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starryficsfinishwen · 1 year

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✧。◟ᴇɴᴄʜᴀɴᴛᴇᴅ — chrome x reader [PGR] [Happy Activation Day Chrome!!]

please don't be in love with someone else

a.n. - sometimes chrome just raghhhhhh. HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHROMEE!! I promise to finish that other fic for you LOL also thank you for being one of my resilient lil construct, my Lucia and Wanshi are happy to be with you <3 mwa mwa (IM SORRY AGAIN IM LATE)

pairing - chrome x f!commandant

words - 7,881 (it's why I took long TvT)

tags/warnings - none. fluff! alcohol is involved yet again! chrome x reader shenanigans. yall up to what happens in the end uwu. non-sexual naked cuddling. cute stuff for chrome because happy activation day!!

The stars seemed to have blessed Babylonia tonight.

A crowded room. A brightly lit, dazzling chandelier. Wine and champagne glasses clinking together. Orchestral music filling the room — this is a sight that those who can afford luxury would generally see in their life. High society placed itself on top of the pedestal, overlooking its body that wore no gold.

Forget the war that raged outside; Babylonia beheld the grandeur of the rich folk for tonight, and the stars had rewarded their presence by granting the brightest evening for them.

Such sight is normal to a Smith. After all, they were always born with a silver spoon, to feed and to be fed by high society, for everyone to see.

But not for Chrome. He always thought this life was never fit for him.

There he is — champagne in hand, forcing laughter and faking smiles to those who are around him. Humanoid legs are already used to the wages of war, yet they trembled under the hours of talking to people that only blur in his M.I.N.D.

He is only here due to his father, Mr. Smith. “For you to be familiar with the people you will work with in the future,” he always said to Chrome, “be on your best attitude. Show them the makings of a true Smith.”

But they only bore him. He would rather be doing things that are mundane in the eyes of high society, such as lounging in the comforts of Strike Hawk's dormitory; dealing with Kamui's antics, helping Wanshi fix his sleeping pod, tasting Camu's dishes...or cleaning the corners of his room, or strolling the walkways of Babylonia, or playing chess with a certain someone...

A scene flashed in his memory — a warm hand reaching out to him, a sweet smile, a soft laugh, and the chessboard with scattered chess pieces in front of him. A scene that happened not too long ago, a memory so fresh that made him flush a light shade of pink. Was it the alcohol? No, usual alcohol would never make a construct drunk, unless...?

“How are you holding up, Chrome?” A familiar voice called out to him.

Mr. Smith. Holding an identical champagne glass in his hand, he looks up to Chrome with an expectant gaze. Chrome straightens, clearing his throat. “Mr. Smith, I am doing well. I have met the people you told me earlier.”

“Glad to know,” He nods, “it's beneficial as a Smith to meet your future prospects. You know that already, Chrome, don't you?”

“I do, Mr. Smith,” Chrome solemnly spoke.

“Other than that, have you seen the Commandants who are invited tonight?” Smith tsked, “they have commendable records. They seem to enjoy tonight's feast before they go back to war once more. Especially Gray Raven's Commandant, hm.”

Chrome's ears perked up. “Gray Raven's Commandant is here tonight?”

He knew the party was for high society, with some specially invited commandants. Yet, Gray Raven's Commandant? He overlooked that part, why didn't he know?

“Yes, it's understandable due to the glory they have brought to Babylonia countless times now.” Smith paused, moving his hand to make a circular motion with his glass, “I've seen them earlier. Now, they are nowhere to be found.”

“Ah,” Chrome slightly faltered, muttering, “a shame.”

“They also seem to blend well with us, I'd say.” Smith hums, taking a sip from his glass now, “they look well with us, even. We should try asking them to join when they retire.”

A particular thought crosses in Chrome's M.I.N.D. — a person wearing a simple dress amongst the crowd yet so vibrant, the same warm hand he saw as she held onto his arm, smiling fondly at him. The very thought that somehow made his heart crumble in a good way —

“Chrome?” Smith asked, causing Chrome to snap back to reality, “are you alright? You look red.”

“I do?” Chrome muttered, “I'm sorry. There must be something wrong with my cooling system after I got injured last battle. I am planning to get a maintenance check once more.”

“Alright then,” waving his hand, Smith nodded, “I'll leave you be. I need to meet with other people.”

“Thank you, Mr. Smith.” Chrome approaches the nearby table tp place his glass, “I will return soon.”

Finally, away from the party, Chrome found himself lingering outside. The garden outside of the hall seems to be the answer to his dilemma, the cool breeze and the artificial night decorated with the authentic stars sparkling above him. He breathes into this sight — once more, a thought that popped into his M.I.N.D.

“The sight may be beautiful in Babylonia,” your voice sent shivers down his spine, “but the ones here on Earth are prettier.”

Bright irises staring at him with a gentle gaze amongst the dark plains, a genuine smile on your lips, “don't you think so, Chrome?”

The memory shook Chrome, his heartbeat skipping. What was it with him lately? Thinking of a particular person that he holds with high regard? It seemed unlike him, the man who only thought of perfection. Battles and tactics are his expertise that makes up his thoughts, yet such stray memories and incredulous scenarios have distracted him since his recent rendezvous with that certain commandant...

His hands tremble. They seem lonely. A small part of him wishes those familiar hands would hold them right now.

Gray Raven's esteemed Commandant. The very thought of her makes Chrome weak. He who should maintain a professional, beneficial relationship with her. Yet, thoughts beyond that relationship seemed to have spawned in his M.I.N.D.

Chrome entertains that thought to no avail. After all, a small part of him wishes he should have seen or heard from you tonight.

“Twinkle, twinkle, little star~”

Yes, something like a nursery rhyme that is sung by you. Sometimes, Chrome thinks you drove him insane to the point that he's having hallucinations of you.

“...how I wonder where you are~”

Wait. That voice seems closer and familiar. Surely, he wasn't dreaming. Chrome rushes to the source of the voice.

“up above the world so high,” the voice hiccupped, “like a diamond in the ska-ay~!”

Chrome thinks this sight is one of the best he's ever seen: sitting on the ledge of a fountain, gazing at the water beneath, your sky-blue dress nearly submerged yet you didn't look like she minded; in fact, in your hand was a glass of unfinished wine, and your face seemed too pleased with your antics, a contagious smile written on your face.

Gray Raven Commandant in the flesh. And drunk. (According to Chrome's readings anyway)

“Commandant!” Chrome's voice - shaking? - echoed throughout the garden, making you look, “Over here! What are you doing?”

You finally look at Chrome, your usual bright eyes laced with tiredness and mirth. Upon recognizing the figure that was approaching you, you cheerfully raised your glass to him.

“Hello stranger!!” your shoulders shake with visible joy, “you're hereeee, come on, come on! Join me in watching the fishies~”

Stranger? Perhaps the alcohol fogged your senses. “Fishies?” Curious, Chrome follows where your hand points, to the fountain...devoid of any fish, “I...see?”

Instead of fish, Chrome could recognize that the 'fish' the Commandant referred to are the coins that people must have thrown into the fountain. The reflection brought by the moonlight highlighted with the pattern underneath the fountain must have tricked you into thinking she was talking to fishes. Not wanting to break your delight, Chrome plays along.

“I named that lil' blue fish Lee, because he looks grumpy.” You giggle as you point to a blue-shaded coin, “then that pink one is Liv!”

“That's cute, Commandant,” Chrome chuckles, opting to sit at a considerable distance from you, “who else did you name?”

Lights over the garden seemed ethereal. Haloed with the gentle glow of the skies, the white noise of the party inside the hall, and the mellow laughter of the Commandant — Chrome could easily capture this memory for a lifetime, although you couldn't recognize him. He could try taking away the glass in hand and tell you that you're drunk, but he does not. Instead, he asks more about the 'fishes' you found. And somehow, you went silent.

“Commandant?” Chrome gently pokes the silent Commandant, “are you alright?”

“Mmm,” closing your eyes, you tapped your chin, “stranger, I can't see Chrome...”

The nickname seems to grow on him now. “Well,” he shrugged, “maybe he's sleeping.”

“Fishies never sleep!” opening your eyes just to stare at Chrome, “that's basic knowledge!”

Chrome could finally see you properly: the dress snugly fit you, the train already submerged in the water. Some strands of your hair framed your face perfectly. Alcohol flushed your cheeks in the shade of pink. Irises that still lit brightly amidst the dark, a sight Chrome could never forget. Blinking to come back to reality, Chrome reached out to brush away the strand that was on your lips.

“Some fishes sleep with their eyes open.” Chrome smiled, “but what you said is still, it's true, Commandant is always smart.”

A smug smirk flashed on your lips, arms crossed to assert her amusement, “hm! I told you!”

One of the sleeves fell to your arm as you moved. Flickering to that, Chrome spoke before reaching out to lift it, “Yes, of course. Commandant, are you not cold?”

“Nope!” Somehow filled with a new burst of energy, you drunkenly placed the glass in front of Chrome, making Chrome reel back, before struggling to stand up on the ledge with the heels on. Chrome acts quickly, aiding you by holding your legs for support. “I realized something!”

“Commandant! What are you doing, get down!”

“I need to find Chrome!” you spoke with such reverence, it could make Chrome cry, yet it only made him scared, “he could be drowning!”

Drowning? “Commandant, I know you're smart,” Chrome hesitates, before speaking, “but fishes don't dro-”

“-I know what I'm doing!” you grin at him, rotating your arm as if exercising and exhales, “that's why I'm going to save him from this ocean!”

At that moment, Chrome realizes where he went wrong. “Wait, Commandant, no!”

At least he tried to stop her.

A shivering Commandant is wrapped in Chrome's coat for tonight.

“Are you alright, Commandant?” Chrome spoke as he ran through the streets, “do you still feel cold?”

After the stupid attempt at jumping head-first into the water, Chrome had to save you - even after trying to get away from his hold. Now, you were tightly wrapped in Chrome's coat, carried like a princess in his arms.

Sneezing, you shook your head furiously, “I'm fine, you stranger! Why did you stop me?”

“The waters in Babylonia in the evening get colder. I don't want you to suffer from hypothermia.”

You whine, before sneezing once more. “I was fine! Oh well, I managed to get Chrome though.”

“You managed to- what?”

Fishing out of his hold and the coat, you childishly held out a white and blue-tinted coin. Chrome could only sigh in disbelief.

“Also, put me down, you stranger!” Attempting to wiggle out, you whine more as Chrome tightens his hold on you, the familiar way illuminated by the lights already in sight, “my mama said not to trust strangers!”

“Right,” Chrome laughed, his heart skipping a beat, “don't worry, I'm taking you to Chrome right now.”

Halfway through the run, you drifted off to sleep (and it granted Chrome the opportunity to see you comfortable with your guard down). Finally, they arrived in front of the Smith Estate.

Carefully opening the door, Chrome is met with a comforting silence. Were the cleaning robots still around? He knew his father wouldn't be around until the next day, which meant the robots were the only company. Stepping inside, he finds the place deserted, the faint sound of the Commadant's breathing filling the room. Placing you (not minding the water dripping off of you) to his room on his bed, Chrome rushes to the kitchen.

Still no robots around. Easy to explain and less hassle to explain why a stranger was in his bed. He'll worry about that the next day. Quickly, he grabbed a few pieces of food from the fridge and concocted a hangover drink and water.

Upon returning to his room, Chrome finds you still asleep on his bed. Silently placing the items he brought for you, Chrome wistfully gazes at you.

“you're always taking care of me, Chrome,” you'd say if you were awake, your voice echoes in his M.I.N.D., “I want to return the favor.” (You are now corrupting his thoughts.)

A little stir from you made Chrome snap out of his daydream. Slowly opening your eyes, looking around your surroundings in a daze, Chrome leans down to check on you.

“Commandant,” he softly calls out to you, hand touching yours, “are you awake? Can you sit up?”

“Mmmhm,” rubbing your eyes as you sat up, Chrome aiding you, “where am I...?”

“You're in my room. I will take you back to Gray Raven's headquarters when you've freshened up and rested. Come on, drink some water.”

Your legs dangle on the side of Chrome's bed as you sat up. Your figure, although shivering from the stunt, still seems smaller than him. Chrome reached out to grab the glass of water and hold it out for you, but you only stare at him.

“Commandant?”

“Ch...” you whisper, slowly lifting your cold hands to cup Chrome's cheeks, “Chrome...”

His heart flutters at the call of his name. With a free hand, he caresses the hold on his cheeks. “Commandant?”

“Why are you...hot?”

Chrome's cheeks burn at your touch, he noticed. Was it really the cooling system, or that his growing fondness for the Commandant of another team making him like this?

“The cooling system,” he chose the first option, “I'm trying to get it checked, don't worry.”

“Mmh, Chrome...”

Your innocent, sleepy eyes were looking at him. And you were leaning closer to him. A human instinct, Chrome leans forward as well, until their foreheads touch.

“...Chrome. Why don't you call me by my name?”

It feels expensive. It feels surreal. He wanted to tell her, but the words die in his throat.

“I will only do so, if you wanted me to do it, Commandant.”

“Mmh.” Your breath fans Chrome's own lips, further intensifying the heat in both of your cheeks. “Then, Chrome...”

He closes his eyes. Closer, closer...until you pulled away so abruptly. And then, a warm liquid spilled across his chest.

Chrome's eyes opened. Sometimes, the timings are uncanny.

—

A bathtub full of bubbles, lavender dousing the room with its intoxicating smell. Near the bathtub, Chrome sweats nervously as he stares at the guilty figure sitting on the toilet.

“I'm sorry,” the Commandant, who was usually strong and courageous in the face of danger, shrunk in guilt, voice timid and remorse, “I didn't mean to puke in front of you.”

“It's alright, it's not your fault,” he dismisses it, smiling slightly, “I was planning to get you changed...”

He is already wearing a new set of clothing, compared to you. After that quick nap, you seem sober. But based on Chrome's readings, you are still far from being sober. At least, you recognize him now. Squeaking, you shook your head. “I can't just let it slide. Is there anything I can do for Chrome?”

Kneeling on one knee, Chrome awkwardly pats you. “It's okay, really. Um...”

A reddening blush was on Chrome's cheeks as the words died in his throat. He motions to your soiled clothes, clearing his throat in an attempt to gather his pride.

“Commandant, I am going to...” whispering, “...I'm going to take off your clothes so you can...um, take a bath.”

You stare at him. Blinking tired eyes at him, you slowly nodded. “Okay.”

You turn your back on him, presenting the zipper on your back. For you, it seemed normal (Liv and Lucia are always hands-on whenever you are invited to events like this, so they're seen what's behind those clothes). But Chrome, whose ventilation was now out of place from the possible outcomes running through his head, was shaking and turning into a blushing tomato.

“You can unzip me, Chrome,” you pipped, noticing Chrome's silence, “I can't reach the top.”

A shaky exhale from Chrome. He mutters something you couldn't hear, but could feel the small pressure from his hand holding your hair to the side before resting on your shoulder.

“I will...start unzipping you, Commandant.”

It feels...intimate. The way Chrome held onto the zipper with care, thoughts running wild in his M.I.N.D., dragging it down slowly. You notice it, despite the alcohol fogging your thoughts. The sound of Chrome's nervous breathing, the water dripping from the faucet, the bubbles on the tub — it almost makes you sober.

However, a question seemed to linger on your lips. But before you could ask, Chrome had already unzipped your dress, the sleeves finally down on your shoulders.

“I-I'm done, Commandant.”

You turned to Chrome, a smile on your lips, “Thank you! But...are you...okay...?”

“Yes.”

You weren't that convinced. In front of you, Chrome's hands shook, and his face was in the deepest shade of red. You tilted your head to the side, before shimmying out of your clothes. Yes, still in front of the man who has been nothing but an angel to you.

“I'm done!” You excitedly quipped, standing up, causing the dress to fall to the floor. “where am I going next?”

Seemingly snapping out of his trance, Chrome looks down to pick up your clothes and dashes to the door. He stops by the door frame, his back facing you. “I need to put your clothes in the washer. They'll be ready after you take a bath.”

“Chrome, will-”

But he was already out of the door.

Chrome remembers every part of the laundry process, even without help from the robots. Yet, even though he has loaded up the washing machine (he knows it'll be done in at least 2 hours, clean and fragrant), his hands are still shaking, the memory in the bathroom turning his mind into a haze.

Even when he closed his eyes after he unzipped your dress, or when he heard it drop to the floor, he couldn't help but imagine — how your skin must feel under his touch, soft or smooth; the expanse of your back, would there be goosebumps like when you touch him; would there still be a smile on your face even when you would know about his feelings?

He accidentally slams the door of the washing machine too hard. It's all pointless, really; all he wanted was to show how eager his rapt attention, yet terrified that he may have crossed unwanted boundaries. Maybe he needed some rest. That's right - it has been a long week anyways. Sighing, he leaves to go back to the bathroom, in case you fell back to sleep...

— except, he called it too early.

“Chroooome,” you cried out as you whimpered in the tub, bubbles covering everywhere but your face, “I'm drowning!”

Suffice to say, he wasn't going to be relaxed tonight.

The water was warm.

And so was the hand that you wish you held onto as you dangled your arm on the ledge of the tub, reaching out to Chrome, who sat on the floor. You wanted something - but the golden boy wouldn't budge.

“Join meee,” you pouted, “don't you see I am a lonely girl sitting here so lonely?”

The light of the bathroom casts a glow over Chrome's frame. The sound of the water splashing around, paired with his humming, sends your mind in a close lullaby, you fear you'll only fall asleep at this rate.

“I see you well, Commandant.” He shook his head, “however, I will stay here.”

“Mean.” Huffing, you sunk to the comforts of the bubbling water, feigning annoyance to him “At least I could wash your hair...you said you'd allow me to see you with your hair down...”

“Commandant,” it's a surprise how Chrome could still hold his composure, voice calm and cool, “you are drunk. You are also very dirty, so it's best you wash up now and get dressed in something warm.”

“I'm not drunk!” Exasperatedly raising your hands, you glared at Chrome, “and I can't wash my hair...”

You look at him expectantly, to which he stares back with curiosity. Pointing to your wet hair, you whispered. “I always wondered what it's like to have my hair washed.”

“And?”

“Will you...wash my hair, please, Chrome?”

Crossing his arms, he thinks for a moment. “Will you promise not to do anything stupid?”

“No.”

As he scoots closer to you, you reeled back. Chrome mistook it as something else, when he sees the look on your face.

“...don't tell me you are planning to wash my hair in that.”

“Pardon?”

“Strip!” you pouted, “I get fussy when someone isn't touching me.”

In an instant, you see Chrome's cheeks tint a shade of pink. “Commandant, that sounded...”

“Hurry up,” you yawned, scooting a little closer to the faucet on your legs, “I won't look.”

True to your word, you look elsewhere but wherever Chrome was. Raising your hands high to your face (look how pruned they are, the longer you stay), before the shuffling of clothes and the sound of cautiousness tiptoes its way into the water, beside you. From your peripheral vision, you see two hands reach out to hold your open hands — have these hands looked so lonely until Chrome came?

“Look at you,” he huffs, fingers caressing the pad of your pruned fingers, “you should have been faster.”

You find comfort in this cramped space — the warm water that you're doused in, a familiar body close to yours, a heat that you never realized you've been craving all this time. You crawl; on Chrome's legs, your scent intertwined with the smell of lavender, you hope it rubs on the man beside you. Unknowingly, you crawled further, until your back hits the sturdy structure of Chrome's physique, leaning back to curl up in his chest.

“Can we stay like this?” the words slipped past your mouth, faster than you could have noticed. Without a word, his hands drifted to the expanse of your shoulders, your arms, your clavicle.

His hands rest there, as your body relaxes in his embrace. The subtle, erratic beating of his heart is there, it's not a surprise when yours mirrored his. And you smell the hint of vanilla on his skin, forgetting that he's humanoid in these very small moments. Yet, you breathe into it, the smell lulling you to sleep faster.

“If you want to,” he mutters, “I thought you wanted to rest.”

“I do, but I feel comfortable when there's someone else.”

The quiet snap of the shampoo bottle opens. Along the way, he places his hands over your head, gently massaging the tips of your hair to make the shampoo bubble, to your scalp. Gentle, soft as he held you like this. The way he pours the water over your head, careful enough to not let it reach your eyes. You must smell like lavender now; the scent already sinking into your skin, like how Chrome's warmth was seeping onto your cold ones. His touch felt unreal, it makes you want the world to freeze for a moment and only behold this scenario for a long, long time.

“Commandant,” even his voice was a whisper, movements slowing to a stop, a telltale sign that he's done, and a little emotion was hanging on your chest - annoyance - “finish up washing now. Your hair is done.”

A dissatisfied grunt escaped your lips. Sitting up straight, you turned to him, hands outstretched. “Let me wash your hair too.”

Slightly looking down from your chest, his eyes shot up to meet yours, the blush that was on his cheeks already invading his ears. “N-No. This bath is only for you, Commandant.”

“Pleaseeee,” you dawdled, brushing away the bangs that covered his face, “I want to help you.”

Although hesitant, he lets you anyway; you, crawling to straddle his thighs, reaching out for the shampoo on your right. His eyes were carefully trailing your movement, which made you shrink under his grasp, but you never minded (after all, the both of you are naked in front of each other, what else was the difference?). You mimicked his movements: massaging the scalp, entirely focused on how you moved your hands on him.

“You're so pretty, Chrome...”

“Huh...?”

“I'm drunk but you're still pretty.” you giggled, booping his nose, “in the morning, when I'm sober, I know you'll be prettier.”

You thread your hands into his hair now, forgetting that bubbles should come out, but you're too focused on everything around you, drowsiness coming to catch you.

“Your hair,” you mumbled, aware of his hands placed on your waist, “...it feels really soft.”

“Does it?” He chuckled, eyes closing, “I'm glad you think so, Commandant.”

Commandant. A title you've always worn, but the way he called you that, a gnawing feeling crammed in your chest — with that pretty mouth of his, a stray thought made you think: what would it be like if he were to say your name?

“You never call me by my name.”

Turquoise irises locked with yours. Unable to pull away, mesmerized by the magnitude it beheld as you stared at each other — you wanted to speak, but Chrome beats you to it.

“I- I never thought I'm allowed to say it.” Looking away, the flush you've seen earlier came back and dusted his cheeks, “we never established it before.”

“Call me by my name then, Chrome.”

You wonder how your name would sound when it leaves his lips. You wonder, if the sound of your heartbeat reverberates if speaks, if he calls you in a name hidden behind your title — and for a moment, you've realized.

“[Y/N],” it is quiet, a soft tone calling for your name, “[Y/N],”

All you could do is close your eyes. Your mind is racing. The sound of two people, breathing in the silence, in the warmth of another's presence. The bubbles are now dissolving in your fingers and in his hair, you're certain the ones on your head are gone too. Were you still drunk, or had the intensity of your feelings reached its threshold? It made your mind spin, and your fingers tremble. What was going on?

“Did that sound weird?” You opened your eyes to find Chrome's worried gaze. Still realizing the situation you're both in - and yet you were both comfortable now - you opened your mouth, only to close it.

You realized you've always liked Chrome all this time.

And the way he said your name is far from what you've imagined. You breathe in once more at his appearance: disheveled hair coated in shampoo, flushed cheeks in contrast to his pale complexion, doe-eyed in the shade of the light. Of course, you had to fall for this man. And it made your heart ache - alcohol or the touches alone? Who knows.

“No.” You quietly spoke, looking away, hiding the blush on your cheeks, “I...want to get out now.”

Chrome doesn't say a word. Instead, he stood up and left you there - confused, in a daze. When he comes back, a pair of clothes were on his arms.

“Can you stand, co...I mean, [Y/N]?”

“Thank you for the clothes.”

You spoke by the time you re-entered his room, the oversized shirt hanging loosely on your body. You looked at your appearance in the mirror twice before leaving the room, where you'd deemed it was good enough, however; judging by the way Chrome was staring at you intensely, head to toe, you couldn't help but wonder - is something wrong?

Chrome must have changed the sheets first, the shade of blue occupying the space on the bed. He now stood behind a smaller stool, a hair dryer in hand. You awkwardly stood, gesturing to the sight behind you: “I promise I'll repay you back when I get back.”

“The shirt,” He looks away for a moment, before clearing his throat, “it looks...good on you.”

You looked down — the oversized white shirt with the print fading away reaching down your thighs, just above your knees. At least, you were wearing something to combat the cold, yet your back catches the wetness of your hair, which made your temperature drop further. Noticing this, Chrome motions you to sit on the stool.

You are compliant with his wishes. He starts to turn the hair dryer on, before carefully handling your hair. In front of you was a tall mirror, which must have been Chrome's height. As he gently starts to dry your hair, you take in your surroundings - it's your first time in Chrome's room. As they say, the bedroom reflects its owner; tidy, neat, and everything in place. Various books with small print on the spine you couldn't make out on the shelves, the Queen-sized bed in the middle of the room. A perfectly neat study table with a few papers here and there near the dresser of the bed. It brings you to shame, how cleanly Chrome sets up his room which is far different from yours.

It reflects; your senses in a daze as you feel Chrome weaving through your locks, attentive to how his turquoise irises are on his masterpiece. Your eyes look up at his face once more.

“You also look good with your hair down.”

His attention flickers back to you. It's true - he looks more human this way, hair framing his face. Blinking slowly, he sheepishly laughs. “Ah, I always have my hair down after a shower. Do I look weird?”

“No.” You admit, “you look handsome still.”

Another wave of silence washes over. You realize you're more sober this way, the guilt of not talking too much gnawing on the back of your throat. But you are thankful, Chrome takes the opportunity.

“You are wearing my shirt that the F.O.S. gave,” humming, he brushes away the hair on your back, heat radiating off on your back, “they gave it shortly after graduation. I took it before father could notice.”

The hair dryer shuts off. He places it on the dresser, eyes still on your now-dried hair. You asked, “does your father not want you wearing these things?”

“He thinks it's useless. After all, medals and honor are the only valuable things the college would give to you.”

“But I see that it seems well-used,” you smell the cologne Chrome uses every day, “like you've always worn it.”

His hand is on your shoulder, tracing the outline. “Shortly after my Construct surgery, I always wore this. Anywhere as long as my father wouldn't see.”

A thought where Chrome wears the shirt comes to mind, in bed, clutching the fabric. Holding a handful and raising it to your nose, you spoke, “is there a reason?”

But he only sighs. “I am a Construct.” He looks up to meet your eyes in the mirror, “I am made for war. I threw away my humanity a long time ago.”

Those words tugged a hidden emotion in you. Spinning to meet his figure, you craned your neck just so you can properly look at him. Words are bubbling in your mouth, but it comes out dry.

Yet, you try anyway. “It's true that you're made for war, but you shouldn't be denied of these...”

“It's alright, co...[Y/N].” The call of your name sends your heart into somersaults, “I've learned it the hard way. There is no need for me to feel that way anymore.”

“Besides,” he added, as he got on one knee, smiling, “it's time for you to take a nap. It's past 2 am now. I wouldn't want my Commandant to be sleep deprived, yes?”

“I-” you looked at Chrome, you don't pretend you didn't mishear his words. Looking at his irises, you took a deep breath.

“The first time I saw Chrome,” you began, “I always thought you were attractive.”

That caught his attention. Tilting his head with an eyebrow raised, he curiously asked, “I'm sorry?”

“I wondered why a human like me was roaming around the city ruins that day.” You fidgeted with the hem of your clothes, “But then, I saw your inver-device.”

Ah, this memory. Chrome remembers it fondly. In the heat of dispute, where Lee had been injured badly, he doesn't remember if it was the situation at hand or the way the sunlight shone down on you that day - either way, he always thought it was something for that moment.

“It didn't change one bit of my impression of you.” You take a deep breath, “I think...it became something else.”

Your heart beats chaotically. You're sure it's the alcohol, but you're also aware that it's your feelings shaping at this very moment. Your hands tremble with want - to hold Chrome, to hold his hand.

“Something else?”

“I don't see you as a Construct, Chrome,” you whispered, reaching out to touch his chin, eyes trailing where your finger touched, “I see you more than that.”

You're aware; his gaze on you, as his own fingers shake as they touched yours. Such feelings have echoed in your mind, and you are afraid they wouldn't go away unless you tell them upfront. Are you scared to be rejected? Too bad, you're not; let the alcohol drain all your fears tonight.

“I don't want you to keep calling me 'Commandant'. I don't like it when you see me as someone from F.O.S., but I like it when you touch me, or when you're close to me-”

His hand is holding yours now. Firm, gentle. He's in front of you, and you swore you could see the future reflect in his irises. It's warm, the way he grasped your hand, fingertips touching his lips. His eyes are closed - a single kiss on every finger, mouth muttering some kind of prayer.

“[Y/N],” he whispers on your fingers, gazing at you with an expression you've never seen him make before.

Loving. Adoration. Something along those lines. It claws on your stomach, inching up to the top, that if you opened your mouth you would regret.

“When I saw you at that time, I didn't know what to think. I remember thinking: would you only be another soldier I will see on the battlefield, regardless if dead or alive?”

“Am I the former?”

“A part of me thought so. But...”

He pauses, before taking your hand to his chest, a strong vibration echoing there. Your heart feels the same, it wishes to free itself from the cages of your ribcage and into whatever was in the middle of the both of you.

“If I were to lose you, I...wouldn't know what I'll do.”

Heaviness weaves in your chest. You wrap your arms around his neck for support, blissfully unaware of the distance left between your lips. “Chrome,”

“[Y/N], I cannot...”

“I like you, Chrome.” It is a genuine confession. You never lied. “I like you too much, that I feel like my heart can't handle it if you disappear on me, too.”

A confession that brought tears to your eyes. “I want to run away with Chrome. I don't want to be away from you.”

“I'm not going away.” He took you by the waist, propping you on his thighs, “I'm here.”

“Meeting you...being here with you...it feels enchanting.” You closed your eyes, blindingly touching wherever your hands meet, “Please don't be in love with someone else...”

Chrome feels like it's the first time for him to recognize the ability to love. The passion for studying, living in the moment where examinations take place, keeping everything orderly — it has always been how he always lived. Yet, for the first time — someone was here in his room, in his touch, in this space. It makes him greedy; it makes him wild.

“[Y/N],” his hands cup your cheek, nuzzling your cheek, “I feel the same way. I like you - I adore you. Every glory I will bring to you, it will be all for you.”

That confession triggered something inside of you - to bridge the gap between the both of you. Leaning forward, the urge to slam your lips to him right there and then grows fervently. However, a hand stops your advances. Pulling back, you are met with a blushing Chrome, looking at you in awe.

“Comman- I mean, [Y/N], as much as I want to kiss you...I cannot. I can't kiss you when you are still drunk.”

“But I want to, let me show you how much I like you.”

His hand easily slips under your shirt, warm ones grasping your hips, rubbing circles around it, “In the morning. When you are sober, when you are about to make better judgement. I will let you do whatever you want.”

A mischievous smile graced your lips. “Anything?”

The blush on his face became a darker shade. Shyly nodding, “Yes, anything.”

He eases into his arms. Lifting you up and carrying you to bed, a thought crosses your mind — you, in a long white gown, and him, in a silver tuxedo. You see him in the lights of the room, illuminated in this dark evening, his smile sending ripples of your heart into motion. You see him this way, your hand carrying a bouquet of flowers that you both love, your fingers intertwined with a ring of promise. In your thoughts he carries you like this, and you swore it felt familiar; one day, you wish. You would have to tell him in the morning.

But for now, the alcohol hits you harder more than ever, drowsiness threatening to shut your eyes. As you felt yourself dip into the mattress - his bed - you wish you could stay with him, the lingering warmth on your skin now fading as you feel him pull away. But your mouth is a jumbled mess, only opting for the fatigue to succumb to you. So, you use your hand, grasping whatever you could reach - his shirt, his hand, his arm.

“Don't go.” You beg, voice laced with grogginess and want, “won't you stay here?”

“I will be sitting here next to you. Don't worry, I'm not going away.”

“No,” your voice sounds like you're pleading now, “don't go, stay beside me. I want you to be beside me when I wake up.”

“[Y/N]...”

“Stay with me, Chrome.”

With a sigh, you feel the space beside you dip. The shuffling of sheets, the smell of lavender invading your weary senses. At last, warm hands enclose yours, before placing them close to his lips, one last kiss before darkness consumed your senses.

“Goodnight, [Y/N],” you knew he'd tell you that, “I will see you in the morning.”

Chrome doesn't see you in the morning.

When sunlight slipped through the windows, he woke up to an empty space beside him. Disappointment comes knocking on his door, calling out that he was only dreaming for something unreal, something that only humans would indulge in. Although the sheets prove that someone else was here with him last night, he doesn't dwell on that slipping hope. Instead, disappointment and frustration, paired with despondency, makes a home inside his chest and his M.I.N.D.

No longer interested in ruminating on the mattress, he drags himself out of bed. However, the robots that usually greet him aren't around still. But the floors and the walls on the rooms he passed are cleaner than what he saw last night.

Probably elsewhere. Probably at the garden.

But the glass door to the garden shows no signs of robots, at least where his sight can reach. No robots cutting grass or cleaning the pool. At times like these, they should've been around. Where were they?

A sound of an R5 cleaning robot chimes in nearby. Chrome follows the sound, and the sight isn't something he was expecting.

“You did well,” your voice feels like a cloud, floating amongst the sea of beeping robots, “thank you for your help.”

Your back faces Chrome. Crouching in front of a faceless R5 cleaning robot, you gently patted its "head", small giggles on your lips.

“You're a good robot, aren't you,” the sound of beeping seemingly mirroring an appreciative noise, “you're a very good robot.”

A sizzle comes out of the oven, to which you jump to your feet, scrambling to reach the stove. “Ah, it's getting burned!”

Chrome couldn't help but admire you; the way you move, your interactions with the robots although lifeless, and your cautiousness seemed to boost his adoration for you. It must have been his M.I.N.D., but the sunlight on your toes, his shirt that fits you perfectly despite being too big for you, and the smile as you tasted whatever you were cooking — it hits him harder. The want, the like, the adoration for someone he could never think he'd fall for. The feeling that his chest had earlier disappeared; only warmth began to repair its fractured roots.

“Chrome?” Your quiet voice called out, the beep of the robot chiming in, “you're awake.”

“And you're here.”

Is this what pining feels like? An unspoken feeling that settles deep between the distances of the two of you. He knows he shouldn't hope, when a night drowned in alcohol remembers nothing. Yet, the way your eyes seem to tell him something, he hopes to cling onto whatever was left in his pride.

“Good morning,” he spoke, aware of his morning voice now, “I apologize that you had to be the one to cook.”

“N-no, it's alright! The robots mostly did the work. I merely supported them.”

“Still,” he slowly approached you, timid footsteps leading to you, “the fact that you treat them as if they're human too speaks a lot.”

“It's even a surprise that they show no hostility to you. They are trained to fend off those who are unfamiliar in the household.”

“Commandant [Y/N] is welcomed.” the robot from earlier chirped, “helped us with housework.”

“Mr. Smith also invited me here once in a while to talk about politics.” You shrugged, opting to pat the robot once more, “I just did a favor for them.”

You nodded to it, to which it purrs in your touch. Satisfied, it happily trots away, probably deciding to work elsewhere.

Another silence. You've decided to go back and finish cooking the food, but the fire had long been doused (probably from the advancement of this stove?). Chrome wants to talk, yet no words could be formulated in his head. After the agonizing long silence, you took a deep breath and exhaled loudly.

“I remember what happened last night.”

Chrome freezes. He looks up to meet your guilty eyes looking elsewhere. “You do?”

“I...am regretful that I puked on you. That's why I decided to clean up here as an exchange.”

Ah, so you don't remember what happened afterwards. Chrome's heart sinks, before noticing you looking away, and a creeping blush on your cheeks.

“I...also remember that I asked you to take a bath with me.”

Memories of last night came crashing over his M.I.N.D. The garden, the bed, the bathtub, the hair dryer, and your skin — all a mixture of things that only makes him go haywire. His blush mirrors yours; that means one more thing.

“I also remember telling you how I feel.” You began, “and I...”

The sinker comes. And Chrome's heartbeat isn't sure now. But you - you approached him, eyes down, figure covered, but reaching out to him. With shallow breaths, you raised your hand to his chest, before looking up. And there - your eyes meet his. Same innocent, shimmering eyes looking at him with vigor, with enchantment; he forgets how to breathe.

“I like you, Chrome.”

You've said it once more. Sober, genuine, and true. And it breaks Chrome's heart into pieces, folded and mashed into dough, before it forms in the shape of a heart. You've set the oven now; his feelings are ready to be baked, ready to be eaten - and he wants you. No, he needs you to be the one to take it.

“I still like you, even when I'm drunk or sober. I want to be with you all the time. I want you, Chrome. I want you to be part of the future that I am building.”

Wordlessly, he captures your hips and pulls you close, him leaning down just so the proximity knows no bounds. He feels your breath ghost his lips, your heartbeat in his ribcage - it beats, and beats, and beats so loudly he forgets you're in the kitchen at daylight; in a house he's grown up with no love, but he's here now. Creating a love that no Smith can forge.

“A concrete object made of materials and information, whose borders are continuously constructed and reconstructed,” said the definition for 'Smith'. He could live in that definition forever, but what about Chrome?

“I am forging a new one.” He whispers, “I am...bridging the new future with you.”

Your eyes are shining, and there he knew-

“I like you, too, [Y/N].”

If only bodies were capable of seeing what's happening underneath, a cadenza ringing in Chrome's heart, beating furiously for you, only you. You smiled, a mischievous gaze written across your face.

“Does the offer about me doing anything I want when I'm sober still stand?”

He smiles back. “Of course.”

“I want to kiss you.”

Tiptoeing to reach Chrome's height, you craned your neck and tugged his shoulder. But Chrome is kind; he hoists you up by the hips, capturing your lips in an instant.

Sweet is a word to describe the first kiss Chrome shared with someone in his life. Forget the war, forget that you're on the kitchen island; it's only two lovers baring their adoration for one another, sharing a kiss blessed in daylight. It's warm, it's soft, it's needy - the way you both melt into each other, how you wrapped your arms around his neck, or how his hands are holding you up. Enchanted, Chrome's M.I.N.D. echoes, it's really enchanting.

Satiated, you both pull away, breathless, as your foreheads touch. He doesn't let you go, though. You (unfortunately) do, when the other kitchen door opens, a parade of little robots bursting through the door.

You cheer as the little robots go through the surprise: a small banner written "Happy Birthday!" hastily, and the cake you baked earlier with the robots. Chrome looks at you confused, before noticing what the parade had brought.

“How-”

“Happy birthday, Chrome,” You beamed, hands cupping his cheeks, “you deserve the celebration.”

“Thank you.” He whispers on your chin, leaving little kisses there, “I really appreciate this...I appreciate you.”

“You should enjoy today.” You winked, “my birthday present to you is for later.”

“Later?”

You squeezed his arm. He blushes. “Yes, later.”

Chrome is thankful his heart doesn't need to somersault out of his chest now. At least, until later.

HAPPY LATE ACTIVATION DAY CHROME!!!!!! please like, reblog, share, comment down on this post! don't copy and plagiarize my work!!

#pgr #pgr commandant #punishing gray raven #punishing gray raven imagines #pgr global #pgr cn #pgr chrome #pgr chrome glory #pgr chrome x reader #pgr arclight #HAPPY ACTIVATION DAY CHROME!!!#pgr x reader

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grievedeeply · 2 years

Text

the less time, the better. pt 4.

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pairing: heimdall x gn!reader

summary: heimdall takes some time to attempt to unpack his feelings. feeling guilty for leaving without saying goodbye, you decide you want to visit your family back at home to explain your choice to go to asgard.

notes: sorry for no heimdall x reader interactions this time buuuut we get atreus. next chapter will prob be similar to this, but i need to keep them apart for a bit so heimdall can think LOL. also, this one is shorter than the other chapters but i don't really care i just wanted to write. this is a bit of a filler anyways LOL

it had taken a bit of consideration, but you had decided to return home to your family. not seeing your brother had an effect on you, and you began to worry about them. you knew they would be worrying about you. you left without a word. you could only wonder how mad your father would be with you, but that was something you would have to deal with when you got there.

you pushed the door open to odin's study, holding your hands together in front of you. you felt almost.. anxious to ask to go home. it wasn't like you were leaving anything important behind in asgard. you brushed the nervousness aside, greeting odin with a thin lipped smile.

"ah. just the person i wanted to see," he said without even looking up from his desk. "we have big things to do. much to accomplish. you still need to make your trip to niflheim, remember?" he finally glanced up at you as he spoke, and he furrowed his eyebrows. "you're not here for that, are you?" he chuckled, standing up from his seat. he moved around the table to stand in front of you, his hands resting on your shoulders. if you didn't know better, you would think he cared about you.

your thoughts moved to his sons. thor, a man torn apart by his father's judgement of him, who only used him for his strength and power. baldur, who died in part because of him. heimdall.. you didn't even know where to start when it came to him. it felt like there was more underneath his glamorous outer shell, but you didn't need to figure that out anytime soon.

"no," you shook your head, "i'd like to go home. visit my family." you told him, and all he did was hum. "you're free to do so. though.. i do need that," he pointed to the mask that hung from your belt with his finger, "back before you go." you took it off, handing it over to him with no hesitation.

"huginn will be waiting for you at your home in midgard when you decide to return." he told you, ravens beginning to swirl around you as they had done so many times in the past. "oh.. and tell mimir i said hello." you said nothing back, and you appeared in your childhood home.

if you focused hard enough, you swore you could feel your mother's presence again.

you closed your eyes, taking in the cool air once more. you turned your attention to huginn, who only cawed at you. "you might he waiting a while." you muttered, the door creaking as you pushed it open. you trudged through the snow, making your way to the mystic gateway that sat in your front yard.

you looked forwards, only being met with a gaping chasm in the ground. it only made you think of baldur, and of odin. you hated that. you remembered fighting him all those years ago.. how desperate he was to feel. how much he hated freya. you remembered it all, and sometimes you wished you didn't.

you opened the door, and stepped onto the branches of the world tree. it had been what felt like forever since you'd been through them, and the closer you came to home the tighter your chest felt. you missed them. you could only hope everything went okay in your absence.

another doorway appeared in front of you, and you found yourself in sindri's yard. ratatoskr was nowhere to be found, which wasn't something that surprised you. he was almost always busy, but you couldn't help but to wonder if he kept his word.

you took in a breath, pushing open the door to sindri's house after a moment of brief hesitation.

"kid?" brok's voice called out, and he took a few quick steps towards you. "you're back!" his volume increased as he spoke, "you are back.. ain't ya?" he asked, raising an eyebrow as he looked up at you suspiciously. nice to know some things never change. you laughed, "i'm back."

"good. other kid's been worried sick. your dad, too." he told you, and you pursed your lips. this was exactly what you didn't want, but you knew it would happen. "where are they?" he shrugged his shoulders, "how am i supposed to fuckin' know?" he retorted. you rolled your eyes.

"nice to have you back." he spoke again after a pause, and you smiled down at him. "thanks, brok." you turned your attention away from him and to atreus' room. that's where he would be if he weren't out with your father.

you knocked, letting out a shaky breath. "what?" his voice called back from the other side of the door, and you frowned at the sound of it. you let him down, didn't you? you pushed open the door, and he stood up at the speed of light, holding his hands out to try to close it again. he froze, his mouth falling open at the sight of you.

he took another step, his arms wrapping around your waist without saying a word. you practically melted into his touch. your little brother's hugs were always the best. you rubbed his back, bending down a little to be closer to his height. not like you need to, anymore. he was getting taller every day, it seemed like.

"you went to asgard, didn't you?" he asked, his voice quieter than he'd ever been before. you nodded, "yeah. i did."

"why?"

"you know why, atreus." you whispered with pursed lips. he knew. he just didn't like that you left him. you knew that, too. he was still just a kid. you forgot that, sometimes.

"you should've taken me with you." he muttered, barely loud enough for you to hear. "oh, atreus," you pulled away from the hug, trying to look into his eyes. you sat his hands on his shoulders. he avoided even looking at you. "i missed you too." you told him.

"you aren't staying." he said, and you bit at the inside of your cheek. "no. i'm not. i need to go back. i'm getting close. i can feel it." you assured him, squeezing his shoulders. "stop." he whispered.

"what?"

"stay."

"you know i can't. i need to do this."

"you don't need to do anything alone!" atreus raised his voice, and you sighed. you closed your eyes. "i know. and i would've loved for you to come with me, atreus. you're my best friend. my partner in crime," you chuckled, "but i couldn't risk you getting hurt. me going was enough on father, don't you think?"

atreus swallowed. he was growing into a brave man.. and you couldn't be prouder. "how was it?" he asked after a moment of silence, and you managed to smile. he would understand why you went on your own fully some day, but this was enough for you for now.

"it was.. interesting. i thought about you a lot, you know." you chuckled, tussling his hair with one of your hands. "stop." atreus laughed, leading you back out of his room and into the main area of the house.

"met thor's daughter, thrúd. you'd like her." you told him, pulling out a chair at the wooden table in the middle of the room to sit down in. "thor's daughter?" he raised an eyebrow, "i'd like her?" he shook his head. "she's aesir."

"she's a good kid. you'd like her. trust me." you shrugged your shoulders, taking in the feeling of being home again. "where's father?"

"vanaheim. he should be back, soon." he told you. "why aren't you with him?" you asked, raising an eyebrow. "he's with freya. they're helping her brother with.. something. i don't know what."

you fell into silence, leaning back against the uncomfortable texture of the wood you sat in. "freya?" you raised an eyebrow, last you knew she was wanting to kill him. "yeah." was all he said in response. you said nothing else about it.

"how's he holding up?" you asked, staring up at the ceiling.

"he's definitely not happy. but.. i guess he's okay."

somehow, you knew atreus was telling the truth. your father would understand why you left, even if it made him angry at first. he had to have calmed down a bit by now, and it would be easier to face him whenever he came back. unless you left before he arrived.

"i'll stay. until he gets back. i need to talk to him."

"your funeral." atreus shrugged, throwing a fruit into his mouth that had sat in a bowl on the table.

you had a lot of catching up to do.

you'd let yourself forget about asgard. just for a little while.

it was quiet without you around.

he should be happy about that, shouldn't he? happy that a giant was out of his home, even if it would be for a short amount of time. though, a part of him felt.. different about your absence.

it had already been a few days since you'd left, but he found himself expecting you to be in the mess hall or training— but you were never there. he should be happy about it.

it was too quiet.

it's not like you were loud physically, but your presence was. people knew you were there, and they spoke often about you, even after you'd left. he would hear people speaking of the giant odin brought into asgard, and every time he heard their words, he thought of how you embarrassed him.

you beat him. he remained at a loss. no one else had ever harmed him before. he still didn't know how to react to it. he was curious, but it seemed like you didn't even know how you'd hit him.

'i don't know. just did.' you said to him, weeks ago at this point. you had been in asgard for that long already? it didn't feel like it, at least not to him.

what was that pounding in his chest? it only occurred whenever he thought of you. your stupid.. beautiful.. face, plaguing his mind. he couldn't think of a giant in that way. he couldn't think of you that way. he knew who your father was, and he knew full well what he and the rest of your dastardly family had done over the years. killing thor's sons.. baldur. he had to force himself to remember them.

he didn't care about them too much, anyways. though.. he remembered magni and modi in their younger years. they'd loved him. he remembered them wanting him to fight him, and they would be impressed every time he dodged their child-like swings. they were tiny, then. now, they were gone.

baldur was nothing special, not in his eyes. he thought of forseti— his son. he remembered how he reacted when he found out.

.. you didn't kill them. your father did.

that wasn't you.

he took in a sharp breath, running his hands through his unbraided hair. what was he doing? thinking of you in this way was.. wrong. it was.

'you falling for me, pretty boy?'

your voice.. your tone, sultry and seductive, rang through his ears. he felt your hips in his hands.. he felt you.

what was wrong with him?

was he falling for you?

he let out a breath, tugging at the ends of his hair as he did all those weeks ago when you'd embarrassed him in the courtyard of the great lodge.

he pictured you.

your smile, your eyes.

his heart rate picked up.

this couldn't be happening.

he thought of you again. your kindness, even towards him, when he'd treated you horribly. he thought of your teasing, your voice whispering in his ears as he sat with you in the mess hall.

there was something wrong with him.

you were a giant.

he clenched his jaw.

a part of him wanted to never see you again.

the other.. the other wanted you all to himself.

he gave in to the latter.

he had feelings for you, as unnatural as they were. you were impressive, brave, strong, intelligent, capable.

as much as he thought he hated it— hated you— for making his chest feel the way it did..

his heart pounded against his ribcage.. and this time, he didn't mind.

tags: @graciegizmo3184 @anzanishira @chocokaylarobin @uncoveredsun @caelestis-lyrae @prio-motu @bluehorizon987 @freyrees @ieatmarbles @rohansregret @konigd1cks0ck @smilesdarling @multifand0m-gal0re @huan-chan @rustypotatospork @onlydeas @luna-charlie @orangeflavouredwitch @hayleethefrog @dott-up @imcomingforyourskin @itsnat-bitch @mimothemoth @elizabeth-hatake @spacexplosion @fandomcatchall @ss-kimo @sinfulmatt @lacm-ac @iinterdimensionals @thatspookyagent @kiss-kae @twiistedspades @closet-creature @shawtylikamelody @judyfromfinance @hobistangerine @aikochan4859 @whywouldiknowstuff

#god of war #gow #god of war x reader #gow x reader #god of war heimdall x reader #heimdall gow #gow heimdall x reader #heimdall gow x reader #heimdall x reader

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universallyintertwined · 14 days

Note

Hiiii! You said you were asking for stories so heres my story about my first experience with shifting.

Ok so, i had just learned about shifting that morning and i was really excited since i was obsessed with a fandom at that time. İ did the raven method and when i stopped counting i felt like i was falling and doing loops on roller coaster before some ominous ass voice told me to wake up in my own language and then said my real name😭 (which was weird itself since i scripted i would only speak english and had a different name) i was so fucking terrified i instantly snapped my eyes open and looked around wondering what the fuck i just went through. After that i didnt sleep and sat there in the kitchen in shock the whole night lol

YESSS FINALLY IVE BEEN WAITNG FOR THIS.

No but this genuinely reminded me of my first ever shift. Kay so embarrassing story time ngl don't judge 👇👇👇

Okay so this was like a little while after I found out about shifting and so I had a star wars dr (I'm a Adam driver girlie, can you blame me?) ANYWAY, I scripted that if I was close to shifting or if I did shift I'd either see or hear kylo ren/yoda i cant remember which one i said it was like 3 years ago. So I used alunirs Julia guided meditation and eventually I fall asleep and everything is just black, then out of no where, I see a shirtless figure just appear out of the darkness and it clearly was shirtless, rectangular Kylo ren from the force awakens lets be fr. And I just leaped back into this reality and I leaped so hard I physically fell out of bed 😭😭😭

NO BUT YOUR STORY IS ACTUALLY KINDA SCARY LIKE WHAT??💀💀

#reality shifting #shiftblr #desired reality #shifting community #reality shift #current reality #fame dr #shifting motivation #shifting memes #shifting to desired reality #shifting blog #shifting stories

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goldentigerfestival · 3 months

Text

Part 4 of the Vesperia differences between JP and the dub!

Part 1.

Part 2.

Part 3.

(Other) GTF Favorites.

As a heads up, I had to piece several images here as "one" image to circumvent the image limit because I was not about to make a part five by the time I got toward the end LOL.

For some reason the dub completely removed Alexei jokingly/sarcastically saying it makes his heart hurt (brings him down in this tl) how Estelle will come to her senses and see what she's done to her friends. As usual, the dub has a very weird habit of adding sentences where they never existed and completely removing sentences for no literally no reason.

I feel that "set you free" can also have the implication of saving her alive (which the dub heavily seems to lean toward versus wording that really shows Yuri's resolve here, the latter of which fits right in with Flynn and Ioder's acceptance that he may have to kill her), so I included this one to go with the previous case of Flynn mentioning that Yuri's group was going to "save" Estelle. The original is more ambiguous about her possible survival, but the dub leans more into being ambiguous in a way that doesn't lean toward her dying.

The dub changed this to nothing but literally "aye" so... do with that what you will.

Another case of them randomly wiping out an entire sentence (the last one).

As with other cases, there are some slight changes I don't feel are worth mentioning and often tend to be just slight changes in word choice that ultimately mean close to the same thing. This is generally the case for most of the spirit gathering arc. The overall tl of this arc is pretty much accurate, just with some odd cases like the above.

I really don't wanna say like, it's because Flynn's not around for a chunk of the plot in arc 3, but uh... let's be honest, it's once again as soon as Flynn gets back into the picture that the tl starts to go haywire again - especially where Yuri is concerned. Like. Literally. As usual.

In the dub, this was "but Duke isn't". Just putting this one here because I feel like this gives more of a sense how the characters are feeling about it, more than just him not working out in their favor.

This one was calling Ba'ul "weak" in the dub, but here Yuri is just asking if he's that stubborn about changing his form to a spirit. Putting this here because I feel using "weak" is a lot more harsh and has negative connotations on it compared to a more ignorant "stubborn" before Yuri understands.

Yuri mentions here that Duke seems to have thought a lot about what he's doing. In the dub, this was "he seems totally obsessed". Not sure what the reason for that change was.

Raven makes this more of a question in the dub, but here is more of him realizing it and putting the pieces together, so I figured I'd include this one since it's a slight change in a character's perception of something.

The first line was changed to "could you be any more worthless" (I guess because they thought the "boring" line was weird? idk lol). The second and third line got swapped for some reason, even though it does kind of change the general meaning behind what's being said.

Yuri says first that Sodia gave up, only to tell her she has no right to say it was all for Flynn (thus saying it's because of giving up). At least imo, in the dub it comes across as "you say it's for him but you gave up thus it's an excuse", versus "you have no right to say it's for him".

I'm trying not to say it again, y'all.

Karol says that Yuri going off alone is a bad habit. The dub changed this to "you keep forgetting us", which I'm kind of confused by because he's not forgetting them and literally told them to get ready to go to Tarqaron. Not really sure why they'd change this line since like yeah, it is a bad habit of his lol.

Another translation error in the dub, so this one's here for clarification. The dub says Astal "lost control", but Astal by this point is dead (and he never "lost control"). Judith also says in the dub that it made all the monsters gather here, rather than saying they've gone savage. It seems like they misunderstood something thinking Astal losing control brought all the monsters here, but obviously we know that can't be the case because Astal is dead.

This was changed in the dub to "it's our turn to do Yuri a favor", when he's actually supposed to be teasing him, which Yuri directly replies to.

Still trying not to say it.

Dub Karol sounds more like he's prepared to go in, but in the original audio, Karol sounds nervous about the hoard they're about to have to get involved with. Raven's line was changed to Flynn looking like he needs help and not that so much that he's cornered, and the original audio has him sounding more urgent about it. Minor changes here, but tonally I think they impact the scene differently (and definitely give more of a "this is really fuckin' dangerous" vibe in the original audio).

Another slight change and not an important one, but figured I'd include this since it has a slightly different meaning/vibe to it.

Including this just for Yuri's little laugh when he shows up (I love him! A Yuri Lowell!) and Flynn's shocked response. More tonal in change, but definitely worth a listen and will be linked below with Flynn's laugh!

This can also be translated as "it's simple/it will be simple", because it's "me and you" doing it. Imo this makes it more clear he's referring to just them (i.e. the upcoming fight) and not the entire group, but Yuri also specifically specifies "you and me", so it's much more clear that he's referring only to them (which I think, also given Yuri's levity in this situation despite the danger, shows how much they've completely come back from and recovered from the Nordopolica/Alexei stuff). Shoutout to Yuri deciding this on the spot and totally not even planning it though.

Again, there are some wording choice changes littered around, but nothing really significant (when I say small things, I mean things like Rita saying it's reckless for just the two of them to deal with this, versus the dub using "are you stupid?!". It basically changes nothing even if it is technically a difference, but I usually skip things like that because these posts would be even longer for changes that don't have a large impact).

As for the Yuri-Flynn-Repede battle, there were some... choice dialogue changes here.

Firstly, Yuri actually tells Flynn to be careful (rare carefulness from him, especially in regard to someone he knows can handle fighting).

Second, Flynn telling him not to worry was removed entirely.

Third, (this one is more difficult for me to completely discern because of the lack of text) Flynn mentions (you too, i.e. you be careful too) if Yuri keeps looking over (at him), that he won't be able to run to save Yuri fast enough (i.e. he'll get into trouble if he keeps staring at him).

Fourth, the dub changed Yuri saying he's just captivated by how handsome/good looking Flynn is (and I shit you not if Judith said that to Yuri people would call it flirting so yes, I am going to tell you that the dub censored men flirting here). The original wording used is "ii otoko", i.e. good/nice looking man, which in translation could come across a bit awkwardly and would be more likely to officially be translated to "handsome"... if they weren't so spooked at the idea of it and had to wipe it for "the great Flynn Scifo" which is not actually what was said. Personally I'd say "nice looking man" has a very specific ring to it versus handsome, but again, obviously that might sound a bit odd in translation without really specific wording (as in, it's possible to be used in a way that doesn't sound awkward but the wording leading up to it would probably have to be changed a little, or some words simply added in to make it flow more native-sounding).

Fifth, Flynn said it's not the time to be making jokes (the dub changed this to just "sh-shut up!").

Sixth, the goofy, playful tone Yuri carries when he says "I am being serious" was changed (very typical of the dub at this point though to remove his playfulness and I'm literally saying that objectively). Similarly, his following line's tone was also changed.

Seventh, "so we're kind of stuck". Yuri says he can't concentrate without talking, then ends (the battle conversation) with a following sentence of "it can't be helped!".

This could be translated in a few ways just to make it more clear what he's referring to (because a plain ol' "it can't be helped" is a bit too vague here), but you could translate that to something like "guess we can't help it", yadda yadda. My guess is that's where "we're kind of stuck" came from, but given the blatant trajectory change of the entire conversation, I'm not surprised I'm left feeling like the meaning of that line is just weird (primarily because he says that and the conversation abruptly ends, so they're not very stuck if Flynn won that one!) Something like "guess we can't help it/that's just how we are" etc imo would have done the job for translating that.

Flynn just sounds so, so happy and soft and my heart is full. Same dialogue in the dub, but the original audio was (imo much?) more lighthearted and so sweet and soft.

Made a clip of both their laughs because they're adorable and I love them.

No idea why the dub actually dropped her giving Yuri a whole ass honorific. Yeah, you can't always use JP suffixes in a dubbed game, but you can translate some of them to the closest thing they mean. Sodia here calls him "Yuri-...dono...", so rather than just dropping his last name in her accusatory tone, she calls him by only his first name and attaches a respectful term to his name.

Technically "dono" would mean "lord" or "master" in a non nobility manner, and is more of a formality than if she were to use, say, -san, which would have her referring to him as more of a regular/casual equal (-san is a suffix that often gets lost in translation, whereas dono can actually be roughly translated like it is here from this translator. Someone of her rank would still refer to others even equal to her rank as "sir" in translation, while people who use "dono" may also still use that term for people of their rank. Remember, at this point she's the second in command to the Commandant himself, so that's an awfully high bar for Yuri to have jumped in her eyes). Sodia has realized his actions have been just and honest and that she was very wrong about him, so as an indicator that she's changing her stance on him, she refers to him this way instead.

Basically, coming from someone of her rank, it's a very respectful term and is not used casually/in a casual relationship, much less to someone one dislikes or even hates (which she previously did, so this by itself is a massive step up in her view of him just from her suffix usage alone).

Honestly a huge shame that they didn't even translate this to "sir" in the dub when there was no reason not to. Just using that alone would have indicated a much higher level of respect from her toward him, and unfortunately that open respect is completely lost to dub only players (she only expresses her guilt, whereas in the original, just by using "dono" alone, she's indicated respect and not just guilt. In a way you could even argue that she's approaching him, someone she gives her respect to now, for advice and not just out of guilt alone).

In the dub this is only "it would have been easier if you'd blame me for this..." Here she's admitting she wants some form of punishment by way of saying she didn't receive it (which she could have from Yuri himself if he told Flynn what she did), but if she can't even have that, she at least would rather be hated. Basically, she's saying she wants to be hated if she can't at least be punished for her crime (and I believe you could also translate this to wishing she could be hated if she wasn't blamed for it, so basically they removed half the statement).

Also, in general, Sodia sounds very distraught.

Here Yuri admits he does have a grudge against her (you could translate this to something like "it's not like I don't hold a grudge against you"). The dub changed this to "don't think I'm doing this for your own good". Basically the dub is having him say he's making her live with her regret without mentioning that yes, he does in fact have a grudge against her for what she did.

The translation here is essentially the same (think about it for yourself. The dub just uses "go figure it out yourself").

The important part here comes in the form of how he refers to her. This is something he's done since he survived her stabbing him - not using a neutral form of "you" but instead openly using a rude form (in JP there are several ways of referring to oneself and others, similar to how Flynn alternates between boku and watashi when referring to himself).

In other words, Yuri is openly expressing disdain for her by using "teme". At this point he's been using it for a little while now (he also talks to her this way back in Nor at the inn as well), but since here it's with very other little dialogue and also because she just recently referred to him as "Yuri-dono", I think it's a perfect time to point it out, as they've openly, verbally switched how they treat each other.

Sodia, wracked with guilt and left unresolved, has a newfound respect for Yuri after their interaction at Nor (and presumably everything he's done for Flynn). Yuri, still angry at her for what she did and holding a grudge (a fact lost in the dub that he mentions in this scene as mentioned above, adding to this role reversal), now openly chastises her and expresses his contempt by changing how he refers to her.

NEXT!

Not gonna put a picture here for it, but when Rita asks Witcher where his notes are, she gets super excited and it's just cute and funny.

Also not putting a picture here for this one, but Flynn sounds extremely relaxed/calm/casual in JP when he asks if Yuri is all set/ready to talk. Something worth noting is that even at this point, the dub keeps Flynn sounding very uptight and serious where he otherwise is relaxed, calm or even emotional. I get the feeling the dub kind of missed the mark with Flynn's soft gentle side. I don't know how or why, but it's more absent in the dub where he's otherwise much more soft.

Similarly, not pictured because this isn't about the translation, Flynn trying to convince Yuri to tell everyone what he's done is given in a more angry-upset tone, versus the original's (super!) soft and sad tone. Again, I think they had a different perception of Flynn in mind when it comes to audio (particularly in arc 3 here because the other arcs are... again, their own whole can of worms), because here he's speaking sadly that Yuri won't take credit, whereas in the dub it's more energy-fueled and comes off much harsher. I have a video clip of that scene here. I felt like mentioning it here because overall Flynn can be extremely soft and gentle in tone and it got lost in the dub for whatever the reason was.

Still on that train of thought, while the translation itself is still pretty accurate, Flynn says "I'll just yell at you again" but in JP says that he'll just say unnecessary words. Earlier, in the dub Yuri asks why he's so serious when he doesn't actually mention that he's being serious in the original (because honestly, he wasn't. He was very calm when they set out). In this case it's not really negative (the way Yuri yelling at people in the dub is portrayed negatively on their end), it's just... a change that I can only guess they had the wrong idea about with him? Previously the changes with Flynn were treating him negatively, but here it's more just... a notable but narratively generally neutral tone difference.

Not making a clip just for this unless it's requested, but when Yuri wins the solo fight against Flynn, in the original, Yuri says it with actual shock but awareness/clarity that it actually happened (with a sort of underlying excited vibe to it). In the dub Yuri says it with more of a laugh and disbelief.

As for this point onward, since the subbed playthrough ended before this point, I'll be using another playthrough for images, though I'll be translating them here instead since they won't be pre-translated.

Sliiightly different vibe here so I figured I'd include it (doesn't really change anything): Here Flynn says "Even with a sword... I lost." The reason I'm including it is because "I can't even win with a sword anymore" makes it sound like Flynn has been losing again and again to Yuri in various ways when it's always been the opposite. Using a sword has always been one of his highest selling points, so to lose in that area comes across more as, even with my best asset I still lost to you.

Yuri's line is more like, "(laughs) Take a good look."

Running out of images I can use for this post here but I really don't want to make another part at this point in the game, but Flynn's following line is more along the lines of "be proud of yourself" (literally "raise your arms (in victory/pride)"), to which Yuri says the same thing in both versions (Flynn's dub line is "you've gotten better"). Including this because "you've gotten better" to me isn't really the same as telling Yuri to be proud of himself for the victory (something he'd never been able to do before). Since the dub came across as much more casual, I figured I'd add this part here too.

During Flynn and Patty's conversation, Flynn says "it's true there is no end to my worries." In the dub this was, "I have no want for trouble". This was probably a mix up of terms/intended meaning honestly, because Patty was basically saying he has a lot of burdens for being so young. It's not about trouble so much as he just has a lot on his mind and a lot to worry about in his current position.

Flynn proceeds to say he's made up his mind, basically saying he's made up his mind to accept those worries. In the dub, he says he's prepared to face it (the troubles), versus that he's made up his mind in accepting these new worries.

Patty's response is "made up your mind?" In the dub it's just "is that right?"

Flynn continues by saying in the end he'll have to worry a lot (more literally with all his might, so basically he'll be experiencing a whole lot of worries in the future) and that it will be a tough road, but he won't run away anymore.

I'm not sure why the dub used "path full of pain" since that sounds a lot more dramatic than "it will be a tough road". I imagine yeah, there will be pain in the future, but full of pain just sounds a bit... much? The dub also removed "anymore" from "won't run away anymore". Not sure what the idea behind that was.

Patty follows up saying it's admirable but that's no good, which the dub changed to a fish pun.

I'd also like to mention at this point, Flynn has completely dropped his use of "watashi" in favor of "boku" (he uses boku normally, but typically switched to watashi for formality/his status as a knight, which indicates he no longer feels the need to do this around Yuri's friends, and possibly does not feel the same level of distance he used to. At the very least it means he's allowing himself to be more of himself/more familiar and not viewing his position as a knight so formally).

Here Flynn says "thinking together, worrying together, and then one day realizing the world we dreamed of". Adding this since Flynn in the dub says "if we all work through our troubles together". It's kind of the same thing and kind of not, since in the original Flynn isn't mentioning "troubles" between anyone - simply the idea of everyone doing this together (the rest is basically the same in the dub).

Another change I'm not sure what it was for, but Ioder never mentions the Entelexeia specifically. He says this (what he's about to say) concerns the empire, guilds and everyone who lives in the world (which would include the Entelexeia by default, but literally everyone else too, which is the point because he's about to tell them about the blastia to start making plans). The dub never mentions about this affecting everyone in the world despite that being the whole reason he wants to talk to everyone about this.

Yuri calls Duke an "ignorant fool" here, rather than a "stubborn bastard", which I'm including because "ignorant" and "stubborn" aren't the same thing. Yes, Duke is stubborn about it, but in Yuri's eyes he's also being very ignorant of everything they're trying to tell him.

Not grabbing an image for this, but at the end of the game when Yuri is talking to Duke right after the battle, he's completely out of breath before and when he starts talking (the first line). Just a very nice touch!

In the dub Duke says Eluficer's wish was simply to protect the world and all living things. Here Duke says his wish is to protect the world and all living things with a good heart.

Also don't want to use an image here because of the image limit per post (especially because it's already tight even with me putting what images I can into "one" image as it is), but Yuri says "yeah, let's do it" (including the others), versus "I'm on it" in the dub at Flynn's prompting. Not a big change, but he does treat it as the whole group doing it together, which I find to be a nice touch for his character development.

Patty actually says "it- it stopped?!" The dub goofed and wrote "it's- it's over?!". The power of the blastia wasn't enough and its power was weakening.

Estelle says "No way, after we've come this far!". The dub changed this for some reason to "but how? There isn't any more!" in response to Rita instead of leaving it as it was.

Judith says "Please!" The dub used "It's gotta work!"

Flynn says "It's not over yet!" For some reason the dub used "This can't be how it ends!", which... idk, I feel like original Flynn has much more faith in it LOL.

Yuri says "Is it no good...?" Dub Yuri says "Dammit... come on!"

For the most part the rest is the same.

Adding this in because the old cutscene in the 360 version had to get changed to accommodate where Flynn was. Somewhat different than what we see with the other characters, you can see the power shoot out and push Flynn back as if it was grabbing the blastia itself, and you can see it pulled away from him (with everyone else we just see the blastia head toward the rest!).

Aside from that, Flynn says "you are my pride, dear friend" (the dub changed this to "I am so proud to call you my friend, Yuri Lowell").

The voice acting took me out with the happiness portrayed in Flynn's voice. (For just the Flynn part of the ending, I have a clip of that too, unsurprisingly.)

----------

Personal ending notes:

To sum it up briefly: I personally see a strong inserted bias put into the localization instead of just keeping things the way they were (i.e. changing context/character behavior to fit their bias despite that not being what the original context was, and inserting this into an official release). I say this because there are times when the translation is basically perfect, but there are very specific characters and instances where this suddenly changes, and unfortunately, there's a repetitive pattern that to me reads as intentional. Otherwise, I see no need for that to continuously happen only when select characters are involved.

As for the not so short version, y'all might be wondering why I mention things like it seems like they changed Yuri and berated Flynn so much on purpose. This is because the translation of this game sometimes can be astoundingly spot on. Perfect in some cases, even. There are times when the largest difference is just the wording itself and is simply given flavor, or uses a variety of wording so that sentences don't sound repetitive.

Yet when it comes to those two (individually but also between the two of them), the context quickly devolves into being either completely changed, the tones used are completely changed, and/or there's a slight alteration in the text that ends up giving a very particular notion that was not otherwise there (ex. "like a good knight" was added into Flynn's dialogue in a situation where he's being berated and yelled at, and it completely comes across as putting Flynn down the entire way through the conversation, versus him coming around and taking responsibility and that being accepted. In the original he simply mentions following his orders as a knight. There's no attempt to sound like the narrative itself is trying to insult him or bring him down).

I made these posts precisely because a heavy majority of the changed context involved them, and a lot of it either portrays Flynn in a negative light for the vast majority of the game which was not originally present, or it made Yuri come across as a much darker, scarier, "cool" type, which is a pretty stark contrast to his original personality/behavior.

Other things:

Yuri:

A lot of his lines come out neutral/flat, and that got even worse, like a hundred times worse, in his new DE lines. Yuri is pretty peppy in JP, and as a reference I would say his victory quotes are a big indicator of the personality shift ("cool" guy versus "silly" guy would be a big one for me). Other than that, Yuri is more silly and almost childish, sometimes even pretty pouty, and it shows blatantly right in his voice. He's also extremely not threatening to people who are not his enemy (liiike threatening Ioder with a real weapon with a serious voice).

I think the easiest way to explain this from my own perspective is that I adore JP Yuri completely. Dub Yuri I often find myself wanting to punch in the face for how he treats Flynn, Ioder and the one time, Leblanc. He lacks compassion in the dub where he otherwise does have it (even if it's not him being rude vocally/tonally, the dub dropped a load of emotional nuance in his voice). He's not a rough, overly cool edgy man (I hate people saying Yuri is an edgelord because damn if that ain't the farthest thing from the truth in JP, but it also shows how much they really leaned into that trope in the dub if people actually walked out of the game feeling that way about Yuri). He's a silly, goofy, caring man who is very gentle with people when they need a boost. That doesn't mean he doesn't have his "scary" dark moments, but the dub obviously leaned super far into it - enough that they would change Yuri mentioning punching someone to outright threatening to use a weapon against an unarmed man who is actually being quite polite.

Basically, he has a range of emotions and he has a lot of emotional intelligence. As one example, when he sees Karol down and sad when they first meet, he changes his tone to a combination of how you'd talk to a child with that child-y tone (he does this at the base of Halure's tree when he's asking Karol how to heal the tree), but then sometimes he shifts to actual gentle and soft to let Karol know he's there for him (when he's heading out to the woods to find the eggbear).

Ultimately, my point is that they took a perfectly well rounded character and changed him to, what? Fit their own bias/agenda/whatever? Because I can't look at both Yuris and be like "same person". I've never wanted to punch JP Yuri in the face. Only hugs here. What I'm saying is that I came out of both versions with two very different opinions on Yuri.

Next, Flynn (and Ioder and Leblanc).

Starting with Flynn, I get a very strong mindset of anti government shoved into the dub with these characters (i.e. not just the unnamed bad people in the government and the few named bad ones, but also directed toward the good ones, making it a more black and white approach). The dub makes Yuri out to be aggressive toward Flynn on the spot when they see each other again despite that in the original audio, he's not at all actually upset. He understands why Flynn is upset and that he's stressed out with his current mission. And no, the whole "Flynn swung a sword at him!" doesn't work here. Yuri knows Flynn. Very, very well. He reeeeally was not mad about that... especially if, you know, his tone in JP was anything to go by during and after. Flynn was the more upset one between the two, and Yuri remains calm - again, indicating his emotional intelligence and, most likely as it's not directly said, determining that being worked up about it would only cause Flynn more aggravation/stress. Thus, he doesn't press any buttons and remains calm. It makes his smile to Flynn later at Torim make that much more sense.

The thing is, I get the impression the dub wanted us rooting for Yuri and cheering for him digging into Flynn, when that was literally not the point of their interactions. We're not supposed to always blindly follow Yuri. Sometimes he is right, but sometimes Flynn is right. Like. That's it. That's the game. Not everything is simple or black and white. There's nuance.

That and/or like, someone in the loc team really hated Flynn. Based on everything, I'm... not against believing that at this point. Basically, the dub portrays Flynn in a negative light at most (arguably all) possible opportunities around every turn, even though the context/tone for that did not originally exist, until it couldn't anymore (i.e. he was past his character arc).

Ioder and Leblanc.

Ioder never does anything except keep Yuri in the loop, tell him important information and be genuinely happy to see him. There was never any vitriol between them. The way dub Yuri gives him an attitude just comes out of nowhere. Their relationship is pretty casual, which is pretty meaningful given that Ioder is on track to be on the emperor and Yuri is, plain and simple, a commoner. One who rescued Ioder, yes, but if Ioder was a "typical" noble in this game, he might have just brushed that off as "to be expected", even if Yuri didn't know he was saving a noble at first. Point being, Ioder is nothing but pleasant toward Yuri. Yuri has no reason to be rude, much less threaten him.

At Baction, JP Yuri is understanding that Leblanc needs to grieve and is in disbelief. He doesn't know if Leblanc will try to stop them, but he does offer his condolences with the tone of his voice, i.e. again: emotional intelligence. Something they changed in the dub to be nothing but rudeness and anger. Yuri made a statement to him at that moment, i.e. not to get in their way (mind you, again, he's polite about it given the situation), but not without understanding in his tone, which is a very common aspect of Yuri in his entirety. His wording (in general, not strictly with this specific scene) comes out rough and lacks politeness, but that's made up for in how he speaks to people (either relaxed, casual, gentle, etc).

In other words, the dub pretty much always slaps a point of view bias against these characters and uses Yuri as their proxy for it. Yuri, normally, in the original context, just treats them as human beings with ebb and flow in all of their emotions and situations. Things aren't black and white - humans are complex - and that is not the point of view that I feel we're given by way of dub Yuri. We're given a man who is constantly using anger in his voice toward imperial figures even when it's completely unwarranted, and even when he knows the people in question.

Other Stuff:

Assorted things are different mainly because of the acting, but Raven's goofiness got toned way down and Karol screams much... quieter, I guess you could say. They're both more lively in general though than how they were in the dub, so that's a plus from me too.

Rita is significantly softer with Estelle in JP, and she also is much more noticeably devastated about Raven's "death" and more panicked for Karol at Zopheir. I do love Michelle Ruff's portrayal and don't know that I truly have a preference, but I think a lot of Rita's emotional barrier breaking is truly expressed more in JP.

You know I gotta bring it up: Yuri and Flynn's relationship was kind of a mess in the dub. It gives the impression of Yuri being angry a lot more often than he ever actually is, and gives off the impression that we're supposed to dislike Flynn more than we're supposed to like him. Flynn isn't someone we're supposed to actively dislike, but the portrayal of him as expressed through dub Yuri does not come off as "we're supposed to like or root for this guy", when they're much closer than that in JP.

So yeah. The bulk of this is that Yuri is just not the same person to me between versions. Also, Vesperia has way more content in Japan (drama CDs galore frankly, and Yuri is still insanely popular in Japan and is thus a frequent character alt release in the gacha games and so has tons of voice lines and general story content, there's new merch of him every year because they make merch for the characters that have their voice actors showing up to TalesFes, etc).

There's much more ease in seeing JP Yuri's personality through all of it. I think it may be more difficult for people who don't understand Japanese or any Japanese at all, and that's such a shame to me because all those people get otherwise, without anyone posting about JP Yuri, is this... weird shell of Yuri that I sometimes even hesitate to call a shell because he just feels completely different to me.

Anyway uh I love Yuri (and Flynn) and that was the point of all this, but uh... if you made it this far thank you bunches and I hope people who maybe didn't like Yuri and/or Flynn who only knew the dub will change their perspectives. 🙇‍♀️

#GTF JP Vesperia Stuff #Yuri Lowell #you know... one of the best ways to express Yuri's differences is that I could never imagine dub Yuri's voice #coming out of Yuri's mouth with all the official artwork he gets in JP LOL #he's like. the most feminine nearly dainty motherfucker out of any of the guys (except like. Jay. who he's on par with LOL)#Japan out here putting bows+ribbons in his hair calling him Yuri hime in an anni skit and putting him in a dress in a drama CD and my god #but yeah regardless in the game the differences are... so much. SO so so so much vocal difference ESPECIALLY #there's just. a lot. and I feel like the dub did a MASSIVE disservice to Yuri as a character/as a person #similarly I'd say the same thing happened to Flynn with them doing a MASSIVE disservice to him in the same way #a LOT of Flynn's softness was flattened imo just... not as badly as everything about Yuri #JP Yuri is SUUUPER expressive in his tone and it's such an immersive experience #but also it like breaks my heart seeing how some ppl portray Yuri in the western fandom #esp with Flynn bc it's so so different from the JP fandom. and like again #it's bc the dub has Yuri being REALLY mean and rude to Flynn SO SO often #and he just sounds so bitchy so often when he's not supposed to at all!#there's so much to love abt JP Yuri and he's just... my silly little guy and I love him sm #and honestly my main problem isn't even with the character they made him out to be in the dub so much as #it's the fact that they changed him at all but also that they changed him and flattened him #like... I don't hate the character himself I hate what they did to create him bc it was at the cost of. well. -gestures-#I just think that JP Yuri is a significantly better character and it's a shame I think that at all bc #they shouldn't feel like two different characters at all but they do #I hope if you read this far that you'll give JP Yuri a chance bc he is SO precious and JP Flynn is ALSO SO precious #I wish I wasn't so upset abt what the dub did bc it'd make my life easier LOL #but I love my boys too much so... here we are I guess lol

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neechees · 1 month

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Hi! Before I ask my question, I just want to say that your art is awesome! I especially love the common windmill butterfly OC you came up with. They're so cool! Did you ever decide on a name for them? I just realized that's also a question woops lol that wasn't the main question I wanted to ask. I was curious if you've ever seen the 1999 film Ravenous, and if so, what are your thoughts on it? It's a film that not so subtly almost blatantly denounces the u.s, colonization, and european christianity by comparing it to cannibalism. However, they also incorporate something that I don't think I should spell out cuz I've heard it would be disrespectful of me as a white person to mention the word so I'll just say that it starts with a "W" when written out in english. I wanted to know if, even in a context in which colonization is outright reprimanded, if it's still unintentionally engaging in oppression by adding that specific cultural element into the movie at all. I've been trying to find any indigenous film critics's thoughts on the subject but google and tumblr's search functions are total garbage and I've also been making a point not to write the W word into any search engines cuz as I said earlier I've been told that that's not a good thing to do. But obviously, you don't have to answer any of my questions if you don't want to. I just know you sometimes do art analysis, so I figured you might be interested in giving your thoughts on the subject. Anywho, I hope you're doing well! 🧡

For the first part of your question, tysm, and I'm so glad you like my art!! <33 I actually never named any of the fancy shawl dancers, they're less like fully fledged OC's and more like just a human representation of what a fancy shawl regalia might look like inspired by the moth and butterfly species given. many dancers might have a regalia that represents something or have common motifs/themes surrounding that thing, sometimes very personal, and sometimes just because they like that thing or think it's pretty, and seeing butterflies on fancy shawl regalia is very common, which is partially what inspired me to do the series. I'd love to see if any other people had come up with names for them though!

and as for you main question, no I have never watched that movie, and I don't think I will specifically because it includes that. I also don't know how much Native involvement there was in it. The idea of the ice cannibal representing greed comes from traditional beliefs (which may vary depending on tribe, but there's quite a bit of overlap) of multiple Algonquian Nations, so that's why it pops up in media surrounding it, I don't really think it's particularly groundbreaking or anything because that was OUR beliefs. However, I know most depictions of the ice cannibal, because most are done by Moniyaws, are inaccurate. Generally most beliefs regarding the ice cannibal tend to agree that one shouldn't show it at all, except under specific circumstances and by certain people. You might get differing opinions on whether White depictions on the ice cannibal is contributing DIRECTLY to Native oppression specifically, but in the very least it's disrespectful and maybe a microagression (depends on the content, though). I wish people would STOP doing it, but for the moment I don't know that much can be done about the already released media regarding it.

But even with Native led depictions, let me give you a couple of examples: There was like this live play of a Native retelling take of Macbeth put together by a small group of people that featured the ice cannibal, and they went around various reserves showing this play, and they came to my reserve. My sister was there, and she said whenever it (the ice cannibal) came onto stage, multiple people, which included most of those in the audience, screamed and ran out of the room, only returning when the character was off stage. So that should give you an idea of how many Cree people feel about even fictional depictions of the monster lol.

As another example, there's this Native artist who's work you might have seen at some point, named Norval Morrisseau (he's almost like the Native American Michelangelo of Woodland Art, and he's described as "the Picasso of the North", that's how legendary he is), and while he's still very very famous, of course he's most well known by Native people. He did a painting of the Ice Cannibal, and it was very controversial among Natives when it was done and displayed. Many people believed he shouldn't have painted it at all. So even though the monster and his art was a bit more obscure at the time he painted it, this was still highly controversial.

So even when it's coming from a Native perspective, any representation of the ice cannibal will be controversial and subject to differing opinions, which might vary depending on their specific beliefs. If it's THIS controversial when NATIVES do it, imagine how much worse it is if it's a White depiction with bastardization (not that we necessarily want an accurate depiction, either). I can't offer a review on the film since I've never watched it and likely won't, but if another Algonquian has, feel free to share your thoughts!

#I even waited to answer this bc i got this ask last night and I was scared LMFAO #ice cannibal tw #ice cannibal mention #i deeply appreciate you censoring the word thank you #anonymous

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ballxbuster · 11 months

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I'd like to introduce Luciel (@mini-moonlight's !!) and Theo.

❝You don't really hate my company, do you Himeros?❞

❝No, I suppose I don't... Lupin.❞

LUCIEL is our Kenshi. He has raven coloured hair, fair, freckled skin, and the most mesmerizing blue eyes. Luciel is an enigmatic personality, to say the least. Always was. Tense and cold, Luciel never enjoyed the company of other people; Theo included. He rarely speaks about his family, but Luciel found a new family in his trustworthy group of childhood friends. He's 6 foot 5, doesn't particularly like sports (but loves to cheer Theo on) and enjoys baking as a hobby. He's one of few people that can melt down Theo's ego and turn him into a puddle ;) Theo would like to be suffocated in his chest thanks.

THEO is the Johnny of the relationship. With equally as black hair as Luciel, his eyes are as silver as the moon, and his skin tan with beautiful freckles littered all over his face, he's popular amongst men and women. He has siblings he barely gets along with, a father who only sees him as a tool, a pawn of which must obey his father's every whim (spoiler, that mfker dies). He's 6 foot exactly, athletic, flexible, and uses "bro" "dude" and "man" as nouns. All of these contribute to his ever growing ego. Oh, and he's got a mean punch. Like shit, he may be built like a stick but he's strong. Did I mention he's a werewolf?

L: What Theo is to me? Well, Theo is my sun but he's also so much more than that. He's a warm touch and a guiding hand when I cannot bring myself to be. He's a bright and playful laugh over late night cookies. He's the man with the moon reflecting in his silver eyes that stare back at me like I'm the most precious thing in his life. He's my rock, the reason I'm able to love and let myself be loved again. He's the one thing I cannot live without. Theo is my lover, mine all mine.

T: Luci is.. everything to me. At first, he was a challenge, an enemy, perhaps. But then he became my friend, my best friend. And now? I love him so much I couldn't imagine my life before meeting him. He's saved my life, on multiple occasions! *laughs* He is my soulmate, which I think is something I knew from the moment we met. He was more than just an experience, Luciel has left a permanent mark on my life.

NOW SOME FUNKY QUOTES

Theo: That was so hot, Luciel.

Luciel: I literally called the person who just flirted with you a degenerate dog and told them I hope they get dragged through the streets.

Theo: I'm so in love with you.

Theo: Your smile looks forced.

Luciel, clearly annoyed: That’s because it is.

Theo, sweating: Luciel, there’s something I need to ask you-

Luciel: Finally! You’re proposing!

Theo: How’d you know?

Luciel: Theo, you’ve dropped the ring five times during dinner.

Luciel: I even picked it up once.

Theo: Bro-

Luciel: No, no, hold up, rewind.

Luciel: My tongue was down in your throat just a second ago and now you're calling me bro??

Theo, trying to flirt with Luciel: I think both of our families suck.

Theo: running towards Luciel with open arms

Luciel: moves out of the way

Theo: Hey, why'd you move?!

Luciel: I thought you were going to attack me.

Theo: I was going to hug you!

Luciel: Why would you hug me?

Theo: WHY WOULD I ATTACK YOU!?

Luciel: Do you want to explain the text you sent me last night?

Theo: It was autocorrect.

Luciel: Autocorrect wrote "You're so hot. Please step on me."?

Theo: ....Yes.

Luciel: Is something burning?

Theo, leaning seductively on the counter: Just my desire for you.

Luciel: Theo, the toaster is literally on fire.

Theo: We have a problem.

Luciel: No, YOU have a problem. I have an idiot who keeps making them.

guess whos the top and whos the bottom lol

-> I may reblog with headcanons at a later date!

also gonna tag @euphoricbi and @shinshoyu

#my babies #they are literal soulmates #shipname: thuciel #johnshi #incorrect quotes #mk #mortal kombat #theo and luciel #AAAAAAAH #oc #original character #oc pairing #they are so johnshi #husbands

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readreactrant · 5 months

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Hi...Do you know what anime you'll watch this season?

My top 3 fav this season are :

- Tadaima, Okaeri (wholesome BL, also one of my comfort read)

-Black Butler : Public School Arc (yes the ship is problematic but you cannot deny the shipper when you watch it. I'm not shipping SebasCiel but I'm not anti too. Their canon relationship is complicated but great story)

-Wind Breaker (bucchigiri but way better and loveable mc)

Hope you'll like them.....

Hey hey ( ◜��◝ )♡, Literally following all of these already.

Black Butler was definitely a must, since the announcement dropped sometime last year I've been unable to keep it out of my mind. It's understandable not everyone will ship them but I personally have missed Sebaciel shenanigans so much and seeing favorite characters like Soma (although with less melanin than I remember lol what =_=) in the recent episode just made me so happy.

As for Tadaima Okaeri, I was looking forward to it for a long time, so far I'm not disappointed and it's definitely so fucking cute. All I'm saying is...if any country needs to push baby making propaganda they should go for this instead of the trashy het stuff, I don't make the rules.

I have almost no thoughts on Wind Breaker. It's definitely an upgrade but after the disappointment that was Bucchigiri, I've began to keep my expectations for Delinquent shows low (Tokyo revengers and IWGP are yet to be topped for me). It's not bad but do feel like it's lacking substance in some areas and trying too hard. The main character isn't a bitch tho so I know there's hope for it yet.

To me this year's winter season had way more exciting stuff but there are a number of other anime I'd love to recommend for this spring.

Karasu wa aruji wa Erabanai (The Raven does not choose it's Master) Is almost like the apothecary diaries, but with magic, and without the herbs and medicine...but it has the court politics so yay (｡•̀ᴗ-)✧ taking place in a world where people can turn into three legged ravens called Yatagurasu, Yukiya after causing some trouble for his family is taken to serve the most special of specials crown prince who is to become the next Kin'u after picking a bride from the four daughters of the clan heads sent to him. So basically every gay historical romance Wattpad story lol. Unfortunately this isn't a bl and though you can probably tell the prince will get married in future episodes, from these three eps, I think it establishes the focus will be on him and Yukiya, which, I couldn't ask for more.

Another Recommendation is Kaijuu no. 8, I have no words (in a good way). Just spacial forces slaying gigantic monsters while the main character suddenly becomes one of those monsters and has to still join the special force that at some point will kill him if they find out, or if they have found out they realize he's different from other monsters and can help them win the war for humanity *aot flashbacks ಥ‿ಥ* What I'm trying to say is that... it's good. I think it's funny with characters that have to potential to reel you in. I've been told the manga is pretty average tho but we'll see.

Touken Ranbu Kai is...something, I don't watch anime just for pretty boys but even if I didn't like the plot of this one I'd stick with it just for the guys. Beautiful character designs, the lore feels very fresh and intriguing and as well. There's a lot of philosophical topics I think the show has potential to dive into and I'm excited to see where we go moving forward from the three eps out currently.

Last but not least, there's Sentai Daishikkaku (Go Go Loser Ranger) I really don't want to spoil anything but let me just say, it's a brilliant subversion of the Power Rangers narrative. The sound track is fun while also hitting hard, and the characters definitely leave you wanting to know more about them and the world they're in. Definitely give it a try, I don't think you'll regret it.

Got a bit carried away with this one hahah, welp that's all my recs for now. Aside from my shipping stuff I'll probably talk about any of these every now and then, my top three right now tho are definitely Black Butler, Sentai Daishikkaku and Karasu wa aruji wa Erabanai. Anon has amazing taste but I'm a very big action and supernatural fan at heart so I'm based.

Depending on how disappointing or exciting things get along the line this list might change but unfortunately my feelings don't help the state of my FAL ranking so yeah wish me luck (〒﹏〒)

Feel free to leave YOUR current top 3 for this season in the comments, or if you joined FAL like me or just what you think of any of these of you're already watching them (◍•ᴗ•◍)❤

#anime #writeblr #kuroshitsuji #black butler #anime recommendation #spring anime 2024 #Karasu #karasu wa aruji wo erabanai #kaiju no. 8 #sentai daishikkaku #touken ranbu kai

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purple-plum-petals · 5 months

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Hello! If not a bother, I'd like to request a TWST matchup (either platonic or romantic is fine). I enjoy writing a lot (particularly darker content). I love theater and the natural world a lot (to the point my entire family and all my friends are now giving me animal- and marine based presents lol), perhaps it's the 'tism, but I find it so fascinating and beautiful, every creature is just a lovable little guy to me, and the way every plant, fungi, and cell work together to create the world we know, is incredible.

I have been told that the traits I find loveable aren't universally shared, such as when I find it cute that snails can have thousands of teeth. But I just find it hard not to marvel at all these things.

I'm very patient, and while things often fly over my head, and I struggle to read people, I try very hard to understand everyone around me, as a result, I tend to not judge people, instead getting to know them, and I value communication highly, as I am not good at guessing or intuitively knowing.

I do tend to get a bit lost in my own head and interests though, and tend to spend a lot of time alone, being quite introverted - so sometimes I might need a reminder to actually interact, but I'm working on it.

Thank you for sending in a match-up; I think that either Rook Hunt or Silver would be good matches for you!

I was actually debating between Silver and Jade, but ultimately, I picked Silver for your match-up since I think with Jade you would need to be good at guessing how he's feeling since he's not open and honest about himself in that regard. He would be a great person to talk to about your interests and hobbies, though, considering he loves fungi and is literally a merman haha.

Rook loves that you, too, appreciate theatre as it's something he does as well. He'd also love to read your stories if you were willing to share them with him as he doesn't mind consuming a darker story every now and again. Rook is also quite the outdoorsman, so he would love to accompany you if you want to take a hike or venture out into the wilderness. Rook is also someone who can understand your awe at the beauty of the world, even such small and seemingly minuscule things such as how cells function, and he does so without any judgement; he's honestly very supportive of you and your interests and would happily sit and listen to you talk about them all day every day if he were able to. Rook would also relate to your ability to find traits or facts universally deemed as being weird or gross to be cute instead; he, too, sees the beauty in the "strange" and "unconventional." He's also understanding of your need for alone time and space, but he's also the kind of person who will happily give you reminders to get out and socialize; Rook won't overstep your boundaries, but he's there to give you a push if you need it.

Silver has an almost supernatural ability to draw animals of every variety to him so if you ever wanted to see a specific animal up close and personal, Silver would be happy to make your dreams a reality as he somehow seems to communicate with the animals without ever uttering a single word. Silver is also, much like you, a very patient individual who also has a difficult time reading others. Unlike some of the other students at Night Raven College, Silver is always open to communicate with you about how he's feeling or how you're feeling in regard to your relationship, and he always does so calmly and kindly with no judgement. He also understands and respects your need to be alone given your introverted nature and will gladly give you space if you need it as all you need to do is tell him. Thankfully, though, being with Silver doesn't take as much social battery as it may with other people. You two spend a lot of your time together alone in silence, Silver usually sleeping while you focus on learning or reading about the things you are passionate about.

#🌸 . Plum Writes #🌿 . Plum Speaks #🎉 . 400 Followers Match-Maker Event!#twisted wonderland #rook hunt #silver #azukoya

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evilfloralfoolery · 2 months

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💘, ✍🏼, 💦if I may! :D

💘 What are some of your favorite things you’ve written and why?

The Kate and Zane thing is probably one of my favorites (and you know why). Even though things that inspired it have changed, I remember how I felt when I was writing it. There's a lot of stuff I've written with Caspian that I also still love very much. The one where Raven sees him perform for the first time comes to mind.

✍🏼 Describe your writing process in a way that makes sense to you.

. . . .there's a process? LOL. Seriously, I don't have one. I feel like I want to write something and I just . . . write it. There's no planning, no concern for structure, no outline. I may be at work, on my phone, using my laptop, etc. I remember getting asked this question in college (by a professor) and I made up this elaborate lie on the spot. Halfway through, I kind of stopped and fessed up that I had no process. None. He told me I was "too bold." Uh, it's got nothing to do with being "bold" lol. It's just the way I do things. Which is having no particular way of doing things.

💦 Are your favorite snz tropes to read also your favorite ones to write? Elaborate if you want!

I'd say so, yes. I like the whole "catching a cold in the rain" and "unexpected, extreme allergic nonsense at inconvenient times" tropes. I tend to write those. The opera or concert experience. A huge fave. I also like to read the types of characters that i write. Does he have long hair? Sweet, I'm in lol.

#Thank you for these!#I looked at the writing process one and was like “Shit . Did I ever get one?”#No.#No I did not lol

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soul-wanderer · 1 year

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Do you think Raven would ever have issues with Abby and how she wears Jake's wedding ring on a chain around her neck?

In show we see Kane never bothered by it, helping her put it on and I'm not sure if that's an age/maturity thing or if that's just a personality thing. Not to glorify Kane lol but just canon example vs fanon ship maybe?

Well, I will have to be honest here: I did write a drabble about this overall topic a few years ago, where it sort of bothered her. Not the necklace, but with Raven being plagued by self-doubts over Abby's previous relationship with Jake.

That being said: In this case I do not think it's an age/maturity matter, and today my answer would be a slightly different one.

I'd still argue that Raven initially worries that she and her relationship with Abby will pale in comparison to what Abby had with Jake. But ultimately, it would not bother her that Abby would still wear the ring. In fact, I think Raven would be hurting for/with Abby in that abstract sense of "I am sorry you had to go through this", even if there's only a phantom pain left on bad days.

So yeah, I think the ring would spark a conversation after a while, but ultimately Raven would be supportive, especially because Abby leaves no room for any doubts about her feelings for Raven. And Raven might, deep down, feel insecure sometimes, but she is neither the jealous nor the fragile kind of person, so while the ring does make her wonder at first, it does not outright bother her, and I'd even go as far as saying that if it came down to it, she would accept it if Abby told her that a part of her would always love Jake, because she'd feel beyond lucky to be getting even just a small part of Abby's heart/love, and she'd never take that for granted at all

#The 100 #Doctor Mechanic #Raven Reyes #Abby Griffin #also #Kane does not get to say shit about that ring #and maybe one of the two brain cells he has left is aware of that #if he so much as uttered a word about Jake #Abby would be done with that dude

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human-barbarien · 2 years

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I've been thinking about what each of the season 2 daddies would be like if they got infected with the sauce. Idk if you have to be in love with the doodler in order to get sauced but I'm going to assume you don't and you can just be overwhelmed by it's existence.

Terry Jr.: His ark has a lot to do with found family and being kind to people even though you don't know their story, and after getting continuously rejected by scary I think finding his own "children" would be very important to him. So I think that his saucy behavior would be taking in a bunch of rabid little creatures, that everybody else would try to exterminate, and declaring them his "found family", maybe he gets bit by a snake, but like god damn Steve Irmin!! Calms the snake, grabs its head and gets its jaws off of his flesh without hurting the little guy. I imagine him coming out of the sewers, covered in slash and bite marks from the animals he's helped, With a little critter army willing to fight for their step dad.

Grant: I feel like Grant would be a brutal, ravenous killing machine. At first glance it seems like a really shallow trope, BUT the adrenaline he feels when he kills people is the thing has fears most about himself. I think it makes sense for the thing he fears the most to take control of him, especially considering his anxiety. I think that would also be reflected by how he sees the doodler, he says the doodler is like a rabid dog that needs to be put down, I think he sees himself the same way. Also if he had a hunter archetype, it would also reflect the hunting story Daryl told him during the super boul. Basically I imagine him as the T-800 with catholic guilt.

Sparrow: I saw someone talk about how sparrow always tries to copy Henry's kindness but dosent know how to truly love so it's just shallow and ingenuine. I think this would result in a saucy sparrow going to great lengths to get people to love him the same way his dad did. I think he would do that by making a cult that worships him, similar to his grandpa.

Lark: same post I mentioned with sparrow ( I wish I could find it otherwise I would link it) compared lark and norms reaction to the doodler, and how lark saw a little kid who just wanted to be loved, just like him, and therefore needed to be killed. Assuming that a sauced lark wouldn't pursue killing the doodler, I think he would be on a mission of self discipline and punishment. I think he would find as many creative ways to punish himself physically and emotionally to cope with the fact that he summoned the doodler. Perhaps even forming a cult of people obsessed with punishing themselves and the people around them.

Lark and Sparrow: I like the idea of them both forming cults in their sauces states because of all the occult history in their family. I also think it would be tragic if henrys parenting, in attempt to get them far away from the occult, results in them both being prime subjects to start their own cults. And if that were to happen I think their cults should be rivel. It would be so tragic to see their undying love for each other turn into undying hate.

Nick: I literally have no idea lol. His character really made the rounds in season 1 with the time travel and the demon transformation. And I feel like everything we know from season 2 isn't enough for me to come up with something meaningful. Maybe if the other dad's get sauced the kids could find Nicky for help?

Thanks for reading!!! If you have any other ideas, especially for Nicky, please lmk!!! I'd love to know what y'all think. If you agree and wanna add on. Or even better if you disagree and think you have a better idea TELL ME!! I WANNA KNOW!! lol

#dndad #dndaddies #dndads s2 #the doodler #lark oak #sparrow oak #terry jr #grant wilson #nick foster #nick close #anthony burch

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sometimesrosy · 2 years

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The 100 rewatch 2023 ep 1.6

His Sister's Keeper.

I do not know how I got behind again but I got behind again. I think it's because I need to start by a certain time and if I'm still working by then, then it doesn't happen. anyway I don't think I have time for a double feature, but it's possible. Stay tuned.

Let's get started with Bellamy's backstory, the fallout of Raven's arrival and the culling and Octavia's meet cute with Lincoln

Ohhh. Baby Bellamy. REALLY baby bellamy. Ittle bitty baby. And his mom giving birth to O. Damn. Aurora catches her own baby and then promptly passes out. B names Octavia. Sweet family moment. Now she gives him the responsibility for his sister. Yes parentification of a child, but the reality of life in poor desperate families is this.

Back to real time and Bellamy is searching for Octaivia. Now we understand his attachment to his sister. He finds Clarke to find her. "She's probably chasing butterflies." That is not the O WE know now after all this time. Chasing butterflies. I wish she could have stayed that girl.

Oh here she is, in an old subway tunnel it looks like. TBH it looks like the set where Roan took Clarke and Bellamy caught up with them. But who knows. Probably, actually.

She's terrified of Lincoln and he's.... cauterizing her wound. Looks like torture. Isn't.

Bellamy is setting up a search party "arm up. We're not coming back without her." Jasper wants to go even though he's scared. Good for him. Bellamy calls Finn as tracker. But Raven is cutting his hair. Too bad. He loses all his attractiveness with his hair. And he doesn't tell her about Clarke.

He tells Clarke "we should talk about this." Clarke is like nope. "I care about raven, but you and me, we started something."

I'ts nothing we can't stop." Clarke is not at all interested.

"Are you sure? Because I'm not." Creep.

Uh oh They see the falling stars. And raven calls it. It's not a meteor shower. It's a funeral. Hundreds of bodies being returned to the earth. Honestly very sad and Raven is mad at Bellamy. "And now he has to live with it." Focused on O because that's easier maybe. We know it hits him hard for a long time.

Raven needs a parts depot for a radio to talk to the Ark. Clarke remembers the Art Supply store and backs out of the O search to go with Raven.

Raven is like, why is Finn not being romantic with me after we just reunited. and Clarke is taking her to the bunker being all self sacrificing. Listen. I already said. PRINCESS. MECHANIC. Much better short term relationship than ANY available to either of you two. Y'all are a power couple.

O in the cave. Mice squeaking. lol. She sees a hole and breaks the bar over it, falling down and whimpering. SHe certainly gets a lot tougher in the future.

John finds O's ribbon and B sends a rope over the edge... not his last cliff diving expedition. Aw. Jasper is next. Blood. ohno. Finn is third. Finn the tracker identifies deeper prints. "He's carrying her." So much mystery. Now it's nothing because we know who it is.

O trying to escape. Digging through the walls? Yes digging through the walls. I remember this. It very much seemed like a rebirth of O. Through the birth canal of the earth out into the world. A new life. Symbolic.

Creepy skeletons. Grounder warnings. Bellamy goes anyway. Jasper says "I'd walk into hell to find her." Total crush on O

Teen baby Bellamy giving baby O pony rides. "Mom tell us how you're never surprised by surprise inspection." Now they put her under the floor. I forgot about that. O really hates it. Aurora tells us that fear is a demon and you have to slay it.

Ew creepy guard. Aurora returns the uniform. He grabs her ass while she asks for Bellamy's guard recommendation. He's hiding O's tassel with his foot but the guard demands he come. So he knocks the sewing kit over. And the guard tells Aurora to come to his quarters later to get the rec. Great. Perv.

O is squiriming through a tiny tunnel into the open. I told you. Birth canal. She's born again, not afraid.

Clarke and Raven "hurry up and save the world. You're just like your mom. Abby's a badass." "mother of the year." Raven talking about her mom who traded in her rations for moonshine and saying the boy next door saved her life. Finn He's her family. What a dick. Sorry Raven you had such a crappy lot.

Finn loses O's trail. John #1 gets swiped into the trees. Dead. That's what you get for being a weasel. I've forgotten the names of all my minor delinquents.

Raven finds a radio operated car. Sweet. AND the little metal two headed deer he made Clarke. Not so sweet. Clarke makes up a story. Raven is too sharp for the bullshit.

The delinquents are being herded. Bellamy. "I'm sick of running anyway" Yikes. One guy gets like idk what trebucheted or something. Roma is running like a chicken who is about to get a blade in her skull.

O is there too but Lincoln picks her up and hides her behind a tree to avoid the hunters. Oops i was wrong. Roma is spitted through the chest with a spear like Jasper. But she doesn't make it.

Flashback. Baby O but teenager now. Bellamy is going to take her to the masquerade dance. Aw the smile. First time out of the quarters? Yes. Lots of solar flares to show us how dreamy it is. She sees the earth from above for the first time.

Jasper in his goggles. He sees O. "Another girl who won't notice us."

Cut to her following Lincoln. She needs to rest. So he picks her up bridal style. She tries to talk to him. He's pretending he can't speak English. Another cave. Now he's locking her up and she's panicking. The worst. Girl under the floor chained in a hole under the ground.

They find dead Roma. B closes her eyes and clenches his jaw. She only came because of me.

Jasper starts yelling for the grounders to get it over with. AND there's the poison gas horn. They run away. Thanks Lincoln. They learn that trick later.

Back to the masquerade. UH OH. Solar flare alert on the starboard side of the ark. All citizens must report to the nearest shelter. They have shelters? Shumway comes in. B is creating a distraction except O doesn't know how to get home. B begs Shumway to let her go. "I'll do anything you want. Anything." Like his mom, is what I've always thought. But later it turns out he wants him to assassinate Jaha.

Our buds are hiding from acid fog in a tent but theres no fog. they track Lincoln.

Raven confronts Clarke about the necklace. Yes. She was screwing your boyfriend as you were risking your ass to come down there. R can be mean. Poor Clarke. "Do you think I wanted this/ I didn't even know you existed."

That's FINN's fault. "he coulda waited more than ten days." Yup.

Do you love him?

I hardly know him. It's not Clarke's fault and R knows it. It's Finn.

O bashes LIncoln in the head with a rock and grabs the key and IN COMES BELLAMY. Monroe. That's her name. My memory is crap. She was always one of Bellamy's soldiers.

Janitor Bellamy in empty quarters. Shumway calls in his desire to protect his sister. Drop ship. The 100 including O. Shumway will get him a seat on the dropship. It's doubtful those kids will survive but if you're there, at least she won't be alone. Kill the chancellor." Ooh he puts the gun to Shumway's head. "Kill me and O goes alone and you're floated like your mother. 20 minutes. we have to leave right now."

Finn sees the foghorn on Lincoln and makes the connection but Lincoln wakes and stabs Finn. Jasper knocks Lincoln out ! They come back to camp calling for Clarke to save Finn. She says she needs her mother and tells Raven to fix it.

Bellamy is mad that O protected Lincoln, she says he saved her life. B says no I saved your life. And then she gets so mean to B. Blames him for Finn getting stabbed, the delinquents killed, mom getting floated. herself getting caught. YIKES.

"My life ended the day you were born," Bellamy says. They don't pull their punches do they?

He chases everyone inside at the gates and sees the big storm clouds. "Storms coming."

A good solid episode. About personal relationships. The blakes. The Raven Finn Clarke love triangle. Even some Jasper and his fears and motivation in there. The flashbacks to baby bellamy and O humanize Bellamy and BOOM he's no longer the villain. It was fading before but here it's completed. Still morally gray but not a villain. We see his motivation and everything starts to be put in a different perspective.

The back and forth between the ark backstory and the hunt for missing Octavia is a great structure, giving us the sweet family story that turns into a kind of nightmare, contrasted with the nightmare on earth witht he hunting grounders and dying delinquents with hints that Lincoln is NOT the nightmare but is actually good. He saves O, he heals her leg. He hides her from the hunters. He blows the fog horn. He doesn't kill B when O tells him that's her brother.

Rising tension with Raven and Clarke. The need to reach the ark intensifies when Finn is stabbed and Clarke needs to talk wiht her mom, a real doctor. Then we see the sweet childhood story of B and O coming apart at the seams as she blames him for EVERY BAD THING IN THE WORLD and he tells her that her life ended his. Now add in the oncoming storm.

Phew.

#the 100 rewatch 2023 #liveblog #his sister's keeper

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cheerfulmelancholies · 1 year

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Paradise Rock

Another one from the archives. I wrote this waaaay back in high school for a project, I believe. I did post it on Wattpad but I haven't used that in ages so I figured I'd migrate what little I have from it to here. This was interesting to work on and a bit challenging for me because I usually don't write in this style and I was still just figuring out horror. I also wanted to try making it vaguely mysterious but I was never really satisfied with it and even now I'm still trying to improve on that genre. It definitely reads like my writing from that time period, lol. I actually forgot all about this but it's nice to see how and where I've improved and what I still incorporate into my works.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy this blast from my past I dug up. To avoid any confusion in advance, time passes with each new paragraph.

He awakens with a jolt, drenched in sweat and panting. He's disoriented, panicked and has no idea who the middle-aged couple standing over him are. His head feels foggy and it takes his sluggish brain several seconds to realize that the gray-eyed, raven-haired teen staring at him from across the room is his reflection. It takes him a few moments after that to process what the couple is saying.

He is unsure of everything. Nothing is adding up and when he tries to put together what broken pieces he does have they always leave him with even more questions. His parents told him that he cannot remember simply because of an accident and that his memories will return soon enough. He shouldn't push himself so hard to remember, they say. They tell him to just relax and let it run its course. Something deep in the haze of his mind refuses to let that happen.

He hears quiet whispers that warn him of trouble.

He often wanders through the house aimlessly, feeling as if he should be doing something important. He still can't remember a thing and he thinks he's beginning to annoy his parents with his constant drifting. There are snippets of visions he can't decipher; pieces of jewelry, people laughing, faces that he feels he should know. There's something... important about them. Every time an image flashes briefly in his mind, however, he mentions it to his parents and they say it is nothing to worry about. He's always been 'somewhat delusional.' They go so far as to call him extremely paranoid, as he often claims that things appear to be off and how something, possibly even someone, is telling him there is something wrong.

"It's all right," they always say with a smile. "There's nothing wrong here."

Only there is. He knows there is. Things are happening here that shouldn't be, he can see it.

Why don't they notice the people in the shadows, with their silent pleas, or hear the hushed whispers of some invisible being?

Their gentle reassurances do nothing to quell this gut feeling of his and they certainly can't hide the sheer wrongness of this place. However, they continue to tell him that he's fine, that it's just a phase and that things will be better soon. So why, then, have they not gotten better? He's heard that line since the beginning and he never believed it then either.

Their faces begin to scare him. They scare him even more than the voices that whisper in the back of his mind for him to run, run as far away as he can and don't look back.

There never used to be so many.

Their smiles, which are supposed to be beaming with love and understanding, are now taut with distress and discomfort. Sometimes he catches glimpses of something darker underneath the thinly veiled distaste, though it could be his frantic mind playing tricks on him. In any case, they continue to speak to him all friendly-like, and laugh and joke and play as though there is nothing wrong. Outwardly he believes it, but deep inside he knows that it's all a lie and, somewhere even deeper within himself than he can imagine, he knows he has to do something. He's wasted too much time already.

They like to act as if he doesn't remember, couldn't possibly, not with all the things supposedly wrong with his head.

He knows he's not crazy.

They think he's incapable of recalling their slip-ups, the things said that he was never meant to hear. They seem to believe, perhaps through some outside force not at all affected by common science, that he cannot hear their hushed voices radiating from a back room or through a closed door if he wishes to be near enough. Or, just as likely, they don't think he'll do such a thing. No matter the reason, he hears every word with ease and remembers even easier.

Catching people's nervous habits seems to be his natural talent. It's been the one and only thing he can count on in this place, ever since waking up in his room a couple weeks ago with his 'parents' watching over him. The twitch of a hand, the fiddling of an item, the quick glance of an eye. He can name every single flaw about their demeanor and point it out in his sleep. They are terrible liars, surely they must realize that by now.

It doesn't matter how long it took himself to notice.

There is no point in them keeping secrets, he's said as much. Still, they carry on the charade. He's not sure whether they're lying to themselves at this point or if they just don't know any other way to live.

Lying awake in bed one night, ignoring the harsh syllables in his mind and staring vehemently at the dancing silhouettes on the walls that are only getting worse, he wonders. The tight smiles have morphed into disgusted grimaces and he still hasn't received any straightforward answers about his past, his memories. They keep telling him--insisting, really--that he shouldn't be worried about it. He just has to trust them, his parents. They know what's best for him.

Is that why he's never allowed outside? Is it why they get so defensive when he questions them on how different they look from himself? Why they hate when he ponders why he can't interact much with the 'neighbors'?

He feels like he shouldn't believe a word they say. The voices constantly tell him that it's not his imagination running wild and that he needs to leave before it's too late.

He doesn't know who to trust anymore. On one hand, there they are, the people he calls his family. They are supposed to love him more than anything no matter what and, so far, they haven't hurt him in any way. Then there's the talking in his head that mysteriously turned up ever since that first seed of doubt planted itself in his heart. He felt it take root mere hours after regaining consciousness from a supposed accident that he still can't recall. He knows the disembodied voices aren't entirely misleading; he can see through most of the lies with ease. The voices tell him to get away from these people who want to hurt him. Some part of his brain not attacked by the barrage of warnings can tell there's some truth in those whispered words. There's somewhere he has to go.

There's something important he's left behind somewhere.

He can't recognize them anymore. They are not who he thought them to be, who they told him they were. All falsities are gone, their kindness replaced with an inhuman malice that he couldn't possibly have imagined even if he wanted to. He can see it now, more clearly than he ever wanted. He regrets his choice of ignorance.

Rushing out of the house, he takes in the neighborhood, with the brightly painted homes and vibrant flowers. Until now, he'd only seen a small section of the street from the living room windows; a quaint little suburban neighborhood. He now knows it is nothing more than a front for something much, much darker. He can even see it in the people. They look at him, some from porches and others walking along the sidewalks, but he does not see their happy smiles or friendly waves. All he sees are the sinister glares and hungry eyes that are no longer lurking in the background. It's all out in the open, unable to be pinned on his 'mental instability' that he is certain never existed.

He remembers now and he knows it has nothing to do with what his 'parents' told him, what they told all the others before him.

He dreads the possibilities if he'd just blindly accepted their lies.

He turns and sees them too, his false parents, glaring at him in the same way the rest are. It is at that moment he fully grasps the severity of the situation and just how much of an idiot he has been. The voices beg him to run and he does, full sprint, dodging clawing hands and fists. He has no idea where he's going and glances behind himself to see them give chase with snarls and screams. He decides location is irrelevant.

Panting and drenched in sweat he stops, hunched over with his hands on his knees. He is behind a seemingly empty library and the voices are telling him to enter, but he doesn't. He's seen more than enough horror movies to know that you don't corner yourself in a building when there are things trying to kill you, not to mention that it was giving him a bad feeling. He isn't about to put all his faith in a bunch of disembodied voices that did little more than endlessly scream at him to run, no matter how good the advice had been. He feels safer out in the open where he's less likely to be trapped.

Having regained his breath, he stands and listens for any approaching footsteps. There is no sound at all, not even wind.

"Thank you," is all he says as he lets himself drop to the ground. His breathing is no longer labored but his legs ache too much to stand unnecessarily, and he could use a chance to get his bearings. He knows this isn't the place he came from; if one could transition that easily from woods to suburbs then deforestation was worse than he thought. None of the buildings ring any bells and he can't spot a single recognizable feature in the light of the setting sun.

He sighs and wonders how he'd ever forgotten in the first place. His real parents, his sister, his entire life. How had it all slipped out of his mind so easily? What made him believe the nonsense those people fed him? Things didn't feel right from the very beginning. An accident that couldn't be named, blaming the voices and his mistrust on some mental condition, amnesia... And it took him a month to realize the truth. He was supposed to be better than that. Of course the voices would know what they were talking about, they likely had first hand experience...

Something lightly brushes his shoulder and he gasps before leaping up, cursing himself for getting so distracted.

There's nothing there. There are no demon townsfolk ready to devour him and nothing from the library, just empty space. He lets out a shaky breath and continues to stare at the spot where he'd been sitting. The voices have all gone quiet and he feels as though he might miss something important if he turns away.

Just as he's about to give up and look for a new hiding spot the air shimmers, but only for a moment. In a rare twist, it's not something that frightens him. He can hear what seems to be a voice--outside of his head, for once--but can't quite make out what it's saying until he leans in close. The area distorts again, shaking and warping like rippling water, and then he hears it.

"...nt."

It sounds far away, so faint he can hardly hear it, but he knows who it is and that it's calling his name.

"Trent."

It's louder now and the air violently shifts as though the girl on the other side is trying to reach through and grab him. He smiles at the thought.

The silence erupts as footsteps rapidly approach from all around him and he hears horrid sounds, voices morphing into animalistic growls and shrieking. Knowing he's out of time, he reaches his arm into the rippling air in front of him and is mortified at the fact that it does nothing more than give his appendage the same distorted look. The creatures are closing in on him--all beady eyes, sharp teeth and claws--and he has no choice but to dive headfirst into the bubble, hoping and praying that something would happen and he'd be warped back home to his real family, where he wanted to be.

How ironic that it had been the exact opposite that led him here in the first place.

They surround him. Their twisted too-wide smiles and gleaming eyes are all he can see and he becomes frantic, thrashing around in the distorted pocket. Jumping in had been a terrible idea because now he can't escape, can't breathe and his world is quickly darkening. The creatures who called themselves his parents take the front of the crowd, watching his struggle with glee. He looks away from their eyes, their pupils like two glowing red marbles, and curses himself for being so foolish. He stops struggling against the force of the bubble. He'd much rather suffocate than die at the hands of these monsters.

Just as he resigns himself to such a fate, he feels the air stretch and shake and suddenly a human hand is reaching for him. Before the monsters can get their claws on him he is being pulled through what he assumes is space itself, as when he opens his eyes he is lying on his back in the middle of a small clearing surrounded by trees, with his sister--his real living, breathing twin sister--hunched worriedly over him, the sun's rays illuminating her dark hair.

Her eyes are scrunched shut and her hand is poised in the air; he hardly has the chance to blink before she slaps him across the face. He lets out a gasp and she jolts back onto her butt with a shriek.

"Kate?" he says, still in shock. He watches her stare at him incredulously before she has to wipe at her eyes.

"Trent, you idiot!" she shouts, ignoring his shocked expression and crawling back over to his side. "Are you okay?" She takes out her phone and turns on the flashlight so she can try to shine it into his eyes to check his pupils. She gives up when he pushes her away and instead begins pacing. "Mom and Dad were so worried. I was so worried. What's wrong with you? Why would you do this?"

He is still recovering from both the slap and the experience as he shakily gets to his feet and stares. "Huh?" is all he can manage.

Kate whirls and storms back over to him, making him flinch in preparation for another slap. She grabs him by the shoulders and gives him a light shake. "Trent, we thought something might have happened! Usually you at least text me when you do stupid crap like this."

He gasps. "That's right." He steps back when she appears to consider another assault. "I... I ran away."

"I know," she says softly. Her frustration dissipates and she is left standing there like the lost younger sister she is. Though well into her teens and only younger by mere minutes, even she has her limits on what she can handle alone. "It was really stupid you know..."

"That means I'm not crazy," Trent mutters to himself. He's never felt so relieved. A grin forms before he can stop it. "I'm not insane!" A few birds can be heard fluttering away in the trees.

She is both surprised at his sudden outburst and mildly annoyed that her sentiment was cut off so rudely. "Of course you aren't," she says, folding her arms. "I know you're special up there but it's nothing like that." She watches him survey the surrounding area, wide-eyed and ecstatic like a kid in a candy store, and considers rescinding her previous statement. Next thing she knows, he has her in a tight hug, and she can practically feel her ribs bending under the pressure.

"You were gone for five whole days," she wheezes. She awkwardly pats him on the back, asking to be released. When she can breathe again, she adds, "We've all been worried sick. You might be close to eighteen but Mom was practically hysterical. You should really be thanking me that I convinced her not to file a report for you just yet. I told her you were probably just hiding out at a hotel somewhere, and that you'd turn up eventually. You took enough clothes and stuff with you, after all. That only worked for the first few days. She called off work this morning and is probably still harassing people with pictures of you, asking if they'd seen you at all.

"I got worried when you didn't at least shoot me a quick text saying you were okay so I started my own search. I knew you wouldn't go stay at a hotel or somewhere obvious like that after the fight we all had, and there really aren't many places you'd go to if you ran away from home." She takes a breath and stares at him, gray eyes full of concern. "What were you even thinking? You're lucky nothing ate you. When I saw your body just lying spread eagle in the dirt I freaking lost it and scared half the wildlife away. I thought you were dead." Her voice cracks and she sniffles back a few rebellious tears.

Trent absently wraps his arms around her again, gentler this time, and ponders how any of this could even be possible. Five days? He'd been trapped in that nightmare for a month. Not to mention, his body couldn't possibly have been here if it had been...

"Hey. Are you alright?" Kate pulls away and looks him dead in the eyes, mirror images of her own. She watches them come back into focus and she can see her worry reflected back. "Did something happen? How'd you pass out? You didn't hit your head, did you?"

He doesn't remember that. Everything else came rushing back the moment he realized the truth about what was happening, everything except how he'd gotten there in the first place. The supposed 'accident' was still a mystery. "I... I don't know. I don't think anything hurt me..."

"You don't remember? You sure you didn't hit your head or something?" She checked his vitals when she first found him. His breathing, pulse and temperature all seemed normal, or as normal as she had an understanding of. He was still alive and that had been all that really mattered. There's still no blood to be found and aside from his odd confusion, he seems okay mentally. She can't hep but wonder if she missed something.

Trent flinches and tries to get away as her hands feel around his scalp. "Stop it," he says, backing up a few steps. "I'm fine. I didn't hit my head." At least, not in the real world, he thinks.

"Are you sure you're okay? Nothing hurts?"

"Aside from the slightly stinging bitch-slap, no. I'm not in any pain."

Kate lets out a cough to mask a laugh before meeting his gaze again. "Sorry. I couldn't wake you." Her light smile fades when she sees the look on his face.

"How did you find me?" He can't wrap his head around any of this. He was teleported, wasn't he? Like in the stories. He'd somehow ended up in another plane of existence. Or had he left his body behind somehow? Is that what happened? People's souls were ripped out of their bodies, brought into that horrid place, and what was left in the mortal plane eventually got devoured by the animals?

"A hunch," she says, shrugging. "I'd already tried all your usual spots and none of your friends even knew you'd ran off. I just... had this feeling..."

"But how did you find me here?" They were standing in the middle of the woods, probably some sixteen miles or so away from home. Unless he'd been tagged with a GPS tracker at birth, there was no way anyone could have found him so quickly.

"I don't really know myself," she says, looking around. "It just... seemed like the right place to come. I remembered a few days ago before everything boiled over and the fight happened that you and some friends were going on about Paradise Rock." She nods at the unusually shaped rock standing tall at the center of the clearing, right behind her brother.

Trent suddenly feels a chill when he turns and catches sight of the thing, its odd proportions and strange markings--scrapes, lines and gouges that couldn't have come from nature--setting off some primal feeling of fear. His sister's hand is grasping his wrist before he can get too absorbed in the chunk of stone that he swears is whispering to him.

"We should head back," she says, bringing a hand to his forehead. "I think you might be dehydrated or something." The distant glaze leaves his eyes after a few moments.

"Wait." He pulls his arm free and shakes his head to clear it. "Something did happen, okay? I got... pulled into wherever it is those people in the stories went. Except... It's not like the stories at all. I couldn't remember anything. There were these people, they said they were my parents. They kept telling me I had this bad accident and that everything would be okay. I almost believed them."

Kate is staring at him like he'd just lost his mind and suggested they go live in a swamp and groom alligators for a living. He can't stop though, he has to tell someone. "I started hearing these voices and seeing things and having these weird visions. They--my fake parents--told me I was still recovering from my accident. Then they said I was mentally ill. I still couldn't remember, so I just went with it. But the voices wouldn't stop. They kept telling me to leave and that they were lying. I didn't know what to do but I know I didn't trust those people completely. I had this nagging feeling that if I let it go then something horrible would happen.

"Then I just sort of snapped out of it. I finally saw them all for what they were. Demons, or something close to it. I don't know. I just knew I had to get out of there before they could turn me into a disembodied voice like the others. So I ran as fast as I could until I lost them by this library."

"Library?" Kate's brows are furrowed and she's hopelessly lost. Her brother doesn't try to elaborate, just continues on with his insane story.

"The voices were telling me to go inside, but I didn't. It gave me the creeps, y'know? So I waited and tried to figure out what to do, then you showed up. Sort of. I heard you calling me." He finishes with a crooked grin.

"I... You were still breathing okay and everything, so I started shouting at you to wake you up. If you hadn't started twitching I would've had to find reception to call an ambulance. I thought giving you a good jolt would get you to come to." Her eyes are narrowed, though not with anger. She's squinting at him as though he were some sort of puzzle and it was taking all her brainpower to figure him out.

Trent deflates. "You don't believe me." If his own twin wasn't convinced, what chance did he have against his parents? His mother would likely be too relieved that he was home safe to be angry, but his dad...

"It's not that I don't believe you," she says as his shoulders sag. "It's just... You know how Mom and Dad are. They don't believe in all that supernatural stuff. I'm not saying that this couldn't have happened. It can and does, to absolutely anybody, but they aren't gonna accept some out-there story like that. Do you have any idea how mentally unstable you just sounded?"

Trent chews his lip. Even if she backs him up, he still has no chance of proving it happened. He knows Kate believes him, he can see that in the way she's staring at the rock with a bothered expression. His parents, however, are not going to accept a story like that; if anything, they'd grill him for trying to frighten his sister with ghost stories on top of everything else. "Let's get out of here," he finally says, pulling her attention away from the stone.

The two of them slowly make their way through the clearing, up the gentle slope, and into the trees. As Trent tells her where he left his bike and bags he catches her glancing warily at the rock one final time before it disappears into the surrounding bark and foliage. Another chill creeps up his spine and he rubs his arms to stop the goosebumps forming as a single whisper grazes the back of his mind.

"Come back, Trent."

#my writing #writers on tumblr #creative writing #writeblr

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