#I WONDER HOW THEY'LL HANDLE THE STORY FROM HERE ON

[diamondwerewolf]

I wonder...

apart from getting to know az's personality, I'm curious to know how they'll handle how he speaks in game. we see him so little in pokemon XY there's no way of really knowing what he's like. you have to dig around for all available materials and sort of cobble together some conclusions, or assumptions from what we do know about him. does he have a very outdated or formal way of speaking? Is he gentle? Is he incredibly stubborn? I will have to wait and see.

I also hope he'll speak candidly on the very distant past. I talked about it here for a while, but unless you really scrounge for every shred of text you can find, or all supplemental official materials through videos, manga, and defunct websites regarding him in XY, he is a complete mystery. With a grain of salt, here's some random -canonical- information that may not be greatly known:

- AZ wasn't always 9ft tall. His unusual size was caused by exposure to the ultimate weapon. - AZ is Lysandre's distant uncle. Lysandre's grandest uncle, if you will. - The king of Parfum Palace is also implied to be AZ's distant nephew. He looks a lot like him. -AZ had a brother who tried to use the war of 3,000 years ago to usurp the throne. We assume he took control of Kalos after his elder brother disappeared. He was also responsible for burying the weapon after the devistation. - Eternal Flower Floette's original trainer was AZ's mother. -AZ was not only a king, but also a 'professor' of sorts. Text in Lysandre's lab states that he contributed miraculous technology to ancient society.

-According to the Tera leak of last year, AZ's character was inspired by depictions of Christ. The developers in preparation for XY took a visit to France and probably saw plenty of old art. So, you can find a painting of AZ in his youth with kneeling subjects in Lumiose museum if you've completed some side quests. - AZ is a legend, so his story is moderately known in his home region. This isn't canonical, but implied in manga so something I'm keeping in mind:

AZ may have been stalked for quite a while by Zygarde following his use of the ultimate weapon.

[lunatic-pudge]

Trevor Philips SFW Alphabet

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Been working on this for a hot second. Will be making one for Michael and Franklin soon!

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A: Affection (How do they show affection? And how affectionate are they?)

Due to his unfortunate upbringing, Trevor is quite the affectionate boyfriend. He's only ever affectionate with those he's close to. If a random stranger were to try to give him a hug (especially without asking), they'll be dead. But for you? He's all over you like a giant lap dog. He tends to get upset when you depraive him of affection (you literally left for five seconds) but all will be better when you go back to giving him some lovins

B: Best Friend (What would they be like a best friend? How would the friendship start?)

Trevor is an.. interesting friend. He's the type of friend who's always up to no good. He will rope you into his shenanigans wether you want to be or not. He's also got some of the wildest stories to tell also. He is a meth head so it makes sense. And he's someone who doesn't lie either so the stories hold truth to them

C: Cuddles (Do they like to cuddle? How would they cuddle?)

Of course this man loves cuddles, when he's able to sit still enough for a cuddle session. Usually the perfect time to cuddle with Trevor is when he crashes after one of his benders. He'll be death clinging onto you until he's ready to get back up, in like, twelve hours. Make sure you're well prepared

D: Domestic (Do they want to settle down? How are they at cooking & cleaning?)

Ah, well... this IS Trevor Philips we're talking about here. Settling down is something he doesn't think is capable for him at this point in life. He's in too deep and there's no way to go back, and he ain't gonna pull a Michael where he fakes his death and changes last names. And don't even bother to ask him to cook or clean. His cooking is terrifying and his cleaning is abysmal. I'm sorry, but you're gonna have to take on the domestic duties here. Trevor is a lost cause in this scenario

E: Ending (If they had to break up with their partner, how would they do it?)

Now this is interesting. Trevor isn't real one to wanna break up with his partner. Once he's with someone, he's so attached and obsessive, breaking up would be something out of his contro (having to go into hiding from the government type of deal). But if his partner breaks up with him, he's in ruin for a good while. He turns to drugs and alcohol to cope, but it doesn't really help. His abandoment issues are RUINING him when his partner breaks up with him. Poor thing needs a hug :(

F: Fiancé(e) (How do they feel about commitment? How quick would they want to get married?)

Now this is something Trevor can get behind. Marriage is like the ultimate bond for a relationship, so of course he wants to wed his partner. The only downside is that he would wanna propose almost right away, and isn't one to handle rejection well. So you're gonna want to have a long talk with him before he tries anything. Also, you can pick if you want him to wear a suit or dress for the wedding

G: Gentle (How gentle are they, both physically and emotionally?)

He tries to be gentle, but it's such a foreign concept to him. Growing up in an abusive home, Trevor didn't get the love and attention he deserves. He can be taught to be gentle, but there will be many bumps in the road as well. He's just a hurting little boy on the inside

H: Hugs (Do they like hugs? How often do they do it? What are their hugs like?)

Only from certain people. With you, you're getting many hugs. He likes to latch onto you, even in the most inconvenient of times for you, and will refuse to let go. He's got quite the strength to him as well, so he can pick you up and carry you away if he so desires

I: I Love You (How fast do they say the L-Word?)

He says it right away. So quick into just knowing him that it leaves you wondering if he really means it. The thing is, he does mean it. He means it more than you can ever understand. He's very quick to fall in love and can't help himself

J: Jealousy (How jealous do they get? What do they do when they’re jealous?)

VERY JEALOUS. Trevor doesn't like when others try to take your attention away from him. And don't even try to go out of your way to make him jealous cause it never ends well. Let's just say the offender will end up in a body bag and you'll be on the receiving end of some rather rough jealous sex

K: Kisses (What are their kisses like? Where do they like to kiss you? Where do they like to be kissed?)

Sloppy, possessive kisses for days! He can't help himself. He perfers to kiss you on the lips or neck but anywhere is fine... for now.. Trevor expects the same back. Might even cry if you give him a forehead kiss when comforting him

L: Little Ones (How are they around kids?)

I can see Trevor as someone who acts like they hate kids, but then when you hand him one, he's already willing to die for kill for the kid. He's Uncle T for a reason (not cause he gives creepy uncle vibes). When Tracey and Jimmy were babies, Trevor was such a good uncle to them (as good as he can be). He will always have a soft spot for kids, even if he refuses to show it

M: Morning (How are mornings spent with them?)

Hates mornings. Have fun trying to get him up at a reasonable hour. Due to his constant meth usage, Trevor tends to be asleep for 12+ hours or is awake for days on a bender. He drinks an ungodly amount of coffee and energy drinks but they don't do much to help. He's such a grumpy old man in the mornings, it's cute

N: Night (How are nights spent with them?)

Nights can be rough for Trevor. Those are the part of the day where he'll lay awake and remember all the trauma he's been through. The drugs help him forget unless he sees something that reminds him of his Mother. The best thing you can do to help him is hold him close and be there for him. He's trying his best. Just be patient with him

O: Open (When would they start revealing things about themselves? Do they say everything all at once or wait awhile to reveal things slowly?)

This man doesn't know how to not yap 24/7 so it wouldn't take much for him to open up. I also feels like he tends to go on tangents without meaning to but you always learn something new with this guy everyday. But watch out, any sort of critisims or saying something negative about his Mother will NOT end well

P: Patience (How easily angered are they?)

Umm... Well... This IS Trevor Philips we're talking about here. This man is a constant ticking time bomb. He'll have more leniency with you since you're his partner, but you still have to walk a fine line with him. And also watch out, cause he will throw things when he's mad and he doesn't care who he's throwing objects at til his anger resides

Q: Quizzes (How much would they remember about you? Do they remember every detail in passing, or do they kind of forget everything?)

Scarily good memory for a meth head. How the hell is he able to rememeber so much and also be so smart in the math department? Yeah, Trevor can remember A LOT about you. He can even learn things about you just by watching you. Rarely, does he forget anything.

R: Remember (What is their favourite moment in your relationship?)

Those moments where you comfort him after his mom visits are always the memories that matter the most to him. Those are the moments where it shows that you truly care about him. His other favorite is when you care for him, be it patching up his constantly appearing wounds, or taking his heavily intoxicated/high ass to bed and making sure he's okay. It heals a little part of him each time

S: Security (How protective are they? How would they protect you? How would they like to be protected?)

One of the most overprotective people you will ever meet. Which makes sense with the things he does and the type of person he is. He'd even teach you how to use a gun just so he knows that you're safe. And he also has the others (Ron, Wade, and even Chef) to help keep an eye on you and make sure you're safe. If anyone dares to lay a hand on you, they'll live to regret it. And if you were to protect him? He'd be at a loss for words. Taking it as the ultimate sign that you love him just as much as he loves you. But you will get scolded if you get hurt trying to protect him

T: Try (How much effort would they put into dates, anniversaries, gifts, and everyday tasks?)

It's rather... meh. Trevor isn't one for fancy dates or glamorous gifts. And with being such a needy individual, he can be rather impatient during dates. Dates tend to be at homes and with the doors locked so no one (Ron) can barge in and take his attention away from you

U: Ugly (What would be some bad habits of theirs?)

Well considering that this is Trevor, most, if not all, of his habits are bad habits. Some of these bad habits can be changed into good one over time. But the really bad ones (like his need to constantly know where you are, what you're doing, who you're with, ect.) are habits that will most likely never leave him. You will have to learn to live with them

V: Vanity (How concerned are they with their looks?)

Trevor could care less about how he or even you look. Looks are the least of this man's concerns. But it adds to his charm. Especially those arms and hands of his. God, this man has no right to be so attractive

W: Whole (Would they feel incomplete without you?)

Take one look at this man and take a guess. Of course he would! Once Trevor is emiontally attached to a person (which happens very often) he doesn't handle losing them very well, especially if that person is his significant other. This is his version of the world ending. It takes a good long while for him to recover

X: Xtra (A random headcanon for them)

He's such a big softie once you're able to break through his barriers. He does wish he could've been able to settle down but he knows he's in too deep to just call it quits like Michael did. Plus he refuses to be like that snake

Y: Yuck (What are some things they wouldn’t like, either in general or in a partner?)

On his Bodhi, there's a sticker that says "No fatties", so unfortunately plus sized people aren't his thing. I also feels like he doesn't want someone who's pushy. Only Trevor gets to be the pushy one here. And he doesn't want someone who's got that "I can fix him" mentality, homie's too far gone to be fixed :(

Z: Zzz (What is a sleep habit of theirs?)

This man is either up for days on end, or he's sleeping his life away. Being on meth has cause his sleep schedule to be abysmal. Sometimes it's a miracle that he's still alive

[moniqa24]

UTY ANNIVERSARY DAY 1: Favorite Character

(BRO, IT'S BEEN A YEAR???? HOW DID THAT HAPPEN!?)

So, I've been chronically on AO3 for quiiiite a biiiiit and it's come to my attention that there are a lotta good authors on there! So, I figured, what better way to show some appreciation than to sketch out some of my favorite UTY fanfictions that relate to said favorite character God,mywristhurts—.

This isn't really listed in any particular order, because I cannot in good conscience rank them all because I love them for different reasons. A brief review will be given for each story, so I hope you'll indulge me in this unwavering hyperfixation caused by this stupid neural virus who has yet to leave my brain why are they still there—

HERE THEY ARE! (Reviews are at the bottom so you can enjoy the art—)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/52638082/chapters/133146358

https://archiveofourown.org/works/55105480/chapters/139718953

https://archiveofourown.org/works/54021868/chapters/136756735

https://archiveofourown.org/works/53578087/chapters/135622678

https://archiveofourown.org/works/56770771/chapters/144328246

(This was not on Ao3, but I added it anyway—)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/53950621

https://archiveofourown.org/works/57605017/chapters/146578669

https://archiveofourown.org/works/55715032/chapters/141433246

https://archiveofourown.org/works/52345378/chapters/132417538

CSO: What I enjoyed most about this take is how it deals with the consequences of Clover choosing their life over their mission. It is a conflict of interest for everyone involved, especially themself, and one can only handle that external (and internal) pressure for so long until they finally break.

JiB: Who woulda thought just being a liiiittle bit curious could cause a lot of development for our main cast? It's a fine blend of wholesome family moments and a lot, and I mean a LOT, of dying and Flowey ruining everything. It's honestly been fun trying to see what the domino effect is.

RtF: Slow burn, complex relationships, reconnecting of characters, and the wonder of a new life for two lost, revived souls. This has everything I enjoy out of a story and more. As I am not only a sucker for Kanako and Clover interacting, but also watching friction between characters, how it happened and why, and what eventually leads to something greater down the road. It's a beautiful read <3

DJ: Chara and Clover have a dynamic that is genuinely fun to explore, and I enjoy the banter these two have in this work a lot. They aren't friends yet, buuut, maybe they'll start to grow on each other. As long as Clover's alright with getting their body hosted from time to time—

(CURRENTLY ON HIATUS)

UB: I am a simple person. I see Clover & Kanako, I click—

It fuels my euphoria in ways I can't describe, they're so wholesome ;v; Between this and the lingering tension between Clover and Chujin, and the overarching conflict of interest, I am more than excited to see where this goes >:D

UTDR x DR: Jesus, take the wheel, but, like, what if it did—?

I just remember scrolling through YT and suddenly this came up on recommended and I just remember being baffled by the ending. Now there's a multiverse apparently, when did that happen?

I almost hate how invested I got in this very NOT series, but I find it hilarious out of context, which only makes it better—

Intervention: This one's a rollercoaster, man.

Don't think I've said "ow" in a fanfiction before reading this one. It's more than just Martlet dying, but the buildup to what leads to this point and the brutal aftermath is what makes this so strong for me. It's a dosage of pain, but it's well written, dangit—

SWM: I was close to adding "Calling Out to No One", but this tops it only because its longer, really. And provides a HEAVY DOSAGE of pain. I felt my heart ache like it did first seeing Pacifist, man, it hurt—

I enjoy a lot of DiamondDeputy's takes on the default scenes from all the different routes of UTY (they somehow made the worst scene in the game bearable, how'd they do that—) so this easily climbed to some of my top favorites, I especially love the insight on the journey through Ceroba's perspective, really helps drive that conflict of interest I love a lot.

ASoJ: How bad can housing a murderer of at least fifty people truly be? It's not like they'd have any ulterior motives or anything, noooo, that'd be silly!

It's another story with a conflict of interest. Between Martlet letting her good heart win over reason, and Clover seeing just what their violence has truly caused, it had me waiting for the moment where everything would crash and burn for everyone involved. And boy, did it burn.

(How we have pain in pacifist and wholesomeness in geno is a constant that is beyond me—)

Fo2T: Aand, finally, the story that started it all!

An action packed, fun filled adventure of dubious dealings and chaotic consequences featuring the most dysfunctional trio to ever grace the Underground.

So many developments, story wise, character wise, I ended up binging this story way too fast, and I'm probably gonna have to read it all over again—. I'm excited for it though, Frisk (Chara) and Clover eventually meeting, the memory dilemma getting attention, and Clover f i n a l l y getting their hat back (very important, a staple, really)

It feels like I'm watching a shonen, the way I'm invested in it sometimes. I've screamed over it way too much XD

(The fact that it took 20 chapters to get out of Hotland is honestly hilarious tho—)

If you somehow ended up down here, then I implore you to check these out for yourself, form your own opinions on them, and brace yourself because Blind is VERY long (but very worth it)—

[gardens-light]

Heyy, I just wanted to say I really love your writing! Your stories are always so good, and I admire how creative you are. I was wondering if you’d ever think about doing something with Dino/Mirage x human spy? I’m obsessed with his design in the Bayverse movies

Hey there, and thank you so much for the lovely compliment! I know I say this alot, but it really does mean alot to hear that people enjoy reading my silly little fics.

I've honestly only know of Mirage in the ROTB movie, but I'd be lying if I didn't say I didn't love that mech's attitude. Anyways, hope you enjoy this piece that was inspired by your prompt, and I do have a few ideas floating around in my drafts for future works of Mirage.

Apologies again for the long wait.

---

High Stakes and High Tension

Content: Autobot Mirage x GN/Human Spy Reader.

Inspired Song: A View To A Kill- Duran Duran

Word Count: 1900

Sunlight streamed through the broken windows of an abandoned hangar on the outskirts of a forgotten airstrip. Inside, the air was thick with dust, along with the scent of oil and rust lingered like ghosts of a time long gone. Optimus stood tall within the center, his frame gleaming faintly in the dim light. His blue optics studying the black SUV's approaching in the distance.

"Prime, I don't see why I need a partner." Mirage complained from the sidelines, casually leaning against a support beam. Occasionally feeling Optimus' side glance, raising an optic ridge at the sleek silver-and-blue Porsche's smooth, almost teasing tone. "I'm perfectly capable of handling a little infiltration on my own. It's my speciality afterall-"

"I do not question you nor your abilities, Mirage. But, this mission requires cooperation from the humans governmental intelligence. I believe their chosen agent has been briefed-"

The sound of your steel-cap boots clicking against the concrete interrupted the air, drawing the attention of the Autobots and fellow soldiers. Mirage's optics slowly wandered over your frame, taking in how the tailored black tactical suit outlined your confident figure. A headset tucked neatly behind your ear, keeping your hair out of your face. As your piercing eyes scanned the room with the precision of someone who left nothing to chance.

"Mirage, this is Agent Y/N. Aka, Agent Cobra." Optimus introduced, acknowledging you with a simple nod and curt smile. "They're one of the U.S government's top spies. They'll be assisting you on this mission."

"So, you're the 'advanced asset' I'm working with?" you clipped with a professional mannerism. Striding towards the silver-and-blue Autobot, with a tilted head and placing hands upon your hips.

"That's me. The only mech who looks good." Mirage pushed himself off the beam, gesturing towards himself with a dramatic flourish, before holding out a relaxed fist. "Nice meeting you, babe. The name's Mirage."

Your brows furrowed slightly, "save the charm. I'm here to get the job done, not to exchange pleasantries."

"Oh you're feisty. I like that." A small smile teased the corners of the blue Autobot's lips. "I like it alot."

"What's the mission?" rolling your eyes, already feeling the beginnings of a headache.

Optimus projected a hologram from his forearm, displaying a video of a group of individuals from high society, exchanging crates of weaponry with a towering Deception in the background. "For months these humans have been collaborating with the Decepticons. I believe they're providing our enemy with resources for their war effort. Your task is to infiltrate their operation, confirm the extent of their alliance, and eliminate the threat."

"Understood. Let's move out." You spoke with a curt nod.

With a dramatic spin and styled flair, the sound of whirling gears and shifting pistons filled the air, as Mirage transformed into his alt-mode. The Porsche engine growling with a prideful rumble, as he felt your gaze rake over his sleek, silver with cobalt-blue racing stripes. Swinging his passenger door open with a gentleman like gesture towards you.

---

Infiltrating a posh gala where the rich and elite of high society mingled, including the suspected allies of the Decepticons were said to be meeting. Mirage's altmode blended in flawlessly with the other high-end sports cars, which parked outside of the modern mansion. His sensors feeding you information through your comms.

You moved through the crowd with calculated movement, your elegant black attire matching the formal style of the grand ballroom.

"Target spotted." You whispered into the earpiece.

"Which one? 'Mr Tacky Red Tie' talking to the broad dressed in purple?" Mirage teased.

"No." You lowly hissed, scanning the room. "Black suit and tie by the bar... and keep your chatter to a minimum."

The Autobot's laughter crackled softly through your earpiece. "You're at a fancy party, babe. Loosen up."

Rolling your eyes, ignoring his teasing tone while sliding into a seat near your target. The middle-age man didn't notice your presence until you casually ordered a drink, only giving you a slight flirtatious gaze before returning to his own drink.

"Uh, Cobra?" Mirage's serious tone buzzed through your earpiece, snapping you out of a daze that held your attention for the past uneventful moments. "We've got company. Big, stompy, and ugly."

Your eyes flickered towards the mirror behind the bar, catching a glimpse of two brutish mechs that past the far window behind you. One with jagged red plating, while the other had rust covering his gun-metal frame. Their massive frames concealed by Cybertronian cloaking tech, making them nearly invisible to the human eye.

"I see them." Your muttered words remained in your calm tone, while you casually and discreetly followed your target towards the nearest exit.

"Time to bail?" Mirage suggested.

"Not yet. We need confirmation they're handing over Cybertronian tech first-"

"You're gonna get yourself squished!"

But you continued, ignoring Mirage's warning.

Moving towards another spot closer to your location, Mirage's altmode tucked away under an empty driveway, his sensors watching you creep into the garage that was clearly restricted access from the rest of the party.

The dimly lit garage hummed faintly with the energy radiating from the Cybertronian tech scattered around. Kneeling by a crate, your small camera clicked quietly, as you documented the evidence of human-Decepticon collaboration. Each photo capturing damning details: encrypted datapads, energon cubes, and schematics that only a Cybertronian would recognize.

"Cobra," Mirage's voice crackled softly through your comm, his usual playful tone replaced with urgency. "You've got company-two guards heading your way. Twelve meters out and closing fast-"

"Give me thirty more seconds," your words came out in a hushed whisper. Your tone focused, aiming your camera at another crate, snapping pictures as fast you could. "I need to finish this-"

"You don't have thirty seconds, babe. They're gonna be right on top you in about ten. I suggest you-"

"I said almost done-"

Before you could even finish your sentence, barely having time to react before someone grabbed your wrist. Only a small gasp escaped you, as Mirage's human-like holographic form materialized out of nowhere. Pinning your back against the side of his altmode, the space between the wall of the undercover driveway and the Porsche forced the pair of you to be incredibly close.

Opening your mouth, but Mirage raised a finger to your lips. Silencing any protest that dared to murmur from you.

From your perspective, his hologram form looked incredibly lifelike- appearing as tall, well-dressed man who favoured the 90s street fashion. White hair loosely slicked back, while a roguish smirk framed his youthful features. But even through your annoyance, you couldn't help but notice the flicker of faint blue lines that occasionally danced across his 'skin,' a subtle reminder of his true nature.

"Two guards," Mirage whispered, leaning in close enough that you could feel the faint projection of his breath. "They're about to round the corner. Just... follow my lead, and don't overthink this."

Tilting his head and leaning in even closer, lightly pressing his forehead against yours. To an outsider, the position was rather... intimate, almost tender. You stiffened in surprise, your body instinctively tensing as warmth rose to your cheeks.

"What are you doing?" you hissed under your breath, voice barely audible.

"Improvising."

Your eyes widened as his lips softly pressed against yours- not cold, not mechanical but strangely warm and tender. Like the tactile perfection of a hologram designed to flawlessly mimic human touch. You couldn't help but freeze, mind racing as you tried to not lose yourself within the moment.

As the guards rounded the corner, their flashlights swept across the gravel driveway, illuminating the outdoor space. The beams of light stopped abruptly as they landed on upon the pair of you. Feeling the guard's gaze, but Mirage didn't flinch. If anything, he leaned in deeper, one hand cupping to your cheek, as if to sell the act even more.

"Hey!" one guard barked, stepping closer.

From the corner of your eye, seeing Mirage's expression softening, the smirk upon his lips turning into something earnest and... you dare say, endearing.

"Apologies." His smooth, confident charm returned to his tone. Resting his forehead against yours. "We... didn't think anyone else was here. Just... stealing a moment, excuse us."

A scowl flashed across the guard's face, lowering his flashlight slightly. "This is a restricted area. You two shouldn't be here-"

"No problem. We understand." Mirage tilted his head slightly, softly kissing your temple, putting on a sheepish smile. "We just... couldn't resist a little adventure." He glanced down at you, reluctantly playing along, keeping your head turned away from the guards. As if you were embarrassed to be caught.

The second guard lightly chuckled, elbowing his companion. "Leave' em alone, man. Nothing but a couple of lovebirds sneaking off for some... privacy. Let's keep moving."

Hesitating for a moment, the guard's suspicion lingered on the pair of you for a moment longer. Eventually grumbled and turning away, "fine... just don't let the boss catch you"

"Wouldn't dream of it." Mirage called after them, giving you a subtle wink.

Once the guards disappeared back around the corner, their footsteps fading into the distance. Once you were sure they were out of ear shot, you shoved Mirage away, a mixture of irritation and embarrassment across your features.

"What the fuck was that?!"

"Me saving your stubborn, uncooperative ass from getting caught."

"You didn't have to-"

"Didn't I?" Mirage casually interrupted, crossing his arms. "Face it, Agent Cobra, you were this close to blowing the mission. Admit it- I'm good at what I do."

You couldn't help but glare at him, lips pressed into a thin line. "Next time, warn me before you... improvise like that!"

"Sure thing. But admit it, babe- you liked it, didn't you?"

"And stop calling me that!"

Turning your back and not answering, Mirage's holographic form fazed out into nothing as you approached his passenger side. Trying to ignore the lingering warmth upon your lips. But the faint smirk tugging upon your lips, didn't escape the Autobot's attention.

---

Standing under the moonlit sky, adjusting your earpiece after sending the details of mission to your unit and Optimus, of how you and Mirage successfully dismantled the human-Decepticon operation. Confirming that appropriate authorities confiscated, and the conspirators were neutralized.

Your eyes flickering towards Mirage as he rolled out of his altmode, his blue optics looking down at you with soft amusement and curiosity.

"Y'know... for someone who acts like they're all business, you sure know how to have fun. When you decide to let loose."

A small smirk crept upon your lips, melting away your usual sternness, giving way to a rare moment of playfulness. You stepped closer, looking up at him with a glint within your eyes.

"And... for someone who can't take anything seriously and talks too much. You... can be rather charming, just lucky that you're easy on the eyes."

Mirage titled his helm, his optics brightening at your teasing tone. "Did you... just flirt with me, Agent Cobra?"

"Maybe." You spoke with a sly smile. "But don't let it go to your head."

"Wouldn't think of it... Don't be a stranger, babe."

You paused before approaching the black SUV's, glancing back with faint blush dusting your cheeks. "See around, Mirage."

As you climbed into the vehicle and disappeared into the darkness, the blue Autobot chuckled to himself. Feeling his spark hum within in its chamber, making his frame radiant with an unfamiliar warmth.

[mitskicodedwukong]

Hi! How's it going? I hope you're doing well? I have a request in mind, and it's completely up to you if you're okay with it or not. Here's what I'm thinking, Macaque and fem reader have a little baby together, and reader goes out either to run a couple of errands or have a little bit of me time ( up to you) and Macaque needs to look after his little one. How would Dad Macaque spend time with his baby while momma is away?

» dear theodosia (hamilton) « 0:08 ─〇───── 3:05

╔⏤⏤⏤⏤╝🍑╚⏤⏤⏤⏤╗ AUTHOR'S NOTE ╚⏤⏤⏤⏤╗🍑╔⏤⏤⏤╝ ➤ I'm doing okay!! Thank you for the request <3 ➤ These are headcanons. ➤ This is technically familial (reader and Macaque are in an established relationship, but 50/50 focus on you and the baby). ➤ Reader is fem. ➤ TRIGGER WARNINGS include none! ➤ Word count: 420

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

❝ dear theodosia, what to say to you? you have my eyes, you have your mother's name .❞

(so everyone is aware: I'm imagining baby between 0-3 years old.)

I think you and Macaque have developed a healthy, equal system of couple time, family time, and individual time. You both encourage each other to take breaks when you can, and you help each other without needing to being asked to avoid burn out (or to reduce as much stress as you can).

With that being said, I think Macaque probably takes care of the baby the most, but only by a little.

Part of it is because, come on, you grew that literal little demon for 9-10 months. It can take up to two years for you to recover from birth/pregnancy, so Macaque wants to make it as easy as possible for you. He's there basically all the time, willing to help or completely handle the baby if you find yourself too tired or otherwise struggling. Once you regain your strength, he starts nudging you into going out again, whether it's for fun or a grocery run, just so you're out in the world again.

The other part is because he loves the baby. That's his, and yours, and you made it together. There was no mistake, no strange turn of events that led to a baby falling into your lap—you made them with love and intent and now you've made him a father. He's over the moon, honestly.

When the baby is still young, Macaque is pretty chill on his own; he just goes through the usual routine (naptimes, feeding, playtime).

I can see him putting on little shadow plays abt you and him :((( and as the baby gets older, they'll be included in the stories.

Macaque also starts teaching the baby about food/cooking early on. He thinks it's an important skill and a labor of love. Coming home to your baby splattered in flour and dough and gnawing on a piece of mango probably becomes an average occurrence.

I imagine demon/celestial genes are dominant in a cross-species relationship, so the baby gets those good ol' demon teething habits. Macaque takes the brunt of any accidents/curious nibbling, thankfully.

When the baby is bigger, Macaque starts introducing them to magic and more... traditional demon-youth activities?

(Rough-housing.)

(It's fun and games until baby realizes they've never gotten to tussle with mom.)

THAT'S ALL I REALLY HAVE, I'm sorry this request is short!! The takeaway from this is that Macaque is a wonderful father to any children you have and he settles in beautifully to parenthood.

❝ you knock me out, i fall apart, and i thought i was so smart .❞

[reboundttv]

Here's a Bunch of Words Expressing Frustration with Online People Part 2 I Guess? Arcane.

(Part 1 was about reactions to Wonder Woman #14, but that was on Twitter and it's gone now.)

It's been long enough. People who haven't seen it have successfully avoided spoilers. SO. Let's talk about the CaitVi sex scene.

Because there are a LOT of opinions about how it was handled, how it was written, etc. And I've seen a lot of...basically, Purity Culture, over how they never worked out their feelings, and Caitlyn never had to answer for trying to kill Jinx, or getting Vi to become an Enforcer or hitting her in Ep.3 or the dictatorship or the fascism or-

Here's the thing: Neither Caitlyn nor Vi know what's going to happen. They don't know tomorrow. They don't even know six hours from now.

We don't need a bunch of preceding episodes where somehow they have the time to get psychoanalyzed on-screen so that when they're finally intimate it's completely moral and unproblematic.

Arcane was never about being unproblematic. It was a show about broken people doing horrible things for selfish reasons, for better and for worse. Singed LITERALLY TELLS YOU AS MUCH (Season 2 Episode 5):

Caitlyn: "Why? Why do all this?" Singed: "Why does anyone commit acts others deem unspeakable? For love."

For context, he wants to conquer death so that he can save his daughter. And look at how it's worded. "acts others deem unspeakable." The awful things he's doing, he's rationalized them as necessary so that he can accomplish his goals. Whether it's him, or Viktor, Jayce, Caitlyn, Vi, Jinx... ALL of the characters in Arcane are like that. No one in this show was perfect. Far from it, actually.

And in that scene, Caitlyn and Vi are two broken, messed-up people. Their whole worlds have been upended. Vi believes that she's lost everything and everyone important to her, and that it is of her own doing. Caitlyn is questioning the only thing that's ever made sense in her life: her duty to Piltover and how that's run up against her own morals and how she has changed to accommodate them, rather than stayed true. Caitlyn also has guilt over being intimate with Maddie. (fuck maddie all my homies hate maddie)

And the only thing they have, in that moment, is each other. The only kind of, sort of constant in their lives. Is it perfect and unproblematic? No. Is it healthy? Arguably not. The scene is messy, and clumsy, and for fuck sake they're having sex in a prison cell.

But are those the things that actually matter? Is that the story that's trying to be told? NO. No, it is not. Broken people, just trying to make sense of what's going on around them. Trying to find others to hold on to, to anchor themselves. Find that closeness and intimacy, and even if it doesn't work out the way they want, they'll still have each other.

[sparkbeast20]

What if it wasn't Satan?

I always wonder if it wasn't Satan that came to earth and saved us from Gabriel... What if it was a different king.

Firstly, Lucifer... Yeah, no Gabriel won't even try and anger him. The two would exchanged glare before Gabriel up and left. Sure we don't know if Lucifer's power would even work in earth. But with what we know about Lucifer's history with his brothers I would assume that Gabriel would retreat like Michael in the two star event.

As for the contract... Would Lucifer agree to bring Minhyeok alive? There is a small chance of Lucifer agreeing to make a contract with MC, with his angel nature of disliking Solomon and that fact that in this possibility MC doesn't have "I'm here in hell to help you" plot armor. So, MC has to really think outside the box to convince Lucifer to make a contract with him. Also, it is a give if MC did manage to do it, they'll be staying in Paradise Lost, and it would a sure in that Paradise Lost would still get angel attacks but not that much, which also means there has to be a different way for MC to meet the other kings otherwise, why would MC leave Paradise Lost? Or they write it as though MC needs to get to each region and help the kings and nobles.

Next, Leviathan. The way I see how he'll agree to go to earth and save MC is by having an information about MC and that they have God's permission before hand and not later in Chapter 5 of the main story. He'll save only because of that.

Now with the contact in order to save Minhyeok, yeah no. That ain't happening with how his H scene went. He wouldn't make a contract with MC in order to save Minhyeok. So, the way I see it, Solomon would be a voice in MC during them and Leviathan's talk about saving Minhyeok, MC wouldn't know who Solomon is, but they'll believe anything at this point (I mean after seeing and angel kill your friend and slice you chest, who wouldn't believe what is real or not) Solomon would have to tell MC how to handle Leviathan. And they try and stand up to Leviathan, after that... He'll agree, only with specific conditions and he'll save Minhyeok, have a contract with MC (With a few death threats sprinkled here and there) and They'll both head to hell and to Hades.

Next, Mammon. Honestly I could see Mammon going the same way as Satan, only this time he'll and attack Gabriel as soon as MC was yelling at Gabriel, Mammon would see their display of anger adorable but also admirable. And knowing Mammon, he gladly take this human with him. Back to the attack, Gabriel insult Mammon before leaving.

MC mourns Minhyeok, and that when Mammon mention about the contract and MC begged Mammon to saved Minhyeok and Mammon agrees only if MC would answer him truthfully. MC agrees and when the contract is one and done, he asked if they desire his body and to that MC pour their thoughts about his body and that's when Mammon and taste their greed for him. He quick laugh and say that they'll be staying with him and quickly he picks them up in his arms and both headed to Tartaros.

Finally (For now) is Beelzebub, And Honestly Beelzebub would try and test MC as he dealing with Gabriel, and when the angel left. Beelzebub would just try to leave, and that when MC try and stop him. That was their first test and MC passed, next he taunt them like what he did in his selfie and MC did they're best to not let this taunting get to them and that was the last test and Beelzebub is interested of this human.

Next, is relative easy and I kinda see it going as Satan's contract. The hardest part is that MC would have Beelzebub interest and now that they have it, Beelzebub would be like "Okay" and form a contract with MC. As for where we be staying... There's actually two ways, one is obviously in Abysoss but only differences is that Beelzebub would just leave MC to Bael and leaves and only in occasions that he'll stay and spend time with MC. Next is that he'll pawn MC to one of the other three kings, high possibility is Leviathan or the other two.

Will make a Belphegor and Asmodeus once they are in the game, till then.

[blackroserelina]

Once Lost Now Found

I'm not much of a writer I had to use AI to even get this done, but this is basically the story for the lost one out line I did. I'm not fully happy with it but it's what I can do.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Pfft, what a bust," Marinette exclaimed as she stomped into the dimly lit coffee shop. The hotel's coffee pot had decided to brew its last cup of sludge that morning, leaving her desperate for a decent caffeine fix before the big tour of Wayne Enterprise. She was in Gotham for a class trip, and the thought of facing the day without her usual buzz was as appealing as a soggy croissant.

Her eyes landed on the menu, and she felt a glimmer of hope as she spotted the "Death by Espresso" option. "Perfect," she murmured, stepping up to the counter. "One of those, please."

The barista, a young man with a slightly worried look, asked "You're sure you can handle it?"

Marinette's determination didn't waver. "Trust me, I need it."

As she waited for her drink, she heard the door chime, and in walked a figure that was both familiar and foreign to her. Tim Drake, in his casual yet expensive attire, strode in with the confidence of someone who was used to the chaos of Gotham. His eyes scanned the room, and when they met hers, he paused for a fraction of a second before ordering the same lethal concoction.

Their drinks arrived simultaneously, and they both went to grab them, "Well, I guess we have similar tastes in coffee," Tim said, noticing her bewilderment.

Marinette couldn't help but laugh nervously. "Yeah, I guess so."

Tim's eyes searched hers, and she felt a strange sense of comfort from his presence. "I'm Tim," he said, extending a hand. "Timothy Drake."

Marinette took his hand, her grip firm yet gentle. "Marinette Dupain-Cheng."

Tim's smile grew as he replied, "Nice to meet you, Marinette."

As they stepped out of the coffee shop, the harsh reality of Gotham's streets hit them like a cold wind. Marinette's eyes grew wide as she spotted the bus, her class's yellow beacon of safety, pulling away from the curb. Panic set in, and she looked around frantically for any sign of the teacher who was supposed to be looking out for her.

"You, okay?" Tim asked, his eyes narrowing at the bus's retreating figure.

Marinette nodded, trying to keep the tremor from her voice. "Yeah, I just… I can't believe they left without me."

Tim's eyes flashed with a mix of anger and concern. "That's unacceptable. You're not from around here, are you?"

Marinette nodded, feeling a bit embarrassed. "It's a class trip from Paris. I won the contest to come here."

Tim's eyes widened. "Paris? That's amazing! But it's also incredibly irresponsible of them to leave you behind."

Marinette felt a warmth spread through her chest at his genuine concern. "It's okay," she lied, trying to put on a brave face. "I'm sure they'll realize and come back for me."

Tim's expression was grim. "I wouldn't bet on it. Gotham's not the safest place to be stranded, especially if you're not from around here." He checked his watch. "Look, I'm heading to Wayne Enterprise myself for some work. You can come with me, and I'll make sure you get to the tour on time."

Marinette hesitated, eyeing him warily. Gotham was a city of shadows and secrets, and she wasn't about to trust a stranger, no matter how kind he seemed. But as she focused on his aura, she felt a gentle warmth, a sense of protection and sincerity that washed away her fears. "Okay," she agreed, taking a deep breath. "Thank you, Tim."

The ride to Wayne Enterprise was filled with nervous energy, their conversation bouncing between the mundane and the profound. Tim spoke of his love for Gotham, despite its dangers, and Marinette shared her excitement for the tour, her voice filled with hope and wonder. As they approached the towering building, Marinette's heart raced.

Upon their arrival, Dick Grayson was already waiting for them. His gaze swept over the group of students, and his eyes lingered on Marinette as she stepped into the lobby, clutching her purse tightly to herself. His stomach twisted in knots as he heard the whispers of her classmates, the cruel taunts that seemed to follow her wherever she went. He had been informed by Tim of the situation, and it was all he could do to keep from swooping in and putting an end to it right there.

As Marinette sees her class, she knows her time with him has ended so she waves goodbye to Tim.

"I'll be okay," she assured him with a forced smile. "Thank you again for the ride."

Tim nodded, his eyes lingering on her for a moment longer than necessary before he turned to leave. Dick stepped forward, a mask of professionalism sliding into place as he began the tour. Throughout the grand halls of Wayne Enterprise, Lila's voice echoed like a siren's call, weaving tall tales of her connections and the importance of her family name. The class hung on her every word, their eyes glazed over with adoration, while Dick felt his patience wearing thinner than a spider's web.

Marinette alone remained unshaken by Lila's deceitful charm, her eyes never leaving Dick as she listened to the real stories he shared about the company's history and its commitment to the city. Her gaze was a beacon of sanity in a sea of naivety. He found himself grateful for her silent support, her nods of understanding grounding him in the face of such blatant dishonesty.

As the tour dragged on, the rest of the class remained enraptured by Lila's fabrications, while Marinette discreetly sent glances Dick's way, her expressions a silent question. He returned her looks with a mix of exasperation and amusement, his respect for her growing with every step.

"Miss Bustier," Dick called out, his voice echoing in the vast lobby, "I think it's time we moved on."

Lila rolled her eyes dramatically. "Oh, come on, Mr. Grayson, we're having so much fun!"

The class giggled in unison, clearly on her side. Dick felt a headache coming on. "Miss Rossi," he said firmly, "let's not hold up the tour any longer."

Lila huffed, but complied, tossing her hair over her shoulder. Marinette couldn't help but feel a pang of pity for Dick. He had been trying so hard to give them a real insight into the company, and all they cared about were her classmates' petty gossip and exaggerated tales of wealth. She walked closer to him, her eyes scanning and hands fiddling with the locket that was her silent companion around her neck.

"Thank you for the tour," she said quietly, her voice sincere.

Dick nodded, his eyes scanning the locket around her neck. It was a subtle gesture, but Marinette caught it. "You're welcome, Marinette. It's not every day we get such an insightful visitor."

As the tour concluded, the students dispersed, eager to explore the rest of Gotham, but Marinette lingered, her eyes on the locket that had drawn Dick's attention. The rest of the class had ignored the actual tour, lost in Lila's fabricated tales of grandeur, but she had been the one to truly listen and appreciate the stories Dick had shared about the city and the company.

Dick noticed her lingering and approached her. "You seem like the only one who actually enjoyed the tour," he said, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

Marinette shrugged, her cheeks flushing. "I guess I just like to learn about new places."

Dick's smile grew, and he gave her a warm pat on the shoulder. "You're a breath of fresh air in this city," he said before turning to leave.

Marinette watched him go, her thoughts a jumble of confusion and excitement. She couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more to him than met the eye. She knew he wasn't just any employee at Wayne Enterprise; she could feel it.

The class trip continued, and that evening they all went to a fancy restaurant for dinner. The chatter was loud, a cacophony of French and English blending together. Lila, as usual, held court, spinning tales of her fabulous life in Paris that made the other students' eyes widen with envy. Marinette tried to ignore the noise, focusing instead on her meal. The food was delicious, but the company was… less than ideal.

As the meal ended and the students began to leave, Marinette told Miss Bustier that she had to use the restroom really quick.

"Don't take too long," Miss Bustier called out, already halfway out the door.

Marinette nodded and hurried to the bathroom. When she emerged, the restaurant was empty except for a few lingering staff. She felt a cold hand of fear grips her heart—she had been left behind again. Panic rising, she fumbled for her phone in her pocket, only to find it as lifeless as a forgotten souvenir. The battery was dead.

With no way to call for help, she stepped out into the darkening streets of Gotham. The once vibrant and bustling metropolis now seemed like a labyrinth of shadows and danger. She had been warned about the city's notorious reputation, but she never thought she would be alone in it. As she wandered, trying to remember the way back to the hotel, she heard the distant sound of laughter and footsteps growing louder. Two men turned the corner, leering at her.

"Looks like we found ourselves a little tourist," one of them sneered, his teeth glinting in the dim streetlight.

Marinette took a deep breath, her hand instinctively moving to the locket around her neck. It was all she had left of home, of her father, and she wasn't about to let anyone take that from her. She had been trained in martial arts, thanks to her adopted mother's insistence and with her experience as Ladybug, she wasn't going to let fear dictate her actions.

The alley grew quieter as their footsteps grew closer. The moon cast eerie shadows that danced on the damp pavement. The smell of rotting trash mixed with the scent of rain that hung in the air. She knew she had to end this quickly. With a swift move, she grabbed one man's arm and twisted it behind his back, causing him to cry out in pain. The second man lunged at her, but she was ready. She ducked under his arm and delivered a powerful kick to his midsection, sending him reeling into the wall.

As she spun around to face the first attacker, she felt a hand on her shoulder, firm yet gentle. "Easy there, kitten," a gruff voice said. She whipped around, ready to fight, only to find a man dressed in red and black, a hood shadowing his face.

Marinette's heart raced as she took in the newcomer. The two men she had just fought were groaning on the ground, but the new figure didn't seem concerned with them. "Who are you?" she demanded, trying to keep her voice steady.

The man in red and black, known as Red Hood, chuckled softly. "Someone who doesn't like to see a pretty girl like you fighting in the streets."

Marinette's eyes narrowed, and she took a step back, her instincts telling her to be wary. "What do you want?" she asked, her voice laced with suspicion.

Red Hood's grip on her shoulder tightened for a moment before he realized his mistake and let go. "I'm not here to hurt you," he said, his voice calmer now. "I just want to make sure you're okay."

Marinette eyed him warily, her heart pounding in her chest. The locket felt heavy around her neck, a silent reminder of her father's love and protection. "Thanks," she managed to say, her voice still shaking slightly. "I can handle myself."

Red Hood studied her for a moment, his eyes piercing through the shadows of his hood. "I can see that," he said with a hint of admiration. "But it's not every day you find a tourist who can take down two thugs without breaking a sweat. What's your secret?"

Marinette swallowed hard, her thoughts racing. She couldn't tell him the truth, not here, not now. "Just a little self-defense," she lied, trying to keep her voice steady. "My mom taught me."

Red Hood's eyes searched hers as if looking for a glimpse of the truth behind her words. After a moment, he nodded. "Good for you," he said, his voice carrying a hint of a Southern drawl. "But you shouldn't be out here alone. It's not safe."

Marinette felt a shiver run down her spine, her earlier bravado fading in the face of his intense gaze. "I know," she murmured, her eyes darting to the unconscious men on the ground. "My class left me behind."

Red Hood's expression darkened. "Stay here," he instructed, his voice firm. He stepped over to the thugs and tied them up with a swiftness that spoke of experience. He pulled out a small communicator from his utility belt and spoke into it, arranging for their pickup.

Marinette watched him, feeling a strange sense of comfort in his presence. She knew he was dangerous, a vigilante of some kind, but he didn't feel threatening to her. Her eyes wandered to the locket again, the warm metal pressing against her skin.

"You okay?" Red Hood asked, his voice softer now.

Marinette nodded, still trembling slightly. "I think so," she whispered. "I just want to go back to the hotel."

Red Hood looked at her for a long moment before nodding. "I'll take you there," he said. "But you have to stay close."

Marinette nodded, her eyes never leaving his. She could feel his concern, his protective aura wrapping around her like a warm blanket. As they walked through the streets of Gotham, she couldn't help but feel a strange kinship with him. Despite his intimidating exterior, there was something comforting about the way he moved, the confidence in his steps.

"What's your name?" she asked, breaking the silence.

"Red Hood," he replied, his eyes never leaving the shadows. "How about you?"

Marinette took a deep breath, the air thick with the scent of rain. "Marinette Dupain-Cheng," she said, trying to keep her voice steady.

Red Hood nodded. "Nice to meet you, Marinette," he said, his eyes scanning the street. "Now, let's get you out of here."

They moved swiftly through the alleyways, sticking to the shadows. Marinette could feel his eyes on her, checking if she was okay, if she needed help. She didn't. Her training as Ladybug had prepared her for moments like this, but she appreciated his concern.

As they neared the hotel, the streets grew quieter, the neon lights reflecting off the wet pavement. The rain had started to fall, a soft patter that grew louder with each step. Red Hood pulled his hood up further, shielding his face from the downpour.

Marinette felt a twinge of sadness as they approached the hotel's glowing entrance. She didn't want to leave him, didn't want to return to the cold reality of her classmates' indifference. But she knew she had to.

"Thank you," she murmured, her voice barely audible over the rain. "For everything."

Red Hood nodded, his eyes never leaving hers. "You're welcome," he said, his grip on her shoulder reassuring. "And remember, Gotham can be a tough place. Stick with your group and stay safe."

Marinette stepped into the light of the hotel lobby, the warmth enveloping her as the rain continued to fall outside. She watched as Red Hood melted back into the shadows, his figure disappearing as if he had never been there. The encounter left her with more questions than answers, but she knew she had to keep moving forward.

The elevator ride to her room felt like an eternity. Each floor that passed brought back the memory of her father's eyes." The locket felt like a burning ember against her skin, a constant reminder of her lost past.

When the doors finally opened, Marinette rushed into her room and collapsed onto the bed, the locket still clutched in her hand. She stared at it, the inscription blurring through her tears. "My most beloved daughter M.W.," she whispered, tracing the letters with her thumb. "Daddy loves you always." as she cried herself to sleep.

The next day, she was paired with Damian Wayne for the visit to Gotham Academy. His cold demeanor was intimidating, but Marinette felt a strange pull towards him. Throughout the day, she saw glimpses of kindness beneath his tough exterior, especially when he defended her from a sneering comment by one of the other students. His sharp gaze was assessing, and she couldn't help but feel that he was searching for something in her, something she wasn't even sure she knew existed.

As they walked the halls, Marinette found herself opening up to Damian, sharing her love for art and her dreams of becoming a fashion designer. His initial skepticism gradually gave way to something resembling respect, and by the end of the day, she had earned a rare smile from the young heir to the Wayne legacy.

In the bustling cafeteria, they sat side by side, surrounded by the cacophony of chatter and clanging trays. Marinette picked at her food, lost in thought about the events of the past few days.

"You know," Damian began, his voice low and contemplative, "you're not like the others."

Marinette looked up from her tray, surprised by his sudden openness. "What do you mean?" she asked a hint of defensiveness in her tone.

Damian's gaze was fixed on her, his dark eyes unreadable. "You're… different," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "You have… a strength about you."

Marinette felt her cheeks flush. "Thanks," she murmured, unsure of how to respond.

Damian's gaze remained steadfast. "You remind me of someone," he said, his voice a mix of curiosity and something else she couldn't quite place.

Marinette's heart skipped a beat. Could it be? Could he somehow know about her secret life as Ladybug? She quickly dismissed the thought. No, it wasn't possible. "Really?" she asked, trying to keep her voice casual. "Who?"

Damian leaned closer, his eyes searching hers. "Someone important," he said, his voice dropping even lower. "Someone who has faced darkness and come out stronger for it."

Marinette's heart raced. Could he be referring to Ladybug? Her mind raced with possibilities, but she kept her expression neutral. "That's a nice compliment," she said, her voice a mere whisper.

Damian nodded, his eyes never leaving hers. "It's more than that," he said, his voice intense. "It's a recognition of something… extraordinary."

Marinette felt a jolt of adrenaline. She had never met anyone who seemed to see through her so easily. Her heart pounded in her chest as she wondered if he could be talking about her heroic alter ego. "What do you mean?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

Damian leaned back in his chair, a knowing smirk playing on his lips. "I've seen the way you handle yourself," he said, his eyes never leaving hers. "The way you stand up to bullies, even when you're scared. It's… inspiring."

Marinette felt a warmth spread through her, a feeling she hadn't experienced in a long time. Someone was finally seeing her, not just her classmates' version of her. "Thank you," she said, genuinely touched by his words.

Damian's smirk grew. "You're welcome," he said. "You know, if you ever need anything while you're in Gotham, just let me know."

Marinette's eyes widened slightly. Was he offering to help her, not just as a fellow student but as something more? "Thanks," she said, her voice a bit shaky. "But I'm sure I'll be fine."

Damian's smirk didn't falter. "I'm sure you will," he said, his tone sincere. "But sometimes, even the strongest heroes need a hand."

Marinette's thoughts swirled as she took in his words. Was he hinting at something? Did he know her secret? Impossible, she thought, pushing the doubt aside. Yet, she couldn't shake the feeling that he saw more than he let on.

The rest of the day at Gotham Academy was a blur. The tension between her and Damian grew thicker with every shared glance and whispered conversation. She felt like she was walking on eggshells, not wanting to give anything away.

As the class boarded the bus back to the hotel, Marinette couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. She knew she had to keep her distance from the Wayne brothers, not just to protect her secret but also to protect them from the danger that followed her. Yet, she couldn't shake the feeling that they were somehow connected, that they were all part of something much larger than themselves.

That night, she couldn't sleep. Her mind was racing with the day's events. The way Red Hood had moved, the way Tim and Dick had looked at her during the tour, and now Damian's cryptic words. It was all too much to process. Her heart felt like it was going to burst with excitement and fear.

The next day, the class was scheduled to visit the Gotham Museum of Art.

Marinette walked through the grand halls, feeling a strange mix of awe and anxiety. She had always loved art, but in Gotham, it felt different, as if each painting held a secret of the city's dark soul. She found solace in the quiet whispers of the brushstrokes, a stark contrast to the chaos outside.

As the tour group moved from one exhibit to the next, she noticed a peculiar painting that had been recently added. It was a portrait of a young girl with her mother, and the girl's eyes seemed to follow her, filled with a sense of longing that resonated deep within her. The plaque beside it read, "Marinette Wayne," and she felt a cold shiver run down her spine.

The first name was the same as hers, and the resemblance in the eyes was uncanny. The more she stared, the more she felt like she was looking into a mirror reflecting a past she couldn't remember. The rest of the class had moved on, but she remained, lost in the haunting beauty of the portrait.

It was then that she heard a soft footstep behind her, and she spun around to see Bruce Wayne standing there, his eyes fixed on the painting as well.

"It's a beautiful piece, isn't it?" he said, his voice low and measured.

Marinette nodded, unable to tear her gaze away from the painting. "It's… haunting," she murmured.

Bruce stepped closer, his eyes never leaving the painting. "It reminds me of someone," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "Someone very important to me."

Marinette felt her heart clench in her chest for some reason.

Bruce continued, "Marinette was my daughter," he said, his voice barely a whisper. "She was… she was everything to me."

Marinette's breath caught in her throat. The locket grew heavier on her neck. "Your…daughter?" she managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper.

Bruce nodded his gaze still on the painting. "Yes," he said, his voice filled with a sadness that seemed to echo through the museum. "She was taken from me when she was very young. I've been searching for her ever since."

Marinette's eyes grew wide with shock and disbelief. "What…what happened?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Bruce took a deep breath, his eyes welling up with pain. "She was kidnapped," he said, his voice heavy with regret. "I've devoted my life to finding her, and to making sure no one else has to go through what she did."

Marinette's hand flew to her locket, her heart racing for some reason. She felt a strange kinship with this man, a bond that she couldn't explain. "Di… did you ever find any leads?" she asked.

Bruce's eyes searched hers, the pain in his gaze was palpable. "No," he said, his voice strained. "Every trail went cold. I never gave up hope, but… it's been so long."

Marinette felt a tear slip down her cheek. The story was all too familiar, but she didn't know why. "I'm sorry," she murmured, not knowing what else to say.

Bruce's gaze softened, and he reached out to gently wipe the tear away. "It's alright," he said, his voice filled with a warmth she hadn't heard in years. "Life is full of tragedies, but also moments of beauty, like this painting."

Marinette nodded, her eyes still glued to the portrait. "It's just… it's eerie how much she looks like me," she whispered.

Bruce's hand froze, and he leaned in closer, examining her features. "You do share a resemblance," he said, his voice tight with restrained emotion. "Perhaps it's the eyes."

Marinette's heart raced as he took a step back, composing himself. "It's just a coincidence," she said, trying to convince herself as much as him. "I'm sure lots of people have similar eyes."

Bruce nodded slowly, his gaze lingering on the locket she unconsciously clutched. "Perhaps," he murmured, his voice thick with unspoken questions. "But it's more than that, isn't it?"

Marinette's hand tightened around the locket, the carving of 'M.W.' feeling like a brand on her skin. Her mind raced, trying to piece together the puzzle that was her life.

"Marinette," Bruce said gently, using her name for the first time. The sound of it on his lips sent a wave of longing through her. "Do you have a moment to talk in private?"

She nodded, and he led her to a secluded corner of the museum. The silence between them was deafening, filled with the weight of unspoken truths.

"I know this might sound strange," Bruce began, his voice gentle yet firm. "But I need to ask you something important." He took hold of the locket around her neck, the weight of its contents heavy. "Do you know what this means?"

Marinette's eyes grew wide with shock "It's… it's just a necklace," she lied, her voice trembling. "It's special to me, but I don't know what it means."

Bruce's eyes searched hers, and she could see the hope and fear mingling in the depths of his gaze. "Marinette," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Look inside."

With trembling hands, she opened the locket. The same words she had read countless times stared back at her, "My most beloved daughter M.W. Daddy loves you always." But this time, something clicked. The initials matched the name from the painting. Her heart skipped a beat. Could it be?

Bruce's eyes searched hers, holding the locket between them. "Do you know who this is?" he asked, his voice filled with a mix of hope and fear.

Marinette felt the room spin as she stared at the locket, the reality of the situation crashing down upon her. "It… it's me," she murmured, her voice barely audible. "It's… I'm M.W."

Bruce's hand trembled as he cupped her cheek, his eyes searching hers. "Marinette," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "Is it possible?"

Marinette's eyes filled with tears as she nodded slowly. "I… I think so," she choked out, the weight of the revelation too much to bear.

Bruce's own eyes glistened with unshed tears as he cradled her face in his hands. "Marinette," he breathed, her name like a prayer on his lips. "My baby girl."

The dam of emotions broke, and Marinette threw herself into his arms, sobbing uncontrollably. It was as if the universe had conspired to bring her to this moment, to this place where she could finally find the love she had been searching for her entire life. Bruce held her tightly, his own eyes filled with tears as he whispered soothing words into her ear, the warmth of his embrace bringing a sense of belonging she had never felt before.

Marinette pulled away, wiping her tears with the back of her hand. "Daddy," she whispered, testing the word she hadn't dared to speak in so long.

Their moment was interrupted by the concerned chatter of the approaching tour group. Bruce quickly composed himself, his eyes scanning the room. He knew they couldn't stay here, not like this. "Marinette," he said, urgency in his tone. "We need to talk. In private."

They found a quiet spot in the museum's garden, the chilly Gotham air a stark contrast to the warmth of their conversation. "What do we do now?" Marinette asked, her voice still shaking.

Bruce took a deep breath, the reality of the situation setting in. "First, we need to find out for sure," he said, his voice firm.

Marinette nodded, wiping her eyes. "How do we do that?" she asked, hope mingling with fear.

Bruce took a deep breath. "We need to get a DNA test," he said. "It's the only way to be certain."

Marinette's heart raced at the thought. "But…but what if it's true?" she stammered. "What if I am your daughter?"

Bruce's gaze softened as he took her hand in his. "Then we'll deal with it together," he assured her. "But we need to be certain."

Marinette nodded, her mind racing with the implications. "Okay," she said, her voice small. "But how do we explain this to everyone?"

Bruce's expression grew serious. "We'll cross that bridge when we come to it," he said. "For now, we need to keep this between us. The less people know, the better."

Marinette nodded, her mind reeling with the gravity of their situation. She knew that if it were true, it would change everything. Her life in Paris, her friends, her secret identity – all of it would be turned upside down.

"We'll figure this out together," he said, his voice a soothing balm to her racing thoughts. "But for now, we need to keep this between us. I'll arrange for a discreet DNA test tomorrow."

Marinette nodded, her mind racing with the implications of her potential lineage. Could she really be the lost daughter of Bruce Wayne? It was too much to comprehend.

The rest of the day was a blur as she went through the motions of the tour, her thoughts consumed by the revelation. She couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and dread intertwined. Her heart ached with the hope of finally finding her family, yet the fear of losing everything she knew was ever-present.

That night, she lay in her hotel bed, the locket clutched tightly in her hand. Her mind was a whirlwind of questions, and she couldn't shake the feeling that her entire life was about to change. The DNA test loomed over her like a storm cloud, and she found it hard to sleep.

The next day, Bruce arranged for a private meeting in his office at Wayne Enterprise. Under the guise of meeting the winner that won the class this trip. The gleaming skyscraper stood tall against the gloomy Gotham skyline, a symbol of hope amidst the city's darkness. Marinette's heart hammered in her chest as she stepped into the elevator, feeling the weight of the unknown pressing down on her.

When the elevator doors slid open, she was greeted by Alfred, Bruce's loyal butler. His kind eyes searched hers, and she wondered if he knew the truth they were about to uncover. He led her into a plush office, where Bruce was waiting, his expression a mask of calm she couldn't quite read.

The DNA test was quick and painless, but the wait was agonizing. They talked in hushed tones, avoiding the subject at hand, their eyes darting to the clock on the wall as the minutes ticked by. Marinette felt like she was in a dream, one that she didn't want to end but knew would bring a reality she wasn't prepared for.

Bruce excused himself to take a call, leaving Marinette alone with her thoughts. She gazed out the window at the sprawling cityscape, the stark contrast of the gleaming Wayne Tower against the grimy buildings of Gotham a stark reminder of the life she might have had.

When he returned, his eyes were heavy with a mix of anticipation and dread. "The results will be in tomorrow," he said, his voice tight.

Marinette nodded, trying to keep her emotions in check. "Thank you," she murmured, feeling a knot form in her stomach.

The next 24 hours were the longest of her life. She walked through the streets of Gotham, the weight of the locket and the potential truth it held pressing down on her like a leaden cloak. She couldn't focus on anything else, her thoughts a tornado of what-ifs and maybes. Her interactions with her classmates were forced, her mind elsewhere.

The night brought no rest. She tossed and turned in her hotel bed, the locket lying like a hot coal on her chest. The whispers of the wind outside seemed to carry the secrets of the city, secrets that could soon be her own. The room felt too small, the air too thick to breathe.

The next day dragged on like a mournful symphony, each second a painful crescendo towards the truth. The class continued with their Gotham adventures, but Marinette was lost in her thoughts, unable to fully engage with the world around her. She found solace in the quiet moments, the gentle hum of the city's pulse a lullaby that sang of a past she had long ago forgotten.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting Gotham in a cloak of twilight, Marinette waited anxiously in the hotel lobby. The grand clock ticked away the moments, each chime echoing through her soul like a countdown to destiny. And then, as if on cue, the elevator doors parted, and Bruce emerged, his eyes filled with a solemn intensity that told her the moment of truth had arrived.

He approached her, his footsteps muffled by the plush carpet. In his hand, he held a small envelope, the seal of the lab stark and official. Marinette's heart felt as if it were about to burst from her chest as he handed it to her, his own hand trembling slightly.

With trembling fingers, she took the envelope and slid out the single sheet of paper. The words she read sent a shockwave through her entire being. The DNA test results were conclusive: she was indeed Marinette Wayne, the long-lost daughter of Bruce Wayne. The truth hit her like a ton of bricks, and she felt her legs give out beneath her.

Bruce caught her before she could fall, his strong arms wrapping around her as she sobbed into his chest. "It's okay," he murmured over and over, his voice a comforting rumble that she hadn't heard since she was a child. "You're home now."

Marinette looked up at him, her eyes blurred with tears. "What do we do now?" she asked, her voice small and scared.

Bruce's gaze held hers, filled with a fierce determination. "We get to know each other," he said firmly. "You're not alone anymore."

Marinette nodded, her heart swelling with a mix of joy and fear. She had found her father, but what about her mother? The woman in the portrait, the woman she had never known?

Bruce seemed to read her thoughts. "Your mother was a wonderful person," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "She was… she was taken from us when you were very young. But I promise you, she would be proud of the strong, brave woman you've become."

Marinette felt a fresh wave of tears threaten to spill over. "I don't know how to be a Wayne," she whispered. "I don't know anything about this life."

Bruce's grip on her tightened. "You don't have to be anyone but yourself," he assured her. "I'll be here to guide you, to help you navigate this new chapter."

Marinette took a shaky breath, trying to process the monumental revelation. "What about my life in Paris? I have responsibility there."

Bruce nodded, understanding the gravity of her words. "We'll figure it out," he promised. "We'll take it one step at a time."

[altocat]

FIRST SOLDIER EPISODE 2: CHAPTER 1

It's finally time! We were waiting FOREVER. I know you guys are very excited for Babygeal and Miniroth's first adventure together. So I'm recapping what you might have missed if you weren't able to see the chapter! Let's go!!!!

We open on the mysterious woods, a hooded figure staggering around wheezing and gasping. He's in some sort of ruins location. He drops a video camera cutting to images of sephiroth in fire and flashing forward to glimpses of scenes we'll see later in the story. We see Sephiroth, Angeal, and a Lucrecia-looking character named ALISSA. A new soldier ally? But she looks a LOT like Lucrecia so it's weird. A new friend? Or something...else?

Alissa is shown to be mentioning something about Sephiroth taking a magic sword (Masamune) and how it will empower him. Or, as she puts it, CHANGE THE WORLD. More clips from the trailer.

We cut to the present with Miniroth sleeping on the helicopter. Angeal disturbs his sleep like we saw before. It's still 1992 btw so not too much later than the Rhadore mission.

Miniroth is grumpy. Camera guy is here too--his name is Bachman.

Angeal is SIXTEEN also btw if you're wondering. Seph is prob 14 or 15.

Angeal keeps yapping and LMAO he's already talking about dumbapples. Miniroth is super annoyed and keeps blowing him off.

Angeal guesses that Seph has ever been lectured before and Miniroth FLASHES BACK TO GLENN. I'm already sad.

Bachman is reminiscing like this is a documentary he's looking back on. Angeal and Sephiroth land in September of 1992 into the ruins of Robio, on the southern tip of Wutai. Their objective is to find a bunch of missing soldiers.

Bachman is with the Shinra Records and Archives division. Sephiroth already hates being filmed. Bachman is basically there for propaganda reasons. Sephiroth WILL NOT humor his questions and is getting increasingly pissy.

Angeal is determined to find the missing soldiers no matter what. Four missing soldiers.

A monster appears! Sephiroth doesn't want to fight with the cameras rolling so Angeal steps in to fight for him. Angeal asks why Sephiroth didn't fight, Sephiroth says that Angeal had it handled. Bachman keeps hassling them for PR footage. Sephiroth was not informed about being filmed and is sulking. The guy is DONE.

They enter the Igara Forbidden Zone. It's a spooky place. Shinra thinks they're hiding something there. This is where the soldiers went missing. Angeal guesses there's some evil sort of entity in the area. Sephiroth is checked out.

Angeal tries to get Seph to cut loose. There's tension between them. Seph won't open up. The incident with Glenn really hurt him. He doesn't trust anyone.

Angeal spots something. It's a soldier and he's dead. Angeal is sad. He knew this guy and he was one of his friends. Angeal says they'll bring the body back later. They have to find the others.

They trek deeper into the Forbidden Zone. Angeal leads the way. ANOTHER body! That's 2/4 soldiers found.

Bachman brings up the Rhadore mission. Sephiroth flashes back again to the FS trio being kind to him. Sephiroth lies about how close he was to them, pretending he never got emotionally involved. But even then, Sephiroth is upset af when they are called traitors to Shinra. It's weighing on him.

Sephiroth tells Angeal that he's a special soldier. He's the only one who can speak freely to Professor Hojo. He warns Angeal THEY'LL NEVER BE FRIENDS (lol). Hojo must have done some shit to Seph before this mission, since he's so closed off. Angeal muses that being around Hojo must have fucked up Sephiroth's personality.

A third dead soldier found. Sephiroth still doesn't want to fight when monsters show up. Peak Grumpyroth. Only one more soldier left to find.

Sephiroth says that the wound on the body was made with a blade, the same as the other bodies. A PERSON killed the soldiers, not monsters. Angeal wants Seph to help him out and share intel. Sephiroth is not being agreeable.

They take a short break. Bachman brings up being friends with soldiers and says that Seph keeps to himself. Angeal lectures on TEAMWORK. Seph blows him off again. Sephiroth brute forces his way through without teamwork.

Angeal says he always wanted to work with Seph. He says if they can't be friends then at least comrades? Sephiroth keeps depersonalizing himself. He keeps calling himself just a "weapon" or a "machine". Angeal is DETERMINED to be his friend no matter what. They can get stronger through bonds. But Sephiroth is still depressed and checked out.

Lol they talk about ninjas. Angeal has fought them in simulations.

FUCKING HOJO JUMPSCARE. Seph flashback of fighting in simulations with Hojo overlooking his training. Angeal's data was included to test how Sephiroth operates with a team. Huh. Angeal was apparently partners with Seph in those simulations due to rankings. LOL GEN NOT GOOD ENOUGH TO PLACE I GUESS.

Angeal senses something's not right about this place (NO YOU THINK?). They talk about Soldier Intuition. Camera man is literally just there for Angeal to talk to since Seph won't talk to him lol.

Seph says they're being watched. Sephiroth just senses it while blowing off the whole intuition thing. We see a spooky purple presence tailing them.

Another body! The final one! And they're alive! But suddenly an old man with an INCREDIBLE AMAZING SWORD shows up. Sephiroth says that the geezer is unworthy to hold such a beautiful weapon. It's the Masamune btw. In case that isn't obvious. And the old man's name is Swordsmith Masamune.

NAMELESS (Sephiroth's old sword) breaks during the clash (rip). The old man says that he's the master swordsmith of Robio. He brags about how COOL AND AWESOME HIS SWORD IS. And how no matter how long he's waited, no one has come to claim the sword as their own (lol till now). He then runs off.

The injured soldier stirs and removes their helmet. It's that Lucrecia-looking chick Alissa. Sephiroth IMMEDIATELY panics because SHE LOOKS LIKE HIS MOTHER SADRFGHJGFD

WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON ASEDRFGHFDS She asks if she looks like Sephiroth's sweetheart...or his MOTHER. AND THEN THE CHAPTER ENDS!!!!

But wait there's apparently extra content? Little glimpses. Hm...

Snippet 1: Angeal tells Bachman to take Alissa to safety while they gather their fallen allies. Sephiroth is still freaked out by Alissa. The mission wraps up. Bachman muses that there is no other soldier like Sephiroth. But the second he lost his sword...there were cracks in his psyche. Hm...

Snippet 2: Sephiroth is having a dream. It's his mother's voice and HOLY SHIT he's dreaming about seeing her im going to pass away. I'm going to die FUCK he's dreaming of having her with him and being in her life and hersdfdsdfs she makes him dinner and it's PUMPKIN SOUP AND I'M DYING HOLY SHIT HOLY FUCK ASEDRFGHJGFDSADFGHGFDSDSFGHFDS it's a fantasy in his head AND HE AND AND SHE ASDFGHFDSA I'm sobbing SHE HUGS HIM AND I'M ASDFGDSFD

Snippet 3: Angeal is thinking back to a memory with his father. It's Gillian's birthday. We see young Angeal with his dad and they're bringing out food for his mother enjoying a nice picnic. Angeal says he wants to do more cooking. Just some cute Banora lore mostly. Angeal is talking about enlisting. The extra wages will help his family. They toast in honor of sending him off. Angeal reflects on doing meaningful stuff with his life by joining SOLDIER.

END chapter. Whew. Holy cow. Super intriguing stuff. Who is Alissa? Why does she look like Sephiroth's mom? What's with the Masamune? Will Sephiroth EVER trust Angeal? ALSO HOLY SHIT WE GOT A CANON MOMMY ISSUES SCENE WITH Seph and Lucrecia I'm going to die.

[signedkoko]

GOSH, all your writings make me feel all bouncy and giddy I swear AaaAAAA

Feeling slightly inspired by your previous Lucifer and Lilith with a reader who ends up attacked, might I request a Vox X Reader, where while they're both out together, Reader notices someone apparently brave enough to attack Vox and just- autopilot takes the hit to protect him? Turns out afterwords it wasn't an Angelic weapon of any kind, so even though it's nasty and painful, they'll ultimately be okay...

But did Reader KNOW that? Nope. Could Vox have probably handled it himself with how powerful he is? Yep. Did either one of those thoughts even cross Reader's mind until after? NOPE.

Reader just saw harm approaching the one they love so much and just went into instant protect mode...

Vox X Reader [Romantic]

In which someone attempts an attack on Vox, but you decide to get in the way. Reader is genderneutral.

It was just another press conference, the same as all the others

VoxTek had a new announcement, and reporters flocked to be the ones with the most interesting story or the first, whichever got them more praise from their lousy boss

Both the CEO and spokesperson, Vox insisted on being the face everyone knew and saw, as well as the voice they all followed

You were a not-so-recent addition to his empire, and some cameras were sure to catch a frame or two of you as you waited on the side, smiling and waving to the crowd

You were only here because it made Vox happy and because you would rather be seen than not

VoxTek had some of the highest security, with mostly Vox himself watching over everything

You always wondered how he could keep track of so many tasks at once

But the screams of everyone sounded different, less like a thousand questions and more like terror, incomprehensible yells as someone broke through the crowd

They had a gun; it looked white and gold, you weren't sure if Vox hadn't noticed or didn't care

All you knew was that your body moved, and suddenly you were between the bullet and fov when it pierced right into your side

The space cleared of voices before one of the bodyguards tackled the man and wrestled the gun from his grip

While you stood there, clutching your abdomen, the lava-like pain burst through your abdomen

Before Vox could react, flashes began again, most of the crowd recognizing the occurrence or snapping photos of you stood there, still in shock from the shot

What did you expect from demons? They'd win a bonus if they caught the first image of you being shot

Before you can think much of it, Vox is running, carrying you, and applying pressure with his hand and yours over the bullet hole

Thank god the press release was in the Vees tower, he's laid you on a counter in the lobby, his jacket bunched up under your head and his claws tearing through your shirt to access the wound

There's no time for a hospital; besides, he knows everything, he can be the best doctor in the world in a second, and he's going to be if it means helping you

" Thank go- "

" Thank god what! I could take that shot! Shut up! "

You decide to listen because, well, you can barely speak through gritted teeth

He's calling Val to come down and bring any kind of anaesthetic.

He's able to fix you up more than enough, but just to be safe, he's called in his private doctor to come take a look at you

Once everything has calmed down and you're back upstairs with Vox, he's got a million different questions

Why? I mean, he could take a bullet with ease! hes moslty metal, everything can be replaced!

Even worse if you really thought it was an angel weapon, because that would have absolutely killed you!

" It's not like I had time to think, Vox. I just moved! "

He's frustrated that you'd ever be in harm's way, but it's hard for him to stay mad knowing you just wanted to protect him

Author's Note - I wasn't sure if I should go for an angst or romantic note on this one, but I felt a little humour coping was more like Vox so I went for romantic! Thank you for requesting 🖤

[roseadleyn]

Lidia‘s SA was handled even worse. Sjm would have lidia fuck Ruhn in mind at the same time she’s getting SA‘ed by her ex. Lidia never received proper time to heal from that sh*t. The moment Ruhnlidia made up in the third book they had mf sex.

Nesta had sex with Cassian right after getting SA‘ed by that weirdo kelpie from the lake, and that other time when Lanthys made her see that vision in which he SA‘ed her too. The SA from Tomas was also never properly acknowledged.

At least Gwyn had 2 years to recover. Most SA survivors in her books don’t receive much time to at least process it all before fucking. You’re telling me Rhys is all cool with going down on Feyre after 50 years of SA? Feyre can easily forget the sh*t Rhys did to her utm? Great.

If Gwynriel is canon, Sjm will most definitely fuck up her trauma like she always does.

Sjm: „Oh you were touched against your will?“

Sjm: „Here have a cock. That will heal you quickly!“

Worst of all is that the sex is always so… rough? Specifically for Nesta. At least worship her and make her feel safe instead of dicking her down like she‘s a good one night stand. Poor girl.

ya i'm just realizing that gwyn is at least not as bad as nesta or feyre or lucien or rhys or lidia. i haven't read any other sjm books but i know abt lidia and that's insane 😭 it's like she doesn't know how to write intimacy. it's like she thinks emotional connections only exist in sex.

it was insane how feyre only rescued lucien from being raped because she remembered her darling rhys and not because lucien is her first friend and also it's just the MORAL THING TO DO

( also why is it that everytime a couple fights in sjm's novels, they always have sex when they make up? i get that angry makeup sex is soo hot etc but like can no one have a conversation? can she not show how sometimes issues are talked out not fucked out? )

do NOT i hate how she wrote nesta i hate everything abt it. nesta was assaulted by tomas and when he found out he restrained her against the wall??? in the same manner tomas would have?? also i'm never going to forget how cassian tugged at the skirts of her dress and asked her 'what're you hiding under all this anyways?' without her consent, during a time in which they didn't like each other, and he was there on diplomatic purposes.

and i just checked but literally RIGHT after she was sa-ed by the kelpie, cassian not only had sex with her but he left her without any aftercare. bed still warm. rough sex as if she's a one night stand. she's sexually assaulted and then left wondering if cassian was 'punishing' her by leaving immediately. ugh i despise him i hate him.

and rhys? he literally has one (1) traumatic flashback to his trauma and whoop that's it yall we're done. and feyre wearing the same clothes she was wearing when she got assaulted for rhys, even though rhys was the one who assaulted her.

it pushes an extremely unhealthy narrative. very young girls (literally 15-16 year olds) read these books and they'll think these toxic, unrealistic, unhealthy dynamics are normal. it's so concerning and i hate the entire genre of dark romance for it but that's a story for some other angry rant

i hate the rough jackhammering sex. i fear she's gonna do the same shit with elain and lucien (😭). nesta deserves to be worshipped and praised and then given plenty of aftercare free my girlll

( for acotar stans who for some reason go into anti tags: do not interact u will be BLOCKED !!! okay bye 💋 )

[yandere-daydreams]

saw one of the trending posts that asked the question "does your favorite author know they're your favorite author?" so i decided to submit this so you know you're my fav

you have such a large following and i've always thought it was so cool how you interacted with them, you handled sooo many annoying asks like "ew how could you write about yanderes why would you like something like that" to explaining why you don't include "i don't condone this type of thing irl" on every post that you make

i've always thought you were so eloquent in your writing and i know you did you got into this becuz there wasn't existing content out there that you wanted to see, so you made it yourself and i think your taste in literature must be so good since i've read what your writing is like

you have such a distinct style i can immediately tell when it's something you've written without needing to see it's your username at the top of the post

you have a true horror element to a lot of things that you make, and i've read some of the commissioned posts you make (which is just another thing that means your skill is real because people PAY YOU!!! to write their dirty fics like wow how cool is that) and even if i wasn't the person who commissioned them i thought they were so good in their own right that i would've been willing to spend money too

you churn new fic out like you're a 12-man team behind that screen like woah. meanwhile my drafts sit for wears collecting dust and cobwebs. which is another thing (this is the embarrassing part that made me go on anon) i desperately want you to follow me like i've genuinely sat in my bed wondering if i submitted an ask offering $5 for you to follow me if you would do it 😭😭😔

but i wanted to earn your following so i was like "well i write yandere stuff too so maybe if i keep writing stuff one day they'll follow me for it" but realistically that's not going to happen and you're just this cool untouchable person outside of my realm of comprehension

you have this no-fucks-given attitude which i really respect you for because alot of people have zero boundaries here and shamelessly demand things from people

i don't really know much about you outside of tumblr ofc so i wish you the best, like i hope you have an awesome job you enjoy doing that pays well with good insurance and days off and you find a super cheap affordable house and a good mileage car 🙏😔 times are tough and i hope you're doing well

ahhhh thank you thank you thank you!!! ngl it is very discouraging to be someone posting very niche content sometimes, so generously dulled out validation is always appreciated <3 i do accept paid promotions but you Must understand my prices are higher than that. i'm a whore but not a cheap one i fear.

also!!! about the wip thing!!! honestly i think it's just a matter of fully fleshing out + investing yourself into the concept before starting at all. it's much easier to stagnate when you don't know where your story's going. i've found the plot of plenty of fics halfway through but i have also. failed at that and had to start over entirely. what we do is not joyous but it sure must be fulfilling ig.

[rotting-ink]

Would any F!MC be able to get pregnant during the story of any of the books? I assume not, but it does make me curious on how the potential fathers would handle it and how that might differ from plot point to plot point.

So, in the epilogue you can decide things, in each game. Not for the Mad Heir, but the other two should! For the Rotters, that's been answered here!

Our Last Liaisons:

Arkasha: For a servant MC, it's... Dread. They both have nothing. Less than nothing. Unless servants have saved up enough, or are beloved enough for a place to live outside of work and come in everyday... Well, they would have to give up the child. It would lead to Arkady doing some... Quite extreme things. Either you find yourself with a new, furnished cottage, or found in favour of one of the nobles to get a better life. Royal MC? Still frothing at the mouth. They're not the IDEAL parent nor partner, and while you can get away with a lot being a baby of the family, they're still worried. What if it's still taken away, or the doctors want you to get rid of it before the birth? Bundle of nerves and keeps shadowing you.

Dasha: Servant MC? Well, that was the plan!... It's a human one? Oh. Hm. Drat. Well, anyway. Dasha will give you an apartment to stay in. A lovely kept little lover. Anyway, nobles famously have legions of bastards, they should get started on their own. Royal MC? Oh, a human baby? Oh, cool, their back up plan worked! Neat! Anyway, this does mean marriage to legitimize the first grandchild of the Tsarina too. Man, today is a pretty good day.

Sasha: Servant MC? Huh. Well, Stas has one or two bastards running around, why not them? Enjoys keeping you as a kept lover, in your own apartments in the palace. Also kinda of looking forward to having a kid. Royal MC! Quick. Someone get mama. Marriage time :> Adapts very well, very excited, VERY happily shows off to Aksana, who was looking forward to being the first married in the family.

Priest J: Both MCs, it's the same. Very surprised, but smiling. A step towards a purer, happier life, with them. Does quietly disappear you, and puts you on a carriage back to their own home country. A Royal MC would know the language, but the Servant MC would have to start learning on the way. It doesn't improve their view of the rest of your family but... News of the child will be the last words Janus would speak to either Arkasha... Or the Tsarina.

The Mad Heir

Anouk/Anatole von Mejer: Groans. Shuts their eyes for a moment before sighing. "... Mother/Father is going to be awful about this." It's true. Clem cries, laughs, cries again and refuses to stop hugging you. Is wary. Wonders if their child is going to be terminally ill... Or like you. Quietly excited though, even though they chide themself for it.

Clement/Clémentine von Mejer: Cries. Laughs. Cries. So excited. SO EXCITED. Oh, god, they're having a baby out of wedlock. They're having a baby!!! Nothing can bring them down from Cloud 99. Going to leave the manor with you. Baby can't be exposed to a run down home and mould!!!

Julius/Julia Braithwaite:... Well, they think about hanging themself for just a moment. Then gets a hold of themself, they can't leave you alone with a child! .... Because 1. You're you, 2. That's their kid too! 3. They have... No... Attachment whatsoever and it won't cloud their judgment! Does get a bit misty eyed when they're next in town and happen to see a toddler sleeping against their mother's shoulder.

Bryn Heron: Good :] Well, you're going to wake up in their own cottage. They're going to be hand building the crib and the toys. Going to go back to steal a few things from the manor before paying one of the boys that would help them in the garden to go get supplies.

Hristijan/Hristina Angelov:... Well damn. They might not get paid now. After wrangling money from your father they'll go see you. "Right. Either hurry up and get your throne, or we're going home. My home. Make me stay a moment more in this shit weather and I'll spread a rumor that the little one is the coming of a new Minotaur and make everyone panic for a while. Just for fun." Quietly pleased, but is NOT going to show you that. Little horror, you are.

[justarithinnngs]

Defenseless (Chapter 1 - Late Night, Talking)

paring: hwang junho x platonic(?) reader

i don't have any warnings at the moment but they'll be listed as the story continues. spaces will be continued as well, working on chapters five and six <3

—/—

The constant hum of traffic below her apartment, the way the streetlights bled through the edges of her curtains, the persistent buzz of her phone from endless group messages and reminders—it was all too much. Yet, here she was. A college senior in the heart of Seoul, miles from the small town where she’d grown up.

It had been 15 years since her family moved here when she was six. She had always thought it was a temporary thing—just a few years, an “adventure.” But here she was, nearing the end of her college years, and South Korea had long since become home.

Tonight, Y/N sat cross-legged on the couch, her laptop open in front of her but not being of much use. She’d been staring at the same blank page for the last hour, the blinking cursor a mocking reminder of how little she’d accomplished today. The thesis paper on the ethics of artificial intelligence might as well have been written in a foreign language.

Procrastination had become second nature. But tonight wasn’t about her paper. Tonight, she was lost in thought.

Her phone buzzed again on the coffee table.

Levi: “You alive?”

Y/N smiled slightly at the message. Levi was her older brother, a couple of years ahead of her in life, and an officer with the Seoul Police Department. He’d always been the protective one, the one who’d pushed her to move here for college even though she wasn’t so sure at first. And now, as a senior, she was glad he’d made that decision.

He was busy. But that was just how Levi was.

Y/N’s fingers hovered over her phone before she typed back:

Y/N: “Yeah, just trying to finish this paper.”

Seconds later, another message popped up.

Levi: “Good luck with that. I’m probably gonna be out late tonight. Keep the door locked.”

Y/N frowned at the text. “Out late tonight.” That was the typical Levi thing to say. Always working late, running errands for his job, or doing something official. He had never been one to talk much about his work. She knew he was a detective, but that was about it.

She sat back against the cushions, rolling her neck to relieve the tension. She wasn’t worried about him; he was a cop, after all. But she did wonder what his night was going to be like—if it was going to be like all the other nights when he came home late, his face tight and his shoulders stiff with whatever case he was working on.

Another buzz.

Levi: “If you get bored, come grab dinner. There’s a place I found near the station. You’ll like it.”

She chuckled at that. Levi always tried to get her out of her shell, even if she didn’t want to leave her apartment. He’d been like that since they were kids—always pushing her to experience more.

Y/N: “I’ll think about it.”

She put her phone down and returned to her paper. She had to at least make it look like she was trying. Her eyes wandered to the clock on the wall.

11:15 p.m.

It was getting late, and the apartment felt heavier, the sounds of the city more distant now. Her gaze slid over to the window. The city was quieter now, but there was still that hum—the feeling of being in a place that never fully stopped moving. Sometimes, she envied the people who could just immerse themselves in the rush of it all. But she wasn’t one of them.

Her thoughts drifted back to Levi. He wasn’t the type to talk about his job much, but Y/N could tell there was a tiredness in him these past few months. Nothing outwardly strange, but a quiet shift she couldn’t ignore. Maybe it was just the stress of being a cop. He was, after all, always on—always in detective mode.

But Y/N wasn’t too concerned. If anything, she trusted him to handle whatever came his way.

She picked up her phone again and scrolled absentmindedly through her social media feed, finding herself growing irritated by the noise. She wanted nothing more than to shut everything out for a while. But the quiet was overwhelming, and her thoughts always had a way of creeping in, no matter how hard she tried to ignore them.

Y/N grabbed a blanket from the couch and wrapped it around her shoulders. The night wasn’t going to end with a finished paper or any brilliant thoughts on artificial intelligence. But she was okay with that. She didn’t mind the slow pace of her life most of the time. It was comfortable.

And comfortable, she thought as she looked at her reflection in the glass of the window, was all she really needed right now.

The Doorbell

The chime of her doorbell startled her out of her thoughts. Y/N blinked, glancing at the clock.

11:45 p.m.

Who the hell could be here at this hour?

Her thoughts immediately went to Levi, but then she remembered—he had said he was going to be out late. So, it couldn’t be him.

Her mind raced as she walked toward the door, her heartbeat picking up with each step. She peered through the peephole, and her eyes widened.

It was Levi. And standing beside him—Junho.

The sight of them together was strange, considering she hadn’t seen her brother in a couple of days. And Junho? She only ever saw him when he and Levi hung out, but it was rare. The two of them had the kind of friendship where you could sense their bond even when they didn’t speak.

And yet… here they were, standing in her doorway with pizza boxes.

Y/N blinked, half expecting them to disappear. “What are you guys doing here?” she asked, still standing behind the door, her voice filled with confusion.

Levi grinned as he shifted the pizza boxes in his arms. “We brought dinner.”

Junho, standing off to the side, nodded and grinned as well. “We thought you could use a break from your studies.”

Y/N raised an eyebrow. “A break? It’s almost midnight. Don’t you guys have… work?”

Levi just waved it off. “We’re both off tonight. Besides, I know you’re stressed about that thesis. Consider this your distraction.”

Y/N couldn’t help but smile at his offer, despite the weirdness of the situation. “I mean, I guess I can’t say no to pizza…”

Junho stepped forward with one of the boxes. “That’s the spirit.”

Y/N stepped back, making room for them to enter. “I swear, you two think you can just show up anytime you want. I’m surprised you didn’t knock on the window, too.”

Levi laughed, pushing past her into the apartment. “We figured you’d be in your study cave, avoiding humanity.” He tossed a wink in her direction, his usual playful self. “Plus, it’s not like we get to hang out like this anymore.”

Y/N shut the door behind them, still processing how sudden this was. “I should probably be the one bringing you food. You two always work yourselves into the ground.”

Junho shrugged, dropping the pizza on the coffee table and flopping onto the couch. “It’s what we do.”

Y/N settled beside him, taking a slice and leaning back into the cushions. “So, what’s up? I thought you were both supposed to be busy?”

Levi shot her a playful look, grabbing a slice himself. “You know how it is. A cop’s work is never done.”

They all settled into a comfortable silence for a while, the only sound being the quiet munching of pizza and the hum of the city outside. As much as Y/N wanted to focus on her paper, the presence of her brother and Junho was… refreshing. She’d forgotten what it was like to have the two of them just hang out with her.

—/—

Y/N had forgotten how much she enjoyed just hanging out. Between her schoolwork and the quiet days she spent mostly alone in her apartment, having her brother and Junho over felt like a rare gift. The kind that almost made her feel like a regular college student, one who didn’t get buried in papers every weekend.

The three of them sat on the couch, passing around pizza, talking about nothing and everything. It felt natural. Levi’s easygoing nature had a way of filling the silence, and Junho just seemed to go along with whatever Levi said, his quiet laugh following Levi’s jokes.

But after a while, Y/N found herself staring at her half-eaten slice, mind wandering as the conversation meandered between casual topics.

Levi stood up abruptly, stretching his arms over his head with a yawn. “I’m gonna hit the bathroom. Don’t eat all the pizza, okay?”

Y/N didn’t bother to look up. “I’ll try, but no promises.”

He smiled before heading down the hall to the bathroom, leaving her alone with Junho.

For a second, Y/N hesitated. It was just Junho. He’d been over to their place a handful of times—Levi’s work buddy, the guy who was always around but never too much in the spotlight. She’d spoken to him a couple of times, mostly small talk or shared jokes when Levi dragged him into their hangouts. But in the years of knowing him, they had never really talked.

And now, here they were, alone.

Y/N quickly picked up her slice of pizza and took a bite, eyes on the TV, though the screen was just a blur. She could feel the silence stretching between them. It wasn’t awkward in the way that made her want to flee, but it wasn’t comfortable either. There was something about Junho’s quiet presence that threw her off balance.

She glanced over at him. He was sitting back, his elbows propped up on the couch, staring at his slice of pizza like it was the most interesting thing in the room.

“You, uh, you still work the night shifts often?” Y/N asked, suddenly realizing how weird the question sounded. She cleared her throat. “I mean, I guess you do. Being a cop and all.”

Junho, who’d been mostly quiet until now, gave her a small smile. “Yeah, it’s part of the job. Sometimes it feels like I live in the station.”

Y/N nodded, though she had no idea how to respond to that. She had always known Junho as Levi’s friend—the guy who was occasionally in the background, never really involved in her day-to-day life. It was strange, sitting here with him like this. She felt like she was still trying to figure out how to engage without overstepping.

She cleared her throat again, setting her pizza down and suddenly feeling like her hands were too fidgety.

“So… uh… you and Levi working on any big cases right now?”

Junho’s eyes flickered to her, his gaze softening. “A few. You know, the usual. Sometimes the work gets… complicated.” He trailed off, as if debating how much to say. Then, to her surprise, he added, “But it’s manageable. It’s what we do.”

Y/N wasn’t sure why, but hearing him say that made her feel a little lighter. There was something about his calmness, his way of not saying too much but enough to keep the conversation going, that made her relax.

Still, the silence hung between them like a heavy curtain.

She scratched the back of her neck, trying to find something else to say. It was fine when Levi was here—they were a team, in a way. Levi’s easy banter and teasing made the room feel full, even if it was just the three of them. But now, with only Junho here, everything felt a little empty. She didn’t mind the quiet. It wasn’t awkward awkward, but it was definitely not… natural.

Junho seemed to sense her discomfort, and for the first time, he actually spoke. “It’s funny, you know. I’ve been around your brother for a while now, but we’ve never really talked much.”

Y/N raised an eyebrow at him, a little surprised by the comment. She leaned back against the couch, suddenly feeling a little less tense. “Yeah, same. I mean, you’re always around, but we’ve never really… had a real conversation.”

He nodded, a slight smile tugging at his lips. “Guess we’re both kind of bad at that.”

It was a small comment, but something about the way he said it made Y/N laugh. Not loudly, but just enough to ease some of the tension. “Guess so.”

Junho smiled again, this time a bit wider. It was a soft, genuine thing that she hadn’t noticed before. She had always seen him as stoic—quiet, reserved, the kind of guy who stayed in the background. But now that they were alone, Y/N was starting to realize how different he was in this setting. Without Levi’s constant presence, Junho seemed… more approachable, more human.

“So,” Y/N began, her voice less nervous now. “What do you usually do when you’re not at work?”

Junho looked at her, his expression thoughtful. “I don’t know. Not much, I guess. I like to run. Helps clear my head.”

Y/N raised her eyebrows. “Run? Like, you actually go outside and run?”

He chuckled, shaking his head. “Yeah. I mean, I don’t run marathons or anything. Just… to clear my mind.”

That made sense, Y/N thought. Junho always seemed like the type to need that space, that quiet moment to himself. She could relate in a way. The quiet was where she found her peace.

“I guess that’s one way to get away from it all,” she said, her voice light. “I… can barely run for more than five minutes before I start feeling like I’m going to die.”

Junho laughed, a real, soft laugh this time. “Maybe you’re doing it wrong.”

Y/N smiled, feeling the moment shift. This wasn’t so bad. They were just two people talking. Not brother and friend, just… people.

Just then, Levi’s voice echoed from down the hall. “Hey, don’t get too cozy without me!”

Y/N glanced toward the hall, her smile barely holding back a laugh. She could already hear Levi shuffling back toward them.

“Levi, we’re just talking,” she called back, her voice light.

Levi stepped back into the living room, his hands on his hips as he shot a playful glance at both of them. “You guys better not have solved all the world’s problems without me.”

Y/N stuck her tongue out at him, throwing a pillow in his direction. “Not yet, but give us another five minutes.”

Junho smirked, his earlier solemnity softened by the shared joke. “You’re lucky we saved you some pizza.”

Levi groaned dramatically, dropping back onto the couch and stealing a slice. “You’re lucky I didn’t come back and find you two still talking about running and philosophy or whatever.” He took a bite and settled in, clearly in no mood for deep conversation.

Y/N and Junho exchanged a brief, almost imperceptible glance, the kind of look that said this is enough—the moment had shifted back to normal. Just the three of them, in the most ordinary way. It wasn’t anything groundbreaking, but it was comfortable.

They ate in silence for a few minutes, the kind of silence that no one minded because it wasn’t awkward, just a peaceful pause. The kind of silence you share with people you’re close to. No expectations. No pressure.

And for a while, everything was just… easy.

[twst-hottest-takes]

Not sure how much of a hot take that is but...

While I like malleus I actually wished that the story want with the route of making his horn incapable of growing back.

I think that will solve a lot of issues like that will be kinda of good punishment? I mean him not being able to be as strong as he used to be besides now he is unfitting to be a king. (There's more to that but I'm just pointing some points)

Second it will also help him personally giving his backstory he can't express himself emotionally because it affect other around him unintentionally because of his magic so with his horn not growing back he is able to of showings his emotions without a problem

Also it would have been quite brave if the writer took this route because the idea of lasting damage is so good in stories and make it realistic.

That way the situation would have been more like losing a limb then just something like a nail or something.

Since this has been mentioned a few times now, I'm going to talk about why I think the meta won't support the idea of a permanent change.

This is a slight tweak on the last couple of times this subject was brought up, so bear with me here while I talk about it from a different perspective.

It's not as though I think the game itself CAN'T support a permanent change of character, I just don't logistically see it happening. The game didn't start making any real changes to the status quo until Book 6 when Ortho becomes a permanent member of the freshman class as a completely independent person from Idia. The game modified Ortho in a simple way: They gave him a new base card that became his normal look for all events following this chapter and didn't change the essence of his model. They only had to add a new model/outfit in order to accommodate the new version of Ortho so we can see a bookmark in the timeline of the game that tells us how Ortho has changed (good stuff). I would go so far as to state that the finale of Book 6 is how Ortho was designed to end up, so every part of the story and events leading up to this was just setup for his "real boy" arc.

Malleus' horn is a little bit trickier though. Malleus is practically the face of the game and making a change to him that is supposed to stick means potentially major overhauls to in-game assets and marketing. If the were meant to stay damaged, what will that mean for the in-game assets? Will they need to modify all variations of his model to match how he now looks in the story? Will the cards themselves change? Will it just be new cards that are designed to match this significant character design alteration, or will they have to take into account how far along in the story each player is and program the game's visuals accordingly? Similarly to Ortho, one would expect Malleus' future presence in both the story and any events he is involved in to be altered to match the marked change he has now canonly gone through. However, I have to wonder how it'll be handled because by making a noticeable change to Malleus' overall look, you risk incongruity and clashing with his established "brand" (for lack of a better word--Malleus has a signature look and they just made a recognizable change to it).

Personally? I still really like the idea of Malleus having a permanent change to his character and having struggles to work through as he helps Yuu in whatever situation leads to Grim's Overblot. Humanizing this previous godlike being is great and it's what I wish would have happened with the previous characters from the chapters before. But I also think they'll find a way to use magic (or perhaps papier machete) to "disguise" the broken horn so that they don't have to worry about changing Malleus' actual in game appearance while maintaining his new more normalized status. Would it be better and braver writing to gank one of its most important characters right before the game's finale? Yes. Do I expect that from Disney Twisted Wonderland? Not at all.

Thank you for your take.

(I hope you're okay with this different topic in regards to your take. Like I said this has been brought up a few times and I don't want to just be repeating myself. I also thought this was all worth mentioning to try and temper expectations for what TWST may have for us moving forward. It's definitely going to be interesting to see.)

[utilitycaster]

would love to see your take on the recent laudna-delilah merge! i believe you've mentioned before that you found laudna stale (?) so i'm very interested to know if this feels compelling to you. i'm DISGUSTED and scared 😅

I LOVE IT. I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT IT.

In all seriousness my issue has always been that Delilah has for the most part been not just an unfired Chekhov's gun but like...a gun that occasionally thrusts itself into the hands of a major character who was designed to handle this gun and yet everyone including that character was, for like, the majority of the play, repeatedly saying "oh man it's that wacky gun again!" and really, the gun was way cooler when it was fired in an earlier play in 2017.

You can play a warlock without a complex relationship to their patron! Loquatius is a solid example; Elmenore and he are on pretty chill terms and he's mostly a bard and it's a story not about that aspect of him anyway. Zahra is another; she and Sirius appear to be largely simpatico! But if you pick Delilah Fucking Briarwood as your patron you best come correct, and, increasingly, finally, following episode 77, Marisha has and it's been great and it finally expanded into the rest of the party.

I love how quick Laudna is to trust Delilah on this even though she knows Delilah lies, she knows about the gnarlrock. I love how Imogen immediately stands by her and Fearne is inclined to give her the benefit of the doubt, only to slowly, with mounting horror, realize (or, more likely, reluctantly admit to themselves) that this is Delilah's doing and that Laudna either won't or can't resist. Because that's the immediate threat - sure, it says something about Laudna's character and victimhood whether she is doing this deliberately, or whether she cannot overcome the compulsions from Delilah, and for what it's worth I think it's somewhere in the gray area between - but in the end it matters most that Laudna as an entity comprising both herself and Delilah is going to pull shit like attacking people in their sleep to steal magic items to feed to the evil undead wizard. She's more sympathetic if she's trying but failing, but in the end, if we can return to the (imperfect but not uncalled for) addiction metaphor Marisha has invoked re: Laudna, whether you drive drunk because you were in recovery and were triggered by circumstance and fell off the wagon, or whether you simply don't care, you're still drunk driving and someone still can be killed. Intent says a lot about your character but not whether you're a danger to yourself and others, and Laudna undeniably is.

I'm honestly happy with basically any outcome here. I think it will be narratively easier if Laudna doesn't really resist much, given that that's what she's been doing for 30 years and much of the campaign; foreshadowing is a complicated thing in an improvised medium but I think it's hard to deny that a tragic ending hasn't been well signaled. But I think it's possible for Marisha to thread the needle, particularly if she keeps putting in stellar performances like that one, to have Laudna snap and turn on Delilah. It's doing wonders for my thoughts on Imogen and Laudna's relationship too; finally there's some unavoidable tension and conflict to the point that even if they deny it that creates more conflict. I don't know if they'll overcome it, but I don't think we can have gnarlrock all sizzle no steak #2 this time. I think Imogen's going to have to make a stand of some kind, even if it pains her.