#I am SO confident we’re gonna win so let’s finish this out nice and strong!!!

[mugiwara-lucy]

Well guys! Today is the day!!

ROEVEMBER 5TH!!

Where all the pissed off men and women get to FINALLY bury Donald Trump and MAGA!

ESPECIALLY women since Trump CONTINUES to tease us!!

Here are the times of when voting starts today depending on the state you live in!!

And IF any of Trump’s MAGAt cult try any fuckery, here’s a list of numbers you can call depending on your state since that is ILLEGAL and we need no more of their nonsense.

Guys….today is the day! Let’s NOT let four months of hard work go to waste only to end up with President Vance (because Trump will NOT last four years), RFK Jr in charge of health and food and Elon Musk in charge of the government! FUCK THAT!!

Let’s WIN and be done with the stink of Trump and MAGA ONCE AND FOR ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[marmolady]

Homecoming: Part One

Read PART TWO here!

Main Pairings: Estela x (f)MC, Graleister

Summary: Endless Ending. Estela and Taylor spend one last night in San Trobida before returning to La Huerta and facing their future. This was going to be a two-parter, but I got all long-winded, so four-parter is more like it.

Word Count: 3342

Chronology: After 'The New Taylor' and 'A Ride to Remember', sort of midway through 'Inheritance'.

Tagging: @saivilo, @edgydepressedchoicesthot, @sceptilemasterr, @greengroove @mauvecatfic​

Thanks for reading!

Parrying the blows of her brother’s sword with the easy grace of a well-honed professional-- she had been doing this since her early teens-- Estela seemed to dance across the basement floor, totally in her element. Then Aleister lurched forward, and she jumped back, effortlessly dodging his attack. But in the landing, she found herself, finally, unstuck. Under the sudden weight of her whole body, her wounded leg gave way, and she stumbled. In a split second, Aleister’s cautious approach fell away and he pushed his advantage before Estela could recover. With a final flick of his blade, she was disarmed.

Estela laughed at the look of plain shock on Aleister’s face at his own victory. “Not half bad,” she commented, impressed that he hadn’t fumbled around taking advantage of her weakness. Her healing leg injury had been a source of great frustration-- despite regular massages of the Vaanti-made ointment concocted using the leaves from The Celestial’s roof, improvement had plateaued. The last thing she wanted was to be babied. “You’re still wasting too much energy with flamboyant gestures. This isn’t ballet-- it doesn’t have to look pretty.”

“Well, it certainly doesn’t appear that ‘pretty’ has hindered my performance,” Aleister panted, recovering just enough to be rather pleased with himself.

Offering a hand to take Aleister’s sword, Estela grinned. “Like I said, not half bad. Come on, hermano. We’d better give Tio a hand in the kitchen; it sounded like he had a big spread planned.”

Brother. That was still new. Only in the lead-up to his hand-fasting to Grace a few months prior had Estela gone so far as to utter that word in relation to Aleister. He reacted as he always did, a double-take, then his cheeks going immediately pink. It had been so long he’d craved that acceptance… now that it was there, it seemed it would take him some getting used to.

All attempts at helping Nicolas out with the farewell dinner were met with strong resistance. Some butting of heads later, Estela realised it really wasn’t a hill worth dying on; if her tio wanted to do something special for them all, she’d just have to step back and let him. After all, it could well be some time before he’d have this opportunity again. Come the next day, she, Taylor, and their friends, would all be on their way, and Nicolas would once more be left to an empty house.

As much as she tried to join in the energetic conversations over dinner, Estela found herself distracted. With her return to La Huerta, she’d be taking steps to move on with her life; to come to terms with the grief she’d suffered and get some closure. And then… she was faced with working out what the hell kind of life she’d forge for herself; something that had been made all the more complicated since Aleister had seen fit to bestow upon her half of everything he’d been left after Rourke’s demise. She’d made good progress on coming to peace with that connection, but she was not fool enough to be under any illusions… she still had a long way to go.

The subject of conversation turned to the case against Lundgren-- and the subsequent clearing of Jake’s name-- and Estela shook herself back to the present.

“The evidence is fairly damning,” Aleister was saying as he loaded his fork with beef, egg and plantain. “Certainly, the prosecutors were pleased. That we have access to every file my father ever touched, and a wealth of video and audio recordings, it would be difficult indeed to look at what’s presented and not come back with a guilty verdict.”

Jake smiled wryly, the grin failing to make his eyes. “I’ll give ya one thing, Malfoy, your old lady ain’t a dame I’d want to get on the wrong side of. I guess… we’ll see. Worst case, settlin’ down out here wouldn’t be half bad.”

“We won’t rest until you’re home,” Grace declared resolutely, her dark eyes shining. “That awful man isn’t going to be remembered as anything other than a power-hungry conniving brute. I’ll stand up and make a witness statement in court myself!”

She had, Jake knew, her own haunting personal experiences of seeing that exact brutality at close quarters. It made him sick. “Hey-- I won’t have you dredging up all that. Not for me--”

Grace spoke across him, calmly but firmly. “It’s my stand to take. I had quite enough of being helpless as Rourke’s prisoner; I need to take my power back.”

Jake’s mouth snapped shut. He wasn’t about to argue with that. “The poor defense won’t know what hit it.” The words rang hollow as exchanged a subtle dark look with Estela. The optimism was nice and all, but experience had told the both of them that the world was a corrupt place and ‘fair’ barely counted for squat.

“I know you think I’m naive,” Grace said, “and maybe I am, but the fact remains that we’re not giving in.”

Taylor grinned, confident because she had to be. “I didn’t offer my life force to some crystal alien only for you to not get back to your family. This is a matter of ‘how’ and ‘when’, not ‘if’.”

Beside her, Estela nodded. “Look, we’d be crazy if we just go in assuming this is gonna be a cakewalk. But Pollyanna here is right; we’ll make it happen. We’re not the kind of people who just roll over to injustice, and anyone who thinks they can force us is in for a painful lesson.”

“Dang, Princess… I think you broke Eeyore. She’ll be a motivational speaker at this rate….”

“It’s Katniss, cabron. Y vete a la mierda.”

Jake sniggered into his beer. So, motivational speaker was a little stretch.

With dinner over, the group started disperse. As Estela made to make a start on clean-up, Taylor gently turned her around.

“I’m pretty sure me and Al can handle this. Make the most of tonight.”

Estela looked out through the window to the front porch, where Nicolas had settled with his flask of rum. She took a deep breath. Taylor was right; she couldn’t just let this time pass her by.

Cold beer in hand, she pushed open the front door and stepped out. “It seems like Aleister and Grace’s first bandeja paisa was a hit.”

Nicolas beamed at the sight of her, and clinked her bottle as she sat down in the other chair. “Of course. Either that or they are exceptional actors.”

“No chance,” Estela laughed. “You’ve seen the looks he gives poor Taylor’s cooking. Her confidence has been shot since they’ve been here. At least Grace is polite about it.”

“You must be excited. I’ve said for so long that your potential was being wasted, and now… the world is your oyster. I never thought I’d see the day.”

Estela shifted in her chair and took a long drink.

“What’s that look for, mija?”

“Well, yeah, I’m excited. Terrified, but…. If I finish this degree, I really should think of what I want to do with it. And, well, all that money Aleister’s pushing on me.”

“That gilipollas. You poor thing.”

“Actually, I’m almost getting used to the idea. As much as it freaks me out, Mom would have been so happy to know I’ve got a leg up.” A small smile crept to Estela’s face. “I keep seeing so many things I could help with. Like the schools and universities-- how much could recovery be accelerated if people had better opportunities to learn? Or physically rebuilding so much that had been destroyed, or actually protecting the wilderness of this beautiful place?” She blushed as she caught herself getting passionate. “Rourke International has the capacity to do so much; we could actually have tourists coming here. That hasn’t happened in my lifetime!”

Nicolas chuckled, looking at his niece with clear affection. But he saw the cloud of doubt across her face.

“I…,” she continued, “I just don’t know that I have the right. We just got rid of one dictator, and Mom was collateral damage to a would-be dictator.” A would-be dictator who’s inescapably part of who I am. “Money comes with a lot of power. Even if I’m using it for what I think is good… I could cause a lot of harm.” By the time she finished, her voice was but a murmur.

“True. Alternatively, you could be one of those misers who sit upon their millions while the people around them starve and suffer, buildings crumble, and forests burn.”

“So, you’re saying I can’t win?” Estela demanded.

“I’m saying, the enemy here is ignorance. Ignorance of what greater impacts of your generosity might be, and ignorance of what suffering might go on if that generosity is withheld. The fact that you are even having these doubts tells me that you are not ignorant to the consequences of your actions.”

Estela huffed thoughtfully. “I don’t suppose,” she grumbled after a little while, “that you’d let me be, even for a second.”

“Of course not! I might be getting on a bit, but I am by no means past letting you know when you ought to unstick your head from your own backside.”

Again, Estela fell quiet. She was not going to be existing in an echo chamber. She’d surrounded herself with people that she trusted, with strong opinions and varied perspectives; people who would not balk from challenging her when necessary. If she tried, she couldn’t become a tyrant, regardless of what blood coursed her veins. At any rate, she’d simply be-- for the most part, at least-- channeling funds to others better placed to make the change she wanted to see in her world. She could be as anonymous as she wanted. Perhaps… perhaps it would not hurt to put some faith in herself.

“I take it from your silence,” Nicolas said, “that you’ve realised that once again I’m right. Now, go back to happily daydreaming about all the good you will do.”

Estela sighed dramatically, but smiled at her uncle. “I’m really gonna miss you….”

“I can’t pretend I’ve been looking forward to waking to an empty house again. But the missing you will be temporary; that’s more than I could have dared to hope for not so long ago.”

The same was true for her. And there was no way in hell she’d let goodbye be forever, not now. “Yeah. You’ve got a good point.”

“Again?”

She snorted. “Shut up, Tio.”

_________________________

The night wore steadily on, and Taylor eventually had to retreat from socialising with Nicolas’ other guests to start making headway on her night-time routine. ‘Self-care’ was something she now had down to an art; she even made a point of noting down the steps taken each night so she could easily track what was most effective. By this point, she had a fairly solid schedule. Yoga was followed by a calming cup of mint or chamomile tea, sometimes accompanied by a hot bath-- though tonight it was too late for the nice long soak she’d prefer--, and then she’d wind down even further with a half-hour’s guided meditation. Jake teased her mercilessly, but she really didn’t give a damn. If she could de-stress just enough to keep the seemingly never-ending stream of horrifying nightmares at bay, he could laugh all he wanted.

Slowly, Taylor wiggled her fingers and toes, bringing herself back to the land of the living with a long exhale. Fifteen nights without being woken up by visions of her loved ones’ deaths was the best run she’d ever had, but if those nightmares were triggered by stress, then the imminent return to La Huerta might just be the trigger that would throw a spanner in the works.

The little dog, Fenix, stretched forward and licked Taylor’s toes.

“Okay, okay, I’m back! Was I ignoring you for too long? Thanks for not interrupting my meditation, I guess,” Taylor chuckled. Having the pet had done wonders for grounding her during her regular existential crises. Fenix had come a long way from the mangy worm-ridden creature they’d taken in; still scruffy even with a full coat of hair, she was now bright as a button, and with a tail that never seemed to stop wagging.

“You’d better enjoy having me to yourself while you still can, Nixie-- this time tomorrow, we’ll probably have Furball sleeping on the end of the bed as well.”

Happily oblivious Fenix rolled and tumbled in her human’s lap. Foxes with ice powers were far beyond her frame of reference, but she could sense that whatever Taylor was talking about made her happy, so naturally there was every reason to be in a good mood.

The door creaked, and a just-showered Estela entered the room, clad only in a towel.

“Hey. I heard you talking to Nix-- figured you’d finished your meditation.”

“Hey,” Taylor cooed, feeling herself practically melt as her wife reached down to stroke her hair. “I just finished; went pretty heavy on the self-care tonight, just to be safe. You ready for bed?” She let herself be helped to her feet, and wrapped an arm around Estela’s waist. “Last cuddle in your little single bed for a while.”

Estela smiled. “Last cuddle in our little single bed.”

Taylor changed into her pyjamas and nestled under the covers, waiting and watching in quiet contentment as Estela slipped into a singlet and a light pair of shorts.

“You are so, so beautiful, you know that?”

“Taylor, you tell me that ten times a day.”

“Just making sure you’re aware, lover.” Taylor pressed herself against the wall, making room on the tiny mattress.

“You ordered a cuddle, yes?” Estela kissed and nibbled along Taylor’s jaw, feeling a tremor of an exhale, then sat back to look into the sapphire gaze of her adoring wife. Beautiful just wasn’t big enough.

“So… how are you feeling about tomorrow?” Taylor ventured.

“A lot of things,” Estela admitted. “Getting on that plane to La Huerta is going to bring back a lot of stuff. And saying goodbye to Tio… well, let’s just say, we’d better have a lot of tissues packed.”

Taylor squeezed her tight. “It’s not forever this time. And I think he knows that-- otherwise you’d be leaving again over his dead body.”

That made Estela give a little snort of laughter, but then she shook her head, sighing. “I know the guilt I’m feeling is irrational. Tio is just so happy to see how much things have changed for me. He wants me to go out and live my best life. But that doesn’t mean I can stop myself feeling it, just like that.”

Taylor didn’t have a lot of life experience, but guilt? That, she knew all about. “We’re just going to have to keep talking to that irrational part of your brain, then. Honey, your tio thought you were dead for so long-- you coming back every now and then, smiling, on your way to healing… that’s just the most amazing gift you could give him. And maybe… it’s going to help him move on too.”

“Yes.” Man, I hope so. Estela knew that her uncle had closed himself off to the world. That he’d seen that he’d done his part in life, and then retreated from it. He joked around, but for so long he’d been broken inside. Now, they could make strides towards something better, together-- even if there was a distance between them. Now, Estela had hope for them both.

Taylor snuggled close, spooning her wife from behind, and leaving  lingering kisses upon her neck and shoulders.

“What about you?” Estela asked softly, turning in the warm embrace so she could meet Taylor’s eye. “I guess this will feel like going home.”

“Yeah, I guess it will be. Something like that. It’s a very… it’s a very weird feeling, you know?”

“I can imagine. It’s going to be strange to be back on La Huerta without everyone. The village is gonna be like a ghost town.”

A small smile tugged at Taylor’s lips; in spite of her own worries. Estela sure was perceptive. “It’s kind of freaking me out.” Of course, Estela already knew that, but it had never hurt to actually put the words out there. It was quite clear that they both had to look forward to a crash course in moving on. But that they were alive, and together, and free to do so… it was everything they’d fought for. “I’m bursting to see Diego again, though. It must have been so much weirder for him these past months.”

There was a grumbling, grunting sound as Fenix settled herself into a nest made out of the clothes Taylor had left on the floor. Both women chortled. Nothing like a funny little dog to keep the mood light.

Estela tenderly stroked Taylor’s hair, loving her. “You’ll have a lot to catch up on. It’s gonna mean a lot to him to have you there.” She blushed. “It… means a lot to me to have you here.”

“Good. Because you’re stuck with me.”

“Taylor, we all are. And you’re stuck with us. There’s nothing that can change that.”

As she looked into Estela’s soft gaze, Taylor’s heart swelled. If she knew anything at all, she knew that much. All she had to do was trust in that sweet certainty.

[littlegiantposts]

Episode 2

Kageyama x f!reader

warning: may contain manga/anime spoilers! strong language probably!

description: In which Y/n is a new addition to Karasuno’s Girl’s Volleyball Club

I’m pretty sure this is the pilot episode but hopefully I did this right:

a/n: Okay! here is the next episode! Idk why but I like naming these episodes. Also, if you haven’t noticed, I’m trying to keep in the timeline as season 1. Hopefully that’s not going to be a pain in the ass later, but yeah! I hope you enjoy!

Y/n approached the gym and entered by sliding the steel door. The whole team was there and they were finishing warming up with serves. Everyone was mostly doing overhand serves. But what caught Y/n’s eyes was Etsuko. She had her eyes closed and taking deep breathes. Y/n slightly tilts her head to the side.

What is she doing? Y/n ponders. Yuma sees Y/n and approaches her. She sees how Y/n is staring at Etsuko. 

“She can do a jump serve?” Y/n watches as Etsuko starts a run up. The ball hit the middle of the net.

The whole team erupts in fits of laughter.

“No, she can’t.” Yuma clarifies. 

“Woah, Etsuko, you’re gonna give Y/n a run for her money!” Rinko exclaimed and continued to chuckle with the other third years. Other players snicker and make some harmless, little jokes.

“Oh, please. At least I am trying!” Etsuko huffs in protest to the teasing. Y/n approaches Etsuko. 

‘You’re right. It’s good that you’re trying. The toss was great, the timing was off, but that’s what practice is for.” Y/n says honestly. 

Etsuko was not really expecting Y/n’s hard-hitting honesty but it was a breathe of fresh air from the teasing. She takes a long look at Y/n, for a teenager, she sure is mature.

Nonethless, you’re flattery made her cheeks tinge with red, “I was really just copying what you did earlier.” She says shyly. 

At this, Y/n eyes widened, “Do I really look that serious?!” She had never really paid any attention to what she might look like towards others while she is in play. Up until now, she only focused on the game because, well, that’s just how she plays. Etsuko and Yuma chuckle at Y/n’s reaction. 

“Yeah, it was as if your looks could kill.” The 3 first years turn to the voice to see the captain, Michimiya Yui, “so, I hope you’re all warmed up cause we will be starting the three on three.”

“Right, who will be playing?” Y/n inquires.

“I was thinking Moe and Yuma will be on your team. Then, the opposing team will consist of Aoki, Yua, and I.” Y/n nods at the captains words.

“Wait, WHAT?!” everyone turned to Etsuko’s outburst.

“Oh no.” Yuma quietly mumbles.

“I wanted to play in the three on three!” Etsuko almost sounded like a child that was ready to throw a tantrum. She had her arms crossed, thinking of a plan to get her way somehow. “What about we make it more interesting. The first years versus the third years.” She smirks.

“Etsuko, you turd, don’t go against the captain!” Yuma bonks Etsuko’s heads. Etsuko instinctively held her head and dramatically fell to the ground, “OW! You know my head’s sensitive”, she pouts.

Yui laughs at the interaction and starts to think about her offer. Sudou approaches Yui, “You aren’t actually thinking about that as an actual option, right?”

Yui smiles, “I mean, why not? I already know Y/n is an exceptional player. This three on three really serves as a nice introduction through friendly competition.”

Sudou thinks over Yui’s words, “You aren’t wrong.” She looks over at the first years. All three of them. “What about we add to your idea, Etsuko. Whichever team loses has to be the other team’s servants for,” Sudou puts her hand on her chin and looks up, acting like she is in a real deep thought, “three whole weeks”. 

“THREE WHOLE WEEKS?!” Etsuko begins to regret opening her mouth.

“What would we have to do?” Yuma almost didn’t want to ask, afraid of the severity of the word ‘servant’.

“Oh, just the simple, worshiping the ground they walk on, get them or make food when they ask, and help them with virtually anything if they ask a favor.” Sudou smirks. 

All the previous color on Etsuko and Yuma’s face were practically gone, looking like they are going to faint. Y/n looks at their state worriedly, How little do you think of yourselves?! You guys can’t be that bad, right? Y/n turns to look at the 2nd years and some are already on their knees, hands together. They’re praying for us?! Y/n gulps.

Y/n reverts her gaze back at Sudou Rinko, the third year. Her classic, neutral face making a comeback as she takes a calming breathe. This girl sure knows how to think of a punishment.

“You’re on.” Y/n holds out her hand. Rinko firmly shakes your hand. She was pleasantly surprised by the guts that Y/n has for not backing down to a challenge.

“Splendid. So, it will be you three, against Mao, Yui, and Chizuru.” All the girls who weren’t playing in the three on three were buzzing with excitement as they took their seats on the sidelines. They made small talk such as conversing on who they think will win.

“Oi, get up. We’re going to start.” Y/n ordered the two first years. Both of them grudgingly got up and stood in front of Y/n.

“Okay, so what can you tell me about Mao and Chizuru?”

The pair looked at each other as if they were talking with their eyes, deciding on who should talk first. 

Etsuko scratched her head, “Yeah, um. I don’t really know what to tell you. I don’t really know how to, like, analyze people like you probably do.”

Y/n was mentally pinching the bridge of her nose. 

“I know Chizuru has been really working on her receives.” Yuma chimes in. “As for Mao, well, she’s the tallest person on our team, so I’m guessing her blocks and spikes will be difficult to pick up.” 

Y/n nods. Interestingly enough, Y/n did not ask the worried pair this question for the actual information they would give her. She asked the question to see how well her current teammates analyze their opponent from prior knowledge.

Y/n has seen the third years play. At times they lacked the spirit and in some areas, the technique, to carry through with both defense and offense, which is coincidentally really important. As third years, they do serve as an example for the grades below them. So, if they are lacking, it’s only probable that the team will follow behind.

Only in some spur-of-the-moment instances she would see the fire ignite within them, but that was really it. While there are many holes in their team, it doesn’t mean they are hopeless. 

“Wait, why didn’t you ask anything about Captain Yui?” Etsuko jumped back into the conversation.

“Well, I already saw how she spiked when I sent some sets her way. She’s got power and stamina backing her up, but she is lacking in technique and in game sense, so that will give us some points when blocking.” Etsuko and Yuma looked at each other as Y/n kept talking about what she has observed over the limited time she has been in the gym. They were plainly shocked at how observant Y/n is and can only imagine what she thinks of them.

“Okay, let’s go out there and have fun, guys.” Despite the literal meaning of Y/n’s statement. Her tone and face did not match, so it really just was uneasy for Etsuko and Yuma to experience as Y/n smacked their backs before walking towards where she would start in the game.

“Would you guys want to receive?” Yui asks as she grabs a volleyball.

“Yeah, we’ll receive.” Y/n confirmed, getting into position.

Yui send a overhand serve there way. Etsuko receives it.

“It’s short, sorry!” Etsuko calls out

 Y/n runs under the ball, “got it!” And lifts the ball towards, “Yuma!” near the net.

Yuma jumps to spike, however Mao is there, ready to block. They make solid eye-contact that felt like years to Yuma, It’s as if she’s piercing my soul with her eyes. Unfortunately, Yuma got psyched out and almost forgot to make contact with the ball. Yuma ends up accidentally just lifting the ball right over Mao’s block, committing to a feint.

Yui flies towards the ground with her left arm stretched out, she’s able to put the ball in the air.

“Chizuru!” The timid third year bumps it towards the net. Y/n makes a judgment call.

“It’s over the net.” Other players would probably yell that comment, but Y/n never really saw the point in yelling when her teammates are merely a couple feet away from her. Her pain level of volume almost made her two other teammates more on edge due to the unfamiliarity of it, rather than someone screaming the comment.

As Y/n suspected, the ball just barely made it over the net.

“Again!” Mao yells as she bumps it towards Y/n.

With a side glance, Y/n notices that Yui and Mao are guarding Yuma. She takes a quick look to Etsuko and mentally smirked, no blockers, Y/n needed to somehow tell Etsuko without giving it away because with Yui’s speed, she will definitely be able to retrieve it.

It was merely seconds, but Y/n stared Etsuko down and gave a slight lift of her chin in an upwards direction, hoping that Etsuko can decode it and define it as, jump.

Relying on her instincts, Etsuko miraculously picked up what Y/n was getting at. At least, she thinks.

That nod was for me, right? I think she wants me to spike it from where I am. Oh, but I’m a bit far from the net. I’ve only done spikes close to the net because I’m scared of it not going over. Despite Yuma insisting on how Etsuko never thinks before she acts, Etsuko is quite the overthinker.

The thing was, Yuma was confident that you were going to send the ball her way. After all, according to Yuma’s knowledge, Estuko typically put too much power into her spikes, sending them out of bounds. She thought Y/n would pick up on this on how over-zealous she is about practically anything. Thus, Yuma started her run up.

We’ve got you now, Yui and Mao solely focusing on Yuma, making sure they jump at the correct time.

Despite their efforts in blocking, which would have been a perfect one that would kill the ball, the ball hit the ground loudly with a smack. All that could be heard was the ball bouncing from its earlier impact.

The look of surprise on everyone’s faces in that gym was priceless. However, the most shocked person was the person who actually did it. Etsuko looked down at her slightly red hand. She clenched her hand into a fist. She will never get tired of the feeling.

Etsuko looks at Yuma and they both give out unintelligible sounds of excitement. They hug each other as if that one point meant a hundred points.

Y/n let out a breathe she didn’t know she was holding. And she looks over at her teammates. It looks like they opened their hug, expecting a third person.

That’s you, dumbass. You’re the third person. Y/n physically jolted at the realization. Etsuko motioned her hand for Y/n.

Y/n hesitantly put both her arms on the middle of their back, barely touching as if they had a disease. She didn’t know what was too close so she played it safe. Etsuko and Yuma didn’t pay any attention to the awkwardness of Y/n and was rejoicing.

“Hold on, wait a minute! Did you actually use your stupid head? How did you do that? Usually you knock it out of the park.” Yuma didn’t want to praise Etsuko too much, knowing it would inflate her ego too much.

“Oh, shut up. I got the first point, didn’t I?”

“Yeah, you’re the most surprised out of everybody. I bet it was a fluke.”

“Shut your mouth or I’ll shut it myself!”

“HA! I’d like to see you’re scrawny ass try!”

“If I’m scrawny, then what are you?”

The teasing would never stop. Y/n intervened, “That wasn’t a fluke.”

Yuma, and even Etsuko, was confused at Y/n’s statement. With her spike track record in recognition, it makes sense for that success to be a one time thing.

“Are you sure, Y/n? You don’t have to be nice to Etsuko if you don’t want to. She’s not intimidating.”

“Why do you always find a way to diss me when you aren’t even talking to me” Etsuko grumbles. “But I agree, partly, with Yuma here. I’m pretty sure it was a fluke too.”

Y/n shakes her head side to side. “It wasn’t.” She turns to Etsuko.

“Etsuko, tell me if I am correct, before this three on three, you have always spiked the ball that was tossed to you right near the net.

Um, isn’t that where you are supposed to spike? Etsuko questions in her head.

“Yeah, you’re right.”

“Right now, you spiked the ball behind the attack line, and let me add how you didn’t even use a running start.” With this, Y/n now turned to Yuma.

“Now correct me if I am wrong, Yuma, Etsuko will swing at the ball with all her might, regardless of how tired she is.”

“Yeah, you got that spot on”

“You see, where Etsuko lacks in technique-”

Etsuko deflates.

“-she makes up for raw swinging power.”

She immediately straightens her posture and smiles at the complement.

Y/n continues, “it is because of your distance from the net that gave you leverage on actually hitting it within their side of the court.”

“Wait, Etsuko hasn’t ever shot a spike from there, so had did you even know she would even make it over the net? And how did you know that Etsuko would know to jump?” Yuma brings up a good point.

“I didn’t” Y/n simply stated.

Yuma and Etsuko looked almost disturbed at her answer. She didn’t have anything backing up her decision?

“You really tried something as risky as that when the stakes are so high?” Yuma questions in shock.

“I know I don’t seem like a person to do something like that without thinking it through but-” Y/n turns her head to the side to look at them, “I feel like I can trust you guys to back me up.”

Etsuko and Yuma almost teared up at Y/n’s confession. The morale in their team was boosted to a hundred because of this, which is just what they needed to keep them motivated. They felt they can take on the world-

“We still need 24 more points to win one set. And then another set.” Y/n looks over at the scoreboard, seeing the 1-0.

At Y/n’s sudden statement, Etsuko and Yuma embarrassingly looked down at how this is the only beginning.

On the other side of the court, the third years gathered to tell each other apologies, to shake it off, and assuring they will get the next one.

It’s Etsuko’s serve.

“Protect your head, Y/n.” Yuma instructs.

“Oh shut it, Yuma!” 

Etsuko exhales. I can do this. It’s not that hard. I will be the strongest volleyball player there is. The last statement is basically a mantra for Etsuko. The thing that is special with Etsuko is that she is never afraid to try new things. Even when the probability of her failing is so high and her probability to succeed is so little. To her, that little probable outcome still stands as a chance. And she always takes it, no matter what. She will try anything, finding what works and hone that skill. On the court, it’s deadly. For the opposing team, that is.

She’s not actually trying again to do a jump serve, is she? Rinko questions as she notices that she is far away from the court line. 

Yui smiles with a shake of her head, this kid never stops trying.

Etsuko looks straight ahead, just get it over the net.

She hears the whistle blow and she takes her run up and jumps. Her serve whizzes past the net, the third years not touching it.

However, it was out.

Etsuko grumbles and hangs her head in shame.

“Hey. shake it off! It’s alright” Y/n reassures. Yuma merely chuckles, but Etsuko hears her.

“What are you laughing at?! Do I have to beat your ass again?” Etsuko starts to animatedly rolls up her sleeve of her sweatshirt with a prominent vain on her neck. The two start to bicker as per usual. 

This is going to be a long game. Y/n exhales a big breathe as she gets down for the next serve. 

The score is 23-24. Both teams are clawing for each point. There was never a severe point difference, neither team was able to break away.

It’s Y/n’s serve.

Yuma and Etsuko felt comforted that she will be serving, if anything, they feel confident they will be able to at least do a deuce.

Chizuru mentally groaned. God, her jump serves are so hard to receive.

Y/n looks so focused, many thought who viewed the skilled first year.

She does her run up.

Chizuru instantly recognizes and smirks, This isn’t her usual jump serve! This is a jump float! Just like I’ve practiced.

“Chizuru, it’s all you!” Yui calls out to her, she knows that she has been dedicating most of her time in personal practice on her receives. This is her time to shine.

Just like in practice from all those hours, Chizuru gives in to her muscle memory and makes the receive look so effortless. 

Damn it, thought it was a good idea to pull that serve out. So she has specialized receiving jump floats. Impressive. Y/n recollects her thoughts and moves up for defense. Mao sets it to Yui and she spikes, but Yuma is there, block timing on point, killing the ball’s momentum.

Etsuko made the mistake letting her guard down for a split second, mainly because Yui is known for her perfected flying receives, but she thought she wouldn’t be able to pull one off as she just spiked and is on the other side of the court in regards to the ball. 

Despite this, Chizuru flies onto the ground and is able to pick up the ball.

“It didn’t hit the floor.” Y/n informs her teammates. They both are shocked, thinking they had it in the bag.

The ball barely cleared the net, Etsuko, being the closest, tried to attempt the same type of receive, but her hand was not able to make contact, resulting the ball to bounce right in front of her eyes.

“The first set goes to the third years!” Rinko annouces.

“Uhg, I’m sorry, guys! I shouldn’t have let my guard down, it’s my fault.” Etsuko furiously bowing up and down again. It’s mainly to Y/n because she has yet to know how Y/n will deal with this. Yuma on the other hand, “Hey, it’s alright, you were bound to make a mistake at some point”, she smirks, taunting yet again just to get her riled up.

“Oh, shut up! I don’t care what you think!” Her apologetic tone disappearing as she talks to Yuma.

“It’s okay, Etsuko! It’s not your fault. We are a team, we take it together. We may have lost the first set, but we still got another one so there’s no time to think about what we could have done.” Y/n explains.

There is a small break to rehydrate and a breather. Nonetheless, the second set was about to start as the three on three switch sides. 

The second set was harder than the first. Not because both teams were exhausted, it was as if something was ignited within both teams. They were continuously pushing each other as the set went on. Like the last set, there was no big point gap, but this time, the first years were surprisingly in the lead, as the scores are 19-21. 

“Damn, this time the first years beat them in getting in the 20′s” one of the second years said, which was the official setter, Manami Aoki, a second year.

“I think they might take the set!”  Another second year chimes in who plays middle blocker, Takei Katsu. 

Just like she said, the first years did take the second set. Yuma was able to snuff the ball’s momentum from Yui’s spike for the winning point.

“I honestly thought this wasn’t going into a third set.” Matsuda Yua, a second year. She’s a middle blocker and an outside hitter, she voices her thoughts.

“Hm, yeah. At face value, it seemed the third years would win in straight sets, but it seems the first years got some spunk that’s saving their ass.” Takai rationalizes. 

“Yeah, I see that” Aoki agrees with her.

“Yeah, but I think they got more than spunk with that volleyball prodigy on their team.” 

The second years turned one to one their fellow classmates, Watabe Nozomi, their libero. She wasn’t one to really talk to other people, which includes her teammates. She was silent most of the time, but she was super reliable, both on and off the court. They never wanted to force her in opening up about herself so for the most part, they let her be one of the most reserved people on their team.

Because of their knowledge of her personality and attitude, they were shocked at how she was actually taking part in the conversation. Not that they minded, they always wanted to get to know her better. The way their team works is that they are more than just teammates, they care for each other outside of volleyball and want the best for them, regardless of what happens on the court. 

They form this bond with one another, which makes their actions on the court to be more naturally cohesive. This is one of the strengths that their club possesses. And it’s not that they force this bond, it’s the love for volleyball that brings them together. 

“She must be really something if she got Nozomi talking about her.” Rinko looks over the second years as she stands on the side with her whistle. 

Nozomi’s cheeks tinge with some red as she gets called out. The second years chuckle a bit at her reaction.

“You really think she is a prodigy?” Aoki asks.

“She seems really in tuned with her body. It’s like she is hyper-aware of her surroundings and makes fast decisions that almost always ensure a point.” Nozomi comments. The second years nod in agreement and acknowledgment. 

“I don’t think she’s a prodigy, I mean, those types of people are born with skill. While, Y/n seems she has built upon her skills over the years, which is impressive in itself.” Rinko adds in.

Rinko had it right. Y/n was not a prodigy or some sort of genius. She was someone who practiced, practiced, and practiced some more. She devoted so much of her time and energy into volleyball that it only made sense that she excels in it.

As the third set nears the end, the first years make a surprising break away. The points being 23-19. 

“We might actually be getting our own servants” Etsuko pants as exhaust dawning on her. 

“Yeah, if we continue to play smart, we might win this thing” Yuma continues.

“We can do this, guys. Let’s play strong till the very end.” Y/n gave a thumbs up at her teammates. And smiled. Well, she tried. 

“Uh, what’s up with your face, dude? If you gotta take a shit, then go ahead. We can take a short break” Etsuko assures Y/n. 

“You idiot! Can’t you see she’s smiling.” Yuma karate chops Etsuko’s head, resulting in a yelp and her hands to fly to her head at the impact.

Poor Y/n is truly trying her best, but she was not preparing to show much emotion today, or any day for that matter. She had to shake it off and she can worry about being not emotionally available later.

It was Y/n’s turn to serve. All three third years internally groaned. She decides to serve it over to Chizuru, specifically right behind her left foot. 

The ball actually lands behind her right foot. Despite being at game point, Y/n couldn’t help but feel irritated at how inaccurate her serve was. The girl holds herself to a high standard. She sighs, she knows she’s getting tired. She needs to assure this win, but what’s the best option? 

Y/n is deep in thinking as her teammates are rejoicing at the mere possibility of having the third years as servants.

Then, it becomes so obvious. She does a short serve. The ball flying just over the net, forcing Moa to retrieve the ball with a bump. Yui then spikes the ball over. Y/n smirks.

Yuma receives the ball, sending it over to Y/n.

“Etsuko!” Y/n calls out to her.

They are thinking of doing that attack from earlier, where Etsuko spiked from behind the attack line! Yui resolves.

Yui and Mao push their forces opposite of Etsuko, waiting for the awaiting spike.

However, the spike never comes, but the ball is already bouncing on the third years court.

A SETTER DUMP?! everyone thought they were going to lose their minds.

Yuma and Etsuko was the first to scream out of pure exhilaration of winning against the third years. They tackled an unexpecting Y/n to the ground. Y/n sort of short-circuited. She was not used to this.

“We did it! We actually did it!” Etsuko exclaimed.

“Can’t believe we pulled that off.” Yuma added in.

“However, I really thought you were sending it over to me.” Etsuko crossed her arms and pouted.

“Sorry about that.” Y/n raises her hand to the back of head, “I knew if I got you on the ropes, they would be as well.”

“And hey, think of this way, your gullibility actually paid off this time!”

“Don’t make me beat your ass again!”

“You wanna go?!”

“You guys make a good team” Yui chimes in.

The two stop their bickering at the sound of their team captain’s voice.

“Ha, yeah. I guess we do.” Y/n stood up, while helping Etsuko and Yuma up as they are still looking at each other with looks that are like daggers at each other. “You guys played a good game as well.” Y/n reassured the third years, “I’d be honored to play on your team.”

Yui looks over at Rinko, “You already have it, don’t you?”

“Of course.” Rinko responds. Much to Y/n’s confusion as to what they are talking about.

Rinko walks over to a package that was on the sidelines, opening it up and pulling out a black jacket, representing Karasuno.

Y/n’s eyes widened. She doesn’t understand why she’s acting this way. It’s just a jacket. She had a strong feeling she was going to get in the club, so why what was this warm feeling in her chest?

Before she realizes it, the jacket is in her hands and she is enveloped in a group hug from the whole time.

“I won’t let you guys down!” Y/n declares in a rather former manner.

“We know.” Yui confirms.

Y/n felt safe, but there was a hesitant feeling that she shouldn’t get used to it.

“Okay! Today was meant to be an easy day, but don’t think tomorrow is going to be the same. In fact, it’s safe to say it’s only going to get harder from here.” Rinko announces.

The team collectively groans. 

“After we clean the gym, we have some important news. So, hurry up!” Yui ordered, resulting in the team to scatter in cleaning and disassembling the net.

It didn’t take too long, and the team soon sat on the cool gym floor as Yui and Rinko stood before them. 

“So, as you may know, we have been lacking the coach department, as in, we have no coach.” Rinko stated blandly.

“But, someone has graciously volunteered to coach us, and just to reassure you guys, so you guys think its not some rando. I did some research on him, and let’s just say he’s like a legend in the volleyball world.” Yui says.

Oo’s and awe’s can be heard among the team.

Who could it be? A legend?! Why Karasuno of all places? Many questions were flying about in the gym.

“Okay, okay. In addition to that, he’s known to be, well, harsh with his training.” Yui continues.

“Harsher than Rinko?” Etusko interrupts.

“Oi, don’t make me give you laps.”

“You’re proving my point!”

“Anyways, we will meet him tomorrow and he has requested that we start immediately in order to see what we need to work on. So, come tomorrow mentally prepared for that.” Yui informs.

“Alright, that’s all. Get out of here and get some good rest!” Rinko instructed.

The only noise that was coming from the gym was now faint conversations of the mystery coach and homework, shoes squeaking, and bags getting picked up. The girls started to leave the gym in pairs or trios.

“Hey Y/n, you want to walk home with us? It’s seems our game went a bit longer than expected and it’s pretty dark outside.” Yuma proposed to Y/n.

Y/n’s cheeks turned pink at the friendly gesture. They want to walk? With her? It’s not that big of a deal but it’s enough for Y/n to feel like she might be actually real friends with them. Y/n smiles fondly at them.

“Yeah, I’d like that.”

The three first years make their way out, but before they leave the area, Y/n spots Asahi! With some new-found confidence, Y/n decided to call out his name, “Hey, Asahi!”

There were some boys that were with him, and Y/n could only assume that those were some of his teammates. Asahi tensed up at the sudden call, but as he found the source of it, he reverted back to a calmer state.

“H-hey Y/n”

Y/n noticed that there was a grey haired boy and a dark haired one on either side of him. They were pretty tall in comparison to Y/n.

“So, how was practice?”

Asahi realized how confusing this looked to his fellow teammates. Sugawara and Daichi just looked at each other with puzzled looks.

“Oh, it went good! I think, I’m back on the team.”

“That’s good to hear. I’d like to set for you again sometime,” Y/n looked back to see her new friends who weren’t as puzzled as Asahi’s friends were, but more intimidated by how big Asahi is, “I got to get going. Goodbye!” Y/n waved and started to head back to her friends as they began to walk to the school’s entrance.

“Set?”

“Again?”

“You’ve played volleyball with her?”

“Is that the real reason you’ve been gone for a month?”

“She’s cute.”

“Yeah, is she in our grade?”

“G-guys! I just met her today, I swear!” Asahi waved off all their overwhelming questions. “I don’t know her that well, but I do know she plays volleyball,” he then takes a glance over to Y/n’s retreating figure with her two other friends who seem to laughing at something, “and she seems to be really dedicated to it.”

Little did Y/n know, a certain black-haired boy with blue eyes was also staring at her retreating figure and couldn’t help but overhearing Asahi’s conversation with Y/n. He grew curious and wanted to learn more.

“Hey Kageyama, are you even listening to me?!”

~

omg ok i hope this was good lol if u liked it pls let me know!! If you want be apart of the taglist, idk really know to do this, but just like comment and say u want in and i’ll just add u lol

Taglist: @riceballsandanime

[meepmoopfanfics]

you don’t get a win unless you’re playing the game: Daveed Diggs x Reader Chapter 3 Part 1

Your first instinct is to completely avoid Daveed at all costs for as long as you could. But your gut instinct was to immediately approach him. You had to look as comfortable as possible.

The only thing that could fix this was a stiff drink. You see Stephanie behind the bar notice you strutting confidently towards her.

“Oh shit… the BULLET’S HEEEEERE!”

Oh no. Not attention. Immediately you felt like Alexander Hamilton during My Shot when he goes into his “Am I talking to loud?” bar. All eyes were laser focused on you. Heads turned. In the corner of your eye you saw Daveed look from outside to towards the bar.

A few woos came from the party.

“Ayeeee!!!! The new firecracker!” You turn to see the Anthony Ramos approaching the bar as well.

“What’s up A?” You smiled so big your cheeks hurt. “I’m Y/N!”

Anthony dapped you up and you continued talking to him for a bit. You both ordered Old Fashions at the bar. He was extremely easy to talk to and he made you feel super comfortable. It was also nice to know he was not trying to approach you in any other way than friendship, since you knew him and Jazzy were lovers for eternity.

Then you hear footsteps running towards the bar. You see two hands grab Anthony from behind to squeeze his sides causing him to collapse into his barstool. You hear an infectious snort-laugh you’ve heard many times before!

“Come on Lin don’t even play!!” Anthony yelled playfully.

The man, the myth, the legend, Lin-Manuel was standing a foot away from you.

“You meet Y/N yet?” Anthony opened the floor for a conversation with the man who changed your life.

“It’s so so wonderful to meet you finally!” You blushed.

“You as well, Y/N! I heard you’re a kick ass dancer.”

“I don’t know about that but I’m loving what we’ve been learning so far!”

“Whatcha drinking?”

“Old Fashioned! Had to keep it stiff for such a big night.” You laughed nervously.

“Big night? Kid, this is nothin. Drink up, have fun, let loose! We’re your fam now. Make yourself at home, chica.”

Lin looks at you with fatherly love. He patted you on the back like he was taking you under his wing. Until he grabbed the side of your sweatshirt to pull it slightly out.

“Wait a minute… you and Diggs plan this?!” He said at a louder volume than the rest of the conversation.

Well fuck.

“Uh no… I mean… what?!”

“The hoodie! You guys are literally twinsies right now. I need a photo of this.”

You look over at Diggs who eyes met with Lin looking confused. Lin still grabbing your hoodie, he looks over at you. You felt your stomach drop as his mysterious dark eyes peered into your soul for the first time in your life.

“What, brah?” Diggs yelled over the music. He started heading in your direction.

Jesus Christ. You felt your body begin to shake again. You bite your tongue in order for you to keep your cool. You take a huge sip of your Old Fashioned and set it down.

“Diggs!!! You got matching fits with the bullet!!!” Lin points his fingers at your head.

Anthony laughs hysterically “Yeah man, you got competition over here!”

Diggs approaches in the coolest way. Just strutting over with ease right to you three. He places his drink down and leans against the bar after pushing up his hoodie sleeves to his elbows to reveal his watch. How could someone’s forearms be so attractive? And muscular? I mean they were FOREARMS!

Daveed sighs as he sees the issue. “Well shit. I don’t have a backup… Why you gotta make me look bad over here?!”

You realize that he’s literally talking to you. You have to respond to Daveed Diggs.

“I’m ahead of the game when it comes to sabotage.” You smirked and were happy with your response. Thankful you didn’t say anything stupid or fan girlish.

He shook his head as he smiled. His hair bouncing along with his movements. He turned to Lin. Then turned back to you.

“Watch yourself!”

“Maybe you should watch your drink.” I tell him as I see the bartender dump it out behind the bar thinking it was finished. You took your last sip of your Old Fashioned and handed the glass to the bartender after he was done clearing out Diggs’ drink.

Daveed shrugged “There’s plenty more where that came from. Would the bullet like another?”

“Of course. And it’s Y/N, by the way.” He smiled. His teeth were something you’ve only seen in photoshopped Crest ads. He shook your hand warmly. His grip strong, sending shivers down your spine.

“Daveed. But you can call me Diggs.”

He turns to Lin. “Why do all the bullets gotta be such damn firecrackers?”

“Like what you see, D?” Anthony said loudly and slurring. You could tell he’d been drinking for a bit.

“Man if you don’t shut yo mouth..” Diggs pushed Ant playfully.

“I’m just playin! I’m just playin!” Ant dusted off his shoulders. “I’m gonna go find Jazz.” He got up and bounced away, looking for his love.

“Be careful with this one, Y/N,” Lin said as he whispered leaning into you, “He’ll ruin your life.”

You couldn’t help but whisper, “I’d gladly let him ruin my life.” back. Shoot… hopefully Lin would take that more flirtatiously than seriously.

“I see you. I see you. Have fun… make me proud.” Lin winked at you and gave your shoulder two pats before heading back out to the dance floor when Suavamente blasted through the speakers.

Daveed gripped two drinks, one old fashioned for you and one Moscow mule for him. He pushed yours over using the condensation to slide right into your palm. How could a guy make something so mundane so sexy?

“So, Y/N, where are ya from?”

“Massachusetts. In a town in the middle of no where. Suburbs-ish.”

“Oh cool, cool.”

“How about you?” You asked, playing stupid.

You can feel a person watching you, coming closer and closer and closer until you hear…

“BAY AREA BABYYYY”

Rafa’s back.

“Shit Rafa, you’re about to scare my new homie off… This is my friend Rafa, Rafa this is Y/N”

“BEST friend. Y/N I think I saw you on the street earlier! I saw you were wearing the same hoodie as Diggs and couldn’t help but wonder if you were heading where I was. And THANKFULLY you were. You really making him look bad right now. He needs to be knocked down a few pegs” He chuckled as he set down his Duane Reade bags filled with various random snacks, including neon colored gummy bears.

“Oh yeah, Oakland, right?”


“How’d you know?” Rafa said jokingly.

“I’ve seen Blindspotting once or twice.”

“Hell yeah you have!” Rafa smirked as he softly nudged Diggs in the arm.

“Sick gummy bears…” you said eyeing the Duane Reade plastic bag.

“Don’t you diss my bears like that!” Rafa screamed as he grabbed the gummy Beas out of the bag and held protectively. He ripped open the bag and immediately began throwing them into his mouth while singing along to Suavamente.

“He’s an idiot,” Daveed said looking straight into your eyes, super close to your face. You felt your pupils dilate and couldn’t help if he noticed. A moment of silence fell between the two of you as you just gazed into the newness of your blooming friendship.

A rush of blood flowed to your head. You felt some tension, but that was probably just on your end.

Suddenly Lin ran back like a bull moose in a china shop, unsurprisingly, breaking the eye contact. He was sweating from sambaing with the cast. Without hesitation, he pulled out his phone and yelled, “I FORGOT TO TAKE A TWINSIE PIC TO TWEET!”

He opens to phone as Rafa steps out of the frame. Diggs throws his arm over your shoulder and grabs his hoodie with the other hand to pull it out and show it off. You mimicked him. Your heart stopped. This was all going way too well. Almost a little too well to be true. He was such an OG. So sweet and chill. Slightly flirtatious but not overbearingly so.

You smirked without teeth to seem chill as well.

“What an addition to the cinnamon rolls you are, Y/N.” Lin squealed as he typed his tweet. You had no idea what he was gonna write and honestly would rather not know. You’d look after the party.

taglist: 

@alexander-hamilhoe

[startwithbrooklyn]

THE GREAT ND REWATCH OF 2021 / SEPTEMBER 28-29, 2019 // the bonny scot

posting this a day later than normal because this is one of the rare episodes that shows a passage of time from one day to the next yayy love that for them

-wonder what filming these beginning sexy scenes is like for them in real life

-sooooo can lucy see nancys sexy dream? is she judging? does this mean she likes nancy with owen or nick more? or is she trying to tell nancy that her sex dreams are irrelevant to the mystery at hand and she needs to focus?

-seeing people in the ✨prison chair✨: gomber, carson, karen (voting for josh s3 just saying)

-completely ignores carson's question about herself typical nance

-"or maybe i did stumble across a knife" its like hes trying to make the case against him look plausible while attempting to maintain innocence. this is a slippery slope for carson to try and encourage her to keep her pacified + hide the truth while also trying to keep her from getting involved bc hudsons

-"genetics gets you in the door" aaaaand then she walks in to everetts office to meet him and crashes their family dinner

-ok who tf is dawn and why is she in charge here

-this guidance counselor of nicks is my favorite person

-"i admire your allergy to pleasantries" bess and nancy both have reveals to big families but nancy does not have the graceful, accepting reveal to her rich family like bess does at this lunch. nancys reveal is messy, cold, bloodstained and sticky-fingered, not nice in any way whatsoever. and this little chat with everett (bit of a parallel to lucy's) just highlights how nancy is always bad at bargaining with her grandparents*- always trying to fight on their level but giving up her equal hand bc she doesnt know how to hide it when they bring up something she doesnt know. like confronting celia at the masque: she was so confident with her theory and what she knew, but then we got a "what does that mean?" like. the instant you say that, you lose. and she walked right into the "yes i do have someone, hes in jail" 🤦🏼‍♀️ even in the car with ryan at the end of s1, he literally just fucking leaves her there. like 🤷🏼‍♀️ what did u think was gonna happen sis?? for all she can predict how past things lead to present circumstances shes fucking awful at seeing the direct future *(grandparents except for patrice bc her dementia makes her inaccessable)

-lmaooooo this awko ass portrait...i get the empty space is for nance but who on earth thought this was a good pic??

-LISBETH 🥺💙

-"will u help the claw for me?" george struggles financially to keep her livelihood while nancy is somehow shown as being taken care of even when her parent is incarcerated; both nancy and george live in single parent homes now with mention of both medical debt and george being breadwinner yet nancy has no struggles while george does. (i wonder if ryan had been able to help george here how the story would have changed)

-"when it comes to following people around without their knowledge or consent i am somewhat of a repeat offender" 😂😂😂

-"he wasnt endgame after all" BESS lmaoooo

-"...okay." lmaoooo i fuckin love owen

-i was hoping the girls' faces would be more shocked like with a glance to owen but they just....werent

-"we're the good guys" <---- this statement is soooo interesting in terms of how they structure the show and how the characters see themselves (its an interesting contrast with the more definitive good vs evil with things that are both clearly good and clearly evil but theres also a lot of moral grey area here, the show is kinda swamped in it. are nancy and crew the good guys? are they the bad guys in someone else's story? concerns.)

-"i'd call it more than just stuff" like why did u concede that??? and then the shit about oof that didnt sound like a compliment lmaoooooo why does she suck at arguing?? she and owen wouldnt work long term bc theyre so similar (as mentioned later on)

-i LOVE george slowly falling in love with nick here- hence how upset she gets when nick bails on her for nancy later (which is totally justified!!!)

-i am LIVING for the little nod this driver guy gives bess when she turns back around all nervous 😂

-"i do like buying things" i would so say that too tbh

-"you'd have plenty to talk about" LMFAOOOOOOO SHE KNOWS "marvins dont marry drivers" so diana is totally fine with the gay its just the poor she has a problem with 😂💙fuckin love that

-love how nancy just casually ruins everything for nick/george lmaooo

-"i have seen you at your best, nancy, and there is nothing like it." 🥴😳 i love this still-in-love look nancy gives him thats so strong he had to change the subject

-so is haunting time 11 pm? from that clock of bashiir's?

-how do NO neighbors notice this fucking water and shit

-these are TOTALLY AWFUL fake screams from the bonny scot crew 😭

-"i know well enough not to get involved when he's in play" both carson and ryan avoid engaging with everett even though nancy is willing to do so armed with less info and more balls/ but "could i trust him" and ryan says yes lmaooooo NO honey + that makes ryan 0/2 for helping the girls when they ask this ep

-"find a project of your own" and he does, with his youth center 🙏🏻💙 what s2 foreshadowing!

-"god i wish i still drank" 😂😂😂

-"she is darling." 💙👌🏻

-okay wtf is mirror bay??

-i really wonder about the extent of celia x sebastians relationship here. did she truly care about him or was it just secret and exciting sex? also would love more hints of diana vs celia moments like these. celia doesnt even look upset. i mean shes had time to deal but like wtf. and who exactly is sebastian to diana? not her husband? like damn what if he was. somehow i doubt she'd talk about him diddling celia if diana was disrespected also

-i wonder if celia being so invested in dna testing nancy was bc everrett dna tested ryan to make sure he was his bc of sebastian / other men (which would be totally valid on his part!! but wouldnt it be funny as fuck if ryan wasnt his 😂)

-what a neat hiding place in this frame lmaooo who put that in for them tho? like how do u go about ordering that

-"you certainly are your fathers daughter" this quote is doubly ironic and foreshadowy bc theyre referencing carson here as being a useful hudson attaché but nancy is playing everett just like ryan played celia about putting his house up (but TRIPLY ironic bc carson pulls off the long con of hiding nancy from the hudsons right under their noses this whole time!) the one time nancy is successful against them

-that bess/lisbeth look while lisbeth does something badass (+diana reassessing now that lisbeth has been revealed to be useful)

-"almost as fun as a real fight" why do i believe him? lmaoooo a bit weird that he would enjoy a fight w a partner, but i also think this is an acknowledgement of nancy being an "opponent" who exists at his level. but i also love the "let me take you out" as a direct mirror of her relationship with nick, where she avoids the public acknowledgment/"going out" but prefers the more subtle/hidden arrangements of staying in. but as shown with later eps, owen is way more capable of meeting nancy where shes at, which is so important to her + the only way of getting close to nancy. (the only foil is ace who somehow is able to do both)

-"not always about a guy" <---- this could have been such a powerful statement if the show had thought having nancy end up alone/choose herself instead of pitting her between love interests (nick, owen, gil, even potentially ace, in only 2 seasons) was a more worthy stance to take ; as an aro/ace person i cant tell you how much i would kill to see just one female protag choose herself over a man. and its more realistic to end up alone than have a happy ending anyway, for all that these shows try to be as "real" and gritty grimdark as possible

-"is that what you want?" this is an interesting question to his mother- like maybe he senses her unhappiness? combined with his issues with his father- still trying to look out for his mom? either way it's sweet. (it could also potentially work as foreshadowing of something happening to her, but i think that was played with but then diverted when it was revealed who really killed her) "i think its time i steer this ship" still kind of patriarchal tho. i get that its him coming into his own as a dad technically but still. i also like how he calls her "mother" and not mom

-love that old white people thumbs up at george asking about his clams 👍🏻

-okay fuck dawn tho lmfaoooo

-"stressful dinner huh?" 😂 i fucking love lisbeth so much why didnt they bring her back (wouldnt it be Fucking Hilarious if they brought lisbeth back to bounce bess on her expired visa since the marvins kicked her out and didnt fix it lmaoooooo)

-BESS IS A TOP lmaooooooo i fuckin knew it

-nick says "you can pay me back" wonder if thats gonna come back in s3 considering their "marital problems" (also, those bonds are sosus lmfaoooo if any single person cashing those was looked at sideways they'd confess in 2 seconds that some random guy is handing out bearer bonds they dont even make anymore with absolutely zero proof as to how he got them)

-"you wanna finish what you started?" 👀 (dont mind if i do)

-"i need my dad back" parallels s2 when she asks him to come home

-parent politics: "you are taking your life in your hands / no, i'm putting it in yours" vs "i know well enough not to get involved when hes in play" both carson and ryan try to dissuade nancy from pursuing her pulling this con on everett but go about it different ways: carson is wildly concerned with nancys physical wellbeing but ryan appears to be leaning more towards weighing the odds for her/ like a "you cant win so cut your losses/dont try" scenario which interestingly might have more weight with nancy; its easy for her to brush aside carson's worrying like second nature but nancy has been established to be a determined winner, and ryan speaks to her here like shes a beginners luck prodigy at a blackjack table by encouraging her to keep her record clean by not dealing in this next round. of course she herself admits shes incapable of not dealing in ie "you know me better than that" but i have lots more thoughts on how effective ryans approaches to nancy can be sometimes (saving for the reveal ep 🙏🏻)

-wonder what all carson knows about the hudsons? + that look on his face when he hangs up... wonder if he was just lying to her about knowing anything or just ashamed at having to admit bad things hes done for them

-love nick & bashiir waiting together 🙏🏻💙+ nicks very strong and pointed "good night" as a means of ending his convo w nancy on his terms (gotta reinforce those boundaries man!)

and lastly

-celia + that gossip girl moment when she just throws the whole phone away 😂(wonder if she was just talking to "gus" or whoever that guy was. keep forgetting the bobbseys' dad is in prison too, wonder if he'll feature in s3)

[fan-fantasies]

Captain

Request: I would like to request a Captain America imagine with smut, angst, and fluff, where the reader is younger than him, joins the team and trains really hard because she wants to help people. Usually, around the others she is confident, funny, and loves to help the others, but she has a huge crush on Cap and she thinks that he may not like her back because she is younger and inexperienced, so for some time she locks herself up 

A/N: Thanks so much for the request! I hope you enjoy it :-) Heather

Word Count: 2K

Pairing: Steve Rogers x Reader

Rating: NSFW

Warnings: Swearing, SMUT (oral f receiving, unprotected sex, captain kink) 

Masterlist   Marvel Masterlist

“Your first mission is next week. Are you ready?” Bucky asked as you swung at him. He easily dodged your punch but wasn’t as lucky with your kick.

“Seems like I’m more prepared than you, old man,” you chuckled as he landed on his back. You held out your hand and helped him up.

“Nice work, (Y/N),” Steve said from the side of the ring. You turned around in surprise and in doing so caught yourself up on your shoelaces and fell flat on your face.

“Let’s just hope the enemy isn’t a shoelace,” Bucky laughed. Steve rolled his eyes at him and asked if you were okay.

“Yeah, yeah I’m great! So good! I’ll see you guys later!” You rambled while you stumbled out of the ring. You ran off toward the exit so you could hide away in your room for the rest of the day. Steve probably thought you were a clumsy idiot and you don’t dare show your face in front of him today.

You decided to watch a few movies on Netflix and only emerged from your room when your stomach demanded it. You made your way to the kitchen where Wanda had started on dinner.

“Hey (Y/N), care to help?” She asked. You loved learning different recipes from Wanda and always jumped at the opportunity to cook with her. “So I heard you got a bit flustered in front of Steve today in training.”

“Who told you? Was it Bucky? I’ll kill him,” you groaned.

“We all think you should just tell Steve how you feel. It’s obvious he likes you too,” she tells you. You drop the spoon you were holding and curse.

“It’s obvious that he doesn’t feel the same way and by telling him I would just make things so much worse,” you sighed.

“Why wouldn’t he like you? You’re smart, strong, funny, loyal, beautiful…I could go on forever,” she smiles.

“Did you wanna go out with me?” You smirk at her. She rolls her eyes and laughs.

“I wouldn’t steal you away from Cap,” she says. You shake your head and scowl.

You two finish dinner in silence and call everyone down to eat. You take your usual place next to Natasha and Sam and wait for everyone else to file in.

“How’s your face feeling, (Y/N)? Those laces really got the better of you,” Bucky smirked from across the table.

“I heard it was after she got the best of you, Tin-man,” Sam snaps. Bucky frowns at him but shuts up nonetheless. You nudged Sam and smiled and he just sent you a wink.

“Are you excited for the mission next week, kiddo?” Tony asked.

“I am actually,” you answered.

“I remember my first mission, it was so cool,” Peter joined in and wouldn’t stop talking. You all listened and laughed.

You had joined the team a little while after Peter had and you were a little older too. He was like a little brother yet he still had more missions and training under his belt. That was one of the reasons you knew Steve could never like you. You were one of the youngest ones on the team and he was like a hundred. Of course, he didn’t look a hundred but you get the idea.

You all continued to laugh and eat and you forgot about any worry that was in your mind. That was until Steve walked in.

“Sorry I’m late, guys,” he apologized.

Steve took a plate and sat next to Bucky almost directly across from you. He sent you a small smile that almost caused you to choke.

“We were just discussing missions, didn’t miss much,” Tony informed him. “Any advice for our young Padawan here?” Steve looked over to you and you wanted to crawl under the table.

“If you can kick Bucky’s ass, you’re gonna be fine,” Steve smiled.

“She didn’t kick my ass, I let her win,” Bucky whined.

“Sure you did, pal. We all know (y/n) is plenty capable of taking you down,” Steve joked. “Just don’t rush, don’t panic, and know that we all have your back.”

“Got it, Captain,” you nod. You see Steve’s smile fall a bit and his jaw tensed. Had you angered him? Should you have said yes sir instead? You started to panic and everyone noticed the frantic look in your eyes. You quickly excused yourself from the table and brought your plate to the sink, nearly tripping on Clint’s quiver. Why did he even carry that thing with him?

“Is she okay?” Steve asked. “Nerves for the mission?”

“She seems pretty confident about the mission,” Sam told him. His friend could be so oblivious sometimes.

“Why don’t you go ask her what’s wrong?” Nat suggested.

“I’m not sure I’m the best person to do that,” he mumbled sadly. He thought that you didn’t like him, were scared of him even. You always seem to rush out of the room when he enters and you get nervous.

“You’re most definitely the best person to do that,” Bucky said. He took Steve’s plate and threw it in the sink. “Now go.”

“Jeez, fine, I’ll go,” he said. He walked down the long hallway to your room and knocked. Friday informed you who the visitor was and you started to clam up.

“H-hey,” you said when you opened the door.

“Are you okay?” He asked.

“Yeah..uh yes, yes, captain,” you said. Steve clenched his fist and took a deep breath. You looked up at him with your innocent doe eyes and frowned, Steve thought he was gonna lose it.

“You don’t have to call me that when we’re not on a mission. Steve is fine,” he told you.

“Yes, cap- I mean Steve.”

“Can I...can I come in maybe? I’d like to talk some more,” he asked. You move out of the way and let him in, watching him take a seat on your bed. Your heart was going a million miles an hour and you prayed that he couldn’t hear it.

“Did I do something wrong?” You ask.

“No, of course not! I just wanted to make sure that you’re really okay. That you’re settling in with the team.”

“Yeah, everyone’s great. I love it here,” you answer honestly. You really did love the team and the work, even if it was hard.

“No one makes you uncomfortable?” He asked awkwardly.

“No?”

“Not even me?” He asked. He finally looked up at you and you were shocked.

“No! You don’t make me uncomfortable,” you tell him. You sit next to him on the bed. “Why do you think that?”

“You always seem nervous around me and it feels like you try to avoid me,” he almost whispered.

“It’s not that you make me uncomfortable” you sigh. You really didn’t want to have this conversation right now.

“Do you not like me then?”

“It’s not that either,” you sighed. “I do… like you…”

“So why do you avoid me?” He questioned.

“Because I have a crush on you and it’s easier to avoid you than to confront it. I know I’m too young for you and inexperienced. I didn’t want to make things weird between us and I’m sure it’ll go away soon. I’m sorry, Captain,” you babble.

Steve isn’t sure what to say because he never thought that your behavior was because you had a crush on him. He thought back to all the times when you’d start to ramble or trip over things when he entered the room or how you whispered to Wanda sometimes when he was around. He now understood that when you would clench your thighs together when watching him train wasn’t because he scared you but because he aroused you. His long silence worried you.

“C-captain?” His eyes snapped to yours and they were filled with lust. He leaned forward and captured your lips with his. You froze in shock until he pulled away.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have! It’s just I like you too and you kept calling me Captain… I couldn’t help myself and that’s no excuse but-“ you cut him off by kissing him. You practically jumped in his lap and straddled him. His large hands gripped your hips and pulled you down onto his clothed, rock hard cock. You moaned into the kiss and he pulled away.

“Do you wanna go further?” He asked breathlessly.

“Yes, Captain,” you bite your lip when he groans. He begins to attack your neck, nipping and kissing all over. He pulled your shirt from your body and your bra soon followed. He lifted you from his lap and you whined, earning a slap on the ass from Steve.

Steve got undressed and watched you take off your shorts and panties. You both looked at each other before he nearly lunged at you. Your tongues were as entwined as your bodies. His hand worked its way to your pussy and your body jolted when his fingers found your clit. He rubbed slow circles while his other hand palmed your breast.

“More, please,” You whimpered and moved your hips for more friction. Steve obliged and plunged a finger into your core, a second one quickly following. His thumb continued to rub circles on your clit while his fingers quickly had you falling to pieces. “Fuck, Captain! Yes!”

“Cum for me, baby,” he whispered. With one final thrust of his fingers into your g-spot, you came undone. Goosebumps covered your skin as you began to tremble. When Steve was satisfied with his work he slowly removed his fingers from you. You tried to move so you could return the favor but he stopped you. “I need to be inside you. I need to feel you.”

“Fuck,” you moaned. He stroked his cock a few times before lining it up with your entrance.

“Are you ready?” He asked.

“Please, Captain, fuck me,” you told him. He didn’t need to be told again. He slid his cock into you inch by inch. You had never felt so full before.

Once he was fully seated inside of you he pulled back. This time he slammed back in causing you to gasp. He began to thrust into you at a relentless pace. Your name fell from his lips like a prayer and he peppered you with kisses.

Your body began to tense again, your climax building quickly.

“Steve, I’m gonna cum,” you whined.

“Wait for me, sweetheart,” he told you. His thrusts became harder as he was chasing your climax trying to earn his own. You pulled him down to kiss you and your fingernails dug into his neck. The stinging pain mixed with the feeling of you was enough to get him to the edge.

“Cum for me, Captain,” you whispered. His thrusts slowed to a deliciously slow pace, the tip of his cock nudging your g-spot with each thrust. The feeling of him releasing inside of you was more than enough to send shockwaves through your body. Steve continued to work his cock into you slowly until both of you were completely satiated.

“That was amazing,” he mumbled into your neck before pressing a sweet kiss to your lips.

“I guess I should’ve been calling you captain sooner,” you chuckled. You winced when he pulled his cock out and he pulled you close to his chest.

“As much as I love hearing you come undone for your Captain, I think it’d be much easier if you called me Steve in front of the team or on dates so I don’t tear your clothes off every chance I get,” he laughed.

“So we’re gonna go on dates?” You asked nervously.

“Of course, sweetheart. I meant it when I said that I like you too. You’re young but that doesn’t matter to me. What matters is that you’re kind and caring and you kick ass” he smiled at you. You turned to him and kissed him. You never wanted to leave your bed, the feeling of your bodies twisted as one was too good to let go of. “I really think we have something here.”

“I think so too...Captain.”

Permanent for all: @lokilvrr @m-a-t-91

Marvel: @burberry13addicted @pixiehex1985  @supernatural-fanfic @thisismysecrethappyplace @lokilow-keystabbing @angelw1tch @yuvalpayne20@xbabyvalx @emcchi @scarletsoldierrr @latsyrc85x

[jumukus]

A3! Event: Starring Party ‘Look Back on Summer 3′ Translation

Last ones for Summer Troupe are Kazunari and Muku.

Izumi: (Last ones from Summer Troupe are those two.)

Muku: Ah, welcome, director-san!

Kazunari: Nice timing, director-chan♪ We're just having tea together!

Muku: Kazu-kun bought some soft macaron crepes. It's popular right now.

Kazunari: It's very popular on Instablam, and tasty too. Wanna take a bite, director-chan?

Izumi: They look so cute! If you insist, then…

...No, this isn't why I’m here! That was closeーI was almost tempted to join your tea party.

I'm here to film the anniversary video.

Kazunari: Oh yeah, you're right! We're gonna put in commentary and something like that, right? That's so lit~!

Muku: If I remember correctly, we're going to roll the dice to decide on the topic and choose a scene, right?

Izumi: Yup, yup.

Okay then, let's start from the lead actor of Summer Troupe's fifth play, Kazunari-kun. Here, take the dice.

Kazunari: 'Kay! What. kind. of. topic. will I get? Here we go!

Muku: The topic is… "An episode where you failed."

Kazunari: Dang~. I was having a hard time since we had a lot of action scenes. If we're talking about failure, it'd take forever.

Hmm… But I think this scene is the one that I remember the best.

Izumi: (This is from the sixth day of night showing. In this scene, Kiichi and Yoshimaru delivered a letter to Young Lordーー.)

Young Lord: "...Is this really from the princess?"

Yoshimaru: "Eh? Ah, this one? Yes~! As you can see, you can write and draw on this!"

Young Lord: "That's paper!"

Kiichi: "Paper is that wide and blue place where you can see ships embark on a journey to find treasures."

Young Lord: "That's sea!"

Yoshimaru: "Sea is the thing that's useful for catching fish."

Young Lord: "That's net!"

Kiichi: "No, no. Sea is like this, y'know? Ride the wave!"

Young Lord: "That's waves!"

Yoshimaru: "Wave helps me hear Young Lord's dignified voice very well…"

Young Lord: "That's ears!"

Kiichi: "Smile, smile!"

Young Lord: "Will you cut it out!? I asked whether this is from the princess!!"

Izumi: (The ad libs were lively and Summer Troupe-like, but…)

...Too long.

Kazunari: That's right~!

As the people who came to re-watch our show increased, the reaction was getting weak.

So that's why we played around with ad libs. But we ended up having so much fun it went too long~.

Tehepero! This kind of thing happens pretty often in Summer Troupe~.

Muku: Ahaha, yeah…

Izumi: But well, that's one of the things that make Summer Troupe's plays different from others.

Kazunari: I know ad libs are merely extra elements that aren't necessary to be put in a play… There's no meaning in putting them in if it's going to ruin the original flow of the play, but…

Exchanging ad libs with one another is fun, and the audience enjoys it too. So it just happens.

Muku: During our debut show, we were told to make it our motto to have fun first before entertaining the audience.

Kazunari: Yup, yup! That's why we can't stop throwing in ad libs…

But we need to be careful not to have too much fun all by ourselves. I think this is a challenge for us.

Everyone might be thinking the same thing, not just me.

Izumi: Yup, you have a point.

Kazunari: I feel like my acting has become a little bit more stable than before, but since I've chosen both acting and art, I have to give my all to both of them without compromise.

Izumi: (Just like Kumon-kun, Kazunari-kun also has his own worries concerning ad libs.)

(Nonetheless, Kazunari-kun is thinking ahead.)

(Kumon-kun who is working hard to catch up, and Kazunari-kun who is walking with his gaze fixed on the future in front of him…)

(But neither of them will leave anyone behind, and that is Summer Troupe's strong point.)

Kazunari: Alrighty! Shall we shoot the video message next?

On second thoughts, angle does matter! Hmm, the camera's position and background…

Izumi: It'll take forever if we cared too much about that. I think this is fine…

Kazunari: Eh, you think so~? OK then, I'll go like this. Kazunari Miyoshi's video message, start!

Muku: Whoa, Kazu-kun's message is so beautiful.

Kazunari: Hehe, TYSM! Muku, it's your turn now!

Muku: Y-Yes. I'm rolling the dice now… woops!

Izumi: Oh? Muku-kun got the same topic as Kazunari-kun, "An episode where you failed."

Kazunari: Seriously!? As expected of roommates, we're so close~!

Muku: An episode where you failed…

Since the opening show, I was so nervous that I messed up my lines, and I almost fell down during that sceneーー.

I couldn't respond to the ad libs well at the time, and I almost dropped the props in the next scene after thatーー.

This and that happened back then. I'm really just a weak, withered radish that fell to pieces…

Kazunari: Mukkun? Mukkuuuun?

Izumi: Uh, uh…. Oh, yeah! Since you got the same topic, let's change it! I'll allow it just for this time!

The topic that has yet to come out within Summer Troupe is… "Unforgettable scene". Let's go with that one, shall we!?

Muku: Unforgettable scene?

If that's so… There's a scene that remains deep in my heart.

It was during the final scene of the closing show…

Izumi: (After the curse has been lifted, Florence and Rose get married…)

Florence: "Still, I was really surprised to find out that Rose is the princess."

Broto: "You didn't seem to notice it at all, your highness."

"*sighs*, you're as carefree and easy-going as ever, just like a flower garden*"

Rose: "You have a point…"

Florence: "Do you mean my beauty is that of a glorious flower garden? That's obvious!"

Rose and Broto: "I've never said that."

Broto: "My, my…"

"...But you're fine just the way you are."

Izumi: (What a tender smile… The last line was Kumon-kun's ad lib.)

(Before the closing show, Kumon came to me and Tsuzuru-kun to discuss this.)

Muku: I tried my best to act as the prince that I've been dreaming of...

Hearing Broto's lines in the closing show, I felt like all my efforts had been acknowledged.

It made me so happy and emotional.

Because everyone believed in me, I could be a prince just the way I am.

I'm really glad I could confidently stand on stage as Prince Florence.

Izumi: Yeah…

Kazunari: Mukkun's Prince Florence was so cool, he could bring miracles. I love him too!

Muku: Ehehe, thanks…!

Izumi: Okay, let's shoot the video message.

Muku: Yes!

Muku: Phew… thank you.

Izumi: Good job. With this, I'm done filming Summer Troupe's part.

Kazunari: Mukkun's comment was so good, I can't wait to watch the others~!

Izumi: Your personalities came out quite a bit in the videos.

Kazunari: Really!? I'm hyped!

Muku: Whoah, I wonder how the final product will be. I'm excited to see it.

Kazunari: That's a mood~. I'm fired up to edit the footage!

Izumi: ...Say, Kazunari-kun, do you need to use a video editing software to edit them?

Kazunari: You do need editing software for this, but there's various kinds of itーー.

But you can make a pretty high-quality video using free softwares, or the ones that are already installed on your PC!

Izumi: I see.

Muku: Hm? I think I heard loud noises from the corridor…

Kumon: Sorry for intruding!

Yuki: Good work.

Misumi: Kazu~, Muku~, director-san~? Are you done filming?

Kazunari: Huh? Sumi and Kumopi!

Muku: Even Tenma-kun and Yuki-kun…

Izumi: We've just finished filming. What brings you all here?

Kumon: We found some paper waste when we were cleaning our room!

Misumi: That's whyーー.

Let's hold a paper airplane contest!

Tenma: We got dragged by those two all of sudden.

Yuki: They were so noisy.

Muku: Whoa, it's been a while since we last held a paper airplane contest!

Kazunari: Sounds fun! I'm in, I'm in! Join us, director-chan!

Izumi: Eh, me too? But…

Misumi: Flying paper airplanes is fun~!

Muku: I want to fly paper airplanes with director-san too!

Izumi: Well, I'll join for a bit. I'm free, anyway.

Kumon: Yeaaay! I'll make a paper airplane that will fly far away~!

Tenma: Sorry, but I'll beat you and win this time.

Yuki: Look who's talking, when you always make paper airplanes that can hardly fly.

Tenma: Shut up!

Misumi: Tenma, I'll teach you how to make one that can fly far far away!

Kumon: Once we're done making paper airplanes, let's fly them in the courtyard!

Izumi: Yeah!

T/N:

The puns in Kiichi, Yoshimaru and Young Lord's dialogues go like this: 手紙　(Tegami/Letter) → 紙 (Kami/Paper) → 海 (Umi/Sea) → 網 (Ami/Net) → 波 (Nami/Wave) → 耳 (Mimi/Ears)

花畑 (Hanabatake) can also also be used to describe someone who has a tranquil image and whose train of thoughts is carefree.

< Look Back on Summer 2 | Masterlist | ‘Stories of 24′ 1 >

[eadanga]

Let There Be Love Part 1

Summary: 4 years after winning the custody battle MC and Thomas decide to get married but what happens when a jealous ex and a ex husband get in they way?

Paring: ThomasxMC

MC stood in the kitchen making breakfast. It’s been 4 years since she got custody of her daughter. Right after she got custody Thomas and her started to officially date it wasn’t until last year that he asked her move in with him and Luz. They had been having a blast together going out to movies, making dinner and going on vacations. In the 5 years MC was able to go back to school to get her teaching degree, she was officially starting her first day at Bernhardt Academy as the history teacher.

A pair of strong arms wrap around her waist “Hey beautiful”

MC smiles and turns around “Hi Thomas” she kisses him softly “I was making breakfast in bed for you”

“Thanks baby but the bed got so lonely without you in it I had to come and see my favorite girl” He trails kisses down her neck as MC giggles

“Thomas let me finish so I don’t want wanna burn your house down plus I know you’re hungry”

“Yes I’m hungry for you” He kisses her deeply then a loud gurgling noise startles them apart. MC looks at him stunned then bursts out laughing. Thomas blushes and steps away. He chuckles “Maybe I am hungry”

“Maybe? Your stomach sounds like a monster”

“Quiet you”

MC giggles “Let’s feed that monster”

Thomas chuckles as he sits at the table. MC turns around and continues making breakfast “So are the girls ready?”

“Yeah they’re getting ready when I checked on them they were too busy talking to notice the time”

MC giggles “Teenagers soon they be going away to college and getting their own boyfriends”

“No boys till they’re 30”

MC raises an eyebrow “Really?”

“Ok 20”

MC rolls hers her eyes and turns back to cooking. The sound of footsteps and gossiping come down the stairs “Can you believe the work we have to be do?” “I know it’s too much” They approach the table with smiles. Hope hugs MC “Hi mom”

“Hi sweetie hi Luz”

“Hi MC!”

MC giggles “Are you guys ready for some breakfast?”

“Yes” MC plates the food then hands them out.

“Mom we have to stay behind at school today”

“Sure let me go get ready for this job”

“Good luck and have a great day”

“Thanks Thomas” MC kisses him on the cheek then heads upstairs”

Thomas smiles as he watches her “This will be a really great day”

****

MC pulls up to the school and Hope and Luz jump out the car. She grabs her lunch and Hope runs up to her jumping excitedly “Come on mom I can’t believe you’re working here it’s going to be fun”

“Yes” MC smirks “And then I can tell your friends embarrassing stories”

“Don’t you dare”

MC laughs “We’ll see” Hope giggles as they walk into school together “I gotta go to the PTA meeting see you later”

Hope nods and follows Luz. MC walks into the PTA meeting and takes her seat.

“How nice of you to join us MC”

MC rolls her eyes at Vanessa “Thanks”

Vanessa smirks and continues talking. Ever since she’s been here Vanessa has always had a problem with her. MC sighs Just ignore the bitch and it will be fine

After the PTA meeting MC headed to her classroom and got set up. Once the bell rang the students came in Hope and Luz waved to her as they took their seats. MC smiled and began to teach her nerves began to wear off as she grew more confident in what she was saying.

The bell rang and everyone filed out. As MC stored through her papers Hope and Luz came up to her

“That was awesome mom you did it”

“Yeah I’m starting to love your class”

MC giggled “Thanks”

****

After the school day MC packed up her stuff and went outside only to be surprised to see Thomas there. MC grinned as she walked up to him “Hey what are you doing here?”

“Came to see you and I have something to tell you”

“What is it?”

Thomas smiled and took both of her hands in his “MC I love you these past four years with you have been the greatest of my life and I don’t wanna spend another day with you as my girlfriend”

MC looked at him wide eyed “Thomas what are you…” She gasps as he gets down one knee

“I want you to be my wife please marry me”

MC grinned “Yes! Absolutely yes!”

Thomas slipped the ring on her finger then stood up and spun her around. He kissed her deeply as her arms wrapped around her waist.

There were some cheering and whooping behind her. MC turned and saw Hope and Luz filming and cheering.

“You two knew about this?”

“Yeah and Luz got it all on tape”

“That was awesome! We’re gonna be sisters!”

Thomas and MC laughed as the two of them hugged each other. Thomas smiles at MC “I can’t wait to spend my life with you”

“Me too Thomas”

Out of the corner of her eye MC can see Vanessa fuming. She huffs and storms away.

Tags: @mfackenthal​ @annekebbphotography​ @indiacater​ @the-soot-sprite​ @i-am-liam-rhys​ @hopefulmoonobject​

[razorblade180]

Twin Snowflakes pt2: Warming Up

[Saph’s place]

In the guest room Summer sleeps peacefully in the bed with tons of covers to keep her warm. To the right of the bed is a night stand with a bowl of stew beef and tea. On the left sits Nicholas attentively watching over her. The room itself is pretty warm so currently he’s on in a white shirt and blue shorts.

Saph:*opens door* Pssst how is she?

Nick:Her face as gotten color back into it again. She’ll be fine with a little rest and the food you made her. Thanks for that by the way.

Saph:Ain’t no thang for my adorable niece and nephew. You know you should really get good at cooking yourself; sixteen years old and all I ever seen you cook is some eggs.

Nick:*chuckles* You would think sword skills would transfer to kitchen knife ability but it certainly does not. Maybe I should spend more time reading recipes books...

Saph:Having you two over for cooking lessons instead of secret training would be a nice change of pace. I wouldn’t have to worry about my dear baby brother yelling at me if he finds out.

Nick:Aren’t you supposed to be the older sibling that can’t be picked on?

Saph:*smirks* Doesn’t Summer pick on you?

Nick:Hey! I’m older by minutes while you have years on dad. Besides I totally let her make fun of me.

Summer:*waking up* Keep telling yourself that.

Saph:Well look who it is!?

Nick:Wow, you are awake way sooner than usual.

Summer:How much time has passed?

Nick:Four hours since you clocked out in the snow.

Summer:Well that’s a full thirteen faster than last time. *rubbing her head* Makes sense, Shiva wasn’t out for too long. We should probably continue to tr- is that stew beef!!!? *grabs the bowl*

Saph:Talking one minute, stuffing your face the next. Definitely Summer talking to us.

Nick:You okay? Well rested, no fatigue, no broken bones, or bruises? How is your-

A spoon gets put in his mouth to prevent him from speaking.

Saph:Shut up and stop babying me. I’m perfectly fine okay? If anything you should be worrying about yourself it seems. *points to his side.*

He looks down to see a small red smudge. Saphron lifts his shirt to reveal a shallow cut that slightly bleeding. Nick tries to laugh off the this new discovery but is met with two pairs of highly upset cobalt eyes.

Summer:What’s the point of worrying about me if you’re not gonna take the time to make sure that everything is okay with yourself?

Nick:I only got grazed a little, plus it’s healing so it’s no big deal.

Saph:It’s totally a big deal! Just because you look like your father doesn’t mean you should be just as reckless as he is. Take care yourself and don’t take outrageous risk!

Nick:*scared* Yes Ma’am!!!

Saph:Good! Now go ask Adrian to borrow a clean shirt and get yourself some food as well.

Nick:*mumbles* But I’m not hungry....

Saph:*Death Glare*

Nick:Alright!!! I’ll make a small bowl or something. *leaving* Geez, you’re gonna give Bleiss a run for her money with that look.

Saph:I heard that!

Nick:I know! I said loud! *laughing*

Saph:*smiling* Your brother is a real piece of work.

Summer:.........

Saph:Summer?

Summer:Huh? I’m sorry, I spaced out....

Saph:Is you know who trying to speak with you.

Summer:No, I can’t even hear Shiva’s voice right now. I’m too warm and she’s too tired. Besides, anytime she decides to open her mouth it’s usually to insult me. I could go the rest of my life without hearing her. I’m just upset Nicholas is hurt because of me again.

Saph:I know we just grilled him and all over it but you shouldn’t feel too bad over a cut. Things could’ve been a lot worse.

Summer:They might be if I don’t get a handle on this fast. Six years of worrying about hurting your family is really, really stressful..... almost enough to make me feel crazier than I already am.

Saph:Hey, you are not crazy young lady.

Summer:Then what exactly would you call me? A freak of nature doesn’t sound any better, and being called “sick” isn’t comforting either.

The two quietly looked at each other blankly. Summer was waiting for some type of answer but her loving aunt couldn’t find any words that would help make her feel better about her situation. Saphron instead sat right next to the teenager and gave her a reassuring hug. Summer couldn’t help but return the embrace.

Saph:I’d be lying if I said I had a good answer to that question. However, I do know one day you’ll conquer this; all that training you put into this is bound to pay off. Even if some of it goes over my head sometimes. *smiles* One day you’ll kick Shiva’s but to the curve! Arcs and Schnees seemed to be really good at sticking up for themselves when it comes to being ordered around or bullied by someone else.

Ruby:*in the form frame* Ain’t that the truth!

Summer:You’re still here Auntie!

Ruby:Of course! I wasn’t gonna leave before I knew for a fact you were okay. Also, try not to think so negative all the time. We all believe in you so don’t go doubting yourself. More importantly, don’t try to rush progress. That’s when the worst mistakes happen.

Saph:Just ask Terra. She shut down power to all of Argus before on accident; all because she tried to finish all her work for the week without taking a break. Just to make sure she could attend Adrian’s graduation.

Terra:*down stairs* Stop telling that story! My boss still won’t let it go!

Saph:*whispers* No one is even mad at her. It was just really funny and unlike her.

Summer:*smiling* That must’ve been an eventful day.

Saph:It was a good thing Adrian was graduating. Imagine having to go to school with all the kids knowing that. Actually...he might’ve been seen as a hero when I think about it.

Ruby:Speaking of school....

Saph:Please don’t, let me enjoy winter break while it last. I only have two more days left then back to the worst place imaginable.

Ruby:Two days, some regular classes for everyone to get back into the swing of things, and then The Combat School Tournament!

Hearing that name made Summer a little anxious. They might as well change the name to Jr Vytal festival. The Combat School Tournament is where students from all over Remnant gets to strut their stuff against one another; home school or not. It’s always televised and it’s made to show that the next generation of huntsman and huntress are growing strong. Many games and side events will also be held for fun to show unity between everyone.

However, Summer won’t be partaking in those nice and simple events. She won’t even be in the regular tournament where anyone and everyone will be at arms with each other. No, She and her over eager brother will be going to be in special bracket. A bracket reserved for only the winners of their respective regionals along with the runner ups. The main attraction that’s sure to be watched in every house hold.

Summer:Ruler of the Castle......

Nick:*down stairs* Woooooo!!!!!!!!!

Ruby:Oh I’m so excited!!!!!!!

Summer:Because you’re not in it! No way I’m ready for that.

Saph:Last time I checked, your gold medal in regionals says other wise.

Summer:I only got gold in duos. Nicholas was practically the reason we one that. I got fifth place in singles while he got runner up.

Ruby:What did I just say about negativity? Nicholas’s shout tells me he’s not worried in the slightest.

Nick:*rushes in* Better believe I’m not! You and I are gonna clean up in duos and let everyone know there’s no greater tag team than us.

Summer:What makes you so sure?

Nick:Close your eyes and you’ll see.

She follows his orders while the others are a bit confused. He quietly grabs her spoon and closes his eyes as well. The boy throws the spoon right at her only for Summer to catch it. Without opening her eyes she throws it his left knee which instinctively raises up right before contact to bounce it in the air. Nick hits it back at her chest where Summer is already prepared to counter by grabbing the bowl for it to land. The entire bowl is tossed up and lands on a glyph that floats back down to the nightstand. Both of them open their eyes smiling.

Ruby:*whistles* You guys practice that little trick.

Nick:Nope! It’s a twin thing. Somehow we always know just what the other might do in a pinch.

Summer:It’s super annoying. Our snowball fights against each other always end up looking like a war where nobody got to win.

Nick:Yeah but our matches against other people always went undefeated. This isn’t gonna be any different! I got your back and you have mine; more gold medals are the only thing we’re gonna get. Duos is all about teamwork and we got that spades. *eyes shining* We’re gonna look so cool!

Summer:So it this about showing the world how skilled we are or just a way for you to look cool in front of Valerie?

Nick:*blushing* Valerie has nothing to do with this! Although if she so happened to be amazed by my- our skills and was left in complete shock then that would be nice.

Saph:Careful there tiger, she’s the reason you’re runner up in singles in the first place. Might wanna keep those hormones in cheek if by some chance both of you end up in the finals again.

Summer:Oooo imagine if she gets another gold medal off of you. Talk about embarrassing... *chuckling*

Nick:Wow! So much for the confidence. I got sucker punched last time. No way I’d lose to her again.

Ruby:I wonder how many times Jaune said that before sparring with Nora? *smiling*

Nick:All of you suck.... *red*

Adrian:*in his room* I believe in you Nick!

Nick:That’s why you’re my favorite cousin!

Saph:I’m telling the others you said that if they show up to tournament.

Nick:Please don’t.....I can’t fight my entire family tree; too many branches. Who is coming anyways?

Ruby:I’ll be there of course, Yang, Blake most likely, Veronica-

Summer:Uuuuuuggggggghhhhhhh!

Everyone:........

Summer:What?

Nick:Can you both be civil for an evening.

Summer:Can she not be such a b-

Saph:I’ll tell your mother.

Summer:Insufferable person? I’m not talking to her and hopefully she doesn’t speak to me. *mumbles* I wish she was in the tournament. I’d pay off the referee to match us up just to fight her.

Ruby:Be nice to my niece please? Maybe she’s changed a bit?

Summer:..........You think Veronica Belladonna, the girl that’s so extra that she has two faunus features, has changed?

Ruby:You know your mom is the queen of extra right? I think there’s another reason you two might be all feisty towards each other if you catch my drift.

Summer:I know what you’re implying and it has nothing to do with that! That’s not even a thing.

Nick:What’s not a thing?

Summer:Don’t worry about it!

Nick:???

Few people could get Summer worked like Veronica could. Between her and Shiva it was almost like a war on two fronts when it came to her self confidence. Though she did appreciate that at least Veronica isn’t actually trying to destroy her. It’s the small things like that which made things more tolerable at best. Now that she was fired up, Summer hoped out of bed and grabbed her twins hand.

Summer:We’re going to glyph train in the garden.

Nick:Right now!? Don’t you wanna rest a little mo-

Summer:Nope! If I’m forced to be in the same area as little miss perfect then she’s gonna see me at my absolute best! *drags him out the room*

Ruby:Poor girl must constantly feel weird about every thought and action in her life. Especially at sixteen.

Saph:It’s no different than Jaune or a couple other of our siblings. Preferences and other things tend to get all added into decision making when you have tight net families and such reliable siblings. It’s nothing to worry about. Don’t tell Jaune I told you but for awhile the girls he tried dating when we were younger sort of looked like us because he thought we were the prettiest.

Ruby:Hey I mean I fell for him hard for awhile and he looks like my dad. I think we all naturally seek out something familiar yet different. Once you accept the fact your taste is little awkward but natural, you laugh about it.

Saph:It’s going to be an hilarious day when she brings a boy home that looks vaguely like Nick and Jaune but doesn’t realize it.

Ruby:I will cackle on the floor for hours. Please don’t speak that into existence.

Saph:*snickering* Remember when she had a crush on Adrian. Telling her they weren’t blood related was the funniest thing ever.

Ruby:I guess it just shows that Arc boys are just too good. No wonder why few are born; too much power is contained in that smile.

Saph:Ain’t that the truth. I really hope Nick and Adrian don’t get into too many shenanigans. Not that I won’t get a good lecture from every woman in our family if they do.

Ruby:They’ll be fine. Then again Nick is half Schnee. That’s a double threat. Schnee’s got their own brand of charm. Just ask my uncle or Jaune.

Saph:*looking at Ruby’s wedding ring* I think you’re forgetting someone.

Ruby:*blushing and smiling* Oh I didn’t want to mention my fantastic husband but if you insist... *pulls out scroll* wanna see our vacation pictures!?

Saph:*rolls eyes playfully* I don’t know how Whitley puts up with you.

Part 1

[paladin-andric]

The Stranger

It’s about damn time, isn’t it?

Well, enjoy a fantasy western short story I haven’t gotten around to finishing for quite some time. Fair warning that this isn’t a genre I’m experienced in, so take that for what you will. Enjoy, however, wacky hijinks, bad wild west slang, magical cowboys fighting dragons, and an EXTREMELY strong reference to Blackheart! A mysterious stranger arrives to a town on brink of destruction, and promises to turn things around...

“Son of a bitch!”

A loud thud rang out as Red slammed a fist down onto his desk, fury written on his face.

He was an older man with gray hair, wrinkles on his face, and a bushy mustache. He slumped over, holding his temples with one hand while the other flexed in a fist, still held against the wooden surface of the desk.

Red wore a gray sleeveless vest, a white shirt with rolled up sleeves, and black pants. Topping off his ensemble was of course, his all-important badge. A silver, six pointed star with the word “SHERIFF” engraved with bold letters.

Another man was standing next to him. The accomplice had a slightly less tan complexion, and a goatee and mustache. He had a green jacket that was open down the middle, showing a tan shirt underneath. He also wore a white hat, and had a badge pinned to his jacket. It being a plain, five pointed star denoted that he was a standard officer.

“Sir, I know this is crazy but-”

“Crazy?! Crazy, boy?! This isn’t crazy…” the sheriff shook his head sadly. “This is a disaster!”

The lawman put his hands on his hips and looked down. “Shoot…don’t give up yet, sheriff. There’s a chance.”

“I don’t want a chance,” Red answered harshly, “I want to WIN! I want those damn leeches dead! I want those people SAFE! And now you say we got a damn monster to wrangle too?!”

“Everything bleeds,” the other man offered.

“Yeah...and we’ll be bleedin’ all over the ground soon enough!”

“Look, we gotta run NOW.”

Red sighed and took out his revolver, quietly spinning the cylinder, checking each chamber was loaded. The officer had never seen him like this before. He was normally so stoic, unflinching...of course, he could hardly blame him with he was burdened with, but still.

“Let’s go. Whatever happens, we gotta try to protect these folks.”

Red grimaced. “Better start prayin’ to God if you believe in him, boy...maybe he’ll help us out.”

“Maybe I can help you out, too.”

The unfamiliar voice made Red’s face shoot up.

In the doorway, quite a surprising figure stood sideways, leaning against the doorframe with a taloned foot resting against the frame as well. His head was turned to the side as to look straight at the pair of men.

A koutu, one of the birdfolk of the west was standing in the doorway. His feathers were white on his head and brown everywhere else. He wore a brown duster, sleeveless of course as to not interfere with his wings, with a red kerchief tied around his neck. Underneath was a brown button-up shirt, and he wore short pants as well. As they stopped at his raptor legs, Red assumed they were just for modesty’s sake.

He had a pistol holster at his side, pouches along his belt, and some sort of bag slung over his back. Finally, he had a brown hat with a wide brim atop him, looking like it was shaped custom-made for his avian head.

He looked at the pair with a confident though serious gaze, not a smile or smirk to be found. Red immediately jumped out of his seat, revolver firmly in his hand. The officer in the white hat held onto his holster.

“What the hell?!” The sheriff yelled out. The bird only reached up and tipped his hat.

“Howdy.”

“Who the hell are you?!” Red shouted, authoritative and snarling. If the bird had eyebrows, he would have been raising them.

“Nobody important, sir. Jus’ passin’ through.”

Red’s aggression quickly simmered, though he groaned and rolled his eyes. “Ugh. A wanderer, huh?”

“If you’d like. I prefer the term ‘wayfarer’ myself, sir.”

The officer in the white hat shrugged. “Sorry for the attitude, mister. Sheriff’s got a lot on his plate, you hear?”

“I hear ya.”

“Whaddya doin’ in my office, stranger?” Red demanded. The koutu looked to the side.

“Couldn’t help but overhear ya while I was passin’ by, you two. Sounds like you’re in a real fix. I’d like to help you fellas out, if I could.”

“And jus’ howdya think yer gonna help us? Kill all the bandits yerself? Or maybe you’d like to kill the goddamned dragon!”

“Well, not by myself. But I can pitch in.”

“Mighty kind offer,” the officer said with a nod, “We need all the help we can get.”

“Ain’t gonna do a thing,” Red said bitterly, “We’re all gonna get blasted to high heaven.”

“I’m worth my weight in bullets.”

“Oh yeah? You think yer some kind of hero? Think you can tumble with those beasties out there?” the sheriff said with a sneer.

For the first time since he appeared, the bird smirked.  “You’d be surprised…”

The sheriff shook his head and put his revolver in its holster. “It’s your funeral, stranger. Follow us.”

The koutu got off the doorframer and stepped to the side. “After you, gentlemen.”

The group of lawmen left the sheriff’s office with the koutu in tow. The bird was silent for some time until they began to make their way out of Pike’s Creek.

“So what’re you thinkin’? What’s yer strategy here?”

“Not a damn clue,” the sheriff admitted.

“We, uhh...we ain’t never had to deal with dragons before,” the officer said quietly, “Though we were thinkin’ maybe dynamite might blast that sucker out of his britches.”

“Dynamite?” the koutu said, voice dripping with skepticism.

“What’s the issue?” the officer shot back.

“Pah! Big lizard’ll just fly up! You’d better have the throwing arm of a god if you wanna reach em’ with those!”

“You got a better idea?!” the sheriff snapped.

The bird hesitated. “Actually...yeah.”

“And just what’s that?”

The koutu hurried up beside them and pulled out his revolver. It was large, long and looked heavy as hell.

“I’m gonna plug em’ full of holes.”

The sheriff scoffed. The officer gave the bird a funny look. “You sure that’s a good idea, mister?” “You’ll see,” the koutu offered.

“Yer crazy!” Red shouted, “Yer as good as dead if you think you can just up n’ shoot that beastie!”

“You’ll see,” he repeated. The sheriff shook his head again.

“God, why do I always get the loony ones?”

“Uh, hey,” the officer interrupted, “I’m sure you’re a good shot and all, and that’s one hell of a big iron, but this ain’t no outlaw.”

“Oh, I know. This ain’t the first dragon I’ve tangled with.”

The officer looked genuinely surprised at that. “No kidding?! Well shoot, maybe you really can get us outta this, then…”

“You’ve fought one of these things before?!” Red questioned, his anger seeming to melt at the realization.

The bird nodded. “Yup. She was a biggun, lemme tell ya. ‘Course I had help during that scuffle.”

“How’d ya do it?” the officer asked.

“Well, me n’ a few other gunslingers rounded up a posse. Ganged up on ‘er. We had all sortsa big guns on our side so it wasn’t too bad. Speakin’ of...am I gettin’ any help from you or the rest of your folks?”

“We’re uh, a little busy, what with the gang comin’ to town n’ all.” the officer answered with a frown.

“Ah...well, what about you two?”

“We’ll pitch in...as long as we can,” the sheriff answered grimly.

“Appreciate it. You don’t have to go too crazy out there. Keep your distance. Just make sure to pop off a few rounds whenever I’m in a fix, ya hear?”

“Well shoot, don’t wanna leave you doing all the work out there,” the officer announced, “Shouldn’t be the rear guard, now!”

“You know any fancy spells?” the koutu questioned.

“Naw, not a soul ‘round these parts.”

“Then don’t push yourself. Just trust me. I should be fine.”

“If you say so…”

The harsh, unforgiving rays of the sun were starting to make all three of them sweat and sigh, and they hadn’t even started exerting themselves yet! They reached the outer limits of town, the lines of wooden buildings coming to an end as they began their march to the river outside.

“Say, I didn’t catch your names,” the bird said, turning his head to the pair.

The officer in the white hat spared him a glace. “Ah. Well, the name’s Michaels. Officer Michaels.” He pointed a thumb over to the sheriff. “Aaand that there’s Red. Sheriff, sure as you could tell.”

“I see. A pleasure to meet you folks.”

There was a long pause as the three walked. Finally, Michaels turned to look at the koutu again.

“...so?”

The bird shot him a look back. “So...it’s nice to be acquainted.”

“But we ain’t.”

“Whaddya mean?”

“You haven’t introduced yourself.”

The koutu shrugged. “I haven’t.”

Michaels frowned. “Y’know, it’s mighty rude not to introduce yerself after everyone else has.”

As they talked, the group neared the edge of a cliffside. Near where they were there was a massive arch of stone hanging over one side of the cliff to the other, almost like a miniature tunnel. There was also a large drop below, and on the other side the ground came back to the same level. A gorge. A gorge with a large river flowing through it.

A gorge where a dragon was currently sitting.

The beast wasn’t too large, likely a young adult. It had red scales, a firebreather. He was currently lying in the river, head resting against the rocky grounds while his body was partially submerged. Was he washing up? Stopping to drink? Just taking a dip?

The koutu didn’t know, but he did know one thing; his target was waiting.

“Tell ya what,” he spoke in a whisper, “If I live through this, I’ll tell ya my name. How’s that?”

“Oh, fer-”

“Yeah yeah,” he interrupted the sheriff, “You two, take some cover,” he pointed at a large boulder beside them, “I’m goin’ in.”

“You nut!” Red whispered back, “He’ll charr ya to smithereens!”

“Just back me up n’ we should all be headin’ back soon,” the koutu assured him.

“Well...shoot, alright,” Michaels muttered, “But I still got the dynamite.”

“Get it ready, you won’t have a chance once he’s in the air.” The koutu took a deep breath. “...here we go. Best a’ luck to ya, officers.”

The koutu spread his wings out and leapt over the cliffside, soaring out into the gorge. The sheriff and lawman quickly crouched behind the boulder, guns drawn.

The bird landed on a flat strip of rock about halfway down the gorge, still without his weapons drawn. “Howdy, mister!” The red dragon’s eyes snapped open, his body unmoving as his gaze focused on the gunslinger.

“You dare rouse me from my rest?” the great beast spoke in a melodious, yet mighty voice, “Who are you that is so foolish to anger me?”

“Oh, ‘scuse me mister, but I’ve heard some nasty things...like that yer’ about to burn that little town down yonder to ash?”

“Indeed I am,” the dragon retorted, “My domain is mine to play with. Your point?”

“Ah. That’s a damn shame, ‘cause I take offense to that, sir.”

“Oh?” the dragon rose, his head quickly moving to rise on par with the koutu’s ground. “And just what are you planning on doing about this, you who are so small and weak?”

“Well for starters, Plan A is askin’ ya nicely to reconsider.”

The dragon let out a booming laugh. “Gahahahaha! Pathetic! No, you will not be asking anything of me. This withering husk of life will be purified by my most sacred flames. I shall not be persuaded.”

The koutu shrugged. “Worth a shot. Looks like I’ll just have to stop you myself then.”

The dragon’s grin grew manic. “I would like to see you try. Go on. Raise your arm to strike. I will cut you down in a moment.”

The bird smirked before letting out a sharp whistle. The dragon looked confused for a moment before realization hit him...in the form of a stick of dynamite.

Hurled from over the cliffside, it smacked into the dragon’s head before exploding in a spectacular fashion.

“Damn perfect throw, officer!” the koutu yelled before reeling back and letting a bolt of magic loose. The glowing blue spear flew forward, piercing the beast that still reeled from the explosion.

Michaels’ eyes went wide. “He’s a sorcerer!” he cried out to the sheriff, “No wonder he was so damn cocky!”

“Shit,” Red mumbled, “Maybe I was wrong about all this.”

The beast roared out in fury, eyes burning as they honed in on the now flying koutu.

“YOU WILL BURN AWAY FOR THIS, FOOLISH MORTAL!”

Mood Music

“Yer’ outgunned, friend!” the koutu shot back, whirling to the side as a plume of flames erupted from the dragon’s maw. Using his momentum, the stranger spun around mid-flight and took out his revolver, fanning the hammer and emptying all six shots into the beast.

The two humans noted a strange blue tinge of air that enveloped the bullets as they flew through the air, becoming plumes of magic that dissipated around the scales where the bullets landed.

“Enchanted bullets too!” Michaels shouted, “We can do this, sir!”

Red’s eyes narrowed. “Cover him!” the Sheriff began firing off rounds from his revolver at the dragon, while Michaels did the same.

Shell casings hit the ground alongside the stranger, who quickly reloaded his revolver as the dragon snarled, coming to a sudden pause. The beast felt the bullets from the pair up above hit him in the back.

The dragon whirled around, letting out a roar and glaring at the sheriff and white hat…

But before he could go after them, the koutu held up a taloned hand, before bringing it down. A bolt of divine lightning descended from the sky, striking the beast and making it cry out in pain.

Huffing, the dragon slowly turned his head to see the stranger, hand glowing and pulsing with magic as his other hand held his revolver aimed at the behemoth.

There was a moment of silence as everyone took in what just happened.

“Y-you…” the beast spoke softly, a hint of concern in his voice.

“I’m right here, huckleberry!” the koutu shouted, firing off another round and striking the beast’s head.

The red dragon let out another roar, recovering from the blast before flying out towards the koutu, who leapt off the cliffside he stood on and began flying along the gorge.

The two humans’ eyes were wide as dinner plates. Michaels looked over to Red.

“Well shoot, sir! He ain’t no sorcerer...he’s a goddamn paladin!”

The sheriff shook his head. “Crazy bastard...no wonder! Well it’s about damn time we got some proper help around here!”

Michaels frowned. “This shooter ain’t doin’ it. I need more kick.” the lawman tucked his pistol away and reached for the rifle on his back. Unslinging the lever-action repeater into his hands, the officer closed an eye and took careful aim.

A steady barrage of gunshots rang out as Michaels started firing and cocking the lever of the repeater, while Red kept firing his revolver.

The dragon, furious by this point, ignored the pain of the volleys of bullets hitting his back and went flying after the koutu, eyes near slits.

With another roar, the dragon let forth a jet of flames from his maw, the koutu whirling to the side as the fire flew past where he had been just a moment ago.

The sudden spike in temperature made the paladin wince. “Hoo! That’s hot!”

“You will wish that was as hot is it gets when I am through with you, bird!” the dragon barked back, spinning through the air himself as he moved to the stranger’s side.

The speed and agility of the dragon caught the koutu by surprise. Just a moment ago he seemed so clumsy and lumbering, but the dragons were the rulers of the sky…

With a crack of his tail, the koutu was slammed into with murderous force, sent rocketing to the cliffside and slamming into it. He hit the rocks so hard he left a small crater...but the paladin groaned, and grabbed at the sides of the man-sized crater.

He had thrown up a ward at the exact moment the dragon’s tail shifted. If he had been just a fraction of a second slower…

“Holy land of God, he’s alive!” Red cried, both of the humans staring slack-jawed as the bird pulled himself forward and onto the ground. Even the dragon seemed to reel back from the koutu’s survival, unintentionally showing his own fear.

“B-but you...I…”

The stranger snarled at the dragon, hand already pulsing with magical energy.

“I’m gonna put you in a world of hurt, amigo.”

The bird reeled back and the magic changed, blue lights shifting into the likeness of a javelin. He heaved the javelin forward and let it go with all his might, magical weapon flying through the air and straight into the dragon's chest.

The beast roared and snarled as the holy javelin pierced him, quickly fading away into nothing. The stranger followed up with another bolt of lightning, and then began firing off shots as he leapt back into the air and began flying back towards the humans.

“Graaaaah...it is nothing! Your fortune cannot last! I WILL BURY YOU!”

 The koutu huffed as he twirled through the air, occasionally popping off shots at the dragon. They only cause minor injury, but they were certainly starting to pile up. The beast was grunting and growling with each movement, wincing as he adjusted his wings and moved his body.

All that punishment had certainly hurt him, only...there was quite a ways to go.

Narrowly avoiding a claw swipe then diving straight down to avoid a gust of flames, the paladin knew the dragon was right; his luck would run out eventually. If he just kept trying to whittle him down…

Have to think of something quick. Those humans, there has to be something they can do...

His eyes darted to the massive stone tunnel. It was enormous, enormous enough to fit even the dragon currently on his tail.

Wait...that’s it!

The koutu focused for a moment, eyes narrowing as he honed in on the white hat’s mind…

Hey, Michaels! You still got some dynamite?!

He could hear the bewildered response in his own mind. W-what?! What the hell?!

Yeah yeah, I’m talkin’ to your mind, I can do that! Now tell me, ya got that dynamite?

Wha-yeah, yeah I do! The hell you askin’ for, mister?!

I’ve got a plan, the birdman announced, I need some heavy explosives. How much you got?

There was a pause. W-well, I uhh...look, don’t tell Red about this, but I brought a couple crates. Hid em’ here ‘cause I thought we’d need em’. Right by that tree behind us. You plannin’ somethin’ big?

VERY big. That big ol’ archway, put those crates by the supports. You follow?

Michaels’ voice was ecstatic now. Ho boy, do I! On it!

The koutu continued evading the dragon and darting from left to right, dodging swings and fire breath all the while.

“FILTH!” the dragon roared, “YOU ARE FINISHED!”

“We’ll see about that!” the koutu hollered back, twirling through the air as he picked up more and more speed.

In the far distance, he could make out the two humans hurrying down a less steep incline to the bottom of the ravine, carrying a massive crate between the pair of them.

He kept up the pace. His initial skirmish with the dragon had caused them to fly pretty far from their initial starting point. Behind him, the dragon breathed fire and shouted further threats.

The two lawmen reached the stone arches and quickly got to work, burying bundles of dynamite along the foundations of the stone.

The gunslinger looked over his shoulder just in time to see the dragon breathe a plume of fire at him, diving and whirling to the right just in time. He could feel the scorching heat of the flames as they flew straight past him.

Further along, the humans seemed to be wrapping up their job, with dynamite scattered all throughout the bottom of the archway.

Alright, the white hat called to his mind, What’s our next move?

On my signal, light the fuse and run like hell…

The koutu dove lower, increasing his velocity as he dropped from the sky to only just flying above the river. The dragon remained in pursuit as they approached the stone archway…

Now that he was closer, he could see the pair shouting at each other, waving their hands wildly.

There was little doubt in the koutu’s head that they were arguing over the plan. Red likely started yelling about how crazy it was after Michaels told him.

“Come on...don’t let me down now…” the paladin muttered as he flew closer, the water underneath him nearly touching him as he struggled to keep his momentum.

Continuing to rocket forward with the dragon hot on his tail, he narrowed his eyes, judging the distance between himself and the others, along with the speed he was moving. If he just made it a little closer…

NOW! He shouted in his head, sending the order to the lawman.

In a moment, he saw the pair of humans bolt up the path they came running down, with lit fuses on the piles of dynamite signaling the impending explosion…

The koutu noticed a shift in the winds behind him. He turned and saw, much to his shock, the dragon slowing down, a noticeable amount of concern written on the creature’s face.

It knew what he was trying to do.

“What’s the matter, scared?!” the bird called back, “You yellow-bellied coward!”

As he turned his attention back in front of him, he noticed the sound of wildly flapping wings and deep snarl. It was now doubling its efforts to catch him.

Perhaps it was arrogance. Perhaps it was blind fury. Perhaps the dragon simply thought it could catch him before they reached the craggy rocks up ahead. Either way, it was now gaining on him, trying desperately to get him.

The gunslinger could feel his heart pounding against his chest now. He was in between a furious, rampaging dragon and a pile of lit dynamite that could blast him to pieces...and both were closing in on him.

As he reached the arches, he could practically feel the dragon on his back...and below him, he could see the lit dynamite’s fuse was entirely gone.

The koutu winced, praying to God for just a second’s more time-

A deafening explosion signalled the end to his plan. Dipping through the archway and emerging out the other side, the stranger barely had enough time to think as the earth shook, more explosions triggered as they caught more dynamite in each blast, and the dragon behind him let out a howling roar of agony.

The koutu turned and saw a whole ton of solid rock collapsing, the unique natural landmark crashing down onto the distracted and pain-wracked dragon. The beast collapsed into the river, covered in rubble.

The two humans, having looped around along the top of the cliffside, slid down into the gorge. The koutu, meanwhile, landed on the ground beside the carnage.

Michaels let out a loud cheer, keeping a hand on his hat as he slid down to the koutu. “Hoo-wee! You did it! I can’t believe you did it! That was a helluva stunt there, partner!”

Red reached the bottom after him, shaking his head. “Goddamn. I thought you were roast turkey, friend.”

The stranger shrugged. “I’ve had worse.”

Before either of them could answer, another voice made itself known.

The low, pained cry of a dragon.

The trio turned to look at the beast. It lay half-buried in the rubble of the stone that once stood tall above the river. Only the front half of the dragon was visible through the ruins. With claws outstretched towards the group, and an expression of suffering written on its face which was half submerged in the river, there was no doubting this creature was badly hurt, if not close to death.

“A-aaahhh...o-oh, my…”

Micheals quickly took his revolver out of his holster and took aim. “Ain’t so tough now, are ya, partner?”

Red followed suit, walking up and aiming his revolver at the eyes of the beast. “What’s that I heard about scorching my town?”

The dragon let out a groan. “No...not yet...not like this…”

The koutu put his hands on his hips and gave the beast a serious look. “It’s over, amigo. Yer finished.”

The dragon’s eyes widened in horror. “It cannot be...no...NO! You must not!”

The paladin shook his head. “Gimme one good reason.”

The beast, to his surprise, remained silent. The koutu raised a brow.

“No promises of riches? No artifacts? No blusterin’ threats?”

“I...I have no hoard, no fortune. I have nothing. Nothing of my own, and nothing to give, a-and…” the beast’s eyes grew hazy and distant. “F-feels...cold…”

The koutu’s eyes shot open as he realized it. This beast was dying.

The explosions had done more damage than he had thought, and with all the rubble he couldn’t even check.

The humans behind him coldly stared at the monster in silence, guns still aimed at him. They seemed to believe this might have been a trick.

The paladin turned back to the dragon, a promising, yet risky and optimistic idea in his mind.

“I can save ya.”

“What?!”

That word had been uttered by both the dragon and the humans.

“Yeah. If you want.”

“The hell are ya doin’?!” Red demanded, glaring at the birdman.

“Y-you would...do that?” the red dragon asked. Both surprise and hope were apparent in his desperate speech.

“Suuure...but this is conditional, ya hear? You gotta make me a promise.”

“Anything!” the beast cried. Apparently once his delusions of invincibility were shattered, this dragon realized just how much life he had left to live, and was willing to do what other dragons might not to preserve it.

The koutu crouched down next to the dragon and stared straight into its large, reptilian eye. “In exchange for your life, I want you to do a complete 180, ya hear?”

The beast stared back at him, but his eye was unfocused and clouded. “What...do you mean?”

“From here on out, this ‘domain’ is not yours to ‘play with’...but to protect.”

A sharp hiss rang out as the dragon attempted to move its body among the rubble. “Y-you mean…”

“That’s right. You keep an eye out on this town. You come runnin’ when they holler for yer help. You help out the law with criminals on the run, keep the town safe. Hell, maybe you should help em’ out with gatherin’ and huntin’ too!”

Michaels sighed and rubbed his eyes. “Look, that’s a mighty nice thing you’re tryin’ to do here pal, but I don’t think he’ll-”

“Yes...I will do it...”

The lawman tilted his head. “Wha-”

The koutu smirked, craning his neck towards the dragon. “What was that, mister? I didn’t quite hear that...”

“I agree!” the red beast said hurriedly.

“Swear on it.”

“I swear on my life, my honor, and all I hold most dear!” the dragon cried, “Please...my vision grows dark…”

The koutu grimaced. “This is gonna take a lot outta me, partner. You PROMISE yer gonna keep up yer end of the bargain?”

The beast began to twitch. “P-please...I beseech thee…”

Realizing he had to do this right now if he wanted the dragon to live, the paladin kneeled beside the beast and placed his hands upon the larger creature.

Closing his eyes, the paladin willed all the energy within his body to move into the dragon, muttering quietly in prayer as the divine aided him.

The two humans viewed this scene with a healthy amount of skepticism, backing up and keeping their weapons at the ready.

“Lord, this is crazy,” Red muttered.

“Who knows?” Michaels said with a shrug, “Maybe it’ll work.”

After over a minute of praying and utilizing his holy magic, the paladin at last stopped, his body spent from the taxing effort of healing this great beast.

He rose to his feet, wobbling for a moment before going for a pack on his belt. He took out a sleepskip potion and quickly began to guzzle it down.

The dragon, in the meantime, began to blink. Its head rose and it looked around the area with a vested interest.

The koutu sighed as he screwed the top back onto the potion and stuffed it back into his pouch. “What are ya starin’ at, partner?”

“Hmm...my vision has returned, in perfect clarity.”

“Good! So...feel better?”

“...I feel perfect.”

The dragon followed this up with a surge upwards, bursting out of the rubble with seemingly no effort. He flapped his wings and rose above the debris and ruin, circling around and landing in the gorge beside the koutu.

With the huge beast staring down at him with an unreadable expression, the paladin worried he might have simply just gotten tricked. He tensed up, ready to act, when the dragon spoke.

“You saved my life. For what reason, I am unsure. You have no reason to trust me. I am a threat. I am your enemy...and yet, you showed me kindness anyway.”

The koutu shrugged, a false grin plastered on his beak. “Figured I could take you if you turned out to be lying.”

“...you are a poor liar. But it is obvious that is not your trade. No, you follow the old ways. Those tenets of honor and chivalry, a sacred warrior code forged in the crucible of your precious church.”

The koutu let out a laugh. “Aww, what gave it away?”

“At any rate...I am in your debt, and as such, I will uphold our bargain. For this second chance, I, Astronomus, hereby proclaim myself as the Guardian of Pike’s Creek, home to those venerable warriors that showed me mercy when I needed it most.”

The koutu nodded. “That’s good to hear...cause we’ve got yer first mission ready, friend.”

Astronomus seemed genuinely surprised. “Already? Did you offer me this deal because you had a use for me to begin with?”

“Dead on.”

Astronomus’ eyes narrowed. “Very clever...very well, what is it?”

…

Gunshots rang out all around the town as the bandits continued their advance. Each time they attacked, the town posse was pushed back. Each time the citizens attempted a counter attack, they lost people. They now settled for giving ground rather than risking more lives.

Deputy Harry loaded yet another six rounds into his revolver, sitting behind a fence as cover. He had lost his rifle when the bandits blasted his cover with dynamite further up the street. Like all the other lawmen, he had a hat, vest, and a shiny badge identifying him.

A few others were spread out along the street, hiding behind various bits of cover as both they and the bandits popped off shots at each other.

Things were getting desperate now. A few of the men that joined up to fight had run out of ammo, and were sent back to the sheriff’s to get more. A couple had been killed, and two had been shot.

Harry grimaced as he shot a bandit and watched him go down. There were too many. Things were getting desperate…

A man rounded the corner and tackled him, sending both of them to the ground. Just as the bandit rose to a kneeling position and aimed his gun at the deputy, a loud bang made him freeze.

The man collapsed on top of the deputy, who quickly threw him aside and looked out to the road.

A woman in a simple dress, holding a rifle, nodded at him. This was Alice, the local cook’s daughter.

Things were bad, and they needed every hand they had…

“Thanks!” Harry called out as he got back up and pressed himself up against the fence. He steadied his balance, taking a deep breath and reading himself for the next attack…

With a bellowing cry, the entire group of bandits charged forward, aiming to overwhelm the defenders in a blind rush. Crowds of men stormed down the street, closing the distance with exceptional speed.

It took a moment for it to sink into Harry’s head: No matter how much they shot, they wouldn’t take enough of them down before they were overrun.

Gritting his teeth, Harry cried out. “Everyone, fall back! I’ll cover you!”

He only fired two shots before an earth-shaking roar made everyone taking part in the battle freeze.

That roar came from behind him, and after the scare this morning, that could only mean one thing…

Slowly, he turned and looked up, and within the sky, the source of his fears approached. A massive beast of red scales and sharp eyes, wings blocking out the sun with their sheer size, and an imposing visage of a legendary creature.

The dragon had arrived.

Harry let his shoulders slump and his head lower. It had kept its promise; it was here to burn Pike’s Creek to cinders and kill everyone inside.

The town’s done for...but maybe I can get a few folks out…

Steeling himself, Harry took a few sharp breaths and held his revolver in a vice-grip, hands shaking.

Before he could even call out for everyone to follow him, a bewildering sight caught the breath in his throat.

A birdman in gunslinger garb stood up on top of the dragon and leapt into the air, doing a backflip before catching the wind and flying forward towards the group. 

The dragon passed the town posse and stopped in front of the charging bandits, giving them only a moment to scream before he let out a plume of flames from his maw.

The jet of fire poured down onto the crowd of bandits, charring them to bits in a mere second. There was some comfort in the lack of screams; at least the usually agonizing way to die was quick with dragonfire.

The dragon then landed among the buildings along the main town road, only having barely enough room to do so. In a moment that only furthered his shock, Harry watched Sheriff Red and Officer Michaels slide down the beast’s back and onto the ground.

“What in the goddamn…?”

“Heya, deputy!” Michaels shouted cheerfully, a lever-action rifle resting on his shoulder.

“The hell is goin’ on?!” Harry shouted, confused.

“We made a new friend,” Red explained, pointing a thumb over his back, “Not this one, another one who talked him into...helping out.”

“Helping out…?” “This fella’s turned his way around, ain’t that right, pal?!” Michaels called out, turning around.

The dragon frowned and lowered his head. “Indeed. I am Astronomus, and I am here to aid you. In exchange for mercy at the hands of these victors, I have sworn to become the Guardian of Pike’s Creek. I will drive these rabble out.

Michaels pointed at the building beside them. “Err, hey, Astronomus…”

The tavern had been hit by the flames as well, part of the wall currently covered in flames that licked at the chipping paint along the welcome sign.

The dragon performed what Harry could only imagine was an embarrassed grin before flapping his wing at it, the whipping winds snuffing out the flames.

The deputy watched as the koutu in the distance twirled through the air and fired a few shots at what he presumed were fleeing bandits.

“Who wants some lead in they ear?!” the bird cried out faintly, “Step on up!”

Harry took off his hat and gave Red an exasperated look. “You got some weird help around here, sheriff.”

…

“...and that’s it.”

Red gave the bird a grin. The pair were overlooking Pike’s Creek from a hill on the northern side of town. The sun was beginning to set, the sky bathing the town in a vibrant hue of orange.

After the fight concluded, folks had began to clean up. The dragon was busy helping out and adjusting to its new role as protector rather than destroyer. With everyone else busy, Red decided to humor the stranger’s request to see him off.

“So all your affairs are settled,” the koutu noted.

“That’s right, and it’s all thanks to you, stranger.”

“Eh, I lucked out. If my gamble with the dragon backfired…”

“It didn’t, and that’s all I care about. You saved our bacon out there.”

The koutu shrugged. “It’s what I do.”

The sheriff turned his attention from the sunset to the stranger. “So, if you don’t mind me asking...who in the hell are you, son? You did some amazing things out there, with that there holy magic.”

“Perhaps this ain’t the sorta thing to admit to a man of the law, but...I’m a vigilante out for blood.”

The sheer, stark honestly of that statement made the sheriff’s eyes go wide. “Eh?”

The koutu nodded. “It’s true.”

The dragon said he’s a terrible liar…

Red cleared his throat. “Well, then...what in the blazes are you doing?”

The koutu gazed into the setting sun, expression turning sullen. “It goes back a long way. See, back in my hometown, there was this...bully. He liked to torment us other kids, got a real kick out of it.”

Red seemed skeptical. “Okay…”

The koutu’s eyes narrowed. “But then he beat my little brother with a rock.”

“Ah, blazes…”

“I beat the stuffing out of em’,” the koutu admitted, “I beat him so bad he threw up and couldn’t move til’ a grown up found him some time later.”

“So that’s gotta do with yer’ blood feud?”

“Yeah. You see...that kid...he didn’t make it.”

“Holy hell…”

The stranger shook his head. “My little brother nearly didn’t, either. If I hadn’t stopped him…”

“I understand,” Red said quietly, “I get it. It’s fucked up, but I get it.”

The koutu slowly nodded. “Yeah. It is.”

There was a brief moment of silence between the pair before the koutu gathered himself and continued.

“Well, his paw didn’t like that very much. Came to my house and stabbed MY paw. Thankfully some fine folks were walkin’ by and saw the whole thing. Paw pulled through, he skipped town when he realized he was gonna be thrown in jail, and life moved on.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. Joined the church, they realized I had a knack for the whole magic thing, so I joined up with the clerics. Ascended to paladin not too long ago.”

“Impressive,” Red said with a nod.

“Well, I tried to move on. You do things you don’t mean sometimes, you know? I wish things had turned out differently, but all you can do is try to make up for it, go onto a better path. Ya know?”

Red nodded. “I gotcha...but you don’t seem at all like a man out fer blood.”

“I wouldn’t be normally, but something happened recently. Came home and found my brother out like a light on the floor. The folks were out of town...and my sis was missing. On her bed, I found a note taunting me, about how vengeance was finally his...and it was signed with that man’s initials.”

The sheriff reeled from the information. “He came back after all those years to hurt ya?”

The bird nodded, eyes locked on the ground. “Guess he was planning to settle the score while everyone else was tryin’ to forget…”

“My God…”

“Well, I started tracking him, he left a pretty obvious trail on the way out. I started out on the roads, and began to notice that I thought I had a pretty good idea where he was going. I came to Geralthin, was passing through here, and, well...here I am.”

“You gotta rescue yer sis, and you wasted all this time helping a couple of fools out?!”

“It’s what I do,” the koutu said, more quietly than the first time.

“Aw, hell, pal...you didn’t need to do this. You’ve got more important stuff to worry about.”

“I told you already, I’m not a man to leave others out in the dark. I know what it feels like to be helpless, to lose what you care about. I ain’t about to watch that happen to Lord knows how many folks.

“...you’re a good man. I apologize for the tongue lashin’ back when we met.”

“Don’t worry about it,” the koutu assured, “All water under the bridge. Now I’ve gotta get goin’, but first…”

The gunslinger reached into the pouches on his belt and began to rummage through.

“I’d like ya to have this.”

The bird pulled out a large rock, decorated with strange runes, the indents along the design were glowing a dim blue. He held it out to the sheriff.

“A...a rock?” Red questioned, taking it and inspecting the surface.

“Wrong. An anchor, partner. The second half to this.”

The bird pulled out another rock with similar designs and a blue glow, but this one was much smaller, and shaped to be easily held in a fist, unlike the large, disklike stone he had offered.

“Anchor? You mean that fancy magic that holds stuff?”

“Not exactly. This is the anchor half of a spell, not the anchor spell itself. That’s part of the teleportation ritual. Ya see, that’s what teleports, and this here rock in my hand tells it what to teleport.”

“You mean…”

The koutu grinned. “Yup! You just put that rock on the ground and say the magic word, and I’ll be alerted from my half of it. I should come runnin’ unless I’m doin’ somethin’ REAL important.”

Red was in disbelief. “Y-ya mean you’ll help us out of ANOTHER fix?!”

“If it comes to it, yeah. I’m really startin’ to like you fellas, and yer fine little town. If you need help, or if you just wanna see me, by all means, call me over!”

“Aw hell, you’re really somethin’, ya know that mister?”

The koutu answered by quickly wrapping his wings around the man in a hug. The human was shocked by the sudden display of affection, unsure how to respond.

“Resolve,” the bird whispered, beak beside his ear.

“Eh...what?”

The paladin pulled back and winked. “The magic word. Just call it out when you want to and the magic in that stone’ll spring to life.

“Oh! I gotcha. Jeez...you caught me off guard, there.”

“You know how it is,” the koutu admitted, “Dunno when I’ll see ya next, so might as well put my cards on the table. I think you folks are swell, and I hope the best fer ya all!”

“You too, mister!”

The koutu stretched his arms. “Eyup...well, I really should be going, now. Baddies are awaitin’!”

As he took a step forward, Red held an arm out. “Wait a second!”

The koutu stopped and turned back. “Yeah?”

“You never told me, stranger!”

The bird raised a brow. “Told ya what now?”

“You said if you lived you’d tell me yer name!”

The koutu’s eyes lit up. “Ah, right! Well...call me...Razorwing!”

Red blinked. “Yer...Razorwing?”

“That’s right! Now...see ya around, sheriff!”

The stranger leapt into the air and unfurled his wings, catching the wind and soaring off into the sky. In his wake, he left a conflicted and confused sheriff.

…

“Yeah, it’s right here.”

Michaels led Red further into the library. When the sheriff told the lawman what the bird had told him, Michaels got a funny look in his eye.

He claimed he knew something about “Razorwing”.

Now Red watched as Michaels pulled a book off of the shelves, holding it up to the sheriff’s face.

Two things really caught the man’s attention. Firstly, the picture.

The cover had a lovingly crafted illustration of a koutu with a striking white head and a brown body. He wore flowing, white robes with a short, vibrant red cape and had a quiver on his hip. In his hands he held a longbow, aiming it up and striking a heroic pose worthy of a statue.

The second was the title of the book: “The Adventures of Razorwing”.

Red blinked. “W-what in the hell?”

“Yeah,” Michaels said, “That’s Razorwing.”

“B-but he’s lookin like some man from the dark ages!”

“Close,” the officer said with a smile, “He’s from the Middle Ages, about 1350. He was a big celebrity in his day, and his fame only increased after a couple generations. He was an archer that went on all sorts of adventures. Fightin’ monsters, stoppin’ bad guys, savin’ everyone...a real man of honor. Did you know he could shoot so straight he could shoot a man twice and split the first arrow?”

“You know an awful lot about this bird fella.”

Michaels shrugged innocently. “Consider me a fan. Mama always read me storybooks about him when I was a kid.”

“He’s that popular, huh? Well, anyway...what does all this mean? I don’t get it,” Red admitted.

“That man that helped us out...think about it. He’s a warrior on a mission, a skilled and brave man out adventurin’ to stop bad guys. He’s a shooter with some special kick, and he shares his looks with a certain famous someone…”

“Ya mean...he took his name?”

“That’s right. He chose an old folk hero from his country he identified with...and he’s tryin’ to keep the torch lit. Least that’s what I think.”

The sheriff shook his head. “Two Razorwings...that’ll throw folks for a loop, don’t you think?”

Michaels laughed. “That’s only if he ever becomes famous.”

Red looked out a window beside him, gazing into the quickly darkening sky. “...I got a feeling he’ll make it through his journey. He’s something else.”

“True,” the lawman uttered quietly, “It’s like Razorwing always said...every age has its heroes.”

Tag list: @thereisnothingwrongwithbeingmad, @lady-redshield-writes, @paper-shield-and-wooden-sword, @sheralynnramsey, @tawnywrites, @writer-on-time, @oceanwriter, @zwergis-spilledink, @fluffpiggy, @elliewritesfantasy, @homesteadchronicles, @laurenwastestimewriting, @elaynab-writing, @the-ichor-of-ruination, @candy687, @fierywords, @shewrites-sometimes, @nerds-and-nebulae, @purpleshadows1989

[snkpolls]

SnK Chapter 117 Poll Results

The chapter poll closed with 1325  responses. Thank you to everyone who participated!

RATE THE CHAPTER 1,235 responses

Isayama continues to please. In fact, “Judgment” is the highest rated chapter this year with 62.3% selecting the highest possible rating. In recent month, only chapter 112 scored higher.

Honestly, just incredible

Excellent Chapter although it did favor the action over plot continuation. I really just want information rather than awesome action. I'll just have to do my waiting but the action is very enjoyable.

Finally a great action chapter which does a good job showcasing Erens new abilities.

Fuck yeah, Shiganshina3.0 with an entirely new field of play. Excited to see how the new teams play out.

It was nice to have another action-heavy chapter after being without one for so long. The only downside is they feel way too short.

god I love this manga so damn much

Seeing Marley invade Paradis with those planes is absolutely chilling. It's a whole new era for the Walldians

We're in the Endgame now

GIVE ME NEXT CHAPTER

WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING WAS YOUR FAVORITE MOMENT? 1,292 responses

With 30% of the vote, the moment when Eren reacts to Reiner’s attempt to eat him takes the top place for favorite moment. Following up with half as many votes is Zeke’s arrival as he displays his big brother complex. In third came Eren’s defensive use of the Warhammer Titan’s power.

The most memorable moment was definitely Eren's scream of sheer determination and will to live as he was ripping Reiner's jaw apart, in a complete rejection of the self-loathing and fatalistic mindset his old nemesis was seemingly trying to push onto him.

It was nice to see eren harnessing his titan abilities and proving that he is a strong character

Eren ripping half of Reiner’s face off was neat

Reiner vs Eren was very repetitive and shonen typical and just there to show how 'badass' Eren had become. Besides, the Marleyans are getting too much screentime at this point. The only cool thing was Zeke's entrance.

I loved the fight and zeke's onii-chan part uwu

I thought it was neat that it was confirmed that the Shifters' Titans have brains that control the Titan, rather than the Shifter controlling it themselves. I still want to know more about the Titan Chemistry Research Department, and all of the in-universe info about how Shifters interface with their Titans.

Onii-chan saves the day.

When Pieck took Gabi in her mouth? 👌👏 And that cannon?? 😍😍😍😍 And when she finished putting on the cannon and stood up in all her majesty I just straight up died. I also loved seeing Eren use the War Hammer to make back spikes, that was so neat.

WHO WAS THIS CHAPTER’S MVP? 1,288 responses

With lots of characters joining the fight this chapter, who was the MVP? The overwhelming majority at 62% think Eren fighting off three titans on his own earned him the title.  Pieck was also a popular choice, at 16%.  Magath rounded out the top three at 8.9%

EREN MVP WON ALONE AGAINST 3 TITANS

Magath is a great leader. We need to see more of him.

I was so happy to see Zeke! And that phrase, ahh!

Hugs for Reiner. Poor guy can never win a fight :( And love Pieck for being the MVP, as usual!

porco did nothing wrong shout out to my boy porco

Eren is collecting Titans like they're limited edition Pokemon cards

It's time to stop confusing Gabi with Eren. Gabi proved to be actually smart.

Magath is the MVP of this chapter and anyone who says otherwise is delusional.

My wife Pieck was very cute and smug.

Zeke's arrival was so sick. Oni-chan

Not gonna lie this chapter was fire af. Kinda surprised about Magath being a legend, but it may have been a mistake for him to not kill Eren.

Zeke showing up at the end was hype.

PIECK AND PORKY ARE THE BEST.

the mvp award should go to the jeagerists for getting themselves killed in the stupidest way ever

WHICH JAIL CELL EXPRESSION WAS THE CUTEST? 1,290 responses

Our quick glance at the 104th was enough to know they are alive and well for now. We wanted a fun way to ask about their stunned expressions at the noises they assumed to be the rumbling. Mikasa’s was declared cutest with 27.4%, Armin was second with 23.1%, and 16.9% didn’t want to play along.

"Which jail cell expression was the cutest?"What?

GET MY FUCKIN SONS ARMIN AND MIKASA OUT OF THE FREAKING JAIL THAT SHIT JAEGERISTS PUT THEM.

I hope Onyankopon will rescue everyone in jail.

Just get Falco and the prisoners out of there, they'll get titanized/crushed

WHICH EREN VS. REINER FIGHT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE SO FAR? 1,288 responses

Reiner and Eren’s practice fight in training has served useful, as they’ve fought as titans no less than four times now.  36.9% selected the fight from last chapter as their favorite bout, with 26.9% choosing their first rumble.  23.4% loved the recently animated Shiganshina fight the most, and only 12.8% chose the brief Marley exchange of blows.

Anime-onlies and manga readers collectively screaming about Eren vs Reiner in Shiganshina... You've got to wonder if this was planned somehow.

Eren vs. Reiner identical non-productive fights are getting boring.

I Want More Eren Vs Other Shifters

Reiner VS. Eren 4.0 is now a thing ladies and gents. But we now have a new fighter which is big bro Jaeger.

Eren vs. Reiner in a fearsome battle in the middle of Shinganshina that culminates in Reiner seemingly gaining the upper hand before his head is blown off by an outside force. Am I talking about the most recent manga chapter, or the most recent anime episode? You decide ;)

It's about time Eren's and Reiner's fight ends. Give us a conclusion, Isayama

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT REINER ORCHESTRATING ANOTHER ATTACK ON SHIGANSHINA? 1,288 responses

Although about 50% of respondents thought it was at least somewhat understandable that Reiner brought the fight to Shiganshina again, a good chunk of votes trended toward pretty neutral or unsure about whether Reiner is a hypocrite or not.

He sincerely believes Eren is miserable BECAUSE he's projecting his own emotions onto Eren but also needs to consume the Founder as Magath mentioned

He wants to do something right because the only thing hes good at is getting his ass whooped.

Honestly, all I can say about Reiner is that his isna big hypocrite.

Reiner should win a battle in his life, please Isayama.

He's definitely projecting, but lowkey if he eats Eren he finally gets to die, because they'll give the Founder to another Warrior.

People should really stop assuming that just because Reiner & Co. are deserving  of sympathy, they are right. Downtrodden as they are, if they win they'll still destroy Paradis without a second thought, and all the blatherings about stopping the 100 years cycle of violence, are just that, and justifications after the fact.

I thoguht Reiner would kick Eren's ass but whatever

Reiner should really give up fighting Eren... he always loses. Unless he likes getting his arse kicked, I don’t know why everyone just lets them fight over and over again.

REINER DON'T GO DOWN THE PATH OF ZEKE PLEASE

WHY DO YOU THINK EREN CHOSE TO FIGHT, RATHER THAN LISTEN TO YELENA AND GET AWAY? 1,285 responses

Yelena wanted Eren to run, Eren wanted to fight.  But why?  38.4% think he’s trying to protect those in the building, 25.8% think he believes running to be pointless, and 16.8% thought he just wanted to fight his best sparring partner, Reiner, once again.

"Until my enemies are destroyed," remember?

All of the above

He doesn't care what she thinks. Eren will do what Eren wants

He feels confident enough in his ability to shut that shit down by himself. He's also visibly pissed at Reiner for messing up with his plans by pushing for this surprise attack and wants to end him personally.

He's fought him three times already, might as well just fight him a fourth time.

I think it's both that it's pointless to run and he wants to protect those in the building. For the former, he knows Marley will just keep on persisting and will do everything they can to find him, so escaping is pointless. As for the latter, he cares about his close friends that are still inside and thus doesn't want them to get hurt, so for their safety, he wants to be the one to take on Marley by himself.

If you don't fight, you don't win.

I think this chapter proved that Yelena wasn't the one who "manipulated" Eren like some people claimed first, because he refused her order and choose to fight instead of "run away" or "trusting her plan".

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT GABI REVEALING THE ROYAL ZEKERET™ TO MAGATH? 1,289 responses

The Marleyan forces have finally zeroed in on what the true Zekerets are, all thanks to Gabi.  52.2% of readers forgot that Gabi was aware of the royal blood situation, and 22% didn’t expect it to come together this way but liked how it ended up.

Forgot she heard it, if this is what all her buildup has been leading too... 🤢

Honestly thought Pieck figured it out in chapter 116 with her line of questioning so I assumed they already knew or at least had their own doubts about the use of the FT Power but this makes sense as well.

I'd forgotten about it. But I think this confirm the fact she was here during EMA conversation will also be important

I kinda expected her to do so, but still I am glad she did it !!!

She has now served her role as a plot device. Please go permanently off-screen now.

Miscalculation brought back

MAGATH SAYS HE WANTS TO END THE HUNDRED YEARS OF RESENTMENT. WHAT DO YOU THINK HIS INTENTION IS? 1,277 responses

General Magath is the leader of the enemy forces, but seems to have good intentions in mind.  What’s his true goal?  The large majority of respondents, at 45.6% think he wants to wipe out the Eldians on Paradis.  21.7% think he wants to liberate Eldians, and trailing that at 20.4% is the idea that all he wants is the Founding Titan.

Chances are he's wants to wipe them out, he seems to care about the ones under his command, but he seems loyal to Marley first.

He just wants to end the war, he is a good man

Can't know for sure. He is sympathetic to his comrades but Marley has always pushed for more power so that may continue their imperialistic goals. I highly doubt Magath will make a complete 180 and will begin giving countries their own autonomy. Most likely, he will use the FT to further this effort in accumulating resources. No one should wield the power of FT. Too strong!

He wants to liberate Eldians AND annihilate Paradis

He probably wants to change Marley's policies and stop with the imperialism + Eldians-as-weapons, but he also seems willing to use Paradis as a scapegoat so far so I'm rooting against him.

He wants to protect Marley and introduce reforms. It’s noble in theory but I’m wondering if he was manipulated by Willy as per of a larger plan. He’s inspired by the Helos legend but he knows that it’s a lie. He has sympathy for Eldians in his own country but whether he wants to save all Eldians remains to be seen.

I think he wants to destroy the Eldians on Paradis but he also wants to persuade the higher ups in Marley to treat the Eldians more humanely

No clue. He doesn't seem like a genocidal maniac, but I don't think he'll allow Paradis to get off that easily.

Is it too optimistic to hope that he wants to change Marley's ways and to bring peace?

Why is "wiping out all Eldians" an option when he said he wanted to bring marleyans to the wars instead of the Eldians? I'm not completely sure about his intentions with Paradis but it's clear he cares for Eldians and he's ready to do anything to save Eldians and his own country.

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF PIECK’S NEW WEAPON? 1,279 responses

The Cart titan has been said to be versatile, and we’ve seen many upgrades and attachments, with this chapter being the biggest of them all.  Most of respondents, at 53.6% thought it was super awesome.

...How did they put it on so quickly?

Further cemented the Cart's place in my heart as best titan

I worry about Pieck. She is intelligent, fast and dangerous with her new weapon. That why Zeke may try to eliminate her fast.

I'm not into guns or gunfights so I don't really care.

Bitches love cannons

It’s a very powerful weapon but it requires time to reload. That a considerable weakness.

It's beautiful

so creepy i had a nightmare about it

PEW!

BIG DICK ENERGY

REINER DOESN’T HAVE FACIAL HAIR IN TITAN FORM. YOUR OPINION? 1,291 responses

Isayama pls!! It’s impossible to know why Reiner’s beard keeps disappearing. It could be a quirk of his titan biology or perhaps the Golden Week crunch meant cutting a few corners. Either way, only 8.7% where glad about the omission.

reiner's facial hair come back pls

WHO BEST REPRESENTS HELOS, “THE HERO WHO WILL SAVE THE WORLD”? 1,282 responses

Helos was a hollow statue, but will there be a hero for the current generation?  32.2% don’t believe so, but 35.5% think Eren will fulfill that role in the story.  12.3% think Reiner will become that hero to the world, and 10.8% feel it’s Magath.

Armin, mark my words

It's between Magath and Reiner. Magath because it has been nailed on him since he was mentioned, and Reiner because he's a half-Marleyan who wants to put an end to Eren's genocidal ways

Erwin/Levi...doesn't matter they're dead/dying, at this point I feel like they were the only ones capable to save the world. I'd say the 104th too but then, look where they are too.....

Heck, going by what's happening I have a sneaky feeling it's gonna be Falco.

Most likely Armin. Him being a "hero saving humanity" was foreshadowed already in RTS

I think resemblance between Helos and Levi isn't incidental.

Helos was proven to be fake, seems they indicate there will be no real hero

Honestly? Fuck it. Nicolo. I'm all-in on this.

Jean the Stallion

I don't know who, but not one of those three that's for sure... Historia? Where are you, our queen?

My Boi Reiner is super awesome here! He shows signs of becoming the new Helos!

Helos was a fake. There was no true Helos. It was just a story, so saying another Helos will save them makes no sense as Helos was just a facade in the first place.

EREN’S EXPRESSION AS REINER ATTEMPTED TO EAT HIM WAS INTENSE, BUT IT ISN’T THE FIRST TIME WE’VE SEEN THIS. WHICH PANEL DO YOU THINK BEST CAPTURES EREN'S TENACITY? 1,286 responses

Based on the overall results, it appears that Eren’s expressions seem to get more and more intense as the series unfolds. Over half of the fandom feels that his most recent expression of resolve has been the one that best captures his tenacity. At a distant second, his expression as he transformed in the basement at the festival takes second place.

EREN IS A GOD

God, I want to punch Eren in his shitty smug face so hard.

Eren's defiant glare cleansed my skin, reaped my crops and impregnated me with 13 babies!

Finally we see Eren having a different expression, showing more of a human side we have been missing lately

I’m gay for eren

God, I'm just dying to see Eren's endgame.

Love Eren! He's awesome! The best hands down! And I can't wait to get inside his head! I know it'll make me love him more! Lol

IS EREN’S EXPRESSION AS REINER TRIES TO “PUT HIM TO SLEEP” TO END HIS SUFFERING EVIDENCE THAT EREN OPPOSES ZEKE’S EUTHANASIA PLAN? 1,282 responses

Almost 40% of respondents believe that Isayama’s placement of these panels was a deliberate way for him to clue us in on Eren’s opposition to Zeke’s plan. 27% don’t want to trust the panel placement just yet and feel it could very well be misleading. 21% feel that he’s simply showing his determination to see the plan through at all costs.

I'm not sure but it was really freaking cool

Eren's determination to fight, win and live!

He is mad because he is fighting to save his friends and future generations. So yes.

didnt notice this before, but yes this is a good theory

I don't even know how these two thing could be related lmao. He just wants to finish the fight so he can proceed with his plan. He can't do that by being eaten by the enemy

Eren didn't hear Reiner's words, so we can't say

Zeke's euthanasia plan requires Eren regardless of the ideals behind it.

I think whatever Eren's plan is, he is determined to do whatever it takes to not die before accomplishing it

It's pretty obvious he wants to unleash the Rumbling on the world. Idk why this is even a question.

I don't think it has anything to do with eren's thoughts on zeke's plan and more to do with his anger at reiner and marley

I feel like people may be looking too deep into this somehow

I actually didn't think of that! Now that you mention it, it's possible.

It's pretty obvious without this that Eren completely opposes Zeke's euthanasia. What I think is more interesting to think about is Reiner's previous question about what Eren "gets" from living any longer: what exactly pushes him to go to such lengths for whatever goal he has now? His country? His friends? His freedom? His family? All of those?

WHAT IS REINER'S MAIN REASON FOR WANTING TO EAT EREN? 1,285 responses

Eren isn’t the only one who’s attempted to eat more shifters, and this time he’s on the receiving end. Did Reiner purely want to eat Eren for tactical purposes, or does he truly want to save Eren from the curse of a cruel life? Most readers at about 60% think Reiner’s just projecting his own thoughts and worldview onto Eren.

All the options above I think. Reiner thinks he knows Eren, but he clearly forgot one important thing: Eren is stubborn and once he's in his rage mode, he will never back down!

Both C and D.  He truly thinks Eren is in misery, BECAUSE he's projecting. Can't have one without the other.

Eating Eren is just a part of Marley's plan but I think it's the revenge that motivates him.

He has nothing left except his role as a warrior fighting for Marley. And he is determined to fulfill this role to the very end

I think he may be projecting his own misery into Eren but he doesn’t realize he’s doing it so he automatically assumes that Eren is in misery. Or it could be that he believes all shifters are going through the same thing he is and are suffering

He just wants to have his job done: eat Eren, become a hero and die.

WHAT WILL EREN GET "FROM LIVING ANY LONGER"? 1,282 responses

When Reiner attempted to end Eren’s life, Eren fought back against the idea his life holds nothing but pain.  What is the light at the end of the tunnel for him?  37.6% believe he’ll end up saving his people on Paradis, and 23.7% expanding that to saving the world.  17.9% think Reiner is right and he’ll only find more pain, and only 8.8% think Eren will go on to destroy the world.

Become Lelouch

Bring his 4D chess plan that somehow liberates the Eldians in a way that's different from what Zeke, the Yaegerists, the other Paradis military members and Magath are planning.

destroying the world to free Eldia from the oppression and probably to build a "future" for Historia and the child, which means to be the only ruling race

He'll save at least his friends, and hopefully help to save the world. by destroying its current foundation, and that includes the Eldians of Paradis

Eren just wants to catch 'em all... JK. He'll put an end to the curse of Ymir - Eldians will no longer be able to turn into titans.

He will destroy the world, cause this is probably his thinking of freedom for the eldians on paradis, but it will give more sacrifices and victims and more pain for others, like Connie who actually suffers, cause Sasha dies, because of Eren's selfishness.

A beautiful wife and their newborn baby

Eren wants to save the Eldians in Marley and Paradis

He will save his friends and future generations of Eldians. Eren doesn't care about himself, he cares about others.

Weird combination of protecting Paradis, those he holds dear and being willing to destroy the world for it.

I really hope world peace and a life in harmony without the titan curse although I'm scared it won't have a happy ending.

F R E E D O M

WHAT EMOTION DO YOU THINK BEST DESCRIBES EREN’S EXPRESSION WHEN ZEKE APPEARS? 1,285 responses

Onii-chan is here, but how does Eren feel about that?  So many interpretations from the same panel!  The most popular answer at 36.3% was astonishment, followed closely by worry, and then relief.

He actually called himself onii-chan

Realization that everyone who drank the wine is screwed

A complex mix of all the above

Surprised, I think he didn't expect Zeke to be there cause of Levi

He somehow feel relieved because he was lacking stamina, but at the same time I think he worries of lives of his friends and people who will end up as titans, if Zeke screams.

Mixed feelings. Relieved that he is saved, but sad because he's ultimately going to betray such a great onii-chan

i kept staring at this panel bc it's been so long since we've seen such a vivid expression on eren's face; it's kind of hopeful too?

This chapter really illustrated how well Isayama can draw facial expressions to convey the characters thoughts

God Eren you're so sexy when your facial expressions are ambiguous

ZEKE'S APPEARANCE IS A SIGN TO EREN THAT LEVI MAY HAVE BEEN DEFEATED. DO YOU THINK EREN CARES? 1,286 responses

Eren and Zeke planned to meet up here, but that would have to mean Zeke escaping Levi, likely in a brutal way.  Now that that’s happened, does Eren have regrets?  55.8% feel he cares about Levi to some degree, 27.1% feel that Eren cares about his mentor a lot, and only 14.2% don’t think Eren cares about the manlet one bit.

He cares, but it was a calculated risk like all the others he's been taking lately. I think he's still shocked that Zeke made it there though.

From where I stand on Eren’s decisions, I think he cares. But I feel like since we don’t know what his plan is yet, we can’t really fully answer this

Hard to tell, since he’s been treating his friends like shit, why would he care more about his mentor?

He knew what could happen to Levi and his men during Zeke's escape but he still agreed on a meeting time and place with his bro, not to mention the Jeagerists openly called him their "biggest threat" and were ready to finish him off. So Eren's definitely accepted the possibility of Levi becoming a casualty.

I don’t think Eren really cares about Levi, I think he’s worried about Zeke turning the Shiganshina people into Titans.

I think he still cares but tries to numb it all down and not care anymore. so he might be fooling himself, deluding himself...I think he did the same with his friends. Thinking that there's a higher goal and that it's all worth shedding your friends aside for it - I think he might be trying to convince himself of that.

In this situation there is no time for him to care about Levi.

ZEKE IS NOW CLOSE ENOUGH TO TITANIZE THOSE INFECTED BY THE WINE. DO YOU THINK HE'LL DO IT? 1,285 responses

It was nice knowing you, Pixis. Now that Zeke has joined the battle within the walls of Shiganshina, it’s not looking good for anyone with a red or black cloth tied around their arm. More than 80% of respondents believe that those who drank the Zekejuice will soon be turned into titans, while only 19% choose to remain hopeful about their fates.

I would say Zeke titanizing everyone who drank the wine is inevitable, but the fact that Falco ingested the wine keeps being brought up. Zeke isn't aware. I feel like he has to know about Falco's state before any decisions are made. Whether that helps or not, we'll find out. After all, Zeke was shown to be close to Colt, who's Falco's big bro. Big brother feelings resonate with Zeke. It's a 50/50 chance imo.

Yeah, with Zeke joining the fray and all those soldiers that ingested his spinal fluid locked up, I expect Zeke will scream and turn Falco + all, if not most, of the spinal fluid-infected Paradis soldiers into Pure Titans next chapter. From there, Zeke will give Eren the Pure Titans needed to attack Marley's forces in Shingashina right now.

IS THIS THE FINAL BATTLE? 1,282 responses

Now that the fight has started, how many think it’s the last brawl?  About ⅔ at 66.2% think the story will continue, whereas ⅓ at 33.8% think the story will end when this battle does.

Honestly this better not be the final battle. Marley vs Paradis is too black and white, I need a large commentary on the human condition

This really does feel like the final multi-titan battle. It might not technically be the final fight, but this feels like the RtS of the post-Marley arc. It's the climactic battle we've been building towards

People can say whatever they want, but everything indicates to me that Eren will become the last antagonist for the final war against the whole world.

This specific fight may not be the final battle but I have a feeling there are more to follow right here. Poetic really, that the series began in Shiganshina and will end there.

WHAT WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO SEE NEXT CHAPTER? 1,289 responses

117’s come and gone, on to 118!  The most popular answer, at about 30% want to see this fight continue more than anything else.  23.3% would like an update about Levi and Hange, 16.2% want the 104th in action, and 11.7% are at the altar of Annie.

please god either of the blonde best girls would be nice.

Armin and Annie joining the battle

I want to see what happened with Hange and Levi and also information on Historia. I also kind of hope to see Eren double cross Zeke.

Eren's plan, Levi, Armin being the genius he is , Annie, Mikasa fighting

Erwin. There is nothing I want more and idc how unreachable my dream is.

Continuation of the battle, and maybe Armin using his titan power to jail protect everyone in the jail cell. If Eren could partially titanise to protect himself, Armin and Mikasa from canon ball fire back in the first arc, Armin could do the same!

Bertolt. More Bertolt.

Some scene where Eren or someone reflects on all those lost, because honestly, it's my only chance of seeing Mina in the main story one more time.

I'd love to see all of them (except Floch), but in the context of what's going on right now, I think it'd be cool to see Annie join the fight just because it's been so long she's been in that crystal, and with practically every Titan in Shingashina right now (not to mention the recent Annie teasing), she's the only one absent from the fight, and I want to see her participate. I also expect to see Zeke using his scream next chapter, because it just feels like the perfect opportunity for us readers to see the Founding Titan in action again.

Floch, 104th, Annie, Yelena, Zeke, Eren, (no levi dont care about him)

I want Mikasa to shine, and I want to see Historia again

WHERE IS MY FUCKING EREN FLASHBACK YAMS, I NEED THE SAUCE PLD

I'm sick of Eren and I don't care what happens to him.  I want to know what happened to Levi.

All of the above, but fuck floch

I'm expecting Zeke will scream next chapter, and Falco will be the among the ones that will turn into a Pure Titan

Is it too much to ask for all of it?

Onyankopon FREE MY SONS AND DAUGHTER. FREE ARMIN AT LEAST.

AT THIS POINT, AROUND WHICH CHAPTER DO YOU EXPECT THE MANGA WILL CONCLUDE?

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS ON THE CHAPTER?

Overall..pretty amazing chapter...just want to know the aftermath of zeke's arrival at this point.

Zeke is best boi and I needed that onii-chan panel in my life. My depression is cured.

Greatest Titan Battle yet!!! And Eren is easily the best character in Attack on Titan and one of the best manga protagonists ever!!!

Zeke loves eren and I think its so sweet, eren be gentle with him!

I want to see reiner getting his "revenge" over bertholdt's death , since we know that bertholdt was an important person in reiners life

FLOCH! Where is my lover? I don't have the power. On my side forever. Oooh Missing my Floch Lover!

It been a while since Isayama didn't shine with his drawing specially. The facial expressions and symbolism between some panels are so powerfull meaning and puts us in struggle to decoding it for a bit. One of the most deepest one (for me) was yelena saying "you're different from others Eren, you're special".

I do not foresee a great future for Eren as facial surgeon.

Marley and the warriors is so hypocritical. Porco's line really go to me because they attacked Paradis multiple times first. Hope  eren beats their ass.

This chapter was okay but I’m getting bored of Eren vs Reiner. Also, I would really like to see the 104th out of that damn cell and I would also like to never have to lay my eyes in Zeke or Floch ever again.

Intense and amazing in many ways, Marley FTW

Pieke and Gabi made me feel for them more than I expected.

In need of an update on Historia. Looking forward how Zeke and Eren fight together. Will they actually kill the warriors? Will those who are in the cell break free and come to stop the battle or join in? Did the Yeagerists manage to get their hands on Levi and Hanji??

THE GATE GUARDS DID NOTHING WRONG I WILL NEVER STOP FIGHTING - I WILL SCREAM THIS FROM THE HEAVENS. JUSTICE FOR THE GATE GUARDS

Isayama has gotten very good at action scenes hot damn

I guess Reiner was right with saying that Eren is the most unreliable person who's entrusted with the coordinates and the power of the founding titan, because it could be possible that Eren will use this power for the bad.

I think 104th will escape and Chad style Dab on Marley and pop their airships to end up losing Connie and then get 99999x Thunderspears to create their own rumbling because Eren didn't have the coordinate after all.

Now we need Wack a Mole Eren

I was really hoping porco would eject out of the jaw titan when he was skewered, and retransform only to get nearly killed by Eren either impaling him or using him as a meatshield against Magath.

Where's mah boi Levi and Hanji at?

we were blessed with so much eren this chapter and i’d like to thank not only god but also jesus

Pieck has the biggest dick in the city. Take that Eren's WHT spears.

I really like how the Attack Titan screams so loudly it causes Gabi and Colt to resort to shutting their ears. Pretty sick xD

I sad-cringed at the "oni-chan" comment so much man. Poor Zeke

I think it was a well written battle in the sense that there was still a good amount of tension because Eren wasn't just effortlessly slaughtering the warriors. Instead he defiantly held his ground while outnumbered, outgunned and surrounded which imo showcases his strengths - tenacity and willpower - best of all.

I want all 9 titans to come together in an epic all-out brawl! Please make it happen Isayama!

If Pieck and Zeke don't engage in an Artillery duel next chapter, I'll be sorely disappointed.

This is just the begining of beautiful friendship - 104th and Marleyans. You shall see the truth soon ;)

When I finished the chapter I started crying because of what Reiner said while he was trying to eat Eren. In my opinion, Reiner has been such an accurate depiction of suicidal ideation that it's scary. It's just really painful to see, but I'm glad it's done so well and I really commemorate Isayama for treating it respectfully. I suppose I hope Reiner gets to see the kids again before he dies. At least... give him one last smile before he has to say goodbye.

I am most looking forward to see if Mikasa joins the fight or not, we still don't know what she thinks about Eren now!! And I want to know what Armin figured out, and I really want to know where the FUCK Historia is, and I really really want to know what happened to Levi and Hange. In that order.

Very good and well rounded, comedic moments were funny and not forced, Fights looked great as expected. Unique twist seeing new anti titan weaponry but enjoyable to see it being used.

This chapter really illustrated how well Isayama can draw facial expressions to convey the characters thoughts

It was an artistically beautiful chapter, as has been the norm recently, and I am so excited to see more.

It's so cathartic to see Eren finally let loose again

Magnificent, but seriously when is Annie coming back

WHERE DO YOU PRIMARILY DISCUSS THE SERIES? 1,236 responses

This chart changes ever so slightly from month-to-month.  While Tumblr is up a few percentage points, Reddit continues to bring nearly half of all respondents. Thank you again to everyone who participated, regardless of what platform you are on!

[shadowtarot]

Painful Truths

Another Shadow Pain update in the same day? Here’s the previous one

The group begins their walk through the twisted city in search of Yu. The cramped buildings make the area out to feel more maze like then any other area they’ve been in before. 

But despite this, Yosuke seems to be having an easy enough time leading the others through it. 

“This area has shadows crawling everywhere...and lots of them too...” Chie gulps a bit. “Yu pretty much lost his Persona right? So he’s in here without any way to fight them...”

“Well doesn’t he have like...a whole bunch of Persona? If he lost one...he should still have the others, right?” Kanji suggests.

“I don’t think that’s the case, Kanji...” Teddie sighs. “If a Shadow rebels against it’s former Persona user, then naturally the others would follow like a heard. That’s how Shadows are, after all.”

“So in other words, Izanagi took all the others with him.” Yosuke sighs, shaking his head. “No wonder this place feels like the Reaper every step we take.”

Rise suddenly gasps, making everyone freeze. “Guys, look at the ground here..”

Taking a close look, they see blood splatters and a clear sign of a struggle.

“Did he fight here?” Yukiko asks, covering her mouth with her free hand.

Naoto crouches down and takes a closer look. “It’s recent. Senpai couldn’t have been here any sooner then twenty minutes prior to our arrival.”

Yosuke nods, hands folded on his chest. “Is there...a trail anywhere? As confident as I am as a guide, I think it would be best to speed up the process as much as possible.” 

Naoto shakes her head,adjusting her hat. “There doesn’t seem to be. But maybe Rise or Teddie can check?” 

The both nod and check the splatter themselves.

“But...normally these places resemble the feelings of the Shadow’s owner right? But a twisting city like this...it feels out of place...” Kanji sighs, shaking his head. “It’s not nearly as straight forward as any of ours, that’s for damn sure..”

“That’s just it.” Yosuke realizes something. “It’s not straight forward because...whatever Yu’s dealing with is a complex issue. Just like how the city we’re both from is complex..”

Chie nods, tapping her left foot. “Yeah, his shadow didn’t really offer any sorts of clues either. He mentioned this place being ‘Hell’ right? And the way he destroyed that camera...something tells me fighting that Shadow isn’t gonna be easy.”

“I’m picking up a faint trail!” Teddie suddenly announces. “Sensei seems to have been bleeding a lot after whatever happened here, so there’s enough for us to take the direct path he took!” 

The group follows Teddie as they begin to take a much more winding area, before they’re greeted at a gate by a large hulking humanoid Shadow.

“Ugh! We don’t have time for you!” Yosuke yells, drawing his Kunai in rage. “Let’s make this quick, guys!”

Yosuke moves around the shadow to keep it’s focus away from the others and dodges downward punches as he goes. 

Chie runs up to Kanji. “Throw me!” 

“Wait what?!” 

“If you throw me, I’ll be able to nail it in the head.” 

“Oh..guess that makes sense.” Kanji shurgs and gives her a boost into the air. 

“Taaaaaaaake this! WAAAA TAAA!” With a strong strike, she manages to nail the shadow in the head. 

“Nice going you two!” Yosuke smiles, laughing. “Alright we gotta take advantage of this opening!”

They rush the shadow from all sides.

“PERSONA!”

It collapses, close to death. Without a second thought, Yosuke throws a kunai right into the shadow’s ‘skull’ and watches as it dissipates into black and red mist. 

“Wow..we actually managed to win that..” Kanji sighs. “Shit’s a lot rougher when we don’t have Senpai...”

“That just means we have to keep training.” Chie exclaims. 

“But do you know what’s odd? Normally we would have encountered the Shadow by now. Yet we only found a guard.” Yukiko folds her fan and messes with it. 

“Yeah...Yu’s Shadow isn’t playing by the typical tropes we’re used to...”  Yosuke sighs. “Well, the stairs are here, so let’s keep moving.”

Descending deeper into the area, Teddie starts sniffing again. “That scent...I know that anywhere! Sensei’s on this floor!” 

“Seriously?!” Yosuke looks at Teddie. “Where is he?” 

“I’m beary sure he’s...this way!” 

The group follows Teddie, now almost sprinting. They had to, they needed to find him. And as they keep going...they see a figure hunched over and gasping for breath.

“Yu?” Yosuke runs straight over to him. “Dude, are you alright?”

Yosuke kneels down and puts a hand on his friend’s shoulder. 

But Yu doesn’t speak.

“Hey, Senpai...is everything okay?”

A laugh erupts from him...and it brings with it signs no one saw coming...

“Of course I’m fine...” ‘Yu’ stands, and faces the group...his yellow eyes telling all that they need to know.

“It’s his Shadow! But how were you able to mask yourself from my nose?!” Teddie growls.

“I didn't, that pathetic child you call your leader is over there...” The shadow gestures with his head to Yu...torn clothing with multible slashes scattered around his torso showing clear signs of a fight. 

“YU!” Yosuke tightens his grip on his kunai. “Wait...does that mean he already denied his shadow?” 

The shadow laughs, as a dark smirk spreads on his face before turning into a fang filled smile. “You really do care, don’t you? How unfortunate. This child is nothing more then a desperate smuck who clings to the first sign of affection or admiration he gets! As soon as he saw me, he denied everything I’ve been telling him since I was forced into cooperation! Such a weak spirit...yet you call him a LEADER? Pathetic.”

Yu struggles to stand. “Don’t you ....dare lay a hand on them...”

“Or what? You’ll be alone again? I thought you had resigned yourself to being a loner for all your life once you finished Middle School.” The shadow laughs.

Yu stands, wobbling just a bit before attempting to fight his own shadow.

“Useless...Persona.” 

A Jack Frost freezes Yu’s legs in place, and with no strengh to break himself free.

“Did his shadow just use one of Senpai’s Persona?!” Naoto exclaims.

“It’s like I said...the other Persona fled to whoever was the stronger of the two...”

“I guess this explains why his shadow didn’t transform. It’s powerful enough with just Yu-kun’s Persona...”

“We’re not dealing with your average shadow fight then...this really is on a different level.”

“Please everyone...just get out of here! I don’t want any of you to get killed just for my sake.” Yu pleads, trying his best to free himself from the ice. 

“Don’t be an idiot!” Yosuke shouts. “You helped us face ourselves...now it’s about damn time we repay that debt!”

[nessnessquik]

The Nanny - Chapter 5

It's been almost a year since I've posted. Wow. Let's just say that this hiatus has been brutal, especially for us Philinda fans, and it hasn't been easy to write fluff, even for me! But since it seems like AU is all we can cling to in this depressing time, here's a new chapter to one of my favorite fics I've written. My plans for this fic always make me happy, even when canon is hurting us beyond belief. I really hope you enjoy this and are able to feel a little bit of happiness from reading it!

THANK YOU to my unfailing beta, Liz. I love you so much, girl. And thank you to all of you SO SO MUCH for all of your absolutely wonderful comments you've already left on this fic!!

This chapter is dedicated to my favorite Mama Bear, Melinda May, and the person who no doubt is a huge reason why I love Phil Coulson so much, Julie Coulson. Happy Mother's Day to these mothers, and to all you wonderful mothers as well!

Also on AO3.

“What are you drawing, Mr. Phil?” Daisy peeked over his shoulder curiously.

“Hang on, you’ll know in one...second...there.” Phil looked at her and grinned proudly. “It’s been a while since I’ve tried to draw it, but I think I did pretty well!”

It was late, the setting sun spilled golden light into the playroom as they sat together in comfortable silence. Daisy had been restless and missing her mom more acutely today, so Phil suggested she try and make a drawing for her before they got ready for dinner. She agreed and immediately pulled out her art supplies. Phil had been working on a list of needs for a cupcake order for a bit before he decided he may as well try his hand with the markers as well.

Daisy’s head tilted to the side as she examined his drawing. “You made a plate with a star?”

Phil’s mouth dropped open, offended. “That’s Captain America’s shield. The best superhero mankind has ever known! Are you telling me you’ve never seen Captain America?”

Daisy shook her head and giggled at Phil’s obvious shock.

“Well,” Phil finally said, “we’re gonna need to fix that for sure. Hmph!” He stood up and stretched. “I’m going to go see if our lasagna is ready yet. Do you want to come or stay and finish your drawing?”

“I wanna stay. I have to finish this for Mommy.” Daisy answered, her concentration already back on her artwork.

“Okay,” Phil smiled softly at her before he stood and made his way to the kitchen. It had only been a few weeks since he’d started watching Daisy, but he already felt a strong attachment to her. He hated to see her sad and would do just about anything to make her smile. Children are the easiest people to love, his mother always said.

Since he was thinking about it...Phil pulled out his cell phone from his pocket and hit “Mom” from his speed dial. It rang as he opened the oven.

“Phil, honey, aren’t you still supposed to be working?”

Phil smiled at his mother’s worried voice. “I am, Daisy’s just in the other room while I check on the lasagna I made.”

“Oh, is that what you've called for? I’ve told you if you want to make it less soupy you need to -”

“Undercook the noodles, I know, Mom. Thanks.” He took out the pan and set it on the counter, checking it on all sides.

“And don’t forget to-”

“Let it stand for a while, I remember.”

Phil heard her huff slightly. “Well...I suppose you did learn from the best.”

He laughed in amusement. “I know I did.”

As Phil decided he was satisfied with the lasagna, he explained to his mom about his discussion with Daisy.

“You still have my Captain America comics and videos, right?”

“As if you’d ever let me throw those old things away,” Julie responded affectionately. “Should I mail them to you?”

“That would be great. Thanks, Mom. You know I’d love to come see you, but between working at the shop and watching Daisy…” Phil leaned against the kitchen counter and sighed.

“You’re exhausted.” She finished for him. “Please make sure you rest, Phil. I can tell you're happy with what you’re doing, but don’t let it kill you. Or I’ll have to march over there and and force you to rest myself.”

Phil laughed and felt some of the weariness lift off his shoulders. His mother always had a gift for that.

“Oh yes, and how is, ah, Dr. May doing these days?” Phil rolled his eyes at her obviously teasing question and was about to sass back when he heard a noise from behind him.

“Mr. Phil?”

He turned and smiled at Daisy in the doorway, looking at him curiously. “Who’re you talking to?”

“I’m talking to my mom. Would you like to say ‘hi’?”

Daisy looked hesitant, but she nodded and moved closer to him.

“Mom, I’m going to put you on speaker, Daisy wanted to say ‘hello.’”

“Oh, Daisy! I’ve heard so much about you!” Julie’s voice came through the phone, her excitement causing the little girl to smile shyly.

“Hi, Mr. Phil’s mom.” Daisy said cautiously.

"Aren’t you just the most precious. Phil tells me you like playing soccer, is that true?”

“Uh huh.” Daisy looked at Phil, who smiled reassuringly.

“Tell me, who usually wins when you two play together?”

A grin crept up on Daisy’s face at the question, “Me! I get goals on Mr. Phil all the time.” She leaned closer to the phone and said in a stage whisper, “He’s not very good.”

“That's what I thought.”

“Hey!” Phil protested while Julie and Daisy giggled together. He huffed in mock offense. “Okay, time to say goodbye, we have dinner to get ready for.”

“Goodbye, Daisy, it was so nice to speak with you.”

“Bye!”

Phil held the phone back up to his ear. “Bye, Mom. Talk to you soon.”

“Talk to you soon, dear. I love you.”

“Love you, too.”

Phil hung up and faced Daisy once more. “So, you think I’m a bad soccer player, huh?”

Daisy nodded, her eyes sparkling with confidence.

“Well, then. I call a rematch tomorrow after school.”

“You’re on!” Daisy responded with her hands on her hips.

“All right, now let’s set this table for dinner.”

Melinda stepped into the house and hung up her keys that night, sniffing the air.

Italian? She thought.

It had become somewhat of a game to her, guessing what amazing meal Coulson had cooked up for that night. In her own realistic (or pessimistic, as Maria and Pepper would say) mind, she’d told herself not to get used to Coulson’s cooking, as surely he would get tired of trying to impress them and the delicious dinners would become more and more infrequent, but it had been weeks now and he was just as hard working. And obliging. And so good with Daisy. And-

Melinda cut herself off from that train of thought.

“Right on time.” Coulson’s smile was ready and waiting for her as she stepped into the kitchen, along with a plate full of lasagna and vegetables in his hand.

“Mama!” Daisy’s excited greeting was the only warning she had before her daughter slammed into her arms.

“Hello to you too, Daisy.” Melinda lifted Daisy and kissed her cheek, relishing the feel of her two little arms hugging her neck. She sighed and felt herself relax. This was all the therapy she needed after a long day.

“I missed you, Mama.” Daisy said, her voice wobbling.

���I missed you too, xiǎo huā .” Melinda held her tighter and ran a comforting hand through her daughter's long hair. She waited until Daisy's grip on her loosened before asking, “Did you have another good day at school?”

Daisy nodded and finally slid out of her mother’s embrace to return to her food sitting on their breakfast table. “I finished all my work and Mrs. Weaver gave me time on the computer today!” Melinda smiled briefly as her daughter picked up a half-eaten piece of bread from her plate.

“Daisy, I told you earlier that you can’t just fill up on the garlic toast. Eat some of those vegetables too.” Coulson spoke to the girl firmly as he set the other plate down on the table. Melinda was pleased, although she kept her face unreadable, that Coulson was encouraging healthy habits. Too many babysitters took the easy way out and let children eat whatever they wanted while they watched them. Melinda liked knowing she wasn’t the only “bad guy” when it came to eating better.

The little girl pouted Melinda’s way, as if asking for her to overrule what Coulson said. She merely raised an eyebrow back in response. Daisy sighed, but set the bread down and took her fork to the cooked food.

“We had a great day too, by the way,” Coulson motioned for Melinda to take a seat at the table, which she did without protest, eagerly anticipating the tasty-looking meal. “But there is one issue I have to bring up.”

Melinda paused and looked up at him. He wiped his hands on a towel before throwing it back over his shoulder, his tone and facial expressions serious. She turned her body toward him and nodded to show she was listening.

Coulson folded his arms and leaned back on the kitchen counter. “How does your daughter not know who Captain America is?”

Melinda blinked. “...Excuse me?” She let out a short, confused laugh. “You mean, that one superhero from those comics?”

“He’s not just one of those superheroes, he's Captain America! And there's more than comics, he has his own action figures, trading cards, TV show...how could you let this poor girl grow up without knowing one of the greatest men in history? It's a huge oversight, Dr. May.” Coulson’s indignant speech amused Melinda to no end. She had sensed some nerdiness in him since their first meeting, now she knew where it stemmed from...superheroes, evidently.

“In fictional history, you mean.” Melinda couldn’t stop herself from teasing him, just a little.

He opened his mouth to retort, but Daisy piped up from her chair excitedly. “Mr. Phil says Captain America has a shield! And he uses it to protect himself from bullets, and he can hit bad guys on the head with it!” Melinda smiled at her enthusiasm. “His mommy is going to send some movies and comic books to us so we can read them!”

“With your permission first, of course.” Coulson interjected quickly, looking slightly embarrassed at the mention of his mother.

Melinda thought about it for a moment. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d watched or cared about a superhero franchise, but she had a few fond memories from her younger days of Peggy telling her about the different comics and shows, and she had actually enjoyed reading about the secret agents who worked alongside the powered characters. Melinda couldn’t remember any negatives about Captain America off the top of her head, and at this point, she knew and trusted Coulson enough to have good judgement about what to show her daughter.

“Please, Mommy?” Daisy’s big brown eyes begged her to say yes, and Melinda couldn’t stop a laugh from escaping as Coulson crouched behind Daisy’s chair and raised his eyebrows, mimicking her sad puppy dog look.

“Please?” He echoed.

Melinda held up her hand in surrender. “Fine.”

Daisy squealed and high-fived Coulson, whose blue eyes then beamed her way.

Melinda shook her head to fight a smile and broke their eye contact in favor of looking at her plate. “Can I eat my dinner now?”

“Of course!” Coulson stood back up and moved to check on the oven. “I have a fresh batch of garlic bread that will be done in just a few minutes.”

“Enough time for you to eat some too then,” Melinda stated. Her tone didn’t allow for protest. “Sit and eat.”

Coulson had begun resisting less and less when it came to eating with them, Melinda was pleased to note. She didn’t think it was fair for him to prepare the whole meal and not enjoy it along with them.

“Yes, ma’am.” Coulson served a plate and set it down on the other side of Daisy, across from Melinda.

“So, what's so great about Captain America?” Melinda asked as she took a bite of lasagna.

And thus opened the floodgates.

If she didn't already know how talkative Coulson could be, she sure knew now, she mused to herself.

Somehow, the stream of conversation didn't bother her as much as it usually would with other people. Melinda sat and listened to his passionate views (in between interjections from her 4-year-old), saw the enthusiastic way his hands gestured and his eyes lit up even brighter than before, and found herself weighing in and becoming engaged in a conversation about supernatural powers, responsibility, morals, character, history, right and wrong, and more. They were so engrossed in their debate that Phil nearly burned the garlic bread before she reminded him. Their conversation continued long after Daisy had lost interest and went to play by herself, and went on as they finished their food and cleaned the kitchen together.

“Oh wow.” Coulson winced as he finished hanging the kitchen towel in its place on the stove, and catching a glimpse at the clock in the process. “I'm sorry, I didn't mean to keep you so long talking about, well-”

“Your obsession.” Melinda cut him off with a smirk as she slid the container of extra lasagna into the fridge.

Coulson grimaced and rubbed the back of his neck. Melinda noticed his face looked more pink than it had a minute ago. “Yeah...not my most selling characteristic, I've been told. I usually start losing people after the first sentence.” He laughed self-consciously.

“It's fine, Coulson. If I didn't think it was interesting, I would've made it clear.” Melinda leaned back on the counter, chuckling internally at his embarrassment. Just to reassure him, she added, “I didn't mind. And I'm a good listener.”

“Yeah, you are. And a great debater.” Coulson grinned at her.

Melinda cleared her throat to stop herself from smiling back too long. “Plus, I should know what kind of values they depict Captain America having anyway, since Daisy will be watching and reading about him.”

“Oh, yes. Of course.” Coulson nodded seriously. “I know how impressionable children are at this age and I wouldn't show her anything that could potentially be a bad influence on her.”

“I believe you.” Melinda answered simply.

They stood there for another moment before Coulson excused himself to go say goodnight to Daisy.

As he walked away, Melinda mulled over the decision she'd been trying to make for a week now—whether or not she trusted Coulson to take care of Daisy more full time, which would include watching her at the house during Melinda's night shift.

It was a big step for her—allowing someone else to be in charge of her daughter's safety throughout the night—but she had a gut feeling about him. That he would be good for Daisy, and by extension, good for her as well. And her instincts were almost always right. Plus, she didn't want to depend on Peggy's good graces forever. Melinda knew her friend loved Daisy like another daughter, but she didn't need to have her sleeping at her house at least once a week, every week. No, as hard as it was for her, Melinda knew it was time to take a leap of faith with Phi– Coulson , she corrected herself firmly–and see if this arrangement would work out or not.

Decision made, Melinda joined Coulson and walked out the front door to speak with him.

“I have something to ask you.” She hesitated, but then continued when he turned toward her. “It’s been close to a month since you've started watching Daisy and she's clearly taken with you. I don't think she was even this happy with Hannah watching her. And I have been happy with your service as well.”

Coulson half-smiled and looked down humbly. “Thank you. She's an incredible kid, and she makes it easy.” He looked up at her, blue eyes sincere. “You've raised her extremely well.”

Melinda's lips quirked up. “Thank you. I was wondering...what would you think about staying the night here? That is,” Melinda hurriedly finished as Coulson's eyes widened a fraction. “For Daisy, I mean, to watch her during my overnight shift tomorrow?” Who's the awkward conversationalist now? Melinda thought grimly to herself. “And instead of babysitter, I'd officially hire you as her nanny, which of course would come with a pay increase. I know you have your other job too, but...”

Thankfully, Coulson was already nodding with the close-lipped smile that somehow still managed to make his eyes crinkle at the corners. “Absolutely. I'd be honored.”

“Great.” Melinda smiled back in relief. “Would you be able to come tomorrow around 2:30 and we can discuss more details?”

“Deal.” Coulson held out his hand to shake.

She took it. “Deal.”

“Goodnight, Dr. May.” Coulson sent her one last grin before he walked away.

“Bye, Mr. Phil!” Daisy ran up behind Melinda to wave one last time. He waved back and disappeared into his car.

Melinda shut the door with a slight smile and then turned and spoke in Mandarin. “Time for bed, Daisy.” She said seriously.

“First come see the picture I made for you!” Daisy pulled on Melinda's hand until they reached her bedroom. “Mr. Phil only helped me with the words a little bit! Here's you and me and our house, and I'm giving you a flower, and this says ‘I love you.’ Mr. Phil said he didn’t know how to help me write it in Mandarin though.”

“Ohh, little flower, this is beautiful.” Melinda felt a slight sting of tears at Daisy's shy, but proud smile and the stick figures on the page. Melinda took Daisy into her lap and wrapped her arms around her, soaking up this sweet moment with her baby. All the secret thoughts and doubts that plagued her every day about what a terrible mother she was became insignificant here, snuggled with the most important person in the world to her.

Melinda looked at the picture again. “Who is this right here?” She pointed to another figure on the page that had several circles drawn next to it.

“That's Mr. Phil. He's making us cookies to eat.”

Melinda laughed and pressed several kisses onto Daisy's smiling cheeks. “Of course he is. How about we put this on our fridge and then get ready for storytime?”

Daisy nodded obligingly (even though Melinda knew it wouldn't be that easy to put her to bed, it never was with her and her active little body. But at least she would be less likely to lose her mind about it tonight thanks to this precious moment), and they held hands all the way to the kitchen.

[cynthiaandsamus]

Game Blondes Crystal Clear Nuzlocke Part 1!

“Hey I’m blonde!”

“…I’m also blonde.”

“AND WE’RE THE GAME BLONDES!!”

(Game Blondes Logo by @game-overture)

“…okay so what the heck is this?” Samus stared at the screen with a grumble.”

“Okay so remember when we played that Wonderlocke for Pokemon Y? We’ll be doing something similar here, well YOU’LL be doing something similar here, a Champion playing a pokemon game might be a bit overkill. But essentially this is a romhack of the original Johto games.”

“A romhack? Like AM2R? I love that game!”

“Loved, it’s gone now, but yeah, essentially. So the premise is you can freely roam both the Kanto and Johto regions without any roadblocks or plot to get in the way of getting your badges. Battles scale for your number of badges so you can do everything in any order you want. It’s designed to give the maximum freedom possible with playing the Generation 2 games, we’ll get into some of the specifics later.”

“Hmmm, well I’m already a Champion of the Kalos region from playing Y, so this should be easy now.” Samus cracked her knuckles.

“Yeah well keep in mind the later games are a bit easier, Generations 1 and 2 are where the big boys play. No Mega Evolutions, no Affection bonuses, most gym leaders have more than three pokemon, we’ll see how you do.”

“…way to fill me with confidence…” Samus sighed.

“As far as the rules, same Nuzlocke rules as the Wonderlocke, you can only catch the first pokemon per new area, and anything that faints is dead to you. Only difference between this and the Wonderlocke is there is no Wonder Trade so you get what you get. Might as well start the game though, there’s a tutorial I believe.”

“Alright so you can start with either Kanto or Johto regions, everyone starts with Kanto so I’ll go against the grain and pick Johto. Next is gender… huh, so you can pick whatever sprite regardless of gender, that’s nice. Think I’ll go with the girl and make her blue, sounds good for me.”

“Wow! Look at all these starters!”

(Mun Note: Shuckle is also an option, this pic may be outdated)

“How do I even start to pick?” Samus grumbled.

“Well since you said you want to go against the grain I’d suggest starting with a pokemon that’s not already a starter in any normal game, so that cuts out Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, Pikachu, Eevee, Cyndaquil, Totodile and Chikarita.”

“Well Magmar and Electabuzz are pretty cool…”

“True, but they’re also babies. You can’t get their third stage in this game and they’re stuck as babies until they evolve at level 30, until then their stats are pretty trash which isn’t great for a nuzlocke…”

“Hmmm true, so I can probably cut out the babies too…”

“Magikarp, Ditto, Shuckle, Unown and Smeargle are mostly for challenge runs so I wouldn’t advise it…”

“So that leaves Psyduck, Slowpoke, Seel, Growlithe, Houndour, Ponyta, Voltorb and Porygon…”

“Narrowing it down to eight’s not bad.” Cynthia smirked and put her hand on Samus’s shoulder.

“Fuck it, Porygon needs more love after the whole seizure thing. It’s a good balanced pokemon to start off with and should be pretty solid.”

“It does have a good movepool, feel free. Plus it comes with the Amulet Coin to get you more money right off the bat.”

“Porygon it is! My god is this whole episode just going to be us picking our characters? What is this a Dark Souls stream?”

“Not yet anyway.”

“…please don’t scare me like that.” Samus shivered. “Anyway, picking blue for the pokegear and item pack, looks like we finally got to the tutorial… oh god who let this guy be a pokemon professor?”

“What, you’ve never heard of Professor Shockslayer? Shut up, he’s trying to explain the game.”

“So basically what you said about free roaming and stuff scaling with badges, and I can rechallenge gyms if I want too, that’s pretty neat. Some stuff about music settings and shiny rates, that’s all good but not something I need. There’s non-canon secrets tucked away so I’ll have to be on the lookout for those.”

“Some pokemon areas have been shuffled around too so you can obtain all 251 pokemon in some way.”

“Isn’t there like over 1000 pokemon though?”

“This is generation 2, simpler times.”

“Many regular encounters are resettable by beating the Elite Four, good to know but again not something I’ll probably need. And every TM is purchaseable in the TM mart once I get enough badges.”

“Oh yeah, unlike Y TMs aren’t reusable, so you can buy them but they’re one use, sounds like a fair compromise.”

“That doesn’t sound fair to my wallet!” Samus huffed. “Oh! I can have pokemon follow me too, that’s pretty cool! And now we can finally start the game!”

“It’s okay, we’ll make this episode a little longer since we’re just starting out.” Cynthia chuckled, watching Samus dive in.

“Okay so Porygon needs a nickname, I’m thinking… Polly.”

“Polly? You know Porygon are genderless right?”

“Well she identifies as a female okay?”

“Porygon said Trans Rights!”

Samus laughed as she put in the name, shaking her head. “Alright let’s get going~

“So if you have a Porygon named Polly that’s a pokemon, a pocket monster….”

“…don’t say it.”

“Does that make her Polly Pocket?”

“FUCK! Your bad puns are going to get us sued! Lemme just run into this tall grass and shit. Awww look, Polly’s following me, how cute!”

“Anyway the Professor says I need at least one badge before he’ll give me shit, so I’ll just go find some pokemon and start building. …great a Rattata.”

“Hey at least you start with some pokeballs to catch it with.”

“Why do I want a rat!?” Samus growled. “WHAT!? He broke out of the ball twice!? That motherfucking rat get in my balls you little shit!!I only have five pokeballs and I wasted three of them catching a fucking rat!”

“Two pokemon’s always better than one.” Cynthia shrugged.

“I guess… let’s just keep going, what should I name it. It’s purple, so I’ll name it Verde.”

“Verde means green…”

“I’M NAMING IT VERDE!!!” Samus huffed. “Fuck, the very next encounter was a Hoothoot, that would’ve been so much better…”

“Oh hey there’s a route up there, you can try again.”

“Hmmm shit there’s a battle, Polly got two levels from freezing that Ponyta solid, let’s try Verde versus this Pikachu of the same level.”

“…well Verde’s dead.”

RIP Verde:  Lv. 3 – Lv. 3, Route 29- Route 46

“Well that’s great, first battle and I already have a casualty… at least Polly finished it up handily.”

“And this is why we didn’t pick a Baby starter.”

“Oh hey, a Geodude though, that’s a much more useful Pokemon. Alright, a critical hit and a quick capture. It’s a female so what to name it… it’s a female Geodude so “Dudette”.”

“How creative…”

“Are you here to help or make snarky comments?”

“Snarky comments, to much help from a Champion would be cheating.” Cynthia chuckled.

“Well with one dead rat, one living N64 sprite and a boulder, I’ve made it to the next town. I can go anywhere from here huh? I could go back up to Route 46 and see what’s up there or continue from Cherrygrove here along the normal path… let’s keep it safe for now and take the north path, get some more pokemon. I already have one dead pokemon so no time to take risks…”

“Oh wow it’s a Poliwag! That’s really cool for this early on!”

“I love Poliwag! Let’s catch it!” Samus grinned. “Oh fuck thank god, I forgot to buy more balls and Poliwag got in my last one… but that just makes me even more mad that I wasted three balls on a rat that died five minutes later!!”

“Can’t win them all, especially in a Nuzlocke.” Cynthia shook her head.

“Well at least I have a couple good pokemon now, got a good water-type to cover some of my bases. I really need a Town Map though, where’s Gary’s hot-ass sister?”

“…in Kanto.”

“FUCK!”

“Well your map is built into your pokenav now so you’re fine.”

“Good, well anyway lemme name this Poliwag… it’s got a swirl on its tummy, like a spiral, spiral power… Shimon, yeah let’s go with that.”

“Who the hell do you think he is!?”

“Going back to the Mart and getting some more pokeballs and two antidotes, I’ve heard Nuzlocke horror stories about poisoned pokemon, not taking any chances. OH SHIT IT’S YOUNGSTER JOEY! He’s got the best Rattata in the world! I’ve seen the memes.”

“…he sure went down easy.”

“I guess the best Rattata in the world is no match for a lower-tier Geodude.” Samus chuckled nervously. “Alright, next route up, found a Gastly and caught it! Since it’s a Ghost I’ll call him Danny. And let’s see, going into the Dark Cave right now is possible, but going in there blind would be insane, so let’s not do that and just go to Violet City.”

“Well we’ve got a gym in Violet City, this is where Falkner and Sprout Tower are for you to explore.”

“Yeah, but you know what the fun part of this romhack is? FUCK IT! We’re going straight to Goldenrod! Let’s go! Road Trip! Let’s see, got the Rock Smash TM from this dude, onto Route 35, got a Drowzee, naming it Yume~”

“Yume huh? Doesn’t that mean Dream?”

“Yup! I know some of my languages and stuff!” The bounty hunter giggled. “Got a Spinarak on Route 36 and named it Peter. Man I am just burning through this routes, though feels like I’m running in circles. Oh hey, this dude gave me a Magnet cause it’s Sunday!”

“We’re recording this at like 11:45pm so you almost missed that by like 15 minutes…”

“Well got a Hoothoot on Route 37, named Hooters of course. I planned to go to Goldenrod but I’m in Ecruteak now, such is the nature of Road Trips.”

“You have no idea where you’re going and you have a fucking map, open world exploration was a terrible idea for someone like you…” Cynthia sighed.

“Well wherever I’m going I found the National park and caught a Psyduck named Headahce.”

“Watching you burn through this game with no regard to story and just catching things left and right is hurting my heart…”

“Hey who’s this guy feeding the ducks in the national park? DOOM? That doesn’t sound like a normal name… This must be one of those non-canon secrets the tutorial was talking about… does he have a super strong pokemon that’s gonna take my team out?”

“Only one way to find out…”

“Apparently if I lose I have to pay for his lunch. He says he only has Ponyta… HOLY SHIT HE HAS A SHINY PONYTA!!”

“I can’t catch that right?”

“That would be stealing.”

“FUCK! I want it! It’s a blue flaming horse! That shit’s so cool! It’s not very strong though… he says he’ll pay for my lunch instead now and there’s a place in Goldenrod he goes to for lunch… guess that’s where we’re going next! We’ll go to Goldenrod after all!”

“Better go stop off at Ecruteak again to heal up before you go, you’ve walked like halfway across Johto and you’ve only been playing an hour, this is fucking with my head.”

“Alright, gonna make a pit stop and then we’re heading to Goldenrod to check out this restaurant… NEXT TIME ON GAME BLONDES!”

Samus’s Journey So far:

Samus’s Current Team:

[ralfstrashcan]

3x11 Reaction / Commentary

So I haven't even started the episode and I'm already confused.

Why did Netflix put 3B in a separate folder? I mean, they didn't with 2B. What's the matter with that. Or is this just the German Netflix??

Smoooooothe move. Somewhere Derek Hale is smiling proudly.

Wtf why they so slow. I was half expecting this to be a simulation or sth because they took ages to arrive and then were walking super chill???

Seelie guy doesn't use this obvious distraction of the others to try and escape, since he knows he's just a minor character and shouldn't interfere.

Beautiful grieving sequence, especially Jace with the sketch of himself. I knew there would be a portrait of him in there before he even turned the page, I could feel it. I love how sensitive and therefore predictable the show is.

Ooooh nooooo Clary is still aliiiiiive, who whould have thought?!?!?! Okay sorry haha I had to.

lol didn't he look in a mirror recently and realize there's still no real resemblance? I mean, at least now he's not charred anymore, so I guess there's more resemblance than before, but you know what I mean. And I get it, this is supposed to be a parallelism to Lilith saying the same thing, but if memory serves right, at this point in time Jonathan was a) in a thick glass casket and b) dead so I'm wondering how he could have heard that.

wtf I'm getting sooo mixed signals from him. Does he want to give off creeper vibes or play house? Because he's kinda doing both?? Play Creeper House???

YEAH LITERALLY I WANT TO SEE THEIR HEATING BILLS

This...... doesn't sound as reassuring as it sounded in your head, Jonathan.

So, points for Clary for that ploy, but my heart is already pre-emptively breaking for Jonathan when he finds out she's playing him. The poor guy just wants family after being used and abused his whole life, man. Is that too much to ask.

More points for Clary for being sensible and grabbing a coat!!

“Clary, come on. You can't go out there. You're never gonna survive.”

Hahaha that had me laughing out loud. So Clary.

Okay, minus points for Clary for not actually wearing the coat. You had a winning streak of common sense but all good things must end, I guess.

Picturesque. But, uh, since Jonathan isn't following her she could slow down. And if she was a Slytherin, she would have waited til after breakfast with her daring escape.

LISTEN I LOVE THIS CASUAL DOMESTICITY

Also if you're more make-up versed than I am (which, admittedly, isn't very hard) and realized something was off about the way Magnus held that eyeliner stick (?) then check lynne-monstr's eyeliner salt club tag because it's hilarious. I also want to rec volunteer_of_hufflepuff's fic smile even though your heart is breaking because it's awesome.

...........................really. Really. That's how they want to play it? Ugh, okay. Ugh.

You know, I've had a whole lengthy extensive (dare I say exhaustive) rant ripening in my head since I saw this bit in the sneak peek but I'm just not in the mood, so let me cut it short: I get Simon's reaction emotionally, since losing Clary must be a horrible experience for him, but I'm still bitter about early 3A where blasting that werewolf across Taki's yard and knowing he might never walk again didn't bother Simon for one second. Repercussions should always matter, regardless of how close you are to the person affected.

Oh dear, she's still running. And her hair still looks like that?

Sure. Also

How can he keep up with her when he's walking and she's running? I mean he's not that much taller than her. Or does she run ten feet, pause to gasp and pant a little, runs again, stop and go, y'know? So on average she's just powerwalking.

Ok srsly I need to stop this nonsensical commentary.

Yeah and I guess he didn't notice the Clave-approved vampire-torture-sunlight construction Aldertree installed in this very same office (shown in 2x04 if you care to remember).

........who are you and what did you do to Alec Lightwood? You seriously want to tell me he'd consider not bringing up a violation of the Accords, and more importantly power abuse and torture, because of political reasons and he's “scared” to lose his standing with Jia? Please. He'd be enforcing Clave law. He'd be well within his right. We're talking about the guy who flat out refused to do the Inquisitor's bidding because it went against his moral code. Compared to that, this is a walk in the park. So. Please.

“I understand the kind of pain you're in, Jace.”

“No you don't. I'm sorry, you don't.”

“You're right...

Oh my god this isn't about Clary, or at least not for the most part. Jace is frikking traumatized because he wasn't in control of his body or his actions or his frakking mind for days. Btw I'm actually impressed and surprised they bothered to focus on anything but the Clary-Drama, namely Jace second-hand-killing like 33 people. And Imogen. And almost Alec. The way I see Jace he'll focus on his guilt, not the pain he feels over Clary's loss. Clary will be on his mind and that's one more thing to feel shitty about, because how can he be so selfish and think about his own pain when he brought so much more pain on other people? Jace has an incredibly intricately self-destructive mind and I love how it was portrayed here. Also loved the scene in general with some Izzy&Jace sibling feels, the tender way she talks to him, his kiss to her hand. But the focus (mainly because of Izzy) returning to Clary annoyed me a little.

And by the way, there is one person who can understand Jace. Alec. Because he was possessed by a demon and forced to kill someone, too. Granted, he doesn't have the memories of the action itself, but he saw it on tape. He blames himself because the demon fed off his own hate against Jocelyn. So I would really really love to see those two talking about it. I'm extremely thrilled to watch on and see if they do (but lol kinda hoping they don't because then I can finish writing my ficlet about it, which I sadly didn't manage to before 3B aired).

MY LIFE EXPECTANCY JUST INCREASED BY AT LEAST FIVE YEARS OKAY

Also what a damn badass nightlight, I want one as well even though I hate not to sleep in absolute darkness, that's how pretty this is.

HAHAHAHHAHHAHHAHAHA I  C A N ' T

ALEC'S OFFENDED FACE AS IF THIS IS NEWS TO HIM

Wow I'm so glad they didn't forget about Iris. I was scared, not gonna lie.

Tbh I don't find Madzie's reaction that realistic. I mean, Valentine – the first person to talk to her after she got ripped from her normal life in her normal home – told her Clary got Iris into trouble. At some point they must have told her that Iris isn't coming back. But did they really tell her Iris was breeding warlocks? I highly doubt that. At most they told her Iris did some bad things. But, since they probably said the same thing about Valentine (and he was always “nice” to her) and told her Clary wasn't in fact evil, that kind of loses its meaning. And let's not forget, she is a child. A probably traumatized child, I might add, since Valentine used her to literally kill at least ten Shadowhunters that we see on screen, likely more. Her perception of what is right and what is wrong is easily swayed. And personally I think she neither really registered that Iris is supposed to be the bad guy now nor that living with Catarina / Magnus and Alec is sooooo much better than living with Iris ever was, so her having such a strong opposition against going with Iris seems unrealistic to me.

Love this. So good.

This is actually really beautiful

This is actually really dramatic for no reason and I'm soooo here for it.

Soooooo am I the only one wondering why the F Cat didn't put some wards on Magnus's place? I mean????? There is no explanation given for that, and frankly I can't come up with one. If not for Magnus, then Cat would at least put wards there while Madzie stays with him. Or....... do they want to imply Cat doesn't know that he lost his magic?? Hä?! If so, who the hell patched Alec back up from his neat little life-threatening arrow wound? Cuz I had assumed it was Cat. Since, y'know Jace pleaded with Magnus to help Alec, implying (to me at least) that an iratze alone wouldn't cut it this time. Except of course, if he asked because he didn't want to be bothered with taking out his stele and activating Alec's healing rune, but when Magnus refused because no magic he had no other choice.... and let's be real, the first scene of this episode heavily implies that a healing rune can cure just about anything in 0.3 seconds flat.

Alec wanting to bench Magnus makes no sense. Keeping him around and/or at the Institute makes more sense than, oh I don't know, telling him to stay in his loft where there are no wards. Wtf is logic anyway, right?

I liked this scene, don't get me wrong but... what's with the tough love? Alec isn't usually like that?? He's soft and firm reassurance, not aggressive and authoritative reassurance. Did he try that route before and it didn't work?? I need some answers.

“I had no idea.”

“How could you? You weren't there.”

“Me leaving had nothing to do with Simon. I just needed to be alone.

Okay, what, am I supposed to blame Maia now for needing time for and taking care of herself? She's so defensive as if her leaving was objectively wrong, and it wasn't.

“I guess when times get tough, some people need to be alone. And others need to be around other people.

Please, this is a dirty lie. Remind me again, who was it that pushed Alec away after he found out about her yin fen addiction, insisted she could handle it on her own, ran away and finally confiding in some random stranger she had just met? It wasn't Maia. Who stayed up late all night, disregarding her own emotions and rather tearing herself apart trying to fix the drama of her brothers than to mention to anyone she wasn't alright? Wasn't Maia either.

I feel strongly about this because this seems like a really cheap way to break up Saia and set up Sizzy and I don't like cheap things. I don't like Sizzy either, but my main demand is quality, not a certain content. I'll accept Sizzy if it's done correctly. But this isn't it. This is laying blame on a character who's not to blame, and making claims about another character that are plain untrue if you look at the last three seasons.

I've said it before, there would be good ways to break up Saia. For example their attitude to violence differs greatly from one another. Maia is trigger-happy and sees no harm in it, Simon is more or less pacifistic (at least when he's not having his I-don't-care-about-anything-but-my-gig-mood). Creating a conflict out of this would have been in character. Claiming Maia is somehow to blame because she wasn't there is not only unfair, but also invalidating all Maia has done for Simon before, and that was a lot. Putting up with her shitty ex, helping him search for Lilith, fighting her own pack so they don't bully him. She was about to have a face-off with the Seelie Queen – the very same creature that held her hostage not too long ago – just to be by his side. Is that all suddenly not worth anything anymore, just because she had the audacity to take a little time for herself, to sort through her own issues?

Seriously, he let her walk in that? No wonder she collapsed. Jonathan should have gotten her nice hiking boots.

EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS

CAN WE JUST.... CAN WE...... APPRECIATE.......... HOW HE BATS ALL HER MAGIC ATTACKS AWAY....... LIKE............ MAGNUS................ H O W

Btw if this is supposed to sway me and make me see that benching Magnus would have been the right call, then it's not working, because fine, let's assume Magnus had gone home. Then Iris would have had an even easier job to snatch him away, because a) no wards and b) no sword. And on top of that Alec wouldn't have had a way of knowing that Magnus was even taken, since I doubt Iris would have let Magnus call or text him.

Do you even know that? I'd like to see what you're willing to do after being tortured for ten years. Just saying. But fine. Stay there on your high horse.

Ohmygod I am stunned. I couldn't have written that summation any better and to be honest I had assumed the show would just blackpaint Jonathan as evil villain and be done with it. This is so much more than I expected. I am impressed. (And of course now I hope that there will be a redemption arc for Jonathan, but I'm afraid I'm setting myself up for heartbreak with this one.)

Do they intend to tell me that this whole place is warmed by the fireplace? Why not by a heater? Since the three billion lamps

imply there's electricity somewhere. Or was that line about firewood just Jonathan's way to exit the scene? Who knows.

“Ollie? Doesn't remember a thing. Praetor was good about getting her and Samantha relocated. New identities. They're safe now, like everyone else.”

I'm still high-key bitter about this. I love Ollie a great deal, okay, so this is a pretty disappointing solution to outsource her from the plot. Just let her forget all the shit so she doesn't have to deal with trauma. Guess she thinks now her mother died in an explosion caused by a gas leakage or something. I wonder what the mundane police has to say about that and how long it'll take them to find her, since, y'know, they have evidence against her and all that.

Edit: This doesn't actually make sense if you think about it. Did Ollie just get dropped into a witness protection program for no reason she can remember? Or does that “new identities” actually mean they have completely new identities because they don't remember ANYTHING from their old life?? I need answers.

I get it. This is supposed to make me see how rundown and wasted Luke is. But is he purposefully trying to make himself look like a confused hobo? I mean couldn't he like, prepare the notes he wanted to show Jace? It's like he's trying to reinforce to Jace he shouldn't listen to a thing Luke says because these are clearly the actions of a desperate man. Presentation is half the battle man, man.

Hah, badass. There's a reason I love him.

I totally dig Magnus in his kiddie clothes, but I also need a lot of answers because there's blood on his hands and bodies at his feet and this doesn't look like magic gone haywire, this looks like a massacre and I need answers. I wonder if they're gonna explain this flash or just let it sit there uncommented. (I hope they address it and I hope it has something to do with Asmodeus and their time together.)

Ugh do I honestly have to reiterate that parking Magnus in his ward-less loft wouldn't have helped? Also, he's a grown-ass man and can make decisions for himself, dammit.

Owning up to his mistakes unrestrainedly. There's a reason I have a soft spot for Raphael.

New York, huh? What a coincidence. Wouldn't want him to live somewhere else and have Maia burn through the other half of her paycheck to pay some warlock to portal them again, right?

Also, not to be controversial, but why don't they ask the Praetor first? Since they had a whole ass book on the mark of cain and everything. And figured out what it is. And getting rid of something so dangerous is basically their job. I mean. Just saying.

You know I always marvel at this. Just because he's old he knows shit? Is there really an age where knowledge pops into your head just because? Because I'm still waiting for that to happen to me, let me tell you. Just like being immortal somehow grants you immediate access to celebrities and the questionable honor to be in the midst of all historical events of the slightest relevance? Srsly if I was immortal I'd still be glued to my lappy and hate going out.

LOL give Iris a front row seat on how you smashed her XD XD XD

IT'S SUPER EFFECTIVE

<3 <3 <3

This exchange thing is a ploy, and to be honest, a painfully obvious one. I find it really kinda hard to believe Iris falls for it. What I've been asking myself since this plot line started is, why didn't Iris have that idea herself? Like, I honestly expected her to use Magnus as a hostage and tell Alec he either hand over Madzie or she'll kill Magnus. Makes way more sense than her just trying to find Madzie herself and then what, try to break her out again? That didn't work last time, and since the warlocks are warned by Magnus's abduction it'd be even unlikelier to work now. I get it plot-wise since it'd be a little awkward if Iris out-blackmailed the Shadowhunters, but like. Seriously. What's the in-universe-explanation for this???

I don't know why, but Magnus looks super cute in this shot.

Five bucks say this is Izzy with a shapeshifting rune, and ISTG if this is actually Madzie then I can just shake my head at them.

Okay, I totally dig Lightwood siblings working together but. Why do you have to simultaneously hurt me with plot holes.

1) Where did they get Seelie Magic? Did they employ Meliorn? Srlsy. Also, the Seelie Magic at the beginning of the episode could move so why was Illusion!Madzie standing there like a display dummy? That was super suspicious.

2) Why didn't they use a shapeshifting rune? The illusion would have held longer, Izzy could have gotten closer and tied Iris up more easily, without Magnus getting smashed first. But, drama I guess.

3) Where the f is Catarina? Please. Her ward almost gets kidnapped and all she does is go “Oh shit, gotta relocate her to some other High Warlock lol.” Her best friend gets kidnapped and all she does is go “Oh shit, but whatever, here have a fake ransom note but don't think I'll move my ass from this super important Bitching and Drinking Conference. I payed like 200 bucks to get in.” Wtf. This is shitty ooc behavior from her. Wtf. She's either suuuuuper confident that Alec and Izzy will get Magnus back no problem, or she doesn't give a shit about him, and sorry, I don't believe either of those two options.

HAHAHA I'M SCREAMING LOOOOOL!!! Is this code for “We wanted to kill her but Lilith was quicker so we'll pretend we weren't even interested in killing her in the first place”? The Clave, man. Always good for a laugh.

No, dummy, this is their R&D Department.

I'm not even kidding, remember 2x04:

Oh the good old times.

This was. Really good. Really. I'm like, reeling. I feel like show writers read too many fanfics and therefore the Malec scenes this ep were exquisite. Magnus evasively running around and not liking his “powerlessness.” Alec there to reassure him with the sweetest of words. Their kiss, not to short, but hard and determined, with feeling. Top tier shit.

Wow, even though the words that left their mouths were reassuring and good it still feels like their relationship is suddenly dying. I wonder why that is? Oh, right. Because Sizzy, that's why.

I love.

Ooooh guess the residual electricity finally ran out. And I guess Clary turned all the candles off to match the mood? Also, since it was dark outside before and now isn't anymore.... was Jonathan out collecting firewood the entire night? That's dedication, man.

.......what a coincidence that their healing rune is in the exact same spot. On that note, I've been wondering.... if the ressurection resetted his skin to a state it hasn't been in for ten years, effectively un-charring it, shouldn't his runes have disappeared as well? Did he spend the “days” Clary was sleeping with putting runes all over himself?? On that note, why the hell did Clary have to sleep for days when Jonathan was the one who came back from the dead? All that Clary did was running at Simon in slow motion. I mean, I know what I would find more taxing.

I soooo appreciate the blood on her teeth. Such care for detail <3

Okay, so I realize that this makes Jonathan look like a fanatic, but I actually understand this scene like this: He's not an idiot. He knew Clary wasn't really going to give him a chance. But this, this is his chance, because now she has no choice but to stick with him and see for herself.

Btw if you're wondering why I'm so pro Jonathan, you can read the beginning of this post where I got out all of my Jonathan Feels. Basically, until I actually see him act intrinsically evil I refuse to believe all hope is lost for him. He did terrible things, yes, and he's aware of that, but the way I see it he did them because he wasn't ever presented with an alternate choice. And now that he has one, he's holding onto it tooth and nail. He wants to leave all the pointless violence behind.

I'm aware he's a sadistic psycho in the books, but this wouldn't be the first time the show gave a character a make-over (for the better) and so far the only compelling piece of evidence on the show in favor of Jonathan's demon blood causing him to be unsavably evil was Jocelyn's vision of him killing a flower as a baby, and it's not even clear if that was intentional. So excuse me if that's not enough for me to write him off.

Gif Sources: Malec cheek kiss, Magnus being cutesy with his croc impression, Magnus brandishing his sword *facepalm* you know what I mean, Magnus batting Iris's magic away

[eliniei]

Those Hard Days - Chapter 24

Summary: Rae’s brother always made sure she was tough as nails. But when her father flips her world upside down, will she find that there’s a limit on how strong she can be?

Warnings: Rape/Non-con (non-graphic, fade-to-black), child abuse, underage drinking, underage smoking, drug use, violence, major character death

A/N: This is the end of part 1!

AO3: here Fanfiction.net: here

Masterlist

Previous Chapter |  Next Chapter

Chapter 24 - Rumble

Once the weekend was up and Carrie’s parents returned from their trip, Rae took her duffle of clothes and headed back to Two-Bit’s couch. He told his mom that she’d be staying for an extended amount of time. Mrs. Mathews decided it was high-time to clean out the spare bedroom so she could use it. Together, the three of them started cleaning out the small, spare room where they stored the things left behind when Mr. Mathews left, as well as some holiday decorations.

Dally was back to staying at Buck’s, and it made her feel uneasy again- not seeing him every day, but Rae told herself she was being stupid. Of course he couldn’t just come sleep at Two-Bit’s, too. 

After a school day mid-week, she and Carrie said their goodbyes and her friend left with Steven. Two-Bit drove his car home with the promise of meeting her and Ponyboy at the Curtis’s for dinner since his mom wasn’t going to be home until late that night.

A while later, she and her friends were lounging on the couch, catching up on some Mickey when Soda and Darry walked through the door. 

“That’s great, little buddy,” the older brother remarked as he set down his work belt onto the coffee table. 

“Yeah, I’m really happy with-,” Soda started, but focused his attention on the kids sitting on the couch. “Well, well. Think we picked up a couple of bums, Darry.” He bent over and immediately went for Rae. She squealed and tried to jump out of his grasp, but he started tickling her sides, grinning that award-winning smile of his that made anyone melt. When she tried to jump over Two-Bit, he grabbed her arms and held her there until she was gasping for breath. 

The laughter didn’t last for long, though- a tightness in her throat threatened to choke her and a sense of panic twisted her stomach as her arms were clamped to her side and she wasn’t able to move- wasn’t able to get away- and suddenly, she was begging them to stop but they didn’t seem to understand and-

Soda finally retreated, but he was keeled over, hands over his stomach, a pained expression on his red, strained face. Everyone had frozen, all the sound gone from the room. Rae’s eyes widened when she realized in her moment of panic, she must have kicked him to get him to stop.

“Soda, I-I’m-” Two-Bit let go of her arms as she struggled to sit up and reach out to him. “I didn’t mean-” He inhaled a deep breath, trying to straighten himself out.

“It’s okay,” he squeaked out. “Don’t worry about it. Are you okay?”

“It’s...been a while since I felt that kind of…”

"Hey, what smells so good?" Darry yelled from his bedroom. “Did Pony cook?” Soda wheezed a laugh.

“Not likely!” he said with a shaky, but jovial voice, as his older brother walked back into the room. Pony reached out to smack him on the arm. “It was definitely Rae. If Pony had made it, it’d be burnt to a crisp by now.” Soda winked at her, all forgiven and forgotten. The egg timer in the kitchen starting ringing and Rae pulled her hair over one shoulder as she stood up, trying to hide her red face. 

"Lasagna," she said, quietly, as she passed the oldest Curtis and went to pull the pasta out of the oven. Ponyboy silently followed her to start setting the table.

“Soda, you okay?” she heard Darry ask as she slipped an oven mitt over her hand, then tuned out the rest of the conversation.

While Rae was slicing their dinner, she heard the door squeal open and various mumbled greetings followed. 

“Oh yeah, she’s in the kitchen.”

Dally came around the corner as she was setting the knife down, ready to bring the pan to the dining room. The knot in her stomach eased a bit at the sight of his face.

“Hey, Dally.”

“Hey, kid. Thought I might catch ya’ll here.”

“Stayin’ for dinner?”

“Sure, yeah.” She nodded and went to grab an extra place setting for him. 

“It’s ready!” she called out to her friends. Everyone assembled around the small table, grabbing squares of lasagna with a spatula and digging in. 

“Sweet Jesus,” Two-Bit moaned, mouth full of pasta. “This is so damn good.” 

“So,” Dally started, cutting into his food with his fork. “Ya’ll goin’ to the rumble in Brumly on Friday?”

“There’s a rumble?” Ponybody asked, hopeful, but his older brother’s voice overpowered his.

“Absolutely not,” Darry insisted. “With the state’s eye narrowin’ in on us, we’d better skip it.”

“I was thinkin’ ‘bout takin’ Rae down to-” She perked up at the thought.

“Do you think that’s a good idea, Dally?” Darry wiped his mouth with a paper napkin. “Those Brumly boys- they can get pretty dirty and-”

“Nah, nah,” her brother interrupted. “I made sure skin only.” Darry pursed his lips and didn’t argue, although Rae could see that he really wanted to. He sighed through his nose. “Besides- Shepard’s gang’ll be there too. If anythin’ happens to her, there’ll be three of us against whoever the hell tries to mess with a Winston.”

“I’m sittin’ right here, ya know,” Rae commented, quietly. “Why do ya’ll keep talkin’ as if I ain’t here?” Dally reached over and patted her on the back. 

“Sorry, kid. Ya wanna go, right?”

“Well, duh,” she muttered, shifting the remnants of her dinner around on her plate.

“Good kid. It’ll be good for ya, to let off all that steam sittin’ in your hot head.”

“What’s the beef, anyway?” Soda asked once he’d polished off his plate. The color of his face seemed to have goon back to normal, and he didn’t seem to be in pain anymore. Rae sighed internally, relief flooding her.

“I dunno, really,” Dally said with a shrug. “Prob’ly drugs. Them Brumly boys are hittin’ the streets pretty heavy with heroin or some other shit. Wouldn’t be surprised if they sold these rich bastards a bad batch one too many times. Tim just told me about it today- didn’t go into the details. A fight’s a fight’s a fight, am I right?”

When Friday rolled around, Dallas met her at Two-Bit’s house, pumped up and ready for some action.

"No-don’t wear a jacket. It’ll hinder your movement,” Dally ordered his sister as she went to slip into her birthday present. Rae shrugged her shoulders and dropped her jacket on to the bed. She tore the t-shirt off her back and replaced it with a long-sleeved shirt. “And pull your hair back.”

She did as she was told and tied her hair back into a high, tight bun. Didn’t want to give the Socs anything to grab on to. When she was finished, then slipped her knife in the back pocket of her jeans and pulled on her Converse, her stomach tying in nervous knots.

"It stopped rainin’. It should be nice and muddy," her brother said, looking out the window of her new bedroom. He let the sheer, wispy curtains fall back into place and sat down on her bed. “Okay, ground rules. Ya don’t leave my side- unless you’re close to Tim or Curly.”

“Right.”

“Ya better not pull that knife out unless you’re threatened with a weapon first. This ain’t supposed to be a dirty fight. But, that bein’ said, this is Brumly we’re talkin’ about and it could change at any time.”

“Okay.”

“And if ya get hurt- you call one of us and we’ll come help. Got it?”

“Got it,” she said with a nod, and then clamped her lips shut. 

"Ya sure you wanna do this?" Dally asked his little sister. “You’re green as hell. Ya ain’t gonna puke on me are ya?” Rae inhaled a deep breath through her nose and let it out, slowly, trying to ease her stomach.

"No-I’m cool," she assured him. "Just a little nervous. First rumble an’ all." He nodded and stood back up.

“Aight, we’d better get movin’ or we’ll miss it.”

They took Buck’s car over and met the other boys at the Shepard house, then headed over to Brumly territory, meeting their gang in the grassy backyard of an abandoned warehouse- a place out of view so that no one called the cops. 

A few of the boys eyed her suspiciously- girls didn’t usually participate in the big fights. Dally and Tim shook hands with a few of the boys they recognized, while Curly stuck to her side like glue, his hand resting snug around her wait.

“Don’t pay attention to them. They’ll get over it,” he insisted as they filtered in among the ranks of greasers. She even spotted a few of the harder hoods- part of the River Kings, no doubt. If she weren’t around- and if not for Mr. and Mrs. Curtis- she was sure Dally’d join up with them in a split second. Compared to them, the Curtis outfit was soft as hell.

Their siblings joined them soon after, and once the sun started setting, they heard car engines mixed with shouting approaching from the front of the building. Rae pushed herself off the side of the building she was lounging on. Tim cracked his knuckles. 

“Let’s teach these momma’s boys what’s what,” he said, trying to rally them up. Curly touched the small of her back for a moment, trying to calm her nervous shaking. 

“You’ll be great,” he whispered into her ear. She gave him a slanted, feline smile. “Atta girl.” He dropped his hand as the rich kids rounded the corner. She crossed her arms over her chest as she watched a burly kid from Brumly walk up to meet who seemed to be the leader of the Soc group.

After exchanging a few words, the first punch was thrown and everything exploded into absolute chaos. The three boys around her jumped right in, but she hung back, eyeing the few left. 

When he walked up to her, she recognized him as the kid who’d beat the living hell out of Johnny. The kid who’d wanted to fight her for running into him at the roller rink. The one who tore her dress at the dance. Bob, right? Maybe it was her lucky day. He circled her like a hawk. She could feel the confident arrogance radiating off of him.

"Don't expect me to go easy on you because you're a girl," he said, his words barely reaching her ears over the noise around them. She tilted her head to the side. 

"Never expected ya to," she replied, after backing away a few steps when he started getting close. She spit on the ground. He let out a few slow chuckles, a smirk appearing on his smug face.

"And especially don't expect me to go easy on you because your daddy raped you, little girl." Rae’s eyes widened. 

Shit.

Part I End