessly against the blizzards to reach her romantic partner, many times being hit by the arrows but not stopping for a second until she was in front of a heavly wounded Lapis. Putting her over her back, Peri ordered her mind to energize her legs so running could save them both.

The eight shadows fly towards the gems, the engineer, meanwhile, focusing in two tasks while sprinting madly: protect Lapis and not losing from her sight the peak of the mountain. A rain of black arrows was directed at her from every angle, making it impossible for her to evade them all.

It was a living hell. Needles, nails, knives, any sharp object used hadn't been able to cause that kind of pain. And to make it worse, Lapis was receiving more damage, but in her back!

'Keep running, you clod! Keep running until they can't follow you anymore! You two have to live!' her mind yelled at her. It was the best encouragment she could create to not be swallowed by despair.

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

How many steps had she taken? Her brain had lost the count already. How many arrows pierced through her and Lapis' body? She hoped not so many. How many times her eyes had to endure the icy winds? Stars, Peridot missed her star-shaped visor so much. How much it would take to reach the goddamn peak and go home?

...

...

Wait a second.

...

...

Where the hell was the mountain?!

"Where is it? WHERE IS IT?!" No no no! This was all wrong! It couldn't be happening! The mountain was there, the pilar of light shining, how it could disappear?!

Peridot searched for it but only got snowflakes in her eyes. An horizon obscured by dense fog and a grey-and-white sky above her and Lapis, the only two things she was able to see.

Kilometers and kilometers of snow dunes, nothing and no one else.

They were lost. She had gotten them lost. Ok... Ok... Calm down, it couldn't be that bad...

"Someone help me! Please!" No, it TRULY was bad. Really worse than ever.

"Please! I'm-I'm lost! I'm lost and Lapis is wounded! Please help!" Hopelessness and self-reproach clawed at her heart, guilt tainting her every thought. Idiot, idiot, idiot! Just when they needed most to find a refuge and keep going, she had to ruin it all! Now they were lost and going to die there! Their last chance of coming back home unreachable!

"AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!"

Filled with rage and frustration, Peridot kicked the snow-covered ground mercilessly, helpless tears running down her cheeks. Her anger was so deep that she didn't notice when Lapis, still unconscious, fell from her back. Minutes passed with her outburst wasting the last bit of her strength, her body's glitches stopped her from a moment, the sharp pain they caused making her trip and kiss the floor much to her humilliation. She was so done with this shit.

"P-Peri..." Then, as if waking from a trance, Peridot looked at her right and saw her love barely moving, the snow covering her slowly.

"Lapis!" She ran to her companion and put her in her arms. The blue gem opened her eyes a bit, confusion written in her face.

"Where...are we? Have we...arrived...already?" The engineer's heart broke at those questions. She really wanted to tell her that they were close but lying was a mistake she didn't want to repeat, even if both were going to perish. "I'm s-so sorry, Laz... I'm sorry... We were so close but... I ruined it... I don't know where we are... I'm such an idiot, I'm sorry"

Lapis' body convulsed in pretty disturbing glitches, much to the other's horror, leaving the ocean gem more exhausted and weaker than ever. Still, she placed a hand in Peri's cheek and caressed it lovingly, "At least... I'm with you"

The little gem wept guiltily, hugging her comrade and laying at her side in the snow. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry" she mumbled. Lapis wrapped her arms around her waist to comfort her but her weeping got worse. "If I-If I had been stronger, w-we would already be in the peak... Going home"

Lazuli put her hand under Peridot's chin so they could be face to face. "You dork... D-Don't you see? You're m-my home. I love you" the former technician kissed her passionately, deeply moved by those words "I love you too".

Both hugged each other more and stayed like that in the chill ground, letting the snow covered them. A deep slumber overtook their minds while a mass of darkness emerged from the snow beneath them and swallowed them whole.

[mysimsloveaffair]

Replies #2...

Oh wow! So many awesome comments 😍! To avoid clogging up your activities with my responses, here are my replies...

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“Q is up, as usual, ready for his morning jog. When he returns home…he...”

omg it's already Alida's bday! time flies

I know...she’ll be an elder before long =(

nothingshyofaverage

replied to your photoset

“Alida: I thought you had a scene to film today. Michelle: I did, but I...”

Ughhh����

I know...I really wanted her to be a part of the wedding 😭

nothingshyofaverage

replied to your photoset

“I’m incredibly happy that Q is so understanding about me keeping my...”

Come thru sis! ����❤

😍😍😍 Always!

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“In the bedroom, Lea doesn’t see a thing…but Peri obviously does....”

Hahaha she’s actually a good grandma! Who would have guessed?

Right! She’s sort of being pushed into it. Peri’s going to have to teach her because Lea is so unsure. 

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“It’s the middle of the night when we arrive back home to Oasis...”

Omg she doesn’t even know they’re married now

Yeah...there’s still a lot of distance in their relationship. Maybe they can bridge that gap.

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“We all grab breakfast and head to the table. Alice: What do you want...”

She looks so sad tho :(

I know...Alice is basically ruining her plans

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“After we’re dressed and ready for the day…we join Alice and Q Sr. in...”

Look at this cutie! :D

Thanks! 😍

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“This whole trip has been like a honeymoon, so Q and I don’t have to go...”

Look at that! ������

😏😏😏

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“The D.J. interrupts his current song with an announcement… D.J.: This...”

������❤️

Thanks! 😍

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“Knowing that Q is now my husband and that Mama Nadine played a part in...”

So beautiful and such a great song

Thanks so much!

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“The violinist begins to play a version of If I Ain’t Got You and I...”

Gorgeous dress...so sad she’s not enjoying this tho

I know...losing Mama Nadine really brought her mood down =( She didn’t feel any better until they were actually married. 

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“It’s almost time for the ceremony. Q Jr. makes his way to the wedding...”

YESS! Love that hair on her

Thanks! It was first used on Mama Nadine so I thought it very fitting for Michelle to sport it as well!

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“Alida: I can’t get married today… Michelle: That’s why I wanted to...”

Awwww ❤️that’s what they were talking about.

Yep! 😍

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“Alida: I thought you had a scene to film today. Michelle: I did, but I...”

Oh no!! :(

😭 I just needed her to last one more day 

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“I’m incredibly happy that Q is so understanding about me keeping my...”

Awwwwww she made it

She would give anything to make it to Alida’s special day!

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“I can see the hurt on his face. Quincy: You can’t or you don’t want...”

Tbh I never got this thing with women taking their husbands last names. Where I come from women keep their last names and men keep their last names. Their children have two last names (paternal surname and maternal surname).

That system actually makes a lot of sense! I like that. 

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“I can see the hurt on his face. Quincy: You can’t or you don’t want...”

And why is it so important to you Q?

Tradition can be a bitch...

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“Michelle calls back screaming into the phone once I make it into the...”

Hyphen it!

Yep...easy solution! 

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“Meanwhile, Peri wakes up in a very talkative mood. Prosperity: We play...”

Oh Peri you have so much to learn lol

Right! Especially with two parents who work from home all day. 

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“Alice: If your news has anything to do with that big ring on your...”

This is gonna be so pretty!

!!!!!

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“I take the ring from him and stare at it. If I place it on my...”

Yaassss❤️❤️❤️❤️so happy for them

Thanks! I was holding my breath, because I honestly thought she’d say no. It’s not the first time that has happened in my game. lol

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“Q steps in front of me and grabs my hands… Quincy: I mean…you become...”

Omg omg omg I can see where this is heading

😍😍😍

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“The bar-b-que is finally done. Q Sr. and I sit down at the nearby...”

Aww they have more in common than I thought

They do!

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“I think about what she’s said, but I need a bit more clarity if we’re...”

Im so happy they’re finally having a heart to heart. This was long overdue!

I agree!

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“By the end of their conversation…Mama Nadine and Q are laughing and...”

She’s the best!

Thanks! I love her so much!

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“Quincy Jr.: *to Alice* Calm down…we can go to lunch to - Alice: Don’t...”

At the same time, Alice should respect the bond between Alida and Mama Nadine, and her dissing her like that is not cool at all

Yes...it was downright rude!

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“Quincy Jr.: *to Alice* Calm down…we can go to lunch to - Alice: Don’t...”

Tbh they both have a point. They could go visit Mama Nadine any other day. Alida shouldn’t stand in the mom/son relationship between Alice and Q and I actually think it’s a cute thing they go on an annual lunch together just the two of them

Alida may have been more understanding if Alice would have said it in another way. She was so abrasive. 

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“Then she remembers that Roman wasn’t even half the man that Tamati...”

Yassssss ����������������

😍😍😍 I’m happy for them!

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“Back at Michelle’s place… Michelle pauses for just a moment before...”

Poor Michelle :(

I know =(

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“Meanwhile, in Oasis Springs…Michelle and Tamati are finishing up a...”

Michelle is looking hoooot

Thanks!

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“At the top of the hill is the most beautiful workout facility I’ve...”

Alida is gonna get ripped in no time!

She’s definitely working on it.

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“I rely heavily on my old hacking skills and eventually crack the code....”

That doesn’t look very legit lol

Nope - I still don’t know exactly what that was about! lol

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“Although, I accept her apology…I’m not sure I trust the sincerity of...”

Wow, I didn’t expect Alice to be so reasonable. I hope she behaves accordingly

*snickers* We’ll see! 

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“We crawl up under the covers and end the first day of our trip the...”

A brother or sister for Peri?hmm

That seems to be on everybody’s mind - lol

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“Q leads me to the bedroom and begins to undress down to his underwear....”

Q knows what to say xD

I think it’s his romantic trait =)

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“Q steps over to me and pulls me into his arms once again. Quincy Jr.:...”

It’s so good that Q is taking her side on this

Yes...100%

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“Alice: Can you please tell your girlfriend not to curse around Peri?...”

Mah god, woman, can you take care of yourself own children or adopt some more if you wanna raise them? Let Q and Alida raise their children as they please

Yes...Alice is a mess...and she’s 100% annoying - lol

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“I wake up from my nap and leave the bedroom. The first thing I see is...”

Omg true! :( she missed her daughters first time at the beach. She stole they moment from her. God I hate that woman

She’s so spiteful =(

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“Peri enjoys playing in the sand very much. It doesn’t take her very...”

Shes so cute! I can’t ��

Thanks! 😍

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“Alice: No words for your gran-ny today? Anything? Prosperity: Ass!...”

KISS HER ASS GRAMS

Ha! lol

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“Alice takes Peri into the bedroom and begins trying to teach her to...”

This woman wants to raise Peri all by herself. She would kidnap her if she could.

I have no doubts about that!

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“I go to the bathroom attached to the room that Q and I are sharing....”

I suggest: “hey Q, is your mother a besh to everyone or does she hate me in particular?”

lol - She’s definitely had itchy moments in the past

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“Q Sr.’s words seem to have hit a nerve. Alice gets up looking huffy...”

Sharing a roof with Alice for 2 months is gonna be HARD

It’ll take a lot of prayer and meditating - lol

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“I sit down at the table as Q’s dad chimes in. Quincy Sr.: They have to...”

Hahaha “and suddenly I’m very tired” xD she can’t be bothered with this conversation anymore

😂

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“Alice: I hope you don’t mind me feeding her. She seemed like she was...”

So she’s right. But of course she could have been nicer (or perhaps offered to help earlier if she knows so much?)

Right! It’s the way she says things that tends to rub floks the wrong way

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“Alice: I hope you don’t mind me feeding her. She seemed like she was...”

Tbh Alice is right. You need to introduce new foods slowly. And be careful with salt etc. I have a 7 month old niece and I’m learning so much about that xD

Good point

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“His next words confirm it… Quincy: Well, I’m tired and I’m going to...”

Kind of reminds me of Alida when they first started dating. He wanted her to come clean and she did but then he prefers to act as if their life experiences growing up were the same? I get why Alida is a little mad here

I do too. She knew they were well off, but this is another level

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“His next words confirm it… Quincy: Well, I’m tired and I’m going to...”

Q can’t keep avoiding all the uncomfortable conversations...

Right!

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“Lea sighs and takes another look at a previously read message on her...”

So proud of these steps she’s taking!

Yes...I love to see characters grow and I definitely have plans for Lea

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“Lea turns off the TV and goes into the bedroom. This is the nicest...”

������ seeing stuff from her perspective...it really helps understand her motives. I’m hopeful now

Yes! That was important to me!

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“It’s been a few hours since Alida, her baby, and boyfriend left for...”

Im happy for her but I don’t trust her yet. I hope she doesn’t blow it

She has a bit of work to do to earn trust

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“Claudia: So how are you enjoying motherhood so far? Alida: It’s...”

Oh no ��

Raul and Michelle have a lot of growing to do. They need to get to the bottom of their issues with each other. 

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“Peri is overdue for a nap…luckily Michelle finishes her bedroom right...”

So pretty! Michelle did an amazing work

Thanks! Michelle has a good eye for design and makeup. She could have easily gone into fashion or interior decorating. 

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“Quincy: That’s not funny man. I’m not gonna let you insult my girl....”

That’s my Q! ������������

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“Alida: Private school? I hurry over to where Roman is sitting… Alida:...”

Lol Peri

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“Q enters the house with Roman right behind him. He walks over to Peri...”

Kick him out NOW

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“Meanwhile, after Q’s jog… Roman: What’s up Q! Quincy: Roe! What up...”

WHATTHEHELL

This whole situation was unplanned. I just happened to look into Q’s relationship panel and saw that he and Roman were good friends. I couldn’t resist adding him to the mix after that because I know Alida hates him so much!

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“It’s 4 in the morning. Q and I are up to give Peri one last...”

Awwww she’s so cute!! ❤️

Thanks! 😍

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“Q lifts Peri out of the crib and cuddles her while I open up my...”

Yessss! She’s grown so much! So proud of her

Same here!

anotherplumbob

replied to your photoset

“I would love to hear more about that, but before I get a chance to ask...”

I have such a bad feeling about all this

😬😬😬

[zodiac-queens]

Steven Universe - Zodiac Edition

Amethyst - Aries

Amethyst is always good for a laugh and has the ability to really cheer people up with her lighthearted way of going. All of Amethyst’s appearance screams ‘Fight me!’ (well, except her rather cute looks). She loves to live, is bursting full of energy and takes in everything pleasure along the way. Although she’s not the voice of reason, in crucial situations she’s surprisingly mature in her decisions and states her mind without fancy bits. Without her friends (and therefore family) she’d be lost because she’d much rather be guided by her companions to avoid having all the responsibility laid on her shoulders.

Greg - Taurus

Greg is a real uniqueness. His innocent approach to doing things and his impartiality make him a treat to have around. He’s satisfied with the simple things in life - love, music and family; those give him the most. He’s more confident singing than talking. His unconditional care for his son but on the other hand the freedom he gives him show Greg’s a deeply mature person who knows exactly when to interfere and when not to. Due to his absolute humbleness and giving heart he always seems a little surprised when people express their appreciation for him although it is definitely justified.

Peridot - Gemini

Cute, helpless, annoying? Absolutely NOT! (Well, maybe a little.) Peri brings a lot of energy with her. Always analyzing everything to the bottom of it in a highly scientific way, Peri is curious and skeptical. She adapts to new situations (even if slowly and in her own way) and her cheekiness and impulsive approach will always make you smile. She talks and thinks in a very fast manner but is reserved when it comes to her own feelings or crucial decisions. But once you get to the core of her thinking, Peri turns out to be a loyal and appreciative friend willing to learn from prior mistakes.

Steven - Cancer

The power of kindness - that’s what Steven’s greatest gift is. With his ability to talk some sense into people, he’s almost always on the winning side. But beside Steven’s pureness of heart and intentions, he’s also constantly evolving, taking the best from his companions, learning with the most childlike enthusiasm. Oftentimes, Steven depicts a kind of mirror for the people surrounding him, showing them in a subtle way what suppressed feelings they may have been carrying around for too long. Actually, one just can’t help but burst into tears given his sheer preciousness.

Bismuth - Leo

Meeting Bismuth is like an explosion of positive feelings. Her powerful aura and will to do good make her a solid rock one can always count on. Sometimes acting impulsive and out of sheer emotion, she forgets how big of an intimidation she can depict, especially for the gentler spirits. Reasoning with her may turn out to become a real tough quarrel but once brought to a thinking, Bismuth will follow the most logic way of preceding that her heart proposes. Besides, who wouldn’t wanna be cuddled by those strong arms at the end of the day?

Pearl - Virgo

Pearl may be the strongest of them all given the things she went through. Her own complicated feelings tend to hold her back sometimes. Overprotective towards Steven and sometimes doubting other people’s inner strength, Pearl may come across as a fault-finder when in truth she has a lot of stuff going on in her mind she’d rather keep secret to not worry the others. She sees herself as the responsible one and would sometimes like to be more fun to be around but those doubts are unnecessary. Pearl is loved for being deeply passionate, strong on her own and she’d never give up. Also she withholds a kind of motherly status - all of that she masters with the utmost grace and femininity.

Rose Quartz - Libra

Oh Rose, what a mystery you are for so many! Loving, gentle, beautiful and simultaneously authorative and terrifying. A sheer delight to look at and provided with the gift to soothe all living beings, Rose has the most curious and loudest pounding heart. She’s never not amazed by things that are new to her and would never decline the offer to explore some more. In the simplest things she recognizes beauty and in the darkest places she’d find a match to light up.

Garnet - Scorpio

Inscrutable Garnet, what makes your heart combine? If the answer was simple then Garnet wouldn’t be able to always surprise with an unforeseen act. As she is most of the time the one people turn to for an answer, the reason for that is diverse: Garnet can be the calmness in person, balanced and encouraging. A truly strong fighter with an iron will, unyielding and well… just cool. Her intuition and wisdom provide guidance as much as her dry humour comes out of the blue. Her heart is big and kind but Garnet knows when it’s unavoidable to simply speak the truth, even if it may be a very harsh one.

Connie - Sagittarius

Mind, body and heart - all three define Connie. Her braveness comes from within; she’s mature and wise for her age and completes Steven affectionately when he’s acting rashly. She’s a quick and eager learner and is very good at getting to the core of the matter. When something’s incomprehensible to her she speaks up in a kind way and wants to clarify her point of view. Connie would never give up and is a real fighter ready for another ‘let’s save the earth’ kind of mission. Strong together - but she would never forget she’s her own independent boss and teacher.

Sadie - Capricorn

Sadie never ceases to amaze: she works very hard, is independent and simply a great friend. Once her heart has decided on a matter, that view is settled for the time being. She’s steady in her nature and rarely loses her temper but when she does, be sure there really is a reason to it. Sadie’s mature mindset allows her to take things into her own hands, tolerate Lars’ quirks, and to gather her strength from within herself. Besides, she’s and excellent singer and she’d almost do anything to cheer the people around her up so that her surroundings can work out properly.

Lapis Lazuli - Aquarius

At first sight, Lapis comes off emotionally detached and maybe even a bit bad-tempered. But this is only because she doesn’t see a point in overly dealing with people who don’t give her anything back. Besides, Lapis’ experiences have made her a bit of a cynic who’s skeptical towards new people. Her bright mind is a very sensible one with a 'no bullshit’-attitude. Maybe she’ll never admit it but the friends she’s found mean literally the world to her and it seems like she’s sometimes unable to grasp the love she receives. Lapis is very brave and sacrificing, always fighting like a true rebel for the greater purpose.

Lars - Pisces

As one of Steven’s best friends, Lars oftentimes gets involuntarily caught up in one of his adventures. Due to his many self-doubts, Lars tends to act incomprehensible to his friends. Through his self-downgrading he overshadows his good qualities of which he has so many! He’s loving, brave and a real leader (with quite a talent for baking!) But Lars gets jealous easily and is pretty lethargic at times so that he looks at the black side too quickly. When he overcomes this, incredible powers may be set free which with no doubt will come in handy when he’s really needed. He’ll be there. (Maybe.)

[e350tb]

Steven Universe: Marooned Together - Chapter Sixteen

(with thanks to @real-fakedoors for proofreading! READ HER STUFF, EVERYONE.)

Lapis stood just beyond the treeline, the beach and the sound of the ocean behind her. She could hear the waves behind her, crashing to the shore as the high tide came in. The birds and small animals she often heard in the jungle were quiet - there wasn’t much nocturnal life on the island - and the absence made her feel incredibly, terribly alone.

This was it, she thought - it was over. She was going to lose everything, and Stevonnie would never want her to come back after that argument. No, it was better to just leave, to shrink into the jungle, to live alone once again; it was better for everyone…

“So, where we going?”

Lapis jumped and spun around. Amethyst had walked up behind her, and was now casually leaning against a tree. Her face was twisted into a casual smile, as if she'd randomly come across her while wandering around a store or back street. It was somehow both endearing and infuriating.

“Amethyst?!” exclaimed Lapis, “How did you find me?”

“Dude, you're literally a hundred yards from the barn,” replied Amethyst, “I'm pretty sure they can still see us.”

She leaned back, cheerfully waving towards the distant shape of the barn.

“I… look, I'm leaving, okay? Just leave me…”

“No you're not,” replied Amethyst, “If you wanted to leave forever, you'd have flown off into space by now, right?”

“I…”

“Yeah, thought so,” Amethyst nodded, “So how about instead of sitting around beating yourself up for however long, why don't you just talk to someone?”

Lapis pursed her lips, doubtful. "And that's supposed to be you?"

"Why not?" The shorter gem responded with a shrug, expression just the right amount of smug to rub Lapis the wrong way. She didn’t get it; she was part of the problem.

"No thanks," she replied curtly, storming off deeper into the forest. The sound of twigs crackling and bushes bristling behind her annoyed her to no end, and she stopped before they'd made it ten-feet deeper.

“What are you doing?" She demanded, spinning on her heel and glaring at Amethyst, "Are you seriously going to follow me around until I - what? Open up to you?”

“Yeah! Let’s go camping!”

Lapis growled, clenching her fists and marching into the trees. “Go away.”

Amethyst smiled and followed, whistling to herself. “Not a chance. So you can keep nagging or suck it up, cause unless you’re ready to bolt it off-planet, you’re stuck with me.”

Swallowing down the urge to fling curses over her shoulder, Lapis just grit her teeth and kept walking. Camping, huh?

This, she thought, was going to be interesting.

The sun rose slowly over the waterfall, catching in the cascade with a dazzling spray of beautiful colours. A rainbow could be faintly seen shimmering over the damp rocks, and Amethyst felt the water lap around her ankles as it snaked down towards the sea. She could hear the long, deep calls of birds - or at least she thought they were birds - in the distance.

“Niiiiice, Laz.” she nodded, “I can see why you stayed here.”

Lapis grunted. She was laying on top of the stream, staring blankly at the sky through the tree cover. If she had a grungy band t-shirt and a cheap cigarette dangling from her lips, Amethyst thought she would be a shoe-in for a moody teenager.

Amethyst stepped over - for a moment, she felt something slimy under her foot, and privately hoped it was seaweed.

“You wanna talk?” she asked.

“About what?” Lapis demanded.

Amethyst shrugged. “Anything.”

She sat down in the shallow water next to the blue gem.

“I ever tell you about the time I left Peri on an asteroid?” she asked.

“You what?” Lapis replied incredulously.

Amethyst let out a humourless chuckle, absently playing with a few strands of her hair.

“We got into an argument - can't even remember what started it now,” she continued, “And we were exploring this space rock that some Homeworld bigwig was mining for coal or ore or something, and I just told her that if she didn't pull herself together, I was just gonna straight up leave her. And she called me a clod and said she'd be happier alone, so I just… snapped, you know?”

“So you left her?” replied Lapis, “That's… harsh. But I guess it's no different to what I did.”

“Well it is,” shrugged Amethyst, “‘Cause I came back two hours later, and… well, we hugged and we cried a lot, and then we went back to the cabin, watched some CPH, and then we…”

She trailed off, thinking for a moment.

“...you comfortable talking about this?” she asked.

“About what, you and Peridot watching TV?” replied Lapis.

“No, about…” Amethyst scratched the back of her head. “Well, you know… making love.”

Lapis blinked.

“Getting physical.”

Lapis blinked again.

“Sex!” Amethyst exclaimed, gesticulating with her arms.

“Oh,” said Lapis, “You could've just said that. I mean, I know what it is, I think… is there a reason you brought this up?”

Amethyst shrugged.

“I guess the point was, people fight, then they forgive each other. Or they don't… I…”

She laid back, her head splashing into the water, long hair fanning out over the gentle current.

“I should've thought about where I was going before I started talking,” she muttered, “I guess I'm saying… it's gonna be okay?”

They lay in silence for something.

“Well,” said Lapis, “You tried. I guess.”

There was a short silence, and then Amethyst snorted and began to laugh.

“I’m on mah wae, from misery tae happiness todaeh…”

“What are you doing?”

Lapis and Amethyst were trudging down a muddy slope - or rather, Amethyst was, and Lapis was floating just above it. The smaller gem didn’t mind; she was singing merrily and stomping down on the wet mud, grinning as it splashed around under her feet. The accent was strange, and Lapis guessed that even if she could place it, it would still be a poor imitation of the real thing.

“Singing an old Earth song,” replied Amethyst, “This one used to drive Pearl nuts.”

“Can you stop?” asked Lapis testily.

“Sure, sure, I got another one!”

Amethyst cleared her throat.

“And I would walk five hundred miles, and I would walk five hundred more, just to be the gem who walked a thousand mi-AAAAAH!”

She slipped, falling hard on her back and sliding down the slope to the bottom, coming to rest against a tree trunk.

“Ow,” she grunted.

She sat up, and for a moment Lapis thought that she might finally be finished singing.

Her hopes were soon dashed.

“I can’t get no - DUN NAH NAH NAH - satisfaction…”

Lapis sighed as they walked onwards, Amethyst’s singing echoing in the distance.

“Lapis, do you wanna have sex?”

Lapis raised an eyebrow.

“What, you mean right now?”

“Aw geez, no, I didn't mean… I mean in general,” replied Amethyst, “Like, if you were dating someone, and…”

They had stopped in front of the old Homeworld mine, the sun now high in the sky. They sat in the shade of a tall tree, Lapis again watching the clouds. She'd been doing this all day - walking, then sitting or lying down and watching something - and Amethyst wondered if it was her way of letting off steam.

Lapis pursed her lips, thinking.

“Do you have to?” she replied, “Like, if you love someone, or if you're dating someone, do you have to…?”

“Nah, dude,” shrugged Amethyst, “There's no rules or anything. Took years before Peri was comfortable with it. If you don't wanna, you don't gotta. And I get the feeling you don't wanna.”

Lapis shook her head.

“It just… I don't get it,” she said, “I read ‘novels’ and they say it's really important, and it's what makes love love, but…”

“Well, what do you think it is?” asked Amethyst.

Lapis bit her lip, blushing.

“Uh… dancing?” she replied, “Holding hands? Uh, hugging? Maybe kissing, I guess? Just…”

“Being intimate?”

“Yeah.”

Lapis sighed, looking down at her feet.

“Is that wrong?” she asked.

“Nah, you're probably just ace,” replied Amethyst, “Plenty of people are! Like Peedee, he's a bit ace, I think he calls it grey…”

“Ace?” quizzed Lapis.

“Asexual.” Amethyst smiled. “Means you don't feel sexual attraction.”

“Oh.”

For the first time all day, Lapis managed a small smile. She looked back up at the clouds drifting by.

“I think I like the sound of that.”

“Why did you decide to fight?”

It was evening now, and they were sitting by the sea on the other side of the island. The beach wasn’t actually that different to the one by the barn - it was a different view, certainly, but there was still the same sea breeze, the same smell, the same picturesque, greenish sunset (although the sun now set over the island rather than the sea - that was definitely a downgrade.)

Amethyst looked up from the fire she’d been trying to make for half-an-hour.

“I’m a quartz, Lapis,” shrugged Amethyst, “It just comes to me.”

“So you’ve never even thought of just… hiding?” asked Lapis.

Amethyst opened her mouth, but stopped for a moment - she seemed to ruminate over her next few words.

“Yeah,” she replied, “Once.”

Lapis didn’t say anything, so she continued.

“There was this Carnelian,” she said, “Not the one from the Zoo, a different one - she joined our crew for a while. She was just… so optimistic, so hell-bent on giving Homeworld a kick up the…”

She closed her eyes, and when she opened them again they seemed sombre, haunted.

“One time we raided a Homeworld lab,” she said, “It was a stupid idea but I promised a friend I’d look for… something. Anyway, we got seperated and Carnelian got cornered by an Agate and her soldiers. I just… I just remember running to get there and then…”

She took up a handful of sand.

“...dust. Just… red dust,” she said hollowly, “It wasn’t enough for them to shatter her, they had to… grind her into… into fucking sand. Just to make absolutely sure she wouldn’t come back.”

“What did you do to the Agate?” asked Lapis.

Amethyst gazed down at her hands. She opened her fingers, and the sand slowly trickled down to the Earth.

“You never forget the first time you shatter a gem,” she replied.

The air seemed to turn colder, and Lapis resisted the urge to shiver.

“Anyway, me and Peri talked about it. We were gonna take the Avenger, find some planet in the middle of nowhere and just stay there. But, I just remember that… that red dust, and I think…”

She clenched her fists again.

“Nobody should have to go through that,” she finished, “Not if I can help it.”

They said nothing else as the sun set and darkness fell, but Lapis found she didn’t mind. There was a  lot to think about.

The sky was blood red.

Lapis stood on top of a pile of shattered wood by the beach, staring at the twisted remains of a blue ship - the Crystal Avenger. She tasted burning steel and the tang of copper -- blood -- in the air as choking, black ash rained down from the sky.

Slowly and numbly, she stepped towards the wreckage. She could see a glint of green - Peridot! She had to help her, she thought; she had to save her from the strange blight that had fallen upon them.

But as she approached, she saw another small glint, and another, and another…

Shattered.

She fell to her knees, clutching her head. This couldn’t be happening - it just couldn’t! Suddenly she could hear a hideous screaming sound, drilling into her very being. The world around was drained of colour - her vision was filled with white light, and she forced her eyes closed.

“You can't hide forever, Starlight.”

The voice sent a shiver down Lapis’ spine.

She opened her eyes. She was standing in a pure white void, almost so bright as to be painful. In front of her, she could see Stevonnie, sword drawn, looking up at something. Lapis followed their gaze - her eyes widened.

White Diamond towered above them, a serene smile on her face. She almost looked motherly.

“L-leave me alone!” shouted Stevonnie, “I don't want…”

“Oh, but it doesn't matter what we want,” replied White Diamond, “We have a duty. Come home, Starlight - end this silly little game.”

She reached out her titanic hand, aiming to scoop up the fusion.

“No!”

Lapis found herself running, bolting past Stevonnie and standing in front of them, arms outstretched.

“Get away from them!” she bellowed.

White Diamond stared down at her. Fear ran through her being, and her mind scolded her - this is stupid, Lapis, just run, save yourself - but she refused to move.

Suddenly, White Diamond smirked.

“Well,” she said, “Isn't this interesting?”

She extended a long, manicured finger and swiftly lowered it towards Lapis. There was no time to dodge - she closed her eyes and braced…

“Lapis? Dude, you okay?”

Lapis shot up, clutching her head.

She was back on the beach, Amethyst kneeling down next to her. The sea was calm, the sky clear and dotted with stars - everything was normal.

“It was… it was a dream,” she muttered, holding her arms tightly over her chest, worried she might come apart if she let her seams exposed.

“Looked more like a nightmare from here,” said Amethyst.

Lapis shook her head, taking slow, deliberate breaths to calm down.

“I saw White Diamond,” she said, “And Stevonnie, and… and I stood up to her.”

“Cool,” nodded Amethyst.

“Not cool!” exclaimed Lapis, “I think I died!”

“But you stood up for yourself, dude!” replied Amethyst, “You fought for something! Do you get it now?”

“Get it… no! I… I don't…”

Lapis stood up, clenching her fists.

“Stop trying to manipulate me!” she shouted.

“Manipulate you?” Amethyst stood up too. “What do you mean, manipulate you?”

“It's just like at the barn!” growled Lapis, “When you were telling Stevonnie they have to fight, that the Diamonds are gonna find us! You don't know that! You're just trying to get ‘em to…”

“I'm trying?” Amethyst threw her arms out. “Open your eyes, Lapis! They were always gonna fight back. It's who they are! It's who they're made of! Connie was always a fighter, and Steven couldn't stand to see anyone hurt…”

“And you preyed on that!” Lapis shouted, pointing a finger at Amethyst, “You knew that if you just pushed them into…”

“So I nudged them a little,” snapped Amethyst, “It’s still their choice, Lapis, not yours!”

She crossed her arms.

“Why the hell do you care, anyway?” she demanded.

“What do you mean, why do I care?” spluttered Lapis.

“As long as nothing happens to your barn or your island, why do you care what happens to Stevonnie?” Amethyst spat, “I mean, you can always just leave ‘em, right? Like you did to Peridot…”

“Don't you dare…”

“Well, tell me!” thundered Amethyst, “Why does it matter now when it didn't before? What changed? Why do you care so much about…”

“Well maybe I’ve changed! You ever think about that?!” demanded Lapis, “Maybe I don’t wanna be that person anymore! Maybe I’m done hurting people! And maybe I just want to be able to live my life with Stevonnie without someone trying to get them to join some crazy resistance movement…”

“It’s not crazy, Lazuli, it’s the only way-”

“You’re gonna get the one person I love killed!”

There was a long silence, the last cry echoing in the darkness.

Her energy fading, Lapis sat down in the sand, clutching her temples. Slowly, Amethyst sat down too.

“Whoa,” she muttered, “That got pretty heated.”

“Yeah,” sighed Lapis.

Amethyst bit her lip.

“So, uh… love, huh?”

“I… I don't know what this feeling is,” said Lapis at last, “If it's like you and Peridot or if it's just friends or something else, but… but I don't want to live without them, and I just… I can't bear to think of them being killed, and I know that's selfish, but I…”

Amethyst sighed.

“Lapis, that's not selfish at all,” she replied.

Lapis lay back, staring at the stars.

“They're gonna fight, aren't they?” she said wearily, “I can't stop them.”

“Probably,” nodded Amethyst.

Lapis closed her eyes and took another deep, deliberate breath.

“Guess there's only one thing I can do.”

Wearily, Stevonnie paced the barn. The early morning sun was slowly peeking through the door, filling the barn with its faint light green It had been two nights, and there was still no sign of Lapis or Amethyst. Peridot was sitting on the hammock, reading an old magazine - her legs dangled over the side. In the distance, they could see Lenny, C and Z leaving the Crystal Avenger to get back to work on the warp pad.

“Where are they?” Stevonnie muttered to themself, restlessly scanning the horizons for a spot of purple or blue.

“Eh, Amethyst will be back,” replied Peridot, “Give it another couple of days.”

“Does this happen a lot with you guys?” asked Stevonnie, turning to the green gem.

“Well, usually I come along,” shrugged Peridot, “But sometimes Blue Zircon gets lonely and someone has to stay with her to make sure she doesn’t panic and take the ship back to New Earth, and…”

A wooden board creaked, and Stevonnie turned around.

Lapis stood in the doorway, arm behind her back. She smiled nervously.

“I… um… I just wanna say…”

Stevonnie lunged forward, pulling their barnmate into a tight hug.

“Lapis, I’m sorry!” they exclaimed, “I didn’t mean to-”

“You’re sorry? I’m sorry!” replied Lapis, “I just left on you, and…”

“Yeah, because I wouldn’t accept…”

“I wouldn’t accept your point of…”

“You can both be sorry, you clods!” Peridot shouted.

Stevonnie stepped back, letting go of Lapis.

“I, uh, if you want me to-” they began.

“No,” replied Lapis, “I… I know I can’t stop you from fighting, and I’ve been thinking, and…”

She took a deep breath.

“I wanna fight with you,” she said, “Just… I don’t want you to do it alone. Is that okay?”

Stevonnie grinned, their eyes watering.

“Lapis,” they replied, “There’s nothing I’d like more.”

As they pulled each other into another hug, Amethyst climbed into the barn and casually strolled up to Peridot.

“Why do other people’s relationships have to be so complicated?” she asked.

“I guess other people lack our perfect emotional and physical compatibility,” shrugged Peridot.

Amethyst tagged on a sly grin, putting an arm over her shoulder.

“I love it when you talk dirty, ‘Dot.”

[fuckingchatnoir]

Fanboy Chapter 6

Ao3 link 

Full chapter below the cut

Chapter 11 of “The Empty Streets of Paris”

           --by   FelineGood16   on FanWorkz.net

“You think you two can actually defeat Hawkmoth?” The akumatized victim laughs wickedly, his eyes never leaving the two heroes. His arms are still tied behind his back tightly by Ladybug’s lucky charmed slinky toy. He’s absolutely defenseless, yet still holds his confident bravado. Chat Noir wonders what kind of words the cynical man put into the brain-washed civilian’s mind that made him say such a thing.

Ladybug doesn’t reply, her eyebrows furrowing instead as she walks herself closer to him. She bends down to his level and he scowls at her. She continues to stare at him in observation, her eyes scanning his attire and weapons quickly.

“I think the akuma is in his hat.” She finally says, her comment directed at Felix.

He continues to stand right behind her, his arms crossed over his chest. He’s not liking the way the victim is looking at him now, his expression trying to intimidate the hero.

“Even if you beat me, Ladybug, Hawkmoth will return with another champion. He won’t stop until you both are defeated. Don’t you understand?!”

The blond turns his gaze to his Lady’s pigtails.

“I think it’s there too.” He finally responds.

He sees her nod without further acknowledgement before she snatches the man’s cap and rips it apart with her bare hands in a seemingly angry manner. The butterfly escapes and the heroine readies her yo-yo.

“You will lose and Hawkmoth will prevail! Just you wa-“

“No more evil-doing for you little akuma!” She yells louder than usual, trying to drown out the sound of the other man.

“Evil will reign supreme and you children will peri-“

“Time to de-evilize!”

Before the man is able to get another word out, Ladybug finally encloses the butterfly in her yo-yo before releasing it back into the world purified.

They win yet again, though Felix feels his hands squeeze his own biceps tensely, the man’s words still stirring in his stomach.

Chat ran on his fours to catch up to his Lady, the akuma’s bright pink sweater in her left hand and her yo-yo in her right. She was breathless and tired, the blond noticed. This akuma wasn’t the easiest to capture. Not only were her powers difficult to dodge but her costume was also complex to the point where the two superheroes spent about half an hour just trying to figure out which item held that damned butterfly.

“Why did she have to knit?! Of all things!” Ladybug complained, looking back from time-to-time to make sure the akuma wasn’t too close behind.

“I know, right?! Hawkmoth must’ve really flipped a stitch the last time we beat him.”

She glanced over at him, giving him a quick scowl before continuing.

“If it’s not the sweater, what do you think it could be?” She asked, turning right and jumping over a car like it was nothing.

She’s so awesome.

“Well, we already tried her needles and her mittens. Maybe those blue socks?”

She groaned and he kept looking at her as he ran, trying to read her mind.

“Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that. Getting this thing off her was already hard enough. I don’t even know how’d we able to get something off her feet.”

Her Miraculous beeped again and the victim started screaming from behind, citizens continuing to hide and panic all around them.

“Ladybug, sweetie! Stop running, I just want to KNIT YOU SOMETHING!”

Chat gulped.

The victim could knit around individuals in an accelerated manner, making them completely immobile due to the constraint of the garments. And both him and his partner did not have that sort of time to try to get out of that situation.

His limbs were starting to get a little too tired from their sprint and he desperately need a breather. He could tell that Ladybug did too, so he finally took it upon himself to grab onto her wrist and pull her into the nearest alleyway he could find.

She tried to say something immediately, probably ask what his plan was, but she was breathing too heavily to do so, her hands on her knees with her yo-yo and the sweater dangling from her hold. She looked exhausted and Adrien knew that he didn’t look any better.

“What…what are-“ She began, her eyes squinted and directly on him.

He quickly put his hand over her mouth and lead them behind a dumpster nearby, forcing them to both kneel on the floor, cutting her off completely.

“She’s here.” He whispered, popping his head out slightly to see if he could see her.

Luckily, the woman didn’t see nor hear them and passed by the alleyway in ignorance.

He released his hand from his partner’s mouth and they both let their bodies slide down against the brick walls, Adrien wiping the sweat off his forehead.

Her earrings beeped again.

“My Lady, are you able to-“

She nodded slowly before taking a deep breath and ripping apart the atrocious looking sweater. Relieved laughter filled the air at the sight of the manipulated insect and the heroine got back up on her feet, dropping the remains of the garment on the floor.

She went through the whole purifying process and Adrien watched every last second of it in the silence of the empty alley. It was just the two of them there, and his stomach felt like it was fluttering. She looked completely disheveled. Strands of hair were slipping out from her scrunchies, her cheeks flushed from the heat and exercise, her bangs fell over her sparkling blue eyes, and damn, Adrien had never seen anyone more beautiful. He felt like his heart was going to leap out from his chest and he was so far gone he felt like he was floating.

Once the now whitened butterfly was released, she rapidly turned to look at him. He was still sat down on the ground so he got himself up.

“You still have it right?”

He nodded before going to the small right pocket on the upper part of his suit and unzipping it, taking out the small button that was used. It was red and polka-dotted and Chat wished he was able to keep it, but handed it to his Lady before dwelling on the thought any longer.

She gave him a small smile before she threw it in the air and yelled out her signature phrase.

Chat wished he had more time with the girl.

The day was saved once more and the two did their routine fist bump very quickly before that annoying beeping came about again. She had one spot left before she would transform back. Times like that always made Chat both hopeful and saddened.

Hopeful because his heart told him that maybe that day would finally be the day he found her out. But saddened because his mind would then proceed to remind him of the reality of the situation and the kind of hero the love of his life was.  

“I’m about to de-transform, so can you maybe talk to the victim for the both of us? I really have to go, I’m sorry.”

“Yeah, not a problem. Your wish is my command, my Lady.”

“Much appreciated, Chaton.”

She saluted endearingly and began to step away from him, getting her yo-yo ready to jump away. But Chat was a pining fool and wanted to hear at least one more thing from her that day, so he took a deep breath and brought his right hand to his heart shyly.

“Ladybug, wait!”

She lowered her arms back to the sides of her body and turned back to look at him, cocking a questioning brow. Her blue eyes were wide and alert, and her fingers screamed impatience and hesitation as they formed into a fist.

“Patrol is still on this Wednesday, right?”

They always had patrol on a Wednesday every other week, and he knew that nothing was going to change that unless one of them traveled or was ill. However, he still wanted to hear her say it. He took it as a promise from her that she’d see him again.

Her shoulders eased for just a second.

“Oh, you just reminded me! I actually have a thing I have to go to that day so I can’t. Sunday I’ll be able to though.”

“A thing?” He asked.

Their patrols were usually late at night. What sort of event did she have at that hour?

“Uh yeah. I’m sorry, Chat. But I really have to go.”

He ducked his head solemnly.

“Is…is it another secret mission you won’t tell me about or is it personal?”

She didn’t respond and he glanced back up at her, her expression unreadable.

“I’ll see you Sunday.” She whispered before finally going off, not allowing her partner another word.

Adrien continued to stare down at his phone quietly in the car. It was almost time for the dinner with his father’s photographer and he was far from excited. He was dressed like some sort of trophy, the golden tie his father picked out practically yelling out his lack of independence. He wasn’t sure what to expect from this evening, how bored he was going to be. However, he knew that whatever he felt didn’t matter. He was there for his dad and had to present himself accordingly. And to make matters worse, Monsieur Fournier was bringing his son along as well. And if his offspring was going to be anything like the man, then Adrien knew he was going to have a very long and frustrating night ahead of him.

Though silent, the Gorilla seemed to understand his already sour mood and turned on the radio. His bodyguard wasn’t too fond of playing music in the car since he seemed to always want to keep his focus on their surroundings. However, when he did decide to blare out some tunes, Adrien automatically knew that the man wanted to reassure him in his own way. Tell him to stay positive and that the day is going to end at some point. He sighed and nodded in acknowledgment at that fact before reading the text he’d just received.

From: DJ Lahiffe

Dude, if anything just text me the whole time. I’m free all night.

Adrien had been texting Nino for the last hour, his friend still attempting to lighten up the mood. Even though he still wasn’t overjoyed with his current situation, the brunette’s messages did make him feel a tad better about everything. They – in a way- anchored his feet to the ground, reminding him that though his father wasn’t normal, he wasn’t normal, his situation wasn’t normal, his whole life in general wasn’t really normal, that Nino was a new normal in his life that also happened to be his friend. So, it couldn’t all be that bad.

To: DJ Lahiffe

Wish I could, but I can’t. My dad would probably have my head if he saw me on my phone.

From: DJ Lahiffe

Well maybe this Nolan kid won’t be that bad?

Adrien found himself snorting at that, his few experiences with Nolan’s father beginning to play in his mind again like some horrible horror movie you can’t turn off.

To: DJ Lahiffe

Maybe. Maybe not. His dad tripped a model once when she asked him directions to the bathroom.

From: DJ Lahiffe

Bro, seriously??!!?? Okay, so he’s an ass. But that doesn’t mean his son is.

To: DJ Lahiffe

I guess I’ll see. Almost at the restaurant. I’ll talk to you later?

From: DJ Lahiffe

Yeah, dude of course! Text me all the deets when you get out of there.

From: DJ Lahiffe

Try to be chill. And if they act like jerks remember that it’s on ‘them’ and has nothing to do with you. They’ll be missing out.

To: DJ Lahiffe

Bro, do you want me to start crying in this car right now?? Omg??!!??

To: DJ Lahiffe

And you wonder why you’re the mom of the squad

From: DJ Lahiffe

I take everything back. You’re a terrible friend and I hate you.

From: DJ Lahiffe

I hope you have a good time.

To: DJ Lahiffe

<3 <3 <3 <3

From: DJ Lahiffe

SHUT IT.

Adrien arrived at the restaurant soon after, his hand unconsciously sliding into the inside pocket of his jacket to make sure Plagg was still there. He knew he was but he was damn nervous and needed a reminder that he wasn’t truly going to be alone that night.

But of course, Plagg didn’t even flinch when he poked him, meaning that the small god was napping. And when Plagg napped, that meant that he would be in a deep slumber for hours unless Adrien dangled camembert in front of his face. The kwami started to weigh like a small brick in his jacket the deeper into his sleep he got and Adrien immediately rolled his eyes and muttered an ‘of course’ before the Gorilla finally opened his car door for him.

Looked like he was completely on his own.

He met up with Gabriel at the entrance, posing for a few pictures with the man before the waiter at the front finally led them inside. His father was quiet, having only spared him a glance and a nod when they met eyes for the first time that evening. Gabriel seemed more serious than usual and Adrien found that his hands were beginning to sweat.

They were lead to a table that had more cloth than his own bedsheets and Adrien immediately started to drink his glass of water as soon as he sat down. Gabriel dismissed the waiter and checked both of his phones, his expression still the same.

Adrien wished the man would talk first. But he knew that he wouldn’t. So instead he cleared his throat.

“Father, has Monsieur Fournier arrived yet?”

Gabriel texted through his business phone with only his right hand, still not looking at his son.

“He’s running late. One of his clients took too much of his time.”

“Ah.” He replied awkwardly, his silverware seeming to be the most interesting and less frightening thing in the room.

“Adrien.”

His head snapped up on command.

“Yes?”

“Fournier told me that his son enjoys socializing and has many stories to tell.” the man was looking at him now and Adrien had been mentally praying that Nino may have made a good point. That maybe this Nolan guy wouldn’t be as bad as his father. That maybe he could even be a good kid. But his father’s eyes were telling him different and Adrien’s hands formed into fists on his lap, hidden by the overwhelming tablecloth.

“I see.” He whispered, a sigh lodged in his throat.

So, don’t talk and just listen. Got it.  

Can’t wait.

They didn’t say anything else to each other until the two other men finally arrived, Adrien’s smile almost as forced as his father’s.

The greetings were abrupt and short, Adrien having noticed the unnecessary tightness of Nolan’s grip when they shook hands. The older boy’s blue eyes stared straight into Adrien’s as if it was honorable of him to do such a simple thing in the first place.

Adrien wanted to go home.

Fournier spoke first, making small talk with the two of them for a while before they dived into any kind of real conversation. And once they all finally ordered their meals, the four of them seemed to part into separate discussions. Fournier stuck with his father and Nolan turned his head to Adrien in almost an instant. The small table seemed divided, yet Adrien felt more surrounded than before.

He took another sip of his water as the brunette began to speak to him, nodding every once in a while, and shooting the kid a forced grin to be polite and to show him that he was listening. And he was, because that was just the kind of person Adrien was, but he wished he didn’t have to.  

“So, you see, Adrien, my hair used to be much lighter than this. But darker hair is back in style and if I want to become a model I have to follow along with the trends, you know?”

Adrien nodded, though he did not really understand what he was hearing. This was a topic Chloe would get into, and as much as the girl frustrated him at times, he still would much rather be in her company than this guy that was more materialistic than a child on Christmas.

“I wasn’t aware of that trend.” He responded.

Nolan’s eyes went straight to Adrien’s hair and he quickly covered his mouth before chuckling. It was one of the most annoying sounds Adrien had ever heard.

“Yeah, I can see that.”

Adrien almost rolled his eyes at his remark, but chuckled along instead when he felt his father’s gaze upon him. And that’s how most of the dinner went on. Nolan and his father talked and talked while inserting a few subtle insults here-and-there, and Adrien had to continue treating them with respect. He had to continue smiling even though he was getting more and more tempted to just walk out and head to Nino’s to rant and watch some movies together.

At least the food was good.

“Did you two see how reckless that spotted girl was the other day,” Fournier began, his sentence directed this time at both him and his father.  They were still waiting for their third course to arrive and Adrien was feeling less hungry by the second. “Her mindset is absolutely juvenile.”

The blond felt his shoulders tense immediately, the atmosphere seeming to chill quite considerably in less than a second.

He was talking about Ladybug.

“Well, she does seem to be pretty young, father. I mean have you seen her hairstyle? She probably thinks she’s still ten.” Nolan added in, another pretentious chuckle escaping his mouth.

God, they’re ignorant. They’re so freaking ignorant.

Adrien was frozen in place; his eyes bore into the photographer sitting in front of him. They were unknowingly provoking him and it felt absolutely agonizing having to bite his tongue.

“You’ve got that right. And did you see how she handled that last akuma, Gabriel? She practically was unclothing the damn woman in front of all of Paris. The woman has no shred of decency in her, yet we must entrust her to protect us? What has Paris become?!”

Adrien’s fingernails were digging into his palms.  

She did all of that to find the akuma, to protect people like you.

Gabriel hummed in agreement and Adrien was getting angry. However, neither of them seemed to notice since they continued bashing the love of his life right to his face. If they only knew who they were complaining to.

“If it wasn’t for that power of hers then do you know how many of our buildings would be completely damaged? How much money Paris would have to invest to repair everything?!”

She did what she had to in order to save everyone. Not even one citizen has died because of her.

“She’s incompetent.”

She isn’t.

“And unreliable in my opinion.”

Shut up. Shut up. Shut up.

He tried to calm himself, his mind reeling with what he should do. What he could do. These two ungrateful individuals were insulting his Lady and he wanted to defend her, set them in their places. But his father also needed to hire this guy and he didn’t want to disappoint the man.

Man, Nino’s right. This guy is a major ass.

He mentally cursed at his own hesitation, disappointed with himself. If Marinette could defend Chat Noir in front of the whole class without even a second thought, why couldn’t he find the courage to at least change the subject?

Damn, if Marinette were in his shoes he knew that she’d probably give them a piece of her mind, defending Ladybug as she deserved to be defended. He remembered that day at the café Marinette explained to him that she didn’t like when people didn’t receive the recognition they deserved. That she didn’t believe it to be just. And he couldn’t agree more. Especially at that moment.

“I’m actually surprised that the Hawkmoth fellow hasn’t captured one of those bizarre pieces of jewelry yet. He seems to be more efficient than either one of those children I’ll tell you that much.”

Gabriel opened his mouth to reply, probably to agree with the man’s seemingly treasonous comment. But Adrien couldn’t stand by anymore. Not with a remark like that.

“She’s… saved our lives.” He whispered at first, his confidence burning his chest.

He couldn’t even look at his father, but he didn’t care at that moment. He was a hero. And heroes wouldn’t stand by and listen to that. It almost sounded like the man and his son were on Hawkmoth’s side. And if he allowed him to speak further on the matter he probably would admit that he was.

“Adrien-“ His father began, his voice calm but hinted an angry consequential promise.

“No, Gabriel. Let your boy explain himself. This conversation is open to everyone in this table, right?”

Adrien’s hands were still hidden under the tablecloth and he was playing with his ring nervously. Fournier had a smug smile on his face that looked as if he just placed a bet that he knew he was going to win.

What would Marinette do?

What would Chat Noir do?

“Hawkmoth has tried to kill people. He’s akumatized children,” He continued on, Fournier’s brown eyes seeming to darken under the chandelier’s intense light. “These victims are too powerful for the police to handle, so without her, we’d all be goners.”

“Oh, is that so?”

“Yes.” He quickly responded, his next words seeming rather difficult to spill out from his lips since he knew they carried negative repercussions.  

“Just ask my father. A few months ago, Hawkmoth’s victim was after him, even made it passed our defense system in our home. But she saved his life, our lives.”

Fournier stood silent. His smile was disappearing.

“So, you should be thankful.”

He finally glanced over at his father, and he immediately tensed at his expression. His mouth was in a guarded frown and his eyes were refusing to meet the blond.

He was in deep trouble.

Adrien gulped.

Maybe I went a little too far?

The table was silent for a few seconds before the waiter returned with their dishes. Adrien wasn’t feeling hungry anymore but ate anyway to fill the silence.

“That’s quite a son you have there, Gabriel.” Fournier finally said before stuffing a forkful of salad into his mouth, his voice drenched with sarcasm.

“Thank you.”  

Gabriel rode back home with him. The two sat in the backseat and Adrien was just waiting for the man to finally speak up. He was out of line and they both knew that he didn’t regret what he did.

Adrien sort of felt bad that the Gorilla was going to have to witness all of it. But then again, he always had to listen to their arguments that should’ve been private but never were.

“You disobeyed me.” The man finally began.

Adrien looked at him because he had to and saw his eyes burning into his. He knew that Plagg was awake in his pocket.

“Father, I-“

“I’m not done speaking.” His voice was so monotone and emotionless when he was angry with the blond, and that’s what always made it that much more frightening.

“I asked you to behave. To just eat and listen. But you just had to make a scene. We were there on business, Adrien. Do you believe that what you did was professional behavior?”

He knew his father had a point there, but he also knew that Fournier and his son’s behavior weren’t acceptable either. And that’s what was starting to piss him off. He was the only one getting scolded.

However, he still bowed his head slightly and spoke a defeated and soft “No.” that was barely audible in the silence of the car.

“I want you to email him an apology for your outburst. Tell him that you were feeling ill and that it was clouding your judgement.”

“But I wasn’t-“

“And you will do so by tomorrow night. Do I make myself clear?”

They were almost home and Adrien wanted to hide.

“Yes.”

Gabriel nodded.

Adrien was hurt, angry, and completely vulnerable. However, he decided to bare himself once again to the man, his voice hesitant.

“Father,” He muttered. “Do you think what he said was right? Did you really agree with him?”

“This isn’t about right or wrong or about what I think. This is about you being disobedient and acting selfishly. Do you know how your behavior made me look?”

The teen didn’t say anything.

“I looked as if I had no control over my own child. That I allow you and raised you to act so recklessly. What an embarrassment of a night this was.”

The car finally halted and the sounds of the gates opening made the whole conversation seem much more routine and casual then it actually was. Plagg started to wiggle slightly in place, letting him know that he was there. Or to possibly notify him that he was hungry, Adrien didn’t really care at that moment.

“Of course. My apologies, sir.”

The teen didn’t give his bodyguard any time to open his door. He opened it himself and walked as quickly as he could to the front of his home, Nathalie ringing him in and allowing the front doors to automatically open.  

He ran to his room with no one following behind.

He quickly shut his room door behind him and went to his bed, sitting at the edge with his hands immediately going to his hair, his head ducked in anger and shame. He felt Plagg float out from his pocket but still didn’t look at him, his eyes closed.

“Kid-“

“Didn’t you hear what they said in the restaurant, Plagg?! Was I really in the wrong for standing up for her, for Paris?”

He didn’t really want an answer, his mind just wanting to empty out his thoughts into the void so everything felt less constricting. And Plagg understood that. The kwami didn’t respond and instead rested on his shoulder.

Adrien’s hands were covering his face now and he was tearing up from frustration; He hated it, but he also couldn’t help what he was feeling. He wanted to talk to someone, spill what he felt, but he couldn’t. Plagg would listen, yes. But his friend was never good at really consoling him in times like that and Adrien needed someone to brighten up the mood or at least try.

A part of him wanted to text Nino since his friend was always so positive and charismatic, but it was late and he didn’t want to burden him with the news. When Adrien was down, Nino would get down too and he didn’t like seeing the brunette with a frown on his face. His next thought was Chloe. His childhood friend was tough and harsh, he admitted, but if he told her about everything she’d back up Adrien and probably understand why he defended ladybug in the first place. That would make him feel better. But, she’d most likely ask her father to call Fournier the next day and get him fired or something equally as irrational and that would make matters much worse.

He missed his mom.

He sniffled before he finally rubbed his tired eyes and sat himself up.

“Your cheese should be by the computers, buddy.” He whispered, scratching the top of the god’s head gently to signal him to go on and eat. He wanted to take off his jacket anyway. It was freezing outside and the sprinkling rain from earlier wet his attire slightly. If he was going to pity himself he might as well do it in sweats. Besides, the weather seemed to be picking up more and more since he started hearing thunder, so being in comfortable clothing would probably be much warmer for him. Especially since two of his windows were a tad open and he was too lazy to close them.

He got changed as the kwami began to eat silently beside his desktops. The abrupt sound of the water droplets hitting his window made his limbs feel sleepy and Adrien wondered if his father was still as riled up as he was about the whole situation. What would the man say if he went up to his room to talk to him?

Was he still mad?

Adrien sighed, he probably was.

“Kid, words keeping popping up on those things. I think you should check it out.” Plagg suddenly mumbled before swallowing another piece of camembert.

The blond glanced over at his left to see how his screens were lit up with several email notifications at the bottom. He forgot to turn off his computers before he left.

“Hmm. I think they’re comments for my last chapter.” He stated aloud, mostly to himself.

He bent down slightly once he reached the computers, refusing to sit down since he wanted to take just a brief peek at the several notifications, his eyes skimming them.

“There’s a comment thread.”

“A what?”

His eyes squinted and his brows furrowed as he began to read all the comments and replies from a conversation that a few of his readers were having on his chapter. His chest was beginning to hurt again at the negative possibilities and he didn’t notice that he held his breath.

Chapter 11 of “The Empty Streets of Paris”

           --by   FelineGood16   on FanWorkz.net

Comments (147)

marvelluv92: omg!!! I seriously thought Chat Noir was going to get hurt in this chap?!!?? I mean      I think it would’ve been angsty ;D but also I liked how realistic the fight was! Can’t wait for the next update ;P

book_fangirl: Saw that this fic outranked ‘Late Night Hour’ and my expectations were pretty high but yeah lmao.

              Chat-Noir_Me0w (Reply): @book_fangirl But yeah what?

              book_fangirl (Reply): @Chat-Noir_Me0w I don’t really see why it’s ranked higher than ‘Late Night Hour’. I mean FrenchBeauty95 writes like an actual published author and this fic is just slow? And I’ve seen a lot of mistakes. Though small but yeah it bothers me lmao.

              TulipPrincessOfNYC87 (Reply): @book_fangirl  It’s fanfic. It’s doesn’t have to be perfect. Besides, it seems like FelineGood16 doesn’t have a beta reader. She probably just misses a few things when she proofreads. Lmao.~

              Chat-Noir_Me0w (Reply): @book_fangirl I see what you mean. I mean by chapter 11 in ‘Late Night Hour’ Felix had already confessed. And the plot does seem a bit more developed… but I like this fic too.

              book_fangirl (Reply): @TulipPrincessOfNYC87, @Chat-Noir_Me0w Even if she had a beta it still wouldn’t have blown my mind. I’ve read fics with less than a thousand reads that are better. Just saying that I don’t really get the hype. And yeah, it is waaay more developed. I think I’m going to re-read it right now actually :-)

Adrien’s lips were parted as he reread the thread, his heart feeling battered. He wasn’t good enough for his father today. And it looked like his own writing wasn’t good enough either. He didn’t want to cry, he didn’t want to focus on what was happening, so before he knew it he was already saying “Claws out.” after he finally inhaled a heavy breath.  

He heard Plagg make a startled noise, but he didn’t give the kwami time to say much more. He was sad, angry, frustrated, and all his emotions were beginning to feel irrepressible. Once he felt his face finally concealed behind his mask, he made his way to one of the open windows and pushed it further with his gloved hand. His baton was now in his grip and he extended it so and felt himself fly and jump throughout the night sky.

Thankfully, it was pouring heavily so the streets were practically empty besides the few tourists that were seemingly trying to look for their hotel. He was all alone by his own will and he took advantage of that fact. He jumped from rooftop to rooftop, testing the power of his baton by extending it as long as he could to give him higher jumps and more momentum. He wanted to get closer to the rain, enjoyed the heat that his adrenaline was giving his body. He kept going until he felt out of breath, only stopping to inhale, and jumping back into action immediately after.  

When he thought of his dad he jumped. When he thought of his story he ran. When he thought of his mother he landed. And so, went the passing minutes, Adrien having been no longer aware of the time or how long he’d been out. He finally rested for a while on the roof of some building he didn’t care too much to think about. He laid flat on his back, his body resting in a puddle that was formed by the ongoing storm. He was soaked to the bone and his hair strands were blocking his eyes.  

He moved them aside lazily and felt his chest rising up and falling along with his rapid breaths. He was exhausted, freezing, and even a little hungry, but he still refused to go back home. He wouldn’t have minded resting on that rooftop for a while longer but he knew that he was going to get sick and began to feel guilty about taking advantage of Plagg the way he had.

He got up and moved again, though much slower than before. The events of that night were still in his mind and he found that rather annoying. The teen wondered if Ladybug had days like that, where she transformed to get away from everything for a while.  

Was her home as empty as his?

He really hoped it wasn’t.

Chat was shivering now, horribly, and he knew that he needed to find shelter quickly before he froze. The reasonable part of him was yelling at him to just go home, shower, and sleep in his comfortable bed. But the other part, the hurt one, was still pulling him to god knows where and he couldn’t help but follow along. That part promised him quick relief and he needed that more than any blanket.

However, when he arrived at Marinette’s balcony he began to question his own judgment.

Why am I here?

Even though his classmate was nowhere near her balcony, he still hid in the shadows, his arms wrapped around himself. He wanted to question his choices, form a plan as to what he would even say to Marinette if she was awake and would even let him in. The girl already knew about his fanfiction, what if she gave him that reassuring Marinette smile and he spilled details that he shouldn’t? It would be too personal, too risky, and too burdensome. But he was so cold and Marinette’s home was cozy and not his own. And besides, Marinette didn’t know he was Adrien or really anything about him. So maybe she wouldn’t press as much and would let him lay on her chaise again as she spoke to him about anything. Marinette’s voice was sweet and soothing and everything she said was important, so would it really be that bad to let himself have that for a while?

He sighed.

Probably, but he didn’t care anymore so he finally walked to the trapdoor and tapped it with the end of his baton. He hoped that she’d lend him a blanket.

He hoped that she’d welcome him in.

After a few seconds, he saw a light appear beneath the glass and he bit his bottom lip in a guilty manner. He forgot momentarily that sleep was an actual thing and that Marinette was probably in the middle of it before he bothered her.

Damn it.

However, before he could even think of what to do, the door opened and Chat got a glimpse of the girl’s wrist and alerted gaze. She didn’t say anything. She simply scanned him up and down before motioning him to come in and releasing the glass slowly to enter her room again.

He smiled sheepishly at that before nodding to himself and following along. The sudden heat from her home embraced him like a thick sweater once he entered. He hummed in comfort and made sure to close the door correctly before lowering himself to her floor with his baton, trying his best to miss her bed so he wouldn’t get anything drenched.

Marinette stood with her arms crossed over her chest, her eyes narrowed as they attempted to adjust to the sudden lighting of the room. She was most definitely asleep and he most definitely had woken her up.  

She did not look pleased whatsoever, though she remained quiet. She was awaiting an explanation.

He placed his baton on his back and cringed once he noticed the small puddle forming under his feet.

“It was um raining.” He started, wanting to slap himself immediately at his greeting.

She rose an eyebrow before yawning loudly, her eyes even closing along with the exaggerated action.

He sighed.

“I’m sorry. I honestly don’t know why I’m here. I didn’t mean to wake you but I was out and cold and-“

He was no longer looking at her and his right hand was rubbing up and down his left bicep nervously.

“Crap, I’m so sorry. I’ll go now. This was stupid. I’m stupid. I-“

“Is there an akuma? Are you hurt?”

Her voice sounded tired yet alert all at the same time. She was scanning him again with her eyes but this time to check for any injuries that he possibly could’ve gotten. He should’ve gone home. He felt that his classmate was going to find it ridiculous that he came to see her just because he was lonely. Maybe even find him pathetic.

He shook his head and embraced himself to warm his body as much as he could, Marinette’s gaze following the movement before she yawned once more and walked herself over to her sink, opening one of the drawers on the side of it to grab a few towels.

Adrien was shivering and suddenly felt embarrassed about how vulnerable and needy he probably looked at that moment. Chat Noir, the superhero of Paris, went to a civilian’s house in the middle of the night for a towel and company.

His cheeks reddened shamefully and he glanced down at his boots, scolding himself mentally yet again for the water he brought in. His father was right, this was an embarrassment of a night.

And it was all his fault.

“Here, if you need another let me know.”

The blond suddenly saw three medium-sized folded towels in his view, being offered by his most generous friend.

He stared at them for a while before he grabbed them slowly, still avoiding the girl’s eyes.

He began to dry himself with each towel, wiping off as much freezing moisture as he could. He made sure to be careful around his claws since he didn’t want to tear any of the towels accidentally. The blue-eyed girl started to snatch each towel from his hand as he finished, however, leaving him with the last one since he was just burying his face in it and refused to let it go.

He couldn’t see Marinette, but he could feel her presence still in front of him. He knew she was watching him but he still didn’t know what she was thinking and wasn’t sure if he even wanted to. She was probably wondering why the blond was smothering himself in a towel like a total idiot. And he probably should start talking to explain himself, but he found that he couldn’t move. His cheeks were still burning.

“Chat, what happened?” She whispered softly instead, her gentle tone having taken the other teen off guard.

His shoulders tensed and he mumbled something into the towel in response, gripping it tighter.

“What? I didn’t understand that. Lift your head up please.”

He sighed and rubbed at his eyes a little more before slowly obliging, pulling the towel away from his face and looking down at the shorter girl. She didn’t look angry or pitying, but more concerned and exhausted. Like she was using half of her energy to stay awake and the other half to form expressions and speak so he was aware that she was serious.

His face was probably still red from humiliation, but Marinette didn’t say anything about it because she was just that freaking wonderful. And oh god why did he have to wake his friend for this? He was the most selfish hero ever. Ladybug wouldn’t do this. Not even the Chat Noir in his story would do this.

“Nothing. I’m sorry for waking you. I’ll… I’ll go.”

He forced an appreciative smile before he started to turn around, towel still in hand. However, he was stopped almost instantly by Marinette’s sudden grip on his wrist.

“Hey, you’re not going anywhere right now. Like you said, you woke me up. So, I need answers.”

“I’m fine,” He turned back around to face her again, her hold still not releasing. “I don’t know why I came. I just did, it’s fine. I’m fine.”

He wasn’t and sadly enough, Marinette knew that too.

“So, this isn’t because of any akuma, right?”

“No. I’m telling you it’s nothing.”

“Did um Ladybug say something to you?”

“No. No. Just – Marinette, please let go of me.”

She did, but her searching expression kept him still.

“It’s something personal then. Something happened in your civilian life.”

He didn’t respond to that and she nodded to herself. Neither of them were sure what to say or do next. He wasn’t allowed to talk about his civilian life with anyone, no matter the circumstance. And even if he could, he didn’t think he’d ever have to heart to tell anyone, let alone Marinette, about his issues. They were too much in his opinion, and would probably make her think differently of him.

He opened his mouth, however, wanting to fill the silence in some way. Wanting to talk about something.

“I updated my story a few days ago.”

She yawned. “Yeah, I saw.”

“There um were a few comments. Bad ones.”

He couldn’t talk about his father, that’s for sure. But Marinette knew about his fanfiction, and he found it relieving that he was able to at least talk about that.

“Oh?”

He nodded solemnly. She leaned her body more on her left, her arms crossed over her chest again with the towels now on the ground beside her feet. She was wearing socks this time.

“What’d they say?”

He scratched the back of his head timidly and shivered a little at the feel of leftover rain water. He had missed some when drying his hair minutes prior. He dried it a bit more with the towel that was still in his hand and fluffed his hair up in the process.

He was still cold and he shrugged.

“They aren’t sure why it has so many views and kept comparing it to this other fanfiction.”

“And they commented this on your story?”

He nodded and she rolled her eyes.

“Those people are jerks.”

He shrugged again and kept scrunching up the towel in his hands.

“They have a right to their own opinion.”

“True. But there’s also a time and a place for everything,” she yawned. “And that wasn’t right of them to complain so openly like that on your story, especially since they knew that you’d see it.”

Marinette looked very bothered by the issue, and it made Adrien feel a bit better knowing that she was taking it seriously even though it was just fanfiction.  It made him feel less stupid for feeling sad about it in the first place.

He didn’t know how to respond so he just hummed instead, his body beginning to shiver a little. His suit was still wet and since he couldn’t just take it off and change into something warmer it was bothering him and starting to get rather uncomfortable. The other teen seemed to realize this since she finally grabbed the towel from his hands along with the ones on the floor and walked herself over to her sink once more. Chat still didn’t move from his place but he watched as she left them on the counter and went over to her closet, opening the doors and pulling out a garment that looked familiar.

It was large and a gray color that was a tad lighter than his suit.

“Put this on, it’ll keep you warm.”

It was the over-sized hoodie she had on the last time.

He shook his head.

“You’ve already done so much. I couldn’t-“

“Come on. You can’t protect Paris with a cold, now can you?”

His hand reached out for just a moment before stopping. He looked up at her face and saw a small reassuring smile playing on her lips, her eyes sparkling in the corners.

Marinette is too pure for this world.

He was smiling now, a tad quirk of his lip.

“Thank you.” He whispered before finally grabbing the garment and putting it on. It was almost as large on him as it was on her when she had worn it. The sleeves weren’t passed his hands, but they did reach down to the very tips of his fingers. And the bottom reached down to his mid-thigh. He wasn’t sure why Marinette owned this hoodie in such a big size, but it was very comfortable and heated so he didn’t question it. However, she answered him anyway since she saw that he kept examining it once it was on him.

“It was my dad’s. But it didn’t fit him anymore so he let me have it.”

“It’s super cozy.”

She giggled at his astonishment.

“It is.”

They finally sat down in their usual spots and talked for a while, Adrien almost forgetting what had happened only a few hours before with his father. Marinette was so alive when she spoke, even when she looked tired as hell. Adrien found that amazing. They were simply discussing the terrible weather that night, and usually a simple topic like that would make him feel a bit bored after a while. But Marinette was so animated with her expressions and hand motions that she made rain seem like the most fascinating thing in the world.

Kind of like Ladybug.

However, the happy feeling faded once Marinette brought up his story again and he started to feel small.

“So, what story where they comparing yours to anyway if you don’t mind me asking?”

“This one called Late Night Hour. It was one of the most popular ones, but um my story has more reads now and that’s why they got mad.”

“Well, I don’t see why. You deserve those reads.”

He shrugged.

“I’m new at this whole writing thing. So, I know that my story probably has a lot of mistakes.”

“A lot of mistakes?”

“Yeah,” He sighed, not really wanting to talk about it anymore since he’d much rather talk to Marinette about insignificant things that made him smile and forget like weather and over-sized hoodies. “Grammar wise, plot wise, et cetera.”

“It seems fine to me.”

Chat snorted.

“I thought you didn’t like it?”

“Like I said before, fanfiction isn’t my thing. But that doesn’t mean your story isn’t well-written.”

He felt a bit of pride fill up his chest at her compliment, his cheeks flushing slightly as he tried to suppress a smile.

“Thanks.”

She nodded.

“I actually started reading the update today before I went to bed. Was planning to finish it in the morning. Pretty good so far.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, the tab’s still open actually. Since I’m awake I might as well finish it now.”

Wait. What?!

They both got up at the same time, though Chat in a more urgent-like manner, his eyes wide.

“You’re gonna finish it now?!”

“Yeah, why not?”

“With me in the room?”

“Uh yeah,” She chuckled at his flustered appearance. “This way I can also prove to you that those people were just jerks and that your plot is just fine.”

She walked passed him to reach her computer and his eyes followed her movement, his mouth now hung open with his complexion red as ever.

“Marinette! You s-should sleep! Yeah, worry about this later!”

Did Adrien want his classmate to read his chapter? Of course. But he wanted her to read it when he was gone and she was alone, and there was no pressure on him. Having her read it right in front of him would be almost overwhelming and just so raw. He’d see her reactions first-hand. He would be able to tell what she liked, what she didn’t like by just her facial features and the boy would feel like he was completely naked right before her eyes.

What if she hated it and didn’t even react one bit because it was just that boring? The chapter was around five-thousand words long. What would he even do in that silence for that amount of time? It would be too nerve-racking.

And besides, Adrien already felt terrible enough for waking her in the first place. He didn’t want to take up her whole night.

“I’ll be fine.”

She went back to drag her rolling chair over to the screens, sitting herself down and moving her mouse around to brighten the screen again. She was right when she told him that she was reading it only a few hours ago. His story immediately popped up and he sat back down on the chaise, his claws digging into the hoodie material covering his palms nervously.

Oh my god. OH MY GOD.

He knew that this was probably karma for having stormed out of his room before Plagg could even finish his cheese. Though, the kwami was busy at the moment, he knew that he could hear and see everything that was happening. Adrien was so going to get an earful later.

“Marinette, really I-“

“Shhhhh. I’m trying to read.”

Chat buried his face in his hands and groaned, refusing to move from his spot so he could only see the back of Marinette’s head if he were to look up at her.

She was reading, she was actually freaking finishing the chapter and the blond was dying internally in more ways than one. He didn’t even know what part she was on and what parts she’d already read. Would she even think the akuma was original? Maybe he should’ve added more detail to his costume.

The room grew silent for a few minutes, the only sounds being the now light rain hitting Marinette’s window and the girl’s several yawns. Adrien felt bad, he honestly did. But he couldn’t do anything. Marinette was determined to finish this chapter and wouldn’t let anyone stop her.

And the fact that he admired that quality about her was frustrating him even more.

She started to make a few comments here-in-there as she read, allowing the boy to engage in the reading along with her. Possibly to make him more comfortable about the whole thing. And at first it wasn’t really helping his nerves at all, but then she started chuckling at a few jokes and complimenting small sentences and Adrien went from avoiding her gaze completely to having his whole focus on her. He even eventually walked over to her and sat on the floor beside her feet, enjoying her company and the way her eyebrows would knit together in concentration when she was reading the fight scene. She was getting into it and Chat found that fascinating.

And slightly cute but he immediately ignored that thought as soon as it entered his mind.

Time went by and before he knew it, she was done and looking down at him with a small smile and a satisfied nod.

He could’ve cried he was so relieved.

“It was alright?”

“Yeah. That akuma was really intense. And I enjoyed reading the fight sequence. There were a few grammar mistakes but those could be easily fixed.”

“Oh, really? Where?”

He stood up with a soft smile on his face, standing right next to the girl when he was on both feet. Marinette scrolled up and down through the story pointing out a few errors and explaining things that Adrien jotted down in his mind to change later.

Marinette was so kind and he wished he was closer to the girl as Adrien so he could thank her properly for everything she’d done for him the past couple of weeks by buying her lunch or really anything that would show his appreciation. But he couldn’t so he instead thanked her as properly and as genuinely as he could as he got ready to leave moments later.

“Marinette, thank you honestly so much for everything. I really appreciate this.”

They were by her circular window, Marinette having opened it for him to leave. It stopped raining and Adrien was feeling both refreshed and tired at the same time. He wouldn’t have minded staying longer, but he didn’t want to overstay his welcome and he felt that Plagg would kill him if he had to hold the transformation much longer.

“No problem.” She responded before yawning.

“Get some sleep, okay?”

She nodded.

“You too. And also, before you go,” Her hands clasped together and she swung them a bit, her eyes on them for a few seconds before she met his gaze once more. “Do you have anyone you can talk to about what happened?”

The small smile he had faded and he rose an eyebrow in confusion.

“About what happened? With my story or-“

She shook her head, “No, with what really happened. The reason you came tonight.”

Oh yeah, he’d almost forgotten about what happened with his father. He was going to have to return now and write that damn email. And pretend as if nothing happened the next time he’d see him. Which probably wouldn’t be for a few days knowing how the man was busy.

He forced a reassuring smile.

“Don’t worry. I’ll be fine, princess.”

“You can come back you know.”

He scrunched up his eyebrows and felt the smile fall.

She cleared her throat and squeezed her hands before continuing, her voice hesitant.

“If you ever need a critique or some editing on your chapter or…you just want to talk, as vague as you want, you can.”

He honestly didn’t know what to respond. His heart was too busy clenching to help him out and his words were stuck in his throat.

She wouldn’t mind if he came back.

Holy shit.

“I um,” this time he cleared his throat. “I-I’d like that. Thank you.”

“Yeah.”

“Yeah.”

He was smiling genuinely now since he couldn’t help it and she mirrored his expression.

“Goodnight, Chat Noir.”

“Goodnight.”

With one final wave, he brought out his staff and extended it, jumping himself out of his friend’s home and into the night once more. He was already half way to his house when he realized that he was still wearing her hoodie.

He smiled.

Looked like he was going to have to return it.

[decideroffate]

Since my Fates fan fiction is going down an entirely different path I really wanted to share the original plan. Clearly not all every detail is here, but the key stuff is.

A few things to note that applies to all routes a lot of this still remains true to the current fan fiction, so slight spoilers.

Mikoto is the mother of Takumi and Sakura

Azura is not all-knowing. As much as I like her I could make a drinking game with all the plot twists she spews that comes straight the fuck out of nowhere

Scarlet and her rebellion are a joke. I hate the Cheve chapters because, what the fuck are the rebelling against exactly?! Raised taxes? The equivalent of police brutality? What?! At least the Ice Tribe has justification with Flora and Felicia.

Izana has himself a lady named Mine, who is with child. Whether or not Izana and Mine are married, or if their child is born depends on when he’s met in the route (he’s married and his child is born in Conquest, but not Birthright) At the end of Conquest and Birthright they’re likely married though.

Lake travel is tweaked a little in order to keep traveling somewhat consistent. To get to Valla via lake you need to be from Valla, to get back from Valla it’s… not necessary, but helps to have a Vallite with you. Or at least someone who used to lake travel, for no other reason than keeping calm.

There’s no Deeprealms. Birthright and Conquest take place over the course of ten years.

Birthright

Almost after the battle, the repricautions of Vaiana’s choice hit hard. Not helped by Hinoka treating it as a victory for Hoshido, which leads her and Sakura to have an argument over it (probably not the worst out there, but still jarring considering it’s Sakura). Jakob is the only one Vaiana wants to see. A day or so later there is a bit of discussion about Jakob’s presents in Hoshido, but Vaiana lays down the law, either he stays, or they go.

Shortly after Vaiana is relocated into an empty fort, with the only other people living there with her being Sakura, Tsubaki, Hana, and Azura. She’s kept there for about three years and the fact that she’s gone from one gilded cage to another is not lost on her. Vaiana even outright says that Garon was never cruel enough to tease her with the size.

Vaiana decides she’s had enough when she hears about a border village under the attack of Faceless. Gathering anyone willing to go with her Vaiana marches to the village only to find they’re too late, there are no survivors. Mozu’s dismembered body joins the rest of her village in the funeral pier.

Throught the route Iago (and later Garon) express disappointment in Vaiana and her apparent understanding of the situation. And the meeting with the Rainbow Sage happens far sooner. Throughout Azura is not treated with the same respect as she does in-game, making it clear that she was never really considered a part of the family.

The Chevios rebellion is treated as an utter joke. As Jakob and Vaiana are quick to point out, they have no reason to rebel. As it would turn out, the ‘rebels’ are just a bunch of bored, untrained, over privileged children, who are very much aware that if Scarlet agrees to Ryoma’s alliance, they’re going to march to their deaths. Because of this, a few members of the Chevios rebellion abduct Vaiana with the intent of weaponizing her dragon form. All this earns them is a rogue dragon the Hoshidan army has to subdue before Vaiana loses herself.

The ordeal leaves Vaiana bitter and no longer feeling safe. When Scarlet tries apologize, she makes the mistake of saying she had no part in her attack. Vaiana, using her partial transformations, nearly causes the building they’re in to collapse during her beat down of Scarlet. Scarlet’s soldiers abducted Vaiana because they were afraid of dying because they were untrained. As their leader Scarlet should have done better, she was just as much responsible for Vaiana’s attack as her actual attackers.

Around the same time, Jakob, furious that Hoshido has hurt Vaiana far more than Nohr ever did lays down a mighty Reason You Suck Speech (in the vain of Last Midnight from Into the Woods). It’s because of this that Ryoma refuses an alliance with Scarlet he goes on to lead the frontline while Vaiana tries to recover from her physical and mental injuries from the ordeal. It’s mentioned that the Nohrian armies put an end to the Chevois rebellion and Scarlet was killed via public hanging. What’s left of the rebellion disbanded and went on to live quite lives.

After a slight time skip, Vaiana is still left rather jaded and is only just beginning to feel safe around strangers.

After Kaze dies Vaiana is screaming at Saizo to take it out on her. He doesn’t, only saying Kaze went above and beyond the call of duty, something Vaiana feels is worse than had he actually yelled. It’s not helped at all when Kagero explains that the ninja are taught not to get too attached, or show outward emotion.

Jakob has no sympathy for Flora, calling her pathetic, and a coward. Vaiana realizes just how much he hated her. Jakob sympathies do go to Felicia as she had lost everything and has little means to take care of herself because of it.

In the Woods of Forlorn Niles goes as far as to claim that Vaiana has done worst than he could ever do to Leo. He even applauds her talent. The backtrack to the Rainbow Sage doesn’t happen as it happened during the intial cross to Nohr. Nor dose

Camilla and Leo are very much aware that just talking things out isn’t going to work. Far too late for that. But both decide it’s something Vaiana and Elise need to learn for themselves. They both expected Elise to live, though. After Elise dies Xander’s far more blatant about his suicide attempt, taking things into his own hands when Vaiana refuses to fight. Xander’s passing leaves Vaiana a shell of her former self and adopts the mentality of ‘I’m going hell, might as well get ready for the take-over.’ Laslow and Peri were also killed.

Azura’s husband is present for Azura’s death. (Well, okay, obviously not Kaze but you know…) Despite the pain she’s in Azura both wants to see her children one last time but doesn’t want them to see their mother die in front of them.

As opposed to Ryoma’s coronation, the Hoshidan’s witness Leo’s coronation. Takumi always thought Nohr wasn’t picky when it came to gender. And they’re not, but Camilla claims that a vengeful queen is the last thing Nohr needs as she would surely drag Nohr and Hoshido to hell after everything they’ve done. All with an unnerving smile. Hinoka awkwardly states that she always thought Camilla had no sense of humor. According to Vaiana, Camilla wasn’t lying.

It’s noted that Odin resigned as Leo’s retainer and explained that he was old friends with Laslow and likely returned to their unknown homeland. The implication being that Owain returned to Ylisse to inform Olivia and her husband (in this case Lon’qu) of what happened to Inigo. It’s also mentioned that of the Awakening Trio, Selena’s staying in Nohr, even after Camilla abdicated her royal title and essentially reclassed into a Witch. Camilla is essentially roommates with her old retainers.

When meeting Azura at the lake Vaiana’s convinced she was just imagining things. To her, it’d make more sense for Azura’s ghost to stick around her children. It’s also noted that Vaiana’s holding on to the pendant. She and Azura’s husband will later decide who to give it to.

Vaiana, broken by war, stars dulling her pain by drinking. It’s implied she’s also gone to self-harm. The people of Nohr have started pressuring Leo to retaliate against Hoshido for that they’ve done in the war. The subject of marriage has come up in an attempt to ease tensions, however, Hinoka is already married with a child on the way. Leading Vaiana to suggest she offer herself.

Ryoma and Yukimura talk about it in private. Yukimura mentions that, though it’s through marriage, Vaiana is still a princess of Hoshido. And he would not have been surprised it Sumeragi and Mikoto discussed the idea. However, Vaiana, looking to talk to Ryoma about her suggestion, suddenly appears inside asking what Yukimura meant when he called her a princess through marriage. Slowly, her reeling mind figures it out herself, she’s not Sumeragi’s child.

Both men try to explain it, no she’s not Sumeragi’s daughter, but he was there where her real father wasn’t. He was there since she was born. Vaiana, however, demands to know when they planned on telling her. Neither Yukimura nor Ryoma has an answer for her. Not only does Vaiana realize Ryoma had absolutely no intention of ever telling her, she get’s it in her head that Mikoto was never going to tell her either (having no proof, either way, muddles it just a bit).

Realizing she had no more obligation to Hoshido than she did Nohr finally pushes Vaiana over the edge. She puts her all into destroying her dragonstone, and like steam released from a pot, her troubles are gone. Vaiana’s mind deteriorates, consumed by one thought alone; the continent was not worth saving. Allowing the beast to completely take over, Vaiana sets her sights on bringing an end to Hoshido and Nohr.

Conquest

The earliest changes in this comes in Jakob essentially taking Silas’s place when explaining things to Vaiana. And, skipping ahead a little, there is a bit of discussion between Silas and Vaiana when Vaiana made Kaze her second retainer over  Silas. The fact of the matter is, Vaiana really does not like how Silas refuses to acknowledge that things have changed, and REALLY doesn’t like how he’s essentially using her to make himself feel better. She’s had enough of that with both sets of siblings.

Unlike Birthright, Mozu is actually saved by Leo. When they do meet, Vaiana offers to take her in. And when Garon and Azura do meet, Garon ends up having something akin to a heart attack

After defeating Hinoka in Notre Sagesse, Kaze switches sides, noting that Mikoto was very much aware that Vaiana may want to return to Nohr, and only asked her children to respect it. The only one doing that is Sakura. Meanwhile, Rinkah, realizing that Vaiana’s been avoiding deaths, and having warmed up to her while bringing her to Hoshdio, informs Hinoka that the Flame Tribe will no longer cooperate with Hoshido.

A little later Vaiana and Kaze have their talk about what happened the night she was taken, something they never had until the last moment in Hoshido.

Elise and a few other members of the group end up getting sick. Vaiana is far, FAR angrier with Ryoma for the tact he’s using, even saying he would fit in pretty well in Nohr just to get a rise out of him. Meanwhile, Kaze tries to explain his reasons for defecting to Saizo, and Kagero. Kagero is a bit more willing to listen.

A reoccurring theme is that Vaiana will not allow herself to be bullied into feeling guilty for leaving Hoshido. Especially since she barely knew them. Takumi was unwilling to give her a chance, Hinoka was unwilling to get to know Vaiana as she is now over the girl she was then, and Ryoma was busy. The only person who get’s any guilt out of her is Sakura, the only one she really bonded with and the only one who really has Vaiana’s happiness in mind.

As is the case with Birthright Scarlet’s rebellion is a joke, and Garon’s finally had enough for their mischief and the people coming to him about raising taxes because of their actions (property damage, wasted food that could be harvest). And as is the case with Birthright Scarlet ends up being put to death in a public hanging. This time, however, Vaiana get’s to see the public reactions, and she does pity Scarlet slightly as no one’s going to miss her.

In Cyrkensia Azura dose her ritual in an attempt to purge Garon of Anankos’ influence. When that fails, rather than ordering the performers killed, Cyrkensia is searched for the singer. Unfortunately, some maidens who bare a passing resemblance are also brought in for further questioning.

When Vaiana follows Azura into Valla Azura starts to suspect that Mikoto may have been from Valla. But before she can dwell on it too long they’re met by Gunter, prompting Azura to explain that she struggled to get him out without the risk of getting them both killed. Then there was the issue of finding the lake. In private Azura explains that she has when she looks at Garon. And the fact that the castle healers couldn’t find a definitive answer to what was ailing Garon when he had his ‘heart attack’ which further causes unease. She had hoped that she could find something of use in the surviving archives of Valla, but she decides not to push her luck for the time being.

Beruka finds the three shortly after they return to Cyrkensia. Garon was attacked while they were gone, the only thing witnesses could agree on was the assailant has short, vibrant red hair. While the princesses follow Beruka to Garon, Gunter stays behind and mentions that things were going according to plan.

All of Cyrkensia is on alert after Garon’s attack, the king himself is in the infirmary with Iago, leaving Xander to lead the search parties. Vaiana asks if it was really Hinoka, and while Xander agrees she fit’s the description, he chooses to believe that she isn’t stupid enough to do something like this without covering her most promenade feature. Meanwhile, Iago starts muttering to himself, wondering why Hinoka hasn’t been caught yet. Garon, speaking quite clearly for someone who was just attacked, isn’t all that concerned. The last thing Iago smells is death before an ax flashes.

The search goes on for hours, and it’s only after the royals regroup do they hear one of Cyrkensia’s healers scream. The scream in question came from Garon’s room. Xander and Leo find the healer dead on the floor beside Iago, and Slime Garon standing above them. Whether or not Garon’s attack put a sort of enchantment over him is unknown, but Garon starts attacking without rhyme or reason. It’s noted in the description that the stench of decay follows Garon wherever he goes, and in certain lighting, one could swear they can see bones under the slime. Though the royals try to talk sense into Garon, Xander is forced to realize that it’s a losing fight and kills Garon in the hopes he’s released of whatever claimed him.

As an ‘epilogue’ of sorts it’s revealed that Garon’s real attacker was the late Queen Ikona as a Vallite Soldiers and that the recently deceased Iago has been resurrected as one such soldier. Some bits of Iago’s original personality remains, as he’s giddy as soon as he realized what Anankos’ plan was. With everyone thinking Hinoka was the one responsible for Garon’s attack and subsequent madness Xander will be pressured into retaliation.

Sure enough, sometime after Xander’s coronation the people of Nohr are demanding Hinoka answer to her alleged crime. Xander, however, is not so quick as to call for Hinoka’s head just yet and tries to set up a meeting with Ryoma to talk things out, he refuses every time until Xander is left with little choice but to invade.

From then on what happens for a while happens as it dose in-game. Sakura is captured, but Elise tries to explain that they initially just wanted to talk things out with Ryoma and Hinoka, even get an alibi. But Sakura counters with the fact that it’s too late now. Nohr’s people are convinced.

I’m going to have to cut this part short as I’m actually reusing it for the revised version.

Revelation

I actually never got around to writing an outline for this one, but I do know of some points that were going to be in it.

While it’s true for the other two routes, Vaiana suspects she isn’t Sumeragi’s daughter as she realizes she did not inherit anything from him. Likewise, she figures out her relation to Anankos on her own.

Izana dies, and Mine takes over until their child comes of age. The child is born by the time of Vaiana’s corrination

After the battle with Xander and Ryoma’s forces in Nestria Azura and Vaiana return to Valla to talk freely, but as it turns out, Takumi followed them. Vaiana realizes that Mikoto had to have been from Valla because of it.

The Rainbow Sage is confirmed to be Vaiana’s paternal grandfather (likewise the case with Lilith, who already knew).

This is the only route Scarlet scurvies, ironically, because she doesn’t go along on the adventure. The one who takes her place to die however is either Yukimura or Flora. I hadn’t fully deiced either or, both work, and both wouldn’t have been so painfully obvious.

Fuga and Flora would have had a Big Damn Heroes moment, arriving during White Flames.

Ryoma and Vaiana actually talk about what happened when she was taken. And during Ryoma’s support with Xander he decides to put his trust in Xander by revealing Vaiana’s true origin to him (or at least what he knows).

[kujo1597]

Actually, That Was a Good Thing

The fight left a void in Peridot’s heart. She’s never been close enough to somebody before for this to happen. She’s had fights before but never with somebody so wonderful. And over her roommate her she cares about dearly too.

A small part of Amethyst saw it coming. It always happens at some point. But why did it hurt so much this time? Why was Peridot the one that made it hurt the most? “Probably because she’s never yelled at me before” Amethyst reasoned.

No, that wasn’t it.

You can also read this on Archive of Our Own.

Chapter 12

Peridot couldn’t sleep the night after her fight with Amethyst. Her mind was still reeling and racing trying to figure out what exactly she did wrong and how to fix it.

They hadn’t talked or texted or anything for two weeks.

It wore on Peridot, she was a wreck.

She felt awful for Max, he tried his very best but not even he could help.

Peridot had told her dad about it and his main piece of advice was to talk to Amethyst.

He didn’t know the full story but that advice is generally sound.

Problem is, Amethyst was ignoring Peridot.

He also said that there’s nothing wrong with breaking off a relationship if all it causes is pain.

But Angel was frankly, terrified that Amethyst would end up being Jaune 2.0.

Not that Peridot knew that.

She glanced at the table and saw a birthday invitation.

Her gut clenched when she saw the glittery pink letters that read:

Steven’s birthday!

Come to the family barn out in the country for cake and games and music and fun!

It’d make me a very happy Steven!  ☆ 

She wanted to go because she adores Steven, he’s the little brother she’s never had.

But Amethyst is his guardian so she’ll be there.

Then again, this might be Peridot’s only chance to talk to Amethyst.

She decided to go.

Lapis needed the car so Peridot got a ride from Greg, she sat in the front while Connie was in the back seat.

Even they noticed that Peridot was doing poorly, her hair was split down the middle as if she gave up on getting it perfect like she normally would.

Greg looked at Peridot with a frown. “I’m not sure what happened between you and Amethyst but if you want any advice or just to talk, I’m here for you.” 

“Really?” Peridot couldn’t believe it. “But you’ve known Amethyst for much longer. You’re on my side?”

“There’s no ‘sides’ to this; you and Amethyst are both my friends and important in my son’s life. I don’t want to see either of you so miserable.”

“Thank you Greg,” Peridot remembered the child in the back seat. “But perhaps now might not be the best time.”

“Okay, maybe later. But Peridot, sometimes the best thing to do is talk,” Greg shrugged. “Worked for me and Rose.”

Peridot smiled. “My dad gave me the same advice.”

“Well there we go, you got a second opinion,” Greg smiled back.

The mood lightened considerably in the van. Greg and Connie helped keep Peridot’s mind off things.

But it couldn’t last.

Amethyst was at the party.

Of course she was, Steven’s her kid.

She made no eye-contact with Peridot. All she did was cross her arms and bore a hole in the ground with her eyes.

Greg, Connie, and Steven greeted each other exuberantly, but Peridot couldn’t care.

Something Greg said shocked Connie.

But Peridot didn’t care. She was too preoccupied with trying to figure out how to start the much-needed conversation with Amethyst.

The only thing to snap Peridot out of it was Steven squeezing her in a tight hug.

“I’m glad you came!”

Peridot had a bit of trouble smiling. “Happy birthday Steven.”

He noticed this, kid’s perceptive. “You and Amethyst are still fighting, huh.”

“Yeah,” Peridot sighed. “So I might have to leave early. It depends on how things go.” 

“I hope you two can make up.”

“Me too,” seeing Steven so depressed was hard for Peridot. “Hey, don’t worry about us, today’s your special day. Go have fun.”

Steven obliged but not before sadly looking between Peridot and Amethyst a few times.

Peridot approached Amethyst. “Can we talk?”

“Can’t, I gotta help set up the party,” Amethyst’s reply was terse, and a bit of a lie; Pearl and Garnet had it covered.

“Please, just this one talk,” Peridot decided to be a bit pushy. “After that I’ll stop pestering you.”

“Fine.”

Amethyst led Peridot to a secluded place far away from the barn.

They awkwardly stood there for an agonizing stretch of time.

It eventually became obvious that Amethyst wasn’t going to make the first step so Peridot did.

“Listen... I...”

Or at least she tried, but words failed her.

“Just spit it out,” Amethyst was quickly losing her patience.

“What are you so difficult?” Peridot took a breath, in and out. I can’t screw up my last chance.

Peridot exhaled and hoped that it didn’t sound like a sigh. “Okay, so about Lapis. I already told you that I keep her happy so I can be happy,” Peridot noticed Amethyst’s glare. “There’s more to it than that-”

“Yeah,” Amethyst interrupted. “You like her more than me.”

The tone caught Peridot off-guard. “N... no, I don’t.”

“Admit it! This always happens!”

“What always happens?”

“My partner gets bored of me and moves on,” Amethyst was full-on crying at this point. “Just make it official already.”

“Amethyst...” Peridot slowly put her hand on Amethyst’s shoulder so as not to startle the woman. “No, that’s not what’s going on. Let’s forget about Lapis for now and talk about you.”

“What’s there to talk about? I’m awful and nobody wants to stay with me.”

“You’re not awful, you’re one of the best people I ever met. And I want to stay with you.” 

“Liar.”

“No, it’s true. During our relationship, heck, even before that, when we met at that club, you’ve made me the happiest I’ve ever been. And you helped me out a lot. You helped me see things from a new perspective, you were there for me when my mother came to town. You saved up so you could treat me. You’re... wonderful Amethyst.”

Peridot started to cry as well. “I wish I could make you that happy too.”

“Oh god,” Amethyst sighed and sat on the ground. “I got so wrapped up in my shit brain again.”

“Shit brain?” Peridot sat next to Amethyst.

“I got really bad anxiety or some shit and when I saw how you are with Lapis it went to the worse-case scenario,” Amethyst angrily groaned into her knees.

“Stay with me Amethyst,” Peridot cautiously held Amethyst by the shoulders.

“I don’t want you to think you can’t be friends with other girls. Partners like that are the worst.”

“I can understand where you’re coming from. I’ve tended to Lapis’ needs more than I have yours.”

“Still don’t make it right. I’m so sorry Peri.”

“Apology accepted. And, I’m sorry for not tending to you more.”

“It’s fine, you have a lot going on.”

“No, it’s not fine. I’ve prioritized everybody else over you. Of course you felt like you did. I should be a more attentive partner.”

“Alright, I accept your apology. But don’t start putting me way above you. You’re important too.”

“Thank you.”

They sat together in a somewhat comfortable silence but more needed to be said.

So Peridot started once again.

“Would it be okay if I explain why I take care of Lapis like I do?”

“Yeah, go for it. I’ll try not to flip out again.”

“Okay, it’s mostly because I’m thankful that she’s let me live with her. But another reason is that I feel guilty.”

“About what?” Amethyst looked Peridot in the eyes. “Not your fault she’s like that.”

“It kind of is though, because she’s paying more than half of the rent she can’t afford the help she needs. So I’m trying to help her.”

“I had no idea. But Peri, was she in therapy before you moved in?”

“Well, no. But it might not have ever crossed her mind before.”

“Even so, I doubt she’d go, even if she could.”

Peridot's shoulders slumped and her expression was heavy. “You might be right. I offered to increase how much of the rent I pay and she refused.”

“Yeah, exactly. So it’s not really your fault.”

They got silent again.

This time it was Amethyst who broke the silence. “But you know, even with whatever’s wrong with Lapis, she needs to own up to what she does to people.”

“I know. I’ve never let her know how our therapy sessions affect me. But she does know what she did to Jasper was wrong.”

“She still hasn’t apologized for it,” Amethyst sounded mad, but not at Peridot.

“Lapis seldom says ‘I’m sorry’ she instead says that what she did was wrong and then buries herself in her art.”

“But Jasper needs that apology. She’s a mess Per.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. I’ll try my best to get Lapis to apologize to Jasper.”

“And you also need to come clean to her. What she does ain’t good for you.”

“Yeah, I know. But I’m not sure how to tell her.”

“Just be honest; like you are right now,” Amethyst punched her hand. “And if she has a problem with it I’ll take care of her.”

Peridot laughed. “Please don’t beat up my roommate.”

“Nah, I won’t. But seriously though, if she makes a huge deal out of it come live with me.”

There was some hesitation before Peridot replied. “I would definitely consider it.”

Amethyst looked hurt.

“No, Amethyst,” Peridot felt bad. “It’s not you, it’s one-hundred percent me. I’m terrified of moving too fast.”

“Okay, that’s fair,” Amethyst leaned on Peridot. “I’m cool with taking it slow.”

“Thank you.”

This silence was actually very comfortable.

It was nice and sorely missed.

But there was a party to join.

They held hands as they walked and when Steven saw them his whole face lit up.

“You made up,” he ran up and hugged them both. “This is the best birthday present ever!”

“Well, I guess I’ll give my present to Max then, no point in trying to top the best ever,” Peridot teased.

“You can compete with the best present ever,” immediately came Steven’s starry-eyed response.

Peridot laughed as she ruffled his hair.

“What a cute kid,” went through her mind.

“Steven,” Greg called him, he was holding a cape and a crown. “Go get ready in the barn, we’ll call you out when we’re ready.”

Steven jauntily ran off and took the things from Greg then went into the barn.

“Aw, cute,” Peridot said with a smile.

“Yep, it’s a Universe family tradition,” Amethyst looked a little motherly. “It’s kinda goofy.”

Peridot and Amethyst joined the rest of the party-goers. With the fog of ‘shit, I need to fix things’ gone Peridot was able to take them in.

First was Pearl, unsurprisingly, if Peridot didn’t know better she’d swear Steven was Pearl’s own flesh-and-blood.

Then there was Garnet holding a cake shaped like a cookie cat low enough for two women even shorter than Peridot to reach. She recognized them from Garnet’s sleeve tattoo... The one with the greying afro holding a red candle shaped like the number one was Ruby if Peridot remembered correctly. Which made the one with the long silver hair and eyepatch holding a blue four-shaped candle Sapphire.

Wait...

Then it hit Peridot.

“Steven’s fourteen?!”

“I know!” At least Connie was surprised too.

“Oh stars, I’ve been treating him like he’s ten.”

Greg noticed Peridot’s guilty expression. “Don’t worry about it, Steven really likes you. He likes hugs, and head pats, and toys.”

Pearl nodded in agreement. “Mm-hmm, he’s always so happy to see you so you haven’t done anything wrong.”

That helped a little bit.

But what helped even more was realizing that she could give him more complex model kits and perhaps even build some with him.

“Oh no, where are my manners?” Peridot thought.

She walked up to Ruby and Sapphire. “Hi, nice to meet you, I’m Peridot.”

“Nice to meet you too,” Ruby shook Peridot’s hand. “I’m Ruby.”

“Sapphire,” she shook Peridot’s hand. “We’ve heard a lot about you.”

“Yeah, you sound like a nice girl,” Ruby’s tone turned serious as she looked Peridot in the eye. “But if you ever break my little Amethyst’s heart again, I’ll break you.”

“Mum!” Garnet scolded her.

Ruby laughed. “Kidding, I’m kidding. I wouldn’t actually do that.”

Peridot tried to laugh but just couldn’t.

“Aw, calm down, that’s just something us parents say to their daughter’s partner.”

“Ruby!” Even at the age of thirty, Amethyst was dying of embarrassment. 

“What? It’s the cute quiet ones you have to look out for,” Ruby smiled fondly. “You’ve seen Sapphire lose her temper.”

“Ruby,” Sapphire playfully scolded her wife. “You’re going to scare Peridot off.”

“Alright, alright, I’ll back off,” Ruby clapped Peridot on the shoulder before walking off to finish helping with the decorations.

“Did Ruby and Sapphire adopt you?” Peridot asked Amethyst.

“Yeah, probably shoulda mentioned that,” Amethyst’s cheeks were still a bit warm. “They’re real nice. Just a bit embarrassing sometimes.”

Peridot giggled. “Yeah, my dad’s a bit embarrassing too sometimes. When he helped me move here he picked me up and hugged me right in-front of everyone at the airport. Honestly, I think the only thing that stopped him from doing the same thing the last time he saw me was my still-fresh burns.”

“Heh, really? So is your dad a big guy?”

“Nope, average,” Peridot replied. “He just gets a little caught up in the moment sometimes.”

“Ruby’s like that too.”

“And so are you,” Peridot held Amethyst’s hand. “You’re always picking people up to hug them.”

They noticed everybody gathering in-front of the barn and continued to talk as they joined them.

“Does it bug you when I do that to ya?” Amethyst asked.

“Not at all,” Peridot looked bashful as she continued. “I like it. It reminds me of my dad.”

Amethyst chuckled. “You’re such a daddy’s girl.” She kissed Peridot on the temple.

Peridot’s expression was slightly melancholy.

“Wanna talk about it?”

“There’s nothing to talk about; my reason for being a,” Peridot made a face, “‘daddy’s girl,’” but it was only temporary, “is because he was my rock. He’s always made me feel safe.”

That statement would normally be very sweet but Amethyst knew about Peridot’s childhood. So it was a bit... depressing.

“Aw, don’t look like that,” Peridot squeezed Amethyst’s hand. “It’s a good thing.”

Pearl excitedly led everybody into surprising Steven.

“Yeah, I guess it is.”

The barn doors opened with Steven standing in the doorway.

“Happy birthday!”

Everybody said with a smile.

Steven jauntily ran out of the barn starry-eyed. “Oh my gosh! Thanks guys!” He noticed the cake. “Is that Cookie Cat?!”

“It is,” Pearl radiated motherly pride. “I picked the design and Sapphire and I baked it. We know how much you like Cookie Cat.”

“I love Cookie Cat,” Steven exclaimed then hugged Pearl and Sapphire.

“C’mere kid,” Ruby picked Steven up. “I helped so you’d better hug me too.”

Steven chuckled as Ruby squeezed him in a hug and Sapphire could faintly be heard saying, “you helped by licking the bowl.”

“It’s an important job, Sapphy.”

“Indeed it is, you helped me get a head start on washing dishes.”

They kissed after Ruby put Steven down.

The rest of the party-goers got hugs and then the cake was eaten, then it was time for presents.

Most of them were toys and games, Connie gave Steven a nice pink button-up shirt, he loved the colour and wore it for the rest of the party.

Then he got to Peridot’s present.

She was worried that it was too “kiddie” but now it was too late to get or make a new one.

He opened it and his face lit up.

“Cookie Cat!”

Steven held up a meticulously stitched Cookie Cat plush for everybody to see. It even had a space helmet. In fact, every detail was just right.

“Thank you Peri!” Steven almost knocked her over when he hugged her.

“Where did you get that?” Greg asked. “I’ve looked everywhere for one of those.”

“I made it,” Peridot redirected her attention back to Steven. “You’re welcome. And you know what, you can take the helmet off so you can sleep with him if you want.”

In his excitement Steven danced from foot-to-foot.

As Steven went off to play with Connie, Peridot walked up to Pearl.

“I can give you the pattern so if anything happens to it you can make another,” Peridot shrugged. “Or you can just tell me and I will.”

“Thank you Peridot,” Pearl smiled at her. “That was a wonderful gift.”

“He makes it very obvious that Cookie Cat is his favourite,” Peridot said with a giggle.

“When they stopped making the ice cream we bought everything in the store for him.”

Peridot laughed. “Dad did something like that once. Kinder was making limited edition eggs for a franchise I love. Before I knew it I had six boxes.”

“Sometimes parents can go a bit overboard,” Pearl said with a smile.

“It’s funny, you never mentioned Steven when we were in school together. It really surprised me.”

“Yeah, well,” Pearl blushed. “I... well... for one thing, I was already obviously, you know,” Pearl raised an eyebrow, “old. And raising an adolescent just made it clearer. I was already having trouble fitting in with my peers.” Pearl sighed. “The other reason is a bit shameful. As you know, Rose died during childbirth and when you’ve dated someone for eleven years you’re quite attached to them. Well, ideally anyway.”

“I can’t believe you dated Rose for that long.”

“We met in service. I was a soldier and she was a nurse,” Pearl looked nostalgic. “We did a lot of talking and she was the only one in the army who knew about me being trans. Remember, it was a different time. She was accepting of me.” Pearl laughed fondly. “Eventually we decided to ditch the army and started protesting together.”

“I’m sorry, I’m not too familiar with the military. Isn’t that really really bad?”

“You’re absolutely correct. Fortunately Rose had some friends in low places that helped make our old selves disappear.” Pearl elbowed Peridot. “Saved me the hassle of legally changing my gender.”

“Heh, I imagine.”

“Anyway,” Pearl looked a bit sad no... that wasn’t the word. Remorseful. “Another reason I never talked about Steven was because at the time I was still reeling over Rose’s passing. I was actually mad at Steven, as if it was his fault Rose wasn’t alive. It was a dark time for me and I feel awful about that.”

“For what it’s worth, I think you’ve gotten past that,” Peridot patted Pearl’s back. “You treat him better than a lot of mothers treat their children.”

“That’s kind of a low bar.”

“Okay fine, a higher bar. You treat him as well as my dad treats me.”

Pearl smiled, it was well-known how highly Peridot thinks of her dad. “Thank you Peridot.” She smirked. “Are you sure you’re the same Peridot I punched?”

They shared a laugh.

Several hours later the party was winding down. Steven and Connie were planning their night together in the barn.

“Hey Peridot,” Greg called. “If you want me to give you a ride you should get ready.”

“No thank you,” Peridot called back. “Amethyst offered a ride.”

Amethyst waved at Greg.

“Okay, nice seeing you,” Greg waved at the pair then got into his van and drove off.

“The kids are in the barn,” Amethyst kissed Peridot’s neck, “wanna have a make-up make-out sesh?”

Peridot laughed. “Alright, just a quick one. Pearl and Garnet are still hanging around and so are Garnet’s parents. Your parents? What do you consider Ruby and Sapphire?”

“I’m not sure,” Amethyst replied as she nuzzled Peridot. “They’re Garnet’s parents before mine and they didn’t raise me. So they’re just Ruby and Sapphire to me.”

“Ah, I see,” Peridot lifted Amethyst’s chin and planted a kiss on her lips.

Amethyst returned the kiss realizing just how much she missed those lips, weird bump and all.

Peridot sorely missed Amethyst’s lips too. Plump and perfect, the slit on the top lip just added to the perfection. Small flaws bring out the best in things, in her opinion.

They ended up not going too far, just incase somebody happened by them.

Which was fine by Peridot, she loves to cuddle, and doing so under the stars was a great experience you didn’t get every day.

“Hey Peri,” Peridot made a noise of acknowledgment. “I really am glad we made up.”

“Same here. But boy, relationships are hard, I never felt like that before.”

“...Do you regret getting together with me?”

“No, if I did then I wouldn’t have made up with you,” Peridot’s reply was blunt. “Things get hard sometimes, but if life was always easy then it’d be pretty boring.”

“I guess that’s true.”

“Amethyst?”

“Yeah Peri?”

“I love you,” Peridot looked Amethyst in the eyes. “And that’s why I don’t regret dating you.”

Amethyst chuckled. “Love ya too Peri.”

Things were better but something in the back of Peridot’s mind told her that there was still more to talk about.

But that would be left for another day.

[zai-doodles]

PODCAST RECS

I'm throwing these here cuz I feel like it, I'll add more maybe

The adventure zone - brother play dnd with their dad and its funny as hell, story picks up around the 3rd arc but it maintains it humor throughout and it's just fucking amazing

Wolf 359 - these r the audio diaries of doug eiffle on the USS hephaestus, hes a lazy communication officer who is bffs with the ships ai, hera, and I love her sm. Podcast is super funny and light hearted then it kicks u in the feels bc fuck u. Its amazing though and I would holy heartedly reccomend it

The bright sessions- ok soooo imagine the x men in therapy??? So these r the audio logs of dr. Bright, shes a therapist who specializes in kids and adults with powers trying to live normal live by helping them cope with their abilities and teaching them to control them. This one is super cute and funny and great and one of the leading romances is a gay couple and I'm here for it. Plot is amazing and yes

The penumbra podcast - ok so imagine a detective noire black and white style film... on mars.... and gender doesnt exist... and everyone is bi.... and its amazing. Ok so u follow juno steel, a independent detective on mars who's a fucking bisexual disaster who cant catch a break. This one is a bit on the heavier side but still has its moments and its story and characters r so amazing and yes

Deadly manners - this one is short, its basically a who done it murder mystery thing and while cheesy it's very entertaining and funny throughout!

Archive 81- Ahh hhh ok ok so I have no idea how to explain this but basically it's a horror podcast that starts out following the recordings of this dude named Dave who is tasked with archiving some sketchy tapes for this sketchy company and the tapes have some really fucked up shit on them and then things happen and magic is real and it sucks cuz now u gotta give this payphone ur left hand.... it's really good but very dark and a lil confusing but the third season is so amazing and the ending of the second season is a trip and I love it sm

Girl in space - this girl has been left alone on a giant ship with nothing but an AI to keep her company for years, then all of a sudden she has guest and she must adapt and it's funny as hell and I love all of them so much ah

Bombarded - this is a dnd podcast abt 3 bards attending bard school and it's super silly and fun and the music is awesome, the plot is still in the works since it's just sorta picking up but it's a fun listen!

Directive - this one is short, it's a man who loses his job and is unable to find a new one so he takes a job as a care taker for rich ppl on a ship who r all taking a virtual vacation, the only problem being that he cant have any human physical interaction with anyone during his time on the ship. This one just made me cry oops, it's funny as hell at the beginning and then crying

Time bombs - another short one, 3 eps of just some bomb squad peeps doing their job on new years eve, this one is super funny and great and I love it so much and I need more of it now

The strange case of starship iris - ok ok lesbians in space. Yes. So violet liu is in a very shitty situation on a ship in space all by herself with little chance of survival until a woman on another ship makes contact with her and helps her out big time... but is she helping???? This one is super funny and all the characters r super fun and just ahh, it's short and updated whenever it wants but it's worth a listen!

The far meridian- the story of peri, an agoraphobic woman who's home one day starts moving some where new every day when she wakes up. She has no control where she winds up but sees it as a chance to search for her brother. She makes friends along the way and slowly learns to understand people and learn their stories then fucking some mind thing shows up and starts fucking with her and it makes me so sad

The blood crow stories- in its third season on going, this show is split in three separate stories. Season one focuses on a college student working on his final paper by doing an analysis of some old tapes he found of a boat that sunk in the early 1900s and also demons exist somehow and things take a turn so fast I just ahh. It's also super gay. Season two follows sheriff isaac of blackwell,set in American wild west, hes hunting a killer that seems to be targeting men in his town but things get complicated when they realized the killer has an army. This one is also gay. Season three is in a futuristic syfy setting following a hacker who works at an emergency hotline service, she starts getting freaked out by calls she gets at work and other strange happenings in her life. This too, is gay.

The message- NASA found an indecipherable message, determined to be from space, and assigns a team of scientists to figure out what it means. You follow a woman whose documenting the whole thing on her weekly podcast but things get complicated when they find out the reason no one could decipher the message

[furashuban]

Learning how to skate

Day 2: Dancing/Ice Skating

@lapidot-week

AO3: http://archiveofourown.org/works/9694088

summary: Lapis takes Peridot to the ice skating rink. But one of them doesn’t know how to skate.

The ice skating rink has been packed with guests ever since winter started. Just like any other rink, people would be sliding their feet with metal blades attached on their boots, dashing through the arena of ice around the size of a soccer field, and some would be perform aerobics while others would skate casually.

The rink was considerably unfilled one day. Thus the ice floor had enough space for 6 or more people to perform gymnastics. Or perhaps just carelessly skid around with a partner.

Lapis was not only a swimmer in her academy, but also quite fond of ice skating since the hobby was like walking on water, only ice-covered. Her roommate, Peridot, on the other hand neither was unaccustomed nor was she interested. She perhaps tried to gain curiosity, but focused more on revisions.  

The local stadium was a few blocks away from where Lapis and Peridot lives, as well as the college they studied in. And at one midafternoon on a weekend, Lapis brought her shrewd and blonde girlfriend to the rink after being told how uncrowded it was there. They strolled with their jacket and hoodie dressed and arrived at the arena soon after. At least one of them had a contented expression the moment they walked in.

The air was not as frigid as outdoor when they arrived. But it was better than walking with sleet mooring on them. “Huh, Pearl was right.” Lapis said, looking at nearly a number of people. “There aren’t as many people as before.”

“Lapis, why did you take me here?” Peridot asks neurotic as they proceed.

“We’re in an ice rink, what else would I bring you here for?” Lapis looks at her smiling and ironically.

“Hopefully not what I think…”

They far along acquired their skates and headed to the actual floor of ice. It felt like they were simply wearing metal stilts attached to boots as Peridot thought. But it wasn’t like she had ever worn them before. And that’s what made her edgy.

Lapis takes a head start to enter and slides gently. She looks behind her and sees Peridot coming in the rink rather leisurely and hesitantly. Her hand was rapt to the barrier and one of her skates seemed to be slipping, almost as if she was unbalanced.

“Are you feeling alright Peri?” she asks inquiringly.

“Um, yeah I’m fine. Just go ahead without me…” Peridot replies surely.

“Okay then. Just catch up with me when you can skate.” The blue haired girl proceeds to glide promptly through the ice with just a move of her skate, and starts to quicken her swiftness. She swirls and slithers around the zones of the rink, except Peri who ambled slowly and slowly.

As Peridot tries to steady herself with her blades for a lot of minutes, she only moves a few creeps, barely skating at all. She takes one gawp at Lapis, and immediately becomes astounded. The blue haired girl abruptly skates over her, and her eyes widen when she sees her azure locks fly a tad bit while she soars through the frozen ground. Her form looked so light, her movement was accordingly assured, her stance so faultless, and it somehow overwhelms Peridot, even if she just seems to be skating ordinarily. But it also makes her ask herself …“Lapis knows how to ice skate??”

Lapis’ direction was not far, thus Peridot unwisely thinks of trying to skate to her. “Okay Peri, you can do this…” she utters. She lets go of the barrier and stables herself out of the blue. But one move of her limb not only moves her forward, but causes her to lose firmness again. Her skates become slippery to control again and start flailing her arms around. She squeals alarmingly while trying to evade from slipping off her stance. But eventually, she impacts the ice floor­ landing on her chest and face.

Lapis observed Peridot’s slipup and quickly skates to her direction. She picks up her glasses that fell from her drop “Peri, are you okay?” she says as she grabs her arms. Peridot groans unpleasantly as she gets aided standing back up from her partner. “No Lapis.” She replies directly. “I literally just fell on my face!” The blue haired girl’s look becomes slightly frightened.

They rested on a bench while Lapis tries to examine for any injuries Peri might have received. “You can’t skate, can’t you?” Lapis asks.

“No. I never tried.” Peridot replies and gawks at her.

“And I guess you’re a little mad at me for forcedly bringing you here…” Lapis supposed.

“Well…no” Peridot answers assuredly. “I didn’t want to make you upset by not going. So I went with you anyway, even if I can’t skate.”

They both stand up when Peri felt mended enough to stand up. “It’s my fault that I didn’t mind asking if you could skate or not. So I’m sorry.” Lapis says. “If you want, we can just leave this place.”

Peridot pauses for a moment. “No.” she answers. Her mind was set on a choice. “Lapis, teach me how to ice skate.” She answers back nodding with a grin.

They enter back inside the rink, this time with Peri’s hand gripped on Lapis’. She trails the movement of her feet, striding slowly and serenely.

“First, we got to start really slow.” Lapis says. Peridot was a few meters away from her, but her hand was still locked on. Instantly, she felt like she was actually attaining it. They circled half the rink and later moves to the center. Lapis hastens both their speed prudently, pondering if her girlfriend could be harmonized comfortably with her. She looks back at Peridot. And to her blissful expectation, she was seen amused. “I think I’m doing it.” She says enthralled at herself, then Lapis smiles warmly.

Peridot copes in matching with Lapis’ skating. They circled and spun through different curves of the rink, sliding one foot at a time. Occasionally, Peri lets go of Lapis for her to twirl dazzlingly. The floor of ice was now their spectacle, and the audience was their manifestation.

Lapis looks back at her girlfriend and see the flaxen girl glancing at her with an amiable grin, making her face blush and becomes distracted. She loses focus on skating, slithering to a random direction.  Peridot notices their pace getting slower, then her blades were later slippery to control again.

She slips down to the ice floor yet again. But Lapis tries to pick her back up, shortly falling down with her. She lands nearly on top of her with their hand still gripped. As they both stare gawkily, Peridot laughs at their slipup, triggering Lapis to also chuckle.

They both get up unruffled and skate back to the exit. A few hours have passed, they returned their skates, and headed back home.

“Not bad for your first time skating.” Lapis says

“It could have been better…But yeah.” Peridot replies. “Thanks Lapis…” The blue haired girl receives a kiss on the cheek, making her flushed once more. She nuzzles her pale and thick hair as they walk along the sidewalk. Both of them were lightheaded from gliding around a lot. It was like flying, walking around space, things that Peridot could understand why Lapis knew and loved to ice skate. Now they both were charmed with the idea.

[nexstage]

LIMBO SILVAM - PART 9 (1/3)

It was the void again, but this time it felt different. Like something was missing. Though, of course, something was because the light, the sound, air, and other elements were nonexistent; still, there was an emptiness that couldn't leave them alone no matter how hard they tried to ignore it.

 "Lapis?" Someone was calling her name "Lapis, wake up!" Why they sounded so distraught? "Lapis, please! Wake up! Don't leave me!" Wait, that voice...

 "Peri...? Peridot?" Her eyes opened slowly and she spot the tear-stained gaze of her love, her eyebrows furrowed and the whole body was trembling.

 "Thank stars you're awake!" Peridot's arms wrapped on her neck, she could hear some sniffs and feel the wetness of her tears.

 "Hey, Peri. Hey, it's ok, I'm not going anywhere" a blue hand caressed the yellow, triangular-shaped hair to comfort her. Her cerulean eyes wandered to every corner of whatever they were, but the problem was that only black surrounded them. Utter black and silence.

 If it weren't for Peridot's presence and voice, she would go crazy in that desolated dimension.

 "--rry" Peri's voice was a pitiful whisper, but she could hear a bit of what she said, and Lapis didn't like it.

 "Say it again" Lapis grabbed both her companion's shoulders and looked at her seriously "Say it and then tell me if you would've liked to see me acting this way"

 Peridot, despite her tears and self-hatred blinding her judgment, understood what Lapis meant. She knew, from many conversations both had before this mess, that the blue gem tended to fall to a depressive hole, believing everyone was better off without her, that her mistakes and past wrongs made her look like poison instead of a flawed person. But it wasn't true. Lapis WAS flawed, like Peridot, Steven, and the rest of her friends. Good and bad traits together which made them unique. Still...

 "Laz, this is different. I should've protected you better, I should've done more, I shouldn’t have gotten us lost when the plan was reaching the light at the peak! I... I ruined it all... How can you be so forgiving with me?"

 "Because it's not your fault" Peridot was going to protest but Lapis stopped her "No, I'm serious. Peri, even if our places had been inversed back then, things would have still been out of control. The shadows, the monster, the storm, our bodies deteriorating. We would've ended up the same"

 "Are you really trying to make me feel better? Because it's not working" the blue gem smiled at her bitter and angst-ridden love to whom she hugged tightly. Peridot melted at the touch and clung like a baby koala, calming down a bit.

 "I'm still sorry, Laz" the technician said morosely "We're dead because of me"

 Lapis didn't know what to say at that. They were surrounded by darkness, yes, but it didn't feel like death, not yet. Should she tell her that maybe they were in a sort of coma? Would that change something?

 "I was in this kind of darkness too" Lazuli decided to approach it slowly "Maybe we are in the same condition I was. Maybe what we need is to find a way to wake up"

 "But how? Back then, I was the one finding you unconscious and even I thought you'd never get out of it, but now we don't have anyone to find and protect us from those monsters"

 "Come on" slender, blue fingers caressed a wet cheek "Since when the powerful and lovable Peridot gives up? What happened with 'I think we can win. I think you can win'?"

 "It was slapped by reality, Lapis. That's what happened. Reality and being rubbed in your face that without powers there's no point in trying. Besides, why are you so encouraging? As far as I know, we might be dead already and this is how the Afterlife looks like"

 "Because certain cute and brave gem has shown me all this time that trying new things may seem scary, but it is worth it in the end" Peridot didn't respond but the frown of her face told Lapis that the little gem didn't agree at all.

 What were they going to do now? There were no options but to wait for a miracle and even that was useless because they were stuck in the middle of nothing, in a black dimension or whatever part of the Afterlife. What about their friends, their family, their lives in Little Homeworld? All gone.

 Lapis could feel the helplessness and self-loathing emanating from Peridot. She was pretty familiar with those feelings, though it was better if she felt them than her crush. Being so distraught by your self-hatred because of some mistakes or what fate had in store for you wasn't a good experience. It was something Lazuli could relate to with Peri, but she'd rather see her smiling and not giving up than this.

 She truly wanted for the mechanic to keep trying, to think on a plan or at least give a last chance to go home, but come to think of it, Lazuli considered it a bit selfish to push encouragement and comprehension to her comrade who was emotionally drained and needed a break of more planning that might go wrong. What Peri required more than anything was a silent company to ground her.

 Slowly, she approached and put her on her lap, hugging Peridot from behind while placing her chin on her yellow, triangular hair. The other protested a bit, not in the mood for some temporary comfort but the green gem was too tired to do something and groaned miserably.

 A long stretch of silence passed, both Crystal Gems submerged in their own thoughts, while nothingness and darkness remained the same. There was no up nor down, no light nor limits, nor sign of life or danger. 'This is how a sad ending must feel like' Peridot mused numbly 'A huge well where you can do whatever you want which ironically won't give you any satisfaction or change the outcome, just a temporary distraction that will leave you emptier than before while living with the fact that you didn't do enough. Just hopelessness and failure in front of you'

 Yeeesh, she was getting the depressing vibes that Lapis used to have, wasn't she? Though, with their situation being shitty as it was, using her big brain was a waste of time. But no, she doubted time was even allowed to exist in this sad void.

 'I can do whatever I want' Peri remembered suddenly from her last musings and an unexpected idea crossed her mind 'I can ask Lapis if she--' she shook her head trying to dismiss it. There was no way Laz would accept that, besides, even if she said yes, if they remained powerless, then it would be a wasted chance. And she wanted to do it in their home, not in an entirely black and silent dimension.

 'I can't put her through that' Peri reflected sadly 'Even if she trusts me, it will be asking too much from her, and because of me she's stuck here'

 "What are you thinking about, Dot?" Lapis' tender voice got her out of her internal debates, then the little gem stiffened with the idea of telling her companion the truth. "Is something wrong?" the blue gem placed her hand on a green chin so both could see each other. Peridot gulped, her mind and heart fighting for dominance about what to do: not saying anything or being honest.

 "Uuummmm... I don't know how to say this" she started and prayed internally to not screw this up too "I was... Well... You know, we don't have any idea of how to get out of this place, whatever it is, so... If for some reason we are going to be trapped here forever, maybe we should...try...something... You know, to pass the time... And I..." some tears of frustration gathered in the corner of her eyes and she rubbed them furiously "Forget it, it was stupid anyway"

 "No, it wasn't. Whatever it is, you can tell me" Lapis smiled at her kindly, Peridot debating with herself if there was a point to try "Come on, Dot. What is it?"

 "It's just a meaningless whim, that's all. Why should we embark on something like that? I mean, didn't you want to go home? Why haven't you told me to think on a new plan, encourage me or knock some sense into me? Why are you acting so calm instead of freaking out?"

 "I could lash out, blaming me or you, lose hope or keep trying on my own, but it wouldn't be fair to you. You are exhausted, frustrated, angry, confused. I know how that feels, so I decided to just be at your side in silence instead of overwhelming you"

 "Oh... Well, t-thanks, though it's not that I'm the only one with plans, yours was great too but... Anyway, don't you miss home?" Lapis hugged lovingly and in her subconscious, Peridot could understand what she was trying to say 'You're my home'. "You are too" the green gem mumbled while sniffing.

 "Laz, how do you think Steven and the others will find us? Will we be found poofed, cracked, both of them, maybe our bodies under layers and layers of snow, or...or shattered?"

 "Are you asking this in the slightest hope to not be in darkness anymore?" Peridot didn't say anything for some minutes until she nodded to which Lapis said "They will. Even if it takes them too much, they will. I mean, if they get stuck, Garnet will guide them. She has future vision, after all"

 "I wish I had that. That way we wouldn't be trapped here. But, even if they find us, what are the chances of wakening up? Maybe this is our new eternity now. No home, no friends, no meep morps. Just a big and round zero"

 Lapis was lost on what to do to help with her love's distress. The more they talked about the next course of action -if there was any-, the more somber was Peri's mood which broke her heart. Then she remembered something and hoped it didn't trigger another dark emotion on the little gem, "You know, I was imagining us visiting Pumpkin's tomb once we returned home. It was so difficult for both of us when she died"

 "I wish she was here too, Laz. I'd like to visit her with you" the blue gem caressed her cheek smoothly, Peridot leaning on the touch, before saying something else "I also wanted to cuddle with you in my hammock. Rest for a bit, relax, just the two of us"

 "I wish we were at home right now. I wanted so much to fuse with you" the little gem kept enjoying the caress on her cheek until she heard a gasp and saw Lapis' surprised eyes. Immediately, she covered her mouth with both hands, cursing herself mentally for having let out that without thinking.

 Lazuli was completely stiffened, barely processing what she'd heard while looking at Peridot as if she was seeing someone else. Wrong. Wrong, wrong, wrong! This was all wrong! She shouldn’t have said that! She should've kept her mouth shut! This was a bad idea!

 "I-I-I-I-I... Sorry!" Peridot ran while holding back tears. She glanced a still stunned Lapis for the last time before getting lost in the never-ending darkness.

 --------------------

 The blue Crystal Gem was a mess. No, her mind was the one being a mess, exactly. Confusion and dark memories she thought she had overcome time ago were getting the best of her as her whole body tensed when she remembered Peridot's words: I wanted so much to fuse with you.

 Peri wanted to fuse. Peri wanted to and had chosen her, Lapis Lazuli, to do that. She had hopes of returning home with her and then ask her if the blue gem wanted to fuse with her. And, by some twist of fate or accident, Peridot had confessed it and now she was gone.

 What was Lapis supposed to do with that information? Before the Gem War, fusion never crossed her mind, not only because of Homeworld laws but also for being unnecessary for her. Then, after being dragged to Earth by Jasper and Peridot, it became her worst misdeed along with her most savages urges of revenge when she unleashed all her anger and hatred on Jasper once they fused into Malachite.

 She hated it. She was disgusted by it as much as she was disgusted with herself. Jasper's cold words rang in her mind, reminding her why: You can't lie to me. I've seen what you're capable of. I thought I was a brute, but you, you're a monster.

 Lapis wasn't a warrior gem; however, she was powerful. She could steel the ocean and fight the Crystal Gems while her gem was cracked. She could take control of Malachite and hold both Jasper and herself prisoners in the ocean. She even sent her flying with a single water punch. She had so much power and ammo, and that was the problem.

 No, the problem was that Lapis was too violent. So much rage, hatred, and pain for being a prisoner 6000 thousand years pushed her to do the worst to someone she despised. But Peri, though, she wasn't Jasper nor she had any intention to force her to fuse. It was only a wish of hers. But Peri might get hurt, just like Jasper or worse. She might see how dangerous Lapis was and hate her. Fear her.

 The blue gem would rather die than risk her relationship with her companion just because of a wish, even if it was Peridot's. Guilt hit her hard for thinking that way. She was being selfish again. Peri had done so much for her, the least she could do was to give her what she wanted, but Lapis couldn't stand the fact of seeing someone so precious to her getting hurt if they fuse.

 What was she going to do? If she said she didn't want to fuse, Peridot would be sad and disappointed. And if Lapis said yes, there was a huge chance she might screw up and hurt Peri. She would never forgive herself if that happened.

 'Battling the Diamonds sounds easier now' Lapis lamented and covered her face, trying to think on a way to solve this problem. 'And back then, I felt safe because I knew Peri was there and we were facing them together'. Then it hit her. Of course! Why she didn't think about it? She just had to talk to her. Though it would be more difficult than when she apologized for abandoning the little gem.

 Whatever, the blue gem didn't have time to imagine how things might go. Peridot needed an answer, and she will give her one! "Peridot, look, I--" Lapis stopped after noticing her love's absence. Where the hell was she?!

 Her mind scrambled for an explanation and then she remembered how Peridot apologized, ashamed and scared, before running away. "Oh, stars! Peri!" In a snap, she got up from the invisible floor and went to search her companion, praying that she hasn't got too lost.

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

 The former technician didn't know where she was. Well, technically, her answers were yes and no. As far as the green gem was concerned, she was stuck in a void-like dimension without hopes of going home. But she could also be in a coma, or in the Afterlife. So it was a yes and a no. Not that it mattered to her anyway.

 All Peridot planned to do that moment was lie on the floor and hope to be swallowed so she could forget her biggest fuck up. More tears of frustration fell from her eyes. This was the reason why she should've kept her wish locked in her mind. Because of it and her stupidity she had lost Lapis, the best that happened to her.

 The pain was unbearable. There were no friends to comfort her, no advice from Garnet to fix her mistake, no Temple or Little Homeworld, nothing to give her some solace from the loneliness. Everything she valued so much, gone. Only memories of it.

 'How could I be so stupid?! Laz was the only thing I have left! We were there for each other during this hellish journey and now she's gone! All because of my big mouth!' she yelled and punched the invisible ground hard. If there was a way to travel through time, the green Crystal Gem would take the chance without question so she could still be with Lapis. So she could at least enjoy her company in this miserable eternity.

 'I deserve this, though' she concluded sadly 'Lapis wouldn't be trapped in this place if it weren't for me. And still, she was so kind, didn't lash out, even if she had the right to. I wonder if she's looking for me...' Peridot snorted, bitterness in her features 'Who am I kidding? After saying what I said, it's obvious she'd rather forget I exist. Such ruler of the skies I've become. More like a butt, an idiotic and worthless butt'.

Without a single care in the world, the engineer started singing self-deprecating songs while laughing and crying at the same time. Time passed slowly, despite not feeling it at all, but then a voice interrupted her singing session much to her annoyance. "Ugh, not now, Lapis" she said, her mind too numb to register what was going on around her. 

Still, the other Crystal Gem didn't stop calling her name, and the more she tried to ignore it and keep wallowing in self-pity, the more insistent her companion became which made her snap. "I SAID NOT NOW, LAZULI!!!!" the green mechanic glared at Lapis who stopped but not for the glare but because of the huge relief she felt at finally finding Peri.

In a single movement, Lapis lifted her love in her arms and hugged her as if she was going to disappear if she let her go. "Thank stars you're ok, Peri! Don't do that again!" the blue gem held her close to her chest and that's when the other Crystal Gem got out of her funk, processing what had happened and looked at her companion confused.

 "Laz? W-Wait you're here? Why?" Lapis' relieved smile turned into a frown after hearing those questions. It sounded like Peridot doubted the idea of the blue gem trying to find her or wondering about her whereabouts. Like she didn't care at all.

 "What do you mean...? P-Peri, I was worried sick! I didn't know if I could find you or if you were ok. I even thought you got lost forever and that terrified me. What if something had happened and I wasn't there to protect you?"

 "But... But I thought you didn't want anything to do with me because... Because of--"

 "Because of you wanting to fuse with me?" Lapis answered for her and the pained expression on the green gem was enough for the other Crystal Gem to have her suspicions proven right. Slowly, she sat and invite Peridot to do the same in front of her. The former technician tensed greatly until a blue, gentle hand held hers to make the invitation friendlier, not more challenging, though Peri still prayed internally to not have to deal with this situation.

 "Do you want to start or should I?" Peridot shook her head in a silent plea to drop the subject, to change it, to be in silence only for Lapis to sigh. "Peridot, I don't want to force you to talk about this and I won't. Don't worry. But that doesn't mean we have to put it aside. If I had done that with the knowledge that I left you behind back then, would you have liked it?"

 "N-No... I wouldn't have" Lapis was going to continue, the green gem stopped her though "But still fusion is a sore spot for you! I-I mean, it's not that seeing some of our friends like Garnet, for example, makes you feel all uncomfortable and angry. Back then, in Homeworld, we saw Steven and the original Crystal Gems turn into Obsidian and it was great, but I know it's still...hard... I can't relate though. I've never fused with anyone, I even thought I was unable until I discovered I have ferrokinesis. But that was nothing compared to your experiences. What happened between you and...you know, Jasper... Even imagining it isn't enough. But the point is, I didn't want to put you through that, to remind you how it felt. I didn't want to hurt you"

 "Peri..." the blue gem caressed her love's cheek sweetly, moved by those words. Even with the pain and the stress, the mechanic was caring for her, thinking about her wellbeing "It's sweet of you doing that. Thanks. But now, let me do the same"

"Uh?" Peridot looked at her with a raised eyebrow and Lapis' smile for a bit bigger "Peridot, there are things that I cannot change. Many mistakes and misdeeds that I wish I could erase from my mind and my hands. Being fused with Jasper... Malachite... Those two are part of the list. I couldn’t stand being a prisoner, not after being trapped in a mirror for millennia. So I took the chance to unleash my rage and hatred on Jasper. I acted and became the worst when I was Malachite to the point of even missing those sensations. The lust of power, of control, to have my revenge. I liked it, I needed it, I hated it as much as I hated myself. I couldn’t stand fusion because It reminded me about what I had become. And when you said you wanted to fuse with me, I was shocked. Confused. And then I was scared. I didn't know what to do"

 "Did I make you feel like you were being forced?" Peridot's voice was small and afraid of having screwed up worse than she thought, but Lapis caressed her cheek again to ease her tension "No. You didn't force me, I was just surprised. The problem is that I don't know what is the right answer. And I don't want to hurt you either, Peri. Not after what I did to you when I left with the whole barn. You've done so much for me, you deserve to have your wishes come true. I don't know how though, and it's because of how I treated Jasper. If I said no, it would be to protect you from me, but you'd be sad to have your wish denied. But If I said yes, there might be the chance of you getting hurt and it would be my fault. I want you to be happy, Peri. But I want you safe too. And... And I'm afraid I don't have what it takes to do both"

 In a matter of seconds, two short, green arms wrapped around her neck, much to her surprise. She could hear some sniffs and a tear or two landed on her left shoulder. "You clod" Peridot said, barely keeping it together "Even with all that you did to Jasper, I would never see you as a threat. You are the best that happened to me. Really, the best. And you changed, Lapis. Sure you make mistakes and sometimes let your emotions get the best of you, but you're still great. You have come so far like me. You would never hurt me"

 "How do you know?" the blue gem couldn't believe what she was listening to. "Because I see it in your eyes. And yeah, it sounds cheesy and cliché as humans say, but I mean it! I truly do! Despite everything we put the other through, what we have has become something more beautiful and stronger than we could have imagined. So, whether you want to fuse or not, don't worry. As long as we're together, as long as you're at my side, it will be enough for me to be happy" Peridot tightened her hold on her companion before continuing "I'm j-just overjoyed that you don't hate me"

 "You silly" Lapis now was hugging her while crying "Why would I hate you? You're the best that happened to me too. Just because I'm not sure what to do concerning fusion, it doesn't mean that my feelings towards you are going to change. Peridot," Lazuli looked pulled away gently and looked at her seriously "I'm still unsure of what to do about your wish...and your safety too. To be honest, I don't trust myself. Not entirely when a subject like this comes to the picture. But, if you really want to fuse with me, I will do it then. For you. Let's give it a try"

 Peridot's mind was divided. A part of her was screaming in happiness because one of her wishes would come reality and it would be with her beloved. However, another part within her reminded the green gem about their powerless condition which prevented that wish to be fulfilled. "Thanks, Laz. You don't know how much that means to me... But, I, no, we can't. It's impossible"

 "What?" Saying that Lapis was shocked was an understatement after hearing that answer.

 "Laz, I don't know if you have forgotten but our powers are neutralized for some reason, and now that we're stuck here we cannot use them anymore. So, even if we try to fuse, nothing will happen. That was...another reason why I didn't want to tell you about my wish"

 "Oh" the blue gem facepalmed mentally for forgetting that simple but very important detail. She was so caught up reflecting about fusion, her mistakes, her relationship with Peridot and then trying to look for her love that she didn't think about the impossibility of fusing because of their condition. "I-I see... I'm sorry, Peri"

 "Hey, it's not your fault. Besides, you're here with me. We're together. I just hope you don't get bored with me as your only company"

 "Why would I? Peri, I've been alone a big part of my life and I even thought isolating myself would help me deal with the pain, but it didn't. Being with my family, my friends, with you especially, that's what helped me. You and I, there for each other, that's enough and I couldn't ask for anything else"

 Peridot smiled while a river of tears ran down her cheeks, she hugged Lapis again and savored the intimacy, the trust and love between them. Even with the rest of her lives in the void-like dimension, she knew deep down that with Lapis, that kind of end didn't sound so sad anymore.

 How much time did they spend like that, cuddled and hugging each other tightly? Both gems had no idea, though caring about that was out of question. Then, Lazuli got up from the floor and lent Peridot a hand who took it confusedly. "Is something wrong? Do you want to go somewhere else? Because there isn't so much to see if you have seen it"

 "No, Peri. It's not that. What if we dance for a while? Would you like to?" the green gem sighed sadly and was going to say what Lapis suspected but was interrupted "I know we cannot fuse, but I didn't ask you to dance so we can try on the impossible. I want to dance with you to pass the time. To enjoy it together. What do you say?"

 "Oh... Well, uuummm, I'm not that skilled in dancing, maybe I make a fool of myself"

 "It's ok, I can help you" A kind smile was enough for Peri to give in. Lapis right hand holding the engineer's left one, while the blue gem's left was in Peridot's right shoulder. Peri didn't know what to do with her right hand until Lapis instructed her to put it in her waist. With the position all set up, she moved to her right, her companion doing the same with her left foot; the same thing happened in the opposite direction.

 Minutes later, they were in a more synchronized and harmonic rhythm, Peridot finally leaving her tension and fear of feeling ridiculous behind to have some well-deserved fun with the person she loved most. Lapis' smile was bigger and shined marvelously at seeing her beloved enjoying the activity, relaxed and not full of self-hatred.

 Soon there were giggles that turned into laughs as the dance got more sophisticated. Both gems felt lighter, revitalized, energized by the other's company. This was more fulfilling than having her powers back, it felt like home seeing your significant one in front of you smiling.

 Peridot got more daring in the dance and gave Lapis a waltzes turn despite not being as tall as the blue gem, and in exchange, her companion did the same. Peri pecked her romantic partner's lips in an instant, smirking at the blushed face of Lazuli and put her in a deep dip. The other smiled amused and turned around with the green gem in her arms, dancing in circles elegantly.

 She'd never had so much fun, but then one of her feet made trip the other and she fell, back ready to collide with the invisible ground. Thankfully, Peri stopped her fall by grabbing her waist with both hands and all the strength she had which wasn't that much. Lapis looked at her surprised, the other gem blushed deeply trying to think on something to say, but her chance was taken by her love's laughter, so contagious that even Peridot snorted and erupted in giggles.

 It was liberating. The darkness, the silence, the harsh reality, their situation and everything they had lost, none of that mattered at that moment but the sheer joy of dancing with someone they loved. Moved by those sentiments, Lapis and Peridot pressed their foreheads to the other's and kissed like there was no tomorrow. Passion and love back together making them shine metaphorically and literally. Their whole bodies turning a blinding white, mixing together until becoming a big mass of light.

 'What is this?' It thought, confused and surprised 'Am I--?' But couldn't finish its sentence when a strong sense of longing hit it. Home. It wanted to go home. Family, friends, Little Homeworld, Steven, Pumpkin, all those words transformed into feelings, then into images that increased its brightness. It impulsed the being, like fuel for a rocket, to what it believed up was.

 Going fast or to the light's speed was an understatement, though the thing didn't care at all as long as it could find a way home, an exit from the desolated darkness. Without noticing, a tunnel made by light and shadows were taking shape in front of it.

 The being accelerated as it saw very far away bits of an opening. It looked like the sunlight going through the holes of a wall, that was enough for the thing to boost its energy. The end of the tunnel got closer and closer, the hole becoming clearer while letting more sunlight illuminate the path until it consumed everything.

 Then...

 "AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" that was the only thing heard in the highest part of the highlands, coming from a mass of light which crashed on the top of a huge snow-covered, rocky pilar. In an instant, two figures emerged from the snow, spitting and coughing. Peridot rubbed her eyes and froze at the incredible change of scenery.

 There wasn't darkness or silence anymore. High hills and rocky columns were gathered in front of the majestic mountain whose peak they were trying to reach. "L-Lapis--" she was going to inform her romantic partner about her discovery until she saw the aghast gaze of the blue gem.

 "We escaped..." Lazuli's shocked whisper was a total contradiction with her expression, unable to believe that she and Peridot had gotten out of the darkness they had labeled as their end of the journey. The green gem launched at her with a hug crying of relief. Hope revived in a snap.

 Her blue companion took a bit to reciprocate the feeling but when she did, it was as fervent as Peri's. The svelte Crystal Gem spooned her love while jumping in circles, her giggles a mix of shock and faith she thought she had lost. "We're free, Peri! We're free! Free!" the other nodded endlessly, feeling like she could take on everything and everyone at once.

 "I don't care if I was proven wrong of being trapped there forever! We have another chance! We can still go back home!" Peridot pointed like an excited child to the top of the mountain. Its crevice spilling light in the form of a pilar.

 "We are so clo-- Aaaaggghhh!!!" Lapis fell to her knees much to Peri's concern. The tear-shaped gemstone felt like a giant battery, hot to the touch and sending deep-cutting volts to her whole body. Peridot's horrified gasped made her look at herself and Lapis didn't like what she saw.

[newyorktheater]

Below is a list of movies opening in the U.S. from September to December, organized chronologically by release date.

Among the movies of interest to theater lovers: Finn Wittrock (Death of A Salesman, Glass Menagerie) portrays Judy Garland’s fifth husband in “Judy,” a movie about her that bears great resemblance to a play that was on Broadway. Cynthia Erivo and Leslie Odom Jr.  (Tony winners for The Color Purple and Hamilton, respectively) star in “Harriet,” about Harriet Tubman. Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Tracy Letts adapts a novel for the screen. And, Heaven help us, both Dame Judi Dench and Sir Ian McKellen (as Gus The Theater Cat) in Cats, the movie version of the Broadway musical.

  Cynthia Erivo as Harriet Tubman

Dame Judy dench in Cats

Renee Zellweger and Finn Wittrock and Judy Garland and her fifth husband in “Judy”

Leslie Odom Jr in Harriet

Meryl Streep in Little Women

Sir Ian McKellen as Gus the Theater cat in Cats

(Below, an asterisk is placed next to names of movie cast members that theatergoers can legitimately claim as legitimate stage artists now or at least originally. For example, Willem Dafoe, a familiar face on screen who is appearing  is appearing in two high-profile movies this Fall, is a founding member of the experimental theater company The Wooster Group.)

SEPTEMBER

September 2

Untouchable

Hulu Directed by: Ursula McFarlane Cast: Rosanna Arquette, Ronan Farrow, Paz de la Huerta

A documentary about Harvey Weinstein and the #MeToo movement.

September 6

It: Chapter 2

Directed by: Andrés Muschietti Cast: Bill Hader, Jessica Chastain, James McAvoy, Finn Wolfhard, Sophia Lillis, Bill Skarsgard

Twenty-seven years after the Losers Club’s terrifying encounter with Derry’s most notorious clown, they receive a phone call that brings them all back together again.

Also: Blink of an Eye Ms. Purple

  September 13

  The Goldfinch

Directed by: John Crowley Cast:  Ansel Elgort, Finn Wolfhard, Nicole Kidman, Ashleigh Cummings, *Jeffrey Wright, Aneurin Bernard, Sarah Paulson, Luke Wilson

Based on Donna Tart’s Pulitzer Prize-winning 2014 novel from 2014 about one of the only survivors of a bombing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, as he struggles to let go of his one connection to that day: a painting of a tiny bird, otherwise known as The Goldfinch.

Haunt

Directed by: Scott Beck and Bryan Woods Cast:  Katie Stevens, Will Brittain, Lauryn Alisa McClain

On Halloween, a group of friends discover a haunted house that claims to create thrills based on real fears.

Hustlers

Directed by: Lorene Scafaria Cast: Jennifer Lopez, Cardi B, Constance Wu, Lizzo, Keke Palmer, Julia Stiles, Lili Reinhart

Inspired by a 2015 New York Magazine article about a group of strippers stealing from their rich Wall Street clients during the financial crisis.

  Also (bear in mind it’s Friday the 13th)

Depraved Freaks Monos Moonlight Sonata

September 20

Ad Astra

Directed by: James Gray Cast: Brad Pitt, Liv Tyler, Tommy Lee Jones, Ruth Negga

Astronaut Roy McBride (Pitt) travels to the outer edge of our solar system on a dangerous mission to find his father (Tommy Lee Jones) who disappeared decades earlier, and may hold the key to a secret that threatens our very existence.

Downton Abbey

Release date: September 20 Directed by: Michael Engler Cast: *Maggie Smith, Michelle Dockery, Laura Carmichael, Hugh Bonneville, Jim Carter, Joanna Froggat, Matthew Goode, *Elizabeth McGovern

The TV series made into a movie: It’s 1927, and Downton Abbey is about to receive some very special guests: King George V and Queen Mary.

  Rambo: Last Blood

Directed by: Adrian Grunberg Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Paz Vega, Sergio Peris-Mencheta, Adriana Barraza, Yvette Monreal

The fifth Rambo installment; this time the daughter of a friend is kidnapped by a Mexican cartel

Between Two Ferns: The Movie

Netflix Directed by: Scott Aukerman Cast:  Zach Galifanakis, Lauren Lapkus, Ginger Gonzaga

A movie based on Zach Galifanakis’ cult parody talk show. Galifanakis must hit the road to defend his reputation as the premier celebrity interviewer of our time.

Also: Corporate Animals Diego Maradona Where’s My Roy Cohn?

September 27

Judy

Directed by: Rupert Goold Cast: Renee Zellweger, Rufus Sewell, Finn Wittrock, Jessie Buckley

The last year of Judy Garland’s life, largely based on Peter Quilter’s play End of the Rainbow. During a five-week run in London she reflects on her rise to stardom, and fall in love with Mickey Deans (Wittrock) the man who became her fifth husband.

The Report

Directed by: Scott Z. Burns Cast Adam Driver, Annette Bening, Jon Hamm, Matthew Rhys, Corey Stoll

Based on a true story, this political thriller follows Senate staffer Daniel Jones (Driver) as he leads an investigation in the CIA’s Detention and Interrogation Program, which engaged in “enhanced interrogation techniques” after 9/11.

Also: The Day Shall Come The Death of Dick Long Extra Ordinary The Sound of Silence

OCTOBER

October 4

Joker

Directed by: Todd Phillips Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Robert De Niro. Zazie Beetz

The origin story of the Batman villain, who started as a lonely, failed stand-up comedian.

The Woman in the Window

Directed by: Joe Wright Cast: Amy Adams, *Gary Oldman, Julianne Moore, Anthony Mackie, Brian Tyree Henry

Adapted by Tracy Letts from the best-selling novel by A.J. Finn, the movie stars Adams as an agoraphobic child psychologist who spends her days spying on the perfect family next door. But then she witnesses a crime…

Pain and Glory

Directed by: Pedro Almodovar Cast: Antonio Banderas, Penelope Cruz

Banderas won Best Actor at the Cannes Film Festival for his role as a film director in the middle of a creative crisis

The Current War

Directed by: Alfonso Gomez-Rejon Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, *Michael Shannon, Nicholas Hoult, *Tom Holland, Katherine Waterston

Inventors Thomas Edison (Cumberbatch) and George Westinghouse (Shannon) race to complete rival electrical systems that will change modern life.

Lucy in the Sky

Directed by: Noah Hawley Cast: Natalie Portman, Jon Hamm, Dan Stevens, Zazie Bettz, *Ellen Burstyn

Based on a true story, Portman stars as an astronaut who kidnaps his ex-boyfriend’s new girlfriend and drives from Houston to Orlando wearing an adult diaper. After a long mission, Lucy returns to Earth only to find her connection with her family — and reality — slipping away.

Also: Wrinkles the Clown

October 11

Gemini Man

Directed by: Ang Lee Cast:  Will Smith, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Clive Owen, Benedict Wong

A former government assassin is targeted by his younger, more agile clone, able to predict his every thought and movement.

Parasite

Directed by: Bong Joon-ho Cast Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-kyun, Cho Yeo-jeong, Choi Woo-shik, Park So-dam

The first Korean movie to win the Palme D’Or at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, it is a pitch-black modern fairytale the follows the wealthy Park family, and the much-poorer Kim clan.

Also: Jexi The Dead Center (Limited) High Strung Free Dance (Limited)

October 18

The Lighthouse

Directed by: Robert Eggers Cast Robert Pattinson, *Willem Dafoe

Two New England lighthouse keepers slowly lose their sanity.

Zombieland 2: Double Tap

Directed by: Ruben Fleischer Cast: Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, Abigail Breslin, Bill Murray, Rosario Dawson, Zoey Deutch, Luke Wilson

Ten years after the original movie, the characters reconnoitre at the White House, and head back on the road, meeting new survivors and enemies on the way. When he’s not acting in movies, Jesse Eisenberg has been busy writing plays Off-Broadway.

Maleficent 2: Mistress of Evil

Directed by: Joachim Ranning Cast:Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, Michelle Pfeiffer, Sam Reilly

Set several years after the first movie, Maleficent (Jolie) is living in peace when Aurora (Fanning) and Prince Phillip’s (Harris Dickinson) engagement throws everything into turmoil.

The Addams Family

Directed by: Conrad Vernon, Greg Tiernan Cast: Charlize Theron, Chloë Grace Moretz, Oscar Isaac, Finn Wolfhard, Snoop Dog, Allison Janney, Bette Midler

In this animated film, the family does battle with a reality show host.

Jojo Rabbit

Directed by: Taika Waititi Cast Taiki Waititi, Roman Griffin Davis, Thomasin McKenzie, Rebel Wilson, Stephen Merchant, Alfie Allen, Sam Rockwell, Scarlett Johansson

Based on the book Caging Skies by Christine Leunen, set during World War II in Germany, Griffin Davis is Jojo “Rabbit” Betzler, who discovers that his mother (Johansson) is hiding a Jewish girl in their attic. Jojo must confront his Nazi beliefs, with the help of his imaginary friend, a goofy version of the Fuhrer.

Also: Greener Grass

October 25

Black and Blue

Directed by: Deon Taylor Cast Naomie Harris, Tyrese Gibson, Frank Grillo

When rookie police officer Alicia West (Harris) accidentally records corrupt cops committing a crime on her body camera, she turns to her only possible ally, Milo “Mouse” Jackson (Gibson), to help her make sure they face justice.

The Last Full Measure

Directed by: Todd Robinson Cast Sebastian Stan, *Christopher Plummer, Ed Harris, William Hurt, Samuel L. Jackson, Jeremy Irvine, Alison Sudol

Based on a true story, Sebastian Stan plays investigator Scott Huffman, who signs on to help Vietnam veterans lobby for their comrade-in-arms to get a Congressional Medal of Honor after he gave his life saving them.

Also: Countdown Frankie The Kill Team Synonyms

NOVEMBER

November 1

Motherless Brooklyn

Release date: November 1 Directed by: Edward Norton Cast Edward Norton, *Willem Dafoe, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Leslie Mann, Bobby Cannavale, Bruce Willis, Alec Baldwin, Fisher Stevens, *Cherry Jones

Based on Jonathan Lethem’s novel, this detective thriller stars Norton as a private eye with Tourette syndrome, who finds himself embroiled in a conspiracy involving Alec Baldwin.

Harriet

Release date: November 1 Directed by: Kasi Lemmons Cast: *Cynthia Erivo, Janelle Monae, Joe Alwyn,* Leslie Odom Jr.

Erivo as Harriet Tubman

Also: Arctic Dogs Terminator: Dark Fate Burden Waves

November 8

Doctor Sleep Last Christmas Midway Playing with Fire Honey Boy

November 15

Ford v. Ferrari Directed by: James Mangold Cast: Matt Damon, Christian Bale A British driver named Ken Miles (Christian Bale) and an engineer named Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon) to design something to compete against the Europeans

Also:

All Rise Charlie’s Angels The Good Liar The Lodge

November 22

21 Bridges A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood Frozen II Dark Waters

November 27 (Thanksgiving)

Knives Out Queen & Slim

DECEMBER

December 6

The Aeronauts Brahms: The Boy II Playmobil: The Movie Little Joe Portrait of a Lady on Fire

December 13

Black Christmas Jumanji: The Next Level Cunningham A Hidden Life Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon Uncut Gems

December 20

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Directed by J.J. Abrams Cast: Adam Driver as Kylo Ren, Daisy Ridley, Domhnall Gleeson, Keri Russell, Mark Hamill, Oscar Isaac, Billie Lourd, Lupita Nyong’o, Carrie Fisher (!) Theatergoers note: Adam Driver and Keri Russell were the co-stars of Burn This on Broadway last season.

Bombshell Cast: Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman, Margot Robbie, *John Lithgow, Kate McKinnon, *Alison Janney The story of Fox News head Roger Ailes’ sexual harassment of his female employees.

Cats Cast: *James Corden as Bustopher Jones, *Judi Dench as Old Deuteronomy, Jason Derulo as Rum Tum Tugger, Idris Elba as Macavity, Jennifer Hudson as Grizabella[, *Ian McKellen as Gus the Theatre Cat, Taylor Swift as Bombalurina, Rebel Wilson as Jennyanydots et al

The movie version of the long-running Broadway musical.

Also: Superintelligence

December 25 (Christmas)

Little Women Directed by Greta Gerwig Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Eliza Scanlen, Timothée Chalamet, Laura Dern and *Meryl Streep The eighth feature film adaptation of the 1868 novel by Louisa May Alcott.

Also: 1917 Spies in Disguise Just Mercy

December 27

Clemency

Fall 2019 Movie Preview for Theater Lovers Below is a list of movies opening in the U.S. from September to December, organized chronologically by release date.