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twotapbuz · 3 years ago

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The leader and a body guard(Rin x reader)

(Sorry this took so long, school sucked all of my motivation away. You can find the rest of the series here: Eloni )

warning: violence, slight angst with a happy ending

Sometime after the rock revolution, Neon J decided to leave for a 3-week vacation

This meant that you and your coworkers would need to report to Rin

The first couple of days were difficult because Rin didn’t seem to care about the reports and would flirt with whoever was giving him the report

It wasn’t till week two that things began to spiral

1010 had been in the middle of a performance when a fight broke out in the crowd

You jumped out of where you were standing to help control the crowd

You assessed the damage after everything calmed down

The venue + stage was partially destroyed, Purl-Hew lost his glasses and an eye, Haym lost an arm, Zimelu and Eloni’s faces were cracked, and Rin was missing

Rin was missing

This was bad news as the factory still hadn’t been repaired yet which meant that he couldn’t be brought back until Neon J came back

And if Neon J found out that you lost a member of 1010, you and your co-workers would be fired

So your group split into two parts, one half would take Zimelu, Haym, Purl- Hew, and Eloni back to Barraca Mansion while the other half would search for Rin

You were placed into the latter

It had been nearly an hour since Rin was discovered missing and there still was no sign of him. You were definitely going to get fired. While the concert was in Cast Tech, you along with several others were sent to search Metro Division in case he simply went back to Baraca Mansion without telling anyone. You were about to head back when you heard the sound of crashing metal.

“Hello, is anyone there?” You didn’t mean to say anything, but you were caught off guard. Against your better judgment, you began to walk towards that alley. You were desperate to find him after all.

“Stay back! RETREAT!” shouted a panicked autotuned voice. It was Rin.

“Rin? Is that you? Are you ok?” you rushed down the alley to find Rin hiding next to a dumpster.

“Don’t look at me!” Rin was trying to cover the right side of his face with his arm.

“What? Are you alright?”

“Y-yeah! Do not worry about me, I’ll make it back fine,” Rin tried to stand up, still covering his face, but immediately fell back down because his leg was missing.

“Look… everyone’s worried about you and you won’t be able to make it back by yourself with that leg,” you gestured at Rin’s broken leg. Please let me help you, I know some shortcuts.” You offered your arm. Rin hesitantly lifted his hand for his face and grabbed your hand for support. The metal that covered the right side of her face was gone, revealing the damaged hardware underneath.

You involuntarily flinched, he may not have been human, but it was still pretty jarring to look at something that looked like a person who was missing part of their face. Rin also flinched, covering his missing face with both of his hands now.

“I’m so sorry about that”, you rubbed your neck, “I just… well I didn’t expect the injury to be that bad.”

“You aren’t going to scream, are you?

“What? No, I'm very sorry about that. Besides I’ve seen way worse” you joked, trying to release the tension. Rin hesitantly uncovered his face once again and grabbed your hand and pulled himself up. The two of you dodged the groups of people walking through Metro Divison.

As the two of you were walking through, you couldn’t help but wonder about Rin’s reaction when it suddenly hit you, 1010 got severely injured during the rock revolution. One of these injuries included all of them losing their faceplates. Their fans unsurprisingly freaked out which caused 1010 to explode due to some protocol Neon J must’ve implemented. Your heart sank when you realized Rin’s reaction wasn’t because he was worried about his image, but he was scared of you screaming and what would follow afterward.

——————

After that incident, Rin seemed to act differently towards you. He took you more seriously and listened to your reports

Even after Neón J came back, Rin still came to you for your reports

Probably just practice for when Neón j retires, you thought

As the weeks passed, the time spent on the casual chats you had increased to the point you’d forgot to give him the actual report several times

“And that’s how we got Quienne and Bebe.” Rin had just finished telling you the story of how they got their cats by Haym and Eloni smuggling them in through a box. This was one of many of the 'behind the scenes stories' that Rin had told you. While they didn’t act that much different when they weren’t on camera or in front of a crowd, it was nice to be trusted enough to hear about their personal lives.

“So what about you?”

“Hm?”

“Do you have any good stories? I don’t think it’s fair if I tell all of my secrets after all~.” Rin teased

“Well, I do have one. I was at a dance audition and waiting for my turn to perform and this dude that was performing was pretty much a circus act. He was doing all these frontflips and backflips and it was just crazy. Wish I had recorded it.”

“You used to be a performer? How come you stopped?” Rin curiously asked.

“Nah, I never made it past the first round of auditions. I didn't really mind since I only entered to support a friend.” You sipped on your coffee

“That’s a shame.” Rin paused for a moment. “You know I could always offer you lessons.”

“that's really nice, but I’ll have to decline. No amount of practice can fix these two left feet.” You looked at the clock, realizing half an hour had passed. You quickly said your goodbye and left to avoid getting into trouble. Rin watched your back as he left, unsure why he couldn’t take his eyes off you.

——————

Rin was walking to his dressing room when he saw you walking alongside several other security staff. As rude as it sounded, Rin normally wouldn’t think twice about the people he worked with. Most staff would either quit from being harassed by crazy 1010 fans or get fired for secretly being 1010 fans who used the job to get access to 1010 content, or worse, 1010 themselves. Rin shuddered as memories of one of the many incidents came back. Rin could count on both of his hands the amount of current staff that has been working for over a year and you were one of them. Rin began to think about the early part of his career when he and his family would actively engage with the staff, talking about both of their personal lives and inviting them over to hang out in the mansion. He and his brothers stopped interacting with the staff after the high turnover started. What was the point of talking with them if they were going to quit and avoid 1010 like the plague or get fired and be avoided by 1010 like the plague. He was glad that he could talk to you. He also liked the sound of your voice and how your eyes sparkled brighter than the LEDs that lit up him and his brothers. Rin blushed at the last thoughts. The sound of your voice and the sparkle of your eyes? It’s not like he was in love with you or anything. He was technically your boss and your relationship was completely professional. Yeah, your interactions were one of his favorite parts of his day and your smile would always brighten his day, but even if he was in love with you(which he is not) there’s still the challenge of gaining the approval of his family and having to deal with his fan’s harassment. He couldn’t let you go through that. Though Rin couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to talk with you outside of work…even go on a couple dates… maybe he was in love afterall.

——————

You walked past Rin and smiled. Despite your attempts, you fell for Rin's charm just like his fans did and it took you no time to notice this. You knew you were never going to say anything, afterall, everyone knows the rule about not dating coworkers and Rin can choose practically anyone, why would he pick you?

——————

It was the first concert after the rock revolution

The fans were extra antsy due to the lack of content, so it was all hands on deck

You were positioned on the front of the stage

This concert was no different than the previous ones, 1010 were performing, a couple of their fans attempted to jump on the stage, and you could barely hear your own thoughts over the mix of music and cheering. Suddenly both of those stopped. You looked at the stage and so 1010 standing still in mid-performance. You were told about this situation during training: it was either a malfunction or a hacking. You prayed that it wasn’t the latter. 1010 suddenly began to move in sync, but it was different from their normal in sync movement. You saw two fans get tackled to the ground as a red saw blade passed them at what would’ve been chest height. Your radio buzzed loudly as you were given your new orders:

“Get everyone out of there.”

It was chaos as you rushed around to get everyone out of the venue. Those with superhuman abilities(pyrokinesis, levitation, etc) stayed behind to prevent 1010 from leaving the venue. Despite not having any abilities, you stayed behind too. You were running around in the back looking for anyone who still might be there when the rubble from an explosion behind you knocked you to the ground. You quickly got up and saw Rin towering over Neon J. Without thinking, you quickly grabbed a nearby pipe that came from the newly busted wall and smashed it over Rin’s head. This managed to stop his attack, but it also brought his attention to you. He suddenly ran towards you, grabbed you, and threw you against the wall. Your consciousness began to fade in and out as your head collided with the wall. You saw Rin approaching you, then darkness, Rin raising his arm to strike, darkness again, Rin being pulled away by Neón J, darkness again, the inside of an ambulance, and then nothing.

——————

You woke up in a hospital room. Your eyes scanned the room: on your right was a monitor accompanied by an IV drip. On your left was a small table with flowers, a get-well balloon, a couple cards, and a Rin with a worried face sitting on one of the chairs of the room. Rin noticed you were awake and quickly rushed before stopping unsure of what to do.

“Y/N” Rin said, unsure of what to do or say

“Rin”

“Y/N… I’m so sorry about what happened- I didn’t want to-I couldn’t stop- if there’s anything I can do to make it up to you-” Rin began to stutter out of guilt. He kept making sentences but giving up on them and starting new ones.

“Rin, please” Rin paused and looked at you. “It’s not your fault, I know you would never do this” the two of you sat in silence for what felt like an eternity before you continued, “You know... if the offers still up… I’d be happy to accept those dance lessons when I get discharged." Rin began to smile

“Yeah, the offers still up”

——————

Neon J walked through the hospital’s halls. For the past two weeks, he had been personally escorting Rin to your hospital room. He knew Rin felt responsible for your injuries so he didn’t object to this despite the possible security risks(he couldn't keep his boys locked up). He had heard from Rin that you had woken up and he was glad that you were ok, but he had to cut your visitor time short due to an interview that all 1010 members must be present for. He walked into your room to find the two of you sleeping with Rin’s head on your lap.

“It’ll be fine if Rin misses one interview.” Neon J thought as he closed the door. He also began to wonder how long it will be before Rin introduces you officially to the family.

#NSR #NSR 1010 #no straight roads #rin #1010 rin #nsr rin #neon j #nsr x reader #no straight roads x reader

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milkiane · 4 years ago

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photo booth picture

pairings: peter maximoff x reader

warnings: strictly follows the events of DOFP at the beginning, mentions of food

word count: 2193

note: ‘twinks’ is your nickname for each other. for @peterssweetpea and @sunflowergirl522 because i love the both of u to the moon and back <3

“how does the breakfast club sound to you, twinks?” you asked your best friend, flipping through the movie catalog of the newspaper.

he scrunched his nose up, “ehh,”

“oh, come on, pete,” you groaned, letting the paper fall on your face, “you’ve protested to every movie that’s showing in the theaters.”

“you know we could just go to new york in like a span of a minute to look for a great movie.” he shrugged, “or watch a production of that chick flick you’re waiting for,”

“i- wait, actually, that sounds like a great plan,” you grinned, sitting up.

but before you could even say another word, he shushed you and sped out, and back with a box of popsicles. he dropped it on your lap and went back to playing table tennis with himself.

“peter!” magda called out, “the police are here,”

“what? did they immediately know that you stole these?” you asked, unwrapping one.

“... again.”

“nope, and they’re not cops. i checked,” he said.

footsteps were heard as three men went down the stairs, you looked at them suspiciously but didn’t say a word.

“what d’you guys want? i didn’t do anything,” he said, before speeding around and sitting at the couch from behind them, “i’ve been here all day, ask her.” he nodded towards you, letting the tennis ball fall on the floor.

the three men looked at you, you waved your hand and smirked.

“just relax peter, we’re not cops,” one of them said, completely ignoring your existence.

“‘course you’re not cops, if you were cops you wouldn’t be driving a rental car,” he retorted, making you laugh.

“how’d you know we’ve got a rental car?” the long-haired brunette asked, you shook your head in disbelief, continuing on eating your popsicle.

“i checked your registration when you were walking through the door,” he said, “i also had some time to kill so i went through your rental agreements, and saw you were out of town.”

“are you the fbi?” you asked, peter looked at you and you nodded at him.

peter took the hint and sped around them, time slowing by as he did. he went through the scruffed man’s wallet, hoping to get some money while he’s at it, but instead of money, he saw a folded envelope with his and your name on it. the handwriting was yours, which confused him because as far as he was concerned, the both of you didn’t know who these men were.

he looked at your frozen states before pocketing it and grabbing the next guys wallet, “nope, you’re not cops,” he swiped through it and grabbed the crumpled card, “hey, what’s up with this gifted youngster’s place?”

“that’s an old card,”

“he’s fascinating.”

“he’s a pain in the arse,”

“what, a teleporter?”

“no, he’s just fast,” one of them said, “and when i knew him he wasn’t so… young,”

you looked through his mind, seeing all his emotions, his memories, and his crowded mind. he isn’t from here.

peter sat beside you on his bed, eating his popsicle as he wrapped an arm around your shoulder, “young? you’re just old,”

you snorted before staring at the man whose name you found out was logan, “what’re you doing here, logan?”

the three of them blinked at you, finally acknowledging your presence. he spoke up, “you know what i’m here for,”

you squinted your eyes at him, trying to go deeper into his mind.

“stop entering my mind, y/n,” he growled, he knew that if you went in any deeper, he’d lose connection with the future.

“a telepath?” charles asked, looking at you with wonder.

“and a time traveler, creating portals to anywhere and anytime,” logan groaned, rubbing his head.

“so you’re not afraid to show your powers?” hank asked.

“powers? what powers?” peter furrowed his eyebrows, turning to look at you and ask, “do you see something strange here?”

“nothing anybody would believe if you told them,” you quipped, grinning as peter used his powers to speed over his pacman.

“so, who are you? what do you want?” he asked, eyes focused on the game.

“we need your help, peter, y/n,”

“for what?” you asked, sitting up straight.

“to break into a highly-secured facility,” he sought, “and to get someone out.”

“prison break? that’s illegal, you know.” he retorted, hands still aggressively pressing and pushing on buttons.

they looked around the basement, observing peter’s stolen stuff.

“what’s in it for us?”

“you, you kleptomaniac, get to break into the pentagon.”

this piqued both our interests, peter stopped playing the game and faced them. you sighed, creating a portal and appearing in front of them, “how do we know that we can trust you?”

“because we’re just like you,” he answered. you knew that he meant they were mutants like you, but if peter’s in, then you are, too.

“show him,”

slowly, sharp claws of bones started to appear in one of logan’s hands. you grimaced, turning around to wear your sneakers.

“that’s cool, but it’s disgusting,”

as soon as you’ve got everything settled and planned out, you and peter got into action. you waited in the elevator for the assigned guard as the others went on their ways.

peter messed with him as soon as he got in and grinned, getting the duct tape out. you immediately wrote a note and stuck it on the food tray.

peter went out, uniform-clad and the tray in hand. you sat on the floor, looking at the guard who’s been duct-taped against the wall, “so, you come here often?”

he started muffling out words you obviously couldn’t understand so you blinked at him, “what was that? oh, yeah, you’ve got tape on your mouth,” you hummed, feigning sympathy as you stood up, hearing the glass shatter.

in a blink of an eye, peter and erik, who looks like he’s going to be sick, appeared. peter immediately changed back to his clothes you handed back.

erik looked at you, and you smiled, “it’ll pass, it happens to everyone.”

“you must’ve done something serious,” peter commented, “what did you do? what’d you do? what’d you do?”

you ignored the annoying remarks of your best friend and offered the man a comforting look, “why did they have you in there?”

“for killing the president,” he muttered.

you and peter exchanged shocked looks, “shit!”

“you take karate? you know karate, man?” peter asked, doing some hand motions. you rolled your eyes, wondering why you couldn’t go watch a movie like the both of you had planned instead.

“i don’t know karate,” he groaned, “but i know crazy.”

“they told me you control metal,” peter said, looking at him curiously.

“they?” he asked, looking at you and peter worriedly.

you just shrugged, but peter didn’t stop talking, “you know, my mom once knew a guy who could do that.”

your eyes widened, looking back and forth from erik and peter, but before you could even go into his mind and see if he and your best friend are related, the elevator doors opened.

“charles?” he faltered, but before he could say anything else, charles gave him a right punch on his face, making him stumble, “good to see you, too, old friend… and walking.”

you shook your head in disbelief, waiting as the two of them bickered like an old married couple.

you leaned into peter, and whispered, “can you feel the sexual tension, too?”

“definitely,” he snorted, watching as the events unfold.

the shouts of the guards snapped you out of thought, “nobody move! hold it right there!”

“charles,” erik began. all of you stepping out of the lift as more of them slowly came in. peter moved you from behind him, you calculated each of their moves. you knew that you wouldn’t handle them all at once, especially if you haven’t fully controlled your powers.

“don’t move, hands up, or we will shoot!”

“freeze them, charles,”

“i can’t,”

you grabbed peter’s walkman, and carefully placed it in his hold as erik manipulated the metals around you.

in a millisecond, the guards are down and the bullets were away from you.

you smiled, making your way towards him and giving peter a high-five, “great work, twinks,”

he blushed, but a small frown on his face as charles and erik walked out without acknowledging him. logan smirked, patting him on the back, “thanks, kid.”

“c’mon,” you wrapped your arm around his waist, “how about that movie, now?”

as the rest of them boarded into the jet, you leaned against the car.

“peter, y/n, thank you very, very much,” charles said courteously, shaking peter’s hand, “you take care.”

charles looked at you and smiled, “do me a favor and return it for me,”

you grinned, catching the keys and going in the driver’s seat, “sure thing, charlie,”

peter scoffed in disbelief as you started the car, revving the engines to spite him.

“maximoff,” logan called, he patted down on his pockets for the envelope, but then realized that he’s got what he needs already, “open it with her, alright?”

peter blinked, “oh- uh yeah, sure,”

“come on, peter!” you beeped the car, and teased him, “mcdonald’s may be open 24/7, but i’m not willing to wait for you that long,”

“and peter?” logan added, “take it slow,”

peter chuckled, shaking his head as he got in the passenger’s seat. you waved goodbye at them and started to drive off.

“play some music, i’ve always wanted to sing obnoxiously loud in the car with you,” you said, flicking at the turning signals.

he connected the aux to your ipod and pressed shuffle play on yours and his playlist, another brick in the wall, pt. 2 by pink floyd started playing.

the both of you sang along (quite horribly), as you rolled down the windows, acting as if you didn’t just break into the pentagon, as if it was just the two of you and the rest of the world— how it should always be.

you lowered the volume, ordering by the drive-thru, and carefully parked the car.

you fiddled with the keys, turning the engine off but letting the music play as peter grabbed the takeouts and hopped on the hood of the car, you not too far behind.

you took a bite of your fries, and spoke up, “i know i’ve said it before but i really do think that you did amazing out there.”

he chuckled, “thanks, twinks. you did, too,”

“please,” you scoffed, “i barely did anything but be the moral support and the comic relief.”

he turned to look at you, but you were just watching the cars drive past you, “i don’t think i would’ve been all superhero-ey without you there, y/n,”

you smiled, “well, what kind of best friend would i be if i wouldn’t be there for you?”

the both of you chuckled humorlessly, because, oh, yeah, you were just best friends and nothing more. just secretly pining over each other and hoping that the other feels the same.

peter hummed, taking a sip of his soda before remembering what logan told him, “oh! hey, see. i knicked this from the big dude’s pocket,”

to y/n and peter

“huh,” you scooted over next to him and opened the envelope. in it was a photo booth picture of the both of you, but a bit older.

summer ‘83, peter and y/n

“hey, this is 10 years from now,” you pointed out. the two of you were smiling, plain and simple, but still adoring at the first one.

“how very y/n of us,” he joked.

“shut up,” you laughed, shoving him a bit.

in the second photo, peter had your cheeks squished in one hand, his eyes were crossed and his tongue out while your hand was raised as bunny ears behind his head.

“and how very peter of us,” you retorted, falling in love with the photo from the future.

in the third photo, your nose was scrunched up while you’re smiling as peter was kissing your cheek.

heat crept up on both of your faces, that’s fine, the both of you thought, friends kiss each other on the cheeks, too, right? purely platonic.

but the fourth photo had both of you choking on air. you and peter were kissing. like on the lips.

the both of you turned to look at each other but immediately avoided each other’s gazes as you were too flustered.

you cleared your throat, “well that’s…”

“yeah…” he muttered, “look, there’s a note at the back,”

just kiss already! and admit that you like each other so that you can finally watch a movie!

“oh,” you whispered, you looked at peter, “you, you like me, too?”

“i- well, yeah, for a long time now, actually,” he smiled softly, tucking a strand of your hair behind your ear.

“me, too,” you leaned in slowly as he did. and surely, your lips collided, all those years of mutual pining and shameless flirting came to a stop and a start of a new beginning for the both of you.

“so, how about the movie now?”

general taglist: @daltonacademia @inks-and-jinx @weasleyyy @oldschoolkiddo @accioweaslcy @inglourious-imagines @peterssweetpea @iwritesiriusly @fives-cup-of-coffee @just-here-to-escape-from-reality @band--psycho @marswilson24 @miraclesoflove @chokemepansy @spideyspixies @lolooo22 @justfangirlthingies @sw33tgirl @remugoodgirl @tatestripedsweater @gryffindorgirly @hellounicorn

marvel taglist: @marswilson24 @magicalxdaydream

#scheduled #peter maximoff #peter django maximoff #peter maximoff x reader #peter maximoff x you #peter maximoff x y/n #peter x reader #peter x you #peter x y/n #peter #maximoff #xmen #xmen dofp #peter maximoff fluff #peter maximoff imagine #peter maximoff oneshot #useramourtentiaa #tuserliane

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razorblade180 · 4 years ago

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Interdimensional Moms pt4

Part 3 here! <-

The tales had be interesting. The tales had even been emotionally gripping, yet all of them so far didn’t seem to register at the moment as Ruby’s teammates looked at her with the same excitement she used to give her own mother during story time. Ruby couldn’t help but give a little smile.

Ruby:I take it you’re ready for my turn? You do know it’s not exactly a sunshine and rainbows story, right?

Weiss:We figured as much, but....

Yang:You’re so different! From the moment you showed up I could just feel it in my gut. You have this...presence about you. Not to mention intsene confidence.

Blake:Yang is right. You said you beat your Salem when your seventeen. That’s...scary if I’m being honest. Such a drastic departure from any of our worlds.

Ruby:*red* Hehehe ummm I guess I’m just awesome? Really I don’t think it’s the most outstanding feat. At least by my worlds standards I suppose. I mean sure, I’m consider cream of the crop there too but there’s talented people and challenges all over that would put me through my paces still. I’m just...me.

Weiss:Sigh...honestly, I suppose that means our own skills must pale in comparison to our counterparts.

Ruby:Mmmm I wouldn’t say that for sure. My Yang would kill me if she heard this but there’s something about the one right here that has spark I dig.

Yang:Really?

Ruby:Uh huh. Can’t put my finger on it but I think you take her if you want it bad enough. As for Weiss....couldn’t tell ya. Haha, I know better than anybody to not underestimate the power of mother, and you pumped twins out.

Weiss:Not sure if those are pity points or real ones but thanks either way.

Blake:You don’t even have to tell me I’d lose. Just gave an entire story about me an my condition.

Ruby:Don’t feel too bad about it. I can’t imagine much reason for you two to fight for any reason. You’re both too reasonable to not reason with yourself.

Blake:Aw I’m touched.

Yang and Weiss:We aren’t....

Ruby:Hahaha I’m just saying! So, I guess I take things from the top like you all? From what I learned from all of you our Beacon experiences really are more or less the same, not counting certain interactions between a bookworm faunus and an adorkable blonde knight. Enrolled early, blew up the entrance, Weiss was rude, Yang ditched me, all the same beats.

Yang:There’s no super badass change like you beating Cinder the night of dance and making our entire lives easier?

Ruby:Ha! I wish I was that legit. No, I was very much the young girl tripping in heels that night. Vytal festival came around and was attacked, then Beacon fell. Pyrrha was lost and so was Penny. Difference being that was my last time seeing her, unlike Weiss’s story apparently.

Weiss:Yeah that...that’s a little bit of shock to be frank. Sorry.

Ruby:No worries. Not like you did anything and it was decades ago for me now. After that day is when I started to get a bit more serious I think. I had always taken being a huntress seriously and never slacked of in trying to live my dream. However, my perspective may have honed in on just how do or die life his when you’re the one choosing to walk into unknown danger. Team RNJR’s first and only mission, save the world!

Yang:Sub mission: Flirt with Jaune Arc.

Ruby:*blushing* We do not choose who we fall in love with it. But yes, that may have been a personal pseudo mission for me. He’s my first friend at Beacon for crying out loud and I you know.....thought he was cute then too.

WBY:Yeah that checks out.

Ruby:What does that mean!?

Weiss:Ruby, even my Ruby admits to finding Jaune attractive and having a crush on him back in the day.

Blake:Same.

Yang:I already went into enough detail on how my little sister feels about Jaune. Your just the reality where you pounced on the opportunity and never let go. Struck when the iron was hot and none of us were around; sly fox.

Ruby:Gee you make it sound underhanded. It isn’t like I intended to actively pursue him. Everyone was really sad and stressed traveling to Anima. There was a tension in the air. One that really strained us. I did my best to keep focus, but a leader is only as put together as team. Ren and Nora confided one another as usual and I tried being there for Jaune because seeing him emotionally shut down was rough; so I did my best to be there for him. Then...he ended up being there for me and I was the one who needed comfort. All the airing out and late nights just...led to....*red*

Blake: “Breaking the tension?”

Ruby:I guess that’s one way of putting it. We were lonely. I hid my feelings best I could under the veil of comfort in the moment. Not that needed to. He made it pretty clear that he wanted me in the same way I wanted him. I just the two of us were too scared to ask for promises we weren’t sure we could keep so we loved in the moments we could, so to speak.

Weiss:If it wasn’t under dire situations, all that sounds oddly romantic.

Ruby:Right!? Looking back at it makes the entire thing seem romantic but I definitely wouldn’t wish a similar experience on anybody! I guess it’s what I wished for when I fantasized huntress life huh? Things obviously got better along the way. Our relationship got a bit more serious right before we got to Haven. Then Tyrian and other crazy stuff happened that threw all of us into panic mode again before slowly getting better again by a lot.

Yang:We showed up?

Ruby:Bingo! You and Weiss, met Oscar, and then eventually Blake came back. Things were on the up and up.

Weiss:Uh, Haven attack?

Ruby:We lived, up and up. Yeah you got stabbed but you know...that’s not new I’m sure.

Weiss:Yeah I have the scar and I’m still little pissed.

Ruby:Valid. Anyways, so my Atlas experience was different as hell. There was no formation of Remnants armies like Weiss spoke of or even between two kingdoms like Blake. Yang, what happened yours again exactly?

Yang:Nonsense. Cinder showed up with lackeies but not Salem’s lackies. Those people showed up separately, then Adam came back from wherever the hell he- a lot! A lot of people showed up for different reasons but also the same reason and to be frank, we all almost got shot by the military for being in bases that quote unquote, “didn’t exist.”

Ruby:Man I wish we traded. That at least sounds crazy enough to be fun. Just a rollercoaster in the dark basically. My experience was probably as hectic, but also way more streamlined. We showed up, and then all hell broke loose. Specially a mass grimm invasion lead by Cinder and her annoying associates. We were there for about three weeks updating General Ironwood and getting our barrings together when it happened. I wanna call it a hit and run tactic but it was clearly planned in advanced. Mechs were hacked again, traitors in the military, grimm lying in wait before hand; it was chaos! All for the relic.

Blake:Who was the maiden?

Ruby:Never met her. By the time we got there, Ironwood was panicking because she had vanished, taken right from under his nose. It was some young girl apparently, really young. The attack on Beacon looked like child’s play to this. Mantle got attacked, grimm were on the chains, they tried dropping Atlas to the ground; all a diversion for a relic. We all should’ve died, and yet, we didn’t. Winter and Weiss weeded out traitors, huntsman and military held the line, Yang bested Hazel with Nora, Qrow and I cut down Tyrian! Ren, Blake and Jaune helped the kingdoms while Ironwood struck down Watts. Nobody was in the mood to die that day. There wasn’t gonna be another Beacon. By all means, we were pissed. Even Raven showed up of all people.

Yang:What!?

Ruby:You can’t attack a kingdom without the world knowing. Especially when traitors leak info. Honestly she came for you though, or she never left to begin with. Couldn’t tell ya. Thanks to Maria I had a bit more handling with my eyes. That helped a lot. Without them and Os-

She stopped herself, choking on the words. The zest and excitement of recalling the heroic feats of her friends dimmed slightly with her smile. Her joyful smile became bittersweet like the memory.

Ruby:Then there was Oscar, the real warrior on that flamed filled night. That battle had to have been three days at least. We were so driven, and so tired. I was tired, but Cinder, Neo, and the others with her at the time weren’t; always showing up at the worst time. I managed to push Cinder back in a fight but grimm and others still swarmed. We were at a point that grimm very well might’ve did us in and the villains didn’t have to push any harder. But Oscar changed that. Hehe, what’s it about country folk that makes people like him and I not hesitate to grit our teeth? That dork looked at me, gave me the biggest smile on the the steps to Atlas, and then he left. His hair went white as he twirled the cane and then he left, forever. Oz came out, and he left nothing to the imagination. “Limited magic” my butt. He obliterated grimm and made a barrier aroma Atlas while everyone else cleared Mantle long enough for the world to send reinforcements. Salem didn’t get the relic, but she got the maiden and thousands of casualties. Oscar being one of them. Also, Whitley....he was in critical condition for a very long time.

Weiss:What do you mean...critical condition?

Ruby:Everything happened so fast Weiss. Panic was high, buildings fell....a piece on him. I wasn’t there but when I eventually found you, you were nearly hysterical and banged up. By some miracle he lived even though we could not reach him and he did not get aid for awhile. We thought him dead. It was only after everything we learned somebody got him. Being rich never paid off more than with medical bills. Thanks to youth and medicine he can still walk, but he can only do so much before being tired. He also left Atlas. The cold hurts.

Weiss:So, I run the company because he can’t?

Ruby:I wouldn’t put it that way, but it was one of dozens of reasons that made that goal stronger for you. Relax though, both of you get plenty of time to be witty siblings like I told you earlier.

Weiss:I know. It’s just, I guess it’s hard imagining Whitley hurt like that. I don’t think I could handle it.

Ruby:You definitely teetered in the moment. Knowing that happened though probably gave you anger and grit to fight the entire battle. You were a beast. Scarier than Winter. Anyways, that hollow victory was a real wake up call for the world. They didn’t know about Salem and we never told society in earnest. Cinder and other conspirators were enough to make Remnant work together to boost defense. Relief went to places that needed it and I, became the face of hope. Haven, Argus, Atlas, even people from Vale got to chattering of a particular group of people who always seemed to answer the call for help. Then the towns in between chattered. Yours truly had been carving a name in the history books and was only gain popularity the moment I stepped into Vacou, alone.

Blake:Alone!?

Weiss:What!?

Yang:Where were we!!!!!?

Ruby looked at surprised faces around the table, smiling tenderly. She looked down her dress and pulled out the cross she wore around her neck. Her thumb traced its edges as her mind began wandering down an old path paved with emotions raw to the core.

Ruby:I’ve always felt different. Not just because of my eyes but that there was just...a certain spark that never stopped going off for as long as I remember. There are plenty of people who can’t bare to watch others suffer, but there are fewer people I believe that truly feel the agony of other people’s pain. Beacon, Haven, Atlas, Argus; there was no place I went that I didn’t see the faces of others lamenting, and I didn’t make me want to grieve. Atlas took so much out of all of you and I just felt so....driven to stop that ache. For everyone’s sake, but mine as well. I wanted the world to finally get to the happy ending. Enough trauma had be sowed for a hundred lifetimes, so I went on ahead of everyone. I never doubted you all would follow but I wanted to get ahead of the curve and take on as much of the suffering I could do others wouldn’t. If the world wouldn’t give me a miracle than I’d be it myself for everyone else.

Yang:That’s suicidal! Salem wanted you specifically!

Ruby:It’s not like I went marching up to her door and said “1v1 bitch, I’m here” no, I just chose to move forward quicker than what we were all doing. Believe me, all of you were upset when you caught up, after I had already saved Vacou. *smiles* I really like that place. I told the people it was the next target and all they did was double down on pushing back. I managed to pin down the Summer maiden before the villains and thanks with the city on alert, there wasn’t a shift in the sand that didn’t go unnoticed. I got the jump on Mercury and Emerald, personally paying them back. Can’t say I didn’t enjoy it. It didn’t take long before they realized how screwed they were with them being outed like this and Cinder having the nerve to retreat before hand. Both of them threw in the total, outing the plan against Vacou. A wipeout of a win. Not to mention they told me the location Salem’s little hiding hole.

Weiss:We missed all of that?

Ruby:That’s what happens when I leave in the dead of night and running on adrenaline. Like I said before, people were tired. As much as all of you wanted to hoof it, other’s were relying on you. Atlas almost dropped for gods sake. Eventually when you all caught up it was at a good time. Soloing was rewarding but difficult. Fortunately Sun, Neptune, Ilia, and a few other familiar faces were close by if I needed an extra set of hands. My little stunt earned the anger of everyone for awhile.

WBY:Yeah no shit...the leader left.

Ruby:Yang was the most upset, followed by Uncle Qrow, and you Weiss. I was ready for the blowback. Jaune and Nora saw me though and bursted into tears. Hehe, wasn’t ready for that. Felt terrible and cried back. To prevent that stunt again, my Yang convinced Raven to link me. A couple days of apologizing and rest smoothed things over. It also gave time for just a few close friends and colleagues to get together for an assault on Salem’s castle. A few were apprehensive about it at first but at the end of the day I was going. That attitude was infectious apparently. You guys, actually everybody, they started getting this hunger to end it all. Maybe it was the high of victory? Regardless, it sent me racing to the end with those that I loved most.

Yang:You’re a real “my way or the highway” kind of Ruby. I don’t get how that explains what made you so...elite.

Ruby:I’m not sure what to say. A fight needed to to fought so I fought it. A cry for help was heard so I ran to it. A grimm needed slaying so I slayed it. People needed me to win so I didn’t dare think of losing. Dying was never option, even when it stared me right into my eyes. I had things I wanted to do and people I wanted see for years to come. I guess...I am strong because of the fact I want things my way. A moment I’m not giving it 110% is a moment wasted. After all, a huntress is all I ever wanted to be.

A single dream she wanted since birth. The never ending desire to be the hero in stories told to her many nights ago. That’s all it ever was. That’s all it’s ever been. Even in meadow of beautiful red roses, one would be the rose that captured the eyes of many, that bloomed stronger than the rest. As simple as it was, that had to be the answer here. Weiss, Yang, and Blake were in front of that flower. The Ruby Rose that simply bloomed stronger than the rest. The one that clung to her dream as if letting go meant dying itself. The devotion was inspiring, yet also overwhelming. If this was Ruby they had lead them that day in the Emerald Forest, could they have kept up? Could she be the leader they followed? No, they couldn’t have. Something deep down inside them gave them that answer. No matter how she looked and how much she loved, this Ruby Rose was cut from a cloth they simply weren’t off. The same as others, but oh so different.

Weiss:You’re....kinda a monster, you know that right?

Yang:Seriously, I’m so...floored. It’s intimidating.

Blake:Not to mention humbling. I used to think I gave it all I had. Now I’m not so sure.

Ruby:Oh don’t be like that you three! You’re all living proof there was more than way to go about life, this war! Everything you gave was enough because you’re done with it! Nobody failed. Besides, I...am far from ideal. The assault was challenging. Getting around hoards of grimm and making it to Salem was hell made real. Neo tried taking another shot at me but Yang held her off with help. Everyone pushed the obstacles in front of me out of the way as I went to Salem herself. Cinder had been abandoned by her and stripped of a lot of her powers. Angry and desperate, she tried killing me again as a way to prove worth. I beat her. However, I let her walk away.

Yang:What!? Why would-

Ruby:Naive, I was...naive okay? She was all spent and though I hated her, I just couldn’t. Not when I looked into her eyes and saw that same hunger I had to claw and scream at my dream until it was in my hands die inside her. We both knew from this point on there was absolutely nothing she could do where this ends her way. All she worked for turned burned to ash. So I gave her the choice to not burn up with it. Cinder swallow her pride and then fled. A part of me couldn’t help but rationalize killing her didn’t solve or justify any of my beliefs or desires. It would’ve done it because I hated her like she hated me. That was the dumb logic of a seventeen year old who never quite learned to take things slow.

Blake:....I don’t think it’s dumb. Naive for sure, but maybe that’s good? Even my Ruby, she never wanted to act on hate. She didn’t. Salem lives.

Weiss:Mine sent her soul to be at piece instead of passing a cruel judgment.

Yang:As a person who’s seen what you looked like with nothing but vengeance inside, I can say it doesn’t fit you. Before that day you had a warmth inside you to even foes that were somewhat admirable. You chose to leave Cinder’s fate up to those who had that hate and Salem was undone by her own doing at the very end. That’s what really makes you special Ruby. That’s why you’re called an honest soul. Good will is your nature.

Ruby:....Hmm, you sure know how to butter me up. *scratches head* I guess that part of me is uni-I mean multiversal. Strangely, that makes me feel better, to a degree.

Weiss:Do we even have to ask what happened to Salem at this point? I doubt the story ends with you loosing and having to retreat.

Ruby:Who’s to say it doesn’t? I could’ve been beaten to death before the gods themselves descended down to revive me with awesome power.

Yang:....Did you?

Ruby:Wh-No! Haha, I made her an immortal statue.

Blake:I-It was that easy?

Ruby:Well I wouldn’t call rushing into hell’s castle easy, or Salem. I lit her up at least a dozen times. My head pounded from each use, I was tossed around a bunch, magic is annoying, and not to mention running out of ammo. I left nothing to the imagination in that fight. If it were easy then I wouldn’t be rooting my horn and my age doing it. I was so tired I blacked out afterwards. I woke days later with a sore body and the title of “Remnant’s Savior.” Apparently beating Salem had weakened the grimm everywhere and all of you made sure who was to be thanked for it. That’s the tale of how I saved the world with my friends. Love, trust, elbow grease, and a lot of bullets. Before the final battle, Ozpin had struck a deal with everyone involved. In return for saving the world, he’d cut ties with us.

Yang:Seriously? What brought that about!?

Ruby:Good or not, he lied and was a schemer. Sure I was gonna try to save the world regardless of his interference but there wasn’t a person alive that didn’t to finally take a step towards the future after all this. All of us finally had time chase dreams and help the world the way we wanted to before all of this. Blake begin mending hate, Weiss took back her company, if Yang wasn’t with Blake then she was seeking more answers to Raven on wild adventures.

Yang:You mean Raven still left after all that!?

Ruby:In her defense, both of you made everything fucking awkward when she was around. It’s like you both wanted to talk about something but knew any subject was a land mine so you all you ever did was...stare, like weirdos. Glad that’s in the past. She just lives with dad now and you two now to hold a conversation. I dare not ask for more. I’d be a granny by the time I did.

Yang:Sigh...I don’t know what I expected. Shit it the fan several times and children were born before mom and I found solidarity and understanding. What did you do afterwards? Your goal was already met.

Ruby:Like hell it was! I started busting my butt traveling around the world, visiting every place to help in anyways I could. Ren and Nora tagged along for awhile before going off to make an orphanage in Anima near Ren’s old village. That left Jaune and I to do our hero thing.

Yang:As well as other things....

Ruby:Hey, what can I say? We were young and going up in the world. By the time I was nineteen, I was now a married to my partner and best friend.

Weiss:Uhhhh-

Ruby:He’s my partner on RNJR and you’re my BFF, gosh did I really need to explain that hehe?

Weiss:I just had to make sure. Crazier twists could happen.

Blake:Wow you married young. Not that there’s a problem but I’m surprised. Then again you also dated earlier than my Ruby. Hehe, weapons were on her brain for a long time.

Weiss:No kidding. When I learned about you crushing on my brother I was shocked to find out you liked anybody in general. Especially a person who isn’t a weapon nut in the slightest.

Ruby:*shrugs* All you’re telling me is I’m clearly the most impatient or impulsive Ruby you all know. Don’t know how that happened. Maybe I was dropped as a baby or had one too many coffees growing up?

Weiss:I’m willing to bet it’s both.

Ruby:Ruuuuude. So yeah, that’s...the story of how I saved the world and married Jaune. We even built a home just outside Vacou, overlooking the kingdom and neighboring town in the distance where Maria grew up. Yeah, that’s me....more or less. All the triumphant parts anyways. Anything later on is......

.......

Blake:R...Ruby? You okay?

Ruby:Nope, not really. *clenches cross*

Yang:......You know, I never really got religion, especially after learning the truth. It just seemed completely hollow when you learn of the real gods, ya know? However, I changed my tune a bit after being a parent and then some more when uncle Qrow died. It was never really about the truth behind if those other gods were real-

Ruby:It’s the piece of mind in believing in a better place for loved ones and having people watch over you. It’s truly based on blind faith in every sense but that’s okay as long as it gives peace of mind, to stay strong. Yeah....that’s why I wear this.

Yang:If that’s the “why” then I guess the unavoidable question is what happened?

The reaper leaned back in his chair, letting out a long sigh. Ruby brushed her hair out of her face while her face went pale. Then, Ruby’s eyes, her teammates watched a pair of stunning silver eyes dim, becoming akin to a clouded mirror.

Ruby:Being a huntress was all I wanted. The plan of having a family and settling down never appealed to me much. I feel, I felt like being in the field was where I was meant to be. It’s where I was most myself in a way. So the day I learned that I was pregnant was more than a little upsetting and terrifying, until dad and time itself filled me with the most genuine joy I may have ever experienced. Dustin Arc Rose, my first born son. He opened a door to a world and life I never knew I wanted to be apart of. Then...that door was shut minutes after, when Cinder and Neo stole him right from my arms. I couldn’t do a single thing about it other than blackout. That single act of good will I showed, it did nothing but kill me inside. The same way I did to her.

WB:.....

Yang:Ru-Ruby....your eyes.

Ruby:Hmm? Are they clouded? Funny, I would’ve thought your Ruby would’ve had a similar change. Maybe that’s a world exclusive thing, or a testament to the will you Ruby has to endure. Clouded eyes on a silver eyed warrior means the person has lost the desire or rather the mindset of persevering life. Be it their own life or wanting to end another’s life out of resentment, strife. My entire world fell apart when I woke up and learned nobody was able to retrieve Dustin. I was in pieces, Jaune was broken, nobody was the same. There wasn’t a soul we didn’t know that hadn’t tried to find a lead, but we never did. He was just...gone; and I couldn’t cope at all.

Weiss:I don’t think any mother could. Ruby, I’m so sorry that happened to you.

Ruby:I’m sorry too. I lashed out in anger, and shut people out. My eyes clouded and I dove into my work for a little over a year doing nothing but searching aimlessly as I took and every job back to back. The more time went by meant the more people eventually had to go back to their own, and it drove me up a wall inside. No one could reach me. I didn’t want anybody to. Not even Jaune. I....*teary eyed* I left him alone in house. There was no part of me that could even attempt to understand his pain because I was drowning in mine. I was told he tried his best to catch them at the hospital. I never hated him for not succeeding but I...he... I just, I can’t. I don’t know what I thought. All o knew was I didn’t even want him to touch me. How cruel is that? *hugging herself* I made him drown in despair in the same way I was. I wasn’t home so often that I never realized he eventually left it abandoned to live with dad. Yang and Blake I didn’t even show up to your wedding. Jaune did that much. Hell, Raven attended. Ruby Rose as a person didn’t exist any more. I was only a wandering huntress looking for answers or the challenge that might’ve ended me.

Blake:What changed?

Ruby:Oz, he did what nobody else dared to do. He fought me. I don’t think he thought twice about it. He was prepared to accept all the anger I kept inside until I eventually broke down into tears like I’m trying not to do right now. Thinking about that time is still, extremely difficult. Oz let me lament, encouraging me afterwards to finally except the fact Dustin was gone and that I needed to process it properly. First I went to you Yang, in order to have a my big sis to lean on. Can you guess how that went?

Yang:With me holding you tighter than I ever had before.

Ruby:*smiles gently* I don’t deserve you. You and Blake then came to patch with me where everyone else waited for me and helped me face Jaune. That may have been the hardest thing I’ve done. Grieving or not, the fact that I left him in such a state. I know what that does to people firsthand and yet I left. For the first time in over a year we embraced and finally grieved together. The next two years were spent trying to heal and cope. During my time away the world had fully acknowledged me. I even got a proper nickname, but it all felt hollow. Imagine that, achieving your dream but not caring? If that’s not salt in a wound then I don’t know what is.

Weiss:What’s your title?

Ruby:I am the person people want to see when evil comes to cut their story short. I am a symbol that their tale still has more to tell. Remnant has named me The Storyteller. Curtsey of Maria, who spread the name around. Healing was slow and most nights I felt a pain in my heart, but then everything changed. One moment made me dare to try again to open that shut door in my life. *looks at Yang* I held your son in my arms. Sweet little Kovu.

Blake:*smiles* Kovu? Now I wonder who named him?

Yang:*red* Huh...how about that? Hehehe, wish I could meet him. I know he isn’t technically mine but I can’t help but feel all warm now. Also I can’t believe I named him that!

Weiss:I can. Veronica’s middle name is Nala.

Yang:Okay, maybe not marrying Blake was a win? Clearly I can’t be trusted to not name my children after other cats.

Blake:The wrong kind of cat too. I’m a panther faunus, not a lion. Even if they’re blonde that’s still false advertising of what they are.

Ruby:Well Yang was the one giving birth so you lost a majority of the option to complain.

Blake:That is fair.

Weiss:You gave birth to Vee, so I think that solves who picked her first name.

Ruby rested her head in her propped up hands that rested on the table. She felt exhausted reliving that chapter of her life mentally. Still she managed to smile, then smile bigger. Her eyes unclouded and a warm feeling filling her again. What Ruby said earlier about what made her different may have reign true, but her friends could since that there was now more to it. Ruby had spiraled into an unimaginable tragedy, yet was able to bounce back thanks to loved ones. To smile as she does, it was truly a strong sight to see. Even if she wasn’t fully aware of that.

Ruby:Carmine Arc Rose, my second born and the first child to call me mommy. Followed many years later by itty bitty Garnet. He’s my little man, five years old while is big sis is seventeen now.

Yang:Damn! That’s a gap. Oh, also congratulations. Almost forgot that part. I’m glad you got to be the super awesome mom that-

Ruby:I am easily C-teir.

Yang:Oh come on! What!?

Ruby:Listen, I know I got on you all for calling yourselves bad parents, but I will hear no debate about me understand!? I flop a lot of times.

Weiss:That doesn’t make you a C-teir. That makes you a new mom, silly.

Ruby:*grumbling* I agree to disagree but thank you. It’s just a lot okay. Too much to dive into honestly.

Blake:Summarize. Give us an abbreviated version.

Ruby:Ummm so Carmine is real special kid. The absolute love I have for her is unbreakable but gods damnit if she isn’t the most... “me” I could be! In a way similar yet different from myself, Carmine has always had this sense of urgency in her and a love for the world around her. She recognizes that it’s a fragile piece we have and just how hard I’ve worked with everyone to make it. I could tell that from her when she was five. I’d sound crazy, but the fact she used her eyes at the age proves I’m not.

Yang:She has silver eyes!? Why didn’t you bring that up?

Ruby:I thought that was obvious. All of my kids were born with then. Unlike her baby brother though, Carmine was a weird little kid. She didn’t socialize well. Still doesn’t, she’s kinda comes off rude and cold because of her bluntness. She doesn’t really express all her feelings or understand others fully. One might call her a little cold but the passion she had to protect life itself is a testament to how much she cares. Carmine is also a genius fighter. To put in perspective, people use the same nickname for her that they used for Pyrrha.

WBY:Oh....

Ruby:Yeah! It’s not hyperbolic to say ever since Carmine is far beyond any skill I was at her age since she turned thirteen. You called me a monster earlier but no, I merely gave birth to a beast. I mean she could pass the huntsman exam at fifteen if I didn’t make her wait. I can’t call her arrogant, she talks with confidence because she has that right by all means. Still, besides her face, that’s where the similarities start separating; besides terrible grades in general stuff. We’ve never been in step completely. To put simply in her own words, “What I am is a hero, while she is a huntress.” That good will and mercy I try to give everyone isn’t how she rolls. It drives a real wedge that has resulted in us not going on missions together.

Blake:Is she...killing?

Ruby:She has before, and it had valid reasons entirely, but I also know for a fact she is more than capable of bringing down people without taking that step. Not all cases are that intense thank goodness. Her overall aggressiveness is the root of the problem. You don’t have to put you back into it when handling thugs. They aren’t Hazel.

Yang:Ooo okay, yeah I’m seeing what you mean now. It’s like that one comic you always read!

Ruby:Sigh...yeah she channels a bit of Batman energy and I need her to not do that all the time. I suppose being an honest soul isn’t particularly hereditary. It always feels like we aren’t enjoying each other’s company these days. I can’t blame her though. So....you know how all of you have had one serious problem that has both destabilized yourself as well as the kids and their relationship to you? *clouded eyes*

Weiss:Wait...you loosing a child wasn’t that?

Ruby:Oh it was. It just so happened that it never ended. It grew day by day. Night by night. Jaune and I were cautious with Carmine. Going as far to give her contacts and giving birth to her off the record and not at a hospital. Just in case Cinder came back. Well, Cinder and Neo came back, with my Dustin.

Nobody said anything. What do you even say to that!? All they did was let out a stifled breath and tried to gauge Ruby’s look of guilt.

Ruby:Yet again we had gotten too comfortable. It happened when Carmine was thirteen. I don’t think Garnet was even one yet. That’s when the cruelest realization hit me. My son had been alive and hearing about how his so called mother being a person who saves everyone, yet she never came for him. She had moved on, letting his eyes become clouded with such seething hate for the world she did save; the children she had after. It’s been four years since the day he attacked Carmine and helped grimm try to invade Vacou. To this day it’s been a life of staying on gaurd, searching for them as they popped up countless places to tear Remna- to tear me down and I can’t decide what part hurts the most. The amount of anger that prevents me from killing Cinder in a blink of an eye, or looking at my daughter who has told me herself that she is going to kill her older brother because I’m too weak to do so. That I’m in no way as good as the world believes me to be. *puts hood up* Like I said, C-teir mom, at best.

Blake:That’s- you can’t- there’s no way for you to reach him? Maybe if you-

Ruby:He looks at me the same way Neo and Cinder do, Blake. They raised him to hate me. Besides, he hurt Carmine. She’s just not gonna let that slide and frankly I shouldn’t either. Carmine acts tough and for the most part is, but gets terrified like everyone else. In many ways she’s still just a young girl that I wish had never chosen to become a huntress. If I had it my way she’d just be a normal girl with normal knees; but her mother’s weakness and inexperience wrapped her up in yet another war. It’s ironic. I barely remember mom and yet I ended up putting my family in very similar situation as if she lead instruction. Happy endings, I’m not sure if I get-

Yang:You’re better than mom....

Ruby:......

Yang:Yeah I said. Look I love Summer Rose but at the end of the day she wasn’t around, not that she didn’t want to be, but it’s the truth. Several years of pleasant childhood memories and a lifetime of grief is what she left me, and all you got were tales you should’ve experienced first hand. Ruby you have spent seventeen years loving your daughter unconditionally and being there for her no matter if it’s for better or worse. Yeah you might not being doing it perfectly and I have no idea how to even fathom your predicament, but at least you are there trying. Take it from me, that’s all a daughter ever wants from their mother. It’s also what makes a pretty kick ass dad. *smiles* Chin up, hero. Your story isn’t over yet after all.

Silence filled the air and Ruby’s throat ran dry. Ruby pulled out her scroll to go to her pictures and displayed one of her favorite photos for everyone to see. It was Carmine’s fifteenth birthday. Ruby didn’t lie about the resemblance. the girl had short blonde hair that stopped halfway down her neck in the back and was longer in the front, reaching shoulders. Like her mother, the tips of her hair transitioned to red. The beautiful young woman tried to her hide her smile but her gleeful silver eyes were practically twinkling with joy as Ruby hugged her tightly from behind and a tall, more solid version of Jaune was smushing one of Carmine’s cheeks with an overly dramatic kiss to it. A tiny child no older than three at most was in his big sister’s arms. Garnet had his mother’s hair and eyes but something about the chubby face definitely showed Jaune’s features. The child had red frosting on his face and was reaching eagerly for more cake somewhere out of frame.

Yang noticed the girl took page from her father and wore some regular cargo shorts, but clearly didn’t lack flair by wearing a red crop top that showed off a fresh tattoo of the Arc crest on her toroso. Knowing her sister, that tattoo was most likely practical. The family looked happy, proud; and the mother of it currently sat across the table crying with her head face down in her hands cwhile Weiss and Blake hugged her from each side. Roses may have thorns, anyone who knew roses knew a simple truth. They’re still fragile flowers.

Yang:(Carmine Arc Rose. For you and your mother’s sake, I hope things go well)

xxxx

Though Carmine seemed cold by nature, people were quick learn the opposite. The most recent learner of this was a scared little girl that held on for dear life. It was nighttime, nothing but the sound of pouring rain and the distant glow of red and the warmth of Carmine holding the girl against her body while she sprinted through a mud ridden forest. The little payed no attention to the pain in her side, but the glow of roses, eyes, and flames through her tear filled eyes.

Beowulves chased frantically but then severed immediately by something the girl couldn’t understand, but it looked like the person carrying her. The dead beasts brought no comfort. Not when more followed close behind.

Girl:I-I’m sc...scared!

Carmine:Don’t look at them sweetie, it’ll be fine. Just keep being a brave little girl.

Girl:M...Mommy was back there.

Carmine:.....I know, she’ll be just fine. Your village, there are plenty of people there that will be just fine! Huff..... You got a name?

Mary:Mary.....

Carmine:Oh that’s a beautiful name, Mary. You know I was almost a Mary? Yeah my grandma was a really amazing person and I almost got named something similar to her. Mary is a very strong name!

Mary:You’re a liar! I’m sad, not strong. I want my mommy! Everything his dark and hurts and I want her!

The girl began painfully crying as Carmine followed her trail of roses to avoid getting lost. Things were getting worse. The storm raged and she could feel this girl burning in her arms. Not to mention the unsettling warmth the mixed with the cold rain against her body and dripped to puddles below. Any grimm near by could only be dealt with by many copies of her nearby, but that would only go so far when fear was out full force. Carmine’s boots felt like cement, but she still ran.

Carmine:Mary, you know what do when I miss my mommy? I sing! Yeah, my mom sings the best lullabies that made me feel super strong when I was little! It’s a magic song that makes everyone strong. How about I sing it you and they can sing it your mommy later okay!? But you have to close your eyes to really focus on the words!

Mary:*sniffling* Okay....

Baby deathstalkers swarmed the path made ahead as small Nevermores dove at her. Out of options, Carmine broke from the path, trying to rely on memory to go towards the safe zone while also singing lyrics to her favorite song.

Dream of anything; I'll make it all come true.

Everything you need is all I'll have for you~

Carmine never wavered. No matter how badly her lungs her or nearly slipped, she kept singing all the way to her destination where several other clones were seen racing towards with more civilians to injured or young to go themselves. An orphanage where Nora and Ren stood outside rushing people in while Jaune was keeping the grimm at bay. The sight brought a little ease.

Don't worry, I've got you; nothing will ever harm you.

I'm close by, I'll stay here; through all things, I will be near~

Carmine finally reached Nora and passed off the girl who’s grip weakened overtime. A few lyrics in and Carmine knew she was singing mainly for herself.

Carmine:Get her medical attention! I’m gonna go and find more! There’s still-

Jaune:Wait, it’s too dangerous!

Carmine:I know! That’s why I have to go! That fire is spreading and there’s stragglers pinned down! Dad.....I’m pinned down!

Jaune tensed up and looked at Carmine. No scraps on her and her clothes only soiled by others. It didn’t take long to realize. The man resisted the urge to run out to the ruined town and stood firmly.

Jaune:Carmine...end it. We’ll worry about the consequences later.

Carmine:....Okay.

Across the woods amongst the flames the real Carmine stood bleeding and bruised in front of two Beringel that charged over the vanishing corpses of their fallen with more grimm, her sword stabbed into the ground supporting her weight. Behind all living people that remained finally managed to flee. All except for a woman trapped by house debris. The woman watched this young huntsman stand proudly again. She wasn’t sure what happened next. All she heard was one sentence.

“Close your eyes...” before everything went white. Next thing she knew, Carmine was lifting debris off her as rain and wind washed away any evidence. A relief she didn’t care about in the slightest. She neither had the strength, or the time too. Much like Carmine, who began to pant and teeter. It was clear to the woman that whatever just happened didn’t come without cost as she watched the girl fall to her knees. Though she tried moving, Carmine was spent.

Carmine:Don’t worry...we’re safe....let’s-

Woman:Go...

Carmine:Huh?

Woman:I...my legs. Everything...I can’t move. Just go. I d-don’t think I’d las-

Carmine:Don’t talk like that! The hard parts over! I can-

Woman:Barely walk. *smiles* It’s okay. I don’t blame you. You fought hard.

Carmine:.....I...I’m sorry. *teary eyed*

Woman:Say, I know that face anywhere. Your Lady Rose’s kid. Funny, I thought your eyes were red? My daughter, Mary, she loves your mother. Makes me kinda jealous hehe, but hey I love her too. *crying* Do you know if Mary made it? She was wearing-

Carmine:A black dress, pink ribbons in her hair...

Woman:Yes! Is she safe? I saw you- one of you carry her off.

Carmine:...She’s just fine.

Woman:Good. That’s all....that.....

The woman never finished her sentence. Carmine’s body fell limp on the ground, facing the rain. Even with the cold downpour she could feel the warmth of her own tears, containing her emotions best she could as she looked through her clones eyes to watch Nora take Mary away from the survivors and out of sight to not stir further panic.

Carmine wasn’t sure how long she layed there, but it was long enough for Jaune to find her. The man didn’t say a word. The town was in shambles. Grimm were still fading and his daughter looked tired, but not in serious condition. Unlike the those who didn’t make it. Jaune put Carmine in his arms, carrying her away to safety.

Carmine:......Does mom ever save them all?

Jaune:No, but that never stops her from trying; or mourning.

She clenched her father’s shirt and let herself be fragile, to be a Rose.

Carmine:Next time. Mom and I, we’ll both get it right next time. A happy ending for all!

Jaune:Yeah, I know you will. Together....

#rwby #rwby au #the void #jaune arc #ruby rose #weiss schnee #yang xiao long #blake belladonna #carmine arc rose #rwby rosebud #rwby lancaster

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hongnanglen-arina · 4 years ago

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The Ulzzang Project - Part 2 | Jeon Wonwoo

Read part 1 Read part 3

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Genre:

Fluff, crack (maybe explicit content in the next chapters)

Pairing: Jeon Wonwoo x female reader

Warnings: none, just a smirk here and there ;)

Words: 2.7k

A/N: Hello there! Here’s part 2 and I just wanted to thank everyone who had liked my work so far :3 I’d be more than happy to know your thoughts about this part too hehe. Oh and it’s not over yet so watch out for a part 3 somewhen in the next days/weeks. As always, excuse my grammar - also because I didn’t re-read this part ugh.... ♡

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After uni, you went back home to get rid of your notebook and papers. Finally your backpack wasn't heavy anymore and you could fill it with stuff you would need later. A soft knock on your door interrupted you, it was your mother. "Do you want to try some of the avocado salad that i made? It's really good you know?" Smiling, your eyes wandered around your room. "I'll join you after I'm done here, mom. Maybe in 10 minutes." She left your door with a happy 'okay', leaving you alone again.

On your way back home, you thought about what to prepare for later. On your list were cute clothes and nail polish. First you wanted to bring some makeup as well but when you remembered that you wouldn't reveal much of your face anyways so there was no use. Nail polish could deliver a more sophisticated vibe? Elegant? .... sexy? You had different possibilities for photos in your head. Like wrapping your arms around your best friend or covering his eyes with your hands. Your dark red nail polish could be a great addition to it. There were a lot of cute clothes in your wardrobe. You didn't want to bring everything with you since you would need different pieces for the next days and photos but there was also a chance to take more photos in advance so you could relax in between - or plan more if it fails.

On your way out of the room, you saw a bunch of pastel hair clips and ties that you quickly threw inside your bag.

Walking over to your mother, you sat down across her and looked at your plate in awe. "Wow mom! You should definitely open a youtube channel or write a book with your recipes.. or make an instagram account with your food! It looks amazing!" Your mother giggled at your comment. But you meant it. The way your mother placed the salad on the plate and decorated it with little tomatoes to make it more colorful, you didn't want to destroy it with your fork. And the way the avocado was cut and twisted like a rose on top of the mixed salad. "Is it as good at it seems?" Your question caused your mother to pout slightly. "Of course! If not, even better! You will see!"

And it really was. Not that it was a big surprise to you. Your mother was a great cook, a great baker, a great improviser. Just an all rounder and you often asked yourself what you had inherited because besides making simple dishes, you failed at all the other things your mother could do without breaking a sweat.

„Do you have plans today?"

"Yup!" You answered while chewing.

"Are you going to sleep at Wonwoo's place again?"

"Yup!"

"Ah, you guys seem very close. I love it!"

"We have some kind of project going on so we have to spend more time together."

"If that's even possible. When are you going to move in with him?"

You choked on a slice of avocado. "What?!"

"I mean you can be honest with me, dear. You know I would be overly happy if you guys end up together. Oh my god that would be perfect!"

"Mom, stop dreaming. He's my bestie. I'm his bestie. I laughed at him when in kindergarten a girl punched out his canine and he laughed at me when I puked all over our high school teacher. I could never ever date someone who knows that much embarrassing stories about me. Never!"

Your mother looked at you with more determination in her eyes. "But don't those memories make it even better? Being old and grumpy and laughing about stories like that? Or looking at photos and remembering the good old times?" She clapped her hands excitedly but you just rolled your eyes. Your parents would try to get you two together until the very end it seemed.

Awaiting a response from you, you felt the familiar tension rising up and this was the perfect time to leave before the discussion about you dating her best friend's son would continue forever, resulting in you being too late at Wonwoo's place.

Ignoring your mother's complains and whines, you quickly finished your dish and ran to the door, sliding into your converse before leaving the apartment with a 'see you tomorrow, mom. I love you'.

Wonwoo's apartment wasn't too far away. Just 3 stops away that you two often walked the short distance whenever the weather was good or you weren't in a hurry. Right in the middle of the way was a little park where you sometimes meet up in the middle of the night to talk about things that bothered you or just to get ice cream. But if the weather was too bad, a phone call would do instead.

Sometimes you were wondering what would be different if Wonwoo and you had feelings for each other. If you two would be attracted to each other. Would your friendship change that much or would it stay the same? Just with the additional couple stuff?

After picking up some burritos from your favorite restaurant, you entered Wonwoo's apartment complex and not long after, you were ringing his doorbell. As if he had been waiting for you, the door opened almost immediately.

"Yo! I got us food! You hungry?"

"You know me too well."

He waved you inside and half an hour later, you two were laying on the couch, your head resting on his lap while his long fingers played with your hair, music playing in the background.

"So, I guess the food wasn't what you meant with urgent, right?"

You looked up at him with a sour face, causing him to chuckle. "Okay okay miss, please don't bury my body in a moldy backyard with your gaze. So.. you want more photos?"

"Yes."

"Do you know what kind of photos you want?"

"Yes."

"Do we need a lot?"

"Yes."

"Will this take a long time so you are going to sleep here?"

"Yes."

"Everything's telling me that you missed me."

"Ye- what? Oh wait..." You propped yourself up, facing him. "Where were you when I sent the text?"

"Mh? I was with Dokyeom and Chan. Chan had troubles with the kids from that other school again so Dokyeom wanted to help. Actually a good plan if you ask me but they ended up being bullied together... so your man had to help."

"My man? Tsk, you wish."

"Is hero better?"

"Worse."

Wonwoo pushed his bottom lip out, giving you a puppy look. "Oh Wonwoo, please stop."

"Tell me I did good and I will."

"Disgusting!"

Turning around so he was now facing your back, he moved closer to you, grabbing and shaking your shoulders in an attempt to convince you. “Pretty please?? Come on, y/n."

You sighted loudly. "Man... alright. You helped our friends so of course you did good."

He cocked his head a bit and stopped the shaking, thinking about your words before nodding satisfied. He knew you well enough to get what he wanted.

Readjusting himself, he leaned back, arms extended over the backrest in both directions. "So is the little lady now up for the sexy photos?" His cocky way to look and talk to you made you gag. You hit his chest and pointed at him. "I told you, I won't do that with you. I wanted to take cute photos so I brought a bunch of clothes and stuff!"

Wonwoo gave your backpack a curious look. "A bunch of clothes... you're staying the night.. where is your stuff for uni then?"

His question was followed by silence. You really forgot that you had to go to uni again. All the thoughts about your new Instagram page made you forget the important stuff you need for a living. How could you forget?! Now you have to get up earlier tomorrow so you can get your stuff from home. You are so stupid!

"You are so stupid!" Wonwoo spoke your thoughts out loud and facepalmed you softly with a chuckle. You just sighted with a defeated expression. „You know, you are really smart y/n but only when you want to. And that doesn’t happen often. Bestie speaking.“ Your nose scrunched with a scoff. You were more than thankful to have such a good friend like Wonwoo but you often felt the urge to hit him with an iron bat for his honesty.

But before you would dwell in self-pity or would smash something real hard against his head - because he knew that expression on your face - Wonwoo stood up and got your bag, changing the topic. "Let's start with the photos then before you get sleepy."

—

4 hours later, you two had enough. What started off with easy-going selfies with laughter and bickering, quickly turned into a competition between the two of you. Of course you took the much needed photos for your Instagram page but in between you halfway forgot about it and having a better selfie than Wonwoo was suddenly all that counted. The goal was to get the other to surrender, which wasn’t easy. Neither of you wanted to lose and because you had known each other for over a decade, you knew almost all sides of the other. There was nothing that could shock you or surprise you. That’s what you thought.

Because somewhere after 10 pm, Wonwoo suddenly announced his plan to take a shower and you thought nothing was wrong with that. Little did you know, that he was going to take photos there. So while you were comfortable on the couch with a bowl of snacks in your lap, you scrolled through the new bunch of photos. You even created several folders. ’IG me’, ‘IG Wonu’, ‘IG cute’ and ‘IG others’. Today was all about being cute although there were quite a few times when neither Wonwoo or you liked the others ideas. For example, you wanted to take a photo of Wonwoo fixing your shoe laces because you had seen a lot of other people doing that but he thought it was a stupid idea to do it at home. It would look fake, he said. And you had agreed. You made a mental note to take this photo the next time you were outside. Or Wonwoo suggested that he could place his hand on your bare thigh and take a photo just because he wanted to ‘spice it up a little’. You made him stop with an extra hard punch on his arm though. You weren’t able to count how often you had to remind him that you only wanted cute and innocent photos.

Trying to choose one for today’s evening post, you smiled at the photos of him struggling to make you a fishtail braid. He had studied several videos of tutorials and even worked on your hair while a video was playing but he failed so hard that you took nearly 100 photos of it. Thanks to the nearby mirror, you were able to take them without revealing too much of your identity.

You heard how the bathroom door unlocked and saw Wonwoo leave it seconds after, dressed in dark pajama pants and a plain white t-shirt, with one hand rubbing a towel through his hair, with the other typing on his phone. ‘What an all-rounder’, you snorted under your breath, thinking to yourself that he must be the only man who could multi-talk even though this ability ended with a third task but for a man it was still impressive. When he joined you on the couch, you quickly made some space so he won’t sit down on your face, also offering him a snack which you put in his mouth as he opened up.

“Refresh the app, y/n.”

With curious eyes, you did what you were told and the moment you saw what he meant, you stopped yourself gasping halfway.

“W-what the??” Your arms covered your eyes almost instinctively.

"I mean, cute photos always get good feedback. But if you want to have a boost in likes and followers, this is the way to go."

“B-but you should have discussed it with me beforehand!” You whined while peeking through your fingers to glare at him from the side.

“Oh really?” His voice was teasingly innocent which made the situation less stressful for you.

What was open on your phone screen was a photo of your best friend, his bare chest wet with water and a suggestive smirk on his lips. You couldn’t see above his mouth nor much below his navel but it was enough to cause your cheeks to heat up furiously. You knew he was handsome, you have always known, but right now was a little different. To see him taking advantage of it like this made you speechless. You didn’t dare to stare for too long, you felt the eyes of the person beside you on yourself.

“So what do you say?”

“…….. let’s go to bed!”

Wonwoo’s eyes got slightly bigger in surprise but then there was a smirk on his lips. “So that’s the way you roll, baby? Okay, let’s have some fun then.”

You almost spit out the cheese ball that was in your mouth. “What the hell?? Jeon Wonwoo, I’m sleepy! I want to sleep!! And stop babying me or you won’t be able to go to uni tomorrow!!”

“Is that so? What are you planning on doing to me huh?”

Getting up, you stomped off to the bathroom. “You’re extremely annoying, you know that?”

He just chuckled at your reaction and followed you to get ready for bed. “I love you too, y/n.”

—

The next day at uni was like any other day, except you were than sleepy and annoyed because smart y/n had to get her stuff from home. When you sat outside from uni with your friends, Wonwoo was across the bench you were sitting beside Hoshi, currently listening to him ramble about visiting the zoo and greeting his tiger family when a group of girls squealed all of a sudden.

You all looked in the direction of the source and Seungkwan sighed. “Yoon Jeonghan, who else.”

“Yoon who?”

“The most handsome guy on campus according to the uni magazine,” Hoshi added and you cocked your head, seeing him from afar. He had silky hair and a sharp jawline. He was attractive but you wouldn’t call him the most handsome guy.

"I don't think he's sooo handsome though. Wonwoo is way better.” You said after a while, finishing the teriyaki wrap you were holding in your hand.

A piece of grilled sausage fell from Wonwoo's chopsticks but he quickly took it in between again and continued eating so no one knew. Getting compliments from you wasn't something new to him but lately it felt a little different but he couldn't wrap a finger around it what it really was.

"Oh just open his Instagram. You can thank me later."

You shook your head no and took a sip of your water. “No thanks. Not interested.”

“But it’s funny. Once he kind of fought off a group of admires when a girl fell and twisted her ankle. She had to wear a cast for half a year but she was happy because it was Yoon Jeonghan. Crazy, isn't it?"

"You're ridiculous.” Once again, you turned around to look at the allegedly most wanted man from campus who disappeared in the building including his fans.

"Everyone on campus knows that story and a lot more. How you missed out on important facts like this is a mystery, really. Where do you live? Behind the moon?”

Shrugging your shoulders at the comment, you unlocked your phone, trying to show your friends how uninteresting that Yoon Jeonghan was to you but secretly you looked up his Instagram. Well, not bad. He knew how to pose. And was his skin really that pale and clear? Must be a filter. You were 100 % sure. Absentmindedly you scrolled through it but when you had enough, you went to your shared account with Wonwoo. ‘Oh a new post!’ Quickly making sure that Hoshi wasn’t looking, you opened the post and nearly dropped the phone when you saw the text Wonwoo had added. The photo was uploaded 2 minutes ago. A photo from yesterday when he was playing with your hair after you two had dinner. You didn’t know he took a photo. Your eyes were glued on the short text.

I’m in love with her.

#seventeen scenarios #seventeen fanfic #caratwritersclub #Seventeen #seventeen au #seventeen imagines #svt #seventeen fluff #seventeen ff #wonwoo #jeon wonwoo #svt wonwoo #seventeen wonwoo #kpop ff #kpop fanfic #kpop #carat #17

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jadelotusflower · 4 years ago

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Robin Hood Rewatch: 1x13 A Clue: No

“Previously on” recaps can be annoying, but there is an art to it and I love a good one. This is a very, very good one, summarising the last episode with ramping tension as the music builds, then cuts to a different take of the last scene as the theme song starts, and we’re into the opening credits.

This is a long one, so it’s going under the cut:

Guy estimates that the “inner circle” of Robin’s gang is “a dozen at the most” and I find it very funny that neither he nor Vaisey have twigged that it’s always the same five people around him. What’s more annoying than funny is that they don’t know how many are in the “outer circle” because that really should have been A Thing in the show (Forrest and Hanton should have come back to guest star! I will never let this go!) After all, we see Little John with more men in the first episode, there are other outlaws in the forest/across the shire that are either working with Robin, or pose a risk to them, and I wish this had been explored.

Djaq manhandling and holding her sword to Pitts’s throat - I love Djaq.

The first arrow Robin shoots is intended for Vaisey, but one of the guards inconveniently walks in front and gets it in the chest. The second arrow is intended for Vaisey as well but he ducks (”my tooth!”) so we can’t fault the writing for a credible attempt at Why Doesn’t Robin Just Kill The Sheriff, because in this scene at least, he tries.

Bye Pitts. You certainly were.

I actually really love this scene (which probably seemed odd given the high body count), but Robin drawing his sword and charging, with Much, Djaq, and John backing him up to avenge Marian’s apparent death/make a final stand, as the music shifts from the jaunty Rescue Theme to Marian’s Theme, just gets me every time.

Although thanks to the cast commentary, I can’t unsee Djaq flipping that guy over her head twice, but hey, it’s a badass move. Clearly they didn’t shoot enough coverage of this fight, because we get the same action from several different angles.

Other than the flashback in episode 8, I think this is the only time we see Robin in Crusader mode, and just how lethal he (and the gang) can be when unleashed and with nothing to lose. Even when the enemy retreats Robin remains kind of wild-eyed with rage unsated, and it takes a beat for him to snap out of it. It’s symbolism time - he sticks his sword in the ground and leaves it there, and we don’t see it again this episode (or much in season 2).

There’s some nice acting going on from everyone in this scene - just utter exhaustion, Allan and Will oblivious to why the rest are so distraught, Much taking it upon himself to tell them but can’t say the words, and Robin with the finality of “she’s dead.” Their faces!

Djaq is still holding two swords as she enters the cave, which is a nice character beat - no doubt the fight also brought back unpleasant memories/triggers for her, and she remains on edge, for the moment unwilling to give up her defences even when the threat is gone.

I really love this scene too (the gang mourning Marian) and I think it’s quite deftly written - Djaq’s immediate reaction being the importance of a quick burial (as per Islamic tradition), Robin trying to keep it together, attempting to ask John/Will to build a coffin but unable to, so deflecting to ask Djaq to prepare Marian’s body, before trying twice again; John soothing him and taking charge. Will’s single tear and speaking of Marian’s goodness. Much responding with “Good? Oh, she was... She was...” looking to Robin because of course his thoughts are for Robin’s grief before his own, and also that his own relationship with Marian was complex. Allan: “She was alright...yeah” that says so much, and of course John’s “Her, we liked.” Again, some fine acting, kudos everyone.

“I loved her and I never told her” is ironic because Robin still won’t tell her until halfway through the next season, and if he had in the aftermath of her apparent death he could have spared himself a lot of the angst of the rest of the episode. But of course he doesn’t tell her, doesn’t learn from this moment, because emotions are hard, and sometimes we make the same mistakes over and over again.

I really love that it’s Allan that notices that Marian is alive, and his little “told ya” flourish.

Score note: while Marian is “dead” her Theme is strings, when she opens her eyes, it’s back to the guitar.

Guy’s guilt in finding out his impending marriage to Marian is based on false pretenses - would he still have forced the marriage if he’d known that from the start?

Djaq still has her two swords as they take Marian back to Knighton.

Guy, if your first instinct when told Marian is not at home is that she’s run away rather than marry you...maybe take a hint? “She cannot run from me” is a big yikes, and this confuses me as to Guy’s motivation in this scene. Did he intend to tell Marian the truth, but then convince himself otherwise (because “the excitement of the wedding” =/= “the wedding excites her”), but then why so angry when he thinks shes run? The difference between getting someone go/being left, I suppose.

Illness is a perfectly plausible explanation for delaying the wedding that no one seems to think of.

Edward is actually pretty bang on in this scene with Robin from a father’s perspective, telling him to let Marian go if he cannot stop it, and do the right thing. On the other hand...

“I am sick of doing the right thing” is why Robin is such a compelling character for me - because it is hard to always be good, to be held to that higher standard, and make the unselfish choice. I enjoy narratives that explore that, and this show is surprisingly unflinching about it, exemplified by:

The next scene, which is one of the most emotionally brutal/hard to watch of the entire show, in which Robin lashes out and does everything to drive Much away, including calling him “a pox” and a “small man” until Much’s heart visibly breaks.

Now I don’t want to excuse Robin here, because he is objectively awful to someone who doesn’t deserve it, who is trying to give him support but also telling him some much needed hard truths (even if it is slightly self-serving, which is what what seems to set Robin off). But at the end of the day, if he loves Marian he needs to accept that it is her choice to marry Guy, to “do the right thing” to (she thinks) protect her father - and later of he does just that. For now Edward and Much are both right, it is more important for him to try and protect the king from Vaisey, because if he is ousted and Richard back on the throne so many lives would be improved, including the people of Locksley. But Robin has been pushed to breaking point all season, and has now snapped and can’t see reason, but is stuck in his own grief/rage.

But unlike previously, when Robin said regrettable things in the heat of the moment and then immediately took them back, this is a calculated attack designed to hurt Much the most, because he loves Robin so much that it takes A Lot to push him away. It’s a bold move to make your hero so unlikable in such a moment, because Robin really is unforgivably cruel here, and trust the audience to understand why. I mean, I don’t want to bang on about the PTSD, but it’s (partly) the PTSD, based on a triggering, precipitating event causing a self-destructive spiral. Robin needs some Ye Olde Therapy.

For all the talk about Robin getting his title and lands back, nothing is said about what happens to Gisborne once he does, other than that they can’t prove he was the one who tried to assassinate Richard. Because really, Richard probably would believe Robin even though the tattoo was burned away, and Guy’s certainly committed other crimes that could be testified to just like they’re intending for Vaisey - and let’s be real, it’s not like a king needs evidence to order someone’s death (hello, season 2 finale). Boom - Guy executed, marriage to Marian annulled, problem solved!

So, the scene between Marian and Guy, in which Marian is more concerned with whether or not Guy tried to kill the king than the fact that he stabbed her. But its understandable, because Marian thinks there’s no way out that doesn’t risk her father’s life, and it’s easier to convince herself that maybe Guy didn’t do it to make the best of things. I think she does have some kind of feelings for him, or is at least moved by his feelings for her, and believes if nothing else she can influence him/continue working from the inside; giving up the mantle of the Nightwatchman but doing the same work (in a different way) as Lady Gisborne.

And then it’s Robin/Marian angst, round 3, and it’s a far cry from their interaction in the cave milliseconds away from “I love yous” - in both tone and body language they’re back in defensive positions talking past one another. The tension, it be thick.

Marian is making her best rationalisation with “deprived of love” and Robin not at all buying the Woobification 101. Once she tells him her decision to marry Guy, he accepts it, but it’s Marian’s reaction that’s telling, she’s surprised that he doesn’t argue, deep down she wants him to fight for her, to say that the real reason she shouldn’t marry Guy is because he loves her. It’s quite a contrast from the previous scene where Guy was very open about how he feels about her, while Robin deflects, but while she was conflicted about Guy trying to kiss her, she’s frustrated, disappointed, and angry when Robin leaves.

But really, this is rather unfair of Marian, because Robin did already declare himself in the cave (”we should be together”) without her reciprocation, so expecting him to take the first step again without any encouragement is a bit much.

Would a depressed person sit slumped against a tree all night?

“But by taking Marian in holy wedlock, I will wash away those crimes. Her pure heart will cleanse mine.” Yeah...not going to touch that one. I appreciate that there’s a lot going on with Guy and many, many people find it compelling, but I’m afraid it’s not really a narrative that interests me.

Speaking of pure hearts: Much. Faced with the same choice he was counseling Robin on, but with the additional wrinkle of knowing the king’s an imposter, he still decides to stop the wedding. “Her heart belongs to another” is A Moment and I don’t know exactly why but I find his very soft pleas following this and calling her “my lady” very affecting.

She’s beauty and she’s grace, she punched Guy in the face.

“A trap. I knew it.” I haaaaate this line. NO YOU DIDN’T KNOW IT ROBIN YOU KNEW NOTHING OF THE KIND IF YOU HAD KNOWN YOU WOULD BE EVEN MORE OF A DICK FOR LEAVING UGGGHHHH.

“We can’t be seen together” Right in front of my salad two guards on front gate duty, who get front row tickets to the kiss. Look at them! They’re right there! This show drives me absolutely bonkers sometimes.

I do love this dress though.

“An audience with the king has been suspended!” Going out on one last pun.

Regardless, I really love this episode. Despite the lack of fallout from the emotional wringer they all went through, I can’t help but smile when the gang does their silly little jump for joy at the end.

#robin hood bbc #robin hood rewatch #1x13 a clue: no #long post

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potrix-the-queerschlaeger · 4 years ago

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shadow of the past

Harringrove Week of Love Day 3: Hurt/Comfort

This is what immediately popped into my head for the hurt/comfort prompt. Rated M for lots of swearing/allusions to Billy and Neil’s abusive relationship.

If you want, you can also check the story out over on [AO3].

Billy fucking hates Hawkins.

It might not be overrun with interdimensional monsters and crazy Russians anymore, but it’s somehow still all gloomy and grim-looking. And really fucking cold.

They’ve been here for less than two days, but Billy’s pretty sure his California tan is already fading.

Grumbling to himself, Billy adjusts Matty to sit more comfortably on his hip, only to nearly lose his grip on his overflowing basket. Just a few things, Steve had said, pressing the list into Billy’s hand, and a kiss to his cheek. A few things his ass. He should’ve grabbed a damn cart.

“Your dad’s a dumbass,” he tells Matty, who’s half-asleep on his shoulder, and drooling all over the collar of his leather jacket.

Yet here Billy is, having braved the Indiana cold, nearly freezing his balls off, to get Steve his fancy, dairy-free yoghurt, so. Who really is the dumb one?

He’s standing in the fruit section, trying to remember if Steve likes tangerines or clementines, and also what the fucking difference between the two is anyway, when he hears a gruff, “Billy?”

Billy freezes, but only for a second, before he whirls around, and comes face to face with the very last person he wants to see right now. Or ever, really.

(watch out for the break)

Neil looks older, greyer, but that’s about all that’s changed. How different he must look to his father, though, after so long; a grown man instead of the scared teenager he’d been the last time they saw each other, Billy’s split lip still bleeding as he hauled his duffel into the Camaro where Steve was already waiting, answering Neil’s seething, “Don’t you dare come back home if you walk away from me right now!” with a trembling but equally furious, “Don’t worry, I fucking won’t!”

And he hasn’t.

Billy can count on one hand the times he’s come back to Hawkins over the last decade. Max’s high school graduation. Joyce and Hopper’s wedding. Max and Lucas’ engagement. Last summer, a few weeks after Matty’d been born, so Steve’s parents could meet and spoil their first grandbaby.

And every time, he’d been careful to avoid Cherry Lane, and the shadow of his past still living there.

Max mentions Neil and Susan, sometimes, around the holidays, or if something big happens. But Billy hasn’t talked to either of them in nearly ten years.

Only now, Neil is right here, standing a mere few feet away, eyes flickering from Billy’s face down to Matty and back up. A little hysterically, Billy wonders if Neil even knows that his only son has had a kid of his own.

The tense, awkward silence stretches between them when Billy doesn’t say anything, until Neil eventually clears his throat, and asks, with a nod at Matty, “That’s Matthew?”

Well, he should’ve guessed. Everyone in Hawkins has always been up in everyone else’s business.

Instinctively, Billy holds Matty a little closer against his side. “Matty, yeah.”

“Hi, Matty.” Neil ducks down to speak to Matty, who glances up curiously at the sound of his name. Neil fucking smiles, and wiggles his fingers at Matty. “Hi, there, little guy.”

Billy clenches his teeth, and resists the urge to take a step back as Neil keeps cooing at Matty. They’re in public, which means they’re safe. Billy’s a grown ass man, he can keep them both safe, if need be.

Besides, it’s not as if Billy doesn’t remember this side of his father, the nice and playful one. Vaguely, from before, when his mom had still been around, but he does remember. Baseball games, ice cream on hot summer days, long drives along the beach.

They should be happy memories, probably, but to Billy, they just make all the other, bad ones even worse.

“Is he—” Neil starts as he straightens back up, frowning thoughtfully. After a moment, he settles on, “He yours?”

And Billy knows what he means, of fucking course he does. But he’s not about to give Neil the satisfaction, so he grins, too wide, and says, “Mine and Steve’s, yeah.”

He expects anger, at that, or disgust at the very least. What he gets is an expression he can’t read, not anymore, not after all this time. It crosses Neil’s face, there and gone again, before he nods slightly. “And Steve,” Neil asks, running a hand through his hair, “how is he?”

But Billy.

Billy’s done. Just like that, he’s over whatever Neil’s trying to do here, whatever it is he fucking wants.

Shaking his head, Billy grits out, “Gotta go,” and turns, skin prickling with the weight of Neil’s gaze on the back of his neck. He makes it to the end of the aisle, but stops, not turning back around, when Neil calls, “Billy, wait.”

“What,” Billy barks, shoulders tense. His knuckles are white where he’s gripping the basket too tightly.

“If you want,” Neil sounds uncharacteristically hesitant, cuts himself off, then tries again, “Susan would love to meet the kid.”

Billy doesn’t even know what to say to that, so he just leaves.

Leaves Neil standing there without a glance back, pays for his groceries, and gets the hell out.

He makes it back to the house in record time, although he can’t recall most of the drive. He drops the bag of food on the kitchen table with a thump, earning himself a raised brow, and a concerned, “Hey, man, you okay?” from Lucas.

Billy opens his mouth, closes it again, then ends up shaking his head, and murmuring a quiet, “Sorry,” as he disappears into the guest room with Matty.

He kicks off his shoes, and slips out of his jacket, then lowers himself down onto the bed with Matty curled up on his chest, thankfully fast asleep. He should put him down in the portable crib in the corner for his nap, probably, but he doesn’t.

Doesn’t want to let go just yet.

Instead, he buries his nose in the mess that is Matty’s curls, breathes in his comforting baby scent, and closes his eyes.

Billy has no idea how long he stays like that, half-dozing to the steady rhythm of Matty’s breathing, before the bedroom door opens, then closes again quietly. He doesn’t open his eyes, listens to familiar steps cross the room, then feels the bed dip.

A hand brushes over his cheek, tucking an errant strand of hair behind his ear. A pair of lips lands on his forehead, and lingers there for a moment before Steve whispers, “What happened?”

Billy doesn’t answer, but he does blink open his eyes to look up at Steve. He looks worried, chewing his bottom lip, though he comes easily when Billy holds out an arm, snuggling into his side with a pleased little hum that morphs into a happy sigh when Billy kisses the top of his head.

Steve’s hand is on Billy’s hip, where his shirt has ridden up, thumb absently, softly stroking the skin there. Back and forth, slow and steady. Casually, just because he can. Because he wants to.

“Neil,” Billy blurts, but that’s all he manages before his throat closes up. His eyes sting, suddenly, and he sniffles, face hot and flushed. “Fuck.”

Steve’s sitting up in an instant, face stormy. “I’m going to fucking kill him,” he mutters darkly, scowling furiously, and for some reason, that’s what loosens the knot of tension in Billy’s chest.

He relaxes, and then he laughs, and can’t stop, even when Steve looks at him as if he’s gone crazy. It makes Matty stir, so Billy claps a hand over his mouth to muffle his laughter as the tears finally spill over.

“Oh, baby,” Steve whispers, moving back in close enough to kiss Billy’s damp cheeks. “What happened?”

“That’s the thing,” Billy croaks, and moves his hand to rub at his eyes. “Nothing did. Not a fucking thing. We just. Talked.”

Steve listens quietly while Billy relays his encounter with Neil, one hand splayed across Matty’s back, and the other over Billy’s heart. And when Billy’s done, Steve pulls both him and Matty into his arms without a word, just holding them both in silent support, exactly the way Billy wants.

Exactly the way Billy needs.

And when he asks, “Do you want to go? To visit your dad and Susan?” and Billy says, “No, absolutely not,” he doesn’t call Billy out on his lie, even though they can both hear the uncertainty in his wobbly voice.

Billy falls asleep eventually, still wrapped up in Steve, surrounded by warmth and comfort, with his son cradled in his arms, safe and secure.

It’s just turning dark when he wakes back up, alone in the bed. Steve isn’t far, though, standing by the dresser made makeshift changing table on the other side of the room, redressing a happily babbling Matty after changing him. Matty shrieks with glee when Steve blows a raspberry on his chubby cheek, and Steve is laughing, talking back in that stupid baby speak that drives Billy up the wall, and Billy—

“Stevie,” Billy rasps, and he can feel the dumb, besotten smile spread over his face when Steve turns to look at him, “I love you.”

#harringroveweekoflove #harringrove #billy hargrove #steve harrington #billy hargrove x steve harrington #future fic #kid fic #hurt/comfort #past abusive relationships #past abuse #soft billy #pov billy #happy ending #myfics

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babiekeiji · 4 years ago

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LOSE MY FAITH

pairing angel!yamaguchi tadashi x demon!reader

synopsis tadashi starts to remember; but only after a little nudge in the right direction.

warnings suggestive; strong religious themes (particularly christian/catholic); swearing

a/n here it is everyone!! i hope you guys like this as much as i did reading it, thank you so much for enjoying my work ^^ let me know in my inbox how much you guys liked it! enjoy <3

As Tadashi continues to savor the flavor of your tongue in his mouth, he thinks about how he is completely, utterly fucked.

He knows in himself that this is wrong, that angels like him shouldn’t be participating in activities like this, but he can’t bring himself to stop. The newfound sensations that make his toes curl are the same ones that let go of his inhibitions. It makes him make sounds. All he’s feeling in the moment brings him to a high over and over again—it’s almost addicting. The danger, the risk, the feelings: they open a new void for him to explore, and he already has one foot inside a place where he might never come back.

Don’t, whatever good is left in him says, Stop.

As you slowly start to rake your claws down the skin of his stomach, he moans, “Don’t stop.”

He doesn’t miss the smirk that decorates your face. “You like that Tadashi?” You pant, licking up the column of his neck. “Didn’t know angels had it in them to like something so dirty.”

“I don’t,” he stutters. “You make me like this.”

Your grin only grows wider. “I’m flattered.”

You kiss him again, this time with much more fervor than the last. It’s clear to him you’re experienced in this little sin—the way your tongue glides over his lips is more than telling. You make him feel hot; dare he say, hotter than the flames of hell. Each touch you deliver feels like licks of flame on his skin, each whisper in his ear warmer with every breath in between words. It all feels so good, he thinks as he finally lets himself wrap his arms around you, I want more.

Am I being greedy? He blinks as he looks up to you, I shouldn’t be wanting this.

Let yourself have it, he tries to coerce himself as he closes his eyes again. Just this once.

I’m an angel, he argues, I can’t let myself have anything. I cannot be selfish.

You can when no one’s looking.

He watches you sit up and put your hands on his knees. God always has his eyes open to sin.

But don’t you feel so good? He asks, reveling in the touch you linger on the skin of his thighs. Without thinking, he spreads them open with little instruction from you. Doesn’t all this attention feel so nice?

“Ah,” he mutters, instinctively bringing them back together, “Wait.”

You sit back on your legs and place your hands on your thighs. “For someone who was practically begging for more a while ago,” you speak, “You don’t seem to be doing too good.”

“I’m conflicted.”

“I can see that.”

“This feels good.”

“That’s... honest of you.”

“But it also feels wrong.”

You sigh and dip your head; Tadashi can’t tell if it’s out of frustration or fatigue. You crawl to loom over him again and kiss the corners of his mouth. “We’ll try another time, angel.”

He’s too engrossed in his own confusion to process the sight of you crawling back out of his touch. “Wait,” he says, sitting up and grabbing your wrist before you go too far, “I…I want to be honest with you.”

You shift your weight from one leg to another, clearly uncomfortable with the tension in the room. “Make it quick. I’m handling Kei tonight.”

“Okay.

“I can’t explain it very well; but when I’m about to do something wrong, a voice inside of me always warns me and tells me not to do it.” He pulls you into his arms and wraps his arms around you. ”Whenever I’m about to do...wrong things with you, the voice always just suddenly disappears. And though I know everything I learned about being an angel by heart, nothing seems to stick when I look at you. Everything that’s wrong just feels right.

“I know angels can’t be selfish. But whenever I look at you I feel so comfortable that every lingering touch, every gaze, and every sin just feels familiar; so familiar that it’s almost right.” He looks up to you. “I want to commit sin as long as I have you.”

Despite all he says, you only smile tenderly in response; something Tadashi’s mostly alienated to, but again, something entirely familiar to him. “Do you recall your life before you were an angel, Tadashi?”

“No.”

Your shoulders sag as you sigh. Before you leave, you plant one last kiss on his forehead and say, “I hope you remember soon, my love.”

There it is again; the familiarity of the touch that lingers on his face.

People who are destined to become angels lose all of their earthly memories when they die; it’s part of relearning how to be selfless and God-fearing. And though there have been rare cases of angels knowing their past lives, it all only occurs under one circumstance: when an angel commits one of the seven deadly sins.

And the angel fears for his life, for he is starting to remember—but only enough that it leaves him feeling lost at the end of it all.

#haikyuu #haikyuu!!#haikyu #hq #au #anime #sports anime #yamaguchi tadashi #x reader #yamaguchi tadashi x reader #karasuno #tsukishima kei

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dandyvespa · 4 years ago

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I-Land Final Episode and Thoughts *SPOILERS! duh*

For anyone who has kept up with I-Land, I understand how emotional and nerve-wracking this episode was for them. After developing a connection with a lot of the participants and sharing in their memories, its hard to see anyone being let go. It has been just as much of journey for them as it was for the fans who supported them and at the end of the day, regardless of who debuts, there will be people who will be disappointed by the final results. But please please PLEASE understand that you should not put the blame on them or even break them down just because your favorite did not make it. All of these boys worked hard to get where they are and though it stings for those who did not make it, please support whatever flower path any of them have taken and continue to support and spread love. With that being said, I would just like to use the rest of this post on my final thoughts on the episode and debut line. If you are caught up with the show, please read ahead. Thank you :)

First I would like to say that the preparations done for the final performance, the OT22 interaction and performance, the funny bits of preparing PR videos, dividing roles, and playing Truth or Dare, and the home-cooked meals sent from their parents were all just an emotional roller coaster. I laughed and I cried. To see those boys grow was something very special to me and to see their individual selves shine through personalities or skills were always a treat. Having these segments were really meant to lighten the mood for the final lineup to come. Personally, Sunghoon developed the most out of his shy exterior and his personality was so confident and funny in the pre-recorded videos. I also thought Jay... could never escape his dark history LOL. Also Heeseung’s brother teasing him and telling him to tell Jay he adores him was very cute. Seeing everyone help each other with the PR videos was adorable and heart-warming (Heeseung even had a whole production team haha). Jungwon dressed up as a sheep still sticks with me though haha. Seeing OT22 come together also had me in tears and stitches. It was so cute seeing them all hang out in I-land and despite how whack it was for the Grounders to never experience it, they looked so happy being with their friends and taking part in this little world even if it was for a short time. Also loved how they would easily throw others under the bus during Truth or Dare and the Questions they voted on. The love and support their parents got and how each of them could not hold back their tears was really the icing on the cake. No matter where these boys go, their family will always be their for them more than anything else. Just all those moments leading up to their debut lineup really put a toll on me and it just made me feel like a proud mom

Okay the team name? I am sooooooooooo glad its not Dragon Gee or Dee or whatever that speculated name was going around on Twitter. Enhypen is odd but in a good way. Its different and it will stick with time even though I still may just call them the I-Land group for now lol. Pretty curious about what the fandom name will be too (but honestly I think I would still call myself an Eggie haha).

TXT and BTS’s presence was neat. I wish more of the TXT member’s got to speak but having them all physically there was nice. Though I will say it was just awkward not seeing them cheer as much. I also felt like BTS was just bored at some points or were just glazing over when having to wait on each member getting called out. They did have their humorous moments which was nice to see, definitely lifted the tension in the room and I’m glad they joked a bit (especially Suga losing it lol) instead of remaining completely serious. Their advice and encouragement were all appreciated too. Jhope being an avid viewer really showed. Also plus points for Jungwon getting Jungkook’s attention uwu. I still wish they could have interacted more and mentored some of them over the course of the show. The slim TXT interactions with Heeseung such as Taehyun and Yeonjun’s reactions made me wanting more damn it. But hey, at least we get to see them more often in the BigHit building. I love a good family.

So the Calling performance was A M A Z I N G. I personally thought they were so coherent as a group and made me wishing OT9. There were some who really shine in their parts, but I think all of them stood out one or more times to me. The dance was pretty powerful and a lot of them improved vocally. Again, it makes me feel like a proud mom seeing them all at this point, grown and amazing. The Into the I-Land performance also made me feel that way as well. They all looked so good together and were pretty in sync given that they were fucking 22 of them. The nostalgia was really hitting in me and I also teared uo like a big ass baby. But can I just say... and let’s be real here.... Every single song on this show has been a bop and I would be thrilled to see a whole Soundtrack Album for I-Land on Spotify. Like P L E A S E.

Now onto the debut line! I was S H O C K E D. You can clearly tell these votes were not rigged in the slightest and this was solely based on global votes always shifting which was appreciated. I did not see this order coming and it did turn out slightly different then my post on my preferred I-Land debut line. So starting with number 1.... YANG FUCKING JUNGWON. I was pleasantly surprised and I literally jumped out of my bed when I heard him place first instead of Sunoo. This was the complete definition of people who initially slept on him finally waking. I was soooo thrilled. Bro really came in last by the last Producer vote and then climbed all the way to first. Our lovely sheep garden and hidden ace, a big congrats!

Jay also left his cursed 6th spot and got second! Again another well-deserved man who gave it his all from the beginning and was no stranger to being straightforward and a go getter. His stubbornness and hilarity will lead this group lol.

Jake getting third was a big shock as well. Our icon of improvement! To think he was always on the verge of getting placed out of the top 7 members and made it here? Also considering his benefit put him in 7th once when he literally could have been the eliminated member that episode. UGH. Our Aussie boy did great and seriously improved performance after performance.

Next up.... NIKIIIIIII. Now I’m gonna be real I thought it was gonna be K. I never placed Niki in my debut prediction, but his Flame On performance really change everything for me. Actually, just the whole second part of I-Land was very impactful for him. I was always hesitant about his sportsmanship and whether he was too selfish in the first part (the constant evil-editing did not help, Mnet...), but thanks to other members, he really matured and took a greater lead in things. I really began to fall for him when we got to see him more playful and interactive with other members. Like I really thought he was much happier and understanding throughout the second half of the show. So kudos to him!

Coming in 5th place was Heeseung. I was actually confused man. When he was called first at this point, I just knew this global vote line up will be verrrry different. I was still relieved that he made it and seeing him choke up, this boy who has been going at it the longest among the 9 participants at 3 years to finally debut.... Gosh I could not. As someone who is also Heeseung biased, I was so so so happy for him. Think we all know regardless of which place he got, the boy was destined to debut. My Ace heart feels full ^^. Go get him Leader!!!

Now 6th place... my Ice Prince... Sunghoon! I was actually the most nervous for him. I saw so many people saying that Sunghoon was last in votes or was in danger because a lot of people had the mentality that given his popularity they should reserve the votes for the people who would most likely be eliminated. I think that’s why Heeseung and Sunoo were scored low too. Now I am also biased towards him. I was thinking like what would I do if none of my favorite Bighit trainees (Heeseung, Jay, Sunghoon, and Jungwon) do not make it? But when he was called to take up the last spot in global voting, I did a back flip (not really but yeah lol). Given that Sunghoon has never gotten any brutal feedback from the Producers and has always adapted to each concept, he deserved this. Just everything he has been through... And shifting his life from being an ice skater of 10 years to this path as an idol.... hold up let me get some damn tissues. May he continue to break out of his shell and show his continuous charms!

Ok the producer choice for 7th place... Again did not see that coming. Sunoo constantly ranking high in global votes only to be one of the deciding factors was another big surprise. I have said that Sunoo’s sunshine personality would be needed, especially if the group were to do cute or youthful concepts. His health had been concerning, but he was able to manage himself so well. Even with powerful choreo! He is not really one of the best dancers but he had always been able to do his part. I really thought the Producers would choose K, but I really thought Bang PD boiled it down to overall skill and personality appeal. He even claimed that Sunoo would connect best with the world with his joyful outlook. I honestly could not agree more. I just people do not rail him for being picked as they should now understand he is not just some cute face and has proven that multiple times. Sunshine Fighting! :)

The eliminated trainees were K and Daniel. Though I thought Daniel has improved a lot, he was just outshined. I also think at his age he should have more time spent in sharpening his skills. What was more devastating was K. He looked like he was obliterated. I mean both of them were naturally sad, but K was just gone to me. I was really hoping that he would make the debut line. K has shown himself as a performer multiple times and was praised for his choreography skills. He even showed to have learned from past behaviors and matured more as a person when taking the leader role. To see him grow and understand where he went wrong.... ugh I really could not bear him looking that way. His thoughts were all over the place and he could barely choke out what he wanted to say. I just hope he meant what he said and actually continues to enjoy music and develop himself as a performer. I knew how much his mom was initially livid at the idea of him becoming an idol so I hope he gets another chance at showing her that he can still do this. Now understand this does not mean you should blame Sunoo for being chosen or complain that Sunoo does not deserve it. I already feel like he is gonna be haunted with the grim reminder that he was chosen instead and think that he doesn’t deserve this because he is not as skilled as K. And people are gonna bandwagon hate on him... and again I say please DO NOT DO THAT. At the end of the day, no matter how much you want OT9 or OT22, this is a survival show and these participants signed up for this. Yes there will be fans who are disappointed, but you shouldn’t waste your anger on the other trainees who were able to succeed instead of your faves. I don’t want this moment to completely wreck K or Daniel’s chances at being an idol again. Same goes for rest of the eliminated I-Land members. This is definitely not the end for any of them so please go on with hope guys because I know you will still have many people’s support! They will end up on the same stage as their colleagues one day.

The last thing I want to say is that though this has been a tough journey and though there may be people who will not be satisfied with the debut line, everyone worked hard. From the participants to the fans and even the Producers, all of them played a special role in making I-Land bearable and exciting to watch. This is a big congrats to everyone who took part in the show despite having to go through many hardships. With that being said let us continue to support the futures of the eliminated I-Land members as well as the grand success of Enhypen. I smell 4th gen leaders :D. Welcome to the BigHit family Enhypen and may your fans, your wings, fly you even higher once you officially debut. F I G H T I N G!

Now... will you guys join in during the next season of I-Land for the next global girl group? :3

.... Ya’ll already know I am lol.

#I-land #iland #enhypen #jungwon #jay #jake #niki #heeseung #sunghoon #sunoo #bts #txt #kpop #kpop survival show #kpop thoughts #kpop opinions #bighit #mnet

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v1rg1nvodkasprite · 6 years ago

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Masterlist

it’s a work in progress, darling. x

Roger Taylor

→Fuck

Part 1, Part 2

You and Roger have never liked each other that much. Or at least you’d never admit that you did. But when Mary pushes you when you’ve had more than a few drinks, you do something that you may or may not regret in the morning.

→Hard Liquor Mixed with a Bit of Intellect

Roger had always been known to be hotheaded when it came to fighting but you were known to be worse. A well-known actress with a mind of her own. Roger is intrigued by you and invites you home one night. A month later, you call him and tell him he's having your baby, it’s none of his business. He knows he’s going to pay for this.

→Easter Egg Hunt

It's your and Roger's first Easter with your child. Everything that could go wrong does go wrong.

→Romantic Roadie

You started out as a roadie for Queen, touring with them everywhere. Roger had always taken a liking to you, a different kind of liking than his usual groupies. You had always taken a liking to him too.

→Sun Kissed

The first summer Roger has off since you both started dating, he decides to spend it with you. During that time, you create some great memories and someone that would change your lives forever.

→Burning Midnight Oil

You and Roger had decided to be in an open relation after he cheated on you multiple times. You were too invested in him to say goodbye but he takes it too far. (apart of a series, check out BMO under Harry Styles, Ben Hardy, Peter Parker, and others)

→Roommates

Tensions increase between Roger and his roommate. Maybe that's just what they need to get together after years of starving their cravings for each other.

→Rum & Coke

Roger Taylor and you, an academy award-winning actress meet at one of Fred's parties and it turns into something unexpected.

Ben Hardy

→Greaser

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Part 10, moodboard

Due to Shenanigans, you have been sent back in time to the 1950s. You find yourself in a high school. You also find someone very intriguing but he’s unrestrained.

→Lacking

After scrolling through social media and seeing pictures from the Fashion Week in Paris you couldn't make it to, seeing Ben with supermodels makes you hyperaware of your flaws.

→Burning Midnight Oil

Recently, Ben had been smoking and drinking more than usual. After putting up with his shit for too long, you confront him, resulting in an intense argument.

→Dr. Hardy

After years of college, you finally get a job at a hospital as a trainee. You and Ben, who also worked there, had dated for years until he cheated on you. After the breakup, you’re both assigned to the same patient and tensions rise.

→Calls For A Celebration

You and Ben had recently had a baby and go on vacation with the bohrap cast, their wives and their children. They decide to congratulate you with a spa day.

Warren Worthington III

Burning Midnight Oil

You had met Warren through fighting in Berlin. You both developed feelings for each other but before either of you act on it, he joins Apocalypse, leaving you behind to watch him destroy himself.

Tom Holland

→Burning Midnight Oil

Ever since the start of filming Infinity War, Tom had worked himself to the bone, going out drinking almost every night, coming home drunk after a long. After a while, it takes a toll on your relationship.

Peter Parker

→Not Us

Everyone lost people after the snap. Thanos had wiped out 50% of all living creatures, including you. Steve had taken you under his wing since the civil war between the Avengers. After the last battle, Peter and you learn to cope with the circumstances.

→Burning Midnight Oil

Peter hadn't been the same since he came back from space after the war. His attitude getting worse every day. Soon enough, he turns to villainous activities, dropping the friendly neighborhood hero act.

→Profoundly Immoral and Wicked

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Part 10, Epilogue, moodboard

After losing hope and everyone he cared for, Peter turns to devilish actions while risking his own life and the life of the one person who hasn't lost hope for him.

Harry Styles

→Bespoke

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Epilogue

The HMHS Britannic set sail in 1914. It was considered one of the safest, unsinkable ships after what they had learned from the Titanic. This is where you, a third class American girl meets a First Class English man about to marry a girl he absolutely hates.

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aprilynclino-blog · 4 years ago

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How to be happy?

Happiness looks various for every person. For you, maybe it's being at tranquility with who you are. Or having a protected network of close friends that accept you unconditionally. Or the flexibility to seek your inmost dreams.

No matter your version of true joy, living a happier, a lot more satisfied life is accessible. A couple of tweaks to your routine routines can assist you arrive.

Routines issue. If you've ever before attempted breaking a negative behavior, you recognize all too well exactly how engrained they are.

Well, great behaviors are deeply engrained, also. Why not work with making favorable habits part of your routine?

Below's a look at some everyday, monthly, as well as yearly routines to assist start your quest. Just keep in mind that every person's variation of joy is a bit different, therefore is their course to achieving it.

If some of these behaviors create added stress or simply don't fit your lifestyle, ditch them. With a little time as well as method, you'll identify what does and doesn't work for you.

1. Smile

When you're pleased, you tend to smile. However it's in fact a two-way street.

We smile because we're pleased, as well as smiling causes the brain to launch dopamine, which makes us happier.

That does not mean you need to go around with a fake smile smudged on your face at all times. The next time you locate on your own really feeling low, see as well as fracture a smile what takes place. Or try starting each morning by smiling at yourself in the mirror.

2. Exercise

Workout isn't simply for your body. Regular exercise can aid to lower stress and anxiety, sensations of stress and anxiety, and also signs and symptoms of depression while enhancing self-confidence as well as happiness.

Even a little quantity of physical task can make a distinction. You don't have to train for a triathlon or range a cliff-- unless that's what makes you satisfied, naturally.

The trick is not to overexert. If you suddenly throw yourself right into a laborious routine, you'll possibly just end up frustrated (as well as sore).

Take into consideration these exercise starters:

Stroll around the block every evening after dinner.

Beginning your day with 5 mins of stretching. Right here's a collection of stretches to get you started.

Advise yourself of any kind of enjoyable tasks you when appreciated, but that have actually fallen by the wayside. Or tasks you constantly wanted to try, such as bowling, golf, or dance.

3. Obtain a lot of sleep

Regardless of exactly how much contemporary society guides us toward less sleep, we understand that ample sleep is vitalTrusted Source to health, brain function, as well as psychological wellness.

Most adults need regarding 7 or 8 hours of sleep every night. If you discover yourself dealing with the desire to snooze throughout the day or simply normally feel like you're in a haze, your body may be telling you it requires much more remainder.

Right here are a couple of pointers to aid you develop a far better sleep routine:

Document the number of hours of rest you get each night and exactly how rested you really feel. After a week, you need to have a better idea exactly how you're doing.

Go to bed and wake up at the very same time daily, consisting of weekends.

Reserve the hour prior to bed as silent time. Take a bathroom, review, or do something relaxing. Prevent hefty eating and also alcohol consumption.

Keep your bedroom dark, cool, and also silent.

Spend in some excellent bedding.

If you need to rest, attempt to limit it to 20 minutes.

Speak to your doctor if you consistently have issues sleeping. You might have a sleep disorder needing therapy.

4. Eat with mood in mind

You currently know that food choices have an influence on your general physical wellness. However some foods can additionally affect your mindset.

Carbohydrates release serotonin, a "feel good" hormone. Simply maintain basic carbs-- foods high in sugar as well as starch-- to a minimum, since that power surge is brief and also you'll crash. Complex carbs, such as vegetables, beans, and entire grains, are better.

Lean meat, chicken, vegetables, and also milk are high in healthy protein. These foods launch dopamine as well as norepinephrine, which improve power as well as concentration.

Extremely processed or deep-fried foods have a tendency to leave you really feeling down. Will skipping dishes.

Start by making one better food option every day.

For example, switch a big, wonderful morning meal bread for some Greek yogurt with fruit. You'll still please your craving for sweets, and the healthy protein will certainly assist you avoid a mid-morning power accident. Attempt adding in a new food swap every week.

5. Be thankful

Just being grateful can offer your mood a large increase, to name a few advantages. A recent two-part study located that exercising gratitude can have a considerable effect on sensations of hope and also happiness.

Begin each day by acknowledging something you're grateful for. You can do this while you're brushing your teeth or simply waiting for that snoozed alarm system to go off.

As you set about your day, attempt to watch out for enjoyable points in your life. They can be huge points, such as recognizing that a person enjoys you or getting a well-deserved promotion.

They can likewise be little things, such as a colleague who provided you a mug of coffee or the next-door neighbor that waved to you. Perhaps even just the heat of the sunlight on your skin.

With a little practice, you might even come to be more knowledgeable about all the favorable points around you.

6. Provide a compliment

Research study reveals that doing acts of kindness can aid you really feel much more satisfied.

Giving a genuine praise is a quick, simple way to lighten up a person's day while providing your very own joy an increase.

Capture the person's eye and claim it with a smile so they know you imply it. You could be amazed by just how excellent it makes you really feel.

If you want to offer someone a praise on their physical appearance, make certain to do it in a considerate method. Below are some tips to obtain you began.

7. Breathe deeply

You're stressful, your shoulders are tight, as well as you feel as though you simply might "lose it." We all know that feeling.

Instinct may tell you to take a long, deep breath to relax on your own down.

Turns out, that reaction is an excellent

one. According to Harvard Health, deep breathing exercises can assist

reduce stress and anxiety.

The next time you feel worried or at your wit's end, work through these actions:

Close your eyes. Try to visualize a satisfied memory or lovely place.

Take a slow, deep breath in through your nose.

Gradually breathe out via your mouth or nose.

Repeat this process several times, up until you start to feel yourself relax.

If you're having a difficult time taking sluggish, deliberate breaths, attempt counting to 5 in your head with each inhale and breathe out.

8. Acknowledge the unhappy moments

A positive attitude is typically a great point, yet poor points occur to everybody. It's simply part of life.

If you obtain some negative news, slip up, or just feel like you're in a funk, do not try to claim you're pleased.

Recognize the feeling of unhappiness, letting on your own experience it for a minute. Change your emphasis toward what made you feel this method as well as what it might take to recoup.

Would a deep breathing workout assistance? A long walk outside? Speaking it over with a person?

Let the minute pass and deal with on your own. Remember, nobody's satisfied at all times.

9. Keep a journal

A journal is an excellent way to organize your ideas, evaluate your sensations, and make strategies. And you do not need to be a literary genius or compose volumes to benefit.

It can be as straightforward as taking down a couple of ideas prior to you go to bed. If placing certain things in composing makes you nervous, you can constantly shred it when you've finished. It's the procedure that counts.

Not exactly sure what to do with all the feelings that end up on the page? Our overview to organizing your feelings can aid.

10. Face anxiety head-on

Life has lots of stressors, and also it's difficult to stay clear of all of them.

There's no need to. Stanford psycho therapist Kelly McGonigal states that anxiety isn't always unsafe, and also we can even alter our mindsets concerning tension. Find out more regarding the benefit of tension.

For those stressors you can't stay clear of, advise on your own that everyone has tension-- there's no reason to think it's all on you. And possibilities are, you're stronger than you assume you are.

Instead of allowing on your own get bewildered, try to deal with the stress factor head-on. This might indicate launching an awkward conversation or placing in some extra job, however the quicker you tackle it, the earlier the pit in your belly will begin to reduce.

The next time you locate yourself feeling reduced, split a smile and also see what takes place. Or try starting each early morning by smiling at yourself in the mirror.

Carbohydrates release serotonin, a "feel excellent" hormonal agent. Just keep easy carbohydrates-- foods high in sugar and starch-- to a minimum, because that energy rise is short and you'll collapse. If placing certain points in composing makes you worried, you can constantly shred it when you've completed.

Travel to other countries.

#April Ynclino

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ts1989fanatic · 5 years ago

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TS7 is finally here!

If you’re like me or any of the millions of Swifties out there, the arrival of this next era is just as exciting as a brand-new bookshelf full of reads you get to experience for the first time.

After listening to the album on repeat all weekend, I decided to celebrate Lover with a book roundup inspired by each of the songs (since it’s the only thing I’ll be listening to for the foreseeable future, don’t @ me.).

ts1989fanatic an interesting perspective well written obviously a swiftie.

1. “I Forgot That You Existed” (Best Friends Forever, by Jennifer Weiner)

You heard it from Taylor first: indifference is the new vengeance. This solid album-opener is upbeat and poppy, a nice contrast with the lyrics about the (final?) end of a broken relationship, friendship (or feud), when you actually forget that the person you once had so much ire for still lives. She transitions from “Your name on my lips, tongue-tied/Free rent, living in my mind” to “forgot that you existed/and I thought that it would kill me, but it didn’t” with ease. But of course, insisting that you forget someone existed while singing about them would introduce interesting tension into any relationship. It reminded me of Jennifer Weiner’s Best Friends Forever, about what happens when a former friend shows up on your doorstep in a crisis, insisting you’re the only one who can help them out of a tight spot (when you’d rather do anything but).

2. “Cruel Summer” (Do You Want to Start a Scandal, by Tessa Dare)

Lyrically and sonically, this is one of my favorites on the entire album (it’s so good it should have been a single!) It’s got an Out of the Woods meets Getaway Car vibe in terms of the melody. Wistful, a bit haunting, but also a total bop. “So cut the headlights, summer’s a knife/I’m always waiting for you just to cut to the bone” describes a low point in Swift’s life (Summer 2016, ugh), juxtaposed with the high of discovering new love. There are so many books I could have picked for this, but “I don’t want to keep secrets just to keep you” reminded me of the Regency romance trope where the heroine has a secret, or finds herself in a situation where her reputation is at stake, but is still tempted by a handsome rogue who might lead her into temptation and true love. (Sound a bit familiar?) Do You Want to Start a Scandal by Tessa Dare feels like the perfect accompaniment to this song about a woman who must prove her innocence in the face of a sullied reputation or be forced to marry a man she doesn’t think she could ever love.

3. “Lover” (Roomies, by Christina Lauren)

The title track (and the one I’ve been singing in the shower for days) is a swoony daydream of a couple in complete harmony, as Swift spins wedding vow-like lyrics such as “With every guitar string scar on my hand/I take this magnetic force of a man to be my…lover/My heart’s been borrowed and yours has been blue/all’s well that end’s well to end up with you/swear to be overdramatic and true/to my…lover.” But Swift is all about balance in her songs, so imagery of keeping up the Christmas lights in “our place” is juxtaposed with suspicion that “everyone who sees you wants you.” This track reminded me of Roomies by Christina Lauren, with its musician main character and the trope of having to share a space while inevitably falling in love.

4. “The Man” (The Whisper Network, by Chandler Baker)

The double-standards between men and women have been explored in songs and novels since both art forms existed. Swift has already confronted the media’s perception of her as a victim, as a girl who goes on too many dates but can’t make them stay, etc. But in “The Man”, she more directly confronts how different she’d be treated if she were the opposite gender. How could I not think of the new thriller The Whisper Network, about a group of women who come forward about their male boss’ behavior of harassment in the workplace. Instead of continuing to suffer in silence, they tell the truth, resulting in an explosive conflict. I sort of saw the ending coming, but was very glad I was right.

5. “The Archer” (Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)

Another slower, lyric-driven track on the album with gut-punching truths about love, friendship, and holding on to the one who has your heart. “The Archer” is associated with being a Sagittarius (which Swift is), but also her dynamic with the world. “Who could ever leave me, darling?/But who could stay?” is self-aware in a new way for Swift, as is “I never grew up, it’s getting so old” or “I see right through me.” This is one of my favorite tracks on the album, as Swift confronts her cultivated image as both archer and prey of fame and of love. Listening to the rising energy of the track as it builds to a anti-fairy-tale crescendo plus Swift’s lyrics made me think of Pride and Prejudice: Elizabeth Bennet is forced to acknowledge how her own prejudices have made it difficult for others to love her, but that she is deserving of an imperfect love. (And how could “All of my enemies started out friends” not remind you of awful Mr. Wickham?)

6. “I Think He Knows” (The Duke and I, by Julia Quinn)

After a slower song, this heats things up a bit, describing the early sizzle of a relationship before it even starts. For an entire album that sings the praises of a man, I liked the moment in the pre-chorus where she says “He’s so obsessed with me, and boy, I understand.” Own your worth, girl! The bridge was my favorite part of this song (as it often is with Swift; girl knows how to bridge) as it played with tempo and rhyme. “Lyrical smile, indigo eyes, hand on my thigh/We can follow the sparks, I’ll drive.” Swift explores the tension of the moment between seeing someone and initiating contact—songs like these always sting with a bit of danger, too, because the man knows she wants him but neither of them say anything in public about it. She’s whispering in the dark, which gives me serious secret romance vibes. The Duke and I by Julia Quinn is about Simon, who is planning to propose to his BFF’s sister even though he doesn’t actually love her. It’s an arrangement that suits them both, but before they both know it, Daphne is giving Simon serious “I Think he Knows” vibes.

7. “Miss Americana & the Heartbreak Prince” (The Cheerleaders, by Kara Thomas)

If you don’t get the oft-spoken adage that “politics is like high-school,” this song takes the metaphor to the next level. Subtly political but 100% heartbreaking, Swift reimagines the political sphere (and her role in it) as a high school romance, moving from “American glory, faded before me,” painting the democratic 2016 election loss as a ripped-up prom dress (from Miss Americana, who assumed she would win.) Oozing drama and storytelling the way only Swift can, I love the moody elements of the brokenhearted girl contrasted with the new riff on a cheerleading chant (Go Fight Win!). This song is about mourning loss and then finding the strength to say “I know we’re going to win,” but it’s haunting melody and lyrics led me to pick a Cheerleader-inspired thriller. The Cheerleaders is about a string of cheerleaders murdered in a small town five years ago… and just when everyone thinks it’s time to move on, one girl becomes the center of a mystery that never truly died.

8. “Paper Rings” (The Royal We, by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan)

I’m on my fourth listen of the album and this might be my favorite track on it (though that changes minute by minute, with an album as dynamic as this—just to further accentuate the point, by the time of posting this piece, my new favorite might be I Think He Knows?). It’s a totally retro, ’60s style song—a totally fresh sound for Swift, and one that fits perfectly with her new aesthetic. (Makes me wonder why this wasn’t one of the singles released before the record.) It is a gold-mine for Swiftian lyricism, with so many gems I can’t possibly call them all out, and it moves so fast (like a good read) that you both want to cascade over them and pause to hear each line at least 5x before it passes you by. It’s an unabashed love song, relishing in the joy of knowing you’re with the one you love so much that “I like shiny things, but I’d marry you with paper rings”. The line that stuck out the most was “I hate accidents except when we went from friends to this,” which made me think of when Bex Porter goes to Oxford in The Royal We and, completely by accident, falls in love with the heir to the throne.

9. “Cornelia Street” (Passion on Park Avenue, by Lauren Layne)

“Cornelia Street” is sort of the antithesis to I Think He knows. It’s about remembering the early days of a new relationship (“We were a fresh page on the desk/filling in the blanks as we go”) and being more than willing to give up all the good that comes with fresh starts in order to settle into something real. It aches with melancholy, because any time we give something up should be a little sad—but it brims with hope and Swift’s trademarked optimism about love. “I hope I never lose you, hope it never ends/I’d never walk Cornelia Street again/ That’s the kinda heartbreak time could never mend.” I had to pick an NYC-set story for this, like Lauren Layne’s Passion on Park Avenue. The city is another character in the romance between a successful jewelry-business owner and the son of the woman her mother used to work for.

10. “Death By a Thousand Cuts” (Please Don’t Go Before I Get Better, by Madisen Kuhn)

Inspired by the Netflix movie Something Great, this is one of the few sad songs on the record, about a girl going through a breakup who can’t help but linger in happier memories. (For the record: “I dress to kill my time” is genius, as are so many of these lyrics.) Only Swift is so good at pairing such devastating messaging with a pop beat you can’t help but want to sing. This song was the hardest one to pick a book for (especially because it’s already inspired by a movie) so I decided to go with a poetry collection! Please Don’t Go Before I Get Better is all about the aches and sun rays of growing up, told in a staggeringly relatable voice that will make you want to curl up on the couch and cry your eyes out.

11. “London Boy” (Red, White and Royal Blue, by Casey McQuiston)

This is 100% about Joe Alwyn, but also… Taylor dated at least two Brits that we know of before him, so this song is also about what we already knew (“the rumors are true”): she has a penchant for London Boys. Essentially a road map of her favorite places in the city, this indulgent ditty trades “Tennessee Whiskey” for “A gray sky, a rainy cab ride” and of course, her man by her side. Red, White, and Royal Blue is the perfect pick for this song, about two boys who fall in love (after a rough start where they were almost enemies) amidst those gray, rainy skies… but one of them happens to be the son of an American President, and the other, the current Prince of England.

12. “Soon You’ll Get Better (feat. Dixie Chicks)” (Swamplandia! by Karen Russell)

Of all the songs on the album, this one gave me the most vintage Swift vibes. There’s no denying that she is an astonishingly talented songwriter, especially when you listen to what is essentially her greatest fear laid bare on this track with just a bit of guitar and the Dixie Chicks harmonizing in the background. Here, the story shines: Swift’s mother has been sick for a number of years, and while they’ve mostly kept the details of that battle private, this is the most vulnerable moment of love for her mother on an album mostly about finding true love. “Holy orange bottles, each night I pray to you/Desperate people find faith, so now I pray to Jesus, too.” A friend of mine recently lost their mother just after getting married, and it made me marvel at how life often delivers us highs and lows to grapple with simultaneously. While all of this was going on—Kanye and Kim, Joe and London, another world tour, another album—in the background, Swift has been terrified of losing her mother. This song made me think of Swamplandia!, a novel about a young girl living in a gator-wrestling theme park where her mother used to be the main event, until she passed away. Now, in the wake of her death, the girl and her siblings must grapple with their mother’s legacy as a competing business rises up to swallow the success she built on the swamp.

13. “False God” (City of Girls, by Elizabeth Gilbert)

Is that a saxophone in the background of a Taylor Swift song? This slow, jazzy number is all about love and desire—and how we come back to it even when the world around us (and sometimes we, ourselves) put it in jeopardy. “And I can’t talk to you when you’re like this/Staring out the window like I’m not your favorite town/I’m New York City” and other lyrics referencing New York seem to be the grounding force in an otherwise tumultuous relationship. Multiple times on this record Swift has alluded to rough patches in her current happiness, but connection is always the solution to fixing it. She seems to say that if you treat your relationship like it’s your religion, you can get through anything. This is one of the sexier songs on the album, but it’s also got serious NYC vibes, so I’m picking City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert: a novel all about relishing romance in the glitzy 1940’s New York Theater scene, but also how desire can either set us on the road to ruin, or redemption.

14. “You Need to Calm Down” (The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, by Taylor Jenkins Reid)

This song has done what Swift does best: inspire conversation and a bit of controversy. Acknowledging that it was past time for her to be an outspoken ally for the LGBTQIAP+ community, YNTCD tackles the various ways communities are pitted against one another (especially on the internet.) The first verse examines her personal haters (“Say it in the street, that’s a knock-out/But you say it in a Tweet, that’s a cop-out), the second calls out homophobes (“Shade never made anybody less gay”), and the third examines how her relationships with her female contemporaries have often been antagonistic, something she herself has been responsible perpetuating in the past with songs like “Bad Blood” and “Better Than Revenge” (“We all know now, we all got crowns/you need to calm down.”) The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is about a famous actress who hid the great female love of her life behind multiple male partners and uses her platform to tell the truth (all while hiding one last devastating secret). While Taylor herself has not come out as part of the LGBTQ community, she has come out as an ally, and this book made me think about the issues of privacy, platform, allyship, and identity that the song also confronts. If there’s more to the story of Swift’s relationship to the LGBTQIAP+ community, she’s going to share it on her own terms.

15.“Afterglow” (Queenie, by Candice Carty-Williams)

This song ranks high on my favorites from the album, and it’s a rare genre from Swift: the apology song. (The other famous one is Speak Now’s “Back to December.”) In this mid-tempo song with slamming drums and a breathy falsetto, Swift yearns for the partner she pushed away to meet her in the moments after the fight ends. “It’s all me, in my head/I’m the one who burned us down/ but it’s not what I meant,” she insists. There’s still hope here though, as opposed to earlier songs on the record that signal the doom of a friendship or a breakup after-the-fact. Queenie, by Candice Carty-Williams, is a novel about a girl coming to terms with her role in a failed relationship, a career she can’t seem to succeed in, and friends she unknowingly betrays. “Why’d I have to break what I love so much?” is a question asked in this song’s chorus, and one Queenie must answer in order to find real, lasting happiness.

16. “ME! (feat. Brendon Urie)” (Crazy Rich Asians, by Kevin Kwan)

This self-love anthem is bubblegum sweet and full of earworms: the “Shake it Off“ of the TS7 Era. It makes me think of lightning-fast beach reads that you can’t put down and that feel so good to read but also have a deeper meaning to them. Just because it’s not the most lyrically advanced of her songs doesn’t mean this bop doesn’t deserve to be celebrated— it reminded me of how romances constantly get a bad rep (lol, see what I did there?) as somehow lesser than other genres. I love that Taylor doesn’t care about what other people think and is 100% focused on being her authentic self— just like the heroine of Crazy Rich Asians, Rachel Chu. When confronted with the wealth and expectations of her boyfriend Nick’s family (who don’t think she’s good enough for him), she insists it’s her individuality that makes her the perfect partner for him.

17. “It’s Nice to Have a Friend” (This Love Story Will Self-Destruct, by Leslie Cohen)

This track might be my second favorite? It’s so different (Ukulele? Trombone? Is that what I’m hearing?) and such a contrast to the beginning of the album, the opener closes the door on a once meaningful friendship. It’s also a deceiving song, in that I’m still not 100% sure what it’s about. I think Swift is exploring the importance of friendship in all its forms: in childhood (“School bell rings, walk me home”) to adolescence “Something gave you the nerve/to touch my hand”) to romantic love (“Church bells ring, carry me home/rice on the ground looks like snow”). Ultimately, she may be saying that the most important thing about a romantic partner is that they make you feel like you have a friend—when you’re young, the thing that matters most is feeling seen by other people. If your lover is also your best friend, then you know they always have your back. A love story that takes place over two characters’ twenties, This Love Story Will Self-Destruct is about the missteps, betrayals, beautiful moments and connection that forms between two people over a decade.

18. “Daylight” (Evvie Drake Starts Over, by Linda Holmes)

“My love was as cruel as the cities I lived in.” What a way to begin this album closer. Swift’s last tracks have a tradition of being the ones that are most emblematic of her current state of mind, but they also have developed certain themes over time. Renewal, starting over, self-reflection, and hope are all subjects “Daylight” sheds a little light on. She acknowledges past failings (“I wounded the good and trusted the wicked”) and what she wants for the future (“I once believed love would be [burning red]/but it’s golden”). A book that feels like daylight on your skin is what’s needed for this song, and I think Evvie Drake Starts Over is the perfect pick: a story about a woman still grieving the loss of her husband but who finds herself moving on with a former major league baseball player. Both of them have pasts they are healing from, but together, they find hope for the future. “I’ve been sleeping so long in a twenty-year dark night/and now I see daylight.” And, unlike (I think?) any other song in her catalogue, she speaks in the end, not sings, in a direct appeal to her audience. Her very last words are “You are what you love.” Well, I love Taylor Swift. I love a good song lyric to sink my teeth into, or to sing. I love love. And I love a good story, whether it comes from a song or a book, and when you’re done with the album, I hope you find some here.

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madara-fate · 4 years ago

Note

Are you a fan of Fall Guys? It's been very popular recently. If so, what are your favourite games from it?

Ah Fall Guys, I have been playing it, and it’s one of the most frustratingly addictive games in recent memory. It’s certainly a fun game, but the levels of enjoyment that I get from playing it don't even come close to the levels of frustration that I experience. Your question made me curious on how I would rank each of the mini games, so I went ahead and did just that.

25. Royal Fumble - Because let’s just get this out of the way, every game with a tail and go and screw itself. The tail grabbing mechanics are clunky and don’t work consistently, sometimes you’re running towards someone and you press R2, and you just bump into them instead of grabbing their tail. Other times you get your tail stolen from you by someone who was clearly a country mile away from you, and to lose a friggin’ final because of poor gameplay mechanics is frustrating beyond belief.

24. Perfect Match - Because this game is so dull and pointless. It hardly eliminates players due to its ridiculously low difficulty, and it still gives players the opportunity to be insufferable pricks and try to push you off.

23. Team Tail Tag - Because of the same reasons as Royal Fumble, but I ranked it higher because this isn’t a final, so at least you don’t fall at the final hurdle due to poor gameplay mechanics.

22. Tail Tag - Because of the reasons as the other tail games. I ranked this above its Team variant because at least if you manage to have a tail at the end, you’ll definitely go through. Whereas with the Team one, even if you end the round with a tail, you could still get eliminated. Frustration galore. I know that the opposite also applies and that you can also go through if you don’t have a tail, but regular Tail Tag eliminates more players, so that’s better.

21. Jinxed - Because the jinxing mechanics are only slightly better than the tail grabbing ones, but that makes enough of a noticeable difference to give it this ranking. However, I still don’t like the concept of Team based rounds. If the game is designed to give an overall victory to individual players, then those victories should be entirely of their own making.

20. Fall Ball - Because it’s a team based game, and while I love football, this is a very poor version of Rocket League. Furthermore, the fact that a team can constantly score immediately after the ball spawns because it drops down rather than spawning on the ground, is ludicrous. That needs to be patched immediately, because it’s beyond cheap.

19. Egg Scramble - Because the golden eggs are just too important, and sometimes when you’re being grabbed by another player whilst holding an egg, the egg just goes flying out of your hands, and when this happens while you’re in your team’s base, the golden egg can randomly fly out of the base, making your opponent’s job that much easier due to pure luck.

18. Rock 'N' Roll - Because it’s a team based game, and your team’s competence directly affects your own performance. If they aren’t good at pushing and steering the ball, it won’t matter if you’re brilliant at doing so, you will fail regardless. This game also requires a level of Team coordination that you simply have no control over.

17. Hoarders - Because it’s a team based game, but one where a dominating team can very quickly turn into a dominated team. No team is ever completely out of it until the very end, so it always remains competitive.

16. Tip Toe - Because I do sometimes enjoy the tension, but it ultimately just becomes a game of who can push who into the next blocks to find the right path. The pushing and shoving on the narrow path takes away from my enjoyment because I’m always more concerned with just staying on the path, rather than finding the way forward.

15. See Saw - Because this game is far too dependent on your starting placement, which is completely random. Those at the front won’t have to deal with people messing up the see saws for them. Also, it’s just too long, and that’s a direct result of people constantly needing to wait for the see saws to align themselves before being able to proceed.

14. Door Dash - Because while I do enjoy the guessing game, where if you’re lucky it helps immensely, if you’re unlucky, you’re then forced to go through the doors everyone else is going through, and it just becomes far too cluttered at every door. And as the Fall Guys fall over just from a tiny puff of wind, you’ll find yourself on your ass at every single door, and when you’re already behind, you have far less incentive to take a risk by choosing an untested door.

13. Fall Mountain - Because in terms of sheer urgency, nothing in the game beats Fall Mountain. It’s quick and hectic which is good, but this is by far the biggest example in the game of an over-reliance on luck. It’s like Fruit Chute on crack, because in that game, the fruits come at you relatively slowly so you have a chance to dodge, but in this one, the balls often come at you like rockets, meaning if they happen to go in your direction, you will be hit. So for a final to be so dependent on luck is not a good thing.

12. Fruit Chute - Because it’s very simple, and yet very challenging. But again, your starting placement is a little too important. Those in front will have an advantage because they won’t have anyone who messed up in front of them rolling down the conveyor, and ending up blocking your path. This game is also too reliant on luck in my opinion.

11. Block Party - Because once you get past the boring first half, the second half can actually be rather fun, if of course you don’t find yourself in a game with obnoxious players who constantly hold on to you in an attempt to screw you (and in the process possibly themselves) over, which is unlikely. The game has a lot of potential, but the fact that the vast majority of failures is because someone else knocked you over, rather than your own incompetence, is a large hindrance to my overall enjoyment.

10. Hoopsie Daisy - Because this is my favourite of all the team based games. It’s fun to try and anticipate where the hoops will appear, and you not only have to get to the hoops first, but you also have to jump through them, which can be challenging in of itself depending on where the hoops are placed. There are no poor mechanics in this one (apart from a dodgy camera on the ramps), but it’s still a team based game, so it was never gonna place too highly.

9. Roll Out - Because timing and judgement are key to success in this game mode.There is no technical skill involved in this one, it’s all down to your decision making, regarding how long to stay on the platform before moving to a different one, whether you want to try jumping over the gaps instead of avoiding them all together, whether you want to move to a platform with less obstacles but more players (which serve as worse obstacles) etc. It’s very much about your wits, which I really enjoy.

8. The Whirlygig - Because like many of the other early levels, this has great variety so there’s a little something for everyone. This, coupled with the fact that it’s not a team based game, nor does it require you to grab a tail, earns it a spot this high on the list, more because it doesn't do anything to frustrate me, rather than it doing anything really great.

7. Dizzy Heights - Because this, like Hoopsie Daisy, focuses on the your timing and the jumping mechanics, which is the most consistent thing in the game. I happen to favour game modes which focus on these two aspects of gameplay, as I’ve insinuated with Hoopsie Daisy and now this, and as I’ll soon reiterate with my top 5 mini games.

6. Hit Parade - Because much like Whirlygig, it manages to pack variety in the stage, but what it does better than Whirlygig is its length. Hit Parade is very short, sweet and to the point, which I very much appreciate. Furthermore, again like Whirlygig, it has this spot in my list more because it doesn't do anything to frustrate me, rather than it doing anything really great, but in a game like this which frustrates me so much, this is a very big positive.

5. Gate Crash - Because again, timing and jumping are my favourite aspects of the game, and that is Gate Crash in a nutshell. Once you’ve got the pattern of the moving gates down, it just becomes a matter of tailoring your movements and timing depending on your starting position. This also has the benefit of there never being a huge cluster of bodies at any given door, which was by far my biggest complaint with Door Dash.

4. Jump Club - Because jumping and timing. It’s basically Gate Crash in a different format. Rather than it being a race, you’re now being made to use these skills in a survival environment. Jumping over the single lower bar seems really easy at first, before you realise that not only does the bar get faster, but there will be times when both the upper and lower bars come at you simultaneously, so you need to know when to shift your position on the platform to make it so that by the time the lower bar reaches you, you can jump over it without the upper bar smashing you off into the slime.

3. Slime Climb - Because timing is everything in this game. Timing your movements while making your way through the obstacle course is paramount to your success, and the fact that you can’t take too much time due to the rising slime gives the game a sense of urgency and a fast pace which I also really enjoy. Furthermore, Slime Climb is the ultimate eliminator, so I can always count on a good chunk of people to bow out once all is said and done.

2. Hex-A-Gone - Because this is the most tactical out of all the game modes. There are so many different methods you can employ in this one, meaning you can’t really anticipate how your opponents will play it. Therefore, you can’t formulate your game plan based on what you think your opponents will do because that’s impossible to predict. You can only rely on the execution of your own game plan, and the decisions you make will be equally important as the accuracy of your jumps.

1. Jump Showdown - Because this is the ultimate game of jumping and timing, and as a final, the stakes are the highest here. Much like what Fall Mountain is to Fruit Chute, Jump Showdown is Jump Club on crack. However, unlike Fall Mountain which amplified Fruit Chute’s negative points (the randomness and focus on luck), Jump Showdown amplifies Jump Club’s positives (your timing, decision making and focus). Because the ground you’re on breaks platform by platform, your positioning is also key, so part of the decision making is deciding whether or not to jump across to a different platform, or stay where you are. You also have to anticipate when the lower and upper bars will come simultaneously, and thus move forward or backwards accordingly in order to jump between them. And then, once there’s only three or two people left and the two lower bars are moving very quickly, it becomes an epic game of concentration. Who will blink first? Who will crack under the pressure? And I love that.

#Fall Guys

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professordrarry · 5 years ago

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Shadow Cast 3

Part one, Part two

Luckily for both of them, the opening notes of the shadow cast introduction began and they stood in their seats as everyone around them settled down. Well, not down. No one really did anything calmly at a Rocky night. It was basically his favourite thing about the theatre. The jeering and the swearing. The complete lack of any propriety.

Tonight, there was tension in his shoulders. What the fuck he had been thinking by inviting Draco Malfoy, king of proper and buttoned-up wit, he would never know. He held his breath through the Virgin announcement, waiting for Draco to storm out. A part of his brain did realise that as Draco was standing beside him nearly naked, there was likely more to him than he currently knew.

An intriguing thought, he had to admit.

Draco turned to him when the on-stage Brad called for the virgins in the audience to do a quick hip thrust. The look on his face was mirth mixed with intrigue, and as he put his hands on his hips and shoved his hips forward, his eyebrow rose. Harry’s brain short-circuited for the second time in twenty minutes as Draco laughed and let the ridiculous pose drop. “You know,” Draco said in that loud, low whisper people reserved for loud places, “I didn’t think it was going to be possible to lose my virginity again, but I have to admit, I’m already enjoying this immensely.” The grin he wore was wicked, and Harry quickly realised he had made a grave miscalculation. Draco Malfoy was fun. Not only was he fun, but he was also laid back, adventurous, and downright cheeky. And, Harry was suddenly absolutely certain, he was gay as the day was long.

Now Harry usually refrained from making this assumption; his ‘gay-dar’ was not good. He’d been informed of this by enough people to make him sheepish. But as giant red lips took to the screen, and the people in fishnets on stage started gyrating ridiculously, Harry was so positive that he had made the right call inviting Draco here, of all places, that he grinned a huge grin.

Draco knew at least half of the things people were shouting. He had a fairly decent memory and Pansy had made him study before coming so he didn’t make a complete fool of himself. He probably would have been doing better at the remembering if Harry weren’t glued to him like a strange, extra-sticky magnet. Even when he wasn’t looking straight at him — rare, if the number of side glances he’d managed was any indication — Harry’s body seemed to be connected to him. Draco could have been imagining it, of course, but it was very difficult to ignore either way.

The Time Warp brought Draco back to reality. He laughed the entire time he did the ridiculous dance. He hadn’t been so happy in a long, long time. This place was electric, addictive. Everyone knew the rules, everyone knew the steps. No one cared who you were or who your father was. No one was questioning whether or not you were throwing your life away, or if you should be further along since you were technically an adult with Responsibilities. All they cared about was if you remembered to call Janet a slut and if you were having fun.

He threw himself into the pelvic thrust, let his legs go to jelly when his knees fell in tight, and positively went insane. The last chorus found him out of breath and laughing like a lunatic. He turned to Harry to share his joy and found Harry staring, mouth agape, similarly out of breath. His chest above the corset was red and flushed, the wig on his head was slightly askew, and the wildness that stood in front of him made Draco’s heart stop beating in his chest.

On the stage behind him, the audience was being introduced to their evening’s Frank N Furter, a tall man who was clearly ginger beneath all the black hair dye. Draco didn’t notice. The audience was shouting “Say it, Frankie, Say it” before he even managed to move again, breaking eye contact with Harry as his eyes instead shifted down his chest. He took a deep breath. Now or never passed through his mind, which was ridiculous, obviously.

Still, he threw himself forward.

Harry wondered, not for the first time, if Draco Malfoy were actually capable of reading minds. He’d been staring at him, gasping for breath, for almost an entire song. His body was frozen, completely incapable of forward motion, as it wrestled with the possibilities. On the one hand, they were surrounded by people who would not give a flying fuck if he positively ravaged this man in front of them. There were no coworkers or tricky history or friends to judge. If not now, then when? On the other hand, finding someone attractive was not a good enough reason to kiss them. Draco had never quite shown anything but indifference to Harry, but he was also standing here shirtless, staring right back.

Before he worked out what side of this internal battle he was going to land on, Draco had reached out, taken Harry’s hand, and pulled him close, until their chests were flush and their height difference unimportant.

“I’m going to kiss you now, unless you stop me. You can stop me, of course, but I don’t think I can deny that I want this much longer. You’re killing me slowly with that corset.”

Harry opened his mouth to— do what, he didn’t know. “That’s your fault,” he said instead. “I want to do far more than kiss you when you are standing in front of me fully dressed for work. I haven’t been able to think since you showed me your costume.” “Why am I here,” Harry?” Draco whispered in his ear. “Am I here for this?”

He trailed his hands down the boning in Harry’s ribs, tugging the bottom edge of the corset as he went. “Or is it for this?” he asked, stroking his fingers over the pearl beads and therefore brushing Harry’s clavicle. “Or is it for that?” he said gesturing vaguely. “Because I’ll tell you what. I’m here. I don’t have much beyond that. I’m here and I don’t know why, and if you don’t kiss me soon, I might lose my nerve.” Harry moved so fast that he knocked Draco back, unused to his high boxer’s boots. Harry grasped him by the hips and held him close, his mouth ghosting over Draco’s lips. He’d wanted this for so long. It was unreal that it was going to happen. He let himself slow down. The noise settled to a din as Draco’s hands ghosted on his back.

Then, he gave in.

Their neighbours whooped and catcalled, and a second later, they were pelted with bits of water leftover from the rain scene.

Neither of them much noticed.

- END -

This self-indulgent ficlet is dedicated to my Rocky family, who quite literally saved my 16-year-old life. At a time when the world was not as accepting of weird or off-centre, the Rocky shadow nights were a place of solace. For the first time, I saw accepted, open-air, non-traditional, non-hetero relationships. A few of my shadow fam are now in hilarious 9-5 jobs with 2.5 kids. A few have managed to stay weird. A few are no longer with us. I love every one of them still. And every day, I am grateful that smartphones were not yet a thing when I was in highschool, and there are therefore no photos of me at a show... Embrace your weird, kids.

Love, PD

#shadow cast #drarry drabble #rocky horror show #cosplay #technically AU #but like you don't really find out about the magic

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a-race-of-cannibal-ducks · 5 years ago

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Chapter 1.

Yes, I haven’t considered a title for this yet. This is only chapter 1 of a 2, perhaps 3, part fic about Jem, Will and Jessamine aged fourteen (thank Herondale for this idea). It’s sad, it’s angsty and apparently the plot made people cry! It’s quite Jessamine centeric, but also focuses a lot on Jem and Will. Withought giving much away: arguments, crying. Enjoy. (Also please note I know Sophie wasn’t with them at the time, but I suck with names so Herondale and I decided all maids were Sophie now).

Spirits were anything but high and tensions were anything but low. A series of missing - presumed dead - mundanes had sparked the attention of the London Institute and Enclave, leading to tri-weekly meetings lead by an ever-more growing stressed Charlotte Branwell and an incredibly tired Henry Branwell. At morning breakfast, the tension was palpable.

Sitting around the large square table, were the residents of the London Insitutue, a low murmer filling the room as food was brought out and set down in the centre of the table. Toast, eggs, bacon - often enjoyable foods the people sitting around the table would savour. But no one seemed to be collecting anything for their plate. Everyone's eyes seemed to be stern and sorrowful.

"Oh do please have something," Charlotte sighed, lightly buttering a slice of browned toast. "It'll keep your energy up," she added, stealing a quick glance at her husband, Henry, whose eyes seemed to be trained to his copy of the news paper. The news paper had been surpisingly useful as of late, stating whether or not the mudanes had returned - dead or alive.

Sucking in a shallow breathe, Charlotte asked,"is there anything of use in there today?"

Henry shook his head, taking a sip of the steaming cup of tea which Sophie had poured for him. "Nothing I can find, but I'm looking." The reply was quick, uncertain, especially as updates had been appearing within the first few pages of the newspaper if there had been any.

Across from Charlotte and Henry, sat Jessamine, her face pressed to her hand as she picked at the corner of her toast spread with a thin layer of strawberry jam. "It's not like he's doing a good job of it; he's probably missed something," Jessamine bit, her tone laced with frustration. Being fourteen, it wasn't much of her place to be doing work on this case, nor her position to comment on the ability of Shadowhunters her senior.

"I don't suppose you'd do much better," Will replied, shooting an angered look at Jessamine. He, like Jessamine, was also fourteen and unable to be much of an assistance to anyone (in fact, one may call him a nuisance with the amount of remarks he seemed to make whenever tasked with helping out Charlotte or Henry) but still criticised Jessamine.

At this, Jessamine looked affronted - she wasn't known to be much of a worker nor a trainer, in fact, she despised the idea of even becoming a Shadowhunter at all. Often, she'd refuse to handle any and all weapons, she had only read very certain parts of the Shadowhunter's Codex, and wasn't very attentive to her studies. So, rather than replying, she scowled and continued to stare at her toast.

"Do stop the unnecessary bickering," Jem, Will's parabatai, replied, waiting for some angered reply from Jessamine which didn't come. Instead it was a weary Charlotte who had just checked the large clock behind her for time.

"Benedict and the rest of the Enclave will be here presently... Henry and I will be in the Great Library, but please try to leave us undisturbed," Charlotte spoke, her tone almost pleading as she rose. They were very often interrupted by anyone of the younger Shadowhunters whilst in the middle of a meeting - but this one was important. Charlotte gently tugged at the hand of Henry once she was standing fully, an urge to pry him away from the newspaper which had been ruled useless nonsense.

"Is there anything which needs doing?" Jem asked before Henry and Charlotte had exited, his tone was more quiet than usual, despite getting a world more sleep the night before. The question earned groans and sighs from Will and Jessamine, people who did not want to do anything extra.

But Charlotte shook her head. "No, I don't believe there is. If you'd like to catch up on studies or perhaps do some weapons training? Do be careful though." Charlotte directed her last sentence as Will as Jem nodded and the two older shadowhunters departed the room.

It took a good few more moments before Sophie appeared, a small smile on her face and her cap slightly askew. "Are you all finished?" her tone joyful and slightly accented with a cockney accent.

"Send Agatha my thanks," Will joked, seemingly ignoring the previous slight altercation. Although, when he looked down at his plate, he still saw his slice of toast and rash of back, almost perfectly intact.

Standing up, Will and Jem pushed in their chairs as they began to leave the grand dining room, leaving Jessamine sat in her seat, head still pressed to her hands. "Why do you always have to do everything together?" She asked as immediate regret filled her. She hurriedly pushed in her chair to catch up with the boys.

"Well," Will started, his tone already dripping in sarcasm. "Would you care to spar, Miss Lovelace?" he knelt in an almost proposal sort of way while Jem stood behind him, shaking his head very lightly.

"Of course I don't!" Jessamine exclaimed, throwing her hands up in a piqued manor. How dare he? Of course she didn't want to spar with him!

"Why ever not?" Will laughed, coming up from the position on the ground. "Are you afraid I'd win?" he asked, turning to Jem, who was doing nothing to diffuse the situation yet. "James Carstairs, your thoughts?" Will asked.

Jem blinked a few times, trying to focus himself back in. During the second brief altercation, he'd let his mind wander a little and found himself disconnected and relatively dizzy. "Perhaps we could interest Jessie in something we could all enjoy, hm?" His tone was light and kind. It was a talent of his, the ability to find a solution for everybody.

"I'm not afraid of anything you do William, but more, a lady doesn't fight!" Jessamine retorted.

"A lady?" Will scoffed. "You're a Shadowhunter, Jessamine! That's all you'll be, and a bloody bad one at that if you keep up the way which you're going. I very much doubt you've attended a single weaponry lesson, and only occasionally bother to turn up for other such studies!" William wasn't angry at her, per say, she could do as she pleased for all he cared, but it was something which Will knew would upset Jessamine. She never wanted to be here, to be a Shadowhunter. But neither did Will. Infact, none of them chose to even be in the London Institute anyway!

Jessamine felt the breath leave her body for a second, wide eyed. How could he say such a thing? She didn't have to be a Shadowhunter and she didn't need to learn Shadowhunter things! Tears pricked the back of her eyes and flashes of her mother and father shone behind her eyes. Oh how she missed them.

"You can't say that!" Jessamine spoke, her voice raised, not saying more for fear of the prickling tears becoming streaming ones.

"I can't? Well, I am aware I have a voice, so-" Will got cut off.

Jem had moved from behind Will to be standing in front of them both, a frustrated look on his pale and tired eyes. Jem always came to be the mediator - never Charlotte, never Henry - it was always Jem. Often, he was fine with it, allowing himself to have an open mind and take no sides. But this time... everything Will had said to Jessamine, it truly exasperated him to no end, but Jem also wasn't one to lose his temper.

"Take a moment," Jem started, taking a breath that was harder than it should have been. "Think about what you're both saying." He coughed. "Will, d-do you really... think that's what you o-ought to be," Jem coughed again, a few more times, bringing the taste of metal to the back of his mouth.

"Jem... are you feeling alright?" Will ask, sudden vulnerability rushing into his voice, rather than the sarcastic and hurtful tone he used to jab at Jessamine.

Jessamine stood motionless, still reeling from Will's prior comment, and now Jem. She knew he was ill, but not to which nature nor degree - it wasn't a highly discussed subject and Charlotte kept much of the details very hush-hush. But she knew the Silent Brothers were unable to cure whatever troubled him and, she'd heard, a few comments here-and-there passed around that death was inevitable.

Brushing off the concern, Jem went on. "Ought to be saying while the Institute is..." he tried to take a breath again, but it was harder, his chest was tight and heavy. He closed his eyes briefly for a moment of solidarity, but the moment he opened them again, everything was dimmer than he remembered and he could feel himself slowly collapse to the ground, a fit of coughing wracked his body.

"Jem," Will said hurriedly, dropping to the ground beside his friend as he supported his head, pulling out the handkerchief he had stuffed into his black trouser pocket and handed it to Jem. Will glared at Jessamine who was frozen in shock and terror, her heart pounding in her throat and she could feel the blood rushing in her ears.

"This is your fault," Will bit at Jessamine, colder than she had ever heard before. "If you hadn't said anything..." Will knew it wasn't Jessamine's fault, he knew it wasn't but he couldn't do much more than blame her.

Shaking, Jessamine shoved her arms into a crossed position, trying to fend off all of the memories which she and Jem had. Although she would never admit it, she saw quite a friend in Jem. Whenever she was having a difficult time at night, Jem would happily come to her room, to have conversations about whatever she wanted to, play with her dolls if she liked. Jem would play Father doll and Jessamine would play Mother and Baby Jessie doll. It was always a normal day they would playout, breakfast, piano, reading together. Jessamine's eyes welled up further with tears, this time she couldn't blink them back.

TAG LIST (hey guys, this is my Shadowhunter sideblog!): @wicked-books-101@bchcadcd @rubys-finger-cymbals @lessix

#admin: carstairs #the infernal devices #shadowhunters #the shadowhunter chronicals #the infernal devices fanfiction #shadowhunters fanfiction #will herondale #jem carstairs #charlotte branwell #jessamine lovelace #henry branwel #pre: tessa #this is sad lol #i am so sorry if you saw this pre-edit

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