#(if being family means we kill each other's partners [which happens time and time again] then fuck being in this family)

[helpimstuckinafandom]

JUSTICE FOR DAVINA CLAIRE I'M SO FUCKING SERIOUS FUCK OFF OH MY FUCKING GOD

[owlsie-hoot]

All Creatures Great and small "Holding the baby" 05x02

I don't even know where to start!

First: my internet connection was not AWOL this week and I could watch the entire episode without any trouble. And maybe that is why I still cannot sort my thoughts!

What was this episode? What happened? How many of the predictions came true? How many spoiler dots were correctly connected? A LOT!

Starting at the beginning:

Audrey being on one of her first training sessions to learn everything about her new job, a scene I was eagerly looking forward since the end of February. That the episode started with that was simply amazing. I cried because it made me so happy. Of course it was Siegfried who didn't close the curtains correctly - prediction one. And of course he waited for her because he wanted to make "you were accounted for" - correct prediction two. I mean how many times have we written about this scenario in fanfics? I certainly have used this trope numerous times. Needless to say that this entire sequence already killed me and that was only the beginning. The joking, the banter, the care, the offering of a nightcap, handing her the letter from Tristan. There is no line there anymore. It has vanished.

Only in my rewatch did I notice that episode 2 picks up directly after episode 1. Just one hour later. So we all got to yell "Bingo" if we assumed that Siegfried was only still up, talking to James, because he was waiting for Audrey in episode 1. (sorry was too excited last night to notice this)

Siegfried and Jimmy at the breakfast table: can it get any cuter? Seriously! Reading medical textbooks to the baby is so Siegfried.

The story slowly unfolds after that of course and I didn't dare hope that Siegfried and Audrey would get more than two scenes for themselves. Setting my expectations very low for each episode is hard but rewarding because they were inseparable in that episode. Siegfried storming through the house, yelling her name, ranting about Bosworth, telling her everything he hates about that guy, is so married! Of course Bosworth hears everything and of course Siegfried puts his foot in. "Monopolising my housekeeper" - is one way of phrasing it but I think that 'housekeeper' is by now a very hollow expression, only used out of habit. And because every other term would give him away. He cannot say her first name, he cannot say partner, wife, companion, friend. I wasn't sure if the look Audrey shot him was because he called her 'housekeeper' or because he interfered her meeting and offended Bosworth.

Cue Siegfried apologising (scene number 3 for them!) almost immediately afterwards in his own special way. He fully accepts her terms and conditions and points out that he was only angry with Bosworth and not with Audrey who only had two training sessions so far. "feels like more" he mutters because he misses her and doesn't like sharing her. But he does not really understand that he is jealous. At least they talk now! Still not enough but there is so much more communication between them that is emotionally important and not your regular small talk.

As if this wasn't already enough, the next correctly predicted scene happens. Audrey riding her bike while on a round, finding poor Bingo and calling Siegfried for help. Once again the two share a frame but this time even more flirting is added. The looks are killing me and I can't believe what I just witnessed. There was admiration and pride, thankfulness and a tenderness in that scene that leaves no doubt that Audrey is slowly getting there.

The next scene with them doesn't help either because the first hint is dropped that Siegfried is too old for romance (and doesn't have a family) - which Audrey finds so funny that she has a hard time suppressing her laughter. Bosworth could not be more wrong. Seeing Audrey and Siegfried sitting opposite the warden, like the couple they unofficially are, in a house that reminds us of Gerald's dark bachelor flat, is the cherry on top of the cake. Followed by the epic car ride (prediction number 4!) that I rewatched directly afterwards.

Audrey teasing him and Siegfried knowing that she does but playing along. They are on fire. Additionally we have never seen Audrey so carefree, so at ease and happy, smiling and teasing throughout an episode. Gone is the weight that she had carried around for such a long time. She truly is free and Siegfried welcomes this with open arms. "There should be a line between employer and employee" "when is suits" - that line Siegfried pointed out in 01.02 has eroded. She can endlessly tease him and he joins in. Seize the day! And smile about it.

Only to step hard on the breaks later. Have we ever heard Audrey tease him like that? Or Siegfried answer in such a flirty sarcastic way? I don't think so. Will add "Stubborn beast" to the list of endearments Audrey uses for Siegfried.

And finally, the last scene. Not alone this time but the predicted, apron wearing husband. Adapting, helping, not being grumpy about it. And his wife who lets him fight his own battles because she enjoys the squabble between Bosworth and Siegfried way too much (when it is not about her).

[goblins-riddles-or-frocks]

some more interview 1994 movie rewatch things that made me insane:

- they live in 90s subtext land, so the narrative swapping of louis having a dead partner and child and gaining a new partner and child in lestat and claudia

- what if there is no hell, what if they don’t want us there!!!!!!

- louis’ moral quandaries next to how he reacts with revulsion when approached for help by one of lestat’s victims. he’s just kind of fucking evil the entire time (obviously) and the way his depression and moral despair leads to utter apathy and cruelty despite his constant abstract sense of guilt— which eventually also leaves him. like he does need that guilt bc otherwise there’s absolutely nothing. and the culmination of his arc is exhausting even his grief and arriving at that nothingness.

- lestat giving claudia a doll every year on her death day :C

- the scene!!!!!!! where claudia pretends to want to make amends with lestat. who is being petty and angry at her, but clearly through the lens of family, wholly unaware that claudia is completely against him now and ready to see him dead.

- that beat when he’s cruel to her, and she’s like “why do you say such things?” he’s just quiet for a moment. and tom cruise’s face really does go on a journey there! acting! and that next to the glimpse of real vulnerability when he asks her “do we forgive each other then?”

- claudia saying “one lesson you taught me, never drink from the dead.” the caged birds in the background! while lestat keeps thinking this is just an increasingly mean prank! it takes so long for him to understand what’s actually happening, even after she admits to poisoning the twins and letting him drink dead blood. him demanding to be put in his coffin because he thinks louis at least would obviously help him

- and then!!!!! the way louis just walks in on all this, completely unaware, because claudia left him out of the planning after he initially rejected her idea of a mutiny. but once he does see what she’s doing, he doesn’t care enough to prevent it. he is only really effected enough to lift caudia so that lestat’s blood doesn’t get on her skirt lmao

- “you missed him.” “he was all I knew” the way this is the OG kill your toxic fatherspouse storyline

- when lestat shows up again!! STILL speaking entirely in a familiar and familial context, and how him attacking claudia is the only thing that rouses louis enough to actually hurt him. also just love the way this story uses a good cleansing fire to signify an upending of a stage of louis’ life

- the way that, reflected in louis’ anguished apathy, the other characters all see whatever they want to see. basically whatever would fill the void in their own empty lives.

- that scene where even claudia and madeleine’s ashes crumble into nothing

- lestat showing up yet again, entirely decrepit. that scene carries so much weight. the way he is still talking about claudia, still thinking about bygones and louis just says “that’s all past.” louis so unfeeling and having withdrawn fully into himself that he can afford to be indulgently amused by lestat’s fears, how he cringes at electric light. how he walks away completely uncaring. he’s just literally beyond everything and anything

[thegamingcatmom]

Hiii, how are you?

Do you think that when Kate met Garrett and told her family that he was her partner, how do you think Tanya reacted? I read on a blog once how lost Tanya could have felt, like, now I'm the only one without a partner? What do I do? Do you think she was afraid that what happened to Irina would happen to Kate?

(Note: beautiful author, satisfy my curiosity…, give us a little spoiler for the next chapter 👀👀👀)

Hi, there!

I´m just peachy, thanks for asking. Hope you´re doing great as well? 🤗

Very interesting question indeed! I think her initial reaction was a mix between elation and...dread(?). Like, I think she felt overjoyed at first, so happy that her sister found her other half because she knows what it feels like - longing for something that just doesn´t seem meant to be. I don´t think the sisters (well, Tanya and Kate at least) would ever openly admit it, but I´m pretty sure this fear of having to spend eternity "alone" (without a partner) was often at the forefront of their minds.

Speaking of: I think that´s ultimately what made her snap out of it. Like, once the initial excitement of Kate having found her partner died down, realization (dread) set in: Her sister now had a partner as well, which means she´s the only unmated vampire in her coven.

Where does that leave her?

I´m 100% certain that Tanya felt quite lonely, especially with everything that went down with Irina as well, at that time. Ofc she had her family, and she couldn´t be happier for Kate. But I believe a (not so) small part of her feared that she would be...overlooked, at some point? Kinda? Like, watching everyone around her huddling close with someone, whispering to each other, being each other´s anchor in such trying times-

I just wanna give her the biggest hug and never let go, yknow what I´m saying?? Girl deserves love and happiness too. 😭💔

Then they lost Irina, creating a void that can never be filled again. Her family grieves with her ofc and is there to support her, but I think it´s just not the same as grieving with a partner by your side - someone who understands you on a whole other level. It´s just a different connection, and seeing everyone around her have that connection while she´s just...alone? Man, just thinking about it makes me wanna-

I don´t think she feared Kate would suffer the same fate though. Laurent and Garrett are entirely different people.

Garrett was smitten with Kate from the moment he saw her. He never once left her side. He endured excrutiating pain to stop her from getting herself killed by the Volturi. He was ready to die for her (and her family). His love is genuine.

Tanya knows all of this because she witnessed it herself. She has no reason to fear for her sister.

Laurent, on the other hand? We don´t know much about his relationship with Irina, but I´m pretty sure he knew the Cullens and the Denalis consider each other "family". That includes Bella. Yet he was absolutely ready to off her and probs wouldn´t have told the Denalis a damn thing. Or he´d have made it look like an "accident", or blame the wolves probs. ("I tried to save her, but they got to her before I could.")

Imo, Laurent has always been a snake. I wouldn´t put it past him to throw Irina under the bus if it meant a situation would work out in his favor. Also, technically, Irina only saw Renesmée (which led to yknow what) because she was on her way to visit the Cullens to make amends for her behavior at the wedding and all that stuff about Laurent in general. So, really:

Laurent has brought the Denalis nothing but pain and suffering, right from the start.

With Garrett? Not happening. Not a chance. He´s a good one, and Tanya knows this.

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(Since you asked so nicely: 😘

WARNING: SPOILER(S) AHEAD

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chapter title: "Home"

chapter "song" (so far): Human Heartbeat

summary (so far): Carmen the Confused Bean

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Thanks a lot for your ask! 💋🫶

[sirowsky]

Part 24 - Progress Takes Time

Pero Tovar and Female Reader (nicknamed Bee) Modern AU

You're trying to navigate helping William whilst also circumventing Pero's overprotective tendencies.

Creator chooses not to use Warnings! This is 18+ONLY! I'm so sorry for the wait, my loves! I'm once again battling myself to try and not put so much pressure on myself to write, and that means taking it slow and letting it happen naturally. I hope someone out here still enjoys the story, and again, I'm sorry for being so erratic with my updates <3

Word Count: 4168 Masterlist(this story) Author’s Masterlist

Link to Part 25

<><><><><><><><><><>

   Groot had been so focused on your partner, trying to comfort him from the pain of his own guilt, while you’d stepped into the cell, that even he had reacted too late to help you.    And when his human brother had leapt onto his feet once he’d realized what you’d been doing, the dog had remained frozen to the spot on the floor where he’d laid beside Pero, with his ears and head held low.

   Almost as if your actions had been so determined and sure that you had even managed to convince the animal that he wouldn’t be able to stop you, even before you’d stepped away from them.    If so, that might explain why Groot still didn’t move as Pero pulled you from the room and slammed the door shut.

   “Pintora, what the fuck were you thinking!? He could’ve killed you!” he barked at you, but his voice was weak and fractured, overwhelmed by the fear of knowing just how easily he could’ve lost you right then.

   “He stopped, Pero,” you countered, with tears still streaming down your face and a terrible tremble bothering your empty hands. “He stopped.”

   “You got lucky…” he cautioned, because he was not at all ready to believe that William had deliberately backed off.

   But you soured then, as if his perspective was offensive for some reason, and stepped away from him to pick up the little piglet that you’d dropped on the floor when you’d caught him earlier.    Crossing your arms over your chest, you pinned the stuffed animal at the top of your belly, which already seemed to be your favourite spot for it, and glared at him.

   “I understand that you’re still frightened of him, but I’m telling you that he heard me. I got to him, I could see it in his eyes.”

   “Bee… if you ever step foot in that cell again-…”

   “You’ll what?” you cut him off, challenging him to reveal his fears in full and stop hiding behind the other man’s evil.

   Pero wasn’t strong enough to admit to himself that this was all the result of his own failure, but he also couldn’t conceal his weakness anymore.    He crumbled under your strength, unable to fathom how you simply weren’t afraid of the man right then, feeling so small compared to you and the massiveness of your confidence in that moment.

   “You can never trust him, mi amor…” he finally whispered, unable to bring any more strength to his voice. “He will kill you if you let him, you must believe that.”

   He felt so powerless standing there, all but begging you not to put yourself in danger, when he should’ve just made sure that you never could again. But somehow, he knew in his heart that you would not be stopped, no matter the risk.    You had walked into that cell with a conviction of some sort, a knowledge that Pero wasn’t privy to and probably couldn’t understand even if he had been.

   You had walked in there knowing… knowing that you would walk out alive. Not just believing it but knowing it so absolutely that even William had felt it in you.

   “What I believe, is that if we keep going like we have until now, we’re gonna end up destroying both ourselves and each other,” you calmly stated. “And I will not let that happen.    I will defend this family, Pero… even against you.”

   That brought his mind to an abrupt stop, because what the hell did that mean? He had never been the threat… had he?

   But the more he thought about it, the clearer the answer became.    He wasn’t a threat so much as the weak link in the chain. The one that put everyone at risk, because if he broke, the people around him would all suffer.    He’d been unable to kill Will, unable to break him, unable to stop this darkness from hurting you and your family, and now, his hope was faltering.

   Of course, you had to protect yourself from him. He wasn’t giving you any other option.

   “The killing has to stop,” you said softly, coming closer again and uncrossing one arm so that you could take his hand. “We can’t let ourselves become monsters.    William is innocent, so if we’re gonna kill him, we have to do it out of kindness, not hate or fear. Only as a last resort, after all other options are exhausted and he still hasn’t improved.    But we’re not there yet.    He heard me, honey. I know that he did, so we have to give him one more chance before we can say that ending his life would be an act of mercy.”

   Impossibly, hearing the strength in your voice and the quiet but absolute resolve to not let this situation bring you down, managed to give him back some of his hope.    Within your courage, he found a way to believe you, even though his own strength had long since left him. Somehow, you were powerful enough to carry the both of you forwards, refusing to let anything threaten your happily ever after, and he had never loved you more.

<><><><><><><> 

   It would take several weeks of carefully measured steps before William even interacted with you the first time.    You started with offering him fresh clothes and full meals every day, all of which he refused for almost a week, until the hunger finally got the better of him.    The food slowly restored his strength, and with that, his temper returned.

   It was clear that he was still very much suffering the effects of the conditioning and the compulsion to complete his mission of killing you, that much was visible in his eyes every time that he looked at you.    But there was doubt in there too. Something that you suspected came from the man underneath all the suffering and manipulation. The real William Garin.    The problem was getting that man to take back control of himself.

   One positive aspect, and the primary reason why you refused to give up, was that even when you repeatedly put yourself within his reach, he never tried to touch you. And you didn’t think that that was solely because of Pero’s presence in the cell every time that you tried it.    Obviously, your partner was much too worried to let you be in there with your would-be assassin alone, but even so, Will’s focus was only ever on you whenever he did react.

   You tried not to think to closely about what you knew that Pero had done to him, and what you guessed that he might’ve been unable to tell you.    It wasn’t really helpful anyway, and you’d always known him to be capable of terrible things, but the real reason why you stayed away from it, was simply that it scared you to linger on the realization that he could do these things to a man that he loved.

   But you also couldn’t judge him for it.    You couldn’t condemn his actions anymore than you could hold it against him that he’d sent you away, because you had no idea how dangerous his world really was.    That was what all this had finally taught you. That for all the crap that you’d seen and learned in the time that you’d known him, Pero’s world was still too dark for you to ever truly grasp.

   You saw it in Will’s eyes too. The knowledge that he possessed and the power that someone with their training and experience had at their disposal.    And it wasn’t until you recognized that look in his eyes as the same darkness that you’d always seen in your partner, that you began to understand that you’d only seen a fraction of the truth. That Pero had shielded you from his reality from the very beginning.

   Still, there was a silver lining to it all, because the fact that he’d done that meant that his love for you was more powerful than all that. It meant that the light which he’d found in his feelings for you, was strong enough to hold all that darkness at bay.    You chose to focus on that, and only that, since it was likely the only thing that would be strong enough to reach into Will’s heart too.

   And after nearly a month of seemingly fruitless efforts, it finally paid off.    Well… sort of.

   You were sitting in a chair which stood against the furthest wall from where he was chained, the one where the viewing glass was, and you were talking quietly to yourself.    Pero wasn’t there that day, he was taking care of the horses’ hooves, which had enabled you to sneak down there without him knowing.    Something that you did whenever you got the chance.

   Not because there was anything you felt like you needed to hide from him, but just because you suspected that your captive might sooner respond to you if his nemesis wasn’t in the room.    And since your partner refused to leave you alone with him for even a second, this was the only way to cultivate your own relationship with Will.

   “We’re having a girl,” you said quietly, looking down at the little piglet that you were resting on the top of your belly, just because it fit so perfectly there. “Can you imagine Pero with a baby? I kinda struggle to myself, but I know that he’s gonna be good at it. He’s incredibly loving and tender whenever he gets the chance.”

   You casually paused then, giving him the chance to respond if he wanted to.    You kept the topic mainly on Pero, since that was the common ground between you, hoping that he’d eventually feel compelled to either object to something that you said, or just respond out of annoyance.    But he remained silent, so you kept going after a few moments.

   “It’s a bit strange to know that the father of your child is perhaps the deadliest human being on the planet. Especially when I’ve never seen him be evil.    Because that’s the thing that most people assume, isn’t it? That you can’t be a killer and a good person, that they’re mutually exclusive. But even though I’ve seen him at his worst, I still don’t see evil in him, only fear and doubt.    The same things that I see in you.”

   He wasn’t showing any signs of listening to you, so you were about to call it a day before your partner would begin to wonder where you’d gone.

   “You’re a fool…” the man on the floor whispered barely audibly, making your ears prick with interest and surprise.

   “What?” you carefully prompted, hoping that he’d keep going.

   “He will kill you,” he continued after a brief pause. “That’s what we are…”

   “How do you mean?” you prodded, still trying to spur him into carrying on, because no matter what he said, just the fact that he was finally talking was a victory.

   “We are death. Especially to those who care for us.    Mark my words, there will come a moment when you’ll regret ever meeting him, and that will be the moment right before you and your family dies.”

   He said it with a thick layer of acid to his tone, a deep and dark contempt on full display in every syllable, but you saw through the overtly mean façade, straight to the self-hatred that was boiling right beneath the surface.

   “I don’t believe that that’s true, but I can understand why you feel that way,” you said earnestly, knowing that it would provoke him.

   “You understand nothing…” he growled, taking the bait. “You don’t know what he really is… the things that I had to stop him from doing every day while we were in training.    He’s an animal, and he always will be.”

   He was clearly trying to drive a wedge between you and Pero, and you weren’t sure if it was because of his conditioning, continually pushing him to finish his last mission and end your life, one way or another. Or, if it was merely the words of a broken man, trying to make the people around him hurt as much as he did.    But you were sure about the fact that he was dead wrong.

   “If you truly believed that then you never would’ve invited him to meet your family, but I know that you did,” you challenged, not letting him get the upper hand in the dialogue. “I know that you wished for him to come and visit, that you missed him every day and that your family never felt complete without him.”

   He looked at you as though you’d just stabbed him in the kneecap, but he seemed more confused and hurt than angry, and since he didn’t respond, you set about explaining how you knew that.

   “You and I have met before.    I know that you didn’t live here, but you must’ve worked quite close to my neighbourhood because I often saw you at the store on Hillstreet, the one I mostly use for my weekly groceries.    We even spoke a couple of times. You introduced me to Lin Mae and Daisy once, after accidentally bumping into me in the pasta section, and we chatted for a while,” you reminded him, and saw his mind work to try and locate the memory.

   Your few encounters had been brief and no more than what anyone would expect of temporary conversations between strangers, but you were good at reading what people left out of their tales, so you’d known from the start that this man had secrets and demons.    And while you might never have imagined that he’d been an assassin, you’d always been able to see his pain.

   “You never told me anything specific, but I could tell from your behaviour and the gaps in your stories, that something was missing. And when I met Pero and learned about your shared history, I knew right away that he was that missing piece.    I know that you loved him. Despite whatever horrors you went through as boys and young men, he was everything that you had for a long time, and you loved him every bit as much as you loved your wife.    And that’s not a guess, Will. I know that this is true, as surely as I know that I’m alive, so you can stop trying to scare me with your broken mind and conflicted thoughts.    I’m not stupid enough to not be afraid of you, but I’m also not stupid enough to believe the ramblings of someone that doesn’t even know who he is anymore.”

   That made the man before you shrink, even though that seemed to go against his still very weak physique.    He was little more than a shell now, and there was every reason to think that he would never recover, but you still hoped for a miracle.

   “He will always be your brother, William. Despite everything you’ve done to each other, he still loves you.    That’s the only reason why you’re still alive, and while I’m sure that you’d rather not be… I want you to know that there’s a family standing before you right now. Not a big one, but one that’s willing to take you in and care for you, all the same.    Don’t throw it away without giving it a chance.”

   He wouldn’t look at you, and you didn’t need him to. He had heard you, and that was as much as you could ask of him for now.    You got up and picked up the chair to take it with you as you left the room.

   “You’re a fool…” he repeated himself, still quietly but with much more force to the words this time.

   Stopping on the threshold of the cell, you turned back to look at him, and he was meeting your eyes now.

   “…if you think for one second that you will ever be safe around me,” he finished, and you could tell from his expression that he was expecting you to find those words at the very least uncomfortable.

   But you felt only sad.

   “If that’s true, then I pity you,” you replied softly, meeting his hateful glare with nothing but care, which only seemed to further vex him. “No one should go through life so alone.”

   He just kept staring at you, so you left the room and closed the door, feeling positive despite the gloomy atmosphere. Because as bad as the poor man still was, this was progress.    You locked the cell and then left the bunker, starting the slow walk back to the house in your slightly waddling fashion now that the little one was only about a month away.    But as you reached the outdoor fireplace, something made you turn your head to the left, and when you saw what it was, you stopped.

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   Pero heard you long before you came into view among the shrubs, but he didn’t say anything. He knew that you’d notice him, one way or another, and he wasn’t sure of what he could say that wouldn’t sound accusatory or angry.    And sure enough, you looked to the side just as you were about to pass him, and the look in your eyes when you realized that it was him, was all the confirmation that he needed as to what you’d been doing.

   You stopped and turned to face him with slow, measured movements, taking your time to buy yourself a moment to think, which was fine with him, because he really did want to know what the hell you were thinking.

   “I’m sorry…” you started, sounding every bit as apologetic as the words suggested, but it did little to soothe him. “I thought that he might open up to me better if you weren’t there.”

   That did sound like the sort of reasoning that you would have, but even so, it was not good enough to justify putting yourself and your baby in that kind of danger.

   “I know that you don’t agree,” you tried to appease him, “but it worked. He talked to me, honey.”

   As surprising and positive as that was to hear, it still wasn’t a good enough reason. Nothing was.

   “Try this again, and I will change the locks so that you can never go down there again,” he warned, surprising himself with how hard he sounded.

   “Pero… I’m the only one that’s gotten through to him. If we’re gonna have any hope of saving his life then you have to let me build a relationship with him,” you reasoned, and while he knew that you were entirely correct, it made no difference at all.

   He stood up and stepped closer to you, reaching out to take your hand as soon as he was close enough, and then put his other hand on the side of your belly.    Then he looked into your eyes and tried to convey every thought and every feeling that he was having in that moment, but couldn’t articulate for the life of him.

   “I. Don’t. Care.”

   A shiver passed through you at that, as you felt everything that he was cramming into those three little words and realized what he was saying.

   Nothing matters more than you. More than her. More than us.

   Nothing.

   But you weren’t one to be controlled. If he knew one thing about you, it was that he would never be able to expect you to just do as he said, no matter how fervently he insisted. If you had been so inclined, he wouldn’t have had to send you off to a fucking island in the middle of the pacific with no means of getting yourself back.    He loved that side of you as much as he dreaded it, because it made you strong but also unpredictable.

   “He still loves you,” you countered, still unwilling to just leave things be and focus on taking care of yourself for now, and he sighed at your endless defiance.

   “I love you, pintora, and that is a fulltime job these days, so forgive me for not having the energy to care all that much about the man that still wants to kill you.”

   “But that’s my point, Pero,” you persisted, even as he began to drag you back towards the house. “You both still care about each other, and I’m the unifier between you. I’m the one that can reach you both and reunite you.”

   “And my point is that even if that’s true, this is not the time for any reunion. We have our own lives to tend to.”

   “So we just leave him down there by himself while we go off and build a family without him? No… I’m not gonna do that, honey.”

   “Are you not even a little bit worried about what he can do to you? To all of us?” he challenged, truly fearing that you weren’t seeing the reality of your circumstances right then.

   “Of course I am, I’m not stupid. But I’m also not cold or uncaring, and you can stop pretending that you are too, because I know you. Deep down, you miss him more than you’ve ever missed anything.”

   He didn’t have a response to that, because it was damned well true, but it was also not what he wanted to think or talk about for the foreseeable future.

   “Can we just pretend to be a normal couple for a minute and talk about nurseries and baby stuff, not killers and brainwashing?” he pleaded, to which you rolled your eyes but then conceded with a gentle nod.

-=¤=-

   Later that day, you went upstairs to take a bath while Pero helped Dean clear the table and clean dinner away. And much like every time that he and your father had been alone lately, the subject inevitably turned to the unfortunate captive out in the woods.

   “You do realize that you can’t keep him down there indefinitely, right? As safe as it might feel for now, sooner or later you’re gonna have to deal with him,” Dean prompted, making Pero scoff.

   “Oh, your daughter is already on top of that.”

   “Meaning?”

   “Meaning that she spent the hour that I was in the stables with you today, alone down there with him. And if I know her, she was in the cell with him the whole time,” Pero explained, and just saying those words put a sour taste in the back of his throat.

   “Shit…” the older man breathed, obviously equally unhappy with this development. “That’s not good. If she feels like she’s making progress then neither of us are gonna be able to keep her out of there.”

   “I have already warned her that I will change the locks if I must.”

   “Yeah, like that’s gonna stop her…” your father sighed, shaking his head in what seemed like defeat, even though the battle for your safety had only just begun.

   “Dean…” Pero almost whispered now, as real fear constricted his chest. “I’m really scared that she’s gonna make a mistake. That he’s gonna delude her into trusting him and get her to lower her guard.    He was always the best of us at infiltration and manipulation and that’s not a skill that Lang would’ve stripped him of.”

   “No. But you’re not giving Bee enough credit here,” the older man reminded him with a sharp brow. “She’s smart, and tremendously good at reading people, especially when it comes to what they themselves don’t realize that they’re after.    She won’t be fooled, son. Even by someone like William.”

   “I hope you’re right. Because if he lays a finger on her… I will douse him in acid and leave him there to die slowly.”

   “If it comes to that, I’ll help you. But let’s not start digging graves just yet.    I still have the utmost faith in my daughter, and I truly do believe that if anyone can reach William, it’ll be her.    She managed to tame you, after all,” your dad finished with a wink, making the younger man smile despite his worries.

   Dean’s solidness and calm reasoning was soothing to Pero, particularly when it came to his fears and worries about you, so the conversation left him feeling better.    There was something about knowing that those same characteristics existed in you as well, that made him feel like everything would somehow be okay. And he needed that feeling more than usual on that day.

   He stepped up to the older man while opening his arms in a silent request for a hug, which was warmly received, and when Dean’s long, muscular arms wrapped around his back and held him close, Pero felt safer than he had in a very long time.

   “You are the best father anyone could ask for. Thank you,” he mumbled into the man’s shoulder.

   “And I couldn’t have hoped for a better partner for my treasured only daughter, so thank you right back, my beloved boy.”

===============

Link to Part 25

Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this, please consider reblogging, I would dearly appreciate it.

@idreamofboobear @prostitute-robot-from-the-future @sjdraws-00 @shsoba05 @radiowallet @thisshipwillsail316 @myfavpedrothings @cannedsoupsucks @bluegalaxyprime @tintinn16 @winter-fox-queen @shadesofnerdlygrace @tanzthompson @little-mrs-morales @hotchlover @gallowsjoker @cosmicbreathe @criminalmind1927 @harriedandharassed @bilibiche @anditsmywholeheart

[danpuff-ao3]

Flaws in Fiction: ⚡️Relationship Edition⚡️

People all on their own are complicated. What happens when you throw two complicated beings together??? COMPLICATIONS.

A lot of this can relate back to the Character Edition, but it's important to also note that human interactions can be just as flawed as the individuals involved.

[ABSOLUTELY AMAZING Danni Thoughts below the cut]

Let's get this out of the way early: my acceptance that real people mess up sometimes does not mean being in support of abusive or manipulative behavior. Reading and writing it in fiction? Sure! Excusing it IRL? Absolutely not.

Now, onto the nonsense amazingness.

It is important to remember that: not every situation has a villain and a victim. People who screw up are not bad people. People who occasionally clash, or bicker, do not necessarily have "toxic" relationship. We all get annoyed with the people we love. We all annoy the people we love. That's okay!

Listen: I love a toxic relationship. In fiction, that is. But I don't want my options limited to the "right" way or the "wrong" way.

There are many stories out there where Ron and Hermione are Ultra Supportive of everything Harry does. And if they don't, they're terrible friends. I don't see near enough of them squabbling! (Not that it doesn't exist; more I've seen an excess of "perfect friends" or "character bashing.")

The people we love are going to screw up. They're going to hurt our feelings. They're not going to agree with everything we say and do. That is the consequence of being different people!

Let's say Gabrielle borrows/steals Fleur's favorite dress. Not good. Should definitely ask before using people's belongings. But do we write Gabrielle off? Is she a bad person and bad sister for one infraction? No! Family relationships are rough and weird.

Molly nags and pries. She does it with love, but she should probably lay off. Molly is not a saint, but "not a saint" doesn't equate to "demon woman."

Ron and Hermione breakup. It doesn't have to be because of cheating or abuse. Maybe they love each other, but their goals don't align. Ron is family-oriented and Hermione is career-focused. Maybe it just doesn't work. Neither of them needs to be at fault for it. Or maybe they stay together when they shouldn't. Which leads to fights that break them up, or worse...they stay together however sour the relationship turns. Because of love and stubbornness. Or expectation. How does being war heroes and public figures impact their relationship?

Or, perhaps, Harry takes up with an unlikely suitor. (If you know me, you know who I mean!) Those closest to him don't understand, let alone approve. They worry. And they have their own issues with his partner. They aren't bad people or bad friends for not jumping on the "everything Harry does and wants is right and good" bandwagon.

Maybe they disagree. Maybe they argue. Both sides are upset because they don't understand each other. Maybe, in the heat of the moment, someone says something hurtful. It's wrong, of course. But does one bad action make the whole person bad? Make the whole friendship toxic and destined for the dumpster?

Better yet: we can acknowledge the flaws in our loved ones, and still love them. And those flaws can drive us batty without killing our love.

Ron can be careless and tactless. Hermione can be bossy and critical. They know that about each other. They aren't blind to it. Ron might occasionally have hearts in his eyes when Hermione starts fussing. Other times he snaps back. Those little flaws aren't what breaks them. It's the bigger picture.

They try to be friends after, but it's rough going. Even worse when it coincides with Harry's new (scandalous) romance. Ron and Hermione are skeptical of his boyfriend. Harry sets boundaries with them. Everyone gets upset and they take time apart. They go on with life and make new friends. And, eventually, they apologize and move on together. All friends again. The Golden Trio once more.

Tiffs with friends don't signal the end.

People breakup and makeup. They go from friends to lovers to exes to friends. They squabble with their siblings. They gripe about their mothers. They have bad days and are unpleasant to be around.

And much as I love some good angst and drama, as much as I love toxic relationships and all manner of depravity...I want more of that middle ground. More of those everyday issues. Seeing people upset with one another without villainizing each other.

[bells-of-black-sunday]

♚ Do you agree with fandom interpretation of your character? <- Danny

♧ Any part of their canon portrayal you dislike? <- Viktor

✎ What do you wish the author would reveal/had revealed about your muse? <- Baby girl

✍ Has new canon material ever forced you to adjust your headcanons? <- Legion

❀ Share a headcanon you have not shared. <- Anyone!

Munday | Accepting

♚ Do you agree with fandom interpretation of your character? <- Danny

Danny I feel like gets put into the same box a lot of villains that are just a tiny bit goofy get shoved into where he's treated like he's stupid, incompetent, overly friendly towards people he shouldn't (like survivors), etc. etc. And don't get me wrong, I love dumb memes and funny posts, but it really rubs me the wrong way when it's dragged into serious writing. He is a man that are bare minimum that we know of has killed at least 30 people without being caught. That isn't something that cute or funny or sweet, that is horrific.

He is not a nice person, he is far from a good person and no matter how much people try to baby him because his dad groomed him into being that way he will forever be a monster who destroys lives and communities for the fun of it. To him it's just another story, but to the families he is a man who took away their world. Imagine the parents he's killed? What are those kids going to do?

It's just an issue I see constantly whenever I go into his tag or any other s.lasher tag for that matter. People try to bend these characters to be the ideal partner for them and it's super weird to me. Especially when it's people being like "oh well ghosty mains in game are goofy and fun so that means he's just like that in lore".

♧ Any part of their canon portrayal you dislike? <- Viktor

I honestly don't have an issues with League lore when it comes to him, I really enjoy the way he's written and the way you have to pick out what he's lying about and what he isn't by reading Jayce's lore and stories too. That being said:

Arcane I love as a series, but I wish it would've let Viktor have the ideals he does have in League I think it would've helped with the way the fan base of it really tries to baby him and treat him like he's a poor innocent baby that can't do anything on his own. But I can't really say too much until we do get to the point where he does become the herald and the falling out between him and Jayce.

✎ What do you wish the author would reveal/had revealed about your muse? <- Baby girl

I honestly am dying to know what exactly what happened between him and Vittorio, because they went from Italy, to Spain and all the way to Portugal on horse back where u have to follow water ways because horses need a lot of water, so they were around each other for probably 6 months minimum and in that time they went from being fine to Tarhos fucking despising him and everything he stands for because he's asked to find another way. I don't know sounds like bitter exes to me-

✍ Has new canon material ever forced you to adjust your headcanons? <- Legion

Oh definitely. The legion are already so inconsistent in lore that with every new cosmetic flavor text I feel like I have to alter something. Like before I knew tomes existed I thought it was only Frank who was murderous, because that's how it's framed, but in their tome as funny as it is a lot of hat they did was Julie's idea. She came up with the idea, named them, even suggested they break into Joey's work which got them to murder that janitor and even flat out asks Frank if he thinks he could kill someone and isn't happy with his answer when he says no.

I feel like wit hthe comics coming out soon (I have mine pre-ordered 👀) it'll make me at least have to pick and choose what I consider cannon like I already have to with their lore anyway, because again it's so inconsistent. You literally have cosmetics calling Susie a sophomore, but the devs saying they're all 18-21. It's that inconsistent.

❀ Share a headcanon you have not shared. <- Anyone!

Because we talked about it on discord: Yijun would ABSOLUTELY sell alpha male courses, he doesn't believe a single fucking word the sells, but oh my god if it doesn't get him attention and make him money. The demon knows what he want you can't fault him for that.

[localvoidcat]

I AN PERCEIVING YOUR OCs BOY. household reverie sounds,,, so cool. i would like more story,,, fmr does too!!! ohh and hawthorne chronicles,,, and i forgot the name of the other one with the scientists but!!! !!!!!!!!! rotating your ocs in my mind

HEHEHE okay so. god what can i say about each one. i've got the plots of all of them recently reblogged i think so i'll just put some random info here

household reverie! i've actually been working more on darcy's kids (dean, danny, and daphne). it's very clear that darcy was most proud of dean, being the oldest + the most high achieving of his kids. and then daphne was clearly loved because she was the youngest and she looked like deborah and all that.

this left danny, who darcy still cared about but definitely held to standards that danny didn't feel they (note: danny technically uses they/them, but this isn't acknowledged in the story. until a certain part maybe) could reach those + be like their older brother. however, none of this tension is shown in the fantasy, because that would mess with the portrayal of the ideal family. the more that fantasy gets deconstructed, the more we get to see how everyone was actually feeling which i think is fun

full moon rising. now i've been thinking more about josh and his debt to mortem, and how at first josh. really didnt notice this. his main goal was just to not be killed again, and he disregarded all that stuff about needing to serve his god and all that as just the usual protocol. however, as the years go by, and the influence of the angels and the gods grows stronger on him, he realizes that all that stuff about a deal and debt was actually way more serious than he thought. especially after second arc, where he's carried out his goal of getting rid of salvador, and mortem sees this as a good place for him to end this attempt at humanity and tries to convince him such. by the time third arc rolls around, he's struggling to only choose one path, as living out a human life would mean actively turning against his god, and leaving to serve mortem would mean leaving behind everything and everyone he loves. there's a reason why there's two endings for this.

hawthorne chronicles! i've been thinking about the interactions between the former employees (stanley + isabel + osian), all of which we find through old logs. i think that they were all really good friends, and after osian disappeared, things between stanley and isabel started getting more fearful. after they had their encounters with their respective entities, and things started getting much worse on that front, there was eventually a fight that broke out between the two (now horrifically transformed into something else). the logs end here, but we discover the fate of these two later on after some digging (and some possible sightings on keith or rudy's part). also i think about miguel but that's because i think he's silly

rudley paradigm!! i probably think about this one the least, but i do love harper and harvey (the scientists in question). at the time of their work, they weren't really able to be as open and happy as they both wanted to be, but they were working towards a life where they could get this. unfortunately, it was around this time that the two found signs of an unknown virus, and decided to test out its limits. it's hard to start a new life with your partner when said partner agrees to become patient zero to a horrific mutating virus that turns people into weird bird things. harvey has to learn this the hard way after watching it happen, and shortly before falling victim to it himself.

[adarkrainbow]

I've got two questions relating to Reynard:

1. What are the common plot points shared between most and/or all Reynard tales?

2. I've seen you mention that Reynard is bi. What LGBT+ stuff is there in the Reynard tales?

Ooof this is a very hard question you ask me! The Reynard tales are a part of European literature just as big as the Arthuriana, so to make generalizations is very difficult. Hopefully we have so many synthetizing adaptations, and editions for children, and the like that it is possible to make such generalizations but you know, there's a need to study text by text.

What is the core Reynart tale (I will use Renart since I am more used to the French spelling)? Simple. Renart tricks someone and gets away with it. If we boil down to the very core, this is what all the Renart tales are about: Renart uses his cunning and skills to trick someone, and manage to escape one way or another.

From this very basis, the structures change depending on the tale. Sometimes Renart's victim is an innocent fool that just happens to be at the wrong place at the wrong time ; other times Renart's victims are just as crooked as him or attempted to hurt him. Sometimes Renart escapes unharmed, other times he does escape the consequences of his actions but not before being humiliated. But the core story is always: Renart, for one reason of another, decides to trick someone else (can be selfishness, or cruelty, or revenge), and then performs the trick (with more or less success), and then escapes in one way or another to maintain a form of status quo, and return for other episodes. There's a reason why people have considered the Reynard tales a "proto-Looney Tunes" - and indeed a sort of proto-Bugs Bunny or Daffy Duck. There's a same core idea in there.

Outside of that, when you mean "plot points" as in recurring episodes of motifs... I could say that sex, food and justice are the recurring ones. Sex because Renart is always either ending up having sex with someone else, or because Renart is involved for helping someone else's sex life (ranging from Renart sleeping with Ysengrin's wife, Lady Hersent ; to the king Noble accepting the fake advices of "doctor" Renart to perform sexual surgery on his wife the queen Lionne). Note that the nature of the sex always changes too - the most famous example s the stormy relationship between lady Hersent and Renart, as depending on which branch you study, he either always trick her into being basically raped - and as a result she keeps trying to kill him for it - or she actually actively seeks Renart and organizes things so that she can have sex with him while her husband is away.

But that is something fundamental to the relationships in the Renart tales: everybody hates and loves everybody. The two fiercest ennemies and rivals of Renart are Ysengrin the wolf and Tibert the chat, that Renart martyrizied so much they want to seem him dead ; however, Ysengrin is still Renart's uncle and the two used to be very close (and still return to being close regularly), and Tibert was Renart's best pal and partner in crime. It is this sort of fundamental ambiguity in this set of tales, as these animals are all stuck in a "I will try to kill you, but hey sometimes we'll return to being pals, until we'll try to kill each other again" situation. Except for the few genuinely good relationships, such as Renart's family who always stand by him, or Grimbert the badger, Renart's cousin and his only true friend and defender that (to my knowledge) Renart never tried to scam or harm.

Outside of that, as I said, food is a big theme as the animals are obsessed with eating. This is usually how Renart tricks his victims: he lures Ysengrin with promises of fish by the lake, only to have his tail stuck in the ice ; or he tries to "help" Brun the bear satiate his gluttony for honey, only to leave him stuck in a tree. Or food is the origin of the fights - I remember one of the tales is about Renart hanging out with three other animals (I think it was the cat, the dog and the stag), and they had food on the aside to eat later, but as Renart went away for a little while the three animals ate it all, and when Renart returned seeing them with their swollen belly resting by the side of the road, and when they pretended the food had magically disappeared, he decided to take revenge.

And of course, justice. Not only does Renart uses a twisted, perverted and hypocritical form of justice to justify his crimes and his tricks, but he has to actually face justice since the most famous and central episodes of the Reynard cycle are about the animals complaining to Noble the lion-king, and him tracking and hunting Renart to imprison him and bring him to justice... Only for Renart to always manage to turn the trial in his favor, and to escape any form of death penalty (for example, when he was being accused by the trio of Ysengrin-Brun-Tibert for his crimes, he managed to get out of there by making the king Noble believe the trio were conspirators seeking to overthrow him, and that he knew of a hidden treasure that would make the king rich).

All of this however reflects an wider topic at the core of the Reynart tales: a mockery and caricature of the medieval society. The Reynart cycle is the ultimate outlet of all the medieval mockeries of knights, kings, monks, peasants and whatnot. All the proper "ladies" like Hersent or Fière the lionness end up sleeping with Reynart behind their husband's back ; animals like Brun the bear who represent the officials in charge of enacting the king's justice, or his courtiers, are depicted as gluttonous, dumb oafs ; king Noble himself is vain, greedy, lustful and easily fooled ; Ysengrin started out (in the Ysengrimus poem, before the Roman of Renart proper) as a fake man of the Church who scammed and stole from people using religion ; and Renart himself keeps disguising himself into monks or doctors to perform his many crimes and tricks.

Now for your second question, about the queer content in the Reynard tale... I have to say it is hard to answer the question because we are speaking of a medieval set of texts from Christian Europe. Their very notion of what is "homosexuality" differs entirely from ours, and so concept like the "LGBT" cannot be applied to the tales. At most we can speak of "queerness" in the vaguest sense of the term. But there is a certain form of queerness in the texts since, as Reynard's world is one of comical sex and grotesque copulation, motifs of homosexuality is recurring. For example I say that Reynart is bisexual - by our modern criteria, it would seem so, but that's because he has an habit of raping as much men as women. There is one notorious example which is the episode of Renart taking Couart the hare on a pilgrimage, and while teaching him how to "pray" having sex with him from the back - which itself is a reference to a very common medieval joke of how priests/monks basically had sex with each other while reading the sacred texts/praying.

However Renart isn't so much a "bisexual icon" as rather the "ultimate sodomizer". And that's a very important concept to have: in the Middle-Ages, "homosexuality" did not exist, but "sodomy" did. And sodomy, as in both the act performed between a man and a woman, and the act performed between two men, was all considered one thing: the same impure, sinful form of sexuality. The gender didn't mind as much as the act itself, and that's something that has been lost to us today. Medieval people didn't mind what we would call "homoromanticism" they even had a whole special thing of two men being allowed a relationship that is chaste but deeper than any friendship and only comparable to the unbreakable bond between brothers (to the point of these "super-friends" being buried together hand in hand). Their problem was sexuality - it is the carnal act that is filfthy, while pure love as a feelign is... well "pure". Anyway I digress, but the whole point is that Reynart, who embodies everything that is forbidden and sinful, is the master of sodomy and keeps practicing it. In fact, notice that almost every time he sleeps with someone who is not his wife (Hersent, or the lionness queen) he tends to use sodomy - and him having sex with the hare from behind is just a continuation of that. Is he bisexual? We can't really say. But we can say he is a sodomizer in all of his glory.

After that there is a lot of grotesque "queer" imagery present throughout the tales in many ways - I don't remember if Renart ever disguised himself as a woman, but given he is supposed to be a master of disguises it wouldn't surprise me that he practiced transvestism at least once in his life.

And anyway, even all of that being put aside, the Reynart tales are literaly the oldest furry fiction you can find. Quite literaly: the texts keep being ambiguous and switching between the characters being animals, with an animal biology, and them being just human beings. The result is a confusing and cartoonesque imagery, again very reminiscent of the Looney Tunes today: as while sometimes the animals' tails are depicted as part of their very anatomy, in other tales they will be said to remove their fur and tails as if they were dresses or a coat. So you know... Either it is a tale of anthropomorphic animals, either this is about depraved supernatural furries.

[astro-break]

📓📓📓?

Put "📓" or some other version of a book emoji into my inbox and I'll explain the plot of a fanfiction that I haven't written but daydream about.

Haven't named most of them so we'll just go by plot here :p You get angst because angst is funny

I've been writing a multichap and I've just been bouncing ideas for different plots sent in the same universe. Two of them is another meet the parents type fic but one is more of a "I have a horrible borderline abusive relationship with my dad and I'm not introducing him to my partners" type fic where the character gets his ass adopted by no less than three different parents. I also have a reconciliation fic bouncing around between two brothers who haven't talked to each other ever since spoilers, one of them died. Remember that one time I sent a fic snippet on discord about a dude who died by getting burned alive twice? Yeah this is about him lmaoooo. it was prompted by a very lovely comment on my current fic and the plot bunnies went rabid. Comment of fics guys, you just might get more. I have more planned for the series in general bc its all about misfortune and what happens after so its going to get all sorts of ugly. But its okay, in this house we love pain :D Maybe a few attempted murders

Another I had planned was a pretty big Digimon AU where eight music theater kids get dropped into a digital world hellbent on murdering them and they plan a revolution bc they're music theater kids what else are they going to do? Theres a whole bunch of angst since its revealed pretty early on that there are two villains in their group and they spend 90% of the first half distrusting each other. The first plot twist is that the two villains aren't even aware that they're the villains and were just unfortunately given kinda messed up home lives that drove them to seek out alternative means to survive. There are other fun landmarks such as gay soliloquies about being betrayed by your totally straight guy friend who you would marry if none of them were married by a certain age being a genuine powerup, actual consequences to actions, and me finally writing smut. The last one is the real shocker here

Last angst was actually just me finally writing out the whole plot of Undeadverse. I have too many AUs cooked up about it and I need to scream it into the void somehow. The problem is I have no idea which AU is canon AU so we're gonna have to figure that out. Basic plot rundown though is pretty much set in stone with the science obsessed asshole getting their ass kicked by the fact that every else around them is dying or will one day die and they will be there to witness each and ever one of them. That bitch is going to live forever knowing that they killed their son and has no chance of ever entering the underworld again to see his family. :D Fun times. Love torturing my OCs

[smytherines]

This is correct and you should say it.

I can understand Tatiana rescuing Curt from DMA-- she feels bad that she set this (honestly kinda pathetic at this point) guy up to die. That tracks. She gets him out of there and then they split up. Tatiana's motivation is to get rid of the leverage BVN has over her so she can reunite with her family. That makes sense, so far so good. But then she shows up in Geneva (for reasons that, like you said, the plot never explains but we can reasonably assume) and she saves Curt again. And this time Curt is even more of a mess, he's flailing and panicking and Tatiana gets him out of there.

But then, instead of continuing on with her objective (which, again, is reuniting with her family) she travels nearly 7000 miles away from her objective with a guy she has spoken to for all of five minutes (while they were both trying to manipulate each other)

She tells him all of her secrets, is incredibly focused on taking care of him and listening to all his existential pain, and is about to have sex with this guy until he makes it obvious that he is not into women. That's where her character, to me at least, stops being governed by her own motivations and becomes an accessory to the protagonist. At this point in the story there is absolutely zero reason for her to trust Curt, to set her goals aside to travel halfway around the world with him, to tell him her life story and to comfort him over the loss of his partner

I am personally more interested in Barb, and woo boy the way she is written is... oof. She's clearly intelligent enough to work at A.S.S. and invent guns that look like everyday objects, and by the time we meet her she is already working SOLO on the same technology Owen and Chimera are trying to develop, but those are all sort of treated as incidental to her helping Curt and swooning over Curt and sexually harassing/assaulting Curt, and at the end of the show she steals technology from her extremely classified government job to give to Curt, and helps Tatiana detonate a hydrogen bomb to help Curt, and while in the story she isn't punished for those actions they also don't really make much sense for her character, especially given that Curt has shown less than zero interest in her. But I guess at least you can say she is consistent in her motivations?

I mean Curt is the protagonist, so it makes sense that all the other characters in the show sort of revolve around him, I just wish they had motivations of their own or motivations that make sense for their characters as well? Tatiana has her own motivations, but she seemingly acts against them by continually saving a guy who (as far as she has seen, not having witnessed his work pre-fall) doesn't really seem to bring anything to the table when it comes to achieving those objectives. Barb's motivations are just "She's obsessed with Curt"

I would say that Cynthia is by far the best written woman in the show, not because we get any deep backstory for her or anything, but because she has her own consistent internal motivations, and while she seems to have some affection for Curt (maybe? She does try to kill him three times) that affection makes sense (he was her agent) and her actions are not governed by what Curt wants/what the plot needs to the detriment of her character and/or goals, which I don't think can really be said for Barb or Tatiana

Also I wrote most of this last night, and then this morning saw that confessions blog thing, and like

1. You can critique something and still love and adore it

2. getting an attitude about people (pretty mildly imo) discussing how the show handles women seems to very much go against TCB's own ethos? We Love the Prince was almost entirely rewritten to cut out the ableism. The Nazi chant has been cut from the show. I'm 100% confident based on what happened with SIS that if TCB ever did a full production of saf again they would rewrite some of the jokes around the Informant. They are exceptionally receptive to this kind of critique, and that's a big part of what I admire about them as creators

so when are we going to talk about how poorly written the female characters are in s- *i am taken out mid-sentence by an offscreen sniper*

[ealeczander]

Rating KinnPorsche ghost ships:

PetePorsche - 10/10

Adorable, amazing, brilliant, showstopping, spectacular! Best friend to lovers to soulmates for the win. Really pure ship. What else is there to say? Pete and Porsche will sneak away on little dates, mostly to eat and smoke. They will be partners in crime to all sorts of crazy ideas. Pete will definitely go and open a restaurant by the beach with Porsche. Pete and Chay will be best friends. Chay will also have to be the mom of the group because the other two morons don’t know what self preservation is. Pete’s grandma will be so happy that Pete has found such strong and beautiful boyfriend, she will start sending food to feed a small army claiming Porsche and Chay need to grow even stronger.

MacauChay - 7/10

Love them! I really do! But those little gremlins will kill each other if they date. I see why people ship them. They’re both from a broken family with only one brother to rely on. They’re both trapped in their circumstances and may find comfort and understanding in one another. They will absolutely hate each other at first, though.

ChanBig - 10/10

Did someone said Daddy Chan? I think we all saw that scene in ep1 and we collectively went - yep, they fuck. It’s the way Chan has all the power, the way Big doesn’t want to disappoint him. My daddy issues could never. It’s their power dynamic, it’s Big refusing to look at Chan’s eyes, it’s Chan being firm but gentle. I don’t need to say anything more, there are already amazingly slutty fanfics about them.

VegasTay - 10/10

This ship gets bonus points for the aesthetics alone, they are both gorgeously styled. I can see it happening as a one night stand. When Tay has finally had enough of Time’s bullshit, he goes to a club and sees Vegas there. Tay is ready to make some bad decisions. Vegas on the other hand has no idea what is happening, but one of Kinn’s best friends is flirting with him and he’ll be a fool to miss that opportunity. Vegas wrecks Tay’s world that night. Tay tells him he can leave marks. Vegas knows that his definition of “marks” is different from most so he controls himself. It will be so much more satisfying if Kinn’s friend does not regret this in the morning. Afterwards Tay tells the story of his shitty relationship and Vegas suggest murdering Time. Tay should have found that calm statement frightening, but he didn’t. He actually found it quite funny. Having his friend’s hot psycho cousin care more about his feelings than his actual boyfriend. Tay suggests doing that again, gathers his things and leaves. Vegas doesn’t know why he never told anybody about that night, maybe he forgot.

ArmKhun - 8/10

I’m taking points out because of the power imbalance and I’m giving points back because of the aesthetic. Diva Khun and Bodyguard Arm! Yes, give me more. The scene of them fighting the minor family with Arm’s car-bombs which were bedazzled in gems by Khun is what sealed the deal for me. They are an amazing team. Khun is such a fun and crazy character and I would like to see him in a more serious situation. What if he gets a gun pointed at him and goes into a ptsd episode while Arm has to be the best bodyguard and protect him but also later calm him down. The crack but also angst potential is astonishing.

KenBig - 6/10

Someone said they are the Mean Girls of KinnPorsche and it hasn’t left my mind since. Yes they are! Them just gossiping around and making everyone’s life miserable, love to see it. Don’t know if I can see them as something more serious than fuck buddies but I see the angst potential of both of them dying without knowing about what happened to the other.

ArmPorsche - 7/10

I’m seeing this starting as one sided love because notice how Arm looks at Porsche, that boy is in loooove! He was ready to go against his boss just to help Porsche. If Kinn was actually cheating on Porsche, those two boys would be game.

KinnPete - 6/10

Pretty sure this ship became famous after VegasPorsche left KinnPete in the dust in that alley. I can’t see this ship working, surprisingly because Kinn is a cinnamon roll when he’s in love and Pete is a psycho when he’s in love. But there is something really homoerotic about Kinn having trust issues and Pete being the only one he trust unconditionally. I can see it if the story takes a “dead dove do not eat” approach. With Porsche betraying Kinn and Kinn turning dark, and Vegas betraying Pete and Pete turning desperate.

[spectral-kitkat]

Miraculous Rant.

Where the hell do I begin…

Season 1:

The show was decent in season 1. Some episodes were just mindless filler and probably weren’t needed in the grand scheme of things but they helped us get introduced to the characters, we got to know the plot and the world our characters inhabit. It was good. The love story between Adrien and Marinette was cute and off to a touching and fluffy start.

Season 2:

This season was immediately better than season 1. It had character development, it went more into detail about the lore surrounding the Miraculous and we got to learn more about our characters and their families and the villian’s motives. (HM really went from “I wanna destroy the world” to “I wanna wake my wife from the coma she’s in”).

We got to see new heroes which was fun! We got new characters like Luka and Kagami.

The season finale was epic! The Miraculous team all taking down all the previous villains in the show was awesome. At the end we even got Mari kissing Adrien on the cheek. It was great! (Even though it clearly reset itself in season 3 cause it’s never mentioned again)

I really enjoyed season 2 and it’s probably my favourite out of the 4.

Season 3:

Season 3 was kinda good and kinda bad. We had some great episodes but this is where the show took the wrong turn.

Marinette lost some of her character in season 3. This was the start of her descent into being the Queen of Mary Sues. It’s also where she was crowned the Queen of Stalkers! Her character took a fucking nose dive in this season. We had so many moments that just creeped me the fuck out.

1. The ENTIRETY of Puppeteer 2 🤢🤢🤢 I could not stand that episode. When we reached the dreaded statue scene I physically had to pause it like 10 times. That scene takes about 3 minutes to watch… it took me about 20. I cringed so fucking hard because of the secondhand embarrassment I was feeling. That was not sweet, it wasn’t romantic, it wasn’t the least bit cute… it was a train wreck! It was creepy and stalkerish and it’s a wonder Adrien even spoke to her again after that atrocity!

2. LB delivering the present in Chat Blanc. Two words: STALKER BEHAVIOUR!!! I genuinely could not believe my eyes when I saw LB run her hand across everything in his room and then actually SNIFF Adrien’s pillow. Like WTF!!! 🤮 I’m pretty sure whoever was responsible for that scene clearly thought it was the equivalent of when someone gets their S/O’s jumper or something and it still smells like them. But this turned it up to the nth degree and way passed the line of sanity.

Adrien was extremely under-utilised in this season. He didn’t really do anything. The only episodes we got about him didn’t really focus on him. ‘Felix’ whilst focusing on Adrien’s family didn’t really feature him. ‘Party Crasher’ while a beautiful mess was more about Mari trying to get into the party than the party itself. ‘Chat Blanc’ again focused more on Mari trying to fix her mistake.

We got even more heroes in season 3, not in the right order but they were there. It was fun seeing everyone’s transformations.

Season 3 was also the season of destroying redemptions. The big one obviously being Chloe. Season 2 was setting up this amazing redemption for her and before it could go anywhere it was wiped off the face of the earth during the finale (and don’t worry we’ll get to that dumpster fire later). Gabriel also had any remaining sympathy ripped away from him. How did the guy who stopped Gorizilla from letting Adrien die when he only thought he was CN go from that to using his son like fucking baseball in Chat Blanc when he knew his son was CN. Like I knew you were a shit father but you still cared about Adrien in some way shape or form but after that episode I can see I was clearly mistaken!

Before we get to the finale I want to talk about probably my 2 least favourite episodes from this season: Desperada and Reflekdoll

Desperada:

I fucking hated this episode! The only good thing was Luka getting to be Viperion, other than that this episode was awful!

Marinette was a selfish cringey bitch. Completely ignoring Luka to gush about Adrien to Jagged. Brushing Luka off as soon as Adrien turns up. Immediately cuddling up to Aspik and flirting with him when she needed to focus on the akuma (something which she has told CN not to do many times before)

Adrien, I love you kid but Jesus Christ you were a dumbass in this episode! Aspik’s design was terrible! Aspik himself was awful. I know Adrien tried his best but dude you were given the Black Cat miraculous for a reason! He shouldn’t have tried to be Aspik but even when he did he should’ve called it quits after like 5 resets not 25,913 times.

The only person with a brain this episode was Luka. So well done guitar boy, gold star!

Reflekdoll:

This episode was annoying! It was basically the start of the Marinette can do no wrong streak! When they have to swap miraculous I was happy cause it meant we got to see new outfits and see how they each handle the different powers. It would also serve as a way to get LB and CN to see what their partners role is first hand. Until we actually get to it…

LadyNoire is of course amazing and needs no introduction to using this new miraculous that she’s never used before. She’s cocky and confident and basically just LB in Chat’s costume with his powers.

Mister Bug on the other hand is just useless. He struggles with this new miraculous (like anyone would!) and is stupid and goofy. He has to rely on LadyNoire to solve the lucky charm. They swapped miraculous so shouldn’t that mean that Mister Bug should get the lucky vision and the creative powers that the earrings give him.

Overall Reflekdoll is awful. It was shitty writing and the start of Adrien getting the short end of the stick.

And now the season 3 finale… Just what the fuck. That is my only reaction: what the fuck!

Chloe you poor fucking child! What did they do to you!!! So much potential SQUANDERED!!!!

What was the point in bringing in all these different superheros with unique skill sets, costumes and transformations if you were just going to immediately reveal them to the main villian so they can’t be used again. That’s stupid! If you wanted the shock value that is “Oh no HM knows some of the heroes identities!” Then keep it as only some. Have like Max, Kim and Kagami outside trying to find somewhere to hide but unfortunately they get hit. Or Nino and Alya are hiding but the windows open and they get hit. Have some of the heroes hide so they’re fine! Taking away every ally of LB and CN’s was a stupid move! (Even if they wanted Alya to become a spy have her as part of the like 4 that get revealed or something, it’s not that difficult)

Season 3 was 50/50 for me

Season 4:

So I know season 4 isn’t even halfway through yet but so much is wrong with this season already that I need to vent!

So my biggest problem with this season of Miraculous: Tales of Ladybitch and Rena Rouge, I mean Rena Furtive… shit, Chat Noir! Is that CN is basically pointless! Adrien has been flung over a rainbow and is only remembered when he’s needed as

1. Marinette’s love interest

2. Someone for LB to shout at

3. A plot device

He has basically been sidelined. Partners my ASS!!!

Adrien is being blown off by pretty much EVERYONE! It’s coming to a point where this poor sweet summer child is going to crack! And it is not gonna be pretty… I definitely feel like the writers are leading up to a big fight between CN and LB which will probably end with Chat Blanc 2.0.

I REALLY HATE MARINETTE/LADYBUG!!!! In Season 3 I said it was the beginning of her descent, well in season 4 she’s done it. She’s descended, she has hit rock fucking bottom. She is so unlikable I don’t actually care about her as a person. She has entered full blown stalker territory it’s only a matter of time before she starts killing people for even looking at Adrien! Not to mention that Miss Mary Sue here can’t do anything wrong! She never has to suffer the consequences of her actions, she is always perfect no matter what she does… it pisses me off!)

She’s the Guardian now big whoop. I know what it feels like to be stressed and under pressure so I do understand why she needed to tell someone about it all. I just don’t see why that person had to Alya! Especially considering she has someone by her side every akuma attack going through pretty much the exact same thing. I know she’s worried about CB happening again but as I said before the more she leaves him out the more she is actually pushing that to become a possibility! Plus it makes sense for them to reveal their identities now since LB is now the guardian it’s probably a good idea to know who holds the cat miraculous, she knows everyone else’s identities!

Even if she didn’t want to tell CN her identity she could still explain the situation to him. If she didn’t want to tell him anything (which she doesn’t anyway) then instead of Alya she should’ve talked to Luka! Her boyfriend for all of half an episode (thanks writers…). He’s so sweet and caring and clearly loves her so much! If she wanted someone to confide in then why not choose the person you clearly wanted to date but couldn’t because of that very reason! (Yeah I know it’s kinda a moot point now since Luka knows both identities but still). He wanted to try and comfort her so it would’ve been the perfect moment for it. That way you could still date him and he’d know why you had to suddenly leave dates halfway through! But no break the boys heart instead!

Adrien and Marinette were both such fucking idiots in the first 2 episodes. Like why would you start a relationship with someone when you know your heart isn’t in it! That’s called leading someone on and is a really shitty thing to do to someone! No wonder Kagami and Luka ended up akumatized!

Another aspect of season 4 I don’t like is Rena Furtive. Yes ok having a spy for your side is a good strategy but when said spy basically tells an important member of a duo that the 2 person job doesn’t involve them… it just really ticks me off! Alya you are the sidekick to LB and CN! Chat isn’t!

Miraculous specials:

The Miraculous World specials suck! Shanghai is better than NY but still has its problems. Both specials add nothing to the overall plot/lore of the show apart from trying to set up some weird cinematic universe…

NY special:

One of the worst things I’ve ever had to sit through! The plane scene alone I paused a few times. I want to say well done to Mari for trying to move on from Adrien (especially considering I’m pretty sure she’s dating Luka at this point) but I can’t help but think it’s just to give her character some pointless development that goes nowhere and doesn’t actually develop anything!

LB can pretty much fuck off at this point! I hate her! She put all this shit on CN (like she doesn’t know exactly how that feels). It’s like why does she get to go off on holiday but CN can’t. LB should’ve stayed in Paris for 3 reasons:

1. She’s recently become the guardian meaning it would probably be best that she stayed with the Mircle Box

2. She’s the only one who can purity the akumas

3. If she’s so sure about being the boss then she should take responsibility of Paris and the citizens.

What really pisses me off about her is what she says to CN during the big fight. “I can’t trust you”… surely you could have this conversation afterwards since you’re supposed to be focusing on taking down the villian! Plus everyone bashes Adrien for giving his miraculous up in this episode but look at it from his point of view: His partner and best friend just said she couldn’t trust him which in turn caused him to cataclysm someone and essentially kill them. That’s gonna take a toll on anyone, especially a 14 year old! He probably thought in that moment. “Ladybug needs a partner she can trust and someone who won’t mess up and kill someone. She needs a better partner.” It makes sense he renounces his miraculous! I’m just upset that in doing so he loses Plagg who is pretty much his only friend who actually understands what Adrien goes through at home.

When Uncanny gets CN to come back, LB acts like it’s not her fault in the first place that he feels inadequate! She didn’t even apologise for saying what she did! He apologised for lying about not being in Paris but nope LB wasn’t in the wrong at all and didn’t have anything to apologise for 🙄… (yes the LadyNoir hug was amazing but I just wish it was under different circumstances!)

Also are we not gonna mention Gabriel Agreste almost starting WW3??? He wanted to launch a fucking missile!!!

Shanghai:

As I said before, this special is way better for several reasons.

We got MariChat! (Best side to the love square imo). This special actually had some semblance on a plot. Fei, whilst a bit op, was a cool character. It was nice to see Wang Cheng again.

However once again there were many problems.

A big one being Marinette yet again! (What a shock! 😒 I’ll come back to this). Another was that once again HM’s motivation has changed. How is getting the Prodigious gonna help bring back Emilie??

Back to Marinette… The fact that the words “Huh?! There must be some kind of mistake! I always know what's up with Adrien! … His 5 first names and every corresponding name date, his yearly schedule, even his shoe size! If there were anything to know about him, I would know it!” come out of her mouth whilst she is flipping through his schedule that she keeps in her pocketbook is a hugh red flag!!! That is not cute or adorable! That’s messed up and Adrien needs to fucking run and maybe possibly go into witness protection… Marinette is a full blown stalker! Not to mention the GPS she has (that could just be the find my friends app on iphone but still).

It also is extremely rude of her to use not only her great uncle’s birthday but also a lie about wanting to know her Chinese heritage in order to go to Shanghai to stalk her obsession, I mean crush. This could’ve been avoided if the Dupain-Chengs were going to Shanghai for the purpose of celebrating Wang Cheng’s bday and then Adrien just so happened to be in Shanghai.

Also this means LB left Paris without telling CN! I know CN did the same but again he can’t purify the akumas. Plus he has a reason he couldn’t stay in Paris, Mari just went cause her crush did. Great guardianship there Marinette.

This was also the last time CN actually did something. Even if it was for a short while before LB and her female partner took over (the beginning of a theme…)

Other things:

There are 2 other things that I wanna say but felt they needed a separate bit.

In Furious Fu, Su-Han has a rule book that he uses to tell Marinette which rules she has broken. At the end of the episode he tells her that is she breaks 1 more rule that he will take the Miraculous and the Miracle Box off her, which fair enough but wouldn’t it be helpful to leave the rule book with her?! How can she be wary of not breaking anymore rules when she doesn’t even know what the rules are??

Now the big one: Master Fu…

Where do I even start with him. He is so fucking manipulative!! He is Asian Dumbledore!

He decides to leave these extremely powerful jewels in the hands of 13 year olds! Surely leaving the miraculous to someone in their 20s would’ve been better!

He clearly favours LB over CN even though the Ladybug and Black Cat are supposed to be partners! Wouldn’t it make sense for them both to be in contact with the guardian from the start?? He randomly started introducing rules such as if LB and CN find out each other’s identities they would lose their miraculous… what kind of bullshit rule is that? It also came out of fucking nowhere!

Final Thoughts:

But to summarise all of that: Miraculous is on quite a steep decline but I’m invested at this point and I am genuinely curious as to where the fuck this will go.

Marinette needs professional fucking help before the writers even consider canonising Adrienette cause at the moment she is not what Adrien needs!

Adrien needs to stand up for himself! He needs to pull LB to the side and tell her what he feels and what he’s going through cause he is on the precipice of a breakdown!

(Small point that’s more to do with the fandom: when searching for fanfics it’s really annoying that Adrien Agreste/Chat Noir Bashing is a tag but Marinette Dupain-Cheng/Ladybug Bashing isn’t. Why does everyone think Marinette can do no wrong???)

[silverysongs]

... I would very much like to hear your Hector/Andromache thesis rant

THANK YOU FOR ASKING.

(This is partly a response to this post by @laurelindorenan and partly something I've had thoughts about for the past year-ish.)

Anyway. So. I first read the Iliad in a college English class, and I was excited to read it because it was one of those things that I heard about but hadn't read and I love old literature and was a Percy Jackson kid, etc. etc. But I didn't like it that much at first. For those of you who haven't read it, the Iliad is literally about a war, and so you experience hundreds of lines about all the unique and gory ways in which men can fight and kill and die.

And then we got to Book 6. In Book 6, the commander of the Trojans, Hector, goes back inside the city to talk to some people but at the end, he goes to find his wife, Andromache. And Andromache narrates what has happened to her during the course of the war: her father and her seven brothers have been slain by Achilles; her mother was taken as a captive, then ransomed back, but she died soon after, presumably from illness or grief. So Andromache has literally no family left except her husband.

She begs him to stay in the city, or at least to stay within the line of fighting instead of forging ahead to the front, but he tells her he can't do that because he's the leader and it would be shameful not to. But he's not just being callous; it's obvious that he cares for his wife so deeply. His worst fear, he tells her, is not for his aging parents or his brothers or even the whole of Troy, but for her, his wife, and what will happen to her should Troy fall - that another man will make her a slave and she will mourn Hector (and he doesn't even mention that she will face sexual slavery too, almost as though he can't bear to imagine that).

So we have this really touching moment between husband and wife, who clearly care about each other - not to mention that this is the first time we've seen a character's domestic life, and Homer chooses to put the spotlight on Hector and Andromache, as though he means to make them the prime example. Their relationship in Book 6 and beyond is actually what I chose to write about for my senior honors project/thesis, where I wrote part of an Iliad adaptation from Andromache's perspective (you can read a scene from it here). And while I was writing, I realized: Really, this (my story) is not a story about war. This is a story about a marriage.

A few months before I started really writing my project, I stumbled across Pat Barker's The Women of Troy. Some friends knew about my love for the Iliad, and had pointed it out in a bookshop. So I was flipping through it and I found a scene where two women are talking about Andromache. And they're talking about how it was kind of this open secret that Hector wasn't really in love with Andromache, he fell in love with Helen like every other man in Troy, and although he was the perfect husband on paper, and respected her in front of people, he sort of viewed her as this lesser woman compared to Helen.

I shut the book, stunned. And then I was angry, because this wasn't the Hector I knew from Homer. This wasn't the Hector I was writing.

And I understand why Pat Barker did that. It makes sense why she would choose to problematize Hector's character in this way. It's an interesting choice, to push back against Homer and offer an alternate perspective. Some might argue that's why we have so many adaptations of the Iliad.

But it's also an easy choice. It's easy to choose the drama of infidelity. It's been done before. Over and over and over again. If you watch practically any drama show, you'll see it - a relationship might be the main focus, but the conflicts are always about one partner cheating on another, or being tempted, or working through those kinds of issues. I think those kinds of plots assume that a committed and healthy relationship is boring, or that there can’t be any conflict except interpersonal conflict. That’s not to say that there is no place for interpersonal conflict when you’re writing a relationship. And besides, infidelity is a huge part of the Iliad’s premise. But the fact that there are very few alternatives in media is really frustrating to me.

In fact, I think the lack of healthy, committed relationships in media automatically makes them more interesting. I am excited when I see married couples in fiction, because we don't see them often.

The bottom line is this: I think that stories can have good relationships and still have meaningful, complicated conflict. Especially conflict where the two members in a relationship or in a marriage can work together and support each other. And that's what I've tried to do - and that's what I think Homer does - with Hector and Andromache.

[gallavich-headcanon]

I think MW3 is in planning! I think it has to do with getting Shepherd? -> I am so sorry but I have no idea who Shepherd is, but they do have a great name for a dog. Sorry.

A thought that popped in my head- In one of those clips you linked, Ghost is being introduced and Ghost and Soap starts saying "actually he prefers..." and Ghost cuts him off, "That'll do." Any clue what's that about? Does he actually go by anything else or was Soap just being a dickhead?

Also I have to ask K, how did you discover this amazing lore?

"being stronger when they get back together" -> 1000%. They are so much more for each other now. They are partners in every way possible.

Prior to the military, Ian had so much to talk about - but it was mainly about his family -> Fuck. That one went straight through my heart. I think maybe after a long long time, Mickey gets Ian to talk about his family sometimes. It would happen super rarely but Mickey doesn't want it to be a completely taboo subject with Ian. He wants him to know he can talk about it with Mickey if he ever wants to.

But Ian is the only one that knows / gets to call him Mikhailo...in situations where he needs mickey to just follow orders without questioning him -> For example, when Mickey is ignoring direct order, probably doing something dangerous. Like, going in without backup. Or not sleeping because Ian hasn't finished he duties for today yet. (they need their end of the day unwinding conversation. or at least a kiss. Mickey doesn't want to skip on that. Also he know Ian would hurry to get to bed if he know Mickey is up waiting for him, which mean Ian would sleep more.)

"Not cool, Jimmy-Steve." I can't believe I didn't take the opportunity to use that!!! I love him protecting the boys' privacy. And making sure they wear clean socks.

Wait but do they higher ups know Mickey knows Ian from Chicago? Mickey and Ian must recognize each other immediately, right? I mean Mickey has been searching for Ian this whole time, because he KNEW in his heart that Ian wasn't dead, so there was never a chance he would follow through with it. But Ian doesn't know that, I guess. Not Ian thinking he's betrayed. again. This time by the love of his life, that he thought he'd never see again.

Okay so what if, to buy time to look for Ian, Mickey gets the task to spy and possibly kill Ghost. So he has a plan and all, but of course it doesn't matter the second he reunites with Ian. Maybe he got a picture of Ghost, but he would recognize those beautiful puppy eyes anywhere, even if he's more of a wolf now. So now Mickey knows who he's going to meet (or at least hopes he does) but Ian doesn't. Not until the moment he sees Mickey. So maybe Mickey plans it out, a big reveal like in 9x06, he makes sure they're going to be alone. But since he knows the higher ups are against Ian, he can't let him spill too much until they're in a remote and safe location. Ian is reluctant to follow him, suspecting it's a trap, but Mickey gets him to go with him. When they find the spot to talk without anyone seeing / hearing them, Mickey starts telling Ian about his plan. Mickey is trying to get Ian to see that he's on his side, sharing this secret info, but Ian is paranoid and think Mickey brought him to the secluded location to actually complete the task. Cue 5x10 dugouts -esc fighting turning into kissing? Like Mickey is screaming at him while fighting "You psycho I came looking for you! I'm fucking warning you so we can make a fucking plan! I'm trying to save you, Ian!" and Ian freezes. He hasn't heard his name is so long. He finally listens to Mickey's words. Let the filthy sex begin.

tension, some fucking, talking, everything's gonna be alright. (or will it?) -> IT WILL. IT WILL. IT HAS TO.

i gotta head to the store and run some errands, in the meanwhile-

are we thinking the same? 👀

I-, I didnt know it was-, I’m-… Nosho. I know nothing about call of duty, like literally nothing. And now I discovered there’s a gay lore to cod? Why the fuck didn’t anybody tell me? I guess all my friends are fucking fake bitches because I should have been notified long fucking time ago.

Please tell me everything I need to know about Soap(?) and Johnny(?) apparently known as ghostsoap (?) soapghost (?) I just got suggestions like this and holy shit. Ghost Ian and soap Mickey?

ps is soap wearing a choker or am I imagining?

[widow-maximov]

Hi can I request the the boys of the OG6 acting like older brothers of Natasha and then literally interrogating ceo!reader or something bc they’re known for being a player?

Natasha’s just watching them and being embarrassed.

You don’t have to if you don’t want to:)

Anything for you

Pairing: Natasha x Reader

Warning: Language, fluff, angst :3

Summary: Your past impacted your future and others trust, are you able to change for her?

Word count: 3.7k

My requests are always open so feel more than welcome to pop in a suggestion for the next story :3

⸻⸻⋙☸⋘⸻⸻

Being in a relationship has never been easy in your life, especially since you are the richest person alive, along side with Tony Stark. Since your dad retired and gave you the company you were doing pretty good for someone your age.

You were a 'player' or well that's what people did describe you, but you liked to call yourself adventurous, it was more of a stress relief type of hook ups never more never less.

Half of the time you thought that since you have money people will use you for it so you kept your cold bitch face and kept going with life.

There was a reason behind that thinking, you remember like it was yesterday. Back when you had less responsibilities on your head, you did date.

There was this boy, who was the most respected person in school, he always helped everyone and even turned you into a bit more social and nicer person to which you gained popularity.

You were practically swooned over this guy, not him as a boy but his personality, he 'loved' you or at least that's what you thought. Since you gained respect of practically every person in the school, there were rumours that your boyfriend only used you for the money.

He had a whole plan of how to get your money, by marrying you like he was going to stick with you for a very long time just so he can take your money and leave you dry.

At first you didn't want to believe it until you overheard his conversation with his friends, he was laughing and just being a dick about your whole relationship, telling them what you told him in secret.

You ended up getting revenge, since you were able to get away with most things, you actually punched him and outed him to the whole school with how he treated you, he was suspended and your father moved you to another school for 'punishment' but he really did you a favour.

Every since that you questioned any relationships after that, whether it was with girls or boys, to you they all seemed the same as your ex. So you stuck with being single for sometime until you accidently slept with someone at a party and that's where you picked up the habits of sleeping around.

It did kind of stop when you took over after your dad retired but as soon as you were doing a good enough job and providing the best solutions for the issues that occurred, you practically had many women in your office, no matter the time.

You tried not to mix work with your sex life which meant your workers were your workers and nothing else but there was an exemption, there was a woman, her name is Ava, who used to work along side of your dad and now she works along side of you, she become your casual hook up which sometimes interfered with work.

Since you always believed in good, Ava suggested for you to work with the Avengers, you agreed and reached out to Tony and offered a deal to help him with anything he needs but you wanted intel on everything they do which meant you were there pretty often.

When you first met the team, it was only a couple of them as most were away from a mission, they were a family that you wanted and lacked. Your father never was a feeling type of guy and your mother never really cared unless she didn't get her money.

The Avengers were different and even if you weren't physically fighting with them, you helped them out a lot since they ruined a lot of property to which you were quick to act to some point you were considered their teammate.

When you met this one particular team mate, you instantly knew she was different. You knew she existed from them being featured on the news but face to face with these people were so different. She was the reason you changed so much.

The more you started to spend time with the Avengers the more you were fascinated by her. Natasha Romanoff, the Black Widow, the Russian, the redhead, you preferred stunning but Natasha would have to do.

She was just as into you as you were into her and you wasn't hiding it, you were obvious which only encouraged her to continue her exploring. Everyone warned her about you but she was too blind and stubborn to care.

You stopped sleeping around when you started to hang around the team more often, which didn't go unnoticed by your own company, especially Ava who worked with you, was she jealous? Of course, to the point where she tried to ruin your chance with Natasha.

You were busy that day, like really busy, ever since you were taking things with Natasha at some pace, you would neglect your work and overload Ava, she didn't mind it because in return she wanted you and she was going to succeed.

She was all over you to which you never paid any attention, your mind was occupied with Natasha, you literally did everything to spend more of your time with the Russian rather than here being a CEO.

You was standing near the elevators, talking to one of your other business partners and Ava was next to you since she was in a way involved into your business.

Natasha was planning to visit you at work as you couldn't leave this time, she wants to watch you be a badass CEO, it turned her on when you bossed people around plus it was more time together so she didn't mind.

Natasha appeared out of the Elevator to which she was spotted by Ava, there was a smirk at her lips as she started her plan. When you and the business partner made a joke, she laughed as she placed her hand gently on your shoulder.

Natasha saw it all, she narrowed her eyes and waited for you to push her away, here where the problems comes. The company didn't know who you starting to change for, so when the next person saw Natasha and where she was looking, they made a comment.

"I wouldn't look so surprised, they had a thing on and off all the time, since Y/n took over, Ava has been sneaking around but we all know"

Natasha nodded with a fake smile and turned around to the elevator, it took everything in her to turn around because all she wanted to do was walk towards you and Ava and literally kill yous on spot.

When Natasha arrived back, the team noticed her sudden change in her behaviour.

"Nat are you okay?" Steve questioned first as he observed the redhead.

She stiffly nodded and proceeded to walk out to her room but Thor stopped her "Okay, you're not okay now tell us what's wrong."

Natasha faced her team mates "It's stupid"

Clint shook his as he sipped his drink "It's not stupid if it's upsetting you"

Tony crossed his arms "Okay, spill Romanoff"

Natasha sighed as she walked over to where they were and sat in between them "I'm having doubts"

Bruce's head popped out from underneath a table "Doubts about what?"

"About what's going on between me and Y/n.." Natasha hesitantly told them.

Steve's frowned at her "Why?"

"I went to visit Y/n at work today and I hate to admit it but I don't think the player habits have stopped, it just worries me that I am being maybe used.." As Natasha finished, she was looking anywhere else but them.

Tony pulled Natasha into his side "It's okay, you have us to protect you, also I think Fury was looking for you so you might want to check that out first"

She nodded and just when she was about to stand up, Tony pulled her into a hug and suddenly everyone wants to hug her to which they did. They had their turn whispering sweet things to Natasha to calm her a little.

"We are having a party later" Tony announced just before the Russian left, she nodded at him and as soon as she left, they turned to each other.

"Okay, here is the plan, the party is there to keep her occupied whilst we question Y/n. I'm not going to allow a player break her sweet heart" Tony spoke up again as he looked from Steve to Bruce.

"I will get the ropes ready..." Clint stated as if he done this before.

Thor looked at Clint confused "I want to ask but at the same time I don't"

Tony rolled his eyes "It doesn't matter, we are going to find out and then decided what we should do with Y/n if it's true"

They all nodded and did their secret handshake that Natasha wasn't apart off because it was dedicated to her to protect her. They split and went to fulfil their parts of this secret mission.

Tony alerted you of the party, Steve kept his eyes on the door to see if you arrive, Bruce takes care of Ava or any other people, Thor takes you away as he is very convincing and Clint prepares for anything that could somehow disrupt the interrogation.

You were worried, each time you would message Natasha there would be no reply, that never happened before which was even more worrying. Your first irrational thought was to sleep with someone to take off the stress but after taking a deep breath you knew this isn't a way to solve this, you needed to talk to Natasha.

As soon as you received a text from Tony about a party, there was some sort of relief in your mind, she was busy with preparing maybe that's why she couldn't answer you.

You told Ava about the party so she cancelled any late meetings, any parties that Tony Stark planned had everyone invited so since you were a business partner of Tony, your whole company was invited meaning Ava was going to be there.

You always had a emergency suit in your office for unannounced parties when you had been stuck at the company for too long. You was ready within minutes and was out the door alone as quick as possible, in hopes that you will talk to Natasha before she gets lost in the part world.

You rushed over and as soon as you gotten into the building Thor stood in your way "Oh hello Thor, sorry I can't talk I'm in a bit of a rush.."

He simply smiled at you "It's okay but Tony really needs you, it has to wait"

You were going to protest but he pulled you along with him, he was much more stronger than you so you had no chance and just followed him.

He didn't simply let you walk in, he pushed you inside as he locked the door behind him, you huffed as you turned to face the door that now was locked, you looked around and suddenly Tony with Clint emerged from the wall.

"Woah, that's cool" You had your brows raised at their new thing.

"So why was I shoved in here?" You questioned now with a serious face.

Clint walked over to you and before you could move away he had you tied with this new invention, you looked at him with shock and then back at the ropes, he placed you down on a chair as suddenly everyone else but Natasha walk into the room.

Now you are surrounded by 5 Avengers death staring you like you had killed someone that was related to them "What is happening?"

Tony had a serious face "You're going to tell us about Ava"

You frowned in confusion "What are you talking about?"

Steve had his arms crossed "We want to know what is going on between you and Ava"

The boys tried their best to keep this whole thing a secret but Natasha was a spy after all so she knew what they were doing, she didn't want to stop them because if it meant somehow getting out the truth without lies she was okay with it, obviously to some extent, she didn't want them to hurt you so she observed from the other room.

"Is there suppose to be something going on between me and her?" You questioned as you stared at Steve with a serious face.

Bruce walked closer as he bend down to your face "There is 5 of us and just you, think wisely before answering Y/l/n"

Were you scared? A little, he was right you were alone and no one knew you were here, but you knew they wouldn't do anything to you well at least that's what you'd like to think.

"I will ask again, what is going on with you and Ava?" Tony spoke as Bruce walked back to where he stood before.

"Nothing is going on between me and her, what makes you think that?" You questioned this time.

Clint sighed as he dropped his hands "Because we know you were involved with her sexually"

You narrowed your eyes "So you five kidnapped me, tied and now you're asking me if I'm still sleeping with Ava, acting like this is your business because?"

Tony scoffed "Because you're messing with our family and we don't like people who hurt our family.."

"I'm not messing with no one-" You were quick to disagree but stopped yourself when you realised who they were referring to.

"You mean Natasha..." You spoke but rather to yourself than them.

"I'm not messing with Natasha" You stated simply.

"Then why is Ava all over you?" Clint asked as he crossed his arms this time.

"How am I suppose to know, I'm not a mind reader"

Clint faced Tony "Okay, I believe Y/n"

You smiled slightly at Clint, but his comment only caused an argument, your eyes wondered around the room, that's when you noticed that the corner of the room is different half way up as if there was glass, not making it obvious that you knew.

You cleared your throat "Can I say something?"

They all looked back at you and nodded in sync "I know yous don't trust me but I will try everything to show you that I don't have bad intentions when it comes to Natasha, now please can you let me go I really need to go"

Tony narrowed his eyes "If you want to show us that we can trust you then tell us where you are in such a rush"

You swallowed hard, you didn't want Natasha to find out this way so you tried your luck again "I can't tell you, I need to go"

Tony inhaled sharply as he looked over at the boys "Well what do you guys say about a round of beers and come back here in an hour to see if Y/n will say something then"

Thor smirked "We can also put the heating on, making it a little too hot here for our little Y/n here"

They all nodded and there was a sense of panic across your face "Okay stop, I will speak"

They all had a smirk and you just continued "I am in a rush to talk to Natasha.."

"Why?" Steve spoke as he walked a little closer to you.

"Well I was planning to do this face to face not through the glass but I'm head over hills with Natasha and I was planning to ask her out but I guess now she knows" You sighed with slight disappointment.

Tony was the one frowning with confusion "What do you mean? Through glass?"

You looked over at the glass "If you really think you know Natasha then think twice, because this woman is a spy, she is behind that glass listening to this"

Clint face palmed himself "I knew this was too good to be true"

Tony pulled out his remote that controlled the glass, he turned off the camouflage and there she stood, with her arms crossed and an embarrassed look across her face, well it was a death stare but you could tell them apart.

As your eyes landed on her face, a smile found it way on your lips really quickly, she always did that to you and you loved that feeling even if you were slightly terrified of it but you would do anything for Natasha even deal with your own issues for her.

Clint walked over as he untied you and allowed you to stand up with a little whine from the pain that the rope left behind, you looked at the boys and they moved out of your way, you looked at them and gave them a small nod as you proceeded your way out.

"You better not hurt her Y/l/n or you'll regret it" Tony simply whispered but just enough so you heard him, you looked at him and nodded with a smile.

You walked out of the room and shutting the door behind you, taking a deep breath and finally looking to your right as your eyes were met with the Russian's green ones, she was staring at you from across and all you wanted to do was pull her into you.

Nothing else but her was on your mind, you walked over to her and just stared at her without saying anything. You didn't even know what words would be right to say so instead she took your hand and pulled you to a less visited balcony.

She stood couple steps away from you to which she spoke up first "Did you mean it?"

Her naturally raspy voice was music to your ears, so you simply nodded because words could betray you quite easily, she sighed with relief as she looked down.

The boost of courage coursed through your body, you took those couple steps towards her as you placed your hand under her chin, making her look up at you.

"Natasha I am sorry if I made you feel like you were nothing more than some cheap hook up because you aren't and you never will be." You started off with an apology still holding her chin.

"You mean so much to me, you out of everyone could make me want to change is a lot for me, I knew the second that I would do anything for you that I was falling for you" This time you held her face with both of your hands as your eyes started to gloss.

"I also never told you how stunning you look" You manged to chuckle out before letting tears slowly fall from your eyes.

She chuckled with you as she wiped your tear of your cheeks "Thank you"

"I'm also sorry for them acting like that" Natasha tucked a fallen hair behind your ear.

You shook your head "You don't need to be sorry because if you made you more at ease then I would even let them kidnap me everyday if it meant you would feel better"

A smile made its way on her lips this time "I think I'm falling for you too" She whispered it as she searched in your eyes for any emotions.

You smiled with a relief sigh "We can take this at any pace you want and if you ever doubt anything, talk to me I will even take a lie detector test for you Nat"

She giggled as she nodded, instead of replying she hugged into your chest with a smile across her lips, you let your arms snake around her and close your eyes at her warmth.

You pulled away slightly just enough to be inches away from each other lips, you looked into her eyes and with confirmation from both parts you kiss her, your eyes flattered shut as if to see if this wasn't a dream.

You pulled away and rested your forehead against hers as you looked into her eyes, completely being pulled deeply into this moment, not realising that practically everyone could see this, but as long as you had Natasha with you, you didn't care.

The next day, you made Natasha meet you at the company along with Ava, Natasha worried rushed to you as she spotted you. Her eyes were quick to narrow at Ava.

You looked over at Natasha and with a smile you walked over to her as you took her hand and walked back to where you were, this time Ava had her eyes narrowed at Natasha.

"What am I doing here Y/n/n?" The redhead spoke up as she looked over at you.

"This is my way of showing that you can trust me Natty" You looked back at her with a smile.

She was still confused, so you looked over at Ava as you held a letter out to her, she hesitantly took it and opened it as her eyes scanned the paper so quickly.

"You're moving me to another work place?!" She screamed as she looked back at you.

You nodded with a smile across your lips "Yes, I have heard from so many people that you have been complaining about getting here so I did you a favour and moved you closer to where you live"

You pulled Natasha into you but kept your eyes on Ava, who pointed at Natasha "This is your fault, if you weren't here I would still have my chance"

You rolled your eyes, the Russian was ready to knock her out but you held her by her waist pretty firmly as you spoke "Don't blame this on others, this is all on you, it might be hard to understand for you but I didn't want anything else from you, now go pack your stuff as your new place awaits you"

She scoffed as she stormed away, you waved her goodbye as you giggled along with Natasha, you looked over to the redhead at your side, she smiled at you and without words, she kissed you to which you accepted it with open arms.

You wanted everyone to know she was taken by you and you were taken by her. She made you happy and you would do anything to prove to her that she is the one who has your heart.

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