#I know our future is already brighter with them by our side and us by theirs

[the-stars-are-dying]

It, still hurts y'know? The wound hasn't really healed yet, it's like that awkward stage of being almost dry but still sore and bloody. It stings everyday and it's hard to deal with or look at so we try not to. But they hurt us, and we'll never be able to tell them "hey, you did this to us" because their gone now, out of our life, moved on, which we *are* glad about, since they won't hurt us again, or our loved ones, but we'll never get that closure of telling them what they did and how it hurt, and neither will our partner. They deserve it more than anything I think, to tell them how hurt they are/were, cause I know it still hurts for them to. I know we'll heal, and i know we'll be ok, since we have each other to tend to and protect. Their our light, our sunshine boy, so we'll do our best to help them keep their light and hope for a better future. Everythings gonna be ok, I'm sure of it.

[sitepathos]

I've been thinking about a what if for gold and mold

It's pretty simple

Let's say one of the Batfam was chasing killer croc and they come across reader and they managed to save his life

So reader begins to get clingy with them, but not in a sweet "were family again" no, reader is very traumatized and uses them to remind himself he is still alive.

So he's not hugging them, he's clasping their forearm with enough strength to leave a mark, because he wants to make sure he can still move his hands.

And he talks to them, but not about their day or something like that

Reader is asking then simple trivia/math equation, to make sure that he can still have a conversation,

So while the rest of the family is jealous of the time they spend with reader, the member in either is horrified or tries to take advantage of the situation (depending on which member the scenario is for, I decided to keep it in n general)

What do you think? Is it interesting?

A very interesting idea! Hope you don’t mind if I add onto it a little! In this scenario, you were still shot, but were rendered in a brain damaged state and the Batfamily picks up the pieces. And because you weren’t thrown into the cavern by the thugs, you don’t meet the Megamycete. (Note: this will provide insight into the Bats for future chapters. Read at your own risk.)

The Bats had been looking for the Joker, but instead found Killer Croc and gave chase, following him to Gotham Woods.

He forced his way into an old cabin and as they approached it, heard a gunshot, forcing them to surround it and enter from all directions.

They didn’t know what they expecting, but seeing you, lying on the floor with blood pooling around you and surrounded by three thugs and Killer Croc.

The sight of you, his baby boy, spread out on the dirty floor of this disgusting cabin, dying, fills him with a rage, one that burns brighter than his rage for Joe Chill.

In a flash, he takes all three thugs down, leaving Croc for the rest of his children while he carries you out of the cabin and rushes you to the Batcave, already telling Leslie Tompkins to be there with her med kit.

When the others return to the Cave, they see him looking over the doctor’ shoulder as works diligently to bring you back from the brink of death.

As she works, Bruce calls Alfred and inform of what happened, causing the butler to tear into him from the other side of the world.

When Alfred yells at him for not being a good father and ignoring you for years, guilt lands on all of them like a sumo wrestler.

When they look at one another, asking when was the last time any of them talked to you, they realize that they knew less than nothing about a brother that’s been living with them for years.

They sit around the cave in silence for hours, drowning in their collective guilt and promising that if you make it through this, things would be different

They’d give all the love and attention you could handle and more, including you in their post-patrol meals, taking you out on the town, and spoiling you rotten.

They’re only brought out of this state when the doctor exits the surgical suite and tells them that she managed to stabilize you and extract the bullet from your brain, which made the relax.

But when she said that you were brain damaged, stuck inside your mind, only able to speak phrases from your memories, they all felt the world around them collapse.

They made plans to make up for their years of neglect and beg for your forgiveness, and now, they can never atone for their sins.

Dr. Tompkins provides a few places they can admit you to, ensuring you’d be given the utmost care, but Bruce declines it immediately.

“He’s a part of our family and we’ll care for him,” he vows.

He has you moved to a bedroom on their side of the manor, an empty one next to his, to be precise, moving all your belongings and buying anything he thinks you’d like in hopes that some part of you would feel at home.

They all move back to the manor to care for you and abide by a schedule that took them hours to decide on.

Alfred is the first one to enter your room everyday, placing your breakfast in your feeding tube and helping you use the bathroom and change your clothes.

He insists on doing this, no matter how much the others beg to take his place, because he feels ashamed that he failed in his responsibility to you.

He knew that the family didn’t pay you the attention you deserved and thanks to his lapse in judgement, you’re reduced to a shell of your former self.

He’s resigned to doing this for the rest of his life, hoping to make amends.

Bruce always comes just after he finishes, sitting next to your bed, talking to you about anything he can think of, hoping that somehow, it would get you out of this state.

It doesn’t, of course, but he always listens when you mutter about whatever your mind allows you to say.

He notices that you tend to talk to him about your Momma more than the others and he feels like even more of a failure.

Truth be told, he didn’t remember your Momma, at least not until he looked her up.

She was an up and coming writer he had met at some fancy party, they both had a little too much to drink and that’s how you came to be.

When he looks back at how he treated you when you first came to live with him, he wants to go back in time and beat the living shit out of himself.

You lost your Momma, were forced to leave your home, and all you wanted was your father to make you feel like you weren’t alone.

He wasn’t man enough to do the bare minimum.

He lets his tears fall while he wipes yours as you say, “Momma’s in heaven?”

“Yeah she is, baby,” he whispers. “But don’t worry, Daddy’s here.”

Dick pulls out all he stops for his big brother act.

He comes in, taking over for Bruce or standing in when he has to leave.

“Hey, baby bird,” he exclaims every time he enters. “How’s my favorite little brother doing today?”

He always uses his time stretching your limbs to prevent atrophy and shows off his acrobatic skills, hoping it would impress you.

By the time he’s done, Alfred delivers your lunch, which he places in your feeding tube.

He wishes you were able to chew solid food because he totally would spoon feed you.

Jason comes in and out of all of them, he feels the most guilt about how he treated you.

He’s harped on Bruce for forgetting all about him for years, not knowing that he’s done the same to you.

And the memory of him giving you that black eye makes him want to tear himself apart as penance.

“You really drew the short straw when they were giving out families, huh, kid,” he jokes.

He spends most of his time reading his favorite books to you and telling you trivia about them and their authors.

He spends the remaining time crying, his head pressed against your body, begging for your forgiveness.

He totally kills those three thugs when Bruce isn’t look, hoping that act of revenge makes up for his behavior is some way.

Tim comes in after him, pretending not to notice the tear stains on Jason’s face or how red his eyes look.

He goes back to how you two first met, thinking about how he could’ve done things differently. How he should’ve said something.

He knows what it’s like to be ignored by your family, god knows he wasn’t his parents’ favorite child and they only had him.

He uses his time to play your video games, either on the giant tv in front of your bed or siting next to you on the bed, the brand new laptop he bought for you between the two of you.

He 100% your games, getting every achievement possible and even buys new games he thinks you’d enjoy.

He listens to everything you say, committing it to memory and answering back no matter what it is.

“Fear the Old Blood.”

“Bloodborne,” he answers. “That’s a tough one. But you seem like a guy that appreciates a challenge.”

When he discovers the beginnings of your game and the book you wrote all your ideas for it, he devotes all his free time to bringing it to reality, personally developing it and following your book to the letter and when it’s released, everyone knows it was made in your honor.

Steph comes in with Cass since neither of them have the courage to come in alone, ashamed of how they treated you.

Steph spends the entire time talking, filling the room with talk to drown out the awkward silence.

She goes on about anything and everything, from her visit to the coffee shop to her nightly escapades.

“I swear, Kite Man is obsessed with me! I think he wants to be my nemesis and I keep telling him it’s not gonna happen!”

Cass just sits there, not even able to look at you due to the weight of her guilt.

Bruce had taught her how to live in a family and she couldn’t show you the love she shows the others.

Damian is after them, followed closely by Titus and Alfred the Cat.

“Good evening, brother,” he says, hoping for a response, but knowing you’ll never be able to answer back again.

During his time with the League of Assassins, he was taught that one can never redeem themselves after failure and so it must be avoided at all costs.

He thought himself above the rest of his siblings, worth of being the heir to both the Demon and Bat. That he was the very definition of perfect

Seeing your frail body, lying there, doomed to live out the rest of your days stuck inside your own mind?

He knows he’s imperfect in every possible way.

When you first met, he was threatened by you as he was led to believe he was Father’s only blood son, the one who would inherit everything both Bruce Wayne and the Batman possessed.

He knew you weren’t a threat, his trained eye telling him you couldn’t defend yourself against Drake, let alone a real threat, but he just had to go and attack you what his sword to assert his dominance and place in the family’s hierarchy.

He could’ve just ignored you like the others, but no, he had to go and actively make your life more difficult, insulting you at every chance and sending his animals to attack you.

And when Pennyworth told him the pen he stole from you was your late Mother’s?

For the first time in years, he actually sheds a tear.

He spends his time either in your room, his loyal pets on either side of you while he draws you in his sketchbook or paints a complete portrait of you to be mounted in the living room.

Sometimes, he paints scenes of you two together, some of them have you standing next to each other while others have you playing some game.

He wishes you two could do this, but for now, these portraits will do.

Other times, he places you in a wheelchair and pushes you through the gardens (he fought tooth and nail for that privilege), telling you tidbits about the birds you see or the flowers you pass by.

Everyday, he wishes that you’d come out of this vegetative state so you two could walk together, but until that day comes, he’ll take up this responsibility without complaint.

By the time his time’s done, Alfred serves you your dinner and that’s when they leave to patrol Gotham, each of them hugging and kissing you.

And when they get back, Bruce carries you down to the dining room so you can be a part of their feast and watch movies with them.

They failed you before, but they won’t do it again. All of them will repeat this, day after day. Year after year.

They just wish you could talk back so they can make their apologies properly.

[thinkingaboutbetterdays]

looming parenthood. ( gregory house x reader )

gif belongs to me

The singular lamp lit his office when you entered while the minutes ticked by into the early hours of the morning. House looked up, his pinky finger against his lips as he reviewed the files, removing his glasses as he met your gaze.

It was difficult at times to know when to act as your boss, or your boyfriend during a case that was troubling you, especially now that you were pregnant. From your pacing, he deduced you needed both, and knew you needed assurance and comfort after a conflicting case.

"I didn't tell her." Your eyes burned from unshed tears as your body ran on caffeine, wearing a hole in the carpet of his office.

"In cases like this, it's difficult to know whether to listen to your head or your heart. Your brain said she's better off not knowing, and your heart is saying she needed to know. Following your heart is easy. Following your brain is tough." He removed his glasses as he spoke and you lowered your gaze to the ground, nodding softly.

House knew if he didn't act soon it would be one more sleepless night. "A case like this...it's hard to know what the right choice is." He began, "But you made the right one."

"Did I?" A tear fell down your cheek and he used the balls of his feet, pushing himself away from his desk.

"Come here." You crossed the room, settling on his lap and his arms brought you closer, your head resting on his shoulder as your tears fell. "A life filled with nightmares or a life filled with blissful ignorance. What would you prefer?"

"What's the context?" You spoke up a few moments later, feeling his chest vibrate as he chuckled.

"You know what the context is." His lips pressed against your forehead and you closed your eyes as he lingered, seeking the comfort he offered.

Greg rested his cheek against your hair, as your tears fell silently on his shirt. There were many sides to Gregory House, but this was one side he reserved purely for your eyes only. And it only made you question your future further. "I'd make a horrible mother."

"Now, you're just babbling nonsense."

You lifted your head, meeting his gaze, "What chance would our child have?"

Silence filled the office as your tears fell and you wiped them on your lab coat, believing this was one fact he could not argue against, but his tone held absolution when he finally spoke, "They're the luckiest kid in the world and they don't even know it."

"They're not even ten weeks old and their mother would rearrange the stars if it made them happy." He added moments later, causing you to lift your head to meet his gaze. "You're already a mother. You have been for a long time now. A mother without a baby. You should spend less time worrying about being a mother and focusing more on the father."

You knew his doubts about fatherhood and saw the fear in his eyes when you broke the news one night in his apartment. But you knew he would be a great father. Even if he didn't believe it. He knew more about the harsh reality of the world you lived in than you did, and he was wiser, if more cynical, than anyone you knew, but you knew there was plenty of love left inside of him - all the proof shown from loving you when he swore off relationships that didn't involve prostitutes.

You placed a hand on his cheek, smiling softly when his eyes closed as your thumb swept across his cheekbone. Your lips met his and the noise outside the office drifted away. His hand rose to your neck, another bringing your waist closer to his body as the kiss deepened.

The future was uncertain. A case like this left you questioning everything you thought you knew and he was the only one who gave you the one thing you reminded him of when he believed he had forgotten it long ago - hope. As long as you were together, you always sought a brighter future, even when the scars of the past seemed like they happened yesterday.

And as you looked down at his hand that rested on your fourteen-week pregnancy bump, you knew that your child would be given everything you both craved and would never question the love or dedication of their parents. And a case like this reminded you of how lucky you were to have Gregory House by your side, to promise that the grass was greener on the other side - even if he was a well-known sceptic.

As his lips pressed against your forehead, you were certain of one thing. As long as you had him by your side, you could survive anything.

[hestzhyen]

Chapter 57 Cope Posting

Not like this, dear void... not like this. The blessing/curse of Kagurabachi chapters ending in 7 being absolute banger cliffhangers continues and there is not enough copium in the world to get me through to next week. This entry is an absolute mess...

Let's start with practicing on the editor's comments again. Sorry if the colours are hard to read on brighter backgrounds, I live in Dark Mode as much as possible.

First page: ハクリが飛宗の転送に成功! そして- [Hakuri ga Tobimune no tensou ni seikou! Soshite-, Hakuri successfully transfers Tobimune! And then-] Last page: 座村, 漆羽… 事態は混沌へ… [Samura, Uruha... jitai ha konton he..., Samura, Uruha... the situation turns chaotic...] noting that the word used for "situation", jitai (事態), specifically has negative connotations (as opposed to 状況 [joukyou], which is neutral).

These comments are rarely more than fluff just to give the editors some presence in the work itself, so I don't take them as definite indicators of anything going on in the plot. But man. Man. "Bad situation" seems to be putting it lightly. I was ready to take you off the list of possible traitors, Samura! I was seriously going to do it! Whyyyyyyyyyyy

Chihiro and the Pink Menace

Fine, first up... school?

How does our cast stack up to the average student after getting home schooled in murder and cool action poses?

It was obvious to everyone that this arc would involve Chihiro learning about the unpleasant sides of his dad's legacy. So this is just a "hey don't forget" moment for us that also highlights how far removed Hiruhiko and Chihiro are from regular society. Those two (and Hakuri) should be in their last year of high school, complaining about homework or stressing about their future college/job plans right now instead of fighting to the death. Poor guys.

I don't want to presume too much about Hokazono-sensei's views, but I really like directly acknowledging that winners write history and so their wartime cruelty is often downplayed or re-framed as heroism. These kids and even Chihiro only know the revised version of what happened, not the truth of the matter.

Home schooled Chihiro confirmed! Kinda!

Anyway, some more John Plan Reveal. He wants Chihiro to learn the truth about his father's legacy and the impact it's had- that's why he hasn't been "harvested" yet. This implies that there's some terrible thing that could upend Chihiro's entire worldview to be learned. But we kind of already knew that based on everything I just said.

I hope this isn't a flag for John trying to convince Chihiro to join him. There are awful secrets that are going to be unearthed about Kunishige and the Kamunabi this arc for sure, but it's kind of a waste of our time to do the "oooh it was worse than you thought why don't you join us to set things right" rigamarole.

Obviously the Hishaku have some compelling reasons to do all this if they can get someone as loath to kill as Samura on their side to murk his war buddies. It's just never gonna convince Chihiro so I hope we don't get a moralizing yapfest to accompany John's outstretched hand. I trust the writing though! So far it's been almost nothing but excellence so... chill, me. Just wait and see.

I think that no matter what happens Chihiro will continue to forge his own path with allies who care for him at his side. He won't choose the government's path, or the Hishaku's, or even his dad's- he'll create something new. Standard stuff for a shounen series but I never get tired of seeing it!

Before moving on to the coping session, there's something neat in this scene that I want to ramble about:

Local yapper yaps while the guy listening to him literally overthinks

I'll use the JP version if I have to, but I like how Chihiro's inner monologue deliberately overruns Hiruhiko's speech bubble to show that he's not paying full attention while his thoughts are in overdrive. He's still partially listening but he's not quite as composed as he appears to be on the outside, which is confirmed by the close-up zoom into his stressed look with the sweat drops. Yet when we zoom out, he seems a bit more put-together like usual. He's still exhausted from yesterday, man! Really should have rested up... at least the author acknowledges it. (Forced bed rest soon? Hopefully?)

This is how Hiruhiko was able to get the drop on Chihiro. Chihiro's got a lot on his mind and he has trouble focusing, just like Uruha chided him for on the train. His resolve is unshaken but he's still prone to wavering in the moment as he tries to process things. He even misses the fist time Samura's name was mentioned! Clearly Chihiro needs Hakuri or Uruha or someone there to yell encouragement at the right time to stop him from getting lost in his own head. But he's got a lot to think about and work through right now, so it's understandable why he's so stressed out.

Poor Chihiro. He's coming to the conclusions that we, the readers privileged with having weeks IRL to ponder new information, came to long ago. The Master is not treated like a hero but a prisoner, and probably for very, very good reasons. Ones good enough to convince Samura to make a deal with the devil.

What Actually Happened?!

Not all the blades have themes from nature, it seems. Geisha offered many different types of entertainment to guests, from performing music to conversation to serving sake. So now we have the idea behind the name [Swaying Sake]!

First up to delay just a little longer: Kumeyuri power reveal! Seems to be based in some kind of performing arts aesthetic with the geisha that were conjured. Fitting for the guy who wears kabuki eye make-up right? ...And for the next bearer, who interrupted a kabuki performance to pick it up in a theater... I see you and your foreshadowing, Hokazono-sensei.

Fine. I'll admit it. The ending of the chapter makes it crystal clear that Hiruhiko is the new bearer contracted to Kumeyuri by having his origami butterflies come undone as he grasps the hilt in his teeth. Can't even hope it's another case of someone "borrowing" power like Kyora did with the Shinuchi of the bunch.

Magatsumi's the only blade that can be used by someone not contracted to it, hence the extra protections it needed.

So that means... yeah. Uruha's gone. Just like that.

There will be thousands of theories about what exactly happened to Uruha, why Samura made a deal with John, what the details of that deal were- we'll get the truth soon. I'm most interested in the reasoning that ties into Samura's sincere beliefs of killing being an evil act.

The burden of death weighs so heavily on him that he blinded himself in penance. But he's willing to let his own apprentice die -probably even kill him himself!- because of... what? What was so horrible about fighting with the Master and Kunishige's weapons for the good of the nation? What compelled him to help the Hishaku kill the remaining bearers and upend the peace they earned?!

Hey, Samura. Is it really so bad to be called a war hero while being treated like a prisoner in a comfortable government-provided jail facility? Is it so horrible that "alternative facts" pass for real history to bury whatever horrors you witnessed and possibly perpetrated? Is it truly awful to have people willing to die for you despite all the grave sins you've committed? That they're likely completely unaware of thanks to government propaganda and being too young to have witnessed the truth?

...I need those Seitei War flashbacks pronto.

*----------------------------------------------------------------------------*

Wait a minute. Jail? Even the friggin' onsen?

Yup! The Master's the only one being treated like a dangerous criminal outright, but the 慚箱 [sanso] are just dressed up prisons for the Bearers. The Kamunabi ain't even subtle about it.

慚 [san] - to feel shame 箱 [sou] - box

The government put these guys in specially-constructed (or repurposed) buildings officially referred to as "shame boxes" and told them they couldn't leave. Even the name given to one of them is a bit much! 国獄温泉 [Kokugoku Onsen] translates to:

国 [koku]- country/state/national government 獄 [goku]- jail/prison 温泉 [onsen] - hot spring

Gee, I wonder if Uruha was having a good time at State Prison Hot Springs?

That said, while there may well be some bitterness between the Bearers and the Kamunabi, it's not the main motivating factor for Samura. His is definitely rooted in how they all acted during the war and how guilty he feels now that they're promoted as heroes.

*----------------------------------------------------------------------------*

It looks like Chihiro's being summoned by Hakuri in the very last panel so we might get some perspective on Samura's reasoning next week. Probably no clear answers right away, but at least enough to see if he really was the one who killed Uruha and a bit of insight into why. And to see if Uruha's dead at all... I mean, if we don't see a body... let me be delusional, okay?!

I'm just not able to go all-in on believing Uruha's dead. But it's not because I don't think he actually is... it just doesn't feel real after spending weeks preparing to let go of Samura. Not to mention the tried-and-true tactic of baiting out strong emotions with implied character deaths.

Normally I don't take death foreshadowing like this too seriously in shounen series. I just wait to see if the author is faking me out or not before getting stressed (unless it's Hakuri, in which case I stress responsibly). But Kagurabachi is a series that lured the MC with a child's severed leg and showed two suicide attempts on-screen, one of which was horrifically successful- right in front of someone who was already traumatized too. Hell we lost most of the anti-Kuregumo squad without much fanfare back in the Sojo arc! Only actually showing a child being tortured on-screen is too much, apparently. This series is dark as hell when the author wants it to be and Uruha's death is probably another one of those times.

There's hope in me that Uruha can still come out of this alive just because I like him so much, but I want the author to follow through on his death when it's presented as such an ominously real scenario. All signs point to Uruha being a goner, so don't make it look iron-clad then say "nah" the next chapter with some technicality that we couldn't have known about until the reveal. I would rather lose Uruha in an unexpectedly painful way than be faked out just to get the reaction out of me, y'know? Don't toy with me. Commit to crushing my heart, dammit.

But, God... oh man. I fell for the bait and got stupidly attached to a Bearer in the arc named after killing them. I even knew bad times were coming because of all the levity at the start of the arc but still went on hoping nothing would happen so soon. Laugh at me, I deserve it. I probably helped this manifest by mentioning how awful it would be if Chihiro found out a Bearer died because Hiruhiko was able to contract with one of the blades. Saying "I crave the angst that will come from this situation with every fiber of my being" in a post tag was overkill. It's just:

Author: names the arc after assassinating the bearers

Reader: gets attached anyway

Author: assassinates a bearer

Reader: ╚(•⌂•)╝

Coping Theory

May as well put my two cents in on how it could have gone down while I'm here...

I wonder if he planned to die in the raid instead so it looked like an unavoidable accident, sparing everyone else from the carnage.

This exact sequence- the Makizumi talking about honor in death for saving Samura, and Uruha's words that the Bearer's lives need to be valued above others'- is what solidifies Samura's resolve. This man is filled to the brim with guilt and self-loathing (much like another swordsman we know). He cannot save himself, but... perhaps he can take some equally bad sinners down with him for the greater good. He's not only a mirror for Hakuri, but Chihiro as well- one's resolve to save no matter the cost to one's self, and one's resolve to go to hell for what they believe is right. That's how I'm reading this until we get his own insight on the matter, at least.

It's not a stretch to infer that Samura thinks the Bearers are better off dead in large part due to the powers they command and things that were done during the war. That's still a huge mystery to be unraveled but I mean:

Seeing the bare minimum of Magatsumi in action really drives home how horrific these "heroes" could seem out on the battle field doesn't it? No wonder the clone sorcerer described the Seitei war as "hell on earth". But the public has no knowledge of this. They only got the sanitized version fit for PR purposes and feel-good stories.

The Hishaku seem to be intent on dismantling this image. Perhaps that's how they got Samura on their side? Not sure how the current Bearers dying and giving the Hishaku access to that dreadful power is better than the status quo, but that's something that will become clear with more reveals about the ideology driving the group. Maybe Samura doesn't care so much about the rest of the world and just wants to do what's best for the truth that's been buried under nearly two decade's worth of secrecy.

As to what happened with Uruha... two things come to mind. One I think is more likely, and one I want to cling to until it's ripped away as I sob and beg for just one little bit of comfort.

Most likely, I think Samura and Uruha had an exchange about ideals and the value of their lives. Samura overpowered Uruha per the plan as the "trump card" and that was that.

In delulu land, I want Samura to have been double-crossed. As in he made a deal on the condition that the lives of the people he cared about would be spared, but of course Uruha couldn't be allowed to live. So the Hishaku ensured that he'd die there no matter what. It's a bunk theory since Mr. Hatshaku left once the situation turned against him... maybe incorporate some of the datenseki mind control stuff in there somehow? I don't know. Just let me have this until canon proves otherwise.

Hakuri and Chihiro, Though?! And Miscellaneous Questions

(Ch. 46) I'm not going to be okay for a while and neither are they.

Best boys are really gonna go through it no matter what Chihiro is summoned back to. They'll be in a rough way... not only did they lose Uruha and hand Kumeyuri to Hiruhiko, but Samura betrayed them all... oof. So much for proving themselves to the Kamunabi. They're going to get an earful and be set back in the "negotiations" big time.

No doubt Chihiro will put this burden on his shoulders too, even if no one could have predicted Samura's defection to the enemy. It's his dad's legacy that's causing all this strife right now. He'll be more motivated than ever to unravel the war's true history and I'll be right there with him hoping he doesn't push himself too hard or harshly. The son shouldn't be responsible for the sins his father committed before he was even born. But that's just like, my opinion, man.

Meanwhile...

"I'm still good for it," wheezes the guy with blood gushing out of his nose at an alarming rate.

Hakuri will probably blame himself too. Depending on how things shake out, it could be for anything from accidentally arming a traitor to seeing someone die in front of him again. There's a good chance he'll (temporarily) lose the thing that makes him useful too, so that'll be an extra layer of angst for him to deal with. What value does a broken tool that couldn't fulfill it's one purpose have?

I also wonder what prompted Hakuri to summon Chihiro away from Hiruhiko. He's kind of in rough shape to do it just 'cause he misses his (boy)friend. They have cell phones to communicate with so it seems a bit abrupt to summon him back without checking first. Hakuri's also not the type to impose on someone to protect him. Nor is he the type to drop Chihiro into the middle of a life-or-death situation without a sense of mutual understanding first. So there had to be some kind of pressing need. The timeline of events means he's summoning Chihiro right after Uruha was killed, so... more soulmate stuff maybe? Their souls call out to each other and resonate when they're in distress, after all (it's canon baybeeeeee). They're in perfect harmony and all that. Sorry for the shipping nonsense I just need any bit of fluff I can get right now.

So many questions that might not get answered...

What about the Makizumi? Will they defect to serve Samura? Or will they try to help get Hakuri to safety with the Kamunabi? Samura doesn't want to kill them at all so no matter what happens they'll live at least. Hooray an elite squad that didn't bite the dust... (I think they will choose Samura because of everything he did for them).

How did Hiruhiko know when Kumeyuri was usable anyway?! Was it some signal from his mystery supporter that was lurking outside the window? And who was that- did Worst Jeanist show up?

Samura's loath to kill innocents, but does Hakuri count as one? Would losing his sorcery be enough to count him as neutralized for the Hishaku's purposes? Was exhausting Hakuri the main reason why Hiruhiko sent all the forces to the temple in the first place?

Hiruhiko wasn't surprised to see Tobimune disappear, so the Hishaku probably know about Hakuri's power. Their mole within the Kamunabi should get a bonus for the turnaround time on learning that bit of info and sending it on. Unless John's playing 5D chess and knew about Hakuri's awakening and team-up with Chihiro before they even met the Kamunabi anyway... perhaps even orchestrated it too... that would definitely need a very good explanation.

Alright. Okay. Let's wait on tenterhooks together, dear void. No waterworks until they show the body, got it?

[sob]

[bagopucks]

Blurbs

Jamie Drysdale x Reader

It’s 3:30 am. I woke up in the midst of a storm. So I figured I’d post a storm request I finished.

✄————————————

“She‘s right here, mom.” I peeked up from my phone to see Jamie turning his own in my direction. I waved at his mother on the face time call.

“Oh, hi, honey! I was just asking to make sure you were okay. I know Anaheim’s under a tornado watch right now.”

I frowned at the reminder, and slowly looked back down at my book.

“Mom.” Jamie scolded quietly, as if I wouldn’t be able to hear him from across the couch.

“Right, sorry. I forgot.”

“Do you mind if I hang up? I can’t stay on the phone with you all night.” Jamie spoke in a joking tone, but I knew he was antsy to get off the phone so he could charge it in the case that the power went out. And anybody with an iPhone knows how hot they get when on a call and charging at the same time.

“Yes, Jamie. Be safe, okay? And make sure you have a lot of blankets, and flashlights around. Does your apartment complex have a place to go to at times like these?”

“I think so. People have already visited and let us know where to go if the sirens go off.” Jamie stood up, and my eyes trailed him as he left the living room and walked into the dark kitchen.

I hated thunder storms. What I hated more was tornadoes. I hadn’t lived through one and I didn’t want to. But the threat of one in an area where they weren’t uncommon made me incredibly nervous. Every flash of lighting and loud crack of thunder woke a new wave of nerves. I hated it, but what I hated even more was how calm Jamie seemed.

“Right.. I love you mom.” Jamie returned with a bottle of water in his hand.

“Tell my sweet future daughter in law that I love her too!”

I smiled to myself, and I spared a moment to look up from my phone again, specifically to catch the blush on Jamie’s cheeks before it disappeared.

“I love you too Mrs. Drysdale!” I shouted across the room, and Jamie ended the call quickly after.

“She is so set on you being the girl I marry.”

“And you’re not?” I teased as I looked back down. Jamie quickly got settled on the opposite end of the couch again.

“I am, but she’s been like that since day one.” He shook his head in disbelief, reaching up to push back the dark hair that fell over his eyes.

The light flickered, and for a moment neither Jamie nor I said a word. We both looked up at the ceiling, as if somebody was messing with the lights there. Perhaps we jinxed our own power, because the next thing I knew, there was a loud rumble of thunder and the power completely cut out.

“Great,” I heard Jamie mumble out.

“Jam.” I stretched my legs out across the couch, the tip of my toes just barely grazing his thigh.

“You good?”

“Should we go downstairs?”

“Babe, we’re fine. There’s no siren or anything. Just a loss of power.”

I turned my phone off and set it down. Jamie’s flashlight turned on, and he set his phone down with the light facing upwards. I could see him. It made me feel safer. A flash of lightning lit up the room, far brighter than Jamie’s light. I tensed in anticipation of the thunder, but the loud boom still caught me off guard. My entire body jolted, and the only sound to soothe me had been the sound of Jamie’s laughter.

“What’s so funny?” I asked, pulling my blanket up over my shoulders.

“You.”

“Me?”

“There’s nothing to be afraid of.” Jamie brought his hand down to rest on my ankle.

Another rumble of thunder made me gasp.

“Babe, really.” Jamie insisted. “Come here.” His smile slowly faded into a look of determination. I crawled out from beneath my blanket and moved over to Jamie’s side of the couch, curling into his side. “I’ve got you, alright?” He wrapped an arm around my shoulders and I rested my head on his shoulder.

“You’re safe with me. I’ll never let anything happen to you.” I closed my eyes and nodded slowly. When I opened them, I looked back to the window, wincing at another flash of lightning. I felt Jamie pull me into his chest more, both of us anticipating the thunder, but he was more so worried about me jumping again.

When the thunder did rumble, I pressed deeper into his side. Jamie kissed my head and rubbed his hand up and down my arm in a soothing manner.

“Babe.” Jamie spoke sternly. “Stop thinkin’ about it.” He moved his free hand forward to rest beneath my chin, tilting my head in his direction. I sighed softly. “Don’t think about it.” Jamie leaned forward to press his lips against my own. He put up a good argument. He made for a great distraction. As he pulled away, my I allowed my body to relax against his side. The lightning flashed, but I tried to remain focused on Jamie. He’d get me through this.

“See? That’s not so bad. Gimme another.” Jamie pressed his lips to my own once again, earning a quiet laugh from me before the thunder rumbled. My body tensed, but I didn’t jump.

“You’ll be okay.” Jamie reminded gently against my lips.

[filmofhybe]

Smallest among Millions - Jake Sim - PT2

synopsis : you know you aren’t well known in your company, but when your company is having a celebration of their 50th anniversary, you went all out, coming out of your comfort zone. Causing your boss - Jake, to admire you more than just you in the office building.

Pairing : jake sim x fem! Reader

genre : Boss x employee AU! , fluff

word count : 967

© filmofhybe on tumblr — do not copy , translate or share.

a/n: part 2! I hope you enjoyed this :)

part 1 | part 2

Everyone all cheers together along with the CEO after he finished his speech. I was sat opposite of Jake on our table, as the waitress brings out the elegantly decorated food out the kitchen. People around us was all chatting and laughing. But among those conversations and laughter, Jake and I found ourselves stealing glances at each other. We continuously shared secret smiles and even small little conversations that made my stomach do flips. Unfolding a different type of comfort in our unspoken connection.

“No but seriously your really good at your job y/n..” He chuckled as he pick up his glass and sipping his champagne out of it. His head tilts back, showing his sharpe jawline. I mumbled a small “thank you” before sipping on mines. I can feel jake’s eyes on me as more colleagues continue to ask me questions. Asking why I’m not in a bigger position and why would I want to stay in this department. “Well I just like it here more, It’s a safe place you could say.” I told them before turning my head to jake. Who already has his eyes on me, before throwing me a smile.

As the night progressed, Jake couldn't resist the urge to express his feelings. He discreetly invited me to the balcony, a secluded spot overlooking the city lights. With a gentle touch on her arm, Jake started speaking.

“Y/n, thank you for staying in my department. Knowing someone like you, being so dedicated to this job means a lot to me. Your sweet and kind personality really is capturing more attention to this department. And I must say, your smart and independent side made me fall so in love with you, to be honest I don’t even fucking know what I’m saying right now, but all you need to know is I like you, I love you. I thank you everyday for staying and I would never ever take you for granted because without you I don’t even think we would be here tonight.”

As jake reveals the depth of his emotions. My heart skipped a beat, and a radiant smile illuminated my face as I reciprocated those feelings. I grabbed his tie before pulling him into a sweet kiss. His hands travels to my cheek. Stroking it softly before pulling away. Our smile shining brighter than the moon above the dark night.

In that magical moment, time seemed to stand still. Both newly couple reveled in the joy of their newfound connection, feeling an undeniable bond between them. Jake, being a kind-hearted and considerate person, offered to escort Y/N home. They walked side by side, sharing stories and dreams as they strolled through the quiet streets to Jake’s car. Y/n admiring the city lights as Jake sneakily look over his gorgeous girlfriend time to time. Hoping this isn’t some sick dream he’s in.

When they finally reached y/n’s doorstep, a sense of bittersweetness filled the air. Jake leaned in, gently placing a kiss on y/n’s forehead, cheeks and her soft lips, bidding her goodnight. They exchanged loving glances before parting ways, thanking each other for this sweet memorable night, and making the promise of a bright future lingering in their hearts.

The following day, the news of Jake and y/n’s enchanting evening spread throughout the department like wildfire. However, instead of judgment or gossip, the employees embraced their relationship with open arms. They recognized the genuine connection between Jake and Y/N and admired their courage to follow their hearts.

As time went on, Jake and Y/N's relationship served as a testament to the power of love, resilience, and mutual respect. Their story became an inspiration within the company, reminding everyone that love could bloom even in unexpected places.

taglist : @surefornext @spilled-coffee-cup @skepvids

To be on my taglist, please comment or reblog to be added :)

[the-bensolos]

I don’t know what type of fantasy world some people are living in but we have to look at reality, like what’s right in front of us. Throwing your vote away so that a 34 time convicted felon, adjudicated rapist, and insurrection leading fascist motherfucker gets re elected is INSANE. Giving that man unchecked power. The ability to go after his political enemies and to use the us military on people who don’t agree with him. That means your right to protest GONE. He’ll just shoot you with real bullets this time around (like he wanted to) You think you’d be able to change anything with that evil maniacal fuck as commander in chief??? You think he wouldn’t just blow every Palestinian to bits? And champion that death and destruction? He used Palestinian as a slur on national television. THINK about that, the same guy who instated a Muslim ban. Him and his lackeys want to END the department of education he JUST said he would withhold funding for schools in liberal cities who want to teach the truth about history, how this country was built on the backs of slaves on stolen land he want to STOP educating people on the truth. THIS is real it’s dangerous and it’s happening in REAL TIME we are the only line of defense. He chooses minority groups and demonizes them, scapegoats them, makes them an other, to make people angry and afraid. The lgbtqia+ community, especially the trans community is being targeted, attacked!!! Immigrants leagal or otherwise he wants to DEPORT millions of people. And he has no plan, no solution, no defense of how that would impact employers who take advantage of that fact and hire undocumented immigrants to work hard agricultural labor jobs that keep our economy going. This man is dangerous and disastrous. We need to vote blue up and down the ballot you cannot CANNOT withhold your vote or vote third party not this time. Democracy is LITERALLY on the line. We read in history books how could this happen how can people fall prey to it and we are WATCHING IT IN REAL TIME. We have to do something, everyone. So register to vote and vote democrat up and down the ballot in whatever state you live in, do not disenfranchise yourself. Do not trick yourself into thinking your vote will not count because it will no matter what it will. Please please please, swallow your pride please please please think of all who came before who fought and died for this right and think about how they never gave up trying to win the rights that we have now. Think about what the other side wants to TAKE AWAY from you, and what they have already taken (roe I’m looking at you) please vote now so we have a better brighter future because yes climate change the other big existential threat doesn’t care about political party, or war, or the economy, or who you pray to, or who you love. No planet we are ALL cooked. So please vote for the party that at least believes it’s real and wants to do some thing to help combat that instead of saying with sea levels rising it means we have more ocean front property…vote for Kamala Harris and believe in a future. Thanks.

[sparring-spirals]

oh. so. this dream and this vision and this exchange after and everything that has been building to here.

All that rage, all that desperation, Imogen's knowledge that Liliana's judgement is flawed and searching for any reason to understand, searching for a way to bring her out of it. Bring her back.

"Show me" and she does and.

Its- beautiful, its wonderful. Its the unmaking of the world and of history and it feels- so good. For a moment Imogen feels something she hasn't for YEARS. A life and a possibility and a future full of peace she hasnt had for ages, hasnt even bothered hoping for. For a moment, Imogen sees it, but more importantly- she feels it- the freedom, the peace, the dream. Stronger than any vision. She sees it. She feels it.

And she wakes up, and she- unknowingly, perfectly, mirrors her own mothers words, looks around, asks- did you see it? Did you all see that? (I wish you all could see what I could see-)

They didn't- of course they didn't. They saw Liliana, too far gone, spouting nonsense, they saw her reach out, they saw the refusal to listen to reason. They did not see the vision. (They couldn't have. Even if they'd seen it- would they have understood? How could they? No beautiful vision would have captured the thing that left the awe in Imogen's lungs- the peace. The freedom. The finality of, finally, finally, being free of this gift that has only been a curse.)

They didn't see the vision. They saw their friend, tapped on the forehead after hopeless pleas. They've been seeing their friend make further and further excuses for someone they know is a danger, someone siding with people they are working so hard against. That has hurt them. They've seen the way she can't quite denounce Liliana. They've hedged around it: If she's not on our side, will you be okay- You know if she's not on our side, we'll have to-

They've been watching. They're seeing plenty. They did not see the vision. They couldn't have.

They saw a fruitless conversation. They saw their friend rebuffed by someone she loves. They saw her wake up with a strange kind of light in her eyes and- say.

What if its not so bad? (The world ending. Half of the world being eaten. Innocent lives lost. Our loved ones cut down for a fever dream and delusions of power and grandeur. Us, cut down, for some stupid plot for a moon and petty revenge against the gods and a desire to end the world.) They've been watching her, make halfhearted arguments, sidle away. Make increasingly desperate excuses. Ask: What if.

(Its so easy to ask, what if. Its so dangerous. Sometimes the if is used to hide away lives and lives of collateral, of blood red loss. Sometimes the if has already been answered and paid for, and the act of asking is its own form of violence, all over again.)

"Well Imogen, I wish my family didn't have to die for her brighter tomorrow."

And the way Imogen collapses, a little- presses her face into her hands and crumples under the weight of the reminder, like voices piling in after weeks of being in blissful quiet in a forest. Like reality breaking in after a beautiful dream. "You're right. I'm sorry. You're right."

"I swear, I wanna see this through, I do."

"She just presented this vision of- it didn't seem so bad."

And the Bells try to help, to be kind. They say: We understand why this must be hard for you. She's someone you love, its hard to deal with them thinking a different way. What did you see?

They are trying so hard, to reason through it, to balance their own hurt with kindness and sound arguments to lead her back. They want so badly, to lead her back. Have her back.

The problem however, is not the soundness of the argument, is not the reason or the logic- but the overwhelming allure of that sensation- of that promise- of the hope- of the ideal. Of a mirage that already drew Liliana in. That is pulling Imogen's gaze, despite. Despite, despite, despite.

Hope is such a tricky thing to kill.

[did-somebody-say-pizza-rolls]

apologies if someone has already said this but I only finished it last night so here’s my two cents about good omens season 2

Nina and Maggie are a parallel to Crowley and Aziraphale but not in the way you’d expect.

You’d expect Nina and Crowley to be paired together. They’re both the grumpy, glass half empty, albeit more “realistic” half of their duos. They wear dark colored clothes and have more similar, sarcastic, personalities. The grumpy to their partner’s sunshine.

Maggie and Aziraphale are the same. They’re cheery, idealistic, glass half full people. Their clothes are lighter and brighter and they’re always smiling and looking on the bright side of life. Sunshine people.

BUT

Thinking back on the last scene between Maggie, Nina, and Crowley, I can’t help but feel like the dynamic is Nina/Aziraphale and Maggie/Crowley.

Here’s why:

All throughout, we see Nina in an emotionally abusive relationship with her girlfriend. She’s constantly getting texts telling her she’s awful and she doesn’t care and eventually, threats that her partners leaving and won’t return. The same can be said about Aziraphale’s relationship with Heaven. They’re both aware the relationship is bad, but they’re so far in they feel a duty to uphold it and make things work, despite the clear imbalance (they care for their abusers more than their abusers care about them). Like Crowley said, Heaven, Hell, they’re all toxic—but Aziraphale still values that relationship because it’s all he’s been conditioned to know. Until or course, Crowley came along and showed him the truths of the world, challenged him to think for himself and showed him it’s ok to walk your own path—which is exactly what Maggie offers to Nina. A clean slate, a chance to rediscover her individuality, and time to figure that all out.

Likewise, Maggie’s been shown throughout the entirety of season 2 to be happy and self-sufficient with her independence. She runs her own shop, connects with people through the shop keepers monthly meetings, and dedicated her time to a passion and shop that other people may not value but SHE does and that’s enough. What’s more Crowley-coded than that? Marching to the beat of his own drum, caring for the Bentley more than he does people, forming his own eccentricities around ducks, music, wine, etc. BUT like Crowley, Maggie is shown to be missing one thing, wanting one thing: love. She has a crush on Nina across the street and has been silently pining after her for a while now (close proximity slow burn sound familiar anyone?) and much like Crowley, she’s the one to admit her feelings to a very hesitant Nina.

But the scene with the three of them at the end is very inspiring for the future of Aziraphale and Crowley, in my opinion. Nina and Maggie sit Crowley down and tell him they’re people and they can’t be toyed with for the sake of celestial matters. Nina even goes as far to say she’s not ready for a new relationship (because her previous one was so awful) but hopes if Maggie sticks around, they can make it work—which Maggie is almost immediate in reassuring she will be there. It’s played for laughs here, but looking back with the knowledge of what happens with Crowley and Aziraphale just after this, I’m looking back on the line with a quiet hope that it’s a sign of what’s to come for our ineffable duo. Because really, in what universe can anyone see Crowley NOT wait for Aziraphale?

What I think this means for next season (God, PLEASE give us a third season) is Aziraphale will finally start to cut off ties with Heaven (or maybe they’ll cut off ties with him, a la Lindsay), especially after realizing a relationship with Crowley is possible (shoutout Gabriel and Beelzebub). But whatever happens, I’m positive Crowley will be there, as always, to welcome him back. And Aziraphale will perform one hundred I-was-wrong dances and they’ll drive the Bentley off into the sunset (to their new cottage in the South Downs).

Or maybe I’m just delusional and coping ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

tldr: Nina is Aziraphale, Lindsay/Heaven are their abusives exes, and Maggie/Crowley are the people who actually love them and will wait for them to come around.

[jannwrites]

tv show ask meme : GUILLERMO DEL TORO’S CABINET OF CURIOSITIES (2022). (2/2)

a selection of lines from the horror anthology cabinet of curiosities. modified slightly for rp purposes.

PICKMAN'S MODEL.

behind everything beautiful lies the dark.

beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but what about the horror?

you can't rush perfection.

all i said is i don't see what the fuss is about.

i just fail to see what's so interesting about them.

i think the rats got to her.

these are...powerful. the darkness, the ugliness, the corruption.

we cannot let sympathy or altruism shield us from finding the truths of this world.

sometimes, when i'd wake in the night, i'd hear them through the floor.

what is happening to me?

i mean, you knew how important this was to me.

i don't even recognize you anymore.

what is art in this modern world without truth?

i think we need to give them some names. i think they deserve that.

someone's up awfully late this evening.

Ii's my business to catch the undertones of the soul.

if there are any ghosts round here, they're the tame ghosts of a salt marsh and a shallow cove.

i feel like you're disappearing from me.

the darkness has a way of catching me.

it must be shocking to see the state of things here.

do you feel it, [name]? the fear.

what you make--it crawls behind the eyes, it makes you crazy.

i know where fear lives.

DREAMS IN THE WITCH HOUSE.

don't you worry. i'll help you figure it out.

i promised you I'd protect you. you remember that, don't you?

who has the power to break it down?

i know the other side is real. i've seen it.

maybe it's time that we consider what else we can do with our lives.

the house has undeniable powers.

you care more about your dead sister than the living.

i've seen a forest. a forest that takes the dead inside.

wait, wait. you're telling me that you put an unknown chemical from an unknown gentleman into your body?

what we need to do is knock some sense into you.

i think you're desperate, [name].

i think you'd do anything, anything, to prove that what you've been fighting for is real.

i'm sorry. i'm sorry i couldn't save you when i had the chance.

if i hadn't been so afraid, i wouldn't have ended up here.

i couldn't think of anything else but seeing you again.

i have to investigate that house.

something stalked you here. it followed you through the door.

there's something in there trying to hurt us.

i feel the energy her anger left behind.

they stuck pins in her to see if she would bleed.

what demons have you been conjuring?

the dead want you now.

i hope you understand what you brought to this world.

what i've done cannot be undone!

i told you, you couldn't escape me.

i'll ride this body as long as it will last.

THE VIEWING.

you're like a legend.

hey, buddy, got a smoke?

i was intrigued for sure.

what kind of flowers are these?

well, it looks amazing and sounds amazing.

i am not gonna let temptation get the better of me.

it made its way across all that chaos, all of that potential destruction, longer than many human lives, to us here tonight.

i want to know what your stunning mind makes of it.

now i'm even more curious than ever before.

dead worlds seed new, living ones, time and time again.

she's proven what others refuse to admit about the nature of the universe and humanity.

it's hard to talk about it in words, you know?

your presence here has made this night so much brighter to me.

science tells us you can never truly know the future state of a particle.

perhaps control of the machinery is your real ambition.

i want something that doesn't exist.

there's a void inside of me, you, everyone. an endless abyss.

everyone has a black hole inside of 'em. what i want is for mine to stop eating everything up all the time.

you are really harshing my mellow, man.

yhe truth is much more complicated.

i can't tell you about an image you already have in your mind.

i saw his blood, i saw his tears.

oh, a test where i have to do cocaine? finally, a test i can pass.

it's not as if you've never done this before.

it made me nostalgic for things that never happened.

you brought me all the way out here to show me a fucking rock?

did you not hear anything we just said right now?

THE MURMURING.

birds carry our souls, our beliefs, our hopes.

but that word...that word also suggests a voice, a whisper, a prayer uttered in the dark when we think we have lost it all.

pop me in a room with a stack of books, and I'm happy.

who wouldn't want to lift off and fly away from the world like that sometimes?

if there is a god, he certainly is a very cruel one.

i'll check, you go back to bed.

what are you doing here in the gloom?

what are you reading?

they sound different. more melancholy.

you haven't had any sleep. you're very tired.

it might help if you tell me what i'm meant to be listening for.

you get that crease, just there, when you're trying to solve a mystery.

this is beautiful. but when i look at it, all i feel is sad.

she must have felt very trapped here.

is it so wrong to read a dead person's letters?

and how do you know they're dead?

god forbid i should feel something.

the minute some people step into a falling-down old house, they start seeing ghosts.

you haven't cried at all. not since...everything happened.

people say they see things here, but it's just a morbid fascination with other people's misery.

how am i ever supposed to help you if you never tell me anything?

why is it always about me? you went through this too, [name].

i feel lost. i feel...angry. i feel completely heartbroken.

i try and i try, and i just feel you slipping away.

take my hand. you won't be alone or cold anymore.

i've been so lost.

[amitiagailec]

Bear with me in either wrong grammar or poor writing bc it is 2am and all I had is motivation (and am a novice).

Fragment!AU Written Content #1

   To think I’d come so far as to succeed as the new headmaster of Blueberry Yogurt Academy. My time as a student here seemed to have flown by so fast, and it was just yesterday that I came back to return my gratitude and learnings as a professor. Although this academy may seem cold and strict, to me it is always filled with warmth, enjoyment, satisfaction and wonders by its students and learning facilitators alike. To further improve and bear witness as our academy continues to flourish is an honor to me.

   As fun as that thought is, becoming the headmaster bears responsibilities, and in this place, I’d write three. Managing the academy academically and systematically is a given for any one of this position, but the next two simply come with this place. 

   The first of those is the Dimensional Portal that lies within the academy itself. This institute adept in magic has the duty of guarding the portal, ensuring whatever is at the other side never comes across. Every professor must be capable and prepared at all costs, and the headmaster is at the forefront of this defense.

   The second came as a surprise. There were passing rumors within the professors of a ‘ghost’ wandering the academy. Once or twice they’d say that same one may or may not be haunting the city across, but that wouldn’t make sense when both are separated enough by the river. I treated it as nothing more than a scary story until I met the ‘ghost’ himself.

   A week before, the former headmaster asked me to join them in wandering the academy. A simple request for us to indulge in peace and quiet. From the garden, the classrooms, library, to the gymnasium, we are taking in the academy quietly while we reminisce, looking back, and look forward, shining it in a brighter light than what I already first felt for it. Then lastly, we got to the Hall of Enlightenment. It never fails to amaze me that this place, despite what it contained at the very top, its stairway instead seemed like a pathway to the night sky, its stars and the worlds it may contain.

   At the bottom step, looking towards the portal above was a Cookie I have never seen before. With his back facing towards us I can see most of his long blue hair that seemed weightless behind him, trying to cover his dark cape and light robe that seem to float up like liquid at the ends.

   Confused with the stranger before us, I turned to the headmaster. They then told me these words:

“When you become the headmaster, you must know that your most important role is to defend the academy and protect its students. You must watch over the portal, ensuring it is kept that way it is and..” - they turned to look back at the Cookie that still haven't looked our way - “..watch over Him as well. That Cookie is to be both respected and feared. You need never ask of his origins. Treat him with courtesy and provide if he asks of you, for he will lend aid to you in your time. Be cautious when you felt like darkness surrounds you. And never ever let him step here with anyone else.”

   By the time they finished, I turned back to see that Cookie has finally acknowledged us. I finally took notice how they themself is blue, a rare color for the dough. I took my time observing more, meeting his gaze. His eyes are sharp but lax, blue irises with different hints of light for each eyes that make it seem alive for a little.

   When I broke the contact, they turned towards the headmaster, who bowed to him and excused us out of the hall. We never spoke about that Cookie again until my predecessor's last day and it's been a few weeks since have started my term. But I had a feeling I will be seeing that Cookie again, and for the foreseeable future.

– Found in the diary of the _th Headmaster of

Blueberry Yogurt Academy

[dotster001]

David and Louis: Origins

A human and a born vampire, raised side by side in a world where they should never have been friends. But then a miracle happens. And the miracle turns into a curse.

^ David

^ Louis, both young and old

They became friends so early in their lives that they couldn't remember a time when they hadn't been together. It was odd, for sure, but their parents didn't take long to become acclimated to the idea.

One was a pure blood vampire. The other was a normal human. It was a friendship destined to end in heartbreak for one.

They were only ten.

Louis and David had been pulled from their adventures to sit before their parents. David's parents always had a cold regality to them. Louis’ parents, though of the same social status, seemed small and nervous.

David's mother spoke first.

“It's time to discuss something we should have said long ago. Louis, you know what David is, correct?”

“Uh huh. He's a vampire,” Louis said, David nodding next to him. He hadn't known at first, and even when his parents had told him, he hadn't believed them. Vampires couldn't be kids like him.

He realized it was true the day he watched David fight his brother so that he wouldn't eat Louis. Not that it changed anything. They had been best friends longer than even their parents could remember.

“Some vampires are like me. They are made,” David's mother continued

Louis and David nodded in understanding.

“But some are like David and his siblings. When two vampires have children, those children are born as vampires. They are called pure bloods.”

Louis nodded, still not seeing why they couldn't be playing right now.

“Created vampires stay the same their entire lives. Born ones grow like humans.”

Another nod. David's mind was wandering, thinking about what was for dinner.

“But born vampires stop aging once they reach maturity. Around 18-20.”

David yawned. He knew this already. Louis was a teacher's pet, nodding along.

“Do you understand what that means? It means that, one day, David will no longer be aging, but you will. And one day, you'll die, and leave David alone.”

“Nuh uh,” David said. “Louis and I will always be friends.”

“Yeah!” Louis said, grabbing David's hand.

David's parents sighed in frustration, leaving the floor open to Louis’ parents.

“We won't make you do anything. But we think it might be better if you stop being friends before someone gets hurt.”

“No!” Twin voices shouted.

They looked at David's parents, their faces distressed. They simply shrugged.

“If that's the life they wish to lead, then we cannot stop them. We've done our duty by warning them.”

But they saw a brighter future. One where humans and vampires could coexist in every realm. Over the years, the dream went through various drafts; a school, a hospital, an orphanage, a safe house eventually, the friends realized that they should do all of this.

They went to university in the human realm, the both of them dreading the looming date where their fate would be sealed.

But…it never came. David continued to age like a human, much to the confusion and despair of his parents. But to the friends, it was perfect. They would leave the world together, just as they'd done everything in life.

The tables had turned. David was still aging. He was very much a vampire in every way, as evidenced by his unnatural strength. The strength he now used to build the orphanage by hand.

The only difference was that he was aging like a human. And now it was his parents preparing for their own heartbreak.

Not that David ever noticed. David had been downright excited to die. Him and Louis had made plans. They'd written up wills, gotten them cosigned by his parents who would be alive. They'd planned their funerals; it would be a joint affair, they had no doubt that they would die together.

Louis had been scared to die before. But David, once he knew he could have that future, took the fear away. It couldn't be all bad if David would be there. Death would probably be enjoyable with him. He found excitement in the idea that they could be together for their own little slice of forever.

They'd even planned…

“Right here. That's Where we'll be buried,” David said brightly, his parents not hiding their distress in any way.

They were giving the tour of the building, telling them every detail. And even though they were only in their early twenties, they believed in this dream enough to die in it. So, his parents had to be informed of this decision.

“If we can be holding hands when we're buried, we'd prefer that,” Louis added.

“But we also know that that could be difficult. So we don't mind sharing a coffin.”

“Excuse me,” David's mother said, running inside.

Louis would consider himself a good person. David didn't see what his parents were hiding from him. Louis could, though. And he should be feeling bad.

Instead he felt great. They'd spent his entire childhood telling him he'd die, and hurt David. And now it could be thrown right back into their faces, and he could keep his best friend

They built the building themselves. Fairhaven at the time was overrun with children who had nowhere to go, so, soon they were the fathers of many kids, raising them in a community so that when they moved on, they would be people of compassion, who could heal the gaping wounds left by centuries of violence.

They made friends, they aged, their children had children, they helped start businesses, they blessed weddings, they grew old.

Until David stopped growin old. Louis noticed first. But he didn't say a word. It was better to pretend they would still be able to hold onto their plans, just a little while longer.

He didn't notice until he saw David rocking one of their grandchildren. For a while, he'd noticed something was off. But he couldn't figure out what.

As he watched David softly sing a lullaby to the newest grandchild, he realized what it was. David had frozen in time.

Yes, there were light wrinkles near the corners of his eyes. The wispy hairs closest to his temples were gray. His eyes, which had always been bad, were worse.

But there should be far more of all of that by now. Louis’ stomach dropped. They were supposed to die together. How had this happened? And how had neither of them noticed?

Well, it was easy for David not to notice things. He was always running around, taking care of everything that required activity. He was tired, and he'd always been clueless.

Louis was more embarrassed he hadn't noticed.

“David?”

David stopped his song, looking up at him with questioning eyes.

Louis immediately regretted it. It would destroy him. He'd been so happy to die alongside him, to live a normal human lifespan. A quarter of a century had passed, with both of them believing that that future was theirs.

“Nothing,” He smiled, gritting his teeth. David shrugged, returning to his task.

Louis felt nothing but despair. He'd tell him. Eventually.

But Louis would never forget the day it happened. The day one man's life fell apart before his eyes.

He was sitting in the rocking chair in David's room, waiting for him to finish his bath so they could discuss the grocery list for the week.

He heard the sound of glass shattering, and shot up from his chair, rushing into the bathroom.

David was leaning against the sink, his bleeding fist pressed against a shattered mirror. His face was covered by his hair, which he had yet to put up after his bath.

“David!” Louis cried, rushing over to the mirror, taking his hand off the shattered glass. He pulled out one of the bandages he always kept in his pocket, and wrapped up his hand. He pressed a healing kiss to his knuckles, before chuckling nervously.

“Was there a bug on the mirror?”

David stood stiffly, staring into the broken mirror. His face was flat, expressionless. But his eyes were broken. Devastated.

“I want it gone.”

“What?”

“The mirror. It's broken.”

“Yes, I can see that.”

“No, it's showing me the wrong thing. It's…it's not right.”

David was shaking, gripping the sink counter so hard his knuckles looked like they'd break the skin. Louis placed his hand over his, gently massaging it with his thumb.

“I don't understand what you're saying, but I think you might be overly tired. We can talk groceries tomorrow-”

“Did you know?” He asked, staring at him, his face haunted as tears began to run down his cheeks.

“David, what-”

“You would have told me if you'd known, right?”

It was that statement that made Louis realize what might have upset David so badly. But he wasn't sure he was ready for this conversation. Which was why he'd said nothing.

“You haven't told me what you're talking about, so how would I know?”

“I should be older,” he whispered, his voice strained. He reached out, touching a gray strand of Louis’ hair. “I should be looking like This.” He ran a thumb along the wrinkles near his eyes.

“Louis,” he whispered, his voice choking as his tears increased in speed and volume. “I saw wrong, right? It was a trick of the light? The mirror was broken?”

Louis sighed, cupping David's cheeks, and gently brushing away his tears.

“We always knew this was a possibility,” he said.

“No, if it was a possibility, it was supposed to have passed long ago. Not…not now. It's too late for…”

He dropped his head to Louis’ shoulder. Louis gently directed the both of them to his bed, laying the both of them down. David buried his face against Louis’ chest as he cried. All Louis could do was rub his back.

Eventually, David stopped crying, looking up at Louis, his eyes pleading.

“You'll stay with me, right?”

“I'll stay right here as long as you need me,” he smiled kindly.

“No, I mean,” his brain was muddled from the stress of the last 15 minutes, so he had to fight to make himself clear. “forever.”

Louis’ hand froze.

“Forever?”

“Yes.”

He'd never thought about it. It was never something they'd had to plan for, believing they'd die together and be buried outside the orphanage.

Forever? He felt tired and worn down now. How would he feel 100 years from now, or even just 10 years? His mind was already foggier than it used to be, his body not moving the same way it used to. He loved his life, he loved his dream, and most of all he loved David. But he'd come to look forward to the fact that there would be an end.

“I don't think that's something I can do, David,” He whispered, nervous that the poor man would break more than he already had.

“But-”

“I'm not built for forever,” he whispered.

He dared to glance at David, but quickly looked away from the heartbroken man. He couldn't blame him, life as David knew it had just ended. He'd be asking the same thing right now. Hell, he'd be playing far dirtier, pulling every single card he could to get his way; to keep his best friend by his side.

“Just….just think about it,” David whispered.

Louis nodded. It was only fair, it wasn't a decision that could be made hastily one way or another. He felt a bit guilty. David wouldn't have thought twice before saying yes, whether it was the wrong answer or the right one.

Once David found out, he begged Louis everyday to stay with him. He knew what David was prepared to do for him before his genetics caught up to him. But he couldn't do the same.

David lived with the guilt that he couldn't save his best friend. Louis lived with the guilt that he couldn't live for his.

[heavensbeehall]

"Catching Fire", Chapter 5

Part 1: The Spark

Chapter 5: Katniss and Peeta are herded back into the District 11 "Justice" Building. Haymitch leads them to a safe place to talk (here are my thoughts on that). Peeta knows Katniss and Haymitch have been keeping things from him. Haymitch reveals he put his resources behind Katniss and not Peeta in the Games. They go to a dinner and do much of the same in other districts but the spark of rebellion has been lit. Katniss suggests a marriage proposal. Peeta is bummed. President Snow doesn't think it is enough.

Thoughts:

-- This is the first time I recall seeing Peeta angry. He feels as though he may have gotten Thresh and Rue's families killed by giving them the money. What's interesting to me is how well he understands how the Capitol will respond. It's not that he's naive and doesn't understand how they work. He knows the score but he's still trying to give Rue and Thresh's families a "brighter future." Classic Peeta.

-- Katniss notes "elation" in the faces of people in Districts 8, 4 and 3. To me this suggests 11, 8, 4 and 3 were the "early adopters" as it were of the Revolution. By the time the Quarter Quell happens, the Tributes from 6 and 7 will be part of the plot as well, along with Haymitch. Perhaps that is why Johanna had to prove herself a bit by getting Beetee and Wiress?

-- I'd love to know about the Rebel leadership in these districts. Commander Paylor of 8 was clearly a stand out. Bonnie and Twill speak of the organization there. In the previous chapter, Katniss doesn't think the crowd in 11 saluting her was spontaneous which means they also have some kind of rebel infastructure. And 4, of course being the home of my beloved Mags, is most interesting to me because it is somehow a bastion of the Rebellion and a Career district.

Quotes:

As far as I know, Haymitch has only been here once, when he was on his Victory Tour decades ago. But he must have a remarkable memory or reliable instincts, because he leads us up through a maze of twisting staircases and increasingly narrow halls. At times he has to stop and force a door. By the protesting squeak of the hinges you can tell it's been a long time since it was opened. Eventually we climb a ladder to a trapdoor. When Haymitch pushes it aside, we find ourselves in the dome of the Justice Building. It's a huge place filled with broken furniture, piles of books and ledgers, and rusty weapons. The coat of dust blanketing everything is so thick it's clear it hasn't been disturbed for years. Light struggles to filter in through four grimy square windows set in the sides of the dome. Haymitch kicks the trapdoor shut and turns on us.

It's not "instinct". He knows where he is going, guys.

".. I decided to look around the Justice Building. I'm something of an expert in architectural design, you know. [...] district ruins are going to be all the rage this year."

A little insight to the things Effie cares about. (Though it's a bit rude to call District 11's Justice building "ruins" considering... they are still using it though it's probably accurate.)

"Was that really the only time you kissed Gale?"

I'm so startled I answer. "Yes." With all that has happened today, has that question actually been preying on him?

Yes, Katniss. Yes. If you aren't actually "with" Gale already then he's still got a chance!

Peeta, who spends much of the night roaming the train, hears me screaming as I struggle to break out of the haze of drugs that merely prolong the horrible dreams. He manages to wake me and calm me down. Then he climbs into bed to hold me until I fall back to sleep. After that, I refuse the pills. But every night I let him into my bed. We manage the darkness as we did in the arena, wrapped in each other's arms, guarding against dangers that can descend at any moment. Nothing else happens, but our arrangement quickly becomes a subject of gossip on the train.

I am imagining some train person posting online about how Peeta and Katniss sleep in the same bed and she's always screaming.

[beardeddetectivepaper]

€79,135/€120,000 ‼️

Hi. This is Salahaldin Alamassi. I am raising this campaign on behalf of my friend, Nadia Ghaben. The below story is Nadia’s one written and shared by her from her place of refuge in South of Gaza. Hi. I am Nadia Ghaben, a Palestinian mother, wife, daughter, and sister from Gaza. I am knocking on the last door that could open an opportunity for my little family and I to escape the ongoing genocide. I am a mother of a year and half beautiful little girl who have not seen life as we’ve planned for. To know about us, we are a family of three, my husband, Osama, baby Elen and me. We got married in September 2021. My husband and I used to work for private companies where we are now left jobless due to the ongoing war. Ahead of October 7th, my family had already it’s share of the suffering. In our tenth month of marriage and a couple of months before baby Elen arrives to this world, my husband got injured while working where it resulted with a fracture of two vertebrae in the back and his left foot. He got through two difficult surgeries and a third one was planned to take place last December. Unfortunately, he could not pursue his medical journey towards recovery as war abrupted. October 7th was a turning point in our life. We first had to take refuge at a relatives’ apartment. Bombardments were very close, thus, we had to move to my family’s apartment. The war became fiercer, and my family’s building was notified to evacuate as it will be demolished to the ground. At that point, we could not think of a safer place to take shelter but Al Quds hospital. Three of us moved again having few belongings with us. After settling at the hospital, we got the news that my family’s apartment was grounded to earth. Our warm childhood home that once witnessed beautiful memories was lost in a blink of an eye. We stayed for thirty-five days at the hospital which felt like thirty-five years to us living under continuous fire belts and none-stop cruel bombardments. November 11th was another ugly day. That day tanks approached Al Quds Hospital, and we were forced to flee to the south using the so-called humanitarian corridor

We had to walk for about an hour and a half till be reached the checkpoint. I hold baby Elen and some bags, and my husband hold the other stuff. We waited for our turn to pass. We were asked to raise our right hand and hold our IDs with the left one. I was praying that Elen would stay calm as the soldiers will not tolerate a baby crying and they could shoot unmercifully. Time passed like years, and we finally managed to get through to the other side of that ugly inhumane checkpoint. We sat by the side of the road not knowing where to go. Chaotically thinking, we had to take a cart and move to Rafah. Four hours later, we arrived at Osama’s friend home which was turned into a shelter for tens of people. In Rafah, we were displaced four times moving between different neighborhoods seeking safety and refuge. What made matters worse, we got bad news that we lost our home. It was hit several times by the Israeli tanks and is now a ramshackle place. All our cherished memories and the warmth of our small home was gone. All gone and will take years to return if there would be a chance to. Displacement is hard on adults, yet it is even harder to little kids who do not understand why they are not in their rooms playing with their toys and sleeping in their warm silky soft beds. Lack of clean water and hygiene is also a big challenge to little kids as this puts them at risks of getting diseases. The lack of healthy varied food is also an ugly face of the war where little children face malnutrition. We are really concerned about our little daughter’s health as well as future which is now blurrily unclear. Elen got sick several times and did not gain weight due to the above-mentioned circumstances we went through. Throughout this fundraiser, we seek support to secure a brighter now and future for our small family specifically Elen. We are considering how will she grow up and where. We are also considering her health and education especially that Gaza is no more a viable place to live in and we have no home to return to and no jobs as well. Securing the money will assist us in evacuating Gaza and seeking other chances outside knowing that coordinating to travel to Egypt costs around 7000 USD per person and this is a big amount of money that we cannot afford. Life expenses including apartment’s rent, medication, clothing, and food also costs money. We aim for a 50,000 EU that would help us stand again on our feet and open a new page after the devastation that we went through. We would greatly appreciate your contribution to donate and share this donation request so it can reach the highest number of kindhearted people who are willing to save lives and ensure hope for an affected family from Gaza. I will personally handle the transfer of the campaign funds to Nadia, and I am committed to providing proof of the transfer if needed. You can reach me directly for any inquiries or clarifications. With gratitude, Nadia, Osama and Elen

[papachev]

“Centuries Erased”

Rise Young Black Man Rise

You Know How Much You’re Worth In This World?

As A Black Man We Were Designed To Endure What Others Can’t

Made With Black Beauty Yet Some Folks Still Only See Hate

From The Days Of Emmit Till “Supposedly” Whistling At A Young White Woman

To Later Her Saying He Never Spoke To Her

It Took Years For Her To Speak The Truth

They Burned Down Cities Because We Were Growing Into Something

Now Underground And Under Water Turned Into Nothing

They Tried To Get Rid Of Us By The Bulk Load

Young Black Man Understand This

There’s People Who Will Lie On Your Name Because Your Black

More Importantly It’s A Lot Who Will Love You Know Matter What

Don’t Focus On The Ones Who Scold You As You Walk By

Young Man It’s Plenty Love From One’s Who Pray To God You’ll Say Hi

It’s A Choice Made To Dismiss You Before They Scratch The Surface

We Don’t Understand Defeat, We Teach

Even If We Can’t Get The Same Respect Lead With Peace

You’re So Valuable To The World Black Man I Hope You Know

Putting All The Pressure On Yourself You Don’t Have Too

For Many Reasons The Generations Before You Happened So You Can Walk Your Own Truth

Don’t Be Scared To Live Black Man

Don’t Be Shy To Love Young Black Man

Express Yourself And Don’t Be Confined To The False Narrative Black Man

You’ll Never Be Looked At As Weak

We Are Wonderful

The Self Love You Give Yourself Overpowers When It Seems Like The World Isn’t On Your Side

They Want The Black Face Erased

Will You Continue To Let Them Disrespect You Face To Face?

Ignorance From The White Man Will Never Win

Black Love

Black Faces

Black Everything Again And Again

Continue Being A Natural Born Leader

You Are A Not Mistake

God Made You Destined For Success

Repeat After Me Know Matter If You Look In The Mirror Or Anywhere You Are

“I Am Blessed

God Holds Me Close

I Love You Self

When There’s Nobody To Pick Up The Pieces I Still Stand With My Head Held High

I Mean Something In This World

I’m Black , I’m Excellent And I Will Shine Brighter”

Older Black Man We Have To Be Aware Of Our Youth

Some Grew Up With No Fathers Or Fathers That Aren’t Really Present

Just Step Up And Lead In A Place That May Be Vacant

Young Black Men Need A Mentor

It’s Too Many Of Us Getting Killed

Black Men Reveal That You’re Suppose To Defy Odds Set Against Us

Don’t Let Nobody Steal That Smile Away,

Take The Joy Out Of Being Black

Keep Being Happy And Always Pray

You Don’t Have A Voice?

Make It Heard

Aren’t You Tired Of Black Men And Boys Dying To Violence?

You Don’t Wanna See Each Other Grow Old?

You Rather Help Kill Us When The World Already Wants Us To Fold?

Stop And Think Young Black Men

You’re Smarter Than That

Be Stronger But Remember The Mental And Faith Side Play A Huge Part

Use Your Anger For Better Use

The Women And Children Need Our Young Black Men Too

Hold Your Fist High Young Sir

You Will Not Give Up

The Days Where Dogs Were Sent To Attack Us

Fire Hoses Sprayed Against Us Full Force Them White People Thought It Was A Must

We Came From Something And People Tried To Make Our Culture Nothing

You’re The Future Now Of What Couldn’t Get Done Right Back Then

The Next Century Of Kids Will Look Back At These Moments Of Today’s Time

Can We Make A Good Example Now?

Show Them That They Can Do Anything They Set Their Minds Too

We Have To Come Together

You’re A Young Black Man Known As A National Treasure

Better Yet A Young Black King

Remember It’s Your Job To Introduce Why Being Black Is An Important Thing To The Kids

Young Black Man You’re The Vision Not The Villain

It’s Not About Feeling Forced To Do Something Better

Young King Be A Leader

Our Young Ones Need The Teachers

Your Pride Get In The Way?

Don’t Let Silly Mistakes Have More Kids Get Killed By A Stray

Senseless Violence Stunts Growth In The Mental Young King

Situations Are Allowed To Pan Out With Peace

You Know What’s More Worse?

Most Black Kids Wanna Be In The Streets Instead Of A Classroom

Hardly Can Read

But Will Pull A Gun On You First Thing

It’s Not Ok So Help As Much As You Can

Know Matter How It May Look Young Black King We Will Be Ok

It’s Good Karma When Building Up Young Black Men

I Just Hope We Stop Killing Off Centuries Of Black Generations Before They Turn 18

Fight Together But Not Against One Another

Life Isn’t A Game Young Black King

You’re Capable Of Love

You Should Have A Life Past Your Teens

You Know You’re Allowed To Have Kids Of Your Own To Share These Great Genes

I Know It’s Difficult And It’s Not Gonna Change In One Day Young Black Man

But It Starts Here Today With You

Plenty Of People Don’t Want To Take Time To Educate Our Young Black Men

Don’t Be One Of Those Folks

Use Your Words And Actions

It’s Wisdom

Our Young Kings Will Listen

Some Young Kids Aren’t As Level Headed As Others

Those Are The Ones Who Will Lead Gracefully

We Won’t Give Up On You Young Block Gentleman

Black Love For You Forever

My Young Black Kings

This Is A War Cry To Keep Your Brothers Wing By Wing

[detectivemaker]

So I have this idea

so I have this idea of Jervis and Jonathan freshly married deciding to move out of Gotham, mostly because I want to get actual help for their mental problems, and the sick and tired of the corruption in the very brickwork of the city trying to drag them down into worse people than they already are

so obviously they have to tell the bat about it, and since Jarvis used to work for the guy, he takes it upon himself

leading to this interaction:

Batman crashes through the window of the warehouse, he lands in the middle of the room and the glass surrounding him like a sharp Halo. The room is pitch dark the faint silhouette of chairs illuminated by The Shining moonlight from the broken window

before words can leave his lips the lights snap to life, there since the hatter sitting alone at a round tea table, ringing his hands nervously his eyes snap up to Batman, and a sheepish grin splits his lips, silently he Taps a hand on the other side of the tea table

The Dark Knight Stomps over to the table sitting gingerly before the shorter man," so, where's the money" Bruce begins in the usual intimidating tone. Jarvis just gives a sigh before speaking," there is no money, I didn't steal anything this time, I just made it look like I did so I could be sure you'd be here" he finishes with a sigh

of the back suddenly gets nervous looking around for any ambush, seeing nothing he snaps his gaze back to the other man," why did you want me to be here". The hatter only looks suddenly at his cup of tea before taking a ginger sip and responding " I wanted to inform you that me and Jonathan are leaving town, as you know we are Newly Weds, and we want this new chapter of Our Lives to be a chapter of healing, and this town is bad for that goal" he finishes his response was another sip of his tea

Batman looks at him with a mixture of confusion and pride," but why can't you  heal hear" the look the hatter gives him is a mixture of amusement and disappointment," you really don't know" he gives an exasperated chuckle before continuing," this town corrupts people, it takes people that could have had Bright Futures and it turns them into monsters,and I don't want to be any more of a monster than I already am, neither of us do"

Batman can only hum in realization," oh right, I guess I won't be seeing you anymore"Jarvis just looks up from his cup and gives a shrug

and with that the bat is gone and Jarvis is left with his Day Dreams of a brighter future with his husband and the hope that some of their friends will realize but this town is bad for them and leave like they're leaving for brighter pastures and healing from the corruption of this city