#second best only to be proven time and time again she was so she forced her way into being the best no matter what

[providencehq]

With the reveal of the Black Pawns actually being robots, what did you think that said of BK's leadership style vs WK's leadership style? Also, do you think she incorporated some aspects of herself into them? Like, fighting styles and personality traits; watching "Assault on Abysus" had me hyperfixated on that one Black Pawn with a speaking role. That one, at least, made me think of a younger BK, more easily frustrated and with the need to succeed without additional help.

Man, your brain. Thinking things I would have never esp in regards to Black Knight. You seemed to have nailed on the head of my personal headcanon when it comes to her: her leadership style is vastly different from White Knight but it seems more so from an internal force rather than external and it radically shapes their ideals and how it plays out into their leadership styles and let me explain. (Edit as I finish writing this, very rambly, I think I repeat points many times)

Black Knight is seen constantly as a need to control, something, anything whether it is as openly as Providence or as lowkey (more so indirectly but still having her hand in the pie as the saying goes) in regards to the initial Nanite research group. This need to have control and in essence power can stem from who knows where. We as viewers never get that chance to actually dwell into her past like we were able to in a degree with White Knight. I personally make the assumption due to what we do see of her of being a fairly rash, quick tempered, and take/make an opening to get the smallest step ahead as a result not having power in her life to some degree when she was younger. Black Knight has to make opportunities to get power rather than what seems to be willingly handed with White Knight in comparison. (I can and would talk about my headcanons about young BK here but that is long and lengthy and I feel like little evidence to support from the show but know my ideas about her and her relationship with whatever happened to young her is basically rivalry based and feeling lesser.) She kills a member of the Consortium who more or less challenged her and made it seemed like she was a means to an end (for the Consortium) because she wasn't viewed as an equal. Questioning of her role, her power, her knowledge is a threat to her and the ability to control herself.

But here's the thing! She's a really, really shit leader for Providence. We know she's rash, manipulative (yay! go gaslight, gatekeep girlbosscore for her). She can't lead like White Knight does. Here's the thing, White Knight, questionable at times with his leadership skills but he's commanding a massive, multibase operation over many years and he makes tough calls. He commands forces, he gets information, he's actively working on trying to better the world whether the cure is feasible or not. He was forced into a position of power by happenstance but he takes in stride and understands that his leadership hinges on the survival of humanity, cure or not. WK has a tough job he has good reigns on the whole of Providence.

What does Black Knight do? Clearly struggle through keeping Providence under any semblance of control in comparison. She has lost it's more or less elite force when Rex went a little MIA there for a few months and clearly she can't keep things in Providence under control unless every aspect it seemingly controlled by her. The Black Rooks, her elite guards (I don't think all of them are androids just... most. I like to think she managed to have a few actual human elite running around) ARE FUCKING ANDROIDS! SHE CONTROLS THEM FULLY! Programmed to obey (and clearly be more prone to violence and generally extreme tactics which uh, wonder who programmed them to be like that!?) But to get onto that point of her ask, I see it's a very reasonable jump to make that she included aspects in herself in the androids. She needs something that she can rely on, that she can understand what move they'll make next, that understand the objective. Time after time we see she can't rely on anyone but herself to get after her true goal of just control (over Providence, Rex, EVOs, nanites, Consortium, the human body, life and death itself) why would she program her elite to not have a similar mindset to herself? Basically disposable extensions of herself. But I like the idea of her incorporating her fighting style with them, I will be crafting ideas in my head for that for a bit. Gonna let that idea simmer in the brain pot of headcanons.

Also back onto the whole internal verses external forces causes her leadership to be super wonky and insightful in comparison to White Knight. White Knight is more or less driven, yes to an extent the Consortium, but mostly by to be in power. A goal that all of humanity can overcome or bare with the nanites. Dude is pessimistic, makes choices that could easily in the blink of an eye end millions of lives (like bleaching a city), and manipulates/misleads people to get closer to a cure. But it's all for that chance for a cure, for Providence to come out on top, for humanity to survive fully! He has the support of Providence, large portions of the population, Rex and Six and Holiday, to make the hard decisions for humanity. To make decisions with that kind of gravity can't be done lightly and there's trust in his leadership and decisions even if they suck from Providence on multiple levels.

Black Knight doesn't have this trust. We as the audience are missing a lot of information from those six months Rex was gone but Black Knight is in charge now and things are weird and bad. The lack of trust with Black Knight being in charge can come from so many angles: new leadership, discontent from the public and Providence workers as a whole, the loss of many of their assets without an effective replacement. But I lean towards she won't trust down the ranks in Providence. She sees herself as higher than everyone else in Providence and won't let anyone be an equal. Research? She knows best. EVO containment and control? She knows best. The direction of Providence? Don't worry, she knows what to do. Her need of control is her downfall for leadership, her suspected inability to have Providence soldiers/rooks be completely under her thumb with her decisions led her to make her androids that would follow her orders instead. (Which brings into question, what was something she asked them to do that they wouldn't cross the line of? WK was going to bleach a city, costing countless lives, what could be worse than that? Providence before WK was pretty casual about child vivisection so who knows! Maybe refusal to accept a new leader simply, esp head of Providence.) Black Knight's leadership is stemming from her need to control, a pressing internal force is seemingly every choice she makes. She's selfish and it shows how she heads towards goals with Providence as the vessel and man! is it shit! It's just a massive shitshow barely holding together!!!

Black Knight is ahhhhh! She's so focus driven on herself and her goal of control in whatever means and it's so clear she's basically a kid who wants power but doesn't actually know how to handle it. She's nothing like White Knight no matter how she tries to emulate him when she's running Providence. She wants power but she doesn't know how to handle it. She fumbles through the steps of being a leader and yes, members of Providence question her, but she's still there, leading it! It isn't until placing her directly up and against White Knight do you really see it! Their fight is such a great analogy for how they run Providence. White Knight prepares, plants ahead, has backup plans, and knows what he's up against verses Black Knight who lashes out, has to pull a plan out her ass, and thinks she knows what she's up against by personal history but not through technical knowledge and it fucks her in the end.

Ahhhhh! the parallels! THE PARALLELS!!!!!!!!!!

[nolongerapileofashprobably]

The sheer development of botw/totk zelink…

Zelda didn’t originally like Link. She outright avoided him at all costs and wasn’t particularly nice to him. And despite her own efforts, Link’s own determination and devotion to his role finally wore her down to the point where she realized how wrong she had judged him.

Link was a prodigy, he had the sword that would seal the darkness already (had since he was a mere preteen) and was known for besting adults in duels as a literal child. She was born with powers she couldn’t unlock despite all the effort she put in. She thought he was simply handed his fortunes in life with no consequences, while she struggled daily to uphold her father’s expectations for her and neglect her own hobbies.

But when Link steadfastly protected her in a place she had specifically gone to in order to escape him, she sees the truth behind it all. Link is determined. He never backs down from a fight. He’s also reckless and she understands this as she chastises him and worries over his well-being. He’s knowledgeable about horses and has good advice, always willing to share it when someone (aka Zelda) needs to hear it. She learns bit by bit about Link until she outright questions why he doesn’t talk much. And he genuinely hesitates but decides that he can share this with her. She’s the only one he ever has. Because she asked.

And he tells her. The sword on his back brings a great responsibility and massive burden to bare. He feels the need to be strong and to be the stoic perfect knight to take on the role everyone expects him to play.

They become much closer after this and there’s multiple times we see Link actually neglect his role as her protector in order to just be there for Zelda as her friend. Once in the spring memory where he turns after Zelda berated her inability to awaken her power and the second when they’re literally running away from murder bots and he doesn’t force her to continue when she slips but rather kneels, listens, and comforts her.

And to find out that Zelda’s love for Link is the reason she awakened her powers and that it’s canonically proven through Kass’ song? Wow. And that doesn’t even BEGIN their story and how it ends in totk.

In botw, the Japanese original logs are written by Link himself and it’s revealed that one of his motivators in saving Zelda was to see her smile once again. Just. Remember that.

Of course the game end and we do see Link and Zelda planning on traveling to investigate Vah Ruta. And we find out in ToTK that the two are inseparable, so much so that without Zelda by his side no one recognizes Link beyond the characters that genuinely know him through the story.

They’ve traveled across Hyrule and helped numerous people, no matter what it was. They live together in Hateno, where they helped to build a school and even teach the kids there. They founded expedition and research teams, reformed a guard, and even found the time to ‘vacation’ at Lurelin where they would go up to Lover’s Pond in the evening.

Zelda and Link create a home out of Hyrule. It’s no longer a desolate, sparingly populated land. It’s being reformed. It’s being cared for. It’s their home. They lost theirs 100years prior but they’ve steadily worked to make it a home once again. They were healing. Together.

So losing Zelda again, being unable to reach her, and also losing his sword. . . It’s a lot. But the thing he knows he must do— Find Princess Zelda. Despite knowing exactly where Zelda is after you finish the Tears of the Dragon Quest, Link does not complete it. Because he hasn’t found his Zelda. The one that rambles on about everything and gets excited about history and new discoveries. The one that tried to make him eat a frog (albeit she was on to something). She isn’t home.

Meanwhile Zelda. . . Zelda goes on about Link, enough for Sonia to know all about him and his tendency to worry over Zelda’s well-being. And then we have memory eight that has Zelda practically gushing about him to her pseudo-parents and promptly being teased for it. Then, as Zelda finally understands why she is in the past, she ensures Link has everything he could need in order to win. Because to her, Link and Hyrule surviving is a must. She sacrifices herself to ensure that.

And yet. . . Link is determined to bring her back. Hyrule won’t be the home they’ve worked so hard to make it so without her. He can’t quit until they find a way to revert her back. So when Rauru and Sonia channel their power through Link, it takes a moment for him to understand by when he does… WHOOH boy does the determination SHINE in his eyes.

And he gets her back. He reaches her. Protects her just as she did for him in the form of restoring the Master Sword. And she immediately rambles.

We don’t get to see Link’s reaction to any of this. But then we end with “Link, I’m home” and a SMILE. Because that’s all Link wants. For Zelda to be safe and smiling.

Ultimately, they just want to be home. And home is with the other.

[karamad]

late night practicing hours

pairings: sub!momo x dom!reader

cw: degradation, humiliation, smut, slight age gap momo has a dick for the anti g!p ppl

noticed theres almost no sub momo fics:/:/ illegal i fear! lets change it

you've been dancing for the past 3 hours without a break in sight. your new dance teacher, apparently one of the best there is, was too mesmerized by your tits to focus on teaching you actual dance moves..

of course you noticed, but you tried to ignore it. your next big performance isnt far after all, you need to be perfect. you were struggling with a particular move that required your hands but even with momo demonstrating it you couldnt seem to master it. "could you maybe guide me trough it?" you asked her. that question alone already turned her brain to mush.. she'll get to touch you??

"uhm.. sure, i can do that..!"

she slowly steps right behind you and takes your hands into hers. "watch closely please" you hear her say before moving your hands with hers. although you were starting to grasp it you suddenly felt something poke your ass? maybe she had something in her pocket you thought.. but you were proven wrong when you accidentally bucked your ass into her crotch and heard a soft whimper in your ear.. momo got a hard-on. so many thoughts go trough your head in one second- should you ignore it? you tried brushing it off but when you heard a whimper fall from her lips once again you turned around with a stern face. "unnie... did you seriously get turned on from watching me dance?"

"n-no.." she mustered out in such a quiet tiny voice. cute. you look down and grab her bulge softly "whats this then?"

she looks away in embarrassment, she can't believe she got hard because of a girl shes training, what a disgrace. you start squeezing her harder, forcing a whimper out of her "are you really that much of a slut that you get hard because of your student?" she tries to turn around and run away to avoid the situation she put herself in but you tightly hug her waist from behind. "cant run away now unnie.. lets finish what you started." you whispered in her ear.

she thinks about giving in once you start kissing her neck, making sure you're leaving marks all over. she cant control herself, thoughts full of only your mouth on her body. "please" she mutters out.

you grin "do you think youre in any position to ask for anything? you should be happy im even touching a pervert like you."

you know shes strong, you know she could easily overpower and push you away, but she doesnt. she pushes into you, needing more. you slowly pull her pants down, softly groping her over her boxers. "please.. please more" she begs. you consider it, you really do, but she's so fun to mess with. you push her against a wall "please what unnie?" she whimpers again. "please touch me more mommy"

you take her cock out of her boxers. "open up baby" you whisper, holding your fingers in front of her mouth. before she can fully open her mouth you push your fingers so deep into her mouth having her suck on them. "be quiet and take it like the slut you are." bringing your hands down you start pumping her hard cock.

she keeps moaning so loud as you jerk her off.. "hm? want everyone to hear how much of a slut you are for your student?" she shakes her head murmuring a small no.

you notice her breathing becoming irregular "coming so fast?" you pout at her, but she doesnt answer. "answer when you're spoken to" you said, turning her head to you harshly. poor girl looks so lost in pleasure, begging for a kiss from you. you smirk finally placing your lips on hers, immediately starting to explore her mouth with your tongue. "c-coming" she says softly. you continue pleasuring her "it's okay baby, let it out"

she comes with a long whine, shaking in your arms. "shh its okay love, i got you" you whisper, holding her tightly in your arms.

"let's get you cleaned up yeah?"

a/n: repost AGAIN🥰 third times the charm if g!p annoys you so much write it urself! quit whining and get to writing

[piratefishmama]

Fake it 'till you make it | Part 19

They did eventually get to the closet, but only because Lynda knocked on the door and followed up with “Steven, when you’re finished unpacking we should really do some grocery shopping, the kitchen is… a little barren. Your father is getting peckish and you and I both know what he’s like when he’s hungry.”

Eddie had looked up at him from where he’d rested his head atop Steve’s chest, big brown eyes curious but the question wasn’t voiced. It didn’t have to be.

“He gets… bitchy, it’s not pretty.” Steve looked back toward the door and responded a little louder with “We’ll be down in about thirty! Got a little… side-tracked!” Eddie’s forehead hit his chest again, and Steve could feel the smile on Eddie’s lips appear against his chest.

“We haven’t been to a drug store, Steven, you better be being safe in there.”

“Not like that!” The drawn out ‘uh-huh’ that Lynda replied with told him that she believed nothing. Guilty until proven innocent, and the pretty set of hickies lining Eddie’s throat were prime evidence that Steve knew she’d eventually use against him. “I was thinking getting something delivered anyway”

“Well, whatever we do, hurry up, plenty of time to kiss your boyfriend later.” And the click of her departing heels down the stairs ended that conversation. They got the closet figured out shortly after. They only had a week at the chalet, and Eddie would have probably just lived out of his suitcase for that long, but unpacking was a thing the Harringtons did, so he got to see his clothes mixed in with preppy polos and extremely soft dark green and maroon sweaters that he had every intention of stealing while there.

He got to see what it’d be like to share his space with someone else. Someone who wanted to share their space with him, not by necessity, not because it’d simply ‘save space’, but by desire to.

He was being very brave about how much that affected him. Very brave indeed. Didn’t even get choked up. Not even a little bit. And sure, Steve may have, after looking at him for a second, felt the totally unrelated need to pause, lift Eddie’s bangs up and plant a kiss atop his forehead that made Eddie’s poor little queer heart do loop de loops.

But that was definitely unrelated.

And then it was back to the ruse. Back to the company of the senior Harringtons downstairs. Lynda taking one look at Eddie, her eyes clearly dipping down below his face, then looked to Steve with the most ‘I know what you’ve been doing’ expression Eddie had ever seen in his life.

He pitied the people who had to go up against this woman in court Jesus H. Christ.

She said nothing on the subject though, content to continue on as if she hadn’t just been telepathically yelling I KNEW IT at her son. It wasn’t even aimed at him yet Eddie still felt the urge to hide behind his own hair in embarrassment. “Have you boys decided on what you want to do? Groceries or delivery?”

“Delivery” Steve wasn’t even flinching. The confidence on that man was astounding. Although seeing the people he came from? Not surprising. “We can go for groceries tomorrow and I haven’t had Tony’s in over a year.”

“Tony’s?” Eddie whispered curiously.

“Pizza” Steve supplied without looking, just leaned a little closer before pulling away again.

“Oh Steven no, it was nothing but grease last time!”

“That’s the best part!”

“I refuse to have a break out at my age Steven, especially one caused by pizza grease. So, unless you can think of another place for delivery, we’re going for groceries and we’ll cook something.” It was like a battle of titans, Steve hands on his hips, cocked in that judgemental mother kind of way, and Lynda with her arms crossed, expression making her appear a cold immovable force of nature.

Neither of them budging.

“Eddie” Eddie jumped as John caught his attention from the left, the man leaning around his wife to address him “tie breaker, as our surprise guest, what do you think we should do?” And then all eyes were on him.

He liked Pizza. He loved pizza, pizza was great, but—but despite his entire life being led going against rich people and their bullshit, he… actually wanted these people to like him. Plus, groceries would be a good idea! They could get snacks, drinks, things they wouldn’t have for the evening if they just settled with Pizza. Could stop at the drug store for. Reasons.

“Uh—Uhm—well… Pizza is good, I like pizza” Steve smiled at him, and he felt bad, just a little, for what he was about to do “but—” the smile fell betrayal, he was betraying his faux boyfriend. He’d pay for that one, undoubtedly. “Groceries would be a better idea, right? I mean if we want food or snacks later we’ll be shit out of luck. So maybe we save pizza for later in the week? So if someone doesn’t want pizza… they have other options?” He was making a very mature decision, thinking very hard, all while Steve looked at him like he’d just kicked his puppy. “Stevieee, baby, don’t—”

“You agreed with my mother—”

“Well as usual, I am right, Steven.”

“Lynda please.” John chastised quietly.

“I am!” Both parents went largely ignored by Eddie in favour of focusing on Steve, who looked appropriately devastated to have been voted against by his own boyfriend.

“Eddie, you—this is just—the betrayal.” And people called him the theatre kid. Eddie, in all his years DMing in Hellfire, had seen many a stubborn meltdown, and so he could have predicted what was about to be said long before Steve voiced it, but it didn’t make him internally judge the man any less, because wow. “Well I’m not driving.” And there it was, the pout. His arms relocating from his hips, to cross over his chest, mirroring his mother. Gone was the need to make it up to him, gone was the feeling of letting down the man who’d rapidly gone from ‘fake boyfriend’ to ‘man of my dreams’.

Eddie just kind of wanted to dunk his head in some snow. Maybe go throw him in the nearby lake.

“Oh that’s really mature, Steven.” Lynda rolled her eyes, and once again, Eddie found himself agreeing. God who was he? Since when did he agree with peoples parents?

“Fine, I can drive.” John clapped his thighs, then rose from his seat “Eddie, since you’re clearly the only other adult in this room, how about you come with me.” It may have put the eldest of the Harringtons in the hot seat to say, both his son and his wife turning the daggers on him, but Eddie felt a sliver of respect for the man just creeping up on him because damn, maybe he was bitchy when he was hungry. “Let the children cool down for an hour or so.” Good lord almighty, why was this attractive?

Oooh don’t go there, brain.

“O—okay, okay yeah, uhm… will… will you be okay, Steve?” Steve gave him an exaggerated eye roll that absolutely did nothing to make Eddie feel bad. In fact it did the exact opposite. “Fine you big baby. And people call me dramatic.” He was going to give Steve a quick peck goodbye, but Steve didn’t deserve one!

So, he left with that, following John to the car leaving the mother and son duo seething in the living room. Glorious.

Part 21

[samkerrworshipper]

Sam Kerr Dom/Smut Headcanons

warnings: filthy smut minor dni 18+

• She loves loves loves your ass, loves to touch it, fondle it, she’s unashamedly obsessed with it and whether you guys are training or sitting on the couch watching a movie after a particularly tiring week she is always looking at your ass or thinking about grabbing it. So much so that almost every time you walk past she just has to grab it, or give it a little slap, you’ve gotten so used to it that when she accidentally did it in front of your chelsea teammates neither of you reacted whatsoever, causing a fairly in depth conversation with Millie about appropriate conduct in public spaces.

• She gets stressed, a lot, with all the pressure of captaining her country and all the expectations of being the best - which consumes a lot of her energy, she’s constantly craving the feeling of being with you, whether it’s having you in her arms or being stuck in between your legs. She gets fairly clingy when she’s overworked, and these are the only times that you are permitted to take control in the bedroom and help Sammy out with whatever she needs.

• Sam gets insanely jealous, so whenever you go out with teammates for a party or drinks, she will force feed you water to make sure that you don’t get too drunk so that she can take you home and show you just how much she loves you.

• She loves to edge and even cockwarm you when she’s feeling lazy, you’ve been bratty all week but Sam’s too tired to deal with it? She’ll make you sit on her cock whilst she watches a movie and every single time you move or moan that’s an extra time you’re getting edged at the end of the movie.

• Whether she’ll ever admit it or not, she loves your bratty side, loves it when you keep her on your toes, she also loves punishing you, not sadistically, she just is obsessed with the way your body reacts to her being particularly rough with you.

• She tends to give you three strikes for bratty behaviour, Sam’s tolerance only goes so far, so once you reach her threshold and her jaw locks and her eyes squint ever so slightly you know that your in for it and she’s proven time and time again that she is not afraid of punishing you, even if it takes all night.

• Sam loves to spank your ass red, it started as her favourite way to punish you, but she very quickly discovered that it’s not much of a punishment to you, due to the fact of how much enjoyment you find from it, so she uses it as more of a funishment when your teasing her or being a little bit bratty.

• Sam will edge you till tears are flowing down your face and your clit is all puffy from the overstimulation, just to kiss the tears from your face and ask what’s bothering you.. and then remind you that if you’d been a good girl, or if you’d tried hard enough for her then you’d have come.

• Sam secretly loves it when you pull on her ponytail, when you're having sloppy morning sex with her head between your thighs there is nothing she loves more than your hand to snake it’s way down to her short little ponytail and give it a good tug, sending shivers down Sam’s spine.

• Sam loves you on your knees, more than anything, whether it’s to suck her cock clean after she’s fucked you thoroughly, or eating her out, she just loves watching you on your knees for her.

• Sam’s praise and dirty talk game is unmatched. She’ll call you a pretty girl or her perfect girl and shower you with praises and sweet nothings and orgasm when she’s in a good mood, but god when you flick the dom switch inside of her everything changes and she moves onto calling you ‘her slut’ or ‘her filthy girl’ and she’ll deprive you of every single orgasm and put you right on the line between pain and pleasure. You love every second of it, you love the softness and the roughness that comes from Sam depending on her mood.

• Sam loves teasing, whether it’s her hands running up and down your thighs or waist, or toying with your bud in her fingers, the feeling of feeling your body judder underneath hers is unmatched.

• Sam is not afraid of voyeurism, or semi voyeurism, obviously nothing that would make you uncomfortable but there’s been multiple occasions where she’s slipped a vibrator into you after a heightening win just to make you hold it all together on the bus ride home or back to the hotel, it’s always absolutely thrilling and the adrenaline it puts through both of your bodies is enough to take you straight to the edge.

• Sam who will whisper every sweet nothing into your ear as she brutally fucks you into the headboard, or up against a wall, or in the shower, or in front of the mirror just telling you exactly how much she loves you and how pretty she thinks your body is.

• Sam who no matter how bad or shitty she is feeling, will do absolutely anything to make you feel a bit better after a specifically hard game or rough training that has you feeling down on yourself.

• Sam who will spend hours drilling it into you just how perfect you are even when your brain is telling you that you aren’t enough, Sam who will punish you into accepting her compliments and sweet words. Don’t think that your body is drop dead gorgeous? Now you’re bent over and getting spanked and forced to yell ‘I’m perfect’ every single time she slaps you. Talking down on yourself after a bad day or game? Guess she’s going to edge you and tease your clit until you're begging to cum just to tell you that only girls who appreciate themselves get to cum. Sam who will chastise you whilst she is pounding into you, reminding you that she has to punish you because nobody is allowed to speak about her girlfriend or teammate like that, specially not herself.

• Sam who as soon as the scene ends will shower you with praises, compliments and kisses. She’ll smother you with affection and kisses all over your body and tell you just how proud she is for being such a good girl for her.

• Sam who no matter how mad she was before the scene, will always let it go because there is no way she can make you feel unwanted after sex.

• Sam who will put cooling gel or moisturiser on whatever parts of your body need it and take care with any potential marks or bruises that she’s given you, making sure that she hasn’t done anything permanent, when you reassure her that your fine she kisses every single mark that she’s put on your body.

• Sam who will lift you up off the bed and run a warm bath or shower, depending on how well your legs are working, adding in every single bath bomb, salt and oil that you ask for.

• She’ll clean you off wherever you need it and be so incredibly gentle that she feels like an angel sent from heaven. Then once both of your hands begin to prune she’ll dry you off and carry you to bed, give you plenty of water and whatever food you feel like before cuddling you and massaging whatever sore spots until you fall asleep in her arms.

• Sam who as soon as she’s given you breakfast the next morning will check in with you to make sure everything was enjoyable and check with you to make sure that you had fun and will talk through anything new or different that the two of you did and make sure that you felt safe with her and everything that she does.

• Sam who loves your body and your sex life morning thank anything but at the end of the day cares about how you feel and making you feel good more than anything else.

[tanglepelt]

Dp x dc idea 61

This turned out to be way longer then i planned. It was just meant to be a quick idea. Not a full like plan. So quick prompt below then a full idea.

Amanda Waller started the GIW. They captured small ghost at first. Had success in controlling them. Catch Danny. Convince him the league is in cahoots with him in case of an escape. He escapes. They get other ghosts and launch attacks against the league as an outside force obviously no connection to Amanda Waller. So Danny now is trying to deal with mind controlled ghosts all while avoiding the government and league. During a direct attack on the league Danny breaks a ghost out the mind control. Danny is then forced to work alongside them as the one he freed actually talked thing out with the league.

**

Imma give Danny an big reason to not trust the justice league. The Giw are working for Amanda Waller. Obviously trying to figure out a way to use those from the infinite realm as tools/weapons. These beings have proven to be a force to to deal with. Plants taking over, citizens forced into sweet dreams, kidnapping and the over shadowing of a whole town to vote in a mayor.

It’s the perfect way to take down the justice league. It won’t even look like the government played a part in it.

Now after freak show proved they could be controlled things get more intense. They begin capturing ghosts and trying out ways to control them. Test after test until they started to have successful trial runs.

They start with the animal ones, those who can’t actively communicate what’s going on if they escape. Figuring out ways to stop/force powers and stuff along those lines. They work extremely well in on the animals.

Animal ghost began to commander items for the group never getting caught. Following orders with no hesitation.

They get competent quickly this time around. Successfully capturing phantom. The one who was originally under freak shows mind control. Now imma give Danny even more altered dna cause he’s half human. Things don’t work on him the same as the others. If he’s a ghost it works just fine but as a human not so much. So freak show only controlled phantom never Danny.

Now obviously this is problematic for Giw and Amanda. The first time he turned back all progress had been lost. Danny had full control of himself again. Now She can’t have him going off and telling ppl about this. Their pretty positive he won’t be able to escape. Both ghost and human restraints are in use. Just in case convinces him the Justin league all work with them. That no one would help them.

Now Danny escapes. Not unharmed. He has injures and newly made scars. He avoided going ghost at all costs the second time they controlled him. It’s far easier to force him back into his natural human state then to get him to unwillingly go ghost.

How he escaped well he had some help. One of the agents perhaps an undercover hero helped aid him.

Danny is on his own and doesn’t know what to do. Slowly beings of the realm get captured. Coming under there control.

With enough members of the infinite realm the attack happens. Under the disguise of otherworldly beings. No need for Amanda or the GIW to be known.

So the justice league has a new threat. Danny won’t even consider the justice league to help or going to Sam or tucker. He didn’t want his human friends or family to be involved. He didn’t even manage to warn the realm.

When his rogues and his ghostly allies start attacking the human realm Danny knows what’s up. He knows it’s not them. Skulker could be bought out, but he wasn’t even threatening to take his pelt. So Danny knows he’s under control as well. He starts to counter them best he can. Theres just too many of them. Danny never manages to get close to any to occupied trying to protect the human civilians from the ghosts.

It would have been far too suspicious of the ghosts just attacked the league right away. Better to force the league to go out and protect a town or two.

A direct attack on the league is when Danny is fully revealed to the league. They already knew about phantom protecting civilians. They had to have noticed. One of his Allie’s maybe frostbite, Dora or maybe even pandora is leading the charge. Whoever it is Danny breaks the control on them. Only do to the fact the league is holding off some of the ghosts. Imma go with pandora.

He breaks pandora free after getting a near fatal blow. Her eyes no longer glowing under control. She comes to with him injured. Pandora is powerful and decimates the remaining ghosts forcing them to retreat.

The justice league has questions. Now they know it’s some form of mind control. Obviously they are aware of phantom as he publicly has been defending against attacks. At this point there is no way they haven’t figured out how to hit the ghosts. Tech works on them in cannon, magic works so they had to have figured out something. Now the problem comes in with the number they are facing. How they ghosts just keep growing in number.

Where the league requires weapons or magic Danny and Pandora just then had taken out huge swarms of the ghosts without any weapons.

Here’s where the problem kicks in. Danny is convinced the league is apart of the problem. Danny hasnt really connect the dots yet. He is terrified they’ll cause pandora to be mind controlled again. Despite the fact the attack was against the league. The two dip before anything is said between the parties.

Now the league are dealing with ghosts under mind control and the person who managed to break one of them out looked terrified of them. Maybe it was Wonder Woman who originally approached it is pandora after all.

Pandora who is not a scared teenager working purely on impulse connects the dots.

Danny is a not the most logical person at this time. She’s the one who actually approaches the league. To get both sides of the story despite Danny’s protests. She does meet him halfway and just arranged a meeting with wonderwoman. Away from the watchtower.

Her meeting with wonder woman only confirms things.

This leads to Danny begrudgingly working with them. He doesn’t trust them by any means. But he trusts pandora. Pandora sends a message to the realm. About what’s going on.

She stays because the GIW have her box. Just to add more drama. So ghost and evil running amok. They can stop and influx of at least one.

The infinite realm cut access to the human realm. They won’t risk more of there people getting taken. If a portal opens up a team goes through to destroy it. Natural portals are rare and and not a big problem. But happen. Those ones get heavily guarded going forward.

No new ghost. The rest still under control. Pandora could fight them off. The issue is the mind control. She’s susceptible. At one point she nearly gets under control again. Danny steps in.

He went through it all. Knows what they are doing, how they are doing it. He lived it.

Danny has been phantom whenever around the league. At one point the mind control is directed back at him. He goes human right in front of them.

With the leagues help they find a way to massively break the control on the ghosts. Danny has had time to realize he had been in fact lied to. Sam, Tucker and Jazz get a chance to yell at Danny for leaving them behind. Because i like the angst it brings it get brought up that it was the Fenton parents who sold him out.

[ofbreathandflame]

I think the best argument against "He didnt have a choice" ( i think this is why choice is rhysands favorite word 🥴) is you're right, he didn't. The AUTHOR did. Sjm had a choice and still she went for the worst and more illogical one. She still decides to put the women in her series under awful situations without further consequences. I really dislike phrases like "my characters wanted me to write them that way" or "my characters lead the story". Im always yes this is a romantic way to see the writing process but ill never forget this author who said "my characters do whatever the hell I want them to do".

hi anon!!!! (sorry this is a super old anon that i actually finished writing a while ago sorry nonny💙. can’t think of anything to say so im just posting old stuff in my drafts today 🫶🏾)

i agree! its a problem on multiple different levels. for one, sjm often relies on telling the audience what we should get out of a scene, instead of what allowing us to form our own takeaways. its a very hand-holding type of storytelling; in consequence, the 'evidence' being derived is often contradictory to actual events. like the story can argue that "change is slow," and thats why illyria and the con persist, but that statement is consistently proven to be incorrect.

lets look at how invalid the idea of 'change is slow is'

in one year - feyre is able to become high lady, effectively creating an entirely new governing system, in which, a high lord can give a person absolute power of the court (remember - what feyre and rhysand say is 'law'). there is no process, no objection, or any fear of reprimand. rhys doesn't even have to consult his second-in-command. not only that - but feyre is also allowed power over the court of nightmares, which politically, is supposedly an entirely different governing state. again - keir and devlon are not consulted about this.

it took six months to produce to first illyrian female warrior to complete the rite in history. in the span of six months - emerie completes the rite. thats more illyrian women than rhys, az, and cass's entire 300-400 year reign.

it takes feyre less than a month to completely cause an entire court to fall - yet regimes such as tam's father, beron, and amarantha somehow persisted as long as they despite them being canonically worse rulers. even - and i mean even - if tamlin was the worst leader to have ever walked this earth, it would still take more than three to four weeks. and factoring in that this is a population of immortal, canonically 'slow-to-change' individuals.......

like - how slow can the change actually be? how can the book possibly explain how such drastic changes happen from book to book but not in 400 years? how come there have been no illyrian women in the army or in the rite if cassian and rhys have earnestly been working with the females in illyria? even the few moments we see them at illyria, they still seem to be at a rudimentary level; there's no established female training areas, no veteran trainees, no consequences for breaking the law in regards to the females...there's nothing that suggests any actual measures have been taken.

that's just one example of 'canon' statements acting in contradiction the previously established pieces of information. more - its a consistent pattern of contradiction in regards to certain characters. its their natural characterization acting against the forced narrative voice.

and this makes it problem on mulitiple fronts.

and even more, off the point you made about the women in her stories - i think there needs to be a larger conversation had about the patterns of female violence in these books; specifically the role that female violence plays in establishing sexual tension and relationships in general. or...the amount of times the female protagonist has to undergo some extreme form of humiliation at the behest of future love interest; there's an utter lack of this with the men.

sjm is a very intentional author - these problems exist because of how intentional she is as a writer. i know exactly the function of each scene, exactly what emotion the she wants me to feel. this is not because these characters are written well, but because we are often just told it. feyre can 'express' disdain for rhysand'a actions, but she often undermines her own inner thoughts about the issue. feyre’s inner thoughts are often abuse apologist 101 and in retrospect it’s kind of painful the way she consistently makes excuses for rhys, even when it’s her well-being being threatened and undermined. and that’s honestly bc sjm’s narrative voice supersedes the natural characterization of her characters. sjm doesn’t know how to organically create conflict between characters she actually likes bc she doesn’t know how to write conflict. it’s a consistent pattern in her series and it’s why all the villains suck and all battles ultimately fall flat.

but the problem becomes a bit broader (i.e. this is a larger issue in publishing and literary crit). some of the arguments that i see often, and that i referenced in my last post are these:

"why read this this book if you don't like the characters?" "why continue to read the book if you don't like it?" "this is a book about fairy porn - why are you analyzing it." "i read for fun." (this is not a bad statement, but it becomes troublesome in the context i will explain)

the commonality between these statements is that they are avoidant. often, they are employed when people can't explain away the amounting problems in the series, so they avoid the conversation.

because for one, you should never (and I means NEVER) say that a piece of literature should not be analyzed. or that fantasy negates interrogation into harmful themes. that’s just anti intellectual nonsense. second, if we’re arguing about real world issues bc of the book; of if your argument is that tamlin is abusive bc he did abusive things, then you literally can’t make this argument. the whole point of moving from tam is bc he was…abusive. abuse is not a fantasy. regardless of what the author intends, if a character is abusive or does absuive things, we should be looking at that.

look…if you are defending rhys using the logic the book establishes please have it. but the moment you implicate real-world values into this story, you’ve got to see it to the end. the same goes for the series as a whole: the second maf decided to integrate a ‘domestic violence plot lines’ specifically referring to behaviors as ‘red flags’ it immediately kind of gave up the kind of distance the fantasy romance genre usually gives to such issues.

[notbadforafailedvessel]

Batcina AU - Part II

Part I, Part III, Part IV

@mymommawanda: Hope you like it!

It's not your first time taking care of a wounded animal, but it's definitely the first time said animal has an attitude.

You were used to the fear, the hesitation to trust you, succumbing to their instincts when presented with tempting food, lowering their walls with patience and sincere affection towards them, finally giving way to the gratitute.

This bat had none of those. It mainly acts like you are expected to take care of it, like it was making you a favor by allowing it.

It hadn't attack you. Not by lack of trying from its part but because you had been fast enough to avoid the scratches and bites.

You had been forced to use a garden glove whenever you want to hold it still to fed it, which has proven to be quite the challenge.

You have tried with fruit first, only for the bat to turn its head to the side to avoid it. The next attempt had been with insects, which only earned you a glare with those distinctive golden eyes.

You were getting desperate because it had been two days and the bat hasn't eaten anything so far and you didn't want it to get weaker.

You were contemplating other options while preparing your food. Completely distracted by your thoughts you cut your finger.

Within seconds, before you even have the chance to react, the bat is on the countertop, licking the blood that was coming out of your wound.

It surprises you the softeness and lingerlyness of the licks. After the fierness the little creature has shown these days, you would have never imagined such gentleness and calmness could come from it.

For some reason it makes you blush and you decide to withdraw your hand, and when the bat turns to look at you, you nod. "All right, buddy. I get it now."

Any kind of truce it's over after those words and the bat it's screeching offendedly at you in the next second.

You imagine the reason why it's because you have removed its food source, which you are quick to compensate by filling a bowl with blood from your last hunt.

The bat doesn't look entirely pleased as it had looked when it was feeding from your blood but it still drinks it, which was better than the previous days.

But the next time you use the word "buddy" to address the little creature, the screeching happens again.

"So you don't like the word buddy, huh?" As you expected, the screech is your answer. "And what should I call you? You have a peculiar way of acting, like royalty. So what about: your highness?" You can't stop the sarcasm from your words.

The bat doesn't screeches but hisses. By now you know the difference from the screeches and the hisses. The first ones meant anger, the latter was a warning to treat carefully.

You snort. "Too much?" You sigh. "It would help if I knew if you are a lady or-"

The bat interrupts you, fluttering its good wing as if to catch your attention. "A lady?"

The bat preens at your words and you are convinced its- she's smirking at you, like it's getting away with something you aren't aware of.

You don't question it. It's not like you are going to get an answer anyway. But after that day, you start addressing the bat as "my Lady."

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

Alcina knows that the best way to speed up her recovery process is by taking blood.

Her plan for that first night was waiting for you to fall asleep to set it into motion but you don't sleep that night, commited to take care of her and make sure there wasn't a more serious problem; and the following nights she is placed inside a birdcage when it's your time to sleep, like an animal.

Despite knowing the misunderstanding it's not entirely your fault, Alcina decides that once she's able to turn back into her human form, you would met your demise after such offense.

After a week under your care, and be fed animal blood for a few days to strengthen her but not enough to be completely healthy, Alcina starts to feel angsty.

She wonders if Mother Miranda has noticed her absence. Or even worse, if the mob continued their path and dare to make their way to the other Lord's residences and take them aback and defenseless.

She knows Mother Miranda would blame her if that happens. She was the first defense line and so far, nobody had been capable to pass through her.

So with the prospect of failing in her mind, Alcina takes a risky and stupid decision.

She ignores the soreness of her wing. At least she's capable to keep herself in the air and she's convinced she's well enough to make the trip to Mother Miranda's place, and once there she was sure her creator would offer a human to recover entirely.

One night, before she's stuck inside the birdcage for the night, Alcina takes advantage of the fact that the front door is slightly ajar, since you never noticed it hadn't close after you when you went out to do who knows what on the garden, to escape.

She knows it would be simpler if you don't notice she was gone. She doesn't want to give you the opportunity to hold her as if she was nothing and stop her from her goal.

Alcina is not aware of the dangers she could face, especially at night. Because she's not used to be a prey. So when she faces an owl, that in her current form is six times bigger than her, her first reaction is to headbutt the obstacle that is in her way.

When you are back and notice the open door, you don't worry at all because you know your winged lady is far from being recovered and you like to think she is smart enough to know it.

However, you are capable to sense the absence the moment you step inside, a sensation of dreadness immediately washing you over, which increases when you hear the familiar sound of screeching moments later.

You run like you're being chased to where the sound of commotion is coming from, not taking the moment to think to take some sort of weapon in case you need it.

For a few seconds you are frozen by the image. Despite knowing how cruel nature can be, you aren't dehumanized when you witness such things.

The owl is standing over the bat's wings, using the talons to pierce the membrane to subdue it, the little creature writhing desperately. The moonlight helping you to see the blood in the ground because you have dropped your lantern along the way in your hurry.

The screeching hasn't stopped and it's until you are able to see what's happening that you realize it's not an angry screech like the ones you were used to. This time is a screech of pain.

It's that what puts you in motion, just as the owl straightens up, fluttering its wings while opening its beak to give the last blow.

You take a fallen branch hoping the noise is enough to frighten the bird and make it go away. Though there's a part of you who envisions yourself hitting the animal with the branch just to take out your fear in some way.

You don't do it though, sticking with your plan of hitting a tree to draw the owl's attention, who shrieks threateningly looking at you without moving from its spot, almost like it was expecting you to be the one to surrender to its presence.

You keep moving towards the animals, trying to make as much noise as possible until the owl gives up, realizing that you won't do it and finally flies away.

With your heart beating wildy in your chest, you squat just like the first time. Though in this ocassion, your hands are trembling as you reach to take the bat in your hands.

"It's okay, my Lady," you whisper with a trembling voice, your eyes filling with tears that you don't shed at the feeling of the blood and see the wounds up close in your small companion. "You are safe now."

The bat looks at you, but as you bring her closer against your chest, cuddling her in reassurance, she closes her eyes tiredly, leaning her small head against you.

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

After the rescue, things take a radical twist in the interactions between you and your winged lady.

The animal no longer behaves as if you are an enemy, as if she was expecting the slightest mistake from your part to take advantage of it.

When in the past she preferred to be away from you but without losing sight of you, as if she was spying you, now she was close to you most of the time ─ climbing your arm to take a spot on your shoulder if you were standing and doing chores, or resting on your thigh when you were sitting down, or on chest when you were lying down. Looking for a comfort that you are so happy to provide with tender petting on her head and body, and with the attention and caring to take her back to health, which provides to be easier to do now that the bat it's on your side.

Because of it, it was no longer necessary to put her in the birdcage during bedtime, letting her roam freely the whole day and cuddling on the pillow next to your head when it was time to sleep.

You can't explain how giddy this changes makes you feel.

Alcina is in complete awe of you after you saved her.

Never before someone has taken care of her, much less protect her in the way you had and are still doing.

In all the irony, within her built family Alcina has learned to be independent, to deal with things in her own and never count with anyone. She wants to stand out and being the favorite which entails to always being on guard and not showing any kind of weakness, much less depending on others.

When it comes to humans, she is used to people being afraid of her, people running in the opposite direction when they see her. And even though it's something that thrills her, your actions are able to move her in a way nobody has done it.

After a few weeks Alcina is completely recovered and even though both of you wish to prolong your time together, it's not possible.

Alcina, even though has allowed herself to take the necessary time to heal this time without feeling guilty, still has responsabilities and needs to face any possible consequence of her absence.

It only takes one look for you to understand what your Lady wants to tell you the day she looks through the window with purpose.

Even when your heart screams at you to keep the bat with you, that's something you would never do to an animal that it's meant to be free.

On the other hand, if that would happen for some crazy reason, you would want it to happen because she chooses to stay with you and not because she's forced to it.

Alcina climbs into your hand when it's presented to her, and you walk out of the cabin, smiling sadly at her once you are out and she lifts her head to look at you.

"Farewell, my Lady," you clear your throat after it cracks. You always feel affection towards the animals you take care of and the time to say goodbye it's always bittersweet. This time though, it's heartbreaking for some reason you can't understand.

Your emotions are so raw that Alcina can't feel like she's being rejected or kicked away, knowing that this is hard for you. Just as it's proving to be for her. Which staggers her ─ a few weeks ago she was desperate to leave this place and she now wants to have a reason to stay without consequences.

You kiss the small head, lingering for a few seconds before pulling back. "Please, take care of yourself. You are welcome to visit me whenever you want, no need to harm yourself to do it," you joke, forcing a smile.

You sniff when your Lady gently licks your wrist and part of your palm, giving you one last piercing look with those unique eyes before taking flight, ending it all as unexpectedly as it started.

You go back inside once you can no longer see your winged lady, not wanting to give much thought to the acute sensation that you had just missed a very important thing for you.

[fanficimagery]

Brown Guilty Eyes

Steve Harrington once promised to never break your heart. Unfortunately, it's a promise he breaks. So, when you distance yourself from him, you're surprised that someone else quickly fills that void he left behind.

Words: 5K Author's Note: I love Steve and Nancy, but only when they're not together. I really hate that they had them longing for each other again, even while Nancy was with Jonathan. It's annoying. So, while I was in a mood and a certain song came on, I couldn't help but think of this idea. Sorry for the Steve and Nancy hate in this.

When Steve Harrington had asked you out, you were thrilled.

You'd always thought that he was cute, even during his King Steve days, but you didn't think he'd go for someone like you. And you were proven right when he took interest in Nancy Wheeler.

But then their relationship took a turn for the worst, Nancy started dating Jonathan, and you took a job alongside Steve and Robin when Starcourt Mall opened up. The three of you bonded over Steve's terrible flirtation skills, and then bonded even more after being tortured by Russians. You and Robin were then let in on Hawkins' biggest secret, and your life was never the same ever again.

When Steve and Robin landed jobs at Family Video, you reluctantly took a job at Melvald's General Store. It wasn't long before, in a surprising turn of events, Steve had asked you out when you went to visit him and Robin at work one day. Even Robin was surprised, but admitted that she couldn't believe she never thought of you as a match for your mutual friend.

And then after your second date with Steve, she was happy to admit she wholeheartedly approved.

For months you and Steve were happy.

But then one day out of the blue, his smile didn't quite reach his eyes and his laugh sounded forced. You tried to write it off, hell even Robin told you that you were worried for nothing, and then the Upside Down started acting up again and made everyone who was left join forces once more.

This time, the monster was a little scarier. Especially since Eleven, whose powers had apparently left her, wasn't even in the state to lend a helping hand. So, you, Steve, Robin, Dustin and Max tried to come up with a plan to prove that Eddie Munson had no hand in Chrissy Cunningham's death.

Easier said than done.

When a second body was found, Steve drove all of you to the scene of the crime. Nancy Wheeler found all of you waiting after she'd given her statement and the drop of her shoulders clued everyone in that she was now on the same page as all of you.

You had nothing against Nancy, but it was hard to keep up a friendly facade when your boyfriend seemed more worried for Nancy's wellbeing over anyone else's. Dustin, Max, and Robin took immediate notice when he tried leaving with Nancy because apparently she couldn't look after herself, so Robin stepped up and left with her. And Steve? Steve wasn't too happy with that.

When Nancy and Robin came back with a lead, and everyone headed towards Creel House, you pulled away from Steve when he tried to hold your hand. Robin winced, Steve sighed, and you took the offered flashlight from Max when everyone decided to split up.

"What is going on with you?" You heard Dustin hiss from one of the rooms. "I thought you were smooth with the ladies? You're totally blowing it with YN."

"Can you shut up!" Steve had hissed back. "Nothing's going on."

"Tell that to the heart eyes you and Nancy keep flashing at each other. Not cool, Steve. Not cool."

You did your best to keep from looking at either Steve or Nancy, but it was hard when the three of you, plus Robin and Eddie ended up on Lover's Lake looking for a gate to the Upside Down. Steve volunteered to jump in, you and Nancy begged him not to, but he was unfortunately the only good swimmer. But when he stripped off his shirt and Nancy ogled him right in front of you, you knew without a doubt that there was a glaring expiration date on your relationship.

Robin had nudged Nancy, but it was no use. You had seen the girl's interest and you knew deep within your heart that there was no competing with the first love.

Steve ended up being dragged down into the lake after finding the gate, and you, Nancy, and Robin had wasted no time in jumping in after him. Being back in the Upside Down was not something you ever thought would happen again, yet there you were fighting off demonic bats as they strangled and ate pieces of your boyfriend.

And then when the five of you found a semblance of safety, Nancy dressed Steve's wounds. She and Robin tore off pieces of their shirt to bandage his torso, but when Nancy was done and her fingers drifted a little too low on Steve's abdomen, you scowled and turned.

"Wait a sec. I'm confused," Eddie had mumbled. "I thought you and Harrington were.."

"We are. Or were." You sighed. "I don't know anymore, man. I just want to go home, clear your name, and go off grid for a day or ten."

"I'm with 'ya on that. We should find a cabin somewhere, pig out on food and rock out to some music."

For the first time since you had gotten involved in Eddie Munson's drama, you cracked a smile and huffed a laugh. He practically beamed at your response to him, and did his best to distract you from Steve and Nancy who couldn't keep their eyes off one another.

Defeating Vecna, or 001 as everyone later found out, took a toll on everyone. Eleven had swooped in at the last minute, powers back and stronger than before. Then with Eddie's help of distracting the creatures from the Upside Down with his sick guitar skills you were all able to pull off the win.

Thankfully everyone walked away from the fight, with new scars and trauma to fuel nightmares for months to come, and then it was another battle to prove Eddie's innocence. Everyone helped, including Hopper who shocked the hell out of everyone in Hawkins with his reappearance. The entire police force of Hawkins was let in on their town's dirty little secret, backed up with stories from all involved, and Eddie was reluctantly cleared.

The town wasn't too happy that no one was arrested for Chrissy's murder while Eddie walked free, but he had a whole new group of friends to have his back.

Yourself included.

You go back to work at Melvald's right before the kids go back to school from their spring break, happy to have Joyce Byers working at the store once more. Since no one had bought her house, she decided to relocate back to Hawkins since that's where Will and El and Hopper wanted to be.

And since Mr. Melvald had expanded the store into the neighboring one that had shut down, you were happy for the extra hands.

"Hey, Joyce," you greet one morning.

"Hey, honey. How are you?"

"I'm good. Glad to have you Byers back in town," you muse. She chuckles as she dons her Melvald's vest and stands behind the register. "How are the boys, El and Hopper settling back in?"

"They're good." She exhales softly in relief. "Will and El- er, Jane- are happy to be back with the rest of the boys and Max."

"That's nice."

"Hopper's being reinstated as a deputy under Chief Powell and Jonathan.." she trails off, sighing. "Jonathan is planning to head back out to California. He has a friend who's looking for a roommate."

"Oh. Is, uh, everything okay? Jonathan always seemed like someone who wouldn't leave you or Will behind."

"Yeah. Of course." You arch an eyebrow at her as you grab a clipboard and start lingering around the first aisle to do a bit of inventory. "Well Nancy did break up with him to get back with Steve Harr-"

You drop a box you'd been inspecting and stare at Joyce with wide-eyes. "What did you just say?"

She frowns. "That Nancy broke up with Jonathan? Or that she got back together with that Steve boy?" Against your will, your eyes fill with tears and you quickly avert your gaze back to the shelf before you. "Did I- did I miss something?" She nervously asks.

You sniffle and then shrug. "I, uh, I was recently dating that Steve boy. I don't even know why I'm upset. I mean I broke up with him a couple of days ago, but I didn't know he was already dating Nancy."

"Oh honey, I'm so sorry."

"It's fine," you assure her. You quickly wipe at your eyes to rid yourself of the tears before offering her a shaky smile. "Better to find out now rather than seeing them out and about in public, right?"

"Right." A few seconds later and Joyce is wrapping her arms around you from behind, setting her chin on your shoulder. "Boys suck."

You bark out a laugh of surprise, agreeing. "Exactly. Boys suck."

You and Joyce work side by side, chatting and laughing when there's a lull in customers. Mr. Melvald's grandson also worked with the two of you, but his expertise dealt more with the pharmacy side of things so that's where he stayed.

With Mr. Melvald gone for the day and the store empty, you hop up on the counter as Joyce lazily relaxes against it. She switches the music that's playing over the loudspeaker, putting on a song that reminds her of her sons. Then a few minutes later, the front door is opening and the jingling of a bell signifies a customer.

When you look up, you see Eddie Munson walking in with a grim expression. He doesn't pay you any attention as he makes a beeline for one of the aisles, and you and Joyce share a look.

"Is that him? The one-"

"They tried pinning Chrissy's death on? Yeah," you say. "I haven't seen him for a few days and he just went back to school, so.."

When Eddie reappears with an arm full of first aid supplies, you frown. And when he takes notice of you, he tenses before pasting on a smile. "YN YLN. I didn't know you worked here."

"Surprise," you deadpan and then gesture to his split lip. "What happened?"

His smile drops as he sighs and rolls his eyes. "What do you think? They put me back into a school where half of them want me dead. Jason Carver got in a clean hit and then I got in a couple hits before we were pulled apart," he says while glancing down at his bloodied knuckles.

Your expression becomes stormy as you hop off the counter, picking up one of his injured hands to look at the damage. "And what did the school do?"

"They suspended Jason for a day and came up with the brilliant idea to fast track me out of there. Now I have two weeks to study for my finals. If I fail, they're just going to expel me and be done with me. If I pass, they'll mail me my diploma."

"What the actual fuck!" You practically shout.

"Hey. Language," Joyce softly utters. When Eddie glances at her, she smiles sheepishly. "Hi, I'm Joyce Byers. I don't think we've actually met."

He shakes his head. "Eddie Munson."

"The school board is a bunch of cowards," you seethe. "You're the goddamn victim here. Why aren't they doing shit about Jason and his merry band of bullies?!"

"Hey. Hey," Eddie calls out softly. He places the items he's yet to purchase on the counter while placing his hands on your shoulders to meet your gaze head on. "It's cool. It sucks, but it's fine. At least now I have a reason to actually study and finally get the hell out of there."

You exhale loudly, annoyed still. "When they give you the packets you need to study, come here. I'll help you on my breaks and in between customers."

"Yeah. I'll help too!" Joyce supplies. "It gets pretty boring here when there aren't any customers."

"Are- are you guys sure?" Eddie asks, glancing between the two of you.

"Of course. And then in a few weeks, we'll be celebrating Hawkins' newest graduate."

Eddie's boyish smile makes an appearance, brown eyes sparkling. "Thanks, ladies. I'll be sure to swing by when I have those packets."

After Eddie makes his purchase and leaves, flashing you and Joyce a jaunty little salute, you smile in amusement while shaking your head. From the corner of your eye, you see Joyce grinning at you.

"What?"

"So I may have to amend my earlier statement."

"Which one?" You frown at her.

"Well after that little interaction, I've come to the conclusion that maybe not all boys suck." It takes a moment for you to realize what she means, and you groan. Joyce laughs. "He's adorable."

"While that may be, I just got out of a relationship."

"Well, I'm not saying to do something about it right now, but maybe make some interest known," she says. "You've been kind of mopey ever since my mishap this morning, and that boy brought a smile out of you so fast."

You chuckle while smiling softly at her. "Eddie is cute, but I don't think it's fair to him to show any interest while I'm still hurting over the fact that Steve moved on so quickly."

"It'll be fine, sweetie. You'll see."

Over the next two weeks, Eddie is a fixture at Melvald's Store during school hours. Mr. Melvald himself was a bit uneasy with the boy's appearance, but the old man absolutely adored Joyce and decided to give Eddie the benefit of the doubt when she vouched for him. So long as you still tended to the customers, Mr. Melvald was okay with you helping Eddie study for graduation.

You and Joyce end up helping Eddie cram for his finals and you're surprised he knows most of the material. His only issue is that he's easily distracted, and when he finds out you and Steve are no longer an item, you become his favorite distraction. And Joyce- Joyce finds it absolutely hilarious when he manages to fluster you so much that you have to walk away.

Eddie had told you the day he was to take his tests, and that they were actually going to grade them then and there after he was done so he'd have his results around three in the afternoon. He wanted you to be there since you had helped him so much, so you agreed.

Luckily the day is on one of your days off, so after keeping yourself busy you get into your car and drive out to the school. Parking close to the path that leads to a picnic table in the middle of the woods next to the school, you get off and take the familiar path towards it.

Taking a seat on one bench, you wait a little impatiently for Eddie to show. Then nearly a half hour later, you hear leaves crunching and twigs snapping. You glance over your shoulder to see Eddie ducking beneath a low hanging tree branch. He smiles directly at you as he walks around the table, taking a seat across from you.

"Aren't you a sight for sore eyes."

Your eyes roll. "Flattery will get you nowhere, Munson."

"Well flattery works with me, so.." His sets his fist beneath his chin, fluttering his eyelashes at you.

You huff a laugh at him. "Well what's the verdict? Are we throwing a party in celebration or burning down the school in retaliation?"

"Why not both?"

"Eddie!" You grit out, causing the boy to laugh. "Tell me already. Pass or fail?" His expression slowly falls and your eyes widen. "No fuckin' way! You studied your ass off, dude. You should have-"

"I passed." He smirks then and your mouth remains agape as you stare at him in surprise. "YN, did you hear me? I passed."

"I heard," you utter and then beam at him. "You passed! Hell yes!" You cheer. Eddie laughs then, especially when you get up out of your seat and rush around the table to hug him. He holds onto you a little longer than expected, but you don't mention it when you finally pull away. "I'm so proud of you, man."

"Thanks."

His smile makes your heart flutter and your insides squirm in all the right ways that you have to quickly avert your gaze as you make your way back to your side of the table. As the days had passed with Eddie visiting Melvald's, Joyce had been spot on about Eddie being a decent guy. And though you were upset with Steve for moving on so quickly, you realized that it was mainly your ego that had been hurt. He'd obviously still had feelings for Nancy while he was with you and that knowledge wounded you. It made you feel stupid.

But if given the chance, you would never go back to him.

You didn't want him. Not anymore.

But Eddie? Eddie was cute and fun, and he was seriously making you think about what his mouth-

"Hello? Did you hear me?"

"What!?" Your gaze snaps to him and Eddie laughs at you.

"Where'd you wander off to?"

"Oh, uh, nowhere." You can feel the tips of your ears burn and you quietly groan when Eddie smirks. Thankfully he doesn't call you out on it. "So, um, if we're done here, let's go tell Joyce the good news. She wanted to know the results too."

"Yeah. Okay."

When Joyce hears the good news, she decides to throw an impromptu party for Eddie. He tries to get out of it, but you only encourage Joyce's shenanigans, and you promise the older woman you'll have Eddie at her house later that night. He can moan and groan about how unnecessary a party is, but the smile never leaves his face, and you know it's the right thing to do.

So, while Eddie goes to deliver the good news to his uncle back at their new trailer the government had paid for, you drive around looking for everyone from Hellfire club to invite to the Byers' residence.

Gareth, Jeff, Dustin and Will are there, as well as Mike who'd invited El and Lucas who'd invited Max. You even invited Robin who had bonded with Eddie in the Upside Down, and she even pitched in a few bucks so you and Joyce could order in several pizzas.

"So, you and Munson, huh?" Robin asks as she catches you chuckling at the boys' antics in the middle of the living room. "I did not see that coming."

You turn to briefly stare at her, grinning. "Neither did I. Joyce was the one who called it."

"It's adorable," your friend muses. "The both of you deserve happiness and if it's with each other, I highly approve."

"Yeah, yeah. It'll happen when it happens. You and Joyce need to meddle elsewhere."

"But the whole will they or won't they is so good," Robin gushes. "Ever since Steve got back with-" She immediately cuts herself off and you glance at her just in time to catch her wince.

"It's okay. You can say their names." You chuckle once more. "I'm well aware of how little time they wasted before getting back into each other's pants."

"I'm sorry. I didn't even think."

"It's fine." You assure her. "And besides, if it weren't, do you really think I'd be checking out Munson?"

"No. I guess not." Slowly but surely, Robin loosens back up. "So yeah, ever since they got back together, it's like I don't even exist. I miss my friend."

You wrap an arm around her shoulders and pull her into your side. "Sorry you lost a friend, Buckley, but I am here whenever you need me. You wanna hang out? Just name the time and place, and I'm there."

"Me too." You and Robin startle at Eddie's sudden appearance, his chin resting on your shoulder between your and Robin's head. "Unless it's like a hangout for girls only. Then I won't be there, but I do expect pictures."

"Gross." Robin laughs and you flick Eddie's forehead until he backs off.

"Ow. Mean."

"Shut up and go enjoy your party, Eds."

He dramatically pouts as he comes around to stand in front of you. "But how can I enjoy it when my favorite person in the entire world isn't paying me any attention?"

"Jesus.." Robin laughs and then shoves you forward. "Go." You narrow your eyes at her over your shoulder and she winks. "We'll talk later."

Eddie, with all the free time in the world now, continues to show up to Melvald's during your shifts. Joyce doesn't hide the fact that she absolutely adores him, and Eddie uses that to his advantage to convince you to go to the arcade with him one night.

"Why are you so insistent on me coming with you to the arcade?" You ask.

You're changing in your bedroom closet as Eddie lounges on your bed. "Because you need to have some fun. All you do is work, work, work."

"Welcome to adulthood." You kick open the closet door and stand before your friend in off the shoulder crop top and a pair of jeans with rips over the left knee. Eddie, who'd been playing with a plush teddy bear, freezes before looking you up and down. You gulp and do your best not to squirm. "Life, uh, life sucks when you gotta get a grown-up job."

As you walk over to the other side of your room, there are a pair of boots that you rarely wore out. When you bend over to pick them up, you hear, "Christ. Harrington is a dumbass." The words are muttered and clearly not meant for your ears.

"What was that?" You ask as you stand tall, moving to sit on the edge of your bed.

"Oh, uh, nothing."

"Right," you drawl. You pull on your boots with ease, then stand up to swipe some cash off your dresser- cash for food and to exchange for quarters at the arcade. Then facing Eddie who can't stop staring, you ask, "Ready to go?"

"Yeah. Yes." He's quick to stand, letting the bear drop on your bed as he beams at you. "Now let's go play every game that has Henderson's high score and attempt to beat it."

You laugh as you exit your bedroom. "He's gonna be so pissed."

When you get downstairs to tell your parents you're leaving, they tell you to be careful and for Eddie to at least bring you back before the sun rises. And still not used to the fact that your parents actually like him, he chuckles nervously before promising to have you home before midnight.

The arcade isn't too busy which is great for you and Eddie, and immediately he starts hunting down the games he knows for a fact that Dustin Henderson likes to play.

Dig Dug is neither of your guys' strong suit and you poke fun at one another over how much you suck. He fares better at Dragon's Lair, and you can't stop giggling when he complains about the game not making any sense and what complete bullshit it is. He manages to make it onto the list of high scores, but only at sixth place and he's all too gleeful to add Munson to the list.

You play Galaga and you're surprised at how much you like it. So, when you get the hang of it after your third quarter, you're so into the zone that Eddie wrapping his arms around you from behind doesn't faze you one bit. Nor when he hooks his chin over your shoulder to watch you play.

"If you interrupt me now, I'm gonna kick your ass."

Eddie laughs and lowers his arms so they're around your waist instead. You dodge the enemy ship's missiles, even blindly kicking backwards when Eddie makes noises that puts you on edge when there's a near miss.

Then after your last ship explodes, you groan in defeat.

"And another one bites the dust." Eddie laughs.

"Shut up. At least I got first place for my choice of game. That's more than you can say."

After entering your name for the high score list, Eddie slings an arm around your shoulders as you walk off to hunt the next game. But before you can decide on anything, you head over the snack counter and buy a large Coke to split between each other.

"Oh, what about the claw machine?" You ask. "I want one of those deranged looking plushies."

"You do know they're rigged, right?"

"Yeah, but it's still exciting."

Eddie chuckles, but still leads you towards the wall where a few claw machines reside. On your way there, however, someone scoffs so loud that it catches your attention.

"Munson? Seriously?" You and Eddie both turn to see Steve standing there, hands on his hips as he stares at the two of you in disappointment.

"Excuse me?" You frown.

"You actually left me for Munson."

This time it's your turn to scoff and Eddie chuckles as you shake your head at Steve. "Unbelievable."

You turn to walk away, nudging Eddie to walk out in front of you, but Steve's next words have you whirling back around. "Feeling guilty all of a sudden, YN? Is that why you're walking away?"

"What the hell do I have to feel guilty about, huh?" You whirl around, eyes blazing. Steve has the audacity to be taken aback by your sudden anger and Eddie reaches out to grab your arm to prevent you from taking a step in Steve's direction. "Not that it's any of your business, Steve, but Eddie and I are friends. And not only that, but if there was something going on between the two of us, why do you even care? You're dating Nancy."

Steve gapes and Eddie laughs from behind you, loosening his hold on your arm and settling his arm across the back of your shoulders once more. "King Steve strikes again. Just like old times, Harrington."

"Shut your mouth, man." Steve's astonished expression quickly turns to anger as he glares at Eddie.

"Walk away, Steve. You clearly made your choice while we were dating and now I'm making mine."

"You're seriously going to pick Eddie the freak Munson over me?"

"I am." You gulp and then say the one thing that's sure to bruise his ego a bit more and hopefully makes him walk away. "But look at it this way- at least I waited until we were broken up to show interest in someone else, even if he doesn't feel the same way."

"I do. Just fyi," Eddie interjects, making your lips twitch and heart speed up at his confession.

Steve's eyes roll as he huffs before giving you his attention once more. "What's that supposed to even mean?"

"Don't play dumb. Everyone knows Nancy cheated on you with Jonathan and then she basically cheated on Jonathan with you. You picked a real winner there, Steve."

"We didn't-"

"It doesn't matter. The feelings were there while we were clearly dating and don't even try to deny it. Half our friends saw it- "

"Hell, even I saw it," Eddie mutters.

"-and even tried convincing me otherwise, but I'm not as stupid as you probably hoped I was."

Steve is left gaping, guilt pooling in his expression, and the silence is nearing into uncomfortable territory. Eddie clicks his tongue and is moments away from just dragging you away when Robin bounces up behind Steve.

"Okay so I got the quarters. Where do you wanna.." she trails off as she takes in the atmosphere she just walked in on. "Oh no. Did I miss something?"

Steve suddenly turns and storms away, and you exhale loudly, glancing at Robin. "Do I even wanna know what crawled up his butt?"

"What do you mean?" She asks.

"I don't know. Steve just came at us in a pissy mood."

"It's true," Eddie muses. "Even said something about YN choosing me over him, which is stupid. He's with Wheeler, isn't he?"

Robin grimaces. "Uh, actually.."

"Nope. Not my drama. I don't wanna know," you say. She exhales with relief, and you chuckle at her. "Sorry your night with your best friend got interrupted."

"Don't worry about it. He'd probably have moped the entire night anyway." Robin glances around and slowly starts to walk backwards. "Well, I'm gonna go. He was my ride, after all."

"Yeah. Of course. We'll catch up some other day."

As soon as it's just you and Eddie, he can't help but break the silence with, "So you're really choosing me over king Steve?"

You snort and nudge him towards the claw machines. "Shut up and win me something, Munson."

"Bossy. I dig it."

Your cheeks flame and he laughs. "Can you not? And stop smiling at me. It makes me feel awkward."

"But you're just so adorable."

"Stop."

"Okay, okay. I'll behave." Eddie glances at you over his shoulder and you wrinkle your nose at him. As he faces forward to slip a quarter into the claw machine he'd chosen, he says, "You know I was serious earlier. I am. Interested, I mean."

"Yeah?"

"Yep."

"Good. Drama aside, this was the most fun first date I've ever been on."

In the machine's mirrored reflection, Eddie's winning smile is enough to make smile as well. "And it's just about to get better."

He's still staring at the mound of plushies, so you step around him to see what he's looking at. And when you see the claw dragging a small stuffed dragon towards the prize chute, you can't help but laugh. "Still think it's rigged?"

Eddie cheers as he plucks his prize from the chute, turning and presenting it to you. "Yeah. It was just dumb luck I won that."

You laugh and then hook your arm through his, dragging him towards the exit. "Come on. We can't officially call this a date until we grab some food. I'm craving some greasy burgers."

"Yes." Eddie groans. "Best date ever."

[tamras-shieldmaiden]

I was going over the subject of Kuvira’s childhood with @redcatmusings , and this scene came to mind:

and it made me realize that Bruce’s line also applies to Kuvira. After all, this is a child who was reeling from several traumatic events that, as we know, led to the abandonment complex that influenced many decisions in her life. This is not to say that because of her tragic upbringing, her decisions later in life are justified; rather, it provides us with context regarding her mental and emotional state. The burden of unresolved issues from childhood can shape a person, and if not properly addressed, it can continue to affect them throughout adulthood.

IMHO, in Kuvira’s case, as she went through the struggles of adapting to a new household, she learned to become quite adept at masking her anger to gain her new family’s acceptance and affection. At some point, she must’ve realized that her unruly behavior had already cost her biological family. This is a little girl who was already made responsible, not only for breaking up her family but for almost killing her mother and she carried the guilt and shame of those actions. Anger became a reflex, a defense mechanism for a child unable to properly understand or manage her emotions. This anger had an unfortunate effect, and it’s because it isolated her from the other kids, like we saw with Opal in ROTE. We can’t know for sure for how long this went on, but we also know that the Kuvira we meet in Book Three successfully overcame this because we were introduced to a capable, courageous, and obedient young woman who had proven herself to be dependable and trustworthy enough to be given the reins of the Zaofu Guard. 

So how and why did the almost feral little girl with trust and anger issues transform into Suyin’s trusted protege? I believe there are several reasons. One of the main motivators and driving forces behind this change was the existential fear of being abandoned. As an orphan myself (and this might be more than a bit of projection, lol) feeling abandoned is quite scary, and in Kuvira's case, the reason for her abandonment made it more hurtful and terrifying. If it happened once, it could very well happen again a second time, and in her eyes, the fault would be hers and hers alone. That's pretty heavy stuff for a kid to contemplate 😭. The other motivator was praise and positive reinforcement. Her biological parents had emphasized discipline, but through Suyin, Kuvira finally learned she could earn the praise of the adults when she behaved as they expected from her, and she realized it felt very good. She could be more than a disappointment, more than a burden that could easily be discarded. She could be deserving of praise, affection, and acceptance after all, and this made her feel safe. If she behaved, she wouldn't be given away again. So she sought Suyin’s acceptance by emulating her mentor and striving to become the best at everything she did (as we can see illustrated in these parallels). But with time, she realized that even that wasn’t enough to become one of them, a Beifong. Despite her best efforts, she remained an outsider within the family, and the frustration and anger this elicited finally came to a head when in open defiance, she broke away from the family and from Zaofu to seek a noble purpose in aiding the fractured Earth Kingdom in its moment of crisis. The mask came off, and it revealed that the anger had never truly gone away.

NOTE:

Since for some reason the hyperlink formatting won't stick, the links to the parallels referred are these:

https://www.tumblr.com/cabronallorona/112798537765/you-thought-you-were-there-to-guide-me-you-were

https://www.tumblr.com/elemelon-s/111927744706/she-was-like-a-daughter-to-me-kuvira-suyin?source=share

[whimsicallyenchantedrose]

Season 3 Rewatch Drabbles: 3x19 A Curious Thing

Summary:  A series of 100-500 word drabbles to accompany my    rewatch of season 3 of Once Upon a Time.  There will be a drabble–either a deleted scene, a “fix it” fic or a character musing for each episode of the season.  Focus will be on Emma, Henry, the Charmings and Killian–with an emphasis on Captain Swan’s epic love story.

Word Count: 712

Other Chapters: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) (19) (20) (22) (23) (24) (25) (26) (27) (28)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Killian’s heart rate gradually returned to normal as the adrenaline faded, but with it, his hope faded as well.

This whole situation had completely spiraled out of control.  He’d tried so hard, so bloody hard, to do what was best–to protect the lad, to save Swan’s magic, to keep the Charmings and everyone else Swan loved safe.  The damned witch had left him with no options.

He couldn’t kiss her.  That much was clear.  There was no possibility in any realm he would willingly take away her magic.

He also couldn’t not kiss her, or he placed her lad in danger.

He also couldn’t tell her what had happened for fear word would get back to Zelena and she’d exact retribution.

The only thing he could think to do was to get the lad away from the witch’s purview, and even that had gone spectacularly pear-shaped.

He was quite fortunate Swan, the queen and the Charmings had shown up to the boathouse when they had when he’d run out of ammunition or…well the alternative didn’t bear contemplation.

But then Zelena herself had shown up spinning her lies and perfidious insinuations about him.

“Don’t blame me.  The captain failed me.  He knew what the price of failure was–your son’s life.”

Killian’s heart plummeted as he looked into Swan’s eyes once the witch was stopped and the curse was broken.  Her eyes were filled with anger and suspicion.

“Are you gonna tell me what Zelena was talking about?” she asked in a voice as hard as steel “She said you failed her.”

“Don’t listen to her!” he said, hearing the pleading sound of his voice.

“Killian, what’s going on?” she asked, arms crossed. “Were you working for her?”

Killian’s heart plummeted even further.  Had she no faith in him at all?  Had he not proven, at least to some extent, that her welfare and that of her family were his priority?  How could she even ask such a thing?

“The witch tried to back me into a corner,” he said, desperate for her to see his sincerity, desperate for her to see the hopelessness of his situation. “I did everything I could to try to resist her plans.”

“So whose idea was it to kidnap Henry and stick him on a boat?” she demanded.

He closed his eyes, deflating.  He was mucking this up royally.  “It was mine. I was trying to save him.”

“From what?” she continued, “What is she doing?”

There was nothing for it.  It was time to spill the whole sordid tale. “She cursed me. My lips actually.”

Her brows furled. “Your lips? Why?”

Did she really not know?  Did she really not see it? “Because she wants to steal your magic.  She thought I was the best way of doing that. She knows what we all know-that you can defeat her.”

For a split second he saw something that might have been pride or gratitude in her eye, but then the anger took over again. “It should have been my decision to protect Henry. Whether she forced your hand or not doesn’t matter!  I can’t trust you now.  How can I?”

It struck him to the very heart, her anger, her accusations, her lack of trust.  What could he have done? What could he have bloody done?  He’d been like a caged animal with no way out.

And as the scene continued to play out–as her parents looked on him with suspicion as well, accusing him of lying about how he’d obtained the potion, it suddenly became blindingly clear to him.

They’d never see him as a hero.  He could never escape his past.  A part of him–the part that had dealt with his grief over Liam’s death by becoming the most vicious and merciless pirate on the seven seas–was tempted to throw it all away and embrace his fate as a villain yet again.

But he’d tried that in the lost year.  He’d tried it and he’d found that she’d changed him irreversibly.  No, that wasn’t precisely accurate.  She’d inspired him to change himself irreversibly.  He was no longer the villain Captain Hook.

He was Killian Jones, and he’d never abandon her, never abandon her family.

Even if they never saw him as anything more than a pirate.

Note: I'm sorry. This scene always absolutely INFURIATED me, and if I have to suffer, so do you. I will however leave you with the following Gif because 1. I think this is what we ALL want to say to Zelena and 2. Killian with that intensity and anger saying "Damn you, Zelena!" is just...*whew! Fans self.*

NEXT CHAPTER->

[miss-celestia13]

Watch the Bed Burn

JakexMC One Shot Smutty Fun

Words: 4.1k

Hi! It’s me again! The one trick smut pony. More smut. More outtakes you can read with no knowledge of my story. However, I have rewritten much of this. This was originally the “big” moment between them. But Manon had other ideas when I began writing the story in order. So I have this to share!

There is a little bit of scene-setting at the beginning, then we get to the fun stuff. I had to write more to make it work as a One Shot. I’m so glad I can use it somewhere! I hope you enjoy. This will be the last for a while, I have to finish the main story before I’m 40! ❤️

Manon

Her heart usually kept a steady rhythm. Danger, violence, and death, she could face all three without a second thought. But standing in that motel bathroom, steam-covered mirror blurring her overbright eyes until she swiped a hand over it, she felt her heart rattling against her ribs as it raced ahead of her tangled thoughts. Jake was on the other side of the paper-thin wall, in her bed, and she was very aware of how little she wore. Nought but a silk robe that skimmed her thighs cloaked her, and she realized she was nervous. Nervous to unlock the bathroom door and walk out to face him again.

It had taken a lot of convincing to bring him back here, and now that he was, she didn’t want to pretend she was his friend when she wanted so much more than that. She’d looked at him in the harsh light of her phone’s torch the night before and knew he would either be the best thing she’d ever tasted or a pretty poison, killing her slowly. She was enough of a masochist to know the pain would feel like heaven. There was something between them; the late-night chats they’d shared over the last few weeks had proven that, but in reality? She felt as if she were handling a livewire every time he came near, her body instinctively turning to his no matter where he was, and those eyes... those fucking eyes. All she wanted was to see them locked on her, changing from blue to black as lust took over.

The need ran under her skin like a current, filling her with restless energy she hadn’t experienced outside of a good fight, and it was thrilling. She knew he felt something too, saw it in his fisted hands whenever she invaded his personal space, the deep inhale he took as she brushed past him on the way to the shower. How his eyes seemed tuned to her already and tracked her every move until she was out of sight. Now they had to share a bed until the house was ready. They’d met only a day before, but time wasn’t on their side. She was determined to find out if their chemistry would fizzle out after or ignite a wildfire the likes of which Duskwood had never witnessed. No time like the present, Manon thought, drew a deep cleansing breath, steeled her spine, and strode for the door.

She almost jumped when she opened the door and found Jake standing there, hand raised to knock, and neither of them spoke as they took in the other. His eyes traveled over her diminutive form, from her braided hair to her bare feet. She realized too late that her damp skin had rendered the white robe covering her chest almost see-through as he cleared his throat and stared over the top of her head. Choking down a laugh, she broke the silence as he seemed determined to pretend he hadn’t seen anything.

“Is everything okay?” She asked innocently, forcing him to meet her gaze and smiling softly when he did.

He nodded, swallowing thickly before he said, “Yeah... I was going to check on you. You were in there a while.” He shrugged, lifting a hand to scratch at his neat beard.

“I see... Do you want to shower? There are more towels in there.” She said lightly to ease his nerves.

Jake only nodded, and she padded out of the doorway, laying a hand on his arm to ease past him as he still hadn’t moved. It felt like a static shock as their skin connected, and even he was wide-eyed as he blinked at her. She had nothing to say for once and was glad when he recovered and disappeared into the bathroom. Her breath whooshed from her as she went to the bed and plopped down. A recklessness she knew too well was settling within her. Her impulsive side wanted to snatch, tear and grab. Take what she wanted, and damn the consequences. The practical side wanted to wait and protect herself from possible hurt when the inevitable end came. She wasn’t made to be careful, though, and it was simple to ignore that whispering voice telling her to hold back.

She glanced around the room and noted his things neatly piled on the floor beside her chaotic mess of bags and clothes spilling from them. The shower turned off after five very long minutes, and she heard him curse, the sound shocking in the heavy silence of the room. Her heart was in her throat, blood roaring in her ears as the door unlocked, and he walked out wearing nothing but a towel slung low over his trim waist. Water droplets traversed the peaks and valleys of his broad, muscled chest, and her eyes were glued to it like it was the best show she’d ever seen. Gods help her. She was fucked. Hopefully in the way she liked, she would find out soon enough as he caught her staring and arched a thick brow.

“Did you forget to take a change of clothes in?” She teased despite the flush creeping up her neck and face.

He gave her a no-nonsense look that made her want to laugh.

“I can turn around. I won’t look... unless you want me to,” She smirked, noticing a small dark smudge on his forehead that he’d missed while he’d washed.

She was on her feet, moving toward him before her brain caught up, and she couldn’t remember deciding to move. He went still at her approach and didn’t flinch as she reached up to wipe the mark away, he hardly seemed to breathe, and it made her brave. Pushing up on her toes, she whispered, “There. You missed a spot.” Neither of them moved, staring at each other as time spun out like a reel of thread, and the heat pouring off him was enough to scald her as he leaned closer, eyes locked on her mouth. She wanted to kiss him and see how he’d react, but she’d bossed him around enough and refused to force him into something he didn’t want.

Everything in her screamed to touch him, but she slowly lowered her hand and made to turn away, knowing if she didn’t, she wouldn’t be able to resist testing his restraint. Regret hovered at the edges of her mind before she’d made a complete turn. She was already disparaging herself for daring to think this awkward, reclusive man would match the fantasy she had of him. Her heart stalled and picked up a marching beat as a large firm hand wrapped around her upper arm and pulled her to a stop, twisting her back to face him.

“And if I wanted you to look?” He rasped, his voice sounding rusty from lack of use or lust. She didn’t know for sure but felt it slip over her skin like dark magic, goosebumps scattering over her body in the wake of it.

Shaking off her surprise at his directness, she said, “I can’t promise I won’t do more than look...” She murmured, feeling drunk as his eyes darkened and a spark caught in their midnight depths, matching the one in her gaze.

The hand on her arm flexed, tugging her against him, and she wanted to melt into him.

“I don’t see the problem.” He said, and she could have punched the air but refrained. He needn’t know she was insane just yet.

Every sound was magnified as they waited for the other out. The quiet rumble of the next room’s TV and the slow drip from the bathroom tap crashed like cymbals through her ears. Every nerve was alight and primed for him, nipples hardening to stiff peaks as desire kindled low in her abdomen. She could’ve spent forever in that moment with him. She gave a slow blink, a challenge in her eyes as she stared up at him. Fortunately for her, his flaw of sensing emotions did not translate to the language of bodies, teeth, and tongues.

He crushed her against him, capturing her lips in his before she could brace herself. A tide of feeling and lust swamped her until she was drowning, but she’d never felt more alive as he breached her mouth and his tongue swept inside. A deep shuddering groan rippled through him as they tasted the other and liked what they found. It was a messy, clumsy thing that soon turned into a possession of her mouth so sweet and stirring she moaned as she threw her arms around his neck and rose up to get in closer, nipping at his bottom lip to make him tighten his grip on her and sighing into his mouth when he did.

Kissing was just the prelude to what she really wanted. Usually, she’d hurry it along, but this wasn’t just a necessary preliminary. No, this was something new, something she feared she’d become addicted to, like those besotted with alcohol or some other vice. Her fingers curled into his damp hair and pulled, smiling into the kiss when he grabbed handfuls of her ass, and she wriggled against the hard length of him trapped between their bodies. She was growing slick with every brush of his tongue and bruising press of his lips, wanting more, needing everything he could give her. The flick of his tongue in her mouth and the scratch of his beard on her blushing face was beyond everything she had dreamed up in her wandering mind all those times they’d danced around their growing attraction. He was backing them up to the bed, and she had no hesitations as she let him lower her onto the mattress and silently urged her to shimmy up so he could crawl over her.

They were panting, eyes hazed with smoke as desire took over. She nodded as he reached for the tie on her robe and clumsily undid the knot, letting it fall open and revealing all of her for his perusal. She searched for the usual insecurities whenever she found herself in this position and found none she wanted him to see. If the scars littering her body bothered him, he didn’t show it, and it only made her want him more. Her hands itched to touch him, and she gave in as he lowered his head to steal her breath before mouthing his way down her jaw and neck. Mapping the skin of his shoulders as he took tiny mouthfuls of her skin, sharp teeth making her jolt. She couldn’t believe her luck.

Hooking a leg around his hip, she arched and flattened her hands on his shoulders, pushing and surging up to roll them so she was on top. He’d lost the towel at some point. He gripped her hips as she moved in a slow slide of her slick folds against the rigid cock beneath her, chasing friction as his smothered desperate noises made the wetness between her legs turn to a flood. Somehow she found the strength to break free of his mouth and settled back on her haunches. Manon eyed him, her palms flat on his bare chest as she straddled him, his pretty eyes watched the sway of her breasts intently, and she wondered how long it had been since he’d had someone in his bed. Curiosity won out, and she had to ask, bending to tug at his earlobe with her teeth, drawing a hiss from him.

“How long has it been since you’ve had a woman touch you like this?”

 

She trailed her hand down the side of his face, his neck, wrapping it loosely around his throat as she nipped at his lips, her tongue darting inside to play with his when he allowed her inside, getting lost in the feel of him before pulling back to hear his answer. She gently scraped her nails down his chest, enjoying the play of muscles jumping under taught skin.

“A while.” His voice was husky and threaded with a familiar yearning, making her smile, satisfied.

“Good. I don’t like to share, Jake.”

He smirked, eyes hooded and focused solely on her, watching her revel in being in control, but it wasn’t to last. He flipped them, so quickly she squealed in surprise, purring when he settled on top of her, his hips cradled in hers, giving her the promise of friction. Her skin felt too tight, like she would burst if he didn’t touch her, anticipation making her tremble. He braced his arms at either side of her head, nuzzling his nose along her jaw to turn her head to the side and biting down on the fragile skin over her hammering pulse, her hips bucking in reaction and sending a lick of nerves down her torso. He chuckled darkly against the skin of her neck, soothing the hurt with a sweep of his tongue, and she moaned too loudly, idly wondering if the entire motel would know his name by tomorrow. When he looked into her eyes, she wanted to die, the hunger in them so consuming she feared she’d be nothing but ashes in the wind by the end of the night.

“Tell me, Manon, how long has it been since a man has heard you scream his name?”

Her dirty mind skipped into the near future to hands, teeth, and fingerprint bruises on her skin, a whine of impatience leaving her at the compelling visual. Jake noted it immediately and smiled so wickedly she whimpered, the need to taste it rode her hard. She tried to lean up to do just that, but he pulled back, watching her face as he took her wrists in hand, the delicate bones bending and twisting as he raised her hands above her head and pinned them. Her breathing was harsh now, her chest heaving as the fire in her core cascaded through her body, sweat already beading on her skin. He watched her every reaction, memorizing them, and she struggled against his hold to make him hold her down with strength.

“It’s never happened, Jake. If you try your best, you might be the first... if you can make me forget my own.” She answered him finally, challenged him, sounding braver than she felt. His answering smile was a promise.

“How should I start?”

She rocked her hips against him, a whine slipping from her when he refused to give her what she wanted to stop the fiery ache between her thighs, satisfied to feel he was hard as steel, and they both groaned. Still, he didn’t move to touch her, just watched her as she rubbed herself in a slow slide along the length of him, the tease maddening and not enough to ease her.

“Just touch me, Jake, please, just - there, oh god.”

She tossed her head back as his free hand slid between them, and he felt just how much she wanted him, cursing blackly under his breath at the mess he found her in.

“Fuck Manon,” he growled, the sound adding to the mess his fingers had dipped into, “is this all for me?”

She could only nod in reply as two long fingers slid inside her, easing the ache a little so she could think past it, her hips rocking as he crooked his fingers and her mouth opened on a warbling moan. More, more, more, the word echoed in her mind as his thumb grazed her clit, once, twice. Only giving her enough to make her growl in frustration as her inner walls fluttered around his fingers, his words and lust-blackened eyes sufficient to have her clinging to the edges of sanity as she lost herself completely. Her hands twisted in his grip, struggling to grab hold of anything to keep her tethered to the bed. Jerking her hips to take the invasion, sobbing as a warning pulse flared under his touch. He just watched her react. Another finger added, stretching her, the tinge of pain sending her wild. She was so close, hips riding his hand, and the crazed sounds coming from her only made him work harder. 

He drew out her torment for an age, it seemed to her, and she was near to begging when finally, his thumb circled her clit, the fingers in her cunt pushing farther in. His whispered words were the trigger, “Come for me,” and she shattered, incapable of speech as she thrashed under him. His hand never ceased as he wrung her pleasure out of her, her mouth still open in a silent scream, eyes heavy-lidded as she watched him sit up, withdrawing his hand from her and letting go of her wrists. Her hands tingled as she tried to reel herself back in, but he wasn’t finished.

“I didn’t hear my name, Manon. We’ll have to try something else.”

Manon could only blink, desperate for more but terrified too. If he could make her feel like this with just his fingers, how could she ever face letting him go? She pushed it aside and refused to acknowledge it or ruin their time together with tomorrows problems. Instead, she grinned at him, her freed hands fisting the sheets, brow quirking as she loosed a shaky breath.

“I guess so. You better get to work then.”

“I want to taste this,” his hand cupped her sex, and she whimpered, the thought of his mouth on her cunt so hot she felt she’d combust.

Fucking hell, he was going to kill her, and she’d thank him for it. He looked through her as though waiting for her to back out and end this now. She would do everything but.

“Quit playing, Jake. Fuck me.” She demanded, unwilling to wait anymore, and his black chuckle told her she was in for it.

 

“On your back,” He ordered. Manon shivered at the dominance in his tone, her body going loose as she did as told, pressing her thighs together in a vain attempt to dull the burning emptiness in her core. He arched a brow, “Spread them wide for me... Good girl.” he said as she followed his instruction, and she preened. Something inside her perked up at the unexpected praise and wanted more of it as he eyed her glistening cunt and licked his lips. Her breath came in short gasps as he knelt between her parted thighs, unyielding fingers pinning them to the bed. Heat shimmered through her as his mouth... God, that mouth settled over her clit, and he sucked it into his mouth. She was so sensitive after her orgasm that he barely had to work on her. Alternating between soft taps of his tongue and long, languid licks that had her crying out.

Frustration nipped at the frayed strands holding her together at the sight of his dark head between her legs. He was entirely in control while she was vocal and utterly at his mercy. As his tongue pushed inside her, she clutched at his hair, unsure if she wanted to drag him nearer in or shove him away as her inner walls clenched and sweat trickled down her face. He sensed she couldn’t take much more and rose up on his knees, swiping his hand over his mouth soaked with her essence. A thrumming under her skin made her quiver as he wrapped his hand around his rigid cock and stroked himself, the weight of his gaze on her breathless face almost too much to bear. She reached out to touch him, wanting to replace his hand and put him in the state she was in, but he batted it away, his eyes all smokey darkness that pulled her down as he stared into her. Her essence flowed down her thighs as he let go of his cock and grabbed hold of her legs, arranging them as far apart as he could get them; her feet curled into the mattress so her hips were tilted slightly, her hands fisting the sheets to stop herself from snatching hold of him.

Once happy, he checked in with her, making her heart soar, “Are you sure?”

 

“Positive.” She managed, and he muttered, “Thank fuck.” making her laugh, but soon it wasn’t funny anymore.

He was between her legs and gripping her hips before she could blink, the fat head of his cock teasing her entrance before he dragged her twitching body onto his cock, gliding into her depths effortlessly until he was buried so deep inside her she whined in distress. Her legs lifted and closed around his flanks, his stomach flat against hers in a deliberate grind that made them fit perfectly. He bit and licked at her lips in an attempt to calm her and gain entry. She opened as he made slight movements to let her acclimate to him. Each slight drag of his cock against her oversensitive flesh was devastating to her then. She was very close to combusting as she clawed at his back and babbled incoherently, digging her nails into his lovely ass to urge him deeper.

Gritting her teeth as he denied her, she moved her legs back until her heels dug into the small of his back and changed the pressure, centering him within her to hit that spot high up inside her that she knew would send her into ecstasy. Jake took the hint; her left leg was drawn up and straightened against his shoulder, and his gentle thrusts were replaced by brutal, punishing snaps of his hips. The muscles under her hands bunched and relaxed as he filled her, twisting her into a position that ripped the air from her lungs as pleasure seized her like a trap and raced through her bloodstream, feeling it in her fists, feet, and eyelids as she slammed them shut.

There was pain now, a sting of tender flesh as he drove into her. Still, it was the type of pain that had her keening and scrabbling for purchase as she clung to his back, deliberately tensing around his thick length to pull a ragged moan from him. Then it started, the low drawl of stirring, carnal words that she had never imagined could come from him as he pleaded with her to fall first as he wouldn’t last much longer. Every plunge of his hips caught her clit. They were so closely tangled. Circular movements flush against her split folds made her open her eyes with a choking wail, his mouth cutting off the noise she was making.

It started with a prickling of her skin creeping up her body, over her breasts and face, inner walls tightening around his cock, and she came hard. Her muscles were tied in knots as he freed her mouth, and she gave a savage cry of his name, a curse, and a prayer that made his eyes turn black as coal. He fucked her through it; the solid girth of him and the torturous waves of her orgasm gripped them both, stealing her wits and ability to form coherent sentences. She was relieved when he gave a guttural cry and stopped holding it back, slamming into her one last time and holding her down as she thrashed until he was spent. The pulse of her release and the blood hissing through her veins in a dizzying rush deafened her to his jagged whisper of her name.

Utter delirium held her captive, the tiny spasms as aftershocks jumped under her skin making her feel crazed and like she was dreaming as he fell over her at long last and silenced her soft whine with a kiss so lush and insistent she happily gave him the last of her breath. She was only dimly aware of him gathering the strength to slide free of her and arrange them in a more comfortable position, too lost in how quiet her mind was to worry about any awkwardness. They were sweaty and sticky, both in need of another shower. Still, her legs were boneless, and her body was too heavy to pull herself away from his comforting warmth as he dragged her across his chest and wrapped an arm around her.

She was in that half-aware state between sleep and waking when he finally spoke, “I win.”

It took a moment, her brain sluggish and slow on the draw, but she laughed low and rough, throat raw as she replied, “I think we both won.”

“Call it a draw? We can settle it tomorrow if you like.” He murmured, and she heard the delicate but reluctant hope in his voice as she closed her eyes and hummed.

“Tomorrow, Jake.”

[random-iz-stuff]

Headcanon:

Zim isn’t afraid of Gaz, but Gaz doesn’t know that.

I’m rewatching the series and…

….Zim doesn’t seem to be too intimidated by Gaz. He doesn’t give half a shit about any threats she makes and generally doesn’t seem intimidated by her. At all.

And I think that’s because he isn’t. Zim knows that he’s stronger than Gaz. We’ve never seen the two properly fight, and that’s because if such a battle did occur, it would be won by Zim in a matter of seconds. It wouldn’t even be a fight.

Gaz may be strong, but she’s a ten year old going against a fully trained super soldier. And Zim canonically isn’t a completely incompetent pushover. He has extensive military experience, can throw knives with 99.7% accuracy and was winning that dogfight against Tak even before Gaz and Gir started helping. Plus despite what people think, Zim isn’t incompetent. Put him against anything that isn’t Dib (who he goes easy on) and give him some sort of motivation and he will completely steamroll over it while barely breaking a sweat.

Now there are a few times throughout the series where Zim does appear to be slightly intimidated, but there’s an explanation for that:

Zim is putting on an act.

Zim puts on an act where he acts dumber and crazier than he really is to make people underestimate him and to manipulate others. We see him use this tactic best against Tak in Tak; The Hideous New Girl, where upon Tak revealing herself to be an irken, Zim plays dumb and crazy and gets Tak to believe that he’s not a threat in any way, tricking her into leaving without harming him. He even minimizes the damage of Tak’s nanobots, as he gets her to release them on the top floor where none of his important or irreplaceable technology is.

But Zim also uses this tactic against Gaz, and it works. Gaz knows that Zim is an alien, but believes that Zim is too incompetent to ever do anything, even though this isn’t correct.

Zim can easily conquer the earth, but his rivalry with Dib and his own moral code prevent him from just killing Dib in an instant and taking over immediately. He needs to give Dib an equal fight worthy of a rival of Zim, even if that means putting flaws in his plans and going easy on Dib during fights.

The second Zim believes that either his mission or his life is in danger (or when he’s really pissed off and wants revenge), all that incompetence and all those purposeful flaws VANISH and Zim quickly becomes an unstoppable force. Just look at episodes like The Wettening and Dark Harvest for proof of that.

But Gaz doesn’t know that. As far as she knows, Zim is completely incompetent and doesn’t even need Dib stopping him from conquering the earth because he tends to defeat himself. And although Zim’s lack of common sense does end up defeating him more than a couple times, he isn’t incompetent. Far from it in fact. Zim is way smarter than he appears, could easily beat Gaz in a fight and isn’t even the slightest bit intimidated by her, but Gaz doesn’t know that.

Zim’s “fear” of Gaz that he shows only a few times throughout the series adds to her belief that Zim is incompetent, and makes it even harder for her to believe that Zim is even capable of manipulating her. It’s all a purposeful act.

And there is some canon evidence to this as well. Just look at Enter The Florpus. Gaz completely underestimates Zim until he actually succeeds.

As for WHY Zim puts on this act with Gaz, just look at Enter The Florpus again. When it’s proven to her that Zim is an actual threat, she joins forces with Dib. Even though Gaz poses no physical threat to him, that’s still another person working against his mission, so Zim would naturally want to avoid that.

Gaz has taken Zim by surprise a few times because he underestimated her, but if Gaz tried to physically fight Zim one on one, she’d be obliterated. Especially since Zim doesn’t view Gaz as a worthy opponent like he does with Dib, so he’s not going to go easy on her and he’s not going to spare her if he needs to. The fight would be over before it could even really begin, and there’s a 99% chance that Gaz would be dead by the end of it.

[sunflowerdigs]

Disagreeing with my own post

I put up this post two nights ago and while I think I was right about the first part regarding Eddie's relationship issues, some tags from @elibad (thank you!) have made me rethink the second part regarding the actual outcome on the show. I'm going to clarify my position a bit before debunking it, though, because it brings up issues I have...feelings about.

Fwiw, I didn't mean that Christopher would be taken permanently, I meant that Eddie would agree to let his grandparents take him maybe for a summer so that Eddie could have a break and take some time to figure himself out. I am EXTREMELY against any situation where Buck takes Chris, especially in any kind of government-enforced sense (which would be BS anyway) while Eddie is still alive because there is such a terrible history in the US of brown kids (which Christopher is even if Gavin isn't) being taken from brown parents at the drop of a hat and either being given to Nice White families or just dumped into a shitty foster care system. So, again, what I should have made clear is that, in my theory, Eddie would realize that he's not in a good place and would let his parents (NOT Buck) take Chris temporarily just to give him some time to breathe. It takes a village, you know.

All that said, no, actually, that would be a terrible outcome. It would defeat the purpose of 6 seasons of Buck being integrated into Eddie and Christopher's lives and would also inevitably punish Eddie more than it would help him. I also think that narratively, anything that reinforces the heteronormative nuclear family bias that Helena has and that she has forced onto Eddie would conflict with the narrative the show is trying to present. Helena being proven right about Christopher's placement, even temporarily, might do that. Plus...taking a kid from a single parent is also bad rep and just shouldn't happen.

Bottom line, Eddie is a phenomenal father. Despite Eddie's struggles with trauma from war and the death of his wife, Christopher is loved, appreciated, and supported to a much higher degree than not only most disabled children but also most children, period. End of. Just because Eddie is going through something right now does not mean that he is unfit in any way, and it truly horrifies me to think that I implied that at all. I do think that, because of his own issues, the speed with which Eddie integrates the women he dates into his life with Christopher is exacerbating Christopher's abandonment issues and that should be addressed, but it's not something that's hurting Chris to the degree that removal is necessary or appropriate.

What Eddie needs is support. And he has it. From Buck. Who was basically framed as his wife in 7x07 (which is, ironically, why people who are determined to ship Buck with someone else are ALSO the ones suggesting that Buck has the right and motivation to kick Eddie in the metaphorical nuts for lying - they view Buck as a spouse even if they think they don't because Tim is brilliant at framing and narrative). So the best outcome of this situation is for Eddie to put Shannon to bed and stand up for the decision he has made for Christopher against his parents, even if that alienates them. And for Buck to back Eddie to the hilt when it matters. And for Christopher to stay exactly where he is. Moving forward, I'm going to be starting any future speculation from this premise.

[artbychelcie]

Murder on the Dancefloor: The Chokehold of Oliver Quick

'Saltburn' has catapulted leading actor Barry Keoghan into our daydreams, revitalised music careers stagnant since 2007, and ensured we never look at a bathtub the same way ever again. It's delicious darkness has amassed a huge audience, some revelling in its lurid glory and others questioning what the f*** they just watched. There’s so much to say about this film, so many parallels and Easter eggs that tickle the brain notice - for today, I’m focusing on why Oliver Quick intrigued me the most.

As a devoted horror fan, some of the more controversial scenes served to stimulate rather than disturb… The vampire scene? That's just an average Tuesday night for some. The grave scene? Nothing compared to the visual impact Patrick Bateman’s hobbies. But what did succeed to unnerve me was the turning point of the film, when Felix suprised Oliver with a trip home for his birthday. You watch with stunned panic as she says his dad has been pacing all day waiting for him - in real time the web was unravelled and Oliver's traumatic background was quickly proven to be a façade. For me this scene positioned the 'real' Oliver to the audience, realising the person we thought we knew isn’t real at the same time his friend does. And this is where my interest peaked. For me, this film suddenly turned from a critique of the upper class, to a mythological study of a sociopath, and the subsequent events demonstrate how someone with an apathetic disposition could easily infiltrate and dominate a household of such wealth and status.

On a second watch, I couldn't help but laugh at Felix's naiveity as he pulled into the driveway of this enormous house, and noted that it looked as though his mother 'had really turned things around'. Anyone watching this would immediately question how someone allegedly suffering with severe mental illness and drug abuse issues manages to, in the space of less than 6 months, become the owner of a property of that scale. This small observation highlights just how out of touch Felix is anyone outside of his social class, and how Felix's pity towards Oliver, be it through kindness or ego or a convenient blend of the two, blinded him to the manipulation.

Another incredibly successful aspect of the film is the iconic soundtrack. It has brought some early 2000 musical classics back into the spotlight (we all know the best one) and I can admit I have listened to 'Loneliness' more times in the past two weeks than ever in my 26 years of life. The soubdtrack embodies the nostalgic and romanticised qualities of the film, set in 2006 before smartphones dictated every aspect of daily life, especially as a fresher. I may have been only 10 when Oliver Quick started university, it still made me long for the simplicity of this era of my life, when getting to know another person was fundamentally down to face to face interaction.

The choice to turn back time to the mid 2000s contributes to maintaining the mystery of Oliver's identity, depriving the characters of the ability stalk his social media profiles and forcing them to take his personality at face value. His manipulation, and eventual dismantling of the Catton family, was arguably possible through his ability to present himself without the hinderance of a digital footprint. There was no evidence available to anyone in Oliver's immediate circle of the sisters we found out he had, of the father that had infact not died, nor been an alcoholic drug dealer. So why did he lie?

In analysis I've seen online, many people contribute his deception to a need to be noticed by Felix, or in Oliver's own words, to 'perform' for his attention and friendship.

Revisiting the film, I picked up on certain phrases Oliver used to describe his home life, describing it as 'dirty' and proclaiming he could 'never go back'. To us, this sounds like the way you would describe his chaotic home life he described. But when the reveal comes, you can’t help but question why he’s adamant to distance himself from a seemingly stable, and privileged background.

During the scene, his parents also mention how he is the top scholar at Oxford, a member of the rowing team, participating in the school play... his chronic deception extends beyond the Catton family to his own. They also share with Felix that he was 'such a loner' and was 'so clever' that he struggled to make friends, both earmark characteristics of someone with sociopathic tendencies. This illustrates an individual who has never been satisfied, who always saw himself as superior, and who's fixation with Felix was just a desire to climb up and out of all the menial and average and into a position of absolute control.

The grandiose and self-absorbed lifestyle of the Saltburn estate allowed for someone like Oliver, whatever his original or developed intentions, to blend in without being truly seen until, both before and after death came knocking. The need to stifle emotional expression (We don't want to hear your American feelings, Farleigh!) and the uncomfortable obligation to uphold the British sentiment to 'Keep Calm and Carry On' gave him an invisibility cloak, blending in with his surroundings. It reframed Oliver's awkward disposition as one of politeness, and his manipulative sexual deviancy was guarded by members of the household behind a wall of upper class social etiquette.

I can safely say I have fallen into the deliciously depraved world of Saltburn, so much so I’ve felt like I had to write this. I love experiencing and analysing media, but this one really had me captivated. This is a maze will happily lose myself for weeks to come, especially when it comes to the complex and captivating portrayal of Oliver Quick - I would definetly sign my estate over to that beautiful crazy bastard.

[none-prob]

I write about a character per day

Day 20: Viney (Finale)

Healer. Beastkeeper. Anarchist.

How many things I can say about a character who had her fair share of 2 episodes with 4 more in the background. Oh boy let's go.

Alright getting this out of the way, and the only time I do this because it's Viney. As my favourite character of the show and 2nd favourite of all time (behind a water witch), I want to headcanon so many things for Viney. She's aroace, because everyone is aroace until proven otherwise :P. My favourite ship to Viney is Luney, in a platonic way, that I would like it even more if I didn't know about Lumity too early. She's an engineer in both biology and chemistry. She opens a veterinarian clinic for mythical pets, while also studies medicine and other methods of healing.

Okay, I gotta admit I like Luney more because of Viney being too awesome and their first interaction were pretty cool. Viney has healing and beastkeeping, two of the most underrated coven of the show. Healing potential looked quite awesome, as she even used a shield made out of the coven sigil. As a diehard fan of Steven Universe, I loved that moment so much.

(yes this is the only writing post I will put images on, screw me)

Beastkeeping may have destroyed the class and got her in detention, but who cares, Puddles is the coolest friend a veterinarian can have. And it is so nice that she chose Healing with Beastkeeping, specifically to heal all the pets she got.

I'm going on a limb and say this. Viney is the perfect successor of Eda, maybe with less rebellious intent than her last generation. The tunnel she used? Eda used it before. The Troublemakers Wall? Eda is the Queen. Viney looks up to Eda, as the pioneer of anarchism in the school. Baby Anarchist Viney is so incredible and I love it.

Viney's outfit is also torn like Eda, in fact her uniform is actually more unique than any other students. Her shirt pin points out, unlike other students, her shirt was torn in a way no one does that. And of course the hook earring. My baby anarchist is so determined to rebel.

Side note: I can take a whole day just talking about her hook earring.

The hate between Viney and Jerbo really is incredibly funny tbh. She just decided to hate him. And when Jerbo joined the other time, she just saw all hell broke loose, gave him that death stare in the eyes. That's just awesome lol.

The First Day is her debut, and also her best episodes (so much injustice for my baby). The idea of using a griffin as an assistance is cool enough, but property damage and multi-track studying got her into trouble. Oh hey, just like Luz heh. One day in and Luz already was in detention with the troublemakers.

Having to live in the shadow for a while, with not many companies on her side, she developed a lot of skepticism. Which is why she was so mad at Luz when she saw Luz's friend coming, thinking Luz is above the troublemakers, or that interaction with Jerbo. But when Luz was in need for help, she and the students that the school deemed as troublemakers have saved the school, and forced Bump to change the law for multi-track studying. Eda might be the pioneer, but Viney and co are the revolutionists.

Her next appearance is in Hunting Palisman. No comments here, I just want to appreciate this moment. Very mystical manticore for a very mystical girl.

Any Sport in a Storm is the episode with her iconic "Now I'm only scarred emotionally". Despite having more screen time, she still doesn't have that much more lines, she was outshined by Hunter and Willow. She's now a member of Emerald Entrails, she got along well with the team, and her powers got stronger. Good for her, good for her.

And of course the group selfie.

Labyrinth Runners is when we see a bit more of her. And Puddles' second battle. Not as successful as the first, but it's precious enough for me.

The last episode she had a line in was For The Future. Again, very brief moments. Although she got a new drip with the scarf. It's a scarf, alright girl. A moment when my kin (Willow) met my favourite (Viney), it's so incredibly precious.

Her finale design is so cool. She got long hair, cool outfit, but the hook earring must stay. And she was helping in erasing the sigils.

Puddles say bye.