#while jim's is all encompassing and light

[lexirosewrites]

An ask abt nugget #5 for slick sunday in the same universe as my new year's birth nugget #4

The Munsons live in Chicago, Eddie both co-owns a landmark music store & co-founded a small record label tht is growing by the year. Steve is THRIVING as a stay at home mom who gets to write fun kid friendly fantasy novels on the side & has had a number of them printed to a resounding success with his latest being the 1st of a kid friendly horror book series titled "The Strange Times Files"

Steddie got married/mated January 5, 1988 when Steve was already pregnant w nugget #1

The names & birthdays of the 4 Munson nuggets are as follows:

Nugget #1: Joan Riot Munson (May 4, 1988)

Nugget #2: Lennon "Lenny" Eagles Munson (August 15, 1992, 10:23am)

Nugget #3: Stevie Jett Munson (August 15, 1992, 10:25am)

Nugget #4: Jim Hendricks Munson (Jan 1, 1996)

(I did actual math to make these birthdays make sense so I can get the age gaps right & yes Lenny is going to b very obnoxious about being older than Stevie around their 12th birthday)

Steddie decide to hold off on nugget #5 for a few years. Then in 1998 when baby Jim is 2 years old, the twins are 6, and Joan is 10, they decide to start trying for #5

For their anniversary tht year Lucas uses his professional basketball player money to get them a private jet to Amsterdam, Will uses his art connections to get them a whole townhouse not far from the Van Gogh museum, and El makes Steve an entire bespoke wardrobe just for the trip (including lingerie).

They'll b gone for the rest of January (enough time to encompass Steve's upcoming heat) & while there is nervous energy tht they're leaving their pups for so long they know that their pack will take good care of them. Eddie provides a binder on each of the pups likes & dislikes & any allergies (Joan can't have shellfish & Lenny can't have mushrooms) along with a rough outline of the usual schedule of their days during the school week & weekends as well as any & every phone number they might need (poison control, pediatricians, school, and the number of the townhouse they'll staying at) & last but not least is what to do when each pup can't sleep (Joan goes down after a short game of scrabble because tht kid is a voracious reader w a vocabulary to match, Lenny & Stevie get tired after a cup of warm milk with honey extra points if Wheel of Fortune is playing on the TV, and Jim usually just needs to b allowed to get excess energy out then given warm milk with honey of his own)

The trip is wonderful!

Steve's mom visits for a few days from Vienna, she brings the famous sachertorte w her (which steve "sweet tooth" munson ends up loving) & invites them to visit her in Austria for the Christmas season next year in 1999 insistent tht she will pay for everything & tht she doesn't care tht Eddie makes good money producing music in Chicago she got an amazing divorce settlement & as a result owns half of Richard's more lucrative investments as well as her own newer investments. Amelia Harrington extracts a promise from the couple to be in Austria for Christmas 1999 then bids them goodbye & returns to her apartment in Vienna wishing them luck on making nugget #5.

they smoke weed in coffeeshops, they see an NSFW art performance in the red light district, & wander the museum & streets & generally be in love. Steve's heat comes on schedule near the end of their trip & it's a beautiful experience of reconnecting as people not just as parents or a couple. By the end they miss their pups, have fallen more in love, & r ready to be home again.

A few weeks after getting home Steve feels a little weird like he might b coming down w something, he's more easily nauseous & having body aches but cannot figure out what exactly is going on. He goes to their doctor with an inkling but wants to rule out all other possibilities, his blood test comes back telling them he's not only healthy but pregnant again w nugget #5!!! Steve is ecstatic & when he tells Eddie the alpha starts crying from how in love he is with his mate & how grateful he is tht Steve has given their family 4 healthy pups & is now pregnant w #5

Nugget #5 is a textbook pregnancy, so much so the doctor jokes abt it. Steve is glowing by week 5, baby #5 likes tumbling around more than their siblings, his cravings r different on the whole except he still craves pickles tht r as crunchy as possible like he did w his previous 3 pregnancies. Nugget #5 is due around October 29th but all baby does is drop into Steve's pelvis around tht date.

Then... October 31st arrives & Steve wakes up at 5am from a contraction. It isn't quite go time yet so the family goes abt their day w the exception tht Steve pauses to breathe thru contractions every now & then, steddie get their pups ready for school complete with costumes & makeup & promises tht when the day is done they'll have a new baby sibling in the world, Eddie takes the day off & takes baby Jim to Wayne's (who lives 2 doors down at steddies insistence) who then starts the phone tree to let everyone know nugget #5 is on the way today. By the time Eddie gets back home Steve has timed the contractions closer together but his water hasn't broken quite yet so after Eddie gets the hospital bag in the car along w his mate they go to portillo's for some French fries & a chocolate cake shake. It's as they get back in the car with Steve happily dipping his fries into his shake tht his water breaks. The hospital knows they're coming & so there's almost no chaos to speak of.

Steve gets hooked up to machines & Eddie gets scrubbed in so he can hold his mates hand as it comes time to push. He's pushing well but something feels wrong the longer he goes on, he doesn't feel weaker but something isn't right. & steddie realize at the same time as the medical team tht the babies heart rate is dropping with every push. Then there's a lot of movement really quickly as the doctor is suddenly prepping for surgery while a nurse explains tht an emergency c-section is going to be necessary & tht Steve will need to go under anesthesia. Eddie is doing everything in his power to maintain his own calm while thru the bond he feels Steve's anxiety mounting into panic as the information sinks in, he promises to not leave his side & tht everything w b okay & tht c-sections must not b a big deal bc already the doctor is ready & the anesthesiologist is entering the room & did Steve know tht Shakespeare mentioned c-sections so tht means they've been around longer than anesthesia & then Steve is breathing in the gas & counting backwards from 10 but only gets to 8 before he's closing his eyes

The surgery is indeed not a big deal, there's a lot of blood & he peeks to see they had to move Steve's organs around & Eddie's heart drops into the basement when he sees how blue his baby girl was because the umbilical cord had wrapped around her neck but soon they unwind it & she's breathing in big lungfuls of air & crying at the injustice of leaving her warm home of the past 40 weeks & she's laid down under a warming lamp before they even wash her because her temperature wasn't what they'd like

While Steve wakes up baby #5 is weighed & measured & she's healthy all around except the scare she gave them all because of her propensity for tumbling around in the fluid filled womb. Once she's washed her scent blooms milky but sweeter than any of their pups & after a blood test the doctors confirm she's indeed an omega (Joan was born with a milky but spicy scent & dual sex anatomy so a blood test confirmed tht she's a girl alpha, and its very likely the twins will b betas)

Steddie name her Siouxsie Robin Munson, Robin begins blubbering immediately when Steve tells her this. She gets baby Siouxsie a stuffed Robin bird for her crib tht the pup holds onto well into adulthood

Siouxsie goes home from the hospital & about a year later proves to b the water baby of the bunch. taking to the infant swimming classes at The Y like a duck to water. Eddie jokes she was tumbling around so much in the womb to prepare for an Olympic career.

((Indeed, 18 years later, following a lot of hard work & a lot of tears & a lot of moments of almost quitting but persevering anyway, in 2016 the entire upside down pack (+ pups & spouses & the list goes on & even not-so-baby-anymore Jim took a break from his latest filming schedule to b there) are all cheering wildly in the stands of Rio de Janeiro while Siouxsie Robin Munson wins gold in the women's 400 metres freestyle swim event, it is the first of many Olympic games she will attend & the first of many gold medals she will win))

(i was indeed impressed with the dates but also laughing because steddie have the same anniversary as my mom and i who are both divorced from the curse of our january 5th weddings😂)

[myfriendtheurbanlegend]

Transcription (digitization?) of this Jim Caviezel interview by Paul Croughton for Arena For Men because I liked it and I would like to be able to read it without my eyeballs falling out.

***

Jim Caviezel is quite unlike any other actor in Hollywood. His voice is quiet, almost whispered, and he has great economy in his movement. His gaze is unblinking, and the pale blue eyes set into his tanned face are cold and watchful. If there is warmth there he doesn’t show it readily. He considers every word, often pausing to find the right inflection to his comments. But that is not remarkable in itself. What makes him unique is his religious fervour. Caviezel is a devout Catholic who peppers his speech with references to Christ, God, and Lucifer. Our discussion encompassed sport, film, sex, school, J-Lo’s breasts, the strange world of Los Angeles and, naturally, religion (naturally because it is hard to see how any conversation with Caviezel would not involve religion, though he insists he never forces his opinions on anyone). During this time, Caviezel smiled twice. He has the gravitas of an elderly statesman visiting a war zone. He’s not a man you could easily imagine leaping onto a sofa and spraying his mates with foaming lager when his team wins the league.

This reservation, and his all-pervasive faith, seem at odds with a life in Hollywood, but it has not got in the way of his steady rise to recognition – while still largely unknown here, Caviezel is on the way to minor stardom in the US. After early parts in My Own Private Idaho and Wyatt Earp, he secured his first major role as the quiet, brooding Private Witt, in Terrence Malic’s war epic The Thin Red Line in 1998. Following that came Frequency with Dennis Quaid and Ang Lee’s Ride With The Devil. Jennifer Lopez was so impressed after watching The Thin Red Line that she insisted on having him play opposite her as the mysterious loner in the romantic drama Angel Eyes in 2001. From that came a part as a heroin addict in Pay It Forward. His first lead role is in Kevin Reynolds’s (Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Waterworld) The Count of Monte Cristo, opposite Guy Pearce.

The film received mixed reviews in America but it is an enjoyable if hokey, nineteenth century romp packed with sword fights and intrigue. Caviezel plays Edmond Dantes, a sailor who is deceived and betrayed by his best friend (Pearce) and is left to rot in prison. There he meets and Christ-like fellow inmate (played by Richard Harris) who take him under his wing and, helpfully, hands him a treasure map. When he escapes after 13 years confinement, Dantes recovers the dubloons and, with this fantastic wealth and a nice line in red velvet cloaks, restyles himself as the titular Count. But he’s still consumed with thoughts of revenge and sets about destroying the lives of those who destroyed his. It’s a traditional swashbuckling, romantic adventure. Presumably it’s this Old Testament-style slice of biblical retribution that attracted him in the first place?

“No.” Caviezel says, abruptly. “I look for a good centre, a heart. The swashbuckling, fencing, all that stuff is the means to get something, but the spirit has to be there.” He warms to his theme. “The spirit of truth calls out to Monte Cristo. That’s what I loved about him. He had every right to go after and kill these people who wronged him. But the story is that God will give him justice, but if you don’t accept God’s peace and light, you’ll eventually accept it in the hereafter. Time is passing. Eternity awaits, for all of us.”

It’s a surprisingly emotional response to what is, in all honesty, merely an introductory question to get us acquainted. But more is to come. We talk about why so many films get made that dwell on the dark side of human nature. Are we inherently more interested in wrong-doing? “It’s been that way lately, but it is a lie.” Caviezel says. “Light always pierces darkness. You can do a biology experiment – shut the windows, take a lighter and light the room. Light will always pierce even the darkest areas. Even in hell, even in the Third Reich, light was all around, and eventually it won out.”

It’s not easy speaking with Caviezel. He regularly quotes Scripture and the works of psychospiritual author and Holocaust survivor, Victor Frankl. When he talks his eyes seem to bore into you. His faith comes from his family – he was brought up by staunchly Catholic parents – but his language is that of the born-again believer. It’s hard to tell if he is always like this or whether he is “on” because he’s doing an interview. Either way, he manages to bring most subjects, no matter how seemingly disconnected to religion, back to his beliefs. Unsurprisingly this can make for – at times – rather frustrating conversation.

If Caviezel’s convictions seem over the top here, one can only imagine how they go down in Hollywood. He often makes a stand for his beliefs, admirable refusing to be compromised by his profession. But, ironically, this is an industry where strong religious principles are frowned upon more than something like Robert Downey Jr.’s drink and drug-fuelled path of self destruction. Downey has an illness, Caviezel is making a choice, so their logic goes. Caviezel could find himself becoming “known” among directors and casting agents for his refusal to tow the line. For instance, when filming the more intimate scenes with Jennifer Lopez for Angel Eyes, Caviezel made surprisingly puritanical demands. “The reality is I’m married,” he says, “The only bare breasts that are going to be touching my chest are my wife’s. So it was a simple request to say shoot around it. Jennifer had a top and bottoms on and I said ‘Out of respect for my wife, also respect for you and my faith, this is the line I draw.” He also insisted that a sheet be placed between their bodies. “My job is my job, and my wife is my wife. At the end of my career at least I’ll have this,” he says, tapping his heart with two fingers, “and I’ll have her. That’s what I have to be true to.”

Love interest Dagmara Dominczyk (who played a groupie in Rockstar and engaged in a brief, on-screen sapphic encounter with Jennifer Aniston) was asked to remove her top at the request of the director while filming ….Monte Cristo so it would look like she was naked on screen. Once again Caviezel piped up. “It was more complicated than it had to be,” Dominczyk says diplomatically. “Jim was very nervous. He said ‘I don’t think I’ll be very comfortable with someone’s breasts up against my chest.” Consequently, the finished scene is so tame it’s a little more than two people having a fully clothed cuddle while lying on a beach.

According to Caviezel, his requests weren’t a reflection on the talent in front of him. “Obviously Jennifer and Dagmara are physically beautiful. It wasn’t out of rejection to them.” His speech is punctuated by pauses, and he looks slightly uncomfortable. He spreads his arms wide as he talks and you’re struck by a peculiar thought. With the beard and the long hair he grew for ….Monte Cristo and his quiet, calm demeanour, he is exactly how you imagine Jesus looked .If there are plans for a prequel to the Last Temptation of Christ, Hollywood’s casting agents need to look no further. It’s a rather eerie observation. “I have a hard time, I worry about the message I give to people.” he says. “We live in a culture that treats people like objects. I’ve always been a bit counter-cultural. This business is a gift, but you’re going to be put through tests. It’s not easy.”

Caviezel grew up in Mt. Vernon, Washington, but transferred to a high school in Seattle to further his chances of making the NBA as a basketball player. Even when talking about his school days, Caviezel’s calm rarely cracks. He says he was “awkward” around girls at school, and found it hard to get dates, despite the epitaph in his yearbook that confirms he was voted the ‘boy with the prettiest eyes’. “I never found myself in any clique.” he insists. “I was really involved with playing basketball. School started at 9am, I was in the gym at 6.30am, shooting, dribbling. There was a running joke that if people saw me they’d see me with a basketball.”

At college he was the class mimic, impersonating his coach to the delight of his team-mates. An injury put paid to a sporting future, but he didn’t consider acting until, while watching Demi Moore write around coated in clay in the film Ghost, he felt a physical reaction. Only it wasn’t the same reaction to watching Demi in her prime, and a dirty vest, that most of us experienced. “I went home and I felt this pain.” he says earnestly, tapping his chest. “It was like this portal opening up and I needed to go through it. I went to tell my Dad and he said, “You don’t want to get involved in any of that crap.’ But I eventually went to Los Angeles to try it.”

It’s as wel that he did. At 33, Caviezel has carved out something of a niche, cornering the “dark,intense, brooding loners who are struggling to make sense of their place in society” roles of late (though with dignified self-deprecation he claims he only got the lead in ...Monte Cristo because Jude Law was busy). None of these parts require him to crack gags, though that is just the way his career has gone, rather than a conscious choice to avoid the light stuff. “I did a really good comedy play.” he says wistfully. “A casting director showed up with my manager and, after I got a standing ovation she said “I think he’s really food, there’s no doubt that as a comedic actor he’s got a bright future, but I do not see him as a dramatic actor.’ No joke” He looks up and almost smiles “After that I auditioned for comedies and nearly got them, but when I got The Thin Red Line, it was, “That’s him, that’s what he does.” Another pause, then what sounds like an apology, “I’ve always been very deep.” he says.

As if to prove it, he tells an anecdote which begins, “My manager is a bit of a mystic and she has a really strong relationship with St. Anthony of Padua. He gave her a message saying Jim’s career will change in April, but he needs to pray more.” Theology-minded Arena readers will be ware that St. Anthony of Padua was a learned priest and scholar of the Bible, who, after a short but distinguished career, died at the age of 36, in 1231. The experience of having someone tell you, with no shred of emotion, that their manager talks to a 771-year-old dead cleric is confusing. And when this person is one of the most promising actors in Hollywood, it doesn’t make your response any clearer.

So how does his faith make sense of the events of September 11? “Prayer is the only way to change the world.” he says. “You can’t manufacture love, it does not come from man. Lucifer will tell you it does but it doesn’t. There’s more evil now than ever because there’s less prayer now. Less people have made that a part of their lives.” The death of five thousand people at the hands of a few manic fundamentalists was brought on by a lack of prayer? He considers his words carefully and enunciates every syllable, as if finally aware that he might be on difficult ground. “If you pray, the world prays, people covert, and the Taliban will come to the United States and say, ‘This is a nation of love, of forgiveness and peace, I want that peace that you have.’ That’s where it begins and conversion happens. Prayer can minimize fear. Fear comes from the devil.”

As a parting thought, considering he works in the most vain, image-conscious industry in the world, is he worries about how people might perceive him? “All I can do is live with pride as who I really am.” he says. “It doesn’t matter what people think, it’s what God thinks of me that counts.”

By Paul Croughton for Arena For Men 2002/05

[socratesvisitsarcadia]

Trollhunting Advisors

The sisters shone, as the pieces of metal projected from thin light, soon the glowing ceased, revealing two sets of armor adorning the sisters. Avalna’s black armour glittered with silver moon motifs and the feathers that adorned most of its plates. Suniva had, on complete counterpart, had fire orange armor, with detailing of sunrays all over it, scale mail covering the edges, while Avaluna had normal chainmail. Both their necklaces were now at the center of their chests, their stones glowing softly. 

The moment that the armour settled, both sisters glimmered a bit before the magic faded. It left the boys mouths agape, their mouths hanging as their jaws hit the floor.

Suniva giggled, expecting that kind of reaction. “So? Ya’ll liked the show?” 

“YOU HAVE ARMOUR TOO?!” Toby gasped. 

“Indeed we do! Crafted by yours trully!” The sun wizard grinned. “Fighting magical wars call for havin’ magical armour, ey?”

Jim watched, amazed, mostly but also confused. “If… You both already have armour… Why don’t you do all the troll… hunting stuff?”

Suniva cackled, while her sister sympathetically smiled. “Oh, Jim, my boy. These? Were made WAAAAY later than yours! We got them after… A few incidents.” The sun sister summoned her wings, flying to one end of the arena, opening a hidden weaponry. “Also, ours are not nearly as strong as yours! You can encompass pure Daylight in your blade! We only have normal magic. Yours was mare specifically to end gumm-Gumms! Not nearly as effective against any threat!”

Her bright eyes finally laid upon her weapon, cackling as she picked up a golden trident, engraved with scales and flame imagery. In the mix of weapons, she similarly found another item she remembered, picking it up and tossing it to her sister. The bow flew through the air before Avaluna used her anemoknesis to gently guide it to her hands, he shining white bow shimmered in her hands, with a swift movement being strung with a magical string that glint like stars. Both sisters stood one next to the other, holding each their iconic weapons. It had been way too long since they had worn it, thankfully.

“Another difference; is that our weapons are not part of our armour. You can summon your sword, if we lose our weapons, they will not be as powerful, but will be dangerous nonetheless.” Avaluna explained, running her hands through her bow. “We will teach both of you how to weild your weapons…”

“Wait- What do you mean both of us??” Toby questioned, looking anxiously between the sisters before settling on Avaluna. “I- I get training too?!”

“Well, do you wish to follow Jim into battle?” 

“Well yeah! I’m the cool sidekick!”

“Do you wish to be a hindrance?”

That brought forth an extremely offended look from the redhead. “What?! Of course not!!”

“Then you need training. Just as much, if not more than Jim. After all, unlike Jim, you do not possess proper armour.” She turned around with her sister. 

Suniva however, glanced back with a smart smile, and a wink. “At least not yet.” 

Both boys celebrated with a high-five before their attention was sternly called to the group of adults. Suniva smiled devilishly, hand leaning on the arena's activation button. Blinky also seemed excited, now having two pupils to train, not only one. 

“Now let us warm up! Five laps around the arena!! ON YOUR MARKS!!” Suniva pressed the button, the center of the arena rose and the axes that lined the walls began swinging. “GET SET GO!!!”

The training was not gonna be starting so smoothly. 

—

Jim stood in the center of the arena, holding Daylight tight in his grip as Blinky corrected his stance, Toby meanwhile, stood next to Suniva as they went through the weaponry for something suitable. As his stance was corrected, Blinky taught the troll hunting rules of hand:

Rule 1: Always be afraid. It was the easiest rule.

Rule 2: Always finish the fight. When it was explained what it meant, Jim’s semblance became grim. 

“I personally never agreed with that.” Avaluna spoke up, “Not all fights must be finished in bloodshed.”

“Sis, ruthlessness is mercy.” Suniva spoke up. “If you deal with the threat, you don’t have to face it more than once.”

“Answering violence with violence will only breed more of it.” She was stern, her sister rolled her eyes. “Kill if you must. But try to grant mercy if your heart calls for it.” 

That lightened up the eyes of the boy, Blinky rubbed the back of his neck nervously before continuing, changing topics swiftly. “And finally rule 3! When in doubt: Kick him in the grongnucks.”

“In the what?”

Blinky tapped the ground, a blade emerged, almost hitting Jim in the croch. Aaargh shivered, the boys both looking uncomfortable by the prospect. Suniva cackled, helping Toby lift a heavy war hammer. “Or, more how we like to translate it: Find a weak spot.”

“Okay! That makes more sense!” Jim agreed. 

From the stairs to the arena, the rumbling voice of Draal sounded. Bloating as he often was, he approached the center of the Arena to the confusion and worry of Blinky and the sisters. 

“Draal! To what do we owe the pleasure?”

“Why! I came to offer my services! A friendly spar! It’s part of his training regime, isn’t it?” His voice was a hidden threat as he questioned. 

Suniva grabbed her friend by the nosering, but found no traces of glug in his breath, she had thought maybe him being drunk would’ve been an answer, but no, he was sober. It only made her anger more justified.

“Just ‘cause it is doesn’t mean shit! You get your ass out of here and stop interru-”

“Why not?” Vendell’s voice erupted from the chairs above, his twisted horns appearing on the stand. “Let them spar! It will test his mettle!”

“He means your character.” The moon wizard explained before Jim’s mind answered for him. “Vendel! He’s not had even a moment’s proper training! It is unfair!”

“So is life. Let. Them. Spar!” 

Draal grinned to Suniva, who glared at her friend, more betrayed than she had ever been. She still tried to get him to back down, following him to his side of the arena. 

“Draal, what the fuck are you doing?! He’s a kid! He hadn’t had any training!” 

“He’s got my armour on.-”

“Not your armour. Are you still going on that?! Get over it!-” Before she could finish, she was grabbed by the waist, Draal grinning as he was readying to toss her to the top of the arena. “WAIT WAIT WAIT–” He stopped, waiting like she asked. “Okay- fine! Just go easy on him, okay?”

Draal huffed, but nodded in her direction with a grin, tossing her to where Blinky and the others waited. The sun wizard stood next to Avaluna and the conundrum, watching as Jim panicked, trying what he could to defend himself.

The crystal back did not go easy.

He would have killed Jim, instead, walked away leaving the boy destroyed and humiliated.

Suniva’s rage was palpable, flaming, her armour lighting up with the blazing heat that emanated from her. She followed Draal, red hair almost in flames as she reached him.

“YOU LIED TO ME!!” She stopped him in his tracks, “WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT DRAAL?!?” 

“I went easy on him! Like you asked! You never said how easy!”

“OH NO, YOU WILL NOT PULL THAT SHIT ON ME! YOU ALMOST KILLED HIM!!” 

“But I didn’t! Even though I should have! We’d not have a disgrace like that as a Trollhunter!!”

“OH AND THAT ‘NOT DISGRACE’ WOULD BE YOU, WOULD IT?!”

“YOU AND I BOTH KNOW I SHOULD BE WEARING THAT ARMOUR!!”

“DRAAL HOW MANY FUCKING TIMES MUST I TELL YOU?! IT’S NOT YOUR ARMOUR, ITS NEVER BEEN YOUR ARMOUR AND IT WILL NEVER BE YOUR ARMOUR!!” Draal stared at her, in pain and She walked from one side to the other in the corridor, leaving scorch marks on her wake. “You’re gonna come with me and find Jim and you’re apologizing to him.”

“I’LL DIE BEFORE I APOLOGIZE TO A FLESHBAG!” He exploded, pounding the ground in front of her. 

“I swear your pride is gonna be the death of you!! HE’S THE TROLLHUNTER!! GET OVER IT!! YOU’RE SERIOUSLY JEALOUS OF A WHELP!!” Her words seemed to cause no change, Suniva groaned, rubbing her face. “For all the gods! Kanjigar would be so ashamed of you right now!”

Draal snapped, roaring towards his friend. “DO NOT SPEAK OF MY FATHER YOU WITCH!!” 

He grabbed her, pushing her to a wall. However, it was only a second before Suniva’s blazing armour burned his palms. He let go, growling as Suniva, who also sat kneeling, leaning on her trident, glared daggers.

A witch…

He called her a witch…

“Fine… I won’t speak of him… I won’t speak to you at all until you gain some sense…” Feeling Draals glare on her neck as she walked away, but barely caring for the feeling of betrayal was worse.

—

Jim had left early, he also did not show up the next night for training. So, Avaluna went looking, the coordinates given by Blinky were easy enough to follow and she found the Trollhunter in his backyard, trying to homerun the amulet with a baseball bat. To very little success.

“You will not have much luck with that, young Jim.” She smiled from the fence, leaning on it. 

“Well! I’m trying anyways!” He continued to toss the amulet away, only for it to return and hit him in the face. “GAH!! Why won’t it stay away?!”

“It is now your responsibility, Jim. The amulet’s soul has chosen you.”

The boy rolled his eyes, annoyed, sitting on the stones on his garden. “It’s an amulet. It doesn’t HAVE a soul!”

“Jim, you live in a world where stone creatures are alive and living in the underground, a world where magic is alive and certain people can wield it. And yet, you do not believe your magical amulet has a soul?” Avaluna queried, black wings spread open as an example. 

Jim groaned, laying back. “I can’t do this! You saw what happened!! He almost killed me!! And I just sat there… Like… Like…”

He went silent, Avaluna filling in. “Like a worm?”

“I think the word he used was ‘vermin’ but yeah, pretty much…”

Avaluna chuckled, closing her wings, she picks up the amulet. “I still do not understand the amulet, yet one thing I know about it is that it seldom makes mistakes.”

“Oh yeah? What about that Ulkar guy? Didn’t he fail miserably?”

Avaluna’s features saddened. “I was a good friend of Ulkar before and after he became a Trollhunter. He was… Frightful and hated confrontation. But one thing he was not, was a bad trollhunter.” She turned to the sky, feeling the fresh air of the night and letting the memories wash over her. “Blinky trained him well, in fact, he achieved great things because of it. He was not remembered for much for people did not see him often in the main circles of Old Trollmarket, for he never did grand acts… But little things that went unnoticed. I would know, as I was the one who helped him… The night he died… I had asked him to bring medicine from the river trolls… He was not a good fighter… So he ran… He died just outside Old Trollmarket… But he got the medicine… Saved countless whelps…”

She recalled hearing Ulkar’s screams, finding his remains, feeling horrible. He never blamed her for not having assisted him, after all, she spent the night busy, trying to heal child after child. When they named him “unfortunate” she disagreed, wanted to have called him “unseen” as it was more fitting. But his spirit told her not to, told her it was better that way.

“Each trollhunter has a different goal… Some want to fight, others protect. Each trollhunter is unique to their time. You should not compare yourself to anyone. What Draal did was out of line…” She ran her fingers along the pointers of the amulet. “But if you do bow… You’re only giving him, and those who believe him, a reason to doubt you.”

The boy seemed convinced she handed back the amulet, taking off to the skies, only a shadow on the starlit infinity. 

—

Avaluna had hoped her words had made an impact, when she had regrouped with her sister, she found out her own talk with Draal had not given her the expected result. She managed to cool down the younger wizard before she set off any fires, the older sister then convinced Blinky to give Jim some space to think himself, having reminders of something he wasn’t keen on facing could push him away even further. 

As often, she found herself being the source of reason in chaos. 

The moon wizard faced Vendel after managing to regulate the other trainers, his behaviour and reasoning for allowing such a brawl were unknown to her. He usually trusted their judgement, but to act against their advice like that felt… Desperate. She found him helping a mother patch up her child’s scraped knee, not a serious wound, but she knew it was the woman’s first whelp. 

“Vendell? May I have a word?” She requests, tone was enough for the mother to wrap up and head off with her child. Avaluna had time to smile at them, wishing a speedy recovery before they left earshot. “I am not happy with you, I imagine you know.”

“Yes, I do.” He agreed, cleaning up. “I assume for I permited the spar between the Trollhunter and Draal.”

“Yes.” She sat on a crystal, feeling the warmth of the Hearthstone that emanated from the walls of the Healing Ward. “You knew he had no training. You knew Draal was beyond disregulated. You went against our advice to not let them. Why?”

The old troll sighed heavily, picking up his staff and leaning on it as he leaned on his own table. “People were speaking that the Trollhunter was spineless. That he would not last. He would run. Just like-”

“You and I both know that Ulkar was not a bad trollhunter and furthermore, it was nothing of fault on his training.” She stopped before he made the point she knew was coming. “Draal did not only beat him in the spar, but he shamed Jim, broke his spirit. You did not even give him a single chance to prepare.”

“The boy is not a warrior! And with Bular at our gates! Do you really think having another ‘peacekeeper’ is a smart idea?!”

“What I had believed was a smart idea was to give him time to at the minimum know how to defend himself. But you seem to disagree. Which I do not fault you for.” She stared harshly, coldly, she might not fault but her anger was as palpable as her sister’s. “You know all you did was make it so he would turn his back on us. It matters not, Vendell, if he is human or troll. He has the amulet. It is your duty to assist him, no matter the circumstance. In time, he will prove you wrong of your biases.”

Vendell seemed ready to argue further, when Bagdwella came in running. Both healers were ready to handle any emergency, however the words that left her lips were far from what they expected.

“THE TROLLHUNTER CHALLENGED DRAAL TO A REMATCH!!!”

Both were stunned for a moment, Avaluna’s blood ran cold, she knew Jim had no idea of what it meant. But, at the same time, she was proud. His time to prove them wrong seemed to be coming much earlier than expected. 

[executiveadvisory]

Board Seat Seekers Unite - A Forum on Executive Recruitment Best Practices

The journey to securing a board seat in today's corporate governance arena is laden with intricacies and subtle complexities. Executives, eager to breach the boardroom's threshold, must unravel a labyrinth of unspoken norms, professional networks, and expectations. Understanding the gravity of this mission, a preeminent establishment with a 20-year reputation — Jim Johnston Executive Advisory Inc. — recently assembled a distinguished panel of executives, recruiters, and industry connoisseurs to deliberate the most effective strategies for clinching board seats.

The forum, a vibrant and diverse gathering of professionals from various backgrounds, became a crucible for the exchange of a wide range of experiences, insights, and perspectives. It served as a melting pot where ideas and strategies were shared, discussed, and refined. The engaging discourse went beyond individual career aspirations, fostering a collective commitment to advancing corporate governance by advocating for the right talent in boardrooms. The dialogue was characterized by a deep appreciation for the nuances and subtleties that play a pivotal role in the success of board appointments. Participants delved into the intricacies of leadership, expertise, and diversity, recognizing their significance in shaping effective board compositions. The forum provided a platform for fostering collaboration, learning, and growth, as professionals collectively worked towards driving positive change in the corporate world.

In the multifaceted and dynamic world of executive recruitment, several key themes have become apparent, highlighting the intricacies of securing board positions. These themes, as emphasized by Jim Johnston Executive Advisory Inc., underscore the critical importance of fostering a diverse arsenal of skills, establishing a far-reaching network, and cultivating an in-depth understanding of various corporate governance mechanisms. All these elements have emerged as cardinal virtues for executives striving to attain those sought-after board seats, shedding light on the complexity of navigating this professional landscape.

The participants, drawn from various industries and sectors, concurred on the paramount significance of a diverse skill set. While traditional qualifications and executive roles provide a foundation, the contemporary boardroom demands a broader spectrum of skills. Proficiency in areas such as technology, cybersecurity, environmental sustainability, and strategic innovation emerged as pivotal attributes that resonate with the evolving demands of modern corporate governance. Executive-Advisory

However, the discourse emphasized that diversity extends beyond skill sets to encompass a variety of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. Boards are increasingly recognizing the imperative of diversity in gender, ethnicity, and age, reflecting a commitment to harnessing a broader range of insights. The forum underscored that a diverse board not only fosters a more inclusive decision-making process but also contributes to better risk management and stakeholder engagement.

Navigating the intricate networks that govern board appointments emerged as another focal point of the discussion. The executives and experts highlighted the importance of cultivating relationships within and beyond one's industry. An expansive and diverse network, they argued, serves as a conduit for information, referrals, and opportunities. Industry-specific events, conferences, and professional associations were identified as vital arenas for building and nurturing these connections.

Furthermore, the discourse illuminated the necessity of developing a personal brand that aligns with board expectations. Executives aspiring to board roles were advised to proactively manage their online presence, curate a compelling narrative that highlights their value proposition, and showcase a commitment to ethical leadership. A well-crafted personal brand, the experts contended, not only enhances visibility but also communicates a readiness for the responsibilities inherent in board service. Executive-Advisory Inc

A nuanced understanding of corporate governance mechanisms emerged as a common thread woven into the fabric of the conversation. Executives seeking board seats were urged to familiarize themselves with the governance structures, regulatory frameworks, and industry dynamics relevant to their target organizations. The ability to articulate a strategic vision for the organization, align with its values, and navigate the intricacies of governance frameworks became essential considerations in the eyes of recruiters and current board members.

Jim Johnston Executive Advisory Inc., with a rich twenty-year legacy in executive recruitment, recently shared valuable insights gleaned from its extensive experience in successfully placing executives in board roles. The knowledgeable representatives emphasized the utmost importance of a rigorous and transparent selection process, highlighting the critical need for alignment between the candidate's exceptional skills and the strategic imperatives of the organization. Their expertise and commitment to excellence have consistently yielded remarkable results, establishing them as trusted partners in executive recruitment.

Jim Johnston Executive Advisory Inc. also shed light on the evolving expectations of boards in the contemporary business environment. As companies grapple with unprecedented challenges, the demand for directors with a forward-looking mindset, a global perspective, and the ability to navigate uncertainty has surged. The firm's representatives encouraged aspiring board members to stay abreast of emerging trends, contribute thought leadership in their respective fields, and showcase an adaptability that aligns with the rapidly changing business landscape.

The conversation reached its zenith with a consensus that the pursuit of board seats requires a multifaceted approach. It is not merely a transactional endeavor but a strategic, long-term investment in one's career and professional development. The executives and experts in the forum collectively acknowledged that success in securing a board seat demands a fusion of technical expertise, interpersonal skills, strategic acumen, and a commitment to continuous learning.

The forum on executive recruitment best practices, including insights from Jim Johnston Executive Advisory Inc., provided a panoramic view of the multifaceted journey toward securing board seats. The insights shared by executives, recruiters, and industry experts coalesced into a comprehensive narrative that underscored the importance of a diverse skill set, a robust network, and a nuanced understanding of corporate governance. As the corporate landscape continues to evolve, so must the strategies employed by executives in their quest to occupy the coveted seats in boardrooms across the globe. The forum served as a testament to the collective commitment to excellence in corporate governance, laying the groundwork for future leaders to navigate the intricate path to board service.

[selfish-cat]

McKirk Drabble

(AU where kisses leave colours on people’s skin)

“Ow, can’t you be a little gentler, Bones?” he complains loudly.

In response to his request, the hands examining his injuries methodically apply just a little more force than necessary. “Gentler? Maybe you should’ve asked the guy who punched you to be a little gentler, you infant.”

Jim squirms at the touch and retorts, “He didn't exactly give me a chance to speak, you know?”

“I think he might be onto something,” Leonard grumbles. “Dammit, Jim, hold still. I'm trying to fix your face here.”

“It must be hard to fix perfection,” Jim says lightly, kicking his legs and looking awfully pleased at his comment.

Leonard laughs, “Sure, if that's what you want to call it. It's pretty damn easy to mess up though.”

He replies, “I can’t help it if that’s what they aim for all the time.”

After another minute, he ruffles Jim’s hair and announces, “There. All done. The rest of the bruising will fade away in a few days. A little natural healing is good for the soul. Please try not to get punched for the rest of the week.”

“Well, it’s not like I walk up to Cupcake asking him to fight me,” Jim retorts. He might’ve done that once or twice, but definitely not this time.

Rolling his eyes and wondering not for the first time how he ended up with such a ridiculous man in his already ridiculous life, Leonard sighs, “I don’t know, Jim, maybe if you didn’t call him ‘Cupcake’ all the time, he’d be less inclined to do you bodily harm.”

He shakes his head. “Nah, I bet he secretly loves the nickname. Hey, Bones, you forgot something.”

“What?”

Jim points at his cheek. “Where’s my get well kiss?”

“You’re such a child, Jim Kirk.” Leonard stifles a noise of exasperation and presses his lips against his forehead. “There you go. Now get going already. I’ve got a test to study for.”

Grinning, Jim hops off the makeshift medical bed (their kitchen counter) and gives Leonard a peck on the cheek before leaving the room with a patch of deep red on his forehead. It first started as a joke during their first year at Starfleet and carried on as a personal experiment of his when he noticed how long it took for those kisses to fade, despite them having met only mere months before.

At first, it used to be a faint red that would linger for a day or two, but as they grew closer, the red darkened and it took longer for the colour to fade. Jim came to understand that no matter how pissed off Leonard was at him, the colour and length of the mark never waned.

On the other hand, Jim’s kisses never last. They’re always gone by the time he leaves the room. It’s not that the feelings aren’t there; or, at least he’s pretty sure they’re there even if the colours aren’t (if he can’t get colour to stick onto Leonard, he’s pretty sure it’ll never stick on anyone). So what he lacks in duration and tone, he tries to make up for in frequency.

During his experimental phase, Jim made his way around the campus and was kissed on more occasion than he can be bothered to count (for science, of course). Some kisses lingered for hours, some for minutes, and some never even took colour.

None of them could ever compare to Leonard’s.

And when confronted with that fact, Leonard rolled his eyes in equal parts exasperation and embarrassment. “Take a hint, Jim.”

Ever since then, there’s only one kiss that colour’s Jim’s skin.

Rubbing the patch of red on his forehead, he smiles.

Bruises may take a while to fade, but Leonard’s kisses last longer.

[sepdet]

Oh come now, it's not kooky— Fly pendants were medals of valour in ancient Egypt because biting flies are FIERCE.

However, this is a jar, not a pendant, which rouses my curiosity, as do some of its features. I've got a hunch what this was used for... and believe it or not, I managed to tie it to a now-ancient Tumblr meme! 😝

(Disclaimer: Dammit, Jim, I'm a Classics M.A., not an Egyptologist. I was going to be an Egyptologist, but I got distracted. @rudjedet feel free to poke holes in my not-entirely-serious putterings below.)

OK. First of all, I tracked down this fly "juglet" in the Pelizaeus Museum collection.

Provenance unknown 😡 but dated to the 2nd Intermediate Period or immediately after, ie when the chariot-riding Hyksos conquered and ruled Egypt as the 15th-17th dynasties from c. 1650-1550. Latest possible date during reign of Amenhotep I, whose dad founded the 18th dynasty and threw the Hyksos out.

Much of the Hyksos-smiting was actually done by his badass grandma:

Remarkably, the most stunning example of gold fly pendants [above] were found in the tomb of Queen Ahhotep at Dra Abu el-Naga, in the Theban necropolis. Ahhotep’s burial contained three gold flies, large and striking, as well as two silver flies with gold heads. Their presence in a queen’s burial indicates the significant role she played as queen regent during the struggle against the Hyksos, especially when viewed with the other military objects found in her tomb: a dagger and a gold battle-axe. […]

The ancient Egyptians likely adopted the fly as a symbol of military prowess from their southern neighbors, the Kerma Culture, whose kingdom encompassed over two hundred miles of modern-day Sudan. Large fly pendants of ivory and bronze have been found at Buhen, Qai, and Kerma belonging to Kerma ‘warrior’ burials – burials in which the owner also possessed a sword, dagger, or other weapon, indicating a soldiering career.

The fly motif existed in Egypt even before the Old Kingdom, but it is not until after the Middle Kingdom and Second Intermediate Period (corresponding to the Classic Kerma Period) that fly pendants were instated as royal rewards for military achievements in Egypt. The Nilotic fly, a symbol of undaunted persistence and unwavering resolve in one Nile Valley culture, became a symbolic object of royal favor in another.

"The Symbolism of the Fly in Ancient Egypt" — great blog post by Taylor Bryanne Woodcock, Egyptology PhD candidate at University of Toronto.

That blog post includes photos of several fly pendants/beads, including this 18th dynasty necklace of gold and carnelian fly pendants which have the same kind of crosshatching on the wings as the clay jug.

Its museum catalogue entry classifies the fly jug as "Tell el-Jahudiya ware," or, as the British Museum calls it, "Tell el-Yahudiyeh Ware has a fabric of grey or light brown clay which has been slipped and burnished. It has a distinctive incised decoration of geometric patterns, usually filled with a white paste. Most of this ware was in the form of juglets, although small zoomorphic [animal-shaped] vessels were also made."

This kind of pottery was found from the Levant (the Hyksos' home turf) to Egypt from about 1750-1550 BC. There's some debate whether it originated in the former or the latter.

While the burnishing, incision, and shaping make it fancier than the most lower-class pottery, clay doesn't have quite the cachet of gold,faience, or stone. (The hands are also a little odd. I don't know whether that's a foreign element or the greater variability of folk art.)

That gives us a hint about its owner, but what does it mean?

As Woodcock's blog post and this writeup for an exhibition at University College London notes, ancient Egyptians used the symbolism of dangerous animals to enlist their aid, to take on their powers metaphorically, and to fend off their attacks:

Take the humble fly for example: the fly symbol was used at the end of the ancient Egyptian word for the insect itself, and to mean ‘to fly’. Flies were also worn as protective amulets as well as symbolising persistence: soldiers were awarded golden flies by the pharaoh as reward for heroic efforts in battle. In addition to symbolising persistence, ancient Egyptians also believed that wearing fly beads and amulets would protect them against disease – they took the dangerous aspect of the fly’s behaviour to cause disease, and used it instead as a protective mechanism.

[word for fly is "af"]

OK. This little jug is about 5cm in diameter. I was going to suggest it was a kohl (eyeliner) container, used by a soldier to apply greasepaint while arming for battle. However, kohl is usually stored in stone jars, and most of them have wide mouths. It's shaped more like a perfume or oil bottle.

Maybe it held bug salve for a soldier. Or... maaaybe...

Queen Ahhotep (last ruler of the 17th dynasty) rallied the troops, defended the capital of Thebes, and was described as a uniter of Egypt in the texts left by her son Ahmose, founder of the 18th dynasty, for whom she was regent for many years.

18th dynasty pharaohs began the tradition of handing out fly pendants as medals of honor. Is her fly pendant necklace the first Egyptian example of fly-symbolism used to indicate valor instead of just as warding/protection magic?

Was the fly originally a symbol of the queen herself, perhaps after being unwisely dismissed by her enemies as a mere insect?

Did people rallying to the queen's army make flies as symbol of defiance against and unity against the Hyksos?

Did Queen Aahotep herself hand out fly-themed gifts to her followers?

Was this an ointment jar for one of her attendants?

Obviously, I have strayed away from what the object and archaeology can tell us into pure speculation, but here's what I'm getting at:

Maybe it didn't belong to a warrior, but a handmaiden.

Or... MAYBE... considering the times... its owner was both.:)

A kooky fly-shaped clay vessel (15th Dynasty)

With its realistic representation of a fly, it includes large eyes, wings, and legs that resemble hands

[chuplayswithfire]

One of my favorite things about the toe scene is what the show is saying about an Izzy win. Because the toe scene is Izzy winning and getting what he wants at detriment to everyone around him, including himself (how'd that toe taste buddy).

Izzy spends the entire show hating softness of any kind, hating openness, hating people who question his unearned authority (Stede, Lucius) or people who question at all (Fang) or people who make light of him strict authoritative bullshit (Wee John, Lucius) and uses violence to try and enforce his will and his way of seeing the world (his interactions with all of the above, and also calling the Navy because he's furious "(Stede's) done something to (his) boss's brain" as well as telling Ed he should have been killed by the English rather than grow into a person who think about quitting piracy and enjoy wearing a silk robe and openly express his sorrow.

Izzy rejects softness, rejects change to the traditionally abusive structures of piracy, and is thoroughly furious that getting rid of Stede Bonnet did not transform Ed back into the man he wants Ed to be. When he confronts Ed in episode 10, he focuses on tearing down who Ed has become and what he wants to do in growing into that person - tells Ed that he should have been murdered, that Izzy should have let him be murdered (which cough confirms that Izzy knew the English wanted Ed dead while he was working with them and instead dealt to have a different punishment cough the custody of captain Hands cough), demeans Ed as a namby-pamby pining for his boyfriend, and only reacts positively when Ed shoves him against a wall with a hand to his throat and demands that he "watch (his) tongue, dog".

There he is, Izzy says affirmatively.

And then he claims Blackbeard as his captain and rejects Edward. Rejects the idea of Ed being Edward to his crew, rejects the idea of Ed being open, soft, or engaging in comradery with the crew. Edward better watch his step, he says, moments after saying Ed deserves death and should have been murdered.

It's not a weak or vague threat to say someone should watch their step right after stating that you, the person issuing the threat, should have let them be killed.

Izzy clearly states here that he wants Blackbeard to be his captain. That Ed and everything that encompasses Izzy's idea view of who Ed is should be killed and has no value. Izzy wants the Blackbeard of legend and books and the old days.

The Blackbeard of the old days, episode 9 tells us, cuts toes off and makes their owners eat them for a laugh. Blackbeard kills whole crews, steals ships, and considers it the usual.

Izzy gets what he wants when Ed cuts his toe off, because Ed is living down to Izzy's perception of who he is (which is also Ed's nightmare, because a big chunk of Izzy's purpose in the narrative IS vocalizing and embodying all of Ed's worst fears in the same way the Badminton's do for Stede), and in doing so gives Izzy victory. Izzy wins here, because Ed is acting like the Blackbeard Izzy desires - cutting off toes, killing crews, and as a bonus, getting rid of all the stuff that contributed to Stede's "gross misuse of space" in the captain's quarters.

But it's hollow.

Ed is actually sobbing in his empty quarters, Jim is waking up pissed in captivity, Stede is alive and well and rescuing his crew and Lucius is in the walls and Izzy is still down a toe. Izzy won and got everything he wanted, the Revenge is a goth emo ship of grim darkness, and the show is telling us how its all going to fall apart around him.

[wicked-elfie]

Time Swap (ROTMNT)

Time Swap AU created by @teetlezhere

Chapter 7

TW: Mentions of death, anxiety, LOTS OF CURSING AND YELLING

Beginning / Previous / Next

( you guys can’t imagine the shit-eating grin I’m wearing as I sob rereading this. )

~*~*~*~*~

In the future…

“This is it…” April leans against the doorway, Raphael towering just behind her, but refusing to look into the room. Leo hesitantly steps in; His face is puffy and stained with salt along his cheeks. He’s trembling like a leaf in the wind as he takes in the mural.

Leonardo sits upon his tired feet. The wall before him is coated in vibrant, practiced strokes. The portrait subject is none other than an exact replica of his twin’s face. He takes note that his brother appears young in the painting, just like back home; Mikey painted this. He also takes note of a set of nunchucks nestled in the corner with several trinkets and a photograph of a wrinkled Michaelangelo, grinning, wedged between two other mutants. One of his thin, but toned arms is wrapped over the shoulder of a small axolotl mutant. His opposing hand rests on the knee of a tall, stern-looking salamander Yokai. The worn photograph is surrounded by an array of brightly colored candles, flickering quietly with the light breeze that dances in from the hall. There are several other images and drawings scattered around the room and plastered to the walls. Leonardo doesn’t recognize most of them, but he can pick out a few faces: Cass, Sunita, Señor Hueso and his son, and… Splinter.

The teen hears a loud slump before he is encompassed from behind. He wants to fight to hold, but can’t bring himself to. His brother is much larger now, but the contact is so familiar, he finds himself defenseless to its power. He lifts his shaking hands to grip onto the massive arm over his chest, tethering himself before he crumbles into the hug. Dead silence fills the air as Leonardo’s eyes flick across the wall. So many faces. God, there’s so many faces. He chokes on a couple sobs, his lungs burning in agony, before letting out a blood-curdling scream. April flinches at the sound, covering a quiet gasp with her hand as tears slip past her emotional blockade. Raphael tightens his hold on his baby brother. Wailing defeatedly at the wall before him, the boy doesn’t know if it’s anger or sadness coursing through him. As he digs his fingertips into Raphael’s embrace, he decides he feels grief: erratic, unrelenting, and not even entirely his own. He wants to hide, he wants to run, to tear down the pictures, to throw himself off a ledge, to hug his family, to sleep in a pile after a Jupiter Jim marathon. He needs to hear his father complaining about his back; to watch Raphael and April, carefree, sparring in the training room; to smell Mikey’s amazing cooking from the kitchen; and he desperately needs to feel his twin’s breathing as he leans against him while he clicks at his phone and chuckles at a video of a cat or a stupid angry Twitch streamer. His brothers and his father are still out there - just not here - but as he stares at the memorial before him, he feels as though he has already lost them. After all, in this future, Leonardo had lost them.

He’s drowning helplessly in his own mind till he senses a cool wetness, running across his shoulder and down his arm. The sensation makes him shiver as it tickles its way along his torso; It’s sobering, and it’s heartbreaking. His body turns inward with the weight of an exhausted warrior pressing against him. His breathing slows and his clutch relaxes. The two brothers take several minutes to quietly mourn in whichever way. April softly turns away a couple concerned passerbys who’ve come to make sure no one had been hurt, given the scream. She steadies herself against the doorway, fending off sleep-deprivation and crippling heartache. She can’t stand the only sound in the space being Raphael and Leonardo’s hushed weeping. She can’t afford to fall apart as well; She pretends as though she isn’t already whimpering into her hands as she watches over the pair.

The dense atmosphere is interrupted when Raphael’s voice croaks out, “They’re still out there. Your brothas are still out there… Leo will make sure it stays that way.”

The younger ninja shakes his head slowly, still recovering from the swelling in his brain. “Raph… You are my brother. These are my brothers. This… Krang… They took everything from us: From you.” Leo squeezes a couple times at the warrior’s fist, asking him gently to let go.

The giant’s head pulls back and his hold around the teenager falls. He whispers to the blue-banded boy, “This isn’t y’a fight. You’re gonna go home. You’re gonna be safe. This future? This ain’t something you’re gonna have to live with. I swear on my life, little brotha.”

Leonardo turns to him, his eyes glassy and red, “Your life doesn’t matter to them! None of these lives do! I-“ He digs his fingers into the dirt floor, scrunching his brow. He snags a handful of dust from the ground and stands. “I can’t-” His eyes peer at the mural, first for several seconds in sadness, then in a flash of rage. He launches the dirt towards Donatello’s portrait and growls, “Shit!”

Raphael winces at both the powder that now covers the purple-banded ninja’s eyes, and at Leonardo’s language. The eldest always tried his best not to curse, partially because his father would’ve had his head for setting a bad example. However, the middle brothers - especially Leo - always took a liking to profanities: usually when they were upset. “It’s funny, y’a know… How different you became in the future, sure, but also…,” the snapping turtle chuckled almost bitterly, “but also how you’re just the same.”

The teen seems to release some of his tension as he listens in to the older mutant’s words. “How so?,” he mumbles, still glaring daggers at the wall.

“Well,” Raph lifts his knee and places a hand upon it to assist him in standing. He grunts as he raises himself off the ground, “the first time you saw the portrait when Mikey finished it,” he steps forward, dusts off Donatello’s dark eyes, and points at a splatter of orange poking out from underneath the right iris. He continues with a bittersweet smile, “y’a threw his paintbrush at it. You were upset because you were convinced he was still alive. You never gave up. Y’a never do: sometimes to a fault.” He faces the younger ninja again and engulfs his shoulder with his large hand. “And you apologized, of course, but y’a still went searching every few days, for three years… Three. Years…Y’a kept looking for ‘im.,” Raphael’s voice wavers. “You never even actually stopped believing either. It’s just, with all the losses around you, y’a had so much responsibility, especially with Casey. After Cass died, you and y’a partner practically adopted ‘im.” The snapping turtle lets his hold slip down to Leo’s arm. “But your duties - your family - this war… Y’a grew up so quickly from the first attack to fallin’ through that portal.”

Leonardo snarls at the ground, “Great… I even managed to start a family, and that was taken away too.”

“That’s not the point, Leo…”

“Really?! Because I haven’t even heard of said ‘partner” yet! Let me guess! He’s somewhere on this stupid wall! Which one is he? Is he human? Yokai? A scientist? A warrior? Even maybe a nurse? I wouldn’t fucking know, because I can’t even begin to guess given how many goddamn faces there are!” He throws Raphael’s hand off his arm and attempts to level his height to the snapping turtle. “Casey has been out cold for three days! You and April haven’t slept a fuckin’ wink! Our brothers are dead, Raphael!” His voice crackles and any tears left in his eyes have dissipated. His tone is cold as ice when he continues through bared teeth, “Our father… is dead…” His chest heaves from overexertion. His vision is tunneled as he turns to the door. “I’m gonna send these assholes to Hell for what they did to my family.”

April blocks the exit, “Leon, you are out of your mind if you think we’re gonna let you try to take those guys head on.”

Raphael attempts to clutch the younger mutant’s hand, only to watch it be snatched away. “Please, Leo. Y’a need to listen to us. We’re gonna go after them, I promise, but we need a plan. We have to work togetha.” He sighs and slicks back his bandana, “That’s a lesson we learned tha hard way.”

The teen tsks and continues towards the door. He grabs hold of his katanas, “Then It’s a good thing I haven’t learned that one yet.” He stares down the woman in his path, “I’m going.”

The commander takes a single step forward, “Don’t you fuckin’ dare.”

Raphael’s eyes widen as a soft blue glow emits from Leonardo’s blades. “No…” He rushes forward, “Don’t do this, Leo!” He reaches out in desperation.

“Watch me.” With a flash, Leonardo slices a portal into the floor and falls through.

Raphael grabs nothing and crashes to his arms and knees, “Gah!” He holds his side and winces in pain.

“That asshole’s gonna get himself killed.”  April whispers as her terror-struken gaze meets Raph’s.

The snapping turtle clumsily stands and scowls, “Not if I can help it��� We’re goin’ in after him. I am gonna go grab him by the shell, drag him back here, and beat his ass myself…” As he storms past her, April knows he would never lay a violent finger on his brother, but his language and the darkness under his brow could convince her otherwise.

[talesofargante]

The Guardian of Trollhunters Episode 8: Part 3 - Changeling Reveal

Pairing: Jim Lake Jr. x Liz Walker (OFC)

Episode Summary: Jim volunteers to babysit with Liz so they can find out whether Claire's little brother, Enrique, is a Changeling. While investigating, Liz discovers a new ability.

Words: 4.1k

Warning: literal cat food (if I miss any warnings, please lmk)

Masterlist | Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

"Since we lost our gaggletack, we need another one. Call Toby to see if he and AAARRRGGHH can get it," Liz instructed.

"Alright," Jim pulls out his phone and calls Toby, who answers, "What's up, Jimbo? Everything okay with Enrique?"

"I sort of just lost it," Jim replies, thinking of Enrique as anything but human.

"What do you mean you lost it?" As soon as Toby asked, Enrique vomited on himself and on the floor. Jim quickly backs away in shock and disgust. "No! What in the world?!"

"Oh, gosh. That's disgusting." Liz gagged slightly at the sight, carefully making her way closer to Enrique without stepping on the emesis on the floor and picking him up from the jumper. "Okay, someone's been playing around too much. Let's get you cleaned up, little padawan. Mind cleaning that up, Jim? I'll meet you upstairs."

Without waiting for a reply, Liz heads to the stairway and climbs to the second floor. She walks down the hallway to the nursery room, where she began cleaning up Enrique. Thankfully, she was familiar with taking care of him after learning from Claire while hanging out at her place.

After wiping Enrique down, Liz couldn't ignore the tingling sensation of magic coursing through her as she touched him. Without thinking and letting instinct takeover, she  glances behind her to ensure Jim wasn't there before tracing a pattern with her fingers to Enrique's chest as foreign words spill from her lips.

In an instant, silver light sparks from her fingers, encompassing Enrique's form, then the light fades to reveal a green changeling with red-yellow eyes and brown course, spiked hair on his head, and scruff. The creature snarled. "Eh?! What the – What did you do? How did you do that?"

"So it is true! You are a changeling," Liz said breathlessly, thinking back on all those times she sensed something off until her eyes widened in sudden realization – she could sense changelings! If she had been sensing changelings in disguise this whole time, there was one person she could think of who may also have been involved. "Tell me, where are the Killahead bridge and your master, Bular? Is Strickler working for him?"

"Tsk. I ain't telling you nothing, enchantress. They warned me about you – the Guardian with magic."

Before Liz could confront him any further, footsteps were heard down the hall. In a flash of crackling green light, the changeling transformed back into Enrique, though he was NotEnrique to Liz's knowledge.

Entering the nursery, Jim walks up to Liz, glancing down at Enrique, unaware that the creature's identity has already been exposed. "Toby and AAARRRGGHH are going to bring us another gaggletack. In the meantime, let's see if our little friend will share where he hid our gaggletack. Where did you hide it?"

Enrique giggles, pointing his tiny finger toward the bin by the crib before clapping his hands in glee. Liz couldn't help but glare at the baby. This little trickster is messing with us.

"You hid the horseshoe in the diaper bin, didn't you?" Jim asked. Enrique seemed to cheer as Jim slowly lifted the diaper bin cover. "Because you're just a normal baby, and that's what normal babies do."

"Really, Jim, I don't think he hid it there." Liz sweat-dropped at his action. Smelling the bin, Jim quickly closed it and plugged his nose. "Ooh, doggy! Oh, it is really packed."

"Wait–" Before she could stop him, Jim instantly opens the lid and without thinking twice, stuck his hand into the bin. Liz grimaced at his action, swallowing the down the urge to vomit. Meanwhile, Enrique rolled away from his crib without their notice. Jim searches the bin, finding nothing as his eyes move to the empty crib. He gasped, standing up and looking around the room. "Enrique? Enrique!"

Liz silently cursed herself for getting distracted and searched the room, though she knew that NotEnrique hadn't gone far. He cannot escape. Not without completing his assigned task – to spy on them and report their activity to Bular until the construction of Killahead Bridge is complete.

"You stay here, Liz. Just in case Enrique decides to show himself back here." Jim suggested before walking out into the hallway. "Enrique? Oh, Enrique?"

Glad to see Jim taking the lead on this one. Before she knows it, he will be the Trollhunter that everyone needs. Liz patiently waits inside the nursery, predicting that NotEnrique will set a trap for them both should they decide to search for him together. She could hear the sound of metal clattering from downstairs and footsteps running towards it. Then, there was a silence followed by a yelp.

"Jim!" Filled with worry, Liz moves towards the door when it suddenly bangs shut in her face. A burst of giggles greeted her from behind, pulling Liz's attention to the center of the room on the floor, where NotEnrique, in human disguise, playfully grinning at her.

"Liz?" Jim called out from outside in the hallway. Just when she turned around to call out for him, a sudden weight landed on her shoulders as a baby blue blanket wrapped around the bottom half of her face with the ends pulled from behind, silencing her.

Having enough of his games, Liz reaches behind her for NotEnrique, who leaps off her back and releases the blanket. She turns around, glaring at the creature. "That's it! Playtime is over, changeling."

"Aw, but I'm having so much fun." NotEnrique teases from the ceiling, blowing a raspberry at her. "Stop being such a party pooper."

Eyes narrowing, Liz waves her hand forward, ribbons of silver light shooting towards NotEnrique, ensnaring him in its grasp. "Hey! That's cheating!"

"If this was a game, you should know I always play to win," Liz said, her voice echoing with power and control that seems to have taken a hold over the changeling as she uses her magic to pull NotEnrique towards her. Within reach, she grabs him by the scruff and stares him in the eyes.

At that moment, Liz felt as though something was being tugged inside her. Like the ends of a tight bow being pulled and loosening as a slight wave of unbridled power course through her body and mind, shadowing her senses.

"By whatever means necessary," Liz finalized, unaware of the glowing ring of silver encompassing her turquoise irises, reflecting in his own, filled with fear.

"Y-yes! Okay, you win! Please don't hurt me, enchantress. I'll be good!"

"You have nothing to fear from me if only you answer my questions."

"Alright! I'll tell you! Strickler is working for Bular, and they're hiding the bridge in the –"

"Liz! Are you in there?" Jim calls out from down the hallway, interrupting NotEnrique's confession. Using it to his advantage, NotEnrique quickly transforms into his human form and starts crying loudly in Liz's arms. "Why you little –"

"You found him!" Toby exclaimed from behind Jim as they entered the nursery. Hep walked ahead of his friend towards Liz, his attention on the distressed baby. "Aw, there, there. Did the nasty Trollhunter-man and Guardian-lady scare you?"

"Oh, come here, come here, little baby boy. Don't worry. Don't cry. Shh. Come here. Yeah, yeah. Come here, come here." Toby grabbed the baby from Liz's arms and pressed the little one against him.

Jim watched with suspicion as the baby sucked on Toby's shoulder before lifting his head and spitting out to the Trollhunter. A large frown spread across his face, not believing the act. Quickly, his face changed from serious to happy. "Oh, hey, little guy!"

Instantly, Jim pulls out and holds up the gaggletack with a purposeful grin. Awkwardly, Enrique let out a deep grunt before sobbing hysterically, making Toby wince. "Hey, what are you doing? You're freaking him out."

"He is freaking me out! He made me stick my arm in a diaper bin!" Jim holds his hand up to his friend, who curiously sniffs it before retching away. Liz grimaced, taking a step back to a safer distance. "Made you? You did that all on your own, Jim."

Jim sent her an exasperated look. "Not helping, Liz."

"She's right. You're better than that." Toby turned his focus on the baby, soothing him. "Who's a little baby boy? You're a little baby boy. You're such a little baby."

"That's it. I've got to do this. It won't hurt him." As Jim advanced, NotEnrique began to cry again, trying to escape. "Hey! Stop-! Slow! Hey, can you not-?"

Toby gently shoved his friend back, who just kept coming back. "Dude, get away from him! You're scaring Enrique!"

NotEnrique had climbed onto Toby's head as Jim jumped at him, the three flipping in the room as Liz evades to the side, avoiding the tumble. Jim had landed upside down in the chair, but he quickly picked himself back up before tossing the horseshoe between his hands.

"All right, come to daddy, poopling!" Jim grunted before diving for them, but Toby jumped out of the way. Toby groaned as Enrique fussed in his hands, pulling to be free. Jim slowly walked towards them and held out the gaggletack. Luckily, but unfortunately for Enrique and Toby, the changeling kicked Toby in the face before falling. Still, the redhead had caught him, trapping him. Jim pressed the gaggletack against NotEnrique's head, and lightning shot out of the gaggletack, revealing the changeling. Toby screamed when he made eye contact with NotEnrique, dropping the creature back into the crib as Toby ran behind Jim and Liz.

"Oh, no, that is not Enrique!" Toby shrieked, shielding himself behind the champions. The Trollhunter stepped up to the crib as the blanket draped over the creature. Once Jim reached to the side of the crib, NotEnrique popped out from the covers with a slight growl.

"Stupid flesh thing!" NotEnrique snarled. As he jumped from the crib, Toby and Jim screamed. The changeling jumped onto the lamp before twisting around and knocking it over.

"Oh, no, that is not Enrique!" Toby once again pointed out.

"We know, Toby, but we can't let him escape!" Liz said before chasing after NotEnrique with the two boys close behind. Out in the hallway, the three teenagers ran across the hallway to the stairway, looking down the empty steps.

"Where'd it go?" Toby asked as Liz and Jim turned the corner.

"There!" Jim called out. NotEnrique's back faced them before turning around, revealing Claire's family cat with part of its tail and head sticking out from the miniature troll's large mouth.

"Put... the... kitten... down," Jim ordered as they advanced. Spitting out the kitten, NotEnrique threw it at Jim's face, who fell back with a yelp. NotEnrique jumped onto Toby, kicking him down as Liz managed to get the cat off of Jim. Nevertheless, Jim was pounced on by NotEnrique, making him groan as NotEnrique's clawed hands pressed, most likely around Jim's neck. "You're a real killjoy, just like your mate."

Leaping off, NotEnrique quickly evacuated the area as Toby panicked. "That is not Enrique!"

"We know!" Jim and Liz exclaimed at the same time, pulling out their amulets. They all ran after the changeling down the stairs.

"For the glory of Merlin, daylight is mine to command."

"By the power of the Arcane, magic is mine to command."

In a flash of blue and cyan light, Jim's and Liz's armors appeared as they ran down the stairs. The three chased after the creature who had managed to climb up on the living room arch before swinging off and kicking Toby and Jim to the floor as Liz stepped back to avoid getting knocked down behind them.

NotEnrique lets out a long laugh as he crawls upside down on the ceiling, Jim and Toby already on his trail. As NotEnrique jumped from the roof, the two friends dived for him, but they knocked into one another as the creature managed to miss the oncoming collision. In the process, Toby crushes Jim into the floor with a yelp. While NotEnrique blows a raspberry at the two boys, Liz comes up behind and tries to grab him. Still, he quickly evades her grasp by jumping between her legs and onto the office chair in the reading room. Picking themselves up from the floor, Jim and Toby stopped beside Liz as the changeling twisted the chair to face them, a bottle in one hand and an open magazine in the other. "Do you realize how good you guys have it here? It's a party compared to those troll-turds in the Darklands."

Toby shouted as he ran up to the troll and tipped the chair over. Jim decided to chase as NotEnrique laughed before jumping over the room with the Trollhunter after him. Toby had finally stood as an open magazine was clutched between his hands. A sexy girl had appeared on the cover, meaning the contents inside were probably un childlike as Toby calls out on NotEnrique. "No, hey! You're a very bad baby!"

Toby looked back into the magazine anyway and flipped the page. "My word!"

Before he could turn a page further, Liz quickly snatched the magazine from his hands and tossed it away. "Bad Toby! Stop getting distracted and help Jim!"

"Ah! Yes, ma'am!" Toby saluted with a blush, running to the kitchen and skidding behind the island as Jim held a sizeable circular pan over his head, the dish acting as a shield. At the same time, random objects were thrown at him.

"Where's the real Enrique, you filthy rugrat?" Jim shouted before diving behind the island counter as NotEnrique stood in the fridge, chucking food at him.

"As if I'd ever tell you!" NotEnrique spat, throwing harder objects that shattered on impact. As Liz takes refuge behind the counter with the boys, a cake platter falls beside Toby, the slice of cake landing on the floor perfectly.

"Ooh, cake!" Toby cooed as he picked up the slice. Jim peaked his head around the counter, his sword appearing through a cloud of blue smoke. He furrowed his eyebrows in concentration as NotEnrique threw a carton from the fridge. Quickly, Jim jumped out and sliced it with his blade, blue smoke emitting around him with scraps of carton paper.

"Don't make me use this." Jim threatened, hoping not to kill off his evidence.

"You can't touch me. I'm her baby brother. What do you suppose is gonna happen when they come home and see something's happened to their precious?" NotEnrique laughed. "I'm untouchable, baby."

Jim frowned at the statement, knowing he was right. Noticing a broom lying next to her, Liz had an idea, grabbing it and passing it to Toby, who nods and looks around the corner of the island, broom on hand.

"Jim, catch!" Toby yelled, tossing the broom to his friend, whose sword evaporated and was replaced by a normal household item with Jim smiling.

"Uh oh."Avoiding the broom, NotEnrique jumped on top of the fridge before hopping into the divide of the cupboards and kicking the fridge door into Jim's back. Jim let out a cry of pain before smacking the wall cupboard door where NotEnrique stood last. The changeling pulled himself into the cupboard with a laugh.

Quickly, Liz reached for the handle and pulled the small door open, only to find nothing except for cans and glass containers. Trying another cupboard, she opened it, finding her target buried under some more tin cans, growling. She yelped as the cans fell, feeling her arm getting grabbed and pulled backward onto the floor as Jim steps in front of her in time, protecting her head with his arms as his back gets hit by the falling objects and NotEnrique escapes.

Luckily, Toby had been prepared with a large pot and caught the changeling under its steel trap. Unfortunately, his joyous occasion was short-lived when NotEnrique's fist created large dents from the inside.

Toby let out a scream as the pot bounced around the kitchen, carrying Toby with it. As it bounced, Liz and Jim climbed out of the way, and the pot led Toby from the kitchen and right into Enrique's bouncing swing in the living room. The swing acted like a slingshot, sending the two back with screams, passing Liz and Jim, who watched with shock as Toby and NotEnrique crashed into the wall.

Suddenly, a ringtone sounded from Jim's armor. Turning his head, Jim felt the back of his armor, searching for his phone as Toby and Enrique fought in the background.

"That must be Claire. Good thing I taught you where to store your phone." Liz winked. Jim grinned, finding his phone and answering it. "Oh, hey, Claire! How's the concert?"

"Jim, my parents just called. They're coming back early. I'm leaving now." Jim listened to her panicked voice before his eyes grew wide in realization. Noticing his reaction, Liz steps up to him. "What's wrong, Jim?"

"The Nunez, they're on their way home," Jim said, letting his armor disintegrate back into his amulet with his mouth agape. Suddenly, a blast of loud music sounded, catching them by surprise. The two champions turned to see NotEnrique by the stereo.

"Who's there? What's that music?" Claire asked.

"Tell her how you were elbow-deep in me dookie-bin," NotEnrique said, turning up the music even louder and dancing.

"Are you...having a party?" Claire asked accusingly, sending Jim into panic mode as he dodged the random items thrown at him. "No! No, no party! Gotta go!"

He hung up the phone as Liz summoned a shield to protect herself and Jim from the projectiles. Toby comes up behind them, back in the action as NotEnrique continues throwing anything and everything he can get his hands on, random objects lying everywhere as though a tornado had torn through the kitchen.

Suddenly, a loud knock sounded from the back kitchen door, followed by the door falling and landing between Jim and Toby, who gasped in surprise. Outside the doorway stood AAARRRGGHH, his hand frozen in a knocking motion.

"Stupid, smelly trolls!" NotEnrique sneered from the island countertop, dropping the cans and backing up.

"Their door!" Jim groaned and pressed his hand to his forehead as Liz shook her head, fingers pinching between her furrowed eyebrows. "What did you guys do to their door?"

With a laugh, Blinky popped into view from the outside. "We... Uh, we're here to... help."

He picked up the door as Jim pouted.

"Well, I don't remember inviting these two to dinner!" NotEnrique spoke, causing them to all look as he hopped from the fridge to the freezer, where he grabbed a box and stood atop the refrigerator. "First course, frozen peas!"

"Don't make me climb up there, foul beast!" Blinky threatened. Toby had taken a chicken leg from the floor and bit into the meat before throwing it at NotEnrique, who ate it in one gulp.

"Whoa!" The changeling grunted before jumping from his taller pedestal to the ceiling lamp and loading his mouth with peas. Then he launched them like a machine gun at Blinky, who covered his eyes as he stumbled around. "My eyes, my eyes! Green balls of madness! They hurt very badly!"

All of them took cover. NotEnrique laughed before loading more into his mouth and shooting more.

"AAARRRGGHH, it's just like our video game. You with me, buddy?" Toby mentioned. AAARRRGHH came out from beneath the small plate that did no justice to protect the giant troll from the peas. He smiled, however. "Sushi."

"Yeah!" Toby smiled, giving his troll friend a high-five.

"Draw fire?" AAARRRGGHH suggested. Balling his fists, Toby stands up with a proud smile. "No, it's my turn."

He ran as NotEnrique continuously blasted him with peas and fell over. "Oh, it's hailing peas, and I hate peas! Oh, ooh, ow!"

On top of the ceiling lamp, NotEnrique continued with the peas, aiming them at Toby. Suddenly, a large fist belonging to AAARRRGGHH slammed the changeling into the ceiling. His fist retracted, causing the smaller creature to wheeze out as he fell off the lamp, his arms and legs stiff as he fell onto AAARRRGGHH's plate. Toby laughed with cheer as he joined his larger friend's side. "Way to go, wingman!"

"Boom, boom!" AAARRRGGHH added when they fist-bumped.

"Way to go, you two!" Liz smiled, clapping as she and Jim stepped up to them. Jim's expression turned serious.

"All right, enough! Where's the bridge?" He asked NotEnrique, who recovered and sat up on the plate with a grin.

"What bridge? London Bridge? I hear it's falling down," NotEnrique teased until AAARRRGGHH's hand crushed him. "Ow! Fleshbags... no sense of humor."

"We are not asking again. Where is the bridge?" Liz questioned this time. AAARRRGGHH continued to crush him, causing the small troll to groan. "Give me a break! I don't know anything. - It's me first day."

"Squeeze him till he pops!" Blinky said, stepping beside the two champions. The giant troll followed the order and pressed down further. The smaller troll's eyes bulged before he pushed the hand off him. "Okay, okay, okay! Can't blame a guy for looking out for himself. But you can't tell anyone I told you. I got a pretty sweet deal going here. If the bossman hears I squealed, he'll feed me to Bular."

"Bular's working with someone else?" Blinky questioned in concern.

"Who? Who is Bular working with?" Jim asked.

"Oh, er..." NotEnrique glances at all of them until his gaze stops on Liz, who subtly shakes her head, her turquoise eyes flickering with glistening silver. He clears his throat, looking away. "Forget I said anything."

Suddenly, a car pulling into the driveway drew everyone's eyes to the front of the house, where headlights appeared on the wall.

"Oh, no, someone's home!" Jim exclaimed, panic setting in once again.

"I suggest we make our egress," Blinky added, but AAARRRGGHH questioned the new word. "Egress?"

"It means to exit." Blinky grabbed the changeling, but Jim grabbed him by the smaller troll's legs, causing NotEnrique to yelp. "Whoa! I'm supposed to be babysitting it!"

Blinky pulled on NotEnrique's arm. "And I need the proof for Vendel!"

"And I need not be split in two." NotEnrique swats at them to let go.

"Enough! Jim's right. We were supposed to be babysitting. We'll bring the changeling to Vendel at another time." Liz said as Blinky reluctantly let go.

The front door unlocked.

"Okay, you have to go now," Liz muttered as NotEnrique continued to push out of Jim's grip, but the boy had a tight hold on him despite getting punched and kicked in the face.

"With haste," Blinky added. They left, AAARRRGGHH had trouble putting on the door, but they went in time. NotEnrique continued to struggle, but they froze as a voice spoke out. "Claire, we're home!"

It was Claire's father.

Not wasting another second, Liz waved her hand, muttering foreign words under her breath as cyan-colored mist swirled across the kitchen, replacing everything back to their original state before her armor dissipated. Meanwhile, Jim watched with his mouth agape in complete shock. Since when can Liz do magic?!

Hearing approaching footsteps. Jim pressed on NotEnrique, who transformed into his human form as Claire's parents walked into the kitchen. The parents gasped at seeing a random boy holding their child with Liz standing near him with a charming smile.

"Oh! Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Nunez."

"Liz? We didn't expect you to be here. Who is that, and where's Claire?" Mrs. Nunez asked, perking her eyebrow with suspicion. Before Liz could reply, Jim spoke up, chuckling nervously. "I'm Jim, the babysitter."

"In-training, he means." Liz corrected, remaining calm through the situation. "He goes to our school and wants to learn how to babysit, just in case he needs to earn some money on the side after school. As for Claire, she —"

Claire runs into the kitchen in panic before letting out the word, "Fudgeknuckle!"

Claire glances between her friends and her parents.

"Ah, Claire! We were explaining how you invited us over to teach Jim how to babysit. Did you find what you were looking for?" Liz nonchalantly asked as though Claire was with them the entire time. Mr. and Mrs. Nunez turned to their daughter for an answer.

"Uhh...yeah!" Claire smiled, understanding what Liz was trying to do. "I dropped my phone outside from upstairs while playing with Enrique and them in the nursery. Good thing it happened after you guys called."

Claire pulls out her phone from her skirt pocket, waving it. "Here, it is. Luckily, it didn't break."

"I'm glad." Liz smiled, nudging Jim to say something. "Ah, yeah! Good thing. You had us worried there."

Liz turned to NotEnrique, ruffling his hair, turquoise eyes gleaming in its original color as she grinned down at the baby, who cooed innocently in response.

"Well, it seems our playtime is over. Good game, Enrique. Hope to play with you again soon."

[End of Episode VIII - Adventures of Trollsitting]

Hello there!

I hope you enjoyed the last part of Episode 8! If you are interested in reading more, click the links below!

This fanfiction story will be posted on Wattpad, Archive of Our Own, and Tumblr. However, Wattpad will serve as the original site for this story, so the latest updates will be there.

While reading, feel free to leave a comment [keep it negative-free, would you? thanks :)] or critique. I appreciate the feedback. And along the way, if you like the journey so far, leave a star, a kudos, or/and heart to vote! If you have any questions, feel free to ask as well and I’ll do my best to answer without giving any spoilers ;)

Again, thank you for taking the time to read this and I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it.

Happy reading!

- Miss_Nightingale

Masterlist | Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

[beebabycastiel]

for fic mashup: 6 x 73

Anon. My love. This is THE best kush!

- Ian works the late shift at some used book store. Mickey is looking for a gift for Mandy for Christmas. Some witchy shit because she’s gotten into spooky-goth babe stuff and he’s supportive.

- Mickey walks in a la “YOU GOT ANY SLIM JIMS IN THIS SHITHOLE” Only its “YOU GOT ANY TAROT GUIDE BOOKS IN THIS SHITHOLE?”

- Ian of course is like: “In theory.” Because any good used bookstore for sure have an occult/spiritual sections but good luck having that section one, defined and two, encompassing. But he’s bored. The shop’s empty and this short dude is thick and cute in his clearly hand knitted scarf so he walks him over.

- Mickey is understandable overwhelmed because one, holy shit they have a lot of books and two, it’s always been a personal headcanon of mine that Mickey’s dyslexic so all that small print flipped sideways? Just stab him and get it over with.

- Ian is Looking Respectfully at Mickey as he glares at the spines of all these cracked, peeling books and he can tell that he’s struggling but he’s like “nah man. I’m just gonna go close out the til” and so after the requisite “let me know if I can help you find anything” he goes to count the til.

- He notices the snow is REALLY coming down, but it’s the Midwest. The weather is damn near unpredictable, so he doesn’t really pay attention.

- Mickey is still lost, but after a while he says fuck it, grabs four books at random and heads towards the gangly looking fucker running the store apparently. He’s cute. Mickey thinks so. But he’s gotta get home before the trains shut down because of the snow. So he can’t do the patterned Milkovich “wanna bang???”

- Ian has long since closed out everything except the cutie in the store’s purchases, so now he’s just trying to figure out if his gaydar can be trusted around such a cute guy AND what’s the best way to hit on customer when Mickey comes up.

- It’s snowing. Oh god is it snowing. It’s piling up and the streets are slowing draining of cars and people and any other movement except for snow.

- Ian is just printing a receipt, trying to figure out the best way to say “hey. Wanna get coffee or just like fuck and then get food afterwards?” When the power goes out.

- Minor panic ensues. Mickey is pissed because if the powers out in this place then the trains have already shut down due to the weather. Ian is like “oh fuck. I’m the employee here I’m the responsible party shit.” But he’s still trying to shoot his shot (and figure out if his gaydar is working correctly or his dick is working against him) so he goes, “man. I hope this isn’t keeping you from your girl.”

- Mickey, of course, knows what the cute doofus is doing, but he’s still upset about the trains so he says: “the only thing keeping me here is the goddamn snow. Your fishing is fucking tragic by the way!”

- Ian is suitable Dunked. But that wasn’t a “no homo” so he tries again. They end up talking while Ian calls the power company to see when the fuck the powers gonna be on. And then his boss to see what he’s supposed to do. The more they talk the more they realize they sorta-kinda like each other.

- They spend the rest of the time Stuck talking and joking. Ian asks about the books and Mickey talks about his family (a very abridged version) Ian talks about his (a Deluxe version). They talk about their jobs and their hobbies. All sitting kinda sorta close on the couch in the break room because it’s getting colder and colder the longer the powers out.

- The power comes on a few hours later. Mickey and Ian are at the point essentially cuddling under both their coats and when the lights kick on it startled Mickey so much he falls off the couch. Ian laughs at him.

- The trains are still down and it’s freezing cold so Ian oh so casually mentions that he lives a few blocks away. If Mickey wanted to come over. And eat some freezer pizzas with him. And maybe watch some movies. And MAYBE sleep there if the trains are still down. Y’know.

- Mickey tells him again that his fishing is TRAGIC, but he’s a cheap date. So they go to Ian’s apartment. And Ian promises to be a better date next time ❤️🌨📚

[rmg91]

Zoe Week; Day 5-ROTT

So I know we got given a free day considered ROTT was...what it was but I decided to still go with the prompt and it turned into more of a small rewrite than just a ‘Let’s slip Zoe into this scene’. Zoe is everyone’s braincell and we know it.

Also I tried writing a fight scene....I donno how well it turned out lol

AO3

~*~*~*~*~*~

“He WHAT?!”

Zoe stared at the assembled guardians, the kids, that had gone up against the demigods bent on restarting the world with that crazy plan to strip them of their powers, only for it to fail. Yes, they were alive. Yes, they had Nari, in spirit, but the Arcane Order had her body, had Douxie, and that was not okay for her! That stupid, self-sacrificing idiot! Of course he'd do something like that! But all it would do would buy them time and just what was going to happen when those power hungry beings found out?! It wasn't going to be good, that was for sure and now Zoe had to hatch a plan to try and save her idiot before something bad happened.

Ignoring the overlapping explanations and assurances they'd come up with a plan, Zoe marched her way out of the ex-throne room and down to what was becoming her studio. Shuffling around the various tomes and grimoires, she searched for the one she was certain had the spell she needed to find him, growling to herself when she couldn't. This is what she got for not sorting through all these yet. Finally, just when she'd been about to say 'fuck it' and do it without the book, she dug up the dusty purple codex of scrying and grinned in victory. Oh, she was finding that idiot of hers and then she was going to give him a piece of her mind once he was safe.

Coming back upstairs, the pinked haired witch flipped through the book, looking for the magic circle that would allow her to find Douxie. Ignoring everyone's voices, she quickly read through the directions, reminding herself how it worked and set to etching runes in the air with her wand. The symbols of power fell to the floor in sparking pink power, forming the necessary element for her spell. “Nari.” She called, “I'm gonna need Archie for a moment.”

The little nature spirit, inhabiting her partners body, let his familiar go from her hold as she finished the magic circle, sending the tomb to rest on the floor outside it. Sitting in the center, Archie crawled into her lap in dragon form, already having a feeling on what she was going to try to do. Normally she could sense Douxie's power, they'd known each other for so after all it was easy, but between distance and most likely being blocked, she couldn't without help. It would be easier if their magic was bonded, tied together for the rest of eternity and the ultimate sign of trust and love between magic users but...they weren't. Not for lack of wanting to but their lives had been pretty hectic and dangerous and bonding their magic came with lots of consequences as well as benefits. If one of them died...it would be the worse kind of hell on the other. And as much as they loved each other they hadn't wanted to have the other suffer so. But maybe, after all this, they'd change that.

“Uh..what are you gonna do?” Toby asked, standing near as he watched the pulsing pink runes.

“I'm going to track Douxie using the bond between him and Archie.” She explained, holding the dragon-cat gently, one hand scratching between his ears, “It should, in theory, help me find where the Order is holding him.” Then they would retrieve him and she was going to kick his ass for putting himself in danger, again.

Everyone took that as the queue to be quiet, to let her work, and Zoe breathed in deeply, letting her magic seep out and take shape. The circle glowed as she let herself fall into a trance, focusing on Archie, who was relaxed in her lap, his own magic open to letting hers in. She found the bond, a shining string of magic that was warm, comforting, powerful, reaching out beyond their little space in search of their missing wizard. She followed it as it swirled, twisting and turning through the space between, searching, searching, searching until-There! It sung brightly, tightening like a perfectly tuned guitar string and humming with life and she knew in that moment just where to find him.

Opening her eyes, a pink glow encompassing them, she grinned sharply. The Order didn't know what was coming to them.

~*~*~*~

The group entered the abandoned train tunnel, sans one Trollhunter, looking for any sign of the Order or Douxie. Zoe knew she had been harsh when she told Jim he needed to stay behind but she was not going to take back what she said. He was injured and therefore a liability and she wasn't going to let him kill himself or any of his friends if things were to go pear shaped. But hopefully they wouldn't and they'd be able to rescue Douxie with minimal trouble.

Her blue eyes roamed over the various crates and scaffolding, sensing him near but unable to see him. But she just knew he was here. Even as the group spread out and looked around old, crumbling crates and rusty metal drums, confused as to why they couldn't find anyone, Zoe was reaching out with her magic, searching for her wayward husband. Frowning down at the tracks, something just wasn't sitting right with her, she tried her best to see and think like Douxie would. There had to be something here she was missing...

She blinked, a thought coming suddenly and could it really be that easy?

Trotting up a staircase to get higher ground, she looked down at the tracks, shaking her head lightly because for some eon's old beings, Skrael and Bellroc really couldn't be original? “Their hiding in plain sight!” She shouted to assembled guardians, flicking her wand out and rearranging the train tracks, “They've made a giant sigil with the tracks!” The tracks moved, soon lighting up and dispelling the room around them, revealing a much darker room and three beings in the center.

She wasn't sure if they were aware they weren't alone anymore but it looked as if the demigods of ice and fire were taunting who they thought were Nari. She, or rather Douxie, was hovering in the air, held aloft by his hands in glowing magic and maybe, possibly keeping quiet as to continuing fooling the gods. But then, as they were staring confusedly as the Genius Seals, wondering why they weren't opening, he opened his big fat mouth.

“Abracadabra, Buttsnacks.”

Zoe groaned, because why had he said that?! But before the Order could do more than threaten him, she raised her wand high and cried, “Hey! Hands off!” She then sent a bolt of pink lighting down, just barely hitting Skreal, and then it was on!

Everyone jumped into action, firing and fighting the two remaining members of the Order. Zoe jumped down, joining the fray, firing spells and shields as she made way to Nari's body. She was put to a stop though as the icy wizard floated in front of her, brandishing his staff. Oh, if he wanted a fight, he was getting a fight. Ignoring Douxie's strained call of her name, the hedge-witch ducked a swing of the staff, dodging to the right and not giving in to Skreal's taunting. Hedge-witch or not, didn't mean she wasn't powerful and she wasn't about to let these bastards win.

Zoe fired spell after spell, wildly missing the floating god as he chuckled darkly at her. But that was okay, all part of the plan because when he least expect it she smirked and performed a round-house kick, planting her foot below his belt with a cry of “Rule Number Three!!”

As Skrael crumpled, she turned back to Douxie in Nari's body, running closer and hoping she could break the spell keeping him in the air. Fire had started to burn everywhere, the old wood catching easily to the spells Bellroc fired off but she ignored all that as she examined the magic around Douxie's wrists. She shushed him as he tried to talk to her, needing to concentrate on what she was doing, hopefully she wouldn't need Claire's help. Then a dark chuckle came from behind her.

“You won't break him free.” She turned to glare at Bellroc, their ever fluctuating voice grating on her nerves, “That magic is too powerful for even a full fledged wizard, let alone a little hedge-witch.” She growled as they laughed at her. And maybe she wouldn't be able to break it herself but if she could break this beings concentration... A wicked grin came to her face, feral as she remembered the chaos she'd wrecked at Killahead, and she began drawing runes behind her back.

“You're right...Guess I'll just have to make you break it.”

And with a flash of pink, twenty more Zoe's surrounded the demigod.

Crying out, Bellroc began to blast away her clones, easily poofing them from existence, which was fine as it was only meant as a distraction. The real Zoe dodged behind him, thankful for the rest of the crew keeping Skrael busy as she charged her magic. She'd only have one shot at this and she hoped it worked. It had been a while since she last did this. Bringing her now brightly flashing hands together, she drew them apart, a glowing, sparking, pink arrow held between them.

“Foolish girl! This won't defeat me!!” Bellroc cried with rage, dispelling the last of her clones.

“It's not meant to!” She yelled back before firing the arrow, sending a million volts through the wizard and causing them to spasm. And it was enough, for the spell holding Douxie up sputtered and died, dropping him to the floor. Zoe dived for his staggering form as Bellroc cried out again, pushing him out of the way of a blast of fire. Of course now she needed a plan to get them out of there...

Just as the fire god was approaching, already up from her attack and ready to end her life, a black portal formed beneath her and Douxie and they dropped away.

~*~*~*~

Zoe groaned as she was dropped onto the floor of Camelot, rolling onto her back. That had been...something. She really needed to practice that attack again, it took far too much out of her but at least now Douxie was safe. And Nari. She heard the rest of the guardians tumble in, shouts from their assembled allies rising and still she laid there, catching her breath.

“Zoe! Zoe, are you alright?!” She looked up at Douxie's voice, finding Nari's face above her looking at her with concern and they were needed to change back because this was just getting too weird. She watched him sag with relief, most likely due to her opening her eyes and he sighed, “You were nuclear, Love.”

“You better switch back before you kiss me, Casperan.” Was her only response.

Chuckling breathlessly, he nodded and she watched him hold out his hand for Nari to take, the goddess now crouching on her other side. A flash of magic and she was then being pulled into Douxie's lap, the wizard now back in his body. She let him nuzzle his face into her neck, still recovering from the adrenaline and almost overuse of her magic as they sat there, friends and allies all around.

“Thank you, Zoe.” Nari said softly, sitting primly in front of her, “You risked so much.”

“It's fine, Nari,” Zoe said, smiling at the forest child, “There was no way I was letting them keep your body and Douxie's mind.” Let alone risk the possibility of them forcing the two back into their proper bodies. Then they really would have been in trouble.

“So what do you do now?” She heard Claire ask because now they were back at square one. Keep Nari out of the grasp.

“I donno,” Zoe sighed, “But the important thing is the Order doesn't have Nari anymore.”

“That's not all they don't have..” The nature goddess smirked shyly before holding up the Genius Seals.

Zoe's eyes widen as cries went up around her, Douxie laughing in surprise, before she grinned wide and shark like. Oh, things were about to get interesting.

~*~*~*~*~*~

How the rest of the movie would play out from here I have no idea but there’s some choice Zouxie protecting each other/Nari/Archie so...there’s that. I hope you all enjoyed!

[andcontemplation]

You’re so cute and amazing! What do you think happened between Hopper, Joyce and Lonnie when they were young? Do you think that Joyce didn’t love Hop romantically in high-school? Or they were in love, but something went wrong(like what?)? Why she fell for Lonnie?

Aw, Anon, now I’m blushing! Thank *you* for being so sweet and kind!

This question… is my whole world. Seriously, not exaggerating. I think about this a lot since it’s the plot for the fic series I’m (slowly) writing. 

Spoilers for the first half of Time in a Bottle below... (specifically Stand By Me and an updated version of Paint it Black which will be published soon) 

So, disclaimer -- my head canon is that Joyce and Hopper are a bit younger in the show than the actors are in real life. I like to think that they graduated HS in 1965 just because it seems to fit in well with actual real-world events and the kid’s birthdates, etc.

I’ll try to keep this history brief, and in point form so I don’t get carried away here lol 

Hopper and Joyce grew up across the street from each other and were best friends from the time they could walk. Their dads were military buddies, until Joyce’s dad died in the Pacific Theater when she was just a baby. Their mother’s remained very close over the years. Hopper’s dad didn’t approve of Joyce’s mom’s lifestyle and marrying again so soon after his friend died though, so there was always some hard feelings there as the kids grew up.

Lonnie was friends with Hopper first, in elementary and middle school. He picked on Joyce and pulled her pigtails, shoved her in the dirt, even though Hopper did it back to him in retaliation, Joyce’s protector.

When Lonnie started to take a real interest in Joyce in high school, that made Hopper jealous and started the rift between them.

Joyce always liked both guys, but in different ways and at different times.

Hopper was her best friend, and they did everything together. He was her first crush at eleven years old, before that was quickly squashed when he told her girls were gross, and also her fifth crush later on when they both started dating in their early teens. Hopper was dating all the pretty blondes though, so Joyce just figured she wasn’t his type and moved on from her little crush, no hard feelings.

Lonnie was the cool, older bad boy in Hawkins (he failed a grade) and Joyce wanted to date him primarily to piss her mom off, but also because he was different than all the other guys she knew. There was something brooding and aloof about him and what teenage girl wouldn’t fall for that stereotype? She didn’t have a crush on him until grade eleven.

Lonnie dates Joyce first, in their senior year of HS, but only because Hopper is too nervous to make a move. Hopper always saw Joyce as a BFF first and he didn’t want to throw a lifelong friendship away just because he had some feelings, if you know what I mean. Still, he finds himself looking at her in a new light now that he can’t have her.

Lonnie treats Joyce like crap though, and she realizes what a jerk he is and breaks it off… the week before Prom.

Hopper asks Joyce to go with him so she didn’t have to skip it or go alone. This stirs up that old crush in Joyce and she realizes her true feelings for her best friend.

They share a perfect kiss at Prom (some trauma too when Lonnie catches them!) and start dating soon after. 

Joyce and Hop spend the summer after highschool completely and utterly head over heels for each other, in a way only young lovers know 🥰 (”Summer lovin’ had me a blast...”)

Even though things are going well between them and he doesn’t want to break it off with Joyce, Hopper enlists for the army to fight in Vietnam, mostly due to pressure from his dad and his peers wanting to go get it over with since a draft was looking to be inevitable by the fall of 1965. Hopper doesn’t think he’ll get called up right away, but he does and has to leave.

Joyce is devastated, but she promises to wait for him and they write each other every week. And they do at first, and become very close; opening up about stuff that they couldn’t even admit to themselves in their love letters. Slowly, as he finishes bootcamp and then special training, he starts to write less and less as things become more and more stressful for him. He doesn’t want to worry her about the shit he’s seeing.

Eventually, he’s facing combat in Vietnam, when he tells he doesn’t think he’ll be able to write for a while. His letter mentions something about a girl named Hannah, who told him to give up, and he just sounds so unlike himself… Joyce isn’t even sure it’s him writing to her any more.

She’s worried about his change in demeanor and upset that he’s seeming ghosted her for another girl (not realizing he was talking about Hanoi Hannah — a propaganda radio host used by North Vietnam to demoralize the US troops.)

A few weeks later, right before Christmas 1966, the awful news comes that Hopper went MIA in the jungles of Vietnam and is presumed dead. Joyce is completely destroyed by this and mourns him.

Lonnie comes back into her life soon after. He sees Joyce is not her usual self and tries his best to make up for being a jerk to her in high school. He asks if they can give it a try again and says that she was the one that got away. He thinks he’s in love with her. She’s the only woman who can clean him up.

Joyce is hurting, her self esteem is nowhere to be found and it’s a bit flattering to hear all that, so she goes along with him, wanting to feel something other than the hurt she feels losing Hopper. She parties hard with Lonnie and his friends, and goes through a bit of a wild streak fighting off her own depression.

A month or so later, Joyce finds out she’s pregnant with Jonathan. Lonnie does the right thing and marries her right away and indeed, he does clean up for a while, in preparation for being a dad. They have a blissful honeymoon stage and are as in love as they can be (considering Joyce is still heartbroken about Hop and it’s Lonnie we’re talking about lol)

While Joyce is in her third trimester, the town of Hawkins gets a shocking bit of news. Jim Hopper is alive! He had been assumed dead when the army found his dog tag next to another man’s body who had stepped on a landmine. In reality, he had been taken as a POW and held for the last eight months by the North Vietnamese.

Joyce is relieved to hear Hopper is okay, but is sad that she has moved on without him. She comes to the conclusion that everything happens for a reason and tries to feel content with the path she’s chosen for herself.

Jonathan is born at the end of 1967 and Joyce falls in love with the new little man in her life.

Hopper is treated in a hospital in Saigon. He’s due to be honorably discharged and sent home if he wants, but when he finds out Joyce is starting a family with Lonnie, he volunteers to stay for another tour.  

When he comes back to the US in late 1968, he stays out in California for a bit, hanging out at Whisky-a-go-go, following the Doors around Los Angeles, sleeping with all the hippie chicks and generally just getting into trouble. 

In 1969, he meets Diane, his nurse at the VA where he’s being treated for his PTSD and they start dating. She wants to move back home to NYC and become a teacher. He plans to follow her...

Phew! That’s a lot...

Hopefully that answers your questions :) I have more history written down that spans 1970 through to 1983 but I will leave it there for now since this pretty much encompasses my head canon for high school/post-high school Jopper (and this post is long enough already lol.)  Thank you so much for the ask! It was fun to answer, and a big help to get it all out on paper in a linear timeline instead of my usual messy notes :)

[tempesrature]

50 Wordless Ways to Say “I Love You”

Pairing: Ride or Die | Logan x Ellie Summary: A highlight reel of the most important moments of their life. A/N: Highly suggest reading this in order (all even numbers for Logan).

@troublemakerinspace 

#12 Following family traditions that they enjoy

“Nochi? Uhh—can you repeat that one more time?”

Logan chuckles amusingly as he runs his fingers through Ellie’s hair while she lays her head on his lap on their couch. “Noche Buena, although I was with the family for two years so I only did it twice.”

Ellie frowns a little and drops her phone on her stomach as she reaches up to his arm to squeeze it reassuringly. “Were they nice?”

Logan pauses for a moment as he filters through his memories. It always hits him in the most mundane of times, like sitting on the couch just talking with her, when memories of the multitude of foster families he had been placed with hits him. Although Ellie already knows the majority of the stories, he always finds little things that seemed to have tucked its way to the corners of his mind that she manages to pull out. Majority were, unfortunately, not the best and he sometimes hesitates to share them with her because he doesn’t want to bring down the mood but luckily this memory is a good one and, although few and far between, he always loves to share those.

“They were. Not perfect but what family is, right?” He looks down at her pointedly and she sends him a brilliant smile. “It was a bit of a pain to stay up until midnight before Christmas though but you should’ve seen the food on the table El. Since my foster mom cooked everything herself, the smell in that house was amazing.”

Ellie observes the expression on his face with a smile. The way his eyes light up with a radiant smile when he’s lost in a good memory. She really loves that look. Which is why she always wants to give him new memories to get lost in. Perhaps, a sudden idea comes to her, she can even help him relive the old ones.

“Want to do it this year?” She sits up as she takes the phone off of her stomach, already googling. “Just the two of us—also spell it out for me please.”

Logan chuckles as he plucks the phone from her hands and types it in. “Aren’t you going back to your dads?”

“And leave you here alone? On our first Christmas together?” Ellie says in disbelief as she takes back her phone from him and reads the Wikipedia article that comes up first. “Top ten things a loving girlfriend shouldn’t do.”

Logan smiles sadly. They had never really talked about their plans for Christmas simply because Logan is already prepared to see her off to LA. It’s not like Christmas meant anything to him anyway, it’s just another day on the calendar. But he knows Ellie sees it differently than he does.

He places his hand on her knee and squeezes gently. “I mean it El, I know you love him and I don’t want to put a wedge between you two. He’s your family.”

Ellie looks up at her phone, a gentle smile on her face. “You’re my family too Logan,” She chuckles softly at the starry-eyed look on his face. “And besides, he’ll be working that day. If I’m going home, I’ll basically end up spending it alone so I told him I’m just gonna stay and spend it with you.”

“And…” He starts, eyeing her cautiously. Logan knows full well how Detective Wheeler feels about him dating and living together with his daughter. “He’s cool with that?”

“Yeah,” Ellie answers dismissively and Logan gives her that look. She sighs when she crumbles easily, too easily she notes bitterly. “Okay fine. He had some words but when has he never? Plus we’re both learning to set boundaries and this is one so he’ll just have to deal with it.”

Logan chuckles weakly, already feeling like he’s lost the argument. “At least give him a call first thing on Christmas morning, alright?”

“Fine,” She relents and looks at him suspiciously. “Sometimes I feel like you love him more than me.”

Definitely not.

Logan doesn’t think he’ll ever hold anything other than fear and apprehension towards Detective Wheeler. But Logan does it out of his all encompassing love for Ellie and sometimes that love means he has to put her feelings above his own.

“…This is a lot of things to cook,” Ellie comments with a sad sigh as she nervously scrolls through the ‘Top 30 dishes served during Noche Buena’ article. “With dishes I’ve never seen or heard of before!”

Logan smiles as he turns around and lays his head on her lap. Ellie quickly moves to accommodate him before she delves her fingers into his hair, her other hand still scrolling through the list.

“We don’t need to cook it Troublemaker,” He notes as he closes his eyes to focus on the feel of her fingers in his hair. “Jim’s wife is Filipino and she owns a Filipino restaurant, we can just order out.”

“Yes! Think we’ll get a discount if we ask nicely?”

“Maybe,” Logan replies with a small yawn, his mind already wandering to a future memory of them on the couch as they watch a movie, waiting for the clock to strike on midnight so they can start eating.

The type of memory he’d like more of in the years and years to come.

[citrinekay]

After Atlanta, Jim joins the Bureau. Holden and Jim get a lot closer. So close that Holden feels comfortable enough to confide things he's never told anyone else. Bill notices the close bond and feels out of sorts, wasn't HE Holden's partner? Bill jumps to the wrong conclusions. Things come to a head in a heated argument between Bill and Jim. Neither man sees Holden too consumed in their argument.

Who doesn’t love possessive, jealous Bill??? This was a fun, very clever prompt. Thanks for the ask! :)

When he and Nancy’s marriage started falling apart at the seams, Bill had spent a lot of time wishing for things to go back to the way they used to be. Before he was leaving every other day for road school - before he wanted to leave just to get away from the stifling silences. Before the difficulty of raising a child with special needs leveraged undue pressure on their relationship. Before she started drifting away from him, out of his reach. 

But everything changes in way one or another, and life is all about accepting those changes. He’s tried to teach himself that truth over and over. 

Over the next several months after Atlanta, Ted oversees the expansion of the unit. All too soon, Bill’s sequestered spot in the annex is overtaken by rookies and interns, a plethora of resources at their fingertips to aid in the fresh influx of investigations. 

Along with the new transcribers and equipment added to their arsenal is Jim Barney. Ted had been impressed with his role in the Atlanta case and the Hance and Piece interviews. A few pulled strings, and he’s a part of the team just like he should have been back when Gregg was hired. 

Bill should have been grateful for the extra help from someone who already has an idea what they’re doing. Ted’s plan to fast-track the study demands that they increase the speed of the interviews, and for that, they need team members who are willing and able. 

Instead, as he watches Holden and Jim’s professional relationship grow to one of mutual admiration and respect while he and Holden’s withers, he finds himself longing for the good old days again. Back when he and Holden were alive with the spark of this idea. Back when they were on the road together, alone, nothing but the radio and each other for company. Back when they talked to each other - not necessarily about matters of the heart, but about things that counted, and with unabashed honesty that was reserved for themselves and not anyone else. 

Maybe he’s just making the same goddamn mistakes over and over again. He thinks one night as he watches Jim and Holden leave together to get drinks after work. 

Part of him is screaming that he should confront Holden. He and Jim have gone on the last three interviews together. Was it so long ago that Bill was his partner? Was it so long ago that they spoke to each other outside of group discussion on interviews? He thinks about it long and hard every few days only to realize how childish it sounds. Holden can be friends with whoever he wants. 

Early one Monday morning, Bill enters the BSU to see Jim leaning against Holden’s desk. He nods when Bill approaches. 

“Morning, Bill.”

“Morning, Jim.”

Holden glances up from the dossier on his desk. “Hey, Bill. We’re all meeting in the conference room in fifteen.” 

“Okay.” Bill says. 

He knocks on Wendy’s door, and pokes his head in. “Good morning. Are we looking at the interviews out in San Quentin?” 

“Yes.” She says, looking up from her notebook. “Have you looked them over?”

“Some. I’ve had a busy weekend.” Bill says, “It was my weekend with Brian.” 

“Not a problem. I’m sure Holden and Jim are up to date.”

Bill clenches his jaw. “We’ve got a few days. I’ll get there.”

She gives him a terse nod, and a smile. 

Muttering a curse under his breath, Bill goes over into the annex to retrieve the dossiers from his desk. They have two interviews scheduled back to back in California, a trip worthy of dedicated research that he simply hadn’t found the time for this weekend. 

Once they’re assembled in the conference room, Wendy starts going over the details. 

Bill anxiously lights a cigarette while Jim and Holden offer their opinion on preliminary profiles of the two men. 

“I think Jim and I can handle this one.” Holden says, “Bill can hold down the fort here in Quantico for a few days. Right, Bill?”

Bill casts Holden a sharp glance through the cloud of smoke pouring from his mouth. The taste of nicotine sours in the back of his throat as their gazes connect, a silent tension elongating between them like an overstretched rubber band. 

Bill clears his throat, “I thought Jim had that consult for Galveston.” 

“I do.” Jim says, “I can handle both.”

“It’s okay. You shouldn’t have to when my desk is clear.” Bill says. 

Silence settles across the conference room for a moment, and Bill hears Wendy draw in a stiff breath. 

“Jim has done the research.” Holden says, finally. 

“So have I.”

“Bill, it’s okay, really.” Jim says, his tone placating in a way that makes Bill’s teeth grind. “We understand that you have a lot going on right now with Brian-”

“Don’t bring my kid into this.” Bill interrupts, heat flaring hot in his chest before he can stop it. “He has nothing to do with this.”

“All due respect, but I think it does.”

“All due respect?” Bill echoes, acid seething into every word. “Let’s keep this professional, Jim. We’re talking about work, not family. And I’ve done the fucking research.”

“Bill, I think-” Wendy begins, her tone rushed as tension swells into the conference room, sapping oxygen from the air. 

“Wendy, it’s okay.” Jim says, holding up a hand. “Bill, I’m sorry if I hit a nerve. I was simply trying to say that-”

“No, I get what you’re trying to say.” Bill says, tossing the folder onto the table, and rising from his chair. “And I’m not distracted or unfit for this job anymore because of what’s going on with Brian. I am still as committed to our work as when Holden and I founded this department.”

“Well, that’s somewhat juvenile, don’t you think?” Jim asks, his cool tone wavering as frustration seeps into his expression. “I have put a lot of effort into getting this position, Bill. More than you or Holden will ever have to experience.”

“Jesus Christ.” Bill says, “Now this is about race?”

“Bill.” Wendy says, sternly. “I think this discussion has gone far enough.”

“Far enough? How about too far?” Jim says, casting Bill a hurt glare. 

Bill glances away, feeling a pang of regret. 

“I think it’s best if this decision is made by an unbiased third party.” Wendy says, “Myself. And I think it would be best if Jim and Holden took this one.”

“You’re shitting me right?” Bill asks, swinging a glare in her direction, “Holden and I have been doing this shit since the very beginning. These are important interviews. You don’t think that I - a senior member of this department - should be a part of this level of classification?”

“Yes. And you can be part of the discussion.” Wendy says, “When Jim and Holden get back.”

Bill turns to cast Holden glance, to see if at least one person is on his side in this disagreement. But Holden is already getting up out of his chair, and marching out of the conference room. The door swings shut behind him, rattling the length of windows that encompass the room. 

Silence blankets the room as a suffocating layer of tension builds in his absence. 

“Great.” Bill says, getting up to follow him. “Then I guess it’s settled.” 

~

That evening, Bill lingers at his desk, smoking a cigarette and skimming through the San Quentin interview files. If he hadn’t digested them before, he’s gorged on them now, stubbornly trying to prove a point to himself if not everyone else. 

I’m not licking my wounds. He thinks, taking a hard drag of his cigarette. Just doing my job. 

The annex is vacant except for him as he gets up from his desk for another cup of coffee. As he pours out the last dregs the interns had left behind, the door creaks open, casting yellow light from the hall across the shadowed bullpen. 

Bill turns to see Holden slipping inside, his hands tucked in his pockets. 

“Hey, what’s up?” Bill asks, managing an amiable tone. 

“I wanted to talk to you.” Holden says, his voice carrying in a tentative whisper across the room. 

Bill draws in a deep breath. Ripping open a sugar packet, he asks, “About what?”

“You know.” Holden says, “Earlier, in the conference room.”

Bill tosses the empty packet in the trash, and focuses on stirring the sugar into the lukewarm cup of coffee. 

“So, you’re here to lecture me.”

“No.”

“Good.”

“I just think you should apologize to Jim.” Holden says, making his way past empty desks to join Bill by the coffee stand. 

Bill takes a sip of the coffee, wincing at the stale flavor. “That’s what you think, hm?”

“Yes.” Holden says, “This isn’t about him.”

Bill stares into the black depths of the coffee, trying to ignore the heat curling up his throat as Holden’s gaze lands heavily on his temple. 

Holden sighs, and turns to lean his hips against the table. “It’s about me.”

“You?” Bill scoffs. 

“I have to admit, I didn’t think you were the jealous type.”

“Jealous. Now you’ve really got it wrong.”

The words have no more left his mouth than Bill looks up to see Holden gazing at him calmly, eviscerating honesty resting in the deep blue of his eyes. He glances away, fighting back the frustration rising in his chest. 

“Bill, the truth is, Jim and I have gotten to be close friends these last few months because I didn’t think we were anymore - not after Atlanta.”

“What?” Bill whispers, his throat thickening. 

“Look at you-” Holden says, motioning around the bullpen, “You’re over here in the annex by yourself, and have been since we got back from Vacaville. You didn’t tell me a thing about Brian until I forced you to. You shut me out.”

Bill lets out a feeble laugh, and squeezes the bridge of his nose. “Fuck. Holden, I … I don’t know what to say. I never meant to- … for us to-”

“To not be friends anymore?” Holden whispers. 

Bill’s eyes creep open to see Holden staring at the floor, his arms folded defensively over his chest. 

“Is that what you think?” Bill asks. 

“I don’t know. It’s how I feel.” 

Bill swallows hard against the lump forming in the back of his throat. “That isn’t what I want.”

Holden lifts his chin to meet Bill’s gaze, his mouth twitching with a faint smile. “You want to get out of here? Get a drink?”

Bill lets out a relieved laugh. “Yeah, I do.”

Holden shoves away from the table, nodding eagerly towards the door. 

Discarding the cold coffee, Bill grabs his wallet and keys from his office, and follows Holden out of the annex. The hallway echoes with their footfalls as they walk in stride down toward the elevator. 

“I still think Jim and I should take San Quentin.” Holden says, softly. 

Bill feels the frustration in his chest melt away as they step onto the elevator. He casts Holden an affable smile. “That’s more than fair.”

[hurtcomfortetc]

A fill for Setting a Broken Bone featuring Jim Kirk and Nyota Uhura!

Uhura had volunteered for this mission, but the poor newly-recruited science officer had not. It felt unfair that the young man had been plucked onto his first ever away party into an Enterprise-grade shit show. 

Although, at the moment, Uhura wasn't even sure he'd made it down to the planet's surface. The moment that'd materialized, it was immediately apparent that they were in for trouble. 

“Where the hell is Ensign Roberts?” Kirk's voice came from somewhere close to her. 

To Uhura's eyes, she was on a flat, desolate landscape. It appeared to be made up mostly of packed brown dirt, oddly reminiscent of the quarries in Iowa where the Enterprise had docked when she'd met Kirk. The air was filled with glistening particles that looked like crystal dust particles. Uhura took in a cautious breath, expecting to choke on a breath of sand, but it felt smooth as butter. 

She spun around, searching frantically. There was not a single, solitary figure on the horizon. 

“Captain?” She said, trying desperately to keep her voice level. 

“I'm right here-” Kirk replied. After what must have been a subtle shift in position, he appeared beside her like a mirage. She grabbed his upper arm like a life preserver. He took a look at her expression and pulled up his communicator with stormy eyes. 

“Sorry, Captain, there was a glitch in the transporter and we delayed his arrival.” 

“Good,” Kirk cut in, curtly. “No one else is coming down here until we figure out what's happening.” 

“Sir, from our readings, you should be in the center of the civilization, as planned.” 

“I know where we were supposed to be, what I need to know now is where we actually are.”

“We're on it. But, Captain, we're also detecting a frequency from the planet's surface that seems to be contributing to the misfire in location. We can't beam you and Lieutenant Uhura back until it's resolved or we risk-” 

“Send Chekov to the transporter room. If he can't figure it out, then we're in trouble. Let me know once you have news. We're going to see if we can find anything on our end.”

“Understood.”

“Kirk out.” 

Kirk took a long, surveying look at the planet's surface.

“Reminds me of that summer I got sent to work in the salt mines,” he said, smiling wryly. 

“Is that some type of backwards Midwest expression for 'oh, shit'?” Uhura countered. She was only marginally steadied by his attempt to lighten the mood. There was something sinister about the desolate horizon, the 360 degree optical illusion of it, the silence. 

“Ladies pick the direction,” Kirk offered. Uhura rolled her eyes, and pointed straight ahead, towards the descending orange sun. He nodded. 

“Weird, that was exactly the direction I was thinking,” he said. He started walking forward, his steady steps portraying a nonchalance in the face of their surroundings that almost seemed natural. 

Nyota followed her captain, but couldn't help staring out into the mysterious swirling horizon, trying to make a semblance of visual sense out of it. 

They had just settled into a rhythm when Uhura heard a strangled yelp from Kirk, and then scraping sound followed by a low thud. She spun around, heart pounding. 

By all appearances, she was alone. 

“Captain!” She yelled. 

“Down here!” Kirk's voice came, sounding both further away than she expected, and very near. 

“Down where?” She called. 

“Right in front of you,” he replied, voice strained. Uhura took a step forward, peering around and wondering if this was all an elaborate hoax. 

“Wait, careful! You're right on the edge,” Kirk cautioned. Uhura inspected the surface in front of her carefully. It looked like a shiny, mineral covered pathway, not a cliff's edge in sight. Still, and possibly only because no one was there to witness it, Uhura lowered herself gingerly onto her butt and tentatively pushed herself forward, prodding the ground in front of herself with her feet. 

Sure enough, just as she was about to be overwhelmed by the ridiculousness of her position, her foot dropped out. Uhura took in a sharp breath of air, horrified to see her foot seemingly disappear in the swirling mineral ground. Her stomach swooped, but she crept further forward until the illusion dissipated, and she spotted her captain lying on the ground about eight feet below. He was gripping his arm near his elbow and his face was milk white. 

“There you are,” she breathed, still working to shake the ambient unease from the optical illusion. 

“No shit,” he grit out. Uhura set her face against a grimace, deciding to allow the slip-up in light of the clear pain Kirk was in. 

“How badly are you hurt?” She asked. Kirk looked dismally at his crooked arm, and then back up at her. 

“I'm fine-” 

Uhura shot him a warning look. 

“-just this arm is for sure broken,” Kirk continued, wisely. 

Uhura took out her comm. 

“McCoy here.”

“Doctor McCoy, Captain Kirk just fell about eight feet off of a ledge. Other than a broken arm, he seems fine, but I don't know what to do.” 

There was a heavy pause during which Uhura was sure she could hear McCoy pull his most lethal “disappointed but not surprised” face.  

“Dammit, Jim. Are you with him?” 

“Yes.” 

“Dammit, Jim!” McCoy repeated. “Are you physically incapable of not -” 

“Thanks for the concern, Bones. Can we skip the lecture and get some actual medical advice?” 

“What type of fracture is it?” 

Uhura peered down at Kirk's mangled limb, but couldn't manage to make decipher anything about it other than “gross.”

“I'm not a doctor, Bones.” 

“Come on, Jim. You're practically an expert at broken bones.”

Kirk rolled his eyes. 

“Fine. It's closed, probably displaced.” 

McCoy sighed heavily on the other end of the line. 

“Uhura, how much do you remember from your field medicine training?”

“Enough,” she replied, without hesitation. It wasn't exactly true, but Uhura figured she would be better than nothing in a pinch. God, she'd hated medical training...

“Good, you're going to have to set and stabilize it. You two need to be mobile on that godforsaken rock.”

Kirk's face managed to lose even more color, which Uhura hadn't thought was possible. 

“Ugh.”

“I heard that. Sack up, Jim. This is what you get for being more danger prone than a fucking medieval princess. Now hang tight, I'm filling Spock in on the situation. McCoy out.” 

For what it was worth, McCoy's ribbing seemed to restore some of the vitality to Kirk. He now looked more delicately pissed off than immediately corpse-like. 

“Sorry about this, Lieutenant,” Kirk said. Uhura felt a flare of anxiety. She much preferred her Captain unrepentant, demanding. 

“No need,” she stated. 

There was a moment of heavy silence. 

“So, you and Spock.” Kirk said, plainly. 

Uhura started, and then briefly wondered if he'd hit his head, after all. 

“What?”  Her sharp tone made Kirk shift nervously, then attempt to stifle a wince when he jarred his broken arm. 

He cleared his throat uncomfortably, but forged on. 

“Look, we have some free time here, and I would love a distraction.”

“It would be unprofessional to discuss my personal, romantic life -” 

“Actually, this is a professional question.”

“What?” Uhura was just about to reach her maximum limit for surreal experiences for the day. 

“I'm actually supposed to write a report on interpersonal relationships between crew men. In the event of a possible need for intervention.”

Uhura felt like she'd been clubbed over the head. Of course James T. Kirk would find a regulation to follow in order to gossip. 

Kirk seemed to recognize her tacit assessment of his thought process. 

“Look, I've been putting it off for a while now, since you guys have seemed fine. But I need something to write, officially,” he explained, and at least had the courtesy to seem genuinely apologetic. 

Uhura might have told him to stick it where the sun don't shine, but the thin lines of pain around his eyes were a powerful incentive to speak. 

“We're both entirely capable of working together. It ended amicably.” 

“You're still friends.” He didn't phrase it as a question. 

Uhura actually thought about it. Friends didn't fully encompass how she felt, but it wasn't incorrect. Not exactly. 

“Yes.” 

Kirk didn't miss her hesitation, but he looked away, unable to conjure a follow up question that might not provoke her more. 

“We grew apart,” she found herself saying. At the same time, she realized that she hadn't really spoken to anyone about her relationship with Spock. Everyone on the Enterprise kept a careful distance from the topic, as he was her commanding officer. While no one had ever been rude or spoken against her, Uhura had convinced herself that she appreciated the privacy, the way that their feelings were so personal and covert. 

For the first time, she wanted desperately to talk about it. It felt like a physical urge, like hunger or exhaustion. 

“He was always bound by his duty, to his people and to the Enterprise. I wanted something else,” she said. Her skin was crawling with the bold honesty of the statement. She forced herself to look at Kirk, to regain some sense of casual calm. 

Kirk's lips quirked up from some private sense of irony. Then he caught her shooting him a questioning look. 

“Sorry, I just – I get it. Spock has an interesting set of priorities.” 

Uhura wondered whether Kirk was marveling at Spock's undying need to put his job before his chance at meaningful relationships, or if he was relating to it.

“Is that enough for your report?” Uhura asked, wryly. 

“I can paraphrase if I need to.” Kirk matched her tone. 

Uhura opened her mouth to attempt to say something meaningful when her communicator signaled her. 

“McCoy here. You guys ready for this?”

[thankyougotham]

Here’s an article that Film Daily wrote about Nygmobblepot. If you’d like to see them write articles about other relationships, you can contact them on Twitter and make a request. They’ve been very supportive of Gotham in general, so follow them if you’re on Twitter.

“Gotham is an innovative show based on DC Comics characters and produced by Warner Bros.  The Batman origin narrative helped us rapt viewers understand how our favorite heroes (Batman) and villains (The Joker, Penguin) came to be. It also cast a light on just how Gotham City became the wretched crime-filled cesspool we all know & love.

As the fandom knows, we’re so behind the mission to Save Gothamthat it hurts, but today we’ve decided to take a break from all the activism and talk about love. Here’s why we and the Gotham fandom ship hard for Nygmobblepot, and why these fantastic felons are anyone’s perfect gateway into Gotham for people on the fence about the show.”

Sample Quotes from fans: 

Mr. Millicent Cordelia

Both Ed & Oswald were transformed by love. They made sacrifices for each other & always ended up back together. They deserve, and the fans deserve to see this relationship respected as a romance on a server that understands it’s the 21st century.

Merc

Honestly because they’re both idiots and they really deserve each other.

Zoe Tomorrow

They’re two individuals who’ve spent their lives mistreated and misunderstood. They are the only ones who accept one another wholeheartedly. Together they’ve learned about trust, sacrifice, forgiveness, and love. And no matter what they always find a way back to each other.

#PenguinSpinOff

Excellent chemistry between them, and a fun, fresh take on these old, iconic characters. They’re like peanut butter and jelly: fine on their own, but especially delightful together.

Rachel

For one, they “really are meant for each other”! They’ve been through so much and have hurt each other so many times but they’ve managed to overcome it. They have a strong bond, would do anything for each other, and somehow they always come back together!

𝕫𝕖𝕝𝕝𝕒

These two men grew up misunderstood and overlooked, and learned to use that to grow. they have risen together, and make an excellent team. they have both admitted to being stronger together, and their fates always become intertwined. they’re destined to be together.

Angela

While I’m not the biggest shipper of Nygmobblepot, I do care for their happiness and for the fans who do ship them. My ship is Batcat. They are best friends as kids & love each other deeply. They always want to protect each other. They are family.

LongLiveGotham #Gotham | #SaveGotham

Nygmobblepot has a long, complex history that reveals both the best and worst of these 2 characters. They have grown and learned much from the relationship. They deserve to be on a server that allows them the freedom to be a romantic couple.

Jenny i love my girlfriend

they are two men who have been abused and undermined their entire lives, but see each other as equals. they have certainly had their ups and down, but they always come back, better and stronger than ever. they understand each other more than anyone else ever has.

(not to mention how groundbreaking it would be to have two characters who have been historically heterosexual be in a romantic relationship)

Hale | 45 Days Till Neo

I’m down for anything with dear Oswald- his chaotic energy is a joy to watch, especially when it’s messing with other character such as Edward and Jim.

Scheming Minor

I am going to say something different in lieu of semantics. Technically in a sense when you get to the details they really are one of the few villain pairings portrayed in a “healthy” relationship in the Batman fandom. They progress, accept and move on; never stagnating. I included the healthy relationship chart to prove a point. Each one of those slices can be seen over the course of Riddler and Penguin’s relationship in Gotham– more so when we reach season 5. Their entire journey is about respect. Adding one more thing – Riddler has traditionally been coded as queer and flits with tentative bisexuality, meanwhile Penguin is known as a womanizer but has rare moments of ’what if’ regarding men. Gothamis one of the few Batman shows that follows through with M/M content.

kebu loves Oswald

They are both extreme individuals, but they fit together perfectly. Both are complex characters that went through life unaccepted by everyone which shaped their desire for more and their paths to becoming supervillains, so when they met it was the first time they found their equal and were accepted by someone. Their paths have been intertwined ever since, and whether they’re together or at odds, they’re always the most significant person in each other’s lives. But even though they ended up appearing together, we didn’t actually see them get “officially” together. Their story has yet to come to a close.

Riz || Professional Mr.Penn promoter

A very complex relationship that cannot be concluded in a spawn of a cut off season like it was. They have had a long journey and a perhaps even longer one before them. Their lowest and best have been shared together and they’re the one person who understand the other fully.

M/M relationships in media and tvshows especially is a rare breed. Even more is the concept of the big chance to make two comic characters and made an entirely new spin on them by being brave enough to make them queer, Oswald perhaps within the asexual spectrum at that. Ed as a tormented, abused soul who struggles with his own identiy and perhaps sexuality.

There is really so much to say, which is exactly why there need to be more to tell the rest of the story.

Vero

While Ed fights with the dichotomy within himself, he’s always felt the most whole when he’s been all-encompassed by Oswald’s world and care. Oswald found compassion and acceptance for all the parts that Ed thought were not loved. They are twin souls that deserve a longer story.There’s always been a complexity to both of them, and they understand the extremes that have made them into the people they are. There is no desire to change the other, only bring out the best in one another and a comfort shared that’s so important.

madi

I feel as though they have stories that extend beyond what Gothamwas able to show through their 5 seasons. Especially with the 5th season being half of its normal length. They mean so much to me, and so many others, and I would love to see even more of them (1/2)

(2/2) and to be able to see Gotham’s depiction of Ed’s backstory, an explanation for the whole Isabella fiasco (like how is she even possible) and a plot line where Ed saves Oswald. We haven’t had any of those since s2/early s3 and I need that in my life. I miss them so much.

Evan

Not only off the charts chemistry, but near similar backgrounds also. Both Ed & Oswald were abandoned by their parents, and had to fight the world their whole lives. Then brought them together and they’ve been unstoppable ever since.

Suzy Dakroub

Because they have the best character development and bond I’ve ever seen on a show! They both truly have no one but eachother. For villains where it’s rare to see compassion and love, these two have it for each other and it’s so wholesome and sweet.

Frothy

it’s the first LGBT representation in such a major franchise on TV! it was taken from us once, twice, but there won’t be a third. i will produce season 6 in my basement with tze and my best friend if i must

Warrior_Of_Loyalty

REPRESENTATION!!! Seriously, there’s nothing quite like it. Oswald and Edward deserve a wedding and a musical episode to go with it. Because, if Arthur’s teacher can get married on TV why not The Penguin and The Riddler!? Please!! Make it happen!

𝕻𝖊𝖓𝖌𝖚𝖎𝖓 𝖎𝖓 𝕷𝖔𝖛𝖊 ||

Because they are two characters who have been physically and emotionally abused most of their lives, and even after all of their hardships and turmoil, found love and trust and safety in one another

Azura Lynn Paulin

Because they never got to become a real couple on screen and they deserve to have that chance at happiness

MamaDev

Their chemistry, specifically between Robin Lord Taylor & Cory Michael Smith, is incredibly entertaining and heart warming to watch. It makes my whole day, of not, week better when I see them interacting on screen. FOX did not do them justice by keeping them in the closet.

Queen C

Because their story is FAR from over. Cory and Robin’s skills and chemistry shouldn’t be squandered. We had 5 years of their story buildup and got crapped on in the final episode, and I deserve my #BisexualRiddler!!!

Bandi [Gotham/Good Omens Spoilers] #SaveGotham

Nygmobblepot truly is such an interesting ship. As singular characters they are great, but together, they shine. They’re complex, damaged characters and take comfort in each other. Their journey is a long, painful one, but they deserve and compliment each other. It makes sense.

Anders

They are truly self confident with each other, anything becomes possible. They don’t need any cane.

They have each other.

Mae

they just have such strong chemistry and are so much better together than apart. their relationship constantly evolved throughout Gotham, becoming the main driving force for their individual developments too and… they were just made for each other okay

Tam Loves Kris @ Resting in Home

I see a lot of myself and my partner@MisterPenguinin the#Nygmobblepotship and I feel that their relationship is very well developed with lots of ups and downs and it’s fate that they are both meant for each other.

Kat Shade

With all of the characters that had amazing chemistry on Gotham, the main three had to be nygmobblepot, wayleska, and babitha. Nygmobblepot have been through so much together, and besides how revolutionary and amazing it would be for a show based on two previously heterosexual characters in a homosexual relationship, they simply work amazingly together.