#And of course she goes on to build a school because she's trying to fix the system of poverty from the ground up

[the-insanity-of-mojiru]

I misread “Fanart” as “Screenshot” and I don’t know how, but anyways, it’s the first fanart I’ve done of our under-appreciated girl!

[flightfoot]

any recs for fics with blood and/or violence?

Huh, yeah those aren't super common for Miraculous. I've still got some stuff for you though! As per usual, I'm sticking to completed stories.

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Symbiotic Whiskers by B1ackout

Adrien Agreste aka Cat Noir was given the cat ring miraculous to help Ladybug in protecting Paris. But something had found him first, a silent companion that granted him strength and power he never knew existed. Bonded with a symbiote, Cat Noir faces Paris alongside Ladybug without even knowing that someone left a magical ring in his room. (Canon Divergence)

This is a phenomenal fic that deserves more attention. It's kind of funny how he just goes "hey I've got superpowers, she says that the thing we have that gives superpowers is called the Black Cat Miraculous and that the being that gives them is called a kwami, obviously that must be what I have!" though that gets stretched more and more as Adrien's experiences with the symbiote contradict what he's heard about how kwamis work, and Tikki gets increasingly worried about "Plagg's" weird behavior. It's a dark, somewhat brutal fic (people die permanently, and they're not always villains), and it's absolutely worth a read, this is an excellent crossover!

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A Small but Stubborn Fire by @cardiac-agreste

What if you were the parent of a teenage superhero, but didn't know they were? All you know is the nightmares, the panic attacks, and the bruises. She's missing school, she's disappearing on you, and she's not telling you anything. So you assume the worst: Assault. Depression. A permanent rift in the family. And what do you do when you realize you weren't thinking dark enough? Because your fourteen-year old daughter is the hero who flirts with death on the nightly news. -- Come inside and read about one mother's struggles to raise her daughter in a dangerous world while avoiding the mistakes her own mother made with her.

This is a more serious take on the consequences of Hawk Moth's war on Paris, with actual bloody, painful deaths as a consequence of many akumas, and Parisians developing PTSD because of what they've gone through. Ladybug can fix all the physical scars, but not the mental ones, including her own.

I love the focus on Sabine here. She's not just presented as being a mom - though of course that IS an important role she has. But she's explored as a character in her own right, one with a lot of emotional baggage as a result of her abusive mother, and trying to not fall into her mistakes, but sometimes doing so anyway out of fear for Marinette's safety. She's a really fleshed out, humanly flawed character, sometimes admitting that she would do something selfish if it means protecting the people she cares most about, like her daughter, even if its at others expense. She grows and changes a lot throughout the course of the story, her perspective on many matters changing multiple times as a result of getting new information or seeing the consequences of her previous approaches, and adjusting as a result.

If you want a fic that more realistically explores the dark consequences of Miraculous's setting, that fleshes out Sabine, or just develops a character in a complex way, then I highly recommend you check "A Small but Stubborn Fire" out!

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Made Miracles series by InkyIbis

A rewrite of Miraculous Ladybug (specifically with the miraculouses lore) with endgame Adrino! It mostly builds off the beginning canon and loosely off the later seasons with a lot more consequences than what the show has for when a magical terrorist shows up out of the blue. In that way, each book is considered like a season with the chapters being the episodes.

First fic in the series: Awaken

The previously white butterfly, now oozing black and purple as a conduit of the butterfly miraculous powers, flutters softly within the silvered-gloved hand. It sits there for a long time. "Go, my akuma," The soft sigh pushes the butterfly, the akuma, out towards the despair of a love not returned. The same ache within his chest. On a level so great that he's willing to sacrifice the city to mend it. It's okay if he's the villain for now. He'll force the miraculous of creation and destruction to be revealed, and once he gets his hands on them, none of this pain, none of his loss, will ever happen.

I put the first fic on my reclist for 2023, and now that the series is completed, I'm putting the whole thing on my reclist for 2024. If you want a rewrite of the series that gives Adrien top-billing, evens out Ladybug's and Chat Noir's power dynamic, is darker, and has Adrino as the main ship, then this series should be right up your alley.

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the monster who loves you by @purplecatghostposts

Mum nods, clapping her hands together. “Your brother is finally feeling better and is coming home today! Isn’t that so exciting?” Félix pauses mid-bite, processing her words. Mum waits expectantly, as if expecting him to jump for joy, or his equivalent of it. But… Félix doesn’t have a brother. (Or Félix’s brother is a monster, but only in the most literal sense. Félix’s father is a monster despite being very, very human. He learns to navigate the world through these two truths.)

I loved how this story emphasized the differences between different kinds of monsters - the type who inhabit horror stories, who look terrifying, and the mundane, human sorts of monsters who are often the most dangerous. And how monsters can choose to act humanely, while humans can choose to act monstrously.

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Finding A Way by @uptoolateart

Collège is nearly over! And what better way to celebrate than a class trip to Costa Rica? But with only a month left to tell Adrien she loves him, Marinette is feeling the pressure. Then – an accident at sea leaves them stranded together on a tropical island…alone. Or are they? Because those footprints in the sand don’t resemble any bird they’ve seen before. And what’s that roaring sound coming from the jungle? ‘Adrien…where ARE we??’ ***** A Jurassic Park / Camp Cretaceous AU that’s been kicking around in my head for over a year

I love the sense of danger permeating this fic, it really feels like Adrien and Marinette are stranded on Jurassic Park (well it's called something else in order to integrate it better into the ML universe, but it operates like Jurassic Park). They're making the best of it though, doing their best to survive - and along the way, getting closer together.

I like that it's not JUST them though, Gabriel and Nathalie find out where they ended up pretty early on and go to rescue them, with Alya and Nino stowing away. It was cool to see that side of things as well.

Oh yeah, this fic is rated M for violence and gore. It's because dinosaurs eat people alive and leave their body parts everywhere. If you can handle the Jurassic Park movie (or presumably the book the movie was based on, but I haven't read that), then you should be just fine.

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one does not love breathing by @wackus-bonkus-maximus

All of Paris watched as Hawkmoth murdered Chat Noir, taking the Black Cat Miraculous for himself. Ladybug swears revenge, but her enemy—and every miraculous in his possession—disappear without a trace.

Six years later, a new team of villains launches an attack for the last remaining Miraculous: Volpina, armed with new powers; Queen Bee, with questionable loyalty; Argos, the new holder of the Peacock Miraculous; and Cat Walker, who Ladybug hates the most.

Takes place after S4 - Strike Back.

This is a simply phenomenal fic. You get to explore a lot of different perspectives, like Felix, Kagami, Marinette, and Adrien’s, just to name a few, and see their different thought processes and plans and priorities, and how it can cause their plans to collide with each other, even when they all ultimately are aiming for a good outcome for everyone. The characters are pretty complex and can mess up at times, even when they’re doing things (or not doing things, looking at you Luka) with the best of intentions. It was a joy to read and a real nail-biter the whole time, I actually wrote a fic for it halfway through just to resolve some of the tension for myself, One Does Not Love Shadows.

It also features the version of Luka I’ve connected best with to date, as he feels like Luka, but also is a lot more fleshed out, and can make some major errors while simply trying to avoid missteps. It’s helped me get a better handle on a character who I’ve generally had a lot of problems with really understanding.

It is an M-rated fic, though I think Wackus is being overly cautious on that front. There’s no sexual content and I wouldn’t put the violence or gore above a T-rating, so I wouldn’t let the rating scare you off.

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Some Days by @merrygreenie

Some days are worse, and others are a little better, little by little and day by day. Marinette Dupain-Chen is learning how to live her new normal after living in confinement and being tortured by Hawkmoth. She is thankful to have her friends and family to support her. And a very special Chat who loves her very much. *This story contains scenes of violence and torture this is a whump fic*

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A Major Test Of Strength by @nemaliwrites

There is only one thing in Paris hated as much as the akumas: Ladybug herself. In an effort to help the Savior of Paris, Adrien winds up on the wrong end of an akuma attack — only to find himself stuck reliving the same day. With enough time, anyone can be a hero, and as he continues dying over and over, he is forced to confront the idea that these loops may be just as much of a blessing as they are a curse.

This is loosely inspired by “All You Need Is Kill”, but no knowledge of that manga is needed to understand the story. There’s a bit of a mystery element going on as Adrien tries to figure out why he keeps dying even when he takes steps to prevent it, how he keeps coming back, and what the deal is with Ladybug, anyway.

---

The Most Dangerous Game by talik_sanis

Marinette never imagined that she would be in this position. It's not that all of her friends turned against her as Lila had assured her they would. Instead, she had turned against all of her so-called "friends." And now, she has to help Lila Rossi murder them.

The fact that I, of all people, would recommend a fic with a summary like this should tell you something... read to the end.

[cryingatwindermerepeaks]

Little Tori Spring Pt.3

Requested by @little-tori-spring : So if you could do one we’re Tori is in school and the fire alarm goes off (this is after the events of solitaire) and she has a panic attack and slips and then Michael finds her and help her

Hope you enjoy !!

I’d recommend reading parts 1 & 2 first but this can also work as a stand alone !

Tw: panic attacks

Word count: 1505

🏫🫂💥

Truham had been the obvious choice for Tori’s new school after the fire. The Academy was somewhat out of the question considering Charlie was already at Truham. A significant number of pupils had felt similarly, this meant that Truham was practically overflowing. There were classes being taught on the oval, in the common rooms, everywhere. It felt like a flood of grey and yellow filled every crevice of the grounds. It was suffocating at the best of times, at the worst…

It had started out like any other period. The subject was irrelevant really, it was nothing more than a blurring of pointless facts being lectured at her and 20 other students who were far more interested in whatever they had open on their laptops than the instructions the teacher had on the board. Tori herself hadn’t been paying attention to anything much at all. Not the teacher, not the whiteboard, not the screen in front of her. She was feeling very far away from the school and her body, never a good sign but there wasn’t really anything to keep her anchored in reality. Until there was. At first she couldn’t even place what the horrendous ringing sound was. Or, if anyone else could even hear it. However when the class began jumping up in disarray and the teacher began trying, failing, to order them into a straight line Tori realised this was very much not just in her head. It was real. It was happening again.

The overcrowded classroom was impossible to leave in an orderly fashion as panicked students began fleeing for their damn lives. Because of course the school was burning down. Of course it was. Tori could feel it, the heat licking at her face. She could hear the crackling and hissing of the fire which was coming to get her. And she had to do something. She had to stop it. No. She’d tried that before. She’d failed. She had to run, but her legs were stuck straight. She didn’t know when she’d stood up but now that she was back in her body she found she couldn’t move anymore. There was a crushing weight on her shoulders, pounding in her chest, and she wasn’t strong enough to move from under it. She was heaving for air, gasping in thick clouds of smoke. She stumbled back, as if the pressure was pulling her like a puppeteer. Drop, she thought, collapsing to her knees, that’s what you were supposed to do in a fire. She was back there again, on the edge of the burning school building. Falling… falling… falling. Floating. There was a firm hand on her shoulder, not heavy like the weight of the world on top of her but steady, Michael.

She’d been here before. With Michael, at the end of the world. Fire. But Michael wasn’t burning. His body was fixed and cool in front of her. His eyes were wild, almost as much as Tori’s own, and flickering anxiously over Tori’s face. “It’s ok,” he promised. He was kneeling in front of her now, pressing his hands to her cheeks. “We’re not back there.” In hindsight, Tori could see now that no, they were not burning to death - still, her chest was heaving uncomfortably and she felt like she might just throw up. “There is no fire, some kid played a sick joke and pulled the alarm.”

Oh.

Relief flooded over Tori but her chest was still heaving uncomfortably and she could feel the fire licking the back of her neck. But Michael was there and it was ok, it was ok. His hands had moved from her cheeks to her hands without her really noticing. They were sat opposite each other on the classroom carpet, legs crossed and chest rising and falling in time. It was ok, she thought, they were ok. Except it wasn’t ok, she wasn’t ok. By the time Tori realised she wasn’t about to die she didn’t have time to realise how quickly she was regressing. The change was almost immediate, as soon as the fire dispersed in her mind, her body was collapsing on her.

Michael’s eyes weren’t as wild anymore, instead they had stilled on Tori. His chest tightened as he watched her face crumple. She was crying, harsh but childlike sobs racking her whole body. Oh. He couldn’t be sure, not really, but it made sense if she was little now. He didn’t really know what to do now she was really crying, he didn’t think he could talk her down from this. It was still Tori, he thought, just a bit younger. They hadn’t really spoken about it much before, what to do if she regressed in front of him, but it seemed to be happening now and there wasn’t much to be done to stop it. Michael tugged Tori into his arms, holding her closely to his chest as if it would steady her breathing. “I’ve got you,” He promised. She was shaking and holding her hands to her face which broke his entire heart. She seemed so small, so fragile, he knew he needed to protect her. “I bet you had a big fright, huh?” He whispered just to her. Tori nodded against her chest, seemingly feeling very little inhibitions about being little about Michael. But of course it was this easy. It was Michael and Tori. They were two opposite halves of the same soul. The two people with a consciousness in the world. It was just them, nothing else mattered. Her tears had subsided significantly now that Michael was holding her, rocking them back and forth gently out of instinct. Tori had brought her fingers up to her mouth, sucking softly on her thumb. Michael thought maybe he shouldn’t encourage this but there were much worse things she could be doing and he didn’t have anything else to replace her pacifier. He readjusted her gently so she was looking up at his face. He gently traced the pads of his thumbs over the tracks the tears had left on his cheeks. “There you are,” He hummed softly, brushing her bangs out of her face with a smile. Tori didn’t smile back but her eyes were wide and doe like, watching Michael innocently as she wore on her fingers. “You’re feeling pretty, small, huh?” Tori nodded, reaching up with her free hand to clutch the collar of Michael’s shirt. “I’m not going anywhere darling,” he promised. Tori relaxed against his side, nuzzling her face against his chest. This was nice, he thought, good. Tori was safe. Tori was in his arms and safe and he didn’t have to worry about her. That was good.

***

It was a unanimous decision that it was time to go home, regardless of the fact that they both had two more periods. The actual process of a fire evacuation hadn’t really happened and all the students had been gathered in a disorderly manner across the oval, it had been easy to slip out. Michael, being the responsible grown up, shouldn’t have encouraged skipping school but Tori had just looked so small in his arms and he wanted nothing more than to take her home and protect her. They walked home side by side, Tori swinging their interconnected hands in an uncharacteristically upbeat manner. She giggled when Michael spun her around and squealed when he picked her up and ran her a few metres down the street. It was nice seeing her properly relaxed and genuinely happy. “Are your parents home?” Michael questioned.

“Nuh,” Tori responded, the first verbal response he’d gotten.

“Let’s head to yours then.”

It wasn’t awfully scary, Tori thought, regressing in front of Michael for the first time after he’d been so accepting. When they got to Tori's, Michael made them Mac n cheese then they went upstairs to watch Star Wars, Tori’s idea. Michael helped Tori out of her uniform and into a grey sweater and black leggings, far more comfortable she curled up in her bed. Michael kicked off her shoes and lay beside her. Remembering the comfort curling up to Michael had provided back at school Tori immediately buried herself against his chest. She grabbed her toy fox from beside her - not wanting Alice to feel left out - she wrapped it tightly in her arms. Tori brought her fingers to her lips for comfort. Michael frowned, it didn’t seem like an awfully good idea for her to have her fingers in her mouth. “Would you like your pacifier?” He questioned, voice low enough so it felt like Tori was the only person in the world who could ever hear it. She hesitated a moment, breathing slowly and deeply to calm herself. She nodded, she did want her pacifier. It was ok, she could be little. Michael reached over to where he knew it was hidden in her drawer. He pressed the soft silicone to Tori’s lips gently and she took it with ease. The opening of Star Wars played quietly in the background and it felt like they were the only two people in the world. Tori and Michael. Michael and Tori. Together, safe.

🏫🫂💥

[wherevenusholdssomeofficespace]

Stress Brawl was such a fantastic episode. Really elaborating on Hiromi's character. Hamster and Gretel at the very least is pretty good on building on previously established lore. It's satisfying when a typical joke gets referenced in a new context.

Seeing how Hiromi's reputation as a nice person, and her involvement in several activities actually stresses her out really added a layer of depth to her character. Hiromi was also established to have a more subtle cynical side that was annoyed by people's dependence on her. So it was good to see that expanded upon more as something that she represses.

Hiromi could very easily have been Kevin's "Nice but quirky" love interest but she's more than that and it's good to see. Not that Hiromi was ever that, but as she was quickly established as a character who existed beyond being Kevin's love interest. But seeing her continued development as a full fledged character raises the show's quality all around.

I think Hiromi serves a rather important anchoring role to the story as a well developed character who isn't involved in the superhero stuff or the Grant-Gomez family. She informs a lot of the high school setting and the stuff that goes on there. When it comes to saving the world type shows I find a well developed civilian cast is critical to giving the stakes weight. Her relationships with both Kevin and Fred also helps round out both characters by giving them someone who isn't each other to bounce off of.

Seeing Fred of course simply being Hiromi's friend and trying to support her is good to see. Not to mention how the fallout from her and Kevin's failed date was handled. Kevin has already been established to be a very stressed out person. Just he has a superhero little sister to deal with rather than a heap of extracurriculars. So it's interesting to see how they both had sort of similar reactions to their disaster date. Maybe one day they'll get together and be stressed about stuff together.

But for now Hiromi and Kevin is doomed by their inability to get on the same page. It's not Kevin's fault. It's not his fault he's got a part time job as a superhero coach and that his identity was revealed to an evil villain trying to take over the world thus making it impossible for him to commit to things or be honest about himself. It's not that Kevin didn't do anything wrong per se. Because a fake date was not the way to go. But he didn't have bad intentions. Usually fake dates are terrible because they're done out of an intent to manipulate the other person's feelings. But it was consensual on both members of the fake couple. And Kevin was doing it not to make Hiromi jealous in hopes of getting together with her, but to help them move on from the incident... which wasn't what she actually wanted. But Kevin genuinely had Hiromi's best interests in mind.

I don't think Hiromi is completely blameless in this either. Her refusal to talk to Kevin, instead just letting it go without any sort of catharsis left him unsure on how to actually proceed with their relationship in the way she wanted. But it's not her fault her crush stood her up with an empty explanation. Hiromi showed that she feels underappreciated, and she does deserve to have a boyfriend who actually makes her a priority. How could she know Kevin was literally kidnapped from their date.

But their relationship simply cannot proceed unless Hiromi finds out about Gretel's secret. And honestly, I suspect it's only a matter of time. This show isn't exactly stingy on the reveals. Though, even if the reveal happens, it won't necessarily fix everything. It's very possible Hiromi could still be hurt by Kevin (and Fred!!!) keeping a secret from her despite them being friends (I mean, Bailey knows). But only time will tell with how this plays out I suppose.

[pitifulbaby]

the library

summary: sneaking into the library would’ve been fine if someone didn’t get distracted. 

pairings: Eddie Munson x Fem!Reader

warnings: nothing sexual happens but it is heavily implied. 

a/n: this is based off this post but i changed up some things of course, i dont know if i like this or not but i am not gonna dwell on that right now. i hope you enjoy! 1.2k words

stranger things masterlist

You knew it was a bad idea, sneaking into the library right before closing. But Eddie Munson was persistent, and when he has a plan he sticks to it. Especially his list, his ‘Things To Do this Summer’ list. Which is his specially handcrafted list of- like stated, things to do this summer.

It consisted of you- because of course he wants to do you in different places. Drive out to California and say out there for a few weeks, try different foods- the list goes on.

This was Eddie's first summer since he finally graduated high school, he wanted to use it to do some of the things he hasn’t been able to do in previous years, saving up money and letting himself have the summer to live. But right now he was trying to tackle the ‘things to do this summer; places to do the do in’ section of his list, which was a very long section. 

So that's where it leads you to, hiding away deep in the public library as they close up for the night, stifling giggles as the librarian passes you two by and never notices either of you. How she doesn’t see either of you is a little odd- but you chalked it up to her older age and withering eyesight that was trying to be fixed by her thick glasses, plus the long hours of work. 

The front doors close, echoing through the building. You two were lucky that they kept a few overhead lights on- or perhaps they were left on accidentally. But no matter, you two were finally alone and Eddie lets his laughter bubble out, slipping out of his hiding spot and dragging you with him. “Part one of the plan? Done.” Eddie speaks, his smile wide as he pulls you close to him. 

With a playful roll of your eyes and shake of your head you press your hand against his chest, taking a step back from him. His once bright smile turns into a pout, watching as you pivot away from him and wander off, hips swaying in a tease as you venture off down one of the aisles of bookshelves. You let your gaze wander the books, eyes scanning the spines.

Soon enough a set of hands are turning you around, pressing you against the shelves. Eddie places one hand on your waist and the other on the side of your face, pressing his lips against yours in a searing kiss. You find yourself humming against his lips, your own hands trailing up to rest at the nape of his neck, lacing your fingers through his dark locks.

Eddie pulls away only a bit before he is pressing a kiss to the corner of your mouth and trailing down to your neck. It doesn’t take him long to press his lips to your sweet spot, gently sucking and nibbling your skin. He lets one of his knees move to wedge between your knees, pulling you in close. 

But soon he is letting out a gasp, his arm curling around your waist and pulling you into him and taking a step back. Your eyes widen, hands moving from his hair to grab his shoulders in shock. “What?” You hiss out in surprise. Eddie holds you against his side, your chest pressed tight against him with his arm around you. His eyes are wide as an excited grin stretches across his face, his teeth fully on display. You follow his line of sight just as he reaches forward with his free hand, wrapping his ringed fingers around the spine of a book and pulling it to his chest.

“Am I-” You stop mid sentence, holding back a laugh, “Am I being cockblocked by a book?” You question, leaning your cheek against his shoulder and looking down at the book in his hand. “You know how long I have been waiting for this book to be put back? Someone must’ve had this bad boy in their possession for months!” He exclaims, waving the book with his words. 

He notices you trying to catch a glimpse of the book he is now waving around, stilling the motion and holding it up in front of you. It by Stephen King is grasped between his fingers, letting out a small laugh in excitement. “I’ve been wanting to read it since it came out but it's hard to find.” He explains. You tilt your head up to look at him, and you feel your heart melt at the boyish wonder in his eyes as he stares down at the book. 

Eddie soon is pulling you around, sitting down with his back to the wall, legs spread and pulling you to his chest. With a hum you let yourself curl up against him, looking at the book. “How many pages is it?” You ask him, one of your hands resting on his ripped jean clad thigh. “Uh-” he flips the book open to the last page, eyes focused solely on the bottom of the page. “1,181.” He states, flipping the book back.

“So, what's the new plan gonna be?” You question him, he lets out a small laugh, pressing a kiss against your cheek before resting his chin on your shoulder. “Well, I was thinking- I could read a few pages, see if I like it and then I will decide if I want to borrow the book.” He says. Your brows furrow at that, “Borrow?” 

He lets out a fake groan, letting his fingers bite into your sides, which in turn causes you to let out a laugh, shimmying in his hold to try and get him to stop. “What’s with you and asking me all these questions? Huh?” He stops his attack, “Borrow, you know-.. Take it without checking it out or buying it.” He says nonchalantly, which causes your brows to raise as you turn around to sit in front of him. Eddie stares at you with a big smile, leaning back against the wall, book next to him.

“Borrowing implies that you would give it back, something tells me that you wouldn’t give it back.” You squint, crossing your arms over your chest. He simply lifts one shoulder in a shrug, “I have brought this establishment a lot of business! Think of it as a thank you gift.” But you don’t budge, arching a brow at him.

“I will eat you out right now if you let me take this home.” He says after a moment. “Deal.” You say before putting your hand out in front of yourself for a handshake. Eddie laughs before grasping your hand in his and giving your hand a firm shake. 

“Why are you treating this like a business deal? You know I'd eat you out no matter what, I enjoy it just as much as you.” He whispers, letting go of your hand before he is crashing his lips to yours. 

Eddie soon realizes he has to add a new section to his list, ‘things to do this summer; places to eat her out at.’ But he might need to extend his list from just the summer into however long it will take him, because the sections are getting too long for just the summer. But that's okay, he got his book plus he was able to knock two things off his list.

And well, maybe it wasn’t such a bad idea after all. 

[lousirs]

If you could add scenes or change certain designs to the uglydolls movie what would they be ? (Idk alternate institute design or random filler scenes)

For exemple i wish they insisted more onto the « doll school/training » thing.

Or another exemple, i had this idea where instead of Ox finding out bout Moxy and mandy being in danger with the printer thingy, he would’ve (seeing moxy’s missing) suspected Lou done something/has hurt Moxy and while running in the Pipe to the institute, he hears Moxy and mandy screaming for help (would’ve added a lot if you think bout it)

Gotta save this 65mill$ budget 💪💪🤩🤩

good question and wonderful ideas! i very much agree with the ox finding moxy/mandy scene. he should've been worried that he hadn't seen moxy in a while. sure, she was upset, but she is never so quiet... so he goes to check up on her, only to find an empty room, and panic arises. he tells the other uglydolls, and they go around town calling her name. and then ox reaches the sunflower pipe. realisation sinks in: "lou must've gotten her". and so the uglydolls help each other to get up the pipe, and through the darkness there is a faint red glow and screams for help.... dramatic... but maybe a bit too dark for a kids film, who knows xDDD

anywho, i have a lot of things i would change about the movie tbh, but to name a few: (buckle up everyone cause i got a lot to say)

first and foremost GIVE THE UGLYDOLLS (besides moxy and ox) A PURPOSE. babo, wage, luckybat and uglydog are the main characters technically, and yet they serve no purpose. if you removed them, and only had moxy find the institute, nothing would've changed. my fix? allow them to do what they are good at to win over the prettydolls.

from what is shown, i'm guesisng moxy is a reporter, luckybat is a fortune teller (or something like that), wage is a cook, babo is a builder and uglydog is a DJ. so! have luckybat tell the prettydolls fortunes (reading their palms or something idk), have wage cook them a nice meal, have babo build a cool contraption for them and uglydog host a dance party. and all the while, moxy is writing about the institute, life there, how lou is a big ol' meanie head, etc. this would've fixed so much, because in the film, the prettydolls turned on lou so quickly, so GIVE THEM MORE OF A REASON TO besides "ew prototype" and "he kicked a baby!!!". make the prettydolls warm up to the uglydolls, not due to their appearance, but due to who they are inside and what they enjoy doing. make them think that lou is wrong for being so cruel to them.

speaking of this, moxy writing down everything about the institute (perhaps to put into the uglyville newspaper) could be a point of tension! lou doesn't want his reputation to be smeared, so there could be a scene (i'd say after the training montage where lou is further trying to dissuade moxy) where lou tears up all the pages of her notepad, leaving her feeling devastated, but still determined to carry on despite the odds.

the only other point i have about the uglydolls is their designs. i would've loved to see them more like their original counterparts, cause they feel a bit too cutesy to be truly 'ugly' or whatever in the film. especially the stitches around the eyes, they should've kept that!! more of a handcrafted ragdoll look, i suppose!

for the institute... i feel like this is a hot take, but i like how empty it is. kind of shows how empty and artificial trying to be 'perfect' is. the repetitiveness of the institute also works to show that as well... buuut they could've taken it further. perhaps they could've gone for the more city-like area like they did in concept arts, but have it a lot more organised (too organised), so everything feels disorientating. for instance, the dolls houses are all clunked into a square area, same with the training course, etc.

this concept art, although looking sterile, still feels quite open and lively, like that of a big city. so they could make it feel more suffocating? who knows.

(i get that uglyville is quite clustered and tightly packed too, but that feels more like a comfortable closeness)(so the institute could be an uncomfortable closeness)

one scene they could've added for the prettydolls is the spy girls being hesitant to throw moxy and mandy in recycling. their expressions as moxy is going down the pipe shows fear and regret, and yet this brief, and they go back to being fine afterwards??? i get lou not giving a shit, but c'mon girls, you just helped kill two dolls! kidnapping isn't good either, but recycling innocent dolls is on a whole other level.

even if it was just a small piece of dialogue between the girls and lou, it would've worked... like:

"surely you aren't going to actually recycle them? that's way too far lou!"

or

"we didn't agree to this lou! you just told us to take them to you!"

and lou shuts them up and says how they'll be perfect yada yada idk. and that could be a breaking point for the girls, where they begin to distrust lou, because bro's a maniac.

i've mentioned this in a previous post, but i believe that the novel's version of lou and ox's backstory makes a lot more sense, in how lou stepped on the line ox was passing to make it seem like he failed the gauntlet, and the robots dragging ox to recycling. instead of ox making other dolls fail, and lou being like "imma show you recycling now. cya bub"

similarly, mandy getting the audience to coax lou into running the gauntlet makes more sense than him running the gauntlet on his own accord, fully knowing that he would be exposed. yay, peer pressure!

nit-pick here, but i wish they made nolan more 'imperfect' design-wise. although yeah, his hair and eyes are different colours and his uniform is too small, he has no socks and lost a button and has freckles, it all seems too... polished? like, his freckles are just around the cheeks, and although yeah, people can have exactly that irl, i would've loved if they went harder on it. same with his hair, the green parts are in a neat clump, that still matches the hair model of the doll. so fuck it! have him have messy hair with green strands randomly placed on his head, make his freckles heavier, so they cover his arms and legs etc too, make his uniform have hanging out threads and missing parts, etc etc! alsooo further push him having a long neck, small head, being tall, whatever. cause it's barely noticeable... (which i guess works cause lou picks up on the smallest of things but stillll i want a more 'imperfect' nolan xD)

that's all i can think of for now, and the post is long enough as it is sooo yeah xP

[capriccio-ffxiv]

thinking about Illyria and how her main job isn't actually Dragoon (though that's a big part of her!) or Arcanist

It's actually Mimic/Mime & Blue Mage.

Both "This is a way to explain why she's an omniclasser"

and some other things

I'd never intended to pick up Bard or Dancer but did anyway and am glad because they're actually super fun, but a whole thing for Illy is she was always the black sheep of the family there (her mom and brother are actors & musicians; her dad is a carpenter who builds musical instruments). Terrible singer, two left feet; she's actually decent at carpentry, but terrible at things like accounting, staying on task, actually finishing orders. It's why her parents sent her to arcanist school... and why she dropped out after taking several extra years.

But here's the thing. Give her instructions and tools and she can perfectly replicate an item. Show her a song or dance, and she can exactly copy it... but she can't remember it after. It's why she loves cooking, but could never be a chef---people love it when you can follow a recipe exactly (or even improvise a bit to fix the recipe), but it's not a big deal if she isn't coming up with her own unique stuff all the time.

It also means she always feels... hollow. Like an impostor, like there's nothing there. She mimics, she mimes; she builds on everyone else's talents, but there's no Illyria at the center of all that. The Warrior of Light doesn't exist, as far as she's concerned; that is a mask she wears. People told her what that hero was supposed to be like, and she followed their instructions perfectly. She's always been trying to live up to what others wanted her to be—her mom, her dad...

(even sex for her is just something else you do to please people, another mask, another thing she's good at because she's just a mirror people project on to)

Haurchefant was one of the only people who just wanted her to be her.

And then Estinien, it turns out, was the same way, or rather, he never really expected anything of her. First, it was get out of his way, then it was ... but he's always gone. Always leaving.

I'm still sorting the timeline, but I think she stuck around long enough that she did, indeed, defeat the Endsinger, but most of that wasn't even her—it was this sort of... Dynamis-fueled idea of her, this... mantle, this mask she was wearing. All the hopes of the star, worn like a costume, like armor.

And then after that of course she goes to Feo-Ul and says, "Surely you can take the me out of this thing, this... whatever it is. And let me rest."

Greymalken pretends they don't care—they're a voidsent, this is just another body to wear. Nevermind that their pact had been an equitable one, that they'd started to feel... something? Something, from being in the sun. No.

The Maenad wants to argue that she is part of that core, she is the part of Illyria that loves herself, except that her hate and pain and rage is greater than her love, and in the end maybe she's just part of that greater whorl of expectations and projections. The version of the Warrior of Light that's feared, not loved.

Silver is a soul bound to a weapon and some part of him thinks in his last life that's all he was too, and he promised he'd always be by her side (he thinks?) except she's not even there anymore. He is not as he was. ... but a knight must give his life for others. This is his calling. Isn't it?

The gestalt entity that's left, well, even Y'shtola barely notices; after all, the Maenad still holds the same color and shape, just as any Dark Knight's shadow does. And the Voidsent and Anima were already there. Why would even she notice that there's no longer a core? Was there ever a core to begin with?

(And again, Illyria's name... 'Illyria' is an imaginary country from a Shakespeare play. 'Capriccio' is a painting of a place that doesn't exist; a fantasy of architecture and landscape that looks like it could, maybe, be real, but isn't. Often of ruins; the most famous of which is Piranesi's Prisons of the Imagination...)

[hekateinhell]

Lestat pov ddg and knifeplay pt 2 please!!! <3

Anything for you! 🥹

Here's what I have for knifeplay pt 2 (this is pt 1):

Never, in all his years, has Armand ever seen another immortal in such a delirious state of ecstasy that was not induced through the swoon as Lestat is now.

He listens, taking great care to maintain a separation of his senses. Drags his finger over the concave beneath Lestat’s eye—the same one that had been taken from him and then restored—gathering up the fluid there and licking it off his fingertip. Permitting himself a single suck to ensure no residue was left behind. 

Of course Lestat’s tears would taste as sweet as the rest of him.

Fascinating as ever to bear witness to emotions and sensations taking form in the minds of others, especially one Armand loved and valued such as him.

The echo of their willing victim’s shallow breaths swirl in the air to meld with the wet sounds of Louis slicing into Lestat’s immaculate flesh with the loving precision that a butcher bestows on his most prized cut of meat fit for a royal feast. Lestat’s thoughts had become less pronounced until they lost shape entirely, falling apart some time ago like a poorly constructed dress on a mannequin, tattered scraps held together by nothing but rusted pins and hope. Distorted without word or sound, mindless flashes of color and static, the useless dreams of a beast who does not realize it can dream. His grey eyes fixed open, glassy but bright, tinted with a reddish film reminiscent of something violently killed until enough tears have amassed that they spill over, permitting the cleansing cycle to start anew.

“You do so well, Lestat, so beautiful,” Armand murmurs praise into his ear, caressing the spot where his hairline meets his temple, the blood sweat staining the white-blond baby hairs. It is for Louis’s benefit that he speaks at all, seeing as Lestat is well past hearing either of them through any means.

For now Armand is content to speculate and facilitate, dipping his hands in and out of each wound to coat his fingers a warm and sticky crimson, the liquid seeping underneath his nails, greedy and wretched as a gluttonous child left unattended in a candy shop.

----

I hope to have it finished sometime this summer! ♥️ I'll slide Lestat POV DDG under the cut!

Lestat’s sophomore year—she’s had more than enough first days of school at this point—and yet somehow the anxiety in her stomach never goes away. She’s already anticipating the frustration, the tears, the begging Nicki to help with her papers because flunking a class would mean losing her scholarship to the theater program.

And Nicki has being so irritable with her lately, “Just go to the fucking tutoring center yourself, Lestat! Even you aren’t that dumb” she would snap, storming away, leaving Lestat staring numbly at the screen, unable to translate the thoughts in her head into words on the page in a way that made sense to her or anybody.

I’m not dumb...

“Lestat!” Eleni yells, waving as she bounds up the short steps outside of the liberal arts building. “What’s wrong with you?” She’s still catching her breath, god knows Eleni’s never been anywhere on time a day in her life.

“Nothing,” Lestat lies, shaking her head and taking one last hit of her vape, tilting her head back to blow a strawberry-scent cloud into the air.

Eleni narrows her eyes, but she doesn’t say anything. She’s met Nicki. She knows. That’s the shame of it, isn't it? Everyone knows.

And how had this happened? Was there truly nothing to spare the daughter the fate of the mother? How could Lestat not see it coming when she’d grown up knowing the warning signs before she even knew her ABCs and 123s?

“Come on,” Eleni puts her hand on Lestat’s arm like she’s guiding a lost child—her touch that careful, her tone that gentle.

Nicki aside, Eleni was her closest friend. Truth be told, Lestat didn’t have many friends. More acquaintances than she could care to remember, much less name.

Try as she might, she had never really stopped being the gangly little girl curled up in the corner with a book she couldn’t read, staring at the pictures until she saw spots dancing and her vision blurred, pretending she hadn’t even wanted to play with the other kids anyway. Who wanted to be friends with the kid with ratty hair and torn up clothes, eight-years-old and still unable to read because none of the adults in her life gave a fuck? Nobody wants you… Why should we?

Except Eleni had. Nicki had.

----

And that's as far as I got before I realized the story needed to go back to Armand's pov! Not that I wasn't happy with it or anything, but it was just starting to tell an entirely different story than the one that I wanted to!

[looseleafteeaves]

ALRIGHT! Someone needs to stop me before I try to write this because I don’t really have time-

So. Hera, as Queen, has a really good head for strategy. She also, as Goddess of Marriage, knows when people will get married and last.

So she does not have a grudge. She also has 0 fear of reuniting the camps. It needs to happen, she will Unite them. Just like people are United in Marriage.

So, neither demigod loses thier memory. Hera approaches the greeks first, as is right because they are the Older Culture, and asks for Annabeth and Percy to take on a quest.

(As Hera is the first god to contact them in Several Months, they agree.)

“Heros of Olympus, I greatly appreciate your service, however I must ask for you to serve the Olympians further. I fear the Prophecy of the Seven is already among us, for the Earth Mother begins to truly wake.”

Percy and Annabeth, who havent been truly slighted by her, agree.

“How long?”

“I am unsure of the length of time that will be required of you. However, I also need you to fetch 3 others who will be in the Seven. You’ll meet the last 3 while there.” Hera hesitates, thinking of how she felt when one of her siblings went missing. She debates internally, wondering if it would be worth the possible curses from her husbands oldest bastard mortal. “You will also need Thalia, though she is not part of the Seven. I will fetch her before I come to take you where you are required, I must visit the Western Camp first.”

Annabeth speaks up then. “Western Camp?”

Hera turns from where she went to teleport. “Did I not already explain about the Romans?”

———

Hera goes to Thalia and Artemis before she moves to the romans.

Artemis steps between the pair before Hera can speak.

Hera, fond from years of watching Artemis protect young women from harm, smiles gently. “Dear Artemis, I swear upon my marriage to your father I mean no harm to young Thalia. In fact, I mean to fix a harm I imposed accidentally many years ago. You are, of course, welcome to supervise. She is one of your Priestesses.”

Artemis leads the pair into her tent.

Hera takes a deep breath. “Thalia Grace, Hunter of Artemis, Hero of Olympus, I have done you much harm. Many years ago, I am sure you remember your younger brother.”

Thalia’s face turned white. “What? Jason- Jason is-“

“He lives and thrives, Daughter of Zeus. Just as I will tell the Son of Jupiter of you.”

Thalia’s eyes narrowed. “Romans- romans are real.”

“Yes.” Hera answers simple. “It has been considered to dangerous to allow them to meet since the Civil War of this country. And, Beryl Grace, after being unable to keep my husband’s attention in either form, gifted his life to me out of fear of my retaliation.”

Thalia took several deep breaths. “So why are you telling me this?”

“He is one of the Seven. I am sending Annabeth and Percy, as well as 3 Roman Demigods to meet and begin the efforts to build an alliance between the camps. I grow tired of the Romans thriving for so long while the greek heros must suffer and struggle. I want the Greek demigods to dream and believe they can have a family. Would you like to accompany them? He has grown much in some ways, however, I did trust him to Lupa so he maybe more feral than you expect.”

Thalia’s face lights up and she agrees.

———

Hera’s conversation with Jason, Frank, and Hazel goes much the same. They agree to take on the quest.

Hera does bless Hazel with the ability to control the curse, and she then delievers all of the demigods to the Wilderness Survival school, where the story kicks off.

[depressedhatakekakashi]

Do you think King Lee had survivors guilt after Rogue Gai passed? Especially since they were so close to overthrowing the king and have a successful rebellion, but Gai went back at the last second to protect Lee and the Youth Merry Men Rebellion (🎵~It's time to hang out at the YMMR!~ 🕺) and give them a chance to escape. Making it worse, he gave Lee the pendant he always wore that protected him.(I have hc for this entire event! Will share later/again, right now it's Lee time!) And because Gai refused to talk and give the royals any information, he was probably tortured for the week leading up to his public execution. Its due to godly intervention later, that leads to Lee's successful second attempt at a take over.

I can just see him truly trying to apologize to Kakashi and Yamato at some point. Whether or not they're there or not (so lots of praying to the two). I feel like Kakashi probably rarely interacted with Lee personally, and was more polite/ sweet with him when he was near Gai. Not because Kakashi didn't like the boy of course (far from it!), but maybe Lee was more shy around literal gods than his papa or Hiroki before him, and since Gai was mostly flirting with Kakashi they talked more when he was not around. (And Yamato is Yamato, dude seems a tad antisocial. Gai was just persistent for that friendship!). Maybe before the coronation, even trying to give back the pendant to Kakashi when the man does come to talk with him.

Kakashi's going to talk to Lee at some point, probably after the rebellion succeeds but what would he say... would he accept the pendant back or ask Lee to keep it in his family, as a reminder. Would he tell him not to blame himself?

Anyways after that goes down I'm sure Lee makes a LOT of changes to the kingdom. He fixes and extends the children's hospital and its orphanage, probably even gives it a park where there's a statue of Hiroki, healing a child (if that child looks suspiciously like Gai, Lee says its because that was one of the stories his papa told him, when Lee asked who Hiroki was...) There's also an eel pond nearby and it's like Hiroki is sitting on a bench as he heals the kid, so people can come sit next to him as well. See his healing close up wven now that he's gone... They used the gaudy statue the royals made for reference to make his face and porportions as accurate as possible, while completely changing the feel to make it as accurate to his character. There's also symbols of other gods Hiroki worshipped everywhere on it. Tsunade's Slug on his shoulder, Kakashi's dog running  are around the monument, and whatever else he treasured, they tried to include.

Lee may have never met his (sort of) brother, but he respected his memory dearly, and felt how loved he was. I could even sitting beside the statue at once at some point, trying to talk to it but not knowing what to say...maybe just saying thank you for saving his father (and decades later, saying thank you for saving his son...)

But yeah Lee does do everything to make reparations to the kingdom and its people. Fueled by a mix of guilt and duty, as well as that just being his energetic go getter personality. Lee spends his entire life running around (literally! PARKOUR THE BUILDINGS! USE ONE'S FEET TO TRAVEL! BE ONE WITH THE PEOPLE NOT ABOVE THEM! EMBRACE THE POWER OF YOUTH!!!), demilitarizing the police and creating a new guard to protect the people, putting up new schools, libraries and museums, rebuilding Kakashi's place of worship, and trying to make the kingdom the best it can, while his mother, Leona, acts as his advisor. She teaches him/ acts on the more formal aspects of being a King. And helps him create customs and trials that his future successors MUST apply to if they want to rule, to ensure they never lose their way again.

One more change I see him making is probably to the Royal coat of arms. The first one ever made was a green dragon flying in a storm. When the previous royal family lost their way, they replaced it with a red dragon hoarding treasure, two gold coins in each of its talons, and  spiders framing the corners. Lee changed it so it's a green dragon's claw holding an oak tree like an umbrella, and a storm in the back ground. A major tribute to Yamato, who Lee thanks every day for keeping them protected.

I'm sure Lee keeps busy for the entirety of his rule.

Lee Definitly keeps busy

Survivors guilt wise, i think that’s inescapable. All of the group feels that and mourns that loss of Gai heavily.

As for his interaction with Kakashi, Kakashi would tell him to keep the pendant. It was a gift he gave to Gai and Gai in turn gave the gift to Lee. It’s Lee’s and Kakashi would never disrespect Gai’s name and memory by taking it back.

I think he would maybe suggest that Lee pass it down to the one he feels should rule after him, family or not (a slow change to more of a democracy rather than a kingdom, where they begin by choosing a King based on ability to rule rather than bloodline)

For the coat of arms I think he’d actually use a willow tree to represent Kakashi and his bond to the kingdom, with a forest of oak tree’s in the background for Yamato. kakashi is more hands on, Yamato protects from a distance by growing his forest and using it as cover. He’d want to show that in the coat of arms rather than putting Yamato at the forefront where Yamato would not want to be.

Building temples, i think he’d put one in the forest. A special place of worship for Yamato. Perhaps one of his first real temples (he’s usually worshipped on farms or in the forest itself so before temples seemed pointless for him, but now people have a specific place in the forest to go)

I also see him improving access to education. That’s something i think Gai would have fought like heck for and which Lee would want to honor. perhaps he even puts a statue of his father in front of the first school he builds. one of him reading a book with an empty space on his lap for students, teachers, and anyone else to sit and feel like they're the one being read to

a sort of memory of Lee sitting on his Papa's lap listening to old stories of the kingdom and the gods

Hiroki's statue i would make one change to

the hounds aren't sitting around him. they're placed so that they look like they're running around the park. kids love to go looking for all eight of the dogs and sometimes doctor's challenge them to name all of them when they find them.

lee often visits the hospital to check in on it, and whenever he does he makes sure to sit beside Hiroki's statue

he's not sure why, but he feels a connection to it. a bond to a god he has never met

[isagrimorie]

Star Wars: 3, 6, 14.

Hizzie: 4, 7.

ask game

Star Wars

3. which scene I would like to erase from the universe and why.

Rise of Skywalker. Because it's so bad-- it tried to please everyone it ended up pissing me off.

But the most one is: "Somehow Palpatine returned."

Also as much as I love Chewie, I wish he had stayed dead because then it wouldn't have felt cheap when we thought he died.

I couldn't believe I was happy to get Palps back before the movie and then the execution of how and why was so stupid, and now everything in the Disney Star Wars shows is trying to build up to that moment and even the First Order and it makes me so annoyed.

6. which is my favorite platonic or familial relationship in this world.

The Disaster Lineage and the Ghost Crew family, are now connected because of Ahsoka and Sabine.

14. if I think the largest majority of fics I crave for it are fix-its, nobody-dies-everybody-lives, fluffy fics of my OTP, pining fics for my OTP, or plot-heavy Gen stories?

In Star Wars there's a large majority of equal parts Gen stories, where everybody lives, fix-it fic where your favorite Star Wars character of choice either goes back in time to stop Palps or go forward in time to avoid everything that will happen.

Hizzie

4. how many other characters in my opinion see the chemistry of this couple before the couple itself does.

In my headcanon, Kaleb's been clocking it but doesn't want to say, especially since in my headcanon, Kaleb is slowly becoming good friends with Lizzie.

Unconsciously, Josie knows. Professor Vardemus wished he didn't know and see it.

Jen, of course, and is puzzled that most other of their school mates don't see it.

Penelope definitely clocked it and of course, tormented Lizzie about it-- this is partly why Lizzie went the other direction and got angry with Hope more. So, yeah, she's definitely the one who knew before either Lizzie and Hope knew.

But when word gets out and Josie tells her that Hope and Lizzie are dating, she'll smirk and say: "Called it."

Cleo didn't know but is very supportive.

7. the scene that I like to point to as proof that they're perfect for each other.

Just one scene??? No, I can't limit it to one scene!

The moments in season 1, in the car on the road trip back home -- and then when Hope was breaking down and Lizzie was the only one who got Hope to calm down.

Earlier than that, when Hope was talking about how to comfort someone in grief in season 1, and Lizzie said almost the exact same thing to a little girl in grief in season 4.

Lizzie was always, always paying attention to Hope.

Hope coming back for Lizzie in the Noir dream word and they held hands with that noir romantic music in the background.

HOPE. ANDREA. MIKAELSON.

And, of course, the scene where Lizzie told Hope, "I hate that you made me love you."

For Hope, it was when she had No Humanity switch on and still followed Lizzie, and then much later when Lizzie broke her neck and left her and Hope, despite having her switch off, HAD A FULL ON VAMPIRE DAMON STYLE heartbroken existential monologue before feeding and killing a Human.

And Lizzie telling Hope: "Our sire bond might be gone, Hope Andrea Mikaelson, but you and I are bonded for life."

THOSE ARE WEDDING VOWS TO A MIKAELSON, LIZZIE.

[starry-hughes]

of course, over the years, the whole family kind of knows that mooch isn’t the best at making friends/doesn’t have many. but the one thing that makes them all realize how bad it is, is one day when jack really snaps at her about following him and trevor around (like in the last anon, but a little older). it happens one day, when mooch is just minding her own business, and she hears jack and a few of his ntdp friends walk through the front door. she doesn’t immediately run to the front door, but after a while of listening to them, having fun, she wants to join too. so she kind of runs up to jack and taps him on the shoulder, and is like “what are you guys playing, and can i join?” now at this point, jack is also having his angsty teenage boy phase (but it affects mooch a little more because she’s older too). anyway, there’s no build up, he just leads straight in to “no squish, go hang out with your own friends.” (not sure if this is this au, but i think we’ve talked about mooch having it rough in high school). mooch freezes, and so do all of jacks friends. she just kind of pauses, collects herself, and responds “i can’t” while looking at her feet mumbling. jacks instantly like “what do you mean, it’s not that hard. just pick up your phone and call your own friends.” now mooch is mad, but no one really knows everything about the friend thing, so they’re a little confused. she sprints to grab her phone, and throws it at his chest “who am i gonna call? quinn? lucky? tyler? or can i not talk to them because they’re your friends too?” and jack doesn’t respond, because he’s stunned, scrolling through mooch’s contacts. there’s…. maybe 5 people in her contacts that aren’t her teammates, her brothers teammates, or her brothers. and 3 of the 5 have moved away (as seen with the “in florida” and “from texas” beside their names). and seeing as he’s too stunned to speak, she continues, “yeah, take a real close look and tell me what friends i can call.  that’s right, there are none. so sorry for me trying to fill a gap that I can’t seem to fix with your friends. god forbid I enjoying hanging out with people who have similar interests to me, and share a mutual love and appreciation for one of the most important people in my life.” and jacks just appalled, because he’s never seen the “shy” side of mooch, aka the mooch who has horrible trust issues because everyone wants her for her brothers in high school. he goes in for a hug, but she just disappointedly shakes her head and runs off. jack stops bringing his friends around so often, trying to get closer to mooch, but nothing really seems to work. a few more hang outs between jack and his friends go by, before mooch tries to shoot her shot again, and is surprised when she’s met with a “of course squishy!” they have a heart to heart after the hangout is over with, and it’s mooch just sobbing, “i’m sorry i can’t make friends, i’ll try harder, but thank you for not yelling at me this time.” and jack is just stunned because he’s now kind of seen how bad it was, but this seals the deal. after all of that, mooch becomes the first name on any hangout invite, and jack doesn’t regret it because he’s never seen mooch smile this big.

-🫂

jack feels so bad that mooch thinks it’s her fault she doesn’t have friends when she tries so hard. she just cries to jack about how she’s nice, she invites people to the mall, she brings cookies, but no one wants to be her friend for her.

[amelikos]

Some character notes and episode notes for HZ053, writing them down for future reference.

The episode starts with the trio going through a forest looking for the Pokemon Ryme told Roy about. They're all excited to meet it (Dot thinks it could be great material for a Gurumin video, and Liko thinks it could be a good subject for a school report). On their way, they meet some wild Pokemon. Mibrim senses something coming from deep into the forest. They come across a trio who looks similar to them who were running from a threat they met in the forest. Luca and the others (Luca is the name of the girl who looks like Liko) are injured so Mibrim heals them and their Pokemon (Liko didn't command her to do that, she did it on her own). Luca and the others are taking the Terastal course at Orange Academy too (which makes me wonder if we'll see them again since they gave names to the characters... their names weren't brought up in the episode itself but they were credited in the ending and the promo around the episode mentioned Luca). Luca explains to Liko what happened in the forest (they got lost in the mist and were eventually targeted by a Pokemon). Roy thinks it could probably be the Pokemon they're looking for, so he wants to go look for it. Dot says that since there are witnesses, it adds credibility to it. Luca and the others don't want to stick around since they don't want to run into it again so they leave (that was quick, they didn't stay around too long).

Liko and the others go into the forest to look for the Pokemon. Mist rolls around, and they come across a bunch of Mankey who seem angry. Roy points out that they are generally short-tempered but that this is not normal (casual observation that I liked, Roy lived in an island where this species of Pokemon existed, so he knows what they are usually like and notices when something is wrong, he is paying attention etc). Liko asks Mibrim if she is okay since she felt their emotions. Afterwards, a Konoyozaru appears (it's the Pokemon "not of this world" that Ryme mentioned). Liko, Roy and Dot battled him together before running away and ending up near a river and trees. Several Mankey were there and were mad because Luca and her friends accidentally messed their place and cut some vines which were important to them. They think Liko, Roy and Dot are Luca and her friends (given the physical similarities between them and their Pokemon), so they attack them. Liko and the others battle them to protect themselves (and Mibrim got to protect Terapagos when he almost got hurt, she is doing her best for her friends).

Afterwards, Konoyozaru shows up again. The trio battles him still, and they try to be more in sync to be more efficient in their attacks (Liko and Dot were in sync at some point and did the same gesture/called out the names of their Pokemon at the same time, that was especially good). Liko notices Mibrim feels something during the battle so she tells her she can come back in her Pokeball if she needs to (considerate of her), but Mibrim goes up to the Mankey to talk to them, since she noticed that they were trying to do something. Liko follows Mibrim (and still manages to command Nyarote during battle as she does so, she still remained focused despite doing something else). Mibrim points to something across the river and the trio notices that there is food there. They deduce that the Pokemon were mad because they couldn't get to their food. So they decide to help them and fix things so they can cross the river.

Ensues a whole scene with the trio and their Pokemon building stuff. They all helped and had their part in it, every single Pokemon too. Kanuchan helped with her hammer, Mibrim helped carry stuff and used her psychic powers, Taikaiden showed up too... (I just like scenes where we get to see humans and Pokemon helping each other) They managed to fix the problem and helped the Pokemon cross the river to get to their food. Liko thanked Mibrim for noticing what was wrong, and Mibrim shone for a split second (indicating upcoming evolution). The Mankey were so excited the ground shook, which caused a boulder to fall from a nearby cliff, messing up their food storage. Which causes all of them to start fighting again. During the fight, some of them evolve into Konoyozaru. Liko and the others stand back from the fight since it's dangerous, but Mibrim went up to the Konoyozaru to try and stop them. She is so overwhelmed by their emotions that she evolves into Tebrim and beats them all up. She heals them afterwards too (which felt very magical girl like to me), which Dot points out (she is surprised Tebrim healed them after defeating them).

At sunset, the trio's Pokemon are eating berries alongside the pack. Dot mentions that gathering all those berries wore her out (so she still gets tired if she works out or moves around too much, she is still not completely used to this). She also remembers to record a vid of the Konoyozaru for the report (she didn't catch Tebrim defeating them on video, which highlights that she was too focused on the moment to think of doing it, just like with Roy and Taikaiden in the previous ep). Liko and the others feel optimistic about their school reports after this experience, and they're excited to meet more Pokemon. As they leave, Tebrim realizes she is too big to fit in Liko's hood anymore and that she's outgrown it (saddest thing about her evolving). The trio then decides to head back to Orange Academy.

Overall, the fight scenes felt a bit too drawn out for me. Other than that, seeing the trio working together and trying to solve things with their Pokemon was good. I think the past few eps focused on the reports have been good in terms of Pokemon focus since we got to see all of them doing their own thing, highlighting their personalities and having interactions between each other, etc. And it kind of stood out to me that the Terapagos focus these past eps really highlighted that Liko's Pokemon love him/want to protect him. Mibrim has been looking out for him more (ever since chapter 2, even), and this time she protected him so he wouldn't be hurt (when she stopped the rock from hitting him). Which makes me think her motivations are similar to Liko's, since Mibrim acted and got involved to protect Terapagos, and Liko also wants to get stronger to protect her friends (which I have to stress again that it's really a magical girl thing). I generally like the way Mibrim has been handled as a character too, letting her grow at her own pace and emotionally before having her participate in battles (which she did out of her own volition, and it's something I like). I'm looking forward to how she grows as Tebrim from now on too.

[gamesception]

Sception Reads Cass Cain #18

Batgirl (2000) #5 Story: Peterson & Puckett Art: Scott & Campanella

Back to the main series, and we're following straight on from where we left off. I'm leaving my criticisms of the direction taken with issue 4 behind, what's done is done, all we can do now is look at where the creative team goes with it. As with the issue 4 post, I'm trying not to just straight summarize everything, so if you aren't familiar with this series or haven't read it in a while, do please go read through issue 5 again. It's good, it introduces David Cain, there's a clever bit with Cass figuring out how to let Babs know she can understand her now even though she can't really speak yet, the art's still really good. It's worth your time.

The main thing I want to talk about in this post, of course, is David Cain. The flanderization of David Cain is one of the ways Cassandra's stories started to trail off long before her ongoing Batgirl run came to an end, and the fact that none of the multiple creative teams across multiple books that have tried to 'fix' Cassandra thought to try to 'fix' David as well - only pushing him deeper into his two dimensional generic comic villain box - is a big part of why modern Cass has never managed to hook me like old school Cass once did.

This is our first time meeting him since the introduction in No Man's Land, and after seeing Cass again he's just fallen apart. Drunk, hasn't shaved, hasn't showered. You get the impression that he must have been like this after Cass first left, that it must have taken him years to build himself back up to where he was when we last saw him.

But seeing Cass again, knowing she's alive but that she never forgave him, the shock and hope and despair when she heard her speak - you can tell this guy has this whole twisted self image about being a 'professional' or whatever, but the way hearing her say 'stop' drove all thought of the mission out of his head, and now, months later, he's still like this.

David Cain is a killer, but he's not a killing machine, and Cassandra wasn't just a tool or weapon or product or whatever. Yes, she's a living demonstration and vindication of his 'unconventional' ideas about training, but she's more than that. She's his protege, his legacy, his mark on the world, his daughter. She's everything to him.

He's not angry at Cass for leaving him, he doesn't blame her for failing him or whatever. It's quite the opposite - he failed her, and he's completely undone by it. This man who's murdered probably hundreds of people and never felt a thing failed his daughter, drove her away, and the guilt from that destroyed him.

And he's right that it was his fault, though he doesn't understand why. He doesn't understand that the very body reading skills that he managed to instill in little Cass forced her to experience her victim's death from their own perspective, forced her to empathize fully with them as they died at her hand, and that is why she could never kill again, why she felt forced to run from David and the life he prepared her for. It didn't matter how young she was, it would have been the same if she were 8 or 18 or 28.

The skills that made her the ultimate assassin also made her wholly unable to be an assassin - a perfect ironic twist that I would have loved to see this asshole react to, but before he could he deteriorates into a stock generic heel who wouldn't care either way.

And worse, we get introduced to other kids trained by Cain with the same skills - so the bit about Cass being the only one it ever worked for is retconned away - and they kill without caring so this core aspect of Cass's character is also abandoned, modern Cass isn't good because she was forced to experience the consequences of her cruelty from the victim's perspective, she's just inherently good because she's just a 'good person', just like modern Cain is just a 'bad person'.

And that's the thing, I'm not praising the contradictions and depth of original David Cain's character for the sake of woobifying an evil abusive father figure. Rather, it's that David's depth directly contributes to Cassandra's depth.

Because little Cass - og little Cass - she loved her life with David. The training was bloody and brutal but she excelled, and her father was proud of her excellence, and she thrived on the praise he showered on her for it. She couldn't wait to beat up 'Merc' and the other goons in issue one. She wasn't cowering in a corner, she didn't beat them up reluctantly out of fear of what David would do if she didn't. She was having fun. David raised her to be the perfect little killer, and she absolutely and enthusiastically was, right up until the killing part.

It's important that Cass loved her life with David, that she loved David himself and that he loved her, because that makes her decision to abandon her life and her father a sacrifice. That's her choosing the lives of others over her own happiness.

It means something different if David was just a monster who she hated and feared, if he never actually cared for her, because then abandoning him is her saving herself. It also changes how his murder resonates. OG Cass, this is something she willingly did for David's approval. She only realized after the fact just how terrible it was, but that doesn't change that it was something she willingly and happily did. New Cass, forced to kill out of fear and threat of violence to herself... again, it's not the same.

It also changes what it means for her to be Batgirl, in a way that strips out even more depth.

If David Cain is just a villain who abused her, then there's no longer this direct parallel between training under Bruce and training under David, the lives they're preparing her for, the violence, the way she thrives on it, the way she feels guilty about Being Batgirl - like she's getting away with something - because it's basically getting back the life she lost when she abandoned David, the same life she's trying to repent for by being Batgirl.

How she has to hide what she did from Bruce or else he'll take away her new life that's so much fun, and with it take away her only hope of redemption. New Cass might feel guilty for killing, but she doesn't feel ashamed for having been excited and happy to do it only moments before.

There is so much depth to early Cass that is directly tied to the depth of early David Cain. Her father is basically one of the founding pillars of her character. But this guy?

Or even this guy?

Those guys aren't pillars of anything.

.....

I'm getting sidetracked into negative rants, though, and there's really no call for that, because we don't have to deal with those guys today. At my rate of progress we probably won't have to deal with them ever. For now we have the pleasure of dealing with this asshole...

Bruce is right, by sending the footage of Cass's kill David was absolutely trying to drive a wedge between them, while also trying to assert his claim. "You may be putting Cass's skills to use, but never forget that I trained her first, I gave her those skills, and this is what those skills are for." And Bruce's counter argument, "Denial isn't just a river in Egypt, it's also my house where I live at" is so willfully stupid and so funny that David spends a whole panel confused and shocked before he can even laugh at it, and that's honestly pretty great.

David also gets to bring us back to the core theme-

David's guilt over driving Cass away, Cass's guilt over killing that guy, Bruce's guilt over letting his parents die. I don't think Batgirl (2000) ever got around to directly calling Bruce out on that, but panels like this make it clear what parallels we're supposed to be drawing.

....

that's a lot of rambly words about David Cain, there is other stuff that happens in this issue.

This bit where Cass figures out how to explain to Babs that she can understand her now even though she can't really talk yet, is neat.

And this bit where Cass realizes other people depend on her skills and she needs to get them back even if it means losing what she's gained is sad and sweet even if it doesn't come to anything since the random psychic wizard can't fix her and eventually she gets her body reading ability back without having to give up speech.

This bit where Bruce has Tim do some research on the guy Cass killed but Tim basically immediately figures out what it's about anyway because, it's Tim so of course he does is pretty good.

And this bit where Cass struggles to fend off some suited goons she took down without a thought in issue 4 does a pretty good job of conveying how the words are getting in the way... but also makes me wish we had more time with Cass without the usual narration blocks, because... yeah. They get in the way, and it was cool when the book mostly didn't have them.

[sapphireginger]

Title: Drowning Out Sound - Chapter #5

Pairings: None [Gen]

Fandom: Teen Wolf

Word Count: 4,273

Rating: Mature

Warnings:  Descriptions of Past Child Abuse (Recounted by the Child) PTSD Flashback Dissociative Episode Panic Attack Past Trauma

Square Filled: Cooking Together

Written For: @anyfandomfluffbingo​

Full Fic AO3 Link

Summary:

Aunt Talia is a really good teacher and Stiles loves her so much. She has taught him how to do his numbers and letters even better and when he got discouraged, she would distract him with a snack or coloring until he could focus again.

Stiles was embarrassed when they went to the doctor one day because he has to get meds for his ADHD. He wouldn’t look at daddy, mommy or Aunt Talia at first. However, once he got the medication and started taking it, he felt so much better and did a lot better with his schoolwork.

Stiles was doing so well with his schooling, and they were able to have him tested. He ends up getting into first grade at five years old which his family is so very proud of him for. They all get ice cream to celebrate. Toward the end of the year Peter asks Stiles about school.

> Do you want to go to school like Jackson and Malia?

The boy tilts his head and chews his lip. His fingers card through Zuri’s fur and he shakes his head.

> No thank you. There’s so many kids and I’m afraid. I’m sorry, Daddy.

Peter gestures for Stiles to come to him and when the boy does, Peter scoops him up and settles him in his lap.

> Don’t be sorry. It’s okay. Talia said she would help homeschool you until you are ready for public school.

Stiles contemplates this for a moment and then looks at Peter with nervousness.

> What if I never want to go to public school?

> Then we will homeschool you.

> Really?

Peter nods and Stiles hugs him tightly. “Tha’k y’u.”

💦🫧👂🏻•💙•👂🏻🫧💦

Aunt Talia is a really good teacher and Stiles loves her so much. She has taught him how to do his numbers and letters even better and when he got discouraged, she would distract him with a snack or coloring until he could focus again.

Stiles was embarrassed when they went to the doctor one day because he has to get meds for his ADHD. He wouldn’t look at daddy, mommy or Aunt Talia at first. However, once he got the medication and started taking it, he felt so much better and did a lot better with his schoolwork.

A hand waves gently to get his attention. He blinks, having gotten deep into the book he was reading.

> Sorry, Aunt Talia.

He signs quickly as he sets his book down and faces his aunt.

She smiles.

> It’s okay. How is your work going? Do you need any help?

Stiles shakes his head with a smile.

> No thank you. I am just reading now. I did my math and writing. So, I am going to try and do my reading. Is that okay?

Talia nods and ruffles his hair gently.

> Good boy. Enjoy your book.

Eagerly, with a giggle at the ruffling of his hair, Stiles turns back to his book while Talia goes back to the kitchen to fix lunch. It’s so peaceful and she is so grateful she is able to do this for her new nephew.

Her eyes scan the book, and she is surprised at the one he chose. Only five years old and he’s reading Hatchet. Talia is proud and looks forward to telling Peter that his worries for Stiles while valid are unnecessary. He’s going to do just fine. In fact, Stiles will do extremely well. She will make sure of it.

💦🫧👂🏻•💙•👂🏻🫧💦

First semester comes to an end and then in January, they celebrate Malia and Jackson’s birthday. Stiles gets an allowance and saves all of it to get them each something special. He got Jackson a really nice watch that’s red because that’s Jackson’s favorite color and Legos to build a ship from his brother’s movie. He got Malia two fuzzy blankets, one green and one purple that she immediately insists Stiles cuddles with her under. Of course, Jackson gets to join too.

In February they celebrate Talia’s and Grandma Bridget’s birthday. Stiles gets a bottle of warm vanilla sugar lotion for his aunt as well as some fuzzy socks cause she says her feet get cold sometimes. He doesn’t notice her tearing up right away but when he does, he takes over her lap for the day.

> Thank you, Stiles. These are just what I need.

Stiles grins. 

> I know. I pay attention. You’re welcome.

Then he lays his head on her shoulder and watches the movie they have on. Gone with the Wind is Talia’s favorite movie, and the twins got her the anniversary edition for her birthday.

👂🏻•💙•👂🏻

The next day they go over to Grandma Bridget’s house to celebrate her birthday. There are hugs and kisses all around and after lunch, cake and ice cream they head into the living room for presents.

Stiles shyly hands her his gift that he wrapped himself.

> Thank you, my moonbeam.

She opens the gift and places a hand on her chest. Inside is a necklace she thought she had lost that has been polished along with a photograph of her late husband in a beautiful frame with a white rose on it.

> Do you like it grandma?

Bridget wipes her tears and nods.

> I love it, moonbeam. Come here.

Stiles walks over and melts into the hug she gives him and giggles at the kiss she places on his forehead.

👂🏻•💙•👂🏻

In March they celebrate Peter and Marie’s birthdays that are only a week apart. 

Stiles had asked Talia to take him to get their gifts and she took all three kids to the mall. Zuri stays close to Stiles’s side, having already been officially serving for nearly a year. 

> Can we go to the bookstore please?

Talia nods and walks that way, making sure the twins are in her line of sight.

As Stiles scans the shelves, he finds the perfect gift. He asks for help getting it down and when Talia smiles at him, giving her approval at his choice, he preens with pride. They head over to the register to pay for it and then go to the craft store for mommy’s gift.

All in all, it only takes a couple hours before they have everything bought and are on their way home.

Peter’s face when he opens the gift from Stiles is priceless. 

Stiles smiles shyly. 

> You said you love to write, and I thought that you should write more but of course you need something special to put all your words in.

The man’s fingers trace the details on the cover of the dark blue leather journal, and the blue fountain pen to go with it. He kisses the boy’s forehead before pulling him into a tight hug. When Stiles pulls back, he giggles at the pleased smile on Peter’s face before settling in for the rest of the gifts.

Marie gets some new thread for her sewing machine and some seeds for her flower garden. She asks Stiles to help her plant them when it’s the perfect weather for it and he eagerly agrees.

 💦🫧👂🏻•💙•👂🏻🫧💦

Then comes April, Stiles’s birthday and in the morning when he wakes up, everything is great. They’re having a small party with family and a couple kids that Stiles met through homeschooling.

Stiles helps with setting the table for lunch and greets his friends when they come. Only one of them gets to stay for cake but they make sure to send some treats home with the one who has to leave.

Peter turns the lights down a bit as Marie gets the video camera out. Stiles blushes and waits patiently as Talia lights the candles on his cake. He counts each candle as it’s lit.

One.

Two.

Three.

Four.

Five.

Six.

As the six little flames flicker, Stiles feels a tightness in his chest start to get even tighter. He’s had one birthday with the Hales already but for some reason this one is different. Daddy, mommy, Aunt Talia, Jackson, Malia and Stiles’s friend Grant all start signing to him.

> Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday dear Stiles.

Stiles hiccups a sob so softly it’s barely audible.

> Happy birthday to you.

Everyone is smiling at him, and he wants to smile back but he can’t. So, when they tell him to blow out the candles, he closes his eyes and makes a wish.

‘I wish I wasn’t broken.’

Then he blows out the candles.

💦🫧👂🏻•💙•👂🏻🫧💦

He manages to hold it together until his friend Grant leaves but after that all bets are off. He runs to the master bedroom and crawls under the big bed. Zuri is right by his side and curls around him, letting him bury his head against her tummy. Stiles curls into a small ball as his breathing becomes shallow and rough. His heart is pounding, and he starts rubbing at his ear until Zuri’s paw gently traps his wrist.

Stiles has no idea how long he is under the bed for but when he wakes up he’s on mommy and daddy’s bed and it’s nighttime. Stiles’s brain is mushy, and he wants to hide. So, he does.

💦🫧👂🏻•💙•👂🏻🫧💦

Peter is extremely worried when Stiles hasn’t made a sound or moved a muscle in hours. It hurts to see him so still, almost exactly like he was in the hospital the day Peter came to get him. Marie gets the twins ready for bed and Peter tucks them in. The two adults then get ready for bed themselves and then climb into bed, with Stiles settled between them. Peter made sure to put him into pajamas as well.

He sends an email to Doctor Bowen about an appointment. Peter knows Stiles needs to talk to someone. Marie goes to sleep but Peter can’t sleep yet. He needs to know that Stiles is okay. So, he waits and waits and waits.

It’s nearly midnight when Stiles finally rouses and Peter stills as the boy blinks at him.

> Daddy?

Peter slowly scoops him up and cards his fingers through Stiles’s hair with a soft shudder of relief. He kisses the boy’s forehead and rocks him slowly. Zuri is still on alert watching over her human with a protective gaze and stance.

After a few minutes Stiles pulls back and looks at Peter.

> I’m sorry.

> For what sweetheart?

Stiles looks down for a moment and reaches for Zuri who nuzzles her nose against his tummy. She knows that is where it hurts after he has a panic attack.

> Running and hiding. I got scared and really sad.

Peter nods and gives a small smile of reassurance.

> That’s okay. I just wanted to make sure you were okay. You are not in trouble.

> I’m not?

Peter shakes his head.

> No, but can you tell me what made you upset? Maybe I can help.

Stiles starts rubbing at his ear as tears start to fall again. He raises small shaking hands to reply.

> You are my daddy. Marie is my mommy.

His hand forms a fist, and he drags the back of his thumb from his bottom lip down to just below his chin for the word patience and then signs the letter M.

> You are my parents, but I thought about no more mommy and no more daddy. I am glad but it just hit me really hard right here.

He taps his heart and sniffles.

Understanding washes over Peter and his heart aches for the boy. He uses his thumbs to dry Stiles’s tears and makes sure the boy is looking at him.

> You don’t have to be sorry for the things your heart feels. It’s okay to be hurt. It’s okay to be sad. You went through a lot of hurt and even though you’re safe now and have people who love you so very much, you’re going to miss them.

Stiles shakes his head in frustration.

> I don't want to miss them. Why do I miss them?

Peter takes Stiles’s hand in his and ducks his head to meet the boy’s gaze again.

> Because they raised you and were your parents. For all their faults they did love you even if they forgot how to love you in the right way after a while. So it is okay to miss them. That doesn’t mean you are broken or wrong or bad. It just means you are human, and you hurt just like everyone else.

> Thank you, Daddy. I love you.

> I love you too sweetheart. Shall I sing?

Stiles’s amber eyes brighten and a small smile forms on his face as he nods. It’s enough of an answer for Peter to pull him close again. He starts softly humming and Stiles rests his nose against Peter’s throat so he can feel the vibrations as they lull him to sleep.

💦🫧👂🏻•💙•👂🏻🫧💦

When it’s time to go to second grade, Stiles asks his parents and his Aunt Talia if he can try public school.

> I want to try and be around other kids. Malia says I would love recess and Jackson says I would love gym class cause they play soccer and dodgeball. I also want to make some more friends.

Peter is hesitant but with a firm and encouraging nod from Talia, they sign Stiles up to start school at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School where the twins go.

Much to Peter’s relief, Stiles does really well and all of his teachers and even classmates are extremely considerate. Peter can only hope that continues as the years go by.

One day, Stiles comes home and gets off the bus with a huge grin on his face. Peter chuckles at the way the boy is bouncing with excitement.

> What has made you so giggly and excited?

Stiles blushes lightly and kicks his shoes off by the door.

> I made a new friend.  

> Oh? What’s your new friend’s name?

> Name. C-A-L-L-I-O-P-E. Calliope but she says I can call her C-A-L-L-I-E. Callie. 

His smile is shy and pleased, and Peter gets all warm and fuzzy at the news.

> You’ll have to invite her over to play this summer then.

Stiles runs over and looks up at Peter with wide eyes.

> Really? She can come play?

> If her mommy and daddy say she can then I don’t see why not.

Stiles throws his arms around Peter and squeezes as tightly as he can. Peter flings the towel he was using to dry dishes over his shoulder and hugs the boy back. They stay that way until Marie comes in and coaxes Stiles outside to help her plant the seeds that he got her.

💦🫧👂🏻•💙•👂🏻🫧💦

It’s halfway through the summer after second grade and Callie has gotten along really well with all three of the kids and she adores both Marie and Talia. Stiles adores her and they’re really close, so when it’s time to go to the pool, she is asked to join them. Her parents have no problem with her going as they are pleased that she has made a real friend.

Stiles is nervous at first but he’s glad they’re at a smaller waterpark and not a really big one. He also loves all the pretty green trees nearby. Zuri is right by his side as he stands by the edge of the pool. His small hands fist the fabric of his red swim trunks as he tries to work up the courage to get in.

Then two older boys walk over, and Stiles gets nervous at their approach. They smirk at him and without warning, Stiles is shoved into the pool. Time seems to freeze, and Stiles starts thrashing around in terror. He can’t breathe. He. Can’t. Breathe. His eyes go hazy for a moment as his chest constricts. He can hear Zuri barking and just as he’s about to pass out, he has a flashback.

💦🫧👂🏻•💙•👂🏻🫧💦

Three Years Ago:

Playing with his rubber ducky in the tub is something Stiles loves to do. He also loves all the bubbles but is sad when they start to disappear. He’s looking for the soap, when his mommy comes into the bathroom and closes the door.

Stiles frowns slightly in confusion but since she just smiles, he goes back to playing.

Daddy used to always give him his baths but with daddy working more, mommy had to help.

As he’s playing with one of his boats, mommy puts her hand on his head and ruffles his hair. He giggles softly and blows bubbles at her with a grin.

Stiles doesn’t know what happens to make mommy angry but suddenly, mommy does something bad.

She pushes his head under water and holds him there. Stiles starts thrashing and clawing but he’s too small. His eyes grow hazy, and he can’t breathe. The last thing he sees before he passes out is his mommy’s smiling face above him.

💦🫧👂🏻•💙•👂🏻🫧💦

Present Day:

Stiles remembers talking with Doctor Bowen about what it means to disappear into his head. He remembers her calling it a really big word. When she talked to Peter and gave him papers, Stiles had seen the word and sounded it out for himself. Doctor Bowen calls it dissociating. It’s a big word but she made sure he understood it when he asked.

So, when Stiles comes to and finds himself nowhere near where he was when he blacked out, he knows he dissociated.

Peter has him bundled up in a towel and cradled in between his siblings in the backseat of the car. Stiles’s cheeks turn red with embarrassment.

> Callie?

He signs the word beautiful with a C. It’s her sign name that she got from him.

There’s a tap on his shoulder and he turns his head to see her in the backseat. He starts crying, having been afraid he would lose his friend.

> I’m here Stiles. I am here. You’re my best friend and I’m not going anywhere.

The feeling of tightness in Stiles’s chest has nearly vanished and with the warmth of his siblings on either side of him he feels himself relaxing. Zuri is a grounding weight across his lap and Callie’s hand is gently holding his hand over the seat. Stiles feels totally, completely and one hundred percent safe. This is his family, and he knows they won’t let anything happen to him.

💦🫧👂🏻•💙•👂🏻🫧💦

Callie stays for lunch and then heads home but promises to see Stiles again real soon. They hug each other tightly before she gets into her dad’s car and goes home.

When she’s out of sight, Stiles closes the door and locks it. Peter is in the study and Marie is in the laundry room. She told Stiles he can help her make cookies for dessert and so he heads to find her first.

With giggles and a huge grin on his face, he helps mommy make cookies. They make peanut butter cookies, chocolate chip cookies and oatmeal cookies. Stiles gets flour on his face and spills a bit of sugar, but Marie just chuckles and tells him it’s okay. Cooking is going to be messy sometimes.

Dinner is a bigger task and Marie is going to handle it herself, but she gives Stiles the first cookie along with one for each of the twins and one for Peter. With a smile, Stiles delivers the twins their cookies first and then, with a deep breath, he heads to the study to talk to Peter.

Zuri is right by his side, a solid weight he needs to stay grounded.

“Da’dy?” he says startling Peter who looks over.

> Hey. What do you have there?

Stiles walks over slowly and hands his daddy the cookie.

> Oatmeal. Mommy says you like oatmeal raisin, but we didn’t have raisins.

> That’s okay. I bet the cookie tastes delicious.

Peter takes a bite and softly sighs.

> Do you like it, Daddy?

Stiles watches with hopeful eyes and Peter nods.

> Yes. I love it.

The man chuckles as Stiles does a fist pump and then quirks a brow when Stiles gestures to the couch.

> Are you busy?

Peter tilts his head.

> Not too busy for you. What’s up?

Stiles chews his lip and signs.

> I need to talk to you. Is that okay?

> Of course. Do you want to sit over there?

Stiles nods and scurries over after closing the study door. The couch is a safe place for him, and Zuri is quick to hop up with him. She settles her body over his lap securely and Peter takes a seat next to the boy.

> What do you need to tell me, dearheart?

> It’s bad, Daddy, but I want to tell you. I need to tell you. I’m just scared is all.

Peter frowns slightly and nods.

> Okay. You can tell me anything. I’m always here when you need me.

Stiles sniffles and nods.

> I know. That’s why I want to tell you. I trust you, Daddy.

Peter’s heart swells with love and affection as that small seed of doubt is decimated.

> Whenever you’re ready.

Stiles nods and takes a deep breath. He takes a moment to go through the breathing exercises that Doctor Bowen showed him and cards his fingers through Zuri’s fur. When he’s settled and calm, he starts to explain.

> You know that old mommy went to a jail for people with hurt brains, but you don’t know what she did to me. I want to tell you. Okay?

Peter swallows thickly. As much as he has wanted and even felt the need to know, he’s certain he won’t like what he learns. Still, he nods.

Stiles nods back and continues.

> Daddy used to always give me my baths. He would make them so much fun. One time he made himself a beard when I accidentally put in too much bubble bath. I don’t know why but daddy had to work more, and he was never there to give me a bath anymore.  

He pauses and shudders, gripping Zuri’s fur tighter, eliciting a rumble in her chest to ground him so he can keep going.

> Take your time.

Peter signs quickly, wanting to make sure Stiles doesn’t push himself if he’s not truly ready.

Stiles nods and flexes his fingers before continuing with a determined expression on his face.

> At first, it was fine, and I took my bath while she was in her room or somewhere else upstairs but sometime after my birthday, she started coming in during that time. She would just sit there but she never played with me like daddy did. When she did come over to the tub, she

Amber eyes fix seriously on Peter.

> Please don’t be mad, okay?

Peter stills and his heart begins to race, but he nods.

> If I am mad, it won’t be at you. I promise.

> Okay.

With another round of his breathing exercises, Stiles forges ahead.

> Mommy knelt by the tub, and I offered her my toy. She just smiled and shook her head. I remember being confused but she ruffled my hair like she always did. So, I didn’t pay much attention. Then something changed and she pushed my head under water. I was scared. I was terrified and I tried to fight back but the water was so heavy here.

He presses his hand flat against his chest and then his stomach.

> I couldn’t breathe and got so sleepy. I don’t know what happened next except for seeing her smiling above me and then darkness. I think I maybe fell asleep, but that is scary cause you can't sleep underwater. I don't remember. My head is all fuzzy about that. When I woke up, I was in my bed and my tummy hurt so bad, Daddy. I couldn’t remember stuff, but I knew mommy did something wrong.

Peter waves his hand slightly to get the boy’s attention.

> Did John know?

Stiles shakes his head and glares, though Peter knows it is not directed at him.

> No. Daddy didn't protect me. He didn’t notice. She did that for a long time and the last time I felt a pain in my head. Right here.

He rubs at his ears and then presses his palms against his temples with a sigh and a shudder.

Peter is barely holding it together as he listens to the horror of what Stiles went through. A white hot burning hatred for Claudia Stilinski floods through his body. He nearly misses when Stiles starts again.

> I felt sick and because my tummy hurt bad, I didn’t eat a lot of food. Mommy told me I was fine, but I knew I wasn’t. That last night I remember my heart pounding as I stared wide eyed at her from under the water. My little hands were scratching at her but then I coughed and accidentally sucked in water. Then my ears popped and started to ring. I felt sleepy and numb. That was the last time I saw mommy and she was smiling at me as she drowned me. The next time I woke up, I was in the hospital and daddy left me that day too.

It seems as though Stiles’s story is over, but Peter is speechless. He’s vibrating with anger and crying silently. What exactly does one say to a child when they explain their trauma, so very well for their age? How can Peter possibly help this child–his child–with overcoming what he went through?

Stiles seems to understand and slowly crawls into Peter’s lap as Peter stretches his legs out on the couch. Zuri keeps her body on Stiles to weigh him down and keep him grounded.

After taking a few minutes to collect his thoughts, Peter makes sure amber eyes meet his blue ones.

> I am so very sorry that she hurt you. I am so angry on your behalf because your mommy should have loved you and never hurt you. I want you to know and never forget that I love you so much. Marie, Jackson, Malia, Talia and grandma love you to the moon and back. You are safe here and I am so very proud of you.

Stiles looks away with pink cheeks.

> Why are you proud?

Peter coaxes the boy to look at him.

> You are brave, strong and you have a huge heart. You knew you needed to and wanted to tell me what happened. So, you did. That takes a lot of strength sweetheart but most of all I am proud because you are my son, and I will always protect you and keep you safe.

Tears fall in torrents down Stiles’s cheeks as he presses a kiss to his daddy’s cheek. Then he practically melts against the man’s body with a content sigh. Peter almost misses the very soft words the boy speaks against his shirt.

“I l’ve y’u Da’dy.”

Peter cradles him close in a protective cocoon and vows then and there that Claudia Stilinski will never ever get out or come near his son again. In fact, the next morning he makes a call and ensures that she won’t ever see anything beyond the walls of the asylum and that if by some small miracle–nightmare–she does get out, well he’ll handle that personally. No one will harm his child ever again.

[pbandjesse]

I am very tired today. I also am just having trouble hearing people. I feel like I am hearing them but not understanding. I don't know what's up. Not fun.

Last night when I got home James wanted me to try their garlic bread. Which was very good but I was not hungry so I didn't eat much. I was just so tired. I washed my hair and felt a little better. And fell asleep pretty quickly. I was just so beat.

I did not feel much better when I woke up. I just wanted to keep sleeping. I gave myself an extra 15 minutes and would get up and tried to feel fine.

Jsmss left while I was doing my makeup. They packed me lots of snacks and things today. And I had hoped that it would perk me up.

The drive into camp was fine. It wasn't as cold today but it was still cold.

I spent the first half hour I was there eating breakfast and working on my beading project. But soon I needed to go set up my program for the feild trip today.

I was frustrated when I went over to the eyrie and could not find my program box. It was in the closet. Why! Annoying. Whatever. I went to arts and crafts and set that up and turned on a space heater that did not do much. And went back to the office.

Sarah, Celia, and Eliza were there. We chatted and I kept working on my beading. I was not feeling very social. I wanted to save my energy for our field trip. Because it was going to go very quick and crazy. 4 groups of 23 2nd graders. 25 minute rotations. Wild.

And of course the group was late. So we had to cut the first program. Not shocked. Me and Celia were talking before they got there and we were both very worried about skipping a program. Because then everyone is missing a different one. And so someone won't do my craft and another won't see the animals. And it just makes us both a little stressed.

But we did our best to make it the best quick feildtirp we could!!

And they were lovely children. Good listeners. Just so sweet. And for being such a quick turn around we got through a bunch of stuff I would normally do in the bee program. They didn't all finish their crafts but their teacher said they could finish once they got back to school. That made me feel better too.

Elizabeth came up to watch the program. Which always makes me nervous but I think I did a good job. My tape dispensers are all broken so I would be standing there with tape and scissors and just put a ton of pieces on the edge of the table so people could just come and grab it.

In the last half hour Elizabeth came up to ask me to put together a bag of supplies for the group who didn't get to do the project. I am glad they will get to do it. So while I put that together and made an example Elizabeth would do the tape cutting and was like. We are getting you new dispensers. Amazing. That will make things a lot easier.

It would take me a while to clean up the art building. Putting my markers away. And sweeping. I returned the box to the eyrie and then to the lodge. I volunteered to clean the bathrooms because I had sweeping and putting away the chairs. So I collected all the trash (accidently upended the trash bag s d had to pick up all the paper towels) and sprayed everything with cleaning product and cleaned it up nice. I checked in with Bonnie and she said she would mop. Amazing. Hate doing the floors.

I had not gotten to eat lunch. During the 15 minute break we had in the middle of the trip I did run and eat a few mouthfuls of pasta salad. But I needed to eat for real.

I had my veggie hot dog and kept working on my beads. And would slowly start to feel better.

Me and Heather would go over my schedule I had made and she pointed out a few issues. Firstly I forgot about tipis. Just completely not on the schedule. Oops. And apparently we don't do canoes in the afternoon! Interesting. But at least for now I have something to fix. That's one of the things I want to do tomorrow. Continue to work on this schedule. And I want to work on the organizing of the attic. We will see how that goes.

I started coughing again this afternoon. Which was uncomfortable. I tried drinking more water but it didn't help much. I was excited to go home.

But first I had to go to the Dutch market.

I said goodbye to everyone. And drove to the market. I got some fancy soaps. One is a vanilla peppermint and the other is spiced chai. I got a ton of baked goods for us to have over the week. And I got me and James pretzels. I had to come back for those because they were in the oven still so once I got them they were super fresh. Amazing. It was nice walking around and seeing all the stuff. It was a fun stop.

I got stuck in some traffic on the way home but that was fine. It wasn't horrible. And I would be home around 5.

When I got inside James was there and I was happy to see them. They had gotten pizza dough ingredients in the bread machine for dinner later. And they went to get on their computer to do their podcast. And after I did a little cleaning of my fish tanks I went to work on my studio.

I made 6 more horses for the holiday market this weekend. They need finishing work but at least they are seen and stuffed. My hands still hurt from the cuts I got at ceramics. So I wasn't having the bestest time but it's fine. I'm glad I got them to that point. I'll finish those tomorrow.

I took a bath. Watched a video. James put an extra kettle of hot water in the tub for me. And now we are all in bed. Jess sent us a list of things we can go see in NYC next weekend when we go to do Christmas stuff. We highlighted a few things I would for sure like to see. I'm excited to go to New York with my favorite people. It's been forever since I've been there. And I think it's going to be a lot of fun.

I am very ready to sleep. I hope tomorrow is a productive day. And I feel better.

Sleep well everyone. Take care of eachother! Goodnight!