#“nate's evil!1!1!” And is Evil Nate in the room with us right now?

[usercelestial]

Nate’s bad actions are taken so much more seriously by the narrative itself than everyone else’s that fandom starts to think they’re just being principled by pretending he’s evil and wasn’t just in need of some cathartic yelling.

No, I agree, I think in some cases, the fandom's hatred for a character of color is mostly based on just them being racist but I think in this case, it's actively both the show and the fandom. Like, the show itself frames Nate in a certain light that it just doesn't for white characters. He's always been framed as a "loser" or "vicious" even if he's valid in the way he's feeling. In one episode, Ted worries about something crushing Jamie's soul and Nate laughs a little but when Ted looks at him, Nate apologizes and we move on. It's small moments like this that I feel lack nuance. Yes, Nate wanting to hurt Jamie is not a progressive or healthy way of dealing with his anger towards him HOWEVER Jamie did belittle, bully, and harass him in his place of work. That is WORK PLACE HARASSMENT that Nate had to deal with every time he clocked in. Both things can be true at once. Nate is dealing with his anger in an unhealthy way AND Nate has a right to that anger. (Funny how everyone was so concerned with Keeley and Jack having a work place affair and Trent being yelled at in the locker room but no one wanted to acknowledge the severity of what Nate was going through for years). This is never acknowledged, not by the show or the fandom. The fandom doesn't want to sympathize with him, they don't want nuance. They want to hate him. They don't just want to see him as a bad person, they don't want to see him as a person at all. They wanted Nate to just forgive and forget, they wanted him to be quiet about how he was feeling. They liked him better when he was small and "meager" so that they could infantilize or ignore him. They never had to come to terms with the fact that Nate is a full person, with anger and kindness and pain and sadness. It reminds me a lot of when Sam was angry with Ted for bringing Jamie back on the team, that anger lasting for one episode when Led Tasso was brought in to bully everyone, forcing Jamie to step up and defend them. Then, after that, Sam had apparently forgiven him? They're friends now, I guess, without Jamie ever having to directly apologize to Sam specifically, without ever having that conversation one on one. Sam just moves on. That's what the fandom wants Nate to do. They don't want him to step outside that box and get angry at all their "beloved, defenseless white characters." Sam is written without flaws, he's only ever briefly angry but for the most part, he's just happy Sam so the fandom loves him. Unlike Nate, who has taken out his insecurities on other characters. Nate, who can be mean or sad or flawed in a way that the fans don't like because it's the wrong kind of flawed. They want an excuse to hate him, they always have, they've always had an unexplainable anger towards him and the show gives them a lot of excuses because he's never framed with too much nuance, his actions are always treated with severity while other characters (primarily white ones) are treated with leniency. When Rebecca has this same kind of arc, she's forgiven and sympathized with. When Jamie has this kind of arc, he's forgiven and sympathized with. I've seen videos on youtube called "10 minutes of Jamie Tartt being iconic" and most of it is just him bullying people (guess what, it's mostly Nate). I'm not hating on that video or the person who made it, but I haven't seen the same kind of attitude towards Nate. People don't see his confidence as iconic, or his awkwardness as relatable, or his anger as real, or his sadness as vulnerable, or his frustration with the team and Ted as understandable. They don't want to, the show doesn't force them to. Anyone who says they don't understand Nate's anger is choosing not to understand. It's easier for them to not acknowledge the failings of their favorite white characters or their own biased feelings towards complex characters of color.

[riverofrainbows]

Ok so the black book episode.

I finally watched it.

It could have done with a double feature. There was so much going on. And it worked, emotionally, but it was a lot. The plot was so fucking condensed.

Fuck when they do something they do it right, don't they. The deaths of the three were fucking harrowing. No fanfare or dramatics, just realistic and dead.

I'm so goddamn impressed by Sophie playing 12 different people. I love her. I know she gets a lot of recognition, but she deserves some more. Holy shit her voice training skills must be off the rocks.

I thought they would have hired Quinn for the police officer, he looked kind of similar, and then i thought it was him and Tara. But with Sophie being on phone theatre, of course Nate was free.

I wonder how fast Sterling figured it out. I think about half a minute into the room with Nate. The rest was just playing along, and hesitating whether to actually go through with the con, while setting up an outcome for both decisions. Usually i really don't think he has it all immediately figured out, but usually he isn't at quite that high alert, and the target isn't that clear and big a deal.

It really should have been a double feature, or a movie length episode. There needed to be more time, to really lay it all out.

I like what they used as the contents and method of collection for the black book. I watched another show (can't remember which) where it was some unsourced collection of various evil people, and that was soo shady and frustrating.

I've come across a bunch of Sterling/Nate shipping by now, and I'm starting to agree. Like that is genuinely a love story for the ages. However i am firmly convinced that it is entirely mental and intellectual. I just really can't see them having any relationship type. Not that Sterling wouldn't fuck Nate but that's just Mark Sheppard's insane gay flirting aura. But mentally, those two are having mind sex, and are tragic soulmate lovers. Also because they have divorced vibes. I'm convinced of the headcanon that they were in a couple friendship driven/held up by their wives socialising, and played 6d time travel chess mind games over barbecue (aka having a mind sex love affair right in front of the salad) (but really low key because they wouldn't actually cheat on their wives).

The way the con failed and they died was really realistic and well done and really stressed me out :(((( not over that.

Also the way this confirmed the Hardison-Eliot ship (platonic or romantic) was. Very much canon thank you. Not to mention the "till my dying day". Like hello??? Also the ice cave and rundown job train scene having already confirmed the depth of Eliot-Parker's bond earlier in the season. (But toxic masculinity and being a show from 2009 impeding the Hardison-Eliot part till the last episode/them dying (rituals to touch other mens skin etc etc flashbacks to superhell love confession sth sth bury your gays (except they lived bitch)).

Also the setup with "do you think you could live a normal life" earlier in the season. Also², annotation to that one: Eliot talking about having to help Hardison's restaurant, as if Hardison didn't buy it for him.

I liked the part about order vs justice. Very 'keeping the peace with an abusive person causing more harm than upsetting status quo'.

It's a good ending for a show. Seriously, it's both end of an era and not destroying everything that was before. Still glad we got leverage redemption tho obviously.

Parker being the new mastermind is great

Her monologue ajsbsjjd. I was cackling so bad. It was a fantastic way to really cinematographically tie up the show though, and she is great for the job. Both Hardison (who already has enough to do) and Eliot (who really doesn't like leading) always get way too deep into stuff, including their respective jobs for it, which is one reason why they're so good though don't get me wrong.

Why did she have slicked back hair with no bangs, and weird eyeshadow :( Awful 1/10. One point for her clearly thinking she needs to put on hair gel for stepping into a Nate role for a con, like that is exactly a logic she would have.

Eliot's blue tinted glasses, love it.

I like that they're not having one of the guys do it just for misogyny reasons, and that at the same time her doing it is very well supported and set up by their characterisations, and not as some sort of disrespectful shoehorned girlboss feminism move. Which ends up with a woman being the new mastermind being actually well done too. Because they never do annoying stereotypes at leverage, and thank fuck for that.

I love that Sterling was there for the last episode. Also, i swear, getting used by Nate for a con (while getting something out of it himself) is a kink thing for him. It happens genuinely almost every goddamn time we see him, while he knows and actively plays along.

I want to see more of Sophies telephone theatre :(

How the fuck did they fake the car accident, they should have shown sth on it.

Only because i knew very securely that they were fine did i not get completely freaked out at Hardison lying there on the ground. And i never ever want to see Eliot gargle up blood ever again. :((((

I was 100% convinced that Parker can hold him with just one hand, i was so shocked. Honestly one of the first clues from the story itself that it was fake. Yes i have that much trust in her. Second clue was the balloon.

No actually, first clue was Nate looking at the cameras. Can't remember which first clue came first in the episode.

I thought Nate gave Sterling something when he distracted him from the trio, and clearly Sterling also thought so, he probably took like several seconds to check if he had gotten anything slipped into his pockets afterwards.

I wish we could have seen more of the "you lied to us?" conversation at the end. Not that that wasn't the tldr of it or needed change, but i want to see the whole conversation.

The tunnels were great. I again wish to have gotten even a crumb more information on that.

It might have done well, and I'm just throwing out ideas here, to be a two parter episode, they could have really used some extra space. The plot was really condensed.

It was q good episode, and a very good ending, something oh so rare in tv shows.

[whoblewboobear]

TVGATE 📺💖

1.) Glee- Ryan Murphy is my enemy and glee is unhinged but it is hands down my FAVORITE show of all time. I started watching it when I was in 8th grade and the chokehold it has on me to this day is unreal. Season one was lighting in a bottle and to follow it up with an even better season after that? Lea Michelle is also my enemy BUT s1 Rachel berry is so fucking funny. Glee is the reason I joined chorus in high school- like the impact glee has on me? Incredible. Just 10/10. I could say more but we will be here all fucking day. And ofc Santana is my favorite character and I hope Naya is resting easy right now 💖

2.) Sucession- This show ate my ass for weeks and the brain rot after I finished it is still going strong. I avoided this show for a minute bc hearing about it through osmosis was enough and the fans put me off. I started about a month or two after the finale dropped. Like fuck rich people and fuck most of these characters but goddamn do I love it. I blew through this show so quick bc the acting??? The dialogue! THE EVERYTHING 🥵👏 you just know that if there’s a party or a dinner or some kind of rich people bullshit event that it will be the most compelling shit you’ve ever seen. Boar on the Floor was so sadistic and evil and FASCINATING. Like- I wanna open these people up and examine them. I was a Kendall girlie during my watch and a Shiv girlie post-show. I will say if you wanna enjoy this show just avoid.. most men’s opinions on it. I’ve heard the most shit takes on this show it’s ridiculous. It definitely lives up to the hype.

3.) Lovesick- Guys 🥺 if you’re gonna watch anything from this list watch this. I watched it when I was on a huge Netflix deep cut kick and WOW. Very lighthearted and funny romcom about a dude that finds out he has chlamydia and goes down the list of his old partners to tell them they need to get checked. All of these characters are so lovely and you just wanna root for them. It only loses points because it’s unfinished. I would’ve loved to see where things go for Dylan and Evie 🤧

4.) The Haunting of Bly Manor- INCREDIBLE. Mike Flannigan puts his whole pussy into into everything he makes. The write is incredible, the mystery is so well thought out. Every loose end is tied up just enough to let the viewer still have room to speculate. Definitely not scary in the way that Hill House is but everything else makes up for that. The cast??? I fucking love Rahul Kohli and I’ve loved that man since iZombie. Victoria Pedretti is the love of my life and the way she plays Dani? The range she has to go from Nell in Hill House to Dani is so sick. I just adore her. And of course T’Nia Miller as Hannah? She’s the clear standout. I need to see her in everything I’m BEGGING. The Hannah episode is truly the best episode of the entire season. This is a tragedy through and through and your heart will break for every single one of these characters. Just a gorgeous piece of television 💖

5.) Euphoria (Season One + Specials)- Again, Sam Levinson is my enemy but goddamn is season one SO GOOD. The aesthetics, the acting, the characters, the cinematography!? When Sam has a passion project and a story in mind he can truly make magic. Also putting Zendaya on your vision board and then actually landing her to be in it is so dope. The Trials and Tribulations of Trying to Pee While Depressed aka S1Ep7 is my favorite episode by FAR. So real, so funny, so compelling. Everyone showed up to set that week to make MAGIC. I don’t make a ton of fanart but euphoria had my ass so hooked that all I wanted to do was draw Rue and I sure as hell did. I was looping All for us for MONTHS. It’s still the #1 song on my Spotify TO THIS DAY. The special episodes during Covid were also so well done. Season 2 is dog shit so it isn’t included in this but rip to Angus Cloud because he was so special and the clear highlight of season 2 as Fez. (I could watch him beat up Nate Jacobs all day 🥳)

A huge honorable mention for the shows A Young Doctor’s Notebook, Chewing Gum, & The Bear (s1) because holy shit 💖. The first 2 are both absurd comedies from my Netflix deep cut era.

AYDNC stars Daniel Radcliffe as this doctor that gets addicted to morphine in the backwoods of 20th century Russia. It’s a dark comedy and a wild ride. I only watched it once and I have no idea if it’s still on Netflix or not but if you have nothing to watch and you want something that’s pretty out there or you’re a fan of Daniel’s comedic acting you’re in for a TREAT.

Chewing Gum stars Michaela Coel as Tracey. So 👏 Fucking 👏 Funny. The writing is incredible and I can’t speak highly enough about the way Michaela drops you into the world for a wild ride. Tracey’s pretty much in the end of that awkward transition period between your teens and adulthood. Just a really hilarious coming of age story that DEFINITELY would’ve benefited from a true final season. If you like Michaela Coel you will like this. She also has a show called I May Destroy You and I can’t wait to sit down and watch it. I’ve heard all good things 💖

The Bear is way newer and s2 didn’t drop that long ago so I won’t go too in-depth about it like everything else but INCREDIBLE SHOW. If you like food and sad white men and just- EVERYTHING about Ayo Edebiri then you’ll love this. Season 2 isn’t my favorite but Season One?? This show makes me miss living in a city. I just 💖💖 I can’t recommend it enough. Jeremy Allen White’s arms are reason alone to watch. I’d let that man [redacted] my [redacted] for hours like he makes me UNWELL he’s so gorgeous.

[my-dumb-obsessions]

Character songs tag

Thank you @sillyliterature for tagging me!

Game Rules: Choose one of your characters and list song(s) that fit them.

So I saw you chose Anders so I'm going to do my OC's love interest, too! I have a whole playlist for Carie Amell and Nathaniel Howe that's in flux as I write their story and is more about their relationship than either of them individually. I might do one of these for Cariane eventually, but I wanted to talk about the song that I chose to represent Nate in "his" fic for the Under Your Command series.

The song is Heart's "Dream of the Archer", which is also the name of the fic. And of course it makes sense on a superficial level, right? He's an archer. But the sound and the vibe of the song are so dreamy and fantasy-laden (folksy, Nancy Wilson playing a mandolin, they were probably high when they wrote it), it really nailed the absolutely insane storm of feelings and experiences leading up to his Joining. Lyrics and my thought process below the cut:

Wayfaring warrior soul, still wild The archer stands Arrow measured to the goal, sing of Strong and living man In his mind there is a vision wand'ring Through the forest town Telling of riches only given if through The woods the way is found

Wayfaring, wild, wand'ring... that's him, that's young Nathaniel in the trophy room imagining himself a hero, who took up archery as a refuge from his dull training days, who (according to WoT v2) was more interested in the life of a wandering adventurer than becoming Arl. "Through the woods" in this case is going back, going home, the riches being the future - his plan for revenge, his hope to reclaim something. That's what brought him to where he is in chapter 1.

Crying ah! beautiful dancers wake up From your sleep! Ah gentle romancers, drink of love So sweet!

Didn't use this line in the notes for the story, but it is some cute foreshadowing.

Treasure glowing in their eyes, forest Deepens dark their dream Keep to the pathway he advise the woods Are more than they might seem Heed you now the apparition bending never Ending sounds Call you into her mystery, are your eyes Not sparkling now?

This verse introduces the chapter where he first encounters darkspawn. It's in the woods, and the lyrics evoke all the spooky, mysterious darkness of the forest (which is normally a place he's comfortable in) but what's invaded has turned it to horror. He doesn't keep to the pathway, safe on the edge of the forest. He goes in towards the sounds of trouble. "Are your eyes not sparkling now?" is the thrill of the hunt, the terror of being hunted, the excitement at defeating the monster and the dawning realization that this might be a fitting purpose for him.

Sighing ahh! take you no warning, Make no foolish fight Ahh, think not of morning, lie here Through the night!

Beauty take us! they call in my arms! They hear her say Silken web falls, mist illusion rips away Helpless! helpless! now they scream Helpless on the path he stands And awakens from his dream singing string Beneath his hand

This is the return home and the Joining chapter, so a lot of moving parts. "Make no foolish fight" - admitting that Amell is not his enemy, and asking to join the Wardens. He's also called himself a fool at least twice by this point.

She's not the evil he thought she was. She's trying to be kind and honest and make things easier for him. He's not sure what to make of her, but there's a connection, a curiosity, even an attraction.

Illusion rips away...helpless...scream - all that is the Joining, the apprehension, the pain, falling into darkness. And he awakens, he survives, and it's the start of something new.

Gentle archer ages old, release the aim Free the goal Roll your arrow to my soul, release the aim Free the goal

The last chapter...rebirth, awakening from the dream of death into brand new territory. The last line is about him letting go, letting this new identity and new reality unfold however it's going to, and just rolling with it. He lets the arrow fly and sees where it takes him.

So, that's Nathaniel's song, specifically for how I wrote him in Dream of the Archer. It might actually be my favorite of my stories, at least sometimes. 😄

Tagging if you feel like playing: @rainwolfheart, @glowing-blue-feathermage, @psalacanthea, @anderstrevelyan, @potatowitch, @manadee, @maleficarlife, @sarahawke, @1ichen and literally anyone else who wants to attach a song or 2, or 20 to their babies.

[finitevariety]

Hello! I'm fairly new to succession and I'm still on s2 but I've seen spoilers for the s3 finale and I had a question. I've seen the scene of Tom betraying Shiv paralleled to the scene in s1 when Tom thinks Shiv betrayed him by telling Gerri about the press conference and maybe I'm mistaken but I thought it was revealed in that episode that it was actually Greg that told Gerri but he lied to Tom and that led Tom to the conclusion that it had to be Shiv (kinda telling that he'd trust Greg over his own fiancé). So like, did Tom betray Shiv thinking she betrayed him first but it was actually Greg that betrayed him? I kinda like how that makes Greg seem even more evil and scheming, manipulating Tom from the start and now they're running away together lmao but like I said maybe I'm mistaken? Could you perhaps shed some light?

Hi!

You are quite right, it was Greg that told Gerri about Tom's plans for a Cruise press conference.

But in terms of 'did Tom betray Shiv thinking she betrayed him first?', I do think Shiv has been betraying Tom in many ways, large and small, since before they were married. First and foremost, with Nate!

I think fundamentally though they have both been talking at cross-purposes forever. Two examples:

season 1: when Joyce Miller's husband gets his asshole out online, Shiv's bidding for help from Tom, and all Tom can think about is their wedding. I think a lot of people see this and hear Tom getting brushed off--but it's actually Tom brushing Shiv off, here, then being ignored in turn.

season 2: Austerlitz. Tom is very flippant about the Roy therapy endeavour--a quart of Roy injected into my eyeballs, he says. I think his attitude is partly because no one else is taking it seriously either:

But it's also partly, I think, because he doesn't know how to speak constructively about the abusive old elephant in the room--because he wants so desperately to seduce it. Even after Logan comes for them both, all he can offer her is silent support.

How does Shiv reconcile everything her father is with the fact Tom will never truly understand it? As much as he loves her--and he does love her; at the end of S1, at least, he'd choose SCUBA with Shiv over being Logan's favoured lackey--he's also fucking desperate for a piece of the pie. Peter Munga Munion (or whatever the fuck Caroline's new husband is called) is very similar to early Tom in that way.

I think Tom and Shiv's relationship is at first less one of mutual betrayal and more one of mutual misunderstanding. They can't TALK about the things they're supposed to talk about in a useful way. Tom and Shiv have both followed a script with each other. In S1, Shiv talks about that on their wedding night, the types of love, the last fridge magnet left, but it's only really in S3 that Tom catches up: you can't just take my love and bank it.

In terms of whether that makes Greg seem more manipulative, I think it definitely does, but that Tom would not be as thrilled to find out about it as he was with Greg's blackmail. Likely he'd discover it via Gerri, maybe, if it serves her interests--though I don't know if he'd believe it unless he heard it from Greg.

I've actually written a version of a GREGNY reveal in a fic, so I'm sorry for borrowing from myself when I say that I think ultimately Greg will be able to convincingly argue that he was doing it because he felt like he had no other option: that if Tom held a press conference, he'd go down, and Greg with him--and Greg was not about to let himself sink before he'd even begun to swim. We know Tom, for all his explosions, is actually maybe overwilling to forgive Greg when it counts. I think Tom, in shock, would try to brush it off, though unless they talked it out it would fester.

[slashingdisneypasta]

Jack Bass x Younger!Reader || Oneshot

Title: Bass's.

Notes:

I have no idea when this is supposed to be set. Just go with it.

I have two things to say about Jack in this gif, though. 1. Does he not know how to carry a tray. And 2. I love this statement, here. Its like 'Bart's Dead, Chuck. I can barely contain my joy, Chuck. Its taking all my willpower, Chuck, to keep a monotonous expression. Also Chuck I am carrying a tray, do you see this?'

Plot: Bart Bass decides to be his creepy fucking self (Not that Jack is exponentially better in any way but whatever) towards you, Chuck's best friend- but thankfully, Jack accidentally walks in on the scene and gives you a get out of jail free card.

Good old 'lesser of two evils' shit. I love stuff like that.

Warnings: BART BASS being predatory, and a bit of age difference (You and Jack. I'm going by actors ages though so there's only a, like, 11 year age gap between him and Chuck which is not that bad if you ask me). Sexual references.

~~~

Chuck looks from his phone, that's flashing Blairs name, to you and your big, wide eyes and lips mouthing 'Don't you dare', then to his father quietly tapping away on his phone on the couch a few feet away... then back at his phone.

"Charles- " You hiss, prepared to threaten his very existence but he cuts you off first- slipping off the bar stool beside you and heading for the hallway.

"I'm going to go to the bathroom."

Why am I friends with him again!? You think, but stay quiet and hope that Bart doesn't realise that you're back there despite having said hello to you earlier when he came in. You think, if you stay quiet like a mouse, he will forget your existence and keep texting until Chuck gets back- although, who knows how long he and Blair can go on for.

Depends what its about, honestly. If its about revenge or espionage... well, the conversation could last quite some time.

Should I just leave?

The impulse to run away is a strong one, as you sit there with your cheeks heating up and you start to feel nauseated. You never liked Bart Bass, from the moment you met him. Before that, actually. You had heard Chuck talking about him to Nate before you even became friends with them, and none of what you heard was good. And then you did meet him, one day when Chuck invited you over to do a school project. Or 'school project' as he so obnoxiously put it. You really did end up just doing a school project, though. Hence your friendship nowadays. Bart was creepy towards you even then, at 16 with terribly died hair and the wrong eyeshadow.

You've been very careful since then to never be alone with him like this. You would talk to him at parties if you were forced to, say hello to him when Chuck had you at his place and the man walked by, but that is the extent of your communication with the creep. Always, always, someone would be around. Chuck, mostly. But also staff, or Nate, or random fundraiser ladies, or Jack who Chuck the bastard never left alone with all willy-nilly like this, unfortunately, or Lily, or literally anyone else possible on the earth.

You've even hidden away in the men's bathroom, which is disgusting no matter how expensive the restaurant, with Nate before to get away from this man when Chuck once ditched you both at a dinner with him. And that's the story of how you got your first kiss, too, and it was from Nate Archibald. Hell yes.

That's how much this man makes you want to grab your bag and flee.

But you don't. You stay glued to your seat, super still, listening only to the tap-tap-tapping noises that Bart makes and the bump-bump-bump noises your heart is making right into your throbbing ears.

Until it stops.

Not the bump-bump-bumping, oh no. The tapping. And, nightmarishly, it's replaced by a groan and footsteps coming towards your turned back.

"Y/N," As soon as he says your name, his hands fall on your your shoulders and you literally jump under his touch. Shit- Shit- Fuck- what's happening- "I've been meaning to speak with you recently but Chuck- ah. Well you know him. He refused to share with me your telephone number. But I knew you'd turn up here at some point, so not to worry."

"Uh... right." You cant even force yourself to be your normal, cheery, polite self in this position. You just want him to get. off. of. you.

"Did you want a drink?" He asks, in that possibly cheery (But only because its slightly louder then his usual husk level) but mostly still scary voice he uses to convey emotion, letting go of you thankfully and rounding to the other side of the bar. You shake your head, though. He raises his brows, picking out a scotch for himself. "You don't drink? Shocking, seeing as you're friends with my son."

Oh I drink. You think, giving him a shrug. Just not in situations like this one. Also, what must he think of Chuck? Jesus Christ. For sure, your boy likes debauchery but what's wrong with that?

"Well, I like that." Bart pauses before pouring his drink, to appreciate you. "Mature."

Damn it. It makes your skin absolutely crawl.

"So... " You take a deep breath, tucking your hair back behind your ears rather then ruffling it back like you usually would to get it out of your face- lest that be recognised as some kind of extremely subtle form of flirting. God, fear makes you think weird things. "What did you want to discuss?"

"Oh- Just, your future. Where are you going to school? Will you be sticking close to us?"

Us? US? No, I'll be far far away, from you.

You don't really want to tell Bart where you're going to be going to school, because in your fear addled brain you know that that will just lead to 'Which campus?', or 'Where will you be staying?' and you really don't want it to go there.

You're just taking another, shakier deep breath, when the front door of the apartment opens and shuts loudly and set of feet trample down the hallway towards you. Immediately total relief plashes over you and you wipe your face. Oh, thank god.

Jack Bass appears in the doorway to the living room, looking as put-together yet somehow simultaneously still totally relaxed, as always, and forces aa polite smile onto his handsome face. "Brother. Y/N? Its good to see you."

You have no idea. "Good to see you too Jack. Uh- Chuck's in the bathroom."

"Thanks. For that... enlightening, information, Y/N. I needed that." You cheeks flare up in embarrassment, but ultimately you just roll your eyes as Jack flashes you a subtle wink, and turns promptly to his - much, - older brother. "Bart."

The older brother in question looks less then pleased at his baby brothers appearance in his home. Right now. And he possibly isn't thrilled about that little wink, either. Like you two are in on some kind of joke together. "Jack... What are you doing here?"

"Simmer down, bro. Just visiting." Even you know that that excuse is weak, but anything that comes out Jack's own monotonous voice right now is blessed where you're concerned so you certainly don't say anything. Or make any faces, which would be more appropriate. "Y/N, I don't think Bart-man here's too happy about my presence." Hm, no. You'd have to agree with that observation- not that you've looked up at Bart since Jack came in. You wont risk it. Jack glides through the room with the practised grace of a man who's lived 3 quarters of his life in suits and the other, happier quarter in board shorts, and ends up right next to your chair, an arm resting on the bench in front of you.

If you weren't already so nervous about Bart, you would blush about Jack.

"At least tell me you're glad to see me."

You grin, which is less forced then you thought it would be prior to trying it. Damn, he's good. You think, realising he just swepped in here and made you comfortable in less then 50 words. "Always, 'Uncle Jack'."

"Oh," He groans, like it physically pained him to hear you tease him like that. A tiny smirk even slips through his usually emotionless - well, not emotionless. He has one standing colour, that being sly, - stone statue of a face. "'Uncle Jack'- Please, stop. I'm barely a decade older then you."

That's enough to make anything else possible, inappropriate. Unfortunately. "Hey, I said I'm glad to see you." You wink, a bit sly yourself. "Count your blessings."

His grin widens a bit, like the dangerously charming Cheshire cat-type that he is. Genes that Chuck inherited, clearly, if his track record with girls say anything at all, but that Bart obviously missed out on. "You've got a point."

"She's a remarkable young woman." Bart pipes up, making your stomach tie itself up in knots again, and you immediately revert your gaze to your lap. Remarkable young woman... you want to barf. "Who, I was actually having a conversation with before you burst in here, unannounced." He takes a slow sip of his drink, then mutters. "And uninvited."

"Well that's great." Jack straightens up, clapping his hands together and finally showing his teeth in a smile. They're really freaken white, compared to his skin, deeply tanned by the hot Australian sun. "A visit would be kinda uncomfortable without a conversation; I'll join. I can converse with the best of 'em, Bart. I assure you."

"It was private." The old man sneers, thinking that he's got the upper hand on Jack, and all you can do is hope to god that he's wrong.

Jack turns his head back to look at you, and you meet his gaze tentatively. Your eyes scream, 'Please don't leave me alone with that guy'. He promptly looks back to Bart. "Well Bart why don't we ask the lady in the room what she wants? We are gentlemen here aren't we?" Then Jack makes a face, all crumpled up and unsure, for a moment. "Err. Well actually... 'gentleman' might be a bold faced lie. We'll ask anyway. Y/N! Do you mind if I weigh in here?"

"Not at all." You say quickly, flashing a tiny, thankful smile. He gives you another wink- this time actually subtle. So Bart didn't see it. Your smile gets a little bit bigger, relaxing. He's got you.

"Great." You watch him pull out the stool beside you, that Chuck - who has still not returned from his phone call with Blair. You assume some, likely cruel vengeance must be involved. Possibly involving that Humphrey guy, - had vacated and settles down in it. He then sets his arms firmly on the bench and looks up attentively at Bart, not breaking eye contact with him. Boy these Bass's like their stare downs. "So?" He prompts, expectantly. And a little arrogantly- a Bass speciality that you truly don't mind at all. "What's on the agenda, today?"

Bart glares heatedly, back.

~

Throughout the awkward discussion between the three of you, which your good friend Chuck has yet to return to discover - at this point you're resigned to him having climbed out the window and scaled the building probably, - , Jack constantly, skilfully changes the subject for you whenever Bart rears to close to somewhere uncomfortable. He makes jokes that make you laugh, he nudges you with his elbow at times - but never touches you any more then that, although you honestly wouldn't mind it if he did, - and takes the attention off you a lot. At times you truly thought you saw steam come out of Bart's ears.

When finally Bart gives up and excuses himself, saying he as an early dinner with Lily, you feel exhausted and relieved. After the door swings shut behind him, you cover your face with your hands and deeply sigh.

"So, what was that about? You looked like a trapped mouse. I recognise that look, I invented that look." You pull back slightly from your hands and glance over at him, to see him thoughtful for a moment. "Well, not by making it. By... causing... it... Either way, it was not good." He shakes his head, taking a sip of his own drink - scotch, - that he made Bart pour for him; Raising his eyebrows at you for an explanation over the rim of the glass.

Jack's always been great, like this. Even when he was horrible, he was the lesser of two evils between him and Bart. Good for a laugh and quality eye candy in a pinch- and that counts for a hell of a lot when it comes to surviving Bart Bass and the Upper East Side. And he had the power and pull of an adult, but knew what the hell was going on like one of you.

So he always made you feel at ease.

You ruffle your hair back, and sigh, straightening your back finally from their hunched over position they live in when you're uncomfortable and pushing back your shoulders. "He was just, saying some weird stuff... and Chuck disappeared to talk to Blair." At that, Jack nods in total understanding. Like ah, yeah. Got ya. Finally, you shrug. "He just makes me really uncomfortable. No offence, but I hate your brother."

As you watch Jack's eyes don't even flicker; He's totally on board with what you've said. Then he finishes the rest of his scotch in one gulp. "Ahh- I hate him too."

"As do we all." Chuck's voice suddenly pops up, as he appears in the doorway like Jack had earlier. You have to practice some serious self control so as to not laugh, at Chuck so coincidentally turning up again at the perfect moment to proclaim his hatred for his father. Jack grins back at Chuck coldly, nodding. Yeah. "Anyway, Y/N, I apologise but I'll be having to abandon you. Blair's waiting for me at her, empty, apartment." He pauses for a moment for dramatic effect, in perfect Chuck Bass fashion, and you roll your eyes, grinning. Jack smirks. "But you're welcome to stick around a while and help yourself to the amenities All on my tab, of course. Good to see you again, Jack." Then he pockets his phone and heads toward the door. The second Bass of the day leaves the building.

"Bye, nephew!" Jack waives as the elevator doors close behind Chuck then swiftly turns around back to you, to which you raise your eyebrows. "So, what do we do now?"

"I dunno." Shrugging you grin and turn your stool to angle your legs towards Jack. "When Chuck says those magical words 'All on my tab'," Those words, oh; You speak them with just as much raw, breathy sexual arousal as the man himself would. As the words demand. 'All on my tab'. Good lord, sex if they were words. "I tend to take advantage."

"An easy girl to please; That's what I like to see." Your cheeks flame up at those words out of Jack's mouth as he turns to look down at the room service menu. Yes, Jack Bass has toed the line, between platonic and flirtatious since the very moment you met the man... but that seemed a little bit more then toeing the line.

And you get a far different reaction to him doing it then you do the other Bass brother.

You don't even really mind the implications of his words.

"You're staying back with me?" You ask, feeling hopeful at the idea.

"Yeah well, I cant in, uh, good conscience," He makes a bit of a show to you, of pressing his hand to his chest totally earnestly as those words 'good conscience' come out of his mouth. "leave you here unguarded in case Bart comes back, can I? Besides, the way you said 'All on my tab'- man, you could sell moonshine at an AA meeting with that voice."

"Ha," You laugh, rolling your eyes and shaking your head. "Well, thanks."

"Oh. Don't thank me. You're just using what uh, your mama gave you. I actually encourage you totally, to do that more often- "

"No!" You exclaim, sighing in exasperation; But there is still a smile on your face you cant seem to shake. "For not leaving, today. When you walked in. It would've sucked if you had, not that I would've blamed you at all."

"Hey, just call me your knight in shining armour." He doesn't look up from the menu, flicking through it. Then turns to you with one of those beach boy/politician, toothless grins of his. "Besides you were automatically, my favourite person in the apartment. I mean, anyone with... uhhh- different, appendages to what I have, instantly gets a one-way ticket access to my rare bouts of chivalry. Now come over here, pick out what you want off here."

You just gape at him and that comment, making him stifle a laugh and return to the menu himself.

Bass's.

[socialanxiety-queen]

Review of the Madison Seminary video:

Please take into account these are my opinions, I’m in no way trying to demolish anyone else’s, if you don’t like what I have to say then that’s fine~ 💋 I also don’t have a lot to say about this video, oddly enough not a lot came to mind but I wanted to post this anyway.

• I don’t want to say much about the sign light, could be a gimmick, faulty bulbs, or it could be paranormal. But there’s not much to go on.

• This one felt short even though it was an hour, I’m not sure why just got the feeling it was all going by faster?

• I know some people got upset with the group for getting in the middle of Adam and Mustafas beef, and how some were upset there would never be able to collab with Ghost Hunters now etc.

1. If I came across that information I’d honestly be asking too, because if it was true it could be highly dangerous to be there. They’re also clearly not about bringing negativity durning their investigations, so I’m sure they wanted to be fully prepared.

2. I’ve seen people say this ruins their chances of working with GH. In my opinion I hope they never collab with Ghost Hunters, that show is 100% fake. I was watching them back when Grant was still there (My wife and I were HUGE fans that never missed an episode) and they were proven to be setting up noises, and coaching actors to fake reactions etc. One of their original members Donna (I think was here name, it’s been a long time sorry) legit said she was done with it all because of that and quit. She spilled the beans on their tricks, and that shit nearly made me stop believing in the paranormal. Also! Mustafa is listed as an ACTOR, does that not raise any red flags to anyone? So I’d rather they not go with people who could potentially ruin their reputation, and I don’t trust them anymore. Reality ghost hunting TV shows rarely feel legit tbh.

• “Piece of shit.” Should be the description of each Ghost Hunter member.

• The fact they saw the thing on the floor and shouted “eViL!” And based that as their proof against Adam is such a GH move lmao

• I feel bad for people who went through torture at the hands of people who were meant to help them, nothing feels worse then putting your life In a doctors hands only to be used and abused. Mental illness has and still is very demonized by people. You’re seen as ‘crazy’ or ‘unstable’ right off the bat no questions asked. I hope one day things will be better then it is even now, so people won’t be afraid to talk about it.

• Also if Adam was legit trying to do what Actor Mustafa accuses him of, wouldn’t he put the portal somewhere where no one would see it? Why out in the open for visitors to see? Like GH never thinks with their heads at all.

• Baby Trump

• I love how Sam wanted them to do their intro, and it took me back to the time he cutely stuttered. 🥺

• I wish they’d used the Estes Method in that dark room, but I can see why they didn’t. They’ve used it so much I’m sure they were looking to prove stuff with other equipment this time.

• All their hairstyles looked good in this video 👌🏻

• I know some are tired of Sam’s attachment being the center of the videos, but I find it highly interesting. It actually makes me look forward to the new videos to find out if they can get this thing away him, or what/who it is. Sadly, I just know if this happened to Colby people wouldn’t be complaining so much since his empath abilities seem to be the one thing people want to see more, so other people outside of that are an annoyance. Makes me kinda feel bad for Sam, he can’t have anything happen to him because he’s simply just not Colby. I find both their things interesting and equally entertaining and I look forward to both of their abilities being discovered!

•I love when Nate is here over the girls, sorry to Kat and Stas fans no hate. Just I feel like Nate doesn’t freak out over everything and kind of brings a chill vibe to the investigation’s. You can clearly see Katrina doesn’t enjoy Paranormal stuff, so it makes things less enjoyable to watch if the people in the video aren’t even having fun doing it.

• Again this is all my personal opinions, if you disagree that’s great. You have no obligation to agree with my opinions or my theories. Also if you like GH and are triggered by my comments, I’m not sorry. I’m sorry you’re upset over my opinions, but I’m not sorry for my opinions. Just as I wouldn’t expect anyone else to feel if I was the one upset over their opinions.

[izzyfandoms]

I am such a sucker for Remile as the dads of all the sides like,, that's some good shit right there

In order from youngest to oldest

Virgil, Patton, Janus, Remus + Roman, Logan

And I'm imagining this mostly as them being still like really young like Logan's 12, Remus and Roman are 9, Janus is 7, Patton is 4 and Virgil is 1

Remy and Emile are so proud of Logan he's their smart boy and they support him with everything and none of Logan's brothers ever have any idea what Logan's talking about 100% of the time, but they still think he's the coolest cos he knows so much about stars

Remy knows a lot about star signs but not much about space itself so they have conversations where Logan's like "here are some facts" and Remy's like "neat you're a pisces"

And Emile knows all the right questions to ask when Logan talks to him about whatever thing he's studying and Logan loves it

Also imagine little Logan stealing his dad's ties and being like :O love them and asking for his own ties for his birthday and his dads get him a bunch of super sciencey ones and he tries to act stoic but everyone can tell hes super happy

Emile definitely shows all their sons the Disney films/cartoons but Roman and Remus are the ones most into it (and theyre the best age for it cos most of the others are too small) and can and will try to re-enact all of them. Remus is usually the villain cos he loves acting evil and Roman is always the prince and they usually either get one of their brothers (often Patton or baby Virgil) to be the one they save but also sometimes Remy/Emile

I have a strong mental image of Remy coming into the living room and Roman and Remus are standing on the couch and are like "Dad catch us!!!" and they jump on him and Remy's like "AAH" and they all fall to the floor

I feel like little kid Janus would be that super sleepy kid who falls asleep everywhere but ESPECIALLY on his dads. Like they'll have a family movie night and Janus will climb in Remy's lap and then immediately fall asleep and now Remy Cannot Move It Is Illegal and usually that leads to Remy falling asleep too

Half the time he will wake up in the middle of the night and just climb in his dads' bed while they're sleeping and they'll just wake up in the morning with him there too

I think Remy would Rock make up and therefore has some of his own and Janus would 100% want to try it on + he also loves it when Emile breaks out the face paint for like halloween cos then he can become a snake (his absolute FAVOURITE animal, he has a giant stuffed snake that he probably carries around a lot even though it's bigger than him)

Patton is that kid with one outfit that he never takes off and that one outfit is his cat onesie he can and will cry if his dads try to get him to take it off when it's dirty or for like school

He's also very affectionate and wants ALL the hugs from his dads AND his brothers, and whenever they sit down to watch tv or movies he always asks for them to like sit Virgil in his lap so he can Snuggle

And baby Virgil,,, so cute

I think he would chew on everything, so like whenever Emile picks Virgil up he needs to pay attention or Virgil will start chewing on his tie, he also tries to steal and eat Remy's sunglasses so Remy is VERY careful with that

Also this is random but Id like to think Remy is a big Crofters fan and introduced it to their sons and most of them were like Okay Its Jam but Logan and Roman were like "this is the best thing ive ever tasted" so they always have like six jars

Also,,, imagine Remy having a big brother,,, Nate

Nate is the cool uncle who is like "what are rules" and just lets the kiddos do whatever they like so they love him so much

And yea fluff

I acc started a oneshot with this idea at some point but kinda abandoned it maybe I should finish it

[inkribbon796]

Lost Pages Ch. 2: Black and Blue

Summary: The heroes face down the two thieves and are in for a tough fight than they thought.

Chapters: 1, 2

Yan gripped onto Dark’s arm and in an instant the Entity took both Yan and herself through a portal to safety and the heroes didn’t see either of them for the rest of the day.

They left the heroes alone with the two thieves.

“Skeppy,” the taller of the two assailants pulled the crossbow up, a slight disapproving whine in his voice made the name almost sound like “S~Geppy” and was shouldered out of the way. “You muffinhead, don’t shoot them.”

“Let’s talk this over,” Silver started floating a bit as Chase backpedaled to stand with the others, immediately handing the book over to Marvin who slipped it into his cloak.

“Hey,” the taller one waved as he stepped back in front of his friend. “We can talk, it’s alright.”

Skeppy glared at his companion.

“Hello, my name is Bad,” the taller assailant gestured to himself and took another step, and the heroes realized that his height hadn’t been exaggerated. The taller cloaked figure stood at almost seven feet tall and towered over them. Marvin could see the magic keeping his hood in shadow. “This is my friend, Skeppy, and you have something that actually belongs to me and my friends and we need it back.”

“Which is why yah[1] wanted ta[2] steal it,” Marvin reminded, with the book stored away in his cloak he brought his hands up to brace and start throwing spells.

“Look we tried but they stole it from us first and wouldn’t let us have them back,” Bad said, his voice much softer and not nearly as deep as Silver would have ever expected from the assailant. “Those books belong to us and we don’t want to hurt anyone.”

“Give us the book and we don’t have to fight anyone,” Skeppy ordered, his crossbow still in his hand, but it wasn’t pointed at anyone . . . at the moment, at least.

“We’re not givin’ yeh an evil fookin’ book,”[3] Marvin spat.

Bad gasped, “Language!”

“Not the time, Bad,” Skeppy spat, not taking his eyes off Marvin. “We’re not going to stand here and keep asking nicely. You are giving us that book. It belongs to us.”

“How about instead yeh give us the other four yeh’ve got, an’ we just call it a day,”[4] Marvin hissed.

“Okay, stop,” Jackie tried to step in and take over the conversation.

“No, give us the book,” Skeppy’s skin began to slowly turn blue as it took on an almost crystallized appearance. “Last warning.”

“Fook[5] off!” Marvin shouted and Skeppy summoned a shield made of metal and the front was coated with the same type of material quickly covering his skin.

The next thing to happen was something shot through the air, no one was sure who had fired first, but Skeppy and Marvin quickly responded with a crossbow bolt and a bolt of magic at each other in kind. Skeppy never physically reloaded bolts but they magically appeared in the crossbow all the same.

Jackie and Marvin were able to deflect the bolts with little trouble, but one of Marvin’s magical shots managed to slip past Skeppy’s shield and hit him directly.

“Skeppy! No!” Bad called out in horror. Before his eyes began to glow red. “How dare you hurt Skeppy!”

A pair of black bat wings sprouted from his back and his form shifted to having black hair and horns with a glowing halo hovering over his head, then he was suddenly glowing in size until he was twenty feet tall and he slammed his fists on the concrete. “Get away from Skeppy!” Bad yelled, his voice booming out before he swiped the heroes away from Skeppy to scoop him up into his hands. “Get away from him!”

“Skeppy?” Bad frowned with worry, as Skeppy pulled himself into a kneeling position, propping his arm up on Bad’s thumb. Skeppy’s blue crystalline skin was starting to knit together again. “Are you okay?”

“We need that book,” Skeppy pointed at Chase.

“But you’re hu—” Bad reminded gently.

“Get that book!” Skeppy ordered, shouting at the top of his lungs.

Bad flinched before moving his hand so Skeppy could jump onto the hood of his cloak before sliding down. As his feet hit the ground a blue sword appeared in his hand as he looked at Chase. “Hand over the book, before this has to get ugly.”

“Now!” Bad roared.

“That’s a demon,” Marvin realized, looking up at the giant, bracing himself with more magic. “I think they both are.”

“How many demons are e’en[6] in this fookin’[7] city?” Jackie spat.

A shrill whistle pierced the air and in the distance and the two assailants stopped to look at a nearby building as a figure in a long green cloak and a smiling white mask stared at them.

“We’re not done,” Skeppy told the masked man, who jumped down and at almost the last moment a swirl of water helped slow his fall enough for him to land safely. Then he started walking towards Skeppy.

“Need your help,” the masked man told Skeppy, looking over in the heroes’ direction. “Come on, you guys can pick this up later. It’s not like these guys are going to actually destroy it.”

Skeppy glared at the heroes, mentally weighing his options as Bad shrunk back down to the height he’d been at before. He pulled back up his head and his face became magically obscured.

“You sure?” Skeppy demanded. “They were talking about burning it earlier with Dark.”

“Oh, I’m sure,” the masked man chuckled, he was looking at Marvin, and the magician could feel it. “Curiosity got the cat, and all.”

“Skep?” Bad asked hesitantly, as Skeppy kept glaring at the heroes.

Skeppy took a deep breath and smiled, “You’re right, it’s not going anywhere, we have all the time in the world. Come on, Bad.”

“Oh, uh, okay,” Bad tripped over his words a bit.

“We’re not done here,” Marvin spat, taking a step forward.

“No,” the masked man hummed as he pulled out a small orb of swirling dark green magic. Skeppy and Bad copying him. “I think we are. We’ll have this chat another day.”

The three of them turned to throw the orbs up behind them. They raced unnaturally high before smashing on the rooftop like fragile glass. When they shattered, it was like three great eyes opened right where they stood and then closed. It lasted a second, and the three newcomers were standing on the rooftop and racing away at full speed to head towards Gainesville. They used more orbs to get away from Jackie and Silver who were trying to pursue them, and in the chase the three assailants disappeared into the busy streets of Gainesville.

Silver and Jackie were forced to regroup with Marvin and Chase, both of whom stayed on guard for an attack.

“Yeh find ‘em?”[8] Marvin demanded.

“No, I think they used some kind ‘a[9] invisibility spell an’[10] disappeared in Gainesville,” Jackie shook his head. “I’ve already called the Sides an’[10] Logic promised they’d look inta[11] it.”

Marvin didn’t look happy.

“We should just head back ta the base so yeh can put that thing in a cage or somethin’,”[12] Chase told Marvin. “We’ll find King later.”

“Yeah, fine,” Marvin agreed and they headed back to the base where they met up with King and Lunky who were being sent through one of Dark’s portals.

Kay looked at them as he rushed in with them, Lunky holding onto his head, “The Old Man said you had something for me?”

“Ancient demon cult book,” Chase told him, Marvin held the book out for King once they were all safe inside and the door was closed. “We were attacked by the cult’s junior brigade.”

“Alright,” King commented as Bing and Mini walked in. Lunky saw Mini and immediately detached from King to turn fully 3D and instantly raced over to grab onto their friend.

“Play date?” Bing asked with a smile.

“Thanks Bing,” King told him before he led the group to his room. Bing took Lunky and Mini back to his office. When the heroes got to King’s room, the young man took everything off the desk and started cleaning and sterilizing everything before he took off his cloak and crown and switched his glasses. His magic moved and whirling around him as he tried to protect the air around the book. Then he put on a pair of gloves. “Looks old.”

“Didn’t ask fer[13] the carbon date,” Marvin told him, shooting a look at Chase. “Was a bit too busy tryin’ ta get this thin’ ta an actual safe location.”[14]

King flipped through the book for a couple seconds before he paused with a look of confusion on his face.

“Hold up,” King pulled off a glove and moved to look for something in his desk and pulled out some notes. And pulled out some loose pages of paper with some symbols and his writing. King looked between the pages and the book and then grabbed his phone. The heroes were close enough to see him type out a message to Illinois: “Clear your schedule, Phills. Tomorrow @ 5.”

“You said this was from a demon cult?” King was flipping through the book carefully with his still gloved hand.

“How bad is it?” Silver asked.

“That depends on who’s got this book memorized,” King told him.

“It’s apparently part ‘a[9] collection ‘a[9] five,” Chase reported.

King grabbed his phone again and typed: “Blackbird” while Illinois was trying to send a response. He stopped and instead the adventure sent: “You don’t need me now?” and “0500 or 1700”.

“That was quick,” King thought out loud, scoffing at some joke in his head. Then he typed: “0500, will have information by then. That was fast, was Eric busy?”

“Hey, hermanito,” Illinois responded and sent a picture of his middle finger and King started roaring in laughter and slid his phone away.

“You need Illinois’s help with this?” Silver asked in concern.

King shrugged. “Maybe, I just know the Old Man will tell him about the book and I want to get on top of it before Illinois hounds me.”

Then he gloved up his hand again and turned back to the book and grabbed some blank papers to start making notes. “Alright, what do you guys know about ciphers?”

“They look cool,” Chase answered.

“Can’t you write secret messages with it?” Silver asked.

“Well, yeah,” King agreed as he pulled out a paper with some symbols and images that Nate and Séan had pulled from a cave. “But the problem is that a cipher without a key is harder to solve unless it’s a shift cipher. Nate and Jackie didn’t give me enough to even try and figure out if they were words or names. But with this, I can crack it.”

“Anything you can tell us before you start?” Silver looked at the book. “You going to be okay with it?”

“Book’s evil, but not cursed, if I could get a reminder to grab a coffee and a sandwich in an hour that’d be great,” King smiled and slowly the trio bid him good luck and left. King kept his smile up until they were gone and the door was closed.

Then he grabbed his phone again and called Illinois.

“You clean?” Illinois asked.

“Yes, are you?” King asked, using the signals they’d developed for themselves back when they were both still working for their father.

“Yeah Eric’s in the other room and Dad’s in his office, he’s not even listening in.” Illinois didn’t sound rushed, and he wasn’t using any of the warning words or phrases. “What’s going on?”

“You know those cave markings the heroes brought me a while back?” King reminded as he turned to a specific page that he was the most worried by.

“Which ones, the ones I found, or the ones they found?” Illinois asked.

“The ones not from Brazil,” King answered. “But they’re probably connected. Demon cults don’t just sprout up out of nowhere. But it would be great if we could keep this from Dad as much as possible.”

“Why?”

King squinted at the book. “Because, if I’m reading the scant . . . English, I think that’s English, right then they were experimenting on and sacrificing children to some type of demon they worshipped as a god. Just, you know Dad. He’d probably try to adopt one of them and helping them is good and fine but I’ve got a kid and my brain can only take so many new people right now so just make sure we don’t get a new brother or something out of this.”

“Alright, I can do that,” Illinois chuckled. “Maybe we can set Yan up with a date or something.”

“Yeah, or something,” King agreed, and he was about to disconnect when Illinois quickly asked something.

“Hey, while I have you here, do you know if the heroes have gotten into a huge fight with Dad or something?” Illinois questioned.

“Not that I know of,” King answered.

“Okay, and it’s not the hunters or Phantom either,” Illinois hummed, clearly thinking out loud. “Dad’s aura’s been acting weird, I’ve never seen it do something like this before and he hasn’t really gotten into any big fights since we cleared up that mess with the Suits.”

“Well, weird how?” King asked. “Did you talk to him? He usually tells you stuff, not me.”

“Oh, I tried, but you know how he is,” Illinois grumbled. “I asked him what was wrong and he turned into Mom and the problem was less obvious. She knows something’s up and is just hiding it. As for what he’s doing, his aura is just curling around him weird, usually it’s acting like a second suit or just doing the blue and red ringing thing but it’s turning a dark grey now.”

“I’ll try and help but I don’t know what I can do,” King admitted.

“When you come over with the info we’ll talk,” Illinois told him. “Hey, boss is back, gotta go.”

Then he was gone and King frowned at the phone before turning back to the book to compile as much information as possible before he needed to go check on Lunky.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Post A/N: For those new to the SMP, Badboyhalo was only one train of thought and it’s “Skeppy” and I’m so glad that’s not hyperbole in the slightest because it is as cute as it is hilarious.

Accessibility Translations:

1. you

2. to

3. We’re not giving you an evil fucking book

4. How about instead you give us the other four you’ve got, and we just call it a day

5. Fuck

6. even

7. fucking

8. You find them?

9. of

10. and

11. into

12. We should just head back to the base so you can put that thing in a cage or something

13. for

14. Was a bit too busy trying to get this thing to an actual safe location.

[wanderingandfound]

I posted 5,025 times in 2021

404 posts created (8%)

4621 posts reblogged (92%)

For every post I created, I reblogged 11.4 posts.

I added 4,759 tags in 2021

#fan art - 1130 posts

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Longest Tag: 139 characters

#i read this post‚ put my phone down on my bed‚ went to the bathroom to get ready for work (running late)‚ and walked out of the bathroom to

My Top Posts in 2021

#5

"This is kind of exciting, right? And a little against the rules but rules wouldn't exist unless someone was supposed to break them, so... that's what I think anyway!" ‐ Etta, The Bridge Mini-Episode 13

"I know my itinerary. [...] It's sort of hard to break protocol if you don't... know what the protocol is meant to be." - Gwen, Second Star to the Left Episode 1

27 notes • Posted 2021-02-23 08:02:11 GMT

#4

https://friendsatthetable.net/sangfielle-01-the-curse-of-eastern-folly-pt-1

Completely new world! Great place to start! Dark fantasy and gothic horror and ghost trains!

31 notes • Posted 2021-03-11 18:16:26 GMT

#3

https://www.tvinsider.com/1004865/leverage-redemption-where-is-hardison-aldis-hodge-part-2/

Unfortunately, Hodge’s limited availability likely affected the chances of getting an episode reminiscent of “The Rundown Job.” (In the original run’s last season, Parker, Hardison, and Eliot worked a job alone, giving us a taste of what could have come next after Sophie and Timothy Hutton’s Nate left them to continue their work in the finale.)

“Unfortunately, [we’re not getting one] this season, but when they put the three of us together, it’s always just been magic,” Kane says. “Aldis is busy literally flying around the earth right now with wearing a pair of wings playing Hawkman, so we had to pick and choose our times to when he came in. [He’s] such a strong, strong part of this for me, my rock. Eliot feeds off of Hardison.”

“When we were allowed to have him on set, we used him as much as we can get, and everybody wanted to work with him. It would’ve been fun to do that again, but I know I can speak for Gina and Noah [Wyle, who plays fixer Harry Wilson]. They wanted to be a part of it too,” he continues. “So when you get Aldis Hodge in the room, everybody wants to be around him and everybody wants to be in the scene. So we’re looking forward to that again, because [“The Rundown Job”] was one of my all-time favorite episodes. But unfortunately, it won’t happen this year because he’s off saving the world with The Rock.”

Everyone on the planet valuing and wanting to work with Aldis Hodge so there's no time to shoot an episode with just Hardison, Parker, and Eliot is probably the only explanation that can actually comfort me over the lack of an OT3 episode.

228 notes • Posted 2021-07-20 18:51:08 GMT

#2

Okay this is my last formal pitch to get my followers to listen to Friends at the Table, an actual play podcast focused on critical worldbuilding, smart characterization, and fun interactions between good friends.

Season 7, Sangfielle, just started.

It's an entirely new setting, you can just start here and won't be missing anything.

Sangfielle is a weird west/gothic horror setting. Set about 200 years after things began to go Wrong, "Sangfielle" refers to the expansive Bloodfields contained within the ringed city of Concentus.

But seriously, space is weird so within Sangfielle this city is out of sight.

We have mysterious (dragon?) egg sacks, we have pomegranates the size of beach balls, we have a goat woman who was kidnapped and raised on an evil train and now wears parts of that train as armor as she has become a knight hunting down more trains.

Have you ever wondered what if the bug dude from Naruto was also the brother from The Mummy? We have him too.

Episodes 01-03 are the worldbuilding sessions where they play "The Ground Itself". Yes eight players are a lot of people to keep track of but it was a fantastic game in my opinion and I recommend you start here.

Episode 04 is character introductions. I'll be honest this episode is really long and I listened to it twice and still didn't retain much of it. You can skip this if you want. The characters will be given brief introductions when they appear onscreen the first time.

Episode 05 is where their game of "Heart: The City Beneath" starts. The players have split into two parties so there are less voices to distinguish. This episode just came out Thursday so if you listen to this you will be all caught up!

Friends at the Table can be found on your podcast app of choice, or at their website friendsatthetable.net. Fans are paid to create transcripts which can be found at transcriptsatthetable.com.

255 notes • Posted 2021-04-10 18:02:09 GMT

#1

“You see, the reality of ghost stories is that they would be comforting, not scary, if they were true; like reassuring proof that we go on, after the after. Or a chance to speak with someone that we will never be able to speak with again, but instead we live in a story about us, and about our relationships, and about our families, and the choices of our families going back and back and back. And this story is scary in the same way that a ghost story is scary because it is – unresolved. And filled with symbolism that we just don’t understand. And family history, after all, is just another kind of ghost story.”

- Cecil Gershwin-Palmer, Welcome to Night Vale: Ghost Stories

526 notes • Posted 2021-09-27 04:13:02 GMT

Get your Tumblr 2021 Year in Review →

[zaritarazi]

Do you think John gets annoyed/jealous of Zari’s phone? Maybe he takes it away from her like she does his cigarettes when he wants attention...

Okay john absolutely once.... ONCE decided it would be funny to like playfully slap zari’s phone out of her hands because emotionally he is 11 and it fucking fell and it CRACKED and he was like I THOUGHT YOU HAD A BETTER PHONE CASE and she’s like LITERALLY. LITERALLY. YOURE OFF THE TEAM. PACK YOUR BAGS YOU ARE NO LONGER A LEGEND. and he’s like,,,,, can she do that?? can she make that decision??? and everyone else is like listen we’re not going to stop her do you see how mad she is

okay but so john is like dont worry. i can fix it. i can FIX this. and behrad is like is there magic for fixing.... an iphone?? and john is like no but i’m gonna make it up and behrad is like oh good so this is going to be a nightmare got it

charlie is probably there watching john try to enchant this phone to rub in the fact that she’s never broken zari’s phone and john has to be a real numbskull to figure it out and john is like you are NOT helping and charlie is like i didn’t say i was here to help??? i’m only here to gloat at you. please don’t mistake that for helping.

SO john repairs zari’s phonescreen and he’s like HA! good as new. look at it charlie. LOOK AT IT. and charlie is like well. can’t wait to see how this one manages to almost kill us and john is like THAT IS NOT THE ATTITUDE WE ARE GOING TO HAVE HERE

he knocks on zari’s door and she’s like covered all of her mirrors is wearing a long black veil is sitting shiva which is something ray taught her like 15 minutes ago sINCE ITS NOT LIKE SHE COULD LOOK IT UP ON HER PHONE!!!!! YOU ASS!!! and like john is like you’re muslim and zari is like I AM EMOTIONALLY DESTROYED and john is like well you don’t have to be because I FIXED YOUR PHONE charlie with flourish behind him saying ta da and waving her hands

zari like gently lifting her veil to be like well i guess if you fixed it... turns it on and is immediately sucked into the EMOJI MOVIE universe. and charlie is like yeah that was definitely one of the things i thought might happen and john is like SHUT UP WE’RE GOING INTO THE PHONE

anyway zari is the princess emoji 👸🏽 charlie is the nb supervillain emoji bc it’s sick af 🦹🏾 and john gets stuck being the devil emoji 😈

now of course because this is the EMOJI MOVIE universe everyone’s character becomes super 1-dimensional and charlie and john keep trying to do crime before remembering they’re looking for zari and they’re not actually evil (even though evil is sexy) they’re just very cool evil emojis so they keep like, getting closer to the castle emoji 🏰 and then like stealing 🍭 from a 👶🏼 and OH GOD ITS GETTING WORSE

eventually nate and behrad show up because they’re like sara assumed when you tried to fix zari’s phone you instead created a portal because you are Like That and john is like YOU KNOW WHAT. that’s fair i guess.

also nate is the bicep emoji 💪🏻 and behrad is this rainbow 🌈

listen i’ve never seen the EMOJI MOVIE. i’ve only heard the flop house live episode about the emoji movie. also inexplicably, the director of the film is gay, and did say the film was a metaphor for gay rights, i mean, i GUESS, but anyway, they all have to stop zari’s royal wedding to the prince emoji 🤴🏻 (plot point he’s been looking for his princess!!!) but also they all hate the emoji world. so fucking much. charlie is like maybe john and i are evil in this universe... but maybe they all deserve it. nate as the bicep emoji and behrad as the rainbow emoji looking at each other and going well that’s fair

anyway blah blah weird emoji action sequence we rescue zari and turn the 🏰 into 🔥 and we all get kicked out of the EMOJI MOVIE back into the real world and once the last person (behrad) is tossed out zari’s phone cracks again and zari picking up her veil off of the floor and throwing it back on EVERYONE OUT OF MY ROOM NOW!!! NOW!!!!!!!

okay well john and charlie come back and john is like like hey. we pooled our resources, and we bought you a new phone. and zari is like you guys stole it didn’t you. and john is like we made a deal with mick, the conditions of which can never be revealed, but on his end he did steal you this phone yeah. and zari is like well okay good enough i guess 

anyway zari gives john a kiss and then she gives charlie a kiss and john is like well so did you learn anything? without your phone? and zari is like no absolutely not i actively refuse to interact with anything if i don’t have my phone and charlie and john are like but we did have a dramatic adventure!!! one that could end in sex, maybe?? and zari is like no i have to set up my new phone later nerds shuts the door to her room and they’re like well. i don’t know what we expected

[klbwriting]

Stranded - Part 1

Fandom: Legends of Tomorrow

Pairing: Constantine x Female!Reader

Warnings: None for this chapter

Summary: The legends are stranded in a forest, where they don’t know, when they don’t know.  As Ray works to fix the WaveRider the other Legends go into hiding to avoid the multitude of bounty hunters on their trail because of their latest team member, the daughter of a time crime lord.  Why is there a time crime lord? Because this is Legends of Tomorrow!

Notes: Ah, Constantine coming through with the inspiration.  This should be a series, we will see how it goes!

                            Y/N had only been on the WaveRider for a few months, but she already felt like part of the family.  It was a strange dysfunctional family and no one could have imagined them having and Y/N felt right at home among the weirdos, criminals, and people who had once been dead but now were magically alive.  She herself, was the daughter of a time crime lord, Captain Dredd, who had a large band of time pirates that ran about stealing things from history, maybe assassinating a do-gooder or two, and just generally causing all kinds of time-related shenanigans to muck up the timeline.  Y/N had escaped his ship the last time the Dredd gang had tangled with the Legends and stowed away aboard the WaveRider.  When the Legends had found her instead of turning her over to the pirates they welcomed her into the group, what other choice did they have? Send her back and let the pirates turn her into an evil crime lord so they would have a problem with her in the future?  It was great, Y/N fit right in with the team, especially with John Constantine. The two seemed bond over a fascination with archaic magic, fine alcohol, and sarcastic witticisms.  

              “So how many years were you treading water before I came along?” Y/N asked, throwing herself on the couch in the parlor, and setting her legs right on his lap.  John sighed. He hated to admit how much he liked anyone in the Legends but he could not stand how much he liked her specifically. Every time he fell for someone it ended badly, except for that one time him kissing Desmond saved the universe, but that still didn’t work out well in the end.  So here he was stuck being on this time ship for the moment to track down the Dredd gang with magic and Y/N was here for her protection, leaving him no other option but to deal with her constant presence that he both loved and hated.

              “O I’ve been on this bloody ship for 3 years now,” he said, trying to focus on the book of spells he was glancing through.  He had picked it up when he heard her coming, hoping she wouldn’t bother him.  He should know better, she always had to bother him.

              “And you know all kinds of magic?” she asked.  He sighed.

              “Yes, you know this already, what do you really want?” he asked, finally closing the book and looking at her.  

              “I was just curious could we…” she never got to finish that thought as suddenly the ship dropped from the temporal zone and into so trees, throwing Y/N across the room, John landing a few feet away her. He popped up, looking around before running to help her stand.  “What the hell was that?”

              “We just fell out of the temporal zone…” he said, moving to the bridge where everyone else was gathering.  Zari groaned looking at her designer jeans ripped in a way that was not fashionable.

              “What the hell, I just had Gideon make these!” she whined, leaning on the counsel.  “Gideon?”

              “Hey Gideon, are you there?” Sara said, moving to the control panel and taping some options.  Gideon didn’t power back up.  Ray frowned and ran off to find out if he could fix Gideon quick.  He came back after a few moments.

              “Get off the ship, now!” he said, pushing Nate and Charlie to run and the rest of the group ran off the ship as suddenly a gas started pouring out of the vents.  As they got off Ray sealed up the inside and watched as the gas filled the inside of the ship.

              “What the hell was that?” Y/N asked, pointing at the ship.  Ray sighed.

              “It’s a defense mechanism that if anyone were to steal the ship then before it would take off it would spit out a gas to incapacitate them before they left and then we could take over, it malfunctioned when I went to look at ship’s wiring to fix it,” he explained.  They groaned.  “Should all be dissipated in a couple days…”

              “Days?” Ava asked.  Ray shrugged.

              “If Gideon were around I would have her release the vents but…” he shrugged.  The rest of the team sighed and looked around.  

              “Where are we?” Mick asked, still drinking the beer he had been holding when the ship crashed.  He snarled and threw it when he realized it was empty.  

              “No idea,” Sara said.”

              “When are we?”

              “No idea.”

              “Bloody hell,” Constantine groaned.  

              “We should find some shelter for tonight, maybe just string some branches together in case it rains,” Sara said, looking around. “Ray, Mick, Nate, Behrad, go start making some treehouses please.  Charlie, Zari, Ava, and I will walk around the area and see if we can find a town or something.  Constantine, Y/N try to scout the area for water or any food.”  

                The group split into their groups and headed off in different directions.  Y/N followed John into the woods to find water.  They walked for a time finding nothing and she finally stopped him, turning to face him.

                “Don’t you have a spell or something to like make a river?” she asked.  John looked at her clearly annoyed.  “Alright, touchy touchy.  So why do you think the ship crashed?”

                “Probably thanks to your dad and his crew of merry jackarses,” he said, hearing something nearby and grabbing her arm for a second so she would follow him.  She took advantage of the moment and took his hand, letting him lead her reluctantly to a stream nearby.  He bent down and cupped his hands, taking a drink.

                “You sure that’s safe?” she asked.  He sighed and looked at her.  “O ya, sorry you randomly drink blood sometimes, forgot, creek water should be fine for you.”  She walked over next to him and once she saw he didn’t immediately start throwing up she leaned in and got some water for herself.

                “I’m pretty sure you’re right about my dad being the one shoot us down,” she said.  “Hopefully he lost us for awhile when we fell out of time.”

                “Well we found water…” he started, but the sound of a crash made he look back at the way they’d come and they both started running back.

[imthatbasicgirl]

I guess this is teenage life- part 3 euphoria fanfic

Author’s note:

I was lying when I said I would post " tomorrow " 😬 gotta go to jail now because it took me two months to get my shit together anyway quarantine time so I hope you enjoy this..... Stupid chapter <3

Stay safe and inside

The room was filled with drunk teenagers. Dancing bodies all around the house. Some couples were going upstairs to do their thing and groups of boys were going outside to smoke or play beer pong. I looked around the living room. The room wasn’t white like it used to be. Nate put led lights up and the sofa wasn’t in the middle anymore he made enough space so people could be free tonight before I could look for Nate I was being dragged by Cassie into the kitchen. “ what are we doing here.” I looked around one more time hoping to find Nate so that he could save me. If I have just one sip of vodka I might just go freaking nuts. I’m very easy when someone encourages me to do something ... I just simply do it without thinking twice. Cassie turned around with two red cups. I smell it and nod my head. “ no It’s fine.. you go.” Cassie sighs and pushes the cup into my chest. The cold liquid spills a bit over my dress.“ just drink it and let’s have some fun”. I Look at the clear liquid inside of the cup. I saw straight up evil in that cup. She holds her cup up waiting for me to cheer. I felt that I didn’t have a choice like if I don’t do it I will be the boring friend in the group and I don’t wanna be that so My cup meets hers and follows to my mouth.

I was swinging my hips to the rhythm. Following the body moves from the guy behind me.

(gif not mine)

His lips touched the side of my earlobe. A wave of pure pleasure runs through my entire body. I don't know if it was me being drunk but this boy was giving me butterflies in my entire body. His lips They were soft, I had the urge to turn around and kiss him but I didn't. His hands are around my waist. The rapid of my heartbeat was going faster than normal. I wonder if he smells my new perfume because Maddy did put a lot on. I feel his warm breath on my neck. Small pecks were giving on my jawline. My skin was burning for more contact. His left hand was going up to my neck. I wanted him to turn me around and kiss me on the lips. Pulling me closer to his chest and by making it more unrealistic I wanted him to whisper in my ear saying that he wants me But what he did instead made me wonder if I did something wrong. Maybe I needed to make the move I wanted too. His hands moved away from my waist. " you're a lovely girl but I have to stop here, stay safe and enjoy the party." he whispered and let's go of my waist. His voice was raspy and it turned me on to the max. It was like angels singing to me. He left and My body felt cold. I looked around and gone, was he. Many bodies were around me but I didn't know which was him. The whole time I didn't know who I was sharing such a heated moment with. I cross my arms over my chest and walk out of the leaving room. I feel stupid for not looking behind me while dancing with him. How in the hell am I gonna figure out who he is? I pass Nate on my way out. He grabs my upper arm and pulls me closer. " where are you going." I look up at him. My eyelids felt so heavy, I just wanted to close them for a moment. I lowered my head. " I... I'm going to take a nap home and be back tell the girls that." I wanted to walk away but he pulled me closer. This time I could feel him breathing against my face. " no you're not come on." he laughed and puts my arm around his shoulder, I leaned on him as much as I could if I tried going upstairs on my own I would probably fall.

He opens the door of his bedroom. It was dark and empty, Nate throws a lot of parties so people know this room is off-limits. I lay on the bed and drifted off. The noise of the door closing followed through. All I could think of was the boy from downstairs. Do I even know if it was a boy? Of course it was a boy. I felt my phone ringing in my tiny purse. I get it out and see that I had a few missed calls for mom. I swiped right and left and was debating whether to call back or ignore her as she does to me. I slowly lose grip of my phone and get comfortable in bed.

The sound of cheers and screams became louder every now and then. I opened my eyes and saw nothing, The room was pitch dark It was kinda scary. Was I even alone in this room? I was struggling to get back to sleep. So I stood up and walked to the window trying to see what was going on in the backyard. There wasn't much to see, too many people were jumping and standing next to each other. So I got my bag off the bed and walked out of the room, heading straight to the kitchen. I grabbed a juice box and some crackers. Hoping that the dizziness would go away. I sat on the kitchen island watching the whole Maddy and Nate thing from the window. Kissing a boy in front of everyone is pretty low even for her. I rolled my eyes and grabbed a pizza slice out of the box next to me. Maddy always loves to go extra and over the top. She wants everyone to know that she is a bad bitch. The only way I like her is when she's really herself. I know she and Nate don't belong together. Their relationship is toxic but I have nothing to say in that because as soon as things go great again I'm the bad guy. I walked over to the pool where Maddy was. Waiting till she came out. I looked over and saw Nate going inside with the rest of the people. This is my chance of going a but extra too.

" hey grab a towel for me, I'm cold." she squeezed her eyes shut. " and I wanna go home."

I gave her a dirty look. Normally I would grab a towel and walk right behind her but I was too rebels to stay nice and act as she wants to be treated. The alcohol is definitely working. " you know what Maddy freeze to death and having pool sex to get back at Nate is so low." I was clenching my fits without even knowing. Of course, I wasn't going to punch her. I mean If that would give her some brain cells back then well let's go.

" they fucking filmed this shit.. It's going to hunt you down. I think you want a job right or do you wanna end up like your dad." I raised my voice at her too much. Tears shimmered in her eyes. I didn't want to sound so mean but I felt like someone should say those things to her and because everyone wants to be nice I'm going to be that person. I squeezed my juice box right in her face and walked away.

[screamingatanemptyroom]

I Can’t Eat Love pt 32

Next part is here! There will be two more parts after this, and then 4 side parts (which will continue the main story a little as well). 

Master post linked here

Enjoy!

_________________________

“Miss, do you really think the Queen is in danger?” Lia, sitting across from me in the carriage, looked pale and stressed.

It was the second day of the trip, which had already been very uncomfortable, as I had only allowed minimal breaks, trying to make it back as quickly as possible. I shifted in my seat, feeling sore, and stared out of the window at the passing terrain.

“Hopefully this is just a wasted trip.” I answered softly. “But something is wrong… I just don’t know what it is yet.” 

“What about Prince Nathaniel?” She twisted a handkerchief in her hands. “Do you think he’ll be safe?”

I didn’t know what to say.

I was worried about Nate, my thoughts shifting constantly to what dangers he might be facing. Multiple times I considered turning the carriage around and heading towards the border, but each time resisted the urge. I knew Nate could take care of himself, he would take precautions. But if the Queen was in danger? She would need me. 

Not that this made me feel any better.

“…” I didn’t respond this time, my expression glum. Hallers, sitting at the front of the carriage, cleared his throat meaningfully, causing Lia to flush with embarrassment and apologize.

“I’m sorry, Miss, I shouldn’t be asking such foolish questions and trying to worry you further…” 

“It’s okay.” I rubbed my forehead. “None of this is your fault.”

There was a short silence, which was suddenly broken by the sound of rapid hoofbeats.

“What’s going on…?” Lia started to ask, but I had already stood up, leaning out through the window and looking ahead.

Rig had been scouting ahead of us on horseback, but he was now riding back towards us at full speed, his face pale. 

“GET THE CARRIAGE OFF THE ROAD!” He snapped at the driver on arriving. He turned, seeing my anxious expression and forcing a smile. “We’ll be okay. We need to hide.”

“What’s coming?” I asked, feeling uncertain.

“Men. A lot of them.”

 The driver took us off the road, into the nearest forest, until we were far out of sight of anyone traveling.  Rig, quickly and quietly instructing us to stay hidden, took off on foot. Ignoring Hallers and Lia’s calls to come back, I exited the coach and followed him.

Fortunately I had chosen a simpler dress for travel. It was nowhere near as comfortable as the spying clothing I had worn previously, but this at least wasn’t too restrictive. I followed behind Rig silently, hiding behind a thick area of bushes as we watched the road.

“Why didn’t you stay in the carriage?!” Rig snapped.

 “I’m watching your back.”

 “Who says I need you…?”

“Shush! They’re coming!” We glared at each other for a few moments before turning our attention to the rode. The sounds of horses came closer, interspersed with men talking and laughing. We dug in deeper, looking on silently as they passed by.

Bandits?

About 30 or so men, all dressed in ragged dirty clothing. At first glance they seemed like a large but otherwise typical gang, but the longer I watched, the more things seemed to not make sense.

They were riding in an organized group, the horses all high quality mounts. Their swords and bows seemed well maintained, cleaned and ready for war. They seemed to know and treat each other well. Even as they joked with one another, it was fairly tame, their words fading into silence when the leader turned an eye in their direction.

These were ruleless, directionless bandits? They seemed more like… like… 

Military.

I felt the blood drain from my face, icy cold panic gripping my heart as I recognized the direction they were heading. I wanted to speak out, to yell, to fight. But I could only regulate my breathing, trying to blend into the background as one “bandit” slowed down, pausing near our hiding place. 

“What’s wrong, Sarg?” Another man paused and asked.

He shook his head, pointing at the path. “There are carriage tracks going off the road here.”  Looking up, he stared into the forest. I wanted to hide deeper into the bushes, but knew that any movement would simply draw his attention. I held my breath.

“Who cares? It’s not like we’re actually here to rob travelers!” The second man clapped the first on the back, laughing. 

“But we don’t want witnesses…” The man he had called “Sarg” muttered, still staring.

I gripped my knife from my pocket, ready to fight. Beside me I could feel Rig tensing as well. We wouldn’t let them attack the carriage. Hallers, Lia and the driver were still there. There were too many of them for us two to succeed... but maybe we could hold them off long enough for them to escape.

I tightened my grip, preparing to spring into action.

“GET BACK IN LINE!” The leader shouted. “WE DON’T HAVE TIME FOR THIS!”

“Okay, Captain!” The smiling man answered, pulling along his friend. “Come on, Sarg! We can’t keep him waiting!”

“…” The man stared out silently into the woods for a few more moments before retrieving his gaze and moving on.

I waited until they were out of sight before letting out a sigh of relief. Rig and I exchanged looks of concern and then headed back towards the carriage. On our arrival, Lia greeted me with a cheer, hugging me tightly.

“Why did you run off?! I was so worried! Hallers said that you were talented at sneaking around and wouldn’t be caught but how could that be?”

I snuck a guilty glance at Hallers, who was studying me with a solemn expression. I guess I hadn’t fooled everybody when I snuck out of the Duchy those few times.

Turning to Rig, I stared at him seriously. “This is bad.”

He nodded. “Yes.”

“You need to warn Nate.”

“No.” Rig crossed his arms stubbornly. “I need to protect you.”

“That’s not as important as this.” I pointed in the direction they had left in.  “I know he already suspects that something’s wrong, but those are clearly military men, and thirty more could make a huge difference to a fight. If he doesn’t know what he’s getting into…” I swallowed, my eyes burning. “He could die.”

“What if you need me?” Rig asked, his face uncertain.

“I do. I need you to warn him. Please.”  I was begging, but I couldn’t feel ashamed. Even if I was still sorting out my feelings about Nate, about my past and the uncertainty of the future,  I couldn’t stand by if there was a possibility of him getting hurt. 

I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms. 

I want to see him. I want to make sure he’s okay… I thought of his smiling face as he promised to be careful, and could barely hold myself back from jumping on a horse and riding back. But I couldn’t abandon the Queen.

Biting my lip, so hard I tasted blood. I looked back up at Rig.

“Please.”

He sighed, reaching out to ruffle my hair with an almost helpless expression. “Don’t look like that, girl. I’ll help him. I promise.” 

My breath came out in a long sigh. I slowly relaxed, smiling up at him. “Thank you.” It wasn’t perfect, but at least Nate wouldn’t be going into a fight blind. 

“Don’t worry so much. He’s family too…” Rig paused, looking at me with a slight grin, “Or least he might be soon.”

He left right after his words, jumping on his horse and riding away, leaving me to stare after him. Does he know how I feel about Nate? Do all of them? Looking at Hallers’ and Lia’s knowing smiles, I found myself blushing and turning away. “Let’s go.”

They followed after me, still smiling.

_________________________

We arrived home, and I immediately contact Rig’s second hand man, asking him for information on the Queen. The dark clothed man stared at me, confused. “Miss, as far as I know, Her Majesty hasn’t left the palace. But…” He shook his head. “I’ll have our people check on her.”

“Please do. The danger to her might be from within the palace itself.” At my cautioning words the man went pale, before slowly nodding.

“And send a message to Angela, the Lady’s maid within the Count of Erand’s home. She’s the one who sent the warning.” I hesitated. “She may be a traitor, be careful.” 

“Yes, Miss.” He walked away.

I stared after him, hoping that he would find everything was all right. Sighing, I went to find Henry.

_________________________

 “WHAT IS THAT IDIOT DOING? DOES HE WANT A WAR? Because that’s how you start one!” Henry angrily watered the plants in the office as he spoke, his motions jerky as he moved from pot to pot.  

Having just explained my suspicions regarding the “bandits” on the border, I just sat back, thinking his words over. “There’s no real evidence that these men are from Reterand. Even if they kill …” I paused, unable to say the words out loud. “…Even if that plan succeeds, it would be difficult to trace back to him. The question is why…”

If the king only wanted Nate dead, he would have sent assassins which would be more efficient. It meant he had some other purpose in this plan. I just didn’t know what.

“Well, if that bastard hurts my plant heist friend…” Henry paused, his face grim. “I’ll get revenge in the most evil way I know how.”

I was genuinely curious. “How is that?”

Henry chuckled viciously, rubbing his hands together. “Steal the royal lily breed their gardener has been cultivating.”

“Yes… I’m sure that will crush him.” 

Looking around the room, which had previously been my office, I couldn’t help but laugh. “You really made yourself at home, cousin.” There were plants crammed into every spare space of the office, even a few pots hanging from the ceiling. My only consolation was that the desk itself was organized, with the paperwork piled neatly. It seemed he was taking his work at the duchy seriously.

Henry followed my gaze, confused. “I just added a few things, though?” Turning away, I heard him add under his breath. “This is only phase 1 of the ultimate plant transformation.”

“…” I ignored his words, feeling I would be better off not knowing.

“Well, if Nate’s in trouble in Tilendria, something really terrible must have happened to bring you here instead of by his side. What’s going on?”

 I paused at his words. “What do you mean by that?”

“Well, you look at Nate like I look at my geraniums… like he’s the best thing around.” Henry grinned confidently. “If you marry him, can I make him my official plant heist planner? He’s very talented” 

“…” I shook my head, unwilling to comment. “I received word that the Queen is in danger.”

I quickly explained about the message I received. He shook his head. “I haven’t heard of anything out of the ordinary. She contacts me every few days or so, checking up to see if you’re okay.” He thought it over. “I haven’t heard from her since two days ago though.”

I was surprised. “She checks up on me?”

“All the time.” He reached out, patting my hand. “She obviously cares about you a lot.” Humming, he went back to watering his plants, leaving me to stare and think things over.

This life was so different.

_________________________

I laid in my room, crying, as I had been since I had gotten home from the party yesterday afternoon. Angela had left after a few attempts to comfort me, leaving me alone. 

“What did I do wrong?” I whispered, the sound warped by sobs. “I just wanted to be loved.”

I missed the Queen, she always knew what to do. She was so kind, so loving. Even if my engagement had just been broken, she would come to see me, right?

Hopefully she would be here soon.

_________________________

She had stayed away from me in the days following the broken engagement, not writing, not visiting, ignoring all my letters. Even once I was out on the streets, she simply disowned me and pretended I had died.

My heart hurt at the memory, even as it didn’t make sense with how she had responded in this life. 

Feeling stressed, I decided to make myself some tea. As the water heated, I went to select some tea leaves… and paused. In the corner of the tea cabinet there was a small bag that was unopened.

The tea the Queen had given me the day before Ronan’s birthday party.

 Hadn’t she said it would help relieve stress? Shrugging mentally, I added those tea leaves to the pot, steeping it and bringing it back with me to the office.

I’ll take all the help I can get.

I sat back down and watched Henry fuss over his plants, pouring us both a cup of the tea I had made. My thoughts on the Queen, and the difference between her past and present actions, I idly lifted the cup to my lips, preparing to drink.

CRASH!

I stared down at the cup on the floor, looking at Henry who had swiped it out of my grip, his face calm.

“What’s going on, Henry?” I asked, feeling confused.

“Why are you always drinking poison?” He demanded, rolling his eyes. “It’s starting to make me worry that you have a habit.”

I stiffened in my chair. “Poison?”

He sniffed the tea in his untouched cup, nodding again. “I was about to drink it too, and I noticed the smell. It’s Glat leaf.”

“…” I wasn’t sure what that was.

“It would cause headaches, fatigues, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.” He spread his hands. “Most people would feel they had simply fallen ill. It can be quite serious, you’d be sick for days at least. More likely a week.” 

I stared at the broken cup on the ground, my heart racing. “Sick for days?”

I thought back to what the conversation had been before the Queen gave me the tea. It wasn’t hers… it was a gift from Edith. 

I stood up.

The Queen had been sick in my previous life. Just before the party where Ronan was to break the engagement, unable to assist me. Allowing me to fall on my own, with only my uncaring parents for support.

Edith had planned everything.

But if she had been that meticulous… then… I groaned, putting my head in my hands. 

The letters were stolen, both mine to her… and hers to me. She could have easily been prevented from seeing me, even if she had come by after she recovered… a few quick lies from my traitorous lady maid.

Edith had been the one to tell me that the Queen had disowned me… considered me dead… I sat back down for a moment, my legs losing strength. I had believed it, believing in what I had seen at the palace that day.

Frowning, I thought back over that day, that I had snuck into the palace.

_________________________

“NOTHING SHE SAYS WILL CHANGE MY MIND! SHE’S DEAD, AND SO I’M STAYING HERE!”

_________________________

I rubbed my temples. She had said something else… something I could barely hear.

_________________________

“…wish… dead.”

What had she said?

“I wish… I were dead with her.”

She truly had thought i was dead. She didn’t hate me, disown me or despise me. 

She loved me. 

In this life and the last. So much that she had locked herself in her room to mourn, refusing to leave. She had never changed. I had only been deceived.

I needed to see her. She had adopted me as her daughter, but I had never treated her like my true mother. I had never had the chance to really tell her how I feel.

“Mother.” I whispered, standing up in a daze.

“Where are you going, Lenora?” Henry asked. “What about this poison?”

I shook my head. “It doesn’t matter. I need to go see the Queen, now.” 

“Are you sure?”

I nodded. “I’m sure, I’ve already waited a lifetime too long.”

_________________________

I ran out, only taking Hallers and a coachman, too impatient to wait to gather more staff. 

I need to see her. I had to tell her the truth.

 I was so focused as we traveled, that it took me a moment to realize that the carriage had stopped.

“What’s going on…” I paused as we heard the coachman screaming.

Hallers turned to me, his face pale but determined. “Run, Miss, I’ll hold them off!”

He stood up, preparing to fight, but was pulled out of the carriage immediately. I grabbed my knife, but through the window hands reached into the carriage, clamping a cloth around my face. An overly sweet fragrance filled my nostrils, overtaking my mind.

“Mother.” The word was muffled by the cloth. I reached out, my hand reaching out futilely towards the palace. 

I didn’t get to tell you that I loved you, Mother.

I’m sorry.

The world faded into black.

_________________________

 I woke up slowly, every muscle in my body aching.

Where am I? Looking around, I could only see a dark room, lit by a single candle. I tried to move my arms and legs, realizing that I was tightly tied to a chair. The ropes dug into my skin, the pressure making my fingers feel numb. I flexed my hands, trying to wiggle loose, but couldn’t make the ropes budge. I tried a few more times before giving up, feeling tired and dizzy. 

The soft sound of laughter filled the air.

I stiffened in my chair, searching the darkness for the source of the familiar voice. I heard a light tapping, the sounds of shoes against the stone floor, the light rustle of fabric dragging along the ground.

Step by step, my kidnapper came into the light, bending over to study me closer with a gentle smile, but eyes so cruel that my blood ran cold.

Edith finally spoke, her voice filled with triumph.

“Welcome back, sister.”

[livelovelaug-h]

What doesnt heal you makes you stronger pt 1

Nathaniel heywood x reader

Warnings = fluff and sad moments

Dc legends of tomorrow! Summary = strap in this is a good one. I don't want to spoil it so the title basically says it all. You have a healing power but when something happens you can't use your power anymore. But do you listen ? What sacrifices are you willing to make?

Now

"NATE! NO, NO NO NO NO." You crouch down next to his body.

"Y/n? you- you can't use your p-powers for me." 

"Of course I can." 

"You're going to die."

"If it means saving you then.. I don't care" 

~~~ 48 HOURS EARLIER ~~~

You were devastated that you couldn't use your powers. I mean they make you who you are.

''as long as you're evil doppelganger is out there roaming around you can not use your powers otherwise it could kill you. I'm sorry love that's one of the downsides of having them." John said. 

"Yeah." Nate seen how upset you were, he really didn't like seeing you like this. 

"It'll be okay we will get your doppelganger and stop her." he said putting his hand around your waist.

"Thank you" 

"Also anything that happens to your other self can happen to you."

"Then we need to find her ASAP." Nate said. 

"We will but in the meantime, I'm sorry I have to say this but you should stay on the ship." Sara says looking at you. 

''why I can still help?"

"Yeah but we don't need your evil self seeing you or people mistaking you for her. We will find her I promise but right now we need to leave 1970" 

You nodded and everyone sat down in their seats on the waverider getting ready to take off. Nathan grabbed your hand for support and you squeezed his hand. "Gideon take us back to 2019." 

~~~ 

you guys went to your rooms to get a good night's sleep before the adventure you had waiting for you tomorrow.  You woke up earlier than the rest of the team and started drinking. 

3 beers & 2 shots of whiskey in, Nathan and Ray walked in. 

"Geed mornin guysssssss.''

"You're awfully chipper this morning, good morning." Ray said a little cautiously. 

"Woah how much have you had to drink y/n???" 

"Idk but why do they call waiters waiters, when were actually the ones waiting, you know?"

"She's got a point ." 

"Ray! Alright wise one it's time to get you to bed" Nate says. 

"What's going on in here?" Sarah asked.

"Uhh -" 

"Sara hey! Did you have some fun last night? I mean with those noises last night-" 

"Okay time for bed!" Nate says picking you up bridal style and carrying you to your shared room. Sarah just stood there with wide eyes. 

"I uh - I'm gonna go see If he needs help." Ray says and scurries out of the room. 

Back in the room 

Nate lies you down on the bed and you speak up.

"Do you love me?"

"Of course I do why would you even ask that?" 

"Then let's make a baby" 

"A baby? Y/n your drunk okay get some sleep we'll talk about this when you're sober." 

"What if we don't find her?" He sighs. 

"We will we always do. Have some faith. I know you're hurting but it's going to be fine." You nod. 

"Alright steel man. Good night." You roll over and Nate's heart breaks seeing you like this. 

~~ 

You woke up with the worst headache. You seen a note on your stand that said, "here's some medicine for that hangover i hope you feel better. - Nate Xx" you smiled he's the only thing keeping you going right now. 

You took the medicine and started walking around the Wave Rider not really finding anyone until you seen Gary and Ava. 

"What are you guys doing here?"

" Just making sure you're doing alright."

"i'm doing fine thanks. where's the rest of the team?" 

"They caught insight of where your evil doppelganger is." Gary says happily. 

"That's great where was she?."  

"That I am not allowed to tell you." Ava said. 

Sara came in on Ava's earpiece. "we need some backup Ava." 

"Okay I'm on my way." She says then whispers "Gary you stay here and make sure she doesn't leave ." She starts to walk away: 

"Wait wait what's going on?" 

"The team needs an extra person." And with that she used her watch to go in the portal to time jump.

"Gary please tell me where they went." 

"You know I'm not allowed to tell you. Bosses orders." 

"It's not like I'm going to go there, I just want to know where my evil self went. You know anywhere cool or maybe somewhere meaningful. What's the harm in that?" 

"Mm I don't know." 

"Come on you're my best friend."

"Really??" 

"Yes! I'm going to get us matching rings." 

"That's awesome. Okay but you promise you won't try anything." 

"I promise." 

"Alright the team went to 2004 Washington DC it's an abandoned place on ..." 

You had to do this. "I'm sorry." You punched Gary right in the face watching him go down. "But my fingers were crossed." 

You took his watched and walked through the portal to where he said the team was at. It was a big place- it was about thirty floors up. You started going up each floor skimming the rooms to see if you could hear or see anything. When you got to the 8th floor you heard people they were fighting so you tried to hide behind the wall.

"alright let's keep going, Nate and the others are being held on floor 19" Sara said.

They have Nate? you have to save him but how can you do it without Sara seeing you.

You quietly followed them up 2 more floors once Sara & Ava got distracted you went up to the next floor. You got up to floor 19 with no problem except there were guards outside. You punched them both and after a little bit of struggle they both were finally down. You walked in the room and you see Nate and Constantine tied up in chairs.

"y/n you can't be here what are you doing?"

"helping my team."

"thank you for the rescue but you need to leave now."

"I can't where is rest of the team?"

"top of the building where your evil self took them."

"great let's go." When you started walking you felt a slice in your lower stomach.

"AHHHH."

"y/n?? What's wrong"

"looks like someone got a hold of your evil self love."

"I'm fine let's keep going." On the floor 30 you got stopped by multiple people, and in the fight you lost nate and Constantine. When you finally fought off the five assassins you looked over and seen Nate bleeding out on floor.

Now

"stop y/n. D-don't."

"shhh." You closed Your eyes letting the white light heal Nate. He was all healed but didn't get up yet you on the other hand collapsed on the floor. He gasped for air feeling 100% better, but when he looked over all of that vanished. "Y/n?? .. Y/n come on get up." you coughed up some blood. "I'm glad it worked."

"you shouldnt have done that. Your gonna be okay right? " He asked panicked when he seen your eyes started closing.

"I love you Nathaniel". He had tears running down his face.

"don't do that."

"it's okay." With that you were gone. "Y/n please. No no no." He sobbed into your body. The whole team came running at you guys.

Ray looked at you then at Nate putting his hand on his friends shoulder. "I'm so sorry nate" the floor started shaking.

"What's going on?"

"Gideon?" Sara asked through the coms.

"looks like there is a big time abberation happening Ms. Lance ."

When Nate stood up there was a big white light and before he knew it he was in a hallway. "What the?"

He seen a picture on the wall of you and him.

"y/n?"

"In the kitchen." He was startled.

Walking in the kitchen there you were.

"how you were- we were just..."

"we were just what? Are you okay what's wrong?"

"nothing. What year are we in?"

"2019 why?"

"that's impossible where did i work last year?"

"you were a historian and you worked in an office. Are you feeling well?"

"this isn't right."

[amnachil]

The College Society Chapter 3 Part 11

The beginning of our little trip in France. I hope you’ll like it as much as i did writing it.

Damian Nicholas Smith-Carrey Friday March 1

Fate was messing around with him lately. The Dean's grandson, a gifted sexual hunter, who had the natural skill to please absolutetly everyone in bed, was doing some idiotics stuffs with his boyfriend. And I like it. They were leaving for France this evening, but before that, Liam wanted to do something for his bestfriend's birthday. And that was why he, Damian Nicholas Smith Carrey, was doing shopping. Me, wandering in a mall to find a present. I'm doing the errand, that's not normal at all. Since his baboon had lessons to attend to, he had volunteered to find a... a thing. It was a new fairy figurine from a collection that Nate had been looking for since its release. But the blond junior had been searching in three stores so far, and he hadn't found this shitty fairy yet. According to Liam, it was famous and easy to find. Easy my ass. Fuck this boyfriend, I can't say no when he puckers. Anyway, the Dean's grandson had enough of this shit. He took his phone and called Nancy straight away.

"Pussy in fire to the god of sex, do you need any assistance ?" she answered quite fast.

The lad felt a bit relieved when he heard her voice. At least someone who still sees me for what I am. It was so infuriating to act like a nice boyfriend sometimes... Even if a part of him loved it.

"I'm looking for a fukin' doll. I mean a fuckin' fairy figurine newly released... Hell, it's for a friend, of course."

"Of course."

Her tone said she didn't trust him at all. Now this is a real shame. First, Archie had discovered his relationship with the baboon. Nancy wasn't stupid either, she would find out soon. What will happen to my reputation, I wonder ?

"I got this Little Fairy Stephania which is quite rare. There's one copy in a shop near your university."

"That's what I bloody need." Damian Nicholas Smith Carrey sharply stated. "What do you want in exchange for the adress ?"

"Well... I was craving for a new pick of your butt since three days so..."

Once he got back home, the young man made diner. Well, more like a feast. Since Nick's flat was kind of small, they all agreed to make Nate's birthday party here. They hadn't much time anyway : their departure to France was at ten pm. It had been a long time since I've invited this many people here... Well, except for threesomes. No sex tonight of course. Only this dummy Liam and his friends with their pathetic silliness. Damian Nicholas Smith Carrey was almost done with the cake when he heard a knock at the door. Who the hell is bothering me ? They can't be there yet. He opened, frankly pissed, and stared at a girl.

"Hi, I'm Leila Hart." she introduced herself. "I'm the secretary of the women defense club."

"Yeah, and you can go fuck yourself right back in the trash you come from. I'm busy."

He tried to close the door, but she put her foot in the way.

"D.R sent me." she declared. "I have a message for you."

The Dean's grandson looked daggers at her. What on earth D.R wants ?

"Talk, pasty."

From times to times, D.R would send a minion instead of coming herself. At first, he had felt a bit insulted, but he got used to it. After all, it was an opportunity to have sex. But not tonight. I have priorities. To be calling the baboon his priority, he couldn't believe himself.

"She only wants to be sure you'll protect our student abroad. I'm here to remind you the rules. May I come in ?"

"Definitely not, you idiot." he grumbled. "I already know the stuff, stupid. And do not even dare ask me about it. Just leave."

This asshole hesitated. But when she glimpsed his eyes, she decided to obey. Good. At last, he could go back to his cooking.

At first, this birthday diner went mainly well. Liam and Nick managed to have some fun, and Nate eventually loosen up. As for Damian Nicholas Smith Carrey, well, all this nonsense wasn't his cup of tea but... I must admit, whenever I see my baboon smiling like that, I'm melting. However, the lad was a bit pissed by Nate's appetite. This moron wasn't eating at all. While the two glutton were finishing everything, Liam's bestfriend showed no interest in the food. It hurt the chef at two level. Mainly because he was a fucking good cook, and everyone loved his cuisine. But also because he could feel Liam sadness about it. I agreed to help this dwarf, but I don't like him for all that.

"Why are you all grumpy ?" whispered his boyfriend at his ear.

"I'm not grumpy." mumbled Damian Nicholas Smith Carrey. "I'm only thinking."

Liam took his hand and kissed him.

"I know this isn't perfect, and I know you don't trust people easily but please, be patient. I'm sure you'll love Nate with time."

How the hell do you guessed I was pissed about Nate ? This dreamy baboon could be very observant sometimes.

"Fine. I'll make an effort."

Liam Saturday March 2 – Sunday March 3, in France

The unicorns advised him to be careful in France. He lengthly thought about what it meant. Nate was improving, and he had admitted he was glad to have celebrated his birthday. But maybe the magical creatures sensed another peril... Liam did his best to be wary during the flight, but he quickly lost track of time. When they arrived to France, Dami had to wake him up because he had fallen asleep (with the time difference, he was struggling to stay awake anyway). They went to the hotel, where he was sharing a room with Nate and Nick. And for the saturday, their professor gave them free time.

"We won't start the group project before monday." decided Nick. "We'll visit the economics department on tuesday anyway. So let's take advantage of Paris guys."

They did as he suggested. Liam had a lot of fun visiting museum (well, in truth he didn't even remember what museum they went in, because Dami was always distracting him). (No, he wasn't distracted all by himself, it was his boyfriend's fault this time). Nate relaxed a bit, and he seemed to get back a little of his joie de vivre. Frenchs people were nice (they often insulted Liam to be so slow, but he supposed it was their way to be polite). (Several girls also tried to take Colton and him to go out, but they always declined). (Dami declined for him which his usual sweetness : "get lost bitches !"). And so the weekend went well. However, Paris had another good thing to offer : food. There were restaurants everywhere, and they offered delicious dishes. In order to make the most of it, they tried as much establishment as possible. Liam's boyfriend paid for almost everything, but the chestnut lad had also saved a bit for the occasion. Nick and him finished the day more than full. Even Colton and Nate were eating way more than usual. But everything tasted so succulent ! Liam couldn't hold himself but devour absolutely everything they had on the menu. On Sunday's evening, they entered a restaurant called Chez Bocher. They proposed a food challenge which attracted the young students.

"We definitely should try this." said Nick, more than happy to be there. "I'm sure Liam can do it, and it'll be a free meal."

C'mon, I'm not that gourmand. Don't put too much hope on me. Honestly, he was eager to try. He quickly checked on Nate. His bestfriend outlined a smile.

"I guess it can be fun." he whispered. "At least if you think you can manage to eat the whole thing ?"

"You're warned, I'm not paying if you fail baboon." intervened Dami. "Your call."

Even Colton seemed curious to see that. They're all so insistent. (Yeah, nobody insisted, but it was Liam's excuse for what he was about to do.) (He just wanted to test his limit so badly !).

Maybe it was a bad idea after all. Only the unicorns knew how much he already ate. But he had still two plates to finish in order to win the challenge. He was so stuffed. His belly was hard as a rock, like a giant basket ball underneath his now too tight sweater. He had openned his belt and trousers a while ago, to let his stomach expand freely. I don't know if I can do this. It was more food than Dami ever gave him. He wasn't used to such an amount anymore. But the cheerings of his friends were pushing him beyond his limits.

"I mean, that's truly incredible." spilt Colton after a while. "What an appetite."

"I didn't know you had this in you." added Nick. "That's amazing."

"Guys... Imma collapse..." confessed Liam with a loud burp.

He managed to eat two more mouthfuls with reluctance. It was painful. Each morsel of food was pushing further his distented belly. He glimpsed Dami who was texting someone. His boyfriend wouldn't help in front of everyone, since they were still a secret. (Well, Nick and Nate knew, but not Colton). (Or he didn't say it). (And anyway, Liam knew that his boyfriend was a bit sadistic, he would let him suffer).

"I'm sure you can do it." assured Nate with a grin. "My bestfriend isn't a quiter."

He was apparently enjoying the whole thing. Glad to know you're having fun.

"Burp. I will do my.... burp best..."

With slowness, he cleared the next plate. One left. Unicorns please, send help. He felt like a soon-to-explode balloon. His hand rubbed diligently his overstuffed midsection. It was so round, so big.

"C'mon baboon. Let's get this done." grumpled Dami.

He took the cutlery and he fed himself his boyfriend. Thanks to his help and their's friend cheerings, Liam managed to polish the last dishes. The waiter couldn't even believe it. Neither the students to be honest. (Liam felt so proud of himself.) (But also soooooo sick).

"Now that is what I call a new record." congratuled Nate.

Liam smiled to him, but his bestfriend's face suddenly crumpled. Because right behind them, at the entrance, was standing Kilian, Liam's ex.

The chesnut lad couldn't move. Not only because he was stuffed like a turkey for christmas. He couldn't think properly. How is it possible ? There is no way. No way. The force of evils just struck. And struck strongly.

"Liam." whispered Kilian. "and Nate. Hi."

Around him, his french's friends looked at them curiously. But the young dreamy lad didn't do anything. He didn't answer, he didn't do a single move. He was like frozen.

"It's... surprising to see you there." continued his ex. "I mean, you're supposed to be in America."

This evening can't be worse. I need to react. To say something. Tons of things were crossing Liam's mind. Why the force of evils did this ? What should he say ? What would Dami think ? He really wanted to run away, but his bloated stomach prevented him to.

"Trust me, we're surprised aswell." responded Nate after a while.

"Sorry to be the one who break the mood." took part Dami. "But who the hell are you, and why you three look like you've seen god itself ?"

"I'm Liam's ex-boyfriend, Kilian De Beauchêne." replied the main concerned party.

A blank followed. A very long and scary blank. Liam was completely panicing. (At least internally). (His painful belly probably prevented him to do a panic attack). He was short-winded and very stressed by the situation.

"You know what ? Let's not continue this awkward moment." decided Dami. "Liam, get up, we're leaving. This is way too bizarre."

The chestnut boy was more than glad to obey. Nate helped him to stand up, and they all left as fast as possible with their overfed friend.

Barbara Sunday March 3 – Monday March 4, in France

"Sounds cool. Doesn't work."

The blonde girl sighed. When she decided to make an alliance with Rebecca, she never planned this. Well, I wanted her support but... The athlete had come to France with her sophomere friends, Chelsea and Matthew. The first one was a nice but a little stupid law student. As for the dude... I can tell he's sleeping with both of them. Seems like he has a blast.

"I mean, you want to ridicule Nick by charging him of cheating with false evidence." summarized the lad. "It really is a good idea, but the professors will never fall for it. This geek is a real genius, who finished his 12th grade with one hand tied behind his back. Why on earth he would have to cheat eh ?"

I guess you're right. Barbara shrugged, a bit annoyed. It was already Sunday's night, and they didn't have even the beginning of a plan.

"Let's make it easier." suggested Rebecca. "We can make his whole trip a true hell. And in the meantime, we'll think of something."

"I think I have an idea." smiled the short girl. "You told me he was scared of water, right ?"

"Yeah, why ?"

"You'll see tomorow. I swear it will be fun to watch."

Indeed, they have this cruise on the Seine on Monday. Barbara carefully watched Nick when he went aboard. You looks so scared... Poor little thing. Just wait. She had other project for today anyway. She headed towards the back of the ship, where Colton was talking with Damian Nicholas Smith-Carrey. I don't get it. Why the king was talking with her ex ? What was special about him ?

"Hi guys." she smiled. "Are you having fun ?"

"Go fuck yourself little roach." answered sharply the junior. "I already told you, no more favor."

"Everything's fine." replied more diplomatically the brown-haired lad. "Well, Liam and Nate decided to stay at the hotel because the first wasn't feeling well, but otherwise we're great."

She didn't care about her chestnut classmate yet. She would catch him a bit later. Besides, Damian Nicholas Smith-Carrey wasn't making any progress. He managed to make Nate comes, but he got nothing in return so far.

"You know, I heard some strange thing about you Colton." she revealed. "People nicknamed you the Good Samaritan. Did you make a big donation or what ?"

"I'm just being my usual self." he explained. "Nothing more, nothing less. I didn't do anything related to money. Why ?"

Crap. He's a true mystery. He looked so stupid, so idiotic. But everyone seemed to like him. Since the prof called him, Colton left them, and she hadn't made any progress.

"You're so funny you pathetic bitch." laughed the Dean's grandson. "You're so blind and deseperate you didn't even realise why he was so popular in highschool. Stupid short chick."

"What do you mean ?" (She decided to ignore his cuss words.).

"Are you that dumb ? Your ex-boyfriend doesn't have to do anything special, dumbass. He's so sweet and nice that everyone wants to be close to him. Nobody thinks to hurt him because he's so shining. But there you are, a stupid moron who thinks he had nothing for him. Numbskull."

Was it the real explanation ? She couldn't be sure, but it seemed possible. Anyway, I guess it's too late to turn back. I'll take care of Colton later. For now, let's focus on this asshole of Nick.

He was standing in the middle of the barge, apparently stressed. Since Liam and Nate weren't here, he was alone. Rebecca was making fun of him.

"Don't worry so much ! You've a natural life preserver." she teased. "You have no balls or what ?"

Barbara came closer, amused by this situation. Back in highschool, she thought bullying was bad, but she had finally understood it was a way like another to get the power she needed. To avoid their mocking, he tried to go away and came closer to the edge. That's why I wanted. Nice. There was some bright side to be so small. She could sneak between people so easily. The blonde girl came closer as discreetly as possible. She was so close to him that she could smell his sweat. He was so stressed by their surroundings. How pathetic. Barbara took her phone out. She was about to do something bad but well... She had understood very well how things worked in real life. Be a predator or you will be eaten. And so, she pushed him overboard.

To be continued

France is famous for its cuisine after all ! That’s pretty normal for Liam and his friends to enjoy what this country has to offer.

Aaaaand here he is ! Kilian is back. For those who doesn’t know him, he’s a main character in the last part of The High School Game, my first story. Maybe we’ll finally learn what happened between Liam and him ? :)

Damian is falling hard for his boyfriend, that’s kind of funny. And yes, he’s a feeder at heart.

Being in another country is also the prefect opportunity for Barbara to be nasty again. I liked this girl back then. Now, I don’t.