#wow bailey loves his dad

[bitchinbarzal]

“what’s a nola?” — the barzal’s

the morning of thanksgiving was slow. It was the grandparents getting up with the babies so mat and mom could sleep in.

when they finally emerged from their room the littles yelled out to tell them what had happened in the last hour that they’d missed, Wyatt just babbled and played with the egg that was on her plate.

“Mama look nonna is baking cookies with us!” Ivy yelled and her mom circled the kitchen island to see them.

“Oh wow baby, good job” kissing her hair and wishing her mother in law a good morning.

At lunchtime Wyatt was asleep in her dad’s arms and the Barzal’s had landed themselves on the couch all cuddled up together watching the thanksgiving day parade.

“Mama?” Ryder asks and she says

“Yeah baby?”

“What are you thankful for?”

She pretends to contemplate for a minute before she says “Lots of things! I’m thankful for the devils, the islanders, nonna, auntie li, grandpa, uncle beau, I’m thankful for daddy, Ivy, Bailey, you, Wyatt and Nola I have so much to be thankful for baby”

Bailey scrunches his face up and turns to Mat before whispering really loudly “What’s a Nola?”

The room falls quiet and Ivy hits her little brother “Don’t say that”

Mat removes Ivy’s hand from Bailey and says “It’s ok Ivy, he’s just curious”

Then he turns to Bailey again “Nola was our first baby, she is your big sister, bigger than Ivy”

“Where is she?”

Mama sighs softly and pulls him closer “She’s in heaven baby, she’s up in heaven with all of ryry’s special pets and grandma.. we still love her though”

Bailey looks at Ryder and holds his hand “Nola looks after Mr Wriggly”

Mr Wriggly was Ryders pet worm that Bailey stood on by accident and Ryder was traumatised that his worm would be “alone in heaven”

The parents look at one another before they pull the littles closer and say “She’s looking out for all of us”

[grigori77]

Critical Role, Campaign 3 Episode 103

Shoot at Sam? Count me in. Even if it's just a NERF gun ... Sam: "Aaaaah! In my cancer!" Oh boy ... XD ... and Adhley got him RIGHT IN THE TIT just as she intended ... ah yes, Sam Riegel, living in fear ... LOL ... yup, Ashley's just lying in wait ... oh there we go ... Liam: "All right, let's graduate to D20s." Whoa, wait a minute ...

Marisha: "All our UK viewers are thinking 'fucking Americans'." Well ... YEAH ...

Yes! Always credit the artists ... thank you, Liam!

Yes, that's right ... we're in the home of the Shadowgast ... O.O

So could this FINALLY be it? Are we FINALLY gonna get rid of that egregious BITCH?!!!

Ooooooooh ... fancy ritual ... cool ...

Laudna's terrified ... of course she is. She SHOULD be ... if this goes wrong ... after last time I'm scared too ... and even if this DOES go right, there's no guarantee she WOULD definitely survive this ...

Wow ... way to stoke out morale, Essek ... but yeah, he does mean well, I guess ...

In theory, then ... if this DOES work then Delilah will, ESSENTIALLY, just become a magical battery ... oh yeah, I don't doubt that would be the most delightfully irksome punishment for that evil bitch ...

A natural vibe? Are you sure, Chet? "Dr Chet"? Oh, that might work better, yeah ...

Keep Braius' freaky hoof fingers away from this stuff ... XD ... essentially Braius instead just stands behind Dorian and encourages him to do everything right, while passive-aggressively judging him. Dorian: "So just like my dad, then."

Great ... time to roll to make sure we get this right ... NO PRESSURE, then ... O.O

TWENTY-FIVE DC? Are you KIDDING ME?!!!

Laudna: "You guys have already been through so much with me ..." Fearne: "Well why would we stop now?" Laudna: "Ooh ... my stomach hurts." Fearne: "Do you need to poo?"

Cheddars? Oh yeah, I like that ... way to accidentally belittle the ancient gnome ... XD

And now Chetney's getting naked ... of course he is ...

Fuck ... here we go, then ... oh boy ... aaaaaaahhh!!! O.O

A multi-stage ritual ... crap ... that's never a good thing ...

Laura: "I say GUIDANCE!!!" XD

Chetney: "Don't worry, you won't feel ... you're gonna feel a lot." Oof ...

No pain-killers? Really? Laudna: "I have dogs leap from my chest from time to time." Oh yeah ... that's right ... O.O

Oh yes, so she just does that RIGHT NOW ... and now her chest is gaping wide open ... okay, that'll probably help ... and now Laudna's just given herself afull-blown Y-incision ... yup ...

Hold her hand, Imogen ... HOLD THAT HAND ...

Did Chetney just SNEEZE inside her? O.O ... yeah, that's just an INSTANT staph infection ...

And so we begin ... oh boy ... and so we begin to hold our breath ...

A Blood Maladict? Hmmmm ...

Wow ... oh, yeah, that soul-cage in the chest idea ... that's kind of beautiful in a really horrifying kind of way ...

Great ... just what we need right now. Fuck off, Delilah. Don't you DARE interfere while we exorcise you, you monstrous demon bitch ...

That almost went SO FUCKING BAD ... O.O ... phew ...

Laura Bailey channeling Imogen getting SO FUCKING ANXIOUS right now ... this is SO TENSE ...

Do something, do something, help her guys ... Ashton burns a Rage ... oh, this is interesting ... fascinating new way to use his Dunamancy powers ... and clearly this is gonna cost him ... but OF COURSE he's gonna fight through all the same ... that's a pretty sweet move, Ash ...

Orym you sweet selfeless little cinnamon roll, I love you so much ... HEX THAT BITCH!!! YES!!!

Sweeeeeeeeeeeeet ... between them Ashton and Liam succeed SO BEAUTIFULLY in what they're doing right now ... THAT'S A CRIT!!! Damn fucking RIGHT it is ... O.O

Yeah ... in your face, Delilah! Yes! Take that!

Is that it? Is that done? Yes ... nice ... first part successful, then ... so what's next?

FUCK!!! Jumpscared by Matthew Mercer! Damn it!

Imogen's turn, then ... go, go, GO!!! Save you honey, girl! Yes!

The Ruined Sun Tree again? Aaaaaahhh ... not good! I hate that image just as much as before ...

Imogen: "There's only two ways for this to end." Delilah: "You can't have her!" Oh fuck off, you evil bitch ... EDUCATE HER, Imogen!

This may be Laura's most important roll of the entire campaign ... but YES!!! THAT'S RIGHT!!! Marisha does indeed have a say in this ... Laudna fights back, then ... PLEASE let this work ...

Void Puppet? OH NICE ... O.O

Nice ... the other poor souls murdered and hung on that tree are coming to her aid ... that is SO FUCKING COOL ... O.O

So here comes the roll ... make it count, Laura ... 21! Okay ... is that enough?

Oh my fucking gods ... EVERY SINGLE PERSON that died in Whitsetone because of Delilah is now coming to claim their vengeance ... this is JUST FUCKING INCREDIBLE ...

Holy shit ... this has GOT TO BE a success, right? This CLEARLY fucking worked ...

It worked ... IT WORKED ... holy fuck it ACTUALLY FUCKING WORKED!!! Yes! YEEEEEEEEEESSSSS!!!

Matt: "She's there, but ... she's YOURS." Holy fuck ... YES!!! It really did fucking work ... Delilah's nothing but a magical battery now ... that is pure fucking poetic justice and I love it so much ...

She conjures Pate ... and it no longer COSTS HER like it once felt like ... oh, yeah ... that's so cool ...

Oh yeah ... that's right, Pate doesn't know Braius ... DO NOT attack the bone rat, Braius ... oh shit ...

Fuck ... yup, that's right, INSTANT KILL on the bone rat ... great ... thanks for that, Braius ...

They're holding each other ... that's so sweet ... the Imodna's STRONG right now ... :3

Flashlighting the balls ... oh boy ... Matt: "A lot of us grew up before the Internet." LOL

Liam: "Bony Stark" OH SHIT!!! YES!!! XD

Insight check ... oh, this should be interesting ... NAT20?!!! Fuck, Marisha ... wow ... so Delilah's, like, GENUINELY restrained ... nice ...

Laudna: "She won't be ... she won't be watching us anymore." YES!!! And Imogen kisses her! Of course she does! My shipper heart is beating SO HARD right now! :3

Chetney is CARVING HIS INITIALS into her ankle ... "I sign all my best works!" Laudna: "You know, only you would I allow to do that." Awwwww ... that's so sweet in the most disturbing way possible ...

Laudna thanks Essek, as she should, and he's most magnanimous ... nice ...

Celebration time ... YES. Definitely.

Oh wow ... is Essek's inner party-planner coming out right now? Caleb's got him trained so well, clearly ... or maybe this is more Jester and Veth's doing ... XD

What ... invite the Nein? REALLY?!!! That would be so cool and WAY too much to hope for ...

Yes ... OF COURSE there will be LOTS of Lionett wine ... definitely ...

Liam (as Caleb): "Why would I buy it when I can get it for free?" XD ... indeed ...

A toast! Yes! "To new beginnings, and a bunch of losers winning" ... YEAH ... definitely ...

Ashton: "I think it's time for a round of What the Fuck Is Up With You?" Oh yes ... spill, Braius Doomseed ...

From the Platinum Dragon to Asmodeus, the Lord of Lies ... so Braius is, like, the Exandrian equivalent of turning from Catholic to Satanist, then ... cute ...

Wow ... Jester Lavorre was LITERALLY responsible for Braius' fall from grace ... oh boy ... EXCOMMUNICATED? Proper? Fascinating ... Laura's scrambling so hard to dig her little blue Tiefling out from this deepening pit ... XD

That freakish fucking stein thing ... Sam, that thing is UNNERVING ...

OF COURSE Chetney fell asleep during the movie ... XD

Yeah ... might be a good idea to keep an eye on the minotaur moivng forward, then ...

Yes, that is correct ... Orym has a somewhat complicated but still very profitable relationship with the Wildmother ... and she DID just come through in clutch, clearly ... might be Laudna's got a god on her side right now ...

"To my favourite war criminal." Signed: Beauregard Lionett. XD

"Blue beauty"? XD ... Braius is flirting with Dorian, now ...

The talk is turning HEAVY, clearly ...

Sam: "Taylor Swfit?" Taliesin: "How DARE YOU?!!!" Matt: "Do not call that following down on us!"

Oh shit ... the pipe ... CAREFUL there ... O.O

Spin the Bottle with a D10 ... this should be interesting ... who's gonne risk frying their mind?

Braius? Oh, this should be interesting ... and it's fate, really ... wo what does HE think is the most heroic thing he's ever done?

He killed "Stanley"? Whos was Stanley?

A "Laudna bong"? Your mind goes to some weird places, Riegel ... we really havew missed you ...

So ... Stanley was his friend, but then betrayed him? A secret follower of the Dawnfather? Hmmmm ... oh dear gods ... the mug is the flayed skin and bones of Stanley ... wow ... this is all kinds of fucking wrong, Riegel ...

OF COURSE Laudna finds a potential future partner in arts & crafts in Braius because of this ...

Ashton has disadvantage on EVERYTHING ... Travis: "A double-handed abandonment of the roll!" Taliesin: "Why do I bother?" XD

Wow ... they really are picking his story apart a whole lot ... as the minutes tick by Braius is looking increasingly poser-esque ... I'm actually starting to feel a little sorry for him ...

Wow ... a gory painting ... cute ... like a particularly monstrous Jackson Pollock ... O.O

Ah, so we're all passing out in a stupour in the wee hours ... of course ... and it's time for a break ...

No, Matthew Mercer you WILL NOT torment us like that! O.O

Ah yes ... so Laudna and Imogen had a room to themselves ... XD ... I mean OF COURSE they did ...

Chetney attunes to the fancy demon armour ... that is some FREAKY SHIT ... does it expand when he wolfs out? LIam: "You're gonna be like Omar in a turtleneck." XD ... oh sweet ... he's COMPLETELY SILENT ... that's so cool ... he's literally wearind "fiendish essence". So it's, like ... DAMNATION, by Calvin Klein ... LOL

Oh thank fuck Chet isn't TECHNICALLY waving his wang about right now ...

Dorian punches him ... yup ...

"RELEASE!" Oh boy ... Matt: "It just ... fills the suit." Ewww ...

Chetney terrorises Essek's neighbours. With his cock out ...

Imodna eventually wake up ... as they would ... basking in the afterglow ... XD

So ... Laudna can hold onto a magical item ... and no longer feels the burning desite to DEVOUR IT with her chest ... nice ...

Amulet of Cursed Life? Hmmmm ...

"A Counterspell on a chain"? Oh nice ... that's seriously powerful shit ... VERY useful ... oh, and it renders corpses into a major problem for the wearer ... hmmmm ... maybe LESS useful ... it's kind of a bit of a mixed blessing kind of thing ...

Orym uses the Sending Stone to send a message to Caleb ... interesting ... and he replies! That's a little meta again ... O.O

Oh yeah, Essek is TOTALLY up for taking a look at Ashton's head ...

Essek: "Huh ... you are something ... very new." Okay ... O.O

A black marble ... interesting ... hopefully it'll be helpful for Ashton in future to focus his powers ...

Oh, so we're making a move, then? Okay ...

Seth's back ... yup, that's smart. Essek is a wanted man, after all ...

Back to the Hellcatch, then ... teleportation ... is this gonna work, then?

They're in a warzone! Crap! What happened?

Crap! That's the bad guys! They don't wanna be here right now! Imogen casts Sending to Keyleth ... SHE'S ALIVE!!! They're in Vasselheim? Okay ... pass it on to Essek! Quick!

FUCK!!! GLOAMGLUT!!! CRAP!!!

A slither? Three feet away? Crap! Get the staff! Quick!

That ALMOST went to shit ... oh fuck, where the hell are they now? Is this a bad place to be?

That's a VERY angry leylined sky ... it's cold, they're in tall pine forest ... near a stone wall, a really BIG one ... if I had to make a guess, looks like they're on target after all ...

Oh yeah ... Braius' gear probably wouldn't go down well here ...

Another Sending to Keyleth ... she tells them to come to the Platinum Sanctuary ... ah ... yeah ... Braius gets VERY fussy with his appearance now ...

Heading to the gates, then ... funny burnt smell ... hmmm ...

Oh, so this is the stink of burned undead, essentially. Yeah ... so there was some kind of "uprising", probably ... charming ...

Okay, so they get in easily, then ... despite Braius being a bit of an idiot ... XD

Vasselheim ... it's been a while ... but it's as gorgeous and majestic and DRAMATIC as ever ...

The Sanctuary ... but OF COURSE it is ...

The Dark Bloom?

Oh fuck! Yeah! The Titan corpse! Nice callback to the grand Campaign 1 climax ... and now it's literally BECOME part of the city ... which makes perfect sense, of course ... that's like SERIOUSLY AWESOME ...

Vanguard prisoners in gibbet cages? Lovely ...

Yes. Essek is VERY deserving of their thanks for EVERYTHING he's done for them recently ...

It's cute that he calls them "bastions of goodness" ... XD

Yeah! Vox Machina callback! WOOP WOOP!!!

The Duskmeadow? Fascinating ... a massive gothic cathedral? Definitely the temple to the Matron ... it's very beautiful ... RAVENS!!! AWESOME!!!

The remains of the recent undead outbreak and their resultant pyres ... charming ... yup, it was the Solstice as we expected ... oh, good point Orym! Thank fuck the Titan didn't stir ... that would've been a NIGHTMARE ...

So it literally WAS Night of the Living Dead ... lovely ...

This is where the survivors of that recent battle have retreated to, then. Hmmmm ... the Heaven's Stair Mountain ... fancy ...

Imogen charges up, starts looking POWERFUL ... hmmm ...

Oh, they're expected? Well that makes things easier, then ...

Escort or police action? I wonder ...

Nice view ... this is still one of the most beautiful places in all of Exandria ...

The Abundant Terrace! Yay! I remember that place very well, that was so cool ...

Ashton: "This whole city is a temple to hubris." Hmmmm ...

Oh, the Dynasty's here? Yeah, I can see how that could be awkward ... so Essek's bailing? Crap ... oh well ... at least they can say a fond farewell, and they know how to get hold of him again ...

Robbie: "You can look at the menu so long as you order from home." WOW ... XD

Officially arriving at the Sanctuary, then ...

Orym leads the way perched on Fearne's shoulder ...

A goliath? Holy fuck ... IS THIS GROG STRONGJAW?!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!

"Professor Emperor" Fearne Calloway ...

Well Grog definitely ain't got any smarter ...

PIKE!!! Yay!

Travis is having an out of body experience right now ... XD

Oh yeah, if ANYONE can clear a path through the crowd right now it's Grog ... LOL

Earthbreaker Groon! Yay!

Allura Vysoren and Lady Kima! Also yay! And Uthodurn are here! Nice ...

Oh hell ... they're all RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE and everybody's looking at them now ... and THIS is where Matt calls it a night! Fitting ...

[loveandthings11]

How Deep My Love Goes, Chapter 12

Read on AO3 Ch 1 Ch 2 Ch 3 Ch 4 Ch 5 Ch 6 Ch 7 Ch 8 Ch 9 Ch 10 Ch 11

Fic Summary: A Kenrava-focused fix-it alongside canon 💗

Chapter Summary: SEASON 2 ERA! Roman makes his decision. Kendall and Stewy kick off the business media frenzy around the hostile takeover. Kendall works on saving Vaulter against all odds. Rava and Kendall take a trip to her parents’ house. Featuring Kendall in glasses!

New Year's Day

In here, it’s surreal.

Kendall looks over at his suit jacket flung over the armchair, Brioni pants wrinkled on the floor. He sees Rava’s messy hair draped over her peaceful face, lipstick smeared the way he wanted it. A pile of blue silk is by the door because it wasn’t staying on past the click of the lock. A news broadcast comes over the radio and he turns it off. He doesn’t need to hear it- there’s no news bigger than what he did yesterday.

Outside, Logan’s calling him a druggie. Shiv’s rolling her eyes as “insane,” “unhinged,” spill out of her lips and Tom nods at everything he hears. Outside, Roman’s pacing nervously, Tabitha’s pouring Bailey’s in her coffee and watching him decide his future. Greg’s looking around, plotting, deciding nothing and waiting for the next possibility to walk in. Marcia’s shaking her head, Connor’s condemning his little brother for the loss of family harmony that wasn’t really there. Outside, they’re waiting.

But in here, Kendall is a king. It’s New Year’s Day and no one can touch him. His birthright is coming. He’s never loved the sunrise so much.

The door knocker thunks on the heavy wooden door and Kendall gets up to answer it because kings don’t hide. Roman’s right there when he pulls it partially open like Austerlitz deja vu.

“So, I kind of have to talk to you,” Roman starts.

Kendall glances back at Rava, still asleep, and steps outside the door, closing it quietly behind him and turning to look skeptically at his brother. He’s feeling generous enough to give him a chance to explain what happened.

“Uh, yeah, I guess you do have to talk to me. Where were you last night?” Kendall asks. Roman’s reluctant and rubs the back of his head.

“I was talking to Dad, okay?”

Kendall smiles into the scoff, like he knew it.

“Right. Okay. Yeah, you know what, bro, not everyone’s cut out for this. So don’t worry about it. I’m sure Dad will find a nice little cage for you at the studio again.”

Roman rolls his eyes and tries not to take the bait.

“Maybe I can tell you some shit you didn’t already know, can you consider that?” Kendall stays quiet against his instinct and Roman sighs. “Look. I don’t think it’s outside the realm of possibility that you will crash and burn, because, I mean-“ he gestures at Kendall. “-you’re you.”

“That’s not going to happen. Do you have a point?” Kendall replies evenly. It won’t take much to tip things into being overwhelming and he wants to focus on the good parts of this day.

“Fucking- obviously,” Roman says, irritated. He continues slowly. “How would you feel about me, maybe, giving you some information- when I deem it’s good for me- and maybe just generally not totally fucking you?”

“Wow. That’s a really great deal for nobody,” Kendall says. “I told you before, Dad’s going to do nothing for you like he did nothing for me. Dude, I had an actual job at Waystar and he did what he did. I mean, what- what do you think he’s going to do to you?”

“I don’t fucking know, Ken, but I don’t want to kill him like you do.”

He feels the barb’s intended pain and really wishes Roman wouldn’t think that.

“What- how do you not understand how much I didn’t want to do this?” he asks incredulously. He shakes his head and tries to connect in a more gentle, intense way, looking right into Roman’s eyes. “I didn’t. But it’s happening. And I am taking over. Dad’s time is ending. You can still hop on the lifeboat. Heading to dry land, bro.”

“Well, maybe stop this attempt at poetry and listen to me. This can help you. Look, I planned the vote with you, I actually- puke- agree with certain parts of your vision-“

“Because my vision is fucking good-“ Kendall interjects.

“-And buying stations to indoctrinate some local tinfoil hat fucks is not the- the- thing. But I am not risking my life for a ‘lifeboat’ made of, like, popsicle sticks and your childhood dreams. So, take it or leave it. I might save you by telling you valuable shit.”

“Or you might try to sink me.”

“If you annoy me. Which is highly likely, I’m just being honest.”

Kendall rubs his forehead.

“Negotiating against yourself. Good luck out there. Well, I’m obviously not going to tell you anything. You’re asking to be a double agent. I don’t even- who does that? Honestly, I can get information from other sources.” Kendall remembers his talk with Greg last night, his bumbling blackmail that Kendall found both amusing and concerning. But he knows Greg’s loyalty will go to the highest bidder. If he buys it, it’s his. With Roman it’s more complicated.

Roman tries a new, genuine appeal.

“This…” Roman gestures between them, “this has been nice. Like, is there a way where it doesn’t have to be… you know?”

Kendall feels torn. It has been nice. He’d missed Roman when he’d been in LA, and they hardly see each other even when they’re both in New York.

“You know I wanted you on board,” Kendall says with disappointment. He remembers that it’s not only his choice. “I think you’re being wishy washy, but I’m pretty sure Stewy and Sandy will have stronger language than that to describe it.”

Roman raises his eyebrows and looks down and away. It makes Kendall feel achy and want to change his mind.

“Okay. Open offer.” Roman gives him an unreadable look before turning and walking toward the dining room for breakfast.

The slight bump of the wood when Kendall closes the door upon re-entering the bedroom makes Rava stir.

“Mmm. What are you doing? Come back.” She’s never liked that he gets up before her and he’s spent most weekend mornings of his adult life as a pillow for an extra hour or two. It’s always been his time to secretly send Saturday and Sunday work emails, but he doesn’t think he can even pretend to want to lie down now. He’s vibrating with energy, conflict, worries, excitement. He goes to sit on the bed and brushes her hair off her face. She softly holds his hand with both of hers and he smiles at how sweet she is when she’s still half-asleep.

“You want to get breakfast?” he asks quietly. “Come with me. Not here, we’ll go somewhere.”

“Mmhmm.” She opens her eyes and squints at him. “Okay. Are the kids up?”

“I don’t know, I just got up myself.”

“Okay.” She sits up with the sheet loose around her and he suddenly needs to be close and scoops her toward him for a comforting hug. It’s going to be okay. She’s still sleepy and melts into him easily for a minute as he breathes in her scent. She rolls out of bed and he admires her bare skin as she walks around looking for the robe she’d brought. “Where is that robe..?” she asks.

“I’m not telling you,” he replies, eyes not leaving her body.

“Okay. Great, thank you,” she smiles sarcastically and nods along before spotting the robe and wrapping it around herself.

After throwing on a pair of dark jeans and a beige sweater and looking effortlessly chic, Rava goes into the kids’ room and Kendall gets ready to sneak past the sure-to-be-awkward breakfast to find something in town before flying home.

……

The kids sleep in a back bedroom of the jet while Rava dozes with her head on Kendall’s shoulder. Jet lag, post-wedding exhaustion, and hangovers are winning this day for everyone else. Kendall puts his arm around her and silently practices his talking points for the news appearances he and Stewy will be flooded with once they’re back in the city. Stewy smirks at his phone as he texts and sips coffee with his soft leather loafers up on a footstool and blankets draped over him on his reclined seat. Roman had declared that he was going with Tabitha on Logan’s jet because Dad said so, so it’s just the three of them. Stewy looks up and nods at Kendall’s notecards.

“You ready?” Stewy whispers to Kendall. “PGN first.” Kendall nods seriously. “So what’s up with your brother?” Stewy inquires, keeping his voice down. “He pass out in a bathroom with his dick in his hand?”

“Uh, he went to talk to Dad. He came to me this morning and offered to inform on him, but obviously he’s just doing Dad’s bidding now,” Kendall reports a little emotionlessly.

Stewy’s eyes widen and he tilts his head with a slight look of disbelief.

“He got stuck, huh? Cool, Sandy’s gonna love that. It’ll look great for me that I vouched for him. Fucker.”

“Yeah. I know. I told him we’re not gonna talk to him.”

Stewy considers and crosses his legs, taking a bite of the croissant on the table next to him.

“You know what? Tell him we’ll take his information.”

Kendall perks up a bit.

“…yeah?”

Kendall picks up his phone, glad that someone else also thinks it’s a good plan to stay in touch.

“Yeah. But Ken,” Stewy says in his relaxed warning tone. “Don’t tell him anything."

“I won’t.”

After a nap and more quiet prep on the long flight back to New York, Kendall and Stewy meet back up at the entrance to PGN. The weather is getting quite chilly now but they don’t even notice as they go inside. They walk together onto the news floor when the elevator doors open, both in dark suits and feeling exactly as psyched as they’d always imagined they would be.

“Fucking… PGN. Hope they let me out alive,” Kendall chuckles. It’s not even close to his first time on TV, but it’s his first time doing it purely for his own business interests, and it’s certainly his first time on the rival network. He feels a bit untethered. Unleashed.

“Don’t worry. It’s the perfect first stop. We’ll be taken care of,” Stewy says knowingly as they make it into the labyrinth of a studio.

They approach the cameras via a long, dark hallway. The doorway shines blindingly bright light down the center. He fidgets with his notecards as they forge ahead in the weird spotlight.

The light is overwhelming all around them once they get inside. The makeup artists swarm and suddenly powder puffs and combs and chatter surround them both as they sit down in director’s chairs. A stylish and nervous-looking thirty-something PGN producer scurries over and tucks her light brown hair behind her ear as she smiles at Stewy. His eyes are instantly glued to hers. He gives her a serene smile back and Kendall can see her blush a bit.

“Stewy, I’m so glad you’re here,” she says sweetly. “I mean, we all are.” She extends her hand to Kendall. “You’re Kendall! Hi, I’m Lena,” she introduces herself, only briefly taking her eyes off Stewy’s face.

“Hey, yeah. Nice to meet you.”

“You too.”

“Ken, Lena’s here to make you seem like you know almost as much as me,” Stewy says smoothly. Lena giggles and Stewy twinkles at her. “She’s brilliant. Taught me everything I know about looking incredible on TV.”

Lena looks pleased and flustered for a second as she reaches back to check the claw clip in her hair.

“Oh, well, you’re a natural.” She gives him a pretty smile and gazes at him again for a second too long before forcing her attention back to the task at hand. “Um, so, I have some talking points for you both from your PR team.” She pulls some printed sheets from her tote bag and hands them to Kendall and Stewy. “Normally we wouldn’t do this, but, you know.” She drops her eyes after such a clear flirty moment. “I’ll let you go over them, and I’ll be right over here if you have any questions. About filming,” she clarifies. “I can’t answer questions about your PR. Obviously,” she laughs a little breathlessly. She turns to walk away and almost trips over a cable before going to stand with the other members of her team on the other side of the room and gazing over not-so-subtly.

Stewy watches her go as his eyes wander from the floor to her hair. Kendall looks over at him.

“Okay. Had to hit PGN first,” he smirks.

“You and your precious optics know this is where we have to start.” Stewy smiles a little. “But, yeah, it helps to have a supportive environment.”

“Uh-huh.” Kendall smiles and feels a pang of missing Rava.

“Anka was too freaked out by everything, you know? Who throws sex parties with severe anxiety issues? Lena’s… you know.”

“Yeah. Very chill,” Kendall deadpans. “She might have a heart attack if she overhears this conversation.”

“She’s like that every time she talks to me. It’s funny. She takes five minutes to type a sentence in a text,” Stewy shrugs. Kendall decides not to point out that Stewy could only know that if he watches the three dots for five minutes.

“Basket cases are your thing,” Kendall chuckles.

“That’s true, Ken, I do like spending time with disastrous people,” Stewy smiles pointedly. “It emphasizes to others how together I am.”

Kendall nods, playing along. It is a little nerve-wracking to think about the high expectations that everyone watching will have of him. Right now, maybe twenty people know what’s going on. In five minutes, it’ll be millions.

“Right. Hang on a second.” Kendall gets up and pulls his phone out of his pocket. He dials Rava and is glad to hear her voice.

“Hey! How’s the interview prep?” she asks.

“Hey. Good,” he confirms. “We’re about to go on. You watching?”

“Of course,” she replies. She’s a little apprehensive about the whole thing. Logan isn’t nice when he’s threatened.

“Good. Good. Hey, tonight can we just do takeout and hideout?”

“Yes. That sounds so good.” She pauses and he's quiet. “You okay? Worried about this?” She’s always advised him to think about the incoming peacefulness after the big event to calm jitters.

“Uh, kind of,” he admits. “I dunno. It’s great but it’s also, like… this makes it real.”

“There you go,” Rava smiles. “It is real.”

“Yeah. Fuck.”

A man wearing a headset pops his head into the side room.

“Two minutes!” he says.

“Thank you,” Kendall answers. “Okay, time to go. Time to make it fuckin’ happen.”

“Good luck!”

Kendall puts his phone in his pocket, walks back into the space and sits down next to Stewy at the desk set. The lights go down around the set and they look at each other in a moment of pure exhilaration. Memories flash through their minds of being seventeen and sneaking liquor in the Roys’ sprawling gardens while discussing their plans to take over the world.

A voice comes from the dark and everyone else goes quiet. Kendall closes his eyes for a second.

“Okay, we’re live in three, two….”

The on-air light lights up.

It’s a new world.

“I’m here with Kendall Roy, former Waystar Royco executive and son of current CEO Logan Roy, and Stewy Hosseini, partner at Maesbury Capital,” the reporter begins. “Kendall, we’ll start with you. You must feel strongly about this to go up against your father this way. What made you do it?”

Kendall focuses every bit of his energy on his response, breathes in, and lets the words he’s been repeating in his mind free.

“My father is a brilliant businessman. A true legend. And what he’s built here is unlike any other corporation in the world. His legacy can never be tarnished. In fact, one of the reasons Stewy and I decided to do this is to preserve it. The old ways of doing things are not viable in today’s world, and I can’t allow the firm to stay still when there’s a race all around it. I have always been of the mind that we need to move forward in order to shepherd Waystar Royco into the new era. I believe our focus on moving more deeply into the tech sector is critical to the success of the company moving forward and I am confident that I am the right person to lead us into the future as CEO.”

“Thank you. It must be an exciting moment for you. But how are things between you and your father?” she asks, clearly even more interested in this answer.

Kendall smiles, but it flickers. He knows this is the part everyone is listening to most closely.

“Uh, you know.” He keeps smiling uneasily into it. “They’re- we’re good. This is just the way things are, business-wise.”

“Great. And Stewy-“

Kendall practically blacks out in his mind while Stewy gets into the financial details. They’re really doing it.

About an hour and a half later, Kendall walks into the apartment and breathes it in for a moment. He’s back and it’s all under way. He walks down the hall toward the family room and Rava, who beckons him over to the couch.

He opens his arms and smiles for a minute on the other side of the room.

“How fucking amazing is this?” he says.

“It actually is,” she says honestly. She can’t believe he’s finally taken a bold step against Logan.

They’re both feeling exhausted after a weekend full of exertion, and he flops down on the couch next to her and nuzzles into her neck for a minute. She smells like fresh conditioner and light perfume.

“What a day you’ve had,” she smiles as he lets himself fall into her lap and she runs her fingers through his hair.

“Yeah. Can’t believe it.” He means it. Things have begun to feel vividly real. His phone buzzes and he pulls it from his pocket and takes a look.

“Text from Roman,” he says. “They’re all at the Hamptons house.” He pauses and feels a bit left out even though he knows it would make no sense for him to be there right now. Before he can say anything else, his phone vibrates again and he almost laughs out loud at the next message.

“Shiv?! Rav, Dad’s having individual meetings and he just called in Shiv. For what? Political advice? Is Roman making this shit up? She said she’s with Gil. She changed her mind already? Well, she’s already fucked herself if she’s going back and forth, politics to business. Dad won’t go for that, right?”

He sits up and stares at his phone.

“Well, you don’t know what he’s thinking. Trying to read his mind isn’t going to work here,” Rava says. “Don’t drive yourself crazy. I’m sure it’s nothing.”

He sighs quietly to himself and realizes that Dad actually is picking a new him this time. It’s just what he’d previously feared with Roman, only now it’s worse. It's Shiv, who is so inexperienced that she might believe Dad would pick someone with no experience. It doesn’t matter, he reminds himself, because he’s going to claim his rightful place. There is no new him.   

But he pictures Shiv in Dad’s Summer Palace office all the same.

He stews over the image for a few minutes. He feels jealous and protective of his little sister at once and struggles to remember to focus his energy on his own plans. A few minutes after Rava goes to have a snack, his phone rings. His skin prickles and his heart races when he sees Dad on his screen. He looks around a bit wildly at first, wondering where Rava is and realizing there’s not enough time. Instinct takes over and he answers it.

“Dad?” he manages.

“Kendall.” Logan’s voice is calm and almost eerily pleasant. “How is it out there in the cold?”

“It’s-“ he tries to speak. “You-you know, Dad, I didn’t want to do what I did- I-“

“I’ve been getting a lot of advice,” Logan starts smoothly, slowly. “Laird… Shiv… anyone with the stones to try to stand up to me tells me I should sell.”

The confusion is clouding Kendall’s previously sharpened mind.

“Uh-huh?”

“I was wondering- what do you think?”

Kendall thinks he can hear electricity crackle.

“Uh- what- what do you mean-“

“Well, you’ve been inside for a while. What do you think I should do?” The mind games are overwhelming.

“W- what is this, a joke? I don’t- Dad, we shouldn’t even be talking-“

“Enough. It was a good move. Now it’s time to come back in.” Kendall can barely believe what he’s hearing.

“What- so you can keep things exactly the same and never do what you promised?” He shakes his head. “No.”

“Oh, cut your self-righteous shit,” Logan thunders. Kendall is intimidated into silence. “We’re gonna fight this. And I want you by my side. The deal is, if you can stop Sandy and Stewy, then I will make you the next chief executive of the firm, like we planned. You’re the one, son.”

Shock reverberates through Kendall’s body. He struggles to collect his thoughts, to breathe properly. When was his last breath? Has it been too long? He suddenly inhales and tries to summon his own words to Roman earlier this morning.

“It- it wasn’t true when you said it before. For eighteen months. For fucking- thirty-two years, you said it, and you took it back.”

“You made a mistake, Ken. With Vaulter. This is my company. I have the right.” Kendall thinks he should argue, then decides against it. But he can’t help himself.

“Vaulter was a solid buy. But sure. You have the right. So why should I believe this?” Part of him is yearning against his will for a definite answer he knows Logan would never give.

“Because now, we’ve got eyes on us. The news fucks, the shareholders. Thanks to you,” Logan grumbles. “Thing is, you know both sides, you have the years." Well, no fucking kidding, Kendall thinks. “This is rare. But you have leverage. Let’s get back to work,” Logan says. Kendall can practically feel the steamrolling and tries to keep himself upright.

He realizes his dad may not trust Roman. Roman knows what was going on with Kendall’s side too, but Logan wants to hear it from Kendall. His head is swirling with thoughts. Is he on speaker? Is everyone listening and waiting to laugh if he says yes? He knows it’s stronger to end the call right now. But… the office. The chair. The respect, the head of the boardroom. The authority, the job, the usefulness. The fulfillment. He nervously grabs the edge of the couch cushion he’s sitting on.

He’s dying to say yes. But even in the face of all the temptation, he knows it could only end in humiliation if he went back. His dad would think of all kinds of ways to make him pay, all kinds of tests, a round of boar on the floor where he’s the only one begging for scraps. Rava’s disappointment, Stewy’s disdain... he can’t do it.

“Dad- I- I really wish I could trust you. I mean, you know I… I just- I can’t.”

Logan’s anger is almost as scary on the phone as it is in person.

“But you can trust Sandy, enemy of this family your whole life? And Stewy, who wouldn’t even go against me in your little board vote? But not me. Not the one who’s given you everything you’ve ever had. Is that right?”

Kendall’s heart is pounding. It’s terrifying, but he’s steeling himself.

“Yes, Dad. I wanted to believe you. But after everything the last couple of months, I can’t.” He takes a deep breath. “This is on my terms now.”

Logan’s voice turns violent. “I’ll grind you into dust. You’ll be nothing. You’ll finally realize it.”

Kendall tries to keep the words out, but they crash around him in waves for a terrible moment. He remembers every late night spent working, the entire year in Shanghai spent doing everything he could to make long-distance work with Rava, the times defending his kids from Logan’s derision, all to be treated like this. He feels the habitual need to remind himself of the good moments too, but hearing what his dad just said makes him stop himself. The fury, the threats, the derogatory comments about his recovery, his family, his strategies. His whole being. He leaves his body for a moment to say it.

“You’re a fuckin’ beast.”

Kendall hangs up and drops his phone onto the couch cushion. His hands are shaking and he knows his voice probably was, too. He nervously walks into the kitchen to find Rava and she tilts her head in a question when she sees him.

“Dad called,” he breathes. “He’s going to fight. But so are we.”

……

That night, they lie in bed in the dark. Blackout curtains have made it velvety dark in their room. They don’t always use the blackouts, but Kendall pressed the button to close them tonight. Rava looks expectantly at the spot she can feel him lying, wondering why he's so far. She reaches her arm out and feels for his head, lightly patting its crown.

“Hey,” she says softly. “What’s going on in here?”

She can hear him open his mouth and exhale.

“Do you think- this is dumb, but, do you think he even likes me? Like, as a person?” He pauses and hesitantly adds, “I don’t think he does.”

“Oh… Ken, of course he does.” She doesn’t know if Logan is capable of liking anyone, but he’s always been pretty obsessed with his son.

“No, I mean, well, thank you for- for saying that but like, really? If someone asked him what my good qualities were, what would he even say?”

“You have so many. You’re kind, you’re creative, you get inspired all the time-“

“But-” he shakes his head in a bit of embarrassment at this incredibly vulnerable moment. He’s glad it’s dark. “But he doesn’t like any of those things.”

“He never leaves you alone,” she says. “Just today, even when, from his perspective, you’ve been trying to destroy him for the last couple of months.”

“That’s not-“

“I know. But from his perspective,” she continues. “He tries to keep you leashed to him all the time. He always has.”

“But that’s like… sick,” Kendall replies uncertainly. “Yeah? That’s weird. People have told me that’s weird.”

They’ve talked about this before, but it’s been a few years. She remembers this kind of talk with less fondness than many of their other conversations.

“Yes. It’s weird. I mean, he isn’t normal or healthy. Obviously,” she lets out a mirthless chuckle. “But as much as he is capable of liking someone, I think he likes you.” Kendall is quiet, which is what he does when he sort of disagrees but doesn’t know how to argue. “He must like that you tend see the future in business.”

“I’m not sure that’s true.” Kendall wrings his hands at the thought of Vaulter being in his father’s power.

“It is! When have you ever been wrong about what direction to go in?” He’s quiet again, this time because there’s no counterargument. “You can’t argue that he likes that you have a sense of things!”

He can’t cheer for himself.

“I have a feeling he likes that quality more in other people than he likes it in me.” He lies there thinking of the people who don’t like him. The Canadians, the Vaulter staff, the art people… Roman? Shiv? He doesn’t say anything else but Rava can feel it.

The depth of his insecurity shouldn’t surprise her anymore, but it breaks her heart a little when it becomes so clear. She moves closer to him and lays her hand on his chest. She wants to tell him the validation from his father doesn’t matter, but she thinks when she’s said something for nearly two decades and it hasn’t sunk in, it might be time to give him what he wants instead of what he needs. Tonight, she can tell him a good truth instead of a hard one.

“You know he sees you as competition. Who else does he ever go toe-to-toe with? Hmm? And there is nothing your dad likes more than a completely insane business competition.”

She feels the vibration of a smile from him.

“Well, I can’t argue with that.”

“Yeah!” She says more cheerfully, grateful that her point landed. “You give him what he really wants. I actually think you might be the one person who doesn’t bore him.”

He considers that.

“I just… feel… this is going to ensure that he’ll never really trust me again. Like, I used to be his go-to. For everything.” Remembering the good moments he'd held off before makes him want to call Logan and tell him he wants to come back.

“I know," Rava says. "Don't forget what he did though-“ she uses a softer tone- “the takeover wasn’t the thing that changed his mind. He made the decision when he took back the announcement. And he did fire you. All i'm saying is you're not losing a close relationship right now. At the very least, you know he respects this."

He says nothing while he thinks over all of her ideas. He hears how negative he’s being and brings up something positive so she won’t think he’s a wet blanket.

“I guess… it’s true, he’s never accused me of boring him.”

“See? There you go. Come here.” She reaches for him and he rolls into her arms. She's glad it’s over and that she’s partially scrubbed the negative thoughts from his head for the night. His forehead rests on her shoulder as he wonders whether he should try to say what the even deeper problem is.

“It’s kind of fucking… hollow even if we win, though. If he never gives it to me, you know… if he never thought I could do it.”

His words float in the darkness for a moment.

“It would still be achieving what you’ve always wanted.”

“Well. You know, there were kind of two parts to what I wanted.”

“Yeah,” she says a little sadly.

“I- I know you think it shouldn’t matter,” he says hesitantly.

“I just wish it didn’t matter,” Rava says. They go quiet as she drapes her arm over him.

He’s had parts of this conversation with her and others over the years, with varying degrees of empathy reflected back. But this part has always been where no one could come with him, where no one hears him, no one understands.

…….

A few days later, Roman saunters up behind Kendall and Rava as they walk through the amusement park keeping an eye on Sophie and her friends at her birthday party.

“I’m here as a spy, in case you were wondering,” Roman announces. “Just here to check out whether Dad has anything to worry about. Obviously he doesn’t with this fucker in charge!” he adds loudly.

Rava shoots him a look.

“Dude,” Kendall sighs. The kids are here.

“Can we talk about what Sandy’s thinking the next steps are?” Roman asks impatiently.

“I’m here to enjoy my daughter’s birthday party. We’ll talk later.” Kendall glances at Rava for her approval. She’s glad to hear it even though she knows his head is full of strategy.

Sophie runs over and flings her arms around Kendall’s waist. He squeezes her and meets her eyes as she looks up at him.

“Can we make the wagon go faster?” she asks him. Kendall looks at the ride attendant as he adjusts his scarf. It’s getting colder outside.

“Is that possible?” he inquires. Rava leans in to talk to the attendant.

“No, no.” She looks at Sophie. “Honey, let’s stay safe, okay? We’re going to keep all the rides at their normal speeds.”

Sophie pouts for a moment and runs back to her friends. Rava follows to keep an eye on things and Roman smirks at Kendall.

“So, it must be fun to have no authority at home, no authority at work, you’re killin’ it!”

“You don’t understand responsibility,” Kendall replies dully.

“Nope, never been for me. I do understand having a personality though, which you have clearly lost!” He points at his brother for emphasis and is disappointed by his lack of reaction. “Hey, do you think Sophie thinks it’s weird that her grandpa isn’t at her birthday party?”

“Why, because he’s been so involved in his grandchildren’s lives before this?” Kendall almost smiles.

Roman snickers a little regretfully and they share a moment of dry humor.

“You know Shiv and Tom are here, keeping their distance.” Roman jerks his head behind him and to the left. Kendall looks alarmed.

“Uh, what? No. Is that- I mean, is she cool right now? What’s the deal with her and Dad?”

“I don’t fucking know, Tom’s here to be a freak and look at what he doesn’t have to deal with anymore because Firecrotch got him promoted to run the most important branch of the company,” Roman scoffs. Kendall glances back and calms down. They can’t do anything here.

“Well- I mean, it’s not really surprising that Tom’s at ATN now. Like… that figures.”

Roman’s eyes dance.

“Because he understands our ‘agricultural viewers?’” he says mockingly.

“Because he might actually believe some of that shit.”

“I believe that shit,” Roman says sardonically.

“You shouldn’t tell people that,” Kendall shoots back.

They are both glad for Connor’s interruption.

“Hey, hey! It's the traitor son," he says sarcastically. Roman snickers and Kendall grimaces. "Kenny, I got Sophie a few books I think she’d like to read. Counteract some of that propaganda they’re teaching her at Chapin.”

“Uh-huh. Okay, thanks Con,” Kendall says, letting it go. Roman jumps in.

“Do you think, maybe, you’re seen as susceptible to conspiracies because people see a weirdo living in the desert-“

“Oh, Romey, I love when you express your love for me,” Connor ruffles Roman’s hair and Roman makes a face as Connor walks away. Kendall stares over at Shiv and Tom, now joined by Greg.

“So… Greg talked to me at the wedding,” he starts slowly to gauge Roman’s reaction. He takes a deep breath. “I think he’s got something on Waystar.”

“What? For real? Like what?”

“I dunno- something with cruises. Maybe wolf pack stuff?”

A pained look crosses Roman’s face and he smooths his button-down under his coat.

“He doesn’t know shit.”

“I- I think he does, actually. He might have paperwork. I’m just saying, keep an eye on him, okay?” Kendall suggests.

“Blech. I don’t want to look at him. But fine.” Roman and Kendall both pause to watch Greg from afar.

“Uh, hey, can we be real for a second? Like, just sibs for a sec?” Kendall starts.

“That’s gonna be a no, but you’re going to say whatever overthought nonsense you have anyway.”

“Would you work at Waystar if not for Dad?” Kendall asks.

“Actually, I’d be the most highly-paid gigolo in the country and would laugh at your paltry c-suite millions. Or, like, your mailroom paychecks, which is much more accurately where you’d be without Dad.”

Kendall sighs.

“So, no,” Kendall prompts.

“No. What? I don’t know. Maybe. Who gives a shit? Who’s asking?”

“Me, dude. Relax. It’s not a trick.”

“So, what, you would work here without Dad?” Roman asks defensively.

“Honestly, yeah,” Kendall answers. “I think I’m good at it.”

“I think that’s up for debate.“

“Well, it’s not.” Kendall wishes he could ask Roman if Logan has ever mentioned his abilities, but he knows it would result in mockery instead of actual information. He drops the subject, but he knows Roman gets what it’s like to want Dad’s love and respect- Roman is even willing to spend his time doing a job he doesn’t care about in order to try to gain it- and that knowledge lightens the weight on his shoulders a bit.

…….

Kendall’s phone beeps and interrupts his call with Stewy. He checks and it’s Roman’s name.

“The fucking- informant is calling again,” he almost chuckles.

“Be careful, Ken,” Stewy warns before ending the call.

Kendall switches to the new call and hears that Roman’s voice is hushed and tense.

“Ken, Dad is deciding what to do about Vaulter right now.” He nervously paces around the hallway by the waiting area outside Logan’s office.

“What- what do you mean, like he might kill it?”

“He’s torturing me with questions about you and Sandy and Stewy.”

“Okay. Well, I’m sorry to hear that, but no one made you go back to him… what- what about Vaulter?”

“He doesn’t fucking like it but he could save it?” He brushes his hand along the back of the leather couch and then waves his arm around with his next sentence. “I don’t fucking know, you’re the one who threw all our pretty, pretty money at something for Dad’s approval-“

“Vaulter was a solid business decision. And you don’t care about Dad’s approval? Secretly calling me. Taking his shit. Okay.” He decides saving Vaulter is more important than making his point and refocuses. “Well, look, I think Dad is wrong, and Vaulter deserves a chance. I mean, yeah, Lawrence probably inflated their numbers, so, hire some accounting consultants, send them over, show your face. Be the hero.” He hates the idea of Roman looking like the savior for his company, but he hates the idea of losing it more.

“Or I could lay off two hundred people and triumphantly march back to my ivory tower. Maybe I could hire them to build me a new ivory tower. What’s minimum wage now, like 600K?”

“Or you should listen to me because I know the full situation and actually want to build something there.”

“Riiiight, you’re so selfless and altruistic. So inspiring,” Roman says. “Seriously, 600K, can you imagine trying to live on that?” Kendall ignores him.

“Dude. This is for you, too. When you’re COO, you’ll be glad you have their content and their interface, their readers. Trust me on this.” Roman asked what to do, but he doesn’t always like getting what he wants. “So- does he want you to go in? See Lawrence?”

“Of course he does. Tomorrow at 11:00.”

“Are you-? Don’t make me look like an asshole, man. You can save this.” Kendall squirms at the thought of Roman in his territory, making disgusting jokes and talking shit about him.

“Don’t worry about me meeting with him, I’m much more charming and likable than you,” Roman says drily. Kendall rolls his eyes and wonders why Lawrence doesn’t like him.  “Okay, back to being the only son Daddy loves!”

Roman hangs up and Kendall drums his fingers on the arm of the chair and gets up to find Rava.

“Hey,” he calls into the great room. “I think Dad might be doing something insane. He wants to shut down Vaulter, our only chance into the twenty-first century… eighteen years late, but, you know, it’s Dad.”

“Can you save it?” she asks as he enters the room and sits down.

“Uh, well. I don’t know. He’s got Roman on it tomorrow. He wouldn’t tell me if he’s going to destroy it. I worked on that acquisition for months!” He throws his hand up exasperatedly.

“Well, don’t just let him take it down then. Go with him and stop him!”

“Dad would never allow that, so-“

“You know, you don’t have to worry about what your dad would allow anymore.” He thinks for a second. “It’s going to be your company, isn’t it? Are you going to let the current CEO shutter a valuable asset that you’ll need when you take over? Would you let that happen with any other acquisition?”

He gives her a little smile.

“I missed this,” he says. “You’re always right.”

He goes to sit next to her and leans in to kiss her. Her hand brushes the back of his head and he puts his forehead on hers for a second, reconnecting after the energy given to everything else.

“How’s your day going?” he asks. “Has work improved much?”

She slumps into the couch and leans against him.

“Not really,” she answers drearily. “It’s all so shrouded in darkness. I can’t believe there are companies that operate like this.” She shakes her head. “I don’t know how you work in this world.”

He tries not to take the comment personally.

“Well… Waystar doesn’t do shit like steal wages and kidnapping or whatever.”

She raises her eyebrows and his voice gets a defensive tone.

“Not now. Not while I’ve worked there, Rav, you know that.”

“Yeah. I’m-“ she sighs. “Sorry- I don’t know. I feel bad failing at this. If this guy never comes home, it’s because I couldn’t find him. If there’s no justice for all these workers… I guess I just wish I were a better lawyer.”

Kendall never hears her express doubt in herself. It takes him a second to process and respond.

“Hey, that’s not fair to you. You’re going to figure this out. I’ll try whatever I can to help. And-“ he hesitates. “Would it be so bad to ask Robert?”

“Oh, so you don’t have to call your dad when you have a business problem, but I have to call my step-dad?” she gently mocks.

“Okay. I mean, sure, obviously I get it, but he probably knows someone.”

“From his Wall Street acquisition world? They wouldn’t know about this.”

“I dunno, maybe he knows someone who does.”

She shrugs.

“I’ll think about it.”

……

Lawrence looks worriedly at Kendall.

“It’s all for real, man,” Lawrence asserts. “You made a good decision buying us, I mean, from your perspective. I’ll do what it takes to keep it going.” He pauses. “What do you honestly think is going to happen here?”

“I’m of the opinion Dad can be persuaded he’s making a mistake,” Kendall says intensely. Roman looks at him warily. He’s not sure what the right answer is and Kendall can tell. “But you gotta work with me. Okay? Trust me.”

Lawrence nods like he knows it’s not up to him and Kendall walks up toward the front of balcony area of the Vaulter floor, overlooking all the people below, and begins his speech. Roman stands behind Kendall and zones out his words while he observes the expressions on all the workers’ faces. They’re not loving it but they also have no choice.

“Vaulter is the future of this company,” Kendall’s saying. Roman glances at Lawrence and he catches him. Roman gives an awkward nod and lets out a silent sigh. Kendall’s eyes flit to Roman for some support in the cold room. Roman makes a subtle face at him and Kendall gets back on track.

“If I fuck this up, I’m done forever,” he announces to the crowd. Roman fights the urge to cheer and get a laugh. He wonders how Kendall can possibly be so sincere saying such a dramatic sentence. Vaulter’s not the only game in town, Roman thinks. Another one would come along. Kendall’s winding it down now.

“Tough times. All pull together. Trust. Trust me. Any questions?” Roman can practically hear the crickets. Kendall steps down from the chair, a little shaken at the negative reception. Low chatter resumes in the room and Roman gives Kendall a sardonic smirk.

“Wow, they fucking love you here, you were definitely the right choice to make that speech. Then again, I’m still cool and they all hate you more than ever, so-“

“I’m saving their fucking jobs,” Kendall mutters. Roman giggles and walks away. Even if it’s the right thing, he doesn’t want to make it easy. “You understand that’s what this is, right?” Kendall calls after his brother. “I’m serious.” He catches up to Roman. “You want to strategize tonight? We have a lot of work to do. Obviously you’ll have to send me some shit so I can do it from home since I can’t be here normally. But-“

“I’m actually having a dinner party tonight that you’re not invited to, so-“

“What?”

Roman looks annoyingly satisfied at Kendall’s confusion.

“Yeah, Tabs and I are having Shiv and Tom to dinner.” Kendall feels a flash of envy and disappointment not to be included with Rava in a couples’ dinner party for his siblings.

“Uh, okay.” He tries to justify. “Well, you- you can’t be seen with me anyway, so.”

“You know Dad’s going to know you came here today and that we were seen together.” The justification dissolves and Kendall shrugs it off and tries to put a teflon wall around himself, allowing his eyes to get a little darker.

“Tell him I went rogue.”

……

Kendall squishes into his favorite armchair in the family room, glancing at the fireplace while he idly listens to Stewy complain over the phone.

“When were you going to consult with me on making a speech to all of Vaulter, Ken?” he asks, clearly annoyed. “How does that look? How am I supposed to explain this?”

“It’s going to look like I’m taking over this company and care what happens to it. It makes sense.”

“You standing with Roman the ‘loyal son’ and speaking from a joint perspective. That makes sense?”

“Yes. It does. I can’t trust Roman to take care of things. Dad leans toward killing it. If Roman feels the heat, he’ll fold. He’d fire them all tomorrow if he thought it would get him a pat on the head.”

Stewy sighs.

“This isn’t your favorite kind of, like, nice, pleasant acquisition where you have lunch and discuss your joint business dreams.” Stewy tries to sound authoritative but he smiles a little at the vast difference in how he and Kendall do business. “Not to sound like your dad,” he shudders, “but this is war. It cannot look like you might still be talking to him or your brother. No more of this.”

“You know we need Vaulter, Stew.”

“Figure it out without being buddy-buddy with the fucking enemy. I don’t want to be destroyed on CNBC tomorrow and I’m sick of being questioned by Sandy. You still need him, don’t forget that.”

“Yeah.”

“Okay. Bye.”

Kendall goes back to looking over the piles of Vaulter documents in front of him and slips on his glasses. He only wears them when it’s absolutely necessary, but Rava loves when she catches a glimpse. She steps into the doorway, head tilted and subtle smile on her face as she watches him focus. He looks up and takes the glasses off.

“Hi,” he says.

“Oh, you’re so cute in those, put them back on,” she says as she walks closer.

“No.”

“Well, you never know when you're cute.” He looks down and tries not to smile. “See, right now.” She steps between his chair and the desk, leaning back against it as she surveys him, and puts the glasses back on him. “Sexy econ professor," she laughs. "Tell me about the stock market.”

He laughs and shakes his head. She tucks her hair behind her ears and leans over him.

“How’s the New York Stock Exchange?” she whispers.

He looks down her open blouse.

“Uh, pretty hot. I'm the professor? Okay. I'll teach you. Waystar is actually doing better than I-”

“Ooh, I heard those Waystar guys are rich,” she purrs in his ear. He takes off the glasses again and puts them down.

“You heard right,” he says, completely straight-faced this time as he pulls her into his lap for a sexy kiss. “All the diamonds you want if you come to office hours.”

“And if I want time?” She smiles into his lips and swats in the direction of his laptop. He reaches over and closes it.

“Probably more than you want,” he chuckles.

“Good. Well, Mom and Robert are expecting us at 7:00, so… we should go in a few minutes. So much better than a stupid dinner party with your siblings all night,” she says in a light tone as she stands up, knowing the party is bothering him enough that he insisted they go to her parents’ house this very weekend. He nods, wondering again why Roman and Shiv don’t hang out with him more. He remembers Roman essentially saying he liked being close to him a few days ago and feels guilty for letting him dangle in that conversation while he was mad. He wonders if that’s the real reason he wasn’t invited.

“Yeah. Let me just-“

“Don’t make me explain to him why we’re late, come onnnn.” She pulls him up playfully and he extricates himself before putting his hands on her upper arms and looking into her eyes.

“I will be done in ten minutes,” he promises.

“Ha! Sure you will. Just remember this trip was your idea, so if we’re late, you are dealing with any and all fallout.”

“Okay. I could be almost done by now. I’ll be out in-“

“Ten minutes,” they say in unison. Rava smiles and walks out.

……..

When the heavy wooden door of the elegant stone Greenwich home swings open, Kendall is immediately enveloped in Rava’s mom’s arms, squished in with Rava and the kids behind them and feeling the stress being squeezed away. Years of memories flood back in in the best way, of his first happy Christmas with Rava’s family at age 23, the time a year later when Rava had run into the house ahead of him squealing to her mom about her new engagement ring, the first time they brought both kids to visit and swelled with pride. This house has been a sweet escape for Kendall his whole adult life. Every time Logan had hurt his pride or his self-esteem, he had found himself again with the other side of his family. He closes his eyes for a few moments, taking in the kindness and calm of the house he had missed for the last three years.

When Cheryl finally lets go, she puts her hand on Kendall’s face.

“Look at you. You’re still thirty. Men have it so easy,” she laughs with Rava and he shakes his head. She grabs him again and pats his back. “Ohhh, I missed you.” She looks at her daughter and grandchildren. “He’s such a good hugger. I almost forgot how cute he is.” Rava and Kendall smile.

“It’s true,” Rava agrees.

“Okay,” he laughs at the way he'd forgotten they compliment him like he isn't there. “Thank you, I missed you, too. I’m so glad to be back. Seriously, you have no idea.” Cheryl pats his hand and turns her attention to Sophie and Iverson.

“My babies! You’re getting so big,” she coos.

“Grandma!” Sophie excitedly jumps up and down and Iverson smiles.

“Come eat!” Cheryl beckons to the dining room and takes the kids’ hands as she leads them to the kitchen. Kendall and Rava head in to find Rava’s stepdad setting his glass at his place. Robert seems even taller than he usually does in his own home, authority and confidence emanating from him in a similar yet less menacing way as Logan.

“Sweetheart,” he says to Rava, coming over to kiss her cheek. “Good you’re here for the weekend.” He turns to Kendall. “Ken, son!” he booms. “Get over here.” Kendall's glad to hear that he's still considered family but his heart beats a little faster as he walks over for what feels like a bit of a test. “I hear you’ve got it all together these days,” Robert says, glancing down his nose as he commends and warns at once.

“That’s right,” Kendall affirms, a little tension creeping up as he worries he hasn’t been accepted back in. “Here to stay,” he adds, trying to sound confident. Robert lingers in eye contact for exactly two seconds before moving on.

“That’s what we like to hear!” He claps him on the back and Kendall breathes a sigh of relief. “Now let’s hear every detail of this fucking bear hug. It’s daring. I like that. Cheryl, do we have something besides scotch and wine in this house?”

“Oh, it’s fine-“ Kendall starts.

“Well, of course we do,” Cheryl rolls her eyes as she glides back in, already ready with Perrier and French grapefruit soda. The kids trail her and sit down at their places. She musses Robert’s hair as she passes him and sets the bottles in the middle of the table. “Divina made the most incredible cedar plank salmon for tonight, it’ll blow your mind.”

“It smells great,” Rava says.

“And mac ’n’ cheese for my adorable grandchildren,” she continues. The kids dig in as soon as the cook places the food on the table.

“So! Let’s hear it. Taking on the titan, huh?” Robert asks.

“Uh, yeah, well- it- it obviously was not my ideal plan, but it’s pretty much necessary. My dad-“ he sighs. “It’s just- time for the new generation to take over.”

“True enough, some of us know when to retire! Someone’s got to keep the golf clubs in business. Now for the good stuff- Vaulter!” Kendall knew the M&A lawyer would want all the juicy details about the acquisition.

“My dad wants it gone- I hear,” Kendall starts. “I guess he wants to sell but, you know, if things go right, he won’t be in charge for much longer, so I’m planning to save it. It’s hard from the outside, but I won’t be outside for long.”

“You gave a speech I hear,” Robert smirks.

“That got out, huh?” Kendall asks a little nervously. “Well, I did, yeah. They need to know where we stand. Can’t have them unionizing, it’s for their own good. Dad would shut that down so fast. But we’re gonna have an amazing company culture, like, they’re going to be bragging to their friends about how incredible things are for them. They think they have it good now with a few ping-pong tables. Just wait til I have a chance to do things right. The guys on twelve in our building are pumped about all the changes I made happen. Even the breakfast food. They actually specifically told me so.”

Rava smiles to herself. She likes when the passion spills out of the buttoned-up persona he keeps up.

“Mmhmm. I do see you at the helm,” Robert looks him over and nods approvingly. Rava knows what it means for Kendall to hear that.

“Thank you." He looks genuinely touched and Rava wonders if he's heard that at all since the position was offered to him a year and a half ago.

“Rava!” Robert calls. “Let’s hear some good case news.” Kendall glances at her uneasily.

“You probably should have done me first,” she says jokingly while still accidentally managing to come off as preemptively defensive toward him. “Well,” she begins, “the case I’m still working on is- a unique challenge. Some international corporate stuff. But it’s going all right,” she fibs.

“Nothing you can’t figure out if you put real effort in,” he says. She wonders if she’s being too sensitive or if the implication that she isn’t trying was really there. “What’s wrong with it?” he asks. She gives him a look like he should know better than to ask for case details and he rolls his eyes. “I’ll sign whatever you need, just spill it,” he orders. Kendall watches her dissolve a little as she glances down at the table and gives in and he grimaces for a moment. It doesn’t occur to him that this is what she’s watched happen to him all their lives.

“Um, well, the resorts don’t keep very clear paperwork- I’m sure that’s not an accident- and they make it pretty difficult to get it. I need evidence of settlements for past wage theft whisteblowers to prove this is a pattern of behavior.” She blinks and avoids Robert’s eyes. “But they operate out of these remote island places and it’s been hard to get in touch with anyone in management to get the evidence I need…?” She hates that she probably sounds like she’s not working hard enough. “And I’ve subpoenaed but, obviously, that doesn’t work if everyone’s MIA.” She takes a long sip of her chardonnay, dreading the response.

“Well, if you can’t figure it out yourself, you should grab that Gerri Kellman for a consult,” Robert asserts. Rava’s shoulders tense up. “If Waystar’s still running, it’s because she’s kept ‘em all out of prison,” he laughs. “No offense, Ken.”

“Uh…” Kendall starts. “Well, I, you know, to a point, I agree,” he says, hoping to keep things smooth and take the unwanted attention off of Rava and the case. “There have been some problems with some bad actors within the company. I’m going to affect a lot of change in the culture when I’m CEO. The culture that my dad has allowed is actually toxic. And I’m coming to change that.” He looks at Rava. “But, Rava wouldn’t talk to Gerri while we’re in the middle of this- that would be a disaster.” He looks back at Robert and she feels queasy. “But I’m sure between the two of us, we could get a list of some fuckin’ superstars she could talk to, yeah?”

“You said a bad word!” Sophie cries, looking up from her dinner.

“Oh, sh- uh, yeah. Sorry, Soph.” Sophie goes back to eating and not paying attention.

Normally Rava would laugh at Sophie’s occasional tendency to chastise her dad about little things, but this time, she’s caught on something else. She’d almost forgotten that she’d called Gerri at all in all the chaos of the last few days and hadn’t gotten around to mentioning the conversation to Kendall. Now she thinks she’d better not.

“Mmhmm,” Robert responds. “I’ll get a list going of people you can consult with.”

“I mean, it’s going fine, but- sure.” Rava nods with a tight smile to her stepdad. “Thank you,” she adds. She doesn’t mind when Kendall offers to help because she knows how happy it makes him to feel useful and needed. But when Robert helps, she worries that it comes from doubt rather than encouragement. But either way, in this particular situation, she knows she needs it.

Later that evening, Kendall comes back into their guest bedroom from brushing his teeth and enjoys the low golden light coming from one of the Tiffany lamps on the nightstand by Rava. She watches him and thinks he looks physically lighter on his feet after the compliments and encouragement he got tonight. She feels a bit flattened herself. She slides her hands over her face and makes a mental note to say extra nice things to the kids tomorrow. Being criticized really messes people up, she thinks, considering Kendall’s and her different but related experiences. He sits down on the side of the bed and drops his button-up off his shoulders. Rava reaches up from her position lying in bed and traces her fingers from one freckle to the next on his back. She wants to be close.

“I love these,” she says. They’re peacefully quiet for a moment as she continues. “You’re getting them checked every year though, right?”

He chuckles.

“Yes. You’re so my wife.” She smiles and keeps gently rubbing her fingers over his back as he closes his eyes.

“That feels so nice.” He drops his head back and leans back into her touch.

“Don’t put anything else on,” she whispers.

He nods before turning to lie down right next to her and pull her close into a tight hug. He feels solid, warm, safe. She tucks her head into the crook of his neck and relaxes, relishing how soft his skin is there.

“Mmm, you are a good hugger,” she whispers. “I love you.”

“I love you,” he smiles. “I’m so glad we’re here.” He slides his hands up the back of her t-shirt.

“Feel better?” she asks.

“I’m about to,” he mumbles into her skin as he rolls her on top of him.

“We’ll have to be quiet,” she says mischievously.

He gives her a cocky smile.

“Yeah? Good luck with that.”

Chapter 13 💗

[baambastic]

Thoughts on Battle of the Super Sons (major spoilers for the entire plot):

Grazer is great as Jon

Laura Bailey’s Lois is great

I don’t particularly care for Travis Willingham’s Clark. His Superman is fine, but his voice sounds wrong coming out of mild-mannered journalist Clark Kent.

Love the whole opening. Especially love the old comics-style (complete with benday dots) montage of Clark’s life up until Jon’s birth

Glad to see we’re skipping the complicated multiverse stuff

Jon immediately jumping to “cosplay” as the reason for the Superman costume under the bed has made my day

But also Clark why was it just under your bed. Presumably while you were on a League mission for two weeks.

“I don’t care that you’re sorry! I just want you to be here!” OOF

The child is very sad, but at least the cat’s alive!

Jon feels like an actual kid, constantly excited by all the superhero stuff

They mentioned Kon!

Oh wow this movie has blood in it. I’m a bit surprised, even with the age rating

Tom Kenny Penguin! Haven’t heard that since 2004

Troy Baker doesn’t really sound like he wants to be here

It’s not Super Sons if Damian doesn’t make me want to punt him out the nearest window at first

Damian continues his bad habit of pushing kids to their deaths in the Batcave.

They did not make Jon an uwu soft bean, and for that I am grateful. He dishes out sass equal to or greater than Damian’s.

Also Griffo really sold how Damian felt about being rejected by the Titans. Really solid

Griffo’s Damian voice sounds like Damian’s trying to copy Batman’s gruff voice. I like it

Why is Damian the only person in this movie who says Jon and not Jonathan?

BAT-COW!!!!

Using two members of each main young hero team (Teen Titans, TT2003, YJ Animated (not the ‘98 version bc of overlap with TT2003)) for the Teen Titans is an interesting idea

Kind of surprising that Ollie and J’onn are the only other League members we get to see on the Watchtower

Blue Beetle and Hawkman (and I think the Atom?) were also shown on Starro’s hitlist, so it’s weird that they’re nowhere to be seen

I still need to get my hands on a hoodie like Jon’s

Those students have really low standards for insults

Bruce Don’t Beat Up Your Son Challenge (success on technicality of mind control)

Also, really effective body horror for something so bloodless

Damian you big softy

More body horror. yay

I dunno why i’m surprised Damian suggested killing Lois

Yo they made Krypto scary. Nice

Jor-El why did you send them to the watchtower if you thought they were probably gonna die

Lois continues to be awesome

Nice to see you, J’onn. Too bad you don’t get to do anything.

The dynamic between Lois and Lex is always fun to watch

Interesting Starro design. A bit too spiky for my tastes tho

“I’ve eliminated all human-based problems on your planet.” “You’re going to eat the planet!” “Correct.” Love that

Aw, poor baby demon brat

Oh, I never thought I’d see the day that Lois Lane used a DIY flamethrower on Lex Luthor. Incredible

I question the decision to include two green-skinned shapeshifters in the same fight scene

Speaking of, that’s a really cool effect they’ve got on J’onn when he’s burning

Jesus. No punches pulled on the sons v dads fight

Batman got punched out by an 11-year-old farmboy. He’ll never live that down

Man, this evacuation scene is wholesome

“I don’t know” *pushes all the buttons*

This whole Starro burning scene is very visceral, I gotta say

Jon and Dami are adorable, even when they think they’re about to die

Superdad to the rescue, with Jon looking like he’s about to cry with relief

Bathug! (they’re so awkward lol)

Starro covered in charred flesh? No thanks, I’m good

I think that lake water might be one of the few 2D animated things in this movie

Even with the character development, Damian’s still a demon brat (positive)

Aw, he’s so excited to go to Jon’s game

“Gotham’s Billionaire Prince Bruce Wayne Spotted With Son Damian at Middle School Baseball Game in Smallville, Kansas”

“Still can’t fly” *pained groans can be heard from the ground below*

They really didn’t mention any of the other Bats, huh? That’s surprising.

I’m guessing, since Jon can actually control his powers, all that stuff with Kathy and the milk hasn’t happened here

Battle of the Super Sons was a ton of fun! It has good writing, good humor, good emotional moments, and is consistently nice to look at. Shame it’s only got a 6.7 on imdb. I honestly might prefer this over the original Super Sons comics run

[do-androids-dream-ao3acc]

Hey!! You asked for ideas, I am here to provide having made it home in once piece! :)

Going to put it out there again... clipboard!bucktommy moving house. You know you gotta :D

Angsty one (with a happy ending) Buck loves kids, can't wait to be a father and is so in love with Tommy, who loves him back with everything he has. But he doesn't want kids, ever.

We have seen cat dad! Tommy but how about new cat dad Buck who calls Tommy in a panic because a kitten has just followed him all the way to his loft front door, attached itself to the leg of his jeans and won't let go. Buck, being Buck, does NOT want to hurt the little guy.

Last one for now....Buck is a big guy. And as a big guy, every time he goes out someone tries to start a fight with him to prove themselves and he's getting kinda sick of dodging it. Tommy witnesses this when Buck goes to get them drinks and swoops in to flex menacingly at the guy bugging his pacifist boyfriend.

Always happy to talk bucktommy, buddie or whatever! ❤️ @winterbuckwild

*takes a deep breath* *takes a sip of coffee* *chokes*

Moooorning! So, wow! Ideas! 🥹 I have a couple of thoughts. First of all, I will definitely try and wrap my head around "having made it home in one piece" because love! LOVE. ClipboardBucktommy, yeah well, since I read a smut fic yesterday, I guess, that's been done 😂

The kids idea is interesting, though not something I'm into regarding writing (look. I have a kid. Somebody not wanting a kid is not angsty to me, that's rational 😂). And I really don't vibe with all of these "BT are married and having kids" thing that I see going round. No offense, if that's anybody's jam, great! Some things are not for everybody, that's normal. Small digression: as I rambled about quite often, I'm currently watching The Rookie season 6, and there's Bailey and Nolan trying for kids right now (I'm kinda pretty at the beginning of that season). And when that started, Bailey was kinda awkward around the kid they took on for a night because some accident I can't remember. I thought, great, maybe she doesn't want kids, that would be awesome! Not because of the evident conflict if Nolan wanted kids but because we see way too less women in media not wanting kids. Even as - or maybe just because I am - a mother, I'm a strong advocate of everyone saying they don't want kids. Well, unfortunately that plot line turned out very different, but yeah, no BT with kids for me. 😂 (Also, I love my daughter, not that anyone gets ideas, great kid!)

About cats: that's so cute, can anybody write that please? Also, fun fact about squirrels (what? Yeah hold on you'll understand). Squirrels might jump on you and hold to your leg. They're not attacking you, they are most likely babies who've lost their mother. It's true!

The FIGHT one! Awwww. I'm gonna play with that in my head.

But in general, I'd love to throw those ideas out in the world, if anybody takes them, please tag me and @winterbuckwild ❤️

[child-of-of-the-sunshine]

1 year

this is one shot for Ryan and Bailey I came up with yes it rewritten from my The Dutton Twins series

I woke up at 4 am because I was meeting Ryan at the barn for a sunrise ride as I like to call it, I had already told Dad me and Ryan might not be back for a while once we left

Third Person POV

Rip was looking for Ryan until John came down “Boss, Ryan is missing.” Rip said running over to John “No he’s not, he went for a ride with Bailey beside it being their 1st anniversary so don’t expect Ryan or Bailey to be anywhere near work today.” John laughed knowing his daughter too well. “Also Bailey left me a note saying she packed them lunch.” John walked away after that shaking his head

Ryan and Bailey were still riding to where Bailey wanted to go “Bailey how where the hell are we going?” Ryan questioned riding beside her “A special place only me and my brother know.” She smiled looking at him “So how old were you when you found this place?” Ryan asked making small talk “It was before my mom died so like seven, but kinda whenever things went south I would come here by myself. Especially the day she died, every year for the last 21 years.” Bailey said looking over at Ryan “Her death must have hit you hard.” he said with a sad smile “Yeah I was closer to her than my siblings and she would always tell me that one day, I would have kids one day probably before my siblings. God now rambling about kids and you probably don't want any.” Bailey said shaking her head at herself “Actually I love kids and don’t care if we have a kid nine months from now as long as I get to have that with them.” Ryan said smiling at her “We haven’t even had sex yet.” Bailey laughed shaking her head “We have just not since we have been dating.” Ryan said with a shit-eating grin on his face “You want to have sex in front of our horse?” Bailey asked raising an eyebrow at her boyfriend “I mean we can have them look away.” Ryan laughed with a smile

“Well it’s not that, I’m just… how do I put this… I want kids I really do but I guess I’m scared because I didn’t grow up with a mom. I mean seven years yeah, but I don’t know the first thing about it.” I said playing with my saddle

“We can figure it out together.” He said smiling “But let's revisit this topic later.” She smiled, and soon she was running off “Bailey.” Ryan yelled chasing after her, she finally slowed and brought her horse to a stop “Wow.” Ryan said looking around him “I know, when I found out my mom died, I practically ran to my horse, by one of the cowboys stopped me.” She smiled at him “You were going to come here?” He questioned, “Yeah so the next day I came out with Lee.” She said, “You said brother I thought you meant Kayce.” He said, “Nah, Lee’s my best friend.” She said “But enough sad shit. This is supposed to be about us today, not my family.” She said smiling “Have I told who much I love that damn smile?” Ryan questioned moving his horse closer to her “Only a couple hundred times.” She smiled leaning over to kiss him, Ryan pulled back after the kiss “Why did you do that Ry?” She questioned him “Because I would rather be standing.” He smiled starting to get off his horse, he came over and then helped Bailey off hers “You know I can get off my horse Cowboy.” She smiled looking up at him “I know but my mom taught me how a lady should be treated.” He smiled leaning down to kiss her, she hummed into the kiss “She did good.” She whispered against his lip “Maybe we should eat that lunch you packed before we move further.” Ryan laughed  into the kiss “Make the horses look away?” She questioned pulling off the flannel she was wearing “I think last time this happened it was in the damn loft.” he laughed “I think your right.” She laughed pulling away from him, and grabbing her horse rains “Let's tie these two up so we don’t have to worry about them running back to the barn.” She laughed, Ryan grabbed his own horse and they tied up there horses, Ryan grabbed her waist once they were done “Now where were we?” Ryan questioned taking her hat off and setting it on her saddle horn “Think we're about to the part where you lay me down.” She giggled and Ryan did just that, when the couple got back to the ranch the sun had just set “I feel I’m gonna get yelled at tomorrow morning.” Ryan said as they brushed down their horses “I don’t think you will baby.” She smiled, putting her horse away

Taglist: @bellarkeselection @kitty-marie725 @hcwthewestwaswcn

[daphnebowen]

season four episode three!

TIMOTHEE HAL CHALAMET BAHAHA M

richard Bowen in a hat is actually the cutest thing I’ve ever seen

RINA CUEEEE

what is ricky wearing on his feet his shoes are… yikes 😬

Awwww!!! Emmy brought muffins for everyone! That’s so sweet!

AWWW GINA LOOKS SO CUTE

“the tension is fierce but also appropriate for all audiences” LMAO WHAT

THEIR CHEMISTRY IS OFF THE CHARTS HOLY CRAP

ricky looks so amazed and tbh so am i

they sound so goooooodddddddd together how can anyone ever compete like tbh I almost like their version better than the og Troy and Gabriella’s

the whole cast is so involved in their song and I am absolutely here for it

“No notes” PREACH CARLOS PREACH

”my boyfriend 😃🥰”

maddox’s smile is so pretty!

STOP IM CRYING IMAGINING GINA AND RICKY SAYING GOODBYE I REALLY CANT DOES SHE KNOW WHAT SHE JUST DID

Ashlyn’s laugh is so awkward omg

me only just now realizing that Jet saying he was in love with the girl playing Elsa (aka Kourtney) could be because of the RCOSL episode where Carlos tells her to pretend to be in love with her for the drama 💀 BUT OMG ITS ALSO TRUE HEHEHEHE

Seb and Carlos fighting is physically hurting me

did Carlos even pay for that coffee or did he just walk away?

”richard, sit. Faster.”

MACK IS NOT TALKING SMACK TO ALYSON FREAKING REED OHHH ITS ABOUTTA GO DOWN

”totally forgettable in every way” not with Kourtney wearing a whole candy shop or something. Seriously why does everyone look semi normal but Kourtney??? Is the the candy land Sharpay or something??

AWWW MADDOX IS SO CUTEEEE

”disasters might be” looks right at Ricky

ricky: repeats Gina’s famous lines. Also Ricky: it’s me *pulls down glasses*

okay but in all honesty why is everyone freaking out about ms darbus leaving especially if Bailey (the character that Gina is playing) is a senior like how does that make sense??? Yes it is sad but I feel like you would get over it…?? I mean obviously it parallels with Ricky and Gina but still

“making sure you don’t fall in love with your costar” “barebones production of Romeo and Juliet” OMG DARBUS REALLY DOES KNOW EVERYTHING

rickys infamous words ! “Wow.”

kourtney: Ricky!!!! Ricky: looks behind him in confusion

“keyboard smash”

”too much sunshine. I found it depressing.” “That tracks for you, actually”

Awh I think Mazzy is a little bit jealous of Mike and Jenns relationship

“like a dog?” He’s so naive what the heck

maddox and Ashlyn flirting while kourt is just standing there awkwardly is absolutely cringe worthy

“security be d*mned!”

jets been there for less than a day, didn’t even see the “can i have this dance” duet, and still somehow knows that Ricky and Gina are “not dating.” Man this boy is the biggest supporter of rina that there ever was

the way mr mazarra just reads silently except for “hmm. Hmm. Hmmm…”

she used two thesaurus’s???

I want one of those Ricky and Gina hugs like COME ON MAN WHY AM I SO SINGLEEEE

omg when Gina said she never gets things right the first time she told him that AFTER him and nini had kissed AND HE STILL REMEMBERS AKDNFJEJHAIWIXNEJSJS I CANT THE PINING IS CRAZY

”secret make out times” YESSS RICKYYYYYY

he has absolute faith in her and her in him and i freaking LOVE IT!

omg miss jennnnnn stoppppppp interferingggg it’s driving me nuts

the tension between Jenn and Benny boo is crazy

AWW KOKO IS SUCH A CUTE NICKNAME!!

yesss Kourtney go get your therapy I’m proud of youuu 😻😻

most of the parents in this show absolutely suck but kourtneys mom is lowkey the best (ninis moms are also pretty cool but Gina’s mom, Ricky’s parents, Todd, and ejs dad all suck)

dani is FLIRTING WITH RICKY BACK AWAY GIRLIE

The look of disappointment on Gina’s face when it was Mack showing up at her trailer instead of it being Ricky :((((

NONONONONO THE WRITING THE NUMBER ON THE HAND IS SO TERRIBLE but also really cute if I actually shipped them

ginas face- girl is absolutely SHOOK

[tweekbambi]

Taking writing commissions!

10 USD/13.61 CAD per 1000 words - 1 USD/1.36CAD per 100 words

+ 5usd/6.80 CAD FOR NSFW

Fluff/angst is free of up charge

Dm to claim a slot!

5/5

Only PayPal at the moment

Examples v

----------------------------------------------------------

It was the early hours of the cycle when Bumpers little optics came online, sitting up in his berth, his little servos searching for his dad, after rubbing his optics he climbed out of the berth and began searching for the nearest bot he could find, dragging behind him his favorite blanket, his small treads shuffling into the hallway.

Shuffling into the room next to his, with half offline optics, he could barely make out the shape of a bot only a few feet taller then he is, they shuffle across the room to the sleeping bots berth, struggling to climb up, they let out a small tired huff, lifting his tiny servo's into the air, he placed his blanket onto the berth, and then tryed to hop onto the bed, failing miserably, he's aft fell to the floor and he softly being to cry, small hiccups coming from the tiny bot sitting in the floor.

Not realizing that he had awaken the sleeping bot as his tiny servo's rubbing his optics of there tears, the bot that had been previously sleeping, had got out of there birth to check out the thump they had hear, peaking around the corner of their berth, they spotted baby Bumper sitting on the floor crying, shuffling over, the bot picked up the crying infant.

Bumper realizing they were no longer on the floor moved there servo's from their eyes to take a peek at the bot that had lifted him off of the ground, it was none other than Bumblebee, Bumpers face lit up and he being making making staticy gurgling sounds as if trying to speak to young bumblebee.

Bumblebee smiled at the young infant in his arms as he grabbed his and the young Bumpers blanket, bee shifted on his treads and peaked out into the hallway way, checking to see if any of the older bots were awake, no bots in sight, bee being his long (for a bot his size), trek to primes sleeping quarters, along the way baby Bumper had fallen asleep, nuzzling into the older bot, feeling safe again.

Once bee reached primes room, he softly knocked on the door, hoping that Optimus was awake, the door opened with a small creaking sound, "Bee what are you doing up at this hour, and… is that Bumper?" Optimus looked down at the young bot standing in the hallway, half supporting the sparkling in his arms, Optimus let out a sigh, kneeling down and trying to take the sleeping sparkling from bees arms, but before he could, bee brushed passed him and stood by Optimus birth, "oh I see" he said with a soft chuckle.

Walking over to his birth Optimus picked up bee and lifted him to the birth, after placing bee down he walked to the other side and climbed into his birth, lifting the tired bee and the sleeping sparkling onto his chassis, and covering the three of them with a blanket, "good night young ones" prime whisperer softly to the two young bots, unbeknownst to prime bees had fallen asleep the second his helm layed onto primes chassis.

----------------------------------------------------------

"I love this song!"

Bailey exclaimed over the thick noise of the bar, grabbing Skylar by the wrist and guiding him to a open spot on the dance floor, spinning the two of them around, Baileys hand securely wrapped around Skylars waist, dipping him down

"Wow!"

Skylar laughed, strong arms wrapped around Baileys neck, his smile wide, he hadent expected this from Bailey of all people, if anything he's expected there positions to be reversed.

"Well arnt you mr romance tonight?"

Skylar teased, Bailey just smiled, pulling Skylar back up, gently kissing on the lips, smiling giddly, Bailey had come home rather early that day, ratchet had sent Bailey home because they had skipped almost all their breaks that day.

"Well, what can I say, I missed you so much, you were all I could think about today"

Bailey smiled, hands resting on Skylars hips, it was moments like this that made Baileys heart flutter, being able to forget all their troubles and just hold their husbands close, dancing to silly country songs.

"Your so handsome, how did I get so lucky, that you didn't belong to someone else?"

Bailey quitely mumbled under their breath, tears starting to pool at the corner of his eyes, Skylar gently whipped away Baileys tears, kissing him on the forehead, fingers tangling in Baileys mess brown hair.

"You?, Lucky?, I was the one that was beat a inch from his life, the stars had aligned in my favor that night"

Skylar began peppering kisses of Baileys soft pudgy face, causing Bailey to giggle, not caring about the people staring at them, Bailey was happy, and that all that mattered in the moment.

----------------------------------------------------------

Featured character owned by @momosartgalaxy

[notallwonder]

Alrighty. Here we are. Criminal Minds 16x06, "True Conviction". I've already seen it a couple times now, but I wanted to do one of these anyway.

Spoilers and extremely long play-by-play under the cut.

I'm unreasonably psyched for this

this technobabble doesn't wholly make sense to me. why would GPS matter?

obvs the most recognizable thing about JJ is the symbol of her marriage, great

lmao this is how I know I'm way down the rabbit hole for Paget - when I first saw Garcia's "bring 'em home, Emily" line, my brain helpfully supplied the sound of Arden Myrin's hilarious impression of Peter Pilot's mom Barb crying "Bring her hooooooome, Peter!" iykyk and if you don't, it's very unimportant

the smirk and eyebrow was completely wrong for the moment, yet Incredibly Hot

big style Janeway vibes as the turbolift elevator doors close

wow the jet is schmancy - wall sconces! it's wide enough to accommodate the new aspect ratio!

SUEDE JACKET EMILY

Tara you look so sad. Wish you had a hand to hold, your friends keep getting blowed up

Luke's ALIVE yessss

oh little baby unsub running through the forest....got bopped on the head....

now he's...locked in a cupboard under the stairs? harry potter?

MAC AND CHEESE MOTIF

god I want mac and cheese

I like this bad uncle guy. He's hilarious. Real good crazy eyes.

this really could have been a musical

honestly I think my dad served me that exact meal when I was a kid and my mom was away on business. Except mine also included canned potatoes (disGUSTing)

Emily hugging Luke and like...no shot of her acknowledging JJ? It annoyed me the first time and now it's HILARIOUS. Just...conspicuously avoiding JJ? I love her relief about Alvez (me too Emily!), and she already knew that JJ was up and moving and not dead. But...they had time for that hug and nothing else? FUNNY. CM flew too close to the Jemily Sun with "200" and the long walk back is still ongoing.

I guess if I wanted to watch this with my Jemily goggles... this could fit *very* well with the plot of "Late Bloomer", a lovely fic by angestreet in progress on AO3 (https://archiveofourown.org/works/43418964). ANYWAY - the not touching/having trouble being normal with JJ fits with an Emily who has been putting distance between herself and JJ for complicated emotional reasons she's just starting to understand. Or perhaps an Emily and JJ who have had some sort of personal conflict that we, the audience, were not privy to (see also: the "what ifs and if onlys" conversation in season 13). I mean, I still think it's a conspicuously odd choice on the TV screen, but there's room for some interesting storytelling there.

on the other hand - the flight down there from Quantico is at least 90 minutes. Plenty of time for the folks on the jet to get a phone update from JJ. I think we're led to believe they did NOT have that communication (i.e. the splosion interrupted cell service for a prolonged period), as otherwise why would Emily be palpably relieved about Luke's well-being once she gets eyes on him?

Ponytail Prentiss. Ma'am.

The brief and supportive embrace of JJ from Tara and Rossi? Beautiful. Chef's kiss. Lovely.

LOL this music. Teachin' the kid to lye. (haha im so funny)

So...are we to believe he is conflicted about his serial killer education?

No time for politics, Dougie boy!

ooh I wonder who the Attorney General is. Do you think we'll get to see her? Please be CCH Pounder.

Political pressure and machinations seem to be a theme this season. As I recall, prior CM painted its political villains more as bad individuals (Barnes, Strauss, seemingly Bailey at the start of this season). It does feel like CME is more deliberately placing the BAU in the context of a justice / law enforcement *system* that is corrupted or disturbed by political concerns (and otherwise wonderful and perfect and not at all corrupt in itself). Kind of interesting.

Poor Tyler.

Look! JJ talking directly to Emily! It happened! Not in the same frame, but. I just have to remind myself that these things actually happen.

Can you imagine Prentiss arm wrestling Bailey. She'd wipe the floor with that silly noodle. Her glare is too powerful, forget her arm.

So Bailey's *not* the reason they haven't been using the jet? It's the nebulous "politics"? Vague, but not a huge leap. We've already had Senator Aunt Zelda call back to the way Congress sometimes likes to hold the federal budget hostage to achieve certain ends.

ugh....friends....this should come as no surprise...... i'm so gone for her...... her visage pleases me no end..... (mind filled with spooky echoing whispers of sssmokeshhhow prentisssss)

Acting! Executive realness Emily. And she does trust Tara's ability to do the job, but is cognizant of those "politics" etc.

Tara knows she's staring at a shit sandwich coming her way. Tara, I love you. I'm sorry this is hard.

Tyler: "Some dude gave me my clothes back. Also he took my sick Crocs. I don't get it. Am I getting out of here?"

I like PG's dress.

MOAR HUGS!!!! love that. Whoopsy you hurt Luke's lil injured wrist bb.

JONATHAN DEL ARCO, my MAN. First watch through I did not recognize him but found him compelling. I love that guy. I loved seeing him reprise his role as Hugh in ST: Picard. I love his work here.

Emily is... compassionate in this interview. Doesn't feel adversarial. That look when he says he just wants to die.

Oy, poor JJ. She is stuck in this stupid situation with her business gnome husband where she gets to feel guilty AND almost got blowed up! And Will, please. "I promise to never miss your call ever again." Guys come on - be realistic here! This is So Dumb. I've never been able to hate Will despite the ways their relationship rubs me the wrong way. Because if nothing else, JJ does seem to mostly really like him. I don't get it, girl, but who am I to say? She looks really shaken in this scene. This gives me a bad feeling. I'm a little worried this storyline is going to end in her transferring out of the BAU or retiring or otherwise putting her family above her career in a more decisive way.

Tyler and Penelope... I don't hate it. Pen deserves some lovin' and she's a kind and compassionate soul. Luke adores her and he's better than Tyler in terms of current emotional stability I'd say. But the heart wants what the heart wants and sometimes the heart simply enjoys whatever is on offer. She must have her reasons.

I had to watch this Tara/Emily/Luke scene like 4 times because I couldn't hear the dialogue over everyone's insane BEAUTY. The HAIR. the..um...curves...the brown houndstooth over the navy shirt...Luke was there too...

side note: I hate the AirBnB/Target/IKEA generic-ass photography decorating the FBI offices. Federal offices are boring yes but usually in a more dorky way.

Oh! They are fighting in the Family Room.

Oh, Rebecca you little nightmare. Tara says Reeves is not Sicarius and that's all it takes for you to accuse her of dealing in conspiracy theories? That got my hackles up. FASCINATING. I can't look away.

Again...this plays into that same looming "Politics" business - the people around & in the way of our heroes are motivated by optics, by career ambition, by the *appearance* of justice served and the currency that provides. ...That exchange in episode 1602 or 1603, when Bailey suggests getting Domestic Terrorism involved to make people feel safe and Prentiss replies that that wouldn't make them safe.

This scene with Tara/Emily/Luke is lovely. They've got her back. She's a professional. Emily's reaction like "oof been there".

This interrogation. The tacit communication between Tara and Emily when Tara steps in (hot). The way Tara carefully talks her way to the point. The way Silvio's eyes cut over at "I met this woman" and then he looks away. The way the connection has been made - he does feel seen. He's smart too. And he's spent how many years committed to his path - death for the safety of the man he loved. I really enjoyed this scene.

Y'know Emily is consistently good about acknowledging Penelope's good work. I'm sure that's been true for the whole show, but noticeable here too - in 1603 when she tells PG her idea is really good, and here. Love it.

Oh now that I'm watching it carefully - PG has a whole MOMENT as she opens up about her own grief (unfortunate how many times the word "hole" appeared in this convo but wcyd). His lean in is NOT unwarranted, it's there in her eyes...

new catchphrase "it just makes the hole different"

I like Silvio's novio. I like that he found a way to live free of shame and fear. It does kind of beg the question why he didn't try harder to exonerate Silvio in the intervening years, but let's not dwell.

Rebecca's "I have never not been on your side" okay lady. you were pretty mad earlier and implied your girlfriend and her team were full of shit so... I guess you're a human being! lmao. I hate to see Tara back-footed like this but this is juicy.

oh hello hottie. Emily Prentiss, the way you sit in a chair.

Paget's delivery of "I'm not quite following" is hilarious. hashtag relatable.

So "family is what gets you killed". Family as weakness, as vulnerability. I don't doubt that over the next few episodes we'll get more rebuttal to that notion from our heroes, a la "we're a family and that's our strength."

These episodes really don't stand up on their own. They work better together. Can't wait for the next one.

[lcstpaths]

@dreamsbuilt​ said: “i’m really proud of you.” (for Marco's canon confirmed son, Bailey)

before he’d found the circus, bailey had always felt like an outcast. THE KIND OF BOY WHO’D HAD BIGGER DREAMS THAN BEING A SHEEP FARMER, even way back when he’d snuck into the circus after hours on a dare, and had met a redhead who’d seemed like she knew he was coming.     poppet was still calling him out for things before he did them, and despite the years, he hadn’t stopped being amazed by her ability to do it.     the night circus and everyone within it had become the family he’d always dreamed of having. 

a strawberry hue flushed over his cheeks at the older man’s words, head ducking down just a touch. PRAISE WAS STILL SOMETHING HE STRUGGLED TO ACCEPT. even after all this time. even with someone like marco in his life, whose presence encouraged him to do his best, in everything. “i’m just trying to do my best,” he said finally, voice quiet.     “it’s what i’ve always tried to do.”

[my-shields-are-down]

You Belong to Me (a/k/a “girl fight”) - Part 1

“Where is she?”

Tim’s heart is beating out of control, he feels like he can’t breathe as he grabs Angela’s arms in desperation. He’d received a message from her 20 minutes ago saying nothing more than, “I need you to meet me in the surgical waiting room at Shaw Memorial. “

ANGELA:“Hi Tim. Wow you made great time, isn’t there game traffic tonight? Huh. Impressive.”

TIM: “Where is she? Is she ok? Please tell me she’s ok!”

ANGELA: “Deep breaths, please Tim. Come on calm down. There are no life threatening injuries involved. They are both going to be ok. I’m so sorry if I scared you, but I need your help with some background information, ok?”

TIM: “Wait, both? Omg. Is she pregnant? Am I going to be a dad?”

Angela looks at him quizzically. And Tim notices what she’s wearing. Heels, her “get me some attention” dress, strappy heels and her lips are deep red with super long lashes - her shield is on a chain around her neck.

ANGELA: “Pregnant? No one mentioned anything about pregnancies. Hang on…” She walked away to speak to the surgical nurse about pregnancies, leaving Tim standing in the middle of the room completely confused

TIM: “Angela, what’s going on why won’t you tell me where she is?”

ANGELA: “I’m getting there. One sec.” She pulls out her notebook and pen and opens to a list of questions. “OK. I saw you eyeing my dress, so you likely remember the last time I wore it (wink). Tonight was Bailey’s Bridal Shower - her bridesmaids were there, me, Lucy, Nyla from work were there too. We were having a fantastic time. Well until the last bridesmaid arrived late, after the festivities had started, and we were playing some stupid game, we all had drinks and it was Lucy’s turn to share. So she standing in this semi-circle of the rest of us telling us a hilarious story about one of her ex boyfriends, when the …..well. It’s just easier to show you.”

As Angela is digging through her pockets to find her phone, little alarm bells are going off in Tim’s head. “Bridesmaid” is getting louder and louder in his mind.

ANGELA: “Bottom line, both Ashley and Lucy are ok and in surgery. Lucy’s injuries are a bit more delicate and time consuming to fix, while Ashley’s are deeper and I guess you could say more life threatening but only because one of her veins was nicked. Short version: Ashley showed up late and a bit drunk and attacked Lucy- both verbally and physically. Nyla stopped the fight pretty quickly, before most people realized what was happening. Ashley has been arrested for felony assault and will be handcuffed when she’s out of surgery.”

Angela pushes Tim down into a seat and hands him her phone. She can see all the emotions as they hit him - fear, relief, awe, disbelief, anger and calm.

ANGELA: The fight lasted under a minute, but I’ve queued up the video to show you the whole thing. Watch this once or twice, then get your bearings together because I have questions. Official questions. And when we are done with that, I’ll give you a run down on their injuries, ok? It’s going to be ok Tim. They are both going to be ok. I’ll be back in 20 minutes.”

Tim had finally calmed down and was present. He looked at the phone in his hand, but couldn’t press play. He had broken up with Ashley the week before, after he and Lucy kissed. Ashley had not taken it well at all, but he never thought she’d attack Lucy. She had a tantrum and threw things, accusing Tim of cheating with Lucy on him. Not physically, but emotionally. He shared the deepest parts of him with Lucy and only shared the physical with her, and even that he had no enthusiasm for any more. Kissing Lucy had broken him open in a way that he knew he’d only ever date, be with, love Lucy. Lucy was his “heart’s desire.” That kiss changed everything for him. But he hadn’t told Lucy anything yet, he wanted to have the words to express himself. He was … what was he doing? Waiting? For what? Good god, is this my fault? Did I cause this?

Tim felt a hand on his shoulder, Angela kissed his head like his mom used to when he was little, and said, “don’t do it. This is not your fault. You did nothing wrong.”

Tim took a deep breath and pushed PLAY. The video starts with a pan across the room showing 15 gorgeous women, all in heels, all holding drinks standing in a semi circle around Lucy. His breath caught as he saw her talking animatedly about something… she was wearing sleek black jeans, high heels and a red halter top which showed off her strong shoulders, arms and back. Her hair was partially up off her neck cascading down in a tumble of curls. When she turned to the right to emphasize an inside joke with Nyla, he caught a glimpse of her make up which he thought made her look exotic and wild…

Then out of the corner of his eye, he sees Ashley arrive. She’s wearing a skimpy red dress which shows off her long, tanned legs. She’s beautiful as well, but looks sad. She joins the semi circle on the opposite end from Nyla. Ashley hears Lucy make a comment about her tall, sex-on-a-stick ex-boyfriend, with strong hands and big blue eyes (not him). He sees Ashley jolt and yell “YOU BITCH! I knew you were fucking my boyfriend!” Ashley smashes her glass onto the floor, and lunges for Lucy grabbing her by the hair and throwing her down onto the ground while scratching at her face, arms and back. Tim sees stripes of red appear on Lucy’s skin, and then she loses her balance, drops her glass, and falls to the ground. She can’t get purchase on the marble floor because of the liquid, and her shoes, so she punches in Ashley’s direction landing a few hits, but it’s not until Nyla throws a massive left hand upper cut punch on Ashley’s face, that Ashley stops slashing/fighting. Nyla knocked her out cold. And then notices the pool of blood forming under Ashley as she fell hard onto one of the jagged shards of Lucy’s glass. He sees Bailey swoop into EMT mode and call for two RAs and Angela and Nyla go into action mode and call it into 9-1-1 as well…. Holy shit. He hits the rewind button to watch it again.

After watching 2-3 more times, his rage and concern for Lucy is at a low boil and he can function. He calls Angela over but demands to know the state of the injuries.

Angela nods and says, Ashley has a deep puncture on her hip area (she grabs Tim’s hand and puts it on her hip to show him where). They think she severed a vein and nicked the sciatic nerve. If so, she could have permanent nerve damage. She also has a broken nose from Nyla, and a few deep lacerations on her arms from thrashing among the glass shards on the floor.

Lucy on the other hand, has multiple scratches from Ashley’s nails. The worst of them on her arm, back and shoulder. She also has one bad one on her hairline and another under her cheekbone. Susan’s boyfriend (she’s the maid of honor) is “the plastic surgeon to the stars” apparently and she called him once the fight started - you can see her on the phone in the video. He is doing Lucy’s surgery for free and has guaranteed no lingering scars on her face. Thankfully no nerves were nicked or severed. She will have to have someone stay with her the first week until the stitches are removed and to help change the dressings on her scrapes.

Ashley will be out of surgery first and we want you to talk to her wearing a wire. We’ve got her dead to rights with the video, scrapings under nails, witness statements, etc. but without knowing intent, the felony may not stand. Are you ok to do that? “

TIM: Angela - I will do whatever you need me to do. But only after I tell Lucy I love her and take her home with me. Let me take care of her, please. I have to do that first. No exceptions.

-to be continued-

[throwmethatcello]

My favorite moments from each member of Vox Machina.

Grog

- The whole trash talk pre-battle against Kevdak. Travis WOW.

- "Grand Poobah de Doink of all Thisanthat" and everything that came with that title.

- When he asked Pike to teach him how to read and I ugly cried + "I spend the following years learning how to read" in the epilogue and I also ugly cried.

- “The Grog and Craven Edge show”

- When he was sad because he didn't have a role in Vex and Percy's wedding and then they asked him to be the flower girl and he was.just.so.happy.and.proud.of.himself. “Can I have this job??” Groooog why are you so wholesome :'(

Vex

- "I thought he'd never leave" - No explanation needed

- "I open the door COMPLETELY NAKED" - Behold the supreme queen of powerplays, we are not worthy and we'll never be.

- When she went find Kaylie after Scanlan died and convinced her to go see him + Later when Allura told her the resurrection ritual succeeded and she was so happy but she was all alone in that tavern so she just started buying everyone drinks (and spending money????? !!!!!!) and flirting with people out of habit but then she kinda remembered she was with Percy and backed off and went to sleep, lmao what a journey.

- Her wedding vows. Laura Bailey will you please let me live.

Vax

- The time the Briarwoods caught him spying on them and he serious and genuinely attempted to fuck his way out of there and in all fairness who can blame him. Truly the bisexual representation I deserve, god bless this dumb horny boy.

- GUYS. WHERE. IS. LARKIN!!!

- “let's go, you bastard!” and kissed Percy. Thank you Liam O’Brien for my life.

- He really went straight to Percy’s bathroom and got into the tub with him just to share an awkward silence and tell him that he’s like a brother to him and then showed him his ass as he left. Vax’ildan what the actual fuck, brothers don’t do that kind of shit and you know it, why are you like this!!!

Percy

- *Masterfully parlays with an ancient green dragon and keeps his cool until the very moment she leaves the room. Proceeds to have a panic attack* Also pretty sure he kinda wanted to fuck the dragon. Anyways this scene is sexy af and I stan a badass bitch with severe trauma and valid kinks.

- When he literally inflicted damage to himself with a kettle full of fantasy menthos to win a cannonball contest.

- Wasted! Percy (ft. Keyleth and the weird marquesian drink)

- "SYLAS!!!!"

- This motherfucker, this absolute agent of madness went and signed yet another soul-binding contract with a demon under the galaxy brain reasoning that "I already sold my soul once, so if I sell it again worst case scenario I get to watch 2 demons fighting over my soul and that would be very entertaining" I'm-

Tary

- “It’s going to be FUN, FUN, FUN!”

- Flashcards class with Pike. Just. Amazing. Outstanding. Sam Riegel what you have is called TALENT. 

- “...and it was the METRIC SYSTEM!”

- The time Taryon Darrington spent his first night in company of a lady and immediately decided it was going to be the last one. 

- His “fuck you dad” speech was absolutely beautiful and his explanation on how Vox Machina showed him what it meant to be a family. Sam you can’t just fucking do this kind of shit to unsuspecting watchers, I’m soft. 

Keyleth

- "We are basically gods!" *proceeds to jump off a cliff and die" WE LOVE A DUMBASS QUEEN.

- When she went off on Raishan, just omg Keyleth, the raw power of it all!!!

- "Hey percy you know what would be fun, if I turned into a fucking elephant and you got on top of me so we can go deliver this mask/helmet to Grog in a cool classy fashion. *turns into an elephant* Oh shoot I forgot doors exist, it sure would have been a good idea to polimorph after leaving the room, well whatever, here goes nothing *starts to fucking smash the door with her elephant body* Oh, here comes Grog and Scanlan, hey guys! Wait, why are you attacking me it's me, your good friend Keyleth! Ouch! Ok you know what now I'm pissed, let's fucking go!! If I shall go down in this form so be it. *Rages against Grog and Scanlan and gets fucking decked*

- Keyleth’s epilogue was just beautiful and the perfect way to close the campaign. Much feels. Much cry.

Pike

- *Takes a sip of the weird Markesian drink* "Haha I don't feel anything" *Takes another sip of the weird Markesian drink. Passes out automatically*

- Pike: Maybe we should sleep together and see how it goes

Scanlan: O- OKAY????

Pike: No just kidding lol sorry

- “Guiding bolt up his butt” 

- "Sometimes I talk to Scanlan through the earring even though I know he can't hear me" like, Ashley stop. And then she gets drunk and starts actually talking to him like, ASHLEY STOP.

Scanlan

- "You'll leave when Burt Reynolds tells you to leave!"

- "Do you spice?" or "Scanlan spends a whole episode in a quest for drugs. Ends up getting a bag of baking soda for like 400G. Lives with the shame for the rest of his life" Perfect. Spectacular. You just can't write shit this good.

- When he apologizes to Pike for being a fuckboy.

- Every single counterspell this motherfucker has ever casted.

- Basically the whole battle against Vecna was endless epic content from Scanlan.

- You know what, every single Scanlan moment is iconic and we all know it. Let's not pretend we can just pick a few.

[ironmandeficiency]

pedro boys + 🌨snow🌨 (part 1)

inspired by me seeing snow for the first time in seven years, enjoy this fluff. shout out to @bobaandthefetts for telling me how to do a “read more” on mobile, you’re an angel

boys featured in this part: din, maxwell, javi p, oberyn, frankie, & max

boys featured in part two: whiskey, marcus m, ezra, dave, marcus p, & pero

din: he’s been everywhere, has seen all different kinds of climates and the creatures that inhabit them. snow isn’t new to him (and is honestly seen as a pest when it comes to how it effects the razor crest & his beskar). when he sees you playing with grogu in the white powder, he finds it in him to not completely hate the stuff. will be the one waiting onboard the crest w warm broth and extra blankets for the two of you to bundle up with once you’re done playing. if you catch din on a good day, he might join you for a few minutes. you conspire w the kid to pummel his dad w snowballs and wow is that kid a great aim w the force. when din’s splattered with stray bits of snow and the kid is tuckered out

maxwell: this man is a whole ass dork. when he sees how happy you and alistair are at seeing the snow, his first question is “who’s ready to go play in it?” makes sure you’re both bundled up perfectly “snug as a bug in a rug” (it makes alistair laugh when his dad is silly) before opening the door for you both, smiling to himself when he hears his son’s happy laughter at the first snowflakes falling on his face and stuck out tongue. runs up behind him and lifts him into the air, yours and his hearts growing several sizes at the joy found in such soft domesticity. there will be a snow family adorned in only the finest of spare winter clothes and so many silly photos of maxwell being himself instead of who the world expects him to be. he keeps a couple of said photos framed at his work office as well as his home office to remind him who he’s working hard to support.

javier p: as a texan, snow is a rarity. as a texan from laredo, it might as well be bigfoot. javi’s the type to admire snow from the comfort of your heated home. it’s the best time to find old recipes and fuzzy blankets to keep you both warm and cozy either on the couch or in bed. when you do convince him to join you outside for just a minute, it’s a sight to behold. javier peña, the most skin-showing walking-sex-appeal mf, is wearing layers. watching javi make his first snowman was far too entertaining, seeing as he kept getting frustrated when a stray leaf would get in it or when the shape is lumpy. when he had all but given up, you gave his snowman a little mustache to match his and it got a chuckle from him. after getting a few pictures of the two of you and the snow itself (and the snowman), he convinces you to come back inside and help him thaw back out however you both deem fit hehe.

oberyn: this man’s first experience with snow was filled with awe and wonder. he was but an awestruck child with little decorum (once in enough layers), but then he noticed the less fortunate — how people were freezing and unable to do anything but hold their children close and give them what little layers they had to spare. oberyn decided then to give his extra clothes he had right then to the families with children to protect the little ones from the biting snow. he was familiar with how such beautiful sights could be so terribly lethal and helped those he could. when you’re in the snow for the first time since being with him, you notice his protectiveness go thru the roof bc he can’t erase the memories of families not being able to stave off the cold and doesn’t want you to get sick. the slightest shiver will have him pulling you into his arms or into the nearest door and in front of a fire, being sure to make it up to you in every way he can.

frankie: this absolute goofball of a man is the kind of man to indulge in your every whim when it comes to snow. building your own snow people? of course! frankie’s snowman even gets to wear his hat for a picture, and you make them hold hands. snowball fights w him and the boys? you bet! they all get competitive and santi gets to play ref while you two go against the miller bros (the cold makes santi’s knees worse). snow will 100% be shoved down each other’s shirts with laughs and smiles that could thaw the snow around you with their warmth. when you’re both ready to go inside, it’s hot cocoa time and your favorite mugs are dressed to the nines — whipped cream, marshmallows, sprinkles, a generous splash of bailey’s. when a little bit of the whipped cream gets on his mustache, you take it upon yourself to kiss it away with a sly grin. the night ends w cuddles under your favorite quilts and joyous laughter abt the day you had with him and your friends.

max: he doesn’t like the cold bc his joints and muscles get stiff from the added cold on top of his vampire-natural body temp. he is very adamant on not going out in it bc of this and will work from home during severe snows. his trick to keep you from going out in it? cuddles and affection like no one’s business. it’s slightly selfish bc he wants you to stay w him and let him leech off your body warmth but you don’t have it in you to complain abt your doubly affectionate vampire. to max, fireplaces are a blessing during the winter and are even moreso when you’re laying down in front of it with him. a good movie or soft music will play as you keep his cold body warm the best way you can.

tagging a few friends & my taglist babes: @the-purity-pen @huliabitch @mudhornchronicles @thegildedquill @jangohshit @anakin-danvers @frannyzooey @filthybookworm @miraclemoreno @goldafterglow @blue-space-porgs @likeshootingstarsinthenightsky @leias-left-hair-bun @obirain @olluea @themarcusmoreno @catsnkooks @captainrexstan @mackstrut @battletales @simping-for-fives @stardustsunrisekisses @darthadeline @artemis61003 @roseofalderaan @majorshiraharu @getdookuedon @capricornrabies @max--phillips @jedi-mando @bisexual-space-slut @morriganwarrioress @x-wing-77 (lmk what went wrong, loves)

[livvybabyrocks]

Playing With Life - A Sims 4 Series - By Livinity Part 2- It’s A Party

The following morning Clinton McShae handled the remaining preparation for the party.

Harper: “And remember to say thank you when you receive a present.”

Harry: “Yes mommy!”

Harper: “Are you excited to see your aunt and cousin again?”

Harry: “Yes! Yes! Khalid is my best friend!”

Soon after the first guest arrived.

Clinton: “Wow, Moritz. It feels like it was yesterday when I told you that I was going to be a father. I still can’t believe it. He is going to be a big boy by the end of this day. He’s growing up so fast.”

Moritz: “And I remember when you were his age. When I used to babysit you. You grew up fast too. But what I can tell you is, that you’re a great father and you’re raising a great kid.”

Harper: “Here comes the birthday boy! All gather around!”

Harper: “Go on, blow out the candles, Harry!”

Harper: “Great. Good work!”

                                           Everyone cheered as Harry grew up to become a child.

Moritz: “Wow, look at you! You come after your dad a lot but your nose…you definitely have your mother’s nose. Go on, have some cake, Happy Birthday Harry.”

Harry: “Thank you Moritz, haha. It’s a blessing to have you here at my party.”

Khalid: “Cut the cake already, kid. It sure smells delicious and we all know what a great chef your dad is.”

Harry: “Haha, okay, okay! Let’s enjoy some cake, folks!”

Harry: “So how am I supposed to greet the other kids at school? Should I perform a special handshake? I’ve been working on one for the last couple of weeks. Do you want to see?”

Khalid: “That sure looks impressive, but Harry. You don’t need an intermediate handshake to be cool. The other kids are going to love you and you will make friends in no time! I guarantee it.”

Will: “Or you could just use this handshake right here and tell everyone that Will Bailey taught you this!”

Michelle: “Will, don’t teach him that fame is everything!”

Will: “I’m not but it sure helps to get around.”

Moritz: “Or just bring your dad’s famous cakes to school from time to time. There is no such thing as bonding over good food.”

Khalid: “I agree. I feel much closer to you all of a sudden and it’s all due to homemade pudding.”

Harry: “Haha. That pudding isn’t homemade. My mom bought it at the store.”

Khalid: “Doesn’t matter. It’s sweet, it’s yummy – it’s going in my tummy.”

Moritz: “I will have some more cake if you don’t mind.”

Harry: “Oh yeah! Me too!”

Harry: “Thanks for that epic party mom!”

Harper: “You’re welcome honey.”

Clinton (to Khalid): “So how is school going, Khal?”

Khalid: “Oh, it’s going great. I’m sort of dating. Can you believe it? *chuckles* Awkward me. And I started a part-time job as gardener. It pays well.”

Clinton: “Oh those are great news! Congrats on both the occasions. You could come around some time and trim our roses and bluebells. Harper sure doesn’t shine with her green thumb.”

Harper: “Oh Clinton, don’t embarrass me. The bluebells grow just fine!”

Clinton: “They’re a bit sour. I tried some…”

Harper: “They aren’t ripe yet, sweetie.”

-------------------

Next Part: 

https://at.tumblr.com/livvybabyrocks/playing-with-life-a-sims-4-series-by-livinity/349au9kk1dkj

Beginning:

https://livvybabyrocks.tumblr.com/post/684472122316406784/playing-with-life-a-sims-4-series-by 

[shut-up-posh-boy]

Hi, I was looking through ur blog again and noticed you mentioned "a funny story" about a specific episode (the one where lee claims he made a cake for david) and I'm curious abt it!

Oh wow lol I'm impressed you caught that! now I worry I've oversold it LMAO but here's what happened. Spoilers for the Great British Bake Off, but... based on the episode you can guess what those spoilers are.

It's the episode with Bob Mortimer and Nadiya Hussain (and others). As I've posted about, my dad has an equal WILTY-obsession to mine. His point of entry was watching all of Bob's stories and subsequently deciding the show was the greatest thing ever made. After he watched all of Bob's stories in isolation, he wanted to watch all the full episodes featuring Bob (which turned into 'All the episodes featuring Greg or Rhod' which turned into 'All the episodes featuring Claudia or James or Jon or Mel', which turned into 'All the episodes')

Now this is where my mom comes in as well, because she loves the GBBO and we watch it together as a family. We were on the season Nadiya won when my dad first started to get really into WILTY. You can probably see where I'm going with this.

My dad and I were set up in the living room to watch the next Bob episode (10x2) when I suddenly panicked and paused the episode partway through Rob's intro. I'm a terrible spoilsport and can't help googling who wins before we're even most of the way through the first episode of a series of the GBBO, and in the case of Nadiya, knew WAY beforehand because I'd seen tumblr memes and had watched part of her show, Time to Eat. I don't remember how I knew, because it hadn't cut to Nadiya yet and Rob hadn't even started her intro.

I explained to my dad that the winner of the current series of the GBBO we were watching was a guest on this episode. He decided Bob was worth the spoilers and so we started watching anyway (he was very surprised it was Nadiya since if anyone's also a fan, she gets off to a really rocky start on her series) but we carried on.

And THEN my dear mother came into the room to watch with us. Neither my dad nor I were quick enough to come up with a convincing excuse to have to switch episodes so we just carried on. Luckily, Nadiya's home truth about going bowling with Mary Berry had already passed and we both sat completely mute next to my mom to wait and see if she would notice.

About halfway through, she turned to me and asked "What's that woman next to David famous for?" I panicked and said "Professional hairstylist, I think." Still, she never caught on until we finished that season of the GBBO and I admitted the truth. I also told her we had watched an episode of Nadiya's Time to Eat together and my mom is just. face-blind as fuck.

A theory which was later confirmed when we watched the WILTY that Dave Myers guests on and she exclaimed "Bill Bailey!"

Also, Briony's gonna be on the next series of WILTY! 💞

[jazy3]

Thoughts on Grey’s Anatomy: 17X15

SPOILERS AHEAD!!!

Wow! A lot happened in this episode. It was billed as Jackson’s goodbye episode, but it turned out to be so much more than that. Meredith got discharged and was reunited with her kids, Tom decided to move to Boston to work for Jackson, and we got the show’s first Indigenous doctor and patient storyline! I honestly think Jackson’s farewell was really well done! While it’s true he could do the work he wants to do just as easily from Seattle everything else about his exit makes sense to me. He’s tired of sitting on the sidelines and he wants to make real change where he can.

I loved his conversation with Meredith and how he was the one to sneak her out. I loved Meredith's voice over for this episode and how it followed Jackson's actions and the flashback montage set to music. I thought it was fitting. I would have liked him to have said goodbye to Ben because they were the Plastics Posse until he left to become a firefighter but apart from that I was happy with it. The character has come such a long way during his run on the show and I feel like this episode reflected that.

The editing was really well done too. Especially the shot of him overlooking the lobby. That transition was seamless. I loved his goodbye scene with Meredith. It made me so emotional. I love that Meredith tried to lighten the mood by making a joke about how she won because she's the last one standing. That scene when she hugged the pillow after he left because she misses him and everyone else really got me. I also really liked the conversation he had with Bailey and Richard.

I'm glad he said a proper goodbye to Jo although I didn't find it super emotional. In addition to Ben, I would also like to have seen a goodbye with Maggie. I'm surprised they didn't do that. Maggie was so focused on Meredith's recovery that it's not clear if she even knows that Jackson is moving to Boston. They also could have done a big emotional scene with Catherine. On a lighter note, I am so happy that Meredith is doing better for real this time and has been discharged! I've been waiting for this since the mid-season point.

I loved the scene where she was reunited with her kids and Amelia was panicking about the state of the house and Meredith told her it was fine and that was just how she liked it. Meredith getting Jackson to sneak her out of the hospital felt very in character to me. As her voice over says Meredith isn't one for tradition or big hullabaloos which is why I think the others tried to keep it a secret. I'm not surprised that she ducked out early. While I get why the other characters wanted to do a big send off for her, I feel like they should know by now that's not her style.  

I loved the scene where Amelia and Link found out Meredith might be coming home, and they hugged and then Link said he had to go to work and Amelia started crying and then asked why he was still there. Link was so confused and then Amelia told him she’d be crying off and on like that all day to get her emotions out and that she’d be fine and he needed to go to work. That is so Amelia! But in a good way. Post-tumour and with her addiction under control even in a pandemic Amelia is now able to express her emotions in a healthy way so she doesn’t relapse or spin out of control. That is such huge growth for her. I loved the scene at the end with her and Meredith.

The smile that they share. The look between them. You could see early seasons Private Practice Amelia in that look but also mature and stable new Amelia. I loved that Amelia was all worried about the state of the house and Meredith was fine with it being a mess because as a working Mom she knows what it’s like and all she wanted was to be at home with her kids in her messy house.

At the end of the episode we find out that Tom’s near death experience with COVID has caused him to re-evaluate his life. He feels lucky to have lived to have been spared and he wants to help Jackson make real change in Boston. On the one hand I was surprised by Tom’s exit, but on the other hand I wasn’t. I love Tom and will truly miss his character, but ever since the affair came out and he and Teddy split and she started working on trying to repair her relationship with Owen, Tom hasn't had a lot to do.

I'm sad they didn't do more with him because he's such a great and complex character and I know some people had speculated they might pair him up with Mama Ortiz which could have been interesting. I'm sad we didn't get to see him say goodbye to Amelia, Link, Teddy, Catherine, or Meredith. Tom and Amelia are old friends, he trained her, he took out her brain tumour, and she rushed to the hospital when she heard he had been admitted for COVID-19.

Tom and Link seemed to be getting along as of late and Tom was ready to be a father to Teddy's baby before she got back together with Owen. He found her the perfect apartment and he built a crib for a child that wasn’t biologically his that he was so excited to meet and be a Dad to. All this after his own son died and his marriage collapsed as a result. He treated her like gold and she’s done nothing but treat him horribly for no reason. I don't think I’ll ever forgive Teddy for that.

Catherine and Tom are also old friends that go back even farther. She appointed him as Chief Medical Officer of the Fox Foundation. She told him about DeLuca’s death and took him to the Memorial. When Richard was sick, she told him she wanted him to take over the Foundation in her absence. Tom and Meredith had such an emotional scene earlier this season and he's been praying for her every day. Does she know that? Does Meredith know that Tom has been praying for her and worrying about her? I was expecting a follow up scene to that, so I hope we get one.

I found the patient storyline that Tom, Levi, and Indigenous intern James Chee had really moving. Grey's has never had an Indigenous patient or doctor on the show before and while the dialogue did feel heavy handed at times, they brought some really important issues to light and were trying to make up for lost time so that’s understandable.  

Robert I. Mesa who plays Dr. Chee is Navajo Soboba and the patients that they treat at Coast Salish whose traditional territory encompasses the province of British Columbia, Canada and the states of Washington and Oregon in the United States. It’s really great to see an Indigenous actor bring stories about Indigenous characters to life in a realistic way for the same reason that it’s important to see black, brown, Asian, latinx, and LGBTQ+ actors bring stories about characters like themselves to life. It brings authenticity and ensures sure that white straight cisgender people aren’t taking roles away from people within those communities.

When I found out through Twitter that the show had cast its first Indigenous doctor, I was very excited. I work for an Indigenous organization currently and so Indigenous representation is an issue that is very near and dear to my heart. The first thing that came to mind for me was the Coast Salish artwork you see in the background of so many scenes of the show. From the show’s earliest seasons, you can see beautiful art pieces in red, blue, and black depicting fish, birds, and other animals on the walls of the hospital and in people’s offices.

Yet it is never addressed or mentioned that that is Coast Salish artwork. In order for it to be there someone from the art department must have travelled to Seattle to buy some local artwork to put up around the hospital. While that’s great for making the hospital look authentic to the area by not mentioning its origins or the fact that Indigenous people exist for 16 seasons does all Indigenous people a disservice. Indigenous people are not stereotypes or tokens or simply makers of pretty pictures.

Every group has their own culture, artwork, language, and traditions. I’m glad that Grey’s Anatomy is finally acknowledging the existence of Indigenous Americans and the fact that Indigenous people exist and continue to exist despite repeated ruthless attempts to murder and assimilate them. This is a huge problem in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and other nations. While in the last few years Indigenous issues have gotten greater coverage in Canadian media there isn’t as much media coverage of Indigenous issues in the United States.

I love that Tom and Levi treated both the pregnant woman and her grandfather with respect and dignity and didn't dismiss their concerns or mock their traditions. I love that Tom actually had some knowledge of smudging ceremonies and that he referred to Dr. Chee respectfully when needed and allowed him to perform a smudging ceremony for the grandfather. When the pregnant patient’s husband thanks them and says that in the past they haven’t had great experiences in big hospitals that is unfortunately a sad reality for many.

Like other people of people and other marginalized and oppressed groups the concerns of Indigenous patients are often not taken seriously, and they often encounter racism that leads to poorer treatment and death. When the pregnant patient talks about how their centres are under resourced and that they were sent body bags instead of medical supplies that is a real thing. The Trump Administration actually did that in the States and the Harper Government here in Canada did that during the H1N1 Epidemic.

Thankfully, here in Canada the COVID-19 Pandemic response of the Trudeau Government has been worlds better. No sending of body bags and instead medical supplies and lots of relief money has been given to Indigenous organizations like mine to help real people. Indigenous Canadians have also been given priority status for vaccinations and as a result people are alive today that would have died previously. Now that’s not to say things are perfect here. There are still so many issues that need to be addressed including police violence, discrimination within the justice system, and the rate of missing and murdered Indigenous women. But at least some progress is being made.

The fact that they wrote Tom off reminded of an old adage about Grey’s Anatomy that I heard someone talking about at the start of this season which is that if there isn’t anyone significant for a character to date and you’re not an original character your days on the show are numbered. The fact that they wrote Tom off after putting Teddy and Owen back together makes me even more sure that Meredith and Hayes are going to end up together and that their relationship will be a key plot point of Season 18.

If that wasn’t the plan, I don’t think Hayes would still be there. There have been episodes this season where he has been very prominent, episodes where he’s been completely absent, and episodes like this one where he has a few short scenes. He wouldn’t still be there hanging around in the background if the plan wasn’t to set him up with Meredith. To me the only explanation that makes sense is that they are going to put Meredith and Hayes together hopefully before Season 17 ends.

Side note, I bet all of the actors who passed on being Meredith’s love interest or backed out for a movie or tv role on a newer show probably feel real dumb right now. Grey’s is about to go into its 18th season and Richard Flood who plays Hayes is getting paid mad bank whether he’s prominently in the episode or not! Plus, he slays that role. While the path they took to get here was bumpy I’m so glad that we got Hayes as a character and we’ve gotten to see his relationship with Meredith develop.

I would have loved to see more of Hayes this episode. I was expecting a scene in which he visited Meredith and I was a bit disappointed we didn’t get that. I get that the focus of the episode was on Jackson’s departure, Meredith being discharged, and Tom’s epiphany, but it would have been nice to see that. The scenes we did get were great! I love his dry sense of humour and his comments about Jo’s terrible handwriting.

My favourite moment of the episode was hands down when Hayes came to clap out Meredith with everyone else and then Perez came out and they realized that she had snuck out early and Hayes laughed and said, "Nice one Grey, Brillant!" And then he wished everyone a good night and headed out. If Meredith isn't there, he's out. He’s not even trying to hide his feelings for Meredith anymore. It’s an open secret that he likes her and is clearly smitten. Hell, at this point I wouldn’t be surprised if the janitors have a group chat about it.

I love that he laughed about it like it was some big cosmic joke they were both in on. He knows her so well. Everyone else was confused and her sisters were worried when they didn’t hear from her, but Hayes wasn’t worried because he knew she’d snuck out the back and that someone must have helped her. Speaking of romance, I’m guessing that next season they will bring in a new Head of Plastic Surgery for Jo to date. I feel like they will have more luck finding someone than they did when they tried to hire a new love interest for Meredith over the last few years because right now work is scarce.  

Also, in the romance department Teddy and Owen are back together. I'm happy for them, but other than that I don't really have any strong feelings about it. I am happy that they seem to be good and that the fighting and long-drawn-out drama is over. I've never been a ride or die Teddy and Owen shipper, so I don't feel an emotional rush seeing them back together. I loved Tom and Teddy together so I'm sorry that ended especially since Teddy and Owen have always been such a mess.

I think that they should have spent less time fighting and more time rebuilding their friendship before getting back together. We spent the first half of the season watching them fight non-stop and Owen made it clear he wanted nothing to do with Teddy ever again. Teddy treated Tom like crap while trying to win Owen back who clearly didn’t want her. While I’m glad they have reconciled, and the drama appears to be over I wish they had spent less time on the fighting and more time on exploring Teddy’s trauma and having them rebuild their friendship if that was the route they were going to go.

We also get more details about Maggie and Winston’s wedding this episode. I posited on Twitter a few days ago that I thought Maggie might ask both her dads Bill and Richard to walk her down the aisle as she'd want to include both of them in the ceremony. I think having Bill walk her down the aisle and Richard officiate is lovely. It reminds me of when Bailey stepped up to officiate Callie and Arizona's wedding.

I’d like to see more interactions between Meredith and Winston and Meredith and Link in the future as both men have become a part of the family largely while Meredith was sick so it would be great to see them get to know each other and bond. I really loved the scene between Winston, Link, and Owen where Winston was trying to figure out if Teddy and Owen were back together and Winston and Owen were teasing Link about the Sister House. It’s nice to see them all bond. It would be even better if they would all have more scenes with Hayes and for them to bond as well. I hope to see more of that next season.

I get why Link wants to get out of the Sister House, but I think he was a bit unrealistic about the situation. Meredith just got discharged. Amelia and Maggie aren’t going to want to leave her side until she tells them she’s ready and it’s okay for them to go and take a step back. I foresee them going with a hybrid approach next season where Maggie and Winston move to his place following the wedding and Link, Amelia, and Scout move to Link's place, but they still spend time at Meredith's house frequently. I imagine after being away from her kids for so long at some point Meredith is going to want her house back and to spend time alone with her kids.

I'm interested to see Meredith talk about her time on the beach in the upcoming episodes. Richard and Bailey were struggling to figure out how to tell her about DeLuca’s death but we the audience knew that Meredith already knew he had died. When she coded previously, and Ellis Grey passed away the first words out of her mouth were about her mother being dead. But here we see something different. When Meredith wakes up this season the first words out of her mouth are about how much she and Derek love Zola. She uses the word ‘we’ so the audience knows what she’s talking about, but the characters don’t.

It appears that at least a week has passed since the previous episode possibly two and we learn that Meredith hasn’t brought up her time on the beach or her visits from the dead to anyone. I think that she’s keeping that to herself for a few reasons. She didn’t want to leave the beach and telling that to the people who just spend the past three months trying desperately to save her life would probably come across as suicidal and upsetting. The conversations between her and Derek were personal and private, and she may not be ready to share them just yet.

Her conversations with George, Lexie, and Mark were also pretty personal so she might not be ready to talk about that either. In this episode we see her tell Bailey and Richard that DeLuca is okay because he’s with his mother. The scene cuts away, so we don’t know what else she tells them. Hopefully we’ll find out next week. My guess is that the first person she’ll talk to about the beach in the following episodes will be Hayes because he will understand her desire to stay because of how he lost his wife.

He won’t see her desire to stay on the beach as suicidal or crazy because he would probably think about doing the same thing if given the opportunity. We saw Meredith be really vulnerable with Hayes when she first got sick about her fears of dying and falling asleep. They’ve talked at length about their spouses and their past relationships in a way she hasn’t with other characters. I feel like he is the perfect person to talk to about what happened on the beach because he won’t judge Meredith or take her desire to stay personally.

They’ve already established that Hayes is a supportive and understanding person who is happy to sit there and listen to Meredith talk about her experience of dating after death and past relationships and so I think he’s someone Meredith can open to about what it was like to see Derek again, what it was like to realize her ex-boyfriend was dying, what is what like to get closure with George, and gain wisdom from Lexie and Mark. I’m hoping that will happen in next week’s episode and if not in the finale.

We saw Helm having a tough time this episode. I think Helm moving in with Levi and Jo is a good idea. I think it will give Helm the support she needs and I'm glad Levi is there for her. We haven't seen Jo and Helm interact much so far, so I'm interested to see how Jo is going to feel about her moving in. Also, where is Helm going to sleep? Jo and Levi live in a one room loft where Jo sleeps in a large bed and Levi sleeps on the couch. I would have liked to have seen more scenes along the way building up to this as Levi and Helm haven't had a scene all season and now right at the end you see him trying to help her. I also really miss Parker as a character. I wish they brought him back as well as Helm.

Something I didn’t like was that they seem to be focusing on DeLuca, his death, and his absence more than they should. I get that the writers and people behind the scenes liked the actor who played him, but the character himself was pretty widely detested by the other characters for seasons 15 and 16 so having them talk about him like he was such a great guy that everyone was super close to and that they all miss feels hollow to me and kind of annoying.

DeLuca and Meredith were not that close. They weren’t friends and rarely had a scene together prior to Season 15. They stopped talking entirely after he broke up with her in Season 16 and they weren’t friends when he died. So, talking about how he would have been so happy for her and one of the first people to cheer her on is strange. Also, I felt like Jo’s comments to Carina were out of place. I get that when someone dies its customary to say nice things about them to their family and Carina is mentoring Jo and she’s grateful for that, but DeLuca was god awful to her.

They become really good friends after Alex attacked him but then they stopped being friends when she got back together with Alex. They stopped having scenes together after that until he took an interest in Meredith at which time Jo and Alex both made it abundantly clear to his face and behind his back that they disliked him, and they hated the idea of him and Meredith together. All he did was antagonize both of them during seasons 15 and 16 for absolutely no reason and then after Alex left DeLuca walked up to Jo at the Emerald City Bar touched her without her consent and attempted to kiss her and get her to sleep with him to the point that she wound up throwing a drink in his face to get him to leave her alone.

He then told the bartender she was crazy after she told him to get some help. That’s sexual assault and attempted rape and DeLuca should have gone to jail for what he did. Instead we never see it addressed, he never apologizes, and they don’t share a single together after that. My hope is that they will finally moving on from talking about DeLuca and his absence next season. It’s getting a bit ridiculous at this point and it’s time to move on.

Onto next week’s promo! We don’t get a lot of information from this one. We see Bailey talking about how she’s losing surgeons left, right, and centre and she can’t afford to lose anymore and Meredith talking about how she can’t operate if she can’t stand on her feet. She’s worried she might never get back to operating, but this is Grey’s Anatomy so we know she will. Link talks to Amelia about wanting more children which considering that Scout is only a few months old and they couldn’t wait to get out of the house full of children just last week is a terrible idea. Link finally calls Jo on the fact that she clearly wants to adopt Luna who promptly codes! Yikes!

Until next time!