#the only point anyones made that makes any sense is it'd be easier on the ppl driving us if we worked at the same place

[echo-bleu]

In Elrond v. the Valar, if Elrond is successfull in going against the Valar (which I hope he is), do you have any plans for Elrond then getting to see his sons, his parents and the Feanorians again? I obviously don't know all the things you plan on having Elrond challenge the Valar on, but I think it'd be great if he could get those imprisoned releasted, those doomed to horrid fates saved (cough Earendil) and travel between Aman and Middle Earth made possible so people can visit each other. Or hell, if Elrond manages to change things for the better in Aman, maybe the twins might come join him after all. But really, very excited for the idea of this fic, as I've been feeling very anti Valar lately.

Thank you for your ask! This actually gives me a great opportunity to dig deeper into my feelings on the Valar xD I'm going to put it under a cut because it got long.

The short answer is, I have no idea. I started this fic (I've rambled about it here) as a vent fic where Elrond gets to yell at the Valar, without really thinking about ever posting it. I was writing those towers we built and getting very angry at the Valar, and for some reason in the first months of my presence in the fandom I only saw very pro-Valar (or, at worst, "the Valar made a few mistakes but mean well, it's fine") takes. I'm fine with fics that go with that, but I think it's a point where my atheism butts heads with Tolkien's catholicism in a major way.

I really love fics where my favourite elves re-embody/sail and reunite in Aman in the Fourth Age and find ways to heal from their traumas, so naturally I wanted to write some (and also some angst such as those towers) but I found myself constantly stuck on what to do with the Valar. It's easy to just kind of ignore them when writing about LOTR events or even, to some extent, about First Age Beleriand. They're not there. They exist in a more material way than most gods but they're still remote, except for Morgoth and Sauron.

It's different in Aman. I went through a whole spectrum of questions/opinions such as "Aman is the Valar's domain and thus if the elves want to live there they have to play by their rules", but it just keeps falling apart whenever I think about it a little harder.

The sticking points for me are this: Númenor's Downfall, and "if thralldom it be, then you cannot escape it". The problem with the Valar, as a group, is that they are gods. They are both gods and rulers, and thus their rule is in the simplest sense of the word a tyranny. They are all-powerful. There is no recourse against them. They have no oversight (I'll get to Eru in a moment), no checks and balance, and they experience no consequence for their actions.

They have a prison system that you are put in by dying, so without trial, and are only released from if you are deemed to no longer be dangerous to society by some nebulous standards. There is also no recourse and no appeal, at least none within a recognizable system of law.

They claim all of Arda as their kingdom, but they abandon anyone who doesn't cater to them to whatever fate. They say the Noldor are free to leave Aman but completely shun them when they do, punishing them (the Doom) again without trial, and definitely not trial by peers. (Also even their way of "recompensing" people who do goodTM is dubious *cough* Eärendil *cough*).

And, even more crucially, they can decide to wipe out an entire people on a whim, again with no consequence.

Here we come to Eru, briefly: Eru is much easier to deal with for me because he is in nature remote. He is all-powerful but more in the way the laws of physics are all-powerful, if that makes any sense. He's not good or evil and he doesn't deal in the individual. See: Númenor (I tend to go with the headcanon that Eru didn't directly order the destruction of Númenor, but ultimately it doesn't matter, because it was the Valar who did it). That's also why he's not a useful oversight for the Valar: if the Valar decided to just wipe out all the elves, Eru would probably just make more elves and have them wake up at some other lake. And anyway, Manwë is the only one who can even communicate with Eru, so the Children can't exactly send complaints.

So we have a tyranny. Or at minimum, we have some kind of oppressive/unfair government, at its root (whatever the result is on the surface). How do we change that?

In real life, a fair government is one where the people in power switch regularly, and only the system remains (preferably with separation of powers and fair laws). It's subject to constant change. Even an absolute monarchy, the king dies eventually and, in theory, can also be overthrown. But a world ruled by gods? They are immortal and unchanging. There is no way to overthrow them. They literally have all the power.

This is where I get stuck in Elrond v. the Valar, and to some extent in those towers as well. It can't end in a revolution. The elves cannot do anything to change their situation that isn't the will of the Valar. The only change that can possibly happen, is for them to somehow convince the Valar to see their side, and/or sow enough dissention among the Valar that they no longer agree with each other.

So that's where I'm going, more or less. There is no fully happy ending there. Elrond will have to make his point, pray hope for meaningful change, without ever being able to trust it, because I don't think there's any way he can trust the Valar again after Númenor.

(It is, in the end, very much like real-life. We can only hope that the people who have power over us will hold themselves to the standards that they promised, and they generally don't. Even when there are recourses, they only work so far. Which is probably why the Valar make me so angry – they are an excellent stand-in for all these powers in our lives that betray us again and again.)

I'm trying to spin a lot of it around the concept of self-determination, which is something that I believe the Valar do not understand. The only one of them who ever exercised it was... Melkor. I am not having thoughts about Melkor redemptions. The Valar are made to be exactly what they are, and they don't change, so they don't recognize the Children's right to make mistakes, to learn, and to choose their own path.

I think we can get to a place where the Valar might understand that they need to defer the making of laws and judgment and generally governance to the people themselves. But the changes would take a huge amount of time and more than one fight (far more than I can do in one fic, in any case). So, is there a happy ending for Elrond and his family? I don't know. Release for those in Mandos, for Eärendil (whose fate always breaks my heart)? A mostly peaceful, bittersweet ending? Maybe.

I also cannot guarantee that it doesn't include a long stay in Mandos for Elrond.

[samijami]

Ok so my friend is working on Sunday which means she's going to plan the double date ahead of time by a couple months to see if she can get the day off,

And I thought me and Blaze were official yesterday, and we were, he even said so, but today I think he was double checking by giving me a small note old-school saying 'be my bf? □ yes □ no' so I marked on yes and wrote on it saying 'already am <3'

He read that, got so red-faced and put it in his pocket. I literally think he's kept that in his pocket all day

Anddd...well he doesn't know much of what to do in the relationship either but he's the only one trying to progress things (just slightly cuz he's really fucking happy and giddy about this). So in choir, he whispered 'I really want to pull a Charlie' (referencing Heartstopper with Charlie holding Nick's hand very early on in the relationship as a way to come out) and soon, uh- I let him hold my hand cuz it made him happy and honestly, I kind of liked it. I've never held anyone's hand before and the fact that i can feel his very slight movements, the occasional hand squeeze..

He kept trying to make sure I wasn't uncomfortable with it, and reassured me I could decline any of his advances, but honestly..it's not been that long we've been together at all but..I'm happy with him. He said he was concerning teachers cuz he was thinking about me, smiling and giggling randomly and it was cute asf when I seen it. His face was so fucking red, and his ears were hot pink. He was like a little cute lobster lmfao

So we..ehm- we hold hands really often as a way to show we're together now. Blaze also said that it was a 'fuck you' to the principal who'd once called it PDA last year with another couple. But he's being so so fucking sweet omfg-

It's the smallest, little gestures that get me. He said he 'is in this relationship, and he's gotta do it right', so now he's just being such. a. fucking. gentleman-

Oh bejesus- he handed me my pencil when I was packing up in class, he pushed in my chair when I stood up, he carried my backpack from lunch to our next class. When I tried to take it, he was like 'whatcha tryna do? I'm taking this for ya'

He said that if I was going to naturally spoil him (which I do) then he felt the need to return the favour and ggggg

I'm already down bad, but not really like how that term's usually used-

I just really..want to spend time with him, I want to be there with him, I want to see him smile, I want to make him happy-

GAH HOWD I GET TIED INTO ROMANTIC STUFF- KHBVYLLUYV L

Imma see if I get arrange a date to the movies sometime when we both have a ride available cuz I really, really..want to

I might see when that new Willy Wonka movie he loves so much is on in our local theatre..I haven't seen it yet, and he loves the fuck out of it. I think it'd be sweet

Either the book, (which I've decided I'm gonna try to steal first instead of buy cuz with the money I have right now I could buy my mum these boots she's been obsessing over for a half a year for mothers day, and start making the money for my friend's earbuds for her birthday), would be a first date gift, or be with the Valentine's gifts. It's according to which comes first

Imma count my money now just to see exactly how much I got cuz if I have enough, I'll get buying my mum her boots out of the way tomorrow and hide them from her. Even though mothers day is many months away, I spend the money while I have it, then it's also easier to keep track of how much money I'm spending on what thing cuz I literally subtracted the money from one of the things right there- and so the money I have at that point would be the part I'm earning up for the other item (if that makes sense)

Seriously though, this guy is already so much of a keeper..he doesn't really act like a country boy, but he calls himself one and he likes country music. I like the choruses of some country music, like with Jelly Roll, but other than that? Shoot me in the head and roll me in the dirt- (/hj)

But he's a cute country boy and atleast he likes some of my music like Sueco for example-

He literally asked me if I liked roses today, and said he can borrow money from his sisters and-

I feel like either for valentines or for a date, he's gonna buy me roses. I said I liked the purple and black ones the best-

If he buys me roses idk how I'd hide it from my parents- but- I'd love them like all hell-

And probably kill them and be sad- but- yeah-

[aziraphales-library]

Hi! I’m planning to go on a binge read once this term of uni ends and im stacking up on christmas related fics. So far, I’ve only gotten around to bookmarking two. May I ask for some suggestions?

Hello! We have a lot of asks, so this is only getting answered now, a couple of months after christmas, i'm afraid. We do have a bunch of fics on our #christmas tag that folks can check any time. Here are some more to add to the collection...

Mistletoe and wine by HolRose (T)

Crowley is just settling into life post-failed apocalypse when he receives an invitation to the annual Heaven and Hell Christmas party. It turns out Aziraphale has one too, and makes a plea for Crowley’s help with a particular assignment he has been given. Crowley, of course, can’t help getting involved even if he does put a little demonic ‘spin’ in more than one sense of the word, on the assistance he decides upon giving.

When The Lights Go Out by Sleepless_TurtleBoy (M)

“Look at this one dearest. Absolutely stunning.” Aziraphale’s eyes sparkled as he took in the changing colours, the inflatable reindeer, and the lit-up candy canes that were stuck in the ground. Children were running around pointing at the lights as they flickered into a new colour, and their parents were smiling brightly as they took it in. Most couples were holding hands or had some form of skinship happening. It honestly made Aziraphale feel like he was missing out. Crowley was right there. Right next to him. But he wouldn’t want to hold the angel’s hand. That’d be absurd.

While Aziraphale is setting up for Christmas in his bookshop, Crowley is making plans for a temptation. He'd like to get it over and done with, but it'd be easier with a helping hand. He turns to Aziraphale with a brief explanation, and the angel agrees without much hesitation. What could possibly go wrong?

The Christmas Party by LadyMango (M)

Two strangers meet at a Christmas party. Neither of them got the memo that it was no longer fancy dress.

The Christmas Wedding Scammer by Aracloptia (T)

“And - thank you for saying yes on such short notice! I tried to plan the thing myself, but … sometimes you actually do need help, right?” “Yeah”, Crowley mumbled, grabbing his phone to write down the name of the restaurant. “Yeah, absolutely.”

“That’s what everyone kept telling me; it’s always better with a wedding planner. I guess I should have listened earlier.”

“Er”, Crowley said. “Did you say-“

“Anyway, I have another call to make! I have to fire the costumer, the dress we agreed on turned out horrendous. Hey, in the future that’ll be your job! But I’ll do it just this once. See you tomorrow! And please bring suggestions for the bridal wear. Bye!”

“Hold o-”

The famous wedding planner Antonio Cowley is retired, sworn to never plan a wedding again. Perhaps the right sum of money can persuade him?

He is not to be mixed up with out-of-business Anthony J. Crowley, former florist, currently unemployed.

OR: In which Crowley accidentally becomes a wedding planner.

You're All I Want For Christmas by theshoparoundthecorner (G)

"Soho was uncharacteristically empty. As the wind calmed a bit, the streets were as quiet as the snow that fell upon them, not a single person in sight.

A good thing, too. No one should be caught dead in this weather.

The bookshop was wonderfully empty, and Aziraphale had spent the whole day doing as he pleased, knowing the weather would deter potential customers from sticking their noses in. Sure enough, he hadn’t had one person come in to bother him. He had been completely alone with his books all day, free to read, and watch the snow, and not worry about anyone dropping by unexpectedly.

But that thought didn’t thrill him as much as it usually would.

It was Christmas Eve. And he was alone.

Aziraphale didn’t mind being alone. In fact, he rather enjoyed it.

But tonight felt different. Tonight, as he had sat down for his annual re-read of 'A Christmas Carol', a melancholic feeling had washed over him, like he was meant to be doing something else at the moment. That was absurd, of course, he hadn’t made any particular plans, but something just felt…wrong.

Someone was missing."

Five Times Aziraphale and Crowley almost spent Christmas together, and one time they did.

Turning Page by Beckers522 (T)

Alone on Christmas Eve and finding himself in bad spirits, Crowley has a bit too much to drink and wakes up to find Santa Claus inside his house. What follows is a series of meetings one year after the next as the two slowly come to learn more about each other and eventually fall in love. But Crowley is human and his visitor is far from it. They come from two very different worlds with every odd stacked against them. Can they figure out how to cross the distance between them and find a way to finally be together?

Based on the Norway Postal Christmas Commercial (When Harry met Santa).

- Mod D

[dannnnnnnnnnnnex]

It's so interesting to me how obsessed we are, as a species, with Missing Person cases. Someone gets lost in the woods or stuck in a cave and a few days later it's national news, with hundreds of thousands of dollars spent on rescue attempts. I don't need to list any examples, I'm sure you can think of your own, that's how prevalent they are. The failed rescues are talked about for decades in podcasts and video essays, and the successful ones turn into blockbuster movies.

I think it makes sense. There's a very tangible and relatable horror to being lost and alone. It's ingrained in us, it's perhaps the most primitive fear: "Dying Alone in the Wilderness". We spend so many resources saving these people because we want to believe others would do the same for us were we to meet the same fate. That fear is universally relatable, one of the only things that can unite us as humans.

I'm not implying we shouldn't spend those resources, we obviously shouldn't just abandon people to the elements because it'd take too much effort to find them.

But I think it really highlights some of our most deeply set biases. It highlights how even as an "advanced" species, our base fear of Nature overwhelms us, causing us to appear as hypocrites.

What I mean is, why do we send hundreds of people to search for someone if they're lost in the woods, but if someone is lost in a city, with nowhere to go, they're often just cast aside, labeled homeless, and left to die alone under a bridge. Where are their rescue crews? Their national news coverage? Why is a life lost in the wild more valuable than a life lost in suburbia?

It's easily, tragically, explained. That kind of death isn't as relatable. We have no primitive monkey-brain fear of being abandoned in a city, we made those wilds ourselves. It's easier to rationalize, easier to dismiss. You have to consciously consider how terrible it would be to die alone in a city, it takes a moment of effort; it's not a pre-programmed fear.

I don't think it's actually as binary of a difference as I'm making it out to be, there are obviously more factors at play. For example, many homeless people are not really in contact with anyone, they can go missing and there's just nobody there to raise an alarm. It's tragic, but you can't blame innate human biases. I think the real indicator here isn't the lack of help we offer these urban cases, but how seriously we dedicate ourselves to the wild ones.

Idk, it's just interesting to me how we like to pretend we're an advanced species, how we're above our base instincts, beings of intellect and cognizance, but every so often you can look at us as a collective and point out where the monkey brain takes control.

[paigemathews]

Hello! Can I request romantic pairing Billie Jenkins and Hope from Little Box of Horrors?

Pairing: Billie Jenkins / Hope

Universe: anyone remember that shamelessly self-indulgent spin-off AU idea?

Facing five (basically) charges with expressions ranging from apologetic shame to amused remorselessness, Paige felt the urge to apologize to her sisters for her when she was a newly discovered witch, along with a migraine coming on. Balancing the baby in her arms, she sighed, "Why?"

All five exchanged looks, and both Hope and Billie went to speak. Migraine immediately worsening, Paige hastily cut them off, "Nope, I don't want to know actually. We will deal with the demon."

Billie immediately protested, "But we're the one that found it! You can't just sideline us-"

"Oh, don't worry," Paige interrupted. "I fully intend for you guys to be involved."

And without further conversation, she dumped the baby in Billie's arms, getting a bit of amusement at how quickly Billie's eyes widened with panic. "Take care of the baby for now, while we deal with the demon."

Without giving any of her (sort of) charges a chance to argue, Paige orbed out.

"Was she... serious?" Darcy asked slowly.

~

"I cannot believe that they ditched us!" Billie ranted, pacing back and forth the dorm room.

Hope considered pointing out that they were getting supplies for the baby or that Billie had very clearly tried to join them, but it seemed easier to let the other woman continue her rant. Bouncing the baby gently, Hope had to admit that it had been their fault, so it made sense that they dealt with the baby. Still, she just hoped her dad wouldn't ask about the credit card transactions later.

"I mean, who does that?" Billie gestured wildly. "Just run off and ditch their friends!"

Hope smothered a smile, temporarily hiding her face against the baby's head. As if Billie wasn't the first of any of them to ditch the rest to rush headfirst into any demonic or magical or dangerous situation. Maybe it'd be more irritating if Hope couldn't sense that Billie was hiding her panic at dealing with the baby through exaggerated outrage. Still, her arms were starting to get tired, and this had been all of Billie's ideas.

Standing, she shushed the baby quietly as Billie turned again, taking advantage of the witch's surprise to place the baby in her arms. Billie took her automatically, expression frozen in panic. Hope couldn't quite control the laugh at that.

"Have you ever held a baby before?"

Glancing down at the baby, Billie hissed through her teeth, "No! In case you missed it, I was an only child!"*

"Clearly," Hope said dryly. "Didn't you ever babysit or anything?"

Billie gave her a look, and Hope had to cave on that. Billie was a lot of things. "Babysitter material" was definitely not one of them. Sighing, she stepped into Billie's personal space, cooing fondly at the baby as she fussed.

"You can't be scared of her, Billie," Hope gently reproached. She reached out and adjusted the way that the witch was holding the baby, making sure that Billie supported her head and neck. The baby settled in the more comfortable hold, and Hope smiled. "See? You just need to relax. Try rocking her."

Billie stayed tense for a moment before letting out a deep breath and stiffly rocking her arms. After a minute, when she seemed to realize that she wasn't going to spontaneously drop the baby, Billie relaxed into it.

Hope hummed under her breath, a little lullaby that seemed to soothe the infant. Billie slowed to a stop, and Hope looked up into the other woman's face to see why.

Billie was watching her, pale skin flushed red. Hope suddenly realized that she still had her fingers curled around Billie's arm, squarely in Billie's personal space. Despite the realization, she didn't move or let go of her.

"You're good at this," Billie said with uncharacteristic quietness. Hope couldn't quite read the look in her eyes, but something about it made her hesitate to sense Billie's emotions.

"I babysat. A lot. In high school," Hope spoke as quietly as Billie did. Something about it felt like if she spoke too loudly, the spell would shatter.

Billie's eyes flickered down and back up again, seemingly without realizing. Hope's breath caught.

"Okay, so we got- hey!" Speed was cut off with a suspiciously screeching sound as Darcy grabbed the back of his hoodie and yanked him back.

Blushing hard, Hope stepped away from Billie and turned to her friends with a bright smile. Darcy was hissing something in Speed's ear while Max slowly eased around them into the room. Arms laden with bags, he offered them to Hope, eyes flickering between the two women.

"Everything okay?"

"Just peachy," Billie said shortly, turning away.

Hope couldn't help the surge of disappointment before pausing. Disappointed? Why? Because they'd been interrupted? From-

Oh no.

Hope had a crush on Billie.

* this can be taken in that either Billie doesn't remember Christy or hasn't told the others about her yet

[howthekriffdidigethere]

Wish Come True.

Chapter Ten: Don't Trust Who?

(TW: talks of war, distrust, confusion and Rudeness but...I guess that's it! Let me know if I missed anything)

The fly to Onderon was quiet, calm, and overall boring.

There was tension in the air. Everyone around me knew they'd more than likely be fine, but they couldn't be so sure about me.

No one mentioned it, of course, I didn't expect them to, and I'm glad they didn't.

I was in that state of mind where I knew what was to happen but somehow was still in denial.

I tried my best to just focus on the task at hand, thinking of what could happen would get me nowhere.

Obi-Wan had explained the details of the mission and what we'd be doing after we reached the planet. Basically, we, or they, have to train some rebels so they can free their planet from the Separatists.

'Seems simple enough.' I thought.

Ahoska had given me one of her jedi robes to use, to hide our identities supposedly. I thought it made us stick out more.

We walked around the ship a while, Rex and Ahsoka pointing out certain rooms so it would be easier for me to navigate the ship by myself.

Now, here I am, laying on a bed, Ahoska across the room, but unable to fall asleep.

I sighed in frustration for the umpteenth time as sleep continued to evade me.

A few more minutes passed and still no progress. I finally had enough and decided to go for a walk to clear my head.

The halls were quiet, most people asleep or in their rooms, only a few clone personal here and there.

I made my way to a window that we had passed earlier. I stood beside it, watching the lights speed by.

'Hyperspace is beautiful.' I thought, and for the first time since I stepped on this ship, I felt at peace. My mind stopped racing, my hands ceased to shake, and I was just in my own world.

Even though I forced myself not to think about what was to come, the anxiety of the situation still weighed on me. I'm not surprised it did, I'm sure anyone in my position would be faced with the same problems.

Except, there was no one else in my position. Just me...

I was used to being alone, but this felt different. More lonely and...Dark.

My brows furrowed as I focused on the feeling, something drawing me closer, calling out to me like a siren would to a sailor.

"Don't trust him." A voice, the same from when I first showed up in this world, warned in my ear.

I gasped and looked around, eyes wide. But again, no one was there.

It'd been two weeks since I heard anything from him, but now? Off all times?

And those words...?

I swallowed the shock down and looked back at the window. "Who? Who do I not trust?"

No answer. Of course.

I sighed and looked down, hearing the words echo in my mind, making my head spin.

Suddenly, I felt extremely tired. I stumbled away from the window and hurried back to my room, heart pounding in my chest.

I layed down and hid under the poor excuse of a blanket I was given. I felt like a child, but I didn't care at that moment.

Confusion and fear left a tight feeling in my chest as I practically passed out on the cot after hours of trying to sleep.

The mans voice followed me into my dreams, just repeating his words over and over again, but with no answer to my earlier question.

"Don't trust him."

******************

When I awoke, I could barely tell if what I remembered of the night before was real or not.

It could've just been a dream...That would make more sense, I suppose.

Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, and so far, the day was going by like any other day would.

Yeah, it had to be a dream...

I sighed and rubbed my eyes. Ahsoka had already left, and I knew I would need to go soon as well.

'The mission.' I told myself. 'Just focus on the mission, not the weird voice.'

Soon enough, I headed to meet Obi-Wan, Anakin, Ahsoka, and Rex in the hanger to get on our transport that would take us to the surface of the planet.

The transport is where we are now, waiting for the signal to jump out of the ship and onto the ground below.

'I don't even know how I'm gonna make it passed this jump.' I sighed quietly but miserably.

Obi-Wan put his hand on my shoulder, a habit he has that I've already gotten used to, drawing me out of my thoughts.

"Stay with Captain Rex, Fae." He ordered me gently. "It'll be easier for you to make the jump with him and follow him through the forest than to follow one of us." He nodded his head over to Anakin and Ahsoka who looked to be in the midst of a playful argument.

"Okay." I answered simply. "I'll stay with him the best I can."

"She won't leave my sight, sir." Rex declared, stepping up behind me.

"Good, we might have been invited by the Rebels, but there is still Separatist control here, and their pawns rule the planet as of now. We must be careful." Obi-Wan advised, looking at us both.

"We're coming up on the drop point!" The clone pilot called out over the comm system. "Prepare to jump!"

The doors of the ship opened and immediately a strong, cold breeze flew in, making me shiver.

The three jedi traveled closer to the doors, putting the hoods from their jedi robes over their heads, and awaited the for final signal to come. Rex went and stood behind them, motioning me to do the same.

"We jump after them!" He yelled at me, grabbing my hand, "We'll jump together, I have a jetpack that will help us land, just grab hold of me and don't let go till we've landed. Just try not to scream, got it?"

"Got it!" I yelled back, quickly putting up the hood of the robe Ahsoka had given me.

"You're clear to jump, sirs!" The pilot yelled back, giving us the go-ahead.

We all jumped out, and, as hard as it was, I didn't scream.

It felt like my stomach dropped and flew to my throat all at the same time.

Rex activated his jetpack after a short moment that felt like eternity, and grabbed me under my arms to make sure I had a soft landing and didn't plummet to my death.

We landed without a problem, the others using the force to guide them down.

The transport flew away as I caught my breath, Rex patting me on the back in a silent 'Good job.'

We all glanced at each other after the ship disappeared, then began to move in different directions, Ahsoka and Obi-Wan taking to the trees, Anakin, Rex and I stayed on the ground.

I followed closely behind Rex, copying his every move.

It was quiet, except for the plants moving in the wind, and some of the wildlife bustling around, going about their business without paying much mind to us.

We kept creeping around, being cautious of our surroundings and looking for someone. Obi-Wan didn't exactly tell me who or how we'd find them...

We came upon a small clearing after we walked around for a bit, and were making our way through it when a person, riding on some kind of creature, came into our path.

"Stay where you are." A female voice ordered, stern and threatening.

More creatures came out from the forest, surrounding us. I found myself inching closer to Rex, who's hand was hovering his blaster.

"Identify yourself." The woman demanded, eyes narrowed.

Anakin, who was infront of Rex and I, removed his hood, and held his hands up.

"Its alright," He started. "We're friends."

With those words, Obi-Wan and Ahoska jumped down from the trees and also removed their hoods.

"Jedi." The woman awed, shoulders relaxing and eyes widening.

"I'm Commander Tano," Ahoska spoke up, "We're here to help you take back the planet."

"My name is Steela." The mystery woman introduced, "I'll guide you to our secret base."

Without another word, she turned her creature around and began to walk away. The people who were around us did the same, and we soon followed.

"So thats it?" I whispered to Rex, "We just follow them? How do we know they're not lying and leading us into a trap?"

Rex chuckled quietly. "You're smart, that easily could happen. But the Generals and the Commander have already spoken to some of the Rebels, I assume this is one of them. But even if she isn't, they have the force, remember? The trust that with their lives."

"Yeah, I guess, its just weird how they're so trusting." I muttered, looking at the main lady ahead of us.

"You'll get used to their weird jedi ways, kid. For now, just watch and follow their lead." Rex turned to the front again, stikk on guard, but not because of the supposed rebels around us.

I found it funny that everyone was telling me to trust this and that, but the force told me not to.

The only problem was, I had no idea who the 'He' was that I wasn't supposed to trust...

And I had a feeling I wouldn't until it was too late...

***************

The sun had risen by the time we reached their base. We had been walking all night, my feet were sore, and all I wanted to do was sit down.

We came upon a tall arch that seems to be the entrance to the camp. A bird-like creature flew and perched itself at the top, its rider looking down at us, observing.

  We walked into the camp, and all the 'soldiers' there ceased their conversations and turned their focus on us, Steela still leading us.

"Hmm," Obi-Wan hummed, "A bit rough around the edges, wouldn't you say?"

"Thats why I brought Rex here." Anakin agreed, looking around.

"They're not exactly what I would call shinies, Sir." Rex joined the conversation. "But, I could work with them."

A loud screech came from over our shoulders, and the large bird creature swooped down, landing infront of us, the rider climbing off after it touched down.

"General Skywalker." The man greeted, walking to us.

"At your service." Anakin responded, "This is General Kenobi, Commander Tano, and Captain Rex." He gestured to each of them.

Rex cleared his throat a little, causing Anakin to look back at him. Rex just gave a little nod towards me, reminding Anakin that I was here.

"Oh, and, uh, Padawan Miller." Anakin finished awkwardly.

The man ignored the awkwardnes, not even sparing me a glance. "We're looking forward to taking the fight to the scrapping droids."

"All in good time." Obi-Wan spoke, nodding slowly as he observed.

"Saw." The man introduced himself finally. "Saw Gerrera."

The name sounded extremely familiar, but nothing came to mind. Just the usual headache when I tried to remember things now.

"He fashions himself as our leader, though no one elected him." Steela joked, punching Saw in the arm.

"Well, for now," Anakin began, "We're in charge. And there is much to learn."

"We should get started." Obi-Wan decided, "Gather up your men."

Saw nodded at Steella, telling her to do as Obi-Wan said. She looked a little annoyed, but listened anyway and walked off.

Saw showed us to another area, where we waited for Steela to round up everyone for the meeting.

We sat down, and small talk soon began, but unfortunately, I had the pleasure to speak with the leader.

"So, who are you?" Saw asked, already sounding judgemental.

'Oh, him and I are not going to get along.'

"Oh, no one important." I shrugged and looked away, which was about as polite as I could be at the moment.

"If you're no one important then why are you here? We don't have time to babysit." Saw accused, jabbing his finger in my direction.

"The Council decided it would be good for Fae to join us on our mission," Obi-Wan came to my rescue before I even had a chance to speak. "We believe she may be of some use. And she has enough...experience that she will not get in the way of things."

Saw narrowed his eyes and studied me, still judging me.

I fought the urge to roll my eyes and sent him a childish smile. "Problem, Sir?"

Saw merely scoffed and walked away. "Just don't slow us down."

"I'd be surprised if you could keep up, old man." I muttered, earning a fierce glare from Obi-Wan.

"Alright, I've gathered everyone." Steela came in, breaking the tension building in the room before I could get yelled at.

The meeting went on without a hitch, the three older jedi discussing the plan with the others.

I didn't speak. I just sat in the back, watching and listening.

Despite what Crosshair had said, I did observe. You could learn a lot from just watching.

It wasn't until after the meeting was over that I was finally approached by Rex.

"We're gonna start training the Rebels now." He started, "I think you should come watch, you could learn a thing or two."

"Sure. Lead the way." I answered, standing up to follow.

The air was hot. Too hot. These Rebels would have to be careful not to overwork themselves, or else they'll have a new problem called heat exhaustion.

We gathered around a broken tank and started the lesson. Rex began instructing the Rebels on what to do, and demonstrated it by jumping onto the tank and throwing a grenade in both the hatches, before jumping down.

He did it flawlessly, to no ones surprise.

The next group, Saw and a guy named Lux, not so much.

They fought with each other when they should have been focused on the task. There was obviously some sort of feud between them and it just caused a disaster when it came to the challenge Rex presented.

I rolled my eyes as harsh words were exchanged between the two as they walked off to the side.

After staying a few words and commanding the next group to go, Rex turned towards me, "What did they do wrong?" He asked.

I didn't have to think about my answer for very long, "They don't know how to work together. They're so focused on beating the other person that they forgot the real mission and over shot their abilities."

Rex smirked, "Good job. You've got quite an eye."

"I'm just observant. I know how to look for weaknesses."

Rex just hummed and turned back to the Rebels, shouting more commands.

Every group went up and did the task, some failing, but not nearly as bad as Lux and Saw.

I watched the whole time, making mental notes as I observed on what to do, and what to avoid.

All in all, while the Rebels definitely had their strengths, they had a lot of weaknesses to go along with it.

It's gonna take a lot to get these guys in shape for a real battle, that much is sure.

Let's just hope the war holds off long enough so they actually stand a chance.

[highwaytothedangerzone502]

Ghost Story - Chapter 19

Pairing: Rooster x Female OC

Word Count: 2807

Warnings: Swearing

Summary: No one will miss a ghost. It'd been a running joke for as long as anyone could remember, something Ghost herself started, and she always said it with a smile on her face or with mirth in her voice. The untouchable stealth pilot in every sense of the word, no one could've predicted the depth of her turmoil over recent events, nor the extremes she would go to in order to protect the man she loved, not even those closest to her. Now, all that was left of the young aviator for Maverick, Hangman, and Rooster were the memories of the past, which would slowly fade with time. She'd come into their lives and made an unforgettable impression, and then, like a ghost, she was gone... Then again, ghosts can't die a second time.

Notes: The chapters/large parts in italics are flashbacks.

Chapter Songs: In Between Fight Song

****

Maverick

He hated seeing Ghost upset. Whether she caused the problem or not, he could see the inner turmoil and hatred for herself in the eyes that reminded him so much of her mother. Maverick recognized the path Ghost had gone down mentally, for he'd been there more times than he cared to admit, especially when he'd damaged his relationship with Rooster. He would try his damndest to ensure she didn't go as far down that path as he had.

The pair strolled through the aisles at Home Depot, searching for a fleeting piece of hardware that continued to elude them. They also enjoyed looking- and mostly judging- all the paint colors and fixtures. Maverick pointed to a chandelier and asked, "What about that one?"

Ghost shook her head with a smile. "Unless Penny is going for a western saloon vibe, I'm going to say no."

"Hey, it's still better than the design option I offered for the office."

Ghost snorted. "If we talk to Penny later, I'm telling her we got the stuff to make it," she said, her gaze grazing over the other options. She shifted her attention to Maverick and added, "Hey, can I ask you something?"

"Of course."

"Don't take this the wrong way because I don't want to sound ungrateful. You have no idea how appreciative I am of everything you've been doing for me, but why invite me today and not Rooster? It's just... judging from what Rooster's told me all these years, you were desperate to make amends with him. Now that you two have reconciled, I'd think you would want to spend as much time with him as you can."

Maverick stopped the cart and faced Ghost. "A few reasons. First and foremost, I enjoy spending time with you. Rooster told me a lot about you, and I like getting to know the girl who was there for him when I couldn't be. Second, you're the only person Penny trusts to accompany me on these outings because I make bad decorating decisions when left unsupervised," he said, grabbing a box of outdoor lamps and placing them in the cart. Ghost picked them up and put them back on the shelf, taking the box next to it of the lights Penny had actually requested. "See? Case in point. And third, I did invite Rooster today, but when I told him I was inviting you, he declined, and I can assure you it's not for the reason you're thinking."

Maverick had seen the subtle crestfallen expression flicker on Ghost's face. He added, "Rooster figured you wouldn't come if you knew he was, and as much as he wants to see you, he recognizes you don't want to see him."

Ghost hung her head, blonde hair falling down and shielding her eyes from view. Still, she spoke. "It's not that I don't want to see him. I miss him terribly. I'm just afraid if we talk, it'll turn into another argument, and I can't deal with another argument with him while I have this mission to focus on."

"I understand pushing him away, I do, but why everyone else?"

"Because it's easier, and I don't risk messing up any other friendships or getting myself even more hurt in the process. And like I said, I have a mission to focus on, and I can't distract myself from it."

"Why haven't you tried pushing me away?"

"Because you won't let me," Ghost said, offering a small yet appreciative smile. It was true. When he showed up on her doorstep earlier in the morning, it'd been unannounced. Ghost had answered the door in her pajamas, clearly startled by his presence but eager to join him once he stated why he was there. "I'm not complaining by any means, though. How is Rooster doing?"

"As best he can. Between your argument and Bryn breaking up with him, he's hanging in there and trying to fix it. How that's going is debatable."

"Has he been able to get a hold of her at all?"

"Not that I know of."

Ghost grimaced. "It's not his fault, though. I'm the one she should blame, not him. He didn't lie to her."

"I think she sees him not telling her as lying by omission," Maverick remarked, grabbing some nails and screws and tossing them into the cart. Noticing Ghost's change in demeanor, he chose to shift topics, not wanting her to think about her problems any more than she already did. "So, what are your plans to beat the rest of the pilots at the tournament?"

"Truthfully, I've been winging it most of the time. Boomer's relented a little since I told him about Twister and Robin, but he's bound to come after me again sooner or later. Hollywood has my back for now, but I'm nervous about facing him if it comes down to the two of us. He's the best of the best for stealth pilots and got considered for this mission for a reason. He's my biggest competitor. Besides being my only friend in that group, I've also had him as my wingman, so I can learn his tactics and use them against him. He's probably doing the same to me, but as Rooster once put it, I'm predictable in my unpredictability, so Hollywood will know I'll pull some crazy shit to try and win, but he most likely won't know what. To be honest, I'm as surprised as everyone else by what I do half the time. I simply follow my instinct and hope it works out. It's never let me down before."

"Predictable in your unpredictability. I like that."

"Yeah, I did, too, although I think he originally meant it as an insult."

"Why did you two not get along in the beginning again?"

"I was 'dangerous and reckless' according to him, and I thought he was 'safe and conservative.' Turns out we were both semi-wrong and semi-right. He's safe but not conservative. Not anymore, at least. I'm dangerous, but only to my enemies. And I'm not reckless. He once told me I reminded him of you."

Maverick chuckled. "Another reason he didn't like you, I bet."

"Maybe..." Ghost's contemplative features softened. "Hey, you know Rooster never hated you, right? He hated what you did, but not you. He sees you as his dad, loves you like a dad. No matter what happened between you two, he never lost those feelings."

"How do you know that?" Maverick inquired skeptically. He'd been on the receiving end of Rooster's anger, and the words that spewed from the young aviator's mouth the day they had their face-off in the common room shattered his heart. Maverick found it hard to believe Rooster never hated him as a person.

"Because I remember dozens upon dozens of nights throughout the years where I sat next to him while his finger hovered over the call button on your name."

"Why'd he never do it?"

"Unfortunately, that's my fault... he'd always been drinking when he considered calling you, and as nostalgic as Rooster was about missing you, I warned him not to call you unless he was ready to face what you did again. I've seen his anger, and I didn't want him to say something to you that might make things worse between you two. I wasn't sure that was possible, but I also didn't want to find out. Of course, all that bottled-up anger had to explode sometime, so in hindsight, I'm wondering if I gave him the best advice..."

"Oh, it exploded, but I believe it would've happened regardless of your advice. We're good now, though, and that's all that matters."

Ghost nodded, but she didn't seem wholly convinced by his words. "I still can't believe you two stole an F-14 right under the enemy's nose. How did you two just walk onto the base?!"

"A hole in the fence, some damaged roadways and runways blocking them from getting to us once they did realize we were in the plane, and sheer dumb luck," Maverick admitted, thinking back to that chaotic day, the rollercoaster of emotions he experienced - from the fatherly instinct to protect his son and take the missile for him, the terror seeing his son get shot down trying to protect him in return, the relief seeing his son alive, the anger at his son for disobeying orders and not returning to the carrier, the nerve-wracking exhilaration of stealing the plane and fighting the two fifth-generation enemy pilots, to the panic at nearly getting shot down, to the second wave of relief when Hangman saved them. Yeah, it'd been a day, and Maverick couldn't fathom how his hair hadn't turned gray from it all.

"Genuinely incredible. I can't even wrap my head around it. I swear if I tried something like that, the enemy would shoot me before I even stepped foot on base."

"Hey, Rooster says you remind him of me, so maybe you have my sheer dumb luck too!"

"Part of me wants to find out; the other part of me doesn't."

"Maybe you can find out in a way that doesn't involve being trapped in enemy territory."

Ghost let out a good-natured laugh, the first he'd heard all day. Suddenly seeming lighter and happier, she added, "Not sure how I'll find this out, but I do agree with you. All right, do we have everything?"

"I think so. Let's go check out. Want to grab lunch at the Hard Deck afterward?"

"I would love to, but I promised I'd FaceTime my mom at one. I don't want to explain to her who I'm having dinner with. Still haven't told her I know you because I don't want to open that can of worms."

"She's got to find out sometime, Ghost."

"I'll tell her after the mission, whether I win the tournament or not, because my participation in it will absolutely cause an argument, but I'll tell her you helped me get as far as I did."

"Hey, you're the one leading our charges, not me. You got there on your own," Maverick praised, patting her shoulder proudly. "Come on, let's check out and get you home."

The pair went to the register and purchased the items that nearly filled their cart to the brim. Ghost called Penny to tell them they were finished and on their way back, and that she was surprised Penny gave Maverick permission to build the 'whale' in the ceiling like he wanted. When the admiral's daughter protested vehemently, Ghost burst out laughing, immediately giving away the prank.

Maverick, pleased with how the day had ended for the outing and relieved to see Ghost in better spirits than when he picked her up, felt better about dropping her off. If she hadn't, he would've insisted they meet for dinner with Hollywood and Penny, anything to get out of her apartment and to temporarily stop thinking of the problems causing her to go on a mental downward spiral.

Ghost's cheerfulness evaporated in the blink of an eye when Maverick pulled up to her apartment. At first, he thought it was because the day was over, but then he followed Ghost's line of sight and noticed a strikingly familiar woman, but from where, he couldn't place.

"Who is that?" he asked, putting his Jeep in park.

Ghost sank into her seat. "My mom..."

"If you want to leave-"

"It's too late. She's already seen me. Don't worry, you can leave. You don't have to stay for this. I'll handle it."

Maverick should've left because the last time he and Charlie had seen each other, it'd been a blowout, knockout fight, but those hard feelings passed long ago for him. Maybe they had for her too. Plus, he hated to leave Ghost alone right now, especially when aware of the strained relationship between her and Charlie and that this meeting would most likely result in an argument for the two of them, the last thing Ghost needed.

"No, I'll join you. I've got your six." 

Maverick winked at her, and Ghost smiled gratefully at him in return. They hopped out of his Jeep and strode up to Ghost's mom, meeting her on the sidewalk. Recognition flickered in her eyes. Upon their approach, she practically squeaked, "Maverick?" 

"Charlie," he replied, nodding his head in polite greeting. He studied her features; it'd been almost thirty-one years since they last saw each other, and while her hair may have grayed and her face sported laugh lines and wrinkles, he still saw the fearlessness in her blue eyes that matched her daughter's. Whatever Admiral Winchester looked like, Ghost undoubtedly took after Charlie, only her face shape and mouth differing.

"I'd introduce you, but you two are already acquainted," Ghost said, clasping her hands. "What are you doing here, mom?"

"Two reasons: to check on you because you sounded so upset over the phone yesterday and-"

"I'm fine. Just friendship drama."

"It sounds like more than just drama."

"Seriously, it's fine. Besides, I have Maverick. He's been there for me through it all and is watching out for me."

Charlie's face softened ever so slightly. "That's nice of him."

"Yeah, he and Penny have made me feel really at home here these past few months."

The softness vanished. "You've known him for months?"

"Yeah. I didn't say anything because I know how you feel about him and his flying, and I figured you wouldn't like me being around him," Ghost said calmly yet matter-of-factly. 

"Annalise, he's right th-"

"I know you don't like me, Charlie. Most people in the Navy don't," he joked in an attempt to lighten the mood. "I don't take it personally."

"What was the second reason you came here?" Ghost asked, recapturing her mom's attention.

"I came to talk to you about that blasted mission you're competing for. How did you even get picked for that?!" Charlie demanded, placing her hands on her hips.

"Because I'm a damn good stealth pilot, and the Navy recognizes that!"

"You're the least experienced one there! I don't understand why you were chosen for a mission of this caliber and intensity when you're still so young in your career. You're not ready for it!"

Ghost reddened underneath her makeup, and Maverick chose to give up the secret he'd been holding onto, not wanting to divulge it until absolutely necessary. "Because of me. Cyclone asked me to pick the twelve pilots from a large group to compete for the mission, and I chose Ghost as one of them."

"You did what?" Charlie asked, deceptively calm. 

"She's in the tournament because of me. I've heard stories about her from Rooster and Hangman, and I've seen her file, the non-redacted version. She might not have years of experience like the others, but I've read about the missions she's been on and what she's accomplished, and I've seen what she's capable of first-hand. Ghost gives me a run for my money up there, Charlie, and that's saying something."

"That's what scares me, Maverick. She flies just like you and takes the same risks. One of these days, it will catch up to her, and I'm sorry for not wanting to lose my daughter and the only remaining family member I have left!"

Ghost crossed her arms. "Mom, I signed up for the Navy knowing any day might be my last. You can't hold me back in my career because of fear. This is my life. You have got to stop trying to interfere with it."

"As much as you have modeled your career and flying style after Maverick, you are not him, and believing in such a thing will get you killed."

Ghost responded with stony silence, shifting her attention to the ground, but Maverick glimpsed her pursed lips, clenched fists, and white knuckles, signs of composure hanging on by a single thread. Charlie, either not noticing or not caring, said, "Come on, Annalise. We need to-"

"No, we don't need to do anything. All you've done in the last five minutes is insult me and my career. Whatever we need to do can wait until tomorrow." Ghost, stoic and with a shockingly steady voice, turned to Maverick and asked, "Is that offer for lunch still available?"

"Of course," he responded, his gaze briefly flicking over to Charlie, who rapidly reddened with rage at her daughter's disobedience.

"Annalise, please, we need to talk," Charlie said pleadingly. "It's important."

"It can wait until tomorrow." 

Without another word, Ghost turned on her heel and stormed toward Maverick's Jeep. He faced Charlie to say goodbye and offer some courtesy, but before he could open his mouth, she pointed an accusatory finger at him. With tears in her voice, she told him shakily, "If Annalise dies on this mission, her blood is on your hands."

****

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Chapters: Chp 1 Chp 2 Chp 3 Chp 4 Chp 5 Chp 6 Chp 7 Chp 8 Chp 9 Chp 10 Chp 11 Chp 12 Chp 13 Chp 14 Chp 15 Chp 16 Chp 17 Chp 18 Chp 19

[cup0fcocoa]

I can't sleep so I'm about to make it everyone else's problem. Get ready for JD ranting

Okay I have a LOT to ramble about but I'll get miscellaneous things out of the way ig

1) in the Danceverse the gloves serve a purpose outside of coaching: they provide a humanoid disguise for the dancers to dance in. Sara, being human, is the only one capable of taking off her glove and not changing at all, but for any other relevant dancer this will not be the case. There's different levels of how odd the Danceverse citizens can get- standard level which is just an every day person (who is usually not a coach), a middle spectrum where a dancer has access to powers but no altered form, and those with altered 'true' forms. The glove and its magic were first introduced by the Traveler and Si'ha Nova as a way to maintain consistently between prominent dancers or anyone who just felt like being humanoid. However, the glove's power got to the wrong hands, and soon one certain sorceress would manipulate this gift for her own selfish desires.

The glove by itself still has side effects though, such as the transformation from true form to humanoid form being unavoidable and (usually) painful- especially if a dancer were to be something like a ghost, doll, or being with a drastically irregular body shape. Ghosts would have to relive their death every time the glove is removed, dolls would lose their sense of humanity, etc etc; to make matters worse, not everyone has free will over their glove use- it's all dependent on what supernatural being a dancer is and the circumstances of their situation.

2) general relations in my mind are scattered and usually organized by group. It'd be a lot easier and faster to understand if I just made a chart tbh but for the most part with one exception the groups I have get along well

3) there's no set timeline for me yet but I've already worked out several plot points with a gist of how things will go. Due to Wanderlust's ability to both open/use portals and open windows into the past and future, it's very easy to integrate arcs dancers from old games go through as something that occurred before the plot of JD23. I can make the entire elemental war canon as well as a way to isekai my favorite dancer to meet my second favorite dancer and have them interact I am a Genius

4) Night Swan deserves to be way more powerful. Not enough people remember she was able to best Wanderlust- the son of what we all know is the king/god of the Danceverse- even if briefly. She has the power to open gates to other realms (something we only see Wanderlust and Traveler capable of previously) and brainwash/mind control dancers with one fell swoop. The minionization process should definitely be a lot longer and WAY more painful, especially since victims literally turn into mindless bird soldiers- which leads me to my next point. In order for Wanderlust to fall prey to her power, Night Swan must've used a lot of magic on him, so much so that I believe it only makes sense if his capture had more severe aftereffects. The way I personally represent this is through his flares- his soul was tarnished by her black magic, causing him to occasionally spasm and basically relive the pain of losing body autonomy. These flares hurt him and anyone who approaches him, putting them in danger as well. He can't be cured, so Jack Rose has to stand back and watch his savior suffer at his hand knowing he can never reverse the damage.

5) speaking of, Jack Rose has siblings, two of them to be exact. While I could say who they are that's just no fun. I do have a drawing of a younger picture of the trio planned out though hopefully. Growing up isolated in the Swan tower was horrid, and both siblings left prematurely: one was kicked out and practically disowned while the other ran away never to be seen again. Jack's boa cape and brooch are hand me downs from them, given as gifts not long before each sibling left his life. Now that he himself has fled the tower and has a deity boyfriend capable of teleporting whenever he pleases, Jack plans on finding and reuniting with them again

6) on the continued topic of siblings, Pulse and Haze are also related (Pulse being older). This is honestly self indulgence but also Haze has the most moves similar to the extreme routine for Boy With Luv so honestly the game does my job for me

7) you know how Sara can travel from the human world to the Danceverse? Yeah the same can happen vice versa. The human world is a destination of great interest to a lot of the dancers, especially those who wish to live out lives as normal people instead of being worried over whether their glove is on right. If a dancer were to successfully cross the border however, Traveler would immediately sense it and send someone to retrieve the dancer (sometimes even escort them back himself). See, Traveler doesn't fancy the idea of invading another dimension for selfish reasons, which is the only reason he allows the rest of the fruity five to occasionally join Sara and find scattered dancers who have gone under the radar in the human world. Anyway, traveling to the human world gives a dancer a glow down and skin tone, basically the inverse of entering the Danceverse

If you're still here congratulations but also if you wanna hear more (which. I'm so sorry if you do) or just want me to draw someone feel free to send an ask. I definitely won't get to it immediately but I will try lol

[quirofiliac]

adsevel asked: 🎶~

@adsevel​​​​ ／ unprompted ／ always accepting.

He's never liked the sound of humming (his mother's always done it when she cooked, particularly when she chopped vegetables.) and rarely made exceptions for such. Even when he caught himself humming in the shower -- rubbing shampoo into his scalp in smooth, circular motions -- or whilst he himself was preparing dinner, it always tended to err him on the edge of "disgust". It never quite breached the point of making him want to retch but, rather, it simply annoyed him.

It "disgusted" him because he couldn't seem to recall if it was a habit he's always had (from his mother, because genetics were funny like that.) or if it was something he picked up (from anyone, because, well, mirroring was funny like that.) from someone off the streets. While there were times when he could anticipate the urge and, thusly, fight against it… there were other times when he didn't even seem to realize.

At times like those, it always stung in such an oddly specific way that it bothered him for the rest of the day. It was like an itch (like getting bit. by a bug, but it's a bug that remembers. it always goes to the same spot, over and over, and bites. it doesn't wait for it to heal… just bites.) that doesn't stop itching, because it can't stop. That sort of annoying, little thing that could be ignored but why would you ever do that when it's so much easier to attend to it in the now?

An itch that starts out mild, slow. An itch that starts out subtle, barely there.

Then it gets "scratched" and, all of a sudden, it blossoms into something horrid. What was once a feeling that should've gone away with one, little knick of the finger immediately intensifies. It leaves its victim with no other choice but to keep scratching, until the skin goes red from irritation. And it's raw, too. It's a raw itch, easy to mistake as something that could bleed if pushed hard enough.

But it doesn't bleed, because it's only an "itch" and nothing more.

"Excuse me."

Head turned, directing a look that spoke of no particular emotion. More-so, Kira's expression was best described as such: blank. A blank slate, something that implied that this wasn't at all a problem or, at least, it shouldn't be.

He kept his tone polite, all the same, though. Why wouldn't he? There was no reason to be rude (not yet, not yet, not yet… that could always change and he has to be ready for it.) and, if all goes according to plan, it'd remain as such. All he was going to do, after all, was make a small request. After that? He'd be on his way-- it's easy and it's clean.

"Could you…"

Eyes directed their selves elsewhere, panning down towards the two men's feet. One pair was his (obviously... obviously!) while the other belonged to the other man-- the tips of his shoes pointing inwards whilst Kira's pointed out. That made sense, seeing as he wasn't intending on turning around and chatting with him; what he was doing now was but a simple transaction.

All this was, was a mere exchange betwixt two individuals.

"...not stand so close to me?"

Voice was kept on the lower side, more-so to evade drawing any further attention from those that needn't involve themselves. This was made further evident with Kira glancing from one side to the other (a few people but not enough to cause upset. that was fine.) before returning, "meeting" the stranger in the eye.

He doesn't blink, gaze drifting a little bit down (hates looking people in the eyes. always have, always will.) to, instead, stare at the space that lay between his eyes. That felt a little better... not by much, but it'll have to do.

What he wanted to say (can you stop that? your humming, that is. it's annoying and it's not even good.) would remain in the back of his mind, stored just in case. He didn't foresee himself needing to say it -- it'd cause too much of a problem... he just wants to go home, free of any sort of worry and free of any sort of "backtracking" -- but, ah... well, one could never be too sure.

Especially in times like these.

"I... have a cold, you see," he went on in a slow, drawl of a voice as he raised one hand (a thought. he wants to hit him.) that's been balled up into a loose fist (another thought. he wants to punch him.) towards his lips. A slight struggle was forced occurred then. What seemed to be the rise of a coughing fit, Kira bucked his head subtly to the left before sputtering out a weak, halfhearted cough. "My apologies-- I've... been trying to fight it off for a few days now."

For a few, brief seconds did his expression change.

No longer was it one of monotony but, rather, one that appeared apologetic. He doesn't like it when people hummed (it's like listening to someone sing in the car, but the twist is that they can't sing. they suck at it, actually.) but, at least, he could pretend that he didn't hear it. It was hard to ignore, though, with how awful it was. Instead, he looked at him with furrowed eyebrows, a mouth that was slightly frowning, and shoulders that drooped ever so slightly.

"I wouldn't want you to catch it, too, is... is all that I'm saying."

To further emphasize his reasoning, Kira proceeded to shuffle a few inches forward. A proper excuse to put some distance between them (another thought, another thought. he wants to punch him so hard his teeth go flying.) while retaining some semblance of manners.

All that he needed, after, was a small bow of the head. So, he does. He bows his head but only once.

"My apologies."

Then he can be on his way, just as the script demanded directed.

[egg-emperor]

It's a shame that X had its really weirdly OOC moments for Eggman (most prominently in season 3, which you might have seen my criticism post of in the past) because aside from that, I personally adore X Eggman for the things they did get right. I feel that they still captured multiple important aspects of his character quite well.

The things I feel they got right were his loud, confident, and rude demeanor, the skill of his manipulation tactics, the way he actually did have his share of pretty damn evil moments despite the humor, the way that, for quite a while across seasons, he evidently didn't give a damn about anyone else and not even what planet he was on as long as he could conquer it. I didn't mind how humorous things could get because I love every time he's evil and a jerk but makes a game of it just as much as I love to see him get serious, and he still did the latter when necessary. And if you've seen that other analysis post of mine, I also really liked the moments where they presented his lack of empathy well. ( Which they really fucked up later but still, it was great while it lasted :') )

That's what makes the OOC moments all the more disappointing and surprising because he had a lot going for him earlier on, when it was accurately capturing his important assets that really make him feel like himself. It's weird that the stuff he does in season 3 legitimately contradicts things he did in previous episodes of the show. Like it wasn't even a case of character development as some might try to argue (which I wouldn't have wanted either way because it doesn't work for him period lol) but it came out of nowhere and made no fuckin sense for his personality and actions we'd seen on earlier eps. It was so jarring

But besides that, I still treasure it for the positives. To this day, X Eggman brings me as much joy as he did back when the show was one of the first pieces of Sonic media I consumed. I still have to give it credit for the way it really helped fall in love with him even more, since the only two games I'd played at the time was Heroes and Shadow 2005, where he hardly got any focus. Despite not seeing much of him prior, I was still lucky to recognize that the OOC moments in X weren't right for a character like him, instead of it letting it lead me to the false belief that he's not so bad of a guy. It was all his best evil asshole moments and fantastic humor that was making me fall for him all the while instead.

Yeah maybe it is thanks to my huge nostalgic fondness that makes the OOC moments easier for me to rewatch it without getting too frustrated to the point I don't enjoy the rest of his portrayal. Especially considering that I watch the English dub the most lol. I get not liking it for how much they fucked up but man, Imo it's still worth watching for Mike Pollock's performance alone, as from the very beginning he already suited Eggman perfectly and brought so much charm and humor in the best way. In the present, I still can't stop smiling at and the jokes never miss with me, he's the only one I genuinely find funny when a lot of the jokes usually don't land with the other characters.

The OOC moments do of course still bother me all the same as I care a lot about how accurately Eggman is portrayed in any media. I'll never hesitate to call out the flaws in the writing and characterization (hell, I literally had that Eggman X supercut I made get interrupted a text rant about why that one bs line in ep 67 really bothered me lol) but I can't deny that as a whole, it will always have a very special place in my heart and it's currently still my favorite Sonic show ever. I hope Prime presents an Eggman with an attitude as great as earlier X Eggman had, without the OOC stuff this time. Not gonna get my hopes up, but it'd be nice.

[rosemary-is-in-pesterquest]

Terezi seriously deserves so much better... post canon would've been the perfect place to revive her friendship with both Dave and Karkat. but also, her and Vriska's relationship got totally shafted in post canon. for self proclaimed Vriska fans, they don't really seem to be including her? like they basically just replaced her with a bland teen version? what the hell was the point of that? to go off a bit: the most interesting parts of Vriska's story are centered around her traumatic upbringing, which she deals with in ways that make her difficult to love, and Terezi is tied to her through repeated attempts to love her anyway, in spite of how hard it can be.

the trolls actually have a lot of relationships where one person has to decide when to stick by someone, and when to give up. Sollux ends up in a kind of limbo state with Aradia... he still likes who she was, but she's not that anymore when we first meet her as a ghost. Kanaya is interested in Vriska for a bit, but eventually feels unappreciated and used after spending probably longer than she should've trying to become interesting to her. Feferi has to figure out how to give up on Eridan without it resulting in widespread destruction, and that threat is why their relationship is exhausting to her in the first place. and Terezi has probably the most complex conundrum of all with Vriska. the two of them grew up together, and spent a long time killing a lot of their peers. for Vriska, it was essential to her survival and she had no choice, while for Terezi, it was just a recreational activity... and this is why Terezi eventually feels more guilt over it, and is able to realize that she should try to reform herself. meanwhile, Vriska built so much of her identity and self worth around taking pride in her ruthless persona, that it seems inextricable from who she is.

Vriska can't give up her kill-or-be-killed ways, even when she doesn't need to appease her lusus anymore, because this is the metric by which she judges people, and she can't stand to see herself as a victim. to her, weakness makes you killable... the way her lusus threatened her taught her that. failure results in death. and that's what bothers her so much about Tavros. by the standards she grew up under, he shouldn't have even made it as far as he did. but he also didn't even grow up by the same standards as Vriska to begin with. his lusus is tiny and cute, and he's clearly never even been asked to do anything violent before. even the fact that he had a choice is a novel concept. he didn't earn the right to live... not the way Vriska had to. to her, that's not fair. he even wanders into a game called "fatal live action roleplaying" like... the word "fatal" is in the name, looking for a fun adventure. as if Vriska hadn't been using this game to hunt her peers all this time. and she's probably killed a ton of more capable trolls than Tavros. what gives him a pass compared to them? the basic existence of someone like Tavros is like a wound that Vriska can't stop picking at, even while she's too prideful to admit she would've wanted a better life than what she got. instead, she has to hold others to this ruthless standard. if she doesn't, she might have to admit that her struggle was optional, or that it might not have made any sense to demand that much murder from a child. she didn't have to be raised like that. but like hell she's gonna play the victim. and it's alienating to be hated because of the one thing you feel like you've really accomplished. nobody could ever stomach being proud of Vriska, so she does it herself. she only has herself to rely on anyway.

all of this signifies a person who is damaged. she's in survival mode all the time, and it prevents her from forming connections with people. and Terezi sees this. Vriska's connection to Tavros is unhealthy, not just because Tavros is being bullied, but because Vriska isn't moving on. she's still all wrapped up in the idealized superiority of power, and won't admit that she even needs anyone or anything, even though she's genuinely not okay with losing so many of her friends over the Scourge/Charge debacle. so many of them consider this a step too far, but Vriska has genuine trouble discerning what the difference is between this, and her whole lifetime's worth of behavior. this is what she's had to do, and they're all more horrified at her, than they are at the things that made it necessary for her to turn out this way. and they don't have any solutions either. none of her friends can say "oh, well you should've handled it this way. then we could accept you" because the morally responsible thing to do would've been to die. Vriska not existing could've technically saved a lot of lives... if Vriska isn't proud of her strength, she might have to actually start feeling guilty for what she's done. and if Vriska felt a level of guilt that others think is appropriate for what she's done, she'd basically be ruined. people consider her unsalvageable, and she knows they see her that way. it breeds mistrust, and leads to her making all her decisions on her own, without asking anyone's advice or permission. they won't forgive her for even being alive, so screw them anyway. it drives a deeper wedge.

and Terezi is the one who actually understands all of this. she gets it... she was there. but she also knows that it would be healthier for Vriska to admit that she doesn't have to, or want to, live that way anymore. pride be damned, the things they did were awful, and their behavior should change. Terezi always had less riding on her adherence to these standards, so she was able to discard them easier. and now that she's on the other side of it, she knows that the longer you spend acting like that, the more the shame stacks up in hindsight. Vriska is digging herself a hole, and it's painful to watch, because Vriska is still basically Terezi's best friend. it's a hard position... if Vriska is never held accountable for anything, and never suffers consequences, then she may never change. but Terezi also irrationally wants to forgive her. because Terezi also wants to forgive herself. she doesn't want to believe that either of them are irredeemable, but when she kills Vriska, it seems as though they both were. it feels like they were both ruined. from the very beginning, as kids growing up in a fucked up environment, they never stood a chance. it's why they needed each other.

I just really wish post canon could focus on these two healing. they're both so well written, and so complex and interesting... and I was even really liking the hints of John and Terezi picking on each other. let Terezi have low stakes contention with someone! shenanigans that don't result in death would be good for both her and Vriska tbh. and it'd be so funny cuz like, Vriska is fond of John, and Terezi is so peeved by him. I think Vriska really started healing by knowing John, cuz as a human, she has a blank slate with him, and he couldn't have been raised ruthless, even if he would've been adept at being that way. to Vriska, John is an alien and doesn't work on the same scale as her. it leaves the point of survivability pretty moot, so Vriska isn't viewing everything in terms of that with him. and it's nice. she has fun. she gets to feel like a kid in a way that she never got to, because everything really is so simple. what I wouldn't give for the three of them to be able to pal around on earth C, that'd be so interesting!

(I’m not gonna add anything bc this is just, so good)

[selimunfridhirako]

Shinji Hirako x Reader

💜 The First Date💜

A/N: I haven't been writing much and I do deeply apologize for that, again this is my secondary account, my first is @targaryens-blog I'm no longer allowing submissions no longer accepting requests at this time but for selimunfridhirako I'll have the ask box open if anyone would like to send anons just chatting or discussing topics. now that's out of the way I am taking a break from writing bnha/mha and will be focusing on creating Bleach content! I'll be tagging a few of my favorite bleach blogs I've found while trying to find good ol bleach content writers and here's a few to list^^@shinji-slut @sexintheseireitei @seireiteisins @hirako5hinji @buriedinbleach @jazzandzanpakutos @theseireitei @thesecondcircleofkel

First I know none of us talk I'm just simply a fan of all your works and you all inspired me to write bleach again your all my favs and truly hope you never give up writing for your favorite fandoms. This is my first official time writing for Shinji Hirako and I guarantee it won't be as good lol but that's the point! I just wanna write whether it's good or not. Please enjoy this scenario! Also tagging @so---ft & @fi16ns ! Much love

-Tara

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Word count: 17k

Warnings ⚠️: minor Alcohol use

Pairing: Shinji Hirako x Fem reader

Prompt: You finally worked the courage to ask Shinji on a date after years of pinning after the male. How will this might turn out?

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*You shouldn't be this nervous. Twiddling your thumbs and eyes down casted. Your head soon followed the sound of Shinji's voice, complaining about being hungry. You giggled mostly to yourself before sighing. Your heart soars everytime he's near, shake your head when hiyori and him are having their little spats, you go out of your way to even bring the blonde new magazines to read for his downtime. Way more than you'd like to admit. Your friend nudges you and smiles. "Just ask him if you guys can talk privately, it'll be okay." They say. Oh how easy you wish it could actually be. To work up such a courageous act to simply ask a man on a date. It'd be much easier if he would do it instead. Girls don't ask boys out, do they?. Finally after minutes chewing on your bottom lip you finally stood from where you sat and casually sauntered over to where he was sitting on the couch. Face in hand, his light brown eyes scanned the room before landing on your frame. He noticed you're tense shoulders and opted to sit upright and his attention on you to hopefully ease you Of whatever nervousness you're feeling. "Shinji.. Can we go outside and talk?." He smiles sweetly before placing his magazine on the couch, forgotten and getting up to follow you out. Now here, him standing in front of you, the idea seemed far more difficult than before. His slouched position and hand in his pocket, his free hand begun scratching the back of his head not knowing what to do now. You start to feel your chest feel extremely heavy, and heart begun to drop in your stomach just by his body language. You were scared shitless on what to do now. "Nice day out, huh?." You said trying to start some small talk.*

*Shinji's head looked up towards the clear blue sky before mumbling a "Yeah." In agreement and leaning his back against the wall of the warehouse for support. Shit. This couldn't get any worse. Your eyes closed and mentally slapped yourself at how pathetic you were being choosing to play with the hem of your sweater instead. Little did you know that Shinji was watching your every move and expression in his peripheral. And decided to break the ice for you.*

*"So, whatdya need ta talk ta me bout'?." **Your (eye/color) eyes finally met his calm one's. Feeling ease creeping into your every fiber and relaxing, but only a little. "Well, I. I just wanted to know-. " you made a humming sound through your nose and rubbing your arm to calm your nerves. * *'just. Ask. Him'*

*"Date.. With. Me?." Silence. All that could be heard was the sound of the wind rustling the loose leaves on the street. Soon though, his smile grew into his signature smile and his eyes twinkled.*

*"Yer askin' me out on a date (Name)?."*

*You couldn't Shake your head any faster almost causing you to get dizzy at the eagerness. Before a soft smile shown on your features.*

*"Y-Yes! If. You want to.." Why were you so nervous? You've been on dates before? But then again asking first was singlehandedly the hardest thing you've ever done.*

*"Hmpf. Nev'a been asked by a cute girl before. T'sound nice. When is it?." His smooth voice rang in your ears and heart lept with excitement.*

*"How's 7:30 pm?."*

_______________________________________

Here now in your room, You stared at your reflection for the 20the time, finding something new that needed touched up and make-up to be reapplied. Fixing your hair and smoothing down the dress giving yourself another look over. The dress your friend helped you pick out was stunning. White knee length, with semi thick straps that connected in the back with a lace design. With floral flowers in the color of pinkish red and a sash that wrapped around your waist. Final thing to top off was a white and black laced shawl you'll use to wrap around your arms and a simple hand bag for your phone makeup and wallet. You felt that since you were the one that asked him out, you figured it be appropriate to pay for the two of you as well. Role reversed much?. You let out a soft laugh.

Hearing you're phone beep, you quickly pulled it out of your purse before checking the message

Shinji 🎷:*Hey doll, M'Here."*

A dust of Pink adorned your cheeks while you let out a giggle from the nickname he gave you, before dashing off from your room to meet him at the front door. Opening the door, Shinji turned to the sound, adorning in a white button up shirt with a black tie, suspenders, black slacks with a nice pair of white and black dress shoes and holding a dark blue jacket on his forearm. He pulls his sunglasses up on his head and gave a modest whistle. "Yer lookin great (Name). N' all dressed up fer me?." He became so comfortable with that statement that he landed a hand on your waist to pull you closer getting a wiff of your nice smelling perfume and shampoo. "Gorgeous."

You smiled looking down at the ground, pulling a stray hair behind your ear.

"You're looking incredible yourself Shinji." He scoffs.

"Nah. This ole' thing?. Ts'been collecting dust."

You playfully slapped his chest before walking down the steps to the side walk. "So I was thinking about this nice restaurant I seen walking with (friends/name), wanna check it out?."

Shinji threw his palm up to stop you.

"No darlin. This one on me. I know a good place." Taking your hand in his he throws his jacket over his shoulder and proceeds down the street to a jazz club downtown. During the walk you soon discovered he called ahead and even made a reservation. Your mouth hung open and gawked at how fast he moved. You had only asked him out that morning and already he's made arrangements? Your heart wasn't sure how much you could handle this man.

After sometime walking you made it to a building called *'Cocktails and Dreams'*. Shinji opened the door for you and followed inside. The room was not too dark, but not too light, there was red leather booths sitting along the walls and small rectangular tables wrapped in red satin silk filling the middle of the room, and at the end of the room stood a beautiful stage with red, blues, pinks and purple stage lights. A piano, saxophone, a couple electric guitars and a cello sitting on their perks with band mates beginning their routine. The smell of cigars and delicious food filled your senses as you looked around. There wasn't many people here, probably regulars and some folks sitting at the bar upon entering the building and to top off this classy place soft jazz music played. Filling your soul with something it hasn't felt in many years. Warmth and happiness.

You were brought from your thoughts when the waitress walked past you. "Your booth is this way sir." Shinji threw his arm around your waist and led you to where you'll be seated together. He leaned down to whisper in your right ear. "So, whatcha think doll face.? Yer kinda place?." Your spine shivered with anticipation and licked your lips before responding. "It's perfect." Whilst making eye contact. He smirks, when the waitress took the card off the table she gestured the two of you to sit while she asked you two what drinks to start with. Shinji allowed you to slide in first before following suit. "Ya wanna alcoholic beverage or just water fer now?." He asked leaning towards you with that smile you love so much. "Water for now please." He nodded, "Two waters."

The waitress wrote it down and set two menus for you both to look over. Even the menu was fancy. "Ya wanna talk first then order? Or jus order than talk?." You smiled before placing the menu down. Sitting your chin in both your palms you leaned towards Shinji looking directly at him. He scooted closer to the point of your legs touching and threw his arm on top the booth chair behind you. He looked easy going and relaxed. Eyes half lidded while he looked at you through his lashes. You couldn't help but move in next to him and laying your head on his shoulder. This display of physical intimacy surprised the both of you before he let out a hearty chuckle.

"Where's'tha blushy nervous cutie who asked me out this mornin? M'not sure why but I'm enjoyin this kinda attention." You laughed with him. "I don't know. I guess once the jitters wore off happiness replaced it." You felt his head tilt to peer at the crown of your head. "Yer happy?." You hummed in agreement. Before lifting to look at him face to face. "To be honest I've been pinning after you for awhile." You looked down at the table. His smile faded into a slight frown. "But.. Seeing the way you flirted with girls. I felt I'd never have a chance. Till' this morning." His smile was completely gone but he replaced it with a smirk when you looked back at him. "M'Sorry doll. Nev' expected ya ta even gimme a second glance." You rolled your eyes.

"Well of course I did!." You giggled while he feigned fake hurt. By this time the waitress walked back with your waters and placed them down. Shinji moved to collect them. But you felt the women's presence lurking. You looked up at her and she was staring directly at Shinji, "Are you ready to order now, sir?." He gave a curt nod your way as to ask you as well, when you picked up the menu you quickly picked the chef's choice, as you were nervous to take too long, Shinji picked the same one before handing the menu back to the lady. "Thank you I'll have that right out to you, sir." Before walking away. For some reason you couldn't help but feel as if she disregarded your presence and only noticed Shinji. He turned back to you.

"(Name)." You turned your head his way. "Yeah?." He held your hand in his lap tracing patterns on your skin. "Wanna dance?." You beamed before nodding excitedly. He slid out the booth with your hands still connected before pulling you to your feet and towards the dance floor. The music wasn't too fast but not too slow, and soon he begun spinning you in slow circles before pulling you close to his frame. You giggled. You could feel your hands getting clammy at the closeness as your hands moved to lay atop his shoulders while he swayed and twirled with you on the dance floor. A couple times you had accidentally tripped or stepped on his foot, mumbling apologies while he shrugged it off. He taught you a few jazz moves before doing the signature twirl and dip. His left arm wrapped securely around the mid of your back while the other held your hand. He leaned in close to your face, a blush creeping incredibly fast, heart thumping in your chest. Your eyes widened as his face kept inching closer to yours, your eyes slowly closed Before he landed a soft sweet longing kiss on your forehead and bringing you back upright to his chest. The music ended and people hollered and clapped before music transitioned into a soft melody again.

Grabbing his hand, you both sat back down while laughing amongst yourselves and by then the food arrived. Two words. Mouth watering. House salad with shrimp and steak and to top it off you both ordered a coconut breeze martini to go with the meal. Needless to say you were thankful he picked the place, you knew jazz was his thing and boy did he deliver. You both chatted about music, movies and other favorite topics. Going as far as to critique little details within each topic. His laughs were genuine and sweet. Something you never heard before now, and his body language wasn't so much as lazy and uncaring as most times, but attentive and serious while still retaining his comical behaviour. Everything was perfect, he listened to everything you said chiming in time to time to put in his opinions and comments while you did the same with him. Slight brushing of leg and arms, and occasionally leaning towards the other, lips caressing each other's cheeks while you spoke. Needlessly to say, you begun to get a slight buzz from the alcohol a red hue tinting your cheeks. Your giggles and eye smiles were the cutest thing Shinji had ever seen. You were far more relaxed and open with jokes. After two hours sitting and talking and eating, the waitress had come back for the final time to ask if you two wanted anything else, and if Shinji would like the bill. You went to reach for your purse to pay, but Shinji had moved his palm up to stop you as he did before. "It's on me darlin. I'm the man, 'mayyybe' next time ill'have ya pay." Your eyes widened for the up tenth time that night, trying to argue back that it was your treat. And then it hit you. *'next time ill'have ya pay.'*

Your hands shot up to hold your cheeks and stared at Shinji in shock. He laughed watching as you turned away with the brightest blush, *"he said next time? He wants to go out with me again?"* you squealed to yourself. Shinji watched with a soft smile as you had your monologue before seeing the waitress hand him the check, he thanked her before her hand touched his shoulder in a flirtatious way, his eyes narrowed at her gesture.

"I hope you have a nice night sir." She gave him a sultry smile and a wink before walking off to serve another round of tables. He scoffs, upon opening the check he seen a piece of torn paper with a note along with a number written on it. He scoffs again; *'if you want to spend a night with a real women, call me ;)-' (xxx) -xxx- xxxx'*

He makes quick work of the paper after writing the amount on the bill then left a note for the waitress. He didn't even bother to wait for her to collect the check before he insisted you and him leave for a walk. He slides out, taking your hand in his and helping you out of the booth and putting his hands on your hips to follow you outside.

The waitress had walked eagerly back to your tables to collect the check and plates. Quickly opening the check with anticipation before her face fell in disappointment.

*'Thanks, but I got a real women. Oh, and ya not gettin a tip :) hav'a nice night.'*

____________________________

the walk was even more peaceful, not so much chatting, just making small comments about the scenery or how well the food and music was.

Your eyes turned to look at Shinji. "I didn't want to bring this up, but I felt that the waitress-. " Shinji stiffened.

"Didn't like me very much." He hummed. "S'fine dollface. I took care of it." Your heart swelled you could hear your friends voice echoing through your head. *"Cuff him. Cuff him."*

You let out laugh to which caused Shinji to turn his head. "Wha'so funny?." You Shook your head and squeezed his hand, by this time you both had made it to your home. He walked you to your door. "Well. This is me." He begun to slouch and scratch his head again mumbling to himself. The action would've made you think he was disinterested but the light pink hue dusting his cheeks told another story. You laughed at him and placed a hand on his upper arm drawing him from his thoughts. His soft brown eyes scanned your features before walking closer to you holding your hand in his with utmost care.

"Shinji."

"Yes dear?."

"Can. We do this again?."

He smiles. "Absolutely."

It was your turn to smile. Before your hands followed his arms up to his shoulders, and stopping at where his neck connects, soft hands wrapping where his neck starts and peering into his eyes with heated passion. You sighed softly smelling his expensive cologne.

"(Name)."

"Yes?."

"May I, kiss ya now?. Fer real this time."

You stood on your tiptoes to get closer to his face. Pulling his face only centimeters away from where you wanted him the most. Your lips were parted for him, his eyes lowered from her irises to your parted pink lips.

Before finally closing the gap to a kiss as Swift and loving as the first shine of sun adorning the horizon. And left little to the imagination of his feelings towards you. You wish you could say the kiss was short but you both held it for as long as your lungs could allow, before finally parting for air at last.

Breathless and full of love.

"I'll see ya tomorrow yeah?." You nodded excitedly before pulling him in for a hug. "Goodnight shinji. Thank you for a wonderful time."

He gives you one more squeeze before letting you go and walking in the direction of the warehouse. You leaned against your front door after sighing dreamily to yourself. You should ask him out more often.

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END.

A/N: hope this was amazing unfortunately my computer is down so I had to do all of this on mobile and wasn't able to put a Read More™ link. It was supposed to be a short one shot to get me started but inspiration bug hit so I apologize for the long post. I hope you enjoyed, my ask box for this side blog is open feel free to slide in and say hi! Love you all and more works will be upcoming ~ stay tuned. Much love

- Tara 🐉🔮

[secretsofthedarkestkind-arch]

OTP/Romance Prompts: 1/? AKA Verse AU's @storieswrittcn

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"Are you positive about that?" Lee asked almost in disbelief hearing the news her CI had just given her. The girl was never wrong when it came to tips for the detective; Lee paid too much money for her to ever risk being wrong. The confirmation had the brunette's feet slowing to a stop.

No harm list...global level...death to anyone who tried...Petrova crime family...

"Check your bank account in about an hour," Lee mutters lost in thought as she hangs up the phone still standing in one the hallways of NYPD. The SVU-- she'd been offered a spot in Organized Crime more than once but she always denied the transfer for personal reason's-- Detective's life had been chaos for the last month and a half. Ever since that day she'd decided to go into that bank before work.

The day had started like any other; oversleeping, rushing toward PD with traffic being horrible, calling Olivia Benson--her partner-- to tell her she'd be late, and desperately stopping for coffee to try and bring some form of sanity back to her (Really, Lee was sure her body held more caffeine than it did actual blood at this point). After paying for her coffee, Lee had realized she didn't have anymore cash on her, glancing across the street she'd found a branch of her bank. Why not grab some cash from the ATM? Her eldest brother Damon had drove it into her head growing up that it was always smart to have some cash on you. 'You never know when you're going to need it, when your card won't work or somewhere can only accept cash.'

So really what happened next was Damon's fault, it always was right?

As if to prove to Lee her day was not going to go smoothly, the ATM outside was out of order causing her to walk inside. She'd taken maybe less than twenty steps inside when the first gunshot had gone off and screams followed. Instinct had her ducking down for cover, one hand reaching for her cell phone while the other went to the gun holstered on her hip. Quickly, she'd sent out an SOS with her location to Olivia with three words attached; robbery inside gunpoint. Once that was taken care of, Lee glanced around the small counter to see just how many gunmen there were; five that she could see. She couldn't let anyone get hurt though, it wasn't in her nature.

Everything that happened next somewhat happened in a blur. The gunman had been getting everyone down, the leader at the main counter tossing bags to cashiers to fill with money, while another beside him tried to keep everyone calm; the usual of if everyone cooperates no one will get hurt, we just want the banks money not to hurt you. But the way his voice cracked told Lee that wasn't exactly true. So regardless of consequence she's stood up, badge in her hand.

Then her horrible day just got weird; the closest gunman had started to shake with fear, muttering a soft 'Oh Shit'. His eyes telling her that he almost seemed to recognize her. The next one's face paled as he looked at her and he stumbled a few steps back, signaling to get the other three's attention. Their reactions didn't fair much better. All five appeared to forget what they were doing, why they were here in the first place, and run out the door as if their pants had been on fire or Lee had been the Grimm Reaper himself. It didn't make sense--yes, she was a cop but that reaction, the way they almost recognized her? It didn't fit.

So after hours with Internal Affairs, questioning by Robbery and Organized Crime detectives---Lee had contacted her CI to try and get answers. It'd taken the girl a month to find them and another half a month to verify her information.

No harm list...global level...death to anyone who tried...Petrova crime family...

Petrova was a last name she hadn't heard since she was twenty-one, eight whole years ago. It was the reason she denied any transfer to Organized Crime. Katerina Petrova (as most of the world knew her Katherine Pierce) had been not just her childhood crush or high school sweetheart, but the love of her life; the one person she would truly love until the day she took her last breath. Lee's heart, soul, and body still belonged to the brunette all these years later. The detective blamed her lack of a love life on her work, but the true reason was she'd never wanted anyone but Katerina.

The two had grown up together, meeting in Kindergarten, and formed an unbreakable bonds. They'd been with each other through everything; Lee's horrible home life caused by her parents, Katerina's own home life complications being the daughter of mobsters, both never seemingly good enough or as good as their respective twins, their parent's deaths (Well, Lee's mother and both of Katerina's). By middle school they were a couple; possessive/territorial, protective, and madly in love. High school, they were each other's first everything. Katerina not hiding how her life was changing at the young age of sixteen; after her parent's death, she'd started the takeover of the Petrova Crime family while Elena got to play normal high schooler. When Katerina had dropped out, Lee had almost followed suit--planned to be right there at Katerina's side to help her no matter what it was or how dark her soul would become. But her girlfriend had stopped Lee from doing that, she wanted one of them to at least graduate and Lee to have a chance to go to the art school of her dreams.

Then Lee had graduated, plans of art school gone mainly because the Salvatore hadn't wanted to leave Katerina---by eighteen, she'd gained full control of her dead parents empire, caused it grow and was working on a plan of opening a business for cover; exotic dancing, with more than a few illegal activities inside. Lee hadn't batted an eye at the plan, her possessive and jealous nature that normally would have shown through didn't; all because she loved Katerina, trusted her, and knew the woman would never betray her--the small engagement ring on her finger proof of that.

But Lee had wanted to do something to help, anything to make her future wife's life easier. So she'd followed Stefan's example and applied for the academy, going in with the mindset to help those she could but also be as corrupt as needed to help Katerina. But then Katerina had switched up their plans, had made a choice of her own---she'd broken Lee's heart. There hadn't been a fight, hadn't been begging, Katerina hadn't given her that option. Katerina packed up her things and just left, gone before Lee had come home and nowhere to be found.

Lee had hunted, spent weeks out on the streets and going everywhere she could think the woman would have gone. She'd worked herself into a mess of a depression, anxiety, and malnutrition. What had stopped it was when Damon had committed her for her own safety. She'd spent half a year locked away to get herself back. And when she'd come out she'd never looked back. There was no hatred toward the woman she loves, no vendetta, or ill will. Lee had just moved on with the parts of her life she could.

------

Finding the address of one Katherine Pierce had been difficult, Lee had used every off the book resource she could (Lee may have kept the plan to be slightly corrupt in place) and it had taken almost all day to do so, but she'd done it. Lee had half the mind to stop by the woman's club, 'Katherine's' but the detective had ultimately decided that would be too public for this reunion and the topic they needed to discuss. So she'd waited. And really? Lee probably should have known the address she'd received would be where Katerina had bought. But it still surprised her. It was a large old plantation estate that the two had always dreamed of one day owning, their goal home for their future and however many children they could fill it with.

So she'd given Olivia the barest of explanations on where she was going, muttering something about needing to take the rest of the day off for personal reasons--same to Cragen the same line--and she's out the door.

Lee had parked her silver Jeep outside the closed gate and stepped out. Eyes taking in the property she hadn't driven by in almost a decade--she wonders briefly why Katerina had bought it, how she'd done it too. Sadly it seems she isn't going to be getting inside thought, unless she climbs the brick wall (which she's tempted to do). With a sigh she pulls her phone out to call her darkerweb tech guy, "Hey...I need you to get a cell phone number fo---" The words die on her lips though as she hears the engine of a rather luxurious Lamborghini as it pulls up toward the gates. "Nevermind." She's hanging up the phone as she turns to face the approaching car.

The Salvatore's nerves are high, hands slightly shaking but she's come this far, she won't let her nerves stop her now.

"Katerina," The Bulgarian accent rolling perfectly off her lips even after all these years, "We need to talk..."

[punkscowardschampions]

Gen 4.1 Planning

Libi: Okay, so my basic premise for who Libi is going to be at her core, WOO; I was thinking about how we said that she is Tess' second (lowkey third but I'll let you live gal) chance at 'getting it right' and raising a child well, which, OBVIOUSLY, she's never told or anything but there's an innate pressure in that that you'd know on some level, likewise her mum AND dad died so everyone would be quick with those comparisons always, this family and Liam's mum when that contact is made because her daughter died as well as; Then that made me think of the pressure Ro felt because you know, bad shit happened to Bea (Edie and Liam in this case) and then she got saved by McVickers and felt like she owed everyone to be great and do great things; so my vibe is that BUT COMING FROM A LESS SELFISH, WEIRD, PERFECTIONISM ANGLE soz not soz Ro, we know what you did; I see her being better behaved as she grows up, far more than her parents obviously but lowkey better behaved than any of the mcvickers or cali kids ever were because she thinks everyone deserves that, her not causing any more problems, but again UNLIKE Ro, she wouldn't be different to a degree of not fitting in because she'd make a massive effort to be there for everyone and every event, be likeable and get along with as much of the fam as possible, obviously some of that is natural charm but it's also putting in the time ahem Rosaline; like, she's a people pleaser, to a fault, and all she cares about is making everyone else, Tess, Fearghal, Ali, JJ etc etc, happy and making sure she's being what she thinks they want her to be/need her to be, and like that is what makes her happy because she is doing it out of love and respect not obligation but she doesn't know she's doing it, you know? Again, it's innate, how she is, but that's where the arc can come in, in realising that she goes with what makes everyone else happy, is who they need, but what does SHE want herself, and what does SHE need? A way I thought we could make this a Bobby/Libi storyline if we wanted (but we do not have to) is if she does have feelings for him, could be any point on his timeline gfs and kids wise whatever, but she lets him go and have whatever gf or do whatever thing because she's like that's what he wants he doesn't like me or want me like that etc, because she doesn't let herself want things selfishly or do anything just for herself Bobby: we should totally have them be together as little bubs because they are and it's like a running joke that they are gonna get together/get married like we've lowkey already said but more so but maybe the vibe is he is really shy how he is and lowkey it's like a my sister and me vibe where she does all the talking and socialising for him and like all their friends are joint friends Bobby: not in a creepy Ro and Ali way but Bobby: and we will let you outgrow that sir Libi: it makes sense because obviously we're learning sign language so simply Bobby can't communicate with most kids by himself, that's facts, and it's easier to have another kid help you than Jimmy always being there, or whoever he has helping him at school, you know Bobby: oh snap maybe I flip reverse what I said and Cammie's mum is the deaf one too and the vibe could be that like Libi pushes him to get some deaf friends as they become like tweens/teens so he can communicate himself so he does and does become more outgrowing that way but maybe he lowkey leans too hard into deaf culture for a while there and she feels like pushed out by it because it's something she can't be a part of Libi: ooh yeah, that makes a lot of sense Bobby: it adds something to Cammie's character as well being hearing but having two deaf parents so that's interesting Bobby: and also makes sense why JJ have to help them so much as well as them just being young Libi: right, there's a lot of shit Cammie would have to do from a young age if not for JJ lowkey 'cos it's just easier for a hearing kid than it is a deaf adult in this world Libi: her mum could maybe be more partial for ease but yes Bobby: and like it makes sense that Libi would push her feelings aside when those two grow closer/happen because she'd be like well they're both deaf that's something I can't give him and something I want him to have Libi: exactly, it'd feel really selfish to wreck that even if you didn't have all the ingrained shit she does around it Bobby: and obviously he actually wants to be with her as well but thinks she doesn't want that and before you now it there's baby Cammie so it's like well now I gotta try and make this work because don't wanna be a shit father like I had Libi: oh the drama of it all Libi: love it Libi: and we've not really got (that I can think of) a never mind I'll find someone like you type deal Libi: because usually it's like JUST SAY IT but it actually makes sense here to pine and long but let him go Libi: hence I'm here for it Libi: So, what I'm thinking right now is, that they're like never officially together, like it just keeps being an in-joke kinda vibe and like we're JUST best friends and then kind of like family, but obviously as they get into tween/teen years it's beyond a stage you can pretend you're just a kid playing at being girlfriend and boyfriend and as you said boo, that will coincide with JJ wedding and kids roughly so then it'd be more obvious like it's not going to happen seriously, then she can encourage him to get deaf friends etc, but I feel like he should only meet Cammie's mum just before or at uni (or whatever equivalent he's doing after school) so then it is quick and not like they were even mates before so it's less of a shock for all, you know? Bobby: I totally agree because I strongly pictured him being best man at the JJ wedding (soz Pete) and her being one of the bridesmaids and all the bants that go along with that and them both being SO 😳 Bobby: and yeah he could live the cliché that Jac was mocking and literally get with this girl freshers week I'd believe it Libi: Right? it then mirrors the Jameson/Cammie thing except they literally are just BFFs and there isn't anything going on Libi: there's actually weight to this but we're just like haha no don't be silly Bobby: and we've literally not done that trope with childhood boy girl best friends before really because baze are probably the closest but they were always so clearly in love and refusing to fight it so it's fun Libi: exactly, because unknowingly or otherwise, we're fighting against all the cliches and tropes that come with this family Libi: like I'm going to not do any of those things that caused drama for everyone and this is clearly too close to home, even though I don't think anyone would actually be that bothered, we've just really internalized and gone with it Bobby: like how nobody cares Jac is gay except Jac herself Libi: right Libi: but obviously she's good at keeping this all internal because no one can or is gonna clock it and be like, babe, it's okay Libi: like JJ might be a bit like oop, keeping it in the family but as long as you're both happy they really don't care, and same for mcvickers even if Tess is suspish of everyone that comes into any gal's life 'cos trauma lol Bobby: Bobby wasn't trying to make deaf culture happen for himself but Libi would have been so excited for him to get out there and do it that he would've been excited too and then it is literally like a new world opening up because who has he ever interacted with that's deaf before Bobby: didn't mean to lowkey leave you behind gal but Libi: it's kinda her own fault, not to blame you but clearly literally what we do like okay he's happy now mission accomplished Bobby: and maybe Cammie's mum is like the deaf equivalent of those gays who make it their whole identity so she's really selling it and so he also thinks okay this is who I should be with Libi: we know the vibe, like it's more excusable but still, I get you Libi: I see it Libi: a bit of a baby gay equivalent like go too hard and you're like I need to calm this down Libi: UNRELATED BUT Libi: think it will please you Libi: Jay is born 32 like Bobby, I'm pretty sure, and I thought Libi and her would also make for interesting content because Jay obviously feels she owes a lot to the fam for not being stuck with Chloe etc etc and the very little we did with her gave off a similar energy to me Libi: and she has her commitment issues in relationships because of her mum situation so they can bond over the shit that holds 'em back even though it's different stuff Bobby: and her relationship with Ava being her mum but also not being is something I feel like Libi can relate to because of how she was raised and the Rio and Buster-ness of it all because they wanted to raise her and obvs they wanted to raise Jay for a while there too Bobby: plus all the travelling she does is something that Libi could potentially join her in doing if she needs an escape so that's nice Libi: 100% it makes for a strong friendship there's a lot of parallels if not total similarities Libi: it makes a lot of sense, it's coming together baby Bobby: if you need to get away from seeing Bobby literally playing happy families, I can offer you that gal because I'm gonna have her go to uni/live in new york probably now that Nancy isn't because her face actually did live there idk if they still do or what but Bobby: we know the vibe is that she goes everywhere and can't settle so you'll have lots of chances to run away in a way that won't upset anyone Bobby: and when she gets her man and it works out we could totally coincide that because she can be like if I can do it so can you Libi: a mood a moment Bobby: all I know is Bobby is gonna be more chatty because neither Jimothy or Jesse are so I must but not to Jude levels of !!! Libi: a nice middleground Libi: which is kind of what I see for her honestly Libi: less in your face than 1. we were as a little bub 2. a lot of the fam but still sociable enough that it jives well with most of 'em Bobby: I'm so happy about all of this and honestly Cammie's mum being deaf makes so much sense in terms of what we were already thinking about her being more distant and working a lot Libi: if she doesn't give up the fight, she could be some kind of advocate vibe Libi: 'cos then Cammie can't even call her out really Libi: like soz this is important, maam your child Bobby: exactly what I was thinking we're in sync rn boo Libi: because it all makes sense, you gotta follow one thread and then the story shows itself tbh Libi: because tying in Astrid too, obviously that makes sense because she loses her mum too, and she'd ultimately be a really good influence because after Ro dies Astrid is kind of freed to do whatever she wants for herself Libi: and how much happier it makes her, how much she improves...well Libi: sips tea Bobby: I LOVE THIS Libi: and who else is taking the autistic girl that seriously and letting her teach you things Libi: love that for you Libi: she's living her best life and we can see that Bobby: she can be in their friend group, I'm happy Libi: ALSO, I feel as if she couldn't lie to Astrid Libi: because she says how she sees it bluntly and we're not going to feel comfortable fobbing her off because of that insistence, so that'll be good for you even when we're hiding it from everyone else Libi: everyone else you've just got to be vaguely like oh no no and it's dropped and like okay Bobby: we're gonna get to show so many different sides of Libi, I'm always here for that Bobby: and however far we go down the Astrid and her gf eating disorder rabbit hole, we''ll have Libi not treating her like a kid which is great Libi: yeah, there's loads we can do with the end of gen 4 for them all it's a mood Bobby: okay so what or who would you like to throw Libi at first Libi: that is the question Bobby: just so we know Bobby is going to Trinity and studying Business, Economics and Social Studies (B.E.S.S.) which is business, economics, political science and sociology basically so he can end up working at that advertising place with Jimothy after he has done this 4 years Bobby: Cammie's mum is there doing deaf studies which is also 4 years Libi: do we wanna do a rough timeline for these people mentioned here Libi: Jay born 32, we find out about her when she's 7 in 39 Libi: Bobby is born 32 and comes into the story 38 Libi: Libi is born 34, Edam die 35, we know this situation, is 4 soon to be 5 when she meets Bobby vias JJ Libi: Astrid is born 35 and Ro dies in 44 when Astrid is 9 Libi: JJ can get married 46, so Libi is 12 and Bobby is 14 Libi: doesn't have to be when we intro the deaf friends to the point of exclusion obvs but it's timed so we never have the 'real' relationship chat of it all obvs Libi: so Bobby would go to uni in 50-51 and Camie is born 51 start of 2nd year Libi: that gives us this good 4 year period before uni to play with, then obviously we know the vibe of when she's born and making that work etc Libi: Hmm, I think it would make the most sense to do a gap year then stay local, like that's the ideal Libi: because I really think she'd struggle being away from the fam Libi: but I'm kinda thinking maybe to be cruel she DOES go away because it seems like something the fam are like yay about Libi: 'cos she'd try really, really hard to stay but they should at least notice that and she can transfer for a reprieve Bobby: that's really nice actually Libi: she should do her first year in Liverpool, the rest at Trinity Libi: okay, so film studies, it was only 3 years in Liverpool but we're changing to trinity and you do years 1 and 2 (aka whilst Bobby is still there at least for year 1 but I need to check anyway) there and years 3 and 4 at Columbia uni in new york, aka where Jay is Libi: **remind me to check the times but we need to give him a solid bday and I'm changing hers up too Libi: this is just roughly Libi: but this way we can be cruel with it lol

[misc-headcanons]

(As the three of them leave, Maple puts a finger to her lips and motions for the group to follow her. They make their way to a nearby forested area, and once they're out of earshot Maple breathes a sigh of relief before waving the fan to clear away the smoke around them.)

Maple: Okay. You can talk now that nobody's nearby.

Dochi: What WAS that?

Maple: A spell, obviously. One that made us invisible.

Ube: Man, you think fast. I was like, two seconds away from taking out my sword if that guy took another step towards us!

Vanilla: Fritter? Hey, you okay?

(Fritter clings to her and sniffles, crying while holding her tightly)

Fritter: That was the killer, 'Nilla! He was right THERE! If he'd seen us, he would've...

(The others immediately go to comfort him, putting a hand on him and making a big group hug)

Ube: Hey, it's okay! Look, we're all here and we're fine thanks to Maple. We're not gonna let you and Vanilla get hurt by any bad guys.

Fritter: What about you guys? I don't want you to get hurt, either!

Dochi: We'll be alright. Big brothers and sisters are tougher than most people. It's why we're...you know, BIG brothers and sisters. We're big and strong! (Flexes her arms)

Maple: And we're smart, too. Which is why we're not going to stand around here, in case some of the townspeople come near here. Look, there's an old pathway up that hill that looks like it hasn't been used in a while. Why don't we go up there and try to set up camp on the mountain?

Fritter: Um...okay. (sniffs and wipes his sleeve) That sounds like a good idea.

Vanilla: Ooh, I think I can see a roof up there. Maybe we can spend the night in there instead of sleeping outside.

Dochi: If the path looks like it hasn't been used in a while, then what's up there? If it's an abandoned house, then it'd be easier to stay there without anyone noticing us.

Maple: It might be abandoned for a reason...But it's the best option I can think of. Come on, let's start walking; the more distance we put between that murderer and us, the more comfortable I'll be.

(The five of them climb the winding path up the mountain, and are more quiet after their close encounter with the murderous ronin. Dochi, Maple, and Ube take turns carrying the younger two kids whenever they get tired, and after a while they arrive near the top of the mountain. The building Vanilla saw is now fully visible; it's the crumbling ruins of an old castle. Near where they're walking is a set of gravestones along the path leading to the castle's entrance.)

Fritter: Hey...Hey, hang on a second, we gotta stop walking.

Dochi: You need me to carry you again?

Fritter: No, we have to be good guests. If we're gonna stay at this house when we don't live there, we need to be nice about it.

(Maple seems to realize what Fritter's getting at and nods slightly. She sets Vanilla down and takes a few items out from the knapsack she's carrying, and motions for the others to do the same.)

Maple: For the spirits of the people who used to live here. Fritter's right, we need to leave them a gift as payment for staying in their home uninvited.

Dochi: Ohhh, right. Mom says that you should be kind to your host--even if it's a ghost host!

(The siblings each take out some spare food and place them near the four gravestones. Vanilla tugs on Maple's sleeve and points at her pipe.)

Vanilla: Can I do the flower spell? I wanna give the ghost hosts flowers as my present.

Maple: (smiles) Go ahead. You remember the words?

Vanilla: Yup!

(Vanilla takes the pipe and quietly murmurs to herself as she holds it out in front of the grave stones.)

I summon the boun-ti-ful jewels of spring, bloom here for me and make the earth sing.

(The marks on Vanilla's cheeks glow faintly as smoke billows from the pipe and settles on the ground, thickening and swirling until a handful of seedlings begin to sprout and grow at a rapid pace. After a few seconds, a cluster of flowers bloom and sway gently in the breeze. Maple takes the pipe back and pats Vanilla on the back.)

Maple: Great work, 'Nilla.

Ube: Hey...Maple, Mom's used magic to talk to ghosts before, right? Has she ever taught you to do it?

Maple: A little bit. I mean, she won't let me study necromancy until I'm older, though...I have taken a peek at some of her spellbooks on it. But speaking with spirits is something we've practiced together.

Ube: So could you speak to the people who lived in this castle? That way we can actually ask permission to spend the night.

Maple: Hmm...I guess I could try. I wonder if they could tell us more about Wano's history. It'd be a rare opportunity to learn about it. I mean, there aren't any books about Wano you can just pick up and read.

(She reads the names on each stone before taking the pipe out and blowing a swirling trail of smoke that circles around the graves.)

Echo of life, shadow of death. Kin'emon, Momonosuke, Raizo, Kanjuro...Let your echoes reach us, let your shadows appear to us.

(The smoke continues to circle around the graves, but nothing else happens.)

Fritter: Did you say it right?

Maple: I'm sure I did. Once you say the incantation, you should be able to sense a spirit and then it'll take shape. With the pipe, it should be easy for them take a form we can see with the smoke.

Vanilla: Maybe they don't like smoke. Should we try something else they can use as a shape, like the flowers?

Maple: I...I don't understand, I've done that spell perfectly before. Why isn't it...wait a minute. (She peers intently at the smoke circling around the grave, watching it slowly begin to fade and drift away) I...don't think anyone's been buried here.

Fritter: Maybe they're shy and don't want to talk to strangers?

Maple: No, that can't be it. Even if they didn't want to appear, I used enough power to summon them here. They would have started to take form before leaving if they didn't want to speak to us. I don't think there's anything here to be summoned.

Ube: Then why are there graves here?

Maple: That's a good question.

(As they stare at the graves in confusion, the sound of voices causes them to freeze up. The people approaching sound as if they're coming from the path the kids had taken from the bottom of the mountain by Okobore, and the siblings immediately see their clothes and recognize them as the adults from the town.)

Luffy: Why did you want to come with us to this castle, anyway?

Kiku: I'll explain once our allies have all arrived.

(The adults see the children near the graves, and both groups stare at each other in surprise for a moment. The one in the red robe looks even more familiar to the children, and they wonder if they'd seen him before they had ever come to Wano. The green-haired swordsman is the first to speak up.)

Zoro: Oh, it's those kids from earlier.

(When his gaze lands on Fritter, Ube and Dochi immediately raise their weapons while Maple takes her youngest brother's hand. Vanilla hides behind Maple and grabs Fritter's other hand.)

Ube: Stay back, murderer!

Dochi: Don't take another step towards my siblings, or I'll cut you in half, right along that scar on your chest!

Law: Murderer? I told all of you to keep a low profile!

Luffy: No, Zoro told me that was just a misunderstanding. He didn't kill anyone, he just slashed the guy who framed him and ran off!

Kiku: You really do have a talent for causing a ruckus...

(Vanilla steps out from behind Maple to get a better look at the man in red.)

Maple: 'Nilla! Get back behind me, we don't know who these people are.

Vanilla: But... (she peers at Luffy, and when she recognizes him she beams at him) That's not a stranger! That's Luffy, he's Papa's friend!

Ube: Wait, what? Oh. Ohhhhh, you're right! It is!

Dochi: Holy crap, it is!

Law: You know these kids, Luffy?

Maple: We haven't actually met, but we know OF him. (She relaxes a bit, but is still holding Fritter's hand as she walks up to Luffy and holds out her other hand in greeting) We're Katakuri's children. Um...we first saw you when you ruined Aunt Pudding's wedding and caused our Grandma to have a mental breakdown, but I doubt you noticed us during all of that.

Luffy: Ohhh! I didn't know Katakuri had kids. Huh, you even have his mouth marks. (He shakes Maple's hand.)

Dochi: Also, we don't blame you for all that either! I mean, we were mad at first. But then Papa told us you did it to save Sanji. So wait, are these guys part of your crew too? (She glances at Zoro, Law, and Kiku)

Ube: Oh, whoops. (He smiles sheepishly at Zoro) Sorry for threatening to kill you, mister. We thought you were a crazy killer or something, but if you're with Luffy then you can't be too bad.

Kiku: Wait, what are you all doing here in Wano? And why are you by yourselves?

Vanilla: Oh! Dochi and Ube stole mama's magic scissors and made a portal, 'cause they wanted to meet up with our aunties and uncles and grandma here. But then Maple saw us and tried to take them back, and then the portal ripped, and we all fell through it and now we're here!

Kiku: That...isn't what I expected.

Law: Wait, your grandmother...Big Mom's already in Wano?

Maple: That's--um, confidential. We can't reveal where our family is to another pirate crew. (She looks sternly at Vanilla, who pouts.)

Vanilla: Yeah, but they're friends with Luffy! And Luffy is Papa's friend, so we won't be called traitors if we tell them, right?

Law: We're ALLIES, not friends.

Vanilla: Huh? Aren't those the same thing?

Luffy: Yeah! We're friends, Law.

Law: I don't want to have this conversation again...So. You five are lost in Wano, and nobody in your family knows that you're here.

Dochi: Mama and Papa probably know by now. Papa's got really good Observation Haki, and Mama knows how to use magic, so they should've figured out we're gone and where we are. They'd probably want us to stick with Luffy, since he's Papa's friend; we dunno where our aunts and uncles are, so he's the only grown-up we know that we can trust here.

Ube: OH! Let's be allies! Me and Dochi can fight, Maple's the best of us at magic, 'Nilla is good with healing spells and knows some stuff about medicine, and...um, Fritter's a really good cook! I mean, he's 7, and he's really good for a 7 year old.

Luffy: Hmm...Alright!

Maple: This is NOT going to go over well if our family finds out. Look, if we're really going to be allies, we need you to keep this a secret from them. The only one who wouldn't call us traitors for this are Mama and Papa, and Big Mom would KILL us if she found out we were allies with you of all people. Um, no offense.

Luffy: No problem! I'm pretty good at keeping secrets.

Law: You're joking. Please tell me you're joking.

Kiku: I admit, I normally wouldn't approve of involving children in this. But...we can't just leave them on their own.

Ube: Plus, we wouldn't take no for an answer and we'd just follow you guys anyway. My mom says we're "tenacious to a fault."

Law: You'll fit right in with Luffy, then.

Luffy: Hey, since you guys got here before us, have you seen some of our other friends? A guy named Kin'emon, a kid named Momonosuke...

Maple: (frowns) Wait...you mean...them? (She points to the gravestones.)