#sienna is a noble person but is she a good person? no not really. at least she’s not as the story will continue

[uncaught-coolfish]

ykno. the more I think about it. the more I realize that anti critics who vehemently praise “canon” sienna would not like bhwf HEIWOWNSJSBSHSVS

[ystrike1]

The World Without My Sister Who Everyone Loved - By Hamal (7/10)

I love a good villain, and time travel is more fun than reincarnation+time travel in my opinion. The plot for this is easy to understand, and the yandere is hinted at in the very beginning. It is somewhat predictable, but there is a dark edge to it.

Sienna is a side character. An accessory for her perfect adopted sister Loreina. She thought her sister loved her, but she was actually trapped in a very toxic sibling relationship. Additionally, the two girls aren't actual siblings. They are competitors in a pretty damn disturbing contest.

In this world young women with magical power get adopted by powerful families. It doesn't matter if you're an orphan. If you have enough magic a very rich family will want to adopt you. Why? To breed you with their noble sons like a racehorse of course. Haha...wow typing that was so uncomfortable. Sienna was a little spineless and naive, and Loreina was playing the game to win.

Sienna kills herself, and before she drinks the poison we see some more messy shit. Loreina is mad for blood. She wanted to torture Sienna to death. Poison isn't enough. Loreina isn't satisfied, because even though she has the love of "their family" she hates Sienna. Sienna was always competition to her, not a sister. It's heavily implied that Loreina gets to marry the best bachelor after she dies. Sienna has to drink the poison quickly, because Loreina is literally desperate to torture her.

Then she wakes up.

We're back in time now, and Duke Nacht needs a girl to marry to one of his sons. He seems...like an ok guy??? He abused Sienna in favor of Loreina before, but he seems like a regular guy with morals now. Sienna cries on purpose, hoping the Duke will leave her alone. The Duke fires the men running her run down orphanage, because of obvious budget corruption complaints. He also promotes the only lady in the building who was actually helping the kids.

He seems like a great man, but Sienna knew him as one of Loreina's many ass-kissers. He was horrible for years.

Strange.

The Duke doesn't leave her alone. He really super-duper wants to adopt her, because keeping magic in the family is a necessity. Not a luxury. Giant dragons and demons are always causing trouble at the border. Potential future wizards like Sienna are worth their weight in gold.

So why did the Duke treat Sienna like trash in her previous life??? He literally kneels before her several times and begs, because he wants her to join his family that bad.

What is going on??

What a mystery!

Here's what happened. When Sienna and Loreina became "sisters" (child brides competing for the right to marry the Duke's heir) There was a spellbook. An evil one. Loreina bullied Sienna and they did a magic transfer spell together, alone late at night. Loreina was a regular wizard with regular magic. She used the evil spellbook to steal Sienna's powers.

Sienna has alot of potential. That's why Loreina hated her so much. Loreina knew she would lose the competition and um...have to marry a guy that was slightly less powerful. How awful. Loreina took most of Sienna's magic. Sienna became too weak to represent the Duke's family or marry into it.

...but sadly that's not all. The Duke and his sons loved Sienna. I don't agree with the child bride thing, but the Nacht family intended to treat Sienna well. The Duke's eldest son, Ashiel Nacht, was madly in love with Sienna. He was willing to marry her no matter what. Even if she was the weakest wizard in the kingdom. Loreina decided to use the extra magic she stole...for evil. She started using more evil spells. She casted a kind of glamour of disgust thing on Sienna. Everybody who spoke to Sienna thought she was a rude, evil, spiteful person. The spell Loreina used twisted Sienna into a ghoul that was an embarrassment to the Nacht family. Ashiel felt like something was wrong for a while, but the spell was too strong. He started to hate Sienna like everyone else, and then Loreina framed her for treason.

All of these factors caused her death.

Sienna is traumatized. She doesn't know that her family loved her deep down all along. She doesn't trust their kindness, but I'm pretty sure she'll be fine now. She knows Loreina's plan now. She will never give her magic to Loreina, and she plans to excel at the military academy, and live alone as an adult. She thinks the potential grooms will still choose Loreina, because in her previous life she didn't get a shred of attention after her arrival. She also experienced terrible abuse and neglect.

Ashiel is a pretty good yandere. He turned back time to bring Sienna back. He hasn't told her anything. He wants to make her life easy and perfect. He did that for Loreina when he was under her control. When he was under Loreina's control he was ruthless, and violent, and he let Loreina use him like a weapon.

Now, he's Sienna's sword and husband.

Sienna and Ashiel will both do anything to make sure that Loreina doesn't steal her magic.

I hope they team up to defame Loreina before they fall in love.

(I did read some spoilers. Loreina succeeds in getting the Duke on her side, and he tragically dies. I know he was abusive, but he was under mind control, and when he's not a puppet he's an affectionate father. I was surprised to hear about his death, and I really do hope this series is violent. It should embrace the creepy stuff, I think. There's already child brides, so the author cannot sanitize the plot.)

[hamliet]

Once again I apologize in advance if this comes across as rude, I think it’s just how I talk lol.

I understand that Adam’s issue was not simply that hilled that human, or that that scene was the only reason he became evil, I know what his larger problems where but the narrative paints him killing that human in self defense as a reflection of said larger issues, as a sign of the dark path he was on.

Wether or not it was the first choice to kill Adam or fight the ace ops it was still shown to be the right choice, and not as signs of some larger issues with team rwby. Another example I forgot to mention was the happy huntresses

the white fang tried non-violence, they tried it for YEARS before sienna took over, sienna took charge because ghira’s methods weren’t getting the results the fuanus wanted.

Yo are right that sienna’s methods aren’t explored. and that’s very much part of the problem. The narrative simply accepts ghira’s methods without any challenge whatsoever. There is currently nobody who will challenge or even question his methods.

You are also correct that the white fang is not the only aspect of Blake’s character. In fact I agree that every other aspect was generally very well handled. But in regards to her activist side it really seems unlikely it will be improved even ignoring recent severely unfortunate revelations

Sorry to come across as rude, that wasn’t my intent and I do apologize for that,

Thank you; I appreciate it. Apologies for leaping to conclusions as well.

I think we'll have to agree to disagree.

I don't personally think the show has ever endorsed fullscale pacifism--I mean, the opening trailers involved all the girls fighting, but learning how to fight smartly. RWBY is not against fighting. RWBY is against treating people like pawns or collateral damage. Hence the consistent chess motif.

I genuinely do not think it frames the faunus as wrong for fighting and I don't understand how people seem to view "don't murder innocent people" as "just accept things." it frames Adam as wrong for using pain to create more pain. It suggests fighting to protect what you love and for equality is good. That's the climax of Volume 5, too--with Ilia, with the Belladonnas, with the faunus arriving at Haven.

In fact, Blake's whole arc is that she needs to fight. Her problem is that she runs. In volume 5, she needs to persuade the faunus to act.

Fighting is good in RWBY. It's just saying don't call killing other people noble or good, because it's not. And as much as I have issues with Adam's character, his death is seen as tragic--a relief, sure, but it's not something the characters cheer for. Some people wrote really good replies to my initial post that you may want to check out.

Adam's framing in that moment is only as you say if you take the events chronologically, but not the story. Meaning, if we lay out Adam's life step by step, yes, that's earlier. But if we look at the events in the order that the story reveals them, it's pretty late in the game. There's a reason we first learned about Adam through his relationship with Blake and his cult-like actions before we learned about that moment. You are supposed to see that as him revealing the parts of himself that we, the audience, already know are there, not as a plot twist that we didn't see coming that recontextualizes everything.

I think you may also be confusing the White Fang with the faunus. The majority of faunus are not members of the White Fang, and this is hammered home in Volume 5. The idea that the narrative accepts Ghira's methods without challenge is also not true according to canon and according to your own points; he lost his position in the White Fang because he wasn't effective, and almost had his family murdered. That is, simply put, a challenge. He only becomes more effective when Blake and Sun and Ilia help him. (We also haven't seen the faunus arc in Atlas play as much of a role; I would think it'd be capped off in Vacuo.) The point is that the faunus as a whole, including Ghira, have to fight.

And the narrative doesn't condemn Sienna either; her death is portrayed as wrong, and Ghira himself says that even if they didn't agree on methods, she was a powerful force for the faunus and they supported the same cause of liberation. That itself could of course be explored if it was a greater focus, but there's not time for it alas.

Anyways, those are my thoughts. I kinda don't have energy to continue this discussion, but thank you for weighing in, and for your explanation of your original asks. I hope you have a good day.

[melonminnie]

HI HI ‼️<3

can i pls request an oscar x female reader where all oscar family loves her ,

it can be kinda of part two of mabel's past life friend request

so she could have been oscar's playmate so the empress [mabel mother] loved her and always loved to spoil her and play dolls with her [reader couldn't quite understand the concept of dolls and thought it was a waste of time but she loved the empress so she played with her either way] while esteban got attached to her with time and saw her as his daughter so like the empress he loved spoiling her and after he knew her parents's motive and put them in jail he made sure that a good noble family adopt her while the duchess [oscar mother] met her accidentally and grew fond of her , i read a chapter of the novel because oscar looked so beautiful in the art and he said that she hates ignorant people and the reader is quite responsible for her age so she praises oscar for his choice of future wife lmao . but then she grows to love her like her daughter [when she knew about her parents she was about to go to esteban to ask him to execute them but she stopped herself lmao] .and then mabel was born and the empress died and that was the first time reader cried bcs she lost her mother figure and the first person to give her parental love so she decided to protect mabel until her death bcs she was the only thing left from the empress . and lastly is mabel that was so happy to find her dear friend that she loved so much but lost due to an illness and in this life her friend is completely healthy ‼️[minus the scars that she had, who dared to hurt her dear sister figure‼️] maybe even in their first life reader had abusive parents so mabel got sad bcs can't her friend have a nice family for once‼️so when she realizes her brother love her friend she decides to get them together and then she can have reader as her sister in law ‼️<3AND THAT'S ALL ‼️‼️<33BYE BYE ‼️<3

Strawberry shortcake (Oscar x fem! Reader)

-accidentally posted this so I had to copy the request and write it IM SO SORRY the empresses name is sianna or cianna if you translate it genuinely don’t know how the former empress and Oscar act so sorry

“Y/n come here,” Sianna spoke softly, trying to coax the young girl to sit closer to her.

It had only been a few weeks sense esteban had announced you’d be staying with them temporarily.The empress would call you into her room every day.

Of course she knew it was going to be hard to get you to have your guard down. That’s why she tried though.

The older woman never gave up after she spoke, she kept on coaxing the younger girl to move closer to her, after a while of sianna practically pleading with y/n, the girl agreed and sat next to the empress.

Sianna watched with soft eyes as her lips perked up into a smile, the pink hair turned her attention and quickly grabbed a small box with a ribbon covering it, it was a present placing it In between y/ns hands.

"Open it," she stated the obvious with her sole attention on the child. Sienna's smile only widened once the gift was opened, and Y/N stared at the gift in confusion. It was a doll, yes, and a very expensive and pretty one.

Yet the child couldn't comprehend why she needed it. She lifted her gaze and stared into the woman's eyes. "Don't you like it?" She questioned, worry laced in her voice, She'd never had a daughter nor a child; yes, she had Oscar, but he wasn't really her son, yet she still considered him her son.

"No, I do like it." y/n answered, The situation was awkward; the girl clearly didn't know how to play with a doll, yet she'd try, of course.

The girl quickly got up and hugged the empress out of worry that she didn't enjoy it. "Thank you!" Y/n buried her face deeper into the woman's dress, and Sianna laughed and hugged the girl back. Sure, their first meeting was embarrassing, but she would've been okay with it.

“Y/n!” The door suddenly opened, revealing the crown prince whom had grown attached to his new or only playmate.

A few months had passed sense the girl had been in the castle, There was still anger in the community due to her parents and punishments they’d thought was suitable.

Due to that not a lot of people would want to adopt the young girl from her background, Esteban growing a liking to the girl knew he couldn’t just let her go.

For a few months it was frustrating, nobody was willing enough to help the desperate emperor.Kindness only goes so far.

Oscar turned his head and scanned the room, “What!, your all here” he cried after noticing, he moved his body and sat directly in-front of his playmate.

The silver haired boy picked up the toys on the floor and started playing with them.While the two were occupied Esteban voiced his worries to his wife.

It was out of pure luck that the emperor was the one who was taking care of you, anyone else you would’ve ended up in an orphanage by now.

“I’m sure you’ll resolve it sooner” Sienna smiled.

A few weeks had passed at this point, it had now pasted the third month of a criminals daughter staying with them, that day it was marked the day that Esteban could finally rest.

All the issues were solved, it was declared that they used their own child as a pawn and that she had no part in it, with that came the millions of nobles now stepping up to take care of the girl now.

Esteban looked threw the letters one by one, yes it was annoying him that they’d all decided to accept the proposal now. In fact Esteban almost made the decision of announcing you as his own but he decided not too due to multiple reasons.

The emperor looked threw the acceptance papers one by one, it was only right that you’d be placed with a presentable family, maybe even one of high status If he was lucky enough.Esteban sighed in relief when he got to that one acceptance letter he’d needed. He’d place you with the viscount for now.

On one faithful day, Oscar had decided he’d wanted to have a picnic with you of some sort, and so he did the only problem was that it was a surprise.

The prince was so excited he’d quickly taken you away to hang out with him with knowing how’d you’d react.

But of course things didn’t go his plan, he soon stopped in his tracks and stared at the former empress, or rather his mother.

It was known to everyone how scared he was of her for obvious reasons, yet you couldn’t comprehend why?.

As much as you wanted to stay with her and form some sort of relationship, Oscars feelings were more important to you, so instead of him dragging you you were the one dragging him instead.

“Oscar is something wrong?” After the two of you ended up in a secluded area it was time for the question. “You don’t look too good do you wanna go back?”.

The silver haired boy seemed to go back to reality at the sound of the girls voice, “No! I didn’t show you the surprise come on” Oscar grabbed y/ns hand yet again and dragged her to his surprise.

“Interesting..” the former empress mumbled, her mind still to the interaction that just happened.

After that interaction Oscar was more protective when th e two of you were together, “Oscar what’s wrong your acting weird!” The girl pointed out.

“Am not it just to protect you y/n!” He announced, “from what?” The girl questioned his motives, “From you know!”

“Oscar of you don’t tell me I won’t know what’s bothering you” y/n responded, the princes eyes soften before he stared at the ground, “you wouldn’t understand if I told you” he pouted.

“I can try!” She pried into him, “you know how you met my mom last wee-”

“What about me?” The said woman responded from behind her son, her green eyes sharp as ever staring daggers at the two children. “Duchess..” Oscar responded the atmosphere becoming gloomy.

“I was just asking him about you!” Y/n defended, “Is that so?” It was clear the duchess didn’t believe a word, “Yes! I must say your very incredible from what I’ve heard” the girl praised.

Somehow the atmosphere brightened, though it wasn’t able to be shown at her expressions, yet it was clear. Pacifica turned her attention to Oscar before replying.

“You’ve chosen a great wife I must say”

“!?” The boys face changed color into a bright red. “She’s not my wife though” he tried clearing up the misunderstanding, “she will be though no?”.

Pacifica soon found out about the recent incident, She wasn’t surprised nonetheless, yet for some reason it made her burn with anger.

She resolved her thinking with just going to Esteban for the issue and if he didn’t agree she’d easily pay someone to assistant the parents.

But she held herself from doing so, knowing if she did she’d quickly spark another issue within the community.

A few years had passed at this point, y/n remained one of the closest people to the imperial family, it was known across the entire nation.

“Oscar” the girl cried as she ran up to hug the boy, it had only been a few hours sense the empress’s death was announced, it was safe to say that the entire country was in shambles.

For the first time the silver haired boy didn’t speak when you called his name, as grief struck him too all he can do was cry with you.

Oscar knew that you’d never stop crying after you found out, but he still wanted you to meet his sister in hopes that you feel somewhat better.

After finally convincing you, Oscar quickly pulled you to Mabel’s room, “Cmon look at her y/n!” The silver head spoked urging you to take a look. “What if she cries when she looks at me?” The girl objected.

“Y/n your not ugly for her to cry when looking at you” he urged yet again pulling you closer to the crib, y/ns hands hit the crib Oscar next to her, “see isn’t she so cute?” He laughed.

Mabel’s eyes met Oscar’s friends eyes, “!!” The pink head lifted her arms and kept on wriggling them, “She looks like sienna..” y/n replied, her body leaning forward.

“Mabel is really pretty!” She announced, “See I told you!” Oscar added.

“Oscar” the girl turned her body towards the boy, “Sense this is the last thing that the empress left I wanna protect!” She declared.

“I wanna protect her till I die”

There was a long silence hung in the room, “who am I to deny you?” He answered with a smile on his face.

In Mabel’s little mind, she knew the moment she stared at the girls eyes that this was the same person she’d met in her previous life.

So the moment the person in-front of her declared that they want to protect her, she’d knew that she’d do the same in a heart beat.

Because she couldn’t protect modern life y/n, she’d protect historic life y/n with her entire soul.

Mable slightly appreciated being a baby, she’d found out about your entire past purely by listening on the maids, she was slightly sad that you’d still had cruel good for nothing parents.

And sense she’d have nothing to do, she’d have her entire attention on the two of you, which is how she found out about her older brothers liking to her.

So the pink head put into her mind that she’d make you become her sister in law living with her forever and ever!!.

The plan had started when she was still young but she decided to put it in full commence action when she was 9. (If I’m not wrong Oscar would be 15 ?)

“Aidan come on!” The girl urged as she pulled onto the black head boys hand, she’d let him know about her little scheme and essentially forced him to do it with her.

“What are you getting out of this?” The boy asked irritated, “A sister in law duh!”

Requested by @lind-55 tysm for requesting!! <3

[zootplayz]

An Introduction

A new legacy means new rules. Harry is our founder and his family is going to be trait-based. Have you figured out which trait by their name? You were thinking good right? I know you were. Congratulations you are correct!!! The Serenity family heirs must have the good trait like founder Harrison. But don't worry we have backups just in case the random trait generator is mean and doesn't give it to a child. (And so I don't end up with too many legacies too quickly) If no children receive the good trait a male heir will suffice BUT any child (male or female) who roles evil is automatically disqualified from being the heir. That would just not flow with the serene environment we are trying to create here. Gawrsh that's a big block of text let's get to the good stuff. Aka pictures! Harrison and his husband Neil have moved to Oasis Springs.

Sienna Starter by FOLLYFOOT It's not much to look at but it's a start. The Foxes didn't have much money to spare for it. (I take the money out of the original families funds when starting an off-shoot legacy to add a sense of realism.) When I loaded the game they were both starving so they decided to have a breakfast date at the new restaurant I just downloaded.

As long as they hit gold on this they should complete Harrison's soulmate aspiration.

Bryce's Beach Diner by lionpaws Wait what kind of fashion code is that?!

Surely that's against some sort of health code? Right? Eh, whatever. He's cute (I'd literally just added him to the townies) so we'll let it slide. Besides they have ice cream!!

I love how excited they are, they are just too cute for words. Before they headed home they finished their date (and Harry's aspiration) with a bang!

Speaking of bangs...

Was that in poor taste? Or just a really bad segue? Maybe a little bit of both? Oh well, suck it up buttercups because these two can't keep their hands...

or eyes...

off one another. Besides their constant need to woohoo, the Serenities tend to lead quiet lives. Neil is usually programming for his tech guru aspiration and since there is no tv Harry has to entertain himself with good ol' fashioned books.

There's always the occasional visitor as well.

Of course, their first visitor was Greyson, that man's everywhere. I don't think I mentioned it but Harry works in the charity organizer part of the political career. I thought that worked best with his personality. So he constantly has to guilt trip people into promoting his cause. So even something as fun as the GeekCon has a work element.

Excuse me I need to get this.. Go for Harry.

No way he what?! I seriously love these random phone calls from family members. Though they almost always talk about Not so Berry's Goose. Once Harry filled his donation quota he headed to the Gaming challenge.

Where he failed horribly! I bet Neil would have done well, but sadly he was at work and they can't afford to miss any work right now. Being the social butterfly he is Harry gets invites out on the town regularly and he and Neil took Wilma Beri up on her offer to head out one night. She literally invited like 12 people it was ridiculous!

Old Brick Avenue by wicked_smith_24 I love this lot! It could be a bar a karaoke joint a cafe, whatever you wanted to label it as. Definitely recommend it.

That's about it for this part. Except for a little convo the boys had...

Harry: So babe, I have been thinking. We need more money and my career, although noble, doesn't really bring in the bucks. If we wanna get this family started we need something more. Neil: ok... What did you have in mind hon? Harrison: A restaurant! Neil: A restaurant? Did I hear you correctly? Harrison: Yeah. There are almost no places to eat in this town... especially for vegetarians... so I was thinking we could change that. Neil: *shakes head and lightly chuckles* That's why I love you, always want to help people even if it's just giving them access to the perfect restaurant. But how are we going to pay for it? We barely make enough to pay the bills as is, we are living on our bonuses from promotions. Harry: A loan. Neil: We just started out and now you want to take out a loan?... Why do I feel like you already have this planned out? Harry: Yeah, you know me too well. I've already been to the bank and they've agreed to back us for 30,000 simoleons to get us started. For every week it's not paid off 1,000 is added in interest...... I know it's not a great deal... Neil: But you really wanna do this? Harry: .... Yeah... It'll be our legacy! Neil: Screw it, call the bank, tell them they have a deal. I can't say no to your enthusiasm, no wonder you're so good at your job. So yeah, that's my plan with Serenity. They are going to build a restaurant and hopefully not flop (I've never tried running one in game yet). I'll be deducting simoleons via the money cheat when they can afford to lose some. And we will be monitoring their debt here: Current Debt: 30,000 Part 02 Read the full article

[peeterparkr]

jaundiced & surreptitious; Anthony Bridgerton

sham, pride and illicit affairs | fic masterlist

read part one here read part two here read part three here read part four here

summary: you once loved each other, your hand belongs to him but it’s promised to another. 

jaundiced: affected by bitterness, resentment, or envy. surreptitious:  kept secret, especially because it would not be approved of.

word count: 8.3k (sorry I like writing)

pairing: anthony bridgerton x reader

warnings: anthony is an idiot, this is really idiots who are lovers, like genuinely they’re so stupid. poor benedict has to deal with him. 

wanna be tagged?

read part one here  read part two here   read part three here

next part.

Okaaaay so thank you so much for your support! I can’t believe you guys liked it as much as I did! Especial thanks to @steve-harringtonnn​ and @erodasghosts for helping me out with this chapter!!! 

Anthony would often disregard the pain he’d felt before. He would never say it out loud but he had lost faith after his heart had been broken. The sun had never been as warm. Grieving was one of his favorite activities to live by, silently, to himself. The bloody-minded Anthony would die before ever admitting that his feelings had been impaired.

He was obstinate, he was well aware of that. And he was scared, and he wondered where he’d gathered the courage to walk through the crowds to her two nights before, as if it hadn’t pained him. Perchance his pride had led him there, or maybe his broken heart looking to be healed did. The wandering thoughts that would cease every so often. 

Anthony loved to mourn, or make sure people think he was mourning. He often tried to be the smartest person in the room, he always failed. But he tried, and he counted himself on it. 

He was flawed, he knew that. But he would try his best, so he’d pride himself on.  However he could not forgive himself for being flawed enough to be rejected by Y/N. 

Her eyes were carved in his mind, and he’d be reminded of her every morning when the sun dared to warm his skin, and with every flower petal that he saw her eyes would find their way back to his most wounded intellect, her eyes were her biggest sin, though he could be blamed for other blunders, he thought her sight was the biggest offense, for her eyes could see through any of his lies and hypnotize him enough to lose his reason, or the lack of it. How inconvenient he found that every beautiful morning belonged to her, and it would only hurt his heart. How inconvenient was it that her entire soul mesmerized him. 

It was hard not to see her as a villain, however, maybe that’s why he tried avoiding the music, dancing was but another warning, triggering him of the night he’d seen the dress flying as she vacated the ballroom. And every time he found himself in the middle of a ballroom, he felt agony and despair. Anthony had always feared death, but he realized that he had already died once, when she’d left the ballroom. Being away from her had killed Anthony, and to be dead while still having to survive could be one of the most dreadful and painful things to endure. Anthony was now sure he’d died on that night, and he was sure that whatever death might feel like it wouldn’t be as painful as to be away from her. He thought his pain would be forever, that eternal sorrow. 

His hand had felt cold since she’d left. Though, one could argue that his hand had been warm since the night before, as if he’d finally come back to life. The act, as most immoral as it was, had been the closest he’d been to a heavenly discovery of love and life. A very magnificent distraction. 

There was light again. 

He would deny it, but the darkness was the time he felt the loneliest, hence why he had searched for Sienna’s love, an escape from the life he would’ve loved with y/n. He was so desperate to be covered on something else, to erase y/n from his body that he’d try to find the closest thing to love on someone. 

Worst thing had been he did find it, in a very unconventional way. 

He would rather be a rake to the world than to ever admit that he had been broken-hearted. A man shall never seem weak to the world, though he was broken. Hushed to the night. 

Yet, now he wanted to scream to the world that he was loved by the woman he loved. An iridescent glow coming from his chest, as he rode back home. 

He had chosen the prettiest of the flowers, though they were very little to recommend and they’d look pathetic and sad beside the beautiful woman. 

Anthony never liked being seen as a fool, yet he should not mind looking like one with her. Why would he be ashamed to say he’d fallen for such a remarkable lady. 

Gardenias and peonies. He knew she’d love them. Not roses this time, he found the roses to be very contrasting to the delicate gardenias. 

He couldn’t hide his eagerness as he’d arrived at his former household. Though he had not slept, he couldn’t have more energy. He hopped to the drawing room, in expectation to see the possible suitors that would come for Eloise, though she was not eager for them, and was rather trying to avoid any significant encounter. 

Anthony couldn’t hide the beam, as he tried the sweets that his mama had displayed. 

Eloise was plopped on the couch beside Benedict, as Violet tried to beg her to sit with grace and poise. Eloise had the latest copy of Lady Whistledown as Benedict tried to peek and read. 

“Stop reading that nonsense,” Anthony said. “Such a lovely morning, is it not?” 

Benedict scrunched his nose at his brother, mostly confused. Anthony stole one of the desserts Benedict had on his plate earning a groan from him. 

Lady Violet watched her son, “I would like to address your behavior last night.” 

The younger siblings smirked, knowing well that though their brother was an adult, he would often yet be scolded by their mama. 

Benedict chuckled, “How come, mama, his behavior was rather impeccable.” 

Eloise giggled. Anthony glared at his siblings. 

“To suggest a fake proposal,” Lady Violet said with severity. “Most imposing irrationality. You shall not play with such calamities.” 

“Do not worry, mama, a real proposal shall come soon enough, I shall be more rational in the future, ” Anthony declared. “Just this morning I sent Lady y/n flowers to thank her for her… most stimulating company,”  Anthony coughed. “And as an apology for my behavior.”  

His younger siblings looked up with confusion. 

“Are you going to propose to Lady Y/N?” Asked Eloise. 

Anthony cleared his throat, “I did not… say that.” 

Eloise frowned. “Did you not find her disagreeable? Or why else were you bickering-?” 

“Please, Eloise, that is Anthony’s way of courting, and I’m sure Y/N found it just as stimulating and flattering,” Benedict hissed. 

Eloise cackled, “as if y/n would rejoice in any avow Anthony could make.” 

“How come, brother you seem to be captured again in some possible infatuation when only last night you merely only barked towards the Lady?” Benedict inquired. Anthony tried to avoid his brother’s remarks. 

Of course, he would not tell them how his night had been accomplished, and how the despair had transformed into a very pleasant evening. He shall keep the secret for it was, though most pleasant, very unsuitable and outrageous for the standards of the society. Though Anthony did bear some guilt for the scandal and the impropriety he thought it was most  formidable to try and deny the linkage had been but an ardent reminder of his noble sentiments for the woman. 

“As you mentioned, brother,” Anthony remarked snarkly, “Lady y/n and I share a very perplexing demeanor to show our affection towards each other.” 

“Perplexing? Stupid, you mean,” Benedict mocked. 

“Is there affection?” Lady Violet inquired. 

Anthony huffed, “I guess there is no reason for me to harbor and censure my sentiments anymore,” he admitted. “However I shall not give any other explanation to this subject.” 

Benedict glared, “Why the sudden change? I thought you did not regard y/n so dearly.” 

Anthony paced around the room nervously, he did not want to address his feelings. How stupid would it be to admit he felt alive, and that he was entranced by her. 

“She is a good friend,” Anthony alleged. “Why are you enquiring my sentiments? I would’ve believed you’d be wallowed with my announcement.” 

His mother grinned, “I am.” 

“I am not,” Benedict laughed. “Forgive me, but you can understand my confusion, are you suggesting you are friends now?” 

“We have been,” Anthony hissed. “In any case, I’ve always been fond of her.” 

“I must signal how your bickering has hindered us from believing there is some kind of attachment,” Eloise pointed out as she watched her eldest brother. 

Anthony rolled his eyes, it had been a point in their bickering, to hide to them and themselves really.  But really, challenging each other was but their way of admiring their wit.  Anthony was stunned, not only with her beauty but with the way she spoke her mind. He was always left wanting more when it came to her, she rarely gave him anything but a headache, and apparently that was something very compelling to earn his heart. Not sure why. 

Benedict laughed, “I think I understand now Eloise, we seem to have forgotten how big of a fool our brother is,  the elusiveness Anthony has shown towards Lady Y/N has been but a lame attempt to tempt Miss Y/N and delude her enough for her to give some attention to our brother. Has it not?” 

“Has it succeeded?” Inquired Eloise. 

The night before was only proof it had. And it had not been elusiveness, he was transfixed on the lady’s wit, he couldn’t keep up with her, that was the reason. He was dotted with her surliness, the way she’d wag his words. Anthony loved being a fool for her, such a capable woman she was. However, it shall be noted he loved being fooled by her intellect and the false peevishness, not by her exclusion.

“What has?” Questioned Colin, as he had walked into the drawing room. Lady Violet was rather annoyed the only men in the room were but her own children and not any possible suitor for Eloise. 

“Anthony’s bickering,” Eloise looked up, as she reached for a box of sweets to nibble by her own. “Apparently his arrogance and stupidity were but to woo Miss Y/N,” explained Eloise. 

Anthony winced,“May we change the subject? I believe it is a matter of more importance—“

Colin laughed, interrupting him. “I believe those attempts have succeeded, were you not here last night? Was Miss Y/N not looking forward to not running away this time? Even after Anthony suggested such a scandalous scheme?” 

Anthony rolled his eyes, “Are you not to go elsewhere?” 

Benedict grinned, “Why? Are you not to share with him your news?” 

“News?” Colin frowned with curiosity. 

“Apparently our brother might attempt to court Miss Y/N,” Benedict mocked. “I believe.” 

Colin faked surprise, “Really? Are we suggesting that Anthony could have any sort of sentiments that aren't self depreciation and remorse?”  

Benedict and Eloise laughed, hardly. Their mother only directed a glare towards them. 

“How amusing,” Anthony barked. “However, if you must know, there is affection towards her and I must try and delight her,” Anthony cleared his throat, Benedict snickered. “And I hope she gives me the honour of accepting my hand.” 

He knew that the bomb he had dropped would be enough to shut his siblings. And it was. 

Lady Violet smiled, ignoring her sons and daughter’s remarks. “Are you really planning on proposing?” 

Anthony tried to hide his excitement, and embarrassment, for the matter, he’d never been keen on showing any kind of excitement for any infatuation. Besides, he didn’t believe it himself, how he would dare to propose. “I am not sure where my compliments might take me, however I am not here to talk about my attention and regards to Lady Y/N, we are here to try and persuade any respectable man to bestow any attention to our lovely sister.” 

“However, you shall make sure your infatuation is reciprocated,” Benedict advised. “Be sure the lady will not leave amidst dancing.” 

“I believe it was Anthony  the person who gave me the advice that eventually my heartbreak from Miss Thompson would disappear, and that it would be as if I had never loved her at all.” 

Anthony glared. 

“Yet he is going after the person who broke his heart, did your own precepts fail you?” Colin asked. 

It  was something that did bother Anthony, and that he did fear, he knew y/n to be the most unexpected and inopportune to make her decisions. She often hesitated and reconsidered her thoughts Y/N was very volatile and her emotions would go from extreme affection to utter rage and while it was something he often appreciated, it was something he feared now. He feared the remainder of his heart would be scattered across the place. Anthony would never say out loud how much he feared ballrooms now. Almost as much as he feared bees, but he wouldn’t ever admit it. He knew he was but a fool to fall for y/n, eerie and untamable. He didn’t regret it, however. 

Anthony coughed, “I could’ve never erased my feelings for her.” 

Eloise glared at him and then finally turned to her copy of Lady Whistledown. Anthony rolled his eyes, it was no secret he didn’t like reading Lady Whistledown. He would try and not feed her with anything. He was definitely not a vivid reader. He found her rather vapid, if he were honest. He was never a fan of gossip and avoided it, most of the time. However, since Lady Y/N’s arrival, he could not help but read whatever Lady Whistledown could say of her, just to feed his dislike against her. She spoke of y/n in a way that was most repulsive. Derision seemed to be the only language the woman spoke. 

He did not like the way the pesky Lady Whistledown spoke of y/n, or her history with him, if he was to be honest. Anthony resented that she’d written about his own pride and his heartbreak when there was barely any information he understood himself about it. It was for them to know. 

However, he was rather relieved that Lady Whistledown did not know of the… affairs he’d held with Lady Y/N. Though now guilt was killing him, he did not regret it. He felt alive whenever he was with her, and he didn’t feel alive often.

After the heartbreak, he had decided to lock his heart and never use it again. Though Sienna had managed to almost get it back, his heart had not felt the warmest but until the night before. 

 And though he had promised to never use his heart again, there he was again, with a foolish smile. 

“She is talking about you again,” Eloise pointed out. “And Lady Y/N-” 

Anthony chuckled, “Expected,” he commented. “Now, dear sister, there is no soul here and I must say this is not my fault,” he cleared out. “I have not jostled any suitors from you, I know better.” 

Benedict scoffed, “She jostles them herself, no need for us to.” 

Violet took a deep breath. Anthony smirked as he picked up a cup of tea. 

Eloise turned cold as she finished reading. “She is to be married-” 

“Who is?” Violet grinned. “You? Most certainly-”

“No, mama,” Eloise commented, and then watched Anthony. “Y/N’s hand is promised to Lord Collins.” 

The cup of tea shattered on the floor, though the Bridgertons were not sure if the shattering porcelain had been what they’d heard breaking. Anthony’s face had gone stiff and pale. 

“I beg your pardon?” Was all he managed to ask. 

“It says it here,” Eloise explained. 

Violet snatched the paper from her daughter, “Is she toying with the lack of heart Anthony Bridgerton holds and is she trying to fool everyone just to appeal more to Lord Collins, who according to the ton has her hand promised already?” Read out loud. 

“Did you know about this, mama?” Questioned Collin. 

“I certainly did not,” Violet assured her son, and turned to the eldest who was going through a very familiar feeling. He did not say a thing, he only clenched his jaw and widened his eyes. 

There he was again, transported back to the night when the moon had not made an appearance, and when the poison had flourished from the floor to apprehend him down to his sorrow. He felt as he had been pushed off yet again down a precipice. 

Benedict and Colin only watched him, expecting the very worst. Instead, Anthony only took a deep breath. Anthony despised having his heart broken, and instead decided to be angry, for its a manlier sentiment. He stormed off the room anyway, quietly. 

“Am I supposed to follow after?” Questioned Benedict, and then proceeded to, seeing as his brother rushed down the stairs and off the household. “Anthony!” He broodingly called. 

Anthony pushed his way through, not noticing there were gentlemen going up to see his sister, he was rather too angry to even add more jealousy to his displeasure. 

“Anthony,” Benedict called again. 

Anthony ignored. 

Benedict ran this time to stop his brother, stopping the fuming man as he glared at him. “What?” 

“I believe I should stop you before you do anything stupid, which judging by your look, you’re on your way to do so,” Benedict barked not letting Anthony through. 

Anthony gave him a warning glare, “Let me through.” 

“You’re being an idiot,” Benedict said. 

“You don’t even know what I’m going to do,” Anthony said 

“And that is why I must stop you,” Benedict said. “If I don’t know you any better you’re on your way to kill Lord Collins.” 

Anthony scoffed, he had not thought of that idea but now he found it rather exhorting. “I am on my way to speak to the Lady,” he tried walking through but Benedict stopped him once again. 

“Shall I know what’s going on through your head? Last night you both were  opposed to even being on the same room and then this morning you come with the idea of proposing, I do not even know what is-” 

“I love her,” Anthony snapped. “That is what is going on through my head.” 

“How did you even change your mind-” Benedict paused and then watched his brother. “Did you go and see her?” He asked in a faint whisper. 

Anthony coughed and looked elsewhere, “I did not, I just realized my childish act was but an antic to evade my actual feelings for her.” 

Benedict did not buy it. “Do you really expect me to believe that?” 

“I don’t see a reason why you shouldn’t,” Anthony glowered. 

“You really don’t?” Benedict bristled. “What amuses me is that you try to justify your childish acts and stupidity with love when we are both aware those are but a matter of your personality.” 

“How amusing,” Anthony scowled. “Now, if you’ll excuse me.” 

Benedict grabbed him by his arm, “I shall think you know better than to go and throw a tantrum to Miss Y/N. I know you’re capable of fucking up, but this goes beyond your usual behavior.” 

Anthony opened his mouth to defend himself but knew he couldn’t actually contradict him. “I do not plan on throwing a tantrum, I will only recover the flowers I sent her this morning, I find it improper to try and court an engaged lady.” 

“So you will not fight for her, then?” Benedict queried, astonied. 

Anthony did not know if he could. “Shall you suggest I do?” 

Benedict coughed, “I would think it would be reasonable but… In a civil way, not in an Anthony way.” 

“An Anthony way?” He questioned. “I beg your pardon?” 

“Since her arrival your stupidity has escalated in immeasurable ways, I certainly am very impressed because I did not believe that to be possible and yet you are here,” Benedict cackled. 

Anthony glared. 

“Look,” Benedict sighed. “We could give this more thoughts, and see the best way we can proceed with this, however, today we shall get our lovely sister to the park, she needs to be seen,” he reminded him. “You can be stupid later.” 

He would, Anthony knew. He was the most illogical human being when it came to Lady Y/N, and he did not know how to proceed. He was lying, he actually had planned on throwing a tantrum to her, for he was not yet to be fooled again and let there standing like a complete idiot. 

And a complete idiot you were too, you were the one in need to throw a tantrum, for you did not want to meet Lord Collins and you certainly did not want to be betrothed to him. You were well aware that he was a fair gentleman, and you knew he was one of the most eligible bachelors the ravenous mamas were hunting for, but you did not want anything to do with him. 

You thought of it, the possibility to ruin your reputation, it could be a way to untangle yourself from said arrangement. What if you admitted that you were corrupted? How big of a scandal would it be? 

No, you would not dare to bring Anthony down. Not now that he was being so soft to you, and that was not Anthony in the slightest. Though it did surprise you he had not yet stormed into the room like the complete idiot he was. 

Had he… read it? 

You knew Anthony better, he probably did not follow the gossip, and if you were lucky he’d think that Lady Whistledown was but inventing things. She was not but if he used any kind of reasonable sense he would know better. But this was Anthony and he used anything but his mind to think, and he would not be reasonable. He never was before and you doubted he’d be now. 

“I cannot marry him,” you said to Lady Danbury, who had been watching you pace around the drawing room for a while now. The flowers Anthony had sent were displayed in the middle of the room. 

You were not sure but you could tell Lady Danbury suspected something, she’d always been observant but the woman’s stare was telling, she could easily see past your sweating hands. 

“I’m afraid I’m not the one to make that decision,” Lady Danbury commented. 

“Shall I write a letter to my father to beg him to not offer my hand?” You asked. “Don’t I have any saying on it? It’s my hand.” 

“I would think you’d need to have another proposal,” The woman explained to you. “However, I am not sure if there will be any more.” 

“There might be,” you mumbled, and continued to rush through the room, as if moving faster would get your thoughts fast, too.  “Can I reject his hand?” You questioned. 

“He will grant you security,” Lady Danbury watched you, “He is a respectable man.” 

“I am well aware he is.” 

But I do not… love him, you thought. 

Yes, the man was respectable, and a very handsome one, but rather cliched. Eager, but the man was rather thoughtless. You knew his conversation was boring, only compliments and questions about the weather, he was very boring. Always agreeing, and what fun was it in someone always agreeing with you. And he liked to talk about the moon and made it seem like the most horrendous and tedious thing to ever be seen, he liked to talk about anything, but not any kind of pleasant conversation. Very tiresome if you must admit, full of banalities. 

Probably you’d have a very insipid life if you were to marry such a bland and hacky man. One that most ladies would want, however. 

Anthony, on the other hand, the brooding and plucky man, always had you on the edge. He was an adventure for you. He was incredibly handsome. Or maybe he wasn’t and it was just your nonsensical sentiments for him blinding you. 

“Lord Collins can offer an idyllic calm life.” 

“I can recognize that,” You admitted, you made your way to the window, a window where you’d talked to Anthony the day before. You took a deep breath, you could see the back house in the garden, a place that you found most intimate now. That was idyllic for you, the taste of his lips, to feel like it’s a June afternoon when it’s a cold December morning only because his smile warned your heart just enough. 

You were sure Lord Collins wouldn’t be able to offer that, and that he would not like to avoid the balls because he loved them, though you despised them. You knew he would not listen to your piano forte, though the melodies you played were very tepid, and telling. 

You knew you’d have to walk through his household, bored every morning and share the most ordinary conversations, leading to a miserable life, only because your hand had been promised to a man who you did not love, but who was adequate. Only because your instability had not been able to accept the proposal of whom your heart held dear. 

You still stared at the cottage where you could see the shadows of your hands. What if you escaped? Forever. Would he escape with you if you dared to ask him? 

“I presume security is the outcome expected from a marriage,” you said. “Love is a bonus, is it not?” 

Lady Danbury yanked her head. “I suppose so.” 

“Is marriage really only but a security arrangement? Or is it merely to satisfy men's lust and appetite.” 

The woman coughed in surprisement, “I would rather not engage on such improper subjects of conversation.” 

“Is it not?” You frowned. “I believe marriage to be only that, to bare children, to relieve men from their sins. Build a legacy.” 

“I believe marriage is also to prospere,” Lady Danbury added. “When a marriage is founded on love then it shall be the most prosperous, not sinful.” 

“Yet here I am, with an offer to a disagreeable partnership,” you barked. “I thought those arrangements to be deemed contemptible.

“Lord Collins is not disagreeable,” Lady Danbury coaxed. 

You sighed, “I guess not, he is a fair man, and most kind,” you admitted. You didn’t want to give in to your fate just yet. Seemed old fashioned, very 18th century. You were assumed to tolerate him, and you knew your father would not choose a beast for a husband for you. However, you did not want to dread this, to be offered tolerance and not love was an atrocious destiny. “I presume he can offer me a calm life.” 

Lady Danbury watched you, “However, Lord Bridgerton might be able to offer such a life, too.” 

You smiled, “He most certainly would not.” 

She raised her eyebrows, “Oh?” 

“No, not calm, Anthony is anything but calm,” you chuckled. “Maybe that is why the life he could offer me would be most enticing.” 

You knew that it would be fun, exciting. And that he would not mind if you woke up early to see the dawn, and he would join you and not expect you to be the most respectable lady, but he’d respect you, if you wanted to be respected that is .  

Lady Danbury only caressed the flower petals and walked to you. You needed to perish the thoughts of love, though. 

 “You’re never one to watch with melancholy,” She pointed out. 

“Oh, I certainly am, gloomy as I can be, and am I expected not to?” You wondered. It was the worst chastise one could have possibly thought for you, to marry a boring man. To marry to tolerate. 

“I guess not,” she admitted. 

You sighed. 

“He is yet to propose,” Lady Dabury remarked with mischief. “I know Lord Collins is respectable enough to want to court you properly.” 

“He wants to court me?” You questioned. 

Lady Danbury smirked. “Yes, though he is aware your hand is promised to him, he is someone who will pursue your love.” 

“My heart belongs to another,” you stated. “He will find it rather impossible to pursue my love.” 

Lady Danbury chuckled, “How impossible?” 

“Only one man has been able to conquer my heart, and his way of doing so was rather eerie and unusual.” 

Lady Danbury smiled. 

“I must ask, do you believe that if I ensure another proposal I might be able to rid myself of such entanglement?” You questioned. “After all, he’s not yet asked for my hand.” 

“Do you think you could ensure it?” 

“Probably already have,” you said. 

“And who may that be?” Lady Danbury asked, not because she did not know but because she wanted you to say it out loud. 

Before you could, a servant announced, “Lord Collins is here.” 

Your heart stopped, your bethrote. And suddenly the perfect morning you had had just hours ago had disappeared. You knew you could not stop the rain from falling but this particular sorrow was not the best way to receive the man who had your hand promised. You would not be able to smile and you would not be able to have any kind of courtesy. 

He walked in, though, the man was clean and proper. Handsome, with flowers. Red roses, freshly cut you could see. You saw one petal fall down as he approached you. How convenient, you thought, for you could find the petal on the floor more interesting. 

It felt cold, and you were unaware why. You’d fancied yourself in love with another man who was not offered your hand. 

“Lady y/n, good morning,” he said. “How radiant you are this morning.” 

You suppressed the urge to roll your eyes, you were never fond of compliments. You also had the urge to run away. You wouldn’t, though it was tempting. He was a respectable gentleman, and respected he should be, no matter the opinions you held of him.  You found him very dull. 

Lady Danbury nudged you lightly, seeing as you had only remained quiet with your eyes wide open and with a wide strained smile. 

“My apologies, I seem to be inattentive this morning,” you answered. “Good Morning, my Lord,” you said. “Thank you for your compliments, and flowers.” 

Lady Danbury watched you with dashing hopes. 

“I was hoping I could tempt you with a promenade on this fine day,” Lord Collins grinned. “I know how fond you are of walking.” 

“How lovely,” you said. 

How dreadful, you thought. You were, though, fond of walking. Gave peace to your mind, and it had helped you those months before, to try and suppress the memory of the eldest Bridgerton. It had most certainly failed you.  

Before you could even think of escaping, you found yourself promenading with Lord Collins, the sunlight was indeed lovely, and there was barely any sign of the storm from the night before. Lady Danbury was following shortly behind. 

Was there any sign of your compromised body? You wondered if they could tell, maybe it was noticeable.

You wondered if Lady Danbury noticed how jaded you were, as you faked to listen to the man talk, and talk, and talk. Whoever told men they were interesting to listen to was clearly deaf or another idiotic man, for who could ever find joy in listening to such banal and brainless individuals. However,  he did not cease his talking. He never listened to you, you’d barely said any words. 

It gave you time to go away to whatever world you could escape to, and you thought about how much Anthony did listen. He did converse with you, and he did listen, mostly, you knew, because he loved to pride himself on being brooding and pensive and quiet. You could say that it was because he was but a fool and not a single thought roamed his mind, but whatever his reasons were, you loved that he would listen, even if it was only to contend and fuss you. 

There was magic in Lord Collins, you had to accept that. The man was so interested in listening to his own thoughts that he did not realize you were not nearly even paying a gram of attention to him. You guessed that if you did end up wedded to this man, the positive outcome was you did not have to try and pretend to be interested, for he would not notice. 

Your mind was trying to find a way to reject him, knowing that Lord Collins was honorable enough to accept your rejection. But how would you reject him? 

Why had it been so easy to reject Anthony, the man you loved, but it came nowhere as easy to reject Lord Collins, a man who you had no sentiment for,  perchance just indifference. And would you even be able to? Your hand was promised, and though you believed Lord Collins to be a fine gentleman, you knew he could show his dark side, every man had one. 

Though you’d met him before, he had claimed to love you. Lord Collins had once said it to you. 

But you didn’t love him, you couldn’t possibly. How could you? After Anthony, no one would ever touch your soul and heart  like he had. Though he was a wrecked mess, he was the man who you decided to hold dear to your heart. 

Perhaps you could admit you were corrupted, and maybe Lord Collins would end the disgraceful engagement that was yet to come. 

Your glance diverted on the park, the trees and the flowers that had bloomed this season, lovely, or so bad Lord Collins pointed out. The other couples trying to court, and their respective chaperones. Vicious mamas in the haunt, some of them sending you the most unwelcoming glares. 

You were walking near the tents, you  saw the Featheringtons’, with their bright colored clothing, you wondered how they could be so deficient in their clothing taste. You did not know what had happened to them, a man was standing nearby and you knew barely anything about their story after Lord Featherington passed. Penelope was your favorite of the Featheringtons, you often believed her to not belong in such a pitiful family. You acquainted them from before, knowing that Prudcence and Philippa often showed their slight infatuation with Anthony. You never blamed them but thought of it rather foolishly.  Though at some point you did find it annoying, how dare them fancy the same man you did, though you were thankful that Anthony saw them as piteous as you did. You wondered if they had continued to try and impress them with their dubious talents, you had nothing against them, honestly, before you’d learned their infatuation you liked them just fine, however after learning they fancied him, you were not as courteous with your regards. 

It was no secret you were a jealous person, but Anthony was, too so it balanced. You always were thankful that Anthony despised dancing, as much as you did. You barely could deny any invitation to dance but at least he did not dance with anyone else. 

You kept your way, and then another tent was seen, the Bridgertons. Displaying the family in their splendour, as they were sitting , with Eloise quite unamused. You knew she’d rather be dead than to face any possible forms of courting. 

Your breath failed you, as the dress felt rather tense. You did not want to see the Bridgertons and you knew Eloise had most definitely already read Lady Whistledown’s Society Papers. She would know, and besides, the man was by your own side. 

Lord Collins, still absorbed in his own conversation, pranced beside you. You tried not to see the family, knowing that they’d end up feeling your stare and Anthony would see you. 

Did he know? 

But your glance could not be stopped, as you then glanced again, and it had been as if it was planned, for his sight was locked with yours. His eyes widened as he watched you. With terror. 

In all honesty, all you wanted to do was to drop and shove Lord Collins out of the way and run to the man who’d compromised you, body and soul, but who you loved nonetheless. 

But he was glaring at you. Or at Lord Collins, or at both. 

You saw him quickly rise to his feet, for he had been plopped on a stool. He didn’t do anything but to stare at you, as if with merely staring he’d be able to get the man away from you. His eyes tried to work as daggers, and they often did, his glance though most adoring to you, was now nothing but frightening. 

You knew Anthony well enough to know he was tormenting with jealousy, and if you knew him well enough, you could tell he was idiotic enough to believe that Lord Collin’s sentiments were reciprocated. 

Anthony was fuming, though you were not sure if it was jealousy, or if he believed to be fooled again. You wished it was only jealousy. 

He was about to walk your way, but you saw Benedict rise to stop him, he failed. 

Anthony was making his way to you even when his family had tried to call for him. He ignored them, he was good at doing that. 

Lord Collins wasn’t even aware of how you had lost your breath and how you had held some type of staring contest with the oldest Bridgerton, whose hands were in fists as he decided to go on a different route instead, Benedict on his heels. You watched him approach the Featheringtons, you saw eagerness in Lady Featherington as she ushered Philippa to join Anthony. 

You scowled, what in the world was the man doing? You believed him to be stupid, but stupid enough to make a Featherington join him in his promenade was rather a most idiotic decision. 

Your eyes were glued to him, unbeknownst to Lord Collins, as Philippa was rather ungraceful as she walked along Anthony. Benedict was also joined by the other sister, Prudence, who also seemed to be happy to be joined by a Bridgerton. You could listen to their absurd giggles from afar. 

Did Lord Bridgerton think the Featheringtons would bring you jealousy? If anything the animosity was for the thought alone that he would think it would bother you. 

But Anthony was walking fast, and poor Philippa could barely keep up with him, you chuckled to yourself, it was amusing to think the poor girl believed she was actually being courted and rather not used as a jealousy device. 

“Collins,” Anthony called as he was close enough, Philippa watched you. “Lady Y/N, how delightful to see you both here.” 

Benedict threw an apologetic stare at you, before yanking his brother’s arm. Prudence gushed after. 

“Lord Bridgerton,” Collins gave him an unfeigned smile, as he was finally restored from his conversation. “Such a fortunate coincidence, ladies, how beautiful you look this morning.” 

You wondered how big of a coincidence it was. 

“Anthony,” you quickly said but then cleared your throat, “My apologies, Lord Bridgerton, how delightful to encounter you,” you said. “Philippa, Prudence,” you smiled at them as they tried to not glare at you. “Lord Bridgerton,” you saw Benedict struggling to keep a calm facade. 

“Forgive me, I shall defer my raptures for another occasion,” Benedict said. “I’m afraid we are promenading with these ladies,,” he tried pulling Anthony back but the man did not move. 

“I am sure you can keep promenading just fine, Benedict,” Anthony warned. “It won’t hurt us to engage in some conversation.” 

“Who would’ve thought we would concur here?” Lady Danbury said from behind as she approached you. “Lords Bridgerton, ladies.” 

“Lady Danbury, may I say you look astonishing,” Anthony said and then directed his glance at you. 

Lady Danbury watched him with suspicion. “I’m flattered,” she said. “I’m pleased to see you gentlemen opportuning this lovely day to parade with these ladies.” 

Philippa grinned, as she kept watching Lord Bridgerton’s face, as if his face had some kind of magnet she had to be glued to. 

You thought of it pathetic, from Anthony of course, as you could see his obvious chagrin. You knew that he was not fond of them, because they were always trying to raise their… talents, if one must call it that way, to find a proper husband. They often failed. 

“It is a lovely day,” Anthony agreed. “Seems to be the proper weather after having to engage on such a turbulent night, the storm was unpleasant.” 

“Was it, my Lord?” You quickly enquired. “I would have believed you were very fond of the rain, and… turbulent storms.” 

Anthony glanced at you, he was disappointed but he knew you did not talk about the rain.  “You are mistaken,” he said severely. “I do not like to fret on the rain when I am not well aware if it will cease. I find uncertainty disturbing.” 

“I believe the rain to be rather bitter,” Philippa intruded. 

You did not even look at her, “I do not,” you said. “I believe we can find beauty in the rain for most dreary that it can be, especially when it offers such a sight.” 

Lord Collins grinned, “I agree with Miss Y/N, the rain is rather soothing.” 

Anthony scoffed, “Of course it is soothing, when you’re aware the sun will eventually dawn.” 

This was not about the rain. But neither the Featheringtons or Lord Collins was aware of that. 

“I believe the rain to be essential,” Lady Danbury interrupted. “We shall enjoy the beauty of it when it starts and when it dares to cease,” she spoke starkly. “However, Lord Bridgerton, I must praise you for the flowers you sent this morning, they were lovely, were they not, Miss Y/N?” 

Lord Collins blinked in surprise. “Flowers?” 

Philippa scowled at you. 

“Lovely, indeed, thank you, Lord Bridgerton for the most exquisite flowers,” you said. 

Anthony ignored your sight. 

“Flowers?” Lord Collins asked again. 

“Yes, I sent Miss Y/N some flowers to thank her for her company last night,” Anthony said with  arrogance, you blushed immediately knowing exactly for what company he was thanking you for. “She joined my family and I for a lovely dinner. Besides I find the lady to be deserving of the most magnificent flowers.” 

Benedict frowned watching between Anthony and you. 

Philippa cleared her throat, “I love flowers,” she commented. 

“How considerate,” Lord Collins said, you could tell he was not fond of Anthony. He was probably aware of Anthony’s proposal, or attempt to propose, and it was no secret that in your past season, Anthony would not leave your side. 

“Yes, her favorite,” Anthony continued, ignoring the lady beside him. 

“Roses?” Lord Collins questioned. 

“I like roses,” Philippa commented. 

“Gardenias,” Anthony snarked with a smirk. “She’s fond of gardenias, are you not, Miss?” 

“I find all flowers delightful, however I do have an attachment for gardenias,” you admitted. “Thank you, Lord Bridgerton for remembering.” 

He wanted to scoff, he cleared his throat instead. “My pleasure,” he said. “ I must admit the true reason for me to approach you,” Anthony slurred his words with poison. “I recently became acquainted with the news, so I am here to congratulate the two of you, I heard about your engagement.” 

He knew, then. 

Benedict squeezed his eyes shut, he seemed tired of his brother. 

You blinked with fake surprise, “Engagement? Oh, we are but promenading, I was not aware walking led to a betrothal. Shall I assume you and lovely Philippa are to be married as well?” You asked with a smug smirk, knowing he’d be bothered. 

He was, Anthony glared at you. He knew you were faking ignorance. 

Lord Collins huffed, “You flatter me, Bridgerton, thinking I am already to be married to this beautiful lady, however, I know better than to assume the Lady will marry me without a proper proposal.” 

“I think I’d be aware if I was to be married,” you hissed. 

“Absolutely, you would be aware, how could you not?” Anthony raised his eyebrow.

Benedict watched, “Seems that this is the first time the lady hears of the news.” 

“It happens to be the first time,” you lied. 

“How convenient,” Anthony said with gritted teeth.  “Well, I am not to engage in gossip, however-” 

“Lady Whistledown announced it,” Philippa commented 

“Yes,” Anthony confirmed. “The ton happened to be loud enough for your engagement to be announced on Lady Whistledown’s society papers.” 

“Well, if we were to believe everything she writes then I’d be worried if I were you,” You claimed watching Anthony. “She seems to not be fond of you, my Lord. Are you suggesting we shall believe everything she writes?” 

Anthony clenched his jaw. 

“The Lady’s right,” Lord Collins said. 

Anthony cackled, “Excellent news then,” Anthony said. “I offer my apologies to you, both.” 

Lord Collins watched him with disdain.

“Is your hand not promised, then?” Asked Prudence, finally making an appearance behind Benedict. 

Everyone turned to her, but Anthony directed the most special glare at her. No one dared to say a thing. 

“Fair question,” Anthony intruded. 

“And one that is too bold to be enquired,” Lady Danbury stepped in. “I advice you young Lady not to meddle in Miss Y/N’s business, and rather take care of your own matters.” 

“The Lady shall decide if she concedes me the honor to take her hand,” Lord Collins answered. 

Anthony chuckled, “I shall wish you good fortunes.” 

You took a deep breath. 

Benedict cleared his throat, “I believe we shall continue our stroll.” 

Anthony did not move. 

“Excellent idea,” You conceded. “We shall not waste the lovely weather, a promenade is most invigorating.”  

“Shall I suggest walking and talking, then?” Offered Anthony. “I think the activities are not exclusive.” 

You closed your eyes, you did not want to continue engaging in the conversation. 

“How amusing you’re suggesting that, Lord Bridgerton,” You poisoned. “Here I would have assumed you’d rather have some solitary time with ravishing Miss Featherington here,” you derided. 

Philippa grinned. 

He raised his eyebrows, he was trying to tell if you were jealous. You were not, if anything you were amused of the entanglement he’d dragged himself into with his attempt of bothering you.  

“Are you not finding this conversation pleasing?” Anthony questioned you. “I would have believed you to be more fond of conversing.” 

You chuckled, “I rather be taciturn and quiet.” 

“I find that hard to believe,” he smirked. “Shall we?” He started to walk. You directed a glare at his younger brother who only sighed. 

Lord Collins raised his brow, “The Lady is quiet, I do not know why you’d find that hard to believe.” 

Anthony laughed somberly,  “You seem to be puzzled, Collins,” Anthony remarked. “Miss y/l/n is never quiet, unless she is engaged in other kinds of activities.” 

He was being an arse. 

“Other activities?” Philippa questioned. 

“Lord Bridgerton is speculating,” You cleared up. “I assume he is suggesting I’m quiet when I play the pianoforte, or embroider.” 

“Absolutely,” Anthony grinned. “However, I’ve been acquainted with you my whole life and I must remark you’re a woman who finds interest in chatter.” 

He was mocking you. 

“Not when I find it impertinent,” you sassed. 

Lord Collins smiled, “A talented and accomplished woman.” 

Anthony raised his brow, watching him. He was hurt, but he then proceeded to watch you as if asking you if you were serious with this. 

 You tried to look away, you could not believe how big of an arse he was and you could not believe his stupidity. Had he suggested you were aware of the engagement? And would he do anything about it or just keep being an arse? If he rushed his proposal he might be able to free you, however you knew Anthony to be an idiot. And you knew the man to be su full of his pride, that he would possibly try to be the biggest idiot he could before making any reasonable statements. You were in the need to have a word with him. 

Lord Collins started talking again, Philippa listened this time. Eagerly. Seemed like the pair was rather absorbed in their own conversation for your own fortune. Behind, Benedict was trying to not die of awkwardness as Prudence and him were not even trying to engage in small talk. Not even about the weather. 

Anthony was only peeping at you every now and then, brows furrowed. You slowed your pace, letting Lord Collins be wrapped in his words enough to not notice you’d fallen behind with Anthony. 

“I suppose it is unworthy to try and explain I was oblivious to it,” you whispered. 

Anthony shrugged, “You must understand why said statement is hard to believe,” he growled.

“It is honest,” you said. 

“I’ve always known how fond you are of keeping secrets,” he barked. “Forgive my hesitation, but my doubts are not unwarranted.” 

You glared. “Your behavior is.” 

He grinned, “Fine, then I shall withdraw, I do not wish to vex your pleasant morning,” he said. 

“Anthony,” you bellowed. 

“I must excuse myself,” Anthony announced loudly for Lord Collins to turn around, it seemed Lord Collins only listened when it was another man speaking. “I need to disengage from this pleasant promenade.” 

You rolled your eyes. 

“Lord Collins, always a pleasure, I hope we can meet again soon, perchance at the ball this weekend, however I shall not retire without giving you fair advice over Lady Y/N, be careful, for her hand and heart always seem to belong to someone else,” he hissed. “Excuse me,” he then said softly and smiled at Lady Danbury cynically before storming off, leaving everyone in shock. 

Benedict closed his eyes with strain as he was left with the two Featheringtons now at his care. 

“I despise my brother,” he declared. 

You only clenched your jaw, you agreed, you despised him, too. 

next part

ext part (coming soon) feedback is appreciated!

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[womenofwonder]

I just saw the final battle of Adam Taurus and was a bit surprised to find that it wasn’t wildly regarded as a emotional, badass moment of both Blake and Yang killing their metaphorical and literal demon together. Instead, a lot of Adam Taurus fans were angry, especially at the fact that he portrayed as an abusive ex instead of well intentioned extremist. Which he was. Because he always was an abusive ex from the very beginning.

But before I get into that I want to give a few disclaimers: I don't really like bumblebee that much. I was kinda annoyed when I saw them build up to it, not because I really like Blake with Sun but because I just felt like the entire team RWBY worked better platonically. The final battle did make me like them a bit more together, but I still wouldn't call myself a bumblebee fan.

Also, I really like Adam as a character. But not the way most people seemed to like him. For me he was like Envy from Fullmetal Alchemist --a despicable but charismatic character that was really fun to hate. Also I don't think I need to point that his design was amazing. He was one of the character who made me feel physically ill just by how disturbing and realistic he was. He such a good example of how dangerous, toxic people will act: emotionally manipulating the people they 'love' by hitting their weak spots ("You're not going to back out like you're parents, are you?"), then turning around to play the victim ("I need you to support me"), and becoming violent when the victim finally tries to leave.

He was also dangerous. Him maiming Yang wasn't something I saw coming, and next to Pyrrha's and Penny's deaths it was probably the biggest shock of the fall of beacon. It also hit hard, because of how if effected both Yang and Blake: it caused Blake to leave and cut herself off from her friends because she knows Adam hurt Yang because of her, falling back into her bad coping mechanisms Yang had brought her out of. And it caused bold, fun-loving Yang to become too afraid to fight. This is incredibly disturbing because Yang is probably the one of the most fearless, cheerful characters in the entire show, and seeing her struggle with both anxiety and depression was heartbreaking.

Adam was as terrifying as he was sickening.

Now I know a lot of people feel like he become pretty pathetic at the battle of Haven. And he was pretty pathetic during that fight, but it was with good reason. He had suddenly lost the most important thing he had: control. Control of his army, control over Blake, control over the faunus in general. And like most abusers, he couldn't handle the lost of control and his fighting suffered for it. On the other hand, Blake was no longer afraid of him. She wasn't held back anymore.

After Haven he becomes obsessed with Blake, but not before first killing the rest of the white fang. Then he continues onwards to kill Blake. And I bet if he succeeded Illiea, Ghira, and Kali would be next. It had nothing to do with love or even jealously and everything to do with revenge. He wasn't able to handle the loss of control over others, so now he was just going to start killing them to prove that he still had power over them. After all, what's a greater power then power over life and death?

Adam is, and always was, an abusive person obsessed with power over others. He was never someone like Magneto or Killmonger. He didn't have noble intentions but violent means. That was Sienna. He just wanted control over others, because then it meant that he would never be the one controlled or abused.

I understand why so many fans wanted him to be more then this. He was portrayed as good-looking, badass, he had a dark past, and he fought for something noble. It would have been far too easy for him to just be another extremist with a good heart. But I actually like how they subverted that by having Adam just be straight-up evil. The fans fell into the same trap Blake originally did. They thought Adam was justice, or passion. But he's neither. He's spite.

Like a lot of victims of emotional abuse, Blake had to first stop caring about him (which she realized in Haven) and then had to learn to trust people again. That's why her "We protect each other" felt so powerful for me, someone who doesn't even like bumblebee. Because she finally trusted Yang, and accepted her help.

And this is important for Yang's character too, because she's afraid of being abandoned again. She still hasn't entirely forgiven Blake for leaving her. So to have Blake promise to protect her and let her protect after calming her down means she can begin to trust her again.

That's why I love this fight and don't think it did any of the characters badly. Adam died because Blake and Yang both completely broke free of his influence of them. He had no way of controlling either of them, and together they were both able to take him down.

[unmaskedagain]

Irredeemable my foot

Hi everyone, I decided to write a fic centered on Chloe; is a sugar fic. I always liked her character. And I would like to dedicate this fic to Sienna, aka @catsandfanfic. Happy 14th birthday. Her birthday is March 6th. In my time zone it’s March 6 so hopefully you’re not getting this too early. I hope your birthday is amazing, and I really hope you enjoy this fic; i heard you like Maribat. And @justdyingontheinside gives you a shout out on your special day.

Chloe knew how everyone expected it to go. The blond could admit… She was spoiled, selfish, petty, and insecure, with mommy issues galore.

           But she wasn’t a villain. Yet she could understand why people thought she’d go down like one.

           Nevertheless, for people to think she’d ever willingly work for Hawkmoth; a man who ruthlessly used his power to corrupt the hearts and minds of innocents (like her father, mother, Adrien, Sabrina, and everyone else in Paris) and use them to further his own agenda… was too much.

           The people who believed that was basically saying Chloe was irredeemable; that there was no way she could ever be anything more than what she was. Like she couldn’t grow. Like she couldn’t better herself; like everyone in the world had that ability except for her. She was fourteen-years-old.

           Only fifteen!

           Why was it so easy to write her off?

           Chloe Bourgeois was a bully, not a freaking serial killer.

She wasn’t a Supervillain.  However, Chloe could admit, that for one brief moment when she realized she was passed over yet again by Ladybug for the chance to help save the day, hurt and anger had filled her. That if Hawkmoth had sent a butterfly after her that maybe… MAYBE for a second, she’d take his offer.

At least, he thought she could be of some use.

It wasn’t fair, Chloe remembered stomping her foot as jealously filled her.  Why didn’t Ladybug pick her? She was so much better than all those other stupid heroes! So much better than that mangy Chat Noir even. Queen Bee would be a much better partner. If she could just prove it!

           And that suddenly it was like a lightbulb went off above her head, the kind you only see in cartoons. A smile spread over her face.

           The dark butterfly that was headed her way suddenly changed its course.

Yes, Chloe had thought, that’s what I’ll do. I’ll prove it. I’ll show them all. I’m a hero. And I’m going to save everyone!

She could be better.

She would be better.

           (And once she did, maybe Ladybug would think so too)

           Nevertheless, even if Ladybug never knew. Chloe would. She would know she did the right thing because it was the right thing to do; no other reason. That would be enough for her. Even if it meant she’d never be Queen Bee again.

           Chloe was going to prove she was a hero after all. With or without the mask or magical powers.

           The world thought she wasn’t redeemable. Well, she was going to show the world what a real redemption arc looked like.

           The first thing needed to do was plan. Hawkmoth was too strong. He needed to be brought down fast before he becomes unbeatable. Ladybug was perfect but she was still just a kid. She needed more help.

           Outside help. Chloe knew there were other superheroes out there. The Avengers. The flash and his team in central city. Superman and his superfam in Metropolis. The Teen Titans. The Justice League. But to beat Hawkmoth would take stealth. It took intelligence. And people used to dealing with total nutjobs in costumes. Heroes who could help finally crack the mystery of who Hawkmoth was.

           Paris needs the Batfamily.

           Which means Chloe was going to Gotham. But she wouldn’t go alone. She needed an Ally, or preferably Allies.

Chloe decided to figure out who was who on the best board of life.

           The first was easy Ladybug was the White King; a true, just, and kick-butt hero. Chloe made herself the Queen; because whether Ladybug knew it or not, Chloe had just become her strongest protector. (She only just manage to argue against making Chat Noir a pawn; instead named him a Knight.) Sabrina, though had some major insecurity, was a good friend of Chloe. She was smart enough not to fall for Lila’s fool’s gold.

           Sabrina had learned at the heel of her father when it came to detective work. She had mastered computers thanks to her mother who was a high-level computer programmer.  She knew self-defense since her parents shoved her into Karate when she was younger. The redheaded was organized to the point of being OCD. She was loyal to a fault.

           With a little confidence, Sabrina could be a real asset to Team Ladybug. And she would be. Chloe just needed to show that she trusted the redhead, believed in her.            

Chloe wished she could bring Adrien in but he was a civilian with the backbone of a twizzler. He was too forgiving and to sheltered from the real world. It had worked in her benefit before, otherwise, he’d have dropped her as a friend a long time ago. But things had changed. Chloe needed friends who would stand up against her not just threatened to not be her friend anymore. It wouldn’t do any good in the long run after all.

           Hawkmoth was the Black king; pure evil. The Peacock shrew was his Queen. And, Chloe decided, Lila was his bishop. The sausage haired was a manipulative, rancid, liar. And from what she had seen of Lila’s akumatization, the Italian girl was fully in control of her actions. Which meant Lila was working with Hawkmoth willingly.

           And since Lila was the only bad guy she could give a real name for, Chloe decided she would be the key to bringing down Hawkmoth.

           Thus Lila Rossi became public enemy number one.

           Lila was dangerous in a way hawkmoth couldn’t be. She lied and twisted minds with no powers whatsoever. She turned nearly all of Bustier’s class into untrustworthy minions. They should’ve been White; on the side of good. But they had proven to be disloyal and easily influenced. The class couldn’t be trusted.

           They had turned against the one person even Chloe had a hard time not deeming a Saint.

           Marinette Dupain-Cheng.

           Chloe strongly disliked the girl, mostly out of envy. The blond didn’t need therapy to know that she wanted what the bluenette had; a mom that adored her, a dad that actually tried to help and not just throw money at any situation, sheer talent, and pretty much the instant admiration of almost anyone she met.

           However, she was also strong and fierce. Marinette was a force of good hard to reckoned with. Chloe needed all the help she could get.

           Which meant recruiting Dupain-Cheng for the cause.

           That might prove harder than getting Batman to help out.

           When Chloe and Sabrina showed up at the bakery and politely asked to speak with Marinette, she was given a suspicious look by Marinette’s mother (Sabel or something, Chloe couldn’t remember). Still, she called her daughter downstairs.

           Marinette walked into with a bright happy smile that quickly faded when she saw Chloe.

“We need to talk, Marinette,” Chloe forced herself to say the other girl’s first name. “Its an emergency.” Sabrina nudged her. “Please.”

           It was obviously the shock of Chloe saying please that got Marinette to take them up to her bedroom.

           Marinette tried her best to smile, “So what’ s the emerg-” Chloe cut her off.

“We’re going to Gotham to recruit Batman and his fam,” Chloe told her. “To help Ladybug bring down HawkLoser. You coming or not.”

           The bluenette just blinked.

           Sabrina winced at her best friend’s lack of tact, “What Chloe is trying to say is… We could really use your help. Ladybug could use your help. Everyone likes you. You can convince Batman to come.”

“…Why?” Marinette asked after a moment of silence.

“Ladybug needs help!” Chloe told her. “Chat Noir throws tantrums all the time. Hawkmoth has the Peacock and Lila at his deposal. Ladybug hasn’t called in Rena or Caraprace in almost a year, so there has to be a reason for that. She needs help! She needs us!”

           The Asian girl nodded slowly, “I mean, why come to me? Why help Ladybug like this?”

           Chloe frowned, “Because you always do what’s right; the good, noble thing even if it’s utterly ridiculous for you to do so. I’m doing this, helping, Ladybug, because she needs help. I’m a hero, no matter what anyone says or thinks. And Heroes help.”

           The bluenette looked at the two girls. They had been a thorn in her side for years. But she always thought they could change. She believed they could. And coming to her, Chloe archenemy, was proof that they were changing. “What’s the plan?”

           The blond smiled. “Sabrina managed to outline the patrol routes for the batfamily.”

“They switch who does what route but there is a predictability to it,” Sabrina added. “The idea is to force a confrontation. I’ve gathered evidence to show them so they could understand the gravity.”

“My job is to get us,” Chloe said. “You have plenty of time to come up with one of Disney motivational speeches to get them on board. We leave for Gotham tomorrow.”

           It was after midnight. Three girls stood on top of an old condemned building in the heart of Gotham; dressed in black, shivering from the cold.

“By my calculations,” Sabrina said. She held a computer under her arm. “At least two of the bats should be by monitoring the area during this hour.”

“And we’re sure this is going to work?” Marinette asked.

           Chloe smirked, “Oh yeah.” She took a deep breath and screamed. “AHHHHHHHH!! Help!! Help! Someone please!!” She gave a fake sob and fell to the ground; causing Marinette to jump back in shock. She looked up at Marinette and Sabrina with a wide grin on her face, “How was that?”

“Become an actress,” Marinette told her. “Let me design the dress you wear when you accept the Oscar.”

           There were two loud thuds behind.

“What’s going on?” A tall hero they recognized as Nightwing asked.

“We heard screams,” Red Robin stated.

“Its go time,” Chloe told them as she got up.

           Sabrina nodded firmly as she opened up the laptop and started quickly.

           Marinette smiled at the heroes, “Hi. My name is Marinette. This is Sabrina and Chloe,” She motioned to her friends. “We’ve come from Paris to seek the aid of Batman to stop a supervillain that has been terrorizing our city.”

           Red Robin stepped forward, “A supervillain? In Paris?”

“We haven’t heard anything about it,” Nightwing said. “We know there are heroes there that takedown small-time villain, But nothing too damaging that we’ve seen.”

“Hawkmoth possesses people,” Chloe hissed. “Turns them into monsters. Turns kids into monsters. Literal Babies into monsters. A girl who can control the weather and could end the world.  Another who absorbed energy from people so she could travel back in time. Until the people she steals energy from will freeze and slowly disappear. A man with the power of the Egyptian gods and tried to revive the dead. A villain who could trap people in pictures. Another that can bring people the worst nightmares to life. How about one that caused most of the citizens of the city of Paris to drown. One man caused all that happened. Our city gets destroyed over and over again. People die over and over again. Hawkmoth is behind it all.”

           Sabrina turned her laptop to them, and show the video they clipped together. “This is a news real, videos sent from regular smartphones.” The video showed proof of the fights, the monsters, the deaths, the damages, the terror. “Check any new channel centered in Paris. It will show you. This. IS. Real.”

Marinette fought the urge not to tremble as she remembered every villain she fought. “Ladybug fixes the damage the akuma causes; including bringing people back to life. But the people who die still remember. Ladybug can’t do this alone anymore. Even the help of Chat Noir isn’t enough. If Hawkmoth gets what he wants, it could be the end of everything and everyone.” It hadn’t been for a long time, she thought bitterly. Chat Noir loved the glamor and excitement of being a hero but it was like he never really felt the burden of the weight of Paris on his shoulders like she did. To him, it was all game. Or some stupid action movie. And he was too busy trying to get the girl to realize that they might not be able to save the day.

The bluenette looked hard at the heroes, “We need help. I know it’s not your city. I know you don’ have to care. I know you have your own villains and problems.” Tears burned in her eyes. “But we wouldn’t be here if we had other options; if we could handle it by ourselves. So We’re asking anyway. Will you please help us?”

Two identical horrified looks were on the batkids’ faces. Dick and Tim looked at the three kids, thousands of miles away from home, in the middle of the most dangerous city in the world, at night, to beg for help against what sounded like an undeniable monster. The teen girls were scared, near hopeless, and willing to ask for help from Batman and his family, heroes most civilians were too scared to even cross paths with.

Their situation was dire. Direr than the risk of being three, alone, beautiful, teenage girls in Gotham.

The other bats had been listening and or watching the conversation and were equally horrified. But that quickly gave way to fury.

“Red Robin, I want the intel off Sabrina’s computer,” Batman growled. “Oracle, I want everything you can find on Hawkmoth. We’ll start preparing to leave for Paris”

“On it,” Barabra stated. “I also brought up info on the girls. They’re all clean. Sabrina’s dad a cop. Marinette’s an all-star student, who has quite a few famous friends. Chloe’s the daughter of the Style Queen and the Mayor of Paris.”

“I get to kill Hawkmoth, right, B-man?” Jason asked. “I mean, I’m watching a video where he turned a crying baby who literally just wanted a lollipop into Gigantitan and used him to terrorize people. That’s gotta be a free pass on the killing thing.”

           There was silence. No answer from Batman.

“Holy shit, are you considering it?” Jason asked stunned. “Kids really are your Achilles’ heel.”

           Nightwing nodded. Batman always had a soft spot for kids. But even Dick was considering beating Hawkmoth to death. “Batman has agreed to help.” He told the girls who visibly sighed in relief as weight had come off them.

“May I use your laptop?” Tim asked the redhead. Sabrina nodded quickly and handed it over.

           Nightwing observed the girls, “What else can you tell us about Hawkmoth?”

“No one knows his identity, obviously?” Chloe rolled her eyes. “His Allies include another villain named Mayura, identity unknown. And a civilian named Lila Rossi.”

Sabrina still couldn’t believe Lila stooped so low. “We have evidence that she has been willingly working with the known terrorist Hawkmoth and has allowed herself to be akumatized multiple times.” She pushed up her glasses. “She’s in our class. She has been lying and causing emotional distress to multiple students, increasing Akumas.” Lila had always caused the near break up of Ivan and Mylene, Nino and Alya, and for several friendships to nearly be destroyed. It was awful. “We think she will be the best way to finally snuffing out the villain. She has some connection to him we’re trying to figure out.”

“Suspects?” Damian asked in comms. “Stop being obtuse. We need to know who they suspect.”

“Robin, you shouldn’t be on the comms,” Batman reprimanded. “It’s your day off. Relax.”

           Tim nodded, “Any leads on Hawkmoth’s identity.”

“Just one,” Marinette admitted. “A man named Gabriel Agreste. But we ruled him out after he was akumartized.”

           Chloe snorted, “That’s stupid.” She said. “If Ladybug’s cure can heal the damage of an akuma, including what’s inflicting to her and that Alley Chat; there’s no logical reason, Hawkmoth can’t use his own powers on himself. To think otherwise, would be ridiculous. Utterly ridiculous.”

           Sabrina agreed, “Or he could’ve gotten Mayura to use it. I mean Ladybug and Chat Noir switched before. Why couldn’t they?”

           Red Robin nodded, “That’s a good point. We’ll investigate him further.” He told them. “How much are you involved?”

           The girls shared a look. Chloe stepped forward proudly, “I was the Hero, Queen Bee.”

“No!” Marinette said strongly. “She is the Hero Queen Bee; a loyal friend and ally of Ladybug.” She swallowed hard as she fought the nervousness. Tikki and her had talked about what would happen next. Chloe had proven herself as far as two were considered. The blond deserved a real chance to prove she what type of hero she could be.

           Marinette took a deep breath and reached into her bag and pulled out a necklace and a hair comb that Chloe recognized instantly. A series of emotions flashed over the blonde’s face; recognition, understanding, disbelief, envy, embarrassment, frustration, acceptance, and then finally a look of admiration.

“Here,” She handed the comb to Chloe and the necklace to Sabrina. The kawami’s floated out.

“My queen,” Pollen purred as she landed on Chloe’s shoulder. The blonde looked ready to cry.

           Trixx spun around Sabrina’s head, “Kit. I have new Kitt!”

           The batfamily was just confused.

           Marinette straightens up, “Chloe for your show of loyalty, for your dedication to justice, and for your willingness to help from shadows; I name you an official and permanent member of the miraculous team. Keep moving forward. Keeping bettering yourself. I believe in you. And I welcome Queen Bee back.”

“Wha…” Nightwing said only to be cut off by Chloe

           She yelled, “Pollen, Buzz On!" And before they’re eyes, she transformed into the hero Queen Bee. “Eat your heart out, boys,” Chloe smirked at the stunned heroes.

           Marinette giggled. She focused on Sabrina who now realized exactly what was about to happen. “Sabrina, when Chloe brought you, I didn’t know what to expect. It turned out you had spent months researching and gathering evidence. I didn’t there was proof Lila was working with Hawkmoth willingly, you did. You saw through the lies and deception to find the truth despite the danger it could bring you. Which why I give you the kwami of Illusion.”

           Sabrina shakily put on the necklace. Trixx patted her head, “Now say, Trisx let's pounce.” The redhead did as she was told as was instantly transformed into a fox themed hero. Unlike Alya, Sabrina’s look was grey and a startling silver. It was more like an actual combat uniform.

“Truth is neither right nor wrong,” Sabrina stated. “It's not good or evil. It's not light or dark. Truth just is. I am Renarde Gris.”

           Marinette smiled and then said, “Tikki, Spots on.” And was transformed into Ladybug. Her suit was different; darker and better armored. “I am Ladybug.” She told the bats. “And I thank you for help.”

           Nightwing opened and closed his mouth repeatedly.

           Red Robin just pinched his nose, “Did you just make a civilian into a superhero just like that?”

           Ladybug tilted her head innocently, “Why? Isn’t that how batman got you?”

           Jason snorted, “She ain’t lying.”

“You were trained before going into the field,” Batman corrected. “You all were. But let’s focus, Ladybug is a child!”

“You’re just a kid,” Nightwing said. “You’ll all just kids.”

           Sabrina crossed her arms, “Weren’t you the first Robin? And didn’t you start at like ten-years-old? At least we’re teenagers.”

“And we don’t dress like traffic lights!” Marinette and Chloe snapped together, to their surprise, and then high-fived with a laugh.

           Red Robin examined Ladybug in a new light, “You’ve been protective Paris for three years.”

“Alone?” Damian growled in their ears. “Father, you said I was too young. I am the same age as them. I demand to be treated befitting of my status.”

           Ladybug shrugged, “The current Robin has protected Gotham on his own many times. He’s even led Teen Titans on missions. He has proven as I have that age is meaningless in the pursuit of justice. “

           Nightwing shook his head, “You’re just kids. Robin is just a kid.”

“Tell me, what bothers you more?” She asked. “The line of children that followed in your footsteps. Or that current Robin is better than you ever were.”

“…I love her.” Damian said. “Father, I love her and I will marry her.” It went quiet. “Red Robin, tell her of my affections. Superboy wants Chloe’s number. Spiderman requests Sabrina’s. I still don’t understand, why, you thought a ‘kids’ game night’ was necessary, father?”

           Batman just sighed.

           Tim cleared his throat, “Robin would like to, uh, court you.” He said. “Superboy would like Queen Bee’s phone number.” He could wait to tell Conner that Jon had a crush. “Spiderman request Renarde Gris’.”

           The girls all blushed prettily.

“Then he can hero up and ask me himself,” Sabrina smirked in a way that made Chloe proud.

“Same,” Marinette said with a smile. Chloe nodded in agreement.

“…We’re on our way,” Damian said into the comms.

           The sigh that answered that statement clearly belonged to Bruce.

[masterhandss]

How would you describe the original Katarina’s personality?

Hmm, that's kinda hard to answer. I feel like I've read so much FL!Katarina fanfics that i'd be combining canon and fanon interpretations of her haha.

(I'll be calling Hamefura Katarina "Bakarina" and Fortune Lover Katarina "Catarina" so I don't have to write FL!Katarina lmao)

There's not really a lot we know about the Fortune Lover version of the characters except for the surface level stuff. People have come up with their own explanations and extensions to those incarnations of the cast based on what little we know, creating interpretations based on our own suspicions and understanding of the life they could have lived if Bakarina had never bumped her head.

Bakarina described herself as a spoiled, prideful and selfish wealthy lady. She is far too spoiled, to the point where her selfishness causes problems for others. She is catty and brat. She was raised like a princess during her childhood, which made her haughty, but is nonetheless well-mannered is aware of her station (probably not as perfect as Mary's, but is still prim and proper). Since she is so used to the spotlight being on herself, she bullied Keith who was a threat to her position and because of the influence of her dejected mother, Miri. She doesn't care about anybody who isn't on her radar (people like Alan and Mary, who even her own fiance is indifferent towards) but will visibly act hostile to people she does not like (people who either not of noble birth or those who don't deserve to be, like Maria and Sophia).

Being the haughty daughter of a duke, she has high regards towards the importance of ranks in high society, making her hate Maria the commoner. She would belittle and put her down at every opportunity she can get, in order to make sure that Maria does not forget her status as a commoner even as she continues to stay in the academy and interact with their peers. Her feelings of disgust and betrayal over being on equal grounds with a commoner in the academy, as well as being surpassed by her magically and academically, leads Catarina to bully and harass her to an extreme degree to destroy her self-esteem and eventually make her leave the academy entirely.

In Fortune Lover 2, she returns as a villain who is intent on making Maria pay for her downfall. It shows that she isn't remorseful, and still thinks that she had done nothing wrong. At this point, Catarina goes from a selfish and spoiled brat duchess to a vengeful (and kinda murderous) villainess.

That's kinda all that I got from skimming Volume 1 or the light novels at the moment; I'm sure there are still some insight on what Catarina was like in the other books, besides what we know of her relationships with the other volumes.

While Verge of Doom in mind, we see that Catarina's overconfidence in herself can become a positive as well. She is so sure of herself that she declared anyone by her side is excellent and worthy to a degree, which had helped Sienna feel comfortable being in the academy. Katarina always has her chin up high, even though she is intellectually and magically weak, because her upbringing has made her feel like she is naturally leagues above everyone due to her status.

Catarina is just your typical surface-level villainess character, who is prideful, selfish and mean to other people who isn't in her circle. That's pretty much it to be honest.

Anything beyond this is pretty much laced with analysis and interpretation. One of the reasons why I really like reading FL-verse fics is the different ways they interpret the personalities and motivations of the characters with the little amount of history that we know of. Some of it are pure interpretation, while some of them are good extensions to the stuff we already knew.

Since Catarina is implied to not being good at reading the room, it'd be no surprise to imagine that her growing love for Prince Geordo is the outcome of not being able to read beyond his princely facade, thinking that he genuinely is returning the feelings rather than just being polite since that is expected of him. She lives in this perfect world where everything is made for her, and anyone who threatens it or disturbs it is worthy of her malice.

Some interpretations of Catarina say that she never bothered to try academically because of her status, since she's a prince's fiancee and a duke's daughter, she already has everything so there's nothing she would gain from a good grade. She had probably used her time socializing and growing her circle of followers rather than reading and studying. Since Catarina and Bakarina share the same soul, some would say that maybe she is airheaded and socially dense as well which is why she can't tell that other people dislike her (and even if she did know, depending on who they are she'd be so full of herself that she wouldn't care). Some have said that her physical abuse towards Keith as a child is more than just arrogance about wanting to keep the spotlight on herself and rejecting the idea of having a brother, but a reaction towards feeling threatened and (initially) scared rather than pure jealousy and anger. Some have even made her an accidental seductress who is unknowingly using her charm, wealth and arrogance to gather people to her side. Miridiana from what we know is an insecure person growing up due to her face, so some people have said that Catarina's arrogance is encouraged by Miri, if it helps her be more confident in herself as a duchess, and that in her eyes Catarina had grown into a perfect noblewoman.

Whenever fic writers try to draw lines between Catarina and Bakarina makes me happy actually :DD I love the idea that two have some similar quirks in the same way Aachan and Sophia does. It's so fun when writers make Catarina dumb in the way Bakarina is, while still maintaining her air of arrogance and poise.

It really makes me wish we could have seen more of Catarina in Verge of Doom. Like, have more flashbacks to Catarina's original personality, or have more scenarios where she is forced to act like her villainous self in order to get through a situation. At this point even the main story has more instances of this qwq. I mean it's really good that VOD gives a more remorseful Katarina, and it is interesting to see Catarina and Bakarina react to situations in the exact opposite ways, but one can dream, ya know?

Catarina is as simple of a villainess as one can get, but it's nice to see people try to give more history, detail and nuance to that villainy. It's fun to see it in fanfics, but let's not forget that she's a simple character in canon.

There's still so much I could say, but it's been so long since i've read a hamefura fanfiction so my stock knowledge is dried out lmao. I'm not a writer, so I can only really describe what I remember from reading Fortune Lover-verse fics. I really like them, even if they can be out of character and too different from the source material at times.

If anyone wants to add with more details about Catarina, or their own interpretations of her character, that would be awesome! :DD

Thank you for the ask :DD

[crazy-loca-blog]

Hello hello! Are you ready for a change? Here we go with:

Not Yet Wed Questions

Note: Great Scott! This week, we are going back in time to MC’s intern year. Think of Ethan’s relationship with them at this point and answer the following questions accordingly. It is entirely up to you when in year 1 this takes place (pre/post Miami, pre/post CH 15, etc). Feel free to answer with dialogue or pictures or both :) Have fun!

No worries. All of this is off the record and HR will never know!

The setting for this answers is:

For Both

When I first saw them, I thought__________

What is your coworker's most used swear word?

Quick: What color are their eyes?

Three people at work your coworker hates?

What is your coworker’s strangest or most endearing quirk?

If they had a crush on anyone at work, who would that be?

(Bonus round! Feel free to skip.)

Never have I Ever:

come into work hungover

had a fistfight

been kicked out of a bar

gotten a tattoo

broken someone’s heart

been in love

For MC (Ethan is not there)

Where do you see him in five years (both professionally and in his personal life?)

What do you find the most impressive about him?

Last thing he texted you?

If he asked you out on a date, what would you say?

For Ethan (MC is not there)

Where do you see him in five years (both professionally and in his personal life?)

What specifically do you find attractive about her?

Last thing she texted you?

If she asked you out on a date, how would you respond?

Hey Bree!!!

Oh... my... God (read it in Janice's voice, of course)... this is brilliant!!

In my head, there was a time where they both were trying to figure out whether their feelings were real or if everything was just a consequence of spending so much time together (nope, it's canon that Casey has a lot of doubts about herself and her abilities to be a doctor, so given the fact that she lacks of confidence, there is no way in my head that Ethan was the only one having doubts about them and their feelings for each other). So this is before Miami, somewhere around chapter 8, but before chapter 9. The interview takes place at the diagnostics team office... and Bree herself is the one in charge of asking the questions this time!

Masterlist

Ethan: Please remind me why are we doing this instead of taking care of our patients...

Casey: Because you deserve to do things for fun... and our shifts ended an hour ago... now stop complaining, Bree is already here to ask us some questions...

~~*~~*~~

For Both:

Bree: When I first saw them, I thought __________

Casey: I didn't think anything... I was freaking out because the patient was dying! I was only fully aware that he was next to me when he held my hand because I was shaking. The whole situation is a little blurry in my head.

Ethan: I thought she was the only one in the room with the minimal knowledge to help me save that woman. I couldn't understand why she was just standing there instead of helping.

Bree: What is your coworker's most used swear word?

Both, in unison: fuck!

*Laughs*

Ethan: She also says "dammit" when things don't go the way she wants, but you know that she is really mad when she begins to swear in German. Or what she says is German.

Casey: An exchange student at medical school taught me a few things, so yes, it's German. He also says "Christ" and "Jesus" quite a lot. Weird for a non-religious guy, if you ask me...

Bree: Quick: What color are their eyes?

Casey: Blue

Ethan: Green

*They look in the eyes and smile to each other ... maybe longer than expected*

Bree: *thinking to herself* Why am I suddenly feeling like the third wheel here?

Bree: Three people at work your coworker hates?

Casey: Not fair! He hates everyone at work!

Ethan: I don't hate you

Casey: Now I do feel special

Ethan: You should

*Casey wide-opens her eyes and tries not to blush*

Ethan: *realizing what he just said* I... I mean... what I'm trying to say is that you're not as the other interns, so working with you is very enjoyable, even though you're still stubborn and a pain in my ass... don't let it go to your head...

Casey: Too late... I feel honored... but going back to the question, I don't think it's that hard... Dr. Cyrus, Dr. Thorne...

Ethan: *under his breath* ...assholes...

Casey: ...and even though you don't hate her as a person, you've made Dr. Emery's job a hell this year, so I'm not so sure if you actually like working with her...

Ethan: It's equally hard for me because you seem to like everyone and everyone seems to like you... but... even if you don't seem to hate them, I know at least three interns that you'd prefer not to work with: Dr. Emery, she left you dealing with your first patient by yourself and she only takes the cases that she finds interesting and challenging... Dr. Varma, she is a very good doctor, but I have no doubt that she'd throw you under the bus to win the competition... and the other one is your roommate...

Casey: Sienna? I mean... Dr. Trinh?

Ethan: No, no, the guy...

Casey: Dr. Greene?

Ethan: No, the other one...

Casey: Dr. Olsen?

Ethan: Him! I always forget his name... You both are like oil and water. The way you envision patient care is very different to his, so you don't feel comfortable working with him.

Casey: How do you know that?

Ethan: Simple observation... don't forget that I'm constantly evaluating you all.

Bree: What is your coworker’s strangest or most endearing quirk?

Casey: He pinches the bridge of his nose more times than I can count in a day.

Ethan: She unconsciously fidgets with her hands when she's nervous and she bites her lip when she's too concentrated thinking about something or when she knows she did something wrong.

Bree: If they had a crush on anyone at work, who would that be?

Ethan: Don't deny it, I've seen you with the paramedic... and the surgeon...

Casey: Your people watching abilities must be failing, Dr. Ramsey... I adore them, but they're just friends...

Ethan: I'm very convinced that they don't see you "as a friend"...

Casey: *blushing* Do you think so?

Ethan: I don't "think so", I know it

Casey: What about Dr. Emery? I might have seen things, too...

Ethan: I don't know what was I thinking when I told you we used to date...

~~*~~*~~

Never have I Ever:

Casey: Yay! Bring the drinks!

Ethan: Rookie, we're at a hospital.

Casey: Who said anything about alcohol? I was thinking about the coffee...

Ethan: *Pinching the bridge of his nose* Interns...

Bree: come into work hungover

*They both drink coffee*

Casey: How many times?

Ethan: Once, in my intern year... I learned my lesson the hard way... what about you?

Casey: Same...

Ethan: So, here is the deal... you don't tell my secret and I don't tell yours...

Casey: Deal!

Bree: had a fistfight

*They both drink coffee*

Ethan: *surprised* You?!

Casey: It wasn't a fistfight, but I might have punched a girl back in high school... she was bullying me... I tried talking to her, but apparently she didn't get the message... there is a part of me that regrets it, but there is also a part of me that tells me I did the right thing.

Ethan: Did she keep bullying you after that?

Casey: Nope

Ethan: Then you did the right thing, Rookie

Casey: *smiling* What about you?

Ethan: Same, actually... never been on a fight, but I punched an ass once

Casey: *laughing* Do you expect me to believe that?

Ethan: What?

Casey: None of what you said! There is no way that you punched a person just once...

Bree: been kicked out of a bar

*Casey drinks coffee*

Ethan: Again?

Casey: One of my friends fell asleep at the bar...

Ethan: No comments...

Bree: gotten a tattoo

*None of them drink coffee*

Casey: ...nope...

Ethan: ...not my type of thing...

Bree: broken someone’s heart

*None of them drink coffee*

Casey: Not that I know...

Ethan: I have no idea...

Casey: Come on... I'm sure you have... look at that face!

*Casey points at Ethan's face*

*Ethan drinks coffee*

Ethan: Maybe in my teen years...

Casey: I knew it!

Bree: been in love

*None of them drink coffee*

Casey: I thought I had, but I've been thinking a lot about it lately... and I'd say no.

Ethan: Intimate feelings are just neurochemical responses, I don't even think that "being in love" is a thing.

~~*~~*~~

For Casey (Ethan is not there)

Bree: For this part of the interview, I want you to know that your answers will remain confidential... everything will stay between us.

Casey: Okay...

Bree: Where do you see him in five years (both professionally and in his personal life?)

Casey: This is Ethan Ramsey we're talking about. He could do whatever he wants to and he'll succeed. He's driven and a perfectionist, so he'll always find a way to achieve his goals. I don't see him leaving Edenbrook, he would have left forever ago if he had wanted, so I guess he feels comfortable here. An admin? I don't think so, his passion is working with patients. But you never know.

Bree: What about his personal life?

Casey: I just want him to be happy. He has a tough exterior and I know he seems to be an ass at first, but he's one of the most caring people I've met. And even though I don't know what exactly happened, after you get to know him, you can tell he's gone through a lot, so he deserves the best in life.

Bree: What do you find the most impressive about him?

Casey: The most logical answer would be his mind. He is a brilliant doctor. But above all, he is an amazing human being. He has morals, he is noble and he'll always go the extra mile for the people he cares, in his very Ethan Ramsey's way that is. Most of the time, he is not conscious of what a good guy he is.

Bree: Last thing he texted you?

Casey: His address... we are treating a patient who asked us to keep things private, so there are some things about this case we can't discuss at the hospital.

Bree: If he asked you out on a date, what would you say?

Casey: He won't know these answers, right?

Bree: Nope.

Casey: Pinky promise?

Bree: Pinky promise

Casey: *blushing* Okay, so... thinking about this as a very hypothetical situation where he asks me out... because we know that's not going to happen because he is my boss and I'm an intern... not that you can't do it, but it just wouldn't be okay... I think I'd say yes. I mean... look at him! He is incredibly handsome and he could have any woman he wanted! Just add his mind to the mixture and you have the full package... yes, he is the type of person that I'd want to get to know better.

Bree: *smiling* Thank you, Dr. Valentine!

~~*~~*~~

For Ethan (Casey is not there)

Bree: Okay, Dr. Ramsey, for this part of the interview, I want you to know that your answers will remain confidential... everything will stay between us.

Ethan: This is scary...

Bree: Where do you see her in five years (both professionally and in his personal life?)

Ethan: She'll take over the world by storm. I know she is supposed to be at Edenbrook for three years, but if she wants to stay and I have to do it, I will fight every person on the board to retain her here, losing her as an attending would be an irreparable loss for this hospital. But she'll always shine, wherever she decides to go after her residency.

Bree: What about her personal life?

Ethan: I don't care about what my coworkers do outside the hospital, so I don't think it's correct for me to talk about it. But of course I want her to be happy, she is a good person, so she deserves the best... I really hope that she manages to find the balance between her personal life and her professional development... *shows some sadness in his eyes* ...being a doctor is not easy.

Bree: What specifically do you find attractive about her?

Ethan: *coughs* I don't know if it's appropriate to answer that, she is my intern after all.

Bree: She did answer...

Ethan: *visibly uncomfortable* Did she? Of course she did... she is brutally honest... and she is the best secret keeper I've ever known... she is also gentle, caring and an amazing doctor... and her eyes and her smile say a lot... *realizing that he's telling more than he's actually willing to say* next question?

Bree: Last thing she texted you?

Ethan: That she was coming late to the place we had agreed to meet because she had a last minute problem on her shift.

Bree: If she asked you out on a date, how would you respond?

Ethan: I assume she answered this one, too...

*Bree smiles and nods at him*

Ethan: *blushing and visibly uncomfortable* Okay, so... I'm going to give you two answers. As a doctor, I would have to decline her invitation. Not only we are colleagues, I'm also her boss. My mission as her boss is to push her to be the best doctor she can be, she has the potential for it, I can see it. Also, she is participating on a competition to earn a spot in my team. So any type of relationship outside the work between us not only is inappropriate, it's unfair for the rest of the interns. As a man... you promise me that this conversation stays between us?

Bree: Yes

Ethan: Then... as a man... not only she is a beautiful woman, she is also smart and caring... she is incredible, and I don't understand how in the world she's been single for so long. No one would dare to say "no" to her.

Bree: Thanks a lot for your time, Dr. Ramsey...

*Bree starts to leave the room, but she suddenly turns back*

Bree: Dr. Ramsey, can I give you one piece of advise?

Ethan: I don't think I need it, but go ahead, Ms. Bree...

Bree: You should ask her out...

[genevievemd]

11, 15, 16, 18, 19 from OC asks for Nat, Sienna and Clara! 💜 Who are like the power puff girls of Gen's life! 😎

Also can I add 3 for Tori and Clara? Cause 3 is the cutest question of them all. 🙈

I love that!!! G’s little gang of superhero buddies. 

Nat

11. They’ve won the lottery. Spend, or save? Both. She’d spend some and save the rest. 

15. What would they consider a waste of time– other than school or work? I don’t know if Natalie would really consider anything a waste of time. Maybe talking to or about her parents. Or dwelling on the past. 

16. If money wasn’t a limit, what would they wear? Nat would wear literally every designer she could get her hands on. 

18. Kissing: tongue or no tongue? Depends on where, when, and who with.

19. Do they study before tests? Practice before job interviews? No. If she knows it, she knows it. If she doesn’t then oh well. It’s one area she and Gen differ on. 

Sienna

11. They’ve won the lottery. Spend, or save? Both

15. What would they consider a waste of time– other than school or work? Fighting? Arguing? Sienna seems like the passive type and I mean that in a good way. She won’t actively seek a fight if she can avoid it

16. If money wasn’t a limit, what would they wear? Literally all the designer clothes that Harper has. I imagine Harper is like a wardrobe goddess and Sienna and G are envious af

18. Kissing: tongue or no tongue? Depends on the person.

19. Do they study before tests? Practice before job interviews? Yes and Yes.

Clara

3. Ask them to describe their love interest. She’d describe Henry as hard-working, honest, with a very sensitive soul. He’s extremely devoted to her and Ellie and is one of the greatest people she knows. 

11. They’ve won the lottery. Spend, or save? Both. 

15. What would they consider a waste of time– other than school or work? Much to Natalie’s dismay, spending hours on hair and make-up. Clara loves doing it, but refuses to spend more than like 20 minutes doing her face or hair. There are more important things to be doing. 

16. If money wasn’t a limit, what would they wear? She’d probably stick to what she wears, labels aren’t really a thing for her. Clara couldn't care less if something is from Chanel or Walmart. They’re just clothes and things. (But she will spend all her money on louboutins. Shoes are different than clothes.)

18. Kissing: tongue or no tongue? In public, no tongue, in private whatever the hell her and Henry want.

19. Do they study before tests? Practice before job interviews? Yes to studying. No to practicing job interviews. 

Tori

3. Ask them to describe their love interest. Owen is heroic to a fault. A noble idiot. He’s extremely good-natured and an excellent father. Also hot af

oc asks that reveal more than you think

[lady-griffin]

Fortune Lover – AU

The Rival Girl Characters are friends in the game.

While not best friends nor as close or genuine as Bakarina and her friends, they are all at the very least, well acquainted with one another.

And depending if the player is on the Bad Route for one of the guys’ routes, they can make a pop-over appearance, so to speak.

Game - Katarina & Mary

Katarina befriends Mary after Alan’s engagement to her is announced, because in her mind the fiancés of the two princes should absolutely be friends. She comes across Mary when she is being bullied by her sisters.

Katarina gets quite angry about this and comes to Mary’s defense or more accurately starts to insult the other Hunt sisters, even making them cry.

Now Katarina doesn’t really do this out of the kindness of her heart, but because she is a firm believer in people knowing their place on the social ladder.

Mary is now on the same rung as Katarina, while Mary’s sisters are most certainly below the two of them. Them insulting or berating Mary is absolutely not allowed, given how Mary (due to her engagement) is now of a higher social standing then the three of them. 

Mary quickly takes to Katarina, because she did just save Mary from her sisters.

And somewhat similar to Sienna (in the spin-off), some of Mary’s self-worth is based on what Katarina has said to her.

“If your going to be the fiancé of a prince, you better hold your head up high.”

“Keeping your head down means you’re always looking down at the people below your station, why waste your time caring what they think. They’re below you for a reason.”

Their friendship is not exactly the most genuine.

Katarina mainly likes Mary because she is of the same ranking as herself. Also, Mary has no interest in Geordo and because she wants to keep Alan away from Geordo because it always upsets him, Mary always knows where Geordo is – which is very useful to Katarina.

Katarina is also to dense to realize Mary is a better lady than her. 

For Mary, Katarina is not just her oldest friend, she’s really her only one. Other girls are jealous of Mary and don’t like her for being “perfect” and having superior lady-like qualities and being “The Noble Lady of all noble ladies.”

So, while Mary isn’t pleased with Katarina’s bullying, she takes a blind eye to it out of sense of loyalty to Katarina and maybe because she knows there’s a nicer side to Katarina.

Though Mary feels like she can’t be genuine with Katarina or express her doubts and insecurities to her.

Mary would never bring up all the non-stop work she’s been doing and how hard it’s been for her to become this “perfect lady” that everyone’s sees – out of fear that Katarina will mock her for trying so hard.

Alan doesn’t really like Katarina. But to be fair, that could mostly be because she’s Geordo’s fiancé. 

But he does think she’s a mean person and he brings that up to the Maria (player).

One way to get the bad ending or go down Alan’s bad route, is by mentioning one too many times that Mary is like Katarina. 

This sours Alan’s view of the player, as Mary is someone dear to him, even if he’s not in love with her. 

Mary never goes as far as Katarina and is nice enough or at least smart enough not to bully Maria directly, but on Alan’s bad route the bullying does increase for Maria.

It’s implied that Mary, through Katarina, tries to deal with Maria. And if the player brings that up to Alan, that will only push him into Mary’s arms.

Now if the player gets Alan’s good ending - the game states that because Mary is no longer Alan’s fiancé, she is therefore no longer friends with the mean and vile Katarina.

Which our Katarina finds quite insulting. I mean sure it’s great that she’s not exiled or killed in Alan’s route, but she doesn’t even get to keep her friend? What kind of injustice is that?

Also why is there so much badmouthing of Katarina at the end of Alan’s good route? Can’t the production team leave Katarina alone?

--

Our Katarina is a bit concerned when she realizes her Mary is the Mary Hunt form the game. She tries to reason with herself, that because she befriended Mary before Mary became Alan’s fiancée, she’ll be okay.

But Katarina is very concerned that if Alan ends up with Maria, she’ll lose her friendship with Mary.

Game - Katarina & Sophia

Katarina and Sophia aren’t really friends, but they are acquaintances when the get to Magic Academy; because Mary and Sophia become acquaintances as they’re both on the student council.

Side note: While Nicol’s route is never really stated – it’s seems pretty clear (to me), that to win over Nicol in the game, Maria must not only befriend, but genuinely become good and sincere friends with Sophia.

No Sophia, no Nicol.

On Nicol’s bad route, Sophia will start spending less and less time with her brother, because Maria (player) is taking up Nicol’s attention and time. 

Due to that, she starts spending more time with Katarina and Mary.

Depending on how far the player  is on Nicol’s bad route, Sophia may start using underhanded means (like Mary and Katarina) to keep her brother away from Maria.

Now if Maria becomes good friends with Sophia, Sophia will not really spend any time with Mary and more importantly Katarina. Therefore, she will not fall under Katarina’s bad influence.

--

While our Katarina never played Nicol’s route, if she had, she would be quite upset how all of Sophia’s bad actions are blamed on Katarina. She also would have been worried that Sophia’s more racy interests would be blamed on her.

Lucky for Katarina, she remains unaware of the so-called “dangers” that exist in Nicol’s route for her.  

Friendship Route

While Katarina was correct in thinking that Fortune Lover has a Friendship Route, she was wrong in assuming that Katarina Claes also got a good ending.

In the Friendship Route, Maria (player) has to befriend and save Mary and Sophia (alongside the guys). While, one might think that means Katarina can be saved as well, they would be very wrong!

Saving Mary and Sophia means saving them from Katarina’s evil and vile influence.

Katarina gets expelled from the Magic Academy and his forced to break off her engagement with Geordo and his demoted in her status as Duke’s daughter. But at least she doesn’t die in that route…

The production team really has it out for Katarina Claes.

[kob131]

RWBY: The White Fang and the De-Evolution of Movements

So...The White Fang. Often said to be one of the worst aspects of RWBY. Honestly it does have problems (that can basically be summed up as “You couldn’t handle dividing up screen time properly, why are you tackling a racism subplot?”) but also to be honest: It does carry a rather...poignant truth about movements in the modern era. Especially the racially focused ones in America.

Again, it’s not surprising to hear that the White Fang is an organization and subplot based around the racism against the fictional race called “Fanaus” in the show, discriminated against due to having animal attributes basically. And I do mean ‘basically’ because the full reason has to do with the Grimm, how they looked like animals but weren’t and were HUGE threats in early Remnant and how the Fanaus also had vague similarities to animals while not being animals too. Which was all rooted in a misguided attempt at survival mixed in with the usual primitive aspect of the human brain to naturally mistrust anything that isn’t like itself.

... Yeah it’s stupid but really: real life racism is even dumber and has even less of a reason to exist so I can’t even call it out.

So back to the White Fang, you'd normally think the plotline would be about a rebellion from the Fanaus to overthrow the evil racist humans right? 

Well, surprisingly (or unsurprisingly given RT’s track record of NOT shying away from Grey morality), it’s actually a lot more complicated than that. The White Fang WERE peaceful protestors trying to get equal rights from the humans before a leader named Sienna Khan pushed for more violent methods in order to ‘gain respect’ from the humans. And then in modern day RWBY, another prominent member named Adam Taurus would go on to push for full on terrorism and racial supremacy before the organization implodes from Adam’s own psychosis and his destructive actions. So yeah, the White Fang kind of just deteriorated over time due to a failure to live up to their own morals and kept trying to take the easy way out of their situation.

Which honestly...is pretty much what happened to movements in general, at least in America. And nowhere better can this be seen than in the big three racial movements: the Civil Rights Movement, the Black Panther movement and the BLM movement.

In fact, you can actually line up the three leaders of the White Fang to the three movements I mentioned and see how they reflect each other:

Ghira Belladonna and the CRM are both based around peaceful protest to gain their civil rights, they were met with violent opposition by their racist opponents and their change was slow but stable. There’s a very good reason why the CRM is pretty much seen as the pinnacle of social movements in America.

Sienna Khan and the Black panthers are both based around violent defense of their people in order to gain respect from their oppressors, who would be cowed into compliance by the threat of violence, willing to give them what they want quickly..at the cost of no real change being enacted due to the group’s failure to force change. Thus the change is quick...but ultimately doomed to failure. Again, good reason why the CRM worked and the other....didn’t.

Then we have Adam and the BLM movement, where the movement has become even more violent, losing any kind of restraint that the former iteration had due to it’s members becoming even more jaded and vengeful, losing the nobility of the last two versions...and becoming the most ineffective version, never really causing any sort of change, dividing the very people they claim to fight for and even creating more opponents to them. And ultimately they do nothing and will naturally implode from their ineptitude.

Speaking as someone whose fascinated and in awe of social movements, it’s shocking how closely the downfall of the White Fang mirrors the fall of modern movements. And yes, I do mean modern movements in general because remove the racial aspect of the White Fang and they can be applied to just about any modern American movement. 

So you’d think that this would inversely mean that the humans in RWBY get off scott free right? ... No. In fact, the show makes a point to portray the human side as worse. Unlike the noble Ghira, the well meaning Sienna and the scarred Adam, the representative of the human side here (Jacques Schnee for his abusive labor practices) has no sympathetic traits in the show whatsoever. No really, the character takes aspects of each character (Ghira being a father to a main character, Sienna inheriting her position and Adam’s abuse) and has a worse version of each (Jacques is the worst parent in the show, he stole his position through even more underhanded methods than Sienna and he’s caused more damage to the people in his life than Adam.)

Even the person chosen to represent the more nuanced and sympathetic side of humans (Weiss) isn’t excused for her behaviors and often has to work to make up for her racist attitudes in the beginning. Meanwhile, the more nuanced version of the fanaus, Blake, doesn’t have these issues. So it’s not like the show’s being racist: The Fanaus side is still ultimately more sympathetic.

I should note too that the man who represents the third iteration of the white Fang, Adam, became who he was due to being branded on his face by the company Jacques runs. And Adam’s actions end up making Weiss jaded and racist due to suffering from his actions, direct or indirect. It really emphasizes how easily this stuff can become a cycle of violence and hate as Weiss could have easily continued this cycle if she hadn’t met Blake and was forced to see the error of her ways. (Oh and remember Blake is the daughter of Ghira, the man who lied the original White Fang.)

I should finally note that Adam Taurus, the most violent leader of the White Fang, is still a victim himself. Like I said, he was branded at a young age and that shit screws up someone. Then when he joined the White Fang under Ghira, he first killed a man by accident defending Ghira from human attackers and was visibly shocked he did so. It was only when Sienna started encouraging people to praise him for his saving of Ghira (and implied using of Adam to push her agenda) that he lost that. The guy was a victim of everyone, just like a lot of people in the BLM movement. So these people aren’t the way they are without good reason.

All in all, while I severely doubt the CRWBY wrote these parallels intentionally: what they probably did was observe a pattern in human behavior and write it down. It’s just that this pattern ended up being very resonant with what happened after the show’s inception. So not everything about the White Fang was poorly done.

... Still, this plotline should have been it’s own spinoff.

[utterlyinevitable]

The Messy Route

Dom’s OH playthrough where we use Ethan to get the diagnostics job, are FWB with Bryce and trying to romance Raf. MC is Dr. Love Lao.

Messy Route Masterlist

Book 1, Ch. 10

NUMBA ONE (1) BÈBÉ

real talk: jackie and landry are really effing annoying. 

but there’s literal sunshine bryce to make everything better by looking like a snacc

and she realizes just how long it’s been since she’s gotten laid. it’s been three weeks too long. 

whaaaaaaaat we’re going to miami? with ethan? because we’re #1!!!!!!

his face is saying “love you’re insufferable” his heart is definitely giddy af

ohhhh and love overhearing harper’s shock makes her feel a little weary. like maybe she’s making an enemy now that she’s auroras biggest competition. two emery enemies are certainly not something she wants in her life. fuck. 

but we’re going to miamiiiiiii

sienna’s thirst for ramsey is justifiable. but love’s got her eyes on the prize. and that’s not pissing her new bestie off too much that he doesn’t want her on his team. 

love’s positive she saw ethan smirk at her joke as they were boarding the plane. it’s stupid o’clock but it’s not delusion just yet. 

oh honey you don’t even know

ethan calling her noble for not ordering anything in first class, and then just getting water in solidarity? yeah. we’re best friends. 

you are a pretty important person sir. but yeah. that’s kinda sad. 

AND THERE WAS ONLY ONE ROOM

WITH ONLY ONE BED

AND ITS A COUPLES SUITE

oh damn oh damn oh damn oh damn ramsey is certainly going to freak

“pointless”

wtf. why isn’t he as hesitant about this as she thinks they’re supposed to be. 

okay so the actual conference was a bit much in all the right ways! so so so excited to be here!!!

and then there’s dr. buzzkill telling love all the reasons she shouldn’t like being here 🙄

okay whatever -- love talks to declan and blah blah blah we get it lets get to the GOOD STUFF

(((the absolute joke of mc saying she ‘always comes prepared’ and ethan’s initial reaction of ‘lucky for me’ mm mm mmmmmm))) (((((i’m talking about how ethan prefers to go bareback if it wasn’t obvious))))

(ok and before we get to the balcony stuff.... this is the SECOND TIME ethan’s shirtless in front of his intern. willingly. of his own volition. let that sink in.

and love is just... looking and also unfazed. he’s just prancing around with his taut and divine body hoping deep deep deep down he’ll get a reaction out of her. and she’s just like, kay. not like it’s his penis. THATLL get her going.)

ok they look hot together. they gamble. they drink. they move up to their private balcony to bask in the afterglow of outsmarting declan. 

she’s got even more mad respect for how ethan’s brain works. putting pride aside to do what’s in the greater interest of his patient  ✊🏻

and now they’ve polished off a bottle of champagne and talking about all things relating to their careers and he’s building her up again like he’s done SO many times before. 

and love gets all tingly at the sincerity. a warmth shoots through her and she’s not sure if it’s how surreal this moment is with her hero or if it’s the alcohol coursing through her. probably a bit of both. 

and then... Ethan gets kinda deep. and love’s certain it’s the alcohol talking. He’s never been so transparent before. 

and she gets closer to him. rests a hand on his shoulder as he looks out at the atlantic. 

HOLY SHIT 

HE - 

WE - 

were there signs?? was the yelling and sarcasm his way of flirting???? 

love doesn’t know anything right now but the feel of his body against hers

and when he pulls away she tells him it doesn’t have to mean anything 

because for her it doesn’t. 

it’s a alcohol-fueled kiss of two people who are sharing a room. proximity is making him all the more desirable. 

and those eyes. those goddamn azure eyes are pulling her back in for more. 

they’re undressing one another right on that balcony under the moonlight and she doesn’t give a damn who sees.

and in the back of her mind maybe, just maybe she’s enjoying this. that she’s thought about doing such a thing a time or two. and here it is. actually happening. 

Ethan goes to talk - to explain how he doesn’t do this at all. it’s not him. and Love shuts him up right away. No talking. Talking could lead to distraction which could lead to this ending. and right now with her dress bunched in his hands and the top hanging by her waist she’s too far gone to stop this right now. 

on her way to the bedroom she drops her dress completely and sits on the edge of the bed ever so invitingly. waiting for him to hold her close for another time. a better time. 

and love is shocked to think she wants all of him. 

but then Ethan stops. everything. saying they can’t go farther. that he wants her. but they can’t. it’s unethical and complicated. 

and all Love can do is agree with him. 

The next morning it was like nothing happened.     

________________________________________

a/n: please let me know if you want to be tagged in this series or not. thank you for making it this far! 💕

Masterlist

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[calliecat93]

Top 5 Things I Liked About RWBY Volume 5

(Top 5 Dislikes)

As I said in the Dislikes post, this volume is probably the most hated so far. Which is a real shame. Yes, there are legit problems with it, but that doesn’t mean that there was nothing good at all. There was a lot of good in this volume and I don’t find it fair to just brush it into the same pile along with the bad stuff. So let’s talk about some of those good things with my Top 5 Things I Liked About RWBY Volume 5~!

#5. Weiss is Best Girl

Weiss was the best character in this volume, honestly. While she doesn’t get as much stuff as Blake or Yang, she still got enough screentime and things to do that I was happy. She got it better than Ruby, at least. He successfully escaped Atlas. She defeated an entire horde of Lancers. She’s perfected her Summon enough to use it in combat. She survived a plane crash. She wasn’t intimidated by the Branwen Tribe. She would have escaped if Yang hadn’t appeared, and even then that just meant she couldn’t use stealth. She called Raven obnoxious. While people complain bout her relying on her Summoning too much,  she did a fairly good job of holding her own against Vernal. And once Jaune restored her Aura? She went right back to thrashing with her Queen Lancer Summon.

Weiss is the queen. But even so, we see a lot of her maturity in this volume. In the first two episodes, she wants to help the people being attacked by Grimm, but can’t cause it’ll give her away But when they stumble upon it in CHapter 2? Screw doing nothing! Weiss is a Huntress, ad she proves that she’s dedicated to that task there and then. But the best scene, of course, si when she talks to Yang in Chapter 8. Yang is correct that Weiss doesn’t know what it’s like for people to just leave without a word, but she does understand not having support from loved ones. Even with her large family, it fractured and split apart, and she was truly alone. She gets Yang to understand that Blake had reasons for leaving and that she will come back, and when she does then the best that they can do si give her support.

Not only does this help Yang cool down enough to be willing to let Blake back into the group, but it shows how much that Weiss has grown. This isn’t “The innocent don’t run, Yang” Weiss from Volume 1. Team RWBY became her new family, and she cares about all three of them more than either her brother or father cared about her. She doesn’t want to see another family fracture and her left to endure the fallout. Weiss understands why Blake did what she did, and believes that she will come back. And she’s willing to support her, as well as Yang. It’ one of the volumes best moments and really shows how much that Weiss has grown. She was such a great part of this volume all the way through, and this proves it.

#4. The Menagerie Plotline

While the Blake Plotline in V4 was not a favorite of mine, this one? This was what redeemed Blake for me. She’s done with running and is ready to face the White Fang, and in turn Adam, head-on at Haven. But, of course, she can’t do it alone. Their best chance is to get the citizens of Menagerie to help… but they’re not so willing. Not only because they’ll be risking their lives, but because they’ll be helping the humans. Humans who either hurt them or did nothing to stop it in their eyes. Ilia’s interference where she points out exactly how horrible their mistreatment had been did not help. But still, Blake was going to try.

We see a lot of Blake’s growth here. As I said, she’s not running anymore, but that’s not all fo it. She talks to Sun about Adam and if V3 hasn’t been enough, it and V5 Chapter 2 make Adam’s spiteful nature very clear and only makes it even more clear why Blake left when she did. She knows that Ilia is heading towards the same fate, but there’s still hope, and she wants to save her friend even if Ilia doesn’t want it. Ilia isn’t a bad person. She has noble intentions and we see that she still feels guilt and uncertainty in what she’s doing. She doesn’t want to hurt the Belladonna’s. She has to justify Sienna’s assassination as necessary for the betterment of the Faunus. She tries to get Blake to leave while there’s still time. She had the chance to hurt her in the Blake Trailer, but in the end, she couldn’t do it. She outright says that she hates hurting people, but in her mind, it’s the only way to get results.

Ilia is what I think that certain fans thought that Adam was. While Adam truly only serves himself and was beyond the point of return, Ilia did genuinely want to make Faunus lives better. She could have passed as a human if she had really wanted to, but she didn’t. She wore her Faunus status on her sleeve and was genuine in trying to improve their lives sot hat no one else died in a Dust Mine like her parents did. But she felt like the only way was to use fear and violence because otherwise no one did anything but stand around and let it happen. But she knew that it was wrong and she was still hesitant. Which Blake knew. She knew that there was still a chance before Ilia became another Adam, and she was going to help her before it was too late.

Indeed, it all leads to their fight in Chapter 10. It’s a really good fight all things considered, even if Blake burned down her own house… I wonder if they ever got that put out before they left Menagerie… but indeed, Blake tackles down Ilia, points out to her how there’s always another choice, and asks the million-dollar question: would Ilia’s parents want her to live like this? Ilia can only tearfully snap back that he doesn’t know what to do before all fo her resolve breaks then and there. After that, Blake’s words and Ghira saving her life finally pushes Ilia to make her choice. he stops Corsic (I think) in his tracks and finally breaks down.

After all of this, what does Blake do She steps up before the entirety of Menagerie. She points out that all the current chaos? They did it. Not the humans. Them. The White Fang is making people afraid and setting a bad example for the Faunus while they do nothing to contradict it. Blake has no answers on how they can truly achieve equality, but she does know that they can be better. They can show humanity that they aren’t like the White Fang by going to Haven and standing up against them. By standing alongside humans. And the first person to stand up and say that they’ll fight with her? Ilia. The girl who previously called the Belladonna’s traitors for this notion is now taking another choice. And this gets everyone else, everyone who was previously afraid to do so, rise up and all claim that they will go as well.

Indeed, Blake and the Faunus arrive at Haven and stop the White Fang. Blake faces Adam with no hint of fear. She rightfully knocks him into the ground, but that’s just the icing on the case. No, when Adam tries all of his little manipulative tactics on her, it fails. He tries to talk her down. She doesn’t budge. He thinks that he’s just going to run again. She doesn’t. Hell, she outright tells him that she is there for Haven, not him. He doesn’t matter to her anymore. Unlike Adam, Blake has friends and allies all around her while everyone that Adam had has either been arrested or walked out on him. Blake has better things t deal with, and thus this time, it’s Adam who runs. With this act, he made the White Fang turn on him, and now he’s the one running away. All while Blake is reunited with her team, this time having no intention of leaving and ready to repair the damage.

...okay I didn’t mean to go full-on analysis there, but the short version is I loved this plotline. Ilia’s a really good character who is very sympathetic and who you want to see do the right thing. And she does! Blake here is freakin’ fantastic in every way, and I love how far she’s come. Sun was great. Kali and Ghira were great. Adam having everything fall apart around him and it being entirely his own fault was great. Him running away was very satisfying. Everything was great~! Maybe some of the execution could have been a little tighter, but I don’t care. I loved this plot and I love Blake Belladonna.

#3. Spring vs Fall

I’m gonna lie, they totally fooled me about the Spring Maiden. I truly believed that it really was Vernal. Mainly because we saw her using her powers at least twice. We didn’t see Raven do anything, so how could it be her? They played us all like a damn fiddle. She wore her mask to hide the magic eye effect. Vernal was a Spring-inspired name, so those of us who like to look up stuff would just think that it cemented things even more. Raven was a good enough actress and liar to sell that Vernal was the Maiden without hinting at all that it may be her. She not only fooled Cinder, but she fooled Qrow. They framed things just enough to make it look like Vernal, like in Chapter 4 with the lightning where you see Vernal lowering her arm and, of course, her shouting ‘Enough!’. Or Raven telling Vernal to not use her power on Weiss, just to keep it up and have a reason for why Vernal doesn’t go full-on Maiden and since she’s a Bandit who would have years of combat experience, none of us would question it. Plus there was the earlier backstory, further pointing it at Vernal.

They had a well-crafted charade going, and CRWBY executed it perfectly. But of course, Cinder finds out when she fails to get the power out of Vernal. But due to it, we get by far the best fight int he entire volume. Say what you want about the Battle of Haven, but this fight they executed perfectly. It’s the first Maiden vs Maiden brawl and has two very strong and capable fighters duking it out. It is a true visual spectacle. And unlike all of her previous fights, Cinder isn’t confident or smug. Raven can match her. In fact, Raven is stronger, more experienced, and much smarter than her. Once again, Cinder is made to feel powerless and brought down from her high just as Ruby did in Volume 3. And you can just feel the hate radiating off of CInder due to ti, especially when she tells Raven to shut up when she mocks her near the end.

But indeed, Cinder loses. She muddied up their plan just to get a shot at the Maiden powers and for Ruby to get some damage since she’s not allowed to kill her. Raven overpowered her. Outwitted her. And it ended with Cinder getting thrown over the ledge, frozen, and sent into the abyss below. Yeah, we know that she survives, but it as still quite the beatdown. One that she brought onto herself because of her thirst for power.

The fight was just great. The whole Spring Maiden plot was great. They did such a great job with o many little details to sell the ploy to us, and we bought it! It’s why I can’t call Volume 5 bad. We have stuff like this that just gets swept aside, and that’s wrong Good writing should never be brushed aside just because we don’t like every other plotline. This on they did very well, and they deserve praise for it. I really enjoyed the plot and of course, the Maiden brawl. Although the final fate of the actual Spring Maiden is… dark. That isn’t a bad thing, it perfectly aligns with Raven’s character.  Speaking of which...

#2. The Yang and Raven Storyline

I’m gonna be honest. I don’t like Raven. Not because of bad writing, Raven is very well-written. I just hate her as a person. V4 already gave me a bad impression, but this one… ho boy. She’s emotionally manipulative of Yang and pretty much dismissed her when it was clear that Yang had no intention of joining her. She made a jab about family only showing up when they want something, which we all remember V4. She had zero problems with setting it up so that her brother could get killed just because he knew about Spring. Even if it was just to have a diversion to get the Relic, she still put her brother and daughter in harm’s way just for her own needs. And let’s not forget how she destroyed Shion, which knowing that she’s the Spring Maiden make sit even worst, and had no remorse in how any people got killed by them or the Grimm.

Raven’s a bad person and an even worst mother. And she knows it. She knows that abandoning Tai and Yang was bad. She knows that she’s selfish and hypocritical. She knows that murdering a young girl for her power was horrible. But in her mind, she’s doing what is necessary to survive. She justifies her actions as being strong. After all, the strong survive. She justifies killing Spring as mercy because she wouldn’t last in the world and her powers made her a target. She has this persona of a strong, clever warrior and leader, but that’ what it is. A persona. In truth, it’s all excuses to cover up how she’s really a scared young woman. Why? Because she’s afraid of Salem and like with Leo, feels that there is no beating her, so why try?

You know who is strong though? Yang. This girl lost her arm and is still suffering for it. Yet she got back up and went after Ruby. She finally meets the mother who abandoned her and uses her to get to Ruby and Qrow, her real family. She’s understandably angry about Blake still, but she actually listens to Weiss and starts to work through those emotions. She doesn’t just go rampaging in at the enemy, she finds other ways around a problem as Tai taught her. She doesn’t even use her Semblance at all because she doesn’t need to. She’s thinking smart and not wasting energy or taking attacks that she doesn’t need to take. We really see how much she’s grown as a fighter and see her evolve as a person. Despite all that happened to her, she still went to Haven. He still fought by her friends’ sides. She still went down into the Vault, and faced her mother.

Watching Yang call out Raven on all of her bullshit was immensely satisfying. Earlier, Raven planted doubt about Oz and the world in Yang’s mind and told her to as questions. Now this in itself was actually a good thing since it meant that Yang was actually wondering about things and didn’t just follow orders. Oz has done dubious things and as V6 showed, he does lie and manipulate. Raven pointing that out was good… she just didn’t expect Yang to also question her. Raven painted the bird thing as being forced on them, but Qrow made it clear that wasn’t the case. Raven kept trying to convince Yang to join her, acting cold towards her when her gestures were rejected. She feels like she should be Yang’s mom still, despite abandoning them, never being there despite being able to freely go there and back whenever she wanted, and just acting pretty shitty to her when they do finally meet. She was justified in leaving Ozpin. She wasn’t justified in turning her back on her family.

What Raven had done wasn’t strength. It doesn’t matter how many times she faced death, it doesn’t excuse murdering Spring due to her warped view of the world. She uses people. She abandons people. She puts people in danger to get what she wants. Everything that she does is self-serving. Even if she regrets it, she still did it. She may have been remorseful about Vernal, but she still used her just to protect herself. She wants to avid Salem, but took the Maiden powers and tried to take the Relic. But most of all, in the end, Yang points out how Raven will be a target if she takes the Relic. So she can either do it and re-enter the conflict that she claims to want no part of, or she can let Yang do it and put the target on herself. Raven weakly tells her that she doesn’t have to, but otherwise? She tearfully says that she’s sorry… and teleports away. In the end, despite knowing that Yang is right about everything, Raven once again chooses her own self-interest. Her own survival. She lets Yang take the fall, and abandons her once more.

Yang knows it too, taking the Relic and then breaking down. She spent so long wanting to meet her mother. Even if Ruby was her primary concern, I do think that she legit wanted to finally find Raven and get to know her. To see if she was the woman that her father described to her. But that Raven was dead. Qrow told her about Raven’s twisted world view, and it was proven true. I believe that Raven doe slove Yang, but in the end, she’s too stuck in her ways and in her own cowardice. She ran, but Yang stayed She was trembling, but she stood firm against Raven and called out her skewed view of strength. She may be powerful, but she isn’t strong. Yang was scared, yet she still made it to where she was. She was standing there. She took the Relic, fully aware that there was no turning away when she did. This arc showed why Yang is such ana amazing character and while it ended poorly with her mother, she has a family who loves her. And while one person left again, another came back.

On that note…

#1. The Team RWBY Reunions

The last time that we saw Team RWBY on-screen together was in Volume 3, Chapter 12. In it Yang was dismembered, Blake was a broken mess, and only Ruby and Weiss were left standing. After Ruby and Weiss ran in Beacon, that was it. The only time any of the members are together in some form is when Ruby went to see Yang after waking up. Yang was broken and could only tell Ruby that Weiss and blake were gone, and she just wanted to be left alone. That chapter was in February of 2016. V5 began in October of 2017. We hadn’t seen Team RWBY together in over a year and a half, and the last time was them at their darkest hour.

Fortunately, that wait ended here.

In Volume 4, we watched the girls overcome their hardships and set off on their new paths. RUby to save Haven. Weiss to escape her father. Blake to take back the White Fang. Yang to find Ruby. And they succeeded. Ruby made it to Mistral, and int he end did save Haven. Weiss got away and while she was too late to reunite with Winter, she still made it out. Blake stopped the White Fang from destroying Haven and re-ignited the Faunus on a more peaceful path. Yang found Ruby and held her own despite her PTSD. They all succeeded in their separate goals, but we still wanted them back together. And fortunately, we got three beautiful reunion scenes.

We had the Freezerburn reunion, where Weiss is just so relieved to finally see the face of someone that she cares about. The second that the Bandits backed off and Weiss jut threw herself at Yang and is clearly tearful as she tells Yang how much she missed her… it both breaks and warms your heart. Then we get their reunion with Ruby. One where Ruby drops everything (literally) and immediately begins to break down as she tries to apologize to Yang for leaving her. She thought that Yang didn’t want her around, and considering Yang’s last onscreen words to her were “Just leave me alone”, can you blame her? Yang’s response this time? To hug her tight and tell her that she loves her. Finally responding back after their not so happy final talk in V3. If that wasn’t sweet enough, they immediately open their arms to invite Weiss in, considering her to be their sister just as much as they do each other. Weiss tearfully, but happily, run into their arms and you’re crying right along with her. They are just such beautiful scenes and very much worth the payoff.

But it’s still an incomplete set, so let’s fix that.

Blake had no idea that RWY would be at Haven and seeing them, of course, shocks her. Seeing Yang back up and actually okay shocked. She didn’t have a lot of time to take it in yet though, having to deal with Adam. But after that? She jumps into the fray to help Ruby and Weiss and while we, unfortunately, don’t get to see the fight, they’re as sharp and coordinated as ever. Then the fight is over. The White Fang is dealt with. Her family and Ilia have that part covered. Sun yanks Blake towards the others, wordlessly gesturing her to walk forward and go back to her team. Her friends. We see her take in a breath before facing the three girls that she left behind. She’s clearly not sure what to say or do, but when RUby says that why they’re there is one of life’s great mysteries is a long story, Blake says that she’s not going anywhere. Ruby and Weiss are ready to accept her back, but they turn to Yang for her response. Ruby said that them being together was all that mattered… and sure enough, Yang smiles, nods, and agrees. That was the moment that Blake knew that while there was plenty to answer for still, she wasn’t going to be rejected for it. Yan saw that Blake came back so even if her mom left her again, Blake wouldn’t. Weiss opens up for arm as the sisters did for her before. Blake happily kneels down to join in. All as All That Matters plays in the background.

At that point, V3 was on the verge of becoming two years old. Last time the girls were together, they were broken and torn apart. Now? They grew. They healed. They somehow found a way back to each other. They all lost so much and endured so much, but somehow, despite all of it, there they were. Together once again. That group hug is one of my favorite RWBY moments of all time and still makes me tearful now. It’s why I will never hate this volume. That scene where they hug and are just so happy and relieved to be together… how the Hell could I hate that? I can’t. Every reunion was beautifully done, especially the final one. It was a perfect payoff to the split plotlines and everyone’s arc, and it will always be what I treasure most about this volume.

V5 gets hated. A lot. But there is value in it. A lot of value. So no, I refuse to hate it. I don’t hate any volume and have yet to hate any volume. I hope that I was able to show some of the good parts of it. But with that done, five volumes down. One to go. Two more posts to do folks. We are in the home-stretch people. Let’s see if I can make it to home-base now.

[freedom-books-flowers-moon]

from @everblueavi 

watercolor asks

zinc white; how are you really feeling today? no one-word answers please! i’m feeling a bit overwhelmed, but i’m content on the whole. i miss the boy i’m seeing v much.

cadmium yellow; when you think of the word “happy” what’s the first thing that comes to mind? fields of flowers under cloudy skies with the people i care most about.

lemon; what’s your comfort food? mac and cheese / pasta in general

hansa yellow; what’s your guilty pleasure song? god’s plan by drake / everyday by logic and marshmello

yellow ochre; name an artist/band whom you just discovered & can’t get enough of! conan gray!!!

naples yellow; where do you feel most at home? with the people i care about ; at my lgbtq center ; barnes and noble

raw sienna; with whom do you feel most at home? my boy, marel, alex, zoe, carol <3

golden ochre; describe the relationship you have with your closest friend: marel ( @somehow-good-at-things ) makes me laugh like no one else. she gets my sense of humor, and she knows how i see the world and experience the world better than most people in my life. we have three brain cells and that’s beautiful. even though we’ve never met, we’re definitely platonic soulmates.

golden deep; what’s your favorite season? autumn!

cadmium orange; what do you like to do on your days off? sleep and write!!

orange lake; do you have anyone you can turn to when you’re sad? yes, i have a few people <3

titans; do you prefer slow mornings or relaxing evenings? relaxing evenings

shakhnazaryan red; are you currently binge-watching anything? nope, but i need to get caught up on will & grace

red ochre; are you more right-brained (creative) or left-brained (analytical)? 55 right / 45 left ; on the whole, more right brained.

burnt sienna; is there a painting that brings you peace when you look at it? not to be basic but starry night over the rhone by vincent van gogh. stars always make me feel at peace.

english red; what animal do you relate to most? cats!

vermilion; what’s your favorite accent? i honestly don’t have one.

cadmium red; do you have a “type” when it comes to a significant other? i think i did have a type, but i’m breaking out of that type.

scarlet; describe your current crush/es: tough, reserved, kind, understanding, protective, creative, intelligent, handsome as fuck

ruby; what does your ideal first date look like? coffee and going for a walk!! dessert of some kind!! movies!! i’m not picky, i just want to be with the person, ideally.

carmine; what does your ideal second date look like? a day/night in, i’m a homebody at my core.

madder lake red; would you ever kiss someone (or accept a kiss) on a first date? yes

rose; what’s something really positive going on in your life right now? as much as i’m lowkey dreading it, i graduate in 2 weeks!!

quinacridone rose; what’s something you’re really looking forward to? seeing my boy soon <3

violet rose; what does your dream house look like? one story, lots of plants, soft colors.

violet; is there any place in particular you’d like to settle down? i have no idea honestly, we’ll see where employment leads me.

blue lake; what would you like to do/accomplish before you settle down? i want to break out of my shell a bit more and have a better understanding of who i am at my core.

cobalt blue spectral; what is the most beautiful place you have ever been to? the international rose test garden in portland, or the aquarium at the california academy of sciences. also disneyland at night in december.

ultramarine; when was the last time you were in a good mood? do you know/remember what sparked it? calling my friends alex and brayden bc listening to them on a three way call talking was so funny to me.

blue; what’s the most recent dream you remember? it was really bizarre honestly...

bright blue; what does your dream family look like? any kids or pets? how many of each? me, a partner, no kids as of now, 2 cats

blue cobalt; do you like your name? would you give yourself a different name if you could? i love my name, actually

prussian azure; what’s your favorite scent? roses and lilacs

azure blue; what’s your favorite type of tea, if any? earl grey 

turquoise blue; if you could start a garden, what would you plant? roses, lilacs, pansies, geraniums, lavender, daisies

cerulean blue; if you were guaranteed to have a viewership, would you start a youtube vlog? no

glauconite; describe your body without using any negative adjectives: fluffy, soft, huggable

yellow green; picture yourself walking in a field. what do you see & hear in this scenario? i see clouds and a blue sky, and i hear the winds rustling the flowers and the leaves in the trees.

green light; are you in a comfortable place in life? if not, what do you think might make it better? i am now but i’m headed into a completely new life stage which is terrifying. i don’t know what will make it better except me accepting my situation as it is.

green; name three countries you want to visit; do you have any actual plans in place to visit any of them? england, ireland, scotland ; no

emerald green; do you speak any languages besides english? are there any additional languages you want to learn? nope and i know a little french.

oxide of chromium; what’s your favorite book? the realm of possibility by david levithan

olive green; are you currently reading anything? how do you like it so far? i’m about to start reading something, just not sure what yet.

mars brown; what’s a movie that always puts a smile on your face/makes you laugh? you’ve got mail!!!

burnt umber; what’s something you plan to do before the day is over to take care of yourself? wash my face, honestly.

umber; have you drank enough water today? nope whoops

voronezhskaya black; what or who is your go-to outlet for when you need to vent? marel / writing

sepia; name five things that always make you happy: marel, soft blankets, certain songs, sleep, and writing

indigo; what’s the best/sweetest compliment you have ever received? someone told me i reminded them of their best friend, and someone’s mom told me through my mom that i likely saved her daughter’s life.

payne’s gray; describe your aesthetic? currently: pastels, flowers, sleeping in, iced lattes, stolen kisses, laughing until you’re out of breath, watching the clouds, colorful outfits and an even more colorful spirit.