#;; I HAVE SOME DEVELOPMENT QUESTIONS I NEED TO ANSWER!! that have been buzzing around in my brain!!! WHICH I WILL TOTALLY ANSWER AS WELL!

[kaerinio]

okay, i am going to go work on work things! please feel free to send in any dany questions! they can be about anything! any verse, any topic, whatever you wanna know! 💖

[twobruhsinahottub]

TW: health concerns, doctors being assholes, vent / rant, long text post

Worried that i may be developing tardive dyskinesia- im on antipsychotic meds and have been for years now, i take a very low dose but have a lot of side effects already and now im getting facial tics relatively often....tho i also get other tics so maybe its some other thing, but ALL my tics are centred around my head/neck/face area. I should see a doctor but a few years ago i was getting vocal tics and facial tics and asked my doctor about it and he said it was just anxiety and its "common for teenage girls to think they have tics because its trendy on social media" so idk. Hes not my doc anymore but i dont trust doctors to really listen to me about my symptoms.

Also been getting migraines all the time, bad pains each month, dizziness, the shakes, and seeing stars and feeling faint and nauseous.....most symptoms of genetic conditions that run in the family, such as diabetes, and pcos, and migraines. Again, i should see a doctor but-

My GP is transphobic and fatphobic and rather rude and ableist which baffles me since shes a DOCTOR. Shes also my mums GP and she constantly tells her she needs to lose weight or have weight loss surgery and that shes not really disabled (she has EDS, POTS, fibro, CFS, amongst other things) shes just lazy and using "buzz words" from the internet (shes had these conditions since before the internet was invented ffs, she just finally has words to describe her symptoms since those conditions weren't widely talked about until recently)!!! The doc also refuses to use my pronouns despite having asked me in the first place or listen to me when I ask about medical transition. She also refuses to acknowledge my chronic pain and menstruation problems (cause of my pain, its constant, and so is the bleeding....also pmdd) saying "all girls feel that way" (um sorry? No? No other girls i know spend weeks with excruciating pain and cant leave the house due to pain and bleeding for at least a week per month if not more. No other girls i know end up in a psych ward because of how bad their suicidal ideation gets before their period is due.). She also refuses to listen to my mum when she peaks on my behalf due to verbal shutdown in the doctors office and inability to make phone calls due to it triggering shutdowns as well, she says im old enough to talk so i need to be in control (i am. I control what my mum says on my behalf. I tell her before we go in what i need to say, and she relays that. I nod or shake my head or shrug to her so she knows my answer to questions. I have a system of taps or sometimes text her to tell her to stop talking or say something further. I AM communicating, i just shut down verbally and cannot communicate to anyone but her when at a doctor appointment) and she won't listen to what my mum says, and asks us to leave when i dissociate and ignore all attempts at communication when she insists i verbally speak to her (at that point, nothing will work, because i feel incredibly pressured and then wont communicate at all to anyone, and often melt down or panic).

^ and no, just cant get a new GP. My current one is an hours drive away because there are none taking new patients in my area, and im out of zone for all the youth services due to my town bordering two regions. If theres any taking patients then its either more than an hour away and simply impractical to get there when needed, or it costs too much to get an appointment. Not to mention my communication struggles are worse with new people, especially doctors, and ive had the same doctor since birth so :/

I also dont have a counsellor or psychiatrist because despite having specific funding for it, there are none in my area! I had a great one then she quit, and the CAMHS one fired me for not speaking (??????) and again, new people? Hard.

Fuck I hate this and my developing health problems. I was healthy my entire life, like i didnt even get a cold more than once every couple years!!! I always had mental health problems but never physical. Now i feel like shit constantly. It all started with puberty which is also when yk, doctors decided that everything was "teenage girl syndrome" or just anxiety 🙄

[the-ninja-legacy-whip]

Waaaaa I just finished book 2 and I loved it sooo much!! I honestly can't wait for book 3 to roll around!! While reading I wrote down some questions that stuck to my mind. I'm sorry if these have already been answered before! I hope they're also not too much!

1. Will lloyd ever find out that mystake is his grandma? Or is that going to stay a secret from him?

2. Since jesse has already reached his true potential, will he later be in the tournament of elements along with the other elemental masters?

3. Will nya later be in tournament of elements since she already knows her element and might have already trained it until then or will she be on the island but hiding like she did in canon?

4. I think you mentioned before but I want to make sure. Lloyd will not age with that tomorrow's tea, right? He will age normally throughout the fic?

5. How exactly is your writing process of the chapters?

6. Was lloyd born with his masterbuilder skills or did he develop it? If so, how? Also one of the ninjas said that masterbuilder skills only manifest later in adulthood when they first saw lloyd doing it so what's up with that?

7. Is morro being in lloyds body going to have any effects afterwards? Since morro was in lloyds body, could he control the green element partially or only his own? Would lloyd technically be able to use wind after morro disappeared from his body since there might be traces of his element if he used it? Or is that all spoilers?

8. What are the ages of the ninjas? I know that lloyd is currently 14 and jay 16 but the rest?

9. Shouldn't society notice that lloyd is the green ninja pretty early? Regardless of whether they know the eye color rule or not, there's no one else besides him that has green eyes?

10. How old exactly is the legacy universe? Lloyd said to wu in dragons rising that wu has been in the monastery for a 1000 years but since the legacy universe is only a couple centuries old, how old exactly is it?

11. Harumi saw lloyd as the green ninja with gold eyes. Is that going to have any influence later on? I can imagine that at first she thinks lloyd is a fraud because she remembers that the green ninja who saved her had different eyes

12. Does the amber element have other limitations besides the time limit? Can it only take the elements from the inner circles or can it also take on an outlier element like water or time?

13. That one kid in darkleys that had purple eyes and could make things disappear with that purple smoke. Is he an elemental master? Or is he something else?

No need to apologize! I’m happy to answer where I can ^^

1. Will lloyd ever find out that mystake is his grandma? Or is that going to stay a secret from him? -> He finds out in Season 2

2. Since jesse has already reached his true potential, will he later be in the tournament of elements along with the other elemental masters? -> Yes, though his reasons for entering are…different. However, Master Chen doesn’t know that Jesse technically doesn’t have his full True Potential either.

3. Will nya later be in tournament of elements since she already knows her element and might have already trained it until then or will she be on the island but hiding like she did in canon? -> On the island but hiding with some others because she is literally the only EM that wasn’t invited and/or kidnapped (because she’s the only one without her potential at all, and Chen doesn’t need her element for his spell anyway)

4. I think you mentioned before but I want to make sure. Lloyd will not age with that tomorrow's tea, right? He will age normally throughout the fic? -> He will age normally, yes

5. How exactly is your writing process of the chapters? -> I Outline events, write out the scenes already buzzing in my head, go back and string it all together, edit, and pray.

6. Was lloyd born with his masterbuilder skills or did he develop it? If so, how? Also one of the ninjas said that masterbuilder skills only manifest later in adulthood when they first saw lloyd doing it so what's up with that? -> Lloyd was born with it, discovered it on instinct (same with his shield), and I have to go back and fix that Ninja line because my lore changed since then ;P

7. Is morro being in lloyds body going to have any effects afterwards? Since morro was in lloyds body, could he control the green element partially or only his own? Would lloyd technically be able to use wind after morro disappeared from his body since there might be traces of his element if he used it? Or is that all spoilers? -> I’ll refrain from answering that for now since S5 is still in the ‘fuzzy’ era of planning

8. What are the ages of the ninjas? I know that lloyd is currently 14 and jay 16 but the rest? -> Nya is 15, Jesse is 16, Cole and Kai are 17, Zane is 17 almost 18.

9. Shouldn't society notice that lloyd is the green ninja pretty early? Regardless of whether they know the eye color rule or not, there's no one else besides him that has green eyes? -> they would, and should, if Koko wasn’t ordered to keep him so sheltered. Moreover, the general public isn’t aware of the ~green ninja~ prophecy. Even the Ninja themselves only found out by accident. Only those who have had some associations with Elemental Masters in the past, Shark Army members, or related to the Order would’ve legitimately had concerns.

10. How old exactly is the legacy universe? Lloyd said to wu in dragons rising that wu has been in the monastery for a 1000 years but since the legacy universe is only a couple centuries old, how old exactly is it? -> Ignore DR for this. All I can state for now is that today’s legacy Ninjago is definitely over 2000 years old, with the Time Discrepancy screwing up characters’ perception of this (except Nya who is onto it)

11. Harumi saw lloyd as the green ninja with gold eyes. Is that going to have any influence later on? I can imagine that at first she thinks lloyd is a fraud because she remembers that the green ninja who saved her had different eyes -> yes it’s going to have influence later on. Wouldn’t have ended that chapter so dramatically otherwise ;P

12. Does the amber element have other limitations besides the time limit? Can it only take the elements from the inner circles or can it also take on an outlier element like water or time?-> she can physically only handle two elements at once, but during S4 she has a way to work around this. I also think I gave her the same limitations as Jesse, being that she cannot absorb the Green Element nor the Outliers. She can try, as she did in S9 with Garmadon’s Essence, but it’s not guaranteed to go well.

13. That one kid in darkleys that had purple eyes and could make things disappear with that purple smoke. Is he an elemental master? Or is he something else? -> It’s Chamille in disguise. She didn’t make the things disappear, she just changed the form of the objects~

[wordsofrowan]

From Ashes to Embers

Chapter 17 - I Know Your Heart and You Know Mine

I found myself hanging out more and more with Alix. I was grateful for her I truly was. Our friendship was pretty much the total opposite of the near-persistent nature of Alya. I didn’t feel as stressed or as pressured around Alix as I had Alya. But I guess that could also be due to the history Alix and I had. Alix had always been a good friend to me, and I was glad to know that she always would be as well. 

I also found myself spending more time with Bunnyx. She had said with the new developments in the timeline I would need some extra ‘pushes’ here and there. I was happy with it though and I felt better than I had in a long while. Maybe it was because Bunnyx knew my hero identity and my civilian identity or maybe it was just the reassurance that I actually had someone on my side, someone truly on my side that was giving me a sense of peace. 

Bunnyx had started giving me homework so to speak, giving me certain pages of the Grimoire to study and memorize. Mostly Bunnyx has been making me learn the history of the Miraculous and how it came to be. 

The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm golden glow across my cozy bedroom. I sat on the floor taking notes on certain aspects I found interesting or noteworthy. The scent of freshly brewed tea lingered in the air, adding to the tranquil atmosphere. But my peaceful reading session was abruptly interrupted by the incessant vibration of my phone.

Startled, I looked up, my eyes meeting Bunnyx who was perched on my desk, observing me with her bright, mischievous eyes. With a quick glance, I sought her permission, silently asking if I could take the call that had so rudely interrupted my reading. Bunnyx nodded, giving me her blessing.

I picked up my phone, anticipation building as I saw the caller ID. It was Kagami. Curiosity piqued, I answered, my voice filled with intrigue.

"Greetings, Marinette," Kagami's voice flowed through the phone, her tone both elegant and enigmatic. My mind raced with a whirlwind of thoughts and questions. Why would Kagami be reaching out to me? What could she possibly want?

I took a deep breath, my curiosity overpowering any hesitations I might have had. "Kagami," I replied, my voice laced with a hint of intrigue, "to what do I owe this pleasure?"

"If you're available, I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to speak with you about a recent development," Kagami explained, her tone laced with a sense of urgency. Her words hung in the air, leaving me with a flurry of questions and a growing curiosity about what this "recent development" could possibly be.

My mind buzzed with a whirlwind of questions, each one adding fuel to my already intense curiosity. Why was Kagami reaching out to me? What could this development possibly entail? I turned my gaze towards Bunnyx, silently seeking her approval to venture out and meet Kagami. To my surprise, she responded with a nod and mouthed the words, "Go live your life, Marinette."

With Bunnyx's encouragement, I felt a surge of determination. Without hesitation, I agreed to meet Kagami, my eagerness to unearth the truth propelling me forward.

We settled on a quaint café, a hidden gem nestled within the heart of Paris. As I navigated through the bustling streets, the anticipation tightened its grip on my chest. What awaited me at this charming café? What secrets would Kagami reveal?

The café came into view, its warm lights beckoning me inside. I pushed open the door, greeted by the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the gentle hum of conversation. The cozy ambiance wrapped around me, heightening my senses and fueling my excitement.

I spotted Kagami sitting at a corner table, her eyes fixed on something beyond the windowpane, she had one coffee nestled in her hands and one sitting on the table which I assumed must be for me. As I approached, a mixture of curiosity and nervous energy coursed through my veins. What could have prompted Kagami, usually so composed, to initiate this meeting?

"Marinette, thank you for coming," Kagami greeted, her voice tinged with a blend of gratitude and what I could only understand as hurt, “I figured you would be the only person who could understand what I am going through currently.” 

The words hung heavy in the air, each syllable laced with a complex mix of emotions. Kagami's voice trembled, revealing traces of gratitude intertwined with the unmistakable ache of heartbreak. Her vulnerability struck a chord deep within me, igniting a surge of compassion and understanding.

"What happened?" I asked, my voice soft and gentle, my concern for Kagami now overpowering any lingering doubts or uncertainties.

Kagami's eyes met mine, her gaze filled with a raw vulnerability that tore at my heart. "I broke up with Adrien," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. "And seeing as I know you had feelings for him, I thought you might be the only one who truly understands what I'm going through."

A wave of empathy washed over me, mingling with the remnants of my own past infatuation. Memories of unrequited love and shattered expectations resurfaced, reminding me of the pain and confusion that had once consumed me. I reached out and placed a comforting hand on Kagami's trembling one.

"I'm so sorry, Kagami," I murmured, my voice filled with genuine sympathy. "I understand the heartache and the heaviness that comes with a breakup. But I have to be honest with you. My feelings for Adrien have long since faded, and I recently had to end my relationship with Luka."

Kagami's eyes widened, a flicker of surprise mingling with the sadness etched upon her face. She withdrew her hand, her fingers tracing the rim of her coffee cup, a small sigh escaping her lips. "I had no idea," she admitted, her voice a delicate mix of regret and acceptance.

“It’s not your fault, Kagami," I whispered, my voice filled with a mixture of sadness and understanding. "I kinda hid it from everyone too, you know? And let's not forget the massive fight I had with Alya and the rest of the girls, resulting in me cutting them all out of my life except for Alix. So, I guess you can say I'm not really coping well either..." I trailed off, shaking my head to push away the weight of my own struggles. "But never mind that. What happened between you and Adrien? Why did you break up?"

A heavy sigh escaped Kagami's lips, her eyes welling up with tears as she began to share the painful truth. "I found out he was lying to me," she confessed, her voice quivering with a mix of anger and heartbreak. "Every time we were on a date, he would disappear without explanation, leaving me feeling abandoned and confused. It reached a point where I couldn't ignore it anymore, and the resentment started to eat away at me. So, I confronted him about it, hoping that maybe there was an explanation. But instead of coming clean, he dared to lie to my face, playing with my emotions. It was only after pushing him further that he finally admitted he wasn't actually in love with me."

"Oh, Kagami," I whispered, my voice heavy with compassion. "I'm so sorry. I know how much you liked Adrien, and it's absolutely devastating to discover that someone you cared for was not being honest with you. You deserve so much better than that."

Kagami's breath hitched as she nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "I thought I knew him, Marinette. I truly believed that we had something special. But the lies...they shattered that illusion. It's hard to comprehend how someone can claim to care for you and yet deceive you so effortlessly."

The weight of her words hung heavy in the air, I couldn’t help but feel slightly guilty knowing that that had been the same exact reason Luka and I had to break up. I squeezed Kagami's hand, offering a small gesture of support. "You're right, Kagami. It's difficult to fathom how someone can play with our emotions like that. But remember, it's a reflection of their shortcomings, not your worth."

Kagami's eyes searched mine, a mixture of gratitude and determination shining through her tears. "You're right, Marinette. I won't let this define me. I will rise above it and find the strength to move forward."

Kagami smiled warmly, her gratitude shining through her watery eyes. "Thank you for being my friend, Marinette. I don't know what I would do without you."

Touched by her words, I reached across the table, squeezing Kagami's hand gently. "No, Kagami, thank you. I needed this too. Sometimes, in the midst of our own struggles, we forget the power of connection and the healing it can bring."

We sat in companionable silence for a moment, the weight of our shared experiences forging a bond that felt unbreakable. The café buzzed with the sounds of conversation and clinking cups, but within our little bubble, it was as if time had stood still.

As I sipped my coffee, the bitter warmth soothing my soul, I couldn't help but reflect on the serendipity of this encounter. What had initially seemed like an unexpected twist of fate had turned into a profound lesson in empathy and resilience.

"I'm glad we found each other, Kagami," I said softly, my voice tinged with sincerity. "Through our pain, we've discovered the strength to support one another. Together, we can face whatever challenges lie ahead."

Kagami nodded, a glimmer of determination in her eyes. "I may have lost love, but I've gained a true friend in you, Marinette. And that means more to me than anything."

The café's atmosphere seemed to shift, imbued with an undercurrent of hope and resilience. The world outside may have been chaotic and unpredictable, but within the confines of our friendship, we had created a sanctuary of support and understanding.

As we finished our coffees, a sense of calm settled over us. The weight of our troubles hadn't disappeared entirely, but now, we carried it together. We had become each other's pillars of strength, ready to face whatever challenges awaited us.

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee still lingered in the air as Kagami and I finished our cups. With a bittersweet smile, we exchanged one final hug, our arms wrapped tightly around each other as if trying to hold onto the moment forever.

As we released each other, a sense of longing filled the space between us. We stood there for a moment, silently taking in the weight of our parting. The café, once a sanctuary of connection, now felt empty without Kagami's presence.

With a deep breath, Kagami turned to leave, her steps carrying her toward her own journey of healing and growth. I watched her retreating figure, feeling a mixture of sadness and hope. Our paths may have diverged for now, but I knew that our bond would remain unbreakable.

As I stepped out of the café, the world seemed to have transformed. The nightlife of Paris stretched before me, bustling with life and endless possibilities. While I may have felt a tinge of loneliness without Kagami by my side, I also felt a newfound sense of strength.

I leisurely strolled my way back home, the weight of recent events pressing upon me. Countless questions swirled in my mind, each one vying for attention. Should I transfer schools? The idea of starting fresh, away from the painful memories, held a certain allure. Perhaps I could convince Alix to join me, ensuring that I would still have a trusted friend by my side. And then there was Kagami... If I could only find out which school she attended, maybe I could have both of my closest friends within reach.

A pang of apprehension shot through me as I realized that Luka and Kagami attended the same school. The thought of seeing Luka again, with his gentle eyes and soothing voice, was both comforting and unsettling. It was too soon, too raw. I didn't feel ready to face him, not when my heart still ached from the remnants of our past love.

As I absentmindedly walked along the Seine, the sound of delicate guitar strings being strummed caught my attention. I turned my head to the left and saw Luka, his fingers dancing effortlessly across the frets, accompanied by Jagged Stone himself. The music filled the air, creating a melodic backdrop to my swirling emotions.

My heart ached as I watched Luka, his face serene and at peace. It was clear that music was his solace, a way for him to express himself when words failed. At that moment, I couldn't help but feel a pang of longing, a yearning to be close to him once again.

As the final notes faded away, applause erupted from a small crowd that had gathered. I glanced over and saw Noemi, their eyes shining with admiration, as they ran up to Luka and enveloped him in a tight hug. My heart shattered into a million pieces, a single tear escaping my eye as I realized that Luka had found comfort in someone else's arms.

Overwhelmed with a mix of emotions, I turned on my heels and ran back to my house, seeking solace in the familiarity of my own space. The tears flowed freely as I allowed myself to grieve the loss of what once was.

Heart pounding in my chest, I rushed back to my house, desperate to escape the overwhelming emotions that threatened to consume me. As I entered my room, I was greeted by an eerie silence, the weight of the day's events still heavy upon me.

But as I took a moment to catch my breath, I felt a strange shift in the air. A sense of unease washed over me, causing the hairs on the back of my neck to stand on end. Instinctively, my gaze darted around the room, searching for any signs of the source of this unsettling presence.

And that's when I saw him.

Standing in the corner of my room was a man, tall and bald, dressed in a striking red and brown guardian monk suit. His eyes held a wisdom and intensity that seemed beyond his years, and he clutched a staff tightly in his hand. 

Fear mingled with curiosity as I cautiously approached the mysterious figure. His presence exuded an aura of ancient knowledge and power, leaving me both fascinated and apprehensive. I couldn't help but wonder what had brought him to my room, what message or purpose he carried within him.

“Who are you!” I yelled as I grabbed the bo staff tucked away in my room, “And what do you want?!” 

His presence exuded an aura of ancient wisdom and power, his calmness contrasting with the intensity that radiated from him. His voice, deep and resonant, filled the room as he introduced himself, "I am Grand Master Su-Han, the celestial guardian of the Miracle Box."

My heart skipped a beat, and confusion washed over me. "But I am the Guardian of the Chinese Zodiac Box," I said, my voice almost weak with disbelief. The realization that I may not be the true guardian after all struck me with a sense of betrayal.

Tikki chimed in with her gentle voice, "The celestial guardian was in charge of it before the incident caused by Master Fu."

My mind raced, trying to process the information. So many questions flooded my thoughts. How had I been chosen as the guardian if I wasn't the rightful one? And how had Grand Master Su-Han managed to track me down?

Seeking answers, I mustered the courage to ask, "And how did you come to find me?"

Grand Master Su-Han's piercing gaze met mine, and he explained, "A guardian's staff holds a compass that allows the boxes to be tracked at all times. It led me to you, Marinette."

A pang of jealousy and frustration surged through me at the mention of the guardian's staff. "Hey, that's not fair! How come I didn't get one then?"

The grand master's expression softened, and he replied, "You did not receive one, little girl, because you are not a true guardian. This is all a misunderstanding, and the incorrect shape of the box proves it."

The words hit me like a blow, shattering the trust I had placed in Master Fu and the sense of purpose that had guided me thus far. Hurt and betrayal welled up inside me, threatening to consume me. "But I don't understand," I said, my voice choked with emotion, "I thought Master Fu trusted me..."

"Fu?! As in Wang Fu? Also known as Whiny Chicken Legs Fu?" Su-han's voice rang out, almost screeching as he did so. "That incompetent disciple unable to spend one entire day without eating, or doing a thousand finger push-ups?! Fu should never have been a guardian. That low-life never lived up to the hopes that were placed in him."

Defending Master Fu's honor, I mustered the courage to speak up, my voice tinged with frustration. "Master Fu may have made mistakes, but he dedicated his life to protecting the box and the Miraculous. He sacrificed everything to keep us safe, including his own memories."

Su-Han's eyes narrowed, his disbelief evident as he turned to face me. "You speak as if he's some noble hero. But where is the evidence of his greatness? Look around you! The Miraculous are missing from the box. He's lost a Miraculous too?! He's even more incompetent than I thought."

Curiosity piqued, Su-Han approached the Miracle Box, a sacred artifact that held the key to the world's protection. His gaze scanned the empty slots, his fingers tracing the vacant spaces that once held the Miraculous. But his attention was drawn to one specific absence.

"Plagg? Little girl, where is Plagg?" Su-Han demanded, his voice laced with urgency and concern.

"Now that I do know," I said, my voice tinged with apprehension, "Plagg is with his holder, Chat Noir."

Su-Han's eyes narrowed as he further pressed the issue, his curiosity getting the better of him. "And just who is this Chat Noir?" he demanded, his tone laced with skepticism.

I shifted uneasily, feeling the weight of Master Fu's teachings and the importance of secrecy pressing down on me. "Well, you see about that..." I stammered nervously, "Master Fu said we must always keep our identities a secret. Even from each other."

A look of disbelief washed over Su-Han's face, his expression a mix of frustration and disdain. "So this is the Modern World? Protected by a group of naive children? Pathetic," he scoffed, his voice dripping with condescension. "A Guardian is never supposed to wear a Miraculous. Along with the fact that there are missing Miraculous and Plagg, of all Kwamis, is out roaming free! I guess the end of dinosaurs and dragons isn't enough of a warning."

His words struck a nerve within me, stirring a mix of defiance and doubt. Su-Han's presence was a reminder of the weight of responsibility that rested upon my shoulders. The legacy of the Miraculous and the protection of the world were not tasks to be taken lightly.

In a fit of frustration, Su-Han slammed his staff into the ground, the force reverberating through the air. "Enough of this!" he bellowed, his voice commanding attention. "Kwamis, return to your yin-yang positions within the box!"

“What do you think you're doing!” I yell out as all the kwami, minus Tikki, return to the box and He puts the box into his bag. 

Su-Han's eyes gleamed with a mix of authority and disdain as he pulled out a weathered book, its pages filled with ancient wisdom. It bore a striking resemblance to the Guardian Grimoire that Master Fu had entrusted to me.

"Let me remind you about some of the Perfect Precepts that you have broken," Su-Han declared, his voice carrying the weight of centuries of tradition. He flipped through the pages with reverence until he found the section he sought. "Precept 14: Kwamis must not live outside the box," he recited, his voice firm and unwavering. He continued flipping through the book, each turn revealing another transgression. "Precept 52: Guardians must never lose a Miraculous," he stated, his tone growing more accusatory with each word. "Precept 133: A guardian cannot, under any circumstances, wear a Miraculous."

The weight of Su-Han's words settled upon me, a heavy realization of the ancient rules I had unknowingly transgressed.”But Master Fu wore a miraculous.” I said meekly

"Precisely!" he exclaimed, his voice tinged with triumph. "That just proves what I've been saying all along! Neither you nor Fu were up to the role of Guardian because neither of you has respect for the ancient absolute rules of our order!" His words echoed through the temple, the weight of centuries of tradition resonating in each syllable. "Not to mention the fact that no child should be a keeper of Kwamis! They are ultra-powerful cosmic entities! One must manage them with authority, which you are obviously incapable of doing."

"I would say I was doing a pretty good job of being a Guardian to the Kwamis!" I retorted, my voice trembling with a mixture of anger and hurt. The tears threatened to spill over, but I held them back, determined not to show weakness in front of Su-Han.

He scoffed dismissively, his towering presence casting a shadow over me. "Enough of this! Take me to Chat Noir, little girl!" he demanded, his voice dripping with impatience.

Caught between Su-Han's demand and my own instincts, I turned to Tikki, her wise eyes met mine, flickering with uncertainty.

"Do you think this is a good idea, Tikki?" I asked, my voice filled with doubt. I desperately needed her guidance in this moment of crisis.

Tikki shook her small head, her red pigtails swaying with the motion. "I don't know, Marinette," she admitted, her voice tinged with a hint of apprehension. "It might be best to do as he says. After all, he is the Celestial Guardian."

Taking a deep breath, I made a decision. "I guess you're right, Tikki," I conceded, my voice laced with determination. "But I won't let Su-Han dictate our every move. I'll find a way to protect Chat Noir while still fulfilling his demand."

With those words, I called upon the power of the Miraculous. "Tikki, spots on!" I exclaimed, my voice ringing out with unwavering resolve. In an instant, my transformation began, and I emerged as Ladybug.

Su-Han's eyes widened in shock and disapproval as he watched my transformation. "What are you doing with your weapon?" he bellowed, his voice filled with outrage.

I held up my yo-yo, a determined glint in my eyes. "Well, this is my bug-phone," I explained, my voice steady despite the rising tension. "It's how Chat Noir and I communicate, allowing us to coordinate our efforts and protect Paris."

Su-Han's anger seemed to simmer down, replaced by a grudging acceptance. "So, you do not have to send doves to communicate?" he asked, his voice softened slightly by curiosity.

I nodded, taking a moment to compose myself before leaving a message for Chat Noir. I swiftly dialed his number on my yo-yo, relaying the details of Su-Han's arrival and instructing him on where we should meet.

XoXo Rowan

[psiimaid]

okay so first time visiting on desk top and can i just say <3<3<3 ship cursor. anyway onto what icame to ask: do you think doc made mai do punitive academic work? what do you think her literacy level is? im imagining her having to write out words a bunch of times or lookup definitions and write them untill a 'perfect' replication. vicious spelling tests.

OH BOY OH BOY OH BOY buzzing and rubbing my hands together like a fly

under the cut bc while it’s not incredibly lengthy it might be annoying to scroll past

that’s something i think about a lot, and even more so in recent days so this is like. perfect. the ancestors fans hivemind is real

anyways little mai’s case is. strange. but the most analogous situations to a childhood spent growing up on the moon + not being around anyone Like Her + being locked in a room + abused and deprived of care do not typically yield. someone useful for what lord english/doc scratch need. however mai seems very intellectually developed! which means doc scratch is. doing something for her.

scratch said his lessons emphasized obedience, mastery of the clockwork majyyks, and (of course) being locked in a room. but these lessons (aside from the locked in the room part obvi) would have been the only socialization little mai ever got, and there is no world for her to explore and learn about through experience so literally almost everything about anything that she knew would’ve had to have been taught to her by scratch. so those lessons probably included a bunch of other stuff as well

okay sorry i think i started a little far off my b >.< but to answer your first question: yeah sure! it would be a good chance to stretch her brain muscles while also being unfun. seems very on brand

only communicating (or being talked at by, there doesn’t seem to be much real communication between the two) with doc scratch probably lends her a nicely well rounded vocabulary in that tongue, or at least a knack for deciphering meaning from context clues. i’ve most likely said this somewhere before but i tend to think mai had trouble learning to speak but that’s only tangentially related lol!!

as for literacy. i guess the question is what language? probably the one doc scratch speaks but what language IS that lol. like everyone in hs speaks english despite there apparently being an alternian language? urghh anyway considering mai’s job takes her everywhere and everywhen, realistically literacy probably. doesn’t help with her work. but neither does doc scratch’s language so. maybe she is literate and doc scratch sometimes lets her read any books that might be in the apartment?

homestuck logic probably says different and that’s fair tbh ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

i can’t say i have a real opinion on her literacy level. if she can read and write, it’s probably not her strong suit? if she can’t, cool. she’s jared, 1900, never learned how to read. literacy, while helpful, isn’t necessary for the aforementioned intellectual development. but it would be really, really helpful since, again, there’s no way for her to learn things through experience. but then again if there’s nothing/very little for her to read.. the spiral

re: work her role doesn’t require strategic manipulation or a delicate touch (that’s doc scratch) so how much would really benefit her jobwise beyond those obedience and majyyks lessons ?? that’s why they were emphasized ig..?

but mai did have an ENTIRE childhood so i’d say anything is fair game!! there’s a lot to think about when trying to reconcile an at least mostly normally developed girl with her being raised in a very small world that would grow stale quickly, especially without anything new/stimulating. there must have been SOME enrichment in her enclosure and your ideas are a fun way to go about that!! pls don’t let anything i’ve said here make you think otherwise lol bc the things you mentioned are the Worst in a very mundane way that fit extremely well into what we already know

cutting myself off here ✌️ tysm for sharing!!!!

[bl33dingm3mry]

Heist of The Heart || Chapter 1

Deckard Shaw x OC

Word Count: 1002

Summary: Secrets never stay hidden for long but as old foes threaten to ruin all she holds dear, Sterling Jones seeks help from the most unlikely candidate. Ex-British Special Forces member Deckard Shaw.

CHAPTER WARNING: Swearing

A/N: If you have seen my stuff on other places (ao3 specifically), you'll know that I love to color code the characters. So starting here I will be color-coding them since it's an option! Now for context story-wise, this will be taking place after FoTF but before H&S. Because we love (Villain to Hero) character development. (And the distrustful enemies to lovers vibes....)

TAGLIST:

Let me know if you’d like to be added to the list!

▚▚▚▚▚▚▚▚▚▚▚▚▚▚▚▚▚

Sterling sat at the desk towards the back of the empty office building, impatiently tapping her fingers on the laminated surface, her eyes glued to the blacked-out phone screen in front of her. Each second that ticked by felt like an eternity as she waited for a call back from an old friend. Not like her entire existence depended on this phone call or anything. The voicemail she had left had been pretty clear, or as clear as she could make it without giving any information away to whoever happened to hear it. 

“Mr. Parker, this is about that silver jewelry set you left in our care, the items in question are too tarnished to distinguish the type of alloy used. If you could give us a call back whenever you are available, we hope you have a good day.”

Tej being the nerd he was would have no problem guessing who had left the message, he never was one for jewelry outside the occasional necklace or wristwatch. Maybe a ring if he was pushing it. On top of that, she doubted he would place them in someone else's care when he was such a meticulous person himself. He also owed her a favor for a job he had roped her into several years back, so the least he could do was hear her out. No harm in that right?

BZZZT. BZZZT.

The echoing buzz of her phone on the desk stopped her thoughts in their tracks, her fingers fumbling as she struggled to unlock the device and answer it. Seeing an unlisted number pop up could be cause for concern just as easily as it could be for hope. She took a breath, steeling herself as she answered, partially unsure who would be on the other end.

“Hello?”

“Nice try Sterling. It’s been a bit since you’ve left any sort of code call so why don’t we just jump into it? What’s so important that you can’t discuss it on my personal number?”

“Well I’ve got a job to do and I need your skills to pull it off.”

“SJ…”

“Tej, please. I wouldn’t be asking if I could handle this by myself. Besides, you owe me.”

The line stayed silent for several minutes as the other was thinking things over however the lack of response made her wonder if the man had hung up on her. Not that she could blame him. She waited, her stomach doing flips as she debated on calling out to him, however, she heard a sigh on the other end, relief washing over her like a tidal wave.

“You know I’ve got your back whenever you need me. Same place as always?”

“No. Not safe. Dom and Letty are moving out to the other place for the renovation, right? We’ll meet at the old house.”

“Is this something I should be worried about? Cause if you’re pulling me into some shit then you can-”

“Tej. I can tell you the details but it has to be at the house alright? I’m counting on you.”

Having said all she could, Sterling hung up the call, tucking the phone into her back pocket. She dug around the office space grabbing a pen as well as tearing off a scrap of paper from the notepad on the carpeted floor. She knew she needed a backup if they had been overheard on her end and she wasn’t going to actively put Tej in harm's way if she didn’t need to. At most all she needed was maybe thirty minutes alone with the man to pick his brain and lay out a plan. Possibly build a few devices to assist during the mission and if he chose to step away after that then she could handle it herself. She would have to.

Making her way down into the building's parking garage, she scribbled out a message on the scrap of paper “Destroy the phone. And by the way, no one likes the Tuna.” Satisfied with it, she made her way over to the tesla she was supposed to be driving. She put both the note and her phone in the driver's seat and set the auto pilot's coordinates to Dom’s house. After double-checking the ankle weights she attached to the steering wheel, she hit start and shut the door, watching the vehicle back out of the parking space and take off. 

“Here we go…”

Knowing everything was now out of her hands, Sterling left the parking garage, and headed towards the old sandwich shop where everything seems to have started. Even if Tej didn’t get the message she had left, Dom and Letty would know right off the bat, so she had no doubt that at least one of the three would show up to meet her. Most likely at gunpoint, but it was better than no one coming at all.

~~~~~ Sterling sat at the bar, roughly an hour or so after she had made the initial call, wondering what was taking so long. Presumably, Tej had arrived at Dom’s after her own car and discussed the off-the-wall phone call they had. Pair that with the note she had left them and boom, an instant recipe for concerned friends coming to pay a visit. Maybe Dom and Letty weren’t home? Even so, it would be hard to think Tej wouldn’t just call Dom and ask what it meant. Hell, it was Dom and Mia’s shop, their name was on the damn building. Not to mention Mia always went on to all the newbies about how the tuna wasn’t very good.

Getting up from her seat, she was about ready to give in and just walk back to her motel room. Fuck the others she could plan the heist herself. It wouldn’t be the greatest of ideas but at this point, it was all she had left and she was running out of what little time she had left.

“You wouldn’t be leaving without paying for that shitty sandwich would you?”

[viralblog3251]

Google Breakup

[alexhales452323]

Google Breakup

[365newsblog]

Google Breakup

[shravantyagiblog]

Google Breakup

[asheewrites]

Well now we gotta know what the two big boys have to say about the twiddle foxy friend and who gets to keep custody. Heaven, Hell or Raphael?

Whistling, Raphael went downstairs and was barely through meat-assembly (rabbit today... it had been a well grown critter, one was enough) and in the middle of cutting some carrots for the creature, when his phone already buzzed in his pocket.

Unfortunately, he knew from whom it was, so he had to wash his hands and get the phone out.

It read:

'Hello Raphael,

In case of your guest staying with you, Hell needs to be contacted for permission, not only information, to avoid misunderstandinga about us holding an Agent of theirs hostage. Please contact me when you receive a reply. Until it is clear whether Hell will send someone to pick it up ASAP or allow it to stay in your care, keep it under strict supervision. It is imperativ that you keep it in the clinic, for its own and human safety. Please report negative changes in behaviour immediately. Thank you for your diligence in reporting this as soon as you had assessed the situation. Looking forward to hearing from you.

ꙮ Metatron'

... the manufacturer or the software developer probably hadn't shelled out for a Metatron's Cube as a sign. Why he would sign twice if it were the case was a different question, but well.

This...

He was glad he's washed his rands, because he rubbed his eyes before oinching his nose. This was just... well. It was not pleasant.

There certainly was no hostage-holding if the creature in question could leave at any time. Like any creature should be able to at any time. Not that most animals had a desire for this kind of thing when they were held in a reasonable state. Of course, the order to keep it in the clinic and under strict supervision at all times would turn this into some kind of hostage situation. But... he had contacted hell. He had been diligent and if anyone asked, he had the orders in written form in front of him.

Bloody hell. He just liked imprisoning people, didn't he. Favourite hobby. Kch.

With a little twitch in his brow, he sent back:

'Hello Metatron, I have reached out to hell and will report as soon as a message arrived. The fox will remain safe in my private rooms. Behaviour unchanged. Raphael'

There. Due diligence and all. Maybe he would need to build enrichment for the creature. And if he needed to add a new room to his place. TARDIS-ing his home. Or something. When he figured how that even worked. But angelic abilities could do more ridiculous things. Somehow creating more space where there isn't... the worst thing Raphael could imagine, so... he would see.

For now: Finishing the carrots, starting the celery. Stuffing the whole meal into the fridge upstairs.

And maybe he should look more into enrichment for foxes. If it had no choice but to stay, he should definitely look that up. Sure, the creature might be older than himself, and not actually a fox, but it certainly didn't talk to him.

Puzzle boxes for food it was! He had still some wood laying around... and about ten hours of time. He could make something to get... maybe dried meat hidden in the the next day? Cardbord boxes he would be able to find no find no problem. Maybe he could put balls in the bathtub? But a kiddie pool might be more suitable. He really did need more space...

Well. Off to work he was. After informing the critter - or, more accurately, the thin air of his flat: "Hey, my invisible guest, I have to keep you in here or at least under supervision for the next few days. Not my call, but you don't seem to mind right now. I'll try to make your stay more bearable." Nothing answered. If it had been the right time of year, crickets would have something more to say. So he sighed, but added: "And I'll call you Kazu from now on. Not very demonic, but it's a name, so, Kazu, good night to you!" It probably needed to digest the meat - and vegetables - anyway.

Off he was to the attic and... mh... if he cleared that one up a little more, that might be an option. For now, there was just some cardboard boxes to grab and bring down. And then... a saw to create a puzzle box. It could not be too hard.

...

When it was time to walk downstairs, he wasn't sure if he could simply not do math... or if the measurements were simply out of wack. Fact was: Nothing fit together. Better luck next time, he supposed. The fox would not be harmed by any of that. So he served breakfast: "Kazu! Breakfast's ready!"

Not that he expected a response. The waterbowl was full too... looking at it, and considering normal foxes... it might be nice if it was a well, always providing fresh water. Like with cats? But that was another project.

Downstairs, he greeted his team and received the customary hugs and his usual stack of correspondence. Mostly letters, the advertisements, bills and reports get already sorted by Amurel.

At the table, he found a thank you letter from a patient (with pictures), a report from one of his angels in more critical areas, gathering field experience, other correspondences he would need to pen down in the break and then... a letter with a sticky note.

'Was like this in the post bin, no one brought it there, but there it is. Be careful? Amurel'

Huh. The letter was a sealed piece of paper. 'To Raphael' it said, with a flourish. And, indeed, held no adress. Well. He photographed the seal to maybe figure something out later, if the insides weren't revealing.

So he opened the folded sheet and read the following words, written with flourish in blue, sparkly ink:

'Dearest Raphael,

Congratulations on your new pet! I see no reason as to why you shouldn’t be permitted to keep it, provided you feel confident in your ability to handle it safely. Unfortunately, it sounds as though its previous owner was no suitable fit - I assure you this incident will be investigated and the individual reprimanded accordingly.'

SHIT. A quick glance to the end of the letter confirmed suspicions, it was Asmodeus. SO. He grabbed the phone and composed a quick message:

'Asmodeus, PLEASE do not investigate OR reprimand the guy. They needed help and came here and we helped. And that could happen because demons slowly started to trust us. I did not mean to incriminate them, it was simply an explanation why I did not send the fox down immediately. They guy is probably punished enough for having lost his pet. And feeling in some of his arm. We don't need a rumor that the clinic rats people out. In whatever way there is. It's nice that angels and demons can meet here on neutral ground. Armistice is a good reason. If at all possible, just... leave them be? Please? Since they came here, they at least knew they did something very wrong. Give them a chance to better themselves?'

He really was an idiot for not expecting that. Asmodeus liked animals, for all he knew. And currently he might still make examples out of people. Aaargh.

Well, he still continued reading:

'As for your new friend, do be careful of its pointy bits. It may be foolish to assume without seeing it firsthand but I can’t imagine it would differ too greatly from an Earthly fox; they can be snappy when frightened and are easy to startle. Please expect a courier within the next few days with the following supplies, provided free of charge: 1 bag of DevilKitty Kibblez brand fox chow, 1 medium memory foam pet bed, 3 assorted toys, 1 enchanted safety muzzle, 1 collar and lead. In the mean time, I should think meat, fish, fruits and vegetables would make for a suitable diet. It may beg for souls of the damned, but those should be given sparingly and only as treats for good behavior.

Thank you for reaching out and please let me know should you need any further assistance. We also request pics at your earliest convenience.

Best wishes,

Emperor Pro Tempore and Great King of Hell

Asmodeus

xoxo As 💙'

Fish. He had forgotten about fish. And fruit, to be honest. As for the soul... he tapped his phone in thought.

'Hello again, Asmodeus. I apologize for the sudden message. Morale of patients is something I have to pay close attention to. Usually.

Anyway. I thank you very much for the allowance and the help for a new demonic pet-carer. I hope you understand that souls of the damned might have to be stricken from it's menu. If that is a problem, I obviously can not handle them. Angels and souls of the damned are not too good a mix.

For now, my guest still evades sightings. Pictures will follow when it has acclimatised some more.

Now, is angel blood good or bad for the critter. I don't mind being bitten in fear, but I don't want it to suffer from... holy-poisoning?

I'll get back to you when there is a chance for pictures or I am overwhelmed by fox-entity. Thanks again!

Sincerely yours

Raphael

P.S.: 'Pro Tempore' mh?'

For whom DID he stand in that comes back any time soon? But alright. More pressing was the question if the XOXO was an indictation for a greeting he... wanted? Hugs and kisses? He was used to them, but... usually from his team and not... well... the emperor of hell, he supposed. From what he had seen, it was not an actionable thing, but... why?

Anyway.

'Hello Metatron. I got permission and allowance from hell, no worries anymore. Raphael.'

There. Done. Therapy! Physical, to be exact. Some people were not meant to stretch their own wings in their corporation. They tended to dislocate their shoulders and screw up their whole musculature. Time to warm his hands properly.

[thxnews]

UK Unveils Future: Digital Justice System

A comprehensive and aspirational vision for the future of the family and civil courts and tribunals as outlined by Lord Chancellor the Rt Hon. Alex Chalk KC MP. Thank you very much for coming, delighted to be here… It isn’t often that we manage to bring our civil, family, and tribunal jurisdictions – and their leaders – together under one roof, so it’s wonderful to see you all here today. It has been clear for some time that for those needing the protection and vindication of the law, the world has changed dramatically in the last 15-20 years. When I began in practice in Kieran Coonan KC’s common law set, most people would take their legal problems straight to a lawyer – and the first part of any conference with the client could involve explaining some relatively rudimentary issues about how the system works. What can courts do? What can’t they do? What is an injunction? And so on. Now, because of the internet, putative litigants can very often know, or appear to know, a great deal more. The problem is that information however faithfully collated may be confusing, conflicting – or even plain inaccurate. I have had constituents come to me presenting their understanding of a legal problem, only for me to discover that it is based on an entry summarising the law of New Zealand. This issue isn’t limited to the law. Earlier this year, as Minister for Defence Procurement, I stood in the Mojave desert alongside US, Australian, and British commanders observing a combined arms attack. Buzzing above were drones and sensors, from different nations, each feeding back information. What was striking was the universal agreement amongst the commanders, that the issue is not about acquiring data – the issue is making sense of it. Information overload is an acknowledged risk factor for those in a stressful battlefield context, not least because of the sheer amount of duplication. It is for litigants too. The confusion can be doubly damaging because when it comes to those seeking what they assume is their courtroom remedy to resolve a dispute or uphold their rights, very often the right advice is to steer well clear of litigation. And yet too often in the miasma of information, many miss out on mediation or arbitration. That means missing out on the mechanism that could help parents make arrangements for their children, or for their finances, without the acrimony and heartache that all too often accompanies contested litigation. So if the exam question is ‘How to vindicate rights in an age of big data?’ it’s no wonder that countries around the world are wasting no time in developing answers. In Estonia, chatbots help people to find court resources. The Canadian province of British Columbia runs an online civil tribunal. In Singapore there is a guided questionnaire on their courts service website to help people navigate the legal system, with an automated digital tool to help prepare documents. If users run into an issue, a service hub can help with in-person assistance. The UAE has set up the world’s first digital economy court in Dubai, specifically to resolve digital disputes. These are all important developments, and we no doubt have much we can learn from our friends and (let’s face it) competitors. But we should take quiet pride too in the fact that no other jurisdiction is taking such a holistic approach to digital justice, one that focuses both on the individual using the system and the organisations that make up that system. Nor has any other country established an Online Procedure Rule Committee to set standards and govern their digital justice system - in itself a genuine leap forward. So this is a really special moment. Today, with the Lady Chief Justice, Master of the Rolls, President of the Family Division, and Senior President of Tribunals, we set out a shared vision for the future - one that brings together the advances we’ve made over the years for the first time and charts a course for the future. This will be a Civil and Family Justice and Tribunals system where people will have the option to choose dispute resolution which is online from start to finish – with a seamless transition from one part of the system to the next. A system that tells litigants what they need to do and when, so they can make fully informed choices. It will provide better and earlier legal support by harnessing technology. Lawtech is already transforming our legal system – and we will build on that by exploring safe and appropriate uses of artificial intelligence. We’ll enable people to resolve their problems earlier dialling down conflict and reducing cost, through mediation or online dispute resolution. Where that isn’t successful, we’ll make it straightforward to take the next step of taking a case through the courts or tribunals. And we’ll do that by encouraging and building online and offline connections between different parts of the system – while making sure that people’s data is held and transferred safely. This modern, digital justice system will be underpinned and governed by the Online Procedure Rules Committee - the plumbing and the wiring of this new legal architecture. It marks the most important departure since the introduction of the Civil Procedure Rules in 1999, an era where the internet was in its infancy, and where much of the technology we use today – blockchain, smart contracts, AI – seemed like science fiction. There have been other reforms since, of course, but, 24 years on, the creation of a Committee to set standards and governance for a truly end-to-end digital justice system is an historic moment. We hope these crucial data standards will be adopted by you, the organisations who deliver critical information, support, and dispute resolution services to the public. And we want as many of you as possible to join the conversation as the Committee develops those standards, as part of its sub-committees. I know Sir Geoffrey will talk in more detail about this later, and we’ll hear directly from Committee members about this vital work shortly. Of course, none of this innovation is happening from a standing start. It’s worth saying a few words about the context. Tech has proven itself our ally in the pursuit of justice for all, not least toward the work to digitise the court system through our court modernisation programme. More claims are being made digitally online, and more quickly too. Take our new digital services, which have been used over 2 million times, including 400,000 Online Civil Money claims resolved so far. Or the Official Injury Claim portal, which provides swift, simple access to justice for those in minor car accidents and has been used by over 635,000 users to date. And we can credibly be said to be at the leading edge of law tech globally – investing millions in LawtechUK to grow the sector and embrace innovations like AI. It matters for two reasons: the strength of our economy and the fairness of our society. On the former, it isn’t by good luck that English and Welsh common law is used as the basis for over a quarter of the world’s 320 legal jurisdictions. Or indeed that businesses worldwide choose our law to govern their contracts, and our courts to settle their disputes. It is because of design, and relentless modernisation to stay current. Those who stand still, in reality, fall behind. And the success of our justice system over the centuries has been characterised by its ability to evolve to meet the changing needs of our citizens, while never losing sight of its defining principles. The digital future I’ve set out today will make our courts more attractive and accessible to litigants overseas - reinforcing our world-leading reputation so that we can say with confidence that the best for this jurisdiction is yet to come. As for values, the fairness piece. A nation of laws must be one nation of laws, where access to legal remedies isn’t the preserve of those with the deepest pockets. So we will enshrine our values in our digital systems, not least that individuals – no matter who they are or whatever their means - should be able to vindicate their rights. These principles of fairness and equality under the law must apply as much to the small trader and the constructively dismissed supermarket employee, as they do the multinational behemoths. In doing so, we play our part in cementing and enhancing our contribution to the international rules-based order. So, I want to thank the Lady Chief Justice, and Master of the Rolls for their continued leadership and energy as we move forward with this bold vision. The undertaking is ambitious but that is a good thing. That ambition will best be fulfilled by working collegiately - with you, our judiciary, legal profession, dispute resolution, advice, and tech sectors. Your wealth of knowledge and expertise are essential, as we continue to iterate and evolve. But I feel sure you will be contributing to something very exciting indeed. Thank you once more for being here, I hope you enjoy the event.   Sources: THX News, Ministry of Justice & The Rt Hon Alex Chalk KC MP. Read the full article

[the-ninja-legacy-whip]

Not sure if someone asked you this yet but do you have any future plans with Harumi? Specifically the Quiet One?

I know this is really far off in the future but I wanted to ask anyway.

Like, imagine how emotional things would get. If Harumi’s parents die in this, since she’s a well established character by now, will we get to see her grieve for them? Will we see her hatred for the ninja blossom? Since she has many supporting friends in this, will they help her cope and steer her away from extreme revenge? Will she become the “Jade Princess”? How?

And since this AU is kind of a combo of the movie and series, how will Garmadon play into this? Of course, it would depend on what happens to him in the end. Will he need to be resurrected or will he be with his family during these events? Idk.

If Harumi does become the Quiet One, imagine the betrayal the others would feel. She’s friends with all of them, so her hating them (as ninja) would hurt for all of them and not just Lloyd. And Harumi’s reaction to her friends being the ninja? Omg the possibilities.

And speaking of Lloyd, will he develop a crush on her or will the betrayal be focused on them being friends? In this AU, I would also imagine the betrayal being more focused on Jesse, Zane, and Nya (of the ninja ofc) due to them being in the council.

Ughh just thinking of this makes my brain hurt

Sorry for the list of questions

Ah, what I’m going to do with Harumi...my most closely guarded secret~ No one’s asked me directly, but there’s definitely been a buzz about it! 

To begin with, the reason I brought her in so early is because while I loved all the story beats she brought for the show for Season 8 (and beyond), at the same time, it was a lot to take on out of nowhere. It didn’t fall flat by any means, but its impact could have been so much more if the seeds had been planted earlier, and we’d gotten to see a bit more of the downfall. How she reacted to Garmadon’s ups and downs, the changing status of the ninja, literally everything with Lloyd...and of course, her having more of an effect on all the ninja too. 

(The reaction to her friends being the ninja, especially after Season 2, is especially something I’m looking forward to, hee)

In short, I wouldn’t have gotten Harumi so deeply involved if I didn’t have anything planned ;)

And no need to apologize for the questions! I love answering whatever I can! 

...but ultimately, yeah, that is some pretty far off, big stuff, and I do hope one day I will actually get around to writing it, so I’m not going to expose everything. But, I WILL say: 

We will see her grieve for her parents (and the direct aftermath)

We will see her hatred blossom (but...well, it’s complicated)

Her friends will try to help her (whether they’re successful remains to be seen)

She will become the Jade Princess (but there is no Royal Family in Ninjago, so the title takes on a different meaning in this world. How...is too big to reveal right now. But it’s so fun)

Garmadon will need to be resurrected at that point. Later seasons wouldn’t make sense otherwise

Lloyd will develop a crush on her. That’s too big a part of his character to cut out, especially with the direction of later seasons. But, that being said, it doesn’t happen nearly as fast and there will be focus on them being friends first (which is equally entertaining). 

And don’t even get me started on Jesse’s role in everything...

[not-your-fucking-kacchan]

@emmy420 part 2 of your request for Katsuki! :)

Part 1 Masterlist <3

Katsuki boyfriend scenarios, Fem!Reader (SFW and NSFW)

-Part 2

You dye your hair

You sit on your bed watching TV and letting the bleach in your hair develop, as you were planning on going blonde again to match Katsuki.

Sure, it was a little impulsive, but you just wanted to see his reaction.

Your thoughts are interrupted by the sound of your phone ringing as it sits next to you on your bed. The phone buzzes as katsukis face pops up on screen, a photo of him that you had taken while his guard was down. You had refused to delete it when you realised how cute it was, and he refused to forgive you for days after that, fake pouting and teasing you until your begged him for his forgiveness.

You can feel the buzzing on your legs as the vibrations travel through the mattress, and you beam at the thought of talking to your boyfriend right now.

You grin as you accept the call in seconds, greeting him with a purr as he checks in on you. He hasn't seen you all day, and you can tell that he misses you.

"Hey baby~ I'm just dying my hair right now, what about you, what have you been doing today?"

He completely ignores your question in favour of marching straight towards your dorm. He was going to visit later anyway, but now he wasn't going to bother dropping his bags back at his room. He wanted to see this.

"You're what now? I'm coming over, because I need to see this. You're such a dumbass. If it's bright orange or some shit like that I'm buzzcutting your head. You're going bald."

He has a mean smile on his lips and you can tell, but it only makes you laugh louder as he opens your door, his phone in his hand and the call still active.

He walks in to see you with fresh bleach in your hair, the previously darker colour lifting out and going yellowish.

"... Ta da?"

"You're such a dumbass... Are you gonna leave it like that after? Or are you gonna go another colour?"

He smiles softly as he looks straight at you, thinking about how nice you would look as a blonde.

"I'm gonna tone it, I wanted us to match."

He's so weak for you. He wears that wobbly little smile as you practically knock his feet from under him with your answer, and he simply plants himself down by your side, sitting and watching your movie with you as he tries not to show how much that affected him.

"'Kay. I'm helping."

He finds out you have no father

The two of you were talking about your plans for the summer when it came up in conversation. It's not exactly something you avoid talking about in general, but it's also something you never actively wanted to discuss either.

"I'm gonna be at you house a lot so... hope your parents don't mind. If they do, I don't care."

He was being stubborn as always, and you sweatdrop as you let him know that your mom's going to be away for a friend's hen-do for about a week, and that she's already given you permission to have friends over.

"What about your dad?"

"What dad, lmao?"

He simply looks at you for a second, caught off guard by your cursed joke and the new information that's been presented to him. So, it's just you and your mom then, huh.

He always wondered why he only ever saw your mom around the house and no father. It makes sense that there's none to be found.

"That-... Huh..."

He's genuinely speechless by the nonchalant way you said it, nodding his head and losing his stubborn, tough exterior. Where did your dad go, anyway?

He thinks you must be a mind reader because as soon as he processes that thought you're already answering like he voiced it.

"He just left when I was kid. We still don't have milk to this day"

He chokes on his laugh. Another joke?

"It's okay, you can laugh. It's funny-"

You're laughing at your own joke and your boyfriend's hesitance to laugh himself, walking along the pathway to your house and giggling still, even as you put the keys in your door.

"So that's why when you hold my hand, you just hold my pinkie, huh? Cute"

Okay, now it's your turn to flush pink and go quiet, retaining your embarrassed smile and pretending to be mad, though Katsuki can see straight through your act like glass.

"S-shut up"...

He sees you getting catcalled

Katsuki likes to take you on walks very often. He says it keeps you both healthy and that he refuses to have a lazy girlfriend. In reality, he just likes to feed the ducks with you. It's his favourite pastime.

The two of you are just chatting, your boyfriend finally relaxing after a long and stressful day, and finally feeling like he can properly be your boyfriend and take you out.

"Sorry I've been busy lately."

"Don't apologise, I think it's amazing that you're putting everything into your dream."

You smile up at him, squeezing his hand in yours and properly taking in his appearance as you walk by the river, the water reflecting the beautiful orange and pink sunset.

He's wearing his favourite black tank top that he won't let you steal from him, and a loose pair of cargo pants that he had changed into after training, his firm chest and arm muscle teasing you with their appearance. He looks so good, and you can't take your eyes off of him.

All goes well, and your date is peaceful as you and Katsuki sit at your favourite bench, until you hear the voice of a man catcalling somebody. At first you don't realise he's talking to you, but when you do, your heart sinks.

"What's up, baby? You lookin' for some dick?! I wanna drink the milk outta your tiddies!"

What the fuck?

It's just a shitty feeling. It feels predatory, and unsafe. It's embarrassing, and uncomfortable and every time you hear that little whistle, and the vulger words coming out of a man's mouth, you wish you could say something back, but every time, you freeze.

How else could you react to something like that? These men are dangerous and unpredictable, and you're not willing to put yourself in danger for your pride, because you can't back it up with strength like Katsuki.

Speaking of Katsuki, he can feel the way that you freeze. How your breathing fastens and you shift closer to him. He can practically feel the discomfort radiating from you in waves. And he's livid.

You bring your hands up to cover your chest, even if it's already covered with a loose, oversized shirt that you had stolen from your boyfriend, and you avert your gaze down to the floor in shame, your cheeks red as tears gather in your eyes.

Katsuki hates to see you cry. He really, really fucking hates it.

"What the fuck did you just say?... Don't you wanna say that shit to me? Say it again, I fucking dare you. You're a fucking disgusting pig- You're a grown-ass man, and you're saying that shit to girls? Fucking pitiful. Grow the fuck up."

By now your boyfriend has left your side in favour of grabbing this balding, fourty-something year old man by the throat, letting off little explosions from his fingertips and scorching the guys neck.

When he pulls away, he wipes his hand on his sweats, disgusted to have touched such a piece of shit, and he leaves the guy on the floor, a little dark spot on his pants where he peed a little from that frankly terrifying confrontation with the blonde.

You're not even remotely upset with him for threatening a civilian, you're just thankful that he stood up for you, feeling so relieved that you had him there with you.

You spend the rest of the night in his arms, shedding a couple of tears because of how objectified you felt, while he cuddles you in bed and tells you how smart you are, and how proud he is of you.

You couldn't ask for a better man.

You watch a horror movie with him

Your eyebrows raise in interest as you watch a murder documentary, listening intently while your boyfriend looks at you like you've grown a second head.

It's dark in the room and the curtains are drawn, the only light coming from the TV in front of you while you share a bag of popcorn with him.

The last in the documentary had murdered a fair few of her husbands with rat poison or something like that, and had worked her way to becoming rich from the money of her victims.

"You... aren't taking notes, are you?..."

He's only half joking, a little perturbed by your morbid interest in something so grim, but you only laugh in response, smooching his cheek affectionately and cuddling into his side.

"I hope that answers your question~"

"Remarkably enough, no, it doesn't."

You hold back another boisterous laugh, placing your hand on his chest as he cuddles closer into you. It's too late now, he suggested this because he was being a cheeky motherfucker and wanted to see you all cute and scared. The plan went sideways, and then back on itself and then sideways again. Oh well, he can't back out now, he's a man of pride, damnit.

Of course, you notice the way holds onto your waist a little tighter, and you hear the little shocked expletives muttered under his breath when an especially gory detail comes up.

Lord, save him.

Sleeping that night is a hard task for him, and he clings to you like a koala even as you sleep like a baby, so when you wake up the next morning and make breakfast for a crusty Katsuki with a serious case of bedhead and panda eyes, you can't help but coo at him as you attempt not to burst out laughing.

He gets accidentally turned on

Shit.

He was sitting at his desk like usual, staring out the window while waiting for you to arrive, but he must've been too wrapped up in his own thoughts because when you entered the room, he didn't even realise.

The room is bright and well lit in the early morning and it's just you and a couple of other people, since you're about ten minutes early, and everyone's chatting and distracted except for him.

You smile and sit on his desk, not quite startling him, but catching him by surprise as he looks forward and is met with the sight of your thighs right in front of his face.

They look so soft and thick... He bets they'd make a great pair of earmuffs.

When you shimmy a little on his desk, he watches them move and sees a pair of light pink panties under your skirt, which had ridden up from all of your movement.

"... Katsuki?-"

His head snaps up to meet your eyes with his own, his face red.

"You look a little... constipated... Are you okay?"

He only grunts in reply, turning his head away quickly and crossing his legs to hide the awkward boner he's sprouted in class. Shit. You're so fucking hot, he can't take it anymore.

His breathing quickens as he tries every trick in the book to calm himself down, making you very aware of what you've done.

"Aw... Can't contain yourself, Katsuki?"

You smirk at him, not bothering to pull your skirt down because apparently you've decided to be a menace this morning.

"Fuck you."

He walks in on you masturbating

You were just taking some time to yourself to do some self-service. Katsuki's been gone the entire day to get some extra training done, meanwhile you lay in his dorm room, watching TV and doing some self care while you wait for the time to pass.

The arousal stirs in your belly as you get a message from your favourite blonde.

'Can't fucking wait to see you tonight.'

You know he probably didn't mean for that message to be as sexual as it was, but you can't help but feel needy at the thought of him getting back just to eat you out and fuck you senseless.

It drives you absolutely mad, and the imagery of what Katsuki probably looks like right now, sweating and panting as his muscles swell from exertion, had you reeling and warmth pooling between your thighs.

You just feel so empty, and you're filled with desire as you keep letting your thoughts wander to him.

It certainly helps that you feel pretty right now, so you feel no shame or embarrassment. Your hair is fresh from the shower you took earlier and your skin is clear after your intense routine.

You feel well preened and as you let your hand trail down your belly, past the band of your (Katsuki's) sweats and into your panties, feeling the damp fabric cling to your throbbing cunt.

The curtains are drawn and it's dark in the room, just the way you like it, and your form is hidden beneath the duvet on your boyfriend's bed, covered with the sheets the two of you had picked out together, since he knew you would be spending a lot of time in his room. He wanted you to have a say in the decoration so that you felt more at home there.

The memory only has you hotter for him. He's an amazing man, and the best aprtner you could answer, and you find yourself wanting to give him all of you just to make him feel good. You would do anything for him, you were so completely in love.

Your finger slowly starts to massage your clit, rubbing in little circles and dipping down to gather slick from your folds, your back arching slightly as you lift up a leg, writhing from the much needed pressure on your aching clit.

However, the second you hear the door click, you freeze. It's already too late, and Katsuki is cut off mid sentence when he finally sees you, taking in your flushed face, your hair that's strewn across his pillows, and the hand that's dipped beneath the covers on his bed. On his bed.

God, as if this isn't driving him crazy enough, there's something about you doing this in his bed, dressed in his clothes, that has him fucking feral.

He can see your breasts through the thin fabric of his white tank top, and the colour of your areola, as well as some side-boob that immediately has him at full mast in his loose pants.

He might actually die.

He grins at you evilly, making your blood run cold as you flush just as red as the blood flowing through your veins, while you scooch further away and panic.

"I- it's not what it looks like!-"

When has that line ever worked, you chastise yourself.

"Oh? 'Sure looks like you're fucking yourself to me."

Well, now what are you supposed to say to that?

"And in my bed? Did you miss me that much?~"

You feel another wave of slick soak your underwear and your fingers as your legs remain pressed closed, your thighs squeezing together beneath his sheets.

You're literally gushing for him.

So when he joins you on the bed slowly, waiting for any amount of hesitance from you and recieving only an eager whine in response, he's about ready to literally engulf you. He wants to kiss and lick and bite every bit of skin he can get his hands on.

He knows you like to keep warm, and that you can get a little shy at times, so instead of tearing the covers from you like an animal, like he wants to, he exercises some self restraint, and joins you under the covers in the low light of the room, your movie long forgotten.

He slides his hand down your belly, resting his body on top of yours and trapping you beneath the wall of muscle that is his chest, laying gentle kisses and nips to your neck that has you shivering and your breath hitching.

It looks like he was right, and he's very amused as his suspicions are proven correct, his fingers ghosting over soaked panties and slick fingers that rest between closed thighs.

"I can't help it- you're just- ugh! You're so-"

You don't even have the words to describe him as you stare at his god-like figure above you, but you communicate it well enough with the unintelligible whines you breathe out into his neck.

Great, now his ego is boosted.

"You're so wet for me, you're driving me fuckin' crazy."

His kinks, and the body part he's obsessed with

Katsuki's an absolute slut for biting. He always wants to leave marks on your body as evidence that he was there, and that partly feeds into his breeding kink, because he specifically likes to bit you, hard, on the neck while filling you up with his cum.

You can bet he buys the extra thin feel comdoms because he needs to feel the way your walls clench and quiver around him, but he won't tell you that unless you're in the heat of the moment, when he mutters, and literally growls into your ear how much he just loves to feel your insides and fill you up.

Your sure he has a specific kink for oral as well, because you would never have thought he'd be so needy to have you sit on his face literally every other day.

At first you were a little shy to do it, because what if you taste bad, or what if he doesn't like your smell? It's not like you can control it... So you were hesitant. He had bared with the skittishness the first time, because he loves you, but the second time, he had to push your hips away and reprimand you.

You were mortified that he was pushing you away, until he spoke, and then you were just stunned.

"Look, I bared with it the first time because I'm nice like that, but stop crouching. If you don't actually plant that pussy right on my face until I suffocate and die, I don't think I will ever actually forgive you, or myself. Now Sit. On. My. Face. Sit."

You almost choke on your breath, but he believes that it was worth it, because he got what he wanted, which was to be smothered by your pussy lips.

You could see his eyes roll to the back of his head from below your skirt as he tongue fucked you, thrusting his hips into the air. That first time he got to properly eat you out, he came in his pants. He wasn't even ashamed or embarrassed, not that you wanted or expected him to be, but he was nonchalant about it.

"What did you expect?"

The body part you think he's the most obsessed with, though, is your hips. And you're right on the money. He loves to squeeze them, and hold them, and kiss them.

Anytime you both walk in public, he's either holding your hand, or he's got an arm around your waist and his hand on your hip.

The blonde is a slut for your hips, and loves to bite and suck on them, and and trace a thumb over the bone that naturally juts out no matter how much weight you lose or put on. And when you shake your hips for him like a bellydancer, he almost foams at the mouth. He's entranced by you, and quite literally, in the words of our lord and saviour Doja Cat herself, worships your hips and waist.

The kink that took him the longest time to admit to though, was his daddy kink. He doesn't know why, but hearing your voice drop a tone as you called him daddy just to tease him made him weak.

He had the air knocked out of his lungs for a few seconds there, but since he thought you might not actually take so kindly to this new discovery of his, he kept quiet. He has no idea how you found out, but you did, and Katsuki received no mercy from your teasing until he broke and finally came clean about it, leading to one of the best nights he's ever had, and a night he frequently thinks back on when you're not with him and he has to let off some steam.

You get caught making out

Katsuki's tongue invades your mouth as you sit on his lap, grinding down against the tent in his pants as he holds your hips, large hands massaging and gripping at your love handles. He loves how wide your hips are, and the squishiness that comes with it.

He was just sitting at his desk, minding his own business when you basically attacked him out of nowhere, his lips parting in that confused little pout he makes sometimes, his eyebrows furrowing.

God, that expression has you putty in his hands without fault, and you're immediately slotting your hips over his as you lock lips with him, your piercing bar running along his own tongue and making the great Katsuki Bakugou shiver.

It's only just getting to the good part when his hands slide down to your ass and then back up again, only to part ways again soon after. He slides his right hand over your ribs, teasing you with the lightest touch of his fingers before grabbing your breast under your bra and kneading it, while his left hand slides down, reaching just past the waistband of your pants.

Sadly, the two of you are interrupted by Denki, and Katsuki's never hated the little cockblocker more than he does now.

"Hey Katsuki- Oh my god I'm- fuck! sorry! bye!"

"..."

"I'm gonna fucking castrate you, you little sparkplug!"

Denki slams the door on his way out, scared out of his wits and probably traumatised.

"At least we're not naked?..."

He does have to agree with you on that one.

And with that, his boner is gone, and he sighs quietly before leaning forward to bury his face into your clothed breasts, mourning the loss of the moment ™️ and simply wrapping his arms around you to keep his nerves down.

[runnning-outof-time]

All I Ever Asked | Tommy Shelby x Reader

Request: yes by @joossieisdabomb

Pairing: Tommy Shelby x reader

Summary: (Y/N) was happy with where she was with Tommy Shelby. All was going well until one day he showed up late. True feelings quickly came to light and she found that she couldn’t be caught in his grasp anymore.

Warnings: language, arguing, angst

Word Count: 2808

A/N: I may have been just a tad bit unhinged with this one. I listened to the song a few times and while it sounds rather upbeat, the lyrics tell a different story. So I went along with the lyrics. I hope you enjoy and that I did it justice! :)

A/N 2: this fic is based off of the song All I Ever Asked by Rachel Chinouriri. It will be linked down below if you want to go check it out.

I’D LOVE TO KNOW WHAT YOU THINK! - YOUR THOUGHTS & COMMENTS HELP ME WRITE!

Let me know if you want to be put on a taglist for future stories like this one!

Sitting with her head in her hands, (Y/N) tried to figure out just how she got herself into this position. How she came across, and fell into the trap of, the blue-eyed gangster named Tommy Shelby.

She met him on a whim while she was at the Eden Club with some friends. Word on the street was that his enterprise had taken over ownership of it. The whole city was buzzing with talk of the Peaky Blinders and the handsome man who headed the ruthless razor gang. She was almost drawn to the place, wanting to see him for herself.

What was never expected was that he would take a shine to her. It started off as glances and stares from across the room before it quickly turned into loaded conversations and him renting a suite out at the Palace Hotel so that he could see her whenever he was in the city. Which is where she was right now. Except this time, Tommy wasn't there.

(Y/N) knew that this day would come. She knew who he was, but yet she blindly followed him into the dark room again and again. Because the way she felt when she was with him was like a drug to her. No matter how hard she tried not to, she had developed feelings for him. And it wasn't just from the things they did, but it was also in the way that he talked to her; the things that he said that made her feel like she was the only woman on the planet. It was like she was a modern day goddess when she was in his presence.

So when the door to the suite finally opened some time later, (Y/N) stood up from the bed and rushed out of the room into the main living area. There, she saw Tommy in the process of shrugging off his coat so that he could set it down against the top of one of the arm chairs. "(Y/N)," he greeted her as he heard her footsteps coming closer to him.

"You're late, Tommy," she said to him, trying so hard to restrain herself from peeling the suit jacket off of his frame so that it was one less article of clothing to worry about. She knew she couldn't do that. She couldn't just let him slip back into bed with her without knowing how she felt about this. They'd been seeing each other for over seven months now, which, at least in (Y/N)'s head, counted for something. She didn't feel like someone who was just a quick fuck to him anymore.

"Yeah. I had shit to deal with," he answered her as he let out a sigh. "Come 'ere," he said then, wanting nothing more than for her to fall into his arms and help him forget about the shit he had going on in his life.

"I've been waiting here for you for over half of the day," she didn't move from her spot.

"I had shit to deal with," he repeated himself, aggravation slipping into his words. She was the last person that he needed this from now.

"That's more important than me?" she questioned, her eyebrows now raised.

"Yes, (Y/N), that's way more fucking important than you," he rasied his voice slightly at her incredulous question. Was she being serious right now?

"Then what was it then? Huh? Fucking business meetings and backroom deals? Huh?!" she raised her volume to match his, showing that she would not be pushed around.

"You wouldn't even understand the half of it," Tommy shook his head and waved her off, not having the mental capacity for any of it at the moment. He just needed to clear his mind.

"Oh I wouldn't? And why's that? Because I'm just your little whore who's supposed to wait in this hotel room for you so that you can come in and unload your fucking stresses into me?"

"No, not because of that, (Y/N)," he shook his head again, another sigh escaping his lips.

"Then why, Tommy?" she asked him to explain it to her even though he made it clear that he didn't want to. "I deserve an explanation."

"I'm not giving you one," he said in a low voice, staring at the floor as he shook his head. It was almost like he was trying to keep himself composed. Like if he'd look up at her, he'd lose it.

"Why?" she questioned, glaring at him as she dared to take a step closer, "huh? Why's that, Tommy?" She was fully egging him on at this point.

"It's because you don't fucking matter like that! You don't fucking understand what it is that I do and I can't tell you what's going on with my business and my fucking family because you'll just go spreading it in the gossip circles around London!” he went off on her, giving her the reason she so desperately wanted.

"So that's who you think I am? Someone who gossips about the things you tell me in confidence?" she asked in a hushed voice, taken back by his words even though she practically forced him to say them.

"You wanted me to tell you why...I fucking told you why," was all he said to her, still unable to face her at the moment. "It's not pleasant, (Y/N). Being with me is never fucking pleasant, but you asked, so I answered."

"Yeah, and now I'm fucking leaving," she bit back at him, forcing her tears back as she grabbed her jacket and walked passed him to the door. He didn't try to stop her as she opened it and slammed it behind her. She didn't let the tears slip down her cheeks until she was a good bit away from the hotel and on her way to her apartment. She just hoped her roommate wouldn't be in and that she could sob in peace.

She should have prepared herself for this. For the inevitable doom that always came in the relationships that she had. Why did she think that this man, that this terrible man, would be different? That he would be better for her?

"You always pick the good ones, don't ya, (Y/N)," she mumbled to herself as she shut and locked the front door to her apartment. Then she moved over to her cabinets and fished the bottle of wine she had stashed out from the back of one. She opened it and poured herself a healthy glass, not caring that it was only the early afternoon. She needed something to boost her mood and she needed it quickly.

Two glasses of red wine and her latest mystery novel did the trick to get her mind off of the heartbreak that had occurred earlier. It was the evening now, and thanks to the wine she'd consumed, (Y/N) was just about ready for bed. The only thing keeping her up was the suspense of the book she was reading. She kept telling herself 'one more page' for the past hour.

Her mind was pulled out of the imaginary world it created by a knock at the front door. She set down her book on the couch before standing from it to go see who it was that was bothering her. After unlocking it, she opened the door to the last person she wanted to see. "No," she blatantly stated before going to shut the door in his face.

"Wait," he said, shoving his arm against the door jam so that it would catch it before she could latch the lock once more. (Y/N) sighed, but she didn't make an effort to get him to move his arm. "I need to speak to you, (Y/N)."

She opened the door again, her wide eyes meeting his. "How did you know where I live?" she asked him, her arms crossing over her chest.

"I know things, love."

She scoffed at his response, rolling her eyes as she shook her head. "You know I never should have fucking entertained your bullshit when you first spoke to me all those months ago," she stated, her anger shining clearly in her words. "Because look where it's gotten me."

"Can I speak to you?" he tried asking again, his eyebrows raised slightly as he waited for her response.

"Go on. Speak," she bit back at him, her eyebrows raising as she looked at him expectantly. She just wanted him to say his piece and get out of her life forever.

Before he started, he stepped further inside her apartment so that the door could be closed behind him. The last thing he wanted was for them to be airing out their dirty laundry in the hallway of her apartment building for everyone to hear. That would most certainly not be good for business.

"I've got a lot of shit going on right now," he prefaced his story then, and already, (Y/N) wanted to slap him in the face. She let him continue though, "I've been asked to kill a man. The people who want me to carry this out have constructed the plan for me, and in the way they want it done, I will have no means of escape. They're going to kill me once it's done. I've just learned this yesterday, and now as I've come into London today I found out that a person from my past has come back to England and they want to...meet me again. On top of this, my cousin and my fucking brother are presently behind bars and are facing the noose if I don't get them out, and my alliances in Camden Town have been shattered," he let out a long sigh after he finished his monologue. His eyes matched (Y/N)'s then and he studied her face for a moment. She was obviously using the quiet moment to digest and think about what was just said. So he used that time to get one more statement in: "I was looking forward to seeing you today, truthfully," he told her while looking her in the eyes, showing that he meant what he was saying.

(Y/N) stood silent for a few more seconds before she gave her response, "you know, up until today, you were one of my main purposes in life. I'd get so excited when you'd be coming to London, because it meant that I'd get to see you; get to spend time with you. Today...today you showed me that what you really are in my life is a problem. You're a major problem that I need to get sorted out quickly," she paused, letting out a sigh as she shook her head and laughed slightly, more in spite of herself than anything, "and I felt bad for you because of the shit going on with your family and the amount of pressure you've got on you right now from the special operatives, or whatever the fuck they're called, but now I see that that was only you making it all about yourself. Just like right now...you're making it all about yourself," she finished her piece by staring up at him with a stony expression.

Tommy's eyebrows were furrowed as he tried to understand what she was saying, "how am I making this about myself?" he asked for her to explain it again.

"You show up here, at my apartment, and you give your spiel about all of the shit going on in your life, and you act like I'm supposed to fucking care about it. Are you even sorry for what you said to me earlier? You know, when you told me that I 'don't fucking matter like that'. Are you sorry for that? Or is what you're doing here now just you trying to justify you being late?" she asked him, hoping that her voice wouldn't waver and show how much hurt she was holding inside her at the moment. “Because, let me tell you…I really didn’t care that you were fucking late. That wasn’t the problem at all.”

"(Y/N), I..." he tried, but he didn't have the words, so he trailed off his sentence with a sigh, dropping his eyes to the ground as he scratched the back of his neck.

She let out a breath of a laugh at his pathetic response, shaking her head as she pursed her lips together. It was getting harder and harder for her to hold back the tears that were threatening to fall. "For all I know, you adored me. That you enjoyed the times we spent together. And you just choose to keep that in your head and not tell me because...hell, I don't know, maybe you like that you have this pawn over me and you like that I keep coming back regardless if I know how you feel or not," she took a deep breath and swiped away a rogue tear that rolled down her cheek before she continued, "well I'm done coming back to you, Tommy," she made sure that her last sentence hurt him, spite clear in her words.

"A little more time, (Y/N). Just give me a little more time so this can all get straightened out and we can be together," he looked at her with those eyes. And with those beautiful blue irises boring into her, she almost crumbled. Almost.

"That's funny, Tommy. Really," she held her stance, letting out a dry laugh as she kept up his gaze.

She needed to show him that he wasn't fazing her. That she wasn't going to be putty in his hands for him to keep using however he pleased. She needed to show him that she was strong and that she knew her worth.

"What?" he furrowed his brows, completely confused by her response to his statement.

"It’s funny that you're asking me for more time when that's all I've ever asked of you. More time; that's all I wanted. A little more time together when you'd come to see me. A little more time for us to be out of that fucking hotel room where we don't have to act like we're hiding from the world," she gave him her stark explanation, hoping that her words were hurting him as much as his had hurt her, "but now I don't want to give you anymore of my time. Now, I want you out of my life for good."

"(Y/N)..." he tried.

"No. Go, Tommy," she wasn't having it, cutting him off by speaking and motioning to the door for him to walk back through it and out of her life. But he still stayed, standing in his spot like he was frozen to it. It was making (Y/N) more angry with each second that passed. "Maybe I didn't make it obvious enough to you in my previous statement. I'm done giving you my time. You need to leave," she tried to get him to go once more, motioning her hand towards the door again so that he also had a visual cue.

Tommy stood stagnant for a few more moments before he took a step back and spun on his heel so that he was facing the door. (Y/N) stayed where she was as he slowly took the few steps that were needed for him to get to the door. She was so close to him being gone. So close to the healing that she'd get from him being out of her life. She could almost feel it. His hand was reaching for the door knob now. But before he could turn it, he stopped and turned to look at her. All of her hope was deflated as his eyes met hers again. Just fucking leave! was what she wanted to scream at him. She settled for a defeated sigh instead.

"Bye, (Y/N)," he spoke in a soft voice, and it was almost like he knew that his tone was any louder, she'd blow up on him. He could read her like an open book. He knew that she was just barely holding herself together. He also knew that he was the very reason for that. So he didn't wait for her to say anything in response. Once he was finished speaking, he took one last look at her and turned the handle to the door.

As he stepped through the open doorway, (Y/N) felt an immense rush of sadness. She'd miss the time they spent together. She'd miss how he made her feel. But she knew that she couldn't let herself be treated like that. So she let the blue-eyed gangster walk through the door and out of her life.

Tagged: @alreadybroken-ts @magicalxdaydream @the-anxious-youth @cloudofdisney @look-at-the-soul @golden-hoax @elenavampire21

MASTERLIST

Listen to All I Ever Asked here:

[vrishchikawrites]

You know what would be interesting?

JC never lost his golden Core.

And Wei Wuxian did not lose his.

But he still gets dropped into the Burial Mounds. And like I dunno how, but he comes out of there having mastered the new form of cultivation.

Jiang Cheng acts like a dick that's par for cannon. And this Wei Wuxian who has survived the burial Mounds with his golden core intact has no time for his drama.

He definitely confesses to Lan Wangji o ce he is out of the burial mounds.

Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji in the Sunshot campain would be brilliant. Cultivating and * *wink wink nudge nudge* * dual cultivating.

JC is seething with jelousy. He has everything. The gentry name, the money and sect leadership but the whole world is only speaking about Wei Wuxian and his like awesome cultivation. Both the sword style and with his flute.

Wen Qing and Wen Ning- Wen Ning convinces his sister to join the war. Wen Ning wants to be on Wei Wuxian's side.

What would JC throw a tantrum over if he doesn't have anything to throw a tantrum over??

Like for example he blames Wei Wuxian for Lotus Pier burning. Obviously it's not his mistake. But one day he is yelling at Wei Wuxian about it and sect leader someone maybe XiChen, maybe Sect leader Nie. Whoever. Comes and like defends Wei Wuxian.

What would he do then faced with the facts? Cling all the more to his warped world view? Or apologize?

It will be interesting to see.

You don't have to take this prompt if it's too messy or whatever. I love you and your writing.

Also, thank you for choosing to write my previous prompt.

XOXO.

(this is a little similar to trapped and patient but also quite different. Hope you like it! The format is a bit different because this is a lot of time to cover in a short prompt)

When he stumbles out of the Burial Mounds, Wei Wuxian is stunned. He can't believe he made it, that he was able to survive it, without his sword.

Wei Wuxian walks forward shakily, one unsteady step at a time, putting distance between him and that wretched place.

He feels weak, drained, devastated in small ways.

But he is free.

---

Yiling offers shelter in unexpected ways. He's able to hide in a temple to recover. His condition is wretched enough that he's mistaken for a beggar. A few people take pity on him and offer fruits and buns.

It takes him a week.

That's all it takes for him to recover.

Wei Wuxian washes all traces of Burial Mounds off him, soaks in icy river water for hours on end until he feels purified and reforged.

Now, he's ready for revenge.

---

Wei Wuxian has only tried his cultivation method on the dead. He has used it to repel the fierce corpses, fierce ghosts, and spirits soaked in resentment.

When he tests the method on the Wens, it proves to be even more effective. They scramble like mindless beasts, driven by fear and confusion. The sounds of his Dizi pierce the air and induce madness.

He watches from a distance, indifferent as the Wens turn on each other, swinging their swords, shouting at phantoms, all sense and intellect gone.

He turns away.

---

Jiang Cheng's arms wrap around him and the fog around his mind starts to slowly recede. He stands stiffly, blinking a little before looking beyond his martial brother.

Lan Zhan is there, staring at him with wide eyes. There's so much open concern on his usually stoic face that Wei Wuxian wants to turn away.

"Wei Ying,"

It is only then, under the power of that golden gaze, that his fugue state dissipates. He sees Lan Zhan step forward, almost reaching out only to pull back at the last moment.

Jiang Cheng pushes him away and punches his shoulder, "Where have you been? How dare you abandon us and just frolic off somewhere?"

Wei Wuxian swalllows with difficulty and answers their questions with his habitual dismissive charm.

But that honest expression of open concern on Lan Zhan's beautiful face doesn't leave.

He meets those golden eyes and feels something shift within him.

Shaking his head, he dismisses the feeling. There's no time for sentimental reunions. He turns his attention towards Wen Chao, unsheathes his sword, and kills him in one clean strike.

There. Done.

---

The war is already in full swing by the time he joins it. His martial brother and Lan Zhan are quick to take him to Qinghe, not even letting him ride his own sword.

"Wei-gongzi, I'm happy to see you safe," Lan Xichen greets, running a discreet eye over him. The older Lan brother's concern is well hidden but Wei Wuxian senses it nevertheless.

The man looks like he's just about ready to banish him to the healing halls.

He opens his mouth to reassure Lan Xichen but Nie Mingjue intervenes, slapping his back solidly, "I hear you're responsible for the devastation at Yiling. Good work!"

Wei Wuxian smiles brightly, hoping to banish that increasingly familiar look from Lan Zhan's face. "Thank you, Nie-zongzhu." He smiles up at the man, "I can give you a full report of what happened if you wish it."

The Chifeng-zun's expression shifts into one of approval and he nods, "I do wish it."

"I would like to know as well, if you don't mind," Lan Xichen says and Nie Mingjue nods before he glances at Lan Zhan.

He chuckles, "Lan er-gonzi can join us as well."

---

Wei Wuxian doesn't realize he's been spending more time with the Lan brothers and Nie Mingjue until Jiang Cheng angrily points it out.

"You're too good for us, are you?" He demands, "Abandoning us in favor of your new friends! Even in the battlefield, you and Lan Wangji are inseparable! Have some shame! How dare you abandon your responsibilities and mess around with that man?"

"a-Cheng," Shijie reprimands gently but her voice is weak.

"Aiya, Jiang Cheng, who keeps track of such things amidst a war? They're all our allies. It's not like I have abandoned everyone." He still trains with the Jiang disciples and leads them in battle after all.

"Wei Wuxian!"

"Jiang Cheng," His voice makes his irritation clear, "Is this really the right time to worry about such trivial matters? Who cares about appearances during war? Are were not all one when on the battlefield?" He asks, narrowing his eyes on the furious Jiang, "We don't know whether we'll live or die when we ride out and you're concerned about who fights alongside me? Just who are you speaking of?"

"Who I am speaking of?" Jiang Cheng snaps in return, "Your obsession with that man is unseemly and reflects poorly on the sect! You know it and yet you carry on shamelessly-"

"My obsession?" He demands, "Just what are you trying to imply, Jiang Cheng? You're going to be a brat just because Lan Zhan happens to be the only one able to keep up with me?" It is no secret that his three month stint sharpened his cultivation in ways people find hard to fathom. He didn’t just develop a new cultivation method, he grew. Surviving the Burial Mounds is a feet beyond the skill and endurance of most cultivators. 

Wei Wuxian has earned his already formidable reputation.

Jiang Cheng reels back at the reminder, his face twisting with rage.

Never let it be said that Wei Wuxian takes things lying down. He has spent a lifetime appeasing Jiang Cheng and dealing with his insecurities.

He no longer has the patience.

---

He reaches out instinctively, pulling Lan Zhan out of a blade's path, spinning around to block the strike with his bare arm.

His thick leather brace manages to minimize the damage and he doesn't lose his arm but it is a near thing.

With a hiss, he crowds against Lan Zhan and brings Suibian down in a sharp slash, cutting the Wen before him from left shoulder to right hip.

"Reckless." Lan Zhan says later as he carefully stitches the cut.

"I couldn't let you get hurt." Wei Wuxian says softly, peering down at the kneeling figure before him. He has seen Lan Zhan in various states of indignity, covered in blood, robes soaked in the disgusting sludge of a war-torn field.

Nothing diminishes his beauty.

Wei Wuxian's heart races, his head spinning as he smells the scent of sandalwood. He swallows as Lan Zhan shifts closer, carefully snipping the excess thread and studying his neat stitches.

This close, he feels overwhelmed and realization dawns.

"I love you," He breathes, stunned.

He loves Lan Zhan. The knowledge strikes him now, suddenly, without warning. "How did I not know?" Wei Wuxian feels strangely dazed. How could he not know? It is so obvious to him, his constant need for Lan Zhan's attention, "I hate it when you ignore me." The feeling of those snapping golden eyes on him when he finally manages to gain Lan Zhan's attention, "It's thrilling when you don't."

He has never met anyone more beautiful, "I find you better looking than any maiden." Lan Zhan's proximity now makes him feel-, "Breathless," He says, "When I'm close to you I feel- how did I miss-"

Lan Zhan grip is like vice around his wrist.

Wei Wuxian stops, going pale as he realizes how brazenly he had just confessed love to a man. If Jiang Cheng were here, he'd definitely gut him with Sandu, "Lan Zhan, I-"

Lan Zhan surges forward, eyes blazing and expression dark.

Warm lips slide over his and his mind goes silent.

He doesn't think a single thought that night.

---

War doesn't wait for anyone and Wei Wuxian doesn't say anything in protest when Lan Zhan pulls away from him. He watches with heavy eyes as Lan Zhan shrugs on his discarded outer robes and glances at him.

"Is your body alright?" He asks and Wei Wuxian feels a blush crawl up his neck.

“No! Of course it isn’t,“ He complains even though his body is buzzing with lingering pleasure. He pouts up at Lan Zhan, who studies him with careful golden eyes, “Really, going on and on, taking your pleasure without any care for my virgin body.“ Lan Zhan’s ears are delightfully red, “Who knew er-gege could be so bold?“

“Wei Ying,“ Lan Zhan’s expression is flat but his voice carries a hint of a waver. Wei Wuxian just grins in response, “Be serious.“

In all honesty, his body is already back to its regular state of being. His Golden Core is still spinning furiously and the lingering energy from Dual Cultivation has healed any aches and pains he might have. 

“Fine,“ He says in a petulant tune, inwardly delighted that Lan Zhan is now his, “But er-gege must kiss me to make me feel better.”

Lan Zhan doesn’t hesitate, leaning over him and gently tipping his chin up for the demanded kiss. 

Wei Wuxian sighs, sinking into it as a curtain of silken black hair forms a private cocoon around him. 

---

The war ends but Wei Wuxian’s problems don’t end with it. Three issues stand before him; helping the Wen remnants, helping rebuild YunmengJiang, and figuring out how to marry Lan Zhan. 

One obstacle stands in the way of two of these three goals. Jiang Cheng absolutely refuses to lift a finger to help the Wen remnants, even though Wen Qing’s assistance helped them win the war. Jin Guangyao may have killed Wen Ruohan but Wen Qing prevented thousands of casualties.

Wen Ning was also responsible for rescuing Jiang Cheng from the Wen capture before he lost his Golden Core. It was fortunate that Wen Zhuliu had been called to visit Wen Ruohan and Wen Chao had to wait to enact that punishment. 

Wen Ning and Wei Wuxian managed to steal Jiang Cheng away just hours before Wen Zhuliu returned.

And yet, Jiang Cheng chooses to side with the Jins on the matter instead of listening to Lan Xichen or Nie Mingjue. Wei Wuxian knows it is partly because their sister is marrying into the Jin clan and they can’t afford to make things difficult for her, but still.

Jin Zixuan will obviously protect shijie. There’s no need to be so cautious, especially if three out of four sects oppose imposing any sort of punishment on innocent people. 

On a personal front, Jiang Cheng’s disapproval of his relationship with Lan Zhan is blatant.

Jiang Cheng can’t really stop Wei Wuxian from marrying whoever he wishes. He doens’t need the sect leader’s permission as he’s not really the member of the family. But his shidi is making things difficult with his sneering disapproval and contemptuous comments in public.  

He has already alienated Lan Xichen completely by calling Lan Zhan’s honor in question (boy did he earn the punch Wei Wuxian had leveled at him - sect leader or no). Nie Mingjue will never side with some upstart over Lan Xichen. 

Lan Zhan himself doesn’t care. He has never liked Jiang Cheng and he never will. He only retaliates when Jiang Cheng tries to attack Wei Wuxian. 

His protective er-gege as no tolerance for anyone trying to harm him.

Which is what, ultimately, breaks Wei Wuxian’s ties with YunmengJiang. 

The confrontation is embarrassingly public. He doesn’t mind Lan Xichen or Nie Mingjue being present but feels upset about Jin Guangshan and Jin Guangyao being there as well. 

“Twin Prides of Yungmeng, isn’t that what you promised me?“ Jiang Cheng demands, “Where will your pride be if you break all of your promises and get into...” He waves his hand at Lan Zhan in disgust, “Is this how you intend to repay us? My father raised you to be the Head Disciple of the Jiang Sect and you would rather be some sort of deviant?“

“Jiang Cheng-“

“And you would side with the Wen dogs too! Was this always your intention? Did you always want to bring down my sect and support its enemies?” 

“The Wen remnants have helped us. They’re not our enemies.“

“They’re not our enemies now,“ Jin Guanyao interjects calmly, his voice soothing and patient, “But surely you see that it may not remain so? We cannot risk another war.”

“They’re barely a few hundred people and we have already taken most of their resources. They’ll live as poor peasants. How can they be a threat to us?“ Wei Wuxian asks. 

“You’re indeed naïve, Wei-gongzi,“ Jin Guangshan says in a gentle, placating tone, “Perhaps your fondness for Wen-guniang is making you turn a blind eye. Beautiful women have a tendency to do that.“ He chuckles indulgently.

The sly implication in his tone isn’t lost on anyone. Lan Zhan’s expression turns frosty and Wei Wuxian feels a surge of fury strong enough to make his blood boil. There are so many things wrong with that statement that Wei Wuxian, for once, is rendered speechless.

“You question the honor of Wei Wuxian of all people?“ Nie Mingjue demands, taking a step forward, “I have stayed silent because Jiang Sect business isn’t my business but I will not have you slander and belittle a proven warrior in my presence!“

“Indeed,“ Lan Xichen says calmly but there’s no mistaking the sharp look in his eyes. Lan Xichen rarely reacts to provocations or interferes in sect matters that don’t concern him. But he’s not going to let anyone upset his younger brother carelessly, “The matter of the Wens is easy to resolve. Let us give them a small piece of land, let them set up a village, and forbid cultivation among them.“

“Er-ge,“ Jin Guangyao begins but Lan Zhan is out of patience. 

He steps back and bows to all assembled before placing a hand on Wei Wuxian’s back, “Wei Ying will choose his own path. Wens will remain free. Wei Ying and I will marry.“ He meets Jiang Cheng’s furious gaze, “Jiang-zongzhu must decide whether his brother’s happiness matters to him.“

Wei Wuxian winces. 

“My brother’s happiness?“ Jiang Cheng demands, “All everyone has ever cared about is his happiness! What about me? What about our Sect? A sect he nearly destroyed because of his loyalty towards you.“ Jiang Cheng looks at him, “Did you forget my mother? My father? How do you intend to repay the enormous debt you carry, Wei Wuxian?“

Wei Wuxian stares back at him, “What is my repayment, Jiang Cheng?” He asks softly, “What will it take for you to consider that debt repaid?” It has been over five years since the fall of Lotus Pier. Wei Wuxian has bled and slogged through war to restore that place to its former glory. He has kept Jiang Cheng safe, helped renegotiate shijie’s marriage, and used his name to draw skilled cultivators to YungmengJiang. 

What more can he give? 

“Loyalty.“ He stills, “You devote your life to YungmengJiang and nothing else.“

Lan Xichen makes a faint, alarmed noise while Nie Mingjue huffs in disapproval. 

Wei Wuxian takes a deep breath, feeling Lan Zhan’s fingers flex on his back. He levels a flat look at Jiang Cheng and thinks on the matter of debts. He thinks about Madam Yu’s refusal to bend, of Jiang-zongzhu’s passivity and lack of planning. He thinks about the Wen’s unprovoked attack on Cloud Recesses and the inevitability of war. 

He thinks of his Lan Zhan and shijie’s Jin Zixuan, without swords and facing an armed group of Wens under Wen Chao’s orders. 

He thinks of love. Of what it means to be truly, unconditionally loved. 

No sorrys and no thank yous. No debt owed for simply being a part of someone’s life. 

He thinks of acceptance that comes with an older brother’s amused smile. He thinks of an uncle’s gruff admonishment to behave followed by a stiff reminder to eat, you’re skin and bones already. 

He takes a deep breath and decides. 

“No.“