#thank god hero said ‘no thanks bro’ and her dads were kind enough to let her not continue with her training

[uncannydanny666]

as an eldest daughter myself, learning of the weight hero has had to carry on her shoulders and having no support system hit me really hard. sure it’s not quite the same (i didn’t have a chaos god i had to look forward to defeating) but that eldest daughter trauma is so real and so universal! i want to rip my throat out just thinking about what hero mustve felt all these years. my soul and heart hurt so much for her. i will fist fight sparrow and lark and rebecca myself!

[makeste]

BnHA Chapter 289: Looks Like the Gang’s All Here

Previously on BnHA: Horikoshi was all “you guys don’t really need to know what’s gonna happen to Deku and Shouto right now” and cut away to Toga and Ochako before anyone could get a word in. Skeptic utilized the power of Freak Shounen Coincidence to magically zero in on Ochako and Tsuyu amongst the fleeing crowd. Toga was all “IS THAT OCHAKO” and immediately leaped down to fight them, ignoring Spinner’s heartfelt speeches about Villain Found Family because fight now, hug later!! Down in the streets of some unidentified crumbling city, Ochako was approached by a sweet old lady and was all “I better help this sweet old lady who is definitely not leading me into a trap”, which unfortunately turned out to be poor decision-making on her part. Anyway so now she and Toga are going to throw down. AND ALSO, P.S., BEST JEANIST IS STILL ALIVE, and that doesn’t really have anything to do with anything right now, but BY GOLLY I JUST HAD TO SHOUT IT FROM THE ROOFTOPS.

Today on BnHA: Iida and Hadou are all “is it our turn yet”, and Horikoshi is all “yes”, and so the two of them finally burst onto the scene and are all “hello Shouto, Gigantomachia is on his way, btw do you need help” and so they all get ready to fight Tomura together. Meanwhile in Unnamed Ochako And Toga Fight Town, Toga is all “what’s up Ochako, oh is this the All Might doll Deku gave you, I guess you must like Deku as well, just like me, we truly are the same, btw I can use other people’s quirks now” before she vanishes in a flurry of knives and ambiguity, as mysteriously as she came. So that’s a thing that happened. The chapter ends with Gigantomachia and the League STOMPIN’ ONTO THE SCENE, JUST IN TIME FOR ENDEAVOR TO WAKE UP AND BE ALL “OHHHHH SHIT.” YOU’RE DAMN RIGHT, “OH SHIT.” Finally the pieces are in place for Dabi to reveal his true identity to Hadou and Iida, JUST LIKE WE ALL EXPECTED.

before I start, thank you so much to everyone who sent birthday messages on Wednesday!! I had a good day; my quarantine impulse purchase guitar that I ordered months ago but had been backordered finally arrived, and so now I can do something productive with my time as I continue to while away these months in isolation! not to say that capslocking over fictional characters and their shounen escapades doesn’t also count as being productive lmao. anyways, my fingers hurt so typing is kind of a bitch right now, but I’m having fun still. IF KAMINARI CAN DO IT THEN SO CAN I

anyway so let’s see what mishaps my various catastrophe-prone children are getting up to this week

okay there are several things happening in this panel which I want to comment on

IIDA!!!

HADOU!!!

“some time after” jesus fucking christ though, how long have Deku and the rest actually been fighting?? like it’s absolutely absurd to imagine that they’ve been managing to hold off Tomura for more than a few minutes, and yet everything we’ve seen these last couple of chapters suggests that this is indeed the case. which is just pure insanity tbh. excuse me sir, but I have an emotionally maturing son, a homewrecking grandpa, and a sleep-deprived one-legged platonic husband who are all in DIRE NEED of medical attention just FYI

lastly, I direct your attention to these two cool cats in the background who are both riding on hover surfboards. living it up like it’s Back to the Future. why are there two of them. do they both just happen to have the exact same quirk. what are the odds. ARE THEY TWINS. I want to know everything about them dammit

anyway so Hadou is asking Iida why he’s tagging along, because unlike the others, he can’t fly and is thus vulnerable to Tomura’s attacks and such

well Hadou I’ll have you know that it his DUTY AS THE CLASS PRESIDENT to tag along and THAT’S WHY

oh shit you guys IIDA SAID “FUCK THE LAW”

“plus Bakugou-kun, whom I am not particularly close to, but nonetheless hold nothing personal against!” well uh, kind of a weird distinction to make there bro, but okay. listen everyone, it’s a tense situation; if Iida feels the need to clarify the ins and outs of his interpersonal relationships with each of the people he’s rescuing then please just respect that okay

anyways though have I mentioned how much I fucking love Iida Tenya though you guys. feels like I haven’t mentioned that enough. I LOVE HIM. there

FINALLY

AFTER THREE WHOLE WEEKS WE FINALLY CUT BACK. OH MY GOD. DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW LONG OF A TIME THAT IS TO BE HOLDING YOUR BREATH. [EXHALES]

is it bad that my immediate reaction to this page was A LOT OF LAUGHING, though. fkldlksh this entire situation is SO ABJECTLY TERRIBLE that if I were Shouto I would almost be fighting the urge to look around for a hidden camera at this point. ASHTON KUTCHER WHAT ON EARTH ARE YOU DOING HERE. OH THANK GOD, IT WAS ALL JUST A PRANK

anyway so uh. heh. how screwed are we at this point, exactly. oh and also, whose speech bubbles are these. who the fuck would look at this situation and these bleeding children and say “HA!” what kind of monster. just ignore that paragraph right before this one please

OH SHIT, OH SHIT, OH SHIT

TOMURA I CANNOT BELIEVE I’M SAYING THIS, BUT PLEASE LISTEN TO AFO FOR ONCE AND JUST LEAVE

pretty please. we kind of have a situation here. not that I wouldn’t love to see what this icy flamey boi could do if push came to shove, but I also have had just about enough of watching children get maimed for today though

OH SHIT

THE TIMING OF THIS MAKES ABSOLUTELY NO SENSE AT ALL BUT I DO NOT CARE!! THE CAVALRY HAS ARRIVED THANK GOD

“WHAT UP GUYS, WE BROUGHT YOU SOME TERRIBLE NEWS” FKLSHLKHLK

WELL GEE IIDA THANKS SO FUCKING MUCH!!

lmaoooo a wild Lida has been spotted what the fuck is this translation though

I don’t know which is better, the “Lida” (DO YOU EVEN READ THE SERIES BRO), or the “CHRIST” gkfhkg. CLASSIC LIDA

OH SNAP HADOU

sobbing at Manual cradling the still-warm corpse of Gran Torino like a tiny baby khlk;h. BUT ANYWAYS HADOU SAW HER TEACHER ALL BLOODIED UP AND IS READY TO THROW DOWN, YESSSSS, THE MY LADIES ACADEMIA ARC CONTINUES

(ETA: listen you guys, there were many things at the end of this chapter that brought me joy, but perhaps none more than the inclusion of Hadou in the final two page spread looking all serious alongside the Todorokis, as if she has any fucking clue at all wtf is going on slfkhlkhgghsl. what I wouldn’t give to see her and Deku and Iida all making frantic bewildered eye contact at each other throughout the next chapter lmao.)

GOD FUCKING DAMMIT DEKU

ARE YOU PROPPING YOURSELF UP WITH YOUR ARM THAT’S IN SPLINTERS, I CAN’T EVEN BELIEVE YOU RIGHT NOW. SOMEONE PLEASE SLAP SOME SENSE INTO THIS CHILD. SIT YOUR ASS DOWN

LMAO TODO’S READY TO TAKE AFOMURA ON. THE SHARED HERO BRAINCELL HAS ALREADY EXPIRED. FUCK IT LET’S DO THIS

“true, I already watched him murder my dad, my boyfriend, my other boyfriend, my teacher, and dozens of other people, but gosh darn it, I just feel like the fifteenth time’s the charm you guys.” shit, I ain’t even mad. who’s up for yet another episode of Todoroki Shouto Attempts to Murder a Bitch

-- “TIME TO CUT AWAY!!” laughs Horikoshi as he gleefully dodges out of reach before I can punch him, that SON OF A --

goddammit. you’re just lucky that I’m invested in the girl power fight too

YESSSSS OCHAKO

DON’T BE SORRY FOR KICKING ASS! NEVER BE SORRY FOR KICKING ASS

damn, looks like she managed to touch Toga’s shirt but not Toga herself. both of them are so fast

now Toga is monologuing from the shadows

we’ve all been there, Toga. sometimes you see someone you really like and it’s just like, ahhhhhh gotta kill them am I right

lol I love Toga so much you guys, but I’m also kind of wincing in anticipation of whatever essays are gonna materialize out of the fandom this week explaining how hero society has failed her utterly and she is just a victim here. CAN YOU NOT SEE HOW SHE JUST WANTED FREEDOM TO BE HERSELF AND MURDER A BUNCH OF PEOPLE flhkklhl

OH SNAP SHE WENT AND TOLD HER THE THING!!

and it was fucking awesome and scary as shit, Ochako. like damn, still sends a chill up my spine just thinking about it

anyway so now Toga is continuing to explain that she can use the quirks of whoever she transforms into

and Ochako is kind of freaking out, which I don’t blame her for, since it’s probably really upsetting to hear that your stolen blood and quirk were used to murder a bunch of people. shit

so now she’s all “WTF WHY WOULD YOU EVEN TELL ME THAT”

??? was this somehow the wrong answer?

for fuck’s sake. Toga you literally came down here to ask her if she would be willing to kill you, and here she is telling you “I would never be happy about killing someone, that’s fucked up”, and you’re all “......”

like come on though, what else do you want her to say?? and why does Ochako look so shocked now

OOP

LMAO

THEIR FACES DKSLHFKG. TOGA NO THAT IS MEAN. and jesus christ Ochako it’s just a toy. I know it has Sentimental Value and shit but is this really the thing to be getting distracted about right now

FOR FUCK’S SAKE

JIN-KUN WHOM OCHAKO HAS NEVER FUCKING MET?? THAT JIN-KUN??!

OM NOM NOM

this entire confrontation makes absolutely zero sense to me you guys. just. Horikoshi was all, “this is the kind of stuff girls talk about when they’re battling to the death, right?” just, are you okay my dude

anyway so Toga has somehow deduced that Ochako got the doll from Deku, which means that she and Ochako are exactly alike in every way, and this is somehow an important plot point, and now they’re finally getting back to the fight lulz

OH SHIT

OCHAKO BOUT TO SLAP THE SHIT OUT TOGA WITH THIS BOOKCASE ON A STRING AND THIS LOUIS BAG OH FUCK

so now Toga’s all excited and she’s all “THERE’S SOMETHING I OUGHT TO TELL YOU, I’M NOT LEFT HANDED EITHER” oh snap

fuck, it almost feels like she’s trying to warn her. Ochako idk maybe you should run shit I do not like this ( ﾟдﾟ)

but of course she is not running, and she’s all “I’ll have you take responsibility for your actions”

HEY NOW

WHAT IS FUCKING HAPPENING, DID TOGA JUST FUCKING MURDER TSUYU, WHAT THE FUCK. I AM TERRIFIED, I DON’T WANT TO SCROLL DOWN, SHE THREW LIKE FOURTEEN KNIVES INTO THE DARKNESS, WHAT THE FUCK

OH

IT’S POSSIBLE THAT I MAY HAVE OVERREACTED

so did Toga just Swip a bunch of knives for no reason and then abscond, lol what. CAN ANYBODY PLEASE EXPLAIN TO ME WHAT THE PURPOSE OF THAT ENTIRE SCENE WAS. ASIDE FROM GETTING TO SEE OCHAKO TRY AND YEET A BOOKCASE AT SOMEONE

fuck, she was crying??

DID MY GIRL TOGA JUST KILL AN OLD WOMAN, NAKEDLY LURE OCHAKO INTO A BUILDING, ANTAGONIZE HER INTO SAYING “I’LL MAKE YOU TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR KILLING A BUNCH OF PEOPLE JUST BECAUSE YOU FELT LIKE IT”, STEAL HER DOLL, GIVE HER DOLL BACK, TELL HER “OH SO YOU LIKE DEKU TOO HUH? BTW I CAN USE OTHER PEOPLE’S QUIRKS”, AND THEN RUN AWAY CRYING??? BRUH

-- OH SHIT, OH FUCK

[SIRENS BLARING WILDLY] [AUDIENCE LEAPING OUT OF THEIR SEATS] [T-SHIRT CANNONS BOOMING IN THE AIR] [VIKING WAR HORN SOUNDS IN THE DISTANCE] FUUUUUUUUUCK

well never the fuck mind about Ochako and Toga and WHATEVER THE FUCK THAT ALL WAS SUPPOSED TO BE, I guess, BECAUSE!! MACHIA MADNESS HAS ARRIVED. SPEARS SHALL BE SHAKEN!!! SHIELDS SHALL BE SPLINTERED!!

AND LOOK WHO WOKE UP FROM HIS NUMBER ONE HERO BEAUTY NAP RIGHT ON CUE, TOO!!! ATTENTION ALL PASSENGERS... IIIIIIIIIIT’S TOUYA TIMEEEEEEEE

[ssatoritendou]

First Date

Pairing: kirishima/reader

eijirou kirishima 

Word count: 1.7k

+ summary: Your twin brother Tetsu sets you up with his hero bro Kirishima and you are both nervous for your first date 

Genre: Fluff 

Warning: none

"Are you nervous?" Tetsutetsu asked you. "Why would I be nervous? You said he was a nice guy, Tetsu and that he liked me. It's not like I didn't like him. I think he's cute but now you are scaring me." "I'm sorry for scaring you, sis. He kind of has a crush on you. Now how are my hero costume improvements coming?" "Good. The steel is the same material as your quirk. So when you use it and are fighting villains it’s like double the power." "Thanks, ____." He pulled you into a hug and a kiss on the head. "Now, don't be nervous. I know Kirishima he will be a gentleman tonight. I'll see you later." He left the support course lab. There was an explosion in the neighboring lab, meaning that it must have been one of Hatsume’s inventions. 

"Hatsume are you ok?" "Tetsutetsu there's no problem just showing this one from 1A one of my inventions that would work well with his quirk." "Hatsume how many times do I have to tell you to call me ____ because then people confuse me with my brother." "Anyways kid what did you think of the invention?" She completely ignored my comment and turned her attention to the kid on the ground. I leaned over the table and saw Kirishima on the ground. "It was cool but I don't think it's for me, Hatsume." He said he was being kind to her. "Is it just me or are there 2 of you and 2 of ____!" He shouted your name at the end shocked that you were here in the lab. You giggled a little bit. "I'll take him to Recovery Girl. Can't have you get detention again for injuring the students. Come on Kiri." You helped him on his feet only for him to stumble a little back onto you. "Sorry." He said turning as red as his hair "It's ok. Just save it for tonight." You smiled at him. "Huh? Oh right." He rubbed his head. He looked like he might explode. "I'm sorry if I'm making you nervous. It's just cute to see you all flustered. Anyhow here we are at Recovery Girl's office. I'll tell her why and you just lay down." "Thank you." "Anytime." You walked over to Recovery Girl's desk. "Hi Recovery Girl Eijirou Kirishima got injured in the support course lab it was my fault. I accidentally bumped into him and he fell and hit his head on the table." "Are you sure it wasn't Hatsume with another of her inventions because I heard that explosion?" "Uh, sorry I lied. I just don't want Hatsume to get in trouble." "It's ok dear. Let me fix your friend and I'll tell him that you brought him here. Now go back to class." She rushed you out of the office.

"Kendo, Momo what are you guys doing here? Did something happen?" "No ____," Momo said reassuringly. "Tetsutetsu sent us over to help you get ready." "I'll help with your makeup and Momo will help you with your outfit." "Um ok. I was thinking about something simple and comfortable. Kirishima said it was going to be casual." "Hm. I think I got something. It will go with your complexion." Momo said while creating the outfit with her quirk. It was a pink corduroy skirt-all with a white sweater for underneath. "You should wear your hair up." "Um ok.” You pulled your hair up into a high ponytail. Kendou then started doing your makeup. When she was done you put on your brown leather knee-high boots. "If Kirishima doesn't end up drooling over you then he must be an idiot," Kendo said. "And I would blame Kaminari and Sero," Momo added. "Thank you, guys." You walked downstairs to see Kirishima waiting for you. Tetsu was there too. You gave him a look. 'What the hell are you doing here?' 'I wanted to make sure you were taken care of.' 'You aren't dad!' "Um, what are you guys doing?" Kirishima said. "It's a twin thing," Tetsu said. "You hurt her I will seriously kill you Kirishima." "Tetsu I suggest you take Kendou and Momo back to their dorms. After all, it's the manly thing to do." He rolled his eyes and went upstairs to retrieve the two girls. "I'm sorry for him. He thinks because we live in the dorms he has to be the father figure." "That is the manly thing to do." He said with a laugh. He looked at you for a minute. "You look...you look very nice. Beautiful, I mean. Damn, why can't I speak?" "Kirishima you look handsome." You kissed his cheek. "So where are you taking me?" "I was thinking about the arcade. But if you don't want to." "No that sounds perfect. Let's go." He held your hand as you walked to the train to go to the nearby mall that had this huge arcade. "We can eat before playing some games or we can play games and then eat?" "How about whoever ends up with the least amount of tickets has to buy the food?" "That doesn't seem fair. I mean I'm the man I should-" "No Kirishima. Just because you are a man isn't a good enough reason come on it will be fun." You whined like a child. "Ok. Ok." The two of you played a lot of games but when Kirishima heard your stomach growl he knew it was time to stop. Both of you counted the tickets. You had sadly lost but you paid for the meal. "So Tetsutetsu tells me that you can control metal with your mind." "Yeah pretty boring I guess compared to the hero course students." "Are you kidding my quirk! Your quirk seems so awesome. I really didn't like my quirk or ever think I have what it takes to be a hero." "Kirishima that's ridiculous. I mean Tetsu’s quirk is similar to yours but I think you are superior and you have natural people skills. You care about others and put them before yourself. That's the making of a great pro." "How is my quirk superior to Tetsutetsu’s?" "Easy. I can't control you with my mind and you won the arm wrestling match during the sports festival. I mean the things I got away with as a child because he did them. The number of cookies he has stolen for me." "What made you decide to be in the support course?" "I always liked making things with my quirk. Tetsu did convince me to take the hero course exam I passed it but I wasn't really interested in it. I rather make the pros better at their job than being involved in combat. Sorry about Hatsume earlier." "Don't worry I think all first years are used to it by now. She a crazy person." "Yep everyone knows that." "You were willing to take the fall for her?" "I didn't want her to get into trouble again. I mean if you had the chance to help Bakugou not get into a fight with someone wouldn't you try?" "I see your point. Damn Bakugou can be such a hot head sometimes but it is useful when it comes to combat." "Uh-huh sure but that's not all it takes to be a hero. You have to deal with civilians and you have to be kind to them. Bakugou isn't really good at reading people's emotions. But I barely know the guy he can be different with his friends." You shrugged. "I mean he can't be all that bad if you risked yourself for him." "He has a softer side when it comes to his friends. He's my best friend." "I'm guessing you are his." "I would like to think so." He said with a smile. "I have to use the bathroom I'll be right back." You left the table and went to the bathroom.

When you were done you saw a little girl crying looking around. "Hey, are you ok?" "I can't find my mommy." She sniffled. "Can you help me?" "Yeah sure. Maybe my friend can help too." You went back to the table to see Kirishima with a big teddy bear. "Huh, I came back with a teddy bear and you came back with a child. I guess you win?" "Um, my little friend here can't find her mommy. I figured that a hero in-training would be able to help me find her." He blushed a little. "Ok! Now little girl what is your name?" "______." "It's very nice to meet you ______. I'm Kirishima and this is ____. Now, do you remember the last place you saw your mommy?" "By the bowling alley." "We should go there first." He picked up ______. "Would you mind holding the teddy bear?" "No." You picked up the teddy bear and followed Kirishima. When you approached the bowling alley. "Do you see your mommy anywhere?" You asked leaning over to the girl in Kirishima’s arms. ______ looked around the alley. "There." She pointed at the women screaming at the manager. "Um, excused me?" The woman whipped her head towards you and took ______ out of Kirishima's arms. "Oh thank god you are alright. ______ never wander away from me again. Thank you so much. I hope she wasn't a pain." "It wasn't a problem ma'am," Kirishima said. "Thank you again." She said before leaving. "Bye ____! Bye Kirishima!" ______ yelled. "She was cute," Kirishima said. "We should probably start going back to school. I'll carry the bear." "You don't have to. Thank you for the bear." "It's the least I could do you did pay for dinner." "It was my pleasure," You said with a smile. "You know how early you said you thought it was cute when I got flustered?" "Yeah." "You are cute when you are smiling." You blushed a little. "Thank you." He walked you to the dorm room doors. "This is my stop. I had really fun tonight Kiri can we do it again next Friday?" "Yes of course. You can call me Eijirou." "Ok. See you later Eijirou." You kissed his cheek and walked back inside. Only to be met by Tetsutetsu. "Coming home late?" "We helped a little girl find her mom. It was the manly thing to do." "When you say that you make me feel bad for scolding you." "That's my point. Go back to your dorm before Vlad gives you detention." "You sound like Mom." "You sound like her too." "Ahh! I was trying to sound like Dad!" he yelled in defeat.

[mrs-i-have-too-many-biases]

Lee Minho// How to win over the Ice Prince

Stray Kids Christmas Series

Scenario: Every year, a big Christmas party was hosted at the palace of the Lee Family. But this year, a special guest seemed to attracted the cold-hearted prince’s eye. Genre: Fluff/ slight angst Tropes: Strangers to lovers | Royal!AU Pairing: Prince!Lee Minho X Lady!Reader (Knight’s daughter) Word count: 10,3K Warning: This little guide will be divided in 10 steps and a fanfic story.

“Y/n, c’mon. We’re invited to that party! Besides, I thought you and prince Jisung were friends?” Your father sighed as he tried to hand over your ball gown. “He is, but we’re always attending these posh parties. They are getting old.” You whined. “And so am I, you should find yourself a nice young man and get settled.” “Dad, we’ve talked about this. I’m not looking for a relationship.” You sighed whilst looking at your father sadly.

It’s been almost five years, since your mother had passed away. It was on the twenty-third of December, which made Christmas time quite hard for you. She had caught a terrible illness that made her skin lose all of its pigment, her eyes would visibly be unfocused and her throat eventually got so swollen that it made her suffocate in her sleep. Your father and you were devastated, especially since your father’s work finally had worked out for the family and he had became a knight. He had saved a village from a rival kingdom. He had saved many lives and sadly your mother wasn’t there to enjoy the wealth that your father had earned.

You didn’t live a luxurious life before your father became a knight. You lived in a small hut in the middle of the woods. You were home-schooled by your mother who was a teacher before she had you. They gave you everything, since you were their only child and they cherished your dearly.

You felt bad for your father at times. He was lonely and getting older and you obviously weren’t always going to be there for him and be able to care for him. That would be one of the reasons why you weren’t with anyone and besides that, guys weren’t that attracted to you since you were very fierce and independent. Many guys you knew wanted a girl who played damsel in distress and you know that wasn’t you.

Your father had always taught you how to survive on your own, even when you are terrible low on supplies.

And now here you were, because your dad’s a hero, you had to attend these stupid, meaningless parties. The elite had nothing better to do with their live, other than spending their money on things, was something you’ve noticed through time as you had gone to multiple of these parties.

Hours later you had arrived at the palace of the Han family. When you met Jisung for the first time your dad had just saved the village and you were still very knew to the fact that you were living in the spotlight. Jisung was kind enough to welcome you into this new world. He showed you around the palace, he wanted a new friend and that’s what you became eventually. The Han family were the one’s who made your father a knight and he was happy to serve them since they were very good to you. They gave you a big piece of land with a great house where you two could live comfortably.

You were very thankful for him and you repaid him with your friendship. He told you that he was well quite lonely, yes, he did have a brother and his animals. But his brother was always off to do crown prince duties and his animals weren’t always having Jisung’s shit. Jisung found it a little challenging at the beginning of your friendship, but it quickly turned out to be a great one when the two of you got out of your shells.

Jisung also had this friend Minho, he was the crown prince of the Lee family’s kingdom. They were one of the most powerful kingdoms besides the Bang family’s and the Kim’s family. Minho was an only child, just like you and it kind of showed. He was antisocial, didn’t know how to share or how to interact to other people. Jisung didn’t know how he got Minho to open up to him, but he did. Minho was known as a coldheartedly prince who rejected almost everyone who tried to get close to him. His past girlfriends tried to loosen him up and melt his heart, but it didn’t seem to work. They told everyone that he was a problematic know-it-all, who didn’t seemed like he cared about anything.

You met Minho a couple of times and you gladly believed his past girlfriends. When you were introduced to him, you hoped that he would open up eventually like Jisung did, but when it came to Minho, he didn’t. He didn’t even bother to look you in the eye when you politely bowed to him. You saw him roll his eyes before passing you. “Trust me, he’s kinder that he seems.” Jisung tried to convince you at first, you wanted to see it for yourself, but Minho didn’t seem to be any different from how his ex-girlfriends made him look like.

Step one: Don’t let him walk over you

You were talking with Jisung when the guards had announced that the Lee family had arrived. Minho had his head held up high as he made his way through the room. Your father quickly went to your side as you were introduced as usual to the family. His parents nodded kindly after you bowed, Minho on the other hand just scoffed and rolled his eyes. “Don’t think that you’re special.” He muttered under his breath, but you heard him “I don’t care what you think of me, but my father is a hard-working man if you aren’t able to see that or acknowledge that, you must be blind or simply not very bright.” Your harsh tone and words horrified your father who quickly apologises to the Lee family. You in the mean time had walked off, leaving Jisung chuckling and Minho speechless, as well as his parents. You left an impression and he didn’t know what to do with it. He had seen you around, he had seen you talk and laugh with Jisung at parties, but that would be it. He wasn’t going to lie when he thought that you seemed like a gold digger, someone who wanted to live higher up. But you standing up for your father like that against a royal family without hesitation gave of a powerful vibe that you held.

Minho had his eyes on you for the rest of the night. You thought he did so he could plan his revenge on you for humiliating him in public, so you decided to avoid him at all costs and stay close to Jisung. Since they were friends too and he could protect you from Minho, who fortunately for you had a soft spot for the squirrel-like boy.

You were laughing and messing around with Jisung as you judged people’s outfits. “That woman looks like a walking bird.” You whispered to your friend as a woman with a feathered dress walked pass. “Shut up she’ll hear you!” Jisung laughed. “The swans are quaking.” You laughed. “More like quacking.” Jisung whispered, making you wheeze. “Jisung stop-“ “’Where the frick is that bitch who got my clothes- there she is what’s up ducker!’” Jisung and you were now laughing your asses off, receiving a weird look form the swan lady, making the two of you laugh even harder.

All of the sudden Minho was stood in front of the two of you. You sighed at the fact that your fun moment with Jisung was now ruined and you excused yourself from the two before walking off. “What’s up with her?” Minho asked his good friend as he gave him a drink. “Nothing much, why?” “Well, she doesn’t seem to really like me.” “That doesn’t really surprise me, you aren’t the nicest to her.” Jisung tried to explain. “What do you mean?” Minho says in confusion. “Oh my God you don’t even see it.” Jisung laughed feeling dumbfounded.

Minho laughed along, but still feeling confused. “What is it?” He asked Jisung. “You’re just a dick to her, she also doesn’t know why. We’ve known each other now for years. She thought that you would open up after a while.” “You know how I am with new people.” “I know, but c’mon Minho. Five years, you’ve known her for five years. Also, what makes you so interested in her all of the sudden?” Jisung smirked whilst wiggling his eyebrows.

“Nothing special, she just left an impression?” “What? Her putting you in your place did?” Jisung laughed, receiving a punch in his arm from his friend. “Shut up. I was planning on inviting her to our annual Christmas party.” Minho admitted. “Oh, I don’t think that would be the greatest idea.” Jisung said. “Why so.” “You really need to listen when she’s talking bro.” Jisung sighed before explaining to Minho that you had lost someone dear around Christmas time and that celebrating it was very difficult for you. “I could be good for them? I don’t know, you will be there.” “Why are you so interested in her? Are you starting to crush on her or something?” “What no, I don’t- my mom’s calling me. See you later.” Minho stuttered before walking off.

You were at home, a few days after the party, your father was decorating the Christmas tree whilst you were working in the garden to get some fresh vegetables for supper. You suddenly heard your father call for you and when you got back inside you heard someone ride away on a horse and your father was holding an envelope. It looked like an invite, but you didn’t recognise the wax stamp.

Your father did and opened the letter excitedly. ‘… you are invited to the annual Christmas ball at the palace of the royal Lee family.” You looked at your dad in shock. “Why would they invite us?” You ask your dad in shock and confusion. “I don’t know, especially since you insulted the young prince.” “He was the one who insulted you dad, you didn’t deserve to be disrespected like that. You’ve worked too hard for that. Which is why I’m not going.” “Don’t be crazy. You are supposed to come with me. It literally says our names.” He laughed, making you smile slightly. “It’s a Christmas party though dad.” You muttered. He sighed softly before walking closer to you.

He hugged you tightly as he spoke. “I know this time of the year is hard for you. It is for the both of us. But your mother loved Christmas and I think that she would want us to still celebrate it with her still living in our hearts.” “I get it dad, but it’s hard and I miss her. It will take me some time.” “I know sweety.” “But if you really want to go, then I will come with you.” You said, making your dad smile brightly. “Will you hold yourself back at the Christmas party for me?” “If Minho will act normal than maybe.” “We can work with that.”

In the meantime was Jisung at Minho’s place. He came over because he was bored and because he wanted to hang out, instead he was stuck with Minho and his little fashion show “I thought we were going for a ride.” “Sorry Sung, I have to fit my Christmas outfit. You know how my parents can be when they aren’t in control of every little thing, I do in my fucking life.” “Sir-“ “I’m not even sorry.” He said bluntly to the maid. “C’mon we usually ditch out for stuff like this.” Jisung groans as he laid back on Minho’s bed. “I know, I just feel different about all of this now.” “Why, because Y/n is coming?”

Minho didn’t respond to Jisung’s remark, making him gasp loudly. “Ladies can you come back later, I have to talk to Jisung.” Minho ordered sternly, making them bow politely before rushing out of the room. “It is about Y/n, isn’t it?” Jisung gasped once again. “Listen, I don’t know why I’m being like this, okay?” “Oh my God, you’re in love with her. This is so sad!” Jisung cried dramatically. “W-why- how- wait.” “This is a one-sided love-“ “Will you quit it already you doofus! I’m not in love with her!” Minho groans. “Then why are you making this such a big deal then?” “You’re the one who’s literally making a big deal out of this!” Minho scoffed. “Just tell me are you in love-“ “Let’s go for a ride!” Minho cut off his friend before grabbing him by the arm and dragging him outside.

The two went on a ride with their horses and went to the beach, which was covered in snow since it was the middle of winter. Minho had brought some food and drinks along with them as the two of them sat on a stump.

“Do you think she would like the party?” Minho asked his friend carefully. “You really are worried, aren’t you?” Jisung chuckled. “I honestly am. I don’t know why, after all I don’t know her that well. I mean you do, but she already hates me.” “You want her to not hate you?” Jisung questioned. “I mean, I guess it would be nice to know a girl who doesn’t talk shit about you.” Minho spat bitterly. “Just try to be nicer to her, she’s really great.” “If she’s so great then why won’t you date her?” Minho said in a mocking tone. “Are you jealous now? I would never steal your crush from you.” Jisung joked, before ending up in the snow because Minho pushed him off the stump.

“Just help me please.” Minho groans. “Alright, I will then. Just begin with being nice to her. Like at the party, begin from then on.” “I’ll try.”

Step two: talk back

It was a few weeks before the Christmas party, but there was a gathering where you father needed to be. There was a meeting about the security of the kingdom and about the new strategies they had come up with for the army.

That left Minho, Jisung and you alone in the living room of his place. The air was tense and the looks that exchanged between the three of you were awkward. You had a book in your hands whilst Minho and Jisung were chatting away. “Y/n, why don’t you join us, you’re so boring.” Minho teased. You looked up from your book and raised your eyebrow, unamused obviously. Whilst rolling your eyes you focussed your attention back on your book. “C’mon Y/n, don’t be such a stuck up.” Minho added with a smirk. “You literally have all year to be a jerk, why don’t you take today off?” “Pardon?” “What? Got a trouble with someone telling you the truth.” “Listen up vile woman, you know nothing. Why don’t you take your average looks outside and leave us alone.” “Look, your face might be good-looking, but we really should put a bag over your personality, because let me tell you something. It isn’t pretty.” You sneered, throwing the book on the side table and standing up.

“Did your mother teach you to speak with such a foul mouth.” You shot back around and stormed your way back to Minho. He had realised what he just said, he forgot that he couldn’t make such jokes with you and he knew he was going to pay for it. “Listen up you bastard. I don’t care who you are or who the fuck you think you are. You do not talk about my mother in any way. You have no right, understood? Never mention her again. So you better Shut your mouth or I’ll kick your teeth down your throat and I’ll shut it for you.” You threatened as you gripped Minho by the collar and pulled him up to your level as you stared deadly into his eyes. The guards saw the whole scene happen and finally realised that they should help the crown prince. “Lady Y/n, I think it’s time to go.” One of the guards say as he was about to escort you out. “I think so too.” You shot a glare at Jisung who kept quite the entire time, not even trying to defend you or whatever. You thought he was better than that, but you guessed you thought wrong. Minho was his best friend after all so you didn’t blame him.

Jisung sighed after you had left the room and groaned. Minho felt guilty already. “I thought you liked her?” Jisung whisper yelled as Minho ran his hand through his hair. “I-I don’t know why I am like this.” “You really need some help man.” Jisung sighed. “That’s why you need to help me.” “She literally hates me right now. I should’ve stood up for her, but I was too shocked by your dumb action. This won’t make her like you, you know?” “I am well aware of that, thank you very much.” Minho sighed as he dropped himself back on the sofa.

“The reason why she snapped this badly at you and why she doesn’t like Christmas anymore, is because her mother passed away on the twenty-third of December, this year it would be five years ago.” Minho hid his face in his hands and groaned at how stupid he had been. He felt like absolute shit and he wanted nothing more than to step into a hole and be buried into the ground. “You didn’t know-“ “I should’ve! You did! I need to stop joking around like this.” He sighed.

Minho started to grow a soft spot for you, something he hadn’t done in a long time. Not because he pitied you, but because you were so strong and stood up for the people who you loved when they couldn’t do it for themselves. He could admire that and he wanted to make it up to you. He also doesn’t know how deep he was when it came to falling for you, but he felt like he was already in deep.

After that mortifying day, he couldn’t stop thinking about you. He had people gathering information, in a non-creepy way, about the things that you liked and what your hobbies were. He would try to inform himself about the hobbies and make sure that your favourite things were at the party. He wanted nothing more than to make it up to you. He felt like he wanted to begin a relationship with you. He didn’t care if you would end up being just his friend, you were different and he liked that. You stood up for what you believed and he could respect that. He just felt like an idiot for realising that too late.

Step three: Show him your worth

Days had gone by rather quickly and you hadn’t bothered to speak to Jisung. You really were upset with him. It was the day of the Christmas party and your father had convinced you once again to join him to the party. “Are you really going to leave your old man alone at a party, with way too many people?” You hated it when he played this card with you, he knew that you cared way too much for him. You always wanted to make sure that he was alright, so you went with him.

You wore a beautiful ball gown that your father had bought for you with the money he had saved up in a month of hard working. He did some extra jobs to get extra money to buy you a brand-new dress in such a short time. You didn’t wanted him to spend this much money on you and insisted on paying at least half of the gown.

The colour of your dress matched the Christmas spirit, the rich Bordeaux colour popped lovely on your skin tone and the glitter that was processed into the dress was glistering beautifully in the lights that the chandeliers provided. You had never been at the palace of the Lee family. You were quite nervous and you wished Jisung was here to guide you through it. Even though some time had passed, you just wanted Jisung to make the first step to apologise.

You head your head high that night. You looked absolutely stunning and you knew it. And so did the guests at the party. When you walked were announced with your dad on your side, looking almost as handsome as he did on his wedding day with your mother, you walked down with a pokerfaced. You felt proud when the guard listed off the great things your father had accomplished whilst rescuing the village and the rest of his servings to the royal family. Not bothering to look at Jisung or Minho when bowed for his parents. His eyes wouldn’t leave your figure as you walked by with glory. His heart was beating fast and his mind was blurry, he felt like the only thing he could see and think about was you.

He looked at Jisung, he could read off Minho’s face the panic and nervousness. Jisung felt nervous as well, you were a great friend of his and he didn’t wanted this to end, because Minho had fucked up. He sighed and tried to calm himself down, the party literally just begun and he hadn’t even spoken to you yet. The music had started and your father had left you for a second to catch up with some people. You were in the mean time looking around at the people as they were dancing, chatting and having a good time.

Jisung was gathering his courage to talk to you, he knew you wouldn’t hesitate to cut him off and pretend you had never known him. You didn’t care who he was or what kind of a status he had and you proved that with dissing Minho in public. You could’ve gotten thrown into jail and it surprised you that you weren’t yet.

Jisung had found his way through the crowd to you. You sipped on your drink as you ignored him when he said hi. After a while he noticed that his plan wasn’t working so he just dragged you outside. “You look pretty.” He complimented. “I know.” You responded. Jisung started to rant about how much of a bad friend he was for not standing up for you as you just stared and listened to him. It was a little vile to let him feel bad when you were pretty much over this whole thing already.

You told him that it was fine and gave the poor distressed boy a hug. He was relieved that you forgave him, but he questioned how you felt about Minho after all. “Well, he fucked up. He could’ve had me around, his loss not mine.” You shrugged before going back inside, because well it was freezing.

At the rest of that moment Minho started to try and get your attention, by sending you drinks that his guard would deliver. He would try and get people to talk to you who would then try to bring you to himself. You wouldn’t fall for it, making Minho groan a little in frustration as he sat on his throne beside his parents. “Minho, why aren’t you looking for a partner at this lovely party. You’re twenty and you still single. You know you will be taking over the crown soon.” His mother states, making Minho roll his eyes as he was still focussed on you. He didn’t notice his mother standing up and walking up to greet some people. His dad tried to have the same conversation with his son, but Minho decided to stand up and make his way to Jisung. “They’re starting again huh?” Jisung chuckles as he offered Minho a drink. Minho hummed in responds whilst taking the drink gladly. “So, how is Y/n doing?” Minho asked carefully. “Well, she’s doing great. She forgave me.” Jisung said. “She didn’t forgave me, did she?” “Nope.”

Minho got it though. He looked at you once again and saw how beautiful you looked. You were laughing and talking to different people and it made him a little envious of them. He just wished that he hadn’t been such a dick to you, things could’ve been different. Maybe you would’ve liked him and the two of you would be together.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the king and queen would like to announce something.” The announcer called through the room as the music stopped abruptly. Minho looked at his parents in confusion, which quickly turned into shock when they announced that they had found a possible bride for him. He didn’t sign up for this. “…we think that miss Gwynn Hayden would be the best candidate for this. Therefore, we invite her to live with us to get to know our son better and begin a relationship that will unite our kingdoms together in the end.” Minho almost spit out his drink and handed his glass to Jisung who looked at his friend in shock. Minho made his way to his parents, when he tried to talk his father stopped him from doing so.

“Don’t stop this Minho, there’s nothing you can do.” He said to his son. “Yes I can. This is about my life.” “This is about our kingdom, stop being selfish.” Minho felt distressed and like he couldn’t breathe. He looked at the people who were staring at him, you made eye contact with him and you saw the overwhelming of emotions washing over him and you felt bad. As Minho looked you into the eye, he had an idea. He stepped in front of his mother and started to speak, even though he was told to  be quite by both of his parents. “I will go through with the idea of princess Hayden staying and living with us, but I want lady Y/n to be there as well.” Minho said, shocking the whole room. This time making you almost spit out your drink.

“Excuse me, what for?” “I heard that miss Y/n has great life teachings and I would love to learn more about them.” You knew what he was doing and so was Minho of course.

‘Little shit.’ You thought to yourself before walking outside. Fresh air was something you needed right now to clear your mind.

Step 4: talk to him

You had been living in the Lee family’s palace for a day now and you tried your hardest to avoid Minho. “Please just let me talk to you.” Minho almost begged as he followed you around. You kept silent as you made your way to the garden where you just wanted to enjoy your tea in quite and peace whilst enjoying the snow. “Y/n.” He repeated your name like a little child who wanted attention from his parent. You put your tea down and sighed as you looked at him. “What do you want Minho?” “I want to apologise.” His words caught you of guard, but not really. You thought that he was going to make a stupid comment like he did the other day, you wanted to see where this was going. “I genuinely wanted to apologise for acting like a fool the other day. Jisung had told me about you and your family, he didn’t say anything bad I promise, I wanted to get to know you better and I know I should’ve talked to you when it’s about you, but I was dumb. I can’t reason why I am so dumb, but I really want to change- why are you laughing.” “I enjoy you calling yourself dumb.” You grinned in amusement. “I am very dumb, I’m glad you’re laughing, but I feel like shit.” Minho pouted. You smiled at him and turned to him. “You indeed are dumb and it really hurt what you said to me the other day. I forgive you though, since I’ve heard that you usually never apologise to people, so I kind of feel special.” You grinned.

‘Am I going soft for him?’ You asked yourself.

‘Maybe.’

Did you mind?

Apparently not.

“Does that mean we’re friends now?” “Hold your horses icy, I didn’t even know you at first. Let’s just say that we’re good right now.” “Good.” “May I ask you something?” You said in a serious matter. “Yes?” “Why did you really ask me to stay at the palace with you?” “Well, honestly. I wanted to talk to you and this seemed like a good and right now the only way, so I took the chance and seized it.” He laughed, making you wheeze slightly.

“Well you’ve talked to me, so now what?” “My parents want me to get cute and close to this girl who I don’t even know and expect me to marry her. I wasn’t even thinking about marriage yet. I didn’t even know they were going to announce that shit at the party as well. And tonight we’re supposed to have a dinner date and I’m not looking forward to it. I just want to sneak out and I don’t know do anything else.” “Have your parents always been like this?” You asked him. “As long as I can remember.” He sighed.

Step 5: Show him a different aspect of things

“Maybe they just want the best for you?” “If they really want that, shouldn’t they let me decide my own life choices.” “They should, but I bet they have great intentions-“ “I really don’t want to talk about this right now.” He sighs. “I’m sorry.” You whispered as you saw how uncomfortable he suddenly got.

“No, no. It’s not you. It’s just a sensitive subject for me to talk about. Let’s go do something. I want my mind to focus on different stuff. Got anything in mind?” “Well, there is this winter market in the Highbreach village-“ “Let’s go there, I have horses. Let’s go right now!” “But you’re buffet-“ “I have to get changed first, c’mon!”

“Wait what-“ You were cut off once again by Minho dragging you with him to his room, you were panicked because you didn’t know what he was up to. When the both of you entered his room you were greeted by three little cats. You started to coo at them immediately as they came up to check you, the stranger, out. Minho looked at you shocked, making you look at him back in confusion. “What?” You asked. “They like you?” “Yeah, I guess?” You laughed as you continued to pet the cats who purred in delight. “They don’t like anybody, except me I guess.” “Wow, I feel honoured.” You cooed to the cats as you scratched them behind their ears, making Minho laugh. He quickly remembered that he needed to change. When he came back you looked at him funny, he wore a blouse with a thick jacket over it, making him look like a regular person. He looked handsome as usual and you were happy that you got to see a different side of him. It was quite unusual to see a prince in regular, everyday clothes.

“Shall we go?” “Yes.”

At the winter market, that was about forty minutes away, well ten minutes away from your house, but Minho’s palace was in a whole different kingdom, so the ride was a little longer that you thought. “We didn’t had to come here you know? You’re going to miss-“ “I don’t mind. It’s boring anyway, besides I would have to sit there with a princess who I don’t even know, being expected to fall in love with her just like that.” Minho sighed. “I don’t even like Christmas dinners, they are usually filled with people who are bragging about their lives and achievements. Telling others how much wealth they had and well you get it, rich people talk basically. There always had to be someone better than the other, I’m not into that you know.” He added.

You looked at him and simply took his hand as you led him to the market. He was quite as he enjoyed the moment of affection. When you stopped walking, he looked at around in awe. There were tables spread out on the streets. Lanterns and fires were made for warmth. The people of the village sat together, sharing food and stories. You looked up to him and smiled.

“What is this?” He whispered, still adoring the view in front of him. “This is my Christmas.” You responded, receiving a surprised look from Minho. “Years ago, when my mother was still alive, I was a little girl at the time, since our family was small and she loved having people over, she came up with this idea of spending Christmas with the entire village. Ever since, it has been a kind of tradition. There aren’t really presents involved, but there is good food and live music. We would all dance together and sing along with one another, it’s one of the reasons why my mother loved Christmas so much. And it was one of the reasons why my father loves my mother so much, she wanted to spread joy and kindness with others and well it worked out. See it for yourself.” Minho had a small smile resting on his face as he looked at you. You were talking about your family with so much love, it was really heart-warming to him.

Suddenly he was standing alone and looked around where you had headed to, he saw you running towards an adult man, who happened to be your father. “Y/n! My child! What are you doing here?” He sang cheerfully at the sight of you. “Minho wanted to sneak out, so we went here.” You explained, before looking to Minho and signing to him to walk over to where they were. “Good day sir.” Minho said politely. “Your Majesty-“ “Please call me Minho. I’m a little undercover.” Minho quickly explained in a soft voice. Your dad understood and bowed slightly as a form of respect. “Sit down, there’s enough for everyone.” You father offered, which you and Minho gladly accepted.

“I hope the food tastes good, it’s probably not as great as the food you have at home, isn’t it Minho?” Your father chuckled nervously as Minho ate a bite from the beef and the mashed potatoes that were brought in front of him. “It’s delicious.” Minho assured him with a smile.

The evening went on and Minho enjoyed every second of being in your home village. After eating you went to the market part of the village, where you could buy almost everything. The two of you came across costumes for pets and you decided to buy some for his cats, since you didn’t had a pet of your own. “You don’t have to do that right?” “I know, but I want to. They would look adorable on them.” You giggled after you had paid for them.

Minho couldn’t take his eyes of you that night. He saw how much you had lighten up around these people, compared to how you were at royal parties where he often saw you. But he understood why, the same reason why he didn’t wanted to go to his family Christmas buffet. People at those kinds of parties were always up to something else. Minho had learned that in this village, things go different. There wasn’t a competition in between people, they weren’t striving for being better than the other. Here they were there for each other and Minho admired that.

It was getting late and the two of you were about to head home to the palace. Before that, you went to your father to say goodbye to him. You hugged him tightly and exchanged some sweet words as you said your goodbyes. “Your mother would be so proud of you.” He whispered, before kissing the top of your head and waving you goodbye as you started your journey back with Minho by your side.

After the two of you had arrived back at the palace, you sneaked through a secret passage, Minho had found, back to his room without anybody noticing. You would dress the cats in the little costumes and coo at their cuteness.

The night ended quickly and you were tired, so you said goodnight to Minho. “Thank you by the way. If it wasn’t for you, I couldn’t have spend Christmas with my dad.” You admitted softly before heading out. “It was my pleasure.” Minho muttered back as he watched you leave.

When you had left, he fell back on his bed and sighed deeply. The day was great and he couldn’t be happier, but he still felt sad somehow. A scene popped into his mind as he had closed his eyes for a second, where you were smiling brightly to him as the two of you were having dinner at your village. He smiled at the scene that now was a memory. He felt sad that that moment now was a memory, he wished he could be in that moment forever. He had never felt such joy. It made him wish that he never was born a prince, but born as a regular boy, who wasn’t expected to live up to certain expectations.

He almost jumped out of his skin when his door was slammed open, scaring the cats as well, making them run around in stress. “Where have you been.” His father’s voice boomed through the room whilst he stomped through it. “Somewhere-“ “You know we had a family buffet, right?” “Yes-“ “And that we had been looking all over the place for you?” “Probably-“ “Don’t get fucking smart with me young man.” “You’re the one who’s asking the dumb questions.” Minho whispered under his breath. “Excuse me?” His father snapped. “Nothing-“ “Where were you?” His father asked again.

Minho sighed and sat up to face his dad who looked absolutely stressed out. “If you will stop cutting me off, I’ll tell you where I was.” His father sighed and crossed his arms whilst looking at his son with a rather irritated look on his face. “I was outside.” Minho simply said. He wasn’t lying though. “Listen here. I know you sneaked out. The horses were gone smart ass. Were you with miss Y/n perhaps? She was gone as well all day, just like you. Must be a coincident, right?” His father said sarcastically. Minho gulped loudly, he was dragging you into his mess and that wasn’t supposed to happen.

His father could ruin everything for you and Minho knew how hard you and your father had worked to live a decent life. Before he could speak up again, he was cut off by his father’s ranting for the umpteenth time that night. “… and the princess had been waiting for you all night! She had dressed up and made herself look beautiful for you…” ‘Y/n, would never do that.’ Minho thought to himself. And you wouldn’t. You weren’t looking for people to like you by you acting pretty. Yes, you were looking for a reaction the other day at the Christmas party yesterday, but that was because Minho had been an arse and you wanted to show him what he was missing. And well he took the hint and went for it to make it up to you.

“…she looked bored out of her mind and you weren’t there to entertain her-“ “Hold up, I’m not someone’s babysitter. She’s a grown woman, right? Can’t she entertain herself and talk to other people?” Minho scoffed at the ridiculous statement his father had dropped into the conversation. “You need to know what to focus on, this isn’t a game Minho. You need to focus all of your attention, well what’s left of it on the princess, who you are going to marry. Get to know her and build a relationship so you two can become a good pair to rule the kingdom-“ “I don’t want to marry her. I never did! You and mother didn’t even ask me about my opinion about this-“ “Because you don’t have a say into this! And that’s period!” The king was furious at this point and left the room with the door crashing against its frame, scaring yet again Minho and his cats. The prince sighed and laid himself down again, he closed his eyes and wanted to remember the happier moments of that day.

And those moments were you.

In the meantime you were in your guest room, getting changed with the help of a maid who helped you setting up a bath. “How was your day lady Y/n?” She asked. “It was fun! Call me Y/n by the way, I’m nothing more than a regular girl with a blessed life.” You smiled kindly. “I get why the prince is very fond of you.” The maid chuckled as she helped you cleaning up your clothes. “How come?” You asked her curiously. “Well, you may have heard that our prince is usually known for being cold hearted, to be a heartbreaker or even very icy. Ever since you have been in the picture he seems to have changed.” She explains. “Please tell me more.” You asked again, making her laugh slightly. “At parties, he seemed livelier and more excited when he knows that you will be there, he always asks for the guest list to every party his family attends. He never liked parties, but suddenly he cared about his appearances for these parties, that’s when we started to notice that little changes about him.” “We?” You asked her, whilst she helped you with your nightdress. “The other maids and I, even the guards-“ She was cut off by a loud knocking, that was more like pounding, on the door.

“Miss Y/n, you are expected at the king’s office immediately.” The guard calls from the other side of the door. You and the maid shared a confused look, before you grabbed a robe and made your way to the office with the guard walking in front of you.

“You were expecting me?” You say quietly with a bow as you stood in front of the king. “I don’t know it you know what you’re doing, but you need to stop this little game immediately.” The king almost hissed harshly. “Excuse me?” You frowned in confusion. “Don’t play your little mind games with me, miss Y/n. I know what you’ve done with my son and I won’t risk you having playing those tricks on other members of the palace.” He scoffed, not even looking to you. “Sire, I really don’t know what you’re talking about-“ “You know Minho is about to be engaged to princess Hayden, right?” “Yes, but-“ “Then you know enough. You should not interfere into royal businesses miss Y/n, you could get yourself in trouble and I bet that you and your father wouldn’t want that.”

You wanted to talk back to him, but right now the king was the one with the power and you knew better than to let your mouth run at this moment. “No, we would not sire.” “Good, then I expect you to leave, first thing in the morning and to not return to this palace. Am I understood?” “Yes sire.” You said before bowing and leaving the room immediately, leaving the king smiling in satisfaction because once again he got his way, at least he thought.

When you had arrived back at your room Minho was waiting in front of it and it looked like he was about to walk away so you quietly called out for him. He turned around in shock and smiled when he saw you. “What are you doing out here? I thought you were asleep?” He chirps. “I-I was getting a drink from the kitchen.” You lied. “Why wouldn’t you call the maids, they could’ve brought it for you.” “No, I wouldn’t bother them with such a small thing, besides I’m capable of walking myself, aren’t I?” You joked, playing the whole situation off.

“What are you doing out here anyway? It’s late.” You asked him. “I was bored and you’re the least boring person here, so seems pretty logical to me to come to you for entertainment.” He wiggles his eyebrows as he said that. “Don’t try anything pretty boy, nothing is going to happen in there.” You chuckled before giving him a friendly push as you two entered your bedroom.

After some time together, once again, you noticed Minho being a little gloomier than earlier today. He seemed a little like his old self and you didn’t like seeing him off and uncomfortable. You were definitely not going to tell him about the kings words towards you.

In the mean time Minho thought the same thing. He wasn’t going to tell you the harsh things his father had said about you behind your back. He just wanted to spend some time with you and feel happy, even if it was just a moment.

Step 6: Use playful words

You teased him later that night for being kind of like a cat mom, which he laughed loudly at. “I would rather be a cat mom and adopt twenty cats than marry someone I barely know.” He joked, but it has a sense of truth and the both of you knew it. Minho had been resting his head on your thighs as he laid down. You didn’t mind, you enjoyed the moment as much as he did and you didn’t wanted it to end.

He was doing something to you, but you couldn’t describe what it was, but after spending hours together you for sure knew that you wanted more. And before the two of you knew it, it was already five in the morning. The sun would be rising at six and Minho offered to go and wait for the sunrise. You contemplated his request, but eventually agreed to it and walked with Minho to a place where the two of you could watch it together.

Step 7: show him the good in people

Even though the two of you had stayed up all night, you didn’t felt tired. At least not around him. You came across an old man who lived in a cabin in the woods, he had trouble with carrying the wood back inside, making him fall onto his knees. You rushed to his side and helped him up without hesitation, especially since Minho was around as well.

“Are you okay sir?” You asked as the man tried to get back on his feet. “I am, but I need to get this wood back inside, my wife is sick and the fire is about to go out.” He sighs tiredly. “Let us help you sir, we can relight the fire quicker if we help.” Minho also rushed your way to help carrying the wood inside.

After quickly helping the couple, they offered you a piece of cake, which was everything they had. You couldn’t accept it and told them that it was no problem. The man insisted to and you couldn’t refuse the second time, you accepted the gift and said goodbye to them before the pair of you kept walking again to the place that Minho wanted to show you.

You were just in time when you arrived at a cliff that viewed out onto the kingdom. The sun peaked out from the mountain tops as it rose. As you watched the sunrise, the two of you sat on a tree stomp together, his arm subtly behind you as you two enjoyed the moment together. Little did Minho know that this would be one of the last moments together. You had planned in your head, as soon as Minho was back in his room, you would quickly pack your stuff and go home.

“Thank you for showing a different side of humanity that I didn’t believe actually existed.” He told you with a smile.

After the sky turned from pink to blue the two of you decided that it was time to go back home. Minho looked at you as you stood up first to stretch, but you tripped and stumbled almost towards the edge clumsily. Minho’s reflexes quickly kicked in and grabbed your wrist and pulled you harshly towards him, causing the two of you to collide and fall onto the ground. He held you tightly as you laid in the snow, the both of you breathing unsteadily and quickly as your heart raced. You thanked him as you held him even tighter, making Minho gulp loudly and hoping that you couldn’t feel his heart pounding for you.

When you two arrived back at the palace, Minho said his goodbye to you, not knowing that you would be leaving before you rushed to you guestroom. You dumped everything into your bag and hurried out the door. You hesitated at a moment, you wanted to see Minho for one last time, but you couldn’t risk the king ruining your dad’s and your life.

Step 8: Accept fate

So, you left just like that.

Minho woke up hours later, caused by the maid who was the one who woke him up. She told him that he needed to get ready for his date with the princess. He groaned and got up to wash up. He was still tired from staying up all night, but it was all worth it to him.

When he got back, dressed up and clean, he asked the maid if you were awake yet. She looked at him in shock.” “Majesty, don’t you know? She’s gone?” She says carefully. “What do you mean she’s gone?” Minho blurt out. “She left the palace this morning majesty, didn’t you know?”

Minho’s head was spinning. How could you leave without saying goodbye? He thought you two were having a great time. It all felt surreal and he didn’t really know what to do. He felt like he was malfunctioning and it was all because you weren’t present around him. The prince stormed out of his bedroom and went on the search for his father. When he finally found him after storming through the palace for a good twenty minutes he lashed out on his father. “What have you told Y/n!” Minho yelled. The king simply sighed and went on with whatever he was doing. Minho shoved the papers off his father’s desk and placed his hands harshly onto it. “Tell me!” He yelled once again. “You don’t have to worry about her, you should focus on the princess remember.”

“I don’t care about that stupid girl, I want to know what you told Y/n and where she is!”

*Hours before*

The king followed you outside and stopped your tracks for a moment. “Remember, you don’t belong in this life. Minho is and will never be yours. You’re simply not good enough to be royalty material. I’m glad that you listened to my words and leave miss Y/n, I had expected something different. My guards will make sure you arrive home safely and not return, like we agreed, right?”

You had simply nodded and bowed, trying to hold back your tears as you were escorted out. “Can you take me to the palace of the Han family?” You asked the guard sadly. “Miss, I’m sorry I was ordered to bring you home.” “I live in their kingdom and I really want to see my friend.” Your voice cracked whilst talking. “Miss-“ “Please?” You cried softly, he looked at you with pity and sighing before agreeing.

*Present time*

Minho and his father had continued to argue. Minho voiced once again that it was unfair how his life had been decided for him without him having a say in it, causing it to end up in a screaming match and Minho barging out of the room. He slammed the door shut of his bedroom and locked it. He childishly put his dresser in front of the door, so no one could come in.

He sighed and started to cry. The only time he felt actual happiness, caused by a person, it was taken away from him. He felt like it was just unfair.

Minho went on his date later that night with princes Hayden. Not because he felt like it had to be done, but because he was actually forced to do it. The date was boring and the poor girl wasn’t very talkative. Minho understood why, she also was forced into this. Maybe she wanted this, or not, but Minho surely didn’t.

Step nine: Fight back

The next thing happened so fast, Minho had little time to process it, but before he knew it, he was on his way to you. He remembered the way vaguely. He had hurried his way to you as fast as he could. He was looked frantically around in hopes to spot you. Minho wasn’t going to give up on you so fast. You weren’t like the other girls he had dated, or well was or wasn’t forced to date in hope for his parents that their son would finally marry.

He wanted you, that was for sure now. He had fallen for you hard and you needed to fix him. He wanted to be around you and be loved by you. He didn’t even know if you loved him back, but he was sure that you cared about him. The connection the two of you had was prove for it.

Minho finally spotted your house that you had shown him on Christmas day. He hurried his way to the door and knocked on it frantically. Your dad had opened the door and was surprised to see the young man in front of him again. He noticed that the young prince was still in his royal clothes and that he was panting heavily. “Where is Y/n?” Minho manages to say in between breaths. “She’s not here, she went outside to get some vegetables in our garden on the other side of our land-“ Your father couldn’t even finish his sentence before Minho had sprinted off again. He saw you kneeling down from the distance, digging something out from the ground in the middle of the snow. There weren’t many vegetables left and it seemed like you were gathering up the last ones from your old harvest.

You heard footsteps hurry your way and you looked up to your surprise to see Minho. You were panicked and got quickly onto your own feet. Before you knew it, you were swept off your feet and twirled around as Minho held you tightly. “Why did you leave? Why did you go without saying goodbye?” Minho cried. You wiped away his tears and just rested your head against his as his tears fell down. “It was my father, wasn’t it?” “Minho-“ “No! I will not stand this! I will not let him win this toxic game! I love you and only you! I want to be with you! I’m not letting them take away my only source of happiness!” Minho exclaimed in distress. You were shocked by his words and now just started at him, speechless. “I love you, I love how good you are to people. I love how you showed me the best of people when I had no fate left in them. I loved how you warmed my heart with your acts of kindness and bright smiles. You changed me, even though we don’t know each other for that long. I already know that I love you. I’m not letting you go. I will go against my parents if I have to-“ “You shouldn’t. They are your parents.” You whispered.

“See! Even when they are the most unfair people in the world you still see a reason of goodness in them.” Minho whispered. “We’ll get through this.” You assured him. “Are we?” “Yes.” You assured him. “How do you know that?” “Because I love you too.” You admitted softly. Minho looked at you in shock, which quickly turned into a bright smile before he leaned down to connect his lips onto yours. His lips were cold and soft against your warm ones.

Minho had taken you on the back of his horse to his palace. You were nervous to say at least. The king had told you importunately that you should not return to the palace. So you stopped Minho when you were about to enter the gates. Minho simply held you hand, he looked back at you and squeezed your hand in assurance. He had no idea how much it helped, but it caused you to straighten your posture and gain back your confidence you were known for.

You were greeted by the guards as soon as you stepped of Minho’s horse and you were already told that you weren’t allowed on the palace grounds. “She’s not a prisoner! Nor did she do something wrong!” Minho defended. “Majesty, we-“ “I don’t care who ordered you! I order you as the prince to let us go through! We have a meeting to attend.” Minho sneered as he held you closely whilst leading you through the crowd of guards who quickly made room for you two to pass.

You and Minho took a deep breath before walking into the dining room where Minho already had expected his parents to be. “Y/n! You’re still here! I though you had left!” His mother said cheerfully, obviously uninformed about the situation. “Mother father I have to confess something-“ “How dare you to come back here! I thought we had an agreement!” The king suddenly shouted, shocking his wife. “Dear, why are you-“ “Minho, you have a princess as your future fiancé, waiting for you. I don’t understand why you’re still hanging around with this girl.” The king says with loathing laid on his tone.   “Because I love her!” Minho stated loud and clearly, causing the room to gasp.

His father was speechless but his mother squealed happily. “That’s great my love!” She chirped, taking you and Minho by surprise. “Wait what?” He exclaimed. “Honey, I thought that Minho was supposed to marry Gwynn?” His father said to his wife. “He was, if he wasn’t able to find love by himself.” “Wait hold up, I don’t get it.” Minho says confused, letting go of your hand to run his hands through his hair.

“Honey, your father and I made an agreement. If you weren’t able to find love by yourself, we would help you. If you would be twenty, the age of taking over the crown from us, we would arrange you a marriage, but you found someone you clearly love so I don’t think that would be necessary.” “So, you’re telling me that you were okay with me liking Y/n?” He asked his mother, still trying to process everything. “Of course I was. Why wouldn’t I be?” She asked. “Well, dad wasn’t so, I assumed-“ “You should talk to me more often, you know your father is quite hot headed. “Well, I wasn’t expecting this. I had this whole rant ready and now I don’t know what to do with the build up anger.” Minho chuckled awkwardly, making you laugh as well.

“I’m sorry son, the fact that you had to take over the throne soon, made me stressed and I guess I reacted it out on you.” “So you’re fine with me being with Y/n as well?” “I am, Y/n is such a sweet girl. I’m terribly sorry for what I’ve said to you. You’re a great girl. I heard from the maids that you made our son smile brightly again and trust us, we haven’t seen that kind of smile in a long time.” The king said whilst pointing to his son who smiled at you like an idiot. “I smile brightly, because I get to be with him. Thank you for accepting me.” You said politely as you bowed respectfully to them.

“No thank you dear for giving us our cheerful son back. We missed him.”

Days went by and it was now New Year’s Eve, only minutes away from it to be a brand-new year, which you got to spend with the one you loved dearly. Jisung was relieved that you and Minho ended up together after such an emotional rollercoaster. His heart was broken when you arrived at his palace with tear stained cheeks and puffy eyes.

You had cried your heart out of him as you spilled everything to him, but it turned out for the better. Right now you were talking with Jisung, until you heard people count down. You started to yell along with them until you were grabbed by your writs and turned around, causing to bump into someone’s chest. You were about to apologise, but your lips were sealed when a familiar pair of lips were connected to yours.

You heard people cheer and fireworks were being shot into the dark sky, lightening it up in process with bright colours as you and Minho pretended like you were the only two persons on the planet. “I love you.” He whispered against your lips. “I love you too.” You whispered back.

The two of you obviously didn’t get married right there and then, but people had a feeling that you would be celebrating next December for different reasons other than Christmas and New Year’s Eve. This gave you enough time to carry out the last step on ‘how to win over the ice prince’:

Step ten: Fall even harder for him

Gif isn’t mine.

[bisexualsforprompto]

Of Roommates and Red Heroes Chapter 1

AO3

One (You are here)     Next

One- Of pilots and new beginnings

Jason Todd ran, ran away from the legacy he could never fill. The one he was still expected to fill. Didn’t they know? Didn’t they know he had changed?

God, was had he even changed? It’s not like he could ever make up for what he did. But he couldn’t wear the colors of the Robin ever again either. He crossed a line, he was past the point of no return.

And Bruce couldn’t let him forget it.

As far as Jason was concerned, he didn’t deserve a redemption.

He didn’t deserve a happily ever after.

Dick (in more ways than one): [is online]

Lil bro Jason: [is online]

Dick (in more ways than one): Come back.

Lil bro Jason: No.

Dick (in more ways than one): Please, Bruce didn’t mean it.

Lil bro Jason: Honestly I give zero f*cks if he meant it.

Dick (in more ways than one): So that's it. You’re just solo now and we’ll never see you again?

Lil bro Jason: You are welcome to visit when you’d like, along with Steph, Tim, Barbara, etc etc. I don’t want to see him again.

Dick (in more ways than one): He’s your dad!

Lil bro Jason: Godammit Dick! He’s not! Open your goddamn eyes! He’s not our dad, he’s a man who just uses us for his dirty work!

Dick (in more ways than one): I can’t stop you from doing this, but just talk to Bruce at least, if you don’t you’ll regret it, trust me I know.

Lil bro Jason: [is offline]

•~•Sunday Nov.17, 8am EST•~•

Knock, knock, knock.

“Mr. Todd.” 

Knock, knock, knock.

“I’m coming, I’m coming.” Jason said as he peeled a case file off his face, he’d fallen asleep the night prior reading it. Jason walked over to the nook where he kept all his ‘borrowed’ GCPD case filed which just happened to go missing from their archives every so often. For some reason, Jason liked to review case files. A lot. Maybe it was living with a detective for so long, but he felt at home in his own little world of files.

Jason brought a hand to his head, trying to shield his pounding headache. He remembered going out to the bar, but not much else. He brushed his hand down his face to feel stubble, another thing he’d have to deal with later. He fixed his hair a little bit before getting off his brown leather couch. He checked out what he was wearing, only pants. He sighed and picked up a plain black t shirt off the ground. Sliding it on, Jason walked over to the door and opened it.

Of all the things he was expecting today, he wasn’t expecting his landlord in full suit and tie showing up at his door. Unfortunately, it was his reality. A tall slim and bony man in a tacky olive green suit and oversized brown plastic glasses was holding a clipboard and pen in his hands. 

“Mr. Jason Todd?”

Jason sighed, “That’s me.” The man looked him up and down. Jason was about to yell at him for judging but decided against it. 

“You’ve been behind on your last payment for this flat. You have one week or you will be evicted.” The man said properly, leaving directly after despite Jason’s protests. Sighing, Jason shut the door.

He hadn’t found work in a long time. He’d been fired from his last job for drinking, and he couldn’t change his ways after being Red Hood and working with Batman. He went by the same mantle but working with Bruce did a number on him as always, only this time it was a positive change. He couldn’t work and make dirty money off drug cartels anymore, Red Hood was a lone vigilante but Jason Todd could only find himself doing honest work. Honest work that was very difficult to find in this day and age.

The only thing Jason could think that would save him would be getting a roommate. Jason sighed once more, all Gothamites were bat-shit crazy (pun not intended) and there was no way in hell he was taking Bruce’s blood money. Jason started drafting an ad and put it on Craigslist. The best he’d be able to do, hopefully before the date he’d be able to meet all of the candidates to make sure they weren’t insane. 

‘Searching for a roommate in a flat in Gotham Sun Apartments. $500 per month expected. Contact xxx-xxx-xxx for more information. (Images attached below)’

Jason rubbed his pounding temple, all he could do was wait.

•~Friday Nov. 22, 10am EST~•~•

“Voyage.” Marinette called before stepping into a black portal. She whimpered as she landed in a dark alley. “Tikki, Kaaliki, divide.” She whispered. “Spots off.” She was released from her heroine persona. Marinette was bloody, bruised and confused. She didn’t know where Kaaliki had taken her but she hoped it was far away from Paris. Marinette walked warily out of the alley to see a beautiful city full of life around her. Many people walked past and she could hear snippets of conversation, only something was off about them…they were in English! Marinette realized, could Kaaliki’s Portal have taken her to America or England? Thank god for Madame Bustier’s lessons or Marinette wouldn’t be able to speak a lick of English, she was practically fluent after all of her lessons. Marinette took out her pigtails and slid the bands onto her arm, she checked her purse, Tikki and Kaaliki were in there as well as $2000. Master Fu had given it to her before her...departure. 

Marinette continued down the street hoping to find some sign of where she was. Pedestrians gave her strange looks, most likely because of all her evident injuries. Marinette passed by street signs, all to generic to tell her anything. She accidentally bumped into a small girl wearing a sweatshirt that read “Gotham University”. 

Marinette knew it was a stretch, it could just be a random sweatshirt but still she was determined to try. 

‘Gotham University’ she typed into Google. Bingo. ‘Gotham University is a college in Gotham, New Jersey, America.’ So could she be in America? Marinette surveyed her surroundings, the most prominent building read Wayne Enterprises. ‘Worth a shot’ she mused. ‘Wayne Enterprises, Gotham’. Millions of hits, now she knew she must be in Gotham. Marinette continued to walk the streets to solve her next problem, where could she stay the night? 

Marinette sighed turning corners, looking for any signs around. She felt a rumbling in her stomach, she couldn’t remember the last time she ate. Marinette couldn't see any food places around. She wandered around looking wildly for a café, bakery, restaurant, anything. She didn’t even realize she was on a collision course until she bumped into a muscular boy, about 4 years older than herself with black hair with a white streak in it and blue eyes.

•~Friday, 9:40am EST~•~•

Jason groaned as he got up. He wasn’t drunk like most nights before. He immediately went to check his computer, still no hits on Craigslist. Jason sighed, he didn’t know what he’d do if he couldn’t get anyone to rent with him by Sunday. He refused to move back into Bruce’s mansion again. Jason picked up his apartment keys and went to look for some food, he couldn’t find a solution to a problem without food or caffeine (Tim had rubbed off on him more than he wanted). 

Jason opened his door and walked down the hall, he opted for the stairs as he didn’t feel like interacting with anyone at the moment. Jason brushed past the Gothamites on the street feeling extremely aggravated. He got lost in his own world of annoyance and didn’t even realize when he ran into a small blue-haired girl.

“Oh my gosh! I’m so sorry!” Marinette said turning pink. She backed away feeling extremely embarrassed, “I just wasn’t looking where I was going and-“ Jason recognized that she wasn’t from Gotham. She just didn’t have that shrewd personality that came with the territory of being a Gothamite. For some reason it made him feel warmer, and his anger felt more soothed.

“It’s ok little lady, really. What brings you to Gotham?” Marinette stared up into the caring blue eyes of the boy she ran into. “I uh, well, um nothing in particular. But would you mind showing me somewhere to eat?” She asked, not wanting to revisit why she had to leave Paris. He seemed caring enough, hopefully he’d take her somewhere to eat. The man nodded, “Of course. I was headed to a café myself little lady. Hey, what’s your name?” Jason could respect that the girl didn’t want to talk about why she was here, after all, Jason didn’t like talking about his own past. 

“Marinette.” Marinette blushed. “Alrighty then Marinette, I’m Jason. I’ll take you somewhere.” Jason wanted to scold her for putting so much trust in a stranger blindly as she followed him, after all this was Gotham but he just silently thanked that it was him who got to her instead of some creep. Jason led her to the Garden Café right next to where his flat was.

It might’ve been one of the only places in Gotham that wasn’t completely littered with garbage. It had beautiful flowers and an outdoor patio where patrons could eat. Jason lead Marinette to an empty black table and pulled out a metal chair for her. “Merci!” Marinette smiled, “Thank you, I mean.” Jason made the connection, “So are you from France?” Marinette nodded, “Yes, Paris actually.” Jason nodded, “What's it like there?” Marinette sighed, “Well aside from the terrorist, it’s beautiful and a great place to live.” Jason didn’t even had a drink yet but if he did, he would’ve spit it out right on the spot. “Did you just say terrorist?”

“Um yes, I assumed it was common knowledge. I mean I know Ladybug reached out to the Justice League many times…” Jason gritted his teeth, the damn Justice League. His father’s call no doubt.

“So whos Ladybug?” Marinette pondered what to tell the man across from her, on the one hand, he was the only kind one to her, but she didn’t want to accidentally give away her identity. “She along with Chat Noir, are magical heroes who wield jewels that give them power. Hawkmoth, the terrorist, wants them, because with them he can make a wish and have absolute power.” Jason's eyes widened, sure her story seemed like a poorly written children’s TV show but from the little time he’d known Marinette he’d figured a lot out about her, and he trusted that she wasn’t a liar. And wasn’t a very good one at that. Living with the world’s greatest detective, as much as Jason hated to admit it, did have some perks, Jason could read people without knowing them for long. 

“I guess it’s not ideal to escape a terrorist and end up in the crime capital of the world though,” Jason said, he couldn’t imagine why anyone would rather be in Gotham than anywhere else. Marinette hadn’t known it was the crime capital of the world, she wondered why Kaaliki’s voyage sent her there. Maybe she was meant to resume being a hero in Gotham?

“Y-yeah.” Was all Marinette could stammer out. Talking to Jason made her realize so many things she had to do, she hadn’t had much time to think about what it could be like living in another country. She didn’t even have a place to stay yet!

“I know this might be a touchy subject, but...how’d you get those bruises Buttercup?” Marinette touched her hand to her face and ran her fingers down one of the scars. “H-Hawkmoth.” At least it wasn’t a complete lie. She saw Jason clench his fists. 

Jason was seething, he couldn’t believe the league would ignore this! One look at this girl would prove that they should’ve listened. If Jason was still aligned with Bruce he would’ve had some choice words with him, instead he decided that he’d notify Dick and possibly the Outlaws the next time he saw them. Jason couldn’t help but feel awful for the girl, he knew what it was like to feel like you couldn’t escape the clutches of a madman. He’d lost a bit of soul to Joker. He wanted to run his fingers down all of her scars and just make everything better, she didn’t deserve that kind of torment. If anything, he did.

“Say Buttercup, where are you staying?” Jason asked before the waiter came to take their orders. Marinette answered the waiter with a simple sandwich and Jason ordered the same. “Um well...I don’t really know yet,” she responded to his previous question. 

Unacceptable, she was staying with him now. “How about you come back with me Buttercup. I know we just met, but I don’t want you sleeping on the streets. Gotham is dangerous.” Marinette blushed, just now noticing the nickname he gave her. “I couldn’t do that to you!” She protested.

“It’s not a problem, Buttercup, really.” Marinette sighed, she felt grateful for Jason. Maybe she was being too trusting, but she had no other options. “As long as you let me pay you something.” Jason thought about it, he didn’t want to put this poor girl out but then he realized,

“I think there's a way we can help each other.”

[a-n-conrad]

Fighting and Flirting (Bakugo x Reader)

Chapter 25: Meeting the Other Schools

[Summary: It’s almost time for the exam, and as you reach the stadium, you remember that now you have to meet the other heroing schools. While it goes better than you expected, you meet quite the interesting cast of characters]

Masterlist

Before you knew it, it was time for you to take the licensing exam. You were pretty sure you had gotten your bubble technique down, and you had made some progress on trying to give your sonic boom a little extra power. You couldn’t work on that too much since you didn’t want to make yourself go completely deaf, but you could do a little. You were hoping to figure out how you got the power you did in the forest, but you were nowhere close. Maybe that was for the best. Apparently, you couldn’t quite handle that level of power.

Either way, you were getting a little anxious about this whole exam. Not only would you have to find ways that your quirk can be useful, no matter what kind of test they give you, but you’s be running into people from a whole bunch of other schools. You were sure they wouldn’t be a big fan of you since you knew that UA had a bit of a reputation of being a bit arrogant. 

“What are you so worried about?” Katsuki asked as he sat next to you on the bus. The two of you still weren’t officially dating, since you hadn’t actually gone on a date or said anything to anyone, but by the looks your classmates had given you lately, you could tell most of them figured out that there was something.

“Just the other schools,” You sigh, “I’m not excited for another round of ‘Let’s hate class 1-A, because we think they’re self-absorbed dicks’. I know you don’t mind, but I do.”

“Why do you care so much about what all those extras think? Seriously, (Y/n), you’re going to drive yourself insane if you care so much about everyone liking you.”

“I know. I just can’t help it,” He was right. You cared way too much about people liking you. That’s why you refused to let any of them see you break. That’s why you avoided Katsuki so much when you accidentally confessed to him. And that’s why you’ve had an illusion over the scar on your face since you took the bandages off, “Maybe that’s why we make such a good pair, ‘Suki. We balance each other.”

He blushed a bit at that, “Whatever you say, Sunshine.”

- - - - -

You get to the arena, and after a second of rare encouragement from your usually stone-faced teacher, you huddle together with your class, attempting to think up strategies that could be applied no matter the test. You honestly couldn’t think of much.

Your huddle was soon interrupted, though, as a boy in a uniform that you recognized as a Shiketsu uniform ran over to you. He quickly introduces himself as Inasa Yaorashi, before another student reminds him that it’s rude to interrupt. He seemed so enthusiastic, and you couldn’t help but smile a little.

“My apologies,” He says, bowing deeply enough that he smashes his head against the ground, causing himself to start bleeding when he raises his head again. He really was quite an interesting guy.

“Oh god,” You sigh and the rest of your class gasps, “Are you alright? You’re bleeding.”

You quickly asked Momo to make you a little bandage. You knew it wouldn’t use up too much of her quirk, so she was plenty willing. You walk over to the boy and hand him the bandage, much to everyone’s surprise, “You should put this on. You don’t want to get that scrape too dirty. I’m sure the test will get messy.”

He looks at you a bit surprised before taking the bandage, “Thank you.”

“I think I recognize you from the UA exams, don’t I?” You ask, “You did so well, I’m not surprised you managed to get into Shiketsu, too.”

He looked behind you and you watched as he made eye contact with Shoto. You watched as his face turned from enthusiastic to bitter, before muttering, “At least someone from UA has some manners.”

“Huh?” You couldn’t help but tilt your head in confusion, as the boy who had been so enthusiastic and happy to see you all glared at your childhood friend with hatred. You wondered if there was some story there that you had missed on the day of the exams. To be honest, you wouldn’t be surprised. Shoto was extra bitter about his dad that day, so it wouldn’t have been out of character for him to act a little rude to someone.

He looked back at you and his face shifted back to his grin from just a few moments ago as his eyes left Shoto, “Well, it’s nice to officially meet you. I wish you luck on the exam.”

He actually winked at you before walking away, and you could hear Katsuki growl behind you as he did. You honestly hadn’t expected Katsuki to be the jealous type, but looking back on it, you probably should have. Maybe you just hadn’t thought about it enough, because, yeah. He definitely seems like the jealous type.

You walk back over to the rest of the group and stand next to Katsuki. You can feel him tense a little, and you go to grab his hand. You can honestly feel him relax next to you as you lock your fingers together, and you can’t help but smile at him. To be honest, he was a lot softer than most people thought. Especially when you were around. You wondered if Deku noticed a difference too. He knew Bakugo for longer than anyone, so you were sure he’d spot a change if there was one.

“Inasa Yaorashi actually took the top score in the UA recommendation exams. He may be awkward, but he’s quite the fighter. You all need to be careful,” Aizawa said. 

You could see the rest of the class look surprised. Even Shoto. You supposed that he probably forgot all about Inasa and any interaction they might have had. You remembered him though. His wind power was pretty impressive. Honestly, he was definitely on the same level as Shoto, Katsuki, and Deku. He was competition for sure, but that didn’t mean you had to be rude to him. 

Just as you all started to get over the shock of that odd interacted, you were approached by another school, led by a very energetic woman with green hair. It seemed like she knew Aizawa, and you were quite curious as to what exactly their relationship is. You tune into Deku’s muttering to discover that the woman was called Ms.Joke, the Smile Hero. You were curious if Deku knew he muttered like that every time you met a new pro hero, but you weren’t about to say anything. It was actually pretty convenient to get all of the info you needed just by listening in to his rants.

“You two seem awfully close,” Tsu says, looking at the two teachers. You were always entertained by her bluntness.

“Yeah, we used to work near each other! That’s how we got to know each other and eventually fell in love,” Ms. Joke replied, the grin never leaving her face. They were quite the odd pair, but you couldn’t really comment. You were still holding Katsuki’s hand.

“We’re not in love,” Aizawa stated.

“Aw, don’t be like that,” Ms.Joke whined, though you could tell it was all a joke. They seemed like pretty close friends, but knowing your teacher, you had a feeling he wouldn’t admit that.

Her class is quick to join you, including a boy who introduces himself as Yo Shindo. Shindo seems nice enough as he talked to you all. You couldn’t help but smile as he expressed his admiration for all of you. He was sweet, and it was nice to actually hear someone praise you for making it through all that you’ve had to deal with.

“You’re Bakugo, right,” Oh. Oh no. He stuck his hand out for a handshake, “You were so cool at the sports festival!”

“Tch, Whatever,” Katsuki replied, rolling his eyes at the boy’s attempted introduction. He dropped your hand and crossed his arms in front of his chest. You couldn’t even react right away.

“Bro,” Kirishima hissed.

“It’s alright,” Shindo said, pulling his hand away. You’re impressed at his ability to brush off Katsuki’s rudeness. 

Before you know it, though, it’s time for all of you to get changed into your hero costumes and head to the arena. The exam was about to begin, and soon enough, they wouldn’t be other students. They’d be competition. And as much as you wanted to be friendly, you had to prepare yourself to fight them with everything that you had in you.

Taglist: @thatpersonwithissues @ohnosiren @winchester-wifey

[A/N: Sorry this took so long. Writer’s block is rough. I hope all of you are doing well!]

[keig-hoe-takami]

Chapter 4

Masterlist

The three friends gaped at the crowd around the UA campus, it was only the third day of school and already news reporters were circling the school gates.

‘Excuse me! You three there!’ a reported yelled as the students were noticed by the group ‘What’s it like being All Might’s pupils?’ Voices converged into one as more reporters hounded them for comments.

‘Come on guys, here.’ Kirishima put his arms around the two girls to the side of him, dragging them forcefully through the crowd, ‘He’s a great teacher, we’re really learning a lot from him!’ He shouted in the hopes of calming the crowd down, he succeeded partially, allowing the three to finally rush through the gates.

‘Oh my god that was crazy!’ Ichirou gasped, ‘I didn’t realise people would be so interested in All Might being a teacher!’

‘I mean, I guess it is pretty cool since he’s the number one hero,’ Kirishima said, looking back at the still restless crowd,

‘I hope they don’t use those pictures, you messed up my damn hair Kiri!’ Mina cried out as she tried to flatten the now frizzy mess,

‘Sorry Mina, I didn’t mean to- just wanted to protect you that’s all.’ Kirishima apologised,

‘Spoken like a true hero.’ Ichirou said, ‘I’m sure they wont use the pictures though, they’ll probably want some more candid photos.’ Mina smiled at her, slightly reassured.

‘Lets get on with home room notices…’ Mr Aizawa said calmly, ‘I’m sorry to have to spring this on you all, but we need to pick a class president.’

A ripple of excitement rolled over the class, finally they were going to be doing something school like!!

‘I wanna be class president!’ Kirishima cried out,

‘I love leader positions- Ill do it!’ Mina challenged

‘I wanna do it too!’ The girl in front of Ichirou said, almost everyone had raised their hands, Ichirou included, excited for the opportunity to prove themselves at UA.

‘BE QUIET!!’ A loud, commanding voice caused everyone to turn to the back of the room, Tenya Iida began to speak, ‘This is a task laden with responsibility where you must carry and pull everyone else’s weight! Just because you’d like to do it doesn’t mean you can!’ The tall boy had a point but he seemed to be taking the entire thing way to seriously, ‘It is a holy office that requires the great esteem and trust of those around you…! The only truly worthy leader will emerge from a democratic choice reflecting the will of the people! It must be settled with a vote!

‘But everyone will just vote for themselves!’ Kirishima shouted back,

‘Which is why the person who does earn multiple votes will be the truly appropriate person for the job, no?!’ Iida explained, Ichirou understood exactly what he meant, and placed a hand on Kirishima’s shoulder in warning.

In the end, almost everybody voted for themselves, and Ichirou wasn’t innocent. It was true that she didn’t really know anyone well enough yet to assume that they would be a good leader, though she was pleased that Momo had won vice-president, but she had also wanted to see if she could have won.

Midoriya stood at the class next to the taller girl, nervously shaking as he excepted his place as class president, ‘So then its president Midoriya and vice-president Yaoyorozu.’ Aizawa confirmed, stepping out of his sleeping bag.

The lunch rush cafeteria was just as amazing as usual; Ichirou and Mina took their seats with the boys at an empty table.

‘I’ve been talking to Asui quite a lot, she’s the frog girl who sits behind me,’ Mina explained to Ichirou, ‘I think she’s really nice, told me to call her Tsu- so I guess that means we’re friends!’,

‘That’s great, you’ll have to introduce me,’ Ichirou smiled at her friend as the two tucked into their noodles, ‘Sometimes Jirou turns round to chat to me, she so cool- her dad was in a band or something like that.’

‘She sounds awesome, there’s so many cool people in our class! I don’t even have a backstory.’ Mina sulked,

‘What do you mean you don’t have a backstory, you weirdo.’ Ichirou questioned,

‘Well, Kiri dyed his hair, and you don’t have a dad-‘ Mina started,

‘Hey, those jokes are only funny if I do them.’ Ichirou jokingly narrowed her eyes at the girl,

‘Whatever,’ Mina stuck her tongue out at her,

‘Besides, you saved those girls from that villain, that’s backstory.’ Ichirou motioned with her fork,

‘Don’t remind me of that! It’s so scary to think of!’ Mina covered her eyes, shaking her head,

‘Sorry Pinky, but you were so brave!’ Ichirou nudged the girl next to her,

‘Move up.’ Ichirou looked up at the recognisably gruff voice above her, her eyes met with Bakugou’s stern face. The girl smiled, sliding along the bench to allow the boy to sit next to her.

‘Baku-bro!’ Kirishima said, ‘Didn’t expect you to actually come sit with us!’

‘Don’t make a big deal of it shitty-hair.’ Bakugou replied, sending a glare in Kirishima’s direction, the boy put his hands up in surrender, Denki and Sero’s eyes widened,

‘Hey we got the same meal!’ Ichirou exclaimed as she saw Bakugou begin eating his noodles, ‘Mina got it too.’ She added, becoming nervous as Bakugou didn’t reply,

‘They’re pretty good.’ The boy mumbled as he finished his dish quickly, holy shit he eats fast- Ichirou thought to herself, turning to Mina who was wiggling her eyebrows suggestively back at Ichirou who faked puking to save face.

Suddenly, a loud blaring noise rang out through the cafeteria, ‘SECURITY LEVEL 3 HAS BEEN BREACHED. STUDENTS, PLEASE PROMPTLY EVACUATE.’

‘Evacuate!’ Denki exclaimed as the group left their seats, joining the crowd of teenagers trying to get to the school safety points,

‘It means someone’s infiltrated the school grounds!’ A voice shouted over the crowd, whipping the students into an even bigger frenzy. Ichirou was jostled into a wall by her upperclassmen as they raced to the door, finding it difficult to see her friends thanks to the tall 3rd years,

‘Mina! Kiri, where are you?’ She cried out, becoming stressed at the chaos of the situation as she was pushed into the wall again, face first this time. She had no clue what was going on. Her ears were ringing with the crescendo of voices and her tail was hidden between her legs in fear. Overwhelmed, she turned again, hoping to catch a glimpse of Mina’s pink hair, instead she was met by another wall.

‘Watch yourself, runt.’ Ichirou looked up to see Bakugou standing above her, ‘listen, this is those damn reporters, alright? Don’t go running around like a damn idiot.’

‘O-okay.’ Ichirou mumbled, dangerously aware of how close the two were, she was practically trapped by his strong chest,

‘The hells up with your damn ears?’ The boy questioned abruptly, noticing the way they twitched, moving independently in all directions,

‘Um, its just loud.’ Ichirou answered, her tail wiggling from side to side as she felt her entire body heat up,

‘Huh.’ Bakugou grunted, before promptly flattening the girls ears with his hands, dulling the sound and pulling her even closer to him. Ichirou’s eyes went wide at the sudden intrusion, the sensitivity of her ears causing the speed of her tail to increase rapidly, thrashing from side to side as she gripped the boys forearm.

Ichirou wasn’t sure how much time passed in this position, but she was soon taken out of her trance as Bakugou lifted his hands from her ears.

‘Its over.’ He stated, the somewhat dazed girl lifted her head from where she had burrowed into his front, she looked around noticing Iida being helped down from a doorway? How he’d got there she didn’t know- ‘He jumped.’ Bakugou stated as he took a step back from the girl, Ichirou nodded in acknowledgement as her arm dropped back to her side. Bakugou nodded back before sticking his hands in his pockets and turning to walk away.

‘For the foundational skill of heroics we’ll study today,’ Aizawa started as his class calmed down, ‘It was decided you’ll be supervised by a three-man team comprising of me, All Might and somebody else.’ Decided? Ichirou thought to herself, what were they going to be doing that needed three teachers?

‘Be the hero everyone need, whether it’s a flood or any other disaster’ The teacher dramatically revealed the activity, ‘It’s the trail of rescue!!’ Ichirou’s face broke into a smile, thanks to her wolf traits, rescue was surely going to be a strong point of hers.

‘Trail of rescue… sounds a bit difficult this time round…’ Kaminari pondered,

‘Cmon, dumbass, that’s what a hero’s whole job is!! I’m chomping at the bit!!’ Kiri replied, almost jumping out of his chair in his excitement,

‘As I was saying,’ Aizawa continued, staring down the two boys, ‘This time, it’s entirely up to each of you whether or not you wear your costume. Some of your costumes probably aren’t adapted to the task at hand, after all. The training area is fairly far away, so we’ll get there by bus. That’s all.’

‘I cant believe we’re going on a school trip!’ Mina swung Ichirou and hers hands as the two girls walked to the bus,

‘Same! I wonder who the somebody else Sensei was talking about is.’ Ichirou nodded in agreement as they came to a stop,

‘In order to get everybody seated smoothly on the bus, file into two lines according to your numbers.’ Iida, the classes new president, shouted to the waiting students,

‘Damn it, we cant sit next to each other! Why’d Iida do that.’ Mina sulked,

‘I think he’s pretty good, besides we’re close to each other so don’t worry.’ The other girl reassured as they parted to find their space in line. Ichirou was one of the last on the bus, but she soon realised poor Iida’s system had failed, no one was sat in their right places,

‘Rou!! I saved you a seat!’ Mina called from one of the benches at the front of the bus and Ichirou soon found herself sat between her and Kaminari,

‘So it ended up being this kind of bus anyway!’ Iida said defeatedly as he sat next to Mina,

‘Yeah there was no poi-‘ the girl began,

‘I think you did really well organising it Iida!’ Ichirou interrupted, sending a glare to her friend,

‘Thank you, Sato.’ Iida replied, turning to the girl,

‘Oh, call me Ichirou, we already have a Sato in this class.’ She said smiling and giving the boy a thumbs up,

‘Alright, Sa- Ichirou.’ Iida nodded his appreciation before turning to talk to Midoriya, Ichirou turned to her friends, who seemed to be in the middle of a conversation,

‘I’m kinda jealous of that kind of simple enhancer type quirk, though! There a lot you can do with one, and flashily too!’ Kirishima complimented Midoriya, ‘My hardening power isn’t bad for punch-ups, but I hate that its just not that flashy.’

‘Well , I think its an awesome quirk! Definitely a quirk that’ll be great use to a pro!’ Ichirou smiled at Midoriya’s reassurance, she was beginning to really like the strange boy.

‘Besides, Kiri, you know heroics has a lot about it that’s more like a popularity contest too, right?? You’re so nice I’m sure you’ll do great!’ Ichirou chimed in,

‘Yeah, like everyone’s gonna love Ichirou bc she’s like a teddy bear!’ Mina patted the girls head, rubbing at her ears as Ichirou leaned into the touch,

‘If we’re talking the double whammy of flashy and strong, you can’t not mention Todoroki and Bakugou!’ Kirishima added, deflecting attention,

‘Bakugou’s always fuming, so he wont be very popular.’ Asui mentioned, offhandedly, clearly not realising what she was saying,

‘The hell did you say! I’ll be popular, too!!’ The boy exploded from behind them, gripping the rails in front of him.

‘It’s only been a brief while since our socialisation has commenced and yet already we have been made apodictically cognisant of your personality, redolent as it is of a turd getting steamed in a sewer.’ Kaminari pressed the boy to further anger, Ichirou smacked his arm as she stifled a laugh,

‘Huh?! What the hell kinda vocabulary is that?! Ill fucking kill you!!’ Bakugou was practically bending the railing in anger, face scrunched up in a terrifying, but almost cute, fit of rage,

‘Damn Bakugou, you are one fouled mouthed dude.’ Kaminari continued, despite the fear in his eyes, and Ichirou had half a mind to smack a hand over the boys mouth.

‘We’re almost there. Settle down already…’ Aizawa ordered, before Bakugou jumped the railing and attacked Kaminari,

Bakugou kept his eyes trained on the poor boy, eyebrows drawn in a scowl. Ichirou looked at him subconsciously, wondering how in the world the boy could get so angry, that is, until his eyes flickered onto hers. She raised an eyebrow, snapping out of her thoughts quickly, but the boy didn’t reply, instead deciding to turn away as he so often did when their eyes met.

Ichirou’s eyes lit up as she finally saw the wide expanse of simulations the class would be training with, she shared a look with Mina whose own eyes were wide- the place looked like an amusement park!

‘Is this USJ or something?!’ Ichirou heard behind her, she had heard of the place before when researching UA as a school,

‘This is a practical training area I created to simulate all kinds of accidents and disasters,’ A voice came from the right, causing the student to turn and meet the 3rd teacher they’d be working with- the space hero 13! ‘It’s name is… the Ultimate Space for Jams!!’ they finished as the class burst in excitement,

‘I cant believe its 13!!’ Mina grabbed Ichirou’s hand and gripped tightly, gasping at the thought of meeting another pro hero,

‘I know! And they’re going to be teaching us!’ Ichirou added, just as excited as her friend to be learning from such an amazing hero.

‘Before we begin, just a thing,,, or two,’ 13 started again as the chatter died down, ‘I’m certain you’re all already quite aware, my quirk is called ‘black hole’ no matter what material may get sucked into its vortex, I’m afraid it will turn into dust.’

‘That’s a quirk perfect for removing wreckage and saving people injured by disasters!’ Midoriya shouted out excitedly,

‘Yes… it is, however, a power that could also be easily used to kill people. And in that way, it’s no different from the quirks of everyone here.’ At those words, Ichirou felt herself tremble, remembering how long it took for her to get used to her claws, how she would wake up scratched and bloody from restless nights, how she cut her friends, teachers, her own mother. ‘Naturally, in this society of super humans, quirks are strictly regulated, and the requirements for their lawful use enforced. Now, this lesson will serve as a fresh start! Lets get to studying about how to wield our quirks for the sake of human life! That is all! You have my gratitude for listening so intently and patiently!’ 13 finished their speech with a bow and was met with a round of applause from the students, all empowered by the words.

‘All right, first things first…’ Aizawa began, seeming to be disturbed by something in the centre court, Ichirou couldn’t see very well, but there seemed to be a swirling black mass- by the looks of things it wasn’t part of the training course. ‘Huddle together and don’t move!’ He shouted back as figures began to emerge from the darkness, ‘13! Protect the students!’

‘Is this like that training pattern at the entrance exam? Kiri said as Ichirou backed into him,

‘I really don’t think so- sensei looks nervous.’ Ichirou turned to the boy, speaking quietly as to not alarm the others.

‘Don’t move!’ Aizawa shouted back to the huddled children as he fixed his goggles, ‘Those are villains!!’ Ichirou’s suspicions had been right, she stepped back in realisation that these were the people the pro hero’s battled- and they were coming for her class.

‘Rou, can you hear what’s going on?’ Kirishima asked as he wrapped a protective arm around the girl who nodded in return, training her focus on the centre of the chaos.

‘According to the teachers curriculum we procured yesterday, Mr All Might was supposed to be here…’ Ichirou’s ears twitched at the unexpected voice coming from inside the black hole,

‘They wanted All Might,’ She relayed, ‘and I’m fairly certain that the black mass is actually a person.’ Kirishima and some of those around her seemed almost relieved that they weren’t the target,

‘You can’t tell me All Might… the symbol of peace… isn’t here…’ a dry rasping voice consumed Ichirou’s sensitive ears, it was a voice she was certain would haunt her forever, ‘I wonder if he’ll show up if we kill the kids?’

Ichirou tensed- they needed to get out.

a/n : its getting spicy y’all ft. Bakugou’s tiddies :)

taglist : @jazzylove

[trensu]

Episode 30: The One where LWJ Wishes Jin Zixun Would STFU and Die Already

Okay, so we’re still in Yiling

Non-wangxiantics stuff happens

Unimportant nonsense happens

Ooooh, jc just appeared, looking awesome in purple robes as usual

Turns out he’s helped jyl sneak away so she can show off her wedding robes to wwx!!! And we get some wonderful Yunmeng Sib time!! I LOVE MY YUNMENG SIBS SO MUCH

OMG

Wwx’s face when he sees her in her wedding robes

HIS EYES WELLED UP WITH TEARS. SHE LOOKS SO PRETTY.

Jyl: i’m getting married, i wanted to show you my wedding robes!

wwx:*choked up* yeah, i heard you were getting married…(he’s looks so emotional here omg)

Jc: who told you?! 

(he says this all snappishly bc of course he does, this is jc we’re talking about)

Wwx: None of your business! *scowls*

LOL SO DEFENSIVE, WWX. what’s the matter?? You don’t want to tell your sibs about your recent date with lwj?? How you showed him your home??? hoW YOU DISCOVERED YOU WANTED TO CO-DAD CHILDREN WITH HIM????

Ah, brothers…

Jyl calms them down before they could get too into it tho bc she’s a good big sister and knows her little brothers well

Jyl: i came alone tho, so you can’t see the groom today

Wwx: *pouts* i don’t want to see the groom at all

I can’t get over the way wwx keeps looking at her. HE LOVES HIS SISTER SO MUCH. HE’S SO HAPPY FOR HER

Lol, both of them tell her how beautiful she looks and she’s all it doesn’t count when you guys say it bc you’re my little brothers and it’s my wedding so you have to be nice to me

So now we get the obligatory soup time with the yunmeng sibs

And AHHHHHH, JYL JUST ASKED WWX TO COME UP WITH A COURTESY NAME

And wwx is all, “for who???”

And jc says, for my future nephew!! And he looks so damn pleased and proud when he says it. JC WANTS TO BE AN UNCLE SO BAD me too jc, me too

Wwx: hmmm, well, the next generation for the jin clan is “ru” so how about jin rulan?

Jc: jin rulan? It sounds like the lan clan. Why should a kid of the jiang clan and jin clan be called “rulan”??

Omg jc sounds so offended here; chill out bro

Wwx: it’s not that bad if it’s from the lan clan all right? Lan means orchid, a gentry amongst flowers! ALSO MY SOULMATE IS FROM THE LAN CLAN SO THERE

Wwx sounded all sulky here, like RULAN IS A GREAT NAME, HOW DARE YOU

Jyl cuts in before there could be any bloodshed with, oh yeah, having you come up with the courtesy name was jc’s idea

The look jc gives her is one of utter betrayal like, why’d you have to go and tell him that? HE CAN’T KNOW I WAS BEING NICE TO HIM, GOD.

They all have much more sibling time together but since there’s no more wangxiantics we’re gonna skip over it (EVEN THO IT HURTS ME TO DO SO BC I LOVE MY YUNMENG SIBS AND I WANT TO SEE THEM HAPPY AND TOGETHER FOREVER)

We cut to the Burial Mounds where there’s a Wen family dinner going on

Wwx is all spacey bc he misses his sibs so much but manages to distract EVERYONE from it by making grand declarations and generally being an over-the-top Drama Bi.

WHY ARE YOU LIKE THIS LET THE PEOPLE WHO LOVE YOU TAKE CARE OF YOU LET THEM TRY TO MAKE YOU HAPPY STOP MAKING YOURSELF MISERABLE OMG

A-Yuan time!

Wen ning saved some of jyl’s soup to give to a-yuan!

He gives a-yuan a taste of the soup and a-yuan’s all “delicious! One more spoon!”

And after wen ning gives him more, he’s like, ONE MORE SPOON!

PRECIOUS, HE’S PRECIOUS AND SO CUTE

Then we get some Sad Times in the Demon-Subdue Palace where wwx has the saddest series of flashbacks ever

the promise he made to JC (twin heroes of yunmeng!!) that he didn’t keep

and then the oath on the lantern (always stand with justice and live without regrets) which he half-keeps

and then his declaration in the rain with lwj (if i should be killed, let it be by you) which he will keep BUT WE’RE NOT GONNA THINK ABOUT THAT

HE’S SO SADDDDDD

I’M SO SADDDDDDDDDDDDD

THERE’S SADNESS EVERYWHERE

Gross, now we’re in lanling, fastforwarding through that nonsense

Now we’re back at the burial mounds and get more A-YUAN TIME!!

Uh oh, a-yuan just murdered a lotus sprout

He’s all, what’s this?? And yanks the poor thing out of the mudpit it was growing in

Wwx yells at him: WHAT ARE YOU DOING

And a-yuan starts crying and wwx looks like he wants to start bawling too

Wen qing kind of tells him off 

a-yuan’s a little kid and doesn’t know better, she says

Wwx gets this defeated look about him and says it’s fine, i see that it’s not meant to be now

LIKE, HE’S JUST RESIGNED THAT HE CAN NEVER HAVE ANYTHING FROM HOME EVER AGAIN?

HE CAN’T EVEN HAVE ONE STUPID LOTUS PLANT BC OF COURSE HE CAN’T HE DOESN’T DESERVE IT

MY POOR PRECIOUS SUNSHINE BOY

After a little adorable convo with wen qing, a-yuan goes to comfort wwx in his cave

A-yuan: i’m sorry i made a mistake. Wq says if you miss your sister, you should go see her

Wwx: she’s so far away...i won’t go

A-yuan: hmmm, you should become a bird and fly over there!

AND THEN THEY PRETEND TO BE FLYING BIRDS AND IT’S SO CUTE

But wwx is still sad inside :(

Now we get a time skip! 

~ONE YEAR LATER~

Wwx overhears a bunch of gossipy cultivators talking about how the jin clan is doing a one-month celebration of baby Jin Rulan!!

WWX IS OVERWHELMED WITH JOY

HIS EYES ARE ALL TEARY AGAIN

AND HE’S LIKE, DID YOU  HEAR THAT WEN NING? MY SISTER HAD A BABY! I HAVE A NEPHEW!!

Wen Ning is a supportive bro so he’s all congratulations!!!

And then wwx gets all the happiness gets drained out of him when he remembers that he has no official ties to either clan so he’ll probably never get to see his nephew ever

We cut to Lanling, where i guess guests are arriving for the upcoming celebration

We don’t really care about any of these people

EXCEPT THAT ZEWU-JUN AND HANGUANG-JUN’S ARRIVAL IS ANNOUNCED

AND WE’RE GONNA LISTEN TO LWJ TALK ABOUT HIS BELOVED SOULMATE

Unfortunately he’s talking to asshole cousin jz, fuck that guy

Lwj: since all of his seniors are invited to the first-month celebration, wei ying should also be invited as he is the baby’s senior too

Lwj says this all respectfully, gaze steadily forward and not looking directly at anyone

Jz: you want us to invite wwx even tho he’s the enemy of all four clans??

JFC IF SOMEONE COULD’VE JUST KILLED THIS GUY WE COULD’VE AVOIDED AT LEAST A QUARTER OF THE PROBLEMS WE HAVE NOW

Lol, lwj glares at jz SO HARD the minute jz calls wwx the enemy; i’m surprised the asshole didn’t drop dead on the spot

Lwj: not an enemy.

Jz: not an enemy? Do you have such a shitty memory that you don’t remember what happened in qiongqi way? Do i need to remind you?

NO LWJ NEEDS YOU TO STFU

Also, HOW DARE YOU SPEAK TO HANGUANG-JUN THAT WAY??

Lxc: what wangji said isn’t wrong. Wwx hasn’t caused any trouble since he took off to the burial mounds.

Jz: what, you’re taking the traitor’s side too zewu-jun?

You know, i was almost proud of lxc for finally siding with wwx and lwj

But the minute jz throws that accusation, you can see him start to pull back, WTF LXC

So now, since apparently having to deal with JZ wasn’t horrible enough, we get jgs and jgy on the scene, yuck

Jz gives them a summary of the conversation

Oh, i forgot to mention jzx has been here the whole time too but he’s basically useless bc he never shuts up his cousin

Jgy is all like, ah, hanguang-jun is being kind but perhaps inviting wwx is not the best idea ever

And jz is all well, I heard that he went to the burial mounds but no one knows why he went there!

Lwj: to visit an old friend

LWJ IS NOT ASHAMED OF VISITING WWX. HE DOESN’T CARE IF THE WHOLE WORLD KNOWS HE WENT THERE TO VISIT HIS SOULMATE

Jz: an old friend?! Wwx is a ruthless killer! Everyone wants him dead! Why do you have a friend like him?

I HATE THIS GUY SO MUCH

Lwj: when did he kill ruthlessly? Please tell us exactly.

DAAAMMN, LOOK AT MY BOY GO!

Jzx finally cuts in here and shuts them both up

He approaches his dad and is like, yeah okay so wwx killed some of our guys before and he’s kind of rebellious or whatever but like hanguang-jun said, he hasn’t done anything wrong for a whole year!

Then he goes on to show us that he’s completely whipped for his wife (AS HE SHOULD BE) by saying, also, since wwx has seceded from the jiang clan, jyl hasn’t been able to see him and she still misses him very much!!

Jzx: it’s a good opportunity to bring him back

His asshole cousin is all, are you crazy??

WILL THIS GUY EVER SHUT UP, OH MY GOD.

But thankfully lxc puts in his two cents!

Lxc: jzx makes a good point. If wwx intends to change and return to the right path again, it’s a good thing!

Jgs starts droning on and on about stuff i don’t give a damn about and lwj throws him the dirtiest of looks the whole time lol

But he more or less agrees to let wwx come on the condition that he turns in Plot Device 2

And jgy is like, SWEET, we can write him a letter telling him he’s invited but he must come alone (BC THAT AIN’T SKETCHY AF) and then once he’s here we can tactfully request he give me, i mean, the jin clan Plot Device 2

Lwj was looking concerned basically the minute jgy started talking but here he chimes in

Lwj: what will you do if he refuses?

BC HE KNOWS WWX IS NOT GONNA HAND THAT THING OVER TO THE JIN CLAN BC THEY’RE A BUNCH OF SLIMY SKEEVY BASTARDS

Then jgy does that thing where he replies without actually answering the question

Jgy: hanguang-jun, why are you so pessimistic? Wwx is not evil or vicious! (FUCK YOU JGY, WE ALREADY KNOW HE’S NOT EVIL OR VICIOUS, NO THANKS TO YOU) i’m sure if we talk it out, he’ll be reasonable and make the right choice!

Oh, thankfully, lxc answers the question properly

Lxc: even if wwx disagrees, he can go back to the burial mounds as long as he promises not to kill any innocents

Which, wwx would definitely promise that bc he’s never killed an innocent person IN HIS LIFE

BC UNLIKE THE JIN CLAN BASTARDS HE HAS INTEGRITY AND A FULLY FUNCTIONING CONSCIENCE

Jgy: hanguang-jun, can we bother you with the errand of writing the letter?

LOL

Jgy says that and we immediately see lxc smile at his little brother

Like, heck yeah, bro you have the chance to talk to your soulmate now! (LXC is trying to win back his greatest wingman title lol)

Ofc lwj keeps his face blank, but he bows and says yes

BC HECK YEAH HE GETS TO DELIVER GOOD NEWS TO HIS SOULMATE

HE’LL BE ABLE TO MAKE WWX SMILE

OFC HE’S GONNA BE ALL OVER THAT!

And that’s the last of the wangxiantics for this episode. Not a lot of them this time around, and none with shared screen time

But you know what

That’s okay

Bc this shows that they’re always on each other’s minds EVEN AFTER A WHOLE YEAR APART!!

Return to Masterpost

[neeterloveschenford]

Thoughts on RNM 2x13

Howdy partners! Well here we are at the end of the season. Even though I didn’t have to work today and was able to watch last night, I needed time to process what happened. I also was very interested in all the diverging opinions last night and today over everything that happened with Malex. I am still smiling when I think about all that went down. (And I know I keep harping on this, but I am NOT a positive person outside of this show. Every time I talk about how hopeful I am to my two friends at work who are are fandom junkies, they are like Damn Dawnita, when’d you get so positive! But I digress.) All in all I was very pleased with this episode. And it sure as heck was loads better than last year’s finale. So without further ado, let’s dive in shall we!

Things I Liked:

 -Badass science goddess Liz saving the day! She’s amazing. I love her. And Isobel also being a badass containing the fire! That’s my girls!

 -Glad Charlie was rescued! At least Helena did something right.

 - Gregory Manes is bestest brother to ever brother and I would take a bullet for him. And even thought I really love Trevor St John and thought Jesse was a very compelling villain, I am glad Jesse’s dead. It was time for him to go. He was getting too comic book villain. 

 - Even though I have some issues with Max, I am glad he’s ok. I did not want to revisit the save Max at all costs storyline. 

 - Liz getting recognition for her brilliance is nice, But we know Diego shady, so.......

 - “Witch serum” made me snort. Also, Maria knows what’s what. I still maintain she’s feeling Michael’s leftover emotions from Alex’s kidnapping now that she’s not wearing the bracelet.

 - Well, it took several episodes, but Max finally was supportive of Isobel without making it all about himself. She is pretty amazing and it’s about time he told her.

 - Isobel acts all hard and tough, but she wants to find real love so badly!

 - They FINALLY faced their trauma from the tool shed! Michael handing Alex that hammer was so symbolic. Alex angry screams. God baby I wanna give you all the hugs!

 - Of course there was a dead body! Poor Tripp!

 - I am totally loving the brotp of Max and Cam. She gets so much joy dragging him. They make me laugh every time they are together.

 - I think the M!luca I love you’s were handled well. I’m not upset that she got an I love you before Alex. I mean haven’t we gotten these epic declarations from Malex over the last two seasons? I’ll take and I never look away, not really over a simple I love you any day of the week. And what’s so wrong with them actually loving each other? Maria KNOWS she’s not Michael’s cosmic love. She realizes that, yes, Michael would have risked his life to save her. But I think he would have gone to the others first and not just dropped everything to save her. And it’s not a bad thing to love someone but know that in the long run they are not the one you’re supposed to spend your life with. I have an ex-boyfriend that I still think is one of the finest people I’ve ever met and I love him dearly. But we just weren’t meant for the long haul. I think this is what Michael and Maria will be to each other.  (Ok, enough of that.)

 - Tripp and Nora (sigh!) I just love their romance. The fact that Tripp used the word cosmic just melted my heart. And the Malex look when Alex read that. I just died a little. Such a beautiful parallel. 

- Drunk acting Jenna is perfection. And she’s right! Women should tell other women when they’re beautiful!

 - So what’s wrong with Max’s heart? I want to see that x-ray Kyle. 

 - I like that Isobel ships Tripp and Nora. Same girl. Tell me more boys.

 -”Can we all cowboy up and focus please?” I love it when Isobel sasses. She’s the best. And can we have more bro moments between Max and Michael please? It’s some of the few times Max doesn’t get on my nerves.

 -How many times are the Manes/Truman couples going to break my heart? Tripp had to leave her. (SOB) He doesn’t a family without her! 

 -I really want to know about the date June 14, 1997. Why will they be safer 50 years from then? 

 -Loved the Jenna/Charlie reunion. Glad Charlie decided to stick around. 

 - This Echo fight has been too long coming. They have held things back from each other every single time they had any kind of conflict. It was bound to boil over. And they are both right. Liz was taking things too far. Max makes decisions without consulting anyone else. They both needed to be called out on their behaviors.

 - I adore the sisters Ortecho. I would watch a whole show just about Liz and Rosa. (With plenty of Arturo moments.)

 - Finally some Kylex! It was flawless. It gave us hope for Flint’s redemption and acknowledged how Alex has forgiven Kyle. In Alex’s mind, if Kyle can change, then anyone can. Give me more of them in season 3 please and thank you.

- Alex’s song! It just gutted me. Tyler is so incredibly talented. And the look on Michael’s face when he realized it was Alex singing. Then when Alex saw Michael. These two goobers! Ugh! (Ok I’m going to delve into more of this at the end.  I have a lot to say.)

 - Rosa telling Helena loves her but she needs to leave them alone was beautiful. This is Rosa growing up. She’s not the angry teenager anymore.

 - “We are sick of being pissed at you for being obnoxiously yourself.” Same Michael, same.

 - I’m not sure if I like or don’t like Max 1.0. Although I will be obnoxiously saying Howdy partner from now on. And I want to know about him being the stowaway. (Hey, we got an answer to something!)

Things I Didn’t Like:

 - Gotta say I didn’t enjoy Crash Con. Glad it was over and done with quick.

 - So did anyone wonder what was actually wrong with Maria at the hospital? Michael said she had surgery, but for what? I’m assuming it was for internal bleeding, but most people don’t just spontaneously start bleeding internally. 

 - Of course Jesse gets to die a hero. But who covered it up? Was it Alex? Is there someone else involved int PS that we don’t know about yet?

 - Diego, you are just shady and I don’t like you. I was rooting for you too. Shame.

- Is it bad that I really don’t care about Steph? It is? Guess I’m resigned to just being bad. Cause I just don’t care. Congratulations you didn’t die. 

 - Max! You couldn’t have just taken everything, or called Liz or even Alex? Wrong move dude. Seriously dude.

 - That’s the building you blew up? I am not impressed. That was a waste of f/x.

 - No romantic gesture from Max to try to get Liz to stay. Just goes to show how off the deep end Max really is at this point. 

 - The stowaway’s beard upsets me. 

Malex:

 Ok here’s where I’m going to dive into the deep end of my Malex feels. First of all, I did not take Alex performing as his big love declaration. He didn’t tell most people that he was going to sing. Even Kyle didn’t know. He had no idea that Michael was going to walk in at that moment. And since it’s been at least a week, maybe more, since Crash Con, I think Alex and Forrest were already seeing each other casually. Obviously, since Forrest at least knew he was singing, they have had some kind of contact. And Michael’s reaction was probably the most Michael thing he’s done all season. Michael sacrifices himself for other people’s happiness. When he looked over and saw the besotted look on Forrest’s face, he knew that Forrest could give Alex something in that moment that Michael couldn’t. Stability. Michael is just now realizing that he can’t blame all of their problems on Alex walking away or the despicable acts of the Manes family. He knows that if he’s going to good for the one person in this world that he wants to be good for, then he’s going to have to work to get there. He can’t hide in his relationship with Maria anymore. He has no choice but to face his problems head on and change for the better. I’ve seen so many people upset that they didn’t have a conversation after the song, but did they need to? They have hashed this out over and over again almost every episode this season. Despite talking in past tense, they know how much they love each other. Michael built a bomb that would kill himself and every alien on the planet just to save Alex. Alex wrote and performed a freaking love song about Michael. Michael knows that he has to deal with his traumas before he can be with Alex. But for the first time in forever he’s confident that they will find their way back to each other. And he would be a complete hypocrite if he asked Alex to wait for him and not get involved with Forrest. Michael wasn’t exactly celibate during the lost years. Also, I don’t think we’re going to get the big love triangle that we got this season. I don’t think Forrest and Alex are going to be a super heavy romance. As far as we know Forrest isn’t looking to lose himself in a relationship like Michael and frankly Maria were. So I’m not worried about them at all. And with a big time jump to deal with Covid-19, they can even have the relationship end organically. Alex could get deployed somewhere and they realize that they are better off as friend. Then Alex can come back and Michael will have worked on being a better person and they can start over again. And it will be glorious, because once those two work it out, that’s it. They are going straight into domestic bliss. They might even start a little dad band!

So that’s all I’ve got for now. I have many more thoughts, but this is probably the longest review yet, so I will be back with more theories and such at a later date. I am planning on a little project for the lengthy hiatus where I write my thoughts on each individual character. Some will be short because they are minor characters without much backstory. Some will be huge and no one will finish it because Dawnita says way too much about certain things! But until then, I hope you all stay safe and healthy. Till later my lovlies!

[anothertimdrakestan]

Set In Stone - Losing It All

The big finale! 

If this is the first of this series you’re seeing click HEREI put a read more so these don’t eat up my entire blog! Enjoy <3

“I’ll do it! I’m a hero I have powers doesn’t that count! Plus it would ruin Tim and Bart for the rest of their lives, pick me.” You sat up straight as Azores stopped for a moment to think. “Ah, it would be just too good for you to know you tried, can’t have you conscious free can we! So, I suppose you can have a swig, but let’s make the boys watch shall we?” In seconds Tim and Bart were trapped by a multitude of plants but were coming out of their daze. Azores waltzed up to you, handing you the vial. “Anything you don’t drink goes to one of your precious boys” you nodded, looking at Tim one last time. Your ears were ringing so you couldn’t hear Bart screaming apologies or Tim begging for Azores to let him drink the poison.

Before you could lift the drink to your lips a blinding flash of light interrupted you, and two figures appeared next to you, one of which smacked the vial to the ground. “Ooh girl we are too pretty to die so young!” one squealed and the other had Azores crumpling to the ground just with her stare. You looked up to meet the one who had just saved you in the eyes and a mirror imagine of you stared back. “Dude I am so proud! Dad’s gonna be wowed that we still found a way to be a hero even in this shitshow!” she bet down, mumbling something about rewriting the future then everything holding you down disappeared into thin air. 

The other carbon copy of you was chastising Azores, “I cannot believe you would use your abilities for evil! Do you not know that you’re gonna lead heroes against the mode someday? Not with these nasty ass vines and shit, but I can help you with that!” You watched in awe as she placed her hands on her temple, just like you do when you’re using your powers, and she said “Azores Ivy I’m rewriting your future, taking away your abilities until you learn their true purpose. Now leave” Azores shakily stood up, clenching her fists trying to summon her powers but there truly was nothing there. 

“Holy shit am I high?” Bart squeaked at one of your look alikes. “No babe- I mean Bart, you’re just fine!” The other Y/N shot her a dirty look, “no flirting with this world’s Bart do you see me going after Tim? No ma’am!” they laughed a little while your head spun. 

Freed from your restraints you sprung up, rushing to Tim and Bart while your twins followed you. “Y/N why would you try to sacrifice yourself for us! What were you thinking?!” Tim cupped your cheek trying to scold you through the happy tears cascading down his cheeks. “She did it because she’s a hero. She knew the future was more important than her own life, that’s what makes her one of us” A Y/N came up beside you and began explaiining, “you know this subconsciously so I’m only here to unlock it but just let me explain then it will all make sense” she placed a hand on the side of your head, and images flashed before your eyes as she narrated. 

“Fate, our lovely father gave his gifts to his three children, Past, Present, and Future, I’m sure it’s easy to guess who is who. Each verson of his three children take care of their earth, securing it’s place in the multiverse using the powers he has given each of us. For the future it’s a power that should only be in the hands of a selfless hero, a person willing to give it all for the best of world. So, Fate set up a test, a series of decisions that would weed out the deserving Future’s from the one’s who were too selfish to be able to change the world around them. You heard me right, change the future. We work with Past and Present to determine the parts of life that have to happen then it is our jobs to make the tweaks happen, thus fufilling Fate’s wishes. This world was set up in a way that Fate deemed unfair, he felt he didn’t give you enough choice but you found a selfless way out, so we’re here to unlock the rest of your abilities.”

The information hit you like a bus. Tim and Bart were asking a million questions but the other Y/N stopped them. “The future is never set in stone, you have to be willing to risk your life to change it though, which means it’s time you tweak your future girl!” You dove into the future, noticing how what once seemed stuck forever now seemed maluable and fixable. You moved to the future that promised the death of one of your best friends. To undo the future felt like pulling apart knots and leaving the string ready to be weaved with new decisions. As you unraveled the last knot you watched the two imagines of your weddings fade slowly until they were gone, the only thing truly set in stone was the ability to choose and change, it was far more comfoting than the impending doom. 

“I think I did it” you whispered, pulling yourself back to reality realizing your head didn’t pound with pain like it used to. “Welcome to the future, Future” the multiverse Y/N smiled at you. Tim and Bart were safe at your side, each being flirted with by one of your multiverse copies. “Well, we did it! Can I go back to my Bart now?” the two turned to you, preparing to leave. “Remember you can come hang anytime! This was fun, you free next month? I heard there’s an Earth where everyone is dressed in the 90s and Conner Kent is supposed to be really hot and Fate can’t come after three of us right!” you agreed to coffee, your mind barely comprehending that there was a multidide of you’s running around defending their Barts and Tims, but you finally felt at peace, like the final puzzle piece had been slid into place. 

“Dude that Y/N was totally into me!” Bart exclaimed after they’d left, it was just you, Tim, and Bart. “Bro you have the worst taste in girls, Azores literally almost killed us” Tim groaned. “Yeah but now if I die Y/N can just fix the future up!” Bart grinned, “that’s not how it works B, I make little tweaks to smooth out the timeline, pretty sure I can’t just rewrite in an entire human!” you laughed, imagining the kind of tying and untying you’d have to do. “At least we’re all here!” Tim squeezed your hand. “Don’t run off and fall in love with aanother hero okay? Fate or not I want you with me” you blushed as Tim stared at you with nothing but love as Bart faked a gag. “Nothing is set in stone” you teased Tim as he pouted, “kidding love bird, you know you’re my future!” you poked Tim. “Oh my god Y/N tell me who I’m gonna marry!” Bart interrupted your moment with Tim. “Again Bart, not really the purpose of my powers.”

“So then what do you even do with them?!?”

“I don’t think I fully know yet, but I’ve finally got a hell of a lot of time to find out”

~and that’s the end! I loved making this I really hope you enjoyed! Be sure if this was your first time to give it another go! If it was your first time you made some damn good choices! Go watch Bart die or something you deserve it you selfless wonder! Anyways, thank you for giving this series a go, it means a lot to me. If you have any feedback be sure to send me a message anon or not idc! <333 ~

[thewebcomicsreview]

Can you maybe contextualize the Homestuck epilogue for someone who has never read Homestuck but is curious what all the hullabaloo is about?

It’s 200,000 words following 8,000 pages of comic, so I’m not sure if I can really explain it “simply”, but I’ll do my best. *ahem*

Spoilers, obviously. 

tl;dr;, by the way, I actually really liked it. But I can see why a lot of people didn’t. 

So, I can, have, and will rant about the myriad of reasons everyone hated the ending, but for the sake of context let’s only focus on the main ones:

1. The climax of the story was meant to be “John masters his powers, goes back in time, and undoes a lot of the terrible things that happen”. This didn’t at all feel like a climax, so everyone expected a “real” climax and was confused when we didn’t get one. Worse, because the solution to, say, Rose’s alcoholism was that John changed things so that she never started drinking, it felt less like characters overcoming their struggles and more like the characters we loved being replaced with alternate, better versions, and we never saw how things went for the “real” characters (John’s main change, preventing Vriska’s death in Act 5, invalidates something like 15% of the entire comic!). 

2. Because the climax fell so flat and the big bad wasn’t defeated (and because [S] Collide ended with the music turning all sinister), everyone went in to Act 7 expecting one last huge twist. But while we were given enough information to figure out the basic gist of how Lord English was defeated, we don’t actually see it.The above screenshot, of Caliborn powering up into his Final Form, comes in the last fifty seconds of Homestuck.  

So, that’s kind of the context of the ending. Everyone went in expecting like a full act, was wildly confused that Act 7 was a victory lap, and then we all kind of figured out eventually what Hussie was going for and we were like “Oh. Okay” in a monotone. So, everyone hoped for the epilogue to “fix” the plot, but the plot wasn’t so much broken as it was badly told.

Phew. Okay, now lets talk about the epilogue. 

So, John is given the choice of whether to actually go back into the comic and kill the bad guy or not, represented as a choice of eating meat or candy for lunch. The canon, alpha timeline choice is to kill Lord English (”meat”), and the choice to stay behind and leave a time loop/plot thread unclosed (”Candy”) creates a doomed timeline. Doomed timelines in Homestuck exist as physical bubbles you can fly to, so the two “timelines” are really physical places in Paradox Space. There are three such location in the epilogue 

1. The “meat” timeline, which is the actual “canon” alpha timeline with no unbroken time loops, where most of the Meat Epilogue takes place. It takes place in the normal universe 

2. The furthest ring, a void above and around all timeline bubbles where John fights Lord English. This is normally where all the doomed timelines are, but they are getting sucked into a black hole that’s sweeping out all the “irrelevant” stuff

Nepetaquest 2019 was never meant to be

3. The “candy” timeline, which is doomed, irrelevant, and thus sucked into the black hole. The whole thing looks like this

The reason I’m explaining all this is because the two epilogues are actually one epilogue, and one affects the other such that you need to read them both. 

In the Candy timeline, Dirk immediately realizes that he’s no longer canon/alpha, and immediately kills himself. Rose and Kanaya are happily married and adopt a troll. Roxy goes all stepford wife and decides all she really wants is to crank out babies with John. John is all “you seem to be wildly out of character for reasons that won’t be explained but okay”. Jade, Dave, and Karkat have a miserable polyamorous relationship where the boys don’t admit they want to each other’s dicks but are willing to settle on Jade’s furry knotted dog penis, which she apparently grew after becoming a dog girl in [S] Cascade

Pictured: The exact moment in Homestuck that Jade Harley grew canine genitalia. I had a print of this artwork and I’ll never look at it quite the same again

There’s relationship drama, but the most important part is Jane, who is now TrumpHitler for basically no reason,. She marries Jake but Gamzee cucks him and, well

There’s a scene of Jake talking to Jade and thinking about maybe murdering a baby while his wife has rape-play sex with a clown in the next room. We don’t have time to unpack all that, because Jane is also TrumpHitler now, and sets out to commit a literal holocaust on all the Trolls for….um…..well for no reason. She’s just evil now. Jade’s corpse crashes from the sky, which is a shock to everyone, most of all Jade. Then Aradia and Sollux show up and Jane’s corpse comes to life as a god and everyone kind of just….nods…..and ignores it. The JadeCorpse is possessed by a version of Calliope who’s basically God, whom Aradia serves. Calliope explains that nothing in this timeline matters and it would normally just dissolve but she’s keeping it around because letting everyone dissolve into nothing when you can stop it seems like kind of a bitch thing to do and also she needs somewhere for Lord English’s body to land. Everything in Candyland gets as comically terrible as possible, full-on civil war. John has an existential crises about being irrelevent but gets over it, and Calliope finally finds Lord English and eats him, gaining the power to escape the black hole. Somewhere all this Dave meets up with Barack Obama (??!!?!?!) who is a god (!!!!!!!!!!!) that fucked Dave’s bro (!efefiebnfuewf) and merges all Daves together into one Ultimate Dave that he puts in a robot. Davebot, Aradia, and Calliope all leave the black hole and close the door behind them such that nothing inside (which includes the “canon” Vriska and every single alternate Timeline that existed or will ever exist) can ever get out to interfere with the canon timeline ever again. 

Also 16-year-old Vriska fucks 40-year-old Gamzee and is so embarrassed about it that she kills him. 

Feel free to take a break here

==>

In the Meat timeline, Dirk has ascended and god from God-Like-Thor to God-Like-God, and can now manipulate the story in a fourth-wall breaking way that’s effectively nigh-omniscience and mind control. He’s also evil now, but that makes more sense then Jane being Hitler. 

John recruits the pre-retcon versions of Dave, Rose, and Jade, who with John are the closest thing to the “original” versions of the main four that Homestuck is gonna give us at this point. They fight Lord English and successfully boot him into the black hole, but all die in the process. John is mortally wounded but survives long enough to bang Terezi in the back of his dad’s car and get them both home (said car ends up in Candyland, where Candy John finds it and recognizes Terezi’s cum because thanks Hussie). Jade lives long enough that she could get to Earth C herself, but this version of Jade doesn’t even know about Earth C and decides to die via black hole. Dirk tries to stop this, but Calliope, who is more powerful than Dirk, pulls her in

It is indeed to late, and OG! Jade gets sucked into the black hole, crashes into Candyland, and leaves behind a fresh corpse for Calliope to control and all the people in Candyland to be weirdly blase over because deep down they know their world doesn’t matter. Having control over this Jade lets her possess the alpha Jade in Meatworld, which in turn lets her influence things there. She and Dirk fight about who gets to be president of earth (which doesn’t seem important unless you read Candy and know what president Jane will do), and Dirk manages to tranquilize Jade and keep Calliope from affecting anything else. 

Jane becomes president of Earth and starts off and the path of becoming God Empress of Mankind. John dies, and we get more than a hint that Dirk killed him for being insufficiently grateful of their paradise planet

With things on Earth taken care of, Dirk mind controls Rose into become his (sex?) slave, and mind controls Kanaya into thinking that’s cool. He tells Terezi (who he can’t control, since Mind is her power) that if she comes with they can maybe revive John, and they all home into a spaceship and fuck off to a new planet. Dirk is the new Lord English, Jane is the new Condesce, and Rose -now a dreambot - is the new Handmaid. And Terezi is….also there. They find a new M-Class planet and set up to evolve some life there for a Sburb game. On earth, now of of range of Dirk’s mind control, everyone realizes that him kidnapping Rose was actually kind of fucked up, and they hop a spaceship to chase after them, with Jade-possessed Calliope giving them advice.  

And that’s the epilogue! Dirk has kidnapped Rose and become unto god, and is setting up a nefarious plan we don’t know the details of, and a the heroes are racing to stop him. Good night everybody!

I’m assuming there’s going to be an Epilogue Epilogue, because this was just a straight-up cliffhanger, and I’ll guess I’ll see when I think when that happens or when it becomes clear that won’t happen.

Hopefully that was easy enough to follow, I did my best. 

[makeste]

BnHA Chapter 250: Why Is This Family Not in Therapy

Previously on BnHA: Fuyumi invited everyone over to Camp Todovid for a wholesome family meal because what could possibly go wrong. Kacchan and Deku proceeded to spend the evening blinking distress signals at each other in Morse code while Natsu shoved breadsticks into his purse and skedaddled after getting mad at Endeavor in a completely unexpected turn of events which absolutely no one could have foreseen. After dinner, Shouto had a heart to heart with Fuyu (and then Deku) about whether or not he was ready to forgive his dad, and meanwhile Endeavor said a prayer for his very dead son Touya. Poor Touya. He was such a nice boy. You know what he really used to like? Messenger bags. He’d put the oddest things in them, too. I wonder if Touya would still enjoy collecting strange and disturbing things in bags if he was still alive today. Alas. We’ll never know.

Today on BnHA: Some guy named Takami who just got out of prison decides to show up out of the blue and fucking kidnap Natsuo because WHY NOT. But before that happens, we get a nice scene of Kacchan and Deku sitting down with Shouto and Fuyu, who finally decide it’s high time they talked about THEIR SECRET DEAD BROTHER seeing as LET’S BE REAL, THAT WAS THE WHOLE POINT OF THIS DINNER TO BEGIN WITH. So basically, (1) he’s definitely dead! For sure! 100% deceased!, and (2) Natsuo apparently blames Endeavor for his death, lol no big. Deku and Kacchan are for some reason super fucking chill about hearing this, and then Endeavor comes over and is all “TIME TO HEAD BACK” and omg I’ve never hated him more. And then as they’re driving away from Todofield Hall, Takami shows up and is all “HEY ENDEAVOR LOOK I KIDNAPPED YOUR CHILD AND I’M GONNA KILL HIM!” and holy shit but Horikoshi is just fucking with us now, though.

(As always, all comments are my unspoiled reactions from my initial readthrough of the chapter. I did a quick edit for grammar and clarity afterward, and added some  ETAs in the process, but aside from that there are no changes.)

all right manga, do your worst. I’m completely spoiler-free on this one. watch it not even be a flashback, after all of that lmao

(ETA: lol I read these two asks after I read the chapter and they’re pretty great:

honestly this week wasn’t that bad, though! the worst part of it was the whole “only 13 pages again” thing honestly. next week, though, it looks like we’ll be in for some fun times. oh goodness.)

so it appears night has fallen on Todofield Hall, and hoooooooooly shit you guys, are they. are they all gonna have a sleepover at Shouto’s house, because fdszllk I. I’m gonna. ldskfjla

(ETA: [kicks Endeavor in the shins] why do you hate fun!?)

who is talking?? are these prison stripes??

so is this the Takami guy narrating, then? just like we all predicted last week. ???

(ETA: so I saw all these people going “wtf is this Hawks’s dad??” and I was like “lol what” and it took me longer than I’d like to admit to put two and two together, but anyways, long story short, “Takami” just so happens to be Hawks’s recently revealed surname (with the same kanji and everything -- 鹰見). so while every instinct in my body is screaming at me “gtfo no way they’re related”, it is an extremely bizarre coincidence, so uh. ?? I got nothin’, basically.)

WHAT THE FUCK

IS THIS GUY STALKING THE TODOROKI HOUSE. ABOUT TO BREAK INTO TODOFELL IN THE DEAD OF NIGHT WHILE MY CHILDREN ARE ASLEEP!? CAN THEY JUST NOT CATCH A BREAK

also I will never understand villains who get all smug about being captured alive. “your one mistake was not killing me when you should have!” like okay, so you’re admitting you’re a piece of shit who should have died, and that the hero totally could have done it, but they were nice enough not to so SHAME ON THEM, apparently

anyways I really don’t understand what’s going on at all lol. some guy looked up to Endeavor and then got himself captured by him for some reason. let’s continue I guess

oh lord it keeps getting creepier

-- oohhhhhhhh shiiiiiiit, is this fucker about to air Endeavor’s dirty laundry?? is that what this is about?

AHHHHH

NATSU SWEETIE WHERE ARE YOUR SELF-PRESERVATION INSTINCTS?? IT IS NOT SAFE! and also what the fuck, does Endeavor just not have any security in his home at all? surely he must, if for no other reason than the fact that HE HAS KIDS and he’s not always at home! I have to imagine that any pro hero with a family understands that they’re a potential target for villains and would take precautions. I wonder if we’re about to see this sneaky guy get wrecked

(ETA: nope, Endeavor really has no security whatsoever and Natsu got snatched while waiting outside for his Uber. I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt and assume that he was too busy missing his brother and being sad to remember that he actually has a quirk himself. c’mon Natsu.

-- actually, come to think, props to Horikoshi for once again bucking the trend and having a guy be the one who gets kidnapped and becomes the damsel in distress. I’m just going to assume that had Fuyu been the one to get captured, Endeavor wouldn’t have even heard about it until he received a text from her with a picture of the guy encased in ice and a caption asking “so dad, uh, what should I do with this?”)

BUT FIRST, WE’RE CUTTING BACK TO THE TODOROKI KITCHEN, WHERE TODOBAKUDEKU ARE CURRENTLY HAVING TEA WITH FUYU BECAUSE SOMEBODY UP THERE LIKES ME YESSSSS

hhhglkohhhhh myyyyy godddddd

I KNOW!!! WHAT’S WITH THAT! WE’VE WAITED 250 FUCKING CHAPTERS PUTTING UP WITH YOUR SLY-ASS HINTS ALL “ALL RIGHT THEN, KEEP YOUR SECRETS” but is it finally time now? IS IT??!

Shouto says it’s not exactly an easy topic to bring up, and okay, fair. buuuut also, this is the same child who ambushed Deku in a corridor back when they barely knew each other and was all “let me tell you all about my dad’s quirk marriage and how he abused me and my mom and how I got this scar” so like. what exactly do you consider “easy to bring up” though

OH MY GOD IT’S HAPPENINGGGGGGG

we’re getting DETAILS. ABOUT. TOUYA’S PAST fkdslfh holy motherfucking shitballs someone pinch me

she says it happened right after Rei got hospitalized, which yeah, we all figured based on the middle school uniform in the photo. so that definitely pins down his age then, doesn’t it? Shouto was six when that happened, so if Touya was in middle school he’d have been between 12 and 15. so it’s very likely then that he was 14, the exact same age as Fuyu, so therefore THE TWIN THEORY IS CONFIRMED! WE DID IT TUMBLR

anyways back to being sad though, because

can someone please hug this child?? what are you all even doing?! do you not see his face?? jesus christ

oh no oh my god are you serious are you

okay, before I go on to the next panel and commence FREAKING THE FUCK OUT, I need to stop here though, because the thought that the Todos actually were in the process of healing nine years ago and could have potentially been spared years of additional pain had it not been for this tragedy is. just. I fucking can’t. I need a minute here. god

anyway. so now on to the freaking out though, because

:) :))) :))))))) huh. you don’t say

(ETA: hmm in hindsight I promised freakouts and then all I did was go “:)” but please understand that the “:)” conveys so much more inner freaking out than words could possibly communicate. just picture me screaming and waving my arms around like a Kermit the frog gif okay.)

look at this you guys. this revelation is so stone cold fucking sober that it even got Katsuki to make an actual normal face for the first time in god knows how many chapters, wow

by the way, words can hardly express how much I appreciate that Katsuki is sitting here chilling out drinking tea with the rest of them and listening to this tale of woe and empathizing like a normal, well-adjusted person, though. I will never take that for granted. thank you character development gods. y’all are bros

anyways the face in question that Natsu was making is so fucking sad, and just. THEY ALL NEED HUGS. why is this family not in therapy

NO!!!!!!!!!!!

YOU SON OF A BITCH!! JUST LIKE THAT YOU’RE RIGHT BACK ON MY SHIT LIST, ENDEAVOR!! CHRIST ALMIGHTY ARE YOU SERIOUS, SO WE’RE REALLY JUST GONNA LEAVE OFF THERE? “LOL SO YEAH, NATSU STILL THINKS DAD KILLED OUR BROTHER AND THAT’S WHY ALL THE TENSION” and Deku and Kacchan just nod like that is in any way a satisfying explanation rather than an INCREDIBLY OMINOUS STATEMENT which only goes and raises about A BILLION MORE QUESTIONS OMG. “oh okay, so he hates your dad because he thinks that he murdered your mysterious other brother we’re only just now hearing about. say no more. no further context necessary” fucking -- 

listen, you two. where the fuck are your investigative skills?? SOME SCOOBY SQUAD YOU ARE!!

oh my goodness gracious

listen guys, things I was not expecting to check off my character development bucket list today: Katsuki joining the Fuyumi fanclub and bonding with her over recipes. I wasn’t even aware that was on my list. BUT IT SURE WAS, AND IT’S CHECKED NOW AND I LOVE IT

also love that Shouto tells Fuyu to just text the recipe to him, and then he will share it with Katsuki. because they are best friends

also Deku is the only one here with any manners at all but oh well. we all been knew

(ETA: though to be fair, Katsuki asking for the recipe is about as big a compliment as one can give to a chef, and it kind of serves as a combination “thanks for the meal” and “everything was really good” tbh. shit, now I want her recipe.)

fdlkjfg

... [reaches out to gently touch the panels] so soft

-- BUT DO YOU KNOW WHAT’S EVEN SOFTER?

[faint sound of my heart imploding] ah

oh my god his face

and Katsuki’s face too. boy are you jealous. to think you were all “WHY THOUGH!?” coming here, only to walk away from it all with a kickass new mapo tofu recipe as well as a new person to add to your secret list of people you would literally die for. awwwwwww

and Shouto. omg. this is the most bashful panel I’ve ever seen. what a blessed chapter

anyway so now they’re all driving away (back to school?? I think he said?) and Endeavor’s talking to them about their upcoming schedule. so I guess they are heading back to school, then

anyway so he wants them to work the weekend as well as two weekdays? damn that’s a lot of class to be missing, he’s asking them to skip literally half the school week (since they have Saturday class too)

wow you guys look at this panel

takeaways from this: 1.) I honestly would have thought Deku would be the one tutoring other people in English, if anything. as of the midterms, he was above Shouto in academic rankings, but more importantly he’s also the biggest All Might fan on the planet, and All Might spent a lot of time in America in his youth and presumably speaks decent English himself, so you’d think Deku’s English would be passable just from his obsession alone. but I guess you just can’t beat that fancy private school education

and the other takeaway: Katsuki doesn’t like being squished in the backseat of a cramped Japanese car with Deku and Shouto. this one is absolutely shocking. I’m gonna need a moment to process this for sure. anyways poor Deku, he’s probably getting so many elbows to the ribs right now. I hope he elbows back

(ETA: actually the fact that Katsuki is apparently sticking his head out the window here in addition to complaining about the cramped conditions makes me wonder if he’s actually getting carsick. my poor baby do you need some dramamine.)

guys, meet Endeavor’s chauffeur

so anyway this is a bit sudden but I have a new favorite character now. life is funny like that. does he remind anyone else of Major Armstrong

wow Endeavor is answering the question seriously

okay but shit, I really fucking love this answer, though. he’s so matter-of-fact about it. because the thing is, the question isn’t really “when did you start baby-sitting a bunch of kids”; it’s “when did you actually start caring about something other than yourself?” and the answer is that it happened when he finally reached the top and realized the responsibility that went hand in hand with that role. it forced him to finally look past just himself, and to think about what it really means to be a hero. shit, I feel another essay coming on, but it’ll have to wait for some other time lol. we still have to see if Natsu’s going to make it out of this alive

anyway so now Armstrong is chuckling and saying that status really does change people huh, and they’re driving on into the night

OH SHIT

THAT’S A NICE SON YOU’VE GOT THERE, ENDEAVOR. IT WOULD BE A SHAME IF SOMEONE... okay you know what, I’m not sure where I was headed with that joke, but in any case I can’t finish it because this isn’t funny at all actually, this is actually SO FUCKING BAD oh shit oh shit

NATSUUUUU

oh no he’s so scared oh fuck. fuck. he’s only 19, he’s just a kid still. god. why do I always get so worked up over these parts. what am I doing reading a shounen manga if I can’t handle seeing kids in peril. HORIKOSHI PLEASE BE KIND TO MY BABIES

holy shit

okay, is this implying that Katsuki was sticking his head out of the window in that previous panel?? I realize more important things are happening and this is hardly the time to dwell on this, but jesus christ my kid is out here trying to get himself decapitated. boy what is wrong with you

anyway so now something is going "pop” and I have no idea. ??

(ETA: lol I guess it was Endeavor? you know, how Endeavor sometimes just goes “pop” for no reason. that’s just the sound someone makes when spontaneously bursting into flames.)

oh

far be it from me to start whipping out analogies about a mama bear and her cubs, but. damned if that ain’t what’s happening though. motherfucker, you mess with his kids? so would you like to die fast, or slow

so now some weird fucking shit is happening to the car, and I guess it’s this guy’s quirk again?

wow my man, so you’re really attacking the car with the three protagonists with SOMETHING TO PROVE in the backseat. you really do have a death wish

(ETA: on top of that, attacking the car mere minutes before the winter break ends, and with it, the deadline for “defeating a villain quicker than Endeavor.” HMMM anybody got some popcorn?)

now Endeavor is shouting “LET HIM GO!” because that’s what superheros shout when someone is being kidnapped

lol poor Natsu looks kind of awkward now

like, don’t get him wrong, he’s still scared for his life. but also he’s starting to get a bit of that same feeling that Katsuki and Deku were getting in the last chapter, like he’s suddenly found himself right in the midst of some grade A melodrama from which there is no escape. anyways don’t mind him, he’s just going to chill here in this big pile of bandages and see where this goes

so Endeavor is all “........... YOU’RE FROM SEVEN YEARS AGO!” and honestly that’s impressive. I guess the quirk is a pretty memorable one, though

wow now they’re suddenly being all coy with this guy’s name? what the hell

?? Natsu bud, I feel ya, this really is some awkward shit right here

ohhhh!

that’s the name of the chapter! well all right then, so at least that much makes sense now

so now Ending is apologizing to Endeavor, and wow, tons of essay fuel in these next two panels here

“you had so many things that I could never get” doesn’t this sound remarkably similar to Deku’s speech to Kacchan during their second fight at Ground Beta? huh

and also, I think we are slowly dancing closer and closer to the Thing Katsuki Lacks That He Needs To Learn From His Internship From Endeavor. what do you guys think? I have a lot of thoughts about this, but again, I’ll save it for another post seeing as shit is hitting the fan right now and all

OH SHIT

ARE YOU SERIOUS, OF ALL THE TIMES TO HAVE ANOTHER THIRTEEN PAGE CHAPTER! HORIKOSHI YOU ARE FUCKING KILLING ME HERE

well shit. okay so when he says “don’t make the same mistake twice”, he’s clearly talking about Endeavor letting him live the last time they met, but also I can’t help but feel like there might be some kind of double meaning here as well. the fact that he went from theft to kidnapping and attempted murder, on top of him mentioning earlier about how he went digging into Endeavor’s past, makes me wonder if he could possibly be trying to recreate a specific set of events. or is that crazy??

but just, hear me out. what if something similar to this went down before, with Touya perhaps being taken hostage by a villain (though it couldn’t have been the same guy because the timing is off, and also Endeavor didn’t recognize him right off the bat), and Endeavor making some critical mistake which resulted in him failing to save him, and Natsu then blaming him for that and holding him responsible for the death. honestly that makes the most sense to me, since I would think that “literally murdered his own kid” would be kind of a deal-breaker as far as the rest of the family ever reconciling with him. so yeah, this could get very interesting here

(ETA: hoo boy, so I’ve been browsing the bnha tags a bit, and it seems that a lot of people are interpreting the hints in this chapter very differently from me lol. I admit I could certainly be wrong about the “don’t make the same mistakes” bit having a double meaning. but like, do we really believe that Endeavor just straight up murdered his son and got away with it, or that it was covered up or something? or that he drove Touya to suicide? I think it’s much more likely that Touya pushed himself too hard, or that he accidentally got caught up in one of Endeavor’s attacks, or something along those lines.

what really struck me, though, was that a lot of people actually seem to be hoping for it to come out that Endeavor really is responsible, though. like, to the point where they’re prepared to be outraged if it turns out he’s not, and this part of the story doesn’t end up conforming to the narrative of Endeavor just being a sinister cartoon villain. and like, I don’t really know what to say about that. except that I really hate this idea that if an abuser is ever portrayed as something other than a heartless monster then it’s super-problematic and/or just bad writing. that Endeavor not murdering his son = Horikoshi endorses child abuse. or something. anyways I don’t have the spoons to really throw my hat into the ring here, but basically my opinion is that life is rarely just black and white in that way, and this story reflects that, and I think it’s absolutely the right call to make and is actually very good writing and I respect it. 

and also like, it’s not some all-or-nothing thing here where he’s either a perfect saint, or the worst person to ever exist! what he is is a man who made some terrible choices in the past and abused and hurt the very people he should have loved and protected the most. and what he is, also, is a man who has realized the awfulness of the things he’s done, and is trying his best now to be a good person. what he is is a human being. and acknowledging that doesn’t mean that you condone the abuse; it simply means that you acknowledge that people are made up of more than just the worst things they’ve done in their lives. that’s it.

anyways, for all of my “not gonna through my hat into the ring” nonsense, I’m doing a pretty good impression of exactly that, so I’ll shut up now. damn you Endeavor and your controversy-sparking ways. what kind of psychopath looks at the fucking BnHA fandom and says “not bad, but you know what this place could use? more discourse.” you knew exactly what you were doing, you fiend.)

anyways I’m going to hope and assume that Natsu isn’t actually about to meet his end here at the hands of this bestriped man and his peculiarly thematic villain name and sinister bandage arrows (are they bandages?? maybe not since they seem pretty solid and he’s threatening to stab Natsu in the eye with one. idk). and for all of my joking earlier, this guy actually does appear to have a real, genuine death wish since he keeps talking about how Endeavor should have killed him before. so in addition to all this other drama, toss in an attempted suicide by cop as well! this fucking arc, man. goddamn

[bookdragonlibrary]

Second Tuesday YJ appreciation

1-3 ; 4-6 ; 7-9 ; 10-13 ; 14-16 ; 17 ; 18 ; 19 ; 20 ; 21 ; 22 ; 23 ; 24-26

—————————— First Impression

- Is that... a Reach ship? Could it be linked to the machine? It’s fonctionning, nothing good...

- 4 days later. 

- I love how Garfield is respectful and aknowledges Kaldur and M’gann efforts despite the situation. Batman should take him as an example...

- A public Team. So is that what he had in mind in the previous episode? I’m relieved. So much clever that what I thought! But the bad guys will probably guess if there is a public Team, there also is a covert Team. Not all of them were aware of this...

- Kaldur being a protective Big Brother :)

- Lex restricted even more the JL? What does he want them to do? Charity missions and gala?

- Strikes against meta people :( Not really surprising as we have strikes against POC and queer people... Humankind really doesn’t like difference, does they? :(

- Of course bad guys would find a way to make profit of humans. We already do it with pollution,

- Gar has good points actually! My boy had mature so well!

- It’s me or Traci is drown way differently when she is in civics and hero costume? Her face seems different.

- It’s them at the end of the previous episode! And there’s a picture with Gar and Perdita. #RelationshipGoals I agree!

- “We’re gonna start a revolution! A... a small one anyway.” xD It would be a revolution in YJ verse and against the Light actually :)

- “Get on board or get out of the way!” xD And Conner is not really proud about this and probably wonders who told this to Gar xD Who bet Wally?

- “Green skin. Can’t hide.” He’s already a famous star anyway. But easily recognizable because of it.

- “Public doesn’t always get I’m a different guy.” Aw sweetie :( 

- “They already know what I have become. Now I want to show them who I have become.” So powerful :)

- “And there were no way I was gonna let this be a no girl squad.” / “Group needed a little color.” Seriously writers? Can’t they have real character motivation? Like Cassie wanting to be aknowledged as a true hero (to show her growth since her insecurities in season 2) or Virgil wanted to be known as a hero (since in the previous episode the girl didn’t know Static). This kind of comments are in the 4th wall dimension, something the fans see, not something the writers say to show they have included diversity in their characters. It’s something you show, not tell, or it doesn’t have the same impact on the fans. 

- But I like Jaime and Virgil friendship

- “Not ready. Noy yet.” That would also have been a great occasion to give them character development. Like Forager is supposed to be dead, Terra still copes with her abduction and Traci doesn’t trust her control on her powers yet (her hero insecurities) and develop why Halo isn’t ready yet. 

“Guessing we’re too old. Whoa. When did that happen?” Technically Conner is 8 so he can still be part of their Team and I would have love Artemis being with them as their Team lack of martial arts :)

- So it’s Teen Titans Tower but in Hollywood instead of San Francisco? And it’s called the Hub.

- Wait... where’s Traci? I know she’s the only one who isn’t part of the Outsiders or lives there but still!

- “This is so crash!” I agree Bart!

- “Finally! I mean: thank you!” Brion is so glad to have his own personal space again :) The bioship should have felt pretty small compared to his room in a royal palace.

- “Who’s paying for all this?” “Gretchen Goode.” xD

- “Now that what I call payback!” “This is a sympathy bump.” I love Cassie and Virgil frienship! Finally a girl and boy being BF without love involved! :D Please, writers, let’s them stay BF! :( I want Cassie to give poor flirty advice to Virgil when he meet a girl he like xD But fans, still feel free to ship them ;)

- Poor Forager :( 

- “No way 6 teenagers are gonna to live here alone and unsurpervised.” *she says while looking at Violet and Brion* “Yeah, who knows what might happen?” Those two make love (with their respective boyfriend) in the Cave, didn’t they?

- “I would be happy, honored to act as a den mother.” Helga, stop saying honored, that’s weird and suspicious... What everyone else doesn’t find it suspicious?!

- 3 days later. It feels like it’s the same day, doesn’t it?

- Nowadays teenagers reflex: record it before to go in safety...

- Does he... play against himself? Super cute!

- EyeSpasm? What kind of technology is that? Something to make livestream? I don’t like the “Spasm” on it... Look like Granny’s goggles to me...

 - So the Reach ship makes a move 6 days after?

- “Mother of God!” Brion is still so funny while he’s angry xD

- “No drill, the Reach are back!” “No, just no!” My poor babies, please no more trauma for them :( maybe we’ll have flashbacks of Bart’s past and Jaime’s while on mode?

- Kaldur is so great and... beaten to easily? I know it’s Reach tech but I thought he would manage longer as he put Blue inconscious in season 2...

- He’s DEAD? No, he’s ok! Don’t give me heart attack like that! I had enough with Forager already!

- “Chill, Aquaman!” Is that supposed to be a joke? You know, because it’s winter and/or Kaldur is Atlantean.

- *fangirl laugh* I hated that... I just hope she won’t get hurt because the fangirling makes people dumber...

- “My spectacles” Is that an old word for glasses? “Gratitude.” This girl definitely has a high rank vocabulary.

- “Stay calm, citizen, and stay inside.” Cassie feels a little unease and  in a confident character :) Not confortable yet with speaking with the population yet :)

- “Superamalgamated.” No clue of what she said...

- Love that Virgil has a techonological plateform now :) 

- Helga seems so proud of Brion :) Ok, maybe she’s not evil, but just overprotective like I thought...

- “Please, miss, you must get to cover.” Give up, Kal, she’s a teenager AND a fangirl, no way she stay out of danger...

- Wait, why Joan is at hospital? What happened to her? :(

- Aw... Ed showing the Team to his proteges :3 And Wendy is laughing!

- “Maybe it was a bad idea to do this in mid-air.” You think? Didn’t Scarab tell you about this? “This is a really bad idea, Jaime Reyes. You should...” “Don’t worry, Scarab, I’ll handle this!” By the way, why we don’t hear him? It would be interesting to have his pov since it’s the Reach in front of them!

- The scream doesn’t seem to be Jaime’s voice but Brion’s...

- Aw... Mom Arty is sad they’re leaving :( Or did they already have? Violet is crying :( “One last sleepover.” They haven’t leave yet.

- So cool Gar is introducing his team :)

- The Sheriff is funny but what kind of American accent is that? Is it cliché? I find it annoying :/ (no offense, it’s just difficult to understand)

- “We prefer protégé.” = “don’t call us sidekicks!” in season 1 xD But more diplomatic.

- Whisper A’Daire and Intergang are back! Blue already met her in season 2 with Superboy. And here are Scorpia A’Daire (her little sister I guess?) and Cairo Defrey. Is she from Egypt? Is she old or does she have metapowers with her white hair?

- Scooby Doo vibes? I mean the Team appeared in an episode, so why not? Wait, so the two girls are from Scooby Doo Team too? (Don’t know their names in English...)

- This bip doesn’t look good... The big ship is awake again! So the Reach will come? But it seems pretty empty so? Did the signal activate because of Whisper’s line? As she said they didn’t succeed?

- “Look what they’ve done to our library!” It’s just a glass sir, pretty sure it’s no big deal compared to a destroyed city... Have you seen Central City after Neutron?

- Tommi Tompkins, sound like a boy name... Wait! Is Tommi transwoman and his dad just use his dead/birth name? He’s really a jerk :( 

- He’s on Lex Luthor’s side, that’s why...

- The ship is huge! Is it the same than where the heroes and Runaways were abducted in season 2?

 “This is so moded!” “No way...” “Yes way! I mean: look at us! We’re in chackles!” They still have the same dynamic! :’)

- When the bad guys told you to call the JL, you know you’re in trouble! Except if you’re a dumb jerk...

- He called the US Air Forces. Is he dumb or... No, there’s no other explanation that stupidity (I mean a lack of knowledge, but essentially common sense...)

- And... they’re dead... Mayor, your stupidity caused two deaths (maybe 4?) of soldiers. Are you proud? Remorsed? “No, no, no!’ He’s a stubborn dumb jerk, isn’t he?

- “Mine aren’t (tied). Just handcuffled.” and they break free so easily it’s funny xD Why do you think they use collar in Belle Reve, stupid mayor?

- Tara’s flashbacks are heartbreaking :( She couldn’t see her parents again after her kidnapping :( 

- “Do you see how brave Tara and Violet are? You can be brave like them.” *Violet hides because of thunder* It was sweet and funny :) And Artemis is educating Lian to be brave like her parents and auntie :)

- Big sisters Artemis and Tara :) It’s rare to see Tara smiling, those family moments do good to her :) 

- Gar still likes to perch on people’s shoulder :) 

- “No baddies, just their bones.” Bart, the Reach are insect-base, they don’t have bones... Wait, could be the bones of the abducted teens in season 2 who didn’t have the metagene? Virgil said there were kids they never saw again and they were only 5: the Runaways plus Chimmer. Where were the other kidnapped kids? Dead. And that won’t make any sense the Reach stay on that ship to die at the end of season 2... And the Team didn’t kill anyone while saving the abductees. So yeah, it have to be the murdered abducted kids :’( 

- “bad news, there are still militaries air force.” The mayor is really stupid or the soliders didn’t get the memo their colleagues are dead in one blow?

- “Good news.” “Please no bad news, Please no bad news.” “Bad news.” “Urg!” xD

- Virgil’s sarcastis comments are back! xD

- Gar still has clever solutions :) 

- Of course, Ed is worried :) And Wendy doesn’t have the collar anymore! The Team did inspire her! :D 

- Joan :( 

- Big Bro Kaldur is so proud of them!

- “No concept of how much that thing is gonna cost to get out of my lake?” Sorry, mayor, we thought Brooklyn was a democraty, not Tompkins’ kingdom... And the taxes aren’t your money either but serve the city... --’

- “A Young Justice League” that a recall of the show title, isn’t it?

- “We are all Outsiders.” Catchy indeed!

- “Relax, your time will come.” Tara can’t wait to act, but against what? against who? Those family moments didn’t stop Tara for working with Slade :( 

- Is she looking at Lian? Why? :o :(

- So the ship was indeed empty for 2 years. Man, Jaime and Bart would be so mad at them when they’ll learn the Anti-Light thing and that they knew there were no Reach on it... 

- Lag’aan! Is still in the hero game! Only for Atlantis or he’s part of the League now?

- Oracle!

- So Kal was indeed holding back!

- Who is the second guy? He looks like Garth’s old brother. Edit: name’s Wyynde. he appeared in the tie-comics. 

- “I don’t think he’s ready for that, for this.” M’gann also talks about the lies and secrets the Anti-Light has to come up with. She doesn’t want that responsibility and burden on her brother’s shoulder. And maybe fears his reaction to this.

- What is the Anti-Light mission?

- Brucely and Wally plushie! Wait... is that text sounds? This’s Tara but where is... In Lian’s room? In her own room? Are they sleeping in the same room just like Violet and Artemis?

[yoshimickster]

RWBY VOL 6 Episode 3 “The Lost Fable”-THE ULTIMATE ORIGIN OF ULTIMATE DARKNESS-Recap

HEY EVERYBODY-how’s you’re day going? My computer blue-screened RIGHT BEFORE I could hit save so I’m gonna redo the WHOLE thing. Remember to save folks. EITHER WEITHER-let’s get to Mickster Recap!

The episode starts out with BACKSTORY TIME-where its revealed Salem was a princess locked away in a castle by her cruel father during the good old days, where the only thing keeping her busy is manipulating arcane magic.

2:07 Salem: *SIGH* What good is being able to shoot energy blasts if there’s no bad guy to blast them with?!

BUT LUCKILY-a HERO arrives on the scene-TO RESCUE THE FAIR DAMSEL-and his NAME-

-was OZ...ma. Ozma was his name...does he just happen to reincarnate into anyone with the syllable “oz” or “ma” in their name? THAT is a weird rule.

ALSO-look at confused as fuck Qrow here, he’s all “Uh...hi.” OH-he’s gonna drink himself into a coma after all of this is done.

BUT-not only does Ozma BRAVE the evil forces of the castle to reach Salem for ONLY pure motives(Jinn said so so its true)-HE ALSO-

2:49 LET’S SALEM IN ON THE BLASTING-like a TRUE gentleman!

The act of kindness of giving her her freedom, and Salem...just being Salem, cause the two to FALL in love!

3:13 ....aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand kiss! KISS! KISS DAMMIT! Seriously, what IS IT with this show and its “No-kissing” policy, its WEIRD.

Either weither, Salem and Ozma go off on LOADS of adventures-UNTIL-

3:36-when Ozma got sick with a FATAL case of “Unnamed TV disease”. CURSE YOU UNNAMED TV DISEASE-you’ve taken FAR too many lives!

Salem in her grief decides to seek out the god of Light and Creation in the LAND of light(what is this Homestuck?)to bring him back to life-AND-

4:38 -it is DOWNRIGHT beautiful, obviously inspired by Japanese scenery and it just WORKS. SHAME this is where the doom of man kind came to begin.

The god of light than reveals himself to Salem, WHO REVEALS HIMSELF TO BE-

4:51 ANTLER JESUS-a WEIRD mix of Japanese deer spirits, and as I’ve said-JESUS-

-SEE?! Water-walking, full package.

Antler Jesus than gives Salem the same spiel we’ve heard about ressurecting the dead we’ve heard a million times, gotta respect the balance what-not, bla bla bla-GIVE HER BACK HER HUSBAND YOU MONSTER!

BUT-ol’ Mr.Light rose petals her away telling her to let it go, but ain’t NOTHIN’ gon’ stop her from getting her man back, so its time to make a DEAL with the devil in REMNANT HELL-

-which is also in its own way VERY beautiful, nice use of dark colors and purple, kinda looks like Cybertron when it was infected by Dark Energon!

Salem’s here to seek  out the God of Darkness, whom after seeing Antler Jesus’ striking albeit minimalist god form, I’M SURE-the god of Darkness’ form isn’t utterly creep-

6:20 AAAAAAAAAAAAAAND welcome to your nightmares for the next few months folks, Purple Satan is here and he is HERE FOR YOUR SOUL!

Salem then asks Mauvisto(Get it, like Mephisto but with Mauve?) to bring back Ozma, ALL while not bringing up that she asked Antlers first. The dark being agrees because he’s just SO happy someone is giving him praise for once, why does his BROTHER get all the praise JUST because he didn’t create a race of empathic eldritch beasts whose only purpose is to cause as much misery and destruction as possible? Un-GRATE-ful is what those humans are!

Purple Haze than brings back Ozma-WITH-

6:57 THE POWER OF PURPLE! PRAISE HIS GRAPELY EMINENCE! 

After Oz has a BRIEF freak-out over no longer being in the land of the dead-GUESS WHO SHOWS UP?!

*CRACKA BOOM*

7:12

Mauvisto: OKAY EVERYONE-party’s over, AJ’s gonna kill it with ANOTHER of his lectures.

AntlerJesus: Don’t you give me that tone.

Mauvisto: WHATEVER YOU’RE NOT EVEN MY DAD-GAH!

I joke, but that is BASICALLY how it went down.

AJ than rose-petals away Ozma to preserve order-

Oz:...S...Salem...I don’t feel so good.

Seriously y’all, I BETTER see some Thanos memes from this episode.

BUT-the elder brother forgets the younger brother still has the POWER OF PURPLE!

PRAISE TO THE PURPLE! Either way, Mauvisto is NOT happy about that which starts-

8:19 A DRAGON FIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGHT-or does it?!

ACTUALLY no, AJ tells Mauvisto that Salem went to HIM first, and after he told her he wouldn’t resurrect her hubby, she tryed to manipulate him into going behind AJ’s back. Mauvey than apologizes to his best bro the BEST way possible...WITH A PURPLE DEATH BLAST!

8:48

The Purple giveth, and the purple taketh away.

Salem is NOT happy about this, and EVEN tries to THREATEN the god’s with her magic-BUT-AntlerJesus than gives her a chance to cool off by-

9:15 ...drowning her from a million miles in the air. MAN-the Super God Bros don’t fuck a-ROUND do they?

9:26 ACTUALLY no, by dunking her in the pool of light, the Gods curse her with immortality, unable to see her sweet Baboo Ozma EVER again, and will only die once she accepts the importance of life and death. 

Salem than does the most logical thing after being cursed by two immortal beings who think cursing someone with immortality is a COMPLETELY rational response to wasting like...WHAT five minutes of their time, AND RALLIES AN ARMY to take on the gods!

11:24 It should also be noted that this army...and all of humanity are just TWO WEEKS from retirement!

The army than BLASTS Mauvisto, with a beautiful display of firework-I MEAN-magic attacks-

11:56 I’m just gonna assume since it was the old days, people weren’t as creative with magic as they could be. BUT-because Mauvisto is a friggin’ GOD-

-he PURPLIZES all the magic into one handy dandy ball! What the hell CAN’T purple do?!

Either way, as an ancient omnipotent being, I’M SURE he’ll give them all a just and fair punishm-

12:12...OR just nuke everyone, whatever works for you Satanic Purple Beerus!

Salem of course due to her immortality is NOT ONLY the only one in her army to survive the blast, but ALSO the only HUMAN who survived the blast! GEEZE-Mauvisto, ain’t that a little harsh? I get it, you hate Salem, but what did all those side-characters who DIDN’T go against you do? BUT-enough about that-NAME ORIGIN TIME-

12:51 AntlerDragon: This planet, was a beautiful experiment, but it is merely a Remnant of what it once was. 

DAH-they said the name of the continent-HUZZAH!

Either way, both bros decide to leave the planet to create OTHER Avatar meets Soul Eater meets X-men meets Harry Potter worlds. AJ leaves in a BEAUTIFUL yellow mist-

13:08

While Mauvisto leaves in the most OVER THE TOP way he POSSIBLY could.

Mauvisto: SUCK IT SHORTY!

13:21 HUH-guess Atlas Arcadium Rex DIDN’T destroy the moon from Rwby. Sorry folks, your shared universe headcanon is DEAD! DEAD!

13:41 Salem than takes a GOOD long walk throughout ALL of the planet now named Remnant, until after an ETERNITY of walking decides she deserves a GOOD soak!

14:04 IN the God of Darkness’s POOL of darkness! MMM-look at those bubbles, bet they’re NICE and warm!

But seriously, after EONS of roaming the Earth alone, she figures that since the fountain of life gave her eternal life, the pools of Grimm with finally kill her, ending her suffering...but we WEREN’T all so lucky were we?

INSTEAD-the pool recreates her from a being of infinite life, to a being of infinite life who wants PURE destruction!

14:33 DAMN she looks scary, and that’s not even her FINAL form!

A THEN CUT TO-

14:43

OZMA-having himself a NICE nap in the eternal void of nothingness! Honestly if I died, brought back to life, killed, brought back to life, and then killed a SECOND time I’d want one hell of a nap as well.

BUT-for realsies, AntlerJesus pulls Ozma into a void between worlds to curse him for all eternity to fight his now corrupted wife-I MEAN-give him a chance to return to the land of the living! Yeah...THAT! Where APPARENTLY humans will come back again in time...presumably...NOT made by the god of creation? SO...is this a world where humans are made by gods...OR evolution? HUH-well if THAT ain’t a neat bit of science-fantasy!

15:56

Its ALSO here where we learn what happens when all four relics are brought together, that they’ll summon BOTH god brothers back to Remnant and judge humanity. If they’s chill, its ALL good, but if they AIN’T chill-BYE BYE REMNANT!

Either way, despite hearing his honey Salem won’t be the same anymore, OZMA accepts and REINCARNATES INTO-

17:40 THIS GUY...whose name iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiis?

18:01

Oz?: GRIMM STAB!

QUIT DODGING THE QUESTION YOU-what’s your name?!

Rando: Thank you! Please, tell me your name, who are you?

SEE-he’s got the right ideal-TELL US DAMN YOU!

18:17 Oscar:...he didn’t know.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH that sucks. I’m not sure if it means he over-wrote his host’s memories or what, either way the reaction on Oz’s face says it all.

AFTER the Grimm attack, Unnamed Ozma reincarnation takes a page out of his lady’s book and GOES on a walk, where he sees the world has CHANGED completely!

With LACKLUSTER architecture-

-enSLAVEment of the new Faunus race and WORST of all-

18:33 -PEOPLE HAD TO USE DUST INSTEAD OF MAGIC!

Blake:...why wasn’t my people’s early enslavement not saved for last? Like it was only the SECOND worst thing?

Jinn: Look I just put it in order of what he saw okay, gimme a break!

Turns out, only Ozma2 and a MYSTERIOUS woman known only as “The Witch” could do magic, WHERE SHE IS FOUND-

18:41 In this GHETTO ass shack! COME ON SALEM-you’re immortal, you seriously tryna tell me you don’t got time to make a nicer house?!

Ozma2 than logically assumes the witch is Salem and goes to see what she has become, AND IT IS REVEALED-

Ozma2:(OH NO SHE’S HOT!)

19:27 AND it turns out that both of them recognize each other-CAUSE THAT’S THE POWER OF LOVE!

Salem and Ozma than tell each other all the CRAZY shenanigans that have been going down in their lives while hiding their SECRET backstories-WHILE THEY ALSO-

19:40 -FINALLY fix up that old shack! Fixed up the windows, got a deck table and chairs, re-varnished the wood, if THAT don’t help out property values I don’t know WHAT will!

Also during their convo Salem fearing Ozma would hate her, blamed the end of the world SOLELY on the gods...well...I mean TECHNICALLY it was, she raised only ONE small army against the gods, and instead of punishing JUST those humans they killed EVERYBAH-I feel she could be honest.

The days went by, Salem and Ozma enjoyed their happy lives, having logically an INFINITE amount of sex, until one day SALEM SAID(paraphrased)

20:18 

Salem: Okay hear me out, WHAT IF-we act like gods, and be the NEW AntlerJesus and Mauvisto?!

Ozma:...okay I am SO sure that won’t work but I am INSANELY attracted to you so LET’S DO IT!

21:07 SO it appears they live on as gods and nothing else crazy happe-

21:33...bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaabbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbby MAIDENS! THE FOUR MAIDENS WERE THE DAUGHTERS OF OZMA AND SALEM! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLY god damned shit-THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING-probably, for all we know Oz gave four COMPLETELY DIFFERENT young girls magical powers. But enough about that-

21:38 LOOK AT THEM! LOOK AT HOW LOVING THEY LOOK! CURSE YOU ANTLER JESUS AND MAUVISTO-the world is FUCKED because you refused to let my new OTP be HAPPY!

But sadly, all good things must come to an end, as during their plans Ozma has second thoughts on their quest to reshape the world given the destruction they cause, which PROMPTS Oz-

22:02 -to start, with the maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan in the mirror (OH YEAH) and he’s asking him to chaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaange his ways(COME ON CHANGE)!

But for realsies, he then remembers the great quest the god of light gave him-BUT THEN-

22:21 DAW-baby’s first use of the dark arts!

HRNGH-LOOK AT HER! LOOK AT HOW PROUD SHE IS OF HER BABY GIRL! DAMMIT SALEM-you’re supposed to be the evil Sorceress Supreme, you have NO business looking adorable!

SO-I guess they go their magic powers from their parents, I wander what else they go-OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! WHAT IF-Oz’s daughters didn’t just inherit their magic...BUT ALSO-Oz’s CURSE to forever reincarnate across the Earth like he did?! THAT’S WHY THEIR CONNECTED TO THE FOUR RELICS-probably, like I said there’s still the possibility of the story still be being true-HELL-maybe the maiden spell merged the four girls souls with those of his daughters?

AFTER the adorablenes, Ozma FINALLY decides to be an honest husband for once and tells Salem of the four relics and the judgement day that would occur if they were ever brought together, which Salem basically responds with-

22:51 Salem: You know what?! Let’s take the relics and make our OWN human race, with BLACKJACK! AND HOOKERS! And you know what? FORGET THE HUMAN RACE! KILL ALL HUMANS!

Yes, I am now headcanoning Salem as witch Bender from now all on-TRY AND STOP ME!

This logically upsets Oz, so he decides to calmly and rationally talk with his wife-

...OR take the kids and run without telling her only to get caught, because LORD KNOWS he couldn’t just get a marriage counselor to talk about their problems...seriously, this was ye olden times, the concept probably wasn’t invented yet.

22:34And sadly, it appears this is where everything ended between Ozma and Salem-

23:42 LITERALLY EVEN-everything between them in the castle has been destroyed! INCLUDING-

...don’t...don’t make me make a joke about this sub-conscious...tis too sad.

The battle/divorce ends with Salem winning RIGHT before saying this-

23:58 “...we finally...had freedom.”

AND...there’s TWO ways to look at that. That either A.) With the knowledge of the god’s relics, they could do the same thing the god’s did but without their rules or the metaphorical outlook B.) They were free BEFORE Oz told her about the relics...because than the god’s power wouldn’t keep controlling their lives. The latter I’m pretty sure she didn’t mean but to me...I think that’s true.

Salem than finally takes out Ozma2-

-with a Super SMASH bros meme no less! Don’t lie, you know who you are Gifmakers, AND YOU DISGUST ME! PERISH IN FLAMES!

After this, Oz takes the break up PRETTY badly-

24:10 -going on sad graveyard walks-

24:17 Drinking near paintings of empty liquor bottles.

24:21 ULTIMATELY getting out of his funk when he reincarnates as a nice swarthy individual and a bad ass new cane!

Even finally starts dating again and settles down with this nice lady, WAY TO GET BACK ON THAT HORSE BUDDY! BUT-just like in real life, the evidence of his ex STILL haunted his life-

24:37 In the form of monster raids no less! That’s break-up aftermath for ya.

Oz than realizes he has to bury the ex(literally) and goes out to find the FOUR RELICS-

25:00 ...in his next life as a hipster for some reason! Cleh, he’s an immortal soul-symbiote, he has time. 

He seeks out knowledge first and asks her where the other relics are, what could they do, and how could he kill Salem(in that order)? The first two answers we don’t know...but the THIRD one one we do-

Jinn: You can’t.

And the episode ends-

-with Oscarpin giving himself a good sit in despair.

So...yeah...HOLY SHIT-there’s a lot to take away here! For ONE-its interesting noting how tragic a villain Salem was, and how Oz spent so much time avoiding his fate because he just wanted to be with the woman he loved. FURTHERMORE-its neat how Salem is now like, Lord Garmadon in that destructive impulses BURN through her veins...but also like Lord Garmadon, she was still able to love. Sadly though...her worse impulses got the best of her, and now she has nothing to do but move forward and Thanos the planet, because there is NO going back to the good old days.

I’m Yoshimickster, and this was Micksterecap, and I hope your lives are filled with joy and happiness, and that you don’t become the toys of fate. Thank you, and have a pleasant night.

Paypal                                     Ko-fi.

[raventao]

All That Matters

Okay, so this is for the fic swap that I agreed to do with @morte-mistrata forever ago. Just some cute Matt and Pidge familial fluff.  I hope you like it!

“So …” Matt started as he sat with Katie in his lap, arms wrapped tightly around her as she played her video game, his head resting on top of her own as he felt her heart beat against his chest. She was alive. She was here. It was the little things you forgot you missed after so long of giving up hope. Having Katie back was a miracle. She gave a small hum of recognition to his unfinished inquiry, indicating that she was indeed listening to him.

“Yeah?” She asked again, verbally when Matt still didn’t pick back up fast enough.

“So,” He started again, dipping his head to rest against her shoulder, turning it so that he was nestling his nose into her neck. She made no move to stop him as he spoke again, “You snuck into the Garrison, no once, but twice?” he asked, his breath tickling her neck if the small little shoulder twitch was anything to go by. She still didn’t push him off or tell him to move though, so he stayed there, just breathing her in. Feeling her being alive and well in his arms. Death had permeated everything he’d done with the resistance. He never wanted to have to bury another comrade or smell burning flesh ever again. Katie smelled of fresh dew on flower petals though. Of the clear sky after the rain in the forest. Of gentile dirt, undisturbed by man. She smelled fresh and alive and Matt wanted to remember this scent for forever. Wanted to preserve it, preserve her. Wanted to throw his baby sister into a cryo pod and send her back to Earth to protect her from this gruesome battle. War was no place for a girl her age. She should be back home, worrying about colleges and future careers, not trying to stop inter-universal conquerors. Not, carrying the stress of the fate of the universe and Earth on her shoulders. This couldn’t be healthy for her.

“I did.” She answers casually, killing the newest boss with practiced  ease. It was her third time through on this level after all. “The first time I got caught because I was sloppy. Though, the second time I’m sort of surprised they didn’t catch me sooner.” She says flippantly. He can’t help it, he chuckles, he missed this. Just sitting with her and talking.

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah, the first time Iverson caught me hacking into his computer and then kicked me out when I screamed at him and kicked him as security was pulling me out of his office. T’was quite the scene I caused my bro my bro.” She smiles. “I wasn’t going to let them tell me you and dad were dead though.” She adds, quieter this time. “They called it ‘pilot error,’ but I know how much your team trained. I know how good of a pilot Shiro was. He promised me before you guys left that he would bring you both home and I know he meant it. There was no way it was pilot error, especially with the data they had collected from the trip so far. They were lying and I was going to prove it.” Her voice was hard and determined. She was only sixteen, she shouldn’t have to deal with these things. He needed to change the subject to something lighter. This had backfired on him faster than he had thought it would.

“So you came to space with your own little harem then?” He joked, kissing her cheek, feeling her face heat up in embarrassment under his lips.

“I so did not bring a harem.”

“Really? Three very handsome young men and ‘Shiro the Hero’ doesn’t count as a harem? Plus then you found a beautiful princess to help save. Face it little sister, you’re living a storybook fairytale in the best way possible.” Matt jokes, smiling as he pulls back to rest his chin back on top of Katie’s head. “So, do I need to put the fear of god into any of them?” He asked casually when she didn’t respond. He did see the reflection of her rolling her eyes in the screen though.

“There isn’t really a whole lot of time to think about that sort of thing Matt. Plus, they’re my friends, that’d be weird.” She tries to defend herself. He can see through it though. He knows all of her tells, after all, some things just don’t change.

“You’re lying Katie, I can feel it. Your pulse just got a little quicker as did your words. Who is it?” he asks, pressing her for an answer. He needs to know if they’re good enough for his precious, beautiful, wonderful baby sister. “Is it Shiro? You’ll have a lot of competition if it is. Everyone loves him.” He teases, and graciously takes the elbow to the gut that she gives him for that one. He deserved it for teasing after all.

“Ew, gross Matt, Shiro is hot and all, but he’s way too old for me. He’s more like family than a love interest.” She defends.

“You’re right, I’m sorry. Lance is more your type isn’t he? Tall and handsome?” Matt smirks. “You did say at one point when you were younger than you wanted a trophy husband.” he smiles. Lance was a good guy, he would treat Katie right. He could approve of him.

“Lance? I do love Lance, but not like that.” Her voice is soft as she pauses her game. “Lance is super sweet and I honestly love him more than probably any of the others, but, that love is familial too. He was the one that helped me whenever I missed you and dad too much. He would let me cuddle with him, he’d brush my hair and sing me songs to help ease my stress. He’s like a brother. I love Lance like I love you. He’ll always bring me food when even I don’t notice that I’ve suddenly worked through a meal. Even if I don’t agree he’ll pick me up and drag me to bed and tell me to sleep when I’ve been working too long. He takes care of me like I were his own sister.” She pauses here, and Matt can see in the reflection of her eyes that she’s trying to think of the right words to use. “He acted like you do, and I think that’s why I let him do all that, because he was you while you were missing.” Matt would have to pull Lance aside and give him a hug for that then, thank him for taking care of Katie in his absence.

“He sounds like a good friend.”

“He is. So yeah, I love Lance, but not like that.” She smiles and turns sideways in his lap, forcing him to readjust his own position for optimum comfort as well. “And before you ask, no, I don’t like Keith either. He’s too much of a hot head. He thinks things through, but not in a way that I agree with half the time. And when Shiro isn’t with him, it’s like his self preservation and logic just, disappear. I wouldn’t be able to stand that in a relationship.”

“So that just leaves Hunk then. Hmm, I suppose he’s a good guy. I haven’t spent too much time with him yet, but he does seem to keep you on your toes, and it sounds like he can challenge you intellectually, which is good.” Matt says as he brushes some of the longer hair from in front of Katie’s eyes, back behind her ears.

“Wrong again big bro. I like Hunk, but it isn’t like that. I admire his brain, and his kindness, but not in a romantic sense”

“Hmmm, well, that does take care of all the boys on the ship other than Coran, but I might have to put my foot down there. If Shiro is too old, Coran is definitely too old as well.” He says, to which he gets a light smack to the shoulder. He deserved that one, knew it was coming. “Okay, okay, so then, Allura?” He asked with a soft smile as he moved his right hand back to lean back some, his left hand staying just where it was, rubbing her thigh comfortingly. She didn’t need to say anything, the way her shoulders pitched forwards and and up to her ears said it all.

“It’s totally one sided though, and it’s probably just a crush. Besides, there’s no time for that sort of thing in a war.” she says quietly. “Besides, she’s older than me too, I probably just seem like a child to her.” she pouts.

“Now listen here young lady; you, are amazing, okay? You are smart, and brave, and resourceful, and adaptive. You’re beautiful, and caring, and loyal. Katie, there is not a single being out here in the huge wide universe that you don’t deserve. The question here is: do they deserve you? If you don’t want to act on this little crush, that’s fine, but as soon as it turns from a crush to something you want to act on, let me know and I’ll make sure to have this princess falling into your tiny little noodle arms in no time.” Matt tells her, smiling at the playful scowl she gives him at the small jab at her physical stature. He’d really missed this, just sitting together with his amazing little sister and talking about everything and nothing at the same time. They needed to do this more often.

“Fine, but only if you promise to tell your crush how you feel about him too.” She smirks. It was a reasonable request, but he still felt the need to overreact, because he was nothing if not a drama queen.

“My crush? Who ever said I had a crush on anyone?” He asks, his grin wide and his left hand pressed to his chest above his heart as he feigned scandalous. The universe might be in trouble, but at least they had each other again, and that was all that mattered to Matt.

[hysterialevi]

Lotus pt. 13 (Batjokes)

Author’s note: This one’s a shorter chapter, but I hope you guys enjoy it regardless. As always, thanks for taking the time to read this story, and I appreciate all the support.

From Tiffany’s POV

DIVINITY CHURCH

Holding the photograph in my hand, I struggled to let it go as I replayed the paused memory in my head, almost able to hear my dad’s laugh fluttering in the background. I was just a little schoolgirl when he took this photo, and to see where we’ve ended up ever since that time...it hurt.

All that innocence, all that joy, all those years spent together -- and all that was left of us was a burning city.

Dad was gone, Luke was living in his own world, mom had locked herself in the house...and now, Bruce was also slowly drifting away -- plummeting deeper and deeper into Lotus’ irrevocable clutch.

If I was being honest, I didn’t even know if “Bruce” existed anymore. It seemed like Lazarus was his only identity now, and every shred of humanity he ever held in him...had vanished. Bruce himself might’ve “returned” from the dead, but the Bruce I knew was still sleeping in that morgue. And I’d be foolish to believe he’d ever wake up.

Taking a deep breath, I finally followed the actions of the other people attending the vigil around me, and laid the photograph down with care, lighting a single candle next to it. Countless candles had already been set aflame outside of the church, and even more people had gathered around to remember their loved ones.

There were photographs of late husbands, wives, parents, and even children -- all of them killed either by Lotus...or Lazarus himself. It was a sight I never thought I’d see, and I would’ve given anything to forget it.

Glancing off to the side, I averted my attention from the vigil for a moment when I noticed a mournful Blake standing not too far away from me, staring lifelessly at a photo of Avesta as he silently said his goodbyes.

He wasn’t wearing his Agency uniform tonight, and instead, wore a simple t-shirt and jeans, along with a dark jacket and fresh bandage plastered on his cheek. He appeared even more desolate than when I last saw him, and it seemed as if the emotion in him was gradually disintegrating further and further as the days flew by.

I couldn’t deny that his recent behavior worried me. I mean, everyone was being pushed to their limits because of this chaos, but Blake seemed especially damaged. I feared he would break soon.

Quietly making my way over to the agent, I patiently stood by as he placed Avesta’s photograph down, giving it its own spot of esteem among the clusters of candles. He didn’t utter a single word or shed a single tear, and the longer he remained without displaying any type of sentiment, the more worried I became.

I abruptly broke the disturbing silence and faintly cleared my throat, barely getting Blake to even look at me.

“Shouldn’t you be in a hospital?” I asked in a light-hearted manner, trailing behind him as he wandered off to a more private location away from the vigil.

“No,” he replied bleakly. “There are enough people in there.”

I shrugged. “I just thought you’d want to rest after everything that happened at City Hall. I know Lazarus roughed you up quite a bit.”

Blake’s expression sank grimly at that, and his eyes fell to the ground in reproach as he leaned against a tree, barely touching the candles’ light.

“Psh, I was one of the lucky ones. It’s true, Lazarus gave me a thrashing, but at least I didn’t get my stomach torn open.”

I blinked both out of confusion and disgust for a few moments, thrown off-guard.

“Wait, w-what do you mean?”

“Lazarus was torturing the Mayor,” Blake explained, his voice low and flat. “Just...cutting and slicing him open like a bloated pig...but I didn’t save him. I didn’t intervene. Instead, all I did was use him as a distraction so I could get away, and disabled the EMP generator while the Mayor was screaming in my ear, crying for mercy.”

Blake’s rough tone softened with guilt. “I...I let the Mayor die, so I could live. It’s the only reason I’m here now -- and the only reason he’s dead.”

The man gazed hopelessly at me with heavy eyelids, almost as if he were looking straight through me.

“...How do you forget something like that? How do you justify your fight against crime...when you’re as heinous as your enemies?”

I frowned out of sympathy and carefully approached Blake, offering him any kind of reassurance I could give.

“Blake, you can’t blame yourself for the Mayor’s death. Lazarus killed him. Not you. It’s not your fault.”

Contrary to what I expected, that statement only ended up sparking his grief into annoyance.

“I may not have killed him, but it’s the Agency’s job to protect people, dammit!” He snapped back. “We came to Gotham to save lives, and yet, the death toll over the past week has been higher than the death toll over the past year! What are we even doing here if we can’t help for shit? Avesta is dead. The Mayor is dead. And now even Waller’s in the hospital, ready to slip away at any moment -- all because I failed to do my job. Not to mention we have no escape at this point, considering Bane blew up Gotham Bridge. We’re trapped in a living hell, and so long as Lazarus lives...it’s never going to end.”

I raised my volume slightly, hoping to break Blake out of his enraged trance.

“Hey, Blake, stay with me, okay? I know things have been difficult, but we can’t give up now. Lazarus is murdering defenseless civilians, and unless we step up to fight back, we’re all going to die. We can’t let that happen. We can’t allow him to kill anymore innocents.”

That didn’t seem to help much, and Blake only continued to carry on with his rant.

“What does ‘innocent’ even mean anymore...? Am I innocent? I’ve killed people, Tiffany. Do you understand that? People just like you and me who had families waiting for them at home -- families that never got to see them again...until they lowered them into their graves. The Mayor was brutalized and tortured because of me, for god’s sake! Because I valued my own life more than his. Do you still think I’m innocent?” Blake shook his head. “...No. You only label me as such because I claim to do it for the greater good. But guess what? That’s the exact same goal our enemies are fighting for.”

The way Blake was speaking admittedly sent me into a state of alarm, and at this point, I didn’t even know what I could say or do that would calm his nerves.

Desperately trying to think of something, I hurriedly jumped in before Blake’s psyche could deteriorate anymore, and found myself mindlessly stepping closer and closer to him as we argued.

“We are not our enemies, Blake,” I said sternly. “We both kill people, yes, but we kill murderers. They kill innocents. That’s the difference.”

He scoffed, unconvinced. “And how do we know who’s who? Let me tell you something, Tiffany. If our war with Lazarus has taught me anything, it’s that there are only two types of people left in this world. Those who have blood on their hands, and those who lie. It’s just how the world works now, and as much as I want to see that maniac’s head roll off his shoulders, he is right about one thing: this road is leading to death’s door no matter how hard we fight, and there’s not a damn thing we can do to change that.”

Blake began to roam away from me before I could say another word and distanced himself from the vigil, waving a quick goodbye as he vanished into the night’s shadows, disappearing more with every step.

“...It’s like Lazarus said, Tiffany. There’s no crueler method to torture a man than giving him the illusion of choice.”

From Gordon’s POV

GCPD, COMMISSIONER’S OFFICE

“Due to yet another devastating attack conducted by Lazarus, City Hall is now in ruins after being hit by a number of missiles,” the news announced, “and the Mayor has officially been confirmed dead. Reports say that multiple agents and police officers were severely injured during the attack -- including Director Waller herself -- and I’m afraid the condition of Gotham Bridge is no better. The notorious Bane struck again tonight and detonated a series of bombs on the structure, completely decimating its architecture. At the moment, there is no way out of Gotham by car.”

Shutting the television off with a remote, I slapped the device back down on the table with a bit more force than intended and took a seat at my desk, contemplating on just what the hell to do from here.

Waller was stuck in the hospital, City Hall had been destroyed, and as of tonight, there was no way we could evacuate Gotham’s civilians -- not efficiently, anyhow. The weight of leading the Agency and the police force both fell on me now, and with the heavy amount of losses we just suffered, morale was lower than low. 

Fortunately however, there was a bright side in all this. We knew where Joker and Lazarus would most-likely be hiding, thanks to Quinn. The Bonus Bros’ Carnival, she told us -- at the funhouse, specifically. Apparently, Joker had turned the abandoned park into his own personal base of operations, and guarded the perimeter better than his own life. If we were going to infiltrate that place, it was going to take every single one of our people. And even then, things would be dicey.

I just wished I could’ve heard the whole of what Waller had to say about Bruce and Batman. It sounded like she knew where the caped vigilante was sneaking around, and to say I was concerned about Batman’s safety would’ve been an understatement. That man was a hero to Gotham’s people -- a hero to me. If someone like Lazarus was able to take him down...we were in some serious, serious trouble. 

Fighting a war without Batman was like firing a gun with no bullets. If there was any chance we could relocate him, I’d be the first to take it.

“Commissioner?” Someone suddenly said, snapping me out of my thoughts. It was Montoya.

“Renee,” I greeted, bringing my mind back to business. “Something you need?”

Closing the door behind her, Montoya took on a more empathetic tone. 

“Actually, I just wanted to see how you were doing. Y’know, with everything that’s happening. That fight with Bane was intense, and City Hall didn’t do so well either. As tough as it is, it’s important we keep our heads high in times like these. So, how are you feeling?”

I let out an irritated sigh, tugging at my collar. “If I’m being honest -- like hell. In all my years working with the GCPD, I’ve never seen something like this. At first, I didn’t take Lazarus too seriously, since he was nothing but a CEO, but I can see now what a goddamn mistake that was. I guess Wayne has more of his dad’s blood in him than we realized. Why couldn’t he have turned out like his mother instead?”

Renee sat on the edge of the desk. “Because people like her don’t survive in Gotham.”

I nodded at that, rubbing my chin in thought. “Sad, but true. If we’re lucky though, tomorrow will be the day we finally gain the upper hand. According to Quinn, Joker and Lazarus are skulking somewhere inside that deserted carnival just outside of town. They’ve got a lot of people guarding their little hideout, and even more guns. I’m not gonna lie -- it won’t be easy. But we can’t back down now. Not after all the damage they’ve dealt.”

“I hear you, Commissioner,” Renee agreed. “I just hope our men still have the strength to fight. Lazarus certainly knows how to drain morale, and it doesn’t take a genius to see that our chances of success aren’t great. But if Gotham has been able to survive for this long, I'm sure it can survive this. Even with Lazarus at the top.”

“You’re right,” I replied, “it’s just difficult to see victory as a possibility when a dead man is doing better than us. Despite there being no guarantee of survival though, I promise you I’ll do everything I can to smoke that son-of-a-bitch out of his hole, and put an end to him for good. I’d rather cure Bruce than kill him, but that might not be an option at this point.”

Renee stood up from her seat. “Whatever you think is best, Commissioner. I’m with you.”

“Thank you, Montoya. As tragic as things are, it’s good to know you’ll be here through it all.”

She beamed warmly at me, smiling out of gratitude. “I have faith in you, Gordon. Now try to get some rest, would you? You’re gonna need all the strength you can get for tomorrow.”

I chuckled and followed Renee as she headed out the door, the two of us secretly terrified of what was about to unfold the next day.

“Don’t need to tell me twice. Though, maybe someone should remind Lazarus what the word ‘dead’ means again.”

Renee’s face lit up with courage. “If it comes down to it, we’ll be there to show him.”

I smirked at that, taking one last look at my office before flicking off the lights. 

“You’re damn right we will.”