#“can’t believe that’s how he reacted to nia’s death”

[karaspal]

i frankly think jay should be more toxic, but that’s just me

[delicatlueur]

[ daiquiri ] do they believe in true love? why or why not? ( nia ), [ swimming pool ] what is the most important lesson they’ve learned in recent years? ( elias ), [ blue lagoon ] how do they typically react when faced with something they fear? ( julien ), [ appletini ] who do they consider the most important person in their life? why? ( josie ), [ planter's punch ] how long does it take to befriend them? ( ace ), [ whiskey sour ] what is the biggest lie they ever told someone? ( joey ), [ zombie ] do they believe in life after death? ( thea ) & [ greyhound ] if they could have a dinner with just one person ( dead or alive ) who would they choose? ( lucien )

＊   𝗖𝗢𝗖��𝗧𝗔𝗜𝗟   𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗭     ⧸     𝑎𝑐𝑐𝑒𝑝𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔   .

daiquiri     ⸻     does   nia   believe   in   true   love   ?   why   /   why   not   ?

                    listen   …       nia’s   got   this   hopeless   romantic   heart   ,   but   it’s   buried   under   this   thick   armor   of   dramatic   cynicism   .       so   ,   do   they   believe   in   true   love   ?       absolutely   .       they   love   deeply   ,   passionately   ,   with   an   all - or - nothing   intensity   .       that   means   the   highs   are   ecstatic   ,   absolutely   heaven   ,   but   the   lows   …       those   are   devastating   ,   can   drag   them   down   to   the   deepest   ,   darkest   places   .       so   ,   yeah   ,   if   you   can’t   tell   …       their   love   isn’t   gentle   .       it   rips   them   open   ,   breaks   them   down   ,   then   puts   them   back   together   —   it’s   messy   ,   and   intense   ,   but   good   ,   and   addictive   .       so   yeah   ,   it’s   …       complex   .       nia’s   idea   of   true   love   isn’t   some   picture - perfect   romance   .       it’s   gotta   survive   the   storms   she   brings   ,   the   storms   she   creates   ,   because   she   knows   she’s   a   handful   .       and   listen   ,   eventually   ,   she’ll   give   herself   to   someone   completely   ,   but   only   when   she   knows   —   like   ,   absolutely   ,   positively   knows   —   that   her   heart   is   safe   …       if   that   makes   sense   ?       it’s   like   she   needs   proof   that   this   love   is   bulletproof   before   she   trusts   it   .

swimming   pool     ⸻     what   is   the   most   important   lesson   elias   has   learned   in   recent   years   ?

                    …   this   question   about   elias   is   so   funny   to   me   .       okay   ,   i’ve   said   it   many   times   before   :       elias   hyun   never   learns   .       but   …      ��he   actually   does   learn   ,   in   his   own   way   .       every   screw - up   ,   every   time   he   ends   up   on   the   receiving   end   of   a   fist   ,   every   scolding   from   lari   ,   every   disappointed   glance   from   lulu   …       he   learns   .       it’s   not   that   he’s   incapable   of   learning   ;       it’s   more   like   he   never   got   the   hang   of   learning   to   improve   from   his   mistakes   .       listen   …       this   man   was   raised   by   nannies   speaking   languages   he   didn’t   understand   ,   was   left   out   and   overlooked   as   soon   as   stepped   out   of   line   .       learning   from   mistakes   to   prevent   them   ?       foreign   to   him   .       so   yeah   ,   he   understands   when   he’s   wrong   and   might   even   apologize   ,   but   meaningful   growth   from   those   experiences   ?       …    not   much   .       he’s   a   child   at   heart   who’s   never   experienced   limits   ,   consequences   ,   boundaries   ,   not   even   a   goddamn   time - out   .       so   ,   yeah   ,   lessons   come   his   way   constantly   ,   but   they   never   land   permanently   .       though   ,   i’ll   say   —   the   words       (   and   painful   actions   !       ouchie   owie   lari’s   left   hook   really   packed   a   punch   ,   left   a   real   nasty   boo - boo   :pensive_cowboy:   )       of   his   friends   and   loved   ones   do   carry   weight   .       after   lari’s   punch   and   lulu’s   request   to   stop   getting   hurt   ,   he’s   not   actively   seeking   out   trouble   right   now   .       so   ,   maybe   he’ll   avoid   getting   decked   in   the   face   for   a   while   now   .       does   that   count   as   a   lesson   learned   ?

blue   lagoon     ⸻     how   does   julien   typically   react   when   faced   with   something   he   fears   ?

                    …   julien   calls   his   assistant   .       i’m   dead   serious   .       this   man   is   6’5’’   ,   but   the   tiniest   inconvenience   sends   him   scrambling   for   his   phone   .       it’s   not   that   he’s   easily   scared   ;       no   ,   jules   firmly   believes   any   problem   has   a   price   tag   or   a   convenient   escape   route   ,   all   orchestrated   by   his   ever - capable   assistant   ,   that   is   .       father’s   visit   looming   ?       assistant   has   the   jet   fueled   and   waiting   to   whisk   him   to   the   other   side   of   the   world   .       annoying   conversation   avoided   ,   tan   lines   acquired   .       drunk   and   sideswipe   someone’s   car   ?       not   a   problem   —   assistant   is   called   to   the   location   ,   tosses   out   enough   euros   to   buy   their   econobox   twice   over   .       and   in   his   mind   ,   jules   would   even   pat   himself   on   the   back   for   sparing   new   york   city   the   eyesore   of   a   mitsubishi   mirage   parked   outside   such   a   decent   club   .       guy   is   pissed   because   julien   slept   with   his   girl   ?       that’s   when   the   assistant   earns   her   paycheck   ,   because   there’s   no   way   jules’   risking   a   hair   out   of   place   in   a   fistfight   .       with   that   kind   of   backup   ?       julien   grimaldi   really   believes   he’s   untouchable   .

appletini     ⸻     who   does   josie   consider   the   most   important   person   in   her   life   ?   why   ?

                    …    dude   ?       …    that’s   such   a   fucked   up   question   to   ask   about   someone   in   a   throuple       (   sort   of   )   ,       just   sayin’   .       no   ,   but   for   real   ,   listen   …       josie   can’t   pick   just   one   person   .       her   life   isn’t   focused   on   a   single   individual   ,   not   even   her   love   life   is   !       so   ,   yeah   …       she   considers   jia   ,   juno   ,   teagan   ,   and   rosalind   the   most   important   people   in   her   world   .       if   this   question   was   asked   directly   to   josie   a   few   months   ago   ,   back   when   she   was   still   consumed   by   that   need   of   hers   to   be   the   perfect   daughter   ,   the   perfect   actress   ,   the   perfect   legacy   …       her   answer   would’ve   been   a   forced   ‘   jia   ’   .       she   would’ve   tried   to   squeeze   her   complex   life   into   a   socially   acceptable   answer   ,   even   though   her   cousin   played   such   an   important   role   in   her   life   and   her   heart   literally   belonged   to   two   women   .       but   now   ?       now   that   she’s   understanding   herself   a   little   more   and   sees   she   doesn’t   have   to   fit   into   anyone’s   norms   ?       now   that   she’s   happy   with   who   she   is   and   the   people   she’s   with   ?       our   girl’s   polyamorous   ,   bbs   !       she   gets   to   kiss   her   two   amazing   sort - of - girlfriends   ,   and   has   plenty   of   love   to   give   .

planter’s   punch     ⸻     how   long   does   it   take   to   befriend   ace   ?

                    befriending   ace   is   surprisingly   easy   .       it’s   less   about   how   long   it   takes   and   more   about   being   genuine   .       see   ,   he’s   not   like   laurie   —   he’s   not   paranoid   about   people   wanting   a   piece   of   his   money   or   fame   .       he’s   not   scared   to   connect   with   people   ,   mostly   because   ,   well   …       he   didn’t   have   much   to   begin   with   .       not   until   recently   ,   at   least   .       but   coming   from   nothing   has   given   him   a   strong   sense   for   authentic   people   .       so   yeah   ,   he’s   easy   ,   he’s   cool   .       ace   will   treat   you   the   way   you   treat   him   —   nice   if   you’re   nice   ,   and   not   so   much   if   you’re   not   .       with   him   ,   it’s   that   simple   .

whiskey   sour     ⸻     what   is   the   biggest   lie   joey   ever   told   someone   ?

                    joey’s   not   really   the   type   to   lie   .       like   ,   ever   .       it’s   just   not   in   his   nature   .       sure   ,   he   can   pull   off   a   decent   lie   when   he   wants   to   ,   and   people   would   believe   him   because   his   default   is   always   honesty   .       but   that   doesn’t   happen   ,   really   .       instead   ,   if   he   has   to   ,   he’ll   kinda   blur   the   truth   a   bit   .       and   considering   that   ,   his   biggest   lie   was   …       agreeing   to   be   ‘   just   friends   ’   with   larissa   .       because   …       he   hasn’t   moved   on   ,   and   he   doesn’t   want   them   to   either   ,   even   though   he   agreed   to   this   …       arrangement   .       and   listen   ,   he   wants   lari   to   be   happy   ,   he   truly   does   .       but   he   also   wants   them   ,   and   that’s   where   everything   falls   apart   .       and   it’s   not   sabotage   .       (   at   least   ,   not   intentional   sabotage   )   .       it’s   unconscious   .       the   festival   kiss   ,   showing   up   at   their   place   during   a   storm   ,   the   lingering   touches   ,   the   shared   memories   …       it’s   all   ingrained   in   him   .       it’s   the   way   they   used   to   act   ,   the   way   they   used   to   be   .       and   he   clings   to   what   they   were   .       so   yeah   ,   he   didn’t   lie - lie   when   he   said   he   was   okay   with   being   just   friends   .       but   it’s   a   half - truth   ,   a   blurred   line   .

zombie     ⸻     does   thea   believe   in   life   after   death   ?

                   oh   ,   absolutely   .       with   everything   thea’s   been   through   ,   especially   the   loss   of   her   mom   ,   of   course   she’d   cling   to   the   hope   of   seeing   her   again   someday   ,   of   some   afterlife   reunion   .       because   —   thea’s   always   been   an   optimist   ,   you   know   ?       so   believing   in   something   more   is   comforting   ,   aligns   with   her   bright   outlook   on   life   .       aaaaaand   ,   knowing   thea   ,   she   probably   already   has   a   whole   itinerary   planned   for   her   afterlife   ,   including   haunting   a   few   annoying   gossip   columnists   …       *coughs*   sylvia   *coughs*   .

greyhound     ⸻     if   lucian   could   have   a   dinner   with   just   one   person   (   dead   or   alive   )   who  would   he   choose   ?

                    you   know   ,   luci   would   absolutely   pick   jack   johnson   .       i   mean   ,   the   guy   is   his   favorite   musician   ,   and   he’s   a   former   surfer   ,   so   he’s   got   to   have   some   cool   stories   .       besides   ,   lucian’s   a   silly   little   guy   .       beach   bonfire   ,   grilled   cheese       (   or   banana   pancakes   if   jack’s   in   the   kitchen   —   ba   dum   tssh   !   )   ,       and   a   guitar   session   ?       that’s   his   perfect   date   .

[headinthe-fridge]

My Grandfather’s Lawyer (pt. 1)

⁂ – Ushijima Wakatoshi x reader –  ⁂

warning: nsfw, swearing

Summary: Your grandfather, Washijo Tanji, disowned your mother when she was pregnant with you and her hatred towards him was passed on to you. Now, your estranged grandfather wants you to leave your life in Tokyo and come live with him in his estate in the Miyagi Prefecture.

You took a day off and a 6-hour trip, intending to give him a piece of your mind before disappearing from their lives forever. You didn’t expect to see an ailing and fragile old man. Your day trip stretched into weeks and soon, you patched things up with your estranged family and warmed up to everyone -except to one: Ushijima Wakatoshi -your grandfather’s lawyer.

He thinks you have ulterior motives in reuniting with your grandfather.

You weren’t suppose to care what he thinks of you. His opinion didn’t matter.

But it did.

MASTERLIST

AN:  So, here’s part 1 and it’s going to be a little fast-paced, with like 5 parts. tops.  Lemme know if you wanna get tagged.

⁂ – ⁂ – ⁂ – ⁂ – ⁂ – ⁂ – ⁂ – ⁂ – ⁂ – ⁂ – ⁂ – ⁂ – ⁂ – ⁂ – ⁂ – ⁂ – ⁂ – ⁂ – ⁂ –

"If you need anything, I'm only a call away."

You recalled Kiyoko's words earlier this morning. She was the one who dropped you off at the bus station for your six-hour trip from Tokyo to Miyagi prefecture. You and Kiyoko were childhood friends and since the death of your parents, she had been living with you in the house that your parents left you. You knew each other's life stories so it wasn't news to her the hatred and animosity that you harbored for your estranged grandfather.

She was worried at first and voiced out her concern, thinking that maybe your emotions were getting the best of you. But you reassured her, saying that you can handle yourself. And so, you two parted ways with her advice at the forefront of your mind.

You regretted your rash decision, not because you're worried about how your grandfather would react to finally seeing you but because of the long, exhausting, and dusty road that you have been trudging for the past hour.

The nearest train station is one hour away from the Washijo estate -which is located in the Katta District (which has a population density of 77 people per square kilometer). It was a ghost town compared to Tokyo, you thought. The train conductor informed you that from here on, the road is Washijo's property and that you would be very very lucky if a stray cab passed by.

You would've appreciated the scenic view before you, lush green forest by the roadside, mountain ranges stretched in the far distance, clear blue skies plus the unnaturally mild summer wind, if it weren't for the pile of dust and dirt clinging to your skin as you trudge along the damned road.

The hatred within you flared. This is all your grandfather's fault, you seethed. He disowned your mother when she was pregnant with you, he refused your family when your father begged him to help with your mother treatments, and he didn't even come to her own daughter's funeral when she died.

A lone tear escaped your eye at the bitter memory. You have one goal today; and that is to say to your grandfather's face that he's a worthless piece of shit. And that if it weren't for him, your parents would still be alive. After this, you will go back to your life in Tokyo and forget the Washijo name until your dying day. You will remember it only to curse it once more.

A loud honk made you jump, pulling you from your dark thoughts. You turned around with a scowl on your face, because who the hell does that in a deserted road?

A sleek black car pulled over behind you and seconds later, a man boarded off the driver's side. He had spiky black hair swept to the side, his cat-like eyes looked at you curiously.

"Are you y/n?"

You nodded, apprehensive.

The man breathed out a sigh of relief. His whole body relaxed. "Ah, thank god, I was just in time."

"Excuse me, but who are you?" You raised a brow.

"Oh, my bad. I'm Kuroo, your cousin. The one who kept calling you on the phone?"

"Ah..." You tipped your head in acknowledgment. "How did you know I was here."

"I tried calling your phone but I can't reach you, so I called your home phone and your friend, Shimizu, said you were on your way here. I must've missed you at the station."

"I see."

"Come, I'll give you a ride." he gestured towards the passenger seat.

You narrowed your eyes at him, unsure if you should believe his words. For all you know, this might be a human trafficking scheme.

He must've have sensed your hesitation. "I know it's weird, we haven't met each other before but here," he pulled out his wallet, took out an id card and showed it to you.

Washijo Kuroo

"You can hold onto my phone if you want, and have 110 on speed dial if you think you're in danger." He offered you his phone.

You took it after a few seconds of hesitation but in the end, you let yourself be guided towards the car. You also wouldn't want to triple the amount of dust and dirt that already clung to your skin so you welcomed the airconditioned vehicle and the comfortable seat that it offered.

"Ji-ji would be thrilled to see you. I thought you would keep on rejecting his request to come live with us, what made you change your mind?"

"Sorry to burst your bubble but I don't intend to live with any of you." You spat.

"Ooh, is that hatred I sense in your voice?" He teased, despite your hostility. "It seems our cousins are wrong about your reasons for coming here."

"Wrong about what?"

"Nothing, don't mind it, my little cousin. Can I call you that?"

"No, you may not." Your cousin chuckled and that annoyed you. "What's so funny?"

"Did you know that your mother, was closest to my father, out of all her brothers? Oto-san was really heartbroken when Oba-san cut off her ties with everyone. Oto-san would say you have her spirit if he was still alive."

His words confused you. All this time, you thought everyone in the family hated your mother. But what did he say? Your uncle was heartbroken?

"I don't understand, if what you say is true then why didn't, uhm.. uncle reached out? Why did no one come to mama's funeral?"

"We didn't know. Your father kept it from us. Ji-ji almost swept the whole of Tokyo to be able to see her daughter one last time but he wasn’t ableto find her."

"Then how were you able to contact me? How did you get my number?"

"That was an accident. You know Lev Haiba, right?"

Your ears perked up at the familiar name. He was a regular at the cafe where you worked. "Yes. He's a customer."

"Yeah, well he wouldn't shut up about his huge crush on you, we were classmates in high school by the way. One day, he sent a picture of you two in our group chat, and then I recognized you."

You raised a brow. "We haven't met before, how would you recognize me?"

"Oh that, I'll let Ji-ji explain. But yeah, that's how we found you, after that, Ji-ji wouldn't stop gushing about your coming here. I really thought you wouldn't give in."

"Well, I wouldn't be staying long so there's no need to make this a big deal. And whatever your cousins think about me, I really don't care, I mean if that's the kind of people that I'll be living with then no thanks, I'm good with my small apartment back in Tokyo."

"Man, the hatred runs deep, huh? Don't worry, they wouldn't dare do anything against you while Ji-ji's around. Plus, I'll be right behind you. I feel like we would get along well."

You decided not to respond to that and opted to watch the road before you throughout the whole ride.

You knew that your grandfather is a wealthy man. But the moment you stepped foot inside the Washijo Minka, it only dawned on you what wealthy really meant. The house was ornately decorated. The ranma panels that let the daylight in are carved with intricate details of dragons, the tatami floors are spotless, the zabutons are wrapped in silken cloth (what glorious ass wouldn't seat on silken pillows?), and the fusuma slides' designs are hand-painted.

Every object in this house screamed at whoever was in it that the owner is wealthy. So why? Your family only asked for a small amount for your mother's treatment compared to the luxuries that surround you now. Your jaw clenched as your hatred towards your grandfather resurfaced.

"Look who's here y/n, it seems your cousin couldn't wait to finally meet you," Kuroo remarked.

You heard someone scoff and you turned to the person with a piercing look.

"Can't I welcome the new member of the Washijo family? I wanted to meet Noriko's child, too."

The way your mother's name rolled off on the woman's tongue didn't sit well with you. Your eyes swept her form from head to toe, she was tall and beautiful. Gorgeous, in fact, if it weren't for her attitude. You decided she wasn't worth your time. You didn't waste this day to bandy crooked words with her. You're here for your grandfather.

"What, cat got your tongue?" She goaded.

"Stop it, Hoshina-chan. If Ji-ji catches you starting a fight, you wouldn't like it." Kuroo warned.

The one called Hoshina just harrumphed in response. She threw you one last look before stomping off to god knows where. You don't care, actually, you don't have time to deal with brats.

"By the way, here comes Atsumu and Osamu. They're also our cousins." Kuroo informed.

The newcomers made a beeline towards you and Kuroo and you barely had time to compose yourself when they were already shaking your -both- hands and welcoming you in unison.

"N-nice to meet you too, Atsumu-san and Osamu-san."

"Please don't forget that the better Washijo twin is me," the blonde pointed towards himself while the other just scoffed.

A soft chuckle escaped your lips and you were about to reply when someone behind you cleared his throat.

Part 2

Tagging all you lovelies: @thegrumpyhag​ @sushij1ma​ @valoryess​ @yakus-yakult​

@ly-nia​

[faithhopedreamslove]

The 100 7x12 thoughts

I’m constantly amazed at how much The 100 manages to pack into one episode, which is why I have to rewatch each one at least once before I can gather my thoughts. It gives me hope, because even though we only have 4 episodes left, SO much can happen between now and then. 

Although not surprising, I hated seeing Sachin’s and the Children of Gabriel’s deaths. That essentially means the end of all Sanctumites. Despite Monty’s edict to do better, it seems Bellamy, Clarke, and crew have indirectly brought about the destruction of another society, albeit a dysfunctional one.

I can’t tell if Gabriel’s comment to Bellamy that he looks good in white was meant to be snarky, flirting, or hiding a deeper meaning. But it was unexpected, to say the least!

So Bellamy is testing Cadogan’s attachment to Anders. Does that mean he’s not fully brainwashed? Plus, he’s also bargaining for his friends’ lives. The old Bellamy is still in there somewhere.

The scene between Jordan and Hope was incredibly moving and sweet. These two really are the “odd ones out,” and it was nice to see that the writers acknowledged that and used that to forge a tentative bond between them. They are technically the next generation of the human race, along with Madi and the other kids.

The roommate pairings are so significant. In one room, Bellamy’s new family. In the other, his old family. I know Bellamy has known Raven from the beginning, but they truly became family on the Ring. The fact that Bellamy sent her off to M-Cap so easily was chilling. And I wish they had shown Raven in M-Cap - I hate how insignificant her character has become this season.

The scene between Bellamy and Echo was understated but powerful. Huge hats off to Tasya Teles for that scene - she acted brilliantly. Both of their voices were low, deep with emotion. This was a defining moment for Echo - until now, she has blindly followed her leaders. Queen Nia, Roan, and now Bellamy. And unknowingly, she has been working against the very people her leader and love, Bellamy, fully supports. So she is at a crossroads here. Her last question to him, “Is this thing you believe really that important? Is it more important than us?” is huge. And the “us” can be interpreted two ways - “us” as the entire group, or “us” as in Bellamy and Echo and their relationship. I think that’s why there’s such confusion as to whether they broke up when Bellamy answered “yes.” And the way Echo reacts is telling - she is struggling with herself. Should she follow her leader, Bellamy, as she’s always done, and support the Shepherd? Or does she finally break away and follow her own beliefs?

And in stark contrast, we have the Bellamy and Clarke scene. Where Bellamy and Echo were quiet, Bellamy and Clarke are passionate, fighting to get through to one another. Bellamy shared his life-altering experience in Etherea with them, which he didn’t with Echo. And when Clarke starts breaking apart, telling Bellamy she doesn’t even recognize him, he starts breaking too. He reminds her that he is the person who brought her back from the dead, who fought for her. Of all the things he could have reminded her of, I think it’s telling that this is what he chooses to try to reach her with. And my heart broke when Bellamy asked her to believe in him. He didn’t ask Echo to do the same - he basically told her what he believes, and that was that. He asked Clarke to believe in him because he NEEDS her to. When they are at odds with each other, neither one of them is whole. It’s only when they both believe in the same thing that they are complete, and Bellamy knows this, consciously or subconsciously.

It’s interesting, because I think this scene was meant to show us how Bellamy is NOT fully brainwashed. Yes, he believes in the final war and transcendence, but his first priority is still to save his friends, to save Clarke. The way he said “I am trying to save YOU,” to Clarke was so raw and full of emotion. This is the woman he just pulled from the brink of death mere months ago. He has had to grieve her death not once, but TWICE. He CANNOT go through that again. Bellamy is trying to work with his head and his heart. His heart wants to believe in Cadogan fully, but his head is coming up with a plan to save his friends, because his heart still loves Clarke and his friends - Cadogan doesn’t fully own it yet.

I know Clarke calling Bellamy her best friend has riled some people, but he IS her best friend. The foundation of the strongest love is friendship. And what else would she call him? She can’t say “the man I love is standing in front of me,” because she still believes he’s with Echo.

I am so, so happy to see Octavia and Clarke reconnecting with each other. These two have been together since the drop ship, and their relationship has gone through so many ups and downs. For Octavia to say that she finally understands Clarke is huge, because these two women have not always seen eye to eye on things. 

Octavia has also been observer #1 of Bellamy and Clarke’s relationship. She has seen them love each other, fight with each other, fight FOR each other. It’s telling that she lets Clarke get in Bellamy’s face while she hangs back. Partly because O knows that she hasn’t yet fully mended her relationship with Bellamy the way Clarke has. But also because she knows that the only one who can get through to Bellamy is Clarke, and vice versa. I also love how she comforted Clarke when Bellamy refused to listen to them, and tried to fight when Bellamy sent her off to M-Cap. 

Doucette had grown on me in Etherea, but now he just seems creepy.

Bellamy can’t even stand to watch Clarke being tortured in M-Cap. Every time he looks at her, he has to look away. And when he can’t take it anymore, he tries to convince Cadogan that Clarke doesn’t know where the Flame is. So much for not lying to the Shepherd. He’ll absolutely do just that where Clarke is concerned. And Bellamy’s wince when Clarke finally agrees to help Cadogan after he threatens to send one of her friends to Penance - Bellamy knows Clarke, and he knows she will always sacrifice herself to save her friends. This is a HUGE parallel to CoL-Abby, who said to torture her friends to get Clarke to break. Abby was fully brainwashed, and knew that the quickest way to get to Clarke is to threaten her friends. Bellamy also knows this, but he did not offer that knowledge up to Cadogan. Again, I think we’re seeing signs that Bellamy is not fully brainwashed. And the way he looked at Cadogan when he said “she knows, or she wouldn’t be fighting,” had a hint of disgust - Bellamy does not want to follow a Shepherd who tortures people to get what he wants. The cracks are starting to deepen in Bellamy’s brainwashing here.

My two cents on “It didn’t have to be this way.” “Yes it did.” - I think Bellamy was honestly trying to save his friends with the least amount of damage caused. In his mind, Clarke tells them where the Flame is, they give it to Cadogan, his friends are safe, and they all transcend. Clarke’s response is more cryptic. I interpreted her “Yes, it did,” to mean that she wanted Bellamy to witness her torture so that he can realize that Cadogan is a monster. She knows this is the only way to get through to him. Clarke is trying to save Bellamy, just as much as he is trying to save her. This is a direct parallel to season 6. Bellamy fought to save Clarke from Josephine, who was controlling her mind. Clarke is fighting to save Bellamy from Cadogan, who is controlling his mind.

I’m so over Shidheida. He can take his OTT outfit, OTT throne, and get the hell out of here.

I LOVE Murphy and Emori this episode. My love for them has steadily been growing, and I especially love how protective they are of Madi. I’m wondering if this is setting them up to become Madi’s parents when Clarke and Bellamy go off to take the final test and perhaps have their Marperly ever after ending. I would be sad for Madi to lose Clarke, but I’m glad of the relationship she’s developing with Murphy and Emori. Plus, if this theory is correct, that means that Murphy would actually live!

Miller is so freaking underutilized this season, and it breaks my heart. He’s one of the original 100. His scene with Bellamy was cut this episode, and I was really looking forward to it. Bellamy trusted Miller before he trusted most others, and they go way back. With so few episodes left, it was a huge missed opportunity to acknowledge their bond. It’s telling that he looked to Clarke for confirmation as to whether she’s good with what’s happening. Clearly, he has lost faith in Bellamy for now.

From a narrative standpoint, Echo and Bellamy are now separated until we don’t know what episode. Whether Bellarke becomes canon or not, clearly the writers did not feel it was important to keep Becho together this close to the end of the story, yet they kept Bellarke together and on the same planet. Where this leads, we shall see.

Murphy’s little smirk when he sees Clarke is everything. That was a total cockroach moment. It’s also indicative of how much respect and affection Murphy has for Clarke. He missed her, and he knows she’ll find a way to fix the mess they’re in, like she always does. Clarke’s reaction “What the hell happened here?” was writing gold. I don’t care if they moved the stone into the castle just for this scene - it was a great way to end the episode!

Wow, this got way longer than I expected. If you read it all the way through, thank you! Please share your thoughts! 

[skyprincesscommander]

A Heart in Crisis

Summary: Angst, post Kara finding out the truth - The Monitor delivers a prophecy of Kara’s death, and Lena isn’t dealing so well. 

The irony was almost poetic. Not long ago, Lena had lied to Kara about seeing apocalyptic visions in her dreams. Now, she was living that reality. Every time Lena closed her eyes, she saw her world die.

It started with the visions she’d seen before but didn’t truly understand at the time. Nanobots consuming Supergirl in Jack’s lab. Kara crashing into the ground, bloody and broken and a breath away from death after her fight with Reign. Kryptonite infecting her body from her toes to her eyelids as the very air poisoned her, lighting up her veins with sickness.

It only went downhill from there. Lena started dreaming about her own simulations, watching Kara die by her own hand. When she awoke she would run to the bathroom, emptying the contents of her stomach (which unfortunately did not include the crippling anxiety that seemed to find its home there). She had even shut Hope off entirely, dizziness overcoming her the second she heard that automated voice. Hope only ever inquired as to her well-being, but all Lena heard was a robot who had offered to kill Supergirl.

Finally came the images she’d never seen before. The Monitor with his hands around Kara’s neck. Anti-matter consuming only her, leaving the world untouched around it. And no matter which dream her mind chose from the lottery, it always ended with his voice. 

“In order for billions to survive this coming crisis, Supergirl must die.”

That was the message the Monitor had brought. They had all stood frozen - Alex, Brainy, Jonn, Nia, and Lena, until Kara flew off into the sky, not willing (or able) to look or talk to any of them.  It was Brainy who approached Lena, concern painting his features. She had not moved for ten minutes.

“I don’t think I have a big enough box for this,” she whispered to him. Brainy just stood awkwardly beside her, his own boxes not sturdy enough to stop the flow of tears. It’d been two weeks since that day, and they still hadn’t spoken. Whether it was because of Lena’s own lies or because of Kara’s impending doom - it did not matter. All that mattered was that each day was another day closer to reaching Kara’s fate, and every morning when Lena woke it was like a new setting had been added to her panic meter. Inside, Lena felt like there was a doomsday clock ticking on her heart. For whether they were best friends or worst enemies, that was exactly what Lena would lose. 

Her sole focus became researching anti-matter. She’d never been a religious person, so as far as she was concerned, God and his prophecies could go fuck himself. Just because she wasn’t speaking with Kara didn’t mean she couldn’t help. Alex, while wearing a harsh scowl, gave her bits and pieces of information, but it made no difference. There was not enough time in the universe, apparently, for her to fix or even understand this problem. She stayed in the lab for three days, avoiding dreams and barely eating. When she practically collapsed on one of her test tubes, Lena knew it was time to go home. Without the strength to make it to her room, Lena collapsed on the couch with the sound of the television in the background to hopefully block her dreams. Her rest doesn’t last long. She wakes in a sweat, the Monitor’s words still echoing in her ears. However, it’s when she sees Supergirl on the television, battered and bruised from her latest battle, that all thought of sleep flies from her mind. First, she has to pinch herself, squeezing her eyes together to try and wake up once more. Kara has a single cut on her forehead from the battle, but Lena knows how the rest of the story will go. When the news story changes three minutes later, Lena cries with relief. However, her tears turn hot and angry quickly, and before she can change her mind Lena hits the S on her watch, right before throwing it against the wall. Somehow it still shocks her how fast Kara arrives, even after everything that transpired between them. With a whoosh and a thud, Kara barrels into the apartment, scanning the area for immediate danger before focusing on Lena. Behind the look of panic in Kara’s eyes, there is only exhaustion. It is the look of a woman whose mind and body have not stopped moving for days. Lena recognizes the image like it is an old friend. With one hand, Kara rubs the worry from her face, replacing it with exasperation. 

“Lena, no matter what happens, I will always be here to help you. But the next time you hit that watch there better be a real--” The still bleeding cut on Kara’s forehead snaps Lena into action. “What the hell is wrong with you? Are you trying to get yourself killed?”

The words are unexpected, and Kara doesn’t have an immediate response for Lena. Instead, Kara’s face scrunches and she stares at Lena as if trying to see inside her mind. Considering the x-ray vision, Lena guesses that with the intensity of her gaze, that could be exactly what Kara is doing. Lena tries to remain as stoic as possible, pushing her anger to the forefront and allowing it to seep into each muscle to hide everything else she is feeling underneath. Seeming to give up on observing Lena, Kara sighs. “What do you want from me?” “For you to stop being a moron.”

“Which would include, what, exactly? For me to stop saving people? To run away from this Crisis?”

“To act like you don’t have a death wish!” “No! You don’t get to do that!” Kara bellows, edging closer with her finger pointing right between Lena’s chest. “You don’t get to worry about my fate when you’ve been killing me inside your head for months.”

One more thing Lena had to thank Leviathan for: knowing what happened inside her simulations and making sure to tell Kara. Lena’s heart winced, and as much as she wanted to unleash on Kara, to accuse her in return and make her hurt as badly as she was, Lena had no time to be distracted from the issue at hand. “Haven’t you ever heard of a self-fulfilling prophecy, Kara?” Kara turned to leave, exiting out the balcony door. “I don’t have time for this.”

Lena followed after her. “Croesus, the King of Lydia, asked the Oracle of Delphi in Greece if he should go to war with Persia. The oracle tells him that if he goes to war, he will destroy a great kingdom. So he does. But Croesus loses, and has to admit that it was his own empire he destroyed.” With a hand on the balcony’s edge, Kara faces Lena. “What’s your point, Lena?” “Believing that you are going to die might be the only reason you eventually do.” She throws the words into the air like punches. “The Monitor must know this and you are playing into his hands.” 

There was no flicker in Kara’s eye that told Lena she was learning new information. In fact, the words seemed to bounce of Kara like they were bullets that had been shot at her a hundred times before. In front of Lena’s eyes, Kara transformed. The invulnerable hero deflated like a puppet whose strings had been dropped. “Whether that’s true or not,” Kara began softly. “If the Monitor knows what we must do to defeat this Crisis...then that’s what we must do.” Lena could feel an eruption rise inside of her. Of what, she couldn’t be certain. Anger, despair, sadness, desperation...she had been blocking her own emotions for a lifetime and could barely identify them anymore. That’s why Kara was different. For three years, she had made Lena feel every day, Lena being unable to build a wall strong enough to block out the girl of steel. Even after learning of Kara’s betrayal, Lena was helpless against the Kryptonian, and that absolutely terrified her. But not more than her dreams. And not more than the crestfallen look on Kara’s face. 

“You’ve given up.” Kara clenched her fists. “We have to save the universe, Lena, no matter the cost.”

“You are my universe, Kara!” Without meaning to, Lena marches up to Kara, their faces inches away from each other. So close together, Lena could identify the wet blanket covering Kara’s eyes, though it becomes obscured when her own vision turns blurry. She ignores the tears, though it’s harder to ignore Kara’s sharp intake of breath or the newfound proximity of their bodies. She presses on regardless. “Why do you think I did it all? I was told that my entire universe was a lie. The very foundations of my life were taken from me. The one thing that made me believe in people, in goodness, in myself...” Lena trailed off, giving up on keeping her composure. 

Kara’s lips began to quiver. “Why didn’t you just tell me that? Instead of pretending you were fine?” The words come out as a squeak, slipping between sobs. Lena scoffed, though it came out as more of a hiccup. “And have an honest conversation? How was I supposed to do that when we’ve never had one before?” Kara brings a hand up to Lena’s cheek, stroking away her tears with her thumb. Lena doesn’t have the energy to pull away, nor does she want to. The soft comfort in Kara’s eyes is like a gravitational pull, barely allowing Lena to blink. “I wish I had the time to apologize one thousand times over,” she begins, something laced in her tone that Lena does not have the capacity to hear. “If it took the rest of my life, I would spend every day trying to convince you how sorry I am. Call me an idealist, but, even if that life is cut much shorter than I thought it would be...I still hope I can.” 

Every piece of armor fell from Lena’s body in a single breath. She raises her hand and places it over Kara’s, leaning her cheek against Kara’s palm. Her eyes shut as she tries to stop more tears from escaping, having lost enough over the past few months. “Please, Kara. Please, fight this.”

Kara presses her forehead to Lena’s. “I promise, I will always fight for you.” Kara kisses Lena so softly that it could almost have been mistaken for the wind. Lena can’t help but react immediately, pressing back harder and searching for more. She needs more. Time is ticking in her ear, the air getting thinner around her, and her breath dissipating from her lungs. But none of it matters if she can keep Kara on that balcony with her - not even the entire universe vanishing. But too much has happened. The mixed taste of tears on their lips remind them of everything that has transpired in the past months, the conversations they haven’t had, and the boxes Lena hasn’t opened. Kara pulls back first, their eyes meeting and glimmering with all those unspoken words. Lena swipes her finger slowly over the cut on Kara’s forehead, but the intimate gesture combined with longing stares becomes too much to bear for either of them. Without a word, Kara steps away. She keeps her gaze locked with Lena’s as she walks backward, one, two, then three steps. Lena becomes aware of nothing else in the world but the space between them. Somehow, even after the last few months, Kara had never seemed further away. “How could you think I would want you to die?” Lena rasps. Kara begins to float, hovering underneath dimmed stars. “It’d be easier if you did. I wouldn’t have to say goodbye.” In an instant, she vanishes, and Lena is left alone with her despair and the words that were left in the air unspoken. 

I hope you enjoyed! I am so excited for Crisis - is it too much to ask for Kara to temporarily die and for Lena to be present? Maybe? Part 2

[sixserpents]

B*cho Endgame: & Why I Don’t See It

So as nervous as I am at the idea of no Bellarke endgame going into the final season, I had a few thoughts to tide me over as far as B*cho. Bear with me as this might come out in a jumble, and I can’t add a read more cut on my phone lmao so sorry for the long post! But here is why I don’t believe they will be endgame, regardless of whether Bellarke ends up together or not. Some thoughts:

- “Nothing is going to change on the ground” - This is one of the first things we see Bellamy say to Echo when we’re first introduced to them as a couple (you know since the writers didn’t feel it was important to waste actual screentime on scenes devoted to showing how they got there in the first place, but anyway) this line was put there for a reason. It has to be addressed. We see bits and pieces of what seems like stress and disagreement between B*cho for some scenes in S6. We see Bellamy making decisions with Clarke back in the picture, decisions he may not have made in space or with his head vs his heart, like dropping everything to save Clarke over everyone else for one. I believe there is a slight difference actually between Bellamy’s decisions between S5 and S6. We see in S6 he starts to make more decisions with Clarke as a priority. This wasn’t the case in S5, as we all watched and grumbled about, as Bellarke got more divided. But that isn’t the case anymore, as the back half of S6 proved. Bellarke has grown close once again. Things have changed on the ground, to the surprise of no one.

- “Who knows forgiveness better than us?” - this is a deliberate line said by Echo that IMO, is literally asking us, the audience, and meant to throw us right back into all the times that Bellarke, not B*cho, learned forgiveness. It is a major thing between Bellamy and Clarke that is discussed throughout their story. “You want forgiveness? I’ll give that to you.”, “You’re not the only one trying to forgive yourself” for the writers to erase all that and give the whole Forgiveness thing to B*cho, it just doesn’t make sense. Why not give them something else? We’re supposed to compare. And to make it even more obvious, Clarke had to sit and listen to the whole conversation across the bonfire.

Echo / Azgeda Spy / Ash - I don’t believe that Echo has fully grown as a character or experienced her entire arc yet. And I want her to. But that growth is being stunted by the fact that she is still with Bellamy, IMO. During the red sun, Emori calls her out for being a “good little spy” and “always following her master’s orders”, which Echo didn’t react well to. She has always been the loyal second. To Roan, now to Bellamy. She never gets to quite be her own person separate from following someone, which she clearly struggles with internally as pointed out in 6x02. She is depicted as not being Bellamy’s equal. Which is never a good thing for any relationship. They disagree, and when it comes down to it, she asks him what to do next. Then we’re shown how she has kept her upbringing and life a lie. She isn’t even Echo. She’s Ash. She does not tell Bellamy this during their entire time together in space. We learn she lied about her mother’s death and how she was raised by Nia. Why? Why not tell your long time significant other any of these things? To block it out? There’s something off there.

Bellamy’s to put it bluntly, disrespect towards Echo as his girlfriend - let’s be honest. If your significant other was doing the things Bellamy has done for Clarke, his decisions for her, his priorities, rejecting a safe life for Echo and the rest of space kru if Clarke doesn’t get to live, the running into another’s arms to embrace in the golden sunlight etc, all while still being in a relationship with you, there would probably be an issue, if you have eyes or a brain, but the writers seem to act like Echo is oblivious and just ~understands~ how much Bellamy loves Clarke, which is irritating also. It’s disrespectful to Echo as a character and frankly doesn’t make sense. Half the time it doesn’t seem like he’s even telling her everything going on, because he’s so distracted with trying to save Clarke. “He left without me?” *says confused Echo*, or “You only care about Clarke”, *cue Echo’s eye roll* it sucks. She may have done some things back then which have since been ~forgiven by Bellamy~, but she deserves better. It’s irritating.

The lack of scenes devoted to the B*cho relationship in general - Maybe the writers just know that most don’t want to see it, but this relationship started offscreen, and it’s more or less been that way ever since. For fuck’s sake, there are characters that probably don’t realize they’re together (“hostage taker and his girlfriend”). I can’t help but think it’s a deliberate choice not to give us more B*cho scenes. It’s like they tried for two seconds during S5 to try and make it make sense, and then gave up. They could try to sell it and make us care about one of our mains being with someone other than Clarke and give it growth, but they choose to leave most of it out. It’s just background shit most of the time, except for their fight and make up scene in 6x04. They could treat B*cho like Memori, or Marper. They choose not to. When they do, there’s barely any effort. And I feel that’s deliberate at this point. They actually make it a point to show Echo in between Bellamy and Clarke at times. These aren’t random shots.

I feel like there’s more to add to the list, but that’s what I had in my head right now so I needed to lay it out. Feel free to add to this. I tried to angle it away from the obvious huge elephant in the room that is Bellarke, but 🤷🏻‍♀️ it seems this relationship was more or less built for the sake of keeping Bellarke apart, at least until the “right time” if you can call it that at this point. Thoughts?

[cyclone-rachel]

long post about tonight’s episode, in no particular order

I can’t believe the Kryptonian witches were part of this episode? that was very interesting. how was that pitched. who thought of that.

the alien bar finally has a name! or an official one, at least! and it looks different!

Brainiacs! Pirate Brainy! Punk Brainy! OG Legion Brainy! Meaghan Brainy! I love them!

the Brainy and Kara scene was more than I ever could have asked for and I am so grateful that it exists

I wonder if doppelganger Winn calls himself the Dollmaker? because I know it was used on Arrow, but Winn used it as a screenname in the Adventures of Supergirl comic and it’s canonically the alias of Toyman’s son (who actually appeared in a couple issues of one of the more recent Supergirl series, before the new 52 I believe)

speaking of, I cannot wait to see our Winn interact with new Brainy. or evil Winn, for that matter. I am ready for the Winndox, thank you very much.

what happened to Hope the AI? I feel like this was probably to accommodate Andrea Brooks, but we can still have the Kari Wahlgren-voiced tabletop robot, can’t we?

I know I didn’t want Lex/the Luthors to take over the show, but gosh dang it, Jon Cryer and Brenda Strong are such good actors and they really own their scenes, and so does Katie McGrath

poor Brainy hasn’t been allowed to be himself since he was 8? holy shit

I really hope he gets a chance to kind of take some time alone and explore what being himself means

also gosh I want to know everything about his parents aaaand I may incorporate this into my season 2 rewrite fanfic

I love that Meaghan Brainy was married to a woman! that was really cool. I know her wife was probably Coluan, but like. just gonna pretend it’s Kara, thanks. And she was very wise and gave some good advice.

also DIRECTOR OF THE DEO I’M SORRY THAT IS GREAT. I wasn’t expecting it at all but I love it so much

not going to pretend that all the roasting of prime!Brainy was completely unwarranted, it was probably exactly what he needed to hear, even if he wasn’t happy about it

eyebrows! blonde wig! green skin! new uniform! normal voice! Brainiac symbol on his uniform, as a tribute to his fallen alternate universe selves instead of his family members!

this is like. the broken inhibitor thing, but next level, my skin is clear my crops are flourishing, the sun is not shining because it’s night but I’m so happy

Nia was very good and I like that we got to see her as a superhero again! it’s been a while, I’m proud of her

we got like 2 seconds of Kelly but she looked very pretty, and I went back and checked, and Alex definitely mentioned her among the people who got their memories back

and right after Alex mentioned Kelly, Kara said “all the heroes who helped in Crisis” so I’m taking that as Kara considering Kelly a hero, which is incredibly sweet

also that Alex and J’onn conversation was short but I still enjoyed it, and I also liked J’onn pointedly using the word “honor”

this is kind of an interesting twist on the mind-wipe situation from last year, with J’onn keeping memories from people for their own safety, I dig it

Andrea and Gamemnae working together is interesting, looking forward to seeing where that goes

I didn’t recognize the lyrics of the song playing in the bar at first, because I only know that song from the Jon Cozart parody

world in a bottle! that was pretty rad, even if of course also it was Not Cool at the same time. But yeah maybe there’ll be a good solar system somewhere for it, like what happened to Kandor in the LOSH cartoon series

so, all the Brainys that we see in this episode, including Meaghan’s version, are named Querl?

that’s cool, although I really like @ithinkthingsaboutstuff​‘s idea that her name would be Trok’fde, which means “pulling loyalties”, which would’ve incorporated well with her thing of setting Brainy up to work with Lex because otherwise would be disastrous, even though the last thing Kara wants to do is work with Lex, and pulling him away from his friends and loved ones

I’VE BEEN SAYING FOR 2 YEARS THAT COLUANS HAVE SAN JUNIPERO-STYLE TECHNOLOGY AND NOW I KNOW I’M RIGHT, THANK YOU

was v. confused about the anti-life equation thing, unless it was co-opted by Brainiac in this universe because Darkseid is officially off limits until after the New Gods movie

“my/our Brainy” was very cute and I really enjoyed Kara and Alex’s reactions to the different Brainys

“insensitive” again, love it (especially because this episode was also co-written by one of the 3x10 writers)

I especially liked how flustered Kara was by the multiple Brainys, that was cute, as was how 60s Brainy (the one with the yellow boots and Legion belt) reacted to her

It was interesting how William’s backstory was changed, but some things about it (I.E. Russell’s death) still stayed the same, I’m looking forward to seeing him and Kara doing their own secret investigation

how is that truth seeker still around?

also obviously Jesse and Meaghan’s acting was so good and I can’t believe we got so much of it. This episode was so much. I’m so happy. the Rath siblings are so wonderful. thank you. goodnight.

summary:

[ruffiorocks]

Latest Supergirl Episode

Ok! First off I have got to stop sitting up until 4am to watch the episodes!

Now:

. I love that Lena and Kara are going to Kasnia together, go Team Supercorp!

. Downside? Alex the DEO agent who only a few episodes ago was absolutely against Kara her civilian sister getting involved in dangerous things KNOWS she's going to Kaznia to hunt down Lex Luthor with only Lena as back up? And she's OK with this?!

. Omg! I am living for Alex and Kelly! They've had more build up to a potential relationship in this one episode than GuardianCorp did their entire screen time together!

. So it sounds like James is going to keep these powers from the way Kelly was talking about how he won't crumble like them? Plus why bother training him if he's just going to lose them ? *Gigantic Sigh*

. Alex is was going to get a baby! My heart!

. Hang on a sec.... I LOVE Lena, but this is a lady who has expressed her fear of flying. Yet she builds self flying planes, is completely sound with having no pilot but can also apparently fly a plane and make emergency landings? Exactly when did Lena 'im afraid of flying' Luthor learn to do this?

.How exactly did Kara get out of that plane without Lena noticing? I mean I'm no expert but surely a door to a plane opening in mid flight would be noticed?

. Of course Lena didn't see past the lobsided glasses. Was pretty funny to see Kara like that though 😂

. Lena and that death stick! I would just tell her what she wanted to know!

. Dreamer wanting to hit James with a hammer! Ha same Nia! I got a real sense of satisfaction watching that.

. Brainy! He's to cute!

. Why on Earth was the Harun El so accessible to the COL agents? Brainy, Alex and Col Haley didnt think for one second "you what we should hide? That Harun El we've been working on! Dont want that landing in the wrong hands!' *eye roll*

. Ben Lockwood did you really just ditch your son at his own mother's funeral?

. I honestly thought Kara was going to find a file on Adam and have an awkward conversation with Lena there.

. Kara reacted a bit to that Kryptonite but not half as much as she normally does 🤔

. Oh for RAO's sake Kara! The more you try to protect Lena by not telling her who you are the more you put her in danger?

. Kara why the hell did you go back to burn a room Lena wasn't going to see and was about to blow up anyway?

. All the photos of Supercorp on the walls though?!

. Wait why did Kara give her tape recorder to Lena at all?

. I was going to question why on a mission like this Lena would still be wearing killer heels but I got my answer! So she can store a freaking sword on there!

. I feel like we were cheated out of a scene of watching Lena do hand to hand combat wile hobbling on one heel though

. So many Eve's! Love it!

. Lena freaking out because she thought Kara had been blown up!

. Oh so that's why Kara gave her tape recorder to Lena who had no reason at all to have it, so it would save her life!

. I legit held my breath and thought for one horrible moment they were going to kill Lena!

. OK I was about to shout at Kara for letting Lena believe that she could have been killed but then she said she wouldn't have been!

. My heart was pounding when Kara stood up, took off her glasses and posed!

. I screamed 'turn around Lena!'

. But what we got was another scene of Lena talking about being betrayed etc. Etc. Look I love Lena! But this is getting so repetitive that I'm not feeling it anymore .

. Of course Kara didn't tell her

. Kara made the wrong decision here. I get that she want to tell her afterwards. It makes sense because it's probably better to break Lena's heart AFTER the crisis. But Kara said herself to James that Lex knows. Eve also knows and so does Lillian. Again anyone one of those three people could tell Lena at any point and Kara is just ignoring this and hoping they won't? Eve could have told Lena there are then in that bloody bunker. It will hurt more if the tell her about before Kara does.

. OK so if you're a citizen of National City do NOT under any circumstances park your car on the side of the road. Because a super hero will use it as ammunition and you won't be reimbursed for it. Because apparently super heroes worth superpowers can't use said powers when needed.

. Look I'm no Ben Lockwood fan, but can we please stop having the 'heroes' throw things at the bad guys that could potentially kill them? James had no idea what that Harun El would do to Ben, they we're literally testing the effects a completely different dose had on him at the start of the episode. Same with throwing him into that truck. They had idea he wouldn't burn to death!

. Brainy had such wonderful moments on this episode. Being nice to Lockwood and understanding his grief. Standing up to him then getting the DEO agents to stand down .

. Jonn? He talked about how Manchester was the cause of his own destruction? Sooo it's been agreed on the show that Jonn's murder of a disarmed man because he got pissed off is being ignored and Manchester's death was entirely his own fault?

. Alex didn't get the baby! I had hoped for a second that they we're going to say it was twins.

. So they brought back Alex who has basically been ignored just to break her poor heart?

. Alex and Kelly have so much chemistry I didn't even realize it seemed Alex didn't know she was gay

. Poor Kelly! 😭

. Sooo there's a massive chunk of Kryptonite in the Oval Office and Kara is completely uneffected??

. Well the president betrayal is hardly a surprise

So in conclusion, this episode was good but not fantastic. I liked the Kara and Lena team up, but the rest was all over the place.

[the-truest-sentence-i-know]

Chapter Eleven | Rumours

Fandom: Disney’s Descendants

Summary: Quinn Little, raised in Auradon by Little John, finds out that her heritage is not what she thought it was. When Little John tells her that her real father was a villain, she must go on a journey of self-discovery that will bring her to all the forbidden places in the United States of Auradon.

Pre-canon & canon compliant to the first Descendants film.

Word Count: 2.7k  |  11/23

ao3 ||| ff.net ||| wattpad ||| quotev

As the weeks rolled by into months, Quinn began to get used to life on the Isle. More than get used to, she began to enjoy it, even the fighting.

Adrenaline rushes were not new to Quinn, but she had never before felt the rush of a fight, a life or death situation. And as her skill and confidence in combat grew, so did her enjoyment.

 It was a regular night on the Jolly Roger. Quinn and Jax sat in his cabin, playing their nearly-nightly game of chess.

“I can’t believe you said the first night we played that you weren’t very good,” Jax said surveilling the board before moving his knight. “We’re evenly matched.”

“That doesn’t necessarily mean that I’m very good,” Quinn said with a smile. “Perhaps you are also not very good.” She moved her rook, hesitating a moment before letting it go.

He looked at her and then at the board with a smirk as though she had just fallen into his trap. However, as she had learned throughout their many games together, this confidence was merely another one of his strategies, meant to make you question your moves. He slid his bishop out of the way of her rook.

The game continued as it usually did, evenly matched until one pulled ahead. Tonight, it was Quinn. She squinted at the board before slowly sliding her queen over one space. “Checkmate, if I’m not mistaken.”

Jax regarded the board, then sighed, knocking his king over. He smiled. “It seems you’ve bested me; for the fourth time this week too.”

Quinn grinned. “I promise not to tell anyone.”

“Are you kidding?” Jax stood up and stepped behind Quinn, wrapping his arms around her shoulders. “I’m the lucky guy who’s with someone as smart as you. Feel free to tell anyone.” He kissed the top of her head. “Rematch?”

Quinn turned in her seat, looking up at him. “I should probably turn in,” she said. “Early watch.”

Jax nodded and Quinn stood up from her seat. She kissed him lightly. “Goodnight, Jax,”

“Goodnight,” he murmured.

She turned to leave, but just as she had her hand on the doorknob, Jax said, “Unless.” Quinn turned. “Unless you want to stay the night.” His voice was soft. In his eyes, Quinn could see a lot of her own feelings reflected: uncertainty, tenderness, want.

She swallowed. Everything in her wanted to overthink, to overanalyze. But her heart, beginning to race, wanted none of that. “Alright,” she said quietly, nodding. “Yeah.”

In two steps, Jax was in front of her, his soft lips on hers. Quinn tossed off her jacket before curling her fingers into Jax’s hair. It was nothing like the first kiss or the many since, all adrenaline and lust, it was tender and warm and thorough. Jax pressed her against the wall gently and Quinn’s hands ran down his chest to the waistband of his pants, where she carefully began pulling his tucked shirt out. Jax’s hands had already been exploring under her top, so when they broke apart momentarily, both shirts were shucked and abandoned.

Pieces of clothing dropped around their feet as they slowly moved towards the bed. Quinn felt a gentle cool breeze waft over her newly exposed skin.

When the backs of her knees hit the bed, Quinn lost her balance and tumbled backwards. She laughed, thinking how incredibly unromantic this was. Then she looked up at Jax, who gazed down at her, eyes raking over every curve of her body. Quinn resisted the urge to cover up.

Jax smiled to himself. “Damn.”

Quinn blushed, rolling her eyes, and slid back to prop herself up on her elbows by the pillows. She let herself really look at Jax, the lean muscle from his years of fighting – and the many scars. Every move he made was purposeful, graceful.

“Have you ever –?” he asked as he climbed onto the bed.

Quinn shook her head.

“Me neither,’ he said quietly.

Her eyebrows shot up. “Really?” She did not mean to sound so surprised.

Jax smiled. “Really.”

“Well, I hope you at least have decent sex ed here,” Quinn said. “Wait, you have protection, right?”

He rolled his eyes. “We’re villainous, not medieval.”

Their hands were softer on each other now, tender and probing. Bodies flush and joined, skin on skin and lips never far from each other. It was sweet and raw and messy. And it was everything.

They came undone in each other’s arms, graceless and sweaty, pants tickling skin.

When Jax rolled to the side, Quinn peppered his neck and chest with light kisses. He held her close as their heartbeats slowed back to normal.

“Are you alright?” Jax asked, eyebrows scrunching together. “Cause I know, for girls it can –”

“I’m fine,” Quinn said with a soft smile. She smoothed the wrinkles between his eyebrows and kissed the spot gently.

He pulled her closer for a kiss, firm and prolonged and trustworthy. And although Quinn knew they both were not quite ready for any sweeping statements about affection or love, she knew what he meant. And she kissed back with a fierceness to show it.

Unable to fall asleep immediately, Quinn watched as Jax drifted off. His face softened and the meagre light dusted his features with a golden glow. He was beautiful, he really was. And like this, asleep, he looked to be truly without a care in the world. His outside persona of cool confidence was but a poor reflection, a copy, of this.

In the pit of her stomach, Quinn knew that no one on this island could ever be even near carefree – there was too much to worry about: gangs, alliances, and fighting, not to mention all of the family issues.

She tried to picture him in Sherwood, surrounded by nature, actually being able to see the stars. She imagined him laughing as they climbed trees and swam in the river. It was a lovely image, filled with hypothetical happiness, but it could simply never be. VKs would never be allowed in Auradon, and like it or not, she was stuck here.

And she did like it here. A lot. She had Jax and Jukes and Sheela and everyone else. She had the feeling of accomplishment and pride calling herself a member of the Crew. And she had an outlet for all the pent-up frustration she had before.

And yet. Her mind would wander back to the tall oaks of Sherwood Forest; there wasn’t a scrap of green on this island and she was starting to forget the feeling of grass under bare feet and bark as you pulled yourself higher into the trees.

But she was stuck here, and – as she looked back at Jax’s sleeping face – it was far from the worst place to be stuck in.

•••

It was Jukes who first heard the rumour, they came back to the ship one evening looking troubled. Quinn, who was sitting on the railing with Jax, called to them. “You alright, Jukes?”

Jukes looked over at them, hesitated, then said, “I just. Heard something at the bar, but I don’t know if it’s true.”

Jax’s expression hardened, switching into his captain’s role. “What did you hear?”

“Someone said they heard that someone on the Crew is negotiating some secret deal with Maleficent,” they said cautiously.

Jax’s brow furrowed and he hopped off the railing onto the deck, Quinn close behind.

“But it’s just a rumour?” Quinn asked quickly.

“Yes, for now,” Jukes looked over at Jax, whose gaze had gotten a bit distant. “I’ll keep a lookout in case anything new comes up.”

He nodded. “Thanks, Jukes.”

They nodded shortly and walked away. Quinn turned to Jax. “You don’t think it’s true, do you?”

He pursed his lips. “I hope not.” He sighed. “I’m sure it’s just fabricated nonsense to sow distrust within the Crew,” he said but did not entirely sound like he meant it.

Quinn smiled softly and leant her head on his shoulder. “They all know you’re a good captain, Jax.”

•••

The next day, after a shift at the shop, Quinn rushed into the lower deck of the Jolly Roger, determined not to be late for this meeting. She found what looked to be the entire Crew standing around, waiting for something.

Since no one reacted to her arrival, they clearly were not waiting for her, so Quinn joined the other Sailors standing together in the corner

“What’s going on?” she asked.

Hugo shrugged. “Apparently Seamus called an urgent meeting, but he hasn’t shown up yet.”

“That’s...” Quinn started.

“Unlike him?” Nia said. “Yeah.”

They stood around for a few more minutes. Quinn looked over with Jax, who stood with Cyrus and Sheela, but he looked just as confused as everyone else.

Finally, there were footsteps on the steps and Seamus descended, looking much smugger and more confident than usual. “Hello, all,” he said with a smile. “Sorry I’m late.”

Jax walked towards him a flash of annoyance in his eyes. “Seamus, what the hell is this all about? I thought it was urgent.”

“Oh, it is,” Seamus said, walking past him to the head of the map table. “I am putting myself in the running for captain.”

“We don’t have another election for two years,” Saoirse snapped. “Don’t be a fool.”

“Dear sister,” he said. “we both know there’s another way a new captain can be instituted.”

Everyone in the room shifted, some angrily, some uncomfortably. Blake stepped forward. “Seamus,” he said, worried.

“Well then,” Jax said, his voice laced with anger. “Why don’t you come out and say what you mean?”

Seamus leant forward; his hands braced on the table. “I’m putting forth my vote of no confidence and challenging you to a duel.”

Blake rushed to Seamus’ side and spoke quietly to him; words Quinn could not hear. Seamus brushed him aside. “I know what I’m doing,” he said. “When I win, you can be my first mate.”

Blake stepped away from him, looking a mixture of confused and concerned, and Seamus looked back at Jax. “So?”

Jax’s gaze was steely, eyes turning back to Jax. “I accept your challenge. We will fight the day after tomorrow, here on the ship at noon.”

Seamus held his gaze. “Wonderful.”

“Since that’s settled,” Jax continued. “Get out.” When Seamus did not move, he raised his voice. “I’m still captain; get the hell off this ship.”

“See you in two days,” Seamus said, turning to leave. He stopped to address the rest of the Crew. “I hope you all support the right person.”

His boots sounded on the deck above them. Sheela began to run after him, but Saoirse grabbed her arm. “Where the hell do you think you’re going?” she hissed. “Just because he’s our brother –”

“I’m going to talk him out of it,” Sheela said and rushed up the steps.

Jax left quickly after but before Quinn went after him, she went over to Jukes.

“Do you think –?” she asked.

“Maleficent?” Jukes said. “Wouldn’t be surprised.”

Quinn nodded. “I’ve never seen Seamus fight before,” she started, cautiously. “Is he good?”

“He is,” Jukes said. “But there’s a reason Jax was voted captain even though he was the youngest in the running.”

Quinn felt a small surge of pride but quickly sobered again. “Alright, I’ve gotta go check on Jax.”

“I’ll keep an eye out for anything suspicious.”

•••

Quinn found Jax sitting in his cabin, looking out the back windows of the ship. She quietly closed the door behind her. “Are you alright?” she asked softly, sitting beside him on the window seat. “I know you and Seamus were close.”

“We weren’t close in a friends sense, but I did trust him,” Jax said. His bravado from earlier had mostly evaporated and now he was just tired.

“Jax,” she said after a few minutes. “Jukes and I think this might have something to do with Maleficent.”

He looked at her. “You mean that she put him up to it?”

“Or that she’s supporting him,” Quinn said.

Jax thought about it. “Well, it doesn’t really matter, because I’m going to win anyway.”

“And I don’t doubt that,” Quinn said. “But aren’t you worried that there’s more behind this? That maybe the duel is a distraction?”

“What do you suggest I do?”

“Maybe hold off on the duel, until we have the whole picture.”

Jax shook his head, standing up and beginning to pace. “I can’t do that, Quinn, the last thing I need now is for anyone to think I’m afraid of him.”

“If he has the support of Maleficent, maybe you should be,” Quinn exclaimed.

“I’m not afraid of Maleficent,” he scoffed.

“A little fear is a good thing; it makes sure you don’t get over-confident and complacent.”

“It kind of sounds like you don’t think I can win,” Jax said, turning to her.

“Of course, I think you can beat Seamus,” Quinn said, growing exasperated. “I’m just worried about what Maleficent might do. We are the greatest threat to her power and I’m sure she doesn’t appreciate how she can’t figure out how we keep getting supplies.”

“I’ll beat Seamus and we’ll figure it out,” he said.

Quinn sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. “You know, normally your confidence is attractive, but this arrogance is gonna get you killed.” She turned to go.

“Where are you going?” Jax asked.

“For some air,” she said, slamming the door behind her.

•••

Quinn walked the dark city streets. Sometime in the past year, although she could not pinpoint when, the city had become a comfort, not a danger. She clambered up fire escapes and over rooftops the way she had always done in the trees of Sherwood Forest.

Her eyes had grown sharp – always on the lookout – from all her scouting sessions with Jukes. So, she quickly recognized a figure below in an alley as Seamus.

He walked at a steady pace, neither too fast nor too slow to be immediately suspicious. Quinn began to follow him, quietly and from a distance. He changed course often – ducking into alleys, turning abruptly, and generally trying to make sure he was not being followed.

Quinn thought about going to get Jukes for backup but was afraid they would never find him back, so she continued to scramble along rooftops.

Finally, he entered the market building, empty for the night. Quinn clambered in through an upper window, determined not to lose him. Seamus stood on the opposite side of the building with somebody, exchanging words that Quinn could not hear. She crept quietly along the loft that hung out over the main space until she was directly above them.

“…said Maleficent would back me,” Seamus was saying.

“She does.” It was Fabienne. “But she would rather not have to do so in a full-scale attack.”

“Then how the hell am I supposed to guarantee her that I become captain?” Seamus asked. “Jax is a skilled fighter; I cannot be sure I’ll win.”

“You’re supposed to have been collecting information, grudges, secrets,” Fabienne said. “Don’t you have anything?”

“Jax is either so honest that he has no secrets or secretive enough that I have no idea what his secrets may be.”

“Maleficent will not be pleased to hear that you’ve gone forward with a challenge without a guaranteed victory,” Fabienne warned. “She took a great risk in trusting you, do not let her regret it.”

Seamus sighed. “What about hostages? Either Jade or Quinn would do for that.”

“Hostages would be obvious – Maleficent would prefer that our arrangement remains under wraps.” She paused. “Wait, who is Quinn?”

“Jax’s fling,” he said. “She nearly kidnapped Mal with him. She joined the Crew a few months ago.”

There was a pause. “I have never heard of her before,” Fabienne said quietly. “And Maleficent tends to have good records of all Isle residents. Whose child is she?”

Another pause. Quinn could feel her heart pounding in her chest. If they found out who she was.

“I don’t actually know,” Seamus said finally. “You’d think that would have come up by now.”

“Yes,” Fabienne mused. “Well, if Jax knows her history, perhaps this is a secret we can exploit.” They shook hands. “You look into it on your end, I’ll look into it on mine. We’ll meet again once we have figured it out.”

Quinn flattened to the floor as they both left the building, a minute after each other, out of different exits. She laid there for a few minutes after they left before getting up to go.