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brazenautomaton · 3 years ago

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Legacy of the Void Is Actually Pretty Good

Someone came into my inbox while I was doing my “fixing heart of the swarm” deal and said LotV got a new writer and was even worse. That dude was wrong. LotV is actually pretty darn good. It doesn’t need a “fixing stories,” it needs some tune-ups and adjustments.

And if you look at it from the perspective of “this new writer has to come in at part 3 of a trilogy and fix it because the previous entry was shit” it’s actually fucking amazing. Like there’s a lot of stuff that I could say is wrong with the story as a whole because it was rushed into LotV and not extended over the whole trilogy... but when you consider someone only had LotV to fix the story, holy shit, nearly everything that is introduced in LotV works.

Do you know what a fucking monumental accomplishment LotV is, what a staggering feat of competence? LotV is like a solid three star movie, maybe even three and a half. Good, but not even every four-star movie is one of the all-time greats, and normally not worth shouting from the rooftops. But LotV isn’t just any three to three and a half star movie. LotV is making Rise of Skywalker a 3 - 3.5 star movie.

Amon’s lame because he was already lame, the only thing established about him in WoL and HotS is that he is lame and generic. LotV gives him an interesting origin that retcons the SC1 manual juuuust slightly, and in the right amount that makes you go “ohhh, that’s close, that’s what they thought happened, but really it was darker,” has interesting implications for the world, gives him lots of definition, and ties into the central theme of the LotV story.

And joining you on this ship you have a cast of characters with defined personalities, not as strong as the Terran cast but a billion times better than the Zerg one, yes there’s too much Stuffy Valorous Protoss in general and Vorazun is generic but then you look at Artanis, Karax, Rohana, Fenix, and oh most definitely Alarak what a magnificent dick, and all of them add something different and important in terms of their views of the world and how the world sees them. And all of it, again, ties into the central theme of the story because the story of LotV has a central theme!

LotV isn’t just about gathering allies against Amon. It’s about gathering up allies that the old order of the Conclave rejected for not being Protossy enough. Everyone you meet has a reason to have A Problem with you as representative of Aiur’s High Templar. The Protoss need to abandon old ways and change and adapt, and multiple views of that are expressed and reinforced and it’s way deeper than just “tradition is evil because it hates gay people.” It’s like the standard Generic Center-Left Tradition And Religion Sucks position most art takes when it addresses the subject, only it actually goes into it with thought, consideration, and respect.

The Khala is this thing that over the course of SC1 and BW was built up as absolutely core to who the Protoss were. The entirety of LotV is forming the argument that they have to abandon it, and severing the nerve cords that cut you from the Khala is the dramatic metaphor for letting go of the old ways. And they actually pay that metaphor respect! They show that not only does cutting your nerve cords hurt like fucking Bejesus, it’s terrifying and alienating and once you do it even the people oppressed by The Old Ways, like Karax, are like “oh dude this is not right I am so alone why is this happening what are we going to do.”

Rohana is a Space Racist, but she isn’t a one-dimensional Space Racist who is just there to be wrong. (Very few of the characters are actually three-dimensional, if any, but I think that’s okay given what they are there to accomplish.) She says the humans are disgusting and the Nerazim are basically Satanists and the Purifiers are fucking dangerous Tal’Darim are just what the fuck so that Artanis can bounce off her as the perspective of Tradition, so Tradition can get a say and he can tell it why it’s wrong or at least that it’s wrong, to a character who still has respect. Rohana is trying her fucking hardest, okay? She never for a moment is like “we need to consider it more important to crush the deviants than save the world,” she hates these weirdoes but primarily because she thinks they are dangerous and undermining influences. She doesn’t betray or undermine Artanis. She sets herself aside, because both on the object level and as dramatic metaphor the Khala, the tradition, is SO IMPORTANT to her she is willing to suffer in order to stay inside it and offer the insights it still has.

And it’s awesome that she says “I am strong enough to resist Amon’s possession” and you think “oh, that’s just the excuse to have her around connected to the Khala even though the plot says she shouldn’t” and then no, she’s NOT strong enough to resist Amon’s possession when he really focuses on her, so she says “No, I’m not cutting off, put me in this restraint tube so when he possesses me I can’t damage anything but I can still feel the Khala.” Then every time you go to the War Room to reassign your forces, you see her in the tube, and you get that reminder of what she is going through and willing to put up with. Also it gives you a means for the distant god-figure antagonist to talk directly to you and menace you, which is also really smart. Then when Artanis finally convinces her to cut herself free, that has some weight to it, because over the course of the game she’s been showing us how important it is to her.

And it’s also worth noting that she does it to herself. Artanis doesn’t hold her down and slice ‘em off. His big plan to activate the Keystone and kick Amon out of the Khala for two minutes requires everyone else to sever their cords themselves. He can’t do it for them.

But it’s not just that and it’s not just the Khala! You actually get conversations about how scary and weird this prospect of unification is from Vorazun, who doesn’t follow the evil conservative tradition, but the cool-ass void shadow ritual one! She flat out says “There is probably going to come a time when the Nerazim don’t follow the Shadow Walk any more, and I am going to have to accept that.” What is her biggest concern about the Tal’Darim? Not that they are Obviously Evil (God I love how Obviously Evil they are), it’s “how are we going to change by accepting them into our culture?”

The Spear of Adun is great, because it both makes you feel powerful and outnumbered. Kerrigan kept getting power shoveled into her mouth and was also the strongestest ever from the world go. The Spear of Adun is the biggest most powerful Protoss ship ever, able to hold all these people and host all these factions you will gain the aid of, and with incredible powers you’re just beginning to understand... and it’s all you got. Every Templar-aligned Protoss who is not ON THAT SHIP is your enemy. They have the Golden Fleet, and when that baby shows up, your option is “RUN!” You have the best and brightest and coolest the Templar can offer and you cannot, absolutely cannot pull this off on your own, so you need these alies.

The Purifiers are obviously the Robots Who Want To Be Free, that’s standard, and we see them through Fenix, who, come on, if there’s a character they get to bring back from the dead it’s him. But he has an arc, and it isn’t just “oh robots are evil -> I love the magnificent 1-X robots” it’s about “I am Fenix, I am this person, I know my identity -> well fuck who am I then -> am I still Fenix? -> you know what I am honored to have BEEN Fenix but I am now making my own identity, my name is Talandar.”

And how everyone else says “hey, the Purifers, that shit is dangerous, those robots are out of control,” and Artanis says “we need to respect them as Templar?” Of course that’s gonna be true. It’s not just the expected generic message, it’s what the game is actively about. And then they do one moment that makes the entire internal conflict over them just work. When you complete the Cybros mission with the null circuits, Clolarion the commander AI immediately shuts off all communication and obliterates all life on the surface of the planet. And in that one moment you’re like “Oh. Oh, okay, maybe this is a problem.” And that’s all it needs. You know that in the end they are going to join, and Fenix will speak for them, but that one moment sells you on the idea that this is not as simple as holding hands and being friends, and you get why everyone else is leery.

And Alarak, oh my God Alarak. Alarak is the best. John DeLancie is an incredible asshole in real life and like nobody can hold it against him because, yeah, he’s the most perfect asshole ever, it’s like being mad at an F5 finger-of-god tornado. He offers the perspective of the evil Tal’Darim but he doesn’t go out of his way to justify it to you because he doesn’t give a single shit about what you think. He’s the hottest shit in the Koprulu sector and he fucking knows it. Artanis is the one who sees similarities between them, about their pride and anger and need for revenge, and Alarak is like “pfft, maybe you get a little bit of it, b-b-baka.” He doesn’t go all let’s hold hands and be friends, he gets just the slightest sliver of tolerance for others (It is only part of the ending crawl but the fact that he says “No, we will not join the unified Daelaam, fuck you... but every Tal’Darim has this one chance to leave us and join you, no questions asked” is the perfect resolution and perfect way to express who he is).

Also he talks mad shit to everyone.

“Do you think us fools?”

“Yes, but that’s not relevant right now.”

It’s great. You should know by now that I don’t say “it’s not high art, but...” because I think it’s a meaningless distinction. It works, which is the thing it needs to do most of all. I have an emotional context and framework and investment for all the things I need to do in the course of this campaign. I’m dealing with characters I like to spend time with and who I like to see talk to each other. I’m interested in what this means in a way that gets me more invested in the missions I do to carry out the goal.

And then we get to the epilogue.

And it’ actually pretty good.

All I knew before I played LotV was that it was about fighting a Dark God and Kerrigan got Xel’naga powers and I made a jerk-off motion with my hand. But no, no, this puts in the work. Okay yeah it’s cheesy as all shit but it’s the “everyone comes together and the anime opening theme plays” kind of moment so some cheese is accepted. Our three guys, the three commanders we’ve played as for this series, they’re here to finish it. Plus I love how it’s explicitly “No, he is not about to come back. He probably won’t come back in our lifetimes. But we’re doing this because it’s our responsibility.”

And then you get one mission as each of the three races, in the Brood War campaign order of P > T > Z. I guess having a cycle where you start Zerg and end Terran would be too weird. And the Protoss mission has the load screen tip that tells you “Hey. You’re Protoss. This mission is about doing the thing the Protoss are best at, pushing in to establish a beachhead.” And the next one tell you “Hey. You’re Terran. This mission is about doing the thing the Terrans are best at, which is defending and digging in like a tick.” But then the pattern doesn’t complete with the final Zerg mission, which is unfortunately pretty lame. Like you can cheese it with a flock of Mutas, and when I look at it, I say “I don’t WANT to play this mission in the normal way, I am not sure what’s going on but I don’t like it.”

Kerrigan gets Xel’Naga powers. I knew it was coming, right? And they meet Ouros, the last Xel’Naga, who is a fucked up outer space eldritch space whale, cool. And of course Kerrigan is the one who has to accept his power and defeat Amon, I bet Metzen wouldn’t allow anything else.

And then Jim puts his hand on her shoulder and says “No, you don’t have to go through that again!”

And I went “Ohhhhhhh...”

Kerrigan does not get Xel’Naga powers because she is the most awesome and coolest best strongest ever. She gets Xel’Naga powers because she has to be the one to fight Amon, and she has to be the one to fight Amon to atone for all the horrible shit she did. It is an act of redemptive penance that is more character depth than she had in all of HotS.

Fuck, there are three HotS characters here, Kerrigan, Stukov, and Zagara, and EACH ONE gets way way way more character and respect than in HotS! Zagara, with ONE LINE, establishes who she is and how she thinks of the world better than anything we saw in the entire Zerg campaign game! Narud comes back, not as a tired “oh no ran out of bad guys time to bring one back you killed,” but because Stukov needed to be the one to get revenge by killing him, and he got it!

Then Jim gets closure and gets to leave behind his past, the physical symbol of which is his Mar Sara Marshall’s badge! The story couldn’t course-correct back and say “no he was the one who vowed to kill her do that” but the story that was started in SC2 with him gets a satisfying ending, and if Kerrigan truly is back it’s as someone who isn’t king dick Jiren power level of the universe!

So, yeah, in conclusion: actually pretty good.

#starcraft 2 #review

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rainydayhogwartsimagines · 4 years ago

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Hi you could write something in which Draco is in love with a Hufflepuff girl, but she is a little afraid of him and always runs away if they get too close, Draco gets a little desperate to get her attention and ends up using Amortentia to make her fall in love with him ... You could have a little anguish, but end up with a happy ending?My first language is not English I'm sorry if you got confused

This is so creative Holy shit you guys have got some good ideas!

The potion. That GOD. DAMN. POTION. It all started with potions class. You were forced to be partners with Draco Malfoy. THE DRACO MALFOY. The one that scared the absolute daylights out of you. You were a relatively outgoing person, you were an absolute sweetheart to the first years in your house, how could Draco NOT notice you. Your hair was always in a ponytail, but there were these few strands that were always loose in the front that made the ponytail look adorable, though it was cleared you’d always get frustrated with them. Draco noticed these little things that you did, biting the end of pencils when you were focused, your habit of getting distracted easily and fidgeting with something like the ring on your finger, the fact that your best friend was always waiting outside your class and you’d usually get really excited when you knew you’d pass an exam. He was so in love it hurt. The poor guy would stay up at night sometimes and think about you. It was always when he couldn’t sleep. But the part that frustrated him the most is you wouldn’t talk to him. You always jumped or had this look that resembled pure terror whenever he’d talk to you. You’d start shaking, you’d nearly knocked things off your desk or you’d just apologize A LOT. Draco couldn’t understand this. Why were you afraid of him?

There was this potions project that came up, Draco needed to work outside of class with you for. You loathed this. Because that meant having to talk, and talking meant the possibility of you messing up your words and saying something absolutely idiotic in front of him. It was no secret to your best friend Lila that you had this massive crush on the boy. To everyone else it just looked like he freaked you out just by BREATHING. Your mind couldn’t function around him, you always would trip, knock things over or stutter. So you kept quiet around him. Today that wasn’t possible. You needed to work with him and actually talk. You were a mess, always fucking up your words, shaking so bad you had to leave a couple of times, hiding your face behind large books. The next day was a bit different. You two needed specific books for this project and you knew EXACTLY where to get each one. “So you spend a lot of time in here?” Draco asked as you handed him a book. “Y-yeah. Granger u-usually studies with me.” You muttered. Well shit, of course you knew where everything was if you studied with Hermione. You handed him another book. “What books do you typically like to read?” Draco asked curiously. “U-uh... M-muggle ones u-usually older ones.” you said handing him another book. “Ah.” He nodded. You mistepped on the ladder and fell back, Draco dropping the books and catching you. Your face was becoming redder by the second and you jumped back. “T-t-thanks.” You said. “No problem. Can’t have you messing up that beautiful smile of yours.” He flirted making you nearly scream. Have you ever seen Inside out? If you have then you know that one scene with the boy that likes Riley and his brain screaming “GIRL. GIRL. GIRL.” over and over again. This was you. “I-I left something in p-potions I’ll b-be right back.” you squeaked out. You sprinted down the hall and practically screamed. How in the hell was this easy for Fred and George?

Draco sighed. Great. He scared you. AGAIN. He picked up one of the many books he dropped before seeing the title. “Love potions”. Oh... Maybe just maybe he could use something here. No that would be absurd... Or would it. It certainly would get you talking to him... Maybe if he used... A little? No... Unless? Well you two did manage to finish the project, his excuse to see you again falling apart. Destiny worked in his favor however when he had to make a love potion for class. Amortentia. The class all had to say what they smelled. But you didn’t say anything, accepting the poor participation grade when it came. There was no way in hell you were admitting you smelled Draco in that cauldron. Draco slipped a small bit of the potion into a small vial, keeping it with him in case he changed his mind. Well he did. After saving your ass yet again from falling. “Do you enjoy falling on me or something?” He asked with a laugh. “I-I didn’t mean to f-fall f-for you-- I MEAN ON YOU!” You screamed. He blinked a few times. He just... He couldn’t take it anymore. So he sat by you one day. Scared the bejesus out of you naturally, but he slipped it in your drink. You sipped it and rose a brow. “That’s... Sweeter than I remember.” You muttered to yourself. Draco was good at potions. So why the fuck were you FUCKING UP EVEN MORE?

More tripping, stumbling, falling, screaming, clumsy events were taking place. Did he mess up or something? He finally got an answer when you (yes. again.) tripped onto the poor guy and he caught you before you could hit the ground. “Y/n, you’ve got to stop falling for me like this, it’s getting ridiculous.” Draco teased. “It’s not my fault those silver eyes are really distracting!” You breathed out. Yep. There it was. Your face heated up. Where the fuck did that surge of confidence even come from!? “What was that Love?” Draco asked making your heart pound. You stood up straight. “You’re absolutely distracting dude, who is this attractive before they’re eighteen?” You asked. Oh God. Stop talking. PLEASE STOP FUCKING TALKING. “... I see.” Draco said with a small smile tugging at his lips. “Have your lips always looked that great or am I hallucinating?” you asked. He was trying really hard not to laugh at how quickly this coming out of your mouth. “Y/n, are you flirting with me?” He asked. “Ding ding ding, we have a winner.” You said. WHAT THE FUCK MAN!? SHUT THE FUCK UP PLEASE OR ELSE YOU’LL-- “I mean why else do you think I’m such a fuck up around you?” You snorted. SHIT. BAD BAD BAD BAD BAD-- Draco blinked. “What?” Draco asked, his reaction going from amused to “WAIT WHAT?”. “Yeah, I screw up all the time because you’re very distracting. Like have you seen that ass--” “OKAYYY Y/N!” Your friend said dragging you off. “What the fuck are you doing!?” Lila asked. “I don’t know, please make it stop-- Why is he coming over HERE!?” you whined. “I have to ask for clarification. You don’t hate me?” Draco asked. “HA! No! I’m ridiculously in love with you--” Lila slammed her hand over your mouth and smiled politely. “Y/n. Stop talking.” She begged. “For how long?” Draco asked, making sure this wasn’t coming from the potion. “Since our third year, did you know your hair brings out your eyes, because I sure did-- LILA HELP ME” You whined. “Excuse us Draco--” He pulled out another vial and pulled you forward. “Open.” He said. “Are we about to kiss right now--” He dropped a couple of droplets of a reversal potion in your mouth and you shot back. You coughed a couple of times because my God it tasted horrible.

Lila rose a brow as Draco ran a hand over his face and you frowned. “Oh god. OH GOD OH GOD I FUCKED UP!” You groaned. Draco opened his mouth. “DON’T. SAY. A. WORD.” You groaned smacking your head onto the wall. Lila sighed and then it hit her. “wait a minute. That was Amortentia.” She said. Oh no. “YeS LILA I’M AwAre” You groaned. Draco inched back and she turned to him. “The potion only makes you attracted to--” “Who made it-- Yes Lila I’m aware of how it....” You leaned off the wall, turning to her. “Wait... a damn minute.” You said before looking at Draco. “Did you use a love potion on me!?” You asked. “I...” He sighed. “In my defense I didn’t mean for it to be that strong. I only wanted to make you hate me less!” He said. You blinked. “Hate you-- Draco I don’t hate you!” You said. “Well I know that now!” Draco said. You opened your mouth and then closed it. You sighed and just walked away. “Draco. Next time you have a crush GO TO THE BEST FRIEND. I swear boys are fucking idiots!” Lila groaned following after you.

You avoided Draco like the plague, not even showing up to potions for a week. Draco hated this. He knew it was a bad plan, after all the potion would have to wear off eventually. But now you weren’t even talking or looking at him. He decided to give you your space, sitting outside in the courtyard rather than the great hall.

He sighed, closing his book when he felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned around to see you. “Y/n... Look I am--” “Don’t. Give me a second okay?” You said before reaching in your bag. You held up a vial. “Truth serum?” Draco asked. “Yep.” You nodded. you uncorked the bottle and sighed. “Bottoms up.” You muttered before drinking some of it. Draco rose a brow. “I love you. I have since our third year. I constantly trip over everything because you literally are on my mind most of the time. I’m sorry if I ever made you feel like I hated you. I don’t, truth be told I can’t even form proper English around you much less walk. You don’t have to say anything.” you finally said. Draco blinked a couple of times. He looked at the vial and sighed. “Mind if I take some of that?” he asked. You handed him the vial and he finished it off. “I love you. I have since our first year when I literally ran into a post watching you laugh at a prank Fred pulled. I used the love potion because I was under the impression you hated me, not that you loved me. You hide your emotions well, let me tell you. I won’t do it again and I’m genuinely sorry.” he said. You blinked a few times. Well at least you couldn’t lie. “I have to know this though and I’m so sorry... But do I actually have a great ass?” He teased making you blush and shake your head. “You’re something else Draco.” You said with a giggle. He smiled and took your hand into his. “I love you Y/n.” He said softly, taking your hands into his. “I love you too... And to answer your question yes, you have a fantastic ass.” You said making him laugh. He shook his head before kissing you, holding you close in his arms as he did. “I have wanted to do that for years.” you said with a laugh. He smiled and kissed your forehead. “We have a lot to catch you up on.” He said taking your hand. “Ugh... Studying. Damn it.” you grumbled. He turned around, fingers under your chin.

“I didn’t mean classwork darling.”

#draco fuckingmalfoy #draco imagine #draco malfoy #draco x reader #draco x y/n

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trashyswitch · 3 years ago

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Tickleboy Man's Shenanigans

Jackieboy Man goes on a playful spree and ends up eventually bringing Henrik along for the ride.

This fanfic prompt was suggested by Shannon the JSE Anon!

Link

I hope you enjoy!

Jackieboy Man was hiding up on the top of the roof, waiting around for his first victim to approach. He waited for a little bit, and soon came across Marvin. A smile quickly grew onto his face as he rubbed his hands evilly like a villain. He lowered himself down through his floating ability, and grabbed his shoulders. “BAH!”

Marvin shrieked and jumped about 5 feet in the air. Not only that, but he was caught on the way down by a pair of hands around his waist! Marvin looked down, touched the hands, and turned to see Jackie. “Oh...What the hell?!” Marvin pushed at Jackie’s face.

But Jackie smirked at this and faked dropping him. This led Marvin to just about have another heart attack. “WoO-AAH! DON’TDROPME!” Marvin begged.

“Wasn’t counting on it!” Jackie replied.

“Good. Now what do you want?” Marvin asked, letting his legs dangle.

“To capture you and hold you like this:” Jackie wrapped his legs around Marvin’s thighs and wrapped his arms around his chest. Marvin yelped and protested at first, not fully understanding what he was doing. But once he felt like he was in a weird spider hold, Marvin calmed down a little. “Weird execution, but surprisingly nice…” Marvin admitted.

“Oh yeah, I also wanna tickle ya.” Jackie said as he started tickling the magic man on the ribs with his fingers.

“WAAAAhahahahahaha! Jahahahackihihie nohohohoho!” Marvin protested.

“Look! I’m spinning you around like a spider would in her web!” Jackie reenacted this move by spinning Marvin and tickling his middle and back while he spun him.

Marvin squealed and wiggled around, laughing at both Jackie’s weirdness and at the ticklishness of the man’s fingers.

“And:” Jackie wrapped both his arms and legs around him again, and hugged him snugly from behind while he leaned in. “Snack time!” Jackie moved his mouth to Marvin’s neck and started ‘nibbling’ on his neck while making nomming sounds.

“AAAHAHAHAHAHA! THAHAHAT’S NAHAHAT HOHOHOHOW SPIHIHIDEHEHERS WOHOHOHORK!” Marvin shot back.

“And how would you know?!” Jackie asked, pausing before going back to tickling him with his nibbling.

“BLOOHOHOHOD! THEHEY SUHUHUCK THEHEHE BLOHOHOHOOD!” Marvin told him.

“Well we all know I’m not a vampire…” Jackie mentioned. “But I can pickpocket others pretty well.”

Jackie reached into Marvin’s shirt and grabbed onto the magic wand that was in his hand. “Now does this cap-” A bunch of large feathers came poofing out of the top of the magic wand! “!...Well there’s my answer!” Jackie fluffed up the feathers and lifted Marvin’s shirt up. With one arm wrapped around his lower ribs and holding the shirt up to expose his belly, Jackie started tickling his belly with the feathers. “Kitchy kitchy kitchy koo!” Jackie teased.

“EEEEEEK! JAHAHahahahahack! Stahahahahap thahahahat! Yohohou’re beheheheing weheheheheird!” Marvin laughed.

“And now for the ultimate boss fight!” Jackie pushed Marvin horizontally up against the roof with one forearm pushed against the thighs and the other against his chest. “3...2-” Jackie started counting.

“NOHOHO! DON’T YOU EVEN-”

“1! PPPPPPFFFFFFBBBBBBBBFFFPPPBBFF!”

“YAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!” Marvin was pounding his fists against the roof and laughing his whole heart out like a child. It was so weird because the roof felt exactly like the hard floor! Only, it wasn’t hardwood or carpet.

Jackie lifted his head up, breathed in and-

“PPPPPFFFFBBBBBPBBBPBPPPBBB”

“STAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! AAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHEHEHEHE!” Marvin shouted, pounding his fist further into the roof.

“Better not punch a hole in the roof~”

“RIHIHIGHT BAHAHACK AHAHAT YOHOHOU!” Marvin shot back, trying to remind him of who actually had the super strength here.

“But I can control it! You kinda can’t right now.” Jackie retorted.

“AHAHAHAND WHOHOHO’S FAHAHAULT IHIHIS THAHAHAT?” Marvin mentioned.

“Why, yours! You’re the one who ended up in my web of tickles!” Jackie joked.

“WHAHAT?! BUHUHUHUT-”

“Shhhhhh…” Jackie put his index finger on Marvin’s mouth. “I’m right.” He ordered softly.

Marvin rolled his eyes, but went along with it. It didn’t take much long for Jackie to stop tickling him and for the super man to place him onto the couch.

Next, Jackie flew around the house in search of his next victim. He had an idea of who it should be, but he had to find him first. He checked the office first: Nope. He checked the clinic room. That was empty too. Then, Jackie checked the kitchen:

And there he was! The doctor was reading a book, finishing up some food and working on some coffee. Jackie smirked as he rubbed his gloved hands together before using his powers on the coffee cup. Whenever Henrik would reach for his coffee, Jackie would drag it away from the hand with his powers. Henrik looked over at his coffee, and reached for it while he watched. Quickly, the coffee cup moved away from him.

Henrik hummed in confusion and reached further out. But the coffee cup moved away further! Finally, Henrik reached out really quickly and managed to get both his hands on the cup. But when he pulled on it...it didn’t move. He tried to remove his hand and found that it was stuck to the cup as well!

“Hmm...Vell scheiẞe!” Henrik reacted.

To make Henrik even more stuck, Chase grabbed out some gorilla glue and put it onto the chair, to get Henrik’s pants stuck to the chair. Since it was that fast-acting glue, it made Henrik’s pants get stuck to the chair in a matter of seconds.

With that determined and Henrik completely stuck, Jackie let his presence known with an evil giggle and squeezed the man’s hips.

“AAEEEEP! WHO ZERE?!” Henrik jumped.

“Iiiiiiit’s JACKIEBOY MAN! And you’ve better get comfortable because YOU’VE just been trapped!” Jackie teased.

“Lass mich jetzt gehen!” Henrik ordered. “I have un appointment vizh a patient at vone! And If I am late-”

Jackie squeezed the left hip. “Sorry bud.”

“aAAH GEHEZ- Uh oh! NEIN!” Henrik quickly tried to wiggle himself out of there, but found that the stool was stuck to his butt. “Zhe hell?! Did you sooper glue mein things?!” Henrik asked.

“Yyyou betcha! Even your thick booty is glued!” Jackie teased as he poked his lower back.

Henrik growled and muttered the following words through his teeth:” “Du kleiner Scheißer.” Before wiggling around and giggling.

Jackie had started squeezing both of Henrik’s hips at a speed of multiple times a second. Henrik was laughing with his head lowered, and kicking his feet to try and cope with the amount of tickles he was getting. “Jahahahahahack hahahahahaha! Du bihihist lähähächerlihihihich!” Henrik told him.

Jackie laughed. “Sorry, Schneep. I don’t speak Einstein.” Jackie told him. “If I did though, that would be cool!”

Henrik shook his head and tried to pull on his sticky hands. Then, Jackie stopped and unglued his hands from the mug. Henrik muttered a german insult to him before sipping his half-spilt coffee.

“Hey now...I would’ve let you go. But now:” Jackie picked Henrik up by the forearms. “You’re coming with me, Dr. Beleídigung.” Jackie declared.

The super boy threw Henrik up, flipped onto his back, and caught his victim. With the doctor’s back against his chest, Jackie took off flying straight upside down, and right out the door.

Out in the wide open space, Jackie flew up above the houses and opened his arms high! However, he did not let go of Henrik...for Henrik’s torso was safe in the grip of Jackie’s strong superhero legs. “WEEEEEEEHEHEHEHE!”

“JACKIE! PUT ME DOWN ON ZHE GROUND NOW-”

“No way! I didn’t jut fly up here to show you the view!” Jackie started skittering his fingers onto Henrik’s hips and lower ribs. “I came here to tickle the bejesus out of you!”

“BAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! JAHACKIHIHIHIE DU HURENSOHOHOHAHAHAHN!” Henrik shouted to him.

“Whaaaat? Whatever could have the german man have meant?! I wonder~” Jackie joked, sticking his tongue out between his teeth. “I know what it means! It means “I want more tickle tickle tickles!” Jackie joked.

Henrik tried to push Jackie’s hands off him. But this only made Jackie hold onto him further! He didn’t really blame him though...He was actually thankful Jackie was saving him from falling to his ultimate doom to head splatter.

But still...He would prefer a better way of being held.

“Hey Henrik, you doing alright up there?” Jackie asked. “Or do you need to be tickle hugged instead~” Jackie asked.

“NEHEHEIN, ZHIHIHIS IHIHIS FIHIHINE-” Jackie ignored his answer and stopped tickling him. Then, Jackie flipped Henrik around onto his chest rather than the back, and hugged him.

Henrik blinked in surprise and...hugged him back.

“Z-Zhank you.” Henrik replied.

“Hugs for the overworked doctor!” Jackie declared with a little squeeze.

Henrik giggled and took the squeeze like a champ. “Zhahahanks- Hehehehehey!” Henrik giggled as his back was squeezed and tickled.

“Good god man! You need to stretch your back out once in a while! There’s so many knots!” Jackie reacted. “I can literally count them!” Jackie poked at a knot on his shoulder blade. “One…Two...three four...five...six seven, eight…” Jackie moved to the next shoulder bone. “Nine, ten eleven twelve- Holy shit!” Jackie reacted.

Henrik was giggling and snorting into Jackie’s shoulder as the tight muscles were prodded and massaged. There’s a reason he never got massages…

“Wow...I can see why you don’t see a massage therapist...You’re way too ticklish for it! Is your spine even tickli-”

Henrik snorted and guffawed! “EEEEEeeeeehehehehehehe!” Henrik squealed as he shoved his face into Jackie’s shoulder to muffle the laughter.

“Awwwww! This is so cute! What about…” Jackie started tickling the back ribs, on the lower back where the kidneys were located, and even on the back hips. Henrik snorted and kicked his feet at the back ribs, squeaked at the squishy back sides, and cackled the moment his back hips were poked, let alone dug into.

“Wow! All this tightness is making you ticklish! I feel at least 10 knots on your back sides, a couple knots in your back rib area, and a single knot riiiiight…” Jackie poked in the spot beside the back hip divot, “-There!”

Henrik just about died the moment that knot was drilled into. He wheezed, snorted, and laughed with muffled snorts mixed in!

Why were the snorts muffled? Well that was easy! Because Henrik was covering his mouth with his hands like a little child!

“You know...for a doctor, you’re pretty childish!” Jackie reacted.

“Mahahaybe...Ihadtogrowuptoofast…” Henrik muttered.

“Wait what?” Jackie asked.

“I needed to grow up too quickly...and I needed to develop a mature look to be a doctor…” Henrik told him. “It’s a Vórurteil…” Henrik muttered.

“A...what?” Jackie asked.

“Prejudice! It’s a prejudice!” Henrik shot back.

“Come...Keep laughing. You sound less like a grump when you’re laughing.” Jackie decided.

“Ihihi -BWAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! AHAHAND YOHOHOU SOHOHOUND NIHIHICEHEHER VHEHEHEN YOHOHOU’RE TIHICKLIHIHIHING MEHEHEHE!” Henrik yelled back.

“Oh do I? Well you just earned yourself some more tickles, my man!” Jackie declared.

Henrik winded up being tickled for 10 more minutes by Jackie before being flown back home safe and sound. Furthermore, Jackie got Henrik in on the tickle monster idea and both agreed to go for the most quietest ego of them all:

No, not literally...It’s not Jameson Jackson.

The boys chose Shawn Flynn!

Shawn had been working on a little black and white automobile based off the same car from the Bendy series. He had also been listening to some old music and was actually singing some of the lyrics off by heart! It was really nice to hear the man sing, let alone talk. And...he actually had a nice singing voice too!

The two boys waited patiently at the door for Shawn to finish the car, and then barged in the moment the artist’s hand was off the brush.

“Greetings, my creative fellow!” Henrik greeted.

Shawn jumped about 3 feet up off his chair and landed in the same wooden seat. “HOLY MOTHER OF- Guys! Honestly...Could you knock next time?!”

Not unless you want a surprise!” Jackie spoke.

“I...Ohokay. Well I like the surprise, but still…” Shawn tried to explain the situation, but was cut off by a flying beam of red picking him up. “Hey HEY HEY HEY! I didn’t fuckin’ ask for THIS!” Shawn shot at him. His voice grew wobbly the moment he was lifted a little higher. “DoOoOon’t lift me too much, sir…” He ordered softly.

“Zhat’s all he’s liftin’ you. Guarantee!” Henrik told him. “Now vhere to goooo…”

“Go? How about ‘to the door’?” Shawn suggested.

“Jahahaha, Not happening. Oh! I know!” Henrik lifted his foot up, bending Shawn’s knee upwards, and removed the man’s sock.

“Uuuuuhuhuhuh...What are you planning exactly?” Shawn asked.

“Oh! Yust some good ol’ fashioned Serotonin.” Henrik replied.

“Let me rephrase that:” Shawn cleared his throat. “Why me?” Shawn asked. “I get serotonin everyday!”

“By vorking more zhen even I have?” Henrik clarified. “I don’t believe you. Not even a leetle.” Henrik started tickling the bottom of Shawn’s foot, putting Shawn into a giggly state almost immediately. “My my my...Such a giggly Flynn ve have here!” Henrik teased.

“Cohohome ohohohon, Hehehehenryhyhyhy! Ihihis thihihis nehehehessehehessahaharyhyhy?” Shawn asked.

“Vhy YES! It is!” Henrik replied.

“Good choice on the person, Henrik! This is so much cuter than I expected!” Jackie admitted.

“See? Vhat did I tell ya?” Henrik joked.

“That Shawn would be a good choice.” Jackie replied.

“And am I right?” Henrik continued.

“HELL YEAH!” Jackie replied.

Shawn was laughing, kicking the air and hiccuping in the middle of his laughter. He was silently losing his mind and it was so cute to watch!

“Hey Shawny boy!” Jackie wrapped his one arm around Shawn and looked at his own free hand. “How would you feel about superhero fast tickles?” Jackie asked.

“Du kleiner Bösewicht!” Henrik reacted. “I couldn’t imagine!”

Jackie brought his hands to Shawn’s side and started skittering quicker, and quicker, and even more quick! The tickles were going almost 60 wiggles a minute!

“HehehehEHEHEHEHEHAHAHA! HAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! JAHAHAHAHAHA- YAHAHA GOHOHOBSHIHIHITE!” Shawn yelled.

Henrik had bursted out laughing and fell backwards while Jackie was in full confusion.

“I’m sorry, what?” Jackie asked.

“HEHEHE- AAAHAHAHA! HEHEhehe called ya a gobshite!” Henrik laughed. “Gohohobshite! Zhat’s a fuhun wohohord!” Henrik reacted, repeating the word a few times.

Jackie rolled his eyes and resumed tickling the little barker at ‘fuck you’ miles per minute. Shawn was DYING of laughter at this point. He was hiccuping in between his laughter, and wiggling around more than a flopping fish. Who knew that such a quiet soul could have so much energy to let out!

“STAHAHAP IHIHIHIT IHIHIHi’M *hiccup* GOHOHONNA PEEEEEE!” Shawn yelled to him.

“Oh shit, really?” Jackie quickly stopped tickling him and lowered the man down. “If you need to go to the toilet, then please do so!” Jackie told him.

Shawn looked up at the boys, and bit his lip. “Well...Alright.” He talked out of the room and into the bathroom just down the hall. It didn’t take long for Shawn to do his thing and come back.

“There. Now what?” Shawn asked.

“I hope you enjoyed your break! Because TIME FOR MORE TICKLES! But this time: with an empty bladder!” Jackie picked up Shawn, threw him onto the bed, and flew above the bed upside down. With the man laying there and his feet free for the taking, Jackie lowered himself to the feet and started tickling rapidly.

Shawn’s eyes practically burst out of his skull and a SCREAM left his mouth! “OHOHOHO SHIHIHIHI- BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!” Shawn laughed and clapped his hands.

“Ooooh! Not bad, Jackieboy! Your hands may be fast...But only a doctor fully knows zhe human body to its top tier!” Henrik started tickling up and down Shawn’s ribs and even went for the artist’s ab muscles. “Zhese muscles are not used on artists very often. Zherefore:” Henrik started tickling more. “Zhey are tickly vizh a capital T!” Henrik teased.

Shawn’s scream-like laughter filled the room almost immediately. It was so loud and all over the place! It was like he couldn’t figure out how exactly to laugh!

And boy was it worth it!

A little while later:

Henrik and Jackie were watching movies together with a bag of popcorn and pop in front of them.

Soon, Henrik looked over at the super hero and gave his upper rib a poke. Jackie jumped up onto hsi feet on the couch, and pointed at him. “Noooooo...No tickling.”

“Ound vhy not? I zhink some revenge is in order~” Henrik took off running after the quick superhero and managed to find ways to catch up to his super fast opponent. It didn’t take long before Henrik had caught Jackie’s leg in the air, and pulled him right down with a face plant into the ground. “WAHAIT! That was unfair!” Jackie yelled, his nose hurting from the face plant.

“Ja! So is zhis:” Henrik pulled his foot closer to himself and started tickling the red-socked foot really quickly. “Now face zhe fingers of a qualified surgeon!” Henrik declared.

Aaaaand that was how Henrik managed to overpower Jackieboy Man, of all people.

#playfulness #teasing #ticklefic #switch!jackie #switch!henrik #lee!marvin #lee!shawn

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doorbloggr · 3 years ago

Text

Sunday 1/8/21 - Media Recommendations #13

Contents:

Book - The Metamorphosis, Franz Kafka

Song - What a Fool Believes, Doobie Brothers

Anime/Manga: Death Note, Ohba & Obata

This week in Media Recommendations, at first I was considering putting it off for a week again. But then I realised that despite it being a very boring and fast moving week, I have actually been consuming some new media that I can talk about.

So forgive me being a couple days late again, but this week, I'm gonna discuss a few pieces of media that I am truly really late to appreciating. But it was now that I experienced them, so it will be now that I discuss them.

The Metamorphosis

Franz Kafka

Discussing English class assigned readings with friends and siblings, I discovered that even within the same highschool, there were several pieces of iconic western literature that I just didn't get assigned, but they did. Several of Shakespeare's works, Lord of the Flies, The Boy in Striped Pajama's, all books I just didn't get to read because I wasn't assigned them. So it had to be up to me to go and seek out these books as an adult, else I'd never experience them. One of those that I knew was famous from name alone, but only recently found out was quite a short read, was Franz Kafka's The Metamorphosis.

In one word, The Metamorphosis is... Bizarre. I've never read a story quite like it. The setting and main conflict is established in the first sentence of the story and things go from bad to worse almost immediately.

The story is pockmarked with glimpses of hope that get dashed to oblivion almost immediately. There's several points where I'm like "Oh isn't this nice, some silver lining to this black sludge of a bad time?" But it never is, it's just a very sad hopeless, bizarre time.

But I enjoyed my read for how different and interesting an experience it was. It's only a short story as I found out, so if you have a free afternoon and you never got a chance to read the story in school, I say take some time to read the bizarre experience that is Kafka's The Metamorphosis.

What a Fool Believes

The Doobie Brothers

I've had this happen a lot to me lately where I hear an older song mentioned in passing and then I become obsessed with it for a week or so before it becomes part of my regular spotify rotation. The first time I actually heard this song was its use as the background music in a Neil Cicierega parody mashup. Then very recently in a podcast, the song was brought up for its very unique guitar riffs and rhythms.

So I went back and listened to the song in full for the first time and holy bejesus what a fucking bop.

What a Fool Believes is just so high energy and funky and everything about it is amazing. The vocals are amazing, the instruments are amazing. It's just a really good song. Please listen to it!

youtube

Death Note

Tsugumi Ohba, Takeshi Obata

Although my anime taste is overwhelming in favour of turn brain off, slice of life happy times, there's nothing wrong with a bit of supernatural mystery thriller every now and then. Death Note is a classic of modern Japanese Fiction.

Death Note is a very specific fiction experience. It is a battle of wits where every move is calculated perfectly to counter the enemy. I don't want to spoil the story too much, because you really should experience it for yourself, but the premise centres around a supernatural object called the Death Note. This book is a tool used by Shimigami, or reapers, and when a person's name is written in there, they will die. This book is found by academic savant Light Yagami who believes he can use this book to bring about world piece, but he eventually becomes just as wicked as those he punishes. Some of the world's brightest minds catch onto his patterns quick and try to uncover him as the immoral mass murderer he is.

It is a fast paced story of twists and turns. Any wrong move could mean death for either side, but they just keep check-mating each other so that the upperhand is just out of reach. If you are into crime thrillers, murder mystery, or light supernatural horror, I could not recommend Death Note more. The Manga is great and the Anime is amazing, so pick your poison.

Thanks for reading if you did.

As the title suggests, I've done 12 more of these, so check out links on my pinned post if you're interested. And also if you have any recommendations for me, I'm always looking for more media to consume.

#blog #blogpost #media recommendations #book recommendations #music recommendations #anime recommendations #manga recommendation #the metamorphosis #franz kafka #the metamorphosis kafka #what a fool believes #the doobie brothers #death note #death note manga #death note anime #Youtube

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hackedmotionsensors · 4 years ago

Note

Hey I feel like you’ve already answered this but what are some of your favorite iron man or Captain America comics and why? What story lines would you recommend? I’m curious about the more modern stuff. What’s some of your fav comic artists when it comes to marvel?

OKAY SO.

holy shit this got long so UNDER THE READ MORE WE GO

This is always kind of a hard question to answer because I personally have not read everything in regards to either Iron man or Captain America. I’ve read the Tales of Suspense stories a lot because I keep trying to start over from the very beginning. And that’s not always helpful if you just wanna dip your toes or give Iron Man/Cap a go.

So what I CAN tell you is here’s what I did when I was first getting into comics around 2012.

I went to Borders/Barnes and Noble and a I read a bunch of the compilations they had in the store. Someone has already done the work FOR you so its really easy to just pick up a book and read from there.

I started out with Invincible Iron Man (I’m gonna link to Amazon but I suggest not buying from them because Bezos is a demon [comixology is owned by amazon as well but it is a convenient app])

Marvel has its own comics app but if you also read and pay for other comics its not ideal. There are places to “read comic books online” and for older stuff I definitely do this now but for newer comics I’ll try to pay for them especially if its indie. Support indie comics!!!

Anyway. Invincible Iron Man. A polarizing story in terms of Iron Man lore. But its definitely an easy one to get into and read especially if you’re coming in from MCU and are just testing things. You don’t necessarily need to know all of his history but it covers the basics.

Next I’d try Demon in a Bottle It’s the original alcoholism arc. A must read for general Tony’s lore. This isn’t the one where he ends up a hobo on the street where Cap helps him escape from a burning building. But this is where he goes off the rails the first time. Bethany Cabe is his current girlfriend and tries to help him. And he kind of recovers. I’m not sure this is exactly a FAVORITE but it has a lot of the important shit for Tony. His temper is something that doesn’t get talked a lot about I think but he DEFINITELY has one. The art is very..........lol its not BAD per say but its also not like wow what gorgeous art.

Another important Tony lore is Armor Wars So you wanna read the first few times Tony and Steve fight about REAL SHIT. This is it. This is the classic story where he realizes his tech is being used by bad guys and HE’S THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN STOP THEM NO CAP NOT EVEN YOU BECAUSE YOU’RE A GOOD GUY AND I MIGHT HAVE TO GET DIRTY. It has the classic Steve sitting in a dark room waiting for Tony to come back with his date and then throwing his shield at Tony going “I don’t want your trash”

It also has a lot of good Tony being in a morally grey area. *chef’s kiss*

And then basically read all the fun stuff with Kurt Busiek in Vol 3 (This isn’t an amazon link but the marvel database so you know roughly where to start)

VOLUME THREE HAS SUCH HITS LIKE

The Sentient Armor: Tony accidentally kills Whiplash in a lightning storm. The Armor comes to life. The armor falls in love with Tony and WANTS TO BECOME ONE WITH TONY. Tony does not want this. Tony is beat up and kidnapped and taken by the armor to a deserted island. The Armor is like Tony I love you so much GET IN ME NOW. Tony is about to die from a heart attack. The armor RIPS ITS HEART OUT AND SHOVES IT INTO TONY. Bye Tony I love you now we’re one forever. RIP

Tiberius Stone’s 2 arcs (they’re not in consecutive order but they’re both hella gay): Tony’s old boarding school friend shows up again and is a TV mogul and is DEFINITELY NOT Slandering Tony in the press or blowing up his buildings or framing him for MURDER oh my god Tiberius is a pain in the ass and we definitely boned down as teenagers but he would never frame me for MURDER but his TV devices that seep into your brain like the boob tube thing from Batman Forever are pretty suspicious. Oh no Tiberius IS a bad guy and he got me naked (why?) and hooked the both of us up to the TV machine and now we’re trapped in his horny tv dream why am I dressed like Alice in Wonderland??? ALSO HE SLEPT WITH MY GIRLFRIEND!!!!??

(This is why I will FOREVER get upset that Killian in Iron Man 3 isn’t Tiberius Stone. He IS LITERALLY FOLLOWING THE TIBERIUS STONE PLAYBOOK INCLUDING THE PHYSICAL LOOK WHAT THE ACTUAL HELL MARVEL CINEMATIC UNIVERSE FEIGE YOU OWE ME MONEY!!!!)

Also at the beginning of Vol 3. Tony gets the absolute holy hell bejesus shit beat out of him. And that lasts for a WHILE and seeps into the Avengers Vol 3 (which you should also read its fun and I like that George Perez actually tries to make people look ethnically diverse but also you can tell Clint from Cap)

There’s also a part in vol 3 where Monica from FRIENDS shows up at a party and that’s a wild thing that happened.

But basically I think you can start just about anywhere with Iron Man and have a good time if you’re a deep Tony fan. He has a lot of great stories and its why he’s my favorite. Even this last run with Slott I still KIND OF LIKE ANYWAY??? bc its Tony. Its not always written to what a lot of long standing Iron Man fans would say is canon but I mean.....he’s got 57 years worth of comics behind him so he’s bound to change here and there. He was once a super villain, died, brought over as a teenager from an alternate timeline, and then merged with another Tony I forget the details but its silly lol

Side universe reading Iron Man Noir, Ultimates (Hickman’s run is very fun but also Ultimates 1 and 2. DO NOT READ ULTIMATUM IT IS GROSS, I HAVE READ IT FOR YOU ALMOST EVERYONE DIES ITS GROSS.

Ultimates is literally half of the basis for the MCU. Don’t read Ultimates Iron Man tho. Not only is it written by a creep its also extremely stupid and doesn’t even really make sense in terms of what happens later in Ultimates. It basically gets RetConned immediately.

Also Ultimates universe has Gregory Stark. Tony’s fun evil twin brother who for some reason is blonde. I can’t really give you a specific story to read with Ultimates because its the most god awful confusing universe to try and find stories from so I literally don’t even remember. I’d check an Ultimates fan blog for that.

AS FOR CAPTAIN AMERICA.

I love Steve Rogers. I really do. I think he’s a fun character. B U T. His comics for me can be very boring. He has some great arcs as someone who is supposed to be a representation of what a GOOD AMERICA can aspire to or whatever. But America often times SUCKS A LOT (our current times being very obvious). Cap definitely fights for what he believes and so that’s why he often takes off the garb of Captain America and runs around in a slutty v neck and a cape as Nomad. Or when he comes back from the dead and his BFF is the new Cap (WITHA KNIFE) and wears the sexy Secret Avengers uniform. Very sexy. We stan the Colonel Rogers uniform very much. But his early comics are a lot of “OH MY GOD I KILLED BUCKY ITS ALL MY FAULT BUCKY!!!!! RICK JONES PUT ON BUCKYS CLOTHES THIS ISNT CREEPY I PROMISE”

A GREAT run in Avengers is the Cap’s Kooky Quartet or as I call Cap Joins the Baby Sitters Club. This goes WAYYYYYY back to Avengers 17

It runs for a very good while before Giant-man and Wasp come back because Giant Man can’t shrink back down lmfao idiot. But its a lot of fun and establishes Cap as being a really good leader even tho he’s thrown into the hot seat because he was out on a mission and everyone else was like “We’re taking a vacay bye Cap. Good luck with the kids” *John Mulaney doing Andy Cohen impression* HUH WHAT WHY

I have no idea what to Rec really lol I know @sineala is part of a SteveTony 616 discord and they do readings every month(?) of either very SteveTony based arcs or specifically Steve or Tony arcs. But I think they have a better grasp of Steve stories than I do.

I would say most recently the run with Mark Waid and Chris Samnee as the artist is a VERY good read. The story is pretty nice and dry lol but the art. Holy shit.

I know there are a bunch of artists that really REALLY get Cap but Chris Samnee is probably my number one favorite Cap artist. Even his sort of retro style works with Cap SO WELL. And I like Mark Waid’s writing. Or at least I don’t think I’ve ever been really mad at it like with Dan Slott or Gillen (We will never forgive for what he did to Tony’s backstory and taking Maria from him) lol

Uh...but as far as I could tell the entire run where Bernie is his girlfriend is VERY good. She first shows up in Captain America 247 . Cap is an illustrator on the side (or as his main job) and man what a dope. His art habits are worse than mine like get a desk Steve. But this arc through Bernie goes through a lot of Steve being kind of stuck in the past and not knowing how to embrace the modern or future and Bernie is there being the coolest fucking chick in the world who’s studying to be a lawyer, watches Wrestling, listens to Bruce Springsteen (I think lol I forget), dunks on Cap for being a weirdo old dude. Very put together woman of the 80s. She proposes to Cap and because I think the writers changed he’s like I HAVE TO LEAVE IMMEDIATELY BYE.

This isn’t on any of the main timelines but its a good read Captain America Man Out Of Time. Basically Cap coming to grips with the future and realizing the past sucked ew. lol Also he listens to Radiohead which Tony gives him a personal concert for because of course he does.

And then of course there’s this fucking TOME of a story Captain America: The Winter Soldier .

Im gonna sound a little negative but I don’t mean it against anyone’s favorite but I have the most exhausting time trying to read this story. I’ve tried at least three times lol. I think maybe Brubaker’s weird obsession with the Cold War (Remember when he called people who were yelling at Slott for being a creep a ‘Bunch of Commies’) is just so fucking heavy handed that I can’t personally get through it. I would much rather watch the movie.

HOWEVER. There’s good old Bucky coming back from the dead. Natasha. Sam Wilson. Sharon Carter. All big players in this story. So uh lol good luck with this one. If you’re also a Bucky fan this is a must read but as I only peripherally like Bucky I don’t care to read this one.

So I’d check out this arc.

Also a personal fave of mine is

It starts here on Captain America 402 . Its the best story IN THE WORLD. ITS SO ICONIC. NOTHING CAN COMPETE. I LOVE CAPWOLF SO MUCH lol

#I'm really an iron man fan so I don't care what Iron Man I'm reading #but man lol cap is very hit or miss #unless he's a werewolf and then he's SEXYYYYY #pinklasagnaa #long post

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hidden-behind-the-fourth-wall · 5 years ago

Text

I ain’t afraid of no skeleton

Pairing: Steve x F!Reader

Summary: It’s a Halloween party at the Tower and Steve dresses up as the only one things that doesn’t scare the bejesus out of you.

Warnings: Angts, Fluff, Avengers being sweethearts, a happy ending ( is that a warning?)

A/N: So I wrote this a bit late for The Spooky Writing Challenge of the amazing @barnesrogersvstheworld . I had so much fun writing it especially that I had so much stuff on my head lately and still have so it was an amazing get away for me. I do apologise for any mistakes. English is not my mother tongue, but I am doing my best I promise :) This is also my first challange thing, so please be gentle <3

Words: 3740+

You never liked Halloween. Once because your parents never let you go out with any of your friends, and second you were a proper chicken. It was easy to scare you, and as much as you never believed in ghosts, zombies and other anomalies, you were still terrified.

You chuckled, however, seeing all the skeleton hanging about. As a scientist, skeletons never scared you. Fascinated? Yes. Scared? Never.

It always made you smile whenever you saw the decorations, and being a part of the Avengers tower team, you were mentally prepared for the place to look like a haunted house. After all Tony Stark owned the place. And if someone was about to make it a big wow, then it had to be Tony Stark.

"Spooky", you tensed hearing a chuckle behind you. The one and only Captain America seemed to live to spend his lunch in your lab. You never understood why, but you never minded. He always brought you coffee and something new he tried out cooking or when you made something you thought he would like, you texted him and brought it. It became a routine for both of you. Something you enjoyed. Mostly because you had an enormous crush on the Golden Boy of America. But who were you kidding? You were just one of many people that worked in the tower, and Captain America was just being nice and friendly.

"Yeah, I guess..." you chuckled, thanking him for the cup of coffee he had brought with him. "Am not a fan of Halloween, if I'm honest." He raised his brow and just now realised you only had some skeleton hanging around, nothing more. "I'm a chicken by nature and all those spooky stuff scares me", you pouted hearing him chuckle.

"But no skeletons?" He asked, sitting opposite you at your little table.

"I'm a scientist, Mr Rogers. I ain't afraid of no skeleton" you smiled, hearing his booming smile. You felt proud whenever you were able to make that sound come out. He looked so carefree and beautiful. His mesmerising eyes shined then, making your knot at stomach even tighter. "Ghosts and zombies are a different story though..." you added, making him laugh even more at your adorable face.

"A scientist that believes in ghosts and zombies?"

"From a biological point of view it is possible for zombies to exist... someday," you smirked and bit your lip. "You for example. An amazing example of one. You died and came back to life." He opened his mouth to say something, but only another fit of laughter came out.

"Does that mean you're afraid of me?" He asked in a joking matter, making you chuckle. "I'll dress up as a skeleton for the party. Just to make sure you won't ran away."

You promised Tony to bake some of your popular cookies and muffins for the afterparty. Not being able to say no, you were now solemnly tired but happy to see over 50 muffins and 100 cookies on the counter.

"I know that smell!" You turned and smiled at Sam and Bucky who walked into the kitchen.

"Holy cow, doll, you have outdone yourself!" Barnes whistled under his nose seeing all the different Halloween sweets sitting around the kitchen. "Stark should pay you for that", he joked giving you a friendly peck on the cheek, followed by Wilson.

"Please tell me you made some extra for us to try...?" The Falcon asked, smirking at you. Raising your brow you chuckled, unable to fight his puppy eyes. Who would have thought the ex-soldier would have such a sweet tooth. You handed him the cupcakes from the plate away from the others and blushed to hear his happy groans.

"Here." You turned to Barnes giving him a different looking cupcake. "I know you're not a fan of sweets, but a little bird told me once you used to love cheesecake. They probably are not as good as you ate back in those days. But maybe you'll enjoy it", you noticed a little blush on his cheeks and he thanked you with a small smile.

"You are an angel, I hope you know that" he murmured between the bites. You were proud of yourself noticing his smile and the speed he devoured his sweet. "Whoever will be lucky enough to court you, I'm already jealous." You laughed at him, slowly putting all the cupcakes away, leaving the plate for the avengers to eat before the party. "Strawberry cupcakes? I wonder who are they for", you tenses hearing a cheeky tone of the ex Winter Soldier.

"I... I heard he used to be allergic to those. Plus they were quite expensive in the 30s... and I noticed him snacking on them now so..." you are probably more red than tomato, hating the fact that the boys in front of her knew about her stupid crush on the Captain.

"That's adorable", Sam smiled at you in a weirdly encouraging way. "So is this the way you will use to tell him about your feelings?"

"No!" You squealed, making them chuckle at your reaction. "I... I couldn't... look at him and then me. I am not worthy to even think that someone as amazing as him would even consider me... you know..." Just as Wilson was about to say something, the doors to the kitchen opened and the source of the topic walked in.

"Oh!! I know that smell!!" You chucked at his huge grim and shining eyes. "You will make us fat, Y/N!" He joked walking towards the three of you.

"Here", you pushed the special cupcake to him, smiling sweetly. "I gotta go, got some paperwork to do. I will see you guys at the party." You waved at them and left the room.

"She's adorable", Rogers looked at Wilson, who was still gazing at the doors that you just used to leave. His brow furrowed. A weird, uneasy feeling appeared in his stomach, with his friends complement. "I think I'm gonna ask her out", Cap's eyes widened, and Bucky could not help but smirk. Their friend was the best guy there is, but he was tense and awful with women. He was almost sure that the big guy was worse than the skinny one in the 30s. "What do you think, Cap?"

"If... if you like her...", he answered, but his voice low and husky. If Sam did not know better, he'd think his friend would kill him now, from the way he looked at him. "I mean. She is a great dame... I mean girl. A woman. She's a great woman."

"So why the hell have you no asked her out yet?" Bucky finally asked, feeling sorry for his life long friend. Barnes was happy to see Steve smile whenever he was with you. You little lunch dates that none of you actually called dates, were adorable. Even Natasha found it cute, whenever Steve walked into the building with extra coffee and a muffin, two or seven. He liked you and it was not a secret that you liked him. But of course, none of you would say anything. You were both too stubborn to even realise how good you were for each other.

"She's a friend. That's all she sees in me..." the blonde answered ashamed to even talk about it.

"Oh Steve, you're an idiot!" Sam laughed out loud. "You have dates practically every damn lunch. You spend more time with her than with anyone of us. And she doesn't seem to mind that. Come on, man. She made you special strawberry cupcakes. Did you know she hates them? Even the smell makes her sick and yet she made them just for you."

Rogers was looking at Wilson with shock. Of course, he knew all that, but hearing it from his friends' lips had a different impact.

He smiled saying goodbye to his friends. After all, there was a party tonight and he needed to get ready and get into the ridiculous costume he bought especially for you.

You were never a party person. You much more preferred to stay in the corner with your drink and watch people.

But this night was different. You did not enjoy looking at that one person. He looked really great in his Jack Skellington costume. You felt your heartache for him for dressing as a skeleton. Some part of you thought he did it for you. But seeing all the women surrounding him, you were sure anymore. All of them were beautiful, skinny and willing to give themselves to him. Who were you to even think that he dress up like that for you?

"You seem miserable, my dear bakery queen", you rolled your eyes hearing Stark's voice.

"Are you drunk already, Tony?" You joked, smiling at him when he landed on the couch next to you.

"No. I'm leaving this for the after-party. Plus pepper would kill me." You couldn't help but chuckle at his fear of his wife. "You know... from what I gathered he is not enjoying any of that women's company." You looked at him and smiled sadly. Apparently everyone knew about the crush you had. How sad.

"Well, he does from here." You answered and got up slowly trying to keep your eyes away from the Captain. "Another whisky, Tony?" He shook his head. His smirked disappeared seeing your sadness. You gave him one of your most beautiful fake smiles and went to the pub. One more drink won't ruin you. But it may be easier to look at the hordes of women lining up to 'talk' to Captain America.

"I have never seen you drink more than one drink before, Sally." You raised humour brow looking at your witch costume. "If his Jack than you're Sally right?" Natasha smirked at you, putting a drink in front of you.

"Quite ironic, heh?" You chuckled, sitting on one of the stools. "Poor Sally wasn't able to show her affection either." You took a deep breath and a sip of the drink. "But we're not the same. In the end, she managed to do it, and Jack returned the love."

"And what makes you think Steve isn't your Jack?" You blew a raspberry at her question.

"Look at all those women there. They are all beautiful and probably better than me in every aspect. Steve would be an idiot to chose me." You laughed trying to hide the pain behind those words. You shook your head to silently tell Romanoff to leave the subject. "I'm gonna go rest a bit before the after-party..." you finished the drink in one gulp and went to your room. It's not that you even planned on coming later but this was a good excuse. At least that's what you hoped.

You exhaled deeply happy to be away from the room. There were too many people, too many questions you didn't know the answers to.

"Hey, where are you going?" You froze hearing the voice you didn't really want to hear right now. Yo stopped and put a fake smile on, before turning around. There he was. Looking so good and adorable in his Jack costume. "Did all the zombies scared you off?" He joked, walking closer to you.

"You never know which one of them are real", you answered in the same manner, making him chuckle.

"Don't worry!" He beamed straightening a bit more with a huge grin on his face. "Your skeleton is here to protect you." Your breath hitched and eyes widen. Your. You bit your lip and looked away feeling pain in your chest. When you realised that he will never be yours, and you will never be his. "Unless this scares you as well?" You looked up at him and smiled at him back seeing his soft one.

"I told you, I ain't afraid of no skeleton!" You answered making his smile grow.

"Are you ok, though? You left the party pretty early." You swallowed hard not knowing what to answer. "Nat said you went for a rest. You feeling alright, doll?" Your heart skipped a bit at the pet name. You noticed he wasn't talking like that to any of the other girls, but you still just assumed he was just comfortable with you.

"I'm not good with crowds." You answered softly, calling for the elevator. "I just wanted to rest before the after-party."

"Y/N" you turned around when you heard his serious tone. "You know you can talk to me if something bothers you, right?" You smiled at him with a sad look on your face. How you wish you could tell him about all that you want. But you just shook your head and smiled

"I'm ok, Steve. Go back to the party. Go find yourself your own Sally." And before he was able to respond you walked to the elevator and watched the doors closing.

"What If I already found one?" Rogers whispered when you were gone.

You hated and loved Natasha at same time. But her little sneaky idea was so stupid. You could not really rest. The moment you stepped into your room she followed you like a lost puppy.

"This is ridiculous", you murmured looking at your make up and the weird dress that Nat brought with you. "He is going to freak out! Nat... he doesn't feel the same way! He is just a good friend..."

"Well, every Jack needs his Sally," she said, ignoring everything that you just said. You exhaled loudly, tired to fight with her. "He's gonna love it! And seriously, have some more faith in yourself. You are a beautiful, smart, kind woman, he would be an idiot if he didn't want you." You blushed, internally thankful for a friend like Nat. "Ok, done! Looking amazing!" She cheered and you smiled. You had to admit, she made an amazing job.

"Ok, let's get that over with", you sighed letting her drag you to the whole other level of the building where the party was holding.

You weren't sure what you were thinking, but right now you just wanted to disappear. You sank into the couch and wondered why you even came here.

The party was on for more than an hour now. When you walked in looking like Sally, Steve looked positively surprised. He laughed a bit and you talked for a while. It was nice. Comfortable and made you think that maybe he does feel something to you.

But then he went to get you both a drink and never came back. He was sitting there with a beer in his hand talking and laughing with Sharon. You knew there was something between the two of them, but you hoped it was over. However, looking at the two of them, you realised that they looked really good together.

Your gaze landed on him. He looked more relaxed with her. His laugh reached his beautiful eyes and he looked like there was nothing on his shoulders. You wondered what she was telling him, that made him look so adorable and carefree.

You just now realised that it wasn't just a stupid crush anymore. You loved him and he didn't feel the same way.

"You'll burn a hole in his head if you keep on gazing at him like that", you looked to the right to see Sam sitting next to you. "What is it? Where is that beautiful smile that was there just minutes ago?" You bit your lip and took a deep sip of your drink.

"It's with him", you answered sadly. "He looks really happy, right?" He frowned and looked at his friend. There was an ache in his heart seeing you so sad.

"Come on", he stood up and took your hand pulling you towards the dance floor. It wasn't big and you felt all the eyes on you.

"I can't dance" you whispered, making him chuckle. One of his hand was on the back of your waist and the other tangled in your hand.

"Close your eyes and trust me. Just relax." So you did. You closed your eyes, leaned your head on his chest and smiled a little, actually enjoying the slow song. You felt so calm now. You didn't care about the Avengers looking at the two of you. You didn't care about Sharon and Steve flirting. There you were. Sally dancing with Dracula and you really enjoyed it. "Don't ever let a man dictate how you feel, no matter who that man is, you hear me baby girl?" You sniffed and nodded, your cheeks still pressed to his chest. "You are worth so much if you only believe in yourself."

You actually had fun throughout the party. After Sam thanked you for the dance, Tony took you for a next one, making you laugh with his inappropriate jokes and pick up lines, that made you wonder how he was able to catch someone like Pepper with that.

After some drinks Bucky took you for something which he described as 30s dance. You felt like burning all the calories you had today, but you laughed so much that your jaw hurt. Clint and Nat took you for a stupid a la 90s dance which was joined by Thor who than danced with you to slower dance, showing you some Asgsrdian moves. Before you knew you danced with everyone. You were even able to have a drink with Loki who seemt to be more and more open to the people of Earth.

You were so occupied with everyone that you forgot about Steve. You havent looked his way the entire time. Haven't noticed how he said goodbye to Sharon who walked away with a guy named Bill that was just late for a party and was ready to take his girl back home now that he was free. You haven't noticed the look on his face whenever there was a slower dance and you were pressed close to the other man. A man that wasn't him. You didn't notice the sad smile on his lips whenever you laughed. He found you so beautiful, but was sad at the same time that he wasnt the one to bring that mesmerising sound out of you. And you haven't immediately noticed how he left the party to go to the balcony to get some air.

You only noticed the last thing when you yourself needed some fresh air. All the dancing, laughing, talking and incredible amount of alcohol made you a bit more tipsy than you planned on becoming tonight.

"Jacky?" He turned around a small smirk appeared on his lips seeing you closing the balcony doors behind you. You walked closer, leaning forward you stopped next to him. "What's wrong, Jacky?"

"Does that make you Sally?" He asked playfully turning towards you. You chuckled and turned around to show your dress.

"Indeed I am. Nat thought it would be funny. I feel stupid though", he frowned not understanding. Feeling a bit braver thanks to the alcohol you turned to look st the city and smiled sadly. "Sharon would fit better as your Sally."

"My Sally?" He asked not taking his eyes off of you. Despite looking like a dead doll you still looked beautiful in his eyes. The way you had fun today pained him a bit. It meant you were able to enjoy yourself so much without him there.

"Well Nat has this absurd idea that you may feel something towards me..." he tensed a bit, but you never stopped. "I really don't know how someone like you would like me back, but well Natasha was always a bit weird... but yeah. So I saw you with Sharon. You really do look good together and..."

"Like you back?" He interjected making you widened your eyes and swallow hard. You were talking faster than thinking and now you were regretting the words that left your lips.

"I... I mean..." you widened your eyes seeing his smirk. "I should go." You were about to turn and leave the balcony, when he stopped you, holding you by the wrist.

"I don't dress up", he started. The smile present on his lips and eyes shining. You braved enough to look up and took a deep breath seeing the way he was looking at you. "Sharon and I have history. We understand each other, we're friends and this is it." He pulled you closer to him, but gently enough not to halt you. "I dressed up in this absurd costume because you told me skeletons are the only things you're not afraid of." There was a blush on his cheeks when he continued. "When I saw you changed to Sally my heart skipped a beat. I thought it was my chance, but... but you were ignoring me the whole night... I was so happy to see you relax and have fun but... I wanted to be the reason to see that smile on your lips."

"I thought you were back with Sharon and it broke my heart to see you both together..." you started, looking down at your shoes. "I always thought I was not good enough for you, so today when I saw you talk with her I decided to give up on my feelings..."

"Not good enough for me?" He chuckled shaking his head in disbelief. "You are the most amazing woman I know. Sweet, smart, kind hearted, and not to mention beautiful." He bit his lip and put two of his fingers under your jaw lifting it up. "God. I can't believe even for a second you thought were not good enough..." he shook his head and leaned down putting his forehead to yours.

You closed your eyes and smiled happily. The heat radiating from him killed whatever chill you felt from the cold temperature. His hands moved from your shoulders down to your waist, pulling you closer.

"Your heart is beating really fast, doll", you couldn't help but chuckle at his super hearing. "Are you afraid?" He asked only half-jokingly. His eyes were moving from your eyes to your lip. It melted your heart. This amazing man was waiting for your permission. You bit your lip and rounded your arm on his neck, getting him closer to you. And before you closed the distance between the two of you, you whispered cheekily.

"I already told you. I ain't afraid of no skeleton!"

#ayaotdchallenge #steve rogers #captain america #captain america fandom #captain america fanfiction #captain america x you #captain america x reader #steve rogers x you #steve rogers x reader #Halloween #halloween challange #halloween writing challenge #mcu #marvel #marvel family #marvel mcu #nightmare before xmas #nightmare before christmas #jack x sally

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you-a-southpaw-doll · 5 years ago

Text

“I Love You” ~ A Teacher!NeganAU One Shot

Title: “I Love You” ~ A Teacher!NeganAU One Shot

Word Count: 1,823 words

Summary: You never were one of his students, but you still stopped to see Negan every mornin’ while you waited for the bus to take you from the normal high school to the high school you went to. The two of y’all were best friends, and still are, even now that you’re off at college. Negan was married, a father of two kids, a little boy and a little girl, and a teacher. He was off limits to you, and you were off limits to him. Or so y’all thought. So, y’all never did anything. When things change, why should Negan deny his feelings for you, and vice versa? There’s not a thing stopping him now, so he does what he wants to, and has wanted to do for years. And you can’t believe it. :)

Warning(s): Explicit language. Angry Negan. Protective Negan. Caring Negan. Loving Negan. Father Negan. Fluff. Also, the wives aren’t a thing in this story; Negan’s in the process of being a divorced man from Lucille.

Author’s Note(s):

I know the original storyline has it where Negan cheats on Lucille and she dies from cancer...but this is my story, and I’m changing that shit up. Negan ain’t the cheater...Lucille is...and she doesn’t die...but Negan finally has enough of it.

Also, sorry I ain’t posted much here lately. I’ve been home for the summer from college, and since I’m staying with my grandma, she doesn’t have internet, so I can’t post stories as often as I’d like. I can reblog things from my phone...but posting a 1,800+ word fic? That’s a bit hard and my phone doesn’t like to work to let me do it. But, just know I’m still here, and you’re always welcome to send me a message/ask.

Another thing, if you’ve sent me a request for a story, I promise I ain’t ignoring it or you. I just gotta figure out the best way to type it up and then post it when I can.

As always, if you wanna be added to my tag list, just let me know! :)

Relationship(s): Negan x Lucille (Husband/Wife --> Soon-to-be Ex-Husband/Ex-Wife). Negan x Reader (Eventual Romantic). Negan x Simon (Best Friends). Negan x Son (Father/Son). Negan x Daughter (Father/Daughter)

Characters: Negan. Lucille. Reader. Simon. Mention of kids.

Taglist: @negans-network @thamberlina @prettyboynegan@mychemicalimagines @rockinkel21 @misskittycat02 @band--psycho

___________________***_____________________

Story Time:

“God dammit, Negan. What the fuck do you mean you’re getting a divorce?” Simon yells.

“Shut the fuck up, Simon. I mean just what I fuckin’ said. Lucille and I are getting a divorce. I’m not happy anymore and it’s fuckin’ killing me. You fuckin’ know this. And, you know how she’s fuckin’ treated me over the years!” Negan explains, his voice laced with exasperation, frustration, and hurt.

“Yea. I know. But, what about the kids?”

“What ‘bout ‘em? I’m still gonna fuckin’ be there for ‘em. They’re my damn kids, Si! I ain’t gonna do what my old man did, and abandon ‘em! They’re gonna be living with me. Lucille don’t want ‘em with her all the fuckin’ time. Says they keep her from fuckin’ who-the-fuck-ever she wants to. Plus, it’ll be a whole hell of a lot fuckin’ better for ‘em ‘cause they won’t have to be ‘round the toxic as fuck relationship between their mama and I.”

“Are you doing this because of that damn girl?”

“Who the fuck are you talking about? What girl?” Negan hesitates for a second. “Are you talkin’ ‘bout (Y/N)? MY (Y/N)?”

Simon nods. “That girl.”

Negan takes a deep breath in, his fist clenching, and steps closer to his best friend that happens to be like a brother to him. “Listen here, and you better fuckin’ listen closely, Simon. She is not just “That girl”. Got it? She is not a girl. She is a fuckin’ lovely young woman. I will not have you disrespecting the fuck outta her like that. Do you fuckin’ understand me?”

Simon doesn’t say anything, but rather, he just looks in his buddy’s eyes and sees the honesty there.

“Do you, Simon?” Negan asks again, making sure the other man understands him.

Simon nods. “I fuckin’ got it, Neegs. God. I’ll be fuckin’ damned. You really do love her.”

“Hell fuckin’ yes, I fuckin’ love her. How the fuck could I not? Hmm? She’s sweet. Funny as hell. Smart. Beautiful…she’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever fuckin’ met. Great with the kids. And, she’s strong as hell. Stronger than me or you. Both mentally and physically. She is so fuckin’ wonderful. All the way around. And, she deserves to be respected. Which is something you’ve yet to do in the four fuckin’ years you’ve known her. And, even then, you still don’t even know her. Not like I fuckin’ do. You just see her in passing and assume bad things about her.”

Simon shrugs. “Yea. So? What’s your fuckin’ point, Negan? She’s just some young fuckin’ thing looking for a damn sugar daddy and she’s got father issues herself. She’s latched onto you.”

The salt-and-peppered man shoves the balding man in front of him. “Shut the fuck up, Simon! Seriously. Do you fuckin’ hear yourself, man? I swear, you have no honest to God respect for anyone – not even your-damn-self. You get to know her like I fuckin’ know her, and then try telling me what you just said. And, as a head’s up, you ever say that bullshit again, and I’ll fuckin’ punch you so damn hard that horrendous porn stache of yours will come off your fuckin’ face. For real. Got it?”

Simon just stays quiet for a few minutes. He lowers his head and looks at the tiled ground beneath his black boots.

“I just had to see how much you really loved her. Make sure you weren’t blinded on this, Negan.” Simon says, lifting his head and looking his best friend in the eyes. “I know you love the holy hell outta her. Ok? I could see it on your face every time she walked down the hall, or you heard her name mentioned somewhere. I could tell it from the way your voice got lighter and happier when I heard you talking to her in the mornings. I could tell it in the way you hugged her; you would hug her closer than anyone else, except for the kids. You hugged her like she was the life ring thrown out to you in a drowning sea. I could tell in the way you glanced at her as she walked away in the mornings. Your eyes held a softness, a burning passion for a love that you could never have. I know you love her. I just had to see how much you loved her.”

“Why the hell would you do that to me?” Negan’s normally deep voice cracks. “I love the fuckin’ bejesus outta her. And, yet. I can never fuckin’ have her. She’ll never be mine. She could never love a fuckin’ old man like me.”

“Shut the hell up, Negan. Ok? You may not see it, but dammit, Neegs, she loves you too. I know she does. Every morning you weren’t here when she had to leave, she was so sad and her shoulders drooped as she walked outta the building, missing you by a few moments. When I saw her waiting by your door every morning, she would look up with pure hope that the next person to walk through those double doors would be you. I saw her face light up when it really was you that walked in. I saw her try to hide that little happy grin whenever you looked at her. I saw her blush and just look ten times lighter and happier. I could tell in the way she took her steps to get closer to you. They weren’t slow and sluggish, but they weren’t hurried. They were peaceful steps. I’ve seen her flinch when anyone else would come near her, and watched her shrink away if someone said something too loudly.”

He pauses. “But, with you, Negan, I saw her lean into your touch, hardly ever flinch when you got too close to her, and not once did she shy away from you. I could tell in the way she hugged back. She hugged you like you could be gone in the next second and she wanted to treasure what she could with you. She hugged you…Neegs, man, she hugged you like Tim McGraw hugs Faith Hill after they sing a damn duet together on stage.”

Simon smiles. “I know she loves you because every time someone mentioned your name, she would light up and hide that grin so as to not give it away. I noticed it from the way she would always turn around one last time before she left just to see you one more time when she thought no one was watching.”

The slightly younger man reaches up and places his hand on his brother’s leather-clad shoulder. Negan’s got tears running down his cheeks, getting lost in the salt-and-pepper scruff lining his jaw, lips, and chin.

“Neegs, she loves you. And, I know in a heartbeat, she’d be your girl if you just fuckin’ ask her. You deserve to be happy. I know that just as well as you fuckin’ do. She does too. And, you both make each other happy.” Simon says.

“Why were you always so fuckin’ rude to her?” Negan asks quietly.

“Because...I was jealous. Ok? You had her love and you didn’t even fuckin’ know it. And, she had yours, but she didn’t know it either. I wanted what you two had, hell, still fuckin’ have. That’s why.”

“She really fuckin’ loves me?”

Simon nods, smiling. “She really fuckin’ loves you. Just as much, if not more, as you love her.”

“I have to go talk to her, before it’s too damn late. I have to go to fuckin’ Kentucky.”

“Go, Negan. Go. I’ll watch the youngins this weekend. Lucille will let ‘em come over to my house and hang out with my kids. You know this. Go get your girl. Don’t let her walk away this time.”

Negan smiles that cute little dimpled smile of his that always had you grinning from ear to ear. Simon hugs his best friend tightly.

“Call me when you get there. Be safe.”

_____________________________***________________________________

Negan sucks in a deep breath – probably the deepest he’s ever taken in – as he goes to turn the truck off. Sliding the keys into his pocket, he places a shaky hand on the door handle and opens the truck door.

He slides outta the truck and leans against it after closing the door. He pulls his phone out and thumbs through his contacts till he gets to your name. He presses the “Call” button.

“Hello?” You ask, hesitantly, not sure why he’s calling you.

“(Y/N). It’s Negan.” He says, a little nervous, something he ain’t been since he was a damn teenager, over 30 years ago.

He can hear the smile in your voice as you say “I know it’s you, silly. I just wasn’t expecting you to call me.”

Negan chuckles. “Yea…Well…I needed to talk to you.”

You hesitate. “What’s wrong?”

He takes a deep breath. “Nothing. Not a damn thing is wrong at the moment. Are you busy?”

“I just need to step outside my dorm real quick. Give me a few minutes.”

He smiles. “That’s fine. Take your time. I don’t mind waiting.”

You slide your shoes on and make your way outside to the front porch of your residence hall.

“Ok. I’m out-.” You stop talking as you look over to the hotel parking lot.

Standing there, underneath the streetlight, is a truck you hadn’t seen in several months.

“Negan?” You ask, quietly, the phone still pressed to your ear, clutched in your hand like a lifeline, and a stabilizer to try to assure you that you’re not dreaming.

“I’m right here, darlin’. I’m not going any-fuckin’-where.” He says, softly.

You walk over to the truck. Negan’s heart starts beating faster, beating against his ribcage and his breathing picks up. You stop in front of him. He looks down at you, with a small smile tugging at his lips.

You look up at him in shock.

“You’re here?” You murmur.

He nods. “I’m here.”

You drop your phone into the pocket of your jersey shorts and fling your arms ‘round him, standing on your tiptoes to wrap your arms ‘round his neck. He just curls his arms ‘round you and holds you close to his chest.

You start crying as you hug him. You weren’t expecting to see him this soon, or at all, honestly. He runs his fingers through your hair.

“Shhh, darlin’. It’s ok. I’m here. I promise.” Negan assures you, softly, as you cling to him.

After several minutes, you lift your head and he wipes the tears away as he gazes down at you, cupping your cheek with his large hand.

“What are you doin’ here?” You ask.

“I told you…I wanted to talk to you.” He says.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, darlin’. Nothing at all. I just have to tell you something.”

“Ok?”

He takes a deep breath. “I love you, (Y/N).”

#Angry Negan #Protective Negan #Caring Negan #Teacher!Negan #Daddy!Negan #(Not Like That Y'all!)#AU!Negan #Negan One-Shot #Negan Fluff #Negan #Jeffrey Dean Morgan Fluff #JDM Fluff #Jeffrey Dean Morgan #JDM #The Walking Dead Fluff #TWD Fluff #The Walking Dead #TWD

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miss-choco-chips · 6 years ago

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Miraculous Ladybug Au part 1

For @iphoenixrising who I think might like the idea. Thanks for always giving me confidence hon. I hope this cheers you up a lil bit.

Where Dick is guilty for wanting what he wants, Jason is confused about who he wants, and Tim just wants to sleep.

<<-Hey, Tim, check this out! You missed big time! That’ll show you not to go on vacation without me to keep you in touch with the real, exciting world.

-Uh?

-Someone on Instagram just posted a twenty seconds clip of Robin doing something.

-People are always posting about the bats. How is this news, Steph?

-Shh, I’m getting there. Look at this. This Robin is waaay too short. It’s not the one we’ve had for the last three years.

-... and? There were two different Robins before him, maybe he just outgrew it or something.

-But, where is he? The others came back, with new names and powers, they… they didn’t left us.

-Maybe it’s just taking him some time, to decide who is he going to be now.

-...Yeah, maybe. He saved me and my daughter once, you know. Took one hell of a blow for us. Wherever he is, I hope he’s doing okay, and gets himself on track quickly. The city needs him.

-I’m sure he’ll appreciate the sentiment. And… I hope that, too.>>

Now...

He tumbled through the open window, face planting into his bed, the transformation letting up even before his forehead was properly buried in the pillow. His muscles practically melting against his Nightwing comforter (birthday present from Dick, oh the irony), the scent of smoke still clinging to it from the last time the boys dropped in for a impromptu visit (nearly scaring the bejesus out of him when he heard their voices and footsteps climbing up the stairs to his bedroom while he still was in the suit, holy fuck-!).

He wanted to sleep so badly. But he had maybe (it was around five a.m, right?) two hours until he needed to leave for work, and if he took a nap now, he might not be able to wake up on time.

-Are you alright, Timmy?

Gathering whatever leftover strength he had in him, he turned his head to the side, his almost closed eyes finding the worried ones of his kwami.

-Yeah. Only tired.

-I’d bet -the little bird-like creature huffed, his tiny black and red chest puffing like an offended peacock-. You are running yourself too ragged.

-Well, lots of things to do. Work stuff, Red Robin stuff, Tim Drake stuff... Not to mention, college.

-Speaking of… -trailed off the kwami, his big blue eyes signaling towards the desk, where his Advanced Economic’s paper awaited for attention.

Tim followed Rouge’s line of sight and promptly groaned when he got the hint, dropping his head once again in the mattress.

-Fuuuuuck. When was that due for?

-Tomorrow. And you’re supposed to met up with Jason today, and dinner with Dick after that. If you cancel on any of them again...

-...Well, it’s not like I actually expected to get any sleep today.

-Two all nighters in a row?

-It’s like you read my mind.

----.----.----

Then...

He met Richard at the circus, when he was four, but since the other boy didn’t remember (his parent’s death probably overwrote anything else in his memory of that night), their official meeting happened two months later, when Dick was formally introduced to high society as Bruce Wayne’s ward.

-Mister Wayne -his father shook Bruce's hand, fake smile firmly in place- and this must be young Richard. Hi, champ, I'm Jack Drake, and this is my lovely Janet.

Behind his mother, Tim couldn't repress a giggle. Champ, dad? Really?

-Good evening, gentleman -his mother, the perfect picture of a lady, smiled delicately behind her gloved hand. It didn't reach her glacial blue irises, but it was enough to fool most businessmen in lowering their defenses.

Tim himself had eyes only for the boy clutching the taciturn billionaire's sleeve. He wondered how was he feeling, if he had tried to fly at all since his parents deaths. He hoped so.

Dick had looked so happy while flying.

—I'm Tim —he butted in, when it was obvious his father intended to speak business and leave the introductions behind them— A pleshure.

He winced internally when the last word was mispronounced, and externally when his mother's nails sank into his shoulder in consequence.

-You'll have to forgive him, he's a baby still -laughed his mother, her hand letting him go and reaching for his father’s elbow-. Go explore, Tim. Your dad has people he needs to talk to, all boring stuff. I’m sure it’s the same with Mister Wayne.

Said man seemed to agree, though how Tim knew, he couldn’t tell, as the man’s expression barely changed.

Dick, on the other side, seemed absolutely crestfallen.

And he knows, he knows he's going to get into trouble for this the moment they are home, but the expression in the boy’s face is just… He wants to wipe it clean, like his nanny does for him when he gets tomato sauce on his cheek.

(It's so different from how he looked that night, soaring the skies besides his parents. Had been so… free)

«Was it then, when he started to put Dick's happiness before his own?»

—Mister Wayne -he finally gathered enough courage to talk, going as far as to interrumput his father’s speech about current politics- can Richard come play with me? Please? We’ll behave.

Dick's small, thankful smile was enough to warrant Bruce's permission, and seal Tim's destiny away.

----.----.----

Now...

-Tiiiiiiimmmyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!

He regrets picking up without double checking the caller id. So strongly.

In defense of his sleep deprived brain, it was an unknown number. So either Dick had a new phone, was burrowing someone’s for any reason, or he had caught on on Tim’s attempt at taking distance, decided to try and catch him when he knew he had his defenses low (before eight a.m) and bought a burner to accomplish it.

-It’s six in the morning. You better have a damn good reason to be calling me so… chirpily, at this ungodly hour. You don’t even have to work till nine, why are you awake?

Because Nightwing, along with Red Robin, had been fighting an akumatized nurse not two hours ago. But, since Dick didn’t know Tim knew, his obvious response at such a close corner was to deflect with a practiced, not awkward-totally-but-still-noticeably laugh.

-Come on, honey, where’s my happy Timmers? Who spat in your cereal?

Rouge passed by his bathroom mirror, where Tim was inspecting his reflection in search of his will to live, and like the god-like tiny thing he was, he rubbed comfortingly against his partner’s cheek, as if lending him strength.

Tim sighed and put the phone in speaker, dropping it on the marble countertop. He wasn’t getting out of this conversation anytime soon, so might as well continue with his morning routine.

Tam once compared it to watching a snake changing skins. From the tired, more-than- slightly-murderous teen, to the wow-lookit-a-respectable-young-man.

-First, you ever call me that again, I’ll rearrange your face a la Picasso. Second, no one uses that expression. And lastly, only you eat that crap anyway.

-That’s a lie, I know for a fact you have at least two different brands in your kitchen, even though one is an insult to the cereal industry. Fiber, blegh.

-Because one is for you when you visit, and the other I bought on an impulse of spite to punish you for… I don’t remember now, but I’m sure it was horrible and deserving of drastic measures.

He could hear Dick’s laugh over the line. Once upon a time, the sound would make Tim’s mood lighten, like an echo of the other.

Now it hurt a little.

-You’re spending too much time with Jason and not nearly enough with me. You used to be such a sweet, eager to please angel. What happened?

-I asked your dad to let you play with me, and here I am, fourteen, fifteen years later, looking at my life, looking at my choices -and looking for his damn tie, which he swore he left by the toothbrush yesterday, where the fuck… - Asking myself where I went wrong.

-Yeah, now I remember why I never call you this early.

-About that, was there a reason, or you just wanted to take Jason’s place of honour in my hit-list?

Dick choked on a laugh, and Tim took the chance to quickly brush his teeth. His hair was a lost cause and he had learned to ignore it or risk spending too much time in a battle he wouldn't win. Easier to just ask Tam to brush it for him at the office, because that woman was a magician and Tim would fire the whole board of investor from D.I before letting her go.

-Just checking in. We are still on for movie night, right? Because I might just use my power as a law enforcer and arrest you if you cancel on me again.

With one last look at his reflection (making damn sure his concealer hid both the black and blue spot by his jaw and his ever-growing eye bags), he picked up his phone and started for the kitchen. Rouge, bless his little soul, had plugged in the coffee maker, and the smell called to him like light to a moth.

And there was his tie, by the pot. Score.

-Movie night? -he asked, dubiously, glancing at his kwami. Rouge’s brow furrowed and he shook his head- No, we were going out for dinner. I’m sure.

-It’s Tuesday. Tuesdays were always movie night days. I thought it was implied, Timmy, for God’s sake.

Tuesday were movie night days back when they were five and eleven respectively, even before Jason was adopted, up until Dick started getting busier and calling it quits more often than not. It had been a while since they followed the tradition.

-Uhm, no, sorry. I have a paper due tomorrow, and was going to work on it after dinner with you. Can’t stay the night at your place. Rain check?

-...Yeah. Okay, sure. But you aren’t getting out of dinner.

He could hear Dick’s disappointment over the line. Once upon a time, the sound would ruin Tim’s mood, like an echo of the other.

Now, it still hurt a little.

(More than a little. Fuck)

It’d be easier if he could just cut ties with them all as Tim Drake. If he could get up and leave them, betray their trust, their love.

Like Nightwing had done with Red Robin. Or, to be fair, Robin.

----.----.----

Then…

Tim had known of the Akumas since… forever, really. They had been haunting Gotham long before he was born, hurting people, destroying things, breaking everything in their reach apart.

And then, when he was but a baby, the Batman appeared. Mrs Mac, the housekeeper, told him about it once. How, when the city was going through it’s darkest times, a knight of shadows and justice had risen, taking upon himself the responsibility of protecting the city.

Protecting everyone, really.

He, as any gothamite born and raised, had watched in wonder at whatever recordings the News Channels could provide, talked theories with his friends, stayed up at night wondering who the magic hero might be…

Until said magic hero recruited a sidekick, and Tim stayed up at night for totally new reasons.

(He’d recognize those moves, those tricks, but above all else, that laugh, anywhere)

He wanted so badly to knock at Wayne Manor’s doors, hunt down Bruce and fucking scream at him. Akumas were dangerous, whoever sent them was dangerous, fucking Gotham was dangerous, and Dick was his friend. His thirteen year old friend, who had been a hero for years before the lucky camera man had caught him on frame, revealing the mysterious partner to the world. And while Tim was a kid himself, barely seven, he was smarter than tons of adults he knows. Smarter than Bruce, at least, since he, unlike the other, understood the dangers of the night. Of Gotham herself.

He got as far as the inner gym, where Dick was practicing by the trapezius, flying from end of the room to the other, spinning, twisting mid air, laughing when the roof got too close to his face in one of the highest jumps. And then (maybe because he caught sight of Tim watching by the door, maybe he wanted to show off just a little, maybe he wanted to tell him something and this was the only way to properly express it...), a quadruple somersault, the one he performed for Tim that first night -even if he doesn’t remember that-, the one Robin was caught on camera doing, the one that gave him away.

And Tim, caught in his amazement of the boy, unable to take away this if it was what gave him his wings back, could only clap and yell ‘again!’.

----.----.----

Now...

-You look like death warmed over -greeted Tam when he passed by her desk in his way to his office. Like the well trained boy he was, he detoured, dropping in the empty chair by her side she always had ready for him. Within a second, his assistant took a hairbrush from her purse and started to work her magic in his head.

-Didn’t sleep and had to deal with a morning person before seven. You’d look just as bad, thank you very much.

-Dick called?

He huffed. Rouge, in the inner pocket of his jacket, pressed closer to him for the movement. He stilled immediately, knowing the kwami needed all the sleep he could get.

-That obvious?

-You don’t associate with a lot of morning people.

-There’s something inherently wrong with them, if they are happy that early.

-One of your best friends is like that -Tam tutted, working on a specially difficult knot. Tim didn’t dare complain, even when the tug to his scalp made him wince.

-Bart is a special case, he lives in a perpetual state of high. I still believe he takes cocaine and redbull with his breakfast.

She hummed, hairbrush now discarded in favour of her fingers. They passed through his hair without resistance, his bedhead (could it be called that, when he hadn’t actually slept?) all but gone, the movements soothing. There weren’t a lot of things capable to relax him, these days.

-Well, you have an eleven o’clock appointment with a possible investor, but between that and the board meeting at three, you are a free man. I can make sure no one bothers you while you cat nap.

-I’d love to, but Jason will come and drag me out of here kicking and screaming if I miss lunch with him. Or worse, he might find me asleep and princess carry me all the way to the restaurant in plain view of as many cameras as he can as punishment.

Tam shook her head in amusement and fondness, releasing his hair and straightening on her chair, her ‘back to business’ pose- I’ll never understand your relationship with those boys, I swear.

A sigh, roll of shoulders and he was ready to face the day too.

-Neither will I.

-But you’ll miss them, if they leave.

A flash of something passes through his eyes.

----.----.----

Then...

-I miss you. Don’t you miss me?

Dick, sixteen in body but about five in soul pouted at the screen of his computer, trying to convey the ‘mean, little brother!’ expression as perfectly as possible.

Tim snorted through his nose, getting comfortable on the bed; the notebook on his lap, back to the headboard of the too-big matres, pillows everywhere.

-I can use your bed whenever you go away, so I’ll go with a tentative ‘maybe’. ‘sides, you’ve been gone for two months, Dick. The exchange program goes for seven to eight. Give me another one or so, and I’ll be crying for you to come back.

-That’s an ugly lie, but I appreciate the effort -a change of stance, then the voice turned utterly blank- How are things over there?

Tim bites his lip, wondering, but what would he gain hiding it? If Dick already knew, he would expect Tim, as a young kid, to mention it. If he didn’t, he would find out soon enough and wonder why he didn’t tell him.

-You know how for the last few months Robin just… stopped appearing?

-...yeah?

-Well, he came back a few days ago, and either he shrunk, or it’s someone else.

Dick’s expression doesn’t change, so Tim knows he made the right call telling him; he was already aware.

-Oh? Another kid, putting his life in danger? I wonder what those child activists think about it.

-Keep asking for Batman’s head on a platter, like usual. I think it helps that this one isn’t as small as the previous one was when he first appeared, but, you know. Still setting on fire Batman merchandise in the streets.

-The original Robin wasn’t small. You are small.

-Reaaally mature, Dick. Since when are you in Robin’s protection squad?

-Always been my favorite hero.

Self centered, much?

-Hm… And what about the new one?

-...Let’s wait and see if he can fill the shoes.

-Lucky for him, they’re just kid shoes, no clown ones.

A small, real smile steals his way into Dick’s face, and Tim wants to throw a happy fist to the air.

He lives for that smile.

-You are a dork. Anything else new?

Again, uncertainty, but this one was easier to explain if detected. After all, Dick was aware of how uncomfortable was Tim in his new position as the mediator.

-Jason’s adapting. His grades went up and…

-Oh, look at that. Sorry, Timmers, I gotta go. My roommate is texting me that he wants to hang out.

-Oh… okay. Are we… are we face timing for movie night later? right?

-Yeah, yeah, sure -he waved a hand, as if discarding Tim, and he just knew Dick was going to forget about it… again-. Go have fun. Your parents are still traveling, right? Give Bruce a few white hairs while you’re at the Manor for me. I think he might get bored, without me there to spice things and kickstart his nervous system once an hour. The life of a businessman is soooooo dull.

(Except when said business man is practically a magical girl. God, once Stpeh had made that comparison, Tim just couldn’t unsee it)

He tries to laugh, but it’s empty. He won’t push the issue, and Dick won’t talk about it willingly, but they are both aware of the elephant in the room.

-Wouldn't dream of taking your place as the ever-evolving ulcer in his stomach. Take care. Bye.

He closed the computer lid and rubbed at the bridge of his nose. The situation made him uneasy. It was hard, being Dick’s loyal, loving little brother, Bruce’s unproblematic charge (since his parents decided that letting Tim stay with Wayne during their trips was cheaper than the nanny and housekeeper), and Jason’s-

-Hey, Baby Bird, you done talking to the jackass?

He nearly jumped out of his skin, neck almost breaking with how quickly he turned to face the door.

-Jason! -the automatic smile, brought to fore by the mere sight of his friend in workout clothes (he must have been training) melt into a frown when the words sank in- Don’t be a jerk.

-He’s a dick, pun unintended.

-Cut him some slack, it’s the ‘no more single child’ symptom. He’s just jealous to have to share Bruce’s attention.

-Ain’t he a little too old for that?

-I don’t think ‘old’ is a word you could ever use to describe Dick. Ever. I mean, he’ll be retired and have like twenty grandchildren, and still give off the ‘young, single and ready to mingle’ vibe.

The laugh is so sudden, so surprising, Jason chokes on his own spit.

-You’re a riot. Why do I like you, again?

-Because if not for me, you’ll be alone in this big, scary house, with only Alfred and Bruce for company.

-Alf’s cool.

-Yeah, but he’ll put you to do chores if he thought you’re bored enough to get up to some mischief.

-Sometimes you talk like an 90’s British book.

-Shut up, Harry Potter is my Bible. Besides, not like you can talk about british literature.

Another laugh, and the last of Jason’s tension faded away like a charm. Tim left the computer on the bedside table and stretched, getting up.

-Come on, let’s go find some way to make your Dad rethink his life choices.

-Fuck French, you speak the language of love.

----.----.----

Now...

It was on his way to that new Barbeque on Cameron Street, northwest from Diamond district, when the ground beneath his feet shifted and he and another fifteen passers-by were caught in what seemed like an asphalt cage.

In the middle of the street. With no corner to hide and transform.

Great.

There wasn’t any villian in sight, so the akumatized person probably had just wanted some back up hostages. Most likely, they weren’t the only ones trapped.

And that in the corner was a street cam. Fuck.

He needs to get out and help catch the bad guy of the day, but can’t exactly break asphalt with his bare hands, and transforming in front of fifteen eyewitnesses and a camera isn’t exactly an option.

So, he takes out his phone.

-What’ll you do? -comes the whisper from within his jacket, and he looks down just enough to look at his kwami without drawing attention at himself.

-Well, at this rate I’m going to be late for lunch. It’d be rude of me if I don’t tell Jay about it -he types quickly while he talks, making sure the annoyed (and it always stuns Conner, his friend from metropolis, how Gothamites consider freaks and monsters running around a minor inconvenience; how used to crazy they are) people around him aren’t paying his actions enough attention-. There. Sent.

-Hope he’s not mad at you.

-He can't be, I didn't postpone anything. Just told him I'll be held up here until Red Hood gets his ass on gear and does his job.

-Should you text Dick as well?

-Nah, that'd be too much of an overkill.

-...

-...How long until he comes guns blazing to the rescue?

-Two, three minutes tops.

It was the basis of his and Jason's relationship, the knowledge that, if in peril, they could always count on the other to come running to either save them or hold their hands while everything went to shit.

----.----.----

Elsewhere…

-Hm… the little shit is taking his time. Think I should go get him?

The kwami popped her head out of the bike helmet Jason had left in the extra chair he requested for the table. She seemed deeply unimpressed.

-okay, okay, I'll give him five more minutes. Then, it's fair game.

A sudden ping called his attention to the cell phone carelessly left above the tablecloth. It was the most obnoxious sound he could think of, and was as such his ringtone for the young man he was actually waiting for. It was a sound he couldn't ignore, or sleep over it.

BabyBird:

^Hey Jay, might be a little late for lunch

-That little…

Another ping.

BabyBird:

^Got held up on my way there, some akuma caged me and other fifteen people. Don’t know how long until one of the masks comes to the rescue

^Lol, some woman doesn't give a DUCK and just keeps fighting with someone over the phone about someone named Jerry

Ping.

BabyBird:

^update; Apparently Jerry is her son and she's fighting her ex.

Another ping, quickly following the former.

BabyBird:

^...I'm going to kill either you or Dick. Who programmed my phone to replace all swear words? You motherHUGGERS.

He was out of the door before the last text actually sank in and, by the time he ducked behind a corner, was already laughing.

-Tireur, arm me up!

----.----.----

Then…

He didn’t care who he pushed or tripped on his way to Jason’s room. He wasn’t hearing their screams and complaints. The sound he heard when turning left on the next corner might have been a paparazzi’s camera, or an IV stand he knocked down in his haste, but, again, it wasn’t important at the moment.

The only thing in his head right now, was the echo of that psychotic laughter, of Batman’s screams, of his own gasp when the news coverage showed footage of Robin, bloodied and hurt, trying to get away from a building about to blow up… and failing.

The full blown panic attack that followed made him hyperventilate so bad he actually lost consciousness, only to wake up to the sound of his phone going off and Alfred’s voice on the line telling him how Master Jason, along some other victims, had been caught in the same explosion the Joker, the clown that got akumatized every other week, caused. The same that took Robin out.

He refrained from yelling at Alfred to not lie to him, he already knows who Robin is and who he was before. He knows everything, so don't lie to him, not about something as serious as this…! But only because it was Alfred, and no one yelled at him.

Instead, he asked for updates, still on his phone while running to Wayne Manor, where the butler was ready to give him a lift to the hospital.

Jason was just asleep, they told him, like he was too young and naive to hear the truth. His body needed time to get better, so his head had taken a little vacay.

He was just asleep, the doctors said. All the while Tim kept running numbers in his head, statistics on how likely it was for comatose patients to wake up.

But Jason wasn’t another statistic. He was his friend, his brother, his hero.

Robin. His Robin. The one he watched from the very beginning, the one he discretely helped easing into the hero life by being always there, to unwind after a fight or hang out when the dangers of the life he lead hounded up on him.

The sobs he tried so hard to reign in were now freely bursting out of his dry lips.

When Tim cried, it usually was a quiet thing, tears rolling down marble cheeks, not a sound escaping his mouth. A cry for help from a child who knew no one would come running at the sound of his pain. A resigned thing.

There, at Jason’s bedside, clasping the boy’s hand on his own, what came out of his chest through his mouth was a full out, loud, broken wail.

The next couple of days were kind of a blur to him. He was aware that, at some point, Mister Wayne had tried to coax him away from the room and to his home. He knows, too, that had his parents been there to witness his hysterical tantrum, he would have been grounded until it was time for him to leave for college. Every few hours, Alfred would came and feed him small bits of food. Sometimes he threw up, sometimes he didn't. It was like tossing a coin on that one.

He thinks it’s a week later, but it could very well be a month, when he weaseled his way into Jay’s bed, careful of the IVs attached to his arms, and spoke out loud for probably the first time since the explosion.

-You don’t have to keep hiding. I know about you. About how… you gave Dick, and then Jay, their powers. I… I know I’m not the only one grieving, so if you want, we could… keep each other company.

A few moments passed by. It was okay. Tim wasn’t going anywhere.

Then, a small green and yellow head poked out of Jason’s pillowcase, big blue eyes staring at Tim in wonder and wariness.

-...how?

-Dick’s not nearly as inconspicuous as he believes he is. I already knew he was Robin, but couldn’t figure out how exactly did he get his powers… Until one day, he thought I was asleep, and transformed in the bathroom attached to the room I was in. Doofus didn’t even completely close the door.

The little thing laughed, like a bell. Tim borrowed deeper into Jay’s side.

-My name is Merle, Robin’s kwami.

-I’m Tim. Robin’s friend.

----.----.----

Now…

Red Hood arrived at the scene in record time. He was almost impressed.

Once there, the masked hero drew his guns, loading each of them with a brown and gold magazine. As far as Tim understood, Hood’s powers derived from his firearms, and he had different kind of bullets for specific situations.

He shot at strategic points in the asphalt cage, crumbling it to the ground. Coincidently, none of those points were near the corner were Tim was crouched. Typical.

-Is everyone alright? -asked the hero, once the dust had settled and they were free.

A few nods, some ‘thanks for the save’ then and there, the occasional ‘any clue where the Akuma is? I’d like to avoid it today’, and then the people scattered. A woman strode past Red Hood, phone at hand, yelling something about child support.

Tim took his time getting up, straightening his tie and running his fingers through his hair in an attempt at controlling the strands again.

-Hey -the masked man approached him, concern palpable in his tone- you alright, Tim?

It said something about his life as Tim Drake, that he was on first name basis with Gotham’s heroes.

-Yep, just hungry. I was on my way to have lunch with my friend, so I’ll be leaving now.

He saw the anxiety flash through Hood’s expression at the mention, remembering that Tim was expecting to see his alter ego at the restaurant, but he still had an Akuma to catch.

-Ah, wait! You mean, that Jason dude, right?

-Yeah?

Tim wondered if it made him a sadist, the satisfaction he got from making Jason, Dick or Damian squirm like this, putting them on the fence with his ‘innocent’ worry about their alter egos.

-I saw him on m’way here, actually. Said somethin’ came up, and he’s gonna take a raincheck on lunch.

He let the tiniest bit of disbelief slip into his facade, before seemingly deciding to trust the masked man.

-Oh, what a shame. I’ll be very busy the next couple of weeks, it’s going to be a while before we can meet up again.

-That.. that sucks. But, ah, ‘m sure he’ll get it. I gotta go now, kid. See ya around.

He watched Hood’s retreating back as he shot a line at the nearest rooftop. Perfect, since now he’d have the time to transform and catch up with him to help with the Akuma as Red Robin. If Tim Drake got the chance at skipping bonding time with Jason? Even better.

He wasn’t mad at Jason, the way he was at Dick’s alter ego, Nightwing. Jay never hurt him, never casted either him nor Red Robin out (exception made for the very first encounters they had as heroes, back when he still used the Robin miraculous).

But, since his alter ego had slept with Jason’s, he figured he had every reason to feel a little shy.

----.----.----

Then…

-You never tried to get to know him -he said, and it wasn’t a reproach, just a fact. Nevertheless, Dick still cringed in place, bending in on himself like a kid sent to time out.

-I… I know.

-He is just a kid Bruce saw something in. Like you, a kid who needed someone to see his brightest parts, and take him in to give him a chance at a better future.

-I know.

-He’s… he’s a very good person. Really smart, loyal and caring.

-I… know. You told me.

-You are/ Dick, you are one of the best people I know, if not THE best. Why would you treat an innocent kid like the gum stuck in your shoe?

Dick squirms in his place by the door, not daring to get closer to the bed where both Tim and Jason laid, but obviously wanting. Not that it mattered. Jason wouldn’t want him so close by, specially at his most vulnerable, and Tim was nothing if not the ferocious dragon protecting the sleeping Prince’s will, his surname all too fitting.

-Just… It’s just stupid, okay? And it doesn’t matter now. All that matters, is that he gets better. And if… when, he wakes up, I’ll explain it to him.

Dick wouldn’t be able to see him, because of the angle, but Tim catched the yearning and sad look Merle, hiding between Jason’s covers, sent his oldest partner. The little fairy (kwami, Tim reminded himself), his companion this last weeks in guarding Jason’s room, seemed as troubled as Tim had been when he was expected to mediate between the two adopted brothers.

-But not me.

There was something a little dark, a little sad and a little empty in Dick’s eyes. For the first time ever, he didn’t feel the compulsion to fill that void with happiness.

-I don’t think I can stomach telling you, BabyBird.

----.----.----

Now…

He intercepts Red Hood two blocks away from Newtown, still in Crime Alley territory but close enough to the other neighborhood. Since D.I was by Moench Row, just between the Fashion and Diamond districts, it took some time to catch up on the hero.

The fight is well in its final course when he arrives. The Bat is here, which means Red Hood is content on just sharpshooting from a close by rooftop. N and R are missing, but Tim already knew they would be: it’s not Dick’s patrol time, and R must be at school.

As the independent vigilantes, neither Red Robin nor Red Hood follow Batman’s patrol routes nor schedules. For the later, it means he can choose to stay close to the Bowery, Crime Alle and Chinatown, where he feels he’s more useful. For himself, it means he doesn’t have someone putting a hand to his shoulder and mandating down time after a few consecutive hard patrols.

When he was Robin, he wasn’t allowed to fight during school hours, nor after three a.m. If there was some kind of emergency that required all hands on dock, it meant almost a week of taking things slow, because even if B didn’t know his nightlife protege was also his daylife charge, he would never leave a kid under his protection unsupervised enough to hurt themselves. Now, he can choose whenever the fuck he wants to help, and when he feels like leaving the others to deal with it (watching from afar how Dick and Jason dealt with a akuma with the powers of body switching people, and how the heroes had to improvise working with bodies and powers that didn’t suit them, had been too funny to actually put any effort to stop).

Shaking his head to clear it from the memories, he landed softly by Hood’s side, careful to not startle the hero laying on his stomach by the edge of the roof, with a long-distance rifle ready to go on his hands.

-Ya came all t’way here for nothin, Pretty Bird. The old man has it all in hand.

Letting himself fall at the edge, legs dangling and resting his weight on his arms behind him, he allows his gaze to travel through the skyline of buildings. It was a nice view, for those used to the air pollution and angry drivers yelling a few stories bellow.

-Had lunch cancelled, thought I might as well.

Hood grunts, shifting his stance to a less alert one. B clearly didn’t need their help.

-I had fucking plans, man. If B wasn’t in the fucking way, I’d put a bullet through the bastard, see if he lets himself get akumatized again.

Tim crooked his head to the side, analyzing the crazy of the hour.

-It’s a new one, though. I don’t recognize him. Probably his first time getting transformed?

-It’s already one too many. Our lives are just as shitty as anyone’s in the city, and you don’t see us fucking shit up.

-To be fair, we get our chances at therapeutic skull smashing when we keep those guys in check.

A few feet under them, Batman’s batarang was already boomeranging past the former akumatized transit police woman, slicing through the black and green butterfly and setting free the white and pink one trapped inside it.

And he hadn’t needed to move a single muscle. Sighing in defeat (he sooo could have used this time to power nap before his next meeting at work), he climbed to his feet.

-Seems like you were right, we shouldn’t have bothered to come. See ya, Hoo/

-Hey -interrupted the other, suddenly standing, rifle out of sight and way too deep into Tim’s personal bubble-, since we r' both here… no energy lost… n' we didn’t use our miraculous, so no chance of us de-transformin' suddenly…

Don’t say it. Don’t say it. Hood, please don’t say it.

-One of my safe spot’s near. Want ta come for a cup of tea?

Don’t play along. Don’t play along. Goddammit, Tim, Don’t play along.

He takes that last step separating them, hands carefully delineating the outline of Hood’s suit of armor.

-You know I don’t drink your dirty leaf-water.

The other hero’s hands were big enough, they could almost completely envelope his waist, something never failed to arouse him.

-Good. Then we can go straight to the cake.

All the way to Hood’s (Jason’s) secret apartment, Tim berated himself, again and again, about how bad of an idea this was. How fucked up (in both senses, oh my god) was he going to be by the end of it. How uncomfortable was it going to be for him to actually talk to the man when the masks came out and Jay was looking at his best friend, not knowing he had had his tongue on his mouth, his neck, deep inside his ass. Not knowing why Tim was suddenly avoiding him.

Why he felt so goddamned guilty.

But, once they arrived to the place, and his back was to the wall not two seconds later, Hood’s strong body pressed tight against his, hands grabbing anything they could, mouth hot and dirty and doting…

He could only throw his head back and moan.

----.----.----

Then...

The city was in absolute chaos. From his place by Jason’s windowsill, Tim winced at the fiery remnants of the last explosion (by the library? It could have also been the post office), the hospital one of the few places untouched by the madness that was Gotham right now.

In his hands, his smartphone kept him up to speed about what was taking place on the streets. Apparently, the patients at Arkham Asylum had been akumatized again, only at the same fucking time. The Joker, Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy and Two Faces so far. Apparently, the first two had already been apprehended and de transformed, and the third was calm and unobtrusive at Robinson Park, but since they had kept the Bat focused on them until now, that meant the last of the lot had enough time to completely cover the city in bombs.

Which exploded two at a time, every two hours and twenty two minutes. There was a serious OCD there.

Perched on Tim’s propped up knee, Merle’s sky blue eyes danced from one burning spot to the other, shining like little red and yellow dots on the map that was Gotham from such a height.

-The library -quietly commented the kwami.

-And the Museum -Tim added, fingers tapping the location on the screen of the phone, on the downloaded blueprints of the city.

-Before that, it was the park.

-And the Aquarium.

-And the first two where the Zoo…

-...and planetarium.

-Why those places?

Minutes were ticking by. Bombs kept going off, unpredictable locations being blown up with everyone inside with them. Batman and Nightwing, Gotham’s newest hero, were running themselves ragged, trying to contain the damage and stop the villain. Batgirl worked with the authorities to keep buildings standing, her Eye of Insight (which, Tim was now aware, was her Miraculous) determining the most flimsy spots in the structures, the ones they needed to reinforce before the entire thing crumbled down.

And Tim was here, at the hospital, hearing the nurses and doctors doing their best to save everyone from being a casualty of the akuma’s violence, useless to both his family and the innocents from Gotham that were most likely going to die today.

(Everything because Bruce couldn’t think straight)

-Kids, Merle -he answered, his phone going, once again, to the billionaire's voicemail-. Those are all places where kids like to go, or have to. If he keeps the timeline, the next attack would be at two twenty two a.m, and it’s going to be…

-Gotham’s kindergarten? -the little creature tried to guess. It wasn’t too far off, since, judging by how many witnesses on twitter swore to have spotted the bat at Gotham’s primary school, B thought the same.

But it was wrong.

(Everything because, since Jason died, Bruce stopped thinking about the akumatized people as… people. People with minds of their own. With feelings)

-The orphanage.

(Horrible and twisted feelings, but feelings after all)

-We have to stop him!

-How? B isn’t picking up. Neither is Alf. Dick’s phone is at my house where he left it yesterday. I have no other way to contact them. And Bruce is so deep in his rage because of Jason’s accident, he’s so desperate to hurt something, he’s being impulsive. Reckless. He’s not going to think about orphans until it’s too late.

-We can’t just stay here! -Merle cried out, desperate at the sight of his city in flames, of one of his boys out there risking his life, and the other fighting for it in the bed behind their backs.

-Well, what would you have me do? -Tim finally snapped, standing from the windowsill and turning to face the kwami- I can’t just take a bus to Gotham’s school and yell at B to move his ass!

-Yes you can! You have to!

-I’ll never make it in time! There’s no vehicle that could dodge the shitstorm that must be the streets now, and unless you have some way for me to travel via rooftops, I would never make it there! I can’t help anyone! I’m not Robin!

When no reply came, Tim’s eyes, that had strayed to the window again, looked for the kwami.

Merle floated right in front of him, face determined, eyes pleading. He held a too familiar necklace, that almost every boy and girl wore as an ode to their hero. A green ‘R’, encircled in red, on a golden chain.

Robin’s necklace.

-But you could be. If you take this and fly with me, you could be. Gotham needs a hero. Batman needs a Robin. Your family needs you.

On the little screen, the reporters said something about Nightwing being hurt by a burning beam falling on him.

He made the decision before he could even think about it.

-Merle, help me fly.

Robin soared the skies again.

#my writing #i can't believe i did this #i'm so tired #i did this instead of sleeping #Tim Drake #dick grayson #Jason Todd #bruce wayne #stephanie brown #Barbara gordon #Miraculous Ladybug au #Batman is a magical girl #No edit we die like women #no beta #JayTim #future TimDick #future JayTimDick #secret identity

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myfeetkeepdancing · 6 years ago

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Unsustainable - (4/9)

!Disclaimer: I do NOT ship the people on the banner or any gifs showing up in the fanfic. They helped me visualize and are part of my writing experience. Much love for Tom Holland & Cody Christian!

Summary: An accident happened in which the reader has gotten powers. The reader is struggling to adjust to his new powers but also to keep them secret from Peter as they become closer.

Pairings: Peter Parker x Male Reader

Word count: 1994

A/N: This chapter more a less feels like a filler. Not really happy how it turned out.

The old wounds ache. Nightmares keep repeating themselves. They kept coming back and more frequent than ever before. In the middle of the night waking up, shirt soaking wet. That same scene over and over again. You couldn't shake it loose. It kept tormenting you during the long nights. Falling asleep was already a problem. So many questions left unanswered left you awake until late in the night. Twisting and turning in your bed. Not long into the night, you'd wake up sitting upright in bed. Sweating all over, bruised knuckles and a trembling body, full of adrenaline. Sleep deprived you'd arrive at school, no attempt to hide it from Peter. Why should you anyway? Occasionally you'd stay home. But the absences from school were noticed. You called in sick multiple times. It was waiting for school to take some sort of action. Meanwhile, MJ kept you up to date, she’d bring in new the homework. While keeping Peter distant. Afraid you let something slip.

Every conversation you had with Peter kept you on your toes. Since the meeting in the park, you learned a lot. The Raven answered many questions. But the thought that Peter was possibly hiding something was unnerving. Weirdly enough, the Raven didn’t want to tell the truth. It wanted you to find it out on your own. You didn’t meet with Peter as often as before. At the start of the year, things looked good. You became closer to him than before. But now you wanted to keep him away from this. What would happen if he found out? Would he tell Stark? May invited you over for dinner, but you had to come up with all kinds of reasons to pass up. You were torn between feelings for Peter and him finding out your secret. One of the two actually. Your feelings for him was another. Just as hard to keep hidden. What was he onto? How did he find out? Did Mr. Stark help him? And what had Peter to hide? You snap out of your daydream as the bus comes to a halt.

Peter was in doubt, the last weeks worked on his nerves. Being Spider-Man carried its own burdens but (Y/N) story was different. He fought the villain Vulture, captured bank robbers, stopped bicycle thieves and help the elderly cross the street. This was different. This felt different. This was personal. Peter wasn’t a detective, but his Spidey senses were tingling ever since (Y/N) returned from summer vacation. His heightened senses helped him read a person much better. And if there is one thing he can trust it’s his Spidey senses. (Y/N) was hiding something. In the spur of the moment, he asked Mr. Stark for help. That was only once. But in the heat of the moment, he let that slip. Thinking back to that very moment, he keeps reassuring himself that was the best course of action. He couldn’t forgive himself if (Y/N) got hurt. Peter was panicking back then. Now, he was ashamed of his actions. Peter felt the cringe consume him, remembering how (Y/N) reacted. (Y/N) was furious. Understandable, as someone who goes on a regular holiday and then hears afterward that he was tracked by Tony Stark's supercomputers. But by all means, Peter was convinced this wasn't a ‘normal holiday.’ Peter knew that (Y/N) was lying then. Peter wanted to scream it. (Y/N) heartbeat had betrayed him. Peter thoughts ran wild. He kept pondering over the same questions. Could he contain his nerves? Why would (Y/N) keep lying? He swallowed the lump in his throat, his hands feeling sweaty in his pockets. His fingers playing with his house keys. He jogs up the main stairs of the Avengers Tower leading up to the lobby. Out of nowhere, Miss Potts surprises Peter. “Peter, are you alright? You look nervous.”

“H-Hi… Miss Potts. I-I’m alright. I’m looking for Mr. Stark.”

“I believe he’s in his lab, floor 54.”

Peter nods as he sidesteps Miss Potts, quickly heading for the elevator. The steel elevator doors wore the Avengers symbol perfectly in the middle. As the doors slid open to the side, the large glass back panel gave sight onto the inner courtyard of the Avengers tower. A peaceful garden surrounded by a flow of water originating from a small waterfall at the back. Peter leaned forward crossing his arms as he lays them on the railing. The elevator rocketed upwards, Peter stared outside as the peaceful garden make way for skyscrapers and office buildings. The sun carefully covered by a thick layer of clouds. Drops of rain start falling onto the side of the elevator. Only adding to Peter's sad state of mind. Peter stared into the grey sky as he thought of all the inconsistencies (Y/N) had shown. Was he right? Did he see it the right way? The sound of the elevator reaching the floor helped Peter out of his endless gaze. He turned into the hallway leading onto Mr. Stark's lab. There was a certain calmness in the air as he walked down the hall, no employees, no Iron Man suits, just some planters and chairs, and rain hitting the window. Peter held his ground, one hand on the door as he tried to listen to sounds coming from the lab. But also wondering if he did the right thing. From the corner of his eye socket, he noticed a shape. Before he could look, the shape resembling a bird of some sort flew off down towards the city. Whatever. Peter pushed open the door leading into the lab. The lab was a large spacious room. Workbenches lay in the center with large screens hanging from the ceiling. Armory stations lined the walls which housed all different kind of versions of Iron Man armor. Like usual parts were scattered all along the floor, heaps of technical devices lay against workbenches. Containers of screws, wires and circuit boards were stacked upon each other, begging to be pushed over soon or later. From the center of the room, the sound of repairs was heard. Sparks and sounds of hydraulics could be heard. Peter carefully moved passed the heaps of metal and parts. Careful not to damage anything. Mr. Starks sat on a small trolley working on a suit of armor, reconnecting and replacing parts. Nearby machines were busy rewiring and pressing pieces of steels. Peter looked on in silence.

“M-Mr. Stark?”

“G-! Holy! Mother of smol beans!” Tony darts right up from his work. ”Pete! You scared the bejesus outta me.” Hitting his suit with the tool, creating sparks all over.

“S-So sorry Mr. Stark. I-I…I just wanna discuss something with you.”

"Let me guess, you destroyed the suit. No, wait…! Aunt May. She finally agreed to get some dinner?"

“What? No, not at all. I-I… mean it’s just…”

"Spit it out, kid. The world isn't going to save itself."

“It’s personal sir…”

“Oh dear, you met a girl, had a few too many drinks and now you may or may not have a child with her?”

“Please mister Stark, something is wrong with (Y/N). And I need your help…”

“I’ve heard that before Peter…”

“This is different! It’s so frustrating sir! Every day I see him struggling. I-I… just feel it... He is distant, rarely comes over, we barely spend time together, we don't do sleepovers anymore. He gets sick often, has random nosebleeds, suddenly started writing with his right arm. While he's always left-handed! And strange birds suddenly show up. Something is going on with raven’s sir. It all doesn’t add up. It’s tearing me up from inside! I need answers, sir. Please…"

“Wow, you really got worked up about it kiddo…”

“At first, I was really hesitant to ask for your help again. I couldn’t sleep for days. It… It just kept circling in my mind. I’m just really fed up about it. I just can’t seem to connect the dots, not on my own sir…”

"Let me draw you the first line, Peter. You care about (Y/N). More than you afraid to admit. I see it in you. You have that same fire in your eyes.”

“No… he’s j-just…”

“Pepper had that look too.”

“That-“

“Listen, you don’t have to admit it to me. Start following him, find out what he does outside of school. Find out what breaks his routine. Protect him from what you think is haunting him. Be that friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. Look out for the little guy. But don't let your emotions get the best of you.”

“But how are you-“

“Shush! Now go, Peter! Let me know what you find out. I have something in mind.”

Starks shifting attention let Peter standing, gazing into nothingness. With legs like stone, armpits like waterfalls, shaky hands and a knot in his stomach he was frozen to the spot. Zoned out from all the noise happening around. That sudden realization hit home harder than expected. He had battled those feelings before. Unsure what it all meant. His body told him the signs, showed it. He felt it. Time and time again. Every time you were around, or close to him. Even getting a look from you, his body told him. Peter’s body had ached for it. Begged for it. And Starks words hit the nail on the head. The signs became ever more apparent in the months while you were gone. Peter was afraid to admit it. The months you were gone were bland, boring and empty. His mind had wondered day in day out, unable to focus on anything. Expecting you to show up around every corner. Those days were long and tiresome. There wasn't something or someone who could fill that gap, that emptiness. That loneliness. Except for you. Now he knew. Now he felt it. Peter had feelings for you.

From the bus on you take the usual path down the docks towards the warehouses. During the day the warehouses didn’t have that creep factor. Although the presence of seagulls and some stray cats, and of course the Raven, pretty much nothing happened here. At night the empty parking lots and abandoned warehouses were a different story. Turning down the small passageways, you eventually end up at the shack. Checking your surroundings, you move inwards. The old shack was connected to a larger warehouse. The two walls facing the warehouse were lined with small square windows. A couple of old desks, broken chairs, and file cabinets littered the place. Connecting the battery in the corner sprung on the old desk light. Filling the room with a slight buzzing sound as the old light bulb warmed up and lit the desk up. Taking place on the desk chair, you reach behind the drawer with one hand. Your fingers searching for the mechanism. A clicking sound pushes the bottom drawer open, revealing the folder. As you roll your eyes over the text, in the corner of your eye, you see a familiar figure emerging in the doorway. “Hello (Y/N)…” said the older man. “Hey Matthias, how’s Boris doing?” You reply without losing sight of the papers. “He’s getting old, as we all do…” Matthias limps across the room, taking place on the old chair in between the file cabinets. The old wooden chair creeks under the weight. “You look troubled (Y/N). Something bothering you?” You knew it would be for the best to share everything you knew and experienced. For the sake of yourself and him. “You know the master is doing this to help you?” Matthias pressed on. But should you tell about Peter? “Something happened earlier this week… An eh… raven appeared before me. Shares the same fate as me. Somehow I have a connection with it…" You explain while searching for the little apparatus in your backpack. “He will figure this out. Don’t worry. For now, read the papers and start your training. You need time to regain your strength before returning home.”

A/N: Originally I had a plan for Matthias & Boris but since I haven’t found a way to keep the story going after chapter 9. You may forget about them.

#peter parker x reader #peter parker x male reader #peter parker x male!reader #peter parker x you #peter parker #peter parker x y/n #peter parker imagine #peter parker tom holland #tom holland #tom holland reader #male reader x spiderman #spiderman x male reader #spiderman x male!reader #spiderman oneshot

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pinkletterday · 6 years ago

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The Flash 5x4!!!

I am HYPED, you guys! FINALLY WE FIND OUT WHAT'S UP WITH MOMMA AND BABY.

Whatever it is Im going to deeply empathize with and love both of them.

Idk who this stupid af bitch is running straight into a blazing hail of fireballs and trying to take selfies but I hate her.

Iris. Iris. Baby. Hahahahaha Nora knows what a disaster her Mom is in the kitchen. I love you sfm Iris.

Hey Nora this version of your Mom just met you so hold back on the teenage sass, okay?

Ok this isnt funny anymore my heart is aching for Iris.

Young lady sit back down and eat that breakfast your Mom made for you.

"Make you a banana" lmaoooo this is why Barry does all the cooking. Gawd I love the domesticity.

I love that Iris can't cook. It just adds to her perfection. I guess I really am a fool in love, huh?

Oh God this guy. Shut up shut up shut up. Did this buffoon just call Cisco Ramon not brave???

I wish Ralph would take the lead here. That's right, I like Ralph now. This season is magic.

I would find this softball thing adorkable and hilarious if it wasn't for the fact that Barry is literally the Flash. It doesn't make a lick of sense. Would have been much more interesting if Barry had turned into a star athlete overnight and everyone just boggled.

Otoh it provides an interesting (read: hilarious) look at their dynamic growing up. Their different dorknesses cancel each other out.

I am irked. Why is the Flash a hopeless athlete? HE CATCHES KNIVES OUT OF THE AIR. How does he just switch off his co-ordination?

Kinda nice seeing all the ladies together like that though. Cecile is a gift.

NORA IS A GAY THIS IS NOT A DRILL WE HAVE A BABY QUEER IN THE HOUSE aaaaaand you are seriously trying my patience here. Be rude to your mother one more time. See how that goes.

Oooh Momma Bear is on the case! *hearteyes*

See, Baby Giraffe is already better at this than The Fraudulent Frenchie.

I hate to say it but based on that lumberjane chic I think we have another queer in the house. But this one we don't want.

Loool "like her size extra small". I hate to say it but thats a way better reason for her codename than "excess" ugh.

No it was different because she never knowingly put the people she was writing about in danger you asshat. God I wish you weren't so pretty.

Another black man wrongly accused. What up, America.

...Joe what. You guys. Jesse Martin looks bad. IS HE OKAY I AM SERIOUSLY CONCERNED.

Momma coaching Baby through speedster things! Because Barry taught her that one time she was a speedster. I can't handle this. My heart.

She FINALLY thanked her! Iris's smile.

My girls. I can't.

OMG SOMEONE REMEMBERS EARLY EDITION! I loved that show!

Also. Iris West, ace reporter, always better than fake hoes. Watch and learn, padawan.

Am sad we're not getting any Cisco Ramon. I hope Carlos is enjoying his mini-vacay. Otoh, I really like that Caitlin is included in the West-Allen circle this ep.

I wonder why Nora doesnt call Cait and Cisco Aunt and Uncle. They must be the godparents.

It's okay Ralph. Some leads don't pan out. If Shitloque was an actual detective he'd know that.

But I love that the heroes of Central City can walk around in public and interact freely. Oliver's team would need to break in and scare the bejesus out of some poor unsuspecting sod.

NORA IS A DISASTER LESBIAN CONFIRMED. Or probably a disaster bi like her Dad. I AM LOVIN' THIS.

THAT MOMENT WHEN THE PENNY DROPS FOR BARRY THAT HIS DAUGHTER IS A GAY LMAOOO

Fuck I love that Iris never even blinked when Nora said Spencer was cute. She probably sussed it way before. I love you Momma West-Allen.

Oh no oh no I was right. Iris pulled a Joe West. Goddamn it. I mean I get why, I get how traumatized and scared she must have been but IRIS NO YOU DON'T LIE TO YOUR CHILDREN TO PROTECT THEM. Remember how you felt when your Dad did that to you?

I am legit heartbroken, you guys. I really wanted to be wrong. I blame Joe West's goddamn patriarchal shitty parenting for perpetuating this cycle of lies.

I swear to God if this show tries to justify lying and manipulating your kid again I'm going to give up on it. It's triggering as all fuck (I still havent recovered from S1 and 2) and I need Iris to be held accountable when she fucks up, not let her turn into another Fefe who can do no wrong.

Jesus Christ Iris, trying to force a conversation with Nora by invading her privacy and ignoring her need for space is not okay. BOUNDARIES, girl.

Oh okay but she's holding herself accountable thank fuck. I mean, Barry's right she can't be blamed for what she might do in the future but IT'S STILL WRONG.

I was actually shaking. Friendly reminder that survivors of parental abuse and manipulation are also watching this show, some of us with CPTSD.

"What if my Dad did something like that to you"?? Er. Iris? Remember when he lied to you for twenty years about your mother being dead and you didn't talk to him for six months?

Oh here we go. You've stood there like a gormless beanpole for three episodes without so much as trying to intervene Barry and this is how you choose to comfort your wife. Not "yes, it's a bad thing and we can't know what led you to the choices future you made but in the here and now you know not to. We can learn from the future and make different choices, Iris."

PUNCH HIM IN THE THROAT, CAITLIN.

...I just meant for frightening Caitlin, but he actually wants to be punched?

Ooooh that was satisfying! Pretty sure her form was all wrong but can't argue with the results.

I love how fucking competent Iris is??? She knows how to use the entire STAR Labs tech arsenal. Although that Vibe device kinda defeats the whole purpose of breechers. It's like if they had a device lying around that could give just anyone super speed.

Not sure how Spencer thinks XS can kill Flash. One's a n00b and the other is veteran.

Wait, Baby Flash can do what now?

I don't like that they had to dumb Barry down so much to give Iris a chance to shine. A couple can both be competent at the same time! It's called being a power couple! Not one-half Idiot Ball couple!

So her phone got powers? Huh??

Ah yes. Dark Matter. More multi-purpose than Quantum.

Okay cool Ralph is getting his due. "Less right" LOL

"That puts meta-human powers in the hands of anyone" kinda like having a Breeching device, no?

We have meta-humans, meta-phones, meta-daggers (a tech dagger??) HOLY SHIT WHAT IF THE DARK MATTER HIT A HOME DEPOT?? How many people now have meta-vacuum cleaners? Meta-dishwashers?? Meta-can openers??

Oh God. No. Not this.

No. You do not lie and manipulate your kids to protect them. You do not do that. Love is no justification.

Don't Barry don't. Stop stop.

I can't watch this. FUCK YOU.

FOR GOD'S SAKE SHE'S CRYING AND SHAKING YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO COMFORT HER AND MAKE HER FEEL SAFE NOT STAND ON YOUR PILE OF BULLSHIT WITHOUT GIVING A FLYING FUCK.

No, cry all you want. I have no sympathy for either one of you callous asshats. You fucking destroyed that girl. Fuck Joe West for having raised you to think this way.

Yeah no Joe West is not who you want to go to in these matters, Nora.

I don't even care about Cicada anymore.

I should have known this show would never get any less gross.

Look, I was fully prepared to be sympathetic to Iris, traumatized, alone and single mother to a meta-child in a dangerous world to have made some bad decisions. And I do empathize. But I wasn't prepared for present-day Barry and Iris to justify and rationalize that shit. I thought they were going to say "That was a bad thing your Mom did. I'm sure she thought she was protecting you but she may have lost sight of how much it hurts to have your choices taken away from you. But I'm not that woman, Nora. I know I could never bear to see you hurting like this. I can still make better choices. Please give me a chance?"

Not "No I am your Mom and everything I do is right and good because I love you, I'm sorry if you feel hurt about it but them's the facts."

They did this when Barry and Joe lied to Iris all through S1, when Joe lied to Iris about her mother. This show is still all about apologia for lying and manipulation because LOVE AND GOOD INTENTIONS AND TO PROTECT YOU BY DISRESPECTING THE FUCK OUT OF YOU AND TAKING AWAY YOUR AGENCY.

Parental love is not a justification. Most abuse takes place at the hands of parents who really believe they're doing it for their children's protection. Please never say "your parents have every right to hurt you to protect you because they love you". Do you even care at all.

I'm not okay. Gonna take a break from fandom for a while. Can't deal with people taking Iris's side to protect their Westallen feels. Fuck both of them.

I'm posting this but please don't engage me to argue about it. Massively triggered.

#this started out so good #why did they do this #fuck westallen #my heart is breaking for nora #fuck this whole damn show #the flash #5x4 #liveblog

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the-desolated-quill · 7 years ago

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Knock Knock - Doctor Who blog

(SPOILER WARNING: The following is an in-depth critical analysis. If you haven’t seen this episode yet, you may want to before reading this review)

Holy moly, do I love this episode! XD

Now yes, Knock Knock isn’t perfect and I will be talking about some of the flaws, but it honestly doesn’t matter to me one jot! I LOVE this episode! Wholeheartedly and unashamedly!

I must confess I was a bit worried when it started. You’ve got Bill moving in with quite possibly the world’s thickest bunch of housemates, renting a creepy old house from a mysterious old guy they’ve only just met and know next to nothing about. Talk about gullible. And the housemates themselves are a bit of an obnoxious bunch. I think the only significant thing we ever learn about them is that some of them like Little Mix and the rest don’t. But once night falls and the shit hits the fan, I was completely hooked.

It’s been a long time since I’ve been properly frightened of Doctor Who, so kudos to writer Mike Bartlett for being able to scare the living bejesus out of me. It’s the traditional haunted house setup with creaking floorboards and everything, but it’s the execution that really sells it. The use of sound in particular really helps ratchet up the tension dramatically and I love how minimalist everything is during the first half. Admittedly the horror is weakened slightly by the fact that I don’t give a shit about any of the victims, but from a purely conceptual standpoint, it’s extremely solid. Wooden doors and shutters that seal themselves, David Suchet’s creepy landlord character, that grinning wooden woman and OMG, there are alien cockroaches coming out of the walls! This is really macabre stuff. By the time we got to the bit where the cockroaches started swarming over people and devouring them, I was cowering behind a cushion.

What I especially love about it is how intimate and small scale it is. Recently I’ve grown accustomed to these big, bombastic threats and one dimensionally evil characters from Moffat era stories nowadays, so to have a very human villain with a very human motivation at the centre of it all really elevates the material. David Suchet is a truly phenomenal actor and gives a very strong performance here. He’s immensely creepy as the Landlord, but it’s not too in your face or pantomime-esque. This is a very nuanced character with relatable motivations and goals. He’s feeding people to the alien cockroaches so that they can keep his ‘daughter’ alive. You can tell that he takes no pleasure from the deaths and after 70 years he seems to have started trying to find ways of justifying what he’s doing to make it rest easier on his conscience. All this talk of how his victims have become immortalised and preserved has the clear whiff of bullshit about it, but it comes from a place of real guilt. That instantly makes him much more complex and interesting than the generic evil capitalist from Thin Ice or the Emojibots from Smile.

Equally as good is Mariah Gale as Eliza. The creepy wooden woman/daughter and later revealed to be the Landlord’s mother. The scene where both she and the Landlord confront each other over the terrible things he’s done to keep her alive has got to be one of the most heartbreaking and moving moments I think I’ve ever seen in Doctor Who. It’s dark and twisted, but also tragic and strangely touching. Suchet runs the full gambit of emotions from threatening to vulnerable, and Gale is able to match him equally with her breathtaking performance, portraying her character’s innocence and confusion before transitioning to strength and resolve when she realises what she must do. It’s a captivating and powerful scene that moved me near to tears. Despite everything that’s happened and all the horrible things he’s done, you do actually feel genuinely sorry for the Landlord, and I found myself caring for both him and Eliza much more than I ever did for any other character in the Moffat era.

This scene also contains something that has been largely absent from New Who. Subtlety! I’ve already spoken about the performances of Suchet and Gale, but there’s also the way in which this whole story connects to Bill. At one point the Landlord asks if the Doctor and Bill would go as far as he did to save someone they loved. Obviously one of the big details we know about Bill is that her mum is dead, and if this were a Moffat penned script, we’d most probably have gotten flashbacks of Bill staring lovingly at her mother’s photo while an oh so poetic tear trickles down her face just to ram the point home. Instead the camera just lingers on Bill for a moment after he asks the question. Pearl Mackie’s understated facial expressions said more than a flashback or 10 page monologue ever could. I’d almost forgotten that there was a time when Doctor Who actually respected the intelligence of its audience and didn’t feel the need to spell everything out in 50 foot high neon lettering.

I have to say Bill is really starting to grow on me. Now that the obnoxious oohing and aahing has been toned down, Bill is starting to feel like a fully realised person, and Knock Knock gives us a chance to explore other aspects of her character. She’s excited about travelling with the Doctor, but she seems reluctant to have her student life and TARDIS life mix. She wants to make a good impression for her gormless housemates, and someone as eccentric as the Doctor could jeopardise that. What I especially like about this is that she doesn’t have that same smug, bossy attitude that Clara had. She’s not the typical Moffat dominatrix who expects the Doctor’s life to revolve entirely around her. She’s simply a normal person trying to compartmentalise her life and priorities as best she can. Same goes for the bit where she works out how to find the secret entrance to the tower room or when she deduces that the Landlord can’t be Eliza’s father because of the age factor. If it were Clara, there would have been a lot of insufferable showing off. With Bill, it’s just presented matter of factly. We can revel in the fact that Bill is clever without the show trying to rub our noses in it.

Peter Capaldi is also impressive as the Doctor. In fact I feel this is the kind of story where this Doctor works best in. In large scale stories like Death In Heaven and Hell Bent, Twelve is required to act in a much more bombastic manner and ends up falling flat on his face because, as I’ve said loads of times now, that simply doesn’t work for this kind of Doctor. But with stories like Knock Knock, Into The Dalek and Mummy On The Orient Express, where the stories are much smaller and more self contained, Capaldi seems to be very much in his element. This kind of story just suits Twelve much more than the grand sweeping epics Moffat often tries (and fails) to write.

Now as I said, Knock Knock isn’t perfect, and there are some teeny tiny plot holes here and there. If the cockroaches feed on people every 20 years, why are they attacking people now? Why were they keeping Eliza alive? Why not just eat her? Why was that guy stuck in the wall when the record player was playing? How come Bill and co haven’t heard of this creepy old house where people keeping disappearing from? This has been occurring for 70 years. Surely it must have built up a reputation. If the cockroaches ate all the housemates, how did they bring them back to life at the end? Why didn’t they bring all the other victims back to life? Why did the house collapse at the end? But honestly, these are just minor nitpicks. They certainly didn’t affect my enjoyment of the episode whatsoever.

For me, Knock Knock is a special little gem of an episode. Is it flawless? No. Will it go down as a classic? Probably not. But to me, it serves as a stark reminder of what I feel has been missing from Doctor Who ever since Moffat took over back in 2010. In my less than humble opinion, the show could do with a lot more episodes like this going forward.

#knock knock #mike bartlett #doctor who #twelfth doctor #peter capaldi #bill potts #pearl mackie #nardole #matt lucas #steven moffat #bbc #review #spoilers

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amwritingmeta · 7 years ago

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13x01: Full Episode Deconstruction

What am I supposed to say here? Sincerely, what? How can I even begin to create a coherent commentary on this episode when the imagery in my head is the entire crew with their balls out? *prostrates myself on the floor again* *fighting back tears of ever more resilient hope* *because them balls are so beautiful, babes*

I mean, if this isn’t balls out then I don’t know what is. And what the fuck does balls out even mean in the first place?

It means the narrative tying back to the first act, which is S1-3. But they’re bound to - and have so done - do callbacks to the start of the second act as well, which is S4-5.

I believe they’ll be picking and choosing to do callbacks to all the most memorable moments because this final stretch of the road is all about pulling the curtain back and revealing what the show really is all about, what the narrative has really been trying to tell us all along, moving us into an ending that feels surprising and yet wholly inevitable.

Meaning the narrative is wrapping up and is singing its last note as it hurtles down the highway towards positive endgame. So far the sound of that note is a thing of epic proportion and we only have the first episode.

*light sheen of sweat on my brow*

So, here we go, upwards and onwards with this review.

Let me tell you, firmly, that we screamed, we ( @margarittet @bluestar86 @tinkdw ) all screamed out loud as soon as the first notes of Nothing Else Matters started playing.

Anyone who has seen the S12 recap reel that they released during SDCC this summer will have been screaming their heads off as well, because that reel was all about family and love and it was so CasDean/DeanCas/Destiel heavy that one cannot even begin to fathom the joy it’s brought all summer long.

And here they go and use the song again (well, as Saz pointed out, now that they’ve got the rights why wouldn’t they?) but also we were just amazeballed in our eye sockets at the reveal that it was the chosen opening song and omfg we were four seconds in and already we could just tell that this. Was going. To be. Epic.

And fuck me I barely even know where to begin. So I’ll follow the above comment on the opening music mind-melt with… the first scene, I guess. Feels a bit boring and standard since so much meta has already been published but, oh well, can’t be galloping on the back of a unicorn over the rainbow in every post.

…….. Can you?

No. Okay, no. Keeping it neat and tidy. Scene by scene, blow by blow —> off we go.

1. “Father?”

I have a feeling this season is going to be about fatherhood.

That’s totally sarcasm, because we all knew this season was going to be about fatherhood. Dabb has stated it on more than one occasion. Here’s our first introduction to Jack and glowy daddy devil eyes fade and give way for confusion almost immediately, which made me do a little dance and almost make a little love to poor Tink sat beside me on the sofa.

Yes, we knew he was going to be a blank slate but actually seeing it, seeing ALL of this episode play itself out, still gave shockwaves of pure awe. There he is. It’s Jack! Pleasure to meet you, finally.

2. Ummmmmmmmmmm no

I mean YES. Because oh my God, look at his wings on the ground. They’re too magnificent for words. (yes @magnificent-winged-beast that’s a nod to you) (a sad one) And Dean’s face. Look at Dean’s faaaaaaaace. And how it shifts from utter disbelief, like he can’t even compute, like, no, this isn’t supposed to happen, this isn’t right, and into focus at the reason for it and what can be done about it. It’s like he’s looking at Cas thinking How…? Why…? And then his brain clicks and all he can think is Nephilim.

(what is sort of horrifying to think about is that, to Dean, Jack is a baby - Dean doesn’t know that Jack’s all growed up...)

Tink has been banging her drum for this moment of Dean pulling his gun and running up to scare the bejesus out of Jack since May. I think I might’ve given her a bruise from screaming YES and shaking her by the arm. :P

3. Visual Manifestation of Power

Sam is Sam is SAM. God, I love Sam so much throughout this entire episode. He’s so Sam. That’s a shitty comment, but seriously, he IS SO SAM. Compassionate and logical. I believe this season is going to be so good to Sam and he’s already stepping into those Leader Sam boots.

As ever, Dabb uses a scene with efficiency and establishes a lot of things for us here.

Jack has a mission - he wants his father and needs to find him. Jack’s eyes glowing throughout the scene tells us that, no matter how calming Sam is trying to be, Jack hasn’t begun to trust him yet, and then Dean barges in, gun drawn, spots those glowing eyes, takes aim and fires off a shot. So the instinct of self-preservation takes over and Jack’s powers manifest.

The visual of Jack’s power is so goddamn brilliantly effective, because I think we know he’s bound go dark side, and he is fucking scary here. (I hope we’re right) (we have to be right in that he’ll go dark and I can’t wait!) (I can’t wait for Dark Jack!!) He knocks the brothers out cold.

TITLE CARD: it’s so fucking beautiful, what else is there to say?

My first reaction - as I’m certain most of ours was to it - was literally holy fuck, it looks like the sun!!

The up-side-down cross with an I inside it makes me think of how I believe this season will focus on the question of identity more than ever before, based in Dean finally beginning to trust, to have faith in people outside of himself, easing up on his need for control, all of this immediate and necessary stepping stones toward him finding self-worth in realising all of his self-worth is not in being the hammer, it is just as much in being the shield.

He can take the backseat and still be useful, appreciated and loved.

4. Burning on the Ceiling

Dean dreams of Mary stepping between the brothers and Lucifer.

So, this dream sequence tells me that Mary going through the rift is - to Dean - the same as her dying, killed in hellfire once again, and him unable to stop it.

But what else does this image from the Pilot hit home? This nightmare image of Mary burning on the ceiling? What does that image represent to Dean Winchester?

Well, it set the course for his entire life, didn’t it? Losing her again is like a sudden reset, as though perhaps that change that had begun to take hold now after 12x22 was nothing but smoke and mirrors after all and this proves it. Whatever hope Dean had begun to feel for the future was taken from him with Cas’ death, and this flashback to his helplessness as a child when watching his mother burn only underlines how all the change he’s been going through is for nothing: he’s back right where he began. There is no happy ending in the cards for him. Ever.

Mary also bookends the episode, so Dean having a nightmare about her death leads into the reveal that no, Lucifer did not kill her the moment the rift closed: she’s still alive and, moreover, Lucifer is hellbent on her staying that way.

What else will you be proven wrong about, Dean Winchester? <3

5. Does He Have Wings?

The brothers wake up and we get a closeup of Dean picking up his gun. Yeah, he won’t be deterred by some freak power show, they’ve dealt with those before, and he is clearly hellbent on finding Jack. There will be no asking first-shooting later - that kind of power isn’t messed with, it’s put down before it can kill anyone.

The cut on Dean’s lip intrigues me. He keeps touching it, it gets worse, then heals up, and at the end of the episode Mary has a cut in the exact same place after Lucifer hits her. There’s a visually established link between Dean and Mary in this episode. She was always an incredibly strong mirror for him, so this is bound to be meaningful later on. What’s lovely is that she remains a Cas mirror as well, stuck in her own Purgatory.

6. Nature Child

I love this shot of Jack’s feet walking in earth and dried pine needles, Jack surrounded by the forest. It feels organic and non-threatening, Jack sussing out this planet of ours with every new step he takes, and it’s even a subtle link to Cas and how he loves nature.

7. Pirate Pete’s Jolly Treats

Seriously, though. Seriously. We have a fast food joint with its menu changed by a blue-eyed and dark-haired Cas-on-the-outside/Dean-on-the-inside mashup of mischievousness. There is a joyful wink here that is not even subtle anymore and there are no fucks given and I love it. Please let it continue. (I have zero doubt that it will but, as ever, I could be wronggg)

High Seas Butt Combo is probably my favourite, but the buttshake has such a nice ring to it, too.

Now, Clark is a delight whatever view you take on him. Either he’s a guy with a wicked sense of humour and buckets of self-assurance who goes wide-eyed and looks rather delighted at the sight of a naked dude - or he’s all those things and just rather amazed at a dude without a stitch of clothing repeating the word “father” into his intercom. Whatever else there is, at the very foremost, there will most likely be friendship here as it seems Clark reappears in 13x03.

Clark calls his mom -->

8. Sheriff Barker

*insert other people’s brilliant meta on the FUCKING MUG*

The FUCKING MUG could be a plant of the place itself, that something big will happen later on in the season in the spot where the rift occurred, where Jack was born and where Cas died. Kind of a significant place to remember the name of… Then again, they could easily plant it in dialogue or just bring up “the place where Cas died” so… Very very very visual plant of that mug. Or perhaps Phil Sgriccia is selling these mugs on eBay and is making a not so subtle product placement… (goes to check eBay to immediately endorse) (I’m a sucker for a good mug)

9. “Cas is…”

Look at that big beautiful body of water (rebirth) and the mountains (knowledge) and that lone white sailboat in the middle of it. Just so pretty, if you ask me.

Dean: We still have holy oil, right? Sam: For what? Dean: ‘Cause we’re gonna have to hit him with everything we’ve got. Sam: Hold on a second. Can we just talk about what happened back there? Dean: Sure, which part? Let’s see - Crowley’s dead, Kelly’s dead, Cas is… mom’s gone, and apparently the Devil’s kid hit puberty in thirty seconds flat. Oh, and he tried to kill us. Sam: Yeah, because you shot at him. Dean: I tried to kill the monster, Sam, it’s kinda what we do. Sam: We don’t know what he is yet, Dean, and I had it under control. Dean: I’m sorry, are you defending the son of Satan? Sam: I’m not defending anything. I’m just saying, look, with everything that’s happened I’m obviously spun out also, but we need a plan. Dean: Yeah - kill him. That’s the plan. Look, right now all that matters is finding him and ending him before he hurts anybody else. Now, once we do that we’ll figure everything else out. Sam: What about Cas? Is he really dead? Dean: You know he is.

Ohhhh Dabb, the evil man. I’m sure there’s a ton of coda after the weekend (I’ve glimpsed one or two!), but wow, Dabb left out the scene of the brothers going back outside before going after Jack, both of them standing on that sand, by Cas’ body, taking in those wings in daylight, Sam maybe just double checking for a pulse or any sign of life, Dean… well, I think he’d still be just blankly staring because it’s starting to sink in.

Then Dean lifting Cas in his arms and bringing him inside while Sam goes and gets that sheet to cover him with. Oh, my heart. This is where that “You know he is” from Dean stems from, right? Yeah. They moved him inside and they know that there’s nothing they can do. Sam still holding out the smallest hope and Dean feeling it deep inside, that this is it. He’s lost Cas. And nothing else matters, as this entire episode demonstrates to us.

*mind* *so* *fucking* *blown*

Here’s the thing. In this my most recent long ass episode deconstruction I talk about how Castiel entering Dean’s life sets about a change, sets about a sudden need for self-examination, because Dean’s attraction to Cas is undeniable even to him and, to be honest, looking at that small smile in 4x05, he looks like he just might be in the first stages of falling in love. And the point of the love story (of any love story) is to push character progression. To make Dean need something more out of life, which will lead to him slowly daring to hope for more, because the need inside is taking over and is overriding any fear of the possible fallout.

Shooting that grenade launcher and tearing down that wall at the beginning of 12x22, which lead directly into him letting Sam go off and lead a mission before turning around and confronting/forgiving his mother, was a leap and a bound for Dean’s individual arc. What I’m getting at is that the above dialogue ties back into the image of Mary burning on the ceiling and Dean’s loss of hope. He is so fucking bitter, right? “I tried to kill the monster, Sam, it’s kinda what we do.”

It’s like - okay, so this is my only function on this Earth: to kill. Well, then, let me kill. I’ll kill anything and right now what needs killing is this thing related to the fucking Devil. This is all I am, right? This is all I’m meant to be or meant to have.

What is so remarkable about this dialogue is that Sam is subtly, but firmly, standing his ground, just as he did in 12x20 when they had the whole Cas-isn’t-himself exchange, where Dean was spun out of his head with fear, and Sam just did not see the situation in the same light at all. Sam gets to even make the awesome statement “and I had it under control.” Fuck yes, you did, Sam - you’re in control of this situation and Dean is spiralling through his anger-fuelled denial of his grief, wanting a target to blame and having it.

I love you, Sam Winchester.

Dean’s face after he says “finding him and ending him before he hurts anybody else” is also telling of where his head is at and who that anybody else is in relation to. (yes it’s Cas who got hurt)

And then they’ll figure “everything else” out - as in what to do about Cas’ body that they left behind in that house.

And then, of course, we get the lens flare to end all lens flares.

I mean, when the fuck has this colour not been used in a situation related to Cas and now they are fucking undeniably tying it to Cas by having it flare TO CAS’ FUCKING NAME. *they will murder us all* *balls so fucking out and dangling in all their glory*

The rest is under the cut. It got long. *smiles in friendliest manner*

10. North Cove

Take note. I have a feeling the name of this place will be on the final exams. ;)

11. Heaven Divided

Cas lying dead on a table will haunt me forever.

So they establish that there is a side of Heaven still on Cas’ side, and one side that is decidedly not.

*hands clapping ecstatically*

The Decidedly Not side calls Kelly “the brood mare”, the more Empathic Angel clearly aggravated by it. It’s established they want Jack and when the Decidedly Not angel mutters that of course Jack’s gone, looking down with something like disgusted disappointment at Cas before covering him up again, we get this expression from the Empathic Angel as Decidedly Not moves off:

Now, she actually looks smugly pleased here, right? Like she’s happy her companion doesn’t suspect what she’s really up to. I’ve no spec to add because I’ve no fucking clue what this means, but Heaven being up to old tricks doesn’t feel too far-fetched. Wether it’s tricks for the good or tricks for the worse remains to be seen. It is doubly-intriguing that the angel looking like she’s up to misbehaving is the angel empathic to Cas, thinking he “deserved better”. This expression is also linked to Jack, though, and the fact that he’s gone: is she looking pleased because Jack slipped through their fingers? Or are there bigger things afoot here… We shall just have to wait and see!

12. There Is No Such Thing as Weird

I mean, this just made my fucking day for the rest of the fucking year. My brain, my head, my soul and my heart - forever singing praises, because yes. If nothing else had given me the balls out feels, this would be the moment that I just went holy fuck they are making a fucking statement right here and right now because THIS IS WHAT THE SHOW HAS ALWAYS BEEN ABOUT. And this made me feel they are bringing it to the forefront now. This is what this season will be dealing with: no more black and white, all of it glorious shades of grey all over.

Honesty.

Ie. BOOM SHAKALAKA: curtain drawn back and look at the truth of us.

Sheriff Barker: There is no such thing as weird. Everyone’s normal in their own way.

I do so adore you, Andrew Dabb.

I was so happy when Jack said that Kelly is in Heaven. She sacrificed herself out of love because she had such faith in him, she felt his goodness surge through her when he saved her life, and I will continue to believe he saved her life out of the love she’d already taught him, rather than blind self-preservation - and the same when he killed Dagon. That’s why the flash he gave Kelly of Cas stepping in front of her contained the dialogue “You get away from her” rather than “You get away from them.” But I shan’t digress. I’m just happy she’s in Heaven.

And “the bad woman burned”. Dagon as representative of evil in 12x19 is no surprise, but oh my God how nice to hear Jack label her as such. He remembers the universe screamed, which is amazing exposition for his powers.

I kind of love how there’s such an air of Jody around Sheriff Barker, and definitively a mothering energy as well. I wonder if both mother and son will be a possible addition to Wayward. It’d be such cool beans.

Clark asks Jack what he’s on and we just get Jack being Cas, wearing a tan jacket and just feeling like Cas and it’s amazing. Yeah, it is fucking amazing. And Jack’s hungry —> so fucking human. As in showing his humanity, not foreshadowing anything human for Cas!! (just to be clear)

13. Baby Is So Dirty!!

So the brothers arrive to Jolly Pete’s and it’s Sam’s idea to go check it out, while Dean is being overtly aggravated with the mere idea, right? He sends Sam in alone so that he can call Jody, which I personally think is a pretty amazing sign that the codependency is continuing on its track of crumbling into dust. After the call, Dean sits for a second, reflecting, and since he’s alone he takes the opportunity. (we know what he does - he goes around the corner and prays)

14. Sam and the Butt Combo

This is a well-written, tight piece of exposition right here, but nope, I’m leaving it for now and might come back to it another day because I love Miriam.

On Friday we were all loving the fact that Sam spots that menu and does his Reaction Face to it - his oh, ok, so that happened face. It feels significant for this season. Especially since that menu was created by our walking, talking Cas/Dean in-on-body embodiment.

Also, Jack has the coolest fingerprints in the history of fingerprints.

15. Elsa

Okay, so I sincerely just love this shit. Any Disney reference breathes air into my lungs and mentioning Elsa is… well, it’s fucking significant because shedding your tightly held facade to be free of the idea of what you should be, and be happy with who you’ve been all along, is kinda the point of Dean’s arc.

Now.

Miriam: I punched a wall once. Well, a poster on a wall, but same diff, right? Freshman year I had this roommate - Becky - she had this giant poster of Elsa - you know, from Frozen? And I mean, first: who brings something like that to college? A cartoon, really? Like, hello home school, right? Anyway, Becky was - and I say this in the most feminist, screw the patriarchy way - a giant super-bitch. She’d take things and break things and piss people off and just do whatever she wanted, no matter who it hurt. It’s like the whole world was just Becky to her, you know? Dean: So you punched her poster. Miriam: And lit most of her stuff on fire. I’ve got issues. Sam: Dude, what’d you do to your hand? Miriam: Don’t ask. He’s super-sensitive.

Watch this scene again and watch how Dean reacts to her dissing Elsa, dissing liking cartoons at college age, dissing home schooling, look at how he just relates to fucking ALL of it and how he’s so done with her. He then brings out a bottle of alcohol, takes one swig of it (after fucking praying and getting nothing for it and brutally attacking a sign as a violent outlet for... despair, pent up grief, fury - take your pick), pours the rest on his wound and doesn’t drink a drop more of it, all the while being mostly aggravated with the scantily clad, attractive girl on the opposite side of Baby’s roof.

I mean, I’m just saying that he didn’t ask Sam to get him a burger and he didn’t focus on the fast food right in front of his nose, he barely touched that drink and he’s not for one second seeing this girl as any kind of means of distraction. Idk if we will get coping mechanisms galore in the coming episodes, but personally I would rather he shut himself away in a darkened room and didn’t want to engage with the world at all because what the fuck is even the point? He’ll do the job, but other than that? Meh. (but we’ll see) (and if we do get coping mechanisms HEY that is so all good!)

Baby is like a lie detector. Shit usually gets real around Baby, so no wonder Miriam’s calling out of Dean’s deeper personality traits come out here, as well as the call-out to how he’s super-sensitive. Like whaaaaaat? YES.

Miriam has come to act as exposition for how Dean really feels, rather than how he’s acting. She can see right through him, thanks to being an angel and all, and it’s interesting which buttons she immediately chooses to push.

So I read this dialogue as being a deconstruction of Dean himself:

his non-performing side is tied to the Elsa poster

his toxic masculinity is tied to the super-bitch

the poster got punched

most of super-bitch’s things got lit on fire

And “It’s like the whole world was just Becky to her, you know?” to me is such a resounding uppercut right into the jaw of control freak Dean that I can’t even.

And then Miriam ends her statement with a “you know?” which is so telling, because Dean does know. He hasn’t related to the world in the selfish way Miriam paints it out as, but THAT IS HOW HE IS FEELING RIGHT NOW.

So fucking guilt-ridden and full of self-blame that he can barely even stand it, as always - thinking that if he’d just related to Cas as CAS, rather than him seeing everything through his need to be in control of everything all the time, then perhaps Cas would be alive right now.

But there’s something else there, too - a budding hopelessness, a growing not-giving-a-fuck attitude, and it will be challenged and underlined later by Miriam calling our attention to it with one of the most epic lines of this entire fucking series.

16. Flickering Lights

I had my comrades of the evening giggling like mad because, well, fan fiction territory galore. Flickering lights as Cas and Dean get it on. (I’ve read too little fan fiction to have been clued in on the joke without being enlightened but omfg just hilarious)

Then we get Jack as a fucking Cas-mirror again with “I like it. I like nougat.” (“I like emojis” and his literal way of communication just… omfg yes, because this Castiel is not the one coming back from the Empty. I believe we will get a more focused, BAMF Cas back who will have a mission and who will be completely dedicated to it, but he’ll still be Cas, with all the lessons he’s learned thus far.)

And we get Dean-mirror Clark (I’m sorry but his last name is Barker and… I mean, dogs bark and… there’s a whole lot of inference that can be made here but… okay just so amazing), who began the sequence at the police station with soft judgement of Jack’s sanity, to moving into assuming he’s high - and connecting with that behaviour - to now calling Jack “magic”. Such a Dean trajectory of rejection->acceptance. I raise my hands and applaud.

Jack is adorable. ^^^^

And here comes the angel radio and yes, absolutely, such a Dean and Cas first meeting callback that I almost want to lie down and cry and cry because just yessss please. All of the S4/S5 callbacks!! (all the callbacks) (from all over!!) (please)

And Sam tasers Jack in the back, which tells us electricity actually knocks this powerful being out cold and it must be linked to his humanity, right? (we’ll see if this is used by Dean)

17. Honesty

This is one of the most amazing scenes they could’ve given us this early on. This entire episode is telling us that this show is taking a turn for something wholly fresh, right? I mean, this is also Dean being so fucking done with putting on a performance - he does not CARE anymore - but it still sets the precedent for this season dealing with honesty and truthfulness and open fucking communication in completely new ways. *crossing fingers that it is so*

Sheriff: So what’re you, some kind of superhero? Dean: I’m just a guy doing a job.

Holy fucking hell does he not think of himself as a hero right now. He is so broken. Any semblance of a performance has left him. More than that, he is giving “the talk” in a completely straightforward way, and though it’s because every ounce of hope has left him, this is still an adult sat opposite that sheriff. Dean is all grown up.

Dean: So, Jack is a nephilim. He’s half-human, and half-angel. Angels are real, too.

HIS FAAAAAACE.

Crack goes my aching heart. Jensen Ackles breaks us every time!!

18. That’s Not His Name

This scene between Sam and Jack is golden in so many ways. Both Jared Padalecki and Alexander Calvert bring such heart to it. Dabb has written it with tension and moments of respite that create a fucking amazing flow and the exposition is just beautifully handled.

Also - Jack is one BAMF.

And Sam, though of course having a slightly ulterior motive for wanting to keep Jack on his side, is still able to relate to Jack on an emotional and intelligent level. (I’m not calling Dean stupid) (he’s spun out and just completely compromised by it at the moment is all)

Jack: I was scared, and when I get scared, things happen. I can’t stop them. Sam: Why were you scared? Jack: Because of the voices. They were so loud, so angry.

So, not a great first impression of Heaven, then. (yay!) Also, Jack’s fear informs the manifestation of his powers. But, there’s more. Jack switches mode from being on alert to sitting cross-legged and relaxing, surprising Sam by asking if he’ll tell “them I’m sorry.” Meaning the sheriff and Clark, of course.

Sam: Jack, how are you-…? How are we talking right now? I mean, you’re not even a day old, how do you speak English? Jack: My mother taught me. Sam: So you talked to her? Jack: I was her. Sam: Okay, and your… powers. Did she teach you those too or…? Jack: No, I… I don’t know why these things happen. It’s like I’m me, but not me. Sam: Jack. Look, before you were born you opened up a door to another world. Do you remember that? Jack: Yes. Sam: Okay, um, could you do that again? Jack: I don’t, I… I have to find my father. He’ll protect me. Sam: Jack, you gotta listen to me. That’s not really what Lucifer does. Jack: Lucifer? No, that’s not his name. My father is Castiel. Sam: What? Jack: My mother, she said Castiel, he would keep me safe. She said the world was a dangerous place. That’s why I couldn’t be a baby, or a child. That’s why I had to grow up fast. That’s why I chose him to be my father. Where is he? Sam: He’s dead.

Okay --> Holy Graal of Exposition.

So I read this as Jack not “talking” to Kelly meaning that he felt what she felt, he heard her thoughts - he was her, and she was him.

How I interpret this scene is then that there’s a clear difference between:

Jack talking about his powers and appearing unsure

Jack talking about opening up that door, remembering it, and looking somewhere between disliking the memory and threatening pain if Sam pushes him further

Jack talking with ease and softness about Kelly

This differences underline for me how much Jack loved his mother, his love informed by how much she loved him because he was her, he was kept safe in that love.

“It’s like I’m me, but not me” is extremely intriguing, however. This meta writer - and most meta writers I know - well, we’re pretty much assuming Jack will go bad at some point and this might be key to that switch.

Perhaps Jack is the one under threat of control. I always figured he’d be manipulated (like Christ was tempted by Satan before being put on the cross) but what if this is why he needs protecting? He can’t control his powers and, if someone finds the key, his powers might end up controlling him, especially since he’s connected to everything (he heard the fucking universe scream) (I’m crossing fingers it’s Michael who gets his greasy paws on him) (it.would.be.so.amazing!!)

Jack remembers opening up the rift, but I maintain that if he’s not in control of his powers now, then he did not open up that rift intentionally.

However, he knows it was a bad thing to happen and whatever sensation is linked to it reminds him of his need for protection, reminds him of his mission to find his father. So the thought of the rift makes Jack immediately feel exposed, in need of protection and, most probably, guidance by his father.

Yeah, we screamed the bloody house down, you’d better believe it, at Jack actually fucking stating in dialogue that his father is Castiel, not Lucifer.

I mean, Dabb is not pulling any punches here, naming Lucifer and having Jack reject him as his father figure - he flat out in episode one rejects his birth father - and stating that he has chosen his father, and his father is Castiel.

(there are candles burning right now) (candles of fragrance and love on my altar of worship)

My longer 12x19 meta is grounded in Kelly as the Good Mother and Cas as the Good Father Figure and as concepts they sound almost ridiculously archaic, but my point was that the narrative of 12x19 circles the theme of Good vs Evil through Cas/Dagon-Luci and Kelly/Dagon-Luci, as well as the theme of parenthood so prevalent throughout the entirety of S12. So to all of Jack’s declarations - hell yes and please and thank you!

And now his father figure and protector is dead. Jack isn’t too happy about that. He looks downright vengeful. (common ground with Dean…) (*crossing fingers*)

19. Frigging Angels

So, honesty saves the day and the sheriff is about to let them go without a fuss - to Sam’s astonishment. Yup, a whole new world, Sam.

Dean: So, let’s grab Damien here and find someplace quiet.

Dean is just going to literally kill this newborn being without any hesitation and without asking any questions based solely on the principle that anything non-human falls in the category of monster and has to die. Okay, fine, Jack is the son of Lucifer but HELLO DEAN HELLO! WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO ALL YOUR LESSONS!!??

Oh, right, this is a callback to the beginning so we’ll realise how far you’ve come. Okay, alright. What was it that began blurring those black and white lines between the good and the monstrous of the world again?

…. Hmmmm, let me think.

Oh, right, it was Castiel coming into his life.

There is so much in season four, but the most prominent thing is this movement into focusing the question that has always been a part of the show:

What makes a monster and what makes a man? (yes I’m quoting The Hunchback of Notre Dame) (shut up)

And now we get to glimpse Dean as he was, so that when Cas comes back the contrast will be un-fucking-mistakable. (I’ve no doubt) (but disclaimer I could be wrong because that ^^^ is spec)

And Miriam makes her reappearance in this sequence! Restating:

Miriam: I don’t know what he’s told you. I mean, I can guess. Some line about how he and his brother “save the world”? Grr. So macho. But really, he’s not a hero. He’s Becky. You take things and break things and piss people off and just do whatever you want no matter who it hurts. Also, you’re a giant super-bitch. So yeah, you’re Becky. And Becky needs to die.

So, here - instead of the Elsa reference and a super-sensitive comment, Miriam calls out performing!Dean with her “Grr. So macho” line. And it ties in with how little macho manly man performance is left in Dean, because of what comes next: “You take things and break things and piss people off and do whatever you want no matter who it hurts.”

And his face tells us what?

He looks like he agrees with her. And he doesn’t even offer up the smallest protest. Because he knows she’s right, and that’s why he didn’t tell the sheriff that he and Sam save the world - he told her the exact opposite, downplaying their importance and making what they do sound like they’re part-time plumbers. He does not think of himself as a hero. Not at all.

The macho bravado of his toxic masculinity has slipped off him with all this loss. He’s thought of himself as Grr-so-Macho because it’s him as the hammer, it’s him on a mission, it’s him with a purpose, and he’s always put himself last, everyone else first, never thinking about himself - even saving Sam has usually meant putting his own life on the line, because Dean has never known who to be without his brother to protect - never expecting to have a future, and now, with the loss of Cas, he understands exactly how big a lie all of that has always been, because he’d started wanting more, had started hoping for more, and now that hope is gone.

There is no normal after watching the man you love die.

And what Miriam is still pushing on here, but even harder than across the roof of Baby, is the guilt of it all, as well as the forever burning thought in his head that he doesn’t deserve better, doesn’t deserve more, that this is what always happens because it’s what needs to happen - he’s one of the Becky’s of the world, selfish and reckless and this is what happens when you can’t work with others, when you can’t open up, when you can’t trust. And love is pain and has always been nothing but pain. There is no happy for Dean Winchester, not ever and good things just don’t happen to him. Or, at least, they don’t last.

But here’s the most epic fucking line ever spoken on this show:

Becky needs to die.

The version of Dean with a poster on the wall and a bitchy attitude needs to go the fucking way of bye-bye. No more dual identity. No more Batman-superhero moments.

It’s time to embrace change, Dean Winchester, and stop with the blame game and the guilt trip and allow this grief to take hold and allow it to evolve you into the type of man who, when the love of his life returns to him, will not hesitate to show him how much he means to him. *crossing fingerssss*

(Okay, there might be tentativeness and Thelma and Louise moments of awkwardly trying to suss out where he stands, but this time I hope that Dean will not be deterred by Cas’ deep frowns and questioning expressions, but rather Dean will step in there and dare to be himself and show Cas who he really is and that he wants to spend time with him. It’ll lay the foundation for Cas’ real transformation... But I’ll write another post about that.)

Also, Becky needs to die to make way, make way, for Team Free Will!

So, now in this sequence of scenes we learn that Jack can’t be blasted away.

And Dean learns that Jack can’t bring Cas back. After Dean’s already prayed to Chuck for help and gotten no answer. So yeah. Ow.

Miriam: …Because Beiber in there, he can do almost anything. Dean: Anything? Miriam: Oh, sweet. Almost anything. Castiel - he’s dead. All the way dead. Because of you.

And she gets free by pressing her finger hard on that guilt button.

Miriam stabs Jack with an angel blade - doesn’t kill him or even hurt him.

(Dean is mentally taking notes)

Speculation: I mean, it seems pretty probable that Dean is going to try and extract Jack’s grace, right? Somehow use that spell? For Dean it’d be a win-win if he gets to know and like Jack, because extracting the grace means no more nephilim power fucking up the world, but Jack gets to live. I just wonder if Dean will still be suspicious by the time Cas comes back and if this will be a source of external conflict between them. I think that could be fantastic, especially since Cas so expressly will come back on a mission to protect Jack.

20. The Bench

I mean COME ON DABB!! The callback to end all fucking callbacks when Cas, sat on a bench, professes he has questions and doubts and states that he’s not a hammer (he doesn’t WANT to be a weapon and omfg Cas I love you) and we get our first smile from him. Jesus Christ on a tortilla, that first glimmer of humanity. So delicious.

Sam wants to take Jack back to the bunker and Dean agrees. Sam is surprised.

Sam: So you… changed your mind? Dean: No. No, nothing’s changed. He’s still the Devil’s kid, he’s still evil, he still brainwashed Kelly and Cas, and even if he hasn’t gone Big Bad yet, he will. Sam: You don’t know that. Dean: Yeah, I do. Since when have things ever gone right for us? So until I figure out a way to end him, we bring him home. At least there the only people he can hurt are you and me.

So while Jack is sitting, pensive and Cas-like giving us a visual link to our first human moment with him, Dean is going on and on about his mistrust of Jack. Two conflicting messages and I Wendy I Wanda which one we’re meant to take to heart.

Thing is, we know more about Jack than Dean does at this point, and so does Sam. Sam doesn’t know one hundred percent how to handle Jack or how much of an allegiance they’ll have with him, but his compassion is real, and he’s seen Jack the way we’ve seen him.

Dean is wrong when he mistrusts Jack based solely on him being the son of the Devil - it’s narrow-minded and complete bullshit and not what this show is about. It’s a mindset the brothers have moved out of, which got them in trouble with the BMoL to begin with.

But Dean is right when he assumes Jack will go dark side. He will go Big Bad because it’s in the cards for him and for TFW.

What gives me such a thrill of hope for the future is that Dean, in the first episode of the season, calls out his own lack of trust in anything ever going right for them. I hope the narrative is about to give us a slow series of events to prove him completely wrong. (but I could be wrong about that reading) (I would just love it and it falls in line with everything else they’re giving us) (oh believe me things will get dark and fucked up before they go right) (but I have faith that they will go right in the end)

What’s both horrible and good about him saying “At least there the only people he can hurt is you and me” is that, yes, it shows he really doesn’t give one fuck anymore about anything, even keeping Sam safe, but it also shows he doesn’t care about keeping Sam safe.

Sam just suggested that they bring Jack to the bunker and Dean is acknowledging Sam’s choice and allowing Sam to take his own responsibility for the consequences.

Smack down brodependency. Brodependency SMACK DOWN.

Die Becky die die die!! ;)

(I know there was a character on this show named Becky but I’m sure there are miles of thoughts on her and how Dabb choosing that name so very specifically might just be a not so subtle pointer to stuff so I’ll do a reblog of that topic instead)

Sam also clearly realises how low Dean actually is. He wants to say something, but Dean gets up and it’s time to go.

21. Lake House

Back at the lake house (can’t get over how Baby is so incredibly dirty and so miserable) (aw Dean) Sam tries to coax Dean into waiting to burn Cas, instil some tiny sliver of hope in him, suggesting they pray to Chuck, and Dean bites off “Don’t you think I’ve tried that” and I think we collectively fell into a heap of feels. Seriously, this was a clutch each other and hold on for dear life moment.

Dean fucking praying to God. Which we’d already heard him doing in the teaser they released, but still! Here it is!!

I can’t attack this scene in less than half a page. There is so much here. There is so much pain and need and anger and he even begs him. Twice. Dean begins with saying “I need your help” and moves into “us” when he accuses God for up and leaving them. But it’s ok - the bunching himself together with Sam - because it’s needed here. Dean’s praying for the both of them, for everything they’ve lost.

And oh did I mention earlier a lens flare to end all lens flares? Well, what do you know? They give us ANOTHER ONE! A fucking rainbow. And rainbows in this narrative - as far as I know and as far as this visual underlines - are completely linked to God.

The fact that the scene is entirely framed by how it’s time to burn Cas’ body makes the prayer - for Dean - take on a whole new meaning, no matter that he’s praying for both himself and Sam.

“We’ve lost everything. And now you’re gonna bring him back.”

Are you... serious, Dabb?? (he is) (he so clearly is)

The flashback ends and Dean tells Sam “God’s not listening. He doesn’t give a damn.”

But he clearly does give a damn. His sign is right there in a visual plant!

And we all went, ohhhh. Will Chuck make an appearance in the Empty? It does make the most sense, tbh. Cas is in the fucking Empty, for crying out loud, from whence there is absolutely no return. So God appearing because his grandson needs a Guardian, a guardian said grandson himself has chosen, kinda makes sense, because who else can restore Cas’ burned out grace and send him back? But we’ll see! Cas might still meet himself in the Empty, tbh, with Chuck there. Either way, it seems the most logical that Cas will get to make a choice. Or will he? .... We’ll know in a few weeks!! :P

22. Kelly

Jack says goodbye to his mother, placing a hand delicately on her feet and it’s such a beautiful sign of respect and I’d look up the deeper meaning if I wasn’t already twelve pages into this meta. I’ll reblog and reblog gifs with reams of intriguing tidbits, I’ve no doubt! Such a gorgeous visual and, to me, underlining of how Jack truly loved his mother. (as ever, the artwork on the wall as Jack enters the room is eye-catching and those stormy seas with the sunlight breaking through dark clouds give me good feels, must say)

23. Cas

Yes. I cry. And I cry. And we all cry at this scene. I didn’t cry the first time around, I was way too overwhelmed by amazement that we even got this incredible visual and Jensen giving us one of those subtle, heart wrenching moment-upon-moments that is just… There are no words. What can I say about this scene that hasn’t already been said?

Dean steps in through that door almost as though he’s questioning if Cas will be there, leading with his head, not wanting to hope, but hoping all the same because every other time… But there’s the sheet, and there’s Cas underneath it. And the wide angle shot is so beautiful. Dean sighs. Like he’s been holding his breath with the hope and now… gone. No more. And he looks away, because it’s just too much. And then he looks, and it’s real and all of it is just so damn visceral. FUCK. And when Dean almost breaks down. When he has to stop, like he has that pain in his chest that makes you feel like your ribs are caving in… and he closes his eyes and he bends his head before he looks up at Cas again… And he knows he will be the one to wrap Cas’ body, there are no two ways around it, and he does it and it’s just... FUCK!

24. Pyre

They burn Cas and Kelly at sundown. Yes, so fitting. And Sam teaches Jack about how humans say goodbye. Also so fitting. And Dean says goodbye and we all just want to lie on a pyre as well. Sam says that they don’t know if Mary’s dead, and Dean says that yes they do, linking back to his nightmare at the beginning of the episode.

To him, Mary is gone, and he doesn’t even feel the urge to try to fight to bring her home, to find a way. I’ve mentioned it before, but his line “No matter how much it hurts, no matter how hard it gets - you gotta keep grinding” when he and Sam were hunting for Cas lends this such weight.

Dean has never been here before.

He’s a fighter, but now the fight has gone out of him, and he may keep grinding for the sake of it, but hoping that the grinding will lead somewhere good is done and dusted. At least according to Singer, who said Dean will carry on doing the job but will suffer bouts of “inertia” - which is another word for apathy, which is wholly connected to depression. I am just so fucking HAPPY!! *sadism*

The way the pyre is reflected in Dean’s pupils. Yeah. Fuck you, Phil Sgriccia!! <3

25. The Devil You Know

Mary and Lucifer in the AU will be interesting. I love that they might have to try and survive together and that Lucifer sees the potential in keeping her alive. Again, there’s that visual link between Dean and Mary with the cut on their bottom lip and I’m really looking forward to seeing how they’ll use it and if they use it and when and why and how! Oh, but wait - Lucifer has a cut in the exact same spot as well. Curiouser and curiouser.

Final comments: I mean, what more could we want from this episode? I don’t think we could want anything more from this episode. Balls out with the love story because Dean’s entire appearance in this episode have to do with Cas, brodependency barely existent anymore, Jack is fucking perfection, all out orgasmic setup for what’s to come this season and the intimate moments that give us so much character are, as ever, to simply die for. I can’t wait for this week’s episode. OMFG WE HAVE A NEW EPISODE IN LESS THAN A WEEK! THIS IS WHAT LIFE IS LIKE NOW! CONGRATULATIONS - WE SURVIVED HELLATUS!! Now we just have to keep from biting our nails down between each new instalment. :P

Next time I’ll do a pure gif-post. Thanks for sticking with me throughout another long ass meta! ;D

#spn meta #long ASS FUCKER #spn 13x01 #13x01 meta #spn s13 spec #dean winchester #sam winchester #cas #destiel #jack the nephilim #mary winchester #lucifer #clark barker #headcanon

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