#//Can get her and her son a better life than staying as they are; potentially. If she plays things right. Much complicated; she thinks

[cl6teen]

all i want is you ❀ cl16

in which charles thinks he can stay just friends with you after a breakup (spoiler alert: he cant)

read part two here.

contains: social media au, ex!charles leclerc x fem!reader, angsty charles and yn living her best life, mentions of charles’s new girlfriend, charles is a confusing man

note: something small just to feed the kids yk, pls don’t read into the twt dates i was too lazy to change them

📍south of france

liked by charles_leclerc, pierregasly, lilymhe, and 100,675 others

yourusername this travel thing is kind of fun 🇫🇷

tagged kikagomes

view all 1237 comments

lilymhe my wifey is so pretty

alexalbon okay then just date atp

yourusername wdym? we already are

alexalbon why do i put up with this

lilymhe because you love us duh

pierregasly no photo credits or tag? i’m (deeply) hurt

yourusername oh please you complained the whole time and then made me and kika take photos of you

pierregasly that is not a crime

kikagomes my stylish icon 🤍

yourusername te amo te amo

carlossainz55 coming to spain next i hope?

yourusername who knows 🤭

landonorris actually she’s coming to the uk with me next

carlossainz55 😢😢 yn you betray me

yourusername you know you’re my favourite carlos

landonorris ouch

charles_leclerc very pretty

yourusername thank you charlie

luvleclrc it’s so sweet that he still comments on her photos

user i miss them real bad

4ouryn are we getting any more travel vlogs soon?

yourinstagram im working on it! it’ll be out around this friday :)

liked by yourusername, carlossainz55, landonorris, and 1,235,166 others

charles_leclerc good times at home

view all 7,455 comments

user charles leclerc the man that you are 😭😭

user seeing him with a baby is just what i needed on my tl

yourusername two cuties at sea!

charles_leclerc so you think i’m cute 🤔

yourusername only because of the baby in your hands

charles_leclerc you hurt my feelings y/n

user omg charles still flirting with yn is so crazy

user idk if it’s flirting per se, they’re just friends now

user they were so cute i still don’t get why they broke up

user charles broke up with her bc he wanted to focus on racing

carlossainz55 somebody wants to be a daddy

charles_leclerc don’t put words in my mouth mate 😅

user is this a joke ? 👀

pierregasly i see what he’s doing

charles_leclerc ??

landonorris he’s cooking

alexandrasaintmleux so handsome

liked by charles_leclerc

twitter

📍 lake como, italy

liked by alexalbon, kikagomes, carlossainz55, and 97,333 others

yourusername loving italia 🇮🇹

carlossainz55 next stop madrid?

yourusername we’ll see, won’t we

landonorris i better be invited

carlossainz55 you know your way here mate

user omg the ferrari flag

yourusername deep down everyone is a ferrari fan :)

user should we read into that

yourusername no lmao

lilymhe travelling with you is the best

yourusername what would i do without you

alexalbon everyday i wake up

user no charles like or comment :( i guess he really is dating that girl

user justice for yn literally

user they still follow each other tho but i feel so bad for both girls

kikagomes i have no clue how anyone could break up with you, like seriously

yourusername me too, but life is too short to worry about things like that babe

user 👀 charles shade??

user i think we should stop tying y/n’s identity to charles in general

liked by yourusername

carlossainz55 updated their story 2 hours ago. landonorris updated their story 1 hour ago.

📍madrid, spain

liked by landonorris, carlossainz55, lilymhe, and 433,125 others

yourusername troublemakers in madrid

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landonorris who are those studs in the first photo

yourusername so humble !

alexalbon potential summer soft launch?

yourusername who knows

user ugh why is she always with those two, i swear she wants them so bad

yourusername ew no those two are my sons 🤱

pierregasly who’s the daddy 🤔

landonorris don’t say it like that yn 😭😭

carlossainz55 i’m older than you though, no?

yourusername no carlos it’s like, in spirit

user WHO IS THAT MAN???? is that carlos?? lando??

yourusername no! but he’s certainly someone 🤭

user that’s charles right?

user he’s in monaco right now, it couldn’t be him plus he’s got a gf

lilymhe okay mysterious girl

yourusername i love to keep people on their toes

lilymhe but seriously text me and tell me who that is

kikagomes girl me too

user shout out to yn for reuniting carlando!!

liked by yourusername

yourusername updated their story 5 mins ago

carlos’s phone 📞

charles

are you with y/n right now

i know you are

carlos

then why ask m8

yes i’m with her, why?

charles

is she mad at me

carlos

that’s a stupid question, but i don’t know man, she hasn’t brought you up

and lando and i aren’t going to

what’s the phrase?

poke the bear

actually, i shouldn’t compare her to that

but i would be mad if i were her

charles

who’s that man she posted the other day??

you’ve been with her during her entire spain trip yes? what does he look like, do you know him?

carlos

he is a good friend of mine yes

i somewhat set them up, things have been going good, they’re both here at our dinner

charles

aiii carlos! why would you set them up??

how could you do this to me??

carlos

did you forget that you broke with her? to focus on racing?

which would be fine if you didn’t get another girl just a month after?

i don’t even know how she could stay friends with you, but she asked me to find a guy for her

i am a good friend, so i found someone

if you’re jealous, you shouldn’t have broken up in the first place

charles

i’m not jealous at all carlos

carlos

then why are you stalking her account and asking me about a man she is seeing?

if you’re so concerned, text her yourself

charles

argh you’re no help

your phone 📞

charlie

hey

i miss you

a lot

[lookingforhappy]

I feel like sometimes we put too much blame on the other siblings for neglecting our favourites:

Luther has repeatedly gone off on his own (investigating Reginald's moon research, getting high in the club, going to the coffee shop, locking Viktor up, entirety of his time in the 60s pre-Five's arrival, refusing Five's plea for help, refusing to stay and talk to Viktor, etc etc) without telling anyone or wanting anyone to follow him. Him being gone for 1 day and no one noticing isn't really a red flag.

Diego's obssession with JFK was extreme and a red flag for his mental health, but he has been a walking mental health red flag since he was a toddler (so have they all). He was also ignoring all of Five's warnings about him saving JFK potentially causing an apocalypse that would make his actions worthless as he'd actually kill billions. He then ignored all of Luther's warnings about meeting their father, which Luther was right about (mostly). Five leaving him in the asylum wasn't unwarranted, no one knew that the Swedes were going after Diego at all.

(allison is honestly valid in her blame of the others not looking out for her as she is consistently expected to be the one to reach out, not the other way around)

Klaus’ addiction, homelessness and PTSD are ignored by his family largely because he has refused help and advice so often that they’ve learnt not to give it. He is ignored when giving plot relevant information because he has described a thousand absurd things to them that are ultimately meaningless. In essence, he is the boy who cried Wolf.

Five is incredibly rude to his whole family, barring Viktor, and is consistently minimizing their traumas and experiences to get them to do what he wants (even if he does want to save their lives, he's going about it the wrong way). He is also very cryptic and withholds a lot of crucial information about things like the apocalypse.

(ben is difficult because most of the time he can only talk to klaus who is having difficulties of his own, and who tells everyone that ben isn't around which is a dick move honestly but not one done out of malice and ben is well aware of that)

Viktor has almost always put his own trauma and recovery before anyone else's. He has physically fought and hurt every one of his siblings and his foster (?) son, and arguably done so consciously. He has also bared his sibling's private home life/childhood to the entire world without their knowledge or consent.

the situation is usually a lot more complicated than "everyone needs to apologise and do better to character A" because character A isn't innocent in this either

[kastalani123]

Tbh I think Leo, Hazel, and Frank could've had such an interesting dynamic that was thrown away in favour of a love triangle because,,,,, heteronormativity, IG.

Think about it!

Hazel and Leo's powers are beautiful and beloved by their mothers — Marie partially due to greed, yes, but do not tell me she did not cup her daughter's tiny hands and tell her no stone could shine as bright as her, just as Esperanza cupped her son's chubby face and told him no fire compared to the one in his chest.

And yet, they are curses, ones that fell the ones that loved them so dearly.

Frank and Leo are the embodiment of their mothers' deaths — war, ever-shifting and unpredictable, and fire, flickering and explosive. Both deadly, so unbelievably deadly, but unavoidable and romanticized, the subject of so many paintings and songs and novels, of unhealthy fascinations that often end with death.

And yet, both their mothers fell in love with those very things, and of that love they were born, bonfires of potential.

This is not be the basis for a friendship, of course — especially not in the context of the story.

Hazel needs to remind herself: this is not Sammy. He looks like him and he acts like him and he laughs like him, but it is not him. She observes him closely to pin down the oddities, to help her differentiate them enough that she stops choking every time she must speak to him.

This is not a friendship.

Frank needs to remind himself: this is not the enemy. He will not fire a cannon at him, will not leave him to fend for himself in a fight, will not clutch his life tight and watch it crumble to ash. He observes him closely to never let him get too close, to prevent him from getting a chance to burn him, accidentally or not.

This is not a friendship.

This is not a friendship, but it is an understanding — when Leo uses a blowtorch rather than his own fire, when Hazel hurls glittering garnets at the walls and off the ship with a wail, when Frank breaks a mirror and falls apart at the sight of his bloody hands.

What is a friendship is this:

Hazel learns Leo's humour and she learns how to fit into it — not like with Sammy, never like with Sammy, but fit nonetheless. They learn to feed off each other, to encourage each other, to let loose and menace the others with maniacal laughter because they can, here on this ship, with kids no better than them. And when they're done, when they wind down and calm down, content and satisfied with working out their anger at the world — then, Leo learns to keep the engine room door open, to keep a pile of blankets and pillows in the corner, and Hazel learns to make her way into the hull of the ship, to make a nest of blankets and pillows. And he brings his schematics and tools, and she brings her sketchbooks and tools, and they work: she, humming songs from bygone days; he, rambling with no desire for an answer.

This is a friendship.

Frank learns Leo's tics, what makes him flare up or clam up or cheer up, and Leo does the same in return. They learn to work around each other, to fit together just so so as to cooperate without stepping on each other's toes. And when they finally do that, when they're not flinching or jumping or bursting at each other — then, they learn to sneak into the training room, to learn to fight in a more traditional and proper way together, to learn how to incorporate their own styles and preferences into that. And Leo brings tea and light snacks and headache medication, and Frank brings bandages and cold compresses and soft spare clothes, and they spar: he, with hammers and knives and too-sharp screwdrivers; he, with arrows and claws and daggers. After, they sit against the wall, looking over each other's scratches and bruises, coaxing each other to eat and drink a little more.

This is a friendship.

It may not be a close one, it may not be one where they check in on each other every few days after parting, it may not stay unchanged for years down the line — but it is one, and it is theirs.

[redheadspark]

Hiiii can I request an az x reader or cassian whichever u want, they have a baby like 5 months old baby and they live in a cabin in the mountains by the lake and one day as yn and the bby are outside in nature a threat appears and there is a bit angst but ends up happy??? Thank u so much❤️

A/N - I LOVE this for my Alec series! Sorry, it took some time to write, but I hope you like it :D. This is part of the Ocean Eyes Series

Split

Summary - Cassian stops a potential threat against Alec.

Warnings - Angst with a slight mixture of fluff

"I'll be right inside if something happens or if he needs anything or wants—"

"You go, babe.  Alec and I are fine.  Right, kid?"

Alec giggled as Cassian tickled his side, Nesta saw how comfortable Cassian was with Alec as they were perched on a large blanket right next to the lake.  With a kiss on Alec's head and a light kiss on her mate's lips, Nesta walked back to the cabin to get to work, leaving Cassian and Alec out by the lake to enjoy the sunshine.  

Although you were more than capable of having your son with you, you know Cassian wanted to give you and Azriel some time alone and a mini break.  Not that Alec was a time-consuming toddler, he was rather easy.  Rhysand has even joked with you and Azriel that Alec was easier to handle than Nyx was as a toddler, but he meant well.  

It was a warm day, quite warmer than usual in Velaris since the warm winds were now in Night Court.  Tension between Night and Autumn Court was only a pinch better.  Ever since Elaine and Lucien got married in a beautiful wedding in Night Court and held its reception in Autumn Court, both Rhysand and Beron were trying to make amends and head in the right direction. However, the main snag in that relationship was Eris, still in hot water since the comment about Azriel and his family.  His duties with his father and as the Prince of Autumn Court diminished as punishment, commanded to be in stone silence during Elaine and Lucien's Mating Ceremony reception.

You and Alec stayed in Night Court during the reception that was in Autumn Court, a compromise you and Azriel made together since Elaine and Lucien wished for your family to be at the Mating Ceremony.  Tension was still high for the Spymaster, and his son would not be caught in the crossfire when it came to Eris and his threats.  It was a good enough plan, both yourself and Azriel didn't wish to make waves or cause chaos showing up in another Court with Alec exposed to others.  When Azriel showed up to the Reception with Cassian and Nesta, Eris seemed rather peeved at the absence of yourself and your son.

Much to his dismay, but much to the amusement and satisfaction of Azriel.

Since then, you and Azriel made your lives normal for Alec.  He was talking wildly now, though it was a few words here and there but willing to learn more.  Cassian has offered to babysit him more and more since there was less of a need for him at the Illyrian camps.  His soldiers were getting along quite well and thriving without him, his captains were exceptional leaders and the arguments were now at a minimum.  It left Cassian to have more time with his family, particularly with his nephews Nyx and Alec.  Both boys loved and adored being with their Uncle Cassian, the fun and lively Uncle who would play with them for hours on end and never get tired.  It paired well with Aunt Nesta, who would read them bedtime stories and give them lots of snuggles when they were sad. 

Today was Cassian and Nesta's day to watch Alec.  Rhysand working at the River House with Azriel on spy information he received from Spring Court.  Feyre, with Nyx in tow, asked for your assistance at the Community Center back in Velaris since you loved working alongside the locals and the needy.  With Elaine and Lucien enjoying their newlywed life in their little cottage along the Night Court countryside, Cassian and Nesta were on babysitting duty.  

Neither Nesta nor Cassian said anything, but they looked forward to watching Alec, as they did with Nyx.  To them, it was almost a practice for them when they wished to expand their family.  Nesta was not ready for a babe just yet, but she told Cassian she was open to the possibility of the future, which made Cassian's heart soar. He would wait years, long years, however long it took for her to be ready for motherhood.  Even if maybe down the road she didn't want that life anymore, Cassian didn't mind at all.  Her happiness, for all she endured, was his priority now.

"Alright, you wanna watch your uncle organize his blades?" Cassian asked playfully, Alec grasping the stuffed owl that his Aunt Nesta gave him and watching Cassian with wide eyes while Cassian rolled out his blades carefully on the blanket, "Don't worry, kid. You'll hold one of these in no time, but maybe not for a hundred years or two if I know your dad,"

"Dada!" Alec shrieked at the mention of his father, and Cassian laughed.

"Never thought I would live to see the day that the Shadowsinger fathered a child…no offense," He said to Alec, who was snuggling with his owl and watching a bumble bee hover by on a massive flower, "You know I love your dad like a brother…well, he is my brother.  But he's still a mystery, even to your Uncle Cassian,"

He went to work on his blade, getting out each one to inspect them and see which one needed maintenance,  He could hear Netsa working inside the Cabin, looking over some ancient books that Rhysand gave her to other information to use for their security in Night Court.  Nesta and Rhysand's relationship was better than ever, both having respect for one another and love for one another as in-laws.  Rhysand enlists Nesta to help in research since she traded most of her powers to the Cauldron to save Feyre and Nyx from death.  Nesta admired Rhysand for being a great mate and father, no longer having that grudge or chip on her shoulder.  

Cassian could see and feel high hopes for his mate.

Minutes went by as Cassian was going over every weapon, seeing his nephew out of the corner of his eyes walking around on his wobbly legs and exploring the shore of the lake.  His wings were growing inch by inch,  still against his backside while his raven black hair was a bit longer with thick waves and half in his face to cover his bright blue eyes. Things felt calm in the area, almost a bit too calm. Although there was magic instilled around the cabin and the area, Cassian knew better than to not have his guard up.  No matter if there hasn't been a breach of security or a threat against Night Court, there could still be a looming threat that can start small and then explode.  

He heard Alec walking along the grass, pausing in his weaponry inspection to watch his young nephew tread his way over to the end of the grass that led to the tall trees and the dense forest behind them.  Cassian never once had to fear or worry over a certain area in Night Court, not even close to the Mountains and near the Illyrian Camp.

But something crawled under his skin, almost licking at his spine and sending almost a warning signal to him

He paused, placing his daggers on the quilt again as his eyes moved to Alec.  His nephew was babbling to himself, reaching out to grab tuffs of grass in his fingers as the wind was picking up.  He could pick up a few familiar scents: the crisp pines from the forest, the sweet grass, Alec's scent on the lotion Nesta put on his skin, and even Nesta's scent that was laced in pomegranate.  

But there was something else…something bitter and crisp.

A flicker of movement in front of Alec, almost too quick amongst the dark trees that were swaying in the wind.  Cassian's eyes saw it though, a snap of a twig and another flicker that was over to the left. It was no animal, not even deer were that fast or slick.  Cassian's intuition and his Commander side were activated now as he was still watching his nephew look at the grass between his finger and attempt to nibble at it.  But then the soft sound of something brushing a tree alerted Alec, making him stand up straight and look in that direction.  Cassian saw how alert he was, even as a babe he stood still like a grown Illyrian.

His wings, though tucked in tight, showed some flickerings of…..shadows.  Cassian then knew that Alec's own shadows he got from his father were alerting him.

Something's wrong

"Cass?  Babe, how's going out there?" Nesta asked as she was coming out from the cabin with a washcloth between her fingers.  But she saw her mate crouched down a bit, reaching for one of his daggers, and his eyes trained on the forest in front of Alec, who was whimpering a bit from his mini set of shadows that were now along his backside.  Her eyes were on alert now, staring still in worry as Cassian gripped a dagger tightly in his hold.

Don't move. Cassian said in the bond to Nesta, sensing her fear and concern as his eyes were on the forest again.  He was looking for the slightest movement amongst the dark branches and trees, knowing fully well that someone or something was there and so close to Alec, let alone the three of them in a secluded cabin.

When I tell you to, get Alec and get inside. Lock the door and do not open it unless it's me.  Cassian commanded Nesta in his mind as his dagger was gripped hard in his grip.  He was still searching, looking through every leaf and pine needle for a sign that his instincts were not wrong, that he was in fear of something that was indeed there and in front of his nephew in plain sight. 

He then heard it, a low growl of sorts that seemed animalistic.  Cassian threw the dagger instantly.  The dagger flew past Alec's head, not close to hitting him but enough to leave him shaken as it launched into the pit of the forest.  Cassian heard a yelp and a thud.  He hit the target.

"NOW!" He yelled, grabbed another dagger, and started running towards the threat.  He ran past Alec, who was whimpering in fear as Cassian knew Nesta was bolting towards Alec and scooping him up in her arms.  Cassian didn't even have to look to know that Nesta was sprinting to the cabin with her nephew tight against her chest and locking the door behind her as he made it into the forest.

He could smell the blood as soon as he went past the first line of trees, and then he saw a body hunched over in the dirt and gasping for air as the dagger he had thrown seconds beforehand was sticking out of his chest.  Cassian felt anger boil in him as he saw that this was no Night Court citizen, nor was it an Illryian Solider.  He could see light hair, dark clothing the fae was wearing, even the weaponry strapped to his hip as Cassian grabbed the back of his head.  He yanked his head back, eyes going wide in anger and rage seeing the auburn hair and the bright eyes.

Autumn Court.

"Where is he?"

"The master bedroom,"

Rhysand and Azriel entered the cabin in haste, Azriel leading the way as he was looking for his son with worry his shadows flicking in anger and Rhysand looking over at Cassian.  Cassian was remaining calm, sitting at the dining room table with his hands laced together and brows knitted together.  Nesta had Alec in the master bedroom, calming down with ease for the past few minutes while Cassian got in contact with Rhysand and Azriel about the close attack.  He knew Azriel was not going to be calm when it came to his child, let alone Rhysand.  Even Cassian was trying to calm himself down from going out to the fae who almost killed Alec and strangled him to death.

Instead, he tied him to a tree out near the lake, keeping the dagger in his chest for him to bleed out slowly.

A bundle was wrapped and in front of Cassian, his eyes drilled on the bundle while Rhysand walked over to him with his wing ready on high alert.  Cassian could hear Azriel cooing and calming his son down, he knew Azriel was going to think twice about doing something to the fae with Alec in his arms.  It was a safer bet for Azriel to hold his baby than to go out and kill the fae slowly and with pain.

"Rhys," Cassian said in a warning, Rhysand walking over to him and standing next to him in front of the table as Nesta walked out of the bedroom now, looking more somber and a bit relaxed now that her nephew had her father, "He had this,"

He gestured to the bundle, both Nesta and Rhysand looked in confusion as Cassian then reached for the top of the bundle to remove the fabric.  Once he did, Rhysand's eyes went wide, and almost looked disgusted as the sight of a dagger was seen.  Laced in orange and red gems along the hilt and handle, the steel did look rather too pristine and delicate.  Cassian's eyes looked over at his High Lord, his face filled with anger and rage as he spoke.  

"An Autumn Court Blade," Rhysand grimaced.  

"You smell it too don't you?" Cassian asked in a low tone, Rhysand bitterly nodding his head as Nesta looked at her mate in confusion.

"Smell what?" She asked, her voice low and almost quivering.  Rhysand and Cassian locked eyes, both of them remaining far too calm for the situation but they too were beyond angry.  

"It's poisoned," Rhysand hummed, Nesta gasping and covering her mouth in shock.  Cassian was shaking his head slowly, closing his eyes, and feeling bitterness deep inside of him that was also laced with guilt.

"I didn't know he was there, I didn't realize…" Cassian was muttering feeling like he was spiraling downwards since he was only thinking of how close Alec was to being hurt, let alone killed.  If he was a second late, or a pinch too slow…

"You saved your nephew," Rhysand said to him immediately, placing his hand on Cassian's shoulder as he gave him a hard look, "You saved his life and you went with your gut.  Alec is safe, you three are safe, and that's because of you, Cassian.  Don't you fucking dare think less than that, understand?"

Cassian looked up at Rhysand, knowing that he was telling him the truth.  Cassian always hated putting himself down and thinking he should have done better, he's done it in the past so many times.  He would hide it with his jokes and banter, but he wanted to be perfect at times and prove himself.  To hear from Rhysand that he succeeded, to know that he saved the life of his brother's son, was worthwhile.  

"What about his mother and Feyre?" Nesta asked the pair of them, to which the front door opened again.  You came running through, eyes wide and frantic as Feyre was right on your heels. You slid to a halt, seeing the scene in front of you: Rhysand, Cassian, and Nesta sporting looks that were mixed in shock and anger, a dagger sitting on top of a bundle of rags.  Your heart was beating rapidly and your mind was spinning over time.

"Where?!" You asked in a breath, Nesta knowing full well you were talking about Alec. She took your hand and led you to the bedroom, Feyre gliding over to her mate and Cassian as Rhysand took in a long breath to mostly control his own emotions.  

"High Lord Beron needs to know this," Rhysand said aloud in the room, though Cassian shot him a look, "Those daggers belong to his high fae security and high ranking personal.  It's not an Illyrian blade, and if he did this...."

"You think it was him…or a certain Prince with a Vendetta?" Cassian asked in a lower tone, Rhysand's let eyes darted to him immediately as Feryre looked worried.

"Eris wouldn't!  To kill a child, a baby?!  That's a death sentence, going against his father and this Court!  He would be a fool to be behind it—"  Feyre started to explain as Cassian gently interrupted her.

"Respectfully, Feyre, he's always been a fool.  And if it's him behind this after all…nothing is going to hold back Azriel from tearing him limb to limb, or his mother.  I won't hold either of them back, nor will your mate,"  Feyre's eyes shot to Rhysand, who was looking at the dagger again with a new heat of anger and rage in his eyes.  Rhysand knew Cassian was right in that statement.  If Eris was behind this attempt to harm or kill Alec, there was no force in Night Court, or beyond that, that would stop Azriel from killing Eris immediately.  

"There's something else too, with Alec," Cassian explained, gaining the attention of the High Lord and Lady, "I saw shadows on Alec, along his wings just like Azriel.  Small, but they were there.  He's a Shadowsinger, like his father,"

"That makes him a bigger target now," Rhysand said in a tremor, the mood once again looking and feeling a bit grim with this new information.  Azriel was the only Shadowwinger known, no other Court had one or knew of one except for him.  He was coveted by other Courts and their High Lords for centuries to work for them, yet he remained with Night Court and his family.  But now to know his son had his gift, it made his safety far more imperative.  

Once word got out, the Courts will come for him.

Azriel came out of the bedroom, Cassian shooting up from his spot in the dining room and looking rather concerned at Azriel as he was approached by the Spymaster.  Was Azriel going to hate him for almost having Alec in danger?  Would he be angry at Cassian for the close call?  How was he going to react as he stood in front of Cassian with a stone face?  Cassian was about to say something to him, almost trying to explain it himself what happened. 

But Azriel hugged him tightly, fiercely, as a brother would for another brother.

Cassian was in shock, but he hugged him back as Azriel was clinging to him and not letting him go for a long moment.  Azriel was never one to be a hugger unless he was deeply and intensely moved by something.  Cassian felt almost like collapsing, feeling that hug to his core as Azriel pulled away and stared at him with his hazel eyes. 

Cassian knew that look on him since he had seen it.  He saw it the first time they met as children and he took Azriel to meet Rhysand, he saw it when he taught Azriel how to fly to get strength in his wings.

A look of gratefulness and love.  

"You saved my son," Azriel said calmly, though there were tears in his eyes as he stared into Cassian's soul, "Cass…I can't thank you enough for saving my boy.  My world—"

"Hey, It's okay," Cassian urged him as he clasped Azriel on the back of his neck, feeling Azriel trembling as he gave him a nervous smile, "Az, I would do anything for him, for any of us.  You guys are my family, okay?"

Azriel nodded, and although he seemed calm in front of Cassian, he knew the wheels turning in Azriel's mind.  He remained calm in the moment, but deep down he was in a rage.  The kind of anger that seeps in the pours and is almost like a poison to snuff out.  Alec's life was almost taken in a split second, and there was no way and no force that was going to stop Azriel, or his mother for that matter, from inflicting harm on those who tried to take their son.  

Azriel moved away from Cassian, walking back to the master bedroom with Rhysand and Freyre in tow.  Cassie stayed behind, grasping the back of the chair and letting out a massive sigh of relief as Nesta left the room.  Cassian could hear the group chatting together about what happened as she closed the door and walked to Cassian with worry in her eyes at her mate and his condition.  Cassian's shoulders felt heavy and his mind felt like it was in a fog, all that adrenaline was gone and he could collapse at any moment.  

So Nesta hugged her mate tightly, Cassian digging his face in her hair to inhale her scent and be centered again.  There was peace again, his heart slowed down and his mind was back to being at ease with the calm words from Azriel and his mate holding him close.  In his mind, he was thinking of what he did wrong and how he should have stopped the threat sooner.  But to the others, he saved a little boy's life.  

His eyes looked back to the dagger that was still on the table, and he felt his heart falling to his stomach at the sight.

It was a sign of conflict that had just begun.

The End. 

Tagged - @valeridarkness @impossibelle @acourtofbatboydreams

[buggysangel17]

Three Peas In A Pod I

Summary: The start of an adventure with you and your twins. Characters: Shanks x Buggy x F!Reading (she/her). OC Twins. (Rosa & Azul) Word Count: 740 Chapter Warnings:  None

Masterlist | Series Masterlist || Send Me An Ask?

Chapter I: Legend of the Yellow Haired Pirate

“A Hundred Million?” Your son, Azul gaped as his grasp was firm on the bounty placed on one of the newspapers you’ve burrowed from the last island you’ve all stopped by.

It was a sight to see him this animated, far from the resentment of having to stay in an island filled with just the memories and stories of your time in the sea, alongside his father. He was a spitting image of him, even going as far as having his personality, with the only thing that was different with him was the lack of the red nose like his father, which was, one of the only thing your son had inherited from you instead. A part of you wondered how Buggy would think of his own son hoping and praying to be just like him when he grows up to his full potential.

The shock of your son was the last of your problems that you needed to deal with. It wasn’t much but considering that you had decided to remain on land for the past decade and a half since you found out about your pregnancy and now, as your twins had decided that they wanted to follow in their fathers’ footstep, all you could do was oblige.

Taking down a Marine Ship on your first day back, it was chaos that earn not only you but your twins a poster with a hefty bounty on your head and a good start for the twins that were already given a thirty million to their name.

The rest of the crew aboard at the ship were more than amused by your son’s antics. Initially he had led to believe he could flashily take the lower ranking marine down with his numerous smoke bomb but it became more of a nuisance than much of an assistance for everyone involved. But A for effort as the Captain was far too distracted by the smoke to avoid your daughter’s sword attack.

It was team effort for the twins and that was what’s important to the two still too young apprentice you’ve found yourself having in the form of your children. It brought all the memories of your lovers back all over again. How memories of your shared time in Gol D. Roger’s ship was filled with chaos and glory before it all came crashing down at its disbandment and your Captain’s eventual execution.

“I started at twenty million so you two gotten better than I did when I started.” You tried your best to reassure your son before turning your attention to your daughter that wasn’t much affected by the bounty in her name, simply enjoying the fact that she already had one on the first raid.

“Maybe someday, I might even surpass Dad for my bounty.” Rosa spoke, a gleam in her eyes at the possibility.

You blinked at her statement. Unlike her brother, Rosa had been indifferent on whether she would want to stay in the island or set sail to retrieve the One Piece, all she wanted was to have you and her brother at whatever misadventure destiny would place upon you.

“I want you two to pass each and every single one of us one day.” You grinned messing with her red hair as well as her brother’s own blue ones. “I can’t stop either of you from this life, might as well make sure you both become the greatest amongst all.”

You had your own legend and your own stories, being a daughter of who was once Gol D. Roger’s greatest adversary, but had chosen to create a reputation of your own away from his name. You would wish the same fate to be given to your children, once you are certain that they can take care of themselves, you will set them free and let them explore the world as they see fit.

“When I’m grey and old, all I would ever wish is for the two of you to get the One Piece and make a name for yourselves with or without me.” You spoke, earning the cheers from the rest of the crew that had been a devout part of your life even when you had momentarily settled down, all of them ready as ever to get back with just a single word.

When the time comes, if it was you or if it was them, you will all make a name for yourselves.

[gffa]

One thing I did like about the ending of Gotham War is that I feel like there's some potentially interesting analysis of Bruce's character to be had here, because I find this whole thing 1000% more interesting viewed through the lens of Bruce backsliding on his core classic issue: He's terrified out of his mind at how much he loves these people around him and he struggles with having relationships with people who have fundamental differences to him. I keep thinking of that Tini Howard quote about this arc and about how it's not about whether or not Bruce and Selina can get together, but that he doesn't really know how to agree to disagree with someone he loves when it comes to something deeply foundational to him. And I think that's the entire point of including everything with Jason--that it's Bruce at a low point, after too much stress coming too quickly, too many major psychological pummelings over the last several arcs, and hitting a point where he can't deal with shoving aside his fundamental disagreements with Jason anymore. But he can't just write Jason off either, because Jason is his son, so his ten simultaneous mental breakdowns all get together and decide that the only option he can live with, is to try to force Jason out of this life. That's why he tries to talk himself into forcing Dick and Tim and Damian to be caught by the police, so they'd be forced out of this life. That's why he crumbles in an alley and tries to talk himself out of loving these people. Because he doesn't know how to agree to disagree with them and still keep loving them, keep having a relationship with them.

Because everything that happened with Selina, that he really let himself believe that he could be with her, marry her, and still be Batman, that really fucked him up and I think Gotham War is more of the aftermath of that. That's how I'm (admittedly doggedly) interpreting the bit about Selina and him being the "parents" of this group, despite that Selina was never in that role--I think Bruce wanted them to be the "parents" of the group and let himself believe in it and, when it went pear-shaped, something in him backslid terribly and now we're all here. "I'm okay with me not having happiness." is a direct call-back to Bruce in the car with Alfred on the way to the wedding, asking with surprising vulnerability, "Am I allowed to be happy?" He opened his heart and got hurt again and it's been stewing for awhile and so much has happened since then--Zur-En-Arrh, Tim getting his throat cut, Dick coming to cheer him up after Selina and getting shot in the head and Bruce almost losing him, Failsafe, Insomnia, everything that's going on over in Gotham Nocturne, etc.--that it fractured something in him and the cracks have finally grown deep enough that it fell apart in this story. So now all of this is just mounting tragedies to him. Which means he can't stay connected to it because he's too afraid of losing them and he's unwilling to try after what his fracturing led him to do. He can't stop them from living this life, despite everything he tried. He can't stop loving them, despite how hard he tried. So, all he can do is walk away before he gets hurt again, trying to leave everything in Dick's hands. Dick who is "better than Batman", who is better than Bruce. That he wants Dick and Barbara to be the "parents", because that's what he was trying to be and felt he failed at it, like to me this ending isn't really resolution, this is a low point for Bruce as a character in his bigger arc, because I think Batman's character arc always has to come back to his trauma of losing his family when he was young, working to let a new family in, coming to love them, and struggling against how much it terrifies him that he might lose them, too, because he doesn't think he can survive that kind of pain again. He'll still be in Damian's life, still be Batman and Robin there, but I think he's making an exception there because so much of it comes back to being able to live with fundamentally disagreeing with someone--Dick and Jason and Tim are adults, he can't tell them what to do anymore. Damian is young enough that, even if they clash, he's still directly in charge of raising him.

Zur-En-Arrh does hang over this entire storyline, he's part of what's taking up too much space to allow Bruce any mental breathing room, but fundamentally I see this storyline as part of Bruce's issues: That he's terrified of losing those he loves, but he can't control them, he desperately tries to and it doesn't work, and he can't live with them taking different paths from his ideals, so he walks away, rather than get hurt further. Bruce is probably going to dig himself further down into this hole and he's being incredibly dumb about it, but I can see how this fits all things that he has always struggled with--and sometimes he loses that fight against himself. This event wasn't really about fighting with Selina or Vandal Savage or even his kids--this was Bruce's love versus his fears, and today his fears won.

[idkwhatever580]

AGATHA ALL ALONG EPISODE SEVEN SPOILERS AHEAD

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED

Back at it again with the thoughts on Agatha all Along episode 7. I’m ready for this ride. Buckle up cowgirls.

OMG LILIA DONT DO THIS TO ME

Okay. I didn’t really need the recap but I totally watched the recap.

RIO HAS BEEN MENTIONED.

2:50

EX

best friend

Iconic. I knew there was something between them.

2:56

HOW DARE YOU YOU LITTLE BITCH YOU DONT DISRESPECT WANDA MAXIMOFF. SHE (possibly) GAVE HER FUCKING LIFE FOR YOU YOU UNGRATEFUL CUNT

3:30

HAH this had me literally cackling bro ✋😭😭😭

It’s so iconic though like. Me too girl

3:42

What in the hotel Transylvania?!

3:45

You can be my mistress

3:52

SHUT THE FUCK UP I HATE YOU BITCH

Guys… I hate that little twink

4:14

You can see the hurt in her eyes. That cut deep. And I hate teen for it. There’s no way bro. I’m so angry. She is gonna be a meanie now 😖🔫

4:40

FUCKING WIZARD OF OZ (and wicked. Come at me) I FUCKING LOVE THIS SHIT I LOVE WICKED TOO IM SO EXCITED

I might love Angelina Jolie and her role but fuck you Billy. (I forgot to mention I will be jumping back and forth between Billy and teen now lol)

6:06

That’s a lot of swords bro ✋😭

6:30

YEAH SHES BEING FUCKING TRUTHFUL YOU BITCH TAKE THAT SWORD YOU BITCH

7:04

Damn. Kinda wish you didn’t move

7:35

LILIAAAAA YEAAAAHHHHHH

8:02

Oh lorrrddddd

TEEN IS THE SON OF THE SCARLET WITCH HOW DO YOU KNOW?!

So iconic

8:35

She’s so real for that. Fuck you Jen

9:12

Wtffff I’m terrified. She’s terrified so I’m terrified

9:33

Poor baby.

10:25

POOR BABY I LOVE YOU BABY

10:50

I HATE YOU

10:52

Nvm. You’re chillin. Still don’t like you but I don’t hate you. Take care of my baby

11:30

Wait. Noooo I’m so scared

11:41

NO YOURE LYING STOP

11:51

LMAOOOOO PFTFFTFTFTTTT

12:07

DO IT FOR ALL OF US WE ARE NOT COOL

12:13

BAHAHAHHAHAAAA “damn using his full name” WTFFFF

12:40

Nah shit lol

12:49

FUCK YEAH

13:20

Me every damn day

14:13

Okay we’ll time is not of the essence right now

14:44

LEAVE MY BABY ALONE

15:20

Just a baby guys. My baby. My baby. You’re my baby say it to me.

15:58

So fucking real but quit with the attitude Jen. I’ll punch you

16:09

IS THAT TEENS BOOK?!

16:23

DONT HIDE IT BRO

16:30

Me too gurl.

16:41

That is traumatizing

17:21

CALL ME BABY BRO…. Oh my god. I’m so bad. I’m so so bad. She’s an older esteemed gentlewoman and I am 18. I’m a fucking slut bro ✋😭

17:39

Querent? More like queerent WAIT OMG WE TWINS LMAOOOO

17:57

That’s so real

18:08

You’re a bitch. That’s what you are. I’m not as angry. But the way you treated my wife earlier… I hold grudges. And I hope rio does too.

19:10

Yeah. Enormous potential to get absolutely socked by me.

(Maybe I’m a little salty)

19:32

REJNION BRING BACK MY WIVES

19:38

Me with my essay bro ✋😭

20:02

IM MISSING A WIFE

20:26

That’s so fucking sad baby. I love you. I’ll take care of you.

You know what?? I bet she was terrified of getting sick even a little bit after this.

21:00

NOO I STG YOU BETTER STAY AWAY FROM TALP THIJGS BRO

22:13

WHY THEY LOOK LIKE THAT WHY THEY WALKING LIIE THAT BRO

22:35

Logically. I know Jen joins her. But I still feel like I’d believe it if she left

22:39

Awwww okay. I don’t not like Jen anymore. Sisters. We’re sisters. There were never much devoted sisters

23:02

YOU KNOW SOMETHING. YOU KNOW SOMETHING AND IF IT IS MORE THAN JUST YOU FALLING THEN ILL FIGHT YOU

23:05

Okay. I got it lol

23:20

Who is this diva?

23:57

THE COVEN HELL YEAHHG

24:30

Slay

24:40

DONT PLAY WITH ME ILL KMS SO HARD

24:54

If youre about to tell me that I’m not actually about to find out that Wanda’s tower reversed I’ll fight.

25:07

OH LAWD IM SCARED

25:09

OH LORD THAT WAS AGGRESSIVE

25:28

THAT SHIT ACTUALLY MADE ME GASP AND SCREAM IN MY DORM AT 11:09 AT NIGHT BRO

HELP WHAT IS THAT?!

25:32

NO RIO I LOVE YOU YES RIO BUT DO NOT KILL HER PLEASE DONT KILL HER RIO I LOVE YOU. PLEASE DONT KILL HER

25:52

THEY JUST CINFIRMED WHAT WE ALREADY KNEW BRO

25:59

I LITERALLY JUST SAID OUT LOUD “oh that’s hot”

✋😭😭

26:02

YAAASSSSSS WE BEEN KNEW THIS THOUGH

26:30

OH SHE ANGRY

26:43

Dayummmm she angry angry. I mean. I guess I would be too.

26:48

Idk what y’all heard but all I heard was MOMMY

27:02

HELL YEAH BABAYYYY

27:17

If it is Rio calling her a coward I will actually shoot someone.

27:23

Why the captions spell magic like magick? Anybody know that one? I’m not a witch so I wouldn’t know

27:35

OH FUCK NOOOOO

28:20

OH FUCK NO DONT LET THEM TAKE YOU BABY

28:35

GRAVITY

28:39

Okay little boo thangs Salem seven lollll they be swimming ✋😭🤣

28:57

WAIT IS SHE KILLING THEM?!?!

29:04

NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO KM GONNA CRY IM SCTUSKKY GONNA CRY SO HARD DONT LET GO BABY DONT LET GO

29:11

NO FUCK NO NO NO NO

Omg I’m gonna throw up I’m getting so worked up

29:26

Thank you for not showing us that. I’m okay with gore. I’m not okay with heartbreak. Even though my heart is broken.

29:46

Awww she’s just a baby. Just a wee baby.

I have a love hate relationship with Jac Schaeffer

I’d much rather blame Kevin fiege. He’s def behind this all. Also. I’m a man hater so yeah lol (not fr tho)

In conclusion: I’m kms.

[lissa612]

That party scene was painfully awkward.

(Not anything to do with the BT-ness of it all…They were adorable. And then they were an audience to Eddie being blown off by his kid and his mother being oblivious to his pain)

I get where Christopher is coming from tho. It was established in the scene that they’ve done calls before and that the “uh huh” was the most reaction that he’s gotten. In three months. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting a different result - Is Eddie doing anything else to help Christopher believe that whatever it was in him that caused him to take actions that broke his son’s heart is being worked on? I know it was just episode one but an offhand mention of therapy would make me feel more sympathetic towards Eddie.

From what we’ve seen, Eddie is just waiting for Christopher to get over it. He’s making a point to keep communication open so his kid knows he’s there (which is good), but what about doing something to reassure Chris that something like this will never happen again? Or at the very least that he’s making an effort to minimize the chances?

And I’m not talking about bringing a doppelgänger of his dead wife into his child’s home. That’s the nuke but there was an underlying issue there already. Chris has already expressed that he has trauma from women leaving his life…I know reading his mom’s letter got him to display her picture again and to maybe not play fast and loose with teenage girls’ hearts, but after all that, he gets close to another of his dad’s girlfriends only for her to be gone by his dad’s actions. When he expressed his belief that relationships with girls didn’t matter because they just leave anyway, his experience with women leaving was his mother (leaving and later dying) and Ana leaving when his dad ended the relationship. He now has another reinforcement of that belief.

Let’s not sugarcoat it because we love adorable little Christopher - This could be a hint of some latent misogyny about fickleness in women…The kid plays a lot of online games and that environment is known for radicalizing young men, especially those who are vulnerable. Or it could be that he feels there’s something in HIM that prevents the women in his life from wanting to stay (because kids often have major main character syndrome). Or maybe he does see that his father has issues with relationships and assumes he will go on to perpetuate the same behavior that was modeled to him.

Is Eddie addressing this? Is CHRISTOPHER getting the chance to address this down in El Paso or are they just pretending everything is sunshine and roses down there? Because this isn’t just a “time to cool off” situation…Yeah, that will help cooler heads prevail, but there are things to figure out and discuss - Plans on how to move forward in a way that works for them both that need to be made.

And again, this is only episode one so maybe there is just information we haven’t been given yet. Maybe this is happening. I hope it is and not just because I’m a big proponent of “Everyone can benefit from some therapy” but because I genuinely think a truly neutral party (or parties) with professional experience in grief, family dynamics, and conflict resolution will do everyone more good than just waiting for things to get better on their own.

I want to see a really good storyline come from this conflict. I think there is a lot to work with - The potential is there for major growth for Eddie as a character and for solidifying the bond between father and son as PEOPLE instead of a biological imperative. We saw Eddie and his father confront their issues head on (with Eddie bringing in some understanding that a father has to be more than a provider and that he himself fell into that trap with his marriage) and come out at least a little better for it. And Christopher and Eddie are already starting from a better position.

[anonnnimaaa]

Why does the main couple of Alice in Borderland have so many similarities with Aruani? LET'S ANALYZE WITH ANÓNIMA

Similarities between Armin and Arisu:

1. They are both extremely intelligent and at first are not able to see their potential, they always depended on their friends to believe in themselves. Examples: When Armin convinced the troops that Eren was not an enemy thanks to Eren and Mikasa's motivation and when Arisu won his first game thanks to Karube telling him that he would get them out of there.

2. Both had survivor syndrome, as a result of these events, in the case of Armin when he received the serum on Erwin and in Arisu's case after overcoming the game of tag. They both have low self-esteem and, in the case of Arisu in that game, he also blames himself for not thinking of a better solution, since logic and strategy was always his strong suit and he desperately wanted to protect his friends, do you think? remember someone?

3. Both go through a period of wanting to die and hating life, they are constantly thinking about sacrifice for the good of others, we see this facet of Arisu more developed in the second season (the game of the king of clubs) while with Armin remains persistent throughout the anime.

4. They have been seen planning strategies with their respective teams, being the ones who organize what will be done next and give the respective orders, they influence others thanks to their great intellect, ability to speak that they develop thanks to the fact that they acquire more confidence in themselves. People listen to them and admire them, they also expect them to be the ones with the answers and they put responsibilities on them that they feel unworthy of most of the time.

Similarities between Usagi and Annie:

1. They are very reserved girls, they hardly open up to anyone easily, although if you break their shell you can see that they are a teddy bear. This shell is born because they have Daddy issues, Usagi because her negligent father preferred to climb the mountain rather than stay with his daughter, and Annie because Mr. Leonhart's son of a bitch treated her as if she were a weapon.

2. Because of these, the two women believe that the only one they can trust is their father. However, due to the trauma, they both begin to feel more alive when they are away from home, Usagi in Borderland, because she does not have to feel that her father abandoned her, and Annie in Paradise, away from her father's abuse. For both of them, their father in almost the entire series is their reason for being and acting.

3. They are both athletic, again due to the influence of their dads. However, they never leave behind their intelligence or their human senses despite wanting to be lone wolves. Usagi shows great empathy for those around them and despite her traumas and believing that at first she had to be alone to survive, she manages to open up and give life another chance. Annie is shown to be kind in Paradise, saving several comrades she had to betray and in the end, returning to save the world, because atoning for her sins and having a new beginning becomes more important than her father.

4. Both Usagi and Annie are the only ones who manage to motivate Arisu and Armin. Not only do they look for answers in them, but they challenge them and make them rethink things, making their romantic interests grow thanks to that.

[ananke-xiii]

Rowena and the thick, bloody umbilical cord between choices and faults.

In a previous post of mine I’ve explored a little bit how Mary and Kelly represent a sort of “missed opportunity” for, respectively, Sam and Jack.

At the beginning of s13 Sam resents the fact that he hasn’t been proactive in seeking to create a relationship with his mother and now that she’s (presumably) gone he doesn’t want to deal with that reality. He had wasted his second chance. Jack, on the other hand, never even had a first opportunity to begin with but, unlike Sam, has experienced a sense of unity with his mother so extreme that one of the first things that he tells Sam is that he was his mother(!!!).

S13 reinforces the Mother-Son symbolism because, after Jack’s birth, a rift is opened in space (apparently not in time?): Kelly stays (dead, rip girl I love you) on one side of it while Mary crosses it and finds herself in Apocalypse World. To make things even more clear, this is no random parallel universe: this is the alternate reality where Mary didn’t deal with Azazel. So mothers and their choices/faults are a central theme in this season. Or, well, more or less.

To complete the mothers’ trimurti or, better, tridevi we’re missing the final mother, the destroyer who is, of course, Rowena. It’s therefore quite apt that Rowena reaches her highest potential this season and even confronts Death. What motivates her in an interesting blend of (missing)love and (lacking)power. Lucifer is as part of her story as Kelly’s and Mary’s. Unlike these two, though, she doesn’t have a son who resurrects her, nor a turned-benefactor cosmic being who offers her resurrection as a gift to her son. Rowena has to resurrect herself. Not once but twice. She is, perhaps, the loneliest character in the whole series.

This is actually quite ironic because, if we look back on previous seasons, her “choice” to kill Oskar, her putative son, was what triggered the whole chain of events (the freeing of Amara first and Lucifer second) that directly link Rowena with Mary and Kelly.

It’s only natural, then, that s13 Rowena keeps representing the reversal of the Mary and Sam/ Kelly and Jack relationships because there is no son who’s looking for her, rather she is the mother who’s looking for her (dead) child. Like Sam, she also needs someone who can access another dimension to bring Crowley back but, unlike him, she’s not successful. Now, ngl, this pisses me off to no end, like of course I can understand the real reasons why Crowley couldn’t be brought back, still I kinda hate how it was narratively framed.

When, in "Funeralia", Rowena says that life is unfair she is right but not in the general, pessimistic sense of the phrase: she's right because in-universe some deaths are more important than others and people get back on board depending on whether or not they're still a role to play for them. Rowena's faith in magic is actually justified because magic is the only thing that can help her. And the tragic thing is that it's also what damns her in the process because it's the only form of power she can have access to. There are no angels or cosmic entities looking out for her. She's just... alone.

So, perhaps, it's not that I necessarily hate how her failure to bring Crowley back is described, I just see it as further proof that Rowena is the best example to show how in Supernatural the game is rigged from the beginning and we didn’t even need an interfering and pervy God to realize it. That's all we've been seeing it since S1. All those infinite, booooring talks about being good/evil or doing good/bad actually mean nothing because, at the end of the day, in this show what really matters is how useful you can be, to whom and why (and this is way less booooring, you learn a lot of interesting things about these characters if you go down this road, it's grim but it's more rewarding).

S13 is also when the final connection between Rowena and the Winchesters, Sam to be more precise, is established which is indicative of the fact that she will inevitably die. Before S13 her story was her own, after “Funeralia” it cannot be extricated from Sam’s. To some degree, it’s quite similar to what happened with Crowley and Dean. What’s more, just like Crowley’s powers and shrewdness are what really carry the plot from s6 to s12, magic and spells (and therefore Rowena’s role in the story) will be the key for many plot points from s13 to s15. But there is a big difference.

Both Crowley and Rowena’s sacrifices are described as heroic but, let’s be honest, only Rowena’s was. Crowley’s demise was a clean-up after his own mess at best. It also proved to be unnecessary. Rowena and that awful MBOL’s egg thingy would have managed to confine Lucifer, like, they actually did it. It was Crowley who perverted the spell for reasons that I personally find OOC. I would’ve liked the Crowley vs Lucifer power struggle but not the way it was done in s12 because it felt very nonsensical to me. As in: I can see you need a reason to keep Lucifer around and this is what you’ve come up with but it’s still quite illogical.

At its hidden and secret core S13 is the season of the “let’s reframe the sons’ stories and blame it on the mothers”. Just like Kelly is blamed for Castiel’s ideal vision of Jack and Mary’s "choice" is established as the most important point in the whole show, Rowena-as-Mother must face the same fate: it was her fault if Crowley, Fergus!, ended the way he ended. It’s a naaaaaaaaaaaaaah for me.

This is what we’re told in “Funeralia”:

Rowena: Oh, but it is. Death has something I want. Sam: What’s that? Rowena: My son. After you told me he was gone, how he died, I had an unexpected reaction. We had our differences, but it’s my fault he went down the path he did. I left him. Dean: We’re talking about Crowley-- demon, King of Hell? Rowena: We’re talking about Fergus-- a man abandoned and loveless, tricked by a demon, died in a gutter. He deserved better from the world. From me.

Now, just to be clear: yes, Rowena had the responsibility to do better; yes, she was the absolute worst; yes, she played no small role in her son’s story. However, I personally don’t like all these negative associations between “worlds” and “mothers” as if every fucking thing in the universe is dependent solely on them. How did we end up here? It’s almost as if absent fathers are, like, not THAT bad after all (and the show, as far as I'm concerned, ultimately approves of and absolves absent fathers). So I’m very suspicious of the way motherhood is portrayed specifically in s13 and Rowena’s attempt at redemption well demonstrates that there is reason to be so.

This dialogue in “Funeralia” confirms my gut feeling:

Sam: You know, what happened with Crowley? That wasn’t your fault. Rowena: He never had a chance. Dean: He made his choices, just like we all do. Look, every one of us has done something that we have to live with, that were trying to make up for. Every one of us. Sam: Even without all that extra juice, you’re still the deadliest witch around [Sam's flattering Rowena. He's gonna ask for her help in 3,2,1...]. Rowena: Flatterer. Sam: Yeah, well, we, um... we may need your help [Here we go!]. To save our family. To… hell, to save the world. Dean: You wanna be redeemed? This would be a pretty big step. Rowena: And do you think I still can be? Dean: Yeah, I do.

I mean, not to be rude, but who the fuck cares if Dean Winchester thinks that Rowena can be redeemed? Like, how is Rowena’s redemption (which is strictly connected to her being a bad mother and not, among other things, a zero-regret murderer, which she also happens to be, for instance) connected to saving the Winchester’s family? Don’t get me wrong, I understand that this is SPN and that Sam and Dean’s problems are Apocalypse-level problems (lol, they really did that, when I say that their story is like a cosmogony maybe I’m not that wrong) but, as I’ve said, I cannot help but notice the similarities between Rowena’s arc this season with Mary’s and Jack’s, i.e. you can be redeemed if you either do something useful for the Winchesters or... realize that it's not your "fault" that your sons suffered terribily because "choosing" to deal with Azazel was actually the right choice... for the world. How come fathers saving the world are framed as heroic while mothers actively creating worlds by making hard choices that benefit the greater good need redemption?

So to sum up: while fathers invade S13’s main storyline as solvers, restorers and fixers, mothers are the bones of the story, they carry its weight and its sins but get little if nothing in return: Kelly stays dead, Mary ends up helping out a world that absolves her of her Original Sin but that’s nevertheless a mess (you can never win lol) and Rowena can’t get her son back (but she can save Sam and Dean's family the world!). Looks good, right? Hurray mommy!

[junikicker]

Wait For Me To Come Home - Rebecca Welton x fem!reader

Wait For Me To Come Home - Rebecca Welton x fem!reader

pairing: Rebecca Welton x fem!reader

warnings: none

word count: 1.2k

You and Rebecca had been through it all. Ups and downs. Highs and lows. You found each other again every time. Your relationship had bloomed and when you welcomed your son Roman into the world, your family was picture-perfect. He had just turned three and was the light of your life.

Rebecca was a hard-working woman and so were you. However, you always managed to make time for each other and most importantly, your son. You loved your job. Working from home four days a week and occasionally flying out somewhere for important meetings.

You were currently in New York, your boss needing you to attend several meetings over the course of three weeks. It annoyed you that it had to be three weeks. You missed your wife and son. Whenever you had to fly to another country, Roman would stay with Rebecca. It was better not to take him out of his environment, you and Rebecca had agreed on that easily.

But you missed him. And you missed her. The time difference meant either one of you were about to go to sleep when one of you called and getting a hold of Roman seemed almost impossible. However, this night you managed to get them just as Rebecca was about to put him to bed.

Rebecca was sitting on the sofa in your familiar living room, and Roman was sitting on the floor in front of her, playing with his toys.

“Hi, love.” Rebecca greeted you with a big, comforting, loving smile as your face appeared on her screen. Your face lit up when you saw hers. “Hey, baby.” You smiled back. “How was your day?” You asked as you entered your hotel room, having just come back from a long, exhausting meeting.

“Same old.” She sighed with a smile. “Paperwork, paperwork, and well, more paperwork. Roman had a good time though. Kicked a few balls with Colin and then tried to eat the contract draft of a potential new player.” She laughed and you smiled. You loved her laugh, so genuine and contagious.

“How was your day so far? You seem exhausted.” She asked, running a hand through her hair. “Just came back from a long, boring meeting. Think I might take a nap later.” You started. You heard a few squeals in the back, recognizing Roman. Seconds later, the boy climbed into Rebecca’s lap. He was a spitting image of you, Rebecca always liked the thought of having a mini version of you running around. He had dark hair and his facial features were very alike to yours.

“Hi, baby!” You cooed once his face was in the frame. “Did you hear Mama’s voice?” Rebecca asked him, smiling. “Hi, Mama!” He replied, smiling, waving at you. “I miss you so much, sweetie. I can’t wait to be back in three days.” You spoke to him. “Love you, Mama,” Roman spoke and you smiled. “I love you too bug.” You smiled. A yawn escaped the young boy’s mouth and your heart melted at the sight.

“Someone’s tired, huh?” Rebecca asked him and he nodded. “Let’s get you to bed then.” She proposed. He shook his head. “Wanna talk to Mama!” He protested and Rebecca smile. “Mama can tag along.” She winked at the camera.

She picked the boy up easily and held the phone in the other hand.

Once he was in his pajamas, the boy was almost asleep in his mother’s arms. You smiled at the sight as Rebecca put him to bed and he frowned a bit when his back touched the mattress. “Goodnight, Roman.” You cooed and he let out a soft noise that you took for a reply. “Night, darling,” Rebecca said, kissing the boy's head and finishing tugging him in.

“I miss you.” You said once Rebecca was back in the living room, sitting on the sofa. “I miss you too, love.” She replied, a sad smile on her face. You were now in your bedroom and looking for something more comfortable and casual to wear than your pantsuit. “Only three more days.” She sighed, leaning back into the cushion.

“Can’t wait.” You replied as you stripped yourself of your blazer and proceeded to unbutton your blouse. Rebecca bit her lip and you smiled. “Behave.” You playfully warned her, smirking. Rebecca smiled as you took off your blouse, throwing it to the bed and reaching for a band tee that you had placed onto the desk chair in the bedroom.

“We both know that’s never gonna happen.” She laughed and you did too. “Fuck, I can’t wait to feel you again.” You groaned. Rebecca smirked. “And you’re telling me to behave?” She teased. “That’s not what I meant!” You gasped, playing offended. “Though I miss that too.” You admitted.

“I walked by a payphone today.” You said as you got rid of your dress pants and slipped into some joggers. “Reminded me of the first time I had to leave. I called you from one in Vancouver. I was raining cats and dogs.” You chuckled and she smiled, observing you.

“I remember.” She smiled adoringly. “I remember you whispering ‘wait for me to come home’.” She smiled. “I so stole that line from Ed Sheeran.” You laughed and so did she.

“Such a romantic.” She teased you. “Shut up, you love it.” You said and she nodded. “Yeah, I do.” She agreed.

“But honestly. I can’t wait to hold you again.” You sighed, laying down in bed. Rebecca smiled at you. “Neither can I. Can’t wait to fall asleep next to you again.” She said. “That’s because you sleep like shit when I’m not next to you.” You teased. “Not entirely true, but it might be one of the reasons.” She said, stifling a yawn. “Well, I can stay on the line for another twenty minutes, if you wanna fall asleep next to me, this is the closest you’re gonna get.” You proposed and her face lit up. “That actually sounds like a wonderful idea.” She said.

She brought you to the bathroom and quickly changed and brushed her teeth, getting ready for bed. “You know, maybe we should try phone sex next time I’m gone.” You proposed as you watched Rebecca brushing her teeth in her pajama pants and a bra. She almost choked on the toothpaste, not having expected that comment from you. You chuckled.

“I already have a picture of me naked on a yacht taken. Not sure if I want things like this to be online.” She said, spitting out the toothpaste. “Yeah, we’ll talk about that another time.” You said as you watched her slip into bed. You could see she was tired and her eyes soon fell close. You stayed on the line for as long as you could. “Wait for me to come home.” Was the last thing you whispered before hanging up. You couldn’t wait for the next three days to pass so you could see your family again.

[moonlightdancer26]

I'd love to hear your thoughts about Percy! What is your opinion on him in general? Do you like how his character arc was handled by JKR? What are your thoughts on popular fandom takes about Percy (him being a terrible disgrace to the Weasley family for siding with the Ministry/Voldemort; him being a secret hero of the rebellion who deserved better; etc)? And your thoughts on Percy ships? Who, if anyone, do you ship him with?

I think he’s wicked awesome and way too hated, I will genuinely defend him with my life. If my family treated me that badly I’d tell them to fuck off too, he was literally so excluded from his family because he wasn’t some Quidditch-loving jock and actually preferred to study and stay indoors. And he got mocked consistently just because he wanted a bright future. Sure he may appear a bit stuck-up to those who don’t know him well, but his family?? Plus after he legitimately got the job of his dreams, his father’s immediate reaction was to tell him he didn’t actually earn it and that it was all just a ploy. I would actually be so hurt. Like sure Arthur did end up being right, BUT YOU COULD’VE SAID IT A BIT DIFFERENTLY?? A simple “you earned it anyway, son” or “I’m proud of you” would’ve sufficed, alongside an explanation of why Percy MIGHT have gotten the job. He went about it way too harshly, if I got shut down like that after getting the job I’ve been working for my whole life, I’d have done a lot worse.

And I totally get Percy’s resentment, he felt as though his father wasn’t reaching his full potential due to his proud showcase of Muggle-fangirling. And since he (Arthur) was basically the sole provider in a large family that lived in poverty, I can see why Percy would feel frustration towards his father. Plus why do people act as if Percy was always “so horrible” even before he “abandoned” his family? He literally went RUSHING to Ronald when he got out of the lake in GoF and refused to let go of him, and he loved Ginny to death. He was protective of his younger siblings and was pretty funny imo, it’s hard not to sympathise with him when he has siblings like Fred and George.

He genuinely deserved so much better, he was constantly shut down for his accomplishments and cared so much for his siblings despite their mocking, plus he still came back to apologise to them and then proceeded to see his baby brother die in front of him????? How could you hate him after DH?? I don’t think he’s a disgrace to his family at all, sure he was shitty to Molly but, with what he must’ve been going through at the time, I get it. And any resentment he felt towards his family was completely and utterly justified. Plus he literally apologised, so even if you disagree with what I’m saying and think he’s scum or whatever, he legit still apologised to them? He still redeemed himself? Whatever he’s supposedly done that you hate him for, he redeemed himself for it. And I feel like people forget how young Percy was when all this happened? He’s only like 4 years older than Harry and was still 18/19 when all the family drama occurred, and he held a huge responsibility in the ministry. And having grown up as the lone middle child with the burden of knowing his family isn’t respected much must’ve had a tremendous influence on someone as ambitious as Perce. People should really see things from his perspective sometimes. Imo the only genuinely shitty things he’s done is 1. his treatment of Molly 2. his letter to Ron about Harry (but even then, I completely understand why Percy said what he said), anything other than that is usually just exaggerated by his haters.

One character he’s always reminded me of is Alex Dunphy from Modern Family (*tries to summon Modern Family fans*), she was also the odd one out in her family because she was super studious and introverted. And she had a desperate need to prove herself and was very ambitious, much like Perce. Her meltdowns and extreme studying was treated as a joke to the viewers and her sister Haley constantly made fun of her for it. She reminds me a lot of him tbh, which is why I love both characters so much.

lol this was supposed to be a quick short ask explaining why I love him and who I ship him with, and it resulted in a whole rant 😭 that’s usually how I get whenever his name gets brought up. Also Nonnie, I ship Percy with Oliver :D and I think he and Penelope Clearwater really deserved more screentime, they were such a delightful couple imo.

And thanks for the ask btw, I missed talking about him!!

[clown-friend-gt]

Up, Up, and Away Masterpost

(thank you to the anon who suggested this title)

In a world of superheroes, supervillains, and everything in between, Trevor Castillo was always content to stay out of the spotlight. But when his own powers activate and he begins going through some BIG changes, that option disappears for him. Follow him and his friends Wren and Addie as they all navigate the challenges of growing up with superpowers on the road to becoming superheroes themselves.

This story is ongoing and updates when I find the time/motivation for it

Chapter 1 "New School, Same Story": On his first day of school, Trevor Castillo is reminded of the fact that the more things change, the more they stay the same. But what Trevor doesn't know is that big, big changes lie in his future.

Chapter 2 "Growing Pains": One night, Trevor starts experiencing growing pains. The kind that leaves him bedridden. And they're not stopping anytime soon.

Chapter 3 "Seeking Answers": As his condition progresses, Trevor goes to the Lively Institute liason employed at his school to try and find a way to stop it.

Chapter 4 "Guinea Pig": Trevor visits the Lively Institute's research division so they can look into his condition.

Chapter 5 "Encouragement": Trevor's mom does everything she can to make her son feel better.

Chapter 6 "Breaking Point": A longtime bully of Trevor's decides to switch tactics after he starts to change. He pushes Trevor to his breaking point, and Trevor reacts violently.

Chapter 7 "Left Alone": Trevor is arrested and processed by the Lively Institute. His experiences leave him feeling more alienated than ever.

Chapter 8 "What Comes Next": Trevor is interviewed by a case worker who will determine what his punishment will be

Chapter 9 "A Perfect Fit": After meeting with the case worker, Trevor's punishment is decided on Corrective Custody. The first few days present a few challenges.

Chapter 10 "Fresh Meat": Not long after joining the general prison population, Trevor runs into a conflict that leaves once again grappling with issues of self-control

Chapter 11 "King of the Birds": Wren Alexander gets caught using their powers to get in fights.

Chapter 12 "Pecking Order": Wren visits the prison yard for the first time and attempts to prove themselves to the other prisoners

Chapter 13 "Locked Away": While stuck in solitary confinement, Trevor receives a letter from his mother, reminding him of what's important.

Chapter 14 "No Future": Miranda tries to get Trevor to think about his future after he serves his sentence

Chapter 15 "Trying to Atone": Trevor and Wren try to make up for their past actions, in their own ways

Chapter 16 "Reaching an Understanding": Wren helps Trevor write a letter to him mom

Chapter 17 "Guard Dog": Wren tries to work out an agreement with Trevor, but realizes that they don't quite see eye to eye just yet.

Chapter 18 "Catching Up": Trevor apologizes to Wren after they get out of solitary. During their discussion, they realize that there are some places where they still don't see eye to eye.

Chapter 19 "Reunion": After working with Wren to improve his academic and behavioral standing, Trevor earns the right to get a visit from his mother.

Chapter 20 "Evaluation": As the last step on his path to joining the Heroes program, Trevor undergoes and evaluation by a potential mentor, the superhero Ajax

Chapter 21 "Escapism": As Addie Jones approaches her breaking point, something awakes inside her, changing her life forever.

[ladylooch]

Has ever happened a situation where Luca went to Kevin for sex/live/hockey/relationship/marriage advice ? And what the situation might have cause the ask ?

- 🇧🇷

Dad Kev? What a gift!!!

Luca Fiala has a decision to make that feels impossible. 

24 hours before this, his college hockey team lost in the National Championship game to Denver. His chest still feels like it’s burning from the acid of that final, OT winner going into the net. He doesn’t think he will forget this pain for the rest of his life. People may say it’s just a game, but this game has been his entire life since he first put skates on at the Xcel Energy Center with his father. It’s cruel punishment that his collegiate career could have ended on that same ice.

If that is what he decides today.

Luca drove across town to his childhood home after the team bus returned to the arena. He didn’t want to stay in the hockey house with all his teammates. Not when he had to decide if he was going to return for his fourth year, or appease the team in the other major city here and sign his first professional contract.

It feels unbearable to choose right now when he is still so damn disappointed.

Luca finds himself thinking of the footsteps of his father that he may be following into the next week.

His dad never went to college. He had a much different path to the National Hockey League compared to him. Luca could have signed right after his freshman year of college as a national champion, but his mom had not liked the idea of that. What was the rush? He was barely 19. So he stayed in school. After his Sophomore year, an early playoff exit made it feel like there was unfinished business still. This year, he teeters on the edge more than ever, ready to make the jump but worried about what opportunities he may be leaving behind. Then there is the risk of a career ending injury before he even had his shot in the show. 

He isn’t sure he could live with that anymore than the disappointment over what happened yesterday evening.

Luca takes off his U of MN hat, tossing it onto the kitchen table. His little sister, Lena, sits across the table, smiling at him with a mouth full of braces. 

“Either way you’ll stay home with us.” Lena points out with a quick shrug. He smiles at her.

“That’s true. I need you for luck, bean.” 

The door to the garage opens and in walks his dad loaded down with groceries.

“You better be staying for dinner.” His dad warns before his mom walks in. “Your mom bought the whole store.”

“She does that if Luca is here or not.” Lena points out. Kevin laughs loudly. 

“Baby, tell her that when she gets in here.”

“No!” Lena giggles. “I bet she got me ice cream!”

Luca stands, helping his parents bring in the rest of the bags which does look like it is equivalent to the entire grocery section of Target.

“Okay! I have food to make whatever you could possible want.” His mom claps her hands excitedly. 

“Um, the tortellini bake? With Texas toast?”

“Perfectly you.” She smiles, then comes around to his chair to hug him across his wide shoulders. “How are you doing?”

“Good.” Luca nods. His eyes raise to where his dad is at the kitchen island, eating an apple. Kevin can see the turmoil all over his only son’s face.

“Let’s take a walk.” Kevin jerks his head towards the door. 

Kevin has mostly stayed out of his son’s decision, but in his trip to Target with his wife, Sam encouraged him to make himself available to Luca. Although their experiences are different, Kevin knows what it feels like to question if he can make it at the next level. Luca will be giving up a lot at the U- another chance at the natty, potentially a Hobey Baker nomination, and for sure the C on his left chest.

After stuffing his feet into his sneakers, Luca follows his dad down the long driveway. 

“Where you at?” Kevin asks once they pass Luca’s Jeep in the driveway.

“Huh?”

“Pick right now, what’s your choice?”

“Wha-“

“Now. Pick.”

“NHL!” Luca sputters. 

“Was that hard?”

“Yes.” Luca snaps. Kevin chuckles, tossing an arm across his son’s shoulders.

“What’s keeping you from taking the next step?”

“What if it’s not the right choice?”

“Is it what you want?” Luca sighs, stopping at the end of the driveway.

“Yes. But mama… She wants me to finish school.”

“I do too.” Kevin clarifies. “But you said you can finish in the summer, no?”

“Yes, but what about my teammates?” Luca continues.

“They will understand. You have been a team player the last three years. It’s okay to make the decision you want for yourself and this next year of your life.” 

“Would you be disappointed in me if I didn’t turn pro?”

“No.” Kevin sighs heavily, then pulls Luca into his chest to hug him. “This also isn’t about me. Or mama. Or your teammates. It’s about what you feel is your next step. No one can decide this but you, bud.”

Luca stares back at his dad. He does the visualization exercise he has been attempting to do all day. He can see himself in a green sweater, warming up on the ice at the Xcel Energy Center. His parents are there and his sisters. The number 22 is on his back and he knows this is where he is supposed to be. He gives his dad a slight smile. 

“You’re gonna go?” Kevin asks. Luca nods.

“Will you tell mama?” Kevin chuckles, rocking back on his heels.

“No. Your first big boy task is breaking the news to your mama.” Kevin squeezes the back of Luca’s neck, then turns with him back towards the house. “I’m really proud of you. I want you to know that today. Not just as a hockey player but as my son and a man. You’re a great person. Thats what makes mama and I the most proud of you every day. Don’t lose that in this next step. There will be trials… questions… about who you are and what you’re about. Stay true to yourself. You’ll be okay.” 

“I don’t think I could go now if it meant leaving you guys.” Luca answers honestly. 

“Staying here isn’t guaranteed. Just be grateful for every day, okay?” 

Luca nods, then walks into the house to tell his mom about his decision. 

[hawkeye221b]

Ok no but like i've been thinking about Episode 5 since i watched it and the way its doing so much for all of the three?? i could literally go on and on and rave about it. (my raving is long so i will hide most of it under a cut to not clog dashes)

Like we've always known percy was an angry kid- in the first book- literally the first page what is one of the first things percy says? that he mentions? How he's considered a 'troubled kid'. how his life- though short so far- is miserable. He's angry. he's resentful. he's bitter! he's a 12 year old boy with an abusive stepdad, an absent father and the entire world against him. And in the past two episodes we've seen his anger- his defense mechenism- in action. He tried to intimidate Echidna because they killed both Alecto and Medeusa. He's bitter at his father and doesn't want to give in to the way things "work". he tried to fight Ares despite knowing that he's not only a god- but that one of his children actively tried to maim and seriously injure him just because of a percieved slight. and yet hes angry. he's loyal. he's empathetic. he's a kid... and he thinks so, so little of himself because thats what the world has done. Where his mother sees a powerful boy- her son who she loves and would do anything for- the rest of the world sees a "troubled kid". they see a problem and a threat. he doesn't know or see how strong or impactful he is because he doesn't see that in himself. he gives so much to others who earn his loyalty because he thinks they deserve better so he tries so hard to give them the best chance possible because he thinks so highly of them and yet so little of himself.

And Annabeth.. she's been raised in this life- this cycle of backstabbing and vying for power for just an ounce of love or attention. she had to fight with her stepmother for her dad's attention, then she had to fight her own mother's pride and status to get just an ounce of recognition.. and it works for a time. She's the child her mother is Proudest of- the most devoted, most obedient and smartest kid she has.. and then she lets Percy act out and suddenly she's lost it all. because of something that someone else did... not only that but it was something she did try to warn against. and yet Athena said Annabeth was to be punished.. and in both instances where she could potentially "redeem" herself in her mother's eyes.. she doesn't. the first time its because someone else sees what's happened and says this isn't right. Percy pointed out that HE was the one to send the head. he pointed out that if Athena should be angry at anyone, its him.. and her Pride won't let her accept that. she's ready to stay behind so Percy and Grover can go on- she's so ready to be the next Meduesa; ready to take the fall for someone else's actions.. and then percy doesn't let her. he takes her place because it was right and, like his own flaw drives him to- he thinks she's so much better than him and deserves to go on so he makes the choice to right the wrong in front of them and take the punishment.. and then she has the chance to do what her mother would want again- leave Percy to his fate and go on without him; restoring the 'glory' and 'pride' that she lost.. but this time she doesn't. this time she sees the cycle- sees percy breaking it by putting himself again in this position of protecting her- a position she watched Thalia be in as a little girl- and this time her pride emboldens her. She doesn't need her mother's approval this time... this time she has the boldness to try and undo a creation made by a god and free her friend- fix a problem that has a physical conduit- this time she's older and smarter and she won't leave Percy behind like she had to with Thalia. her Pride never changes, but the way she uses it and where she's placing it is.

and then there's Grover. Gorver who, for the longest time, has been consumed by his guilt for not doing his duty and protecting Thalia to the end- despite being one of, if not the first, saytr to bring three half-bloods to the borders of camp in one go. he gets two of them over the hill to safety despite not having enough power or will to go back and save the one he was originally sent to protect.. and this time he hasn't just promised his duty as a saytr.. but he's got a promise to sally jackson. he promised her that he would look after her son. and he's trying so hard- trying to be a guide to the two children he's with; with Annabeth he knows her, he's seen her grow up and was her protector first. he knows her so well and he doesn't want to fail her and percy.. he too sees the potential and power but also the scared kid. he knows he needs to get his hands a bit dirtier than most saytrs would like or be willing to do. He goes against a direct order from Mr.D and tells percy about his mom. He plays mind games with Ares?? he stays behind not just because he trusts the other two to get this done ,but it gets them out of the way so he can use all 24 years of experience he was against Ares. he appeals to his ego. he surprises him by mentioning older, quieter and shorter wars- he surprised Ares. he gets in his head without him even realizing it and he's so aware of his own words and actions and yet he gets information out of Ares- out of a god. Grover is so much smarter and wiser than we give him credit for and he still has further to go.

[historia-vitae-magistras]

It makes my heart soft for Arthur to treat Zee so gently not because she's his daughter but because she's a woman in a time where it was particularly awful to be a woman. He tried his best to respect her as a person and as his child without making her feel she's 'just' a woman. I'm curious how Lord Father would react to some poor bastard coming to ask him permission to court his daughter. I imagine it's that best laugh he's had in a long time, straight up doubled-over with tears in his eyes. Let's him know he'd have a better chance asking her directly but considering this start he's going to have a hell of a time. To quote Thedore Roosevelt: "I can either run the country or I can attend to Alice, but I cannot possibly do both."

ALL of this. It's not like the man isn't sexist because he is, but in a way that isn't purely Victorian. He's lived a long life; the first British person we know much about is Boadicea. He is the last son of a goddess who ruled with blood, sacrifice, fear and cunning. Brighid and he will have a testy relationship, but she was the high-status centre of the Celtic Christianity he will draw upon again and again. England's wealth before the empire was caught up in cloth. Women's work created him, and he knows that. As a child in the world of late antiquity, he sat at his mother's and Brighid's feet as they worked the loom. Disrespecting women's work disrespects most of his own history. Plus, if you read Anglo-Saxon poetry, there are these tantalizing hints that women's work was seen as more important to civilization than men's. He isn't a fantastic father, but he does view her as a person if nothing else. The sheer amount of regnant queens he's had.

And I do feel like he and Zee did direct any potential suiters to him first because very late Victorian/Early Edwardian courtship and society meant that his rejections on her behalf would pull any social blame of her being a bit haughty or potentially deviant and redirect it to him where it was fine. After all, a daughter's marriage is still much the father's prerogative. It was socially acceptable for her to remain unmarried as widowed men or even just men fond of their daughters often gave them the choice of staying home if they so wished. It could be a better setup, but it maximizes her freedom. Answering a question about why she is unwed with "because I'm a lesbian and I don't bloody want to be" is unacceptable and degenerate. But "Oh, I could never leave my poor dear Papa; he utterly depends on me" makes her ultra respectable and dutiful even if she hasn't seen the old fart since Christmas. It's also a way for Arthur to keep an eye on her. If people are writing to him about courting Dearest Eleanor, it's intel.

But the first time it happened? Oh, good lord, the man lost his absolute shit. Partially because she's his baby and just absolutely not, that's his last child. She's not even a century old; he does not care. She is a teenager now she is a baby. Two, the audacity some of these potatoes have. Whenever Zee puts effort into playing the part of being the beautiful young socialite in just the prettiest clothes, putting on her best manners, and utilizing all that intelligence for social purposes, he's got a line out the door. When Zee is cranky with him, she puts on a particularly flattering blue or green dress and goes to a dinner party and just fucks up the old man's week lmao. She goes on a social campaign to get her way about something, and Matt might end up taking a nap in a coffin on the dining room table to shut it all down if he's particularly irate with her because no one can come courting to a house in mourning lol. But man yeah, there is a reason her slightly anti-social ass wears so much mourning black to keep off.