#*forget the case forget everything else you lied to me TO ME* if you know what i mean

[patrice-bergerons]

LOSING MY MIND at how well James knows Robbie's flat (how comfortable he is in it) and it's only season bloody 2.

they carry on a work conversation when he comes in while Robbie wordlessly gets him a beer from the fridge (Robbie is drinking wine but he knows James would want beer, including what type of beer, and keeps that in his fridge)

then James while still carrying on the same work convo walks past Robbie to open the bottle and finds the bottle opener in the drawer easy as drawing breath because of course this is not the first time he's done this.

Then he whinges about the fact that Robbie is listening to Wagner and he is downright petulant, playful, in the way you are with people you are the most comfortable around, until Robbie gives in and lets him change the music

so he changes it to the boys are back in town

after which they sit on the sofa (no room left for Jesus in between, mind) drinking and bantering, domestic as you please

and the very next thing that comes after this? is life born of fire. kill me now

[jupitersdescendant]

hi everyone, here we go again :)

today’s topic: what does your inner child want to share with you?

here’s how it works: close your eyes and meditate on the question for a little. if you feel ready, open your eyes and choose the pile you feel the most drawn to. it’s possible, that you’ll be attracted to more than one pile. please remember that this is a general reading so only take what resonates. this is for entertainment purposes only. lastly, tarot is only a guide, nothing is set in stone and at the end of the day you have the power over your own life.

art by john mccartin.

Pile 1

cards: ten of pentacles (rx), the magician (rx), two of swords. back of the deck: nine of cups (rx)

hii guys. you’re holding back (kind of a harsh start but i’m just rolling with what spirit is giving me). there’s potential in you that’s waiting to be unlocked. the problem is that you struggle to see your own potential and that hasn’t changed since your childhood. financial security is one of your biggest concerns and triggers since you probably had a rocky home life where money was tight. your inner child really wants you to appreciate how strong and resilient you are. this decks version of the magician depicts an infinity sign which i felt immediately drawn to. this again shows that you carry so much potential in you and whats so special about this is that yours is basically endless. i think you can pretty much succeed in anything that you really put your mind to. if you aren’t familiar with spirituality then this is your sign to see for yourself what your spiritual powers and intuition have in store for you. if you use your powers well and don’t get lost in selfishness then you could really bring a lot of good to the world. you or rather your inner child feels like it’s trapped under water, your hand is still gracing the surface but the rest of your body can’t seem to follow. through some childhood circumstances you learned to only depend on yourself and some of you probably often keep people from getting to close to you. i know that trusting others can be really hard and it seems like you had some bad experiences in the past but we as humans need a loving community to strive and survive. and to pull us out of the water ;) this doesn’t mean that you can’t do it alone nor that you should stop trying but it’s much easier to have a helping hand don’t you think? also, learn to feel your emotions, because bottling all that sh*t up won’t do you any good. if you’re scared of the bad ones try to find a good outlet for them, like running, dancing, writing everything down, boxing, just whatever you feel like doing, doesn’t need to be anything fancy. and don’t forget to be kind to yourself!

additional messages:

- be peaceful and take your time

- find ways to occupy yourself so you can regain your sense of self and find the gifts in the process at hand

- draw upon your inner strength and self belief

- you are more than capable of getting through what lies ahead

let me know if it resonates! have a great day/night 🖤

Pile 2

cards: the hierophant, the world, the sun (rx). back of the deck: king of pentacles.

hii! damn pile two your cards left me speechless with all the major arcana dropping out, same was the case for the cards i used to clarify. crazyy. i think your inner child is really proud of you since it looks like you’ve finally stepped into your own power and feel way more confident and comfortable in yourself. you’ve grown to be very wise and have strong morals and ethics. you’re being encouraged to fight for what you believe in. you’ll probably feel like you’re swimming against the current of everyone else but don’t let that hinder you. i just heard you’re being called to duty lol so do with that what you will. the cosmos is on your side, big time. if you have trouble believing in yourself then just know that the universe has your back and is waiting for you to come into full harmony with yourself. butterflys are a sign for you as well as all pink and orange tones, try to surround yourself with them for example through your clothes or flowers that you can put in a vase in your room because both colours could be really energetically pleasing to you. fear may be your worst enemy but don’t forget: it is still possible to move forward after stumbling. the thing that keeps letting the fear get the better of you is your wavering self confidence. some part of you -probably your hurt inner child- doesn’t believe that you have what it takes, which leads to you doubting yourself a lot. this goes hand in hand with fear of failure and procrastination (same dude). apart from doing some active work to comfort your inner child, you could try to find exercises to ground yourself. tanking some sunlight might be really beneficial to you as well as spending as much time as possible in nature. a simple walk in the park will help a lot. it’s really important that you connect to the earth and that you step into your own earth energy which embodies stability, groundedness, safety, growth and many more things :) some of you may even have prominent earth energy or earth dominance in your astrological birth chart. i think what you need to finally trust yourself more and to experience a state of inner peace are the things i mentioned above as well as self acceptance and self love. you have what it takes but will need to believe and love yourself through all of it.

additional messages:

- most fears are learned at a young age, tune into them and determine if they are rational

- visualise positive success as you work through your fears

- physical activity helps to reduce excessive energy related to fear and stress

- stand your ground and stick with your beliefs

- for grounding: plant both feet firmly on the ground, take a deep breath down to your belly and calm your mind, feel the connection between your feet and the earth and imagine yourself feeling calm, centred and grounded

let me know if it resonates! have a great day/night 🖤

Pile 3

cards: the sun (rx), queen of cups (rx), judgement. back of the deck: four of pentacles (rx)

hi guys! the first impression i got was that you probably didn’t have the happiest of childhoods and have wounds that haven’t healed yet. your hurt inner child is still very present in your thoughts and behaviours. you have a hard time letting things go that no longer serve you. it is time to distance yourself from this, wether that’s some bad habits, a job or maybe even people who you interact with often. it’s very important for you to let go of your pessimistic views since this often leads to negative self talk real quick. you’re very insecure and struggle a lot with your self image. this leads to you feeling very hurt and uncomfortable in your own skin. honey, there’s simply no need for that. whoever told you that you’re not great the way you are and didn’t appreciate whatever body and face your blessed with, is simply a d*ck (if they’re still in your life then please and kindly drop them immediately). loving one’s body is really hard, especially for women when capitalism wants to make sure that that never ever happens because then we’d stop buying all these useless products to “enhance” our appearance and be deemed as a threat. i’m here to tell you: be the threat lol. self love is freaking hard but i strongly believe in you. progress will be slow and also kind of excruciating as well but moving forward, at whatever pace that may be, is always better than not moving at all. i think you’ll soon be ending a cycle. now it is time to meet yourself with kindness and patience. take the chance to focus on yourself since your relationship with you should be your biggest priority right now. sometimes its more than okay to be a little selfish because at the end of the day the person that’ll be your side forever is you, so make it count :) doing things for you and maybe only by yourself is always a good way to appreciate oneself more. travel could really uplift your spirits, even a short trip can be sufficient or exploring a new part of the city you may live in. moving around in general and in whatever way that comes to mind will be beneficial. you got this!

additional messages:

- take the opportunity to objectively observe how you communicate

- always incorporate respect and receptivity when talking to yourself and others

- if you’re being to hard on yourself, tone it down

- love yourself more and see what you can achieve with a new approach

- the sailfish is currently a big symbol for you since you -like them- have the ability to shake of negative energy

let me know if it resonates! have a great day/night 🖤

Pile 4

cards: page of pentacles, king of cups, ace of swords (rx). back of the deck: eight of pentacles.

hii! your inner child wants you to be more accepting of them and to show you that you can achieve your best work when you’re both working together. honestly, it felt like you as well as your inner child are hard to get a read on. you seem very secretive. as a child you probably didn’t have a lot of friends and you’ve been keeping to yourself ever since. for a long time you were very sure that you’re a lone wolf and that you’re better off alone. i’m here to tell you that that’s not the case. if you’ve felt drawn to pile one there might be some messages there as well. your energy feels very grounded and calming but you may have the habit of overworking yourself so that you can keep these feelings of loneliness from resurfacing. i think that deep down you crave emotional intimacy. you want and need to exchange your thoughts and feelings with others but you’re scared to do so. being scared is normal and nothing to be ashamed of as long as it isn’t making you unhappy. maybe it doesn’t feel like it yet but you’re inner child wants you to know that change is on the horizon. of course you’ll have to put some effort in as well but i think you’re slowly awakening to your inner truth. when you start to make it clear to yourself that there will be people who’ll be so grateful to have you in their life with all that makes you you, then there’s nothing stopping you anymore. i think you spent way too much time in your head, hence your need to distract yourself. exchange with others is so important since it will help you feel less alone with your thoughts. once we’re overthinking we’re basically just spiralling into driving ourselves crazy, which is why sharing what’s on your mind can be so very helpful and freeing. the opinions from others as well as their advice can help us see things from a different perspective and can pull us out of those overwhelming thoughts. just knowing you have someone you can talk to is a relieve in itself. it seems like you want to prove to yourself that you’re very secretive by nature which might still be true, though you use this to legitimise your withdrawal from others. i’m begging you, for your own wellbeing, open yourself up. it will only get harder the longer you avoid doing it. you bring a lot to the table and others will be so happy to know you, believe me. i actually think that you’re very knowledgeable and that when you share this side with others it can be very fulfilling. use your creative side and hobbies to connect to others since this could come naturally to you.

additional messages:

- you’re entering an energetic phase in your life

- have faith for the long term and trust the universe

- it is necessary to trust that your dreams are possible

- put aside any preconceptions and allow yourself to imagine a new approach to your situation

- surrounding yourself with things that glitter may help you feel more energetically pleased

let me know if it resonates! have a great day/night 🖤

🔮 thanks a lot for reading 🔮

[tangylemonade]

Family

Pt 2 of No One Else

Jeonghan x afab reader

18+ MINORS DNI (istg 🫵🏾 ಠ_ಠ if I catch you)

Word count: 11.4k

꧁ ☂︎(angst) & ⚠︎(smut) w/ a pinch of ☁︎(fluff) ꧂

🍋’s Queries: Did this fic make you think of a song when you were reading it?

WARNINGS: unprotected sex (don't forget the casing before you stuff your sausage), cursing, mentions/descriptions of abuse/violence, Mafia au, mentions/descriptions of injuries. Jeonghan smokes a bit, talks about having killed someone. Please let me know if I missed anything.

“A liability!” Said Jeonghan’s father, glaring at him as he spoke. “If you are willing to jeopardize a mission then it’s a liability.”

“Everything went well, Father. There was no other way than to kill her.” Jeonghan responded. Forcing himself to remain calm knowing that getting angry would be of no benefit.

He slammed his fist on the table and stood up from his chair, sending it rolling hard into the wall.

“A liability Jeonghan. You deal with it or I do.” He walked to the door.

“Don’t you dare.” Jeonghan said. His voice was serious and cold. It scared him when he heard it.

His father turned around sharply; his hand raised in an angry fist. “Is that a threat boy?”

Without so much as a flinch Jeonghan stared at his fathers angry eyes. Suddenly his father chuckled, clapping Jeonghan on the shoulder.

In his fathers old age he’d become slower and weaker. Jeonghan noticed how the old man's touch didn’t leave behind as much fear. Jeonghan held his place, glaring at his father and maintaining his icy stare.

“Do what you will, boy. But if you ever go against my orders again… you too will be considered a liability. And I never leave loose strings Jeonghan. You know that best of all.”

Jeonghan's father walked out of the room leaving Jeonghan all alone in the dimly lit lavish office to massage his aching shoulder.

His fathers' words echoed heavily in Jeonghan’s mind as he closed his eyes, taking a deep breath to calm himself.

The woman his father claimed to love. The woman who carried his unborn child. It didn’t matter that what she did was to save her life, and the life of his son. She was a liability, so he dealt with it leaving their prematurely born baby crying and hungry until the maid took pity.

Jeonghan was raised by the head housemaid Kim, living in the servant quarters and only being allowed in the main house to attend lessons and training. He spent his adolescents clawing his way through insults and blows just to prove himself. It wasn't until he was older that he realized he would never be enough and trying so hard wasn't worth it, but by then the damage was done.

He had a bruised ego and a misplaced heart that struggled to tell the difference between right and wrong.

But in this very moment he was certain about one thing. No one was going to lay a finger on you, not even his father.

His clenched fist left cuts in his palms until the sharp pain sobered him. Without another moment wasted Jeonghan left that dreadful house, his heart only steadying once he was in his car driving towards…you.

☾

“Why do you think Boss sent us together?”

Jeonghan paced in boredom smoking his second cigarette as his slightly younger brother Jisoo worked on opening the newest shipments crate.

“He didn’t. I lied.” Jisoo smiled at him, charming as ever. “Why do you still call him boss? You’ve known he was your father for-like-ever.”

Jeonghan angrily stuffed his hands in his pockets. “He’s no father of mine… wait what do you mean you lied?”

Jeonghan kicked at his brother, but he dodged it without even looking and continued his work.

His brother stopped fiddling with the crate he was opening so he could shrug. “I just didn’t want to go alone.”

He then turned to Jeonghan so he could speak to him directly. “I don’t know why you insist on saying that.”

“What? Why wouldn’t I?" asked Jeonghan. He was starting to feel annoyed with his brother's lack of understanding. “You and I both know he only told me because DongYul is a failure.”

His brother’s expression turned serious as he placed his hands on Jeonghan's shoulders. “Don’t speak about DongYul like that. Besides, it does us no good turning against each other. And listen, Father made sure you got the same experiences as us, only now you understand why. Shit man you probably had it better.”

“How so?”

“At least you have Kim. Our mother didn’t even tell us before she left.”

“Well my mother is dead. My *father* killed her, remember?”

Jisoo shrugged.

Jeonghan looked down. Jeonghan wondered if Jisoo could see the glistening in his eyes as they began to sting. He shrugged off his brother's arm in hopes of shaking off the emotions as well.

“Hey, aren’t you glad that finding out about your lineage included the perks of two awesome brothers?” Jisoo said, changing the subject.

Jeonghan scoffed. “DongYul was a piece of shit, Jisoo.”

“He never got over the fact that your mom was the mistress that made our mom leave. He's actually really sensitive, you know?

“Oh Jisoo The Great Defender of The Sad and Sensitive.” Jeonghan said with a condescending bow.

Jeonghan’s experience with his older brother had been nothing short of cruel. If Jisoo hadn’t kept the peace Jeonghan and DongYul probably would’ve killed each other.

Jisoo rolled his eyes at his brother’s dramatics. “I know he wasn’t the kindest to you, but you have no idea what he’s been through.” Jisoo continued. “The things he’s had to do.”

But Jeonghan did know. He knew of the burdens that came with being the eldest son of Yoon DongHan. He was always nearby when Kim would tend to his brothers after training, missions, and… disciplines. He would hear their horror stories as they recounted in jest to distract from the pain, Dong-Yul drinking alcohol to numb it before he was even 15. He learned before anything else that their father tolerated little.

Mr. Yoon would decorate Jeonghan and his brother for even the slightest incompetence. He would always say “You either learn here or you learn out there, and the world is not as forgiving as I am.”

Their father was right. At least he would stop before they died.

DongYul being the eldest was hit with the brunt of responsibility. He was constantly busy with transactions and helping with the many businesses the Yoon family owned. DongHan only recently split the workload between his sons, not out of compassion but rather for efficiency.

But did it really excuse the way DongYul treated him? Did it matter that his brother was in far more pain than he would put Jeonghan through? And most of all… why did Jeonghan miss him?

•••

When Jeonghan opened the door to the cabin a fragrant aroma filled his nose. Looking around he discovered the source, a pot simmering on the stove.

He turned around to find you reclined on the living room couch, your chest rising and falling with each soft breathing you took.

Jeonghan sighed, his hands scrubbing his eyes as if that could rub some sense into his thoughts.

Taking another look, he picked up a blanket from nearby to drape over you. He hesitated as his eyes took you in up close. There you laid in only panties and one of his white tees that were practically see through. It was hot in the living room and the thin sheen of sweat on your visible skin made it seem as if you were glowing under the warm light.

Smiling, he discarded the blanket and went to turn on the fan.

The noise of the appliance was enough to startle you awake causing you to slide right off of the couch. But before you could hit the ground Jeonghan reached out, catching your body in his arms.

“Careful now.” Jeonghan's voice fell soft against the pounding of your heart in your ear drum.

“Sorry.” You mumbled as you fixed your (his) shirt and sat up straight. “When did you get here?”

You had been in Jeonghan's little secret cabin for a couple weeks now, so things naturally began to slip into a rhythm. Jeonghan would visit in the daytime a few times a week and never stayed the night so you couldn't help but wonder what he was doing here.

“Just now.” He said standing and heading upstairs.

Scurrying to the kitchen you turned off your stew and then walked upstairs after him.

“Are you staying long? I made dinner and it just finished so I'm about to eat.”

His room door was open, so you stepped in while you continued to speak. “Good thing you showed up or I might have burned the house down. I knew that book was too boring, but I wanted to give it a fair shot, you know? Next thing I knew I was…sleeping...” Your voice disappeared as your eyes laid on Joenghans naked form.

He stood there relaxed and unbothered by your intrusion only raising an eyebrow before continuing to undo the clasp of his watch.

You quickly turned around in shame. Before you could slip out of the room, he called your name, and you froze in place.

“Oh- the door was open- I'll just...” You started to walk out again when Jeonghan called out.

“Wait. Help me with this.”

Assuming he meant the watch he was just struggling with you answered quickly. “Of course.’

Trying your best to angle your eyes upwards you turned around and began walking towards him only to be stopped in your tracks once again.

His watch laid neatly on his bed and his hands were busy stroking the semi-hard on he was now sporting.

“If you’re gonna walk around like that you could at least have the decency to help me out.”

You looked down at your thin clothes and wanted to perish on the spot.

“I didn’t know you were gonna be here tonight. If you called, I would’ve put on more clothes.”

“Well then, my apologies.” Jeonghan said incredulously in that nonchalant way that you recently discovered made you see red.

“What do you think I-“

“Follow me.” He said firmly, cutting you off and walking towards his bathroom.

You stood there defiantly. What did he think this was? Did he really think you were just going to listen to him? You rolled your eyes and crossed your arms. He is just so…so…. ugh. Does he really think you were just at his beck and call?

But weren't you?

This wasn't the first time something like this had happened. And it wasn’t the first time you’d helped him out.

Your voice of reason screamed at you as you walked into the bathroom.

The shower was already on, and you could hear a soft grunt coming from behind the curtain.

Your heart pounded through your body as you once again vacillated between your choices.

‘Fuck it.’

You quickly strip before carefully sliding the curtain over. His back was turned to you, his head under the shower as he slowly pumped into his fist. If he noticed, you entering the shower he made no show.

Standing closer to him one arm wrapped around him, resting on his stomach, while the other steadied the hand that he stroked himself with. He relinquished his cock to you, his tired body instantly leaning back into your embrace. His eyes shut contently as your soft hands enveloped him.

Pumping faster and faster you pleasured him until his hot seed coated your hand and the shower wall. Still leaning against he let both of your arms wrap around him, one hand resting on his heart and feeling the slowing rise and fall of his chest as the water splattered against your bodies.

“Are you okay?” You asked softly. You wanted to savor the moment, but his abnormal behavior was making you worried. Normally after he’d finish, he would simply clean up and leave. But today he didn't move, his heart still pounding.

Jeonghan didn’t respond. Instead, he turned around pressing you against the shower wall, his knee pressing into your swollen core before moving over to spread your legs.

His calloused fingers wrapped around your neck with gentle pressure, his lips hungry attaching to yours. The kiss was fiery and urgent, his teeth pulling your bottom lip and drawing blood that you tasted on his tongue as he slid it into your mouth. His free hand wandered your body squeezing and kneading your flesh with gusto. The wayward hand eventually found purchase on your hips, holding them in place as he unceremoniously pushed inside of you.

Your vision blurred as the pain stretched into pleasure, his size pushing deeper into your hot and wet cunt.

Jeonghan groaned into your neck in between sucking harsh bruises into the sensitive skin. Without giving you any more time to adjust he thrusted again, this time coaxing tears from your eyes and his name moaned from your swollen lips. His strokes were quick and angry, but you could feel the tension in his body begin to dissolve. With now slower movements you were able to match his pace with the rocking of your hips. It wasn't long before you were both falling apart, his arms holding you in place as your exhaustion took over.

After showering off and helping you to do the same, Jeonghan pulled you to his bed. You didn't let your bafflement stop you from laying with him and allowing him to rest on your bosom, his arms holding you close.

“Jeonghan…” You softly ran your fingers through his hair, gently scratching his scalp the way you always did after at some point realizing it always relaxed him.

He softly shushed you, his voice thick with exhaustion. “This is nice.”

He was right. This was so nice it hurt. You knew it wouldn't last. A relationship without honesty is destined to fail.

Nevertheless, you selfishly savored the moment, holding him tighter as if it would keep him with you forever. But Jeonghan was gone when you woke up.

Getting up you brushed your teeth and examined your skin in the mirror. The bruises that were kissed into your skin last night and the previous nights now took the place of your old ones that were filled with the haunting memories of your capture. You briefly wondered if that had been his intention before shaking the thought away and getting dressed.

Downstairs there was a simple breakfast on the table for you of toast and eggs. You poured yourself some water, ignoring the food and going back to bed.

☾

Laying in his bed Jeonghan looked at your soft and warm bare body sleeping soundly beside him. His fingers gingerly traced your skin as he breathed in your heavenly scent. Although his heart knew you were safe besides him, his mind still tormented him with the images of you the night he found you. Paranoia forced him to watch over you even though he knew you were safe and sound.

He had killed Stella himself. It wasn’t the first life he’d taken. But it was the first he’d wanted to take. His first kill that was not an order.

When he saw her crouching over your bloodied body… the wicked smile on Stellas face when she saw Jeonghan was the last moment before... he snapped.

The memory of it all played through his mind time and again. He was supposed to bring her in, there were still assets to recover and accomplices only she knew the location of now gone forever.

But Jeonghan didn't hesitate until he was holding you in his arms again.

He did it for you. He did it for…Dongyul.

His eldest brother had been his biggest enemy growing up. But now…it all felt so insignificant.

DongYul who craved compassion his whole life was met with the harsh glares of his father and even harsher blows. Like a moth to flame Stella was intoxicating for him. Despite Jisoo's pleading words he would run to her, taking comfort in the lies she wrapped him in.

Only a few months ago he’d busted into Jeonghan's room, rage burning in his blown-out pupils. But Jeonghan didn't fear him anymore. He stood up looking his brother who no longer towered over him in the eyes.

“Get out.” Jeonghan said calmly and was met with rough hands on his collar.

DongYul reeked of alcohol and his tank top allowed Jeonghan a view of the needle marks that decorated his skin.

“DongYul! What is this!” Jeonghan grabbed his brother's arm, ignoring his brother's aggression. “What were you thinking?”

His concern for his brother surprised them both.

“Save it!” Dongyul growled. He shrugged Jeonghan’s hand from his arm before letting go of his collar.

“What do you even know? You just lay around while everything gets handed to you.’ His voice was bitter and angry.

He pushed Jeonghan hard and Jeonghan stumbled back, banging his head on the wall. Securing his footing, he prepared himself for a fight, but DongYul only sat on the bed, burying his face in his hands.

“You won Jeonghan… you can have it all…but I need her.” His brother's voice was slow and slurred now.

“What do you mean?” Jeonghan asked as you rubbed his now pounding head.

“Kim…Jisoo…S-Stella…” his brother mumbled as he continued to sink as if he weighed a ton.

“…DongYul” Jeonghan began as he walked towards his distressed family member. “I'll call Jisoo… we can help you whatever it is.”

His brother stood up suddenly on shaky legs. “It's too late. I screwed up big time.’

He’d never seen his brother who didn't even flinch while getting stitched up this…broken.

It petrified him.

“Sit here, I'll go get you some water and find Jisoo. Please…we can fix this.”

Jeonghan carefully sat his brother down. Taking his compliance as an agreement Jeonghan rushed to get their youngest brother and grabbed a bottle of water before hurrying back.

But Dongyul was gone.

Unable to look inside his casket, that night was the last time Jeonghan saw his older brother. A raid on what was meant to be a routine weapon exchange ended as a bloody massacre that killed almost ½ of father's men…including his eldest son.

On the night of his eldest son's funeral Mr. Yoon called Jeonghan into his office.

“It’s about time you start taking on more responsibilities as a member of this family. Not just trades, there is more important business for you to attend to.”

Jeonghan did even know why he was shocked; this was exactly like with father. But it still made bile rise in his throat.

“The soil hast even settled yet…’

“As my eldest son I expect you to know your place.’ He cut Jeonghan off without even looking up from the work at his desk. “Don’t become foolish like your brother. And don’t be a coward like your wench of a mother.” He said before waving his hand, ending the conversation and sending Jeonghan away.

“Don't speak about my mother like that!” Jeonghan said without control. Normally he wouldn’t speak back after being dismissed.

His fathers glare wasn't enough to make him back down.

“Do not overstep, boy. I suggest you learn your place before you end up learning it like her. I told you already, I clean up my own messes.”

He looked up at Jeonghan with dark eyes that shone like the devils in the dim light of his office.

Jeonghan used all of his strength to calmly walk away. He shut the door before racing to his bathroom and hurling in the toilet. Kim, who had heard of his meeting with his father from Jisoo, came to check on him.

“Oh dear.” She said when she found him leaning against the bathtub.

She left and returned with tea before sitting next to jeonghan on the bathroom floor where he layed, tears angrily falling from his eyes.

“Did you know?” He asked quietly.

“Know what darling?” Her soothing voice did nothing to calm the turmoil Jeonghan was feeling.

Jeonghan looked at her with tearful eyes. “Did you know that that monster killed my mother?”

Kim could only nod.

She wiped his tears as her own began to fall. “I watched it happen...”

Jeonghan sat up and looked at the woman who his heart now broke for.

Kim had raised him as her own after having a stillbirth only a week before his birth. To her it was meant to be. When the other maids all cowered in fear she stepped up taking the shivering baby in her arms and wrapping him tightly in her sweater. Her body that had been preparing to be a mother fell right into step as she fed and held him close while she worked.

Although that period in her life was hard to look back on, she still felt Jeonghan should know so she held his hand as she spoke.

“Your father would have done anything for your mother. He was crazy for her, but he wasn’t careful. It didn’t take long before one of his many enemies had her. She was young, pregnant, and… so scared. Then one day she was back. She said they got lazy, that she had escaped while they were distracted.’

Kim paused to swallow the lump in her throat.

“You don't have to tell me.” It disturbed Jeonghan to see her struggling.

Kim shook her head and continued.

“She used to always hang around smiling and chatting with the workers but she wouldn't leave her room. One night she called for me and the state she was in scared me half to death. She was all panicky and high on whatever they had given her while she was there. That night she broke down and told me that she gave them information in exchange for her freedom. She loved your father but she didn’t fear him…and that was her downfall. Then I found out that she wasn't the one who called for me. When she wouldn't talk to him, he knew she would talk to me. He killed them and then he…”

Kim couldn't continue, her sobs swallowing her words. Jeonghan could only hold her as heartbroken tears spilled from her eyes.

☾

Waking up you stretched out as you always did, this time your arm knocking into something. Opening your eyes you turned over quickly to find Jeonghan laying in your bed next to you. He stirred before opening his eyes.

“You’re still here?” You asked in surprise.

“Ouch.” Jeonghan chuckled and propped himself on his elbow, looking down at you with a smile.

“No no, I didn’t mean it like that.” You said, sitting up and turning towards him. “It’s just that you’re normally gone by morning.”

He nodded at you but his eyes seemed distant.

“What is it?” You asked scooting closer to him.

“It’s been over a month and yet no one has come asking about you.”

“Wasn't that the point?’ you snipped back, pulling your knees to your chest and burying your head in your arms.

You felt his arm on your shoulder causing warmth to spread through you but you shrugged his hand away. You were starting to feel aggravated with him.

“What are you getting at anyway Jeonghan?”

“Well…if I kept you here forever no one would even care.”

Your eyes welled with tears as you looked at him in horror.

“What the hell is wrong with you!”

Jeonghan instantly noticed the heartbreak in your voice.

“I didn't mean it like that i-”

You stood up now, grabbing the robe that hung beside your bed and covering yourself with it.

He pulled himself to the edge of the bed and grabbed your arm.

Your view of him began to blur and your breathing came quickly. His arms were around you fast, pulling you towards him and holding you tightly.

“I promised to keep you safe.” He whispered to you.

“…This…this isn't living, Jeonghan. I’m going crazy. Trapped here as you come and go. You hardly speak to me. When I wake up, you’re gone and then I'm left here feeling used and …all alone.”

He sat there quietly holding on to you.

Feeling dejected from his lack of response you started to free yourself from his grasp. “Never mind.”

“At 7 years old I’d gotten my first broken bone. Training, my father called it. Preparation. My leg still hurts when it rains.”

You stilled in his arms as you listened.

“He used to make us spar. The winner was whoever was still conscious. Loser was locked in the penalty box without food and water for a few days. He chose the number in pair with your level of failure.”

The way he spoke was so indifferent as if he was simply recounting tales of a grocery store run instead of years of abuse. Turning on his lap so that you were facing him you held his face in your hands.

“Then run away with me. We don't have to live like this.” Your face was inches from his as your lips hovered together. Holding your hand he stroked your knuckles. “We can leave this all behind and never look back.”

You felt Jeonghan’s lips smiling against your cheek where he kissed your hot tears away.

“Don’t be so naive.”

His words cut through you like daggers.

You pulled back, searching his soft eyes for answers that they never gave.

“I told you all of that so you can understand how I was molded. So you can understand that all reality with me in it will never be peaceful.”

“Jeonghan-“ your voice broke.

“Have you ever taken a life before?” He asked so quietly you nearly missed it.

“N-no.”

“You can never understand how silly you sound at this moment.”

Frowning at him you hit his chest. “Don't you patronize me.”

He grabbed your wrist so tightly it hurt a bit.

“Let me go Yoon Jeonghan.”

His gaze lost its softness as it pierced through you, but you didn’t back down.

“You wouldn’t last a day in my world.” He said, his voice bitter and harsh.

Pulling your wrist from his grip you fixed him with your own icy gaze.

You began to move again but this time his hand on your hips secured you against him.

You frowned at him. “I said let me go!”

“Stay.” He said softly. “I need you to stay.”

You felt the fight deflating from you, only exhaustion remained. “I’m suffocating, Jeonghan.”

He rubbed circles into your hips, his voice soft and low. “Without you it's all unbearable.”

How did he know just what to say to you? Your heart was racing and your skin felt clammy and hot.

No! You can’t live like this. This isn't living.

But were you okay with never seeing him again? Never feeling his warmth? Never tasting him?

Holding your face, Jeonghan roughly pulled you closer to him, placing a hot kiss on your lips. He was fiery and addicting. Your answer was clear.

“No.” You whispered, gently pulling away although it pained you. “I won’t be your pet, I can't.”

This time when you went to stand, he didn't hold on, his arms fell to his sides dejected.

Backing away from him slowly you turned around and began picking your clothes off the floor.

“Either you take me home or I find my own way.”

Jeonghan didn’t call out for you or plead. He only nodded before walking out. After a few minutes you heard his car start.

Nothing here was yours so you quickly dressed before leaving.

☾

“Get your ass up!” Jisoo yelled, kicking Jeonghan in his side. We have to go check the shipment today and Father is starting to notice that you haven’t been showing up to meetings.”

Jeonghan groaned and rolled over, pulling the blanket over his head. His brother hit him again and ripped the blanket away.

“I’m serious dude. And I still need to vet a new treasurer because the last one was skimming whom I had to handle last night BY MYSELF. I’m tired of covering for your ass.” He walked out screaming “I swear to you Jeonghan I will come back with a taser.” Before shutting the door behind him.

As much as Jeonghan wanted to punch his brother he knew he was right, so he begrudgingly got up and got ready. Walking into the kitchen he stopped short when he saw his father seated at the kitchen table.

“You still follow around Kim like a blind puppy.”

Jeonghan angrily pulled out a chair, sitting down across from his father.

“I live here, remember.” He grumbled as he poured himself a cup of tea. His appetite was gone at the sight of his father.

“Yes, well I expect you in the main house by the end of the week.”

“What! Why?” Jeaonghan was completely caught off guard.

“It’s time you stop lazing around and get to some real work.” With that his father stood and headed out the door showing that his word was final.

Jeonghan slammed his cup down, breaking off the handle and spilling tea on the side of the table.

“Oh my.” Kim said, suddenly in the kitchen and rushing to clean the spill. “And I really liked that set.”

Jeaonghans mood relaxed as he looked at Kim's somber expression.

He knew she had hundreds of teas sets all around this house, all which she called her favorite.

He gently held her hand and she leaned down into a hug.

A quiet sob shook her shoulders.

Jeonghan knew as well that his world would change completely once, he left. Even in Kim’s warm embrace he still felt the weight of his father's expectations on his already heavy soul.

☾

Trying to get back into the swing of life proved to be as difficult as you’d expected. Eventually you got the strength to go and collect your things from work. You realized that it wouldn't be appropriate to ignore any more of your bosses' calls, the final one saying that your things were going to be disposed of if you didn’t come for them, by the end of the week.

There was nothing important there, but you went and got it anyway. You tried to smile and ignore the concerned questions and glances of your ex-coworkers, but they still bothered you. If only they knew how right, they were to worry for you.

You spent the rest of the day outside just roaming around aimlessly. Your house felt so small and lonely. Once the sun had set you forced yourself to go back home.

Walking into your house you placed your box of your things on the counter instantly reaching for the bottle of wine you’d left there this morning. You felt around but when you still couldn’t find it you sighed and turned on the light.

Frozen in terror your brain rushed through all of its possible escape options as your eyes looked to the stranger that was sitting at your dining room table sipping your wine.

“You know I’ve never drank the cheap stuff before, but this really isn't half bad.”

He took another swig before flashing you a charming and all too familiar smile.

“Are you Jeonghan’s brother?” You asked, your hands reaching for your keys. You remembered Jeonghan mentioning his siblings, but you couldn't remember their names.

“Astute.” He said without a genuine smile. “But not smart if you think those keys will do anything other than piss me off.”

The man stood up and walked towards you, stopping before he got too close. “My name is Jisoo. I come in peace.” He showed you his empty hands before putting up two peace signs and waving them at you with a goofy smile.

“I’m here to offer you a job opportunity.”

........

"Okay."

"Seriously?" Jisoo asked with a quirk of his eyebrow.

It only took a moment after he had explained what it was that he was offering you before you agreed. you weren't entirely sure why it felt so easy to say yes but you didn't question it at al.

You knew that you were absolutely crazy to say yes to Jisoo. The new treasurer for one of the biggest gangs on this side of the country.

“It will require you to move.” Jisoo said, still a little surprised by how quickly you agreed.

“Sure. no problem.”

Jisoo only shrugged before scribbling his information on a napkin.

“Call me when you’re ready.”

With that he downed the last of the wine, gave you a wink, and walked out of the door leaving you drowning in your thoughts.

☾

You periodically dried your hands on your jeans while clutching onto your duffel bag.

All that you'd packed fit only in one duffle bag. Has your life really been that small?

“You’re a pretty one.” Jisoo said, looking at you instead of the road.

You returned his comment with a frown. “Pardon?”

“You know I didn't really get a good look at you before because your house was all dark and depressing but now, I can see why Jeonghan has been all screwed up.”

Jeonghan hadn’t even so much as tried to contact you since your last interaction. Hearing Jisoo's words made your heart constrict. Was Jeonghan feeling just as shitty as you were?

The Yoon house was more like that of a palace. Now parked, you tilted your head to see the top of the huge building through the car window.

“Beautiful isn’t it.” Jisoo said, stepping out of the car. “You’ll be working in the main house, but your room will be in the servants' quarters…which is this way.” He grabbed your bag from you and walked away leaving you no choice but to follow him.

“Don’t worry, it’s also very nice.”

He was right. Although the servant quarters were significantly smaller than the main house it was still beautiful and grand.

You followed him inside and he led you past the kitchen and into a spacious and elegantly furnished bedroom.

“You’re free to use anything in this house. This is your room. I’ll call you to the main house when you have business to attend. For now, just get settled and comfortable.”

You looked around the room taking in the beautiful layout when a familiar small frame peaked into the room with a warm smile.

“Oh, and this is the head maid-“

“Kim!” You said excitedly. You ran to her and gave her a hug, her arms wrapping around you warm and welcoming like soup for your tired soul.

Even though you only saw her a few times she already felt so familiar, causing a breath of relief to wash over your anxious mind.

“I see you've met already.” Jisoo said but was ignored as you and Kim caught up with each other. “Well since you’re in good hands I’m gonna head out ... .aaand I’m invisible.”

Jisoo shook his head and walked out of the room.

“Oh darling, it's lovely to have you here.” Kim said holding your hands. “Now I can have someone to talk to.”

“Aren’t there other house workers?”

“Oh, there are plenty. But none of them are like you” She winked at you with a smile that you couldn’t help returning. “These workers come and go so often I stopped bothering with anything more than pleasantries. But I have a feeling that you and I darling are going to be great friends.”

It felt nice to know there was someone around that you felt you could trust and rely on.

•••

By now you had been in and out of the house plenty of times as you get acquainted with their records and logbooks that you needed for work. And yet… you still had not run into Jeonghan. Was he avoiding you?

You rolled your eyes as you packed your things and headed back to the servants' quarters. What would you even say if you saw him?

It was late and you had been working all day trying to sort the mess of files Jisoo had dumped on you. The last guy really did a number on them and Jisoo wanted it fixed as quickly as possible. You wondered what happened to the last treasurer but ultimately decided to shake off the thought. ‘Best not to over think.’ You told yourself.

After a long hot shower, you still weren’t in the least bit sleepy. Insomnia was wrapping its cold fingers around you and it was starting to become more and more exhausting. With a sigh you put on your pajamas and made your way to the kitchen to brew yourself some tea.

You brought some files back with you to sort and review while you sat down and sipped on your tea. Preoccupied and completely engrossed in your work, you didn't notice the gentle sound of the door opening and shutting.

“Kim?” A voice softly whispers as a familiar frame creeped into the dim kitchen.

You’d recognize that voice anywhere.

Turning around quickly your eyes landed on the slender man that stood before you. Even after months apart your treacherous heart remembered the dance it did just for him.

“Y/n!” Jeonghan looked truly shocked, his eyes wide with confusion.

“What are you doing here?” You asked. “Jisoo said you live in the main house.”

“I was looking for- wait shouldn’t I be asking you that?”

You shrugged. “I live here. I’ve been working as your treasurer for a bit now. Didn’t Jisoo tell you?”

“No… he didn’t.” Jeonghan said a little distractedly. “You shouldn't read in such dim lighting.”

He went and turned on a light that was on the side of a cabinet, filling the room with a bright glow.

“So that’s where that was. I couldn't find it and just gave up.”

“You could've asked someone.”

“Everyone is sleeping.”

You both fell into an awkward silence as you looked everywhere but at each other.

“Uhm…Do you want some tea?” You asked. You smiled timidly and you saw his body relax a bit.

Jeonghan carefully pulled out and sat in the chair right next to you.

You got up, grabbed another cup and poured Jeonghan a cup of tea, placing it in front of him.

In the time it took you he was already flipping through your papers only taking a pause to taste the tea.

“This is good.” He said, taking another sip. “Where’d you buy it?”

“Thank you, I mixed it myself. Please don’t mess with my papers.” You quickly gathered up your papers from where he had moved them in front of him. “I’m trying to sort them and you’re making a mess.”

You reached for the papers in his hand, but he smiled and pulled them out of your reach.

“That’s really mature Jeong- '' as you reached for the paper you slipped and fell into him, his arm wrapping securely around you and holding you close.

With Jeonghan's close proximity all but your beating heart had abandoned you. In a stupor you allowed his warm lips to wrap around yours, tasting as sweet as you remembered them.

You pulled away with hot tears suddenly spilling from your eyes.

“Absolutely not Yoon Jeonghan.” you stood and backed away from him, his face blurring in your eyes.

“Y/N…”

The way his voice called your name was deadly for your health.

“I told you already. I’m not your plaything.”

He stood up now, reaching out for your hand but you swiftly pulled away as you took another step back.

“I hate feeling used. My whole life… never again.”

He walked closer and his darling scent filled your nose. Green tea and cigarettes… and liquor. You hadn’t taken notice before but… had he been drinking?

He reached out again but this time you stayed still, allowing his calloused hands to softly hold your face, his thumbs gently caressing your cheeks and swiping away your tears.

In the next moment you were watching his back as he left you feeling confused and …tired. You cleaned up and went to bed falling asleep as soon as your head touched the pillow.

•••

“Jisoo you piece of shit.”

“Good morning to you too. I'm a little busy right now.”

He gestured to the moaning mound underneath his covers, no doubt his flavor of the week.

“The new treasurer. Jisoo what the fuck?!”

“Oh, so you’ve met her.”’ He placed his hand on the mound, stopping the movement as he looked up at Jeonghan’s angry face. “I thought I told her not to come over without telling me?”

“I ran into her last night when I went to check on Kim.”

“Good god, Father is right, you do follow her around like a puppy.”

“Don’t you ever quote that dick head to me again.” Jeonghan’s voice came low and serious.

“Okay okay calm down. What happened to you? You used to be so chill? Listen, you know Father hates distractions. Don’t give him a reason to think Kim or Y/N are, okay?”

Jeonghan felt true horror at what Jisoo was insinuating. He knew that his brother was right.

Jeonghan leaned against the wall feeling deflated and dizzy with anger.

“How did you find Y/N anyway?”

“Seriously?” Jisoo asked sarcastically. “Super sexy by the way.”

He followed the last sentence with a smirk that was met with Jeonghan’s furious glare.

“Oh relax. You’re no fun anymore.” Jisoo said dismissing Jeonghan’s attitude with the wave of his hand. “Listen Jeonghan, brother to brother, you need to get your shit together before Father does it for you. I can assure you he won't be as careful about it as you. Now get the fuck out of my room.”

Jeonghan left without another word, the moaning starting up again before he closed the door. He knew his brother was right, it was time to pull his head out of the sand.

☾

In a job like Jeonghan’s there was always something that needed to get done. The bigger you are the less people think you notice. Unfortunately for them you don’t grow from the lack of concern, there are eyes everywhere.

As Mr. Yoon got older his lifestyle allowed him more youth than his peers but alas age was catching up on him. That meant the Jeonghan and Jisoo's responsibilities were increasing 10-fold.

In a family like the Yoon's where they didn’t take the easy way out through human and drug trafficking business management was important. Jeonghan's job tonight was dealing with an overzealous CEO of one of their liquor companies who was brave enough to start a slush fund.

Thanks to their new and ever so clever treasurer a lot of those kinds of parasites were coming to the surface.

Jeonghan wished the man had just chosen the easy way but irrational and crazy was always the theme. Father always told them that if someone started a fight it didn't end until one of you was dead. Even though the ass hole had gotten a few good slices in, Jeonghan had been the victor.

Coming home tired and exhausted he just wanted to shower and… see you. Wracking his brain for an excuse to visit the servant quarters he pulled off his bloodied shirt and headed to his room. A light peaked through the cracks of a study room door and Jeonghan figured Jisoo was working late. As he walked closer to check in on his brother when a familiar laugh filled his ears.

Suddenly high alert he crept closer, his back to the wall as he listened in.

“No no, those don’t go over there Jisoo!” Your voice came like honey to his ears. “You’re not helping.” There was that laugh again cutting through Jeonghan more than the tussle earlier that night had.

“Whatever you say Madam. I’ll just sit here and watch you work your magic.” Jisoo’s voice was coated in honey as he laughed along with Y/N.

‘What’s even so funny?’ Jeonghan grumbled quietly to himself. He took a deep breath before opening the door and casually strolling into the room. He saw red when his eye landed on you sitting crossed legged on the table in a tank top and shorts as Jisoo leaned over your shoulder reading the paper in your hands.

Jisoo looked up first, a smile playing on his lips when he spoke. “Well, you look like shit.”

You looked up, your face crumbling with concern the moment your eyes met with Jeonghan’s battered body.

He had a bloody shirt in his hands and fresh cuts on his slim frame, the biggest of which was still bleeding through the bandage that was haphazardly wrapped around it.

“Thanks.” Jeonghan said sarcastically to his brother before throwing the shirt at him and sitting down on the chair near the wall. His hair fell into his face but the shadows draping around him couldn’t hide the bags under his sleepy eyes. Jisoo blocked the shirt, and it fell with a wet thud to the floor.

“Gross! This isn't all your blood, is it?” Jisoo wined, wiping his hands on his pants.

The urge to brush his silky hair aside and hold him to your chest was so all-consuming it made you feel nauseous.

“You could’ve helped me, you know.” Jeonghan continued to his brother, completely ignoring you.

“Serves you right after the shit I did for you.” Jisoo retorted, still wiping his hands in disgust before smiling smugly at Jeonghan. “Besides I knew you could handle it, and I had to keep my new friend company.”

He placed his hand on your shoulder, giving a squeeze and smiling down at you.

“Eww, don’t touch me with those hands!” You laughed and brushed Jisoo's hand away before quickly looking at Jeonghan and catching something flicker across his face that left as quickly as it came.

“Well.” Jeonghan said standing and walking to the door. “Don’t work too hard, I’m going to bed.”

The moment he shut the door behind him you hopped down from the table, giving a good stretch before you began stacking your papers.

“Well, I better go before it gets too late.” You said with a shy smile as you suddenly felt awkward.

“Booo, you guys are boring.” Jisoo leaned against the table, his eyes watching you as you gathered your things. “You know there’s no point ignoring him if you're waiting around for him anyway.”

“What?” You looked up at Jisoo's' bored expression.

“Sleep with me.”

You searched his face for something to tell you he was joking, rolling your eyes in frustration when you found nothing of the sort.

“Both of you are so…so…ugh” You gave up with an exasperated sigh as you finished picking up your things.

“I'm just saying…” Jisoo began with his hands up defensively. “If you don’t want to sleep with me you must still want to sleep with him. So why are you giving each other the cold shoulder?”

“Oh my- good night, Jisoo.” Waving goodbye, you left the room in a huff.

Jisoo was crazy just like his brother. Crazy and annoyingly right. But you didn’t need Jeonghan’s handsome and extremely slutty younger brother to tell you you still wanted Jeonghan.

After a quick shower and a cup of tea you found yourself tossing and turning in bed as you thought about that man who plagued your heart.

Was he okay? Those cuts looked pretty bad. And he was still bleeding. Did he need help?

You groaned in frustration holding your pillow over your head. What even was your life?

Jeonghans shower proved difficult with open wounds. Most of the blood on his body wasn’t his so he couldn't bear another moment longer with it on his skin. Struggling to wash his hair with his sore arms proved drying as completely impossible. Only having the energy to pull on pants he flopped on the floor and leaned his head back, his damp hair leaving a wet spot on his blanket.

Drifting off he figured he had imagined the gentle rapping on his door but when it came again, he got up and took a look.

“Y/N!” He said in disbelief. “How did you find my room?

“Jisoo told me.”

You didn’t wait for him to let you in, pushing past him you hurried through the door in fear of being spotted. You carefully placed the bag of things you brought for him against the wall. “I wanted to see if you needed help.”

He was quiet for a moment, carefully letting the situation flip around in his head before speaking.

“Well…my hair is still pretty wet…”

You nodded and headed straight for his bathroom finding the blow dryer abandoned on his sink counter.

Finding an outlet near his bed you sat down before gesturing for him to come.

He silently sat between your legs with his back leaning against his bed, his head resting on your stomach.

Your thigh was soft and warm against his arm as your fingers delicately combed through his hair as the warm air blew.

Feeling completely relaxed the moment passed too quickly for Jeonghan and he found himself wishing he never replaced his broken dryer that barely worked.

He felt disappointed as you stood but you only picked up the bag you brought with you and pulled out a first aid kit and a canteen.

Walking towards him you placed the canteen on his nightstand and sat down next to him on the floor.

“These don’t look like they need stitches, but I’ll ask Kim to check in the morning. For now, I’ll clean and bandage them, okay.”

All Jeonghan could do was nod as your soft fingers tenderly cared for him. You finished quickly and once again he found himself feeling ridiculous as he wished that he’d taken a few more cuts in the fight.

You sitting so close to him left him feeling incomprehensibly ravenous.

Your body felt a shift in the atmosphere, so you quickly stood up and scurried to the door. You feared your own treacherous desires in his presence.

“There is some porridge in there for you. I can’t promise it’s good, but it is still warm.” With that you grabbed your bag and slipped through the door shutting it silently behind you.

You came and left like a breeze leaving Jeonghan to wonder if maybe he’d imagined it all. But the still warm container of porridge on his nightstand and that sweet scent of you that lingered in the air told him that it had all been true.

Each bite made him more tired than the next, but he forced his eyes open as he finished the savory meal you prepared for him. Feeling peacefully warm he slipped under his covers and fell fast asleep.

You quietly cleaned up the kitchen, apologizing to the workers who were just getting in for the noise before going upstairs to your room and slipping into bed. Flashes of earlier flooded your thoughts but it wasn’t long before you were fast asleep.

☾

The ringing blare of the main house sirens alerted you awake. Quickly jumping from your bed, you ran from your room only to be swept in the crowd of staff that were rushing from the house. Once outside and still in a daze you stopped in your tracks and looked up in terror.

People crashed into you as you watched the huge dark gray bellow of smoke that rose from the main house. An entire wing was engulfed in bright orange flames. Someone knocked into you hard causing you to fall to the ground. The wet earth seeped through your thin nightwear as you watched staff rush to set up the hoses to the water lines. Finally snapping out of your stupor you pulled yourself up and rushed to help.

When the fire was gone, and the commotions died down the silence settled like the embers that lightly fizzled out in the damp grass. The news traveled fast amongst the staff in waves of shock and horror.

Mr. Yoon was dead.

While his sons were away on a mission someone had killed him and set his mansion wing ablaze. Carefully trekking through the rubble a few of his men retrieved his body.

The funeral was private with Yoon DongMin’s place of rest being somewhere only his sons knew.

Every day following the house was quiet and somber as the brothers worked tirelessly in search of the culprit.

Some nights they would walk through the door of the servant quarters with exhaustion slowed steps and blood splattered across their clothing. It wasn't sadness that fueled their restless hours, it was pride and principle.

“It doesn't make sense!” Jisoo yelled, kicking over the chair beside him.

You looked up from the files you were tirelessly pouring over every night to get their business affairs in order after their fathers passing.

Jeonghan ran his hands through his hair in equal frustration. He took another drag from his cigarette, but it didn't calm him.

“How could someone not only sneak into our high security house but also find Fathers room and catch him off guard enough to slit his throat!” Jisoo was pacing now as he spoke.

“Maybe it's someone he knew?” Jeonghan said pensively. “A prostitute? A set up?”

Jisoo shook his head. “He would never let his guard down like that. And also, how would they know the layout enough to shut off both our main and backup cameras.”

“An inside job?” you threw out into the conversation.

“We question everyone with that level of clearance…extensively.'' Jeonghan said, flexing his fingers to soothe the aching of his bruised knuckles.

“We've all got a shareholders meeting in the morning and you guys are beyond exhausted.” You said soothingly. “Let's all get some rest and regroup tomorrow.”

“You're right.” Jisoo mumbled, suddenly aware of his exhaustion.

The boys had been sleeping in the servants' quarters recently for safety measures so Jisoo tiredly trudged to his room and shut the door.

After you were done packing your things away you turned to Jeonghan who hadn't budged from his chair.

“Do you want me to put on some tea?” you whispered with a small smile.

When he didn't respond you got up and turned on the electric kettle. You pushed in your chair and sat down in the one beside him.

“Do you wanna talk about it?”

Without a response Jeonghan leaned over resting his weary head on your shoulder. You hesitated for a moment before gently running your finger through his hair. The kettle clicked off telling you water was boiled but you ignored it.

“Come with me.” You stood up pulling Jeonghan along with you to your room and shutting the door.

You stripped down to your underwear tossing the day's exhausted clothes in your hamper and then encouraged Jeonghan to do the same. He looked at you with curious amusement but still complied.

“What are you doing?” he asked, his small smile giving away his fatigue.

“Just trust me, okay? Let me take care of you. Please?”

Once he was done you pulled him into your bed, laying him down with the push of your hand against his chest.

You laid down next to him, resting your head on his chest. He wrapped his arms around you, giving a squeeze.

To Jeonghan, the feeling of your warm body flush with his had healing properties.

“I think I sort of get how you feel.” Your voice was soft and careful as you spoke. “When I found out my brother died it felt so weird. I hated him so much but…”

“He’s still family.” Jeonghan finished for you.

Jeonghan lifted his head and looked into your face framed by the cool moonlight.

“I missed you.”

“I missed you too.”

Moving on to his side he propped himself up, gazing down at you with what resembled the twinkle of a galaxy in his eyes. You smiled up at him, your cheeks bashful from his attention. Holding his face, you pulled him towards you until your desperate mouths met in a fever.

His body was hot and heavy on you as he leaned into your embrace, stealing more of your kisses.

Butterflies from his touch sprinkled across your sensitive skin, the velvet of his tongue intoxicatingly potent. Reaching under you he unclipped your bra, pulling it off, throwing it aside, before leaning down and kissing in between your soft mounds right above your heart.

You lost yourself in dizzy lust as his nimble fingers skillfully played with your swollen clit.

“W-wait.” You said, stopping his hand.

His lips vibrated against your nipples as he hummed to question you.

“Let me take care of you.”

You gently pushed at his chest until he laid back on the bed. Sitting up you straddled his hips and looked down at his amused face.

Jeonghan couldn't take his eyes off your alluring physique. The way your perked nipples still wet with his kisses glistened in the moonlight made it hard for him to form any amount of a coherent thought.

He couldn't resist squeezing your tensed thighs while you rubbed your pussy, wet and warm, up and down his painfully hard erection.

Sultry sounds fell from your pretty lips and made his cock twitch with need.

Just as Jeonghan was sure he couldn't take more of your teasing you lifted on your knees and rubbed his tip at your silky entrance. Completely entranced by your touch he fell apart just from watching the way you pulled your lips into your luscious mouth and crimped your eyebrows as your glistening core slowly swallowed him up.

Once you fit as much of him as you could, you stilled and blinked to halt the spinning of your lust hazed mind. The titillating feeling of your hot hungry walls squeezing around him caused his hips to lift into you in search of more.

Steadying yourself with your hands on his chest you worked your hips against him. His soft grunts poured lustrously in your ears filling you with pride as you continued your movements despite the increasing exhaustion of your hips. As the coil tightened in your core you steadied your breathing so you could last longer for him.

You felt Jeonghan's hands squeezing and guiding your hip, one hand slipping down to your clit and sending your mind into a static like fuzz. Your movements slowed but Jeonghan didn't mind taking the lead a bit by lifting his hips and meeting you halfway.

Missing your lips he reached up and pulled you to him, your sweaty skin rubbing together as the new position pushed him into you deliciously. The drink of his lips accompanied with his thrusts filled you with more ecstasy than your body could contain. The rush of your high overloaded your senses, shutting you down and leaving you feeling as if you were floating. You came back to the mumble of your name spilling from Jeonghan's lips as his hot seed filled you, mixing with your juices and slicking between your sticky spent bodies.

His heartbeat like a drum beneath you, his chest rocking you with every breath. Using your remaining strength, you lift yourself up and peppered Jeonghan with lazy kisses on his smiling lips. The fluttering of his feather-like eyelashes was hypnotizing as you watched him fall peacefully asleep.

Smiling to yourself you moved his sweaty hair from his face, holding a kiss in between his tensed brows until they softened.

“Sweet dreams my Hannie.” you whispered into his neck as you snuggled into him and shut your eyes for the night.

☾

You thanked past you for the alarm that woke you two up in time to get ready for the early morning meeting you had to attend. You shower first before waking him up. Instead of getting ready he laid still watching you with a smile as you scurried around and pulled on your clothes in a panic.

“You know it's okay if we're late.” Jeonghan spoke with a teasing lilt to his voice. He was thoroughly enjoying watching the way you wiggled your pants on.

You looked at him, smiling when you saw his signature mischievous head tilt that destroyed your every defense . You closed your eyes for a second to reset your weakening heart.

“I don't think being late is appropriate if you want to show respect and dignity.”

You sat down next to him on the bed to pull your socks on when he reached over and tickled you.

“Loosen up.” Jeonghan said laughing along with you. He sat up, pulling you closer and placing a kiss on your bare shoulder.

You took the chance to tickle him back, but his reflexes were quicker. Grabbing you he fell back on the bed, pulling you atop him.

You stopped his lips between your two fingers as they littered your breast with kisses. You felt him growing hard beneath you and lifted yourself back up with a teasing smirk.

“I'm going to make breakfast.”

Pulling away from his pleading grip you patted him playfully on the chest and stood up walking away with a sexy sway of your hips leaving him to figure out his own issue.

Jisoo raised his eyebrow at you when he heard the sound of the shower from your room's direction instead of Jeonghans. Without a word he poured his coffee, shaking his head and laughing at the blush that now colored your face.

After the meeting you went home first to finish up with the files in their father's office.

When lunchtime rolled around the brothers ate and then went for a little walk before they had to get back to the stuffy offices in their stuffy suits while stuffy people bored them to death.

“No wonder Father was so fucking miserable; this is depressingly painful.” Jeonghan said to his brother as he stretched and rubbed his eyes.

“Jeonghan. I think that old lady’s been following us.” Jisoo grabbed his brother's arm before he could turn around and look. “Let's just keep walking until we get somewhere more private and then we'll confront her.

Jeonghan nodded and they slightly picked up pace only taking small glances to check if the woman was still following them, which she was.

As the crowd thinned out, suspecting she wasn't alone, the brothers prepared themselves for a fight.

But when they turned around a middle aged woman stood there by herself.

She smiled and stepped closer. Instinctively Jeonghan stepped over to block his brother without taking his eyes off the woman's hands that were hidden in the sleeves of her jacket. Jeonghan reached for his gun and Jisoo quickly turned around to make sure no one was behind them.

“I came alone.” she said, her voice soft and low.

The women, although young looking, had long silver hair pulled elegantly into a bun. She wore a sweater dress with a collar that was low enough to reveal a ghastly scar across her neck. Jeonghan couldn't shake the familiar feeling she felt when he looked at her.

“Jeonghan….”

“How do you know my name?” Jeonghan demanded, now pulling out his gun and pointing it at the woman.

He knew never to underestimate an opponent so despite her small frame he was still on guard. She wouldn't get a chance to hurt him or his brother without a bullet through her head.

She put her hands up to show that they were empty.

“Please, I mean know harm. I just want to talk.’

When Jeonghan did not respond she inched closer.

Once she was a few feet away she smiled up at Jeonghan and spoke. “Jeonghan it's me. It's your mother.”

At that moment he saw it. The young face that smiled brightly in the picture he found in his father's draw when he was younger. The face that Kim had shown him when he had begged her to know more about his mother. Now small and thin her eyes still shone the same whimsical way.

Jeonghan could only lower his gun in quiet shock but Jisoo’s words spoke his mind. “No, that's impossible. You're dead.”

She shrugged casually. “Your father should've known best of all the importance of burying your own bodies.”

If it wasn't for his brother's support Jeonghan might have fallen over.

“It was you, wasn't it?” he asked quietly. “You killed him.”

Jisoo looked at his brother in confusion until all the pieces clicked together for him as well.

“That's how the killer knew where to find the cameras, and his room…” Jisoo thought aloud, his voice sounding almost impressed.

“He was so surprised when he saw me.” she bitterly chuckled as she recounted the night. “I'd never seen him look scared before…” she touched the scar on her neck before stepping closer again.

“So what exactly do you want?” Jeonghan asked, he was struggling to hold back the unidentifiable wall of emotions he was feeling.

“Nothing. I only wanted to free you of that monster, it was all I could do for you.”

She reached for Jeonghan's face, and he let her put a gentle hand on his cheek. Looking into his estranged mothers' eyes made tears well in Jeonghans.

“And to tell you that I love you so much.”

Jeonghan reached to wipe away the rivers that spilled from the woman’s shaking eyes, but she timidly backed away.

“Take care.” she whispered.

“Wait!” Jeonghan called out but the woman quickly turned and hurried away.

He started after her, but he felt his brother's hand on his shoulder. He turned to Jisoo to find his brother shaking his head.

Suddenly Jeonghan found himself laughing. Of all the emotions that whirled through him he wasn't sure why laughter was his outlet, but he didn’t fight it. At first Jisoo blinked at him, completely baffled but soon he was joining his brother.

“I think we've lost our minds.” Jisoo said, wiping tears from his eyes as their laughter finally subdued.

“Actually, I feel great.” Jeonghan said, draping his arm over his brother's shoulder and walking back to their car. “Let’s go home Jisoo.”

☾

Tiptoeing down the cold hall with your bare feet and your throw blanket wrapped securely around your barely dressed body you searched for your lover. Poking your head in each room as you passed it you finally rejoiced upon finding him in his study. His body languidly poured over the papers in front of him as he finished up the day's work.

You carefully creeped towards him in hopes to startle him in his focused state, but he looked up at you and smiled.

“You’re not exactly a ninja, love.”

He tilted his head in that adorable way that still owned your heart.

You spun his chair towards you and threw yourself in his lap.

“Come to bed.”

“I will, soon.”

Jeonghan took a deep inhale of your scent as your deliciously warm body straddled his lap. “You smell delicious.” he said playfully biting your shoulder, your giggle filling him with energy as you swatted him away.

“Did you talk to your mom today?”

“Umhm. She went back to Japan last night, so she called me when she landed.”

You could tell he still felt weird talking about her.

“Before I forget, open that draw.” Jeonghan said pointing to the right draw of his desk.

You smiled at him curiously before turning around on his lap and pulling out the draw. Your breath hitched the moment your eyes laid on the open jewelry box that was reviled to you.

“I figured I owed you something proper. These are all custom made just for you.”

Jeonghan reached around you and picked up the beautifully carved wooden box, bringing it closer to you.

Reaching inside you picked up a necklace with a delicate golden chain and a pendent that sparkled. You took the box from his hands and closed it before setting it on his desk and giving him the necklace.

Jeonghan placed a tender kiss on your neck before clasping the necklace around it. Holding your cheeks he gently turned your face to him and left a chaste kiss on your lips.

“Can I stay here while you finish up?” You said with round pleading eyes that he would never resist.

“You have to hold on, I need my hands free so I can work.

“I've got an idea!”

Jeonghan's eyebrow raised at you as you lifted the hem of his tee shirt, ducking under and crawling inside, resting your head on his chest.

The vibration of his laughter was soothing as he wrapped the cover around you, tucking the sides so it wouldn’t fall off.

“You are a very peculiar person.” He said while rubbing your back to still the shaking of your giggling.

His shirt was large and it secured you nicely against him, the warmth of his body and scent completely relaxing you.

“Hey! Don’t tickle me.” He said patting your butt in jest-full scolding.

“Then don't be so ticklish.” You said poking him once more.

“Either you stop, or I toss you out.”

You exaggeratedly gasped. “You wouldn't dare.”

“Try me.” He said, grabbing hold of your waist and lightly beginning to pull.

“Okay okay I won't tickle you.”

You had to wrap your arms tightly around him to stop from slipping as you laughed.

“What’s this?” You asked, your hands brushing against slightly raised skin down by his hip bone.

“Just a tattoo Jisoo wanted to get with me. You can see it later, stop moving.”

“How about you read aloud so you can stay awake, and I can go to sleep?” You request.

The soft hum of his voice vibrating through his chest was absolutely serene causing you to drift into a comfortable sleep.

When you woke up again you were in his bed still cuddling against him, his shirt gone and his arms like a cocoon around you. You struggled to slide from his embrace you as he mumbled protests against your shoulder and pulled you closer.

“Shhhh, I’m just going to pee.”

When you came back for the bathroom he was sprawled out in the bed, the covers no longer covering his torso.

Sitting down next to him you examined his new ink.

“Family….” You read in a whisper.

You delicately traced the thin loopy letters until Jeonghan stirred. Grabbing your hand, he smiled sleepily at you before pulling you against him.

“Jisoo wrote mine and I wrote his. To remind us of what’s important, of why we’re still doing this.”

He paused for a moment, thinking as he rubbed your back. You could feel the gentle thump of his heart… feel the peace in each beat.

“You, Jisoo, Kim… you guys are my family.”

WANT MORE OF MY WORK?

CLICK -> HERE

[hiwelcometothemonstersancturary]

House Tour (not the house we wanted, but the house we have)

Fandom: Poppy Playtime.

Synopsis: Angel (referred here as "you") introduces their house to the toys after the events of the game.

---

"It's not much", you hurriedly tell the group. "And it's not very big, we'll have to get a bigger house as soon as possible, can't forget to immediately look for what's on sale around here".

You stop on your tracks to face the door to your house, hearing the others stop just behind you. Searching for the right key, you add:

"Also please don't mind the fact everything's a big mess, I'm more organized than that but last time I was there it was a week or so ago and I left in a rush".

"Don't apologize, Angel", Poppy replies back, as gentle as ever. "I'm sure it's not even that bad! And, look, even Kissy agrees with me! Right, Kissy?"

The taller girl mutters a quiet "hm-hm" sound.

"Nothing will ever be as bad as the factory, Angel", Dogday adds. You turn around to see Huggy still holding into the dog's poorly-adapted wheelchair, smiling in return. "Besides! You're here with us now! That alone makes things a lot better".

"You guys give me too much credit", oh, finally, you found the key! "I'm just doing what I have to. Anyone else would do the same".

"Li-ar", Mommy Long Leg's voice echoes. "No one never ever took care of Mommy when she was hurt".

"I was the one who tore your arm off, I kind of had to help".

"Li-aaaar".

You sigh, finally opening the door and stepping inside: "C'mon, everyone, it's pretty small but it should do the work for now".

You counted the toys one by one as they entered: Bunzo, PJ, Poppy and Kissy, Dogday and Huggy, a very bubbly Miss Delight guiding Catnap inside, all the mini huggies, all the mini critters, all the other mini toys, then Mommy Long Legs. More than 80 in total.

Thankfully the money you got from that case was enough to cover a house and finances and medical expenses for at least an year for every single one of you. You still didn't know how the court case against the remains of Playtime would go, but with all the evidence against them, it should be enough money for a lifetime, right? You would never be able to pay for everyone's treatment with your current job...

"Angel, dear?", Miss Delight calls. You smile, give one last look outside, and close the door. "What an interesting house you have!"

"Oh, it's nothing much", you put the keys in a small counter, taking off your jacket and throwing your bag in a corner. "Huggy, can you help put Dogday in the sofa?"

"Angel, I'm very sure I can-"

"You need to wait two weeks before you can do any big moves, don't you even think about moving yourself only using your arms again unless you want another emergency surgery, big dog", you immediately cut him off. Dogday sighed, Huggy happily offered his hands to help the big puppy. The mini critters mischievously laughed. "Same thing for every single one of you. Medical orders".

The house's clock pointed at 8:44 PM. It wasn't late, thankfully.

The toys all gathered around the living room, curiously staring and exploring its corners. Someone - Bunzo, maybe? - had entered the kitchen, probably just wanting to take a good look at this new weird place. You decided to let them be, turning the TV on and trying to pick up a channel:

"So, uhm", you mutter. "This is the TV. Didn't change much since '95 except for maybe image quality. We now use CDs and DVDs instead of just cassette tapes, but I'll show that to you guys later. You can grab anything from the kitchen, I don't mind".

You blinked, hearing the sound of your Windows XP computer turning on. Somehow, PJ Pug-a-Pillar had figured out how to use it. You would be proud if not a bit worried:

"You found the computer", you announce to the group. "Okay. Don't mess up too much with that thing, I need it to work. I'll show you guys how to use the internet later, I think you would like it".

Long Legs decided to sit next to the TV, stretching her neck so she could watch it better. The mini critters seemed to really like her, as they still haven't let go of her arm.

"Angel, do you think the news are all still about us?", the spider doll asks.

"Well..."

You sit on the floor so Dogday can see the TV from the sofa. Bunzo immediately jumps to your lap, making himself comfortable. You pet him as images of the abandoned factory covered with cops and investigators appear, headline written as "PLAYTIME CO. INVESTIGATION STILL UNGOING".

You sigh. Bunzo seems to look up at you, confused.

"Is that a good or a bad thing?", his ears move. You stop petting him.

"It's not good nor bad. If the news aren't screaming how the investigation found out how you guys were made, then we can assume the Prototype is doing a good job".

"He always did".

Everyone, including you, turns to stare at Catnap. He decided to sit next to the sofa, lying his back against the wall. The ceiling was too low for him to be comfortable like that...

"Mommy cannot agree with you", Long Legs groans. "Would you want to know hy?"

The feline simply stares uncomfortably at the pink toy. She rolls her eyes, muttering something about him denying the evidence before turning her attention back at the tv. You're glad these two didn't get into a fight again, but you still don't feel comfortable. Most of the bigger toys are sitting on the floor, with the smaller ones either using Kissy, Miss Delight and Dogday or the sofa as a sitting spot.

The images in the TV then cut to you, eye bags and all, staring at the camera and politely answering a question.

"Look!", Bunzo points. "It's mom!"

"I'm not your... Nevermind", you put some of your hair behind your ear. The you in the TV keeps talking:

"No, I didn't see any guards or cops when I came in there", you shake your head, tired.

"No security at all?"

"I mean, the factory is full of weird machines you need to use a thing called a 'grabpack' to make them work, but there wasn't anyone who stopped me from grabbing one and going inside. I bet even a child could have gotten themself trapped in there from how lonely things were outside..."

"Do you think one of the monsters escaped the factory before?"

"The toys, is that what you mean?"

Your eyes finally showed some light as you bit back at the word choice. You lifted your head, now more determined than before:

"If any of them escaped, they are either dead or locked away somewhere by whoever knew about what Playtime was doing. Or do you really think these kids wanted to stay inside that prison? They were fighting each other over what to eat, for God's sake!"

"Angel...", Poppy muttered. "You didn't tell anyone about the..."

"Cannibalism? Hel- heck no. You guys will be regarded as monsters by a lot of people if i do that. Until things calm down, no one outside the investigators of our case will know".

You decide to get up from your spot, much to Bunzo's dismay. You pet his head before stretching yourself, hearing some bones pop:

"The kitchen is right there. Bathroom is there, and my room is there. I don't think there's any clothes good enough for you guys, but we'll see. You must be hungry, right?"

You step into the kitchen, followed by some of the toys and Long Leg's head stretching head. Miss Delight excitedly walks close to you as you look for what you have.

"Well...", you mutter. "I have some snacks and food, but not enough for all of us. Maybe we should get some pizza today, and tomorrow I'll rush to the grocery store".

"... Pizza?", Bunzo asks in the big toy pile that formed at the kitchen's entrance, his head between the smaller huggies. "What's that?"

"It's an italian dish made from bread dough and topped with plenty of ingredients!", Miss Delight answers in her cheerful tone before turning to face you: "But... You have pizza, Angel?"

"No, but I can just ask someone to deliver to us. I have the money", you grab the kitchen's telephone, searching in the drawers for the number of that one very good pizza place your friend worked at. "Since no one here ever ate a pizza I'll just ask for five of each flavor. Might do the job, seeing how many of us are in there..."

You turn, lying against the kitchen's corner, only to realize that everyone was staring at you. Even Catnap had gotten out of his spot, curiously watching, and you could see Dogday's head as he was trying to take a good look at what was going on.

"You guys can explore the house, y'know. It's our house now, not mine", you tell the group, going back to the living room, telephone in hand so the poor giant puppy could be included. Another door was opened, and the mini critters and huggies were now conquering your bedroom. Good for them.

You sat on the floor again. Bunzo proclaimed your lap, and Poppy decided to also sit next to you.

"I don't have to eat, Angel", the doll told you, watching TV. "Prioritize the others, alright?"

"Neither do I!", Dogday replied. "I ate at the hospital, don't worry about me".

You roll your eyes and pet Poppy's head. "I know you don't have to eat, doll, but you, young sir, have to eat. A freaking lot, actually! Didn't I tell you guys food isn't a limited supply anymore?"

A mini critter screamed and something was knocked over. Long Legs immediately got out of her spot, coming out of your room with a mini craftycorn trying to chew on a blanket.

Dogday, however, was whimpering. He lowered his head and fidgeted with his hands: "Are you sure? You did so much for us, Angel..."

"And I'll do even more. I'll be your legal guardian if everything goes well, remember?"

"But..."

Catnap then "accidentally" bumped his tail against Dogday's face. The pup's eyes widened, and you laughed at how offended he looked. The feline pretended to watch television as Dogday stared at him.

"Catnap!"

"I didn't do anything this time".

Now the pup was looking at you for answers. Poppy was laughing as well, all the while Catnap's tail kept bumping into Dogday.

"Listen to what the Angel has to say", he simply told him. "And eat".

You were smiling. Never in a thousand years did you think your life would become this weird, but you were glad it was like this nonetheless.

Then you realized something, and crossed your arms:

"Catnap, you do realize you'll also have to eat a lot instead of giving your food to the mini critters, right?"

The feline's tail stopped moving.

"What".

[amateurmasksmith]

You Didn’t Know (Reprise)

(don’t mind me, just got inspired by a shitpost by @onesidedradiostatic (and their Anon) and turned it into angst…)

(also, it looks like @convolutedblasphemy beat me to it - well done btw - but I still wanted to give it a stab!)

Vox (yoinking the proof away): “Gimme that, Alastor, It’s not meant to be seen by you. Let’s move on, everyone, Figure out the best move that should, Improve our chances against the Angels’ threat!”

Alastor teleports behind him and counter-yoinks.

Alastor: “You want me to ignore that? No, not yet.”

Alastor examines the figurine closer, with a morbid fascination.

Lucifer, to Alastor: “It’s not as simple as you think, Not everything’s been spelled in ink.”

Vox lunges at Al angrily, flailing his arms as Alastor easily sidesteps him. Val catches him before he can fall.

Vox: “Leave it, Alastor!”

Valentino: “Careful, Voxy, keep a cool head.”

Vox pushes away from Val, gesturing towards Alastor.

Vox: “No! You never cared, did you?! You left, and it was like you were dead, Al/ /astor! We could’ve just gone our separate ways, but You left me here, with this internal blaze!”

Alastor: “I’m sure you wish it had been so, but there’s a lot that you don’t know!”

Vox: “You left before we could talk it out! Find a way we could still be friendly! But you blew your shot when you dropped off the block, Yeah, I’m so ‘sorry’ for being so petty!”

Alastor pulls Vox into a dance as they sing past each other.

Alastor/Vox: “No more questions to be posed,” / “There’s one question to be posed,” ”I hate you now, case closed” / “Though you are predisposed” “I try to forget that we were forever!” / “Why is this thing worth losing your temper?”

Vox breaks off and walks away, putting distance between them…

Vox: “I made the mistake once, Now I won’t be a chump! Decades of isolation await you,”

Velvette, concerned where this is going: “Vox?”

Vox: “No-one else will think to even date you!”

Alastor: “Wait-”

Vox turns around, realizing what he said.

Vox, who didn’t mean to spill: “Shit.”

Alastor (Aro 404): “What are you saying? Let me get this straight, When you begged me then, Down on your knees…?”

Valentino: “He didn’t know?!”

Velvette: “Whoops! Guess the cat’s out of the bag!

Alastor (through gritted teeth): “Oh, what a reveal!”

Vox: “Wait a sec here, Al, you didn’t know?”

Alastor begins slowly pacing towards Vox.

Alastor: “I thought you were bolder, as our friendship grew older!”

Vox, pained: “No!”

Alastor’s demon form begins to show as he slowly corners Vox.

Alastor: “You have to listen, My life here has just one mission, So it’s lucky I saved you, The anguish it takes to… Do what was required!”

Vox: “To think that I admired you, Al!”

Alastor breaks off, dismissing him with a wave of his hand, and starts walking away.

Alastor: “I don’t need your condescension, It’s not my fault you weren’t direct!”

Vox: “Was our relationship just manipulation? Oh, I was naive to expect you, to care beyond favors you’re repaying!”

Alastor: “Vox, what on earth are you saying? Love is not forever, your programs here are all lies, I’d have thought that seven years would give you enough time! Now I’ll leave you all to handle your foolish little scandal,”

Al gestures to the group, and casually drops the figurine in Lucifer’s hands as he brushes past.

Alastor, to Lucifer: “I’d recommend you stick to sculpting Anatidae.”

Alastor is engulfed by his shadow, and melts into a nearby radio. He emerges at Rosie’s place, ears drooping. The music takes on a softer style.

Alastor: “Rosie, dear, I have a problem.”

Rosie: “For you, Al, I’m all ears! Sit down here!”

Rosie gestures to her couch, on which she sits, and Alastor crumples.

Alastor: “Ugh! Apparently, my old pal Vox, Bought a commission, born from horrid thoughts… I gave him a piece of my mind, he Said ‘we were forever,’ and yet somehow I never…”

Rosie: “Oh. Yes, I see…”

Rosie brings Alastor in for a hug.

Alastor: “Why the fuck / Was I the last to know my old friend had a crush?”

As the music fades out, we see Alastor’s face buried in Rosie’s shoulder, partly obscured… Without a smile.

[lalunanymph]

maybe ‘the black dog’ and ran haitani???? ilysm🥰🥰

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐊 𝐃𝐎𝐆 [*ੈ✩‧₊˚ dawn.🕹️ ttpd]

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ he was never there for you when you needed him the most

Rain pelts down the tall windows, the city lights flickering intermittently through the wet hollow glow of tears shed in a darkened living room.

His name blinks from your phone, teasing you—how he was so near yet so far. 

You stare at the slowly flickering red dot, committing the name of the bar he has just walked into, wondering if it was smokey and stale or frigid with shot glasses lining a greasy counter.

No one could say that Ran Haitani was an easy man to love.

Suave lies, a smooth voice, and a handsome face that could sway a stone to give up her secrets.

They spelled trouble, and your eventual undoing.

You wonder what song they would be playing—if she recognizes the city pop hit that plays over the speakers. The one you both danced along to the very first night you stayed over in his apartment. 

Some time a few months later after your relationship was official, you heard that same song at a Bonten gala. 

Ran had caught your eye from across the room, and it was a pure shot of electricity that pierced through your heart when he raised his brows; lilac irises going soft, recognizing the melody.

It felt like there was no one else but the two of you in the world, the men and their women melting in the background—dangerous tattoos and hidden gun holsters disappearing in favor of the smudge of lipstick you had left on the corner of his mouth; imperceptible to the naked eye but so obvious to your own. 

Ran had felt entirely yours till recently, when everything you held dear in this relationship turned sour.

How someone could forget you so easily when they had vowed to love you for eternity. 

Without noticing, his dot had exited the pub, snaking its way back down a familiar path. 

It must’ve been hours that you sat on the couch, frozen in time. Waiting for something monumental to happen. But, he never called you back. Never gave you a heads up when you heard the door knob rattle and click.

Silver moonlight spills past his lanky figure, trailing after him like a scolded child.

He smells of alcohol and regrets, the look in his eyes, once warm and inviting, now detached and remorseful.

Unlike that moment suspended in time when you both caught each other’s gaze from across the room through a haze of smoke and shared affection, this time, the connection echoed back through an empty chasm. 

He lowers his eyes, glancing at his shoes.

“You’re still awake.”

You don’t speak, turning your phone off, and for good measure, your location, too.

Ran’s brow furrows when he feels his phone vibrating in his suit’s breast pocket.

The notification will no doubt show up on his screen, a silent retribution for his careless actions you had decided to continue its legacy of.

It’s not like he was the only one capable of breaking a heart.

You stand, reaching for your overnight bag hidden behind the sofa. 

The space between you two is frigid and still, the aftermath of a momentous ship sinking into an iceberg graveyard.

“Where are you going?” 

His voice is low, hoarse. Ran catches your elbow, willing you to turn around and look at him.

Once he notices your red-rimmed eyes, he flinches, dropping his hand. 

“Baby—”

“I’ll come back tomorrow for my other things.” You cringe at how rough you sounded; tired and emotionally numbed.

He knows it's wrong of him to beg, to grovel back for your affection when he had so cruelly discarded it.

But, Ran Haitani was not a proud or good man. He tries to lift your face to the light, getting you to meet his eye again. 

Just one more time for him to plead his case before you give the final verdict.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to storm out like that. She’s just my secretary and not someone important to me. You are. You’re everything to me. I don’t even notice her when you’re in the room. Baby, I can’t live without you, you know that.”

He misunderstands just how stubborn you can be, the facts of his case laid bare and your righteous anger the jury which declared him guilty.

Brushing his hands off your face, you take one step back, clutching your bag tighter to your chest.

In the splinter of a second, you raise your eyes, meeting his gaze head on. 

A collusion of regret and unrequited affection swims in those pretty lilac eyes; it makes you stop, chest aching and breath catching in the back of your thick throat. 

But, you can’t bear to look at him anymore—a person eventually blinded by the intensity of a fiery sun when you once eagerly sought his warmth. 

You lower your eyes, casting the shades of your decision across the determined set of your mouth.

“If you had stayed, maybe I would’ve believed you."

Your voice shook, and you cleared your throat, fighting back the tears. “But, you didn’t, Ran.” 

In a softer voice now, this accusation cuts him the deepest. 

“You didn’t.”

©️ lalunanymph

[anonymityisfunwriter]

There Is No Coming Back From This - Chapter 1

Characters: Stark!Reader, Steve Rogers, Tony Stark Summary: "It's her time, Tony. And I hate that as much as you do, but there's some things you can't fix. There is no coming back from this."

AN: So this story is just a smidge old, but I'm just now getting to update and crosspost it. Hope you enjoy!

Steve catches Tony as he rushes back to his lab, a sleek, gunmetal case in his hand. "Tony."

"Tony," he calls again.

Tony barely acknowledges Steve. "I'm busy, Rogers."

"What's in the case, Tony?" Steve follows right on Tony's heels, watching as Tony storms through the door of his lab. Steve flings the door open to reveal a frantic Tony rummaging through his drawers. "Don't do this, Tony. Don't do whatever it is you're about to do. This isn't what she would want."

Tony whips around to his former friend. "You don't get to tell me what she would want - I'm her father. I need to protect her. I can - I can protect her from this."

Steve looks on with remorse, offering only a slight shake of his head. "It's her time, Tony. She's tired. She wants to rest."

"Don't give me that," Tony snaps, chucking the wrench in his hand. "I can fix this!"

"It's her time, Tony. And I hate that as much as you do, but there's some things you can't fix."

--

Tony Stark worked his entire life keeping you from the public eye - practically an impossible feat as a Stark, the sole heir to the Stark empire and fortune.

He worked tirelessly to protect you from the world. To protect you from his own mistakes. To make sure you'd never pay for his sins.

And while he was off fighting those highly publicized battles with the Avengers, you fought your own quiet, personal batter. Leukemia. First as a child and later many years spent in remission. And for the first time in his life, Tony Stark had to grapple with something he couldn't protect you from. He swallowed the most bitter pill, day in and out, waiting helplessly with bated breath. 

It was in the middle of his feud with Steve that Tony got the call. He wasn't sure that he'd ever forgive himself for the events of that day. 

The first missed call came from Pepper, right in the middle of a very intense argument with Steve and Bucky in Siberia. He declined the call and told FRIDAY to let Pepper know he was busy. 

The second call was from Pepper again. FRIDAY said it was urgent. To be fair, it didn't really seem like there was anything more important than finding out Steve lied about his parent's death. 

The third and fourth time, both from Pepper and Happy, he was too busy searching for vengeance to think straight. 

Five calls later, he was on the ground, nursing both a wounded pride and actual wounds. That final call, Pepper told FRIDAY not just to relay the urgency, but to tell Tony it was about you. 

He couldn't remember anything except a faint ringing in his ears and dread sitting in the pit of his stomach. It was a whirlwind until he sat in your hospital room, at your bedside. 

You didn't remember it like that. You remembered him moving Heaven and Earth to make it back to you. You would never forget how he dropped everything and rushed to your side. There was nothing that mattered more than your father holding your hand as the doctors handed you your bleak prognosis, handed you your death sentence. 

Anger and despair flashed in his eyes when the doctor spoke. He pulled you out of the hospital that same day, putting you under his own care. He declared that same day, you would live. He would fix this. 

He put all his focus into fixing you. There was nothing else that held the attention of Tony Stark. Nothing seemed quite as important as keeping you alive. Between him, Bruce, and Dr. Cho, there was someone constantly working on keeping you alive. 

No one could deny that it was looking bad. The doctors said months, and the months had come and gone. 

Tony could barely look at you without bawling. Not in front of you, of course. He'd rush out of the room, storm over to his lab. Sometimes, he'd throw things. Other times, he would fall into his chair and shed silent tears. 

While no one dared utter the words to you, you knew it had gone from bleak to practically hopeless. 

You knew you were really on your last days when you saw Bruce watching you, holding your hand while you slept. 

To you, Bruce was something of a mentor, a second father even. Though you inherited all of the infamous Stark genius, you'd stopped attending school during your first battle with cancer. Tony often joked that there were no better teachers than two of the greatest scientists in the world. During that first fight, Bruce was the one who would wheel you into the lab so you could learn and watch as he worked. 

There was not a single doubt in your mind that you were hanging on by a thread when you saw Bruce's glassy eyes watching you drift in and out of consciousness. 

"Please don't cry, Bruce," you whisper, speaking through your oxygen mask. 

"I'm not crying," he assures you, wiping the corner of his eyes. "Just allergies."

"I've had a good life," you meekly offer, lifting up your oxygen mask. "Not everyone gets Bruce Banner and Tony Stark to homeschool them."

"It - it was an honor." He stops speaking for a moment as his voice breaks on his last word. "I just - I want you to know that you've always been like a daughter to me."

You know how hard it is for Bruce to say that, that the vulnerability isn't something that he would normally offer unless he felt like he had to. "Bruce, are you telling me that I have two dads?"

He huffs out a chuckle, shaking his head at you, "That infallible sense of humor. It's admirable."

"Bruce?" His gaze meets yours. "Don't let my dad tear himself apart - after, I mean. It's not anyone's fault. Yours or his. Can you - just make sure he knows that."

"Don't talk like that. We can still-"

"Bruce." You stop him from continuing the same unfounded hope they held onto for all these months. You shake your head, unshed tears shining in your eyes as you picture Tony after the inevitable happens. "It's okay. We both know what's gonna happen and it's - it's okay. I'll be okay. Just take care of him, okay?"

The knot in Bruce's throat is so tight he just shakily exhales and nods. 

The final sign that things aren't going well: Steve Rogers is allowed to step foot back on the Avengers Compound. Though allowed might be too generous of a word. You're not sure if it's the medication, your fluctuating state of consciousness, or simply everyone's unwillingness to tell you anything, but he's back. 

And while no one would say it, you all know he's come to say goodbye.

Steve can barely bring himself to say a word to you. 

The last time he saw you, you were fine, you were perfectly healthy. He didn't even know you were sick again until he heard it from the news, which only offered vague details mostly revolving around Tony pulling out of events and almost entirely retreating from the public eye. 

He knew the secrecy and vague details were for a reason - mostly because of Tony's overprotectiveness. He'd only heard the story from Pepper, but according to her, Tony saw one article implying that he deserved what happened to you, that somehow you were paying for his karmic debts. One nasty story was all it took. The very next day, he bought the newspaper and shut them down, effectively sending a message to all media outlets that you were completely and totally off limits. 

The only thing that Steve heard was that your health was once again failing and Tony was taking personal time in the midst of the Accords drama to support you. 

And he wasn't here for you. And he’s not quite sure how he’ll ever forgive himself for that.

Against all advice and reason, he risks it all to be there for you - one last time. 

He mostly sits with you, constantly asking if you need anything or if there's anything he can do for you. With most of your time spent asleep, Steve finds himself whispering apologies over and over while he strokes your hair and holds your hand. 

And Peter, the newest member of the team, well, he dials back on his Spiderman antics and heroics. At school, at home, anywhere he can't be by your side, he's anxious, dread swimming in his veins, worried that any minute he's going to get that call. That dreaded call. He's thought about it before. He's not sure who the call will come from, his Aunt May, Tony, Happy even. He's not quite sure. He's just always worried. So worried that every time his phone rings, he flinches in fear. 

After school, he's only suited up for an hour or two at most before he rushes down to the Compound. No one believed him when he first said he met Tony Stark's daughter through his internship, let alone when you started dating. 

Every day, he took it upon himself to keep you entertained. Sometimes, he'd just talk, about anything, about everything, his friends, his aunt, his school, his hero antics. You liked listening to his seemingly endless stories. He did everything and anything he could to keep you smiling. 

And when it looks like it's going to be your last night on the Earth, he arrives to the Compound like he would any other day, prepared to take your mind off the heaviness of it all.

He bursts down the hallway, barely pulling off his Spiderman suit as he barrels toward your open door, "You will never guess what I found." He falters when he sees Tony standing in the doorway, blocking you from his sight. "Mr. Stark?"

"Hey, kid."

Panic bubbles up inside him. Maybe it wouldn't be a call. Maybe it would be exactly like this. "Is everything - is she-?

"She's fine," Tony quickly assures. It's not really what he means. You weren't fine. Not in the slightest. "She's been in and out all day."

"What happened?"

"An infection. She's had a fever all day."

Peter's voice breaks as he descends into despair. "But she'll - she's gonna be okay, right?"

Tony rests a hand on Peter's shoulder, giving him a comforting squeeze, "She's just not strong enough to fight it off."

Peter looks up at him with desperate hope shining in his pleading eyes. "But you're gonna try, right? You're gonna try to fight it off?"

The brokenness of Peter's voice steels Tony's resolve. Not just for him. For Peter. For Bruce. For Pepper. For Steve. They couldn't lose you. "Yeah, kid, I'm going to try."

Peter stays by your side, holding your hand until the bitter end. 

Your fever is so high that you find it hard to keep your eyes open. Despite all best efforts, no one is able to break it and it shows no signs of wavering. 

And that's when Steve finds out Tony's plan. Or more accurately, when the guilt eating Bruce alive forces him to tell Steve the truth. When all hope is lost, Steve sees just how desperate Tony is to save you. 

After all, that's what people mean when they say desperate times call for desperate measures. 

But not even Steve could have predicted just how far Tony would be willing to go. 

"What?" Steve demands.

"He's been working on it, Steve. I didn't - no one thought he'd actually do it."

"And what exactly is it?"

"He got the idea when you came back," Bruce explains. "He remembered your files, how sick you were, how you were better afterwards. He took the Teseract, Steve, he was talking about using that as his radiation source. I think he's really going to do this."

"Do what?" Steve grits out. 

"He's going to dose her with the serum. An untested super solider serum. He thought it would buy him time - even - even if it didn't fix her, it would give him time. I told him there were boundaries even science shouldn't cross, but he won't listen. Not to me. Not to Pepper. But you have to try, I promised the kid I wouldn't let him fall apart."

"Clearly he's already fallen apart if he's actually considering doing this."

"I want to save her as much as he does, but this isn't how she would want to be saved. I think we both know that."

"Where is he?"

"He went to find Pepper. Then he was going to her room."

Tony clenches his jaw and walks into your room. You're asleep and Peter's asleep with his head resting on your lap. He'd be the first to admit that he didn't like this at first, but he has to give credit to Peter for sticking with you. You genuinely seemed happier with him. Your eyes slowly wake to see your father on the verge of tears. You reach out, giving his hand a weak squeeze. "It's okay, Dad. I've had a good life."

One hand hold your burning hand, the other rubs his clenched jaw. He nods as you drift back out of consciousness. The moment you do, he bristles out of the room. He's content to know he's not leaving you alone. 

Steve catches Tony as he rushes back to his lab, a sleek, gunmetal case in his hand. "Tony."

"Tony," he calls again.

Tony barely acknowledges Steve. "I'm busy, Rogers."

"What's in the case, Tony?" Steve follows right on Tony's heels, watching as Tony storms through the door of his lab. Steve flings the door open to reveal a frantic Tony rummaging through his drawers. "Don't do this, Tony. Don't do whatever it is you're about to do. This isn't what she would want."

Tony whips around to his former friend. "You don't get to tell me what she would want - I'm her father. I need to protect her. I can - I can protect her from this."

Steve looks on with remorse, offering only a slight shake of his head. "It's her time, Tony. She's tired. She wants to rest."

"Don't give me that," Tony snaps, chucking the wrench in his hand. "I can fix this!"

"It's her time, Tony. And I hate that as much as you do, but there's some things you can't fix."

"She calls you Uncle Steve," Tony quietly reminds him, standing before Steve with a white knuckle grip on the case and a vial of that familiar blue serum in his hand. “She was absolutely devastated when you all left.”

"Don't do that."

"Don't do what?” Tony rhetorically asks. “Remind you that you've known my daughter since she was 5. Remind you that to her, you were family. And now you're okay with letting her die?"

"I'm not okay with it," Steve barks. "I'm not okay with it. I love that kid, so stop trying to guilt me into thinking that any of this is okay because it's not. You're playing with things that shouldn't be played with, Tony. There's no coming back from this."

"A little hypocritical coming from a 100 year old man, don't you think?" Steve is about to respond, but Tony cuts him off again, speaking with tears burning in his eyes. "In fact, everyone here is living on borrowed time, why can't she? Why does she have to be the one to go? We've all escaped death, plenty of times. Why does she have to die at 17 years old?"

Steve softly exhales, "Tony..."

"She's 17, Rogers. 17 years! That's all she's had. 17 years," he repeats, his voice breaking. "She hasn't even had a chance to live yet. She hasn't - she hasn't done anything wrong. She'll never turn 18. She'll never get to walk down the aisle. She'll never have a family. She'll never get to live her own life. You and me? We've both got blood on our hands. We've made mistakes. We can say we've lived. She can't. She didn't even get a chance and you don't want me to even try to save her?"

"This isn't how you save someone."

"She's just a kid, Steve," Tony whispers, clenching the vial in his hand. "I have to, Cap. Sorry."

When Tony reenters your room, Peter's still gently snoring on your lap and you're sleeping. He can tell it's not a restful sleep, you're still sweating profusely, your hair is clinging to your forehead and your head lolls back and forth. Your breathing sounds so labored that it's downright painful. With another wave of determination, he sets everything up and pushes some more pain medication.

“Mr. Stark, is everything okay?” Peter drowsily asks, lifting his head slightly.

“Yeah, she’ll be fine," Tony says, avoiding actually answering Peter's question. "Why don’t you take a nap in the guest room next door? I’ll stay with her.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah, go ahead.”

“Alright,” Peter nods, reluctantly leaving the room. 

Tony sighs again, telling himself that he's giving you more time, more life. All he needed was more time. All you need was more life. 

Steve, Bruce, even Pepper, they're all wrong. This is the right thing to do. He's sure of it. 

He glances back at the locked door, keeping everyone and anyone out, glances at the blue vial in his hand, and then at you. He can't let this happen to you, so he pushes the syringe. 

When you open your eyes hours later, you're thrown for a loop. You're not quite sure how you're still here. You were sure that you were a goner. It certainly doesn't feel that way anymore. Your eyes flicker to Tony as he stands watching your every movement. "Dad?"

He refuses to meet your eye, and you immediately know something is wrong. Even more so when he doesn't utter a word, because if there's anything you've learned in your life, it's that your father always has something to say. "Dad?"

"I'm sorry." He reaches for your hand, squeezing it gently. "I couldn't - I couldn't let you die."

"Dad? What did you do?"

He embraces you, whispering, "I'm sorry."

AnonymityIsFun Masterlist 'There Is No Coming Back From This' Chapter List

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[jenniferjareauwife]

super clingy jj on a long haul flight

Couch Please

pairing: jennifer jareau x fem reader

category: fluff

warnings: none

word count: 583

summary: jj really wants to cuddle on the jet

I was woken up by someone whispering in my ear. I tried to ignore them and cuddle up to my blanket more but when I felt a kiss on my temple I knew that it was JJ. I opened my eyes groggily and noticed that we were the only two people on the jet still awake. "What?" I mumbled, rubbing the sleep from my eyes.

"Couch please."

"What?"

"Couch." She pouted. "I want to cuddle."

"I don't wanna move." I groaned quietly. "I'm comfy. Can't we cuddle here?" She shook her head. "Fine." I huffed and silently made my way to the couch, waiting for her to lie down first since I wanted to lay on top of her and be the little spoon.

She lied down and patted her chest. I plopped down on top of her, making her groan a bit before I snuggled up to her. I rested my head on her chest and listened to her heartbeat, all my thoughts melting away once she put her blanket over me and her arms around me. She only shared her blanket with me and no one else. It made me feel special.

It had been 30 minutes and the turbulence was keeping us awake. I whimpered a bit and moved up her body so I could bury my face in her neck. She held me as close to her as possible, wanting to feel my whole body on hers. "You ok?" She whispered.

"Can't sleep."

"Here." She slowly turned so she was on her side and holding me against her front, stroking my hair and rubbing my back, giving me as much affection as possible. She left kisses everywhere she could reach, making me melt into her as my face heated up in a blush. "You are so adorable." She whispered to me, making me blush even more. "So cute." She squeezed me as tight as she could, making it hard to breathe. "I just wanna kiss you all over and give you all the cuddles in the world because you deserve it."

"I don't know about that-"

"You deserve it!" She declared in a whisper as to not wake everyone up. "So I will do it." As soon as I lifted my head up to look at her she kissed every inch of my face, spending a few minutes just kissing me everywhere she could reach, not stopping until I was a blushing and giggly mess. "I. Love. You. So. Much." She whispered between rapid kisses.

"JJ...JJ stop you're gonna wake people up!" I panted from all the laughing.

"So? I don't care. I just want to show my beautiful girlfriend how much I love her."

"What's gotten into you?" I asked with a soft laugh.

"This last case has taken a long time and I can't even remember the last time I got to just lay down and cuddle and kiss you." She shrugged. "It's my favorite thing to do."

"Really? It's your favorite thing to do?" She nodded in confirmation, making my heart melt. She really knew how to make me feel loved.

"I love you more than everything and everyone combined." She pulled my face back into her chest before giving me a tight squeeze again. "Don't forget that because I will keep saying it."

"Ok. I won't forget it. I love you too." I lifted my head up a bit so she could give me a million forehead kisses.

"You're my favorite person ever."

"And you're mine."

[toomanyfandoms-notenoughfics]

Celestial Beings

Chapter Two: Talking it Out

Characters: Reader, Molly Weasley, Remus Lupin, Sirius Black

Summary: After many, many days of dealing with Moody's visits, (y/n) get two new visitors, who seem to be much much nicer.

Word Count: 2,285

Warnings: Torture Mention, SA Mention (it's mostly glossed over, no major details), Child Abuse Mention

A/N: Just in case I forgot to mention previously, this is not completely canon-compliant. I also have made Moody more of an a-hole, if anyone wants to know my thought process on that matter go ahead in send in a quick ask. Actually, feel free to send in an ask about anything, I would love to answer! I'm enjoying writing this, and I hope that at least some people are enjoying reading this.

Torture and pain were nothing new to (y/n), actually, it rather reminded her of home. She wasn’t sure how long she had been in the small room, nor how many times she’d had her “visits” with Moody. They rarely lasted longer than a few hours. The longest time, from what little sense of it she had, was somewhere around 8 hours.

Speaking of home, she missed it quite a bit. Malfoy Manor was a lot more cruel on the inside than most people could even guess. Not particularly any fault of Mrs. Malfoy or Draco, but rather Lucius. The head of the household, and loyal follower of her father, obeyed any and every command given. Of course, most of those orders were on how to best “raise and properly train” (y/n), which typically involved some form of torture.

(Y/n) of course, followed along as well, it was easier than dealing with the consequences. Out of everything, waterboarding was the worst. Followed closely behind spending any nights with a few perverted men, less as a consequence, more so as a reward for their loyalty to You-Know-Who. She had the scars to prove the ordeals she went through, as much as she would prefer to forget.

Even though she acted nonchalant about it all, she was still a person. She just couldn’t afford to be seen that way. In her opinion, it was better to be seen as an object or a weapon, a mere pawn on a chessboard. Then at least she herself could pretend to have no weaknesses, no breaking point. She preferred that people believed the rumors and lies, that she was as deadly as her father and as crazed as Bellatrix Lestrange.

Mrs.Weasley opened the cell door, a tired look on her face and a plate in hand. She gave (y/n) a sad smile as she set it down near the entrance.

“Couldn’t you just give him something to go off of?” Mrs. Weasley pleaded with her. “Anything so you could have a break from it all? You look downright awful, I’m worried for you.”

“What could I give him that he would believe?” (Y/n) asked, slowly grabbing the sandwich from the plate and taking a bite. “After all, I imagine it’s been at least a few weeks if not a month or so? I haven’t uttered a single thing he’s believed, including that his curses and beatings won’t work. I’m used to it, it’s what I’ve been molded to be.”

“What about something small, something that no one knows about, well You-Know-Who?” Mrs. Weasley tries, leaning against the door frame. “From what I’ve gathered he hasn’t exactly been the most caring of-”

“Don’t.” (Y/n) said flatly, meeting the older woman’s eyes. “Truly don’t go there. He cares, just in his own way.”

Mrs. Weasley is quiet after that, unsure as to what to say. She sighs, picking up the plate and turning to leave. Once the door was shut (y/n) sits back against the cold wall, no longer having the appetite for her sandwich.

“He does care. I just don’t know if it’s about me or the results I give him.” she gathers up the blanket, draping it over her legs. “No, he cares about me, what father wouldn’t care about their children? Even Lucius cares about Draco, and he doesn’t care about much else than impressing my father.” (Y/n) sat in the dark, with nothing but her own thoughts to keep her company and the occasional bug scurrying across the floor.

This time when the door opened it was someone (y/n) had not seen before. Or rather two someones she hadn’t seen. Both men were tall, one with dark, long curly hair and the other with light brown, short-combed hair. (Y/n) recognized one of them as Sirius Black, the first person to escape Azkaban prison. The other took her a few seconds to place, it wasn’t until the light hit his face, revealing the scars that she knew it was Remus Lupin, a werewolf known to be heavily against her father.

“Well, isn’t this a treat?” She said, slowly getting to her feet. “A blood-traitor and a half-breed? What did I do to have you grace my presence?” Remus flinched at the mention of half-breed.

“I came down here to see who could possibly have Moody stumped,” Sirius growled, stepping in front of Remus ever so slightly. “Imagine my surprise when I see you’re nothing more than another idiot, too stubborn and ignorant for your own good.”

“I’m the idiot?” (Y/n) laughed. “Am I the one torturing the same person the same 20 ways over and over in the hopes something will give? No, I’m the one who is with-standing it because the consequences of giving in are worse than dealing with a little more pain.”

“What could be worse than everything Moody has put you through?” Remus mused. “He’s told us some of what he’s done, none of which we agreed with. The real reason we’re down here is because we took a vote.”

“A vote?” She took a step back, unsure now of the situation she was in. “A vote for what? Who gets first dibs?”

“What?” Sirius looked taken aback, holding up his hands innocently. “No, we took a vote over if Moody should be down here with you anymore.”

“We decided against it. You don’t have to deal with him anymore.” Remus conjured up a lantern and hung it on the ceiling. “From now on we’re just going to talk.”

“So we’ve moved on from physical torture to psychological, understood.” (Y/n)’s shoulder relaxed slightly. “I can handle that too.”

“No, no, no. I think you’re still not understanding.” Remus smiled, looking at Sirius. “That’s all we’re going to do from now on. Sirius has enlightened us on what you’ve probably grown used to growing up.”

“Enlightened? What would he know about any of that?” she sneered, feeling even more vulnerable than before. Somehow talking seemed more daunting than hours of Cruciatous curses and water-boarding.

“You’re forgetting what family I, regrettably, belong to,” Sirius grumbled, shutting the door. “I have a feeling your upbringing was at least somewhat similar to my own, if not worse. Your father seems to pay you the same amount of care my mother gave me, which is to say nothing unless you are their perfect doll.”

“I don’t know what you could possibly be-”

“Don’t lie, it doesn’t suit you.” Sirius glared at her, arms crossed. “Besides, you can give everyone else the whole “He cares for me, just in a different way” b.s. like you gave Molly, but it won’t work on me. I tried that too, now I realize how bloody wrong I was.”

“Sirius, we came to talk, not to therapise,” Remus warned, putting his hand on Sirius’s chest. “How about we start small, like cornish pixie small?” he glanced at (y/n) almost asking her for permission.

“Right, apologies.” Sirius took a deep breath. “Let’s just start small, right?” Remus dropped his hand and turned back to (y/n).

“I don’t see what actual choice I have,” (Y/n) sat down on top of her sleeping bag, bringing her knees to her chest. “What’s the rules then?”

“No rules, just talk.” Remus once again said, conjuring up some wooden chairs. “Would you like a chair as well, or are you okay there?”

“I’m fine.” (Y/n) watched as the two men sat down. “So, what would you like to talk about? The weather? To me, it seems the same every day to me.”

“Funny,” Sirius rolled his eyes. “But, to be completely honest I haven’t a clue.”

“What’s your favorite color?” Remus asks. “I prefer blue myself.”

“I like gold a lot,” Sirius mutters, still seemingly uninterested in the conversation. “It’s one of the few colors I can see both in my animagus form and human form.”

“It may seem cliche, but I like green.” (Y/n) admits after sitting in silence for a moment. “Not any green though, I enjoy deep greens, phthalo green is a good one, and so is forest green, and juniper.”

“You seem to know quite a bit about different shades of greens, is there any particular reason?” Sirius asked, sitting up more in his chair.

“Not really, it just comes in handy when it comes to potions and herbology.” she shrugged. The three of them were silent for a moment. “So, did either of you ever, um, I don’t know, did either of you ever find a way to sneak into the headmaster’s quarters? Because I did, plenty of times.”

“And you never tried to kill him for your dad?” Sirius seemed confused. “I feel like if you wanted his approval as bad as you seem to, you would’ve, well you know.”

“Answer my question first and then I’ll answer yours.” (Y/n) responded. “Have either of you snuck into Dumbledore’s quarters?”

“I, well, I tried to once, but not while I was still at the school,” Sirius smiled to himself. “It was after I escaped prison. I snuck into the castle looking for Peter and saw a rat head that way. Turned out to be a normal rat.”

“I never really even thought of the idea. I mean, he’s someone I imagine has a lot of security and spells cast around him to protect him from that sort of thing.” Remus admitted. “Your turn, answer Sirius’s question.”

“No, I never tried to kill him.” (Y/n) smirks. “The idea is quite intriguing though. Could you imagine how funny it’d be, if the daughter of the all and powerful Dark Lord, age 13, manages to murder the one person he fears above all else? Besides I liked school.”

“Why did you sneak in then?” Remus prodded, leaning forwards, studying her as she toyed with her fingers. “If not to kill Dumbledore, why bother?”

“To be completely and totally honest? I wanted to be the best at potions, and Dumbledore just so happened to be very close friends with a certain Nicholas Flammel. In order to be able to make a Philosopher’s Stone one would have to excel in both alchemy and potion-making.” she stood up, leaning against the wall. “He had a portrait of him in there, I would sneak in, ask him a million and one questions about potions, and then by the next time I came back I had tested and confirmed what he told me. I took great joy in Snape watching me get better at his own craft than he was.”

Sirius let out a gruff chuckle, which soon became a hollering laugh. Even Remus couldn’t contain himself, joining in with his own chorus of giggles. (Y/n) didn’t quite understand what was so funny, but watching the two of them laugh as hard as they were made her let out a giggle or two. The three of them talked, just talked for a time.

When the knock came at the door (y/n) stiffened, eyeing Sirius as he opened it. Much to her relief, it was Mrs. Weasley bringing dinner along with a small pillow. Sirius thanked her, taking the food from her arms and holding it out to (y/n), offering it to her. She cautiously took it, careful to not get too close as she retreated to her corner of the cell. Mrs. Weasley smiled and held up the pillow.

“It’s not much, but it’s better than what Alastor was giving you.” The older woman set it next to the door. “Whenever you’re ready for it you can grab it. No rush, dear.”

(Y/n) nodded, whispering a small thank you under her breath as Mrs.Weasley left. The soup and bread she had been given more than filled her up. Remus and Sirius continued talking to one another as she ate, everyone now slightly more comfortable with each other.

“I have to admit, she makes good food. Great food actually, Mrs. Malfoy has never been adept in the kitchen department, nor has anyone she’s hired either.” (Y/n) told them, licking the sides of the bowl as she finished her soup. “And as enjoyable as this has been today, I do have a serious question to pose.”

“What question?” Remus asked, stiffening in his seat. Sirius’s eyes seemed to darken as he looked at her as if he was ready to pounce if needed.

“Well, if I’m not to be tortured or forced to divulge any information, what do you expect to do with me then?” setting down the bowl she met their eyes. “You can’t possibly keep me in here forever, but you also can’t just let me out of here either. Which leaves very little option other than killing me or me somehow escaping and taking as many of you with me as I can.”

The men look both shocked and hurt, perhaps a dash of anger in Sirius’s eyes. Neither of them says a thing as they stand up and walk towards the door. (Y/n) smiles at them, pushing their now empty plate and bowl towards them.

“It’s only a matter of time as to which happens first. Personally, I’ve accepted dying in here. No resources will be wasted on a rescue for me, nor will there be anyone to mourn me. I suggest you make the decision soon before I find a way to slaughter the lot of you in your sleep.” she threatens, meeting Remus’s gaze. “Because you were right, Dumbledore does have plenty of security in his quarters, much more so than the barrier spells that get weaker day by day in here.”

~~{𝘌𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘛𝘸𝘰}~~

[sgiandubh]

I have a question! You're a shipper. Therefore, you like both S&C, but you only post about Sam and the posts are about him not doing enough to expand his brand, how he is miscast and untapped potential. You've said you were a defender of Sam, but I did not think you came across that way, you mostly write about what Sam isn't doing to your liking. So, my question is why don't you post about Caitriona? One Belfast post some weeks ago and a paragraph about her non-existent branding. Of course, this is your blog, and you can post and say whatever you'd like, I'm just an anon so I don't have a leg to stand on here, but I'm being genuine in asking.

Dear Caitriona Anon,

Yours is an interesting, provocative question and for this reason alone it did not make the classic trek to the bin (yay?).

Oh, yes, a shipper I am. Probably not what you folks call an 'extreme shipper', but a staunch, firm shipper, whose convictions aren't just based on wishful thinking. Enough said.

May I ask (and I swear I am doing it without malice) for how long have you been following my page? I wrote about C quite a number of times, even specifically about her, in a very positive way, if you'd just care to look into the archives. For example, this post: https://www.tumblr.com/sgiandubh/724773265698062337/la-passante-de-la-place-des-vosges-the-passerby. And I have always, always ferociously defended S, against all odds, especially when the Disgruntled Tumblrettes (probably the most unkind, dishonest, cynical tribe of this fandom) went for him in a rather unsavory fashion.

Now, Anon, do not expect me to constantly fangirl over These Two, because this is not going to happen. They are my age and as such, I see things perhaps a bit differently than OL's main demographic. Cynically speaking, I can afford the luxury of being a bit irreverent, from time to time, about two people I find extremely endearing (make no mistake) and worth of my attention. Not a mommy, nor a worshipper. Just a rational shipper (we are quite a few, in here, you know), who does not think this is all about unicorns and leprechauns for ever frolicking at the end of the rainbow.

Because it's not - this is about two people who make terrible gaffes and horrendous mistakes, too. This is about a girl who sometimes shows such entitlement and wrath, that it is almost too hard to like her, at times. And about a boy whose foot in mouth syndrome is, by now, proverbial. This is about two people whose lies and coverups slowly turned them into cartoonish, PR-generated versions of themselves. And this is about two people who, almost like in a Wilde parable, unexpectedly found fame, fortune and love on their path. Will they squander part of it? All of it? Will they be wise about it and learn from their own blunders? This is something I find fascinating to observe, Anon.

My critiques of S's branding have always been, I think (or at least, I sincerely hope), respectful, motivated and constructive. Mainly because I think that (particularly) in his case, there is a deep chasm between his PR and real personas. He would have everything to gain if he stopped trying so hard to be someone he obviously isn't. And so would she.

If my thoughts are not your jam, Anon, simply stop reading me. What you do seem to conveniently forget, too, is that this blog is also, and maybe above everything else, about these two people falling for each other, for real. And it is my deepest belief that we do not help this story by turning it into a cheap cliché or behaving like a hungry mob prone on tantrums if they do not deliver what is conventionally expected. And perhaps you are right, in a way: I seldom post about them as separate entities. In my mind, they are one.

You are welcome to answer, Anon. And I hope I managed to do the same with your question.

[zukkaoru]

"maybe we shouldn't"

"weren't we dating?"

and a random word: green. for souheki =)

thank youuuu ela <3 starting off with. angst :-)

“Maybe we…shouldn’t,” Dazai whispers, though his hands remain firmly on Ranpo’s shirt. He doesn’t want to pull away, but this also seems a little too far for something that’s just a bit. Typically, he wouldn’t care so much, but—

Something about doing this with Ranpo specifically makes his stomach twist uncomfortably.

“Why not?” Ranpo’s breath is warm against his neck. Dazai wants their lips back on his skin. But also he doesn’t. He wants to be as far away from here as possible. There is no one to watch them here, tucked away on Dazai’s futon in the dorm he half-cleaned for Ranpo’s sake. There’s no reason to perform.

Still, Dazai doesn’t have a good answer to Ranpo’s question.

“Because,” he says, the word clunky on his tongue. He hates not having a lie ready to go for every situation, but Ranpo could see straight through any falsities anyway. “Because this isn’t…”

Because this isn’t real.

It isn’t exactly fake, though, either. Not at this point. It’s sitting precariously on the line between, constantly in danger of tipping over. This would push it off the edge, but Dazai isn’t sure in which direction. He doesn’t want to think about it.

Ranpo exhales slowly. Dazai wants to keep them close—so close they cannot properly look at him, because then they’ll see everything Dazai doesn’t even know how to sort out himself.

But when they pull back, he lets them go.

Their eyes are shut. They appear vaguely conflicted. Dazai wants to run away and never come back.

“You’re right,�� they agree, voice strained. “We shouldn’t.”

-

souheki secret exes (except they weren't even trying to keep it a secret)

“You’re such a liar.” Dazai pokes Ranpo’s shoulder, grinning playfully. “Remember that case we did together in Sendai? We went to a bar the first night and you finished your entire drink. So you have found one you like!”

Ranpo throws their head back, groaning. “That was so long ago, how am I meant to remember that? Besides, it was only because you figured out the right mix so I wouldn’t be able to taste the alcohol at all and gave the bartender very specific instructions.”

“Of course I did! I was a very good friend, even back then.”

Ranpo frowns. “Weren’t we dating?”

Dazai hums. He tracks back through his memories, slots the case in Sendai into the timeline chronologically and determines, “Yeah, you’re right. I was a very good boyfriend then!”

Ranpo snorts.

“Hey!” Though, Dazai can’t really protest—he’s a shitty boyfriend and they both know it. But he’s going to play upset about it just for fun.

However, when he turns away to cross his arms and pout, he realizes everyone else in the office is staring at them in silence. Wide eyes, confusion etched across their faces, even Yosano is looking at them with a sour sort of expression.

“What?” he asks.

“What the hell do you mean weren’t we dating?” Yosano demands.

Ranpo waves a hand vaguely. “We dated for a bit about a year after Dazai joined the Agency. I’m pretty sure you knew this.”

“I’m pretty sure I did not!”

Tanizaki raises his head nervously. “I…don’t think— think any of us knew.”

Naomi pokes her head around the corner. “I did! It was super obvious.”

Dazai chuckles to himself. At least he can count on one other person in this office to be observant.

-

green

Dazai fidgets under Ranpo’s gaze, eyes flitting anywhere apart from their face. His fingers drum against his thighs and he squirms in his seat.

Ranpo doesn’t break their stare.

Finally, Dazai whines, “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Do you not like it?”

Dazai’s face flushes, albeit only slightly. Still, of course someone as observant as Ranpo is will pick up on it easily, and it’s not a sight Ranpo thinks they’ll be forgetting anytime soon. “No,” Dazai lies. “You…your eyes are too green. It freaks me out.”

Ranpo laughs. Dazai’s cheeks redden even more, but before he can open his mouth to say something else stupid, Ranpo reaches forward and tugs him into a kiss. 

[koalas-koalas-everywhere]

Ok, I'm going to say something a bit dodgy, do take into account that my beef is with Rick and not Annabeth.

I might have been tempted to read The Chalice of the Gods (as opposed to anything after Staff of Serapis, which I've given a pass) if I didn't know that, as long as Annabeth is there as well, Percy won't be well-written. More specifically, he won't be written as himself.

When Rick wrote HoO, he had to figure out how to include Annabeth in the seven without having all these other powers dwarf her out. He did this by establishing a strict division of labour, according to which she was the strategist, and no one else. That has never been the case, at least not in such an exacting way.

Percy's saved their butts with his plans at the very least as often as she has. He's outsmarted his opponents, he's manipulated them, he has like a signature move that he pulls in almost every single book that basically goes "forget you're an almighty entity who could probably just ignore me without any problem and get down here and fight me at my level!" (tlt: Ares, Luke (unsuccessfully, since he refuses). som: Luke again (successfully, since he plays on his need to control his army's opinion of him). botl: Antaeus. tlo: Kronos. technically Gaia in son), he's been the one to figure out what they needed to from the prophecies (som: that they needed to send Clarisse to camp. ttc: the thing with Atlas's curse. botl: that Nico was the ghost king. I don't include tlo bc Annabeth figured it out first), he often comes up with the winning plans, like how he was the one who figured out how to get past Cerberus, even if it was Annabeth's expertise that allowed them to pull through (just like it was Percy's skill and weapon that allowed Annabeth's plan for Medusa to succeed) or tangling Antaeus on the ceiling chains. The scene with Chrysaor? Perfect blend of knowledge of myths, strategic genius and pure labia. For all the times we see him lose his cool or speak impulsively, we also se him go "wait, this person is trying to provoke me, I have to chill". I saw a comment a little while ago that Percy should've been dragging Giants to the gods feet for them to finish off -- that's what he did! Only he didn't physically drag them there, he planned them there. He tricked Polybotes into following him to Terminus, into pissing Terminus off so he'd agree to help, then killed him. While it was far from complex, he's the one who came up with the strategy to beat Otis and Ephialtes, so they only had to wait for Bacchus to step up.

I'm not saying Annabeth isn't smart. She has an impressive store of knowledge, which in itself is a clever thing to store, because it matches with her style of managing resources -- be they mental, like her facts, or physical, like her hat or things she finds in her surroundings, like the glass balls in Medusa's lair. Annabeth is probably the best at looking at a situation and going "okay, let's look at what we have. Ah, yes, a limitless credit card. Ah, yes, a store-full of clothes that no one's going to want back. Ah, yes, those weird-ass proteins that Hermes gave us, just like Hermes gave someone else food for a place just like this. Ah, yes, knowledge of how to fly a helicopter."

Here's the thing, though. When I read the phrase "Athena-like chatter", I almost broke something laughing. She's good with lies, hers are better and more believable than her friends'. When it comes to chatter, though... I couldn't even tell you how good she is, because I don't think I've ever seen her do something like that before MoA?

But, you know, okay, Rick has to spend more time in her head, she's been elevated in status to one of several protagonists instead of a deuteragonist as she was in PJO (he has to solve this oopsie - I don't agree with everything here, like how, except for her intelligence, Annabeth's other skills are "dump stats", but...), so he has her expand. Good for her. I think it worked alright in her fights in MoA -- a little bit of the old (impressive expertise in certain areas, management of resources), add a little bit of the new (a perceptiveness and gift of gab that she's rarely shown before, if ever, although you could argue she might have taken the "talk your enemy into beating itself" from Percy just like she learned to simplify from Frank).

That's not my real problem. It's this, from when they're fighting Akhlys:

Percy wanted to give her more time. She was the brains. Better for him to get attacked while she came up with a brilliant plan.

... What. Of everything that we've seen of Percy. That I've described just now. Makes sense with this? And please don't give me crap about "it's because his self-esteem is so low!" because 1) this isn't just about what he's thinking, it's about what he's doing, which is pretty much nothing while he waits for Annabeth to save them. He's never lacked initiative like this. Even while thinking, "wow, this absolutely crazy and dimwitted plan is so bad that it's going to get us all killed!" he still did it. ( 2) I've heard "it's bc of his self-esteem/ he plays dumb on purpose" to justify fandom's constant underestimation of Percy's smarts too many time to let it fly now.)

"It's because he trusts Annabeth's judgement more than his own, and he lets her do what she does best when she's available. Other times he's been forced to come up with a plan, it's because she isn't." Did he wait for Annabeth to shoot her shot with Ares before going in with his own plan? Did he keep quiet his misgivings about her level of preparation for the Labyrinth in BotL? Did he leave her to organize the battle plan in TLO? Did he give up after Chrysaor beat him twice in a sword fight and wait for her to come up with a plan? Absolutely not.

"Well, he still beat Akhlys, so I don't see what you're complaining about, it's not like he's useless or anything." True. It wouldn't be the first time he has to resort to brute force to get past an enemy he couldn't outthink (the telekhines come to mind) or that he never even bothered trying to outthink (Hyperion comes to mind), because it's not like strategizing is something that's essential to Percy's style, even if it does come up a lot. I said before that it's his actions that bother me and not what he was thinking, but there is some of that, too. That he wasn't thinking "I can't figure out what to do" or even too busy fighting to start to wonder about what to do, but "there's nothing I can contribute here but my fighting skills". It's sadly a dynamic that Rick has tried to encourage between them.

Sure, Percy only ever gets more powerful, but, even without Annabeth around, he loses any of his braincells. Look at his underwater fight with Polybotes. He starts off in the ship with an impressive display of power -- holding the ship together in the middle of a supernatural storm. Then he gets underwater and immediately loses to PB. The guy he would've one-shotted several times if he could kill him without a god's help. "He doesn't have experience fighting underwater," water not only gives him a strength boost, it gives him a skill boost, as we see in TLT. Besides, how much skill do you need to not swim directly into a cloud of poison? And really, he doesn't get to do anything but that.

Compare it to SON. He's fighting an almost-whole legion of dead people, with a mix of sword fighting and a whirlwind, and he might have won if they hadn't been able to reform. Recognizing that he was about to lose and to give Frank and Hazel a chance to fight Alcyoneus without having to worry about the army, he brings a whole end of the iceberg down to drown them all. And yet, you know what really struck me of all this? How smart Percy was, because he didn't just fight the legion. He aimed for the eagle, realizing that that would be the best way to keep them focused on him and not Frank.

If he's this capable, though, where does that leave Annabeth, who's a skilled warrior but whose most distinctive trait is thinking?

The whole power/smarts dichotomy is also the actual context of that line about Annabeth being the most powerful demigod. He's just spent two weeks teaching Magnus how to survive at sea, when it suddenly occurs to him that the most helpful thing for him to learn is how to "use what you've got on hand -- your team, your wits, the enemy's own magical stuff." Which is how, despite how often he's done just that, he concludes that Annabeth is the most powerful demigod and the best person to teach him how to survive. (Which is, sadly, all that that comment amounts to. Annabeth doesn't then get a chance to strut her stuff, teach Magnus, show off her smarts, play a part however small in his quest, give some insight into her mind -- nope! She says it was sweet of him and then just leaves with Percy.)

With a bit of luck, RR reread pjo to nail down the feel of it in order to write a book that's supposed to be a tie in for a tv show set in the early days (that's a lot of subordinates!), so he might've rediscovered the characters and found a way to balance that with the... way that he writes them now. I'm not optimistic, though.

(Also, if I have to read more of Percy being always afraid of Annabeth getting angry at him or her looking angry at the smallest of things and this being played as her being a girlboss, or how you "have to keep your boyfriend on his toes", I'll claw my own eyes out, but that's another topic.)

[respectthepetty]

Pit Babe Colors Ep. 5

Because I have asks in my inbox about the color coding in Pit Babe even though I don't want to watch it, I'm challenging myself with this show and seeing how good my color skills really are. I'm doing my normal thing of watching it double-speed on mute, but now, I'm going to take off the captions.

How could I forget we were in "Disco Inferno" at the end of the last episode?! Babe looks just as confused as I am that Charles ran his ass out on that track. Where are the professionals? Medics, where u b?

Nice to see everyone wearing blue just in time to prove they did not sabotage the car.

Get your grubby paws off of Barbie, you color faker!

Because I hate Charles, everything he does just comes off very creepy. Like he is trying to have Babe all to himself, like a creepy collector of precious superpower kids, but he only wants Babe.

It's Whiny Winifred in the red Chicago Bulls jacket being annoying per usual.

I don't care what is being said. Whiny Winifred did not sabotage that car. He isn't smart enough for that. But I'm very curious what Kim's superpower is because he is constantly seen as the bigger presence in their arguments. He may be small, but he is mighty.

TRUST NONE OF THEM, ALAN! As usual, Charles conveniently arrives to save the day even though Dean saw Jeffrey messing with the car. This is mine and Dean's villain origin story. (Sonic, get your colors together, kid!)

Alan, don't save him! He don't want to be saved! He can see the future, but couldn't see himself getting caught? Go back to superpower school, Jeffrey! YOU SUCK!

I should be on Jeffrey's side because he is driving a blue vehicle, but he had to put "Home" into the GPS, and I can't trust a boy who doesn't know how to get back to the apartment he shares with Charlie . . . SINCE HE ISN'T GOING THERE! I guess you really are going back to superpower school since you are probably headed to Big Red's house, you LIAR!

Couldn't be bothered to wear blue for two episodes, and now you got nothing but blue, huh, Waymond? Odd choice, sir.

Charles is everywhere at all times. I think Waymond can control emotions, which is why he touches Babe, but I think Charles is mind controlling Babe. He is always in Babe's bubble! Back tf up, bruh.

And we're back to black because you are devoid of emotions since you are controlling everyone else's. I see you and Charles for the superpower manipulators you are.

Kimberly, in a garage full of blues, I only trust your red ass. Kimlock Holmes is gonna solve this case because that's what Kims do!

Are you conflicted now, Jeffrey? In the red and the blue because you know you fucked up and hurt Alan with your lies?

Pete is wearing blue. I trust this pretty man with my life.

I have believed that superpowers come from the hands for two episodes now. Waymond is always touching Babe then Babe looks happier. Charles is always touching Babe, then Babe concedes. So Peter not immediately taking Waymond's hand gives me faith that Peter KNOWS what is up because I think he has superpowers too!

Kenta, you do not have superpowers which is why he treats you like this. Kimberly is gonna love the fuck out of you though. All you have to do is murder your boss.

Did Big Red do this to you? MURDER YOUR SHITTY BOSS! You don't need a superpower for that. I'm rooting for you, hon.

My man has the blue blazer and the blue drink. He is proving his loyalty, and I couldn't love him more. This is how you prove you're trustworthy. You ease into the color. Unlike the Treacherous Trio: Charles, Jeffrey, and Waymond.

Barbie, I need you to pay attention. That hand on your arm is controlling you. Your powers are gone because Charles is fucking with your brain so he can take your racing spot. Don't let that lying bastard touch you!

WHY ARE YOU LETTING HIM TOUCH YOU?! I know he is controlling your mind, but you gotta stop letting him touch you. Go two days without his touch and see how much clearer you'll start thing. You took him to you and Way's spot. I'm insulted for Way because this was sacred, yet Charles gets everything he wants . . . *mind control*

Alan, you wear a lot of green, and I love you for that. You are not in this red vs. blue bullshit. You are in a league of your own. I don't think you have superpowers, but if you did, it would be stealing hearts because I'm ready to lay my life down on the line for you, sir. You're perfect.

Sonic REFUSES to get his shit together. WEAR BLUE ALREADY, DAMN! But also, Decanus is not pleased with whatever is happening. Villain Era loading.

This scene would be adorable if Charles wasn't a lying pos.

Decanus, I know you are going to be with Whiny Winifred, so I'm gonna just call this game, and say you lose.

Wait, A SECRET THIRD OPTION?! Kim Possible, is that you player?!

Decanus, you are getting pushed by Alan next week, so I know you done fucked up. Sonic, still be doing wild color things next week too.

Alan, do not suck up to that child. He may be wearing blue in that moment, but his heart is red and not in the good way.

I still ONLY trust Alan, but he is falling for that lying kid, so he might slip in rankings next week, but Kimlock Holmes and Pete the Magic Dragon did no wrong this week, so my trust remains intact for them. I cannot wait until Kenta gets an ounce of love from Kimberly and it turns his entire life around (KILL YOUR SHITTY BOSS!).

Barbie is being mentally and emotionally controlled by Charles and Waymond, so here's hoping this show gets kinky, ties people's hands up, and sees just how powerful they are without the gift of touch.

Couldn't emotionally manipulate Peter, now could you, Waymond?

What is your superpower?

[tobiasdrake]

Digimon Adventure 01x22 - Whispering Little Devil, PicoDevimon / Forget About It!

Previously on Digimon Adventure: Taichi went home and ate watermelon. It was a nice break, but Monday is always around the corner.

Back at the office, Taichi and Agumon set out to find out what's become of the other Chosen Children.

Taichi calls out into the desert for the rest of his group, but nobody answers.

Taichi: HEY!!! WHERE ARE YOU!?!? HEEEEEEEEY!!! ...nobody's here. Agumon: I wonder where they've gone, Taichi?

Suddenly, his Digivice activates, showing him the direction of something nearby.

Taichi: The Digivice is reacting to something.

Testing the Digivice by scanning it back and forth, he finds he only gets this reading when facing one way.

Taichi: It's only reacting when I turn this direction. Agumon: Everyone must be over there.

While Taichi and Agumon settle for following the beeping, Tai tries to sounds like a confident professional by the time-tested means of bullshitting.

Tai: Okay, I've got a lock! North-Northwest, just a couple of clicks! Agumon: Very impressive, Tai. You really sound like you know what you're doing. Tai: ...I just watch a lot of TV.

Nothing about the Digivice's readout gives any indication of distance or compass direction, but that's fine because Tai is clearly talking straight out of his ass. XD

In case that wasn't already evident, the dub adds some silence-destroying dialogue to follow up on it while they walk.

Agumon: Just what is a click? Tai: I don't know, but we're getting closer! Agumon: I hope so! I'm hungry!

Agumon, Tai would appreciate it if you stopped asking questions. He was trying so hard to look cool and you're ruining it.

Taichi and Agumon opt to follow the Digivice's beeping and see where it leads. Before long, they find the edge of the desert.

Taichi: I didn't know there was a river around here. Agumon: If there's a river here, we must be near the edge of the desert. (Taichi and Agumon look up from the Digivice and gasp) Agumon: There's a bridge! Is that the ocean? Taichi: It's not the ocean! It's a lake! Agumon: There's something near the lake!

Meanwhile, their dub counterparts are so taken aback they can barely even describe what they're seeing.

Tai: Look at this place! Where are we? Agumon: I don't know, but it's the most beautiful place I've ever seen! Tai: Come on!

It's always so rare for the dub crew to talk less than the original.

The boys sprint to the lake, and the beeping from the Digivice grows stronger.

Taichi: The signal's close by! It's getting stronger!

Arriving at the water's edge, they discover an unexpected sight.

Agumon: It's Tokomon! Taichi: Tokomon! Hang in there. (scoops up Tokomon) Are you okay? Tokomon: (drowsy) Taichi... (waking up suddenly) AGUMON!? YOU'RE ALIVE!?!? Taichi: Of course we are. Agumon: More importantly, were you beaten by an enemy, Tokomon? Tokomon: No, I wasn't. I just fainted because I was hungry and tired. Taichi: Where's Takeru? And everyone else? Tokomon: Takeru is with PicoDevimon. Taichi: PicoDevimon? Who's that? Tokomon: PicoDevimon is... uh.... Taichi: Tell me everything from the beginning. What happened to everyone while we were away? Tokomon: Okay. After you two vanished....

Already, we're off to an alarming start. Takeru's with someone called PicoDevimon? You don't even need to be familiar with the V-Pet to know that name is bad news. It's in the Devimon.

Over in the dub, Agumon forgets what show this is and plays Who's That Pokemon.

Agumon: Who is it!? Who is it!? Tai: It's Tokomon! Agumon: TOKOMON!!! Tai: Hey, what happened little guy? (scoops up Tokomon) Are you alright? Tokomon: (drowsy) ...not exactly....

The dub inserts a commercial break here, and then we come back to Agumon thinking we're still in the File Island arc.

Tokomon: (drowsy) You look like Tai... (waking up suddenly) You are Tai! You're alive! Tai: Yeah, the last time I checked! Agumon: I'll bet a Black Gear Digimon got you, right? Tokomon: No, if it were something simple like that, I wouldn't feel so bad. Tai: Where is everybody? Where's T.K.? Tokomon: I don't know. He's probably off with his new friend! Tai: New friend? What new friend? Tokomon: I think you better ask T.K.! Tai: I would but he's not here and you are. Now start at the beginning, Tokomon, and tell me exactly what happened! Tokomon: Well, you were gone an awfully long time. Tai: We were? How long? Tokomon: We looked high and low for you... I did most of the low part.

Apart from Agumon being high I guess, I really like this exchange. Tokomon holds back on saying the name of T.K.'s new pal. Also, Tai gets to interact with the fact that he's been missing for a month and a half; A detail that flies right over his head in the original.

Also, that last line from Tokomon got me. XD

Tokomon goes into flashback, explaining the fates of the other children. We find them late at night making camp in the now Etemon-free desert, making plans for where to go from here.

Sora: We search! We keep searching until we find Taichi and Agumon! Yamato: It's impossible. We've already been searching for a month and a half. There's no trace of them anywhere. Koushiro: Gennai-san! He might know something! Let's look for Gennai-san! Jou: We don't even know where he is. How would we begin to find him? Mimi: I just want to go home.

The dub cuts out Sora's first line.

Matt: It's no use. We're practically lost ourselves. Mimi: Ohhh... Personally, I've been lost ever since I got here! Izzy: What about Gennai!? Maybe he can help us find them! Joe: Yeah, and where do we find Gennai? I think one wild goose chase is enough. Mimi: This is the most depressing campout ever.

That's a weird-ass decision to make, because Sora's unrelenting determination to find Taichi feeds directly into the next scene. Plus side, I really like Joe's version of his line. It serves up the snark without compromising his character or the meaning of his line.

Unable to decide on a course of action, the group fractures. Sora and Piyomon are the first to go, departing late at night while everyone's asleep. Tokomon wakes up just in time to hear them approach.

Sora: Takeru will cry if we don't tell him. Tokomon: (rousing) ...huh? Sora: Shhh. The two of us are going to look for Taichi. Piyomon: Take care of yourself, Tokomon.

The phrase Piyomon uses here is "Genki de ne." It's a long-term farewell expressed when you don't know if you'll ever see that person again, and don't expect to any time soon.

Sora and Piyomon aren't coming back. After a month and a half of fruitless searching, the rest of the group is ready to write Taichi off. Sora isn't, so she and Piyomon have elected to go their separate ways from everyone else.

In the dub, it's not so clear why they're leaving like this because Sora didn't get to have an argument with the others about it.

Biyomon: Won't T.K. be upset? Sora: Maybe, but he'll be safer here. Tokomon: (rousing) Hmm? Sora: Shhh. We're going off to find Tai on our own. Don't wake anyone. Biyomon: We'll see you later, Tokomon.

This also doesn't quite capture the gravity of Sora's decision. In the original, they tell Tokomon what they're doing because they want him to inform Takeru. They're not coming back, and they don't want him to have to wonder what happened to them. Here, that's replaced with "T.K. can't come because it's safer here."

Similarly, "See you later" doesn't quite capture the tone of "Genki de ne." They make it sound like they're just popping off to do some scouting.

It seems that Sora vanishing overnight was the straw that broke the camel's back for group cohesion.

Tokomon: (V.O.) After that, everyone left one after another. The only ones who stayed together were me, Takeru, Yamato, and Gabumon. Takeru: Hey, Onii-chan? I wonder where everyone went. Yamato: Don't worry about them. They can take care of themselves. We don't have enemies like Devimon or Etemon anymore. Takeru: Onii-chan, let's go back! Let's go back and look for Taichi-san! Yamato: We've already looked everywhere! Just give up! Takeru: But.... (cries) Yamato: Don't cry, Takeru. I'm sure Taichi and Agumon are doing fine somewhere. Takeru: They're alive, right!? Taichi-san is alive!? Yamato: Yeah! We'll see him again some day. Tokomon: Isn't that great, Takeru?

Overcome with emotion, Takeru hugs Yamato's legs and weeps.

In the dub... Sora just got lost, I guess, and then everyone split up to look for her. Rather than the team falling apart, they just all got lost.

Tokomon: That's how it started. First Sora left. Then we all went in search of Sora. Then someone said maybe we'd cover more ground if we split up so Izzy and Tentomon went off one way and Joe and Gomamon went off another. And pretty soon, only Matt, T.K., Gabumon, and me were left.

I guess Mimi got swallowed by the desert or something. Well, if it was going to happen to someone....

T.K.: Why did everybody go away? When you're lost, you're supposed to stay together. Matt: We just had different ideas of what was the best thing to do, T.K. We've looked everywhere, T.K. If they were anywhere in this area, we would have found them. T.K.: We could have missed something! We've gotta keep searching! Come on, Matt! Come on, Matt! If we hurry, we can still catch up to someo-- Matt: Hey, it's hopeless, alright!? We've already done everything we could! T.K.: (cries) Matt: Oh, come on... Don't cry. I didn't mean it. Don't worry, wherever Agumon and Tai are, I'm sure they're perfectly alright. T.K.: Really, Matt? Any minute now, they'll be coming back, right? Matt: And they'll bring a bunch of presents with them! Tokomon: Oh, wow! You think so? T.K.: (hugs Yamato's legs) I hope you're right! I sure miss my friends!

I'm not 100% sure if they're searching for Tai or searching for the other members of the group that split up. T.K. talks about "catching up to someone" but Matt topic-shifts to Tai so fast it gave me whiplash.

I'm sad that the dub dropped Yamato's point that we live in a world of peace right now. With Etemon dead, Server Continent seems to have been liberated. Evil forces have not reared their head in a month and a half. That's interesting exposition that didn't make it across.

Matt turning Tai into Santa, however, is hilarious. He definitely thinks Tai's dead. There is no way he'd make that unbelievably patronizing promise if he had a smidgen of hope left for finding Tai alive. XD

A short time later, Yamato and Takeru make a discovery.

Takeru: That's... Could that be an amusement park!? Gabumon: Yeah! We can have fun! Yamato: (thinking) That place looks safe.

In the dub, Tokomon takes this opportunity to drop some more narration.

Tokomon: (V.O.) I knew Matt was just kidding T.K. about the presents but that didn't matter because just then.... T.K.: Ohh! Look, Matt! Is it real? Everybody's gonna love this place! Tokomon: (V.O.) But Matt didn't seem too excited. It was like there was something on his mind that he couldn't stop thinking about.

While they have a look around the amusement park, T.K. eradicates the silence.

T.K.: Look at this! No lines! ...actually, there are no people here at all. Maybe they forgot to tell us that they're closed.

Sorry, T.K., but we're about seventeen episodes too late to start expecting to find other humans here.

Yamato takes Takeru into the amusement park and leaves him on the swan boat dock.

Takeru: (teary-eyed but determined) I'm okay! I can wait! Yamato: Good boy, Takeru. Takeru: But hurry back, okay? Yamato: Yeah. I'm just going to check things out. It shouldn't take more than two or three hours. I'll be back before you know it. Gabumon: Tokomon, be sure to take good care of Takeru. Tokomon: Right! (Yamato and Gabumon board the swan boat and pedal away) Takeru: Onii-chan! Come back soon! Gabumon: We're counting on you, Tokomon!

He'll only be a couple hours. He'll be back before you know it.

The dub conversation is identical until Takeru and Gabumon's last lines, which are swapped out for an exchange with Matt.

T.K.: Don't worry! We'll be waiting right here! Matt: Great! And remember, it's an amusement park! So, like, amuse yourselves!

They do not. They do exactly what T.K. said they would and wait on the dock.

And wait.

And wait.

Takeru remains on that dock until the sunset. Tokomon goes out and gathers fruit for Takeru, bringing it to him on a leaf.

Tokomon: Takeru! Time for dinner! Takeru: (downtrodden) Onii-chan is late.... Tokomon: Time for dinner.... Takeru: I'm not hungry.

When it gets late, Takeru goes to bed on a bench with a leaf for a blanket, muttering the word "Onii-chan". Tokomon tries to lay down with him, but Takeru rolls over away from him.

The dub stretches this to a shocking length of time.

Tokomon: (V.O.) Hours went by and still no Matt. Tokomon: He'll come back, T.K. T.K.: (downtrodden) I wonder what's keeping Matt.... Tokomon: You've got to eat something. T.K.: He should have come back by now. Tokomon: (V.O.) We waited at the park for almost a week. T.K. spent the whole time staring out at the water except when he just couldn't stay awake anymore. He waited and waited.

Holy shit, a week? The malevolent forces about to descend on T.K. need to get their fucking act together. That's unacceptable.

The next day, Takeru's back out on that dock staring out into the distance and crying.

Takeru: (sniffle) Why won't Onii-chan come back? (crying) Tokomon: (arriving with a twig and some berries) Takeru! Takeru: Onii-chan! Onii-chan said he was just going to look around! He said he'd be back soon! (breaks down and starts bawling) Tokomon: Don't cry, Takeru!

That's when company arrives.

PicoDevimon: Oh my, what do we have here? Hello, I'm PicoDevimon. Tokomon: PicoDevimon?

Narrator chimes in to give the rundown. PicoDevimon is a Child-stage Virus-type Small Demon Digimon. He's the little shitweasel of his evolution branch, attained by making zero effort and not taking care of him at all. So, y'know, super trustworthy; We should hear him out.

Narrator: PicoDevimon. A small Child-stage Digimon shaped like a bat. PicoDevimon: Oh? Are you the ones who defeated Etemon for us? Takeru: Yeah.... PicoDevimon: Thank you! Peace has been restored to the world because of you! But why were you crying? Takeru: Onii-chan won't come back.... PicoDevimon: What? That's terrible! Don't worry, I'll go look for him. What's your brother's name? Takeru: His name is Yamato. PicoDevimon: Okay! Wait right here! (flies away) Tokomon: I hope he finds him! Takeru: Yeah!

Godspeed, PicoDevimon. We look forward to your entirely believable story.

Over in the dub, his name is DemiDevimon. Which is honestly a better name than PicoDevimon. It rolls off the tongue super well. PicoDevimon is a beacon of politeness. A suspiciously sweet little cherub who'd neeeeever be up to anything foul. DemiDevimon is a lot more rough around the edges, while playing that up for sympathy.

DemiDevimon: Hey, what's all this squawkin' about!? DemiDevimon's the name; Mind if I drop in? Tokomon: DemiDevimon!? I've heard about you! DemiDevimon: Oh, great! I'm flattered! Tokomon: Don't be. Nothing I heard was good. DemiDevimon: Okay, okay. I admit, I used to be a bit of a wise guy but that's only because I was working for Etemon! But now he's kaput thanks to you guys, something for which I'm eternally grateful! Personally, I never liked the guy. T.K.: You seen my brother out there? He's in a boat. DemiDevimon: Oh, is that what's got you down, squirt? Well, you've come to the right Digimon! What's his name, your brother? T.K.: His name is Matt. DemiDevimon: Got it! Let me see what I can do. Back in a flash! (flies away) Tokomon: Well, maybe he has changed.... T.K.: You think?

On the one hand, it's hard to swallow T.K. being as taken in by this guy as he's going to be, when he's clearly stated to be a villain right up-front. But on the other hand, he has "Devimon" in his name and looks like Devimon, and that didn't stop Takeru.

Also, T.K., it's been a week. He's probably not still in the boat. ...or, if he is, then we may have a new reason for why he never returned.

Takeru and Tokomon remain on the dock, staring out at the lake again and waiting to hear word.

The sky shifts color from an early morning green to a midday blue. Then, after what must have been hours, PicoDevimon returns.

PicoDevimon: Sorry to keep you waiting! Takeru: Where's Onii-chan!? Did you find Onii-chan!? PicoDevimon: Yes, I did. Tokomon: Where was he? PicoDevimon: Yamato gave me a message for you. Tokomon: What is it? PicoDevimon: Yamato said he never wants to see you again. He said he really, really, really hates you! He doesn't want to be your brother anymore. Takeru: (tearing up) That can't be.... Tokomon: Takeru, don't cry! PicoDevimon: Oh, Yamato also said this: He really hates what a crybaby you are!

Quite reasonably, Takeru is devastated by "Yamato's message". He flees into the amusement park, bawling his eyes out and screaming.

Takeru: I... I... I HATE YOU TOO, ONII-CHAN!!!

Meanwhile, in the dub, I guess they didn't notice the subtle sky change. DemiDevimon just does loopies in the air and then immediately comes back.

Tokomon: (V.O.) I couldn't believe that one of Etemon's creepy henchmen was being helpful. But, sure enough, just a few minutes later.... DemiDevimon: Sorry to keep you waiting! T.K.: What about it!? Did you find my brother!? Did you find him!? DemiDevimon: Sure, I did! T.K.: Is he on his way back? DemiDevimon: Well, that's the bad news, kid. T.K.: What!? DemiDevimon: It kills me to have to be the one to break this to you, but your bro ain't coming back. In fact, he never wants to see you again! Said he was tired of babysitting a crybaby. T.K.: No way! (tearing up) Tokomon: It can't be true, T.K.! T.K.: (sobbing) He called me-- DemiDevimon: Crybaby, yeah. That's what he said! He called you some other stuff too but I don't want to repeat it. Anyway, he's gone. T.K.: (bawling) DemiDevimon: Aw, don't take it so hard! T.K.: (runs off crying) YEAH, WELL I HATE HIM TOO!!!

This yarn he's spinning was never credible, but DemiDevimon's flippant attitude and villainous background nonetheless manages to make it even less credible.

While PicoDevimon floats into frame giggling to himself, just in case it isn't clear that he's full of shit.

Evening of the second day without Yamato arrives. Takeru sits by the river, despondently throwing rocks into it. Tokomon tries his best to console his Partner.

Tokomon: Hey... Yamato would never say that about you. ...hey, Takeru!

Takeru doesn't respond. He holds his head in his hands and shuts down completely.

The dub decides to go all-in on calling T.K. a crybaby.

Tokomon: Come on, Matt would never say stuff like that. Besides, we've been working on the crying thing and you're getting better; You really are!

PicoDevimon lies and claims Yamato called Takeru a crybaby, and the dub team promptly goes, "I mean, he is a fucking crybaby." Americans.

Tokomon next tries to confront PicoDevimon.

PicoDevimon: What did you want to talk about? Tokomon: Quit lying to Tokomon! PicoDevimon: Lying? The hell have I lied about!? Tokomon: YOU SAID YAMATO HATED TAKERU!!! PicoDevimon: And how is that a lie? Is there proof that it's a life? (PicoDevimon flaps up onto a tree branch above) PicoDevimon: If you've got proof, show me. Tokomon: I don't, but-- PicoDevimon: Ha! Then you're accusing me without justification! You know what? That's called defamation. You're pushing false judgments circumstantially! Should we take this to court and see if you win?

Tip: Anyone who responds "Where's your evidence?" when accused probably die it. As a general rule, innocent people react to accusation with consternation and outrage while guilty people fish for information to find out what you already know.

Counterintuitively, it is less suspicious to fly off the handle and punch the accuser in the face and more suspicious to calmly and civilly ask for proof.

DemiDevimon takes a different approach.

DemiDevimon: Hey, Flops! Tokomon: You have to stop lying to T.K.! DemiDevimon: Lies? Whatever could you mean by that? Tokomon: You take back all those lies or you'll be sorry! DemiDevimon: My my, those are bold words coming from a pink gerbil with an overbite! Besides, you have any proof that I'm lying about it? Huh? Tokomon: Well, no.... DemiDevimon: There you go. You're just assuming the worst because of my background. That's not fair! It's prejudice, that's what it is. Just because I'm not a cuddly butterball like you, then you think I must be a bad guy. That's so, I don't know, superficial. Luckily, T.K.'s more enlightened!

Somehow, this is even more obnoxious than PicoDevimon's screed. I feel you, Tokomon.

Either way, PicoDevimon is shamelessly Lawyer Speaking here, which is unbelievably damning. Too bad Takeru isn't worldly enough to grasp that nuance; PicoDevimon's provocations hit home, pushing Tokomon into losing his temper and lashing out with a big pink bubble.

Just as planned, Takeru saw that.

Takeru: (running up) What are you doing, Tokomon!? Tokomon: What do you mean? Takeru: You attacked him for no reason! PicoDevimon: Takeru, don't be mad at Tokomon. He's just jealous that you and I are getting along so well, and he reacted childishly. Isn't that right, Tokomon? Tokomon: Hmph! Takeru: What's with this attitude of yours!? Apologize to PicoDevimon! Tokomon: NO!!! I REFUSE!!! Takeru: APOLOGIZE!!! Tokomon: NEVER!!! IF YOU THINK I HAVE TO APOLOGIZE TO HIM THEN I'M LEAVING!!! Takeru: Yeah? Then leave! Tokomon: You want me to leave? Takeru: Go ahead!

Tokomon takes a few steps away from Takeru, then turns back.

Tokomon: I'm really going.... Takeru: Fine! Oh, also! Since we don't have enemies anymore, I don't need THESE!!!

Takeru pulls his Crest and Digivice from his pocket and furiously hurls them across the beach, then runs off into the woods.

Takeru: Let's go, PicoDevimon! Tokomon: TAKERU, YOU IDIOT!!! IDIOT!!! (breaks down crying) IDIOOOOOOOOOOT!!!

Another cruel victory thanks to the power of childhood gullibility. PicoDevimon's deception succeeds with flying colors.

Honestly, it's not surprising that Takeru lost his shit like this. If you recall from his last spotlight episode, Takeru loathes violence. For him, it's only to be used as a last resort. Unfortunately for Tokomon, it remains ambiguous whether or not he recalls that, since it's from his past life.

This is pretty much identical in the dub up until T.K. throws the Crest and Digivice.

Tokomon: I won't be coming back, you know! T.K.: You don't see me crying about it! And I don't want these stupid gadgets either! Bleh! (throws them) Tokomon: Ahhh! T.K.: Come on, DemiDevimon! Let's go ride the roller coaster! Tokomon: That suits me fine! Goodbye! (breaks down crying)

Here, they once again scrub the mention of the fact that we have no more enemies to fight. I guess they just don't like that plot point.

The end of Tokomon's flashback brings Taichi and Agumon up to speed.

Agumon: So that's why you were here alone. Tokomon: Mmhmm. Taichi: I'm worried about Yamato, but we need to see Takeru first. Tokomon, take us to the amusement park where Takeru is. Tokomon: On it!

Following Tokomon's lead, Taichi and Agumon make their way to the amusement park.

The dub never gave a timeframe for Tai and Agumon's absence, so Agumon takes a wild guess.

Agumon: You see, Tai? We go away for a couple of days and everything falls apart. Tai: Hmm... First let's find out what T.K. is up to, then we'll look for Matt and the others. Take us to him, Tokomon! Tokomon: You got it!

Agumon, did you miss the part where T.K. was here for a week? Even if the month and a half hasn't been brought up, you're still undershooting with that couple of days estimate.

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the woods, a pair of Gazimon plot their revenge. Or... consider it, at least.

Gazimon 1: How do we get revenge for Etemon-sama? Gazimon 2: (entertained) Could we even? Those guys are tough. Gazimon 1: Yeah, we might not be strong enough. Gazimon 2: Give up! Give up! We're not obligated to go that far. Gazimon 1: Yeah. Come to think of it, he was always walking all over us. Gazimon 2: Anyways, you feeling hungry? Gazimon 1: Yeah, I am. Gazimon 2: Oh! These mushrooms look good! Let's have some!

Honestly, fuck 'im. He was always a dick to them anyway. Remember that time he yelled at them for participating in his musical number?

We're all better off without the Digimon King.

While the Gazimon pig out on mushrooms, PicoDevimon plays with the despondent Takeru.

PicoDevimon: WAHH! So much fun! We're so high up, it's like walking through the sky! Look, the lake stretches out so far! ...You're not having fun, are you? Takeru: Not really. PicoDevimon: (thinking) How irritating. He's still worried about Tokomon. (speaking) Hey hey, Takeru! Wanna go driving? Takeru: Okay.

Over in the dub, DemiDevimon has a dubious challenge to offer.

DemiDevimon: Hey, T.K.! I bet I can spit farther than you! T.K.: Hmm... Tokomon's awful small to be out on his own. I hope he's okay. DemiDevimon: Grrr... Forget about him, will ya? Come on, let's try the highway! T.K.: ...alright.

I bet you can't spit farther, DemiDevimon. Because that window has glass in it.

Cut to Takeru on a bumper car track, still looking completely depressed.

PicoDevimon: Go! Go! Drive! Drive! Isn't this fun? Isn't this exciting!? Next is the roller coaster!

Cut to Takeru and PicoDevimon riding a roller coaster shaped like a steam train.

PicoDevimon: Preparing to depart! (coaster goes over the bump and begins its descent) Yahoo! Having fun? Takeru: Sure. PicoDevimon: (thinking) Damn it. He's not enjoying it. This is bad. (speaking to Takeru) Hey, Takeru? Are you still thinking about Tokomon? Takeru: Who cares about him!? I was just wondering if he's okay by himself... But not because I care about him! PicoDevimon: (thinking) He still can't forget about Tokomon. I've got to do something. (speaking) Hey, Takeru, I just remembered I need to go do something. Takeru: What is it? PicoDevimon: Oh, nothing major! I'll be right back!

Excusing himself, PicoDevimon departs the roller coaster in the middle of its run. As he leaves, Taichi and Agumon enter the amusement park with Tokomon riding Agumon's head. They following the radar from the Digivice to Takeru.

(This same episode has now separately claimed that the beeping on the Digivice is bringing them to other Digivices and also to other Children. So I guess both ping the radar. That's super convenient.)

The dub follows the rails right up until DemiDevimon says he has to leave.

DemiDevimon: Hey, I just remembered there's something I've gotta take care of. I'll be right back! T.K.: You're leaving me too? DemiDevimon: Just for a minute! Trust me! You just stay and have fun.

I love T.K.'s response here. He's vulnerable right now, and has an Abandonment Issues response to DemiDevimon having to go. As well he should, given how thoroughly he's been abandoned. That's such a strong characterization choice.

Taichi finds Takeru sitting alone in the food court.

Taichi: My Digivice is reacting. Agumon: Takeru must be nearby. Taichi: Takeru, where are you? Agumon: TAKERU!!! Taichi: TAKERU!!! (hearing their voices, Takeru gets up from the table he's sitting at) Takeru: T-Taichi-san! Taichi: Takeru! Takeru: You're alive! Taichi: I won't die that easily! Takeru: Thank goodness! (throws himself at Taichi) I'm so glad you're alive! I was worried! I was so worried about you! Taichi: I'm sorry for worrying you.

Takeru is relieved beyond measure to see Taichi alive.

The dub alters the meaning of the Digivice's beeping.

Tai: Huh!? Why's it going off!? Agumon: Could be trouble! That's what it usually means! Tai: Never mind that now; Look who I found!

Uh. No, Agumon, it does not "usually mean trouble". The Digivice has never once started beeping to pre-emptively alert a DigiDestined of hostile Digimon lurking nearby. That'd be a great feature to have, but no.

Once Taichi's reunion with Takeru is finished, it's Tokomon's turn.

It does not go well.

Takeru: Tokomon, you're back. Tokomon: I am. Takeru: Did you realize that what you did was wrong? Tokomon: I did nothing wrong! Takeru: Tokomon! Where did you get this kind of attitude!? Taichi: Now, now. Tokomon told me everything that happened. This isn't a time for fighting among friends. Let's go find Yamato and the others! Takeru: No! Taichi: Why not? Takeru: They all left me. First was Sora-kun. And then... And then in the end, even Onii-chan.... Taichi: I'm sure they had their reasons-- Takeru: No! Everyone hates me! They hate me because I'm a kid and I cry easily! Taichi: I don't know what PicoDevimon told you, but Yamato would never hate you! Takeru: You think so? But any time you and I get along, Onii-chan gets this mean look on his face. Even when I told him we should go back and look for you, he was against it! He started hating me because I kept talking about you, Taichi-san! Taichi-san, I want to be your little brother! (Takeru lunges and hugs Taichi again) Taichi: Uh... That's.... Takeru: Can't I? Taichi: No, I mean.... (thinking) This is a problem.

Oh, Takeru. He doesn't hate you because you've been bonding really well with Taichi since we got here. He resents Taichi for being better able to communicate with you. He expressed those feelings in the trolley back in Seadramon's episode, but Takeru wasn't around to hear it.

Taichi's bond with Takeru makes Yamato feel inadequate as an older brother.

T.K. brings this up too, but he's more aggressive about it.

Tai: Whoa, man! I don't know what this new friend of yours has been telling you but I happen to know for a fact that Matt does not hate you. T.K.: Well, you might not be saying such nice things about him if you knew that I wanted to keep searching for you but he didn't! It's true! He's really jealous of you, Tai! Haven't you ever noticed that he gets all upset when you and me do stuff together? And he hates it when I talk about you! Tai: Huh!? T.K.: Do you think I could be your little brother instead! Please! Tai: I don't think it works that way! T.K.: Why not!? Tai: It just doesn't, that's all! T.K.: WAHHHHH YOU DON'T LIKE ME EITHER!!!

While Taichi struggles to figure out how to even respond to this, Tai trips over his own words and falls flat on his face. Good job, Tai.

While Taichi and Takeru are talking this out, PicoDevimon discovers the mushroom patch.

PicoDevimon: Hehehehe... (spots the mushroom patch and Gazimon) Huh? Aren't you Etemon's followers? Gazimon 1: Etemon? Gazimon 2: Who's that? Gazimon 1: Do you know? Gazimon 2: Nope. Gazimon 1: By the way, who are you? Gazimon 2: Who am I? I forget. PicoDevimon: What's wrong with you? (takes a closer look at the patch) These are Mushrooms of Forgetting. One bite of these and you forget your past memories. I see, you must have eaten them. ...oh, wait, that's it! If I make Takeru eat these....

Whatever PicoDevimon ran off to go do, he changes tactics and decides to try this instead. The Gazimon's fuck-up gave him a great idea.

DemiDevimon greets the Gazimon with:

DemiDevimon: HEY!!! What would Etemon say if he saw you two lounging around like that!?

The familiar way with which he berates the two Gazimon for their laziness seems to confirm that DemiDevimon is one of Etemon's too, as previously suggested. Whereas the original takes a moment to recognize them as members of a rival faction. Which they are.

PicoDevimon makes his way back to Takeru.

While PicoDevimon is transporting the goods, Taichi urges Takeru to listen.

Taichi: Whatever the case, let's go find Yamato and hear what he has to say for ourselves. Takeru: Okay.

Taichi's finally broken through Takeru's despair by offering one thin thread of hope he doesn't have to commit too hard to.

Over in the dub, Tai has inexplicably agreed to T.K.'s terms.

Tai: So I'll be your big brother but just temporarily until we find Matt, okay? T.K.: Okay.

Where Taichi's broken down Takeru's resistance, T.K.'s gone the other way and broken Tai's.

Just then, PicoDevimon returns with the basket.

Takeru: Ah, PicoDevimon's back! Taichi: That's him? PicoDevimon: (thinking) Not only is Takeru here, but so are Tokomon and a couple others.

PicoDevimon sets down the basket and addresses Tokomon.

PicoDevimon: Hey, Tokomon, have you been well? Agumon: HEY!!! PicoDevimon: (jumps, startled) Agumon: We have a question for you! PicoDevimon: Who are you people!? Taichi: I'm Taichi. This is Agumon. Agumon: What did Yamato tell you!? PicoDevimon: Yamato, you say? He said he didn't want to be around Takeru anymore. When he told me that, I tried to persuade him by telling him that he shouldn't say things like that about his little brother, but Yamato wouldn't listen. Agumon: Is that the truth? PicoDevimon: No lie! Taichi: Can you take us to Yamato? PicoDevimon: Of course! But it's a little far. Taichi: I don't care! PicoDevimon: Very well, then. Oh, hang on! Would you like something to eat before we go? Taichi & Agumon: (holding their stomachs hungrily) To eat...? Takeru: I'm kind of hungry.... Taichi: I guess we should eat, then. PicoDevimon: Here are some delicious mushrooms. Help yourselves!

Just like that, the trap is sprung. Taichi has PicoDevimon cornered on the Yamato issue, but in a moment, it's not going to matter.

Accepting PicoDevimon's deceitful offer, the kids prepare to eat the poisonous shrooms.

Agumon reaches for the basket, only for Taichi to stop him.

Taichi: Wait! It will taste better cooked.

Putting those acquired survivalist skills to use, Taichi and Takeru put together a makeshift grill. They skewer the mushrooms and set them to roast.

Takeru: Oh wow, it smells so good! Taichi: (fanning the flames with a leaf) They're not done yet. Agumon: Oh, wait for me! I need to run to the bathroom! (runs off) Taichi: (calling after) IF YOU DON'T HURRY UP, YOU WON'T GET YOUR SHARE!!!

Asshole! Tai and his bad french accent are more considerate

Tai: Voila! Les mushrooms de la barbecue! (fanning the flames with a leaf) Zey'll be reddy in just a minoot! Agumon: Oopsy-daisy! Gotta use the little Digimon's room! (runs off) Tai: Don't forget to wash your hands or claws or whatever they are!

They're both, Tai. The claws are the sharp nails sticking out of his hands. He should make sure to wash both.

Agumon runs off to the bathroom, but he makes a discovery: The same mushrooms are growing around the bathroom too.

Agumon: Bathroom, Bathroom-- Eh? The same mushrooms are here too? ...ah! Bathroom, bathroom!

Agumon scurries into the bathroom while Taichi finishes the roasting. Taichi hands the first shroom over to Takeru to try.

Taichi: This looks about right. Here, have one Takeru: Sure! PicoDevimon: (thinking) Hehe... They don't know a thing.... Takeru: (hesitates, looking over at Tokomon who's watching) What? Tokomon: (turns away suddenly) Nothing!

Takeru tries to take a bite, but Taichi snatches the mushroom out of his hands just as his jaw clamps down on thin air.

Taichi: Oh, wait! I forgot to add seasoning.

Cue comical face vaulting from PicoDevimon, who's been waiting with bated breath.

Tai's even worse at cooking the mushrooms than Taichi.

Tai: Okay, T.K., you're first! Tell me if it's too hot. DemiDevimon: Hehehehehe..... T.K.: Want one? Tokomon: I wouldn't touch it! (T.K. tries to bite in but Tai snatches it) Tai: Hang on, this one didn't get cooked on one side!

This error might make a bit more sense than Taichi's error, as the survivalist nature of their situation makes it unclear what seasoning he has on-hand to add.

While Taichi and Takeru briefly postpone their fate, Agumon receives guidance from an unexpected source.

Emerging from the bathroom, Agumon decides to try the mushrooms by the sign.

Agumon: Are these mushrooms really edible? (picks one) Sora: (from nearby) Don't eat that! If you eat those mushrooms, you'll lose your memories! Agumon: Who's there? ...that's strange. But if what that voice said is true... (panics, dropping the mushroom and sprinting away) TAICHI'S IN TROUBLE!!!

As Agumon flees the scene, Sora and Piyomon peek out from the bushes. Just in case Sora's voice wasn't recognizable enough.

Dub Agumon plans on eating the signpost mushrooms instead of Tai's.

Agumon: No offense to Tai but I prefer mine raw. Sora: (from nearby) Don't eat it! They're the Mushrooms of Forgetfullness! They'll make all your memories disappear! Agumon: Who's there? I know that voice; That's Sora! If what she said about these mushrooms is true that means-- YAAK!!! (panics, dropping the mushroom and sprinting away) DON'T EAT THE MUSHROOMS!!!

Plot schism here, as Agumon pegs Sora's voice instantly. By the end of the episode, his Japanese counterpart still doesn't know who called out and warned him.

Back at the grill, Takeru and Taichi prepare to finally eat.

Takeru: Itadakimasu! (tries to bite, but it's too hot) Taichi: Too bad, too bad. It has to cool first. (blows on Takeru's mushroom for a couple seconds) There! That should do it. Takeru: Thank you, Taichi-san! (finally bites down) Agumon: (running full-tilt towards them) DON'T EAT THEM!!! DON'T EAT THOSE MUSHROOMS!!! Taichi: Don't worry, I left some for you. Agumon: NO!!! YOU CAN'T EAT THEM!!!

Agumon yanks the mushroom out of Takeru's mouth and snatches the skewer in Taichi's hand.

Agumon: Don't! Taichi: What the heck!? Agumon: (offers the skewer to PicoDevimon) You eat it! PicoDevimon: ... Agumon: Go on! Eat it, PicoDevimon! (Agumon throws the skewer, striking PicoDevimon in the face) Agumon: Of course he won't! If you eat those things, they'll erase your memories! Taichi: For real!? Tokomon: Is that true, PicoDevimon? PicoDevimon: Y-You see--

At this point, PicoDevimon is cornered. There's no way out of this one.

This is the end for PicoDevimon's deception.

With PicoDevimon cornered, Tokomon piles on the accusations.

Tokomon: What you said about Yamato was a lie too, wasn't it!

PicoDevimon tries to fly to safety, but Agumon grabs him out of the air.

Agumon: You lied about everything, didn't you!? PicoDevimon: Yes.... Takeru: That's mean... That's so mean! (runs to Tokomon) I'm sorry, Tokomon. I treated you so horribly. Tokomon: I understand. Don't worry about it. Takeru: Tokomon.... Tokomon: (lunges for Takeru's arms) TAKERU!!! Taichi: I guess this misunderstanding is cleared up. Here, these are yours. Takeru: Thank you!

Taichi returns Takeru's Crest and Digivice to him. Suddenly, his Crest begins to glow.

PicoDevimon: Oh no.... (bites Agumon to force him to let go) I'll be in trouble if you have those! Give them to me!

Here, PicoDevimon slips about his true intentions. His job is to separate Takeru from his Crest and Digivice. This isn't quite as clear in the dub, which covers the same territory but more ambiguously.

DemiDevimon: That's not good! (bites Agumon) HEY!!! Who gave you the idea that Crest was yours!? Hand it over, you little squirt!

This could be interpreted as DemiDevimon simply being pissy that T.K. got his stuff back, rather than having premeditated the separation of him and his stuff.

PicoDevimon lunges for Takeru, trying to snatch the Digivice and Crest with his talons. Tokomon leaps from Takeru's arms to bite at him and chase him off.

Tokomon: I'LL PROTECT TAKERU!!! Takeru: (thrusts his Digivice forward) Tokomon!

At long last, Tokomon's ready to get back up to regular strength. TOKOMON SHINKAAAAAA!!!

Agumon and Patamon go for PicoDevimon at once. PicoDevimon's able to swat Patamon away with his talons, lobbing him into the Teacups ride. But this distraction buys Agumon an opening to nail him with Baby Flame.

Once he reorients himself, PicoDevimon returns fire with his signature move, Pico Darts. He sprinkles the park below with these sinister syringes. One strikes a flower, which withers into ash.

The dub cuts out the Pico Darts in their entirety. Doesn't even show a glimpse of it. This is probably because they're clearly shaped like syringes. I'm not aware of trying to stab someone with a syringe being on the Censorship No-No List but I wouldn't be surprised by it.

The Pico Darts force Taichi, Takeru, and Agumon to scatter. PicoDevimon uses that opening to go for Patamon, grabbing him by the ears and flinging him onto the roller coaster track.

Patamon finds his footing on the track, but PicoDevimon follows up with a wing bash. The hit sends Patamon tumbling through the air down the track.

PicoDevimon catches up, grabbing Patamon by his hind legs and dragging him along the track. As he flies, he mockingly cheers.

PicoDevimon: Isn't this fun? Doesn't it feel exciting? (PicoDevimon carries Patamon up to the Ferris Wheel) PicoDevimon: Up we go! It makes your eyes spin!

Patamon cries from the pain, but PicoDevimon keeps it up. He slams Patamon into the glass of a Ferris Wheel car, letting go of his legs. Patamon falls on his head on top of the car below, then bounces onto the one below that.

Sprinting to the Ferris Wheel with Taichi, Takeru calls up at his Partner.

Takeru: PATAMON, DON'T GIVE UP!!! (Patamon gets his second wind, lifting into the air to confront PicoDevimon again) Takeru: KEEP IT UP, PATAMON!!!

This gets drastically chopped up in the dub. First off, they carve out more of the action. Both the scene where PicoDevimon drags Patamon along the roller coaster and PicoDevimon slamming Patamon into the Ferris Wheel are removed, though they keep Patamon falling onto the two cars. So I guess DemiDevimon just dropped him.

Further, they change out Takeru encouraging Patamon to fight with T.K. begging Patamon not to fight.

DemiDevimon: You know, you really should consider renting yourself out as a football. T.K.: HANG IN THERE, PATAMON; WE'RE ON OUR WAY!!! DemiDevimon: (drops Patamon onto the Ferris Wheel) T.K.: STAY THERE!!! WAIT FOR US!!! (Patamon gets his second wind, lifting into the air to confront DemiDevimon again) T.K.: PATAMON, WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?!? Tai: Let him do what he's gotta do. I've got a feeling that he's gonna be alright!

That feeling is called listening to the Japanese soundtrack. Tai can hear Show Me Your Brave Heart blazing right now through his earbuds, even if no one else can.

Spurred on by Takeru, Patamon lunges aggressively at PicoDevimon, headbutting him and sending him tumbling through the air. He follows up with an Air Shot, slamming PicoDevimon against the track.

Dropping onto the track below, Patamon lobs another Air Shot into PicoDevimon, launching him up the track while grinding on his ass. Patamon concludes with a third Air Shot, which flings him from the track and off across the forest.

PicoDevimon lands in the lake with a splash.

Despite the cuts earlier, the dub retains DemiDevimon's comeuppance in all its violent glory. Including the headbutt. I guess its' only the violence against Patamon that they objected to.

Reminds me of how they trimmed down Etemon kicking our boys' asses in his finale. I don't think the dub team likes it when we're losing.

With PicoDevimon defeated, Takeru and Patamon make amends.

Takeru: Patamon! Thank you! I'm so sorry for everything that's happened. Patamon: I told you, it's okay! Besides, I was able to evolve again because of you, Takeru. Let's be friends again, okay? Takeru: Okay. I need to apologize to Onii-chan later too. Patamon: That's right! (leaps into Takeru's arms for a hug)

The dub boys adorably bring the mushrooms back into this.

T.K.: You were awesome, Patamon! Now I feel even worse about the way I treated you. Patamon: We promised we'd always be friends and the first rule of friendship is forgive and forget! Let's forget it ever happened, okay? T.K.: Okay. I'll pretend I had a bite of that funny mushroom. Patamon: Me too, Ahahaha! (leaps into Takeru's arms for a hug)

Aww, that's cute. Sad they couldn't work Matt in there but overall I like the callback.

From the bushes, Taichi watches the reunion with Agumon.

Taichi: Let's leave them alone for a bit. Agumon: Yeah. Taichi: Anyways, that was a nice save you made, Agumon! Good thing you figured out what those mushrooms really were. Agumon: Actually, a voice told me. Taichi: Whose voice? Agumon: I don't know.

I'm sure Sora will appreciate knowing that her voice is so unmemorable. It's been more than a month and a half for her but it's been like an afternoon for Agumon.

For reasons I cannot fathom, Agumon doesn't tell Tai that it was Sora even though he knows that.

Tai: Aww, that's kinda cool, isn't it? Agumon: Yeah.... Tai: And it wouldn't have happened if it hadn't been for you, Agumon! By the way, how did you find out about those mushrooms anyway? Agumon: Uh, voice in my head. Tai: You're kidding! Agumon: No!

...it was a voice from the bushes, Agumon. Not in your head. Also you know whose voice it was.

I said earlier as a joke that Agumon is high but I think he legit spent this whole episode stoned.

While Taichi and Agumon puzzle over that, PicoDevimon pulls himself out of the water. Before he can even gather his thoughts, a swarm of bats appears, forming into a humanoid shape.

PicoDevimon: I-I'm very sorry! The Crest of Hope has regained its light!

Though Takeru's Crest is the second to shine, it's the first to be identified as a Crest of Thing. Up to this point, they've just been called the Crests, with no clear indication as to the differences between them.

His Crest is fairly straightforward in translation. Kibou de Monshou or the Crest of Hope. Kibou is a fairly straightforward term for "hope" with little nuance.

This lays bare what PicoDevimon's been doing all this time. His mission was to darken the Crest of Hope by plunging Takeru into despair. To isolate him from Yamato, to isolate him from Tokomon, so that he loses all hope entirely.

DemiDevimon says the same but adds:

DemiDevimon: The Crest of Hope has regained its light! I failed! But I'll make it up to you! I'll work overtime! And on Sundays!

I mean. He works for a vampire so the capitalism metaphor is appropriate.

While PicoDevimon reports his failure, Taichi catches Takeru up on what he's learned.

Taichi: I don't know how they're doing it, but the distortions from this world are affecting the real world. That's why we need to fix them before we can go home. To do that, everyone will have to combine their strength. That includes you, Takeru. Takeru: I'll do my best! Taichi: That's the spirit! Now, let's go look for the others! Takeru: Yeah! Narrator: Taichi and the others left on a journey to find their friends. But what could have happened to Yamato and Sora?

We close on this ominous note from the narrator. A new journey has only just begun.

Though the narrator leaves us on this ominous question, the dub goes for a Moral of Our Story approach.

Tai: I guess it doesn't take a mushroom of forgetfulness to make us sometimes forget who our real friends are. T.K.: Yeah... Sorry, Patamon.... Patamon: It's forgotten, remember? T.K.: That's right, I forgot! Hehe!

Digimon Sez: Don't take your friends for granted, kids! Always be appreciative of what you have! And remember to floss.

Assessment: Been a while since Takeru got a focus episode. His episodes are few and far between.

As a foil to Patamon, PicoDevimon feels awkward because. Like. You would think Takeru would have some hangups about any sort of Devimon. He had a really bad experience with one. Moreso than any of the other kids.

You'd think that watching Angemon die would give him pause about blindly trusting any sort of Devimon. But I guess a month and a half of peace was enough to lower his guard that much.

In any case, the Vamdemon arc has officially begun. Chosen Children vs. the Nightmare Soldiers, let's go.

Up until the heavily hacked up final battle, the dub for this one was pretty good. It had a few changes I wasn't fond of, such as losing the timescale for how long Tai's been gone. But I feel like this one had more positives than negatives, and did a good job of staying on-rails for several scenes too.

It's certainly a welcome change after the last couple of episodes.

[majaurukalo]

To understand disability issues better there needs to be a serious talk about the link between disability and freedom of choice (or lack thereof).

Western society loves to brag about freedom of choice in terms of being free to do and say and think whatever (we have seen a lot of it during lockdown and regarding vaccine and such and from that it became clear that people don’t really know what “freedom” really means).

So let me straight up tell you that we, disabled people (not all but a lot of us) don’t have much freedom of choice.

First of all, if you consider inaccessibility, we are not free to go wherever we want or socialise or work wherever or attend any kind of universities or schools (yes, I know people who had to give up going to the uni or school of their dreams because they didn’t want/couldn’t provide accessibility).

If an able-bodied person has to find any kind of job to not end up homeless or starve they can do whatever minimum wage job that involves physical strain until they are back on their feet. This is not possible for some disabled people (like me). So this leaves me (us) out of some choices. And in a precarious financial situation.

Some disabled people aren’t free to go to certain shops or restaurants or bars or shows or events etc. because of inaccessibility.

Disabled people who need assistance to travel with public transport can’t choose to travel on their own terms or jump on a last-minute trip because assistance needs to be booked 24 hour earlier in most cases (and some require even 48 hours).

Disabled people can’t always choose the cheapest option because that is usually inaccessible for us so we have to spend more money and not because we like fancy stuff. Also, disabled people are the poorest community and in some countries you can’t have more than a certain amount of money in your bank account if you don’t want to see your benefits gone (benefits that, I highlight, are essential for our survival) so we cannot even climb the social ladder. Another layer of choice stripped away from us.

Disabled people can’t chose where to live or who to live with. Some disabled people need assistance and, since finding a PA is hard and they need to be paid, some of us have to live with our parents or family members and if they are abusive or the relationship isn’t working we can’t just decide to walk out. Because who is gonna help us then? That’s why a lot of abuse towards disabled people remains undiscovered. Some disabled people can’t even acknowledge it and report it.

Many of us can’t just move away from a city or a country because our well-being is tied to a supporting network that we wouldn’t find anywhere else. Not to mention doctors and medications that might not be available somewhere else. So if we complain about the situation of the place we live or that we don’t like to live where we live, it’s not so easy for us to leave everything and move somewhere else (for some it’s impossible).

Disabled people aren’t always free to choose to have kids. The medical system and society’s prejudices make it hard for disabled parents to have kids and there is always a lot of judgment towards disabled parents, especially mothers. Many of us risk to have our children taken away by social workers.

Disabled people don’t have the freedom to choose for their own bodies.

I’m sure I’m forgetting something else but these are the things that worry me the most, regarding my own life and the life of my community.

The only thing this society seems pretty happy to make us choose is assistive dying.

But please, tell me again that we are in it for the money. That we have benefits so we don’t have to work and lazy around all day. Tell me that our lives must be easy.

Even on my off days I’m not free to choose what to do because I might have a flare up, I might be in pain, I might have to go to the doctor.

Oh and one last thing: your freedom to not get your vaccine hinders someone’s freedom to go around. Someone’s freedom to live.

For some reason, this society is quick to judge and justify everything that keeps away disabled people’s choices.

Some able-bodied people think that it is okay to equal disability to a lower quality of life but that lower quality of life depends only on external factors and could be easily improved.

Fuck you!

[athena-xox]

All the known cards from the deck of instructions the Queen of Hearts gave Lizzie. 30/52

Worms speak, indeed they do,

but not to such as me and you.

All they ever say is “mud mud food,” so you need not listen good. Practice Not Listening to worms today. And by worms, I mean people.

Never ever ever ever ever ever ever ever admit there’s something you don’t know. Because you know everything.

You may have just forgotten

a piece of the everything. Also, don’t tell anyone you forgot.

A queen stands and shouts in hollow rooms when feeling faint,

for she is her own echo.

She is the thing that stands between

the been and the seen,

and pushes either side wide.

A queen stands for herself,

and by herself, and on her legs.

For legs are what make her stand.

But not four legs. Or forelegs.

She also stands for land. Her land. Wonderland. Without land, one wonders where one would stand. Especially queens.

In summary: Push. Shout. Stand. Be a queen.

It is better to be gloved than bearded, and better to be fearded than loved.

When in doubt, shout!

If you want something done right, you must do it yourself.

So make sure you personally order servants all by yourself to do what you want done.

A ship is only as floaty as its leakiest timber, and friends are the leakiest timber of all. Sail not on the Friend Ship, Lizzie,

lest you drown in an ocean of tears!

Already Been Chewed food (hereafter referred to as ABC food) can appear appetizing, but not for such as you. Eat no ABC food today.

Frogs are mostly faces. Notice a frog today and make a face.

ON WITH ITS HEAD!

:) JK. Behead something today!

Rugs are the unnatural spawn of Rabbits and Hugs. Beware rugs. (Could also be Rubber and Bugs. In any case, BEWARE RUGS!)

Worms NEED things. But a princess such as you ORDERS things. Today, put your things in order by ordering things to be what they are. And then, for fun, order them to be what they are not

Whether up or down, inside or out, it is yours. Own the down. Own the up.

A queen worrying about others is like a baker worried he’s making too many muffins.

As if there could be such a thing as

Too Many Muffins. Ha! WORRY NOT! AND EAT MORE MUFFINS!

Above all else, avoid these things: vats of poison, Jabberwocks, paper cuts on fingertips,

and Concern For Others.

If ever you detect Concern For Others squirming into you,

shout at people till the feeling goes away.

Or the people do.

Things are never lost to you; you are lost to them. If ever in need of a Thing that has lost you, simply stop hiding from it.

Beware Empathy! Empathy forces you to Understand how others are feeling and to Care! Danger! Danger!

Friends are one R away from fiends. Avoid friends at all costs!

Also anyone to whom the R does not come naturally (pirates are okay).

(A Wonderlandiful World)

Rule my way.

I’ll be watching.

(Lizzie Shuffles the Deck)

Everything has a place and should be put in it. That will be your job, since people, things, and in-betweens tend to forget their place.

Secrets are secrets and cannot be told. If anyone tells you a secret, they are lying. If anyone tells you a lie, they might be secreting. In either case, step away. Lies and secretions are to be avoided.

To succeed in life as a queen and princess, you need four things in your brain and two in your pocket. The pocket things are solid, and the brain things are not. Be sure not to mix them up.

Puddles are the thing you think is the thing, but is really the top of the thing, and the bottom makes you drown.

Hair hides skin, but hide can also be skin, especially if you have four legs. Count your legs and comb your hair.

Depending on where you live, a boot can be a foot case, a trunk case, or a preposition. Be sure you know where you are before getting dressed. When in doubt, go barefoot.

Never believe a lie. Unless it’s the truth—then go right ahead.

Fish love to be confused. Tell a fish a riddle today that has no answer.

Clouds are well and fine up in the sky, but never let one into your mind. Not even if it says “Please.”

Tomatoes are sneaky. They love to trick you into believing they are strawberries or cherries or apples. Before taking a bite, point at the thing and declare, “You are a tomato!” That’ll show ’em!

Yelling “Off with your head!” is a lot more fun than actually following through. Invest time in more pleasant pursuits, like croquet and competitive eating.

(Once Upon a Time)

If you want similar content links to the books, eah slang dictionary and more is here.