#I believe he deserved a proper introduction

[passiberri]

Salem the Cat ⋆˖⁺‧₊☽

[rxmye]

" 𝐒𝐔𝐆𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐎𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐎𝐁𝐒𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍 "

𝐘𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐄!𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇 𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐋 𝐗 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐑 — pristine and perfect, filled with grace and elegance, yet tainted with greed . . greed for you . .

gender neutral reader / yandere oc x reader / slight religious themes?, I suppose it's a fictional religion, I'm still world-building / pathetic and submissive yandere / suggestive content? / he paints the reader as a source of comfort / stalking, which is conveniently described as 'adorable' and 'innocent' behavior /

masterlist | requesting rules | character info . . . a/n: ok so the person mentioned is supposed to be the God of this world, their introduction will also be out soon enough . . currently dropping hints here because world-building fun!!

Takamoto was an Arch-angel, one of the highest ranked angels in heaven—he was pure and truly the definition of elegance, he was never greedy, and he was almost always seen smiling or happy. For he, was truly contempt with his life, and position.

Takamoto was always someone who had truly been satisfied with all that he was given, he never craved more—he always thought and frankly believed, that he had received all that he deserved and that he should be contempt with what he has. He never really had any passion or desire for anything more—he was grateful with everything—he believed all his hardships had reasoning behind it, and that it will all eventually be solved. In fact a part of him believed he deserved any hardship he came by.

Many would believe he was naive for that sort of mindset, and many angels did truly believe him to be just that, yet against all odds he rose up the ranks fairly quickly for this sort of mindset, and of course his loyalty to his beliefs. Takamoto was sweet, he'd help everyone out, and would introduce new souls, and angels throughout the lands of heaven on his free time, he'd help guide souls and his fellow angels everywhere he could . . yet things slowly changed when he first met you . .

Takamoto was visiting, what could only be described as the countryside of heaven, with vast green fields, cozy homes, acres of farmland, etc . . He was checking in for this years harvest, as per high courts orders . . when he saw you, you were so graceful, your wings sparkled in the light, you were radiant, you're eyes glimmered as both of your eyes met for a brief moment . . he felt his heart skip a beat. . his face was heating up slightly, his face dusted with shades of bright pink.

His mouth hung slightly open, as his gaze lingered on you figure, taking in the sight—your wings were lovely, much smaller than his . . were you a new soul? Perhaps you were a lower ranked angel and hence why you both never quite met . . He wanted to know more about you—he need to know more about you—where were you going? . . . and before he knew it, he found himself following you, trailing behind you silently.

He found himself frequenting areas he last saw you, it was all so innocent at first, many of his fellow coworkers described him as a young schoolboy in love, teasing him for his oh so adorable behavior . .

Takamoto didn't notice how much you were invading his life, he hadn't even been able to hold a proper sentence with you yet . . . but even then his thoughts consumed of you, whenever he did paperwork, he'd doodle your face, his room was filled with various portraits of you . .

He found himself overtime growing desperate, impure thoughts flooding his mind, greed sinking its claws into his sensitive and naive hurt—he was the utter picture of perfection, just look at him, he was everything an angel . . a human, anyone should be!?!? Why aren't you looking his way!— . . he took deep breaths, his own fingers digging into his skin, as he tried calming himself.

Gold drips from his arm, the bruise left from his fingers still fresh—golden blood stained his pretty pale fingers—pupils dilating as he took deep breaths, a ruined portrait of your face on the aisle, paint splatters surrounded him, tainting his legs, as a mirror lay broken on the floor.

"Fuck", he cussed softly, tears threatening to spill, his usually well-kept hair was a mess . . "why can't I draw them . . ?", he asked, his voice hoarse, as he tried his best to contain the anger he felt at that moment, "why can't I fucking draw them??", his nails dig into the floor, as the door creaked open.

You need to love him, you need to see him. He had never craved someone's validation, he deserved this, he deserved you! He could offer you everything, he was perfect! Everyone he knows, envied that about him . . surely you'd notice, you have too . .

He turned to face the person at the door, tears now dripping down his cheek, he mumbled something under his breath, before he started begging, "Please, please, help me . . my lord"

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@ rxmye , do not repost, plagiarize, translate, or adapt my work/theme without prior permission and or confirmation.

[ghost-bxrd]

Been mulling over Titans Tower and it's really interesting to me how it's treated in Fanon as compared to how the events transpired in canon. it's a really fun topic! Honestly, the original writing in canon is DOGSHITE but not for the usual reasons people cite.

Here's what does make sense in canon but is largely ignored (this is using canon characterisations at the time): First, it's all about the whole Titans team, not just Tim. They really downplay his death a lot, did not put up his statue or honour him whatsoever. Plus the hero community tends to victim-blame him a fuckton. Jason is showing that his death could've happened to anyone. Second, Tim and Jason are just two yearish apart—Jay died at 15, Tim becomes Robin at 13—so those Titans are more like his colleagues than anything else; he's not some older guy beating the shit outta them. Third, Tim’s indifference to Jason's comments and his cockiness about being a better Robin are pretty on-brand for his early portrayal as Robin. (I think fanon Tim derives a lot of his characteristics from his Red Robin run, which is valid as well! But here in particular we have Robin Tim... who... was... uh... a bit of an asshole when he was written back then and the HUBRIS on that man? Immaculate.)

What still makes this absolutely dog shit is the dialogue and how Jason is pouring his heart out to someone who he doesn't really care about. Jason... just doesn't operate this way... Why's he trauma dumping on... tim... ???? It makes no sense whatsoever because Jason really is someone who'd keep those vulnerabilities to himself. Why would he open up to... CANON TIM??? He makes scathing remarks when faced with Bruce and Dick because he knows the knife twists then and at he cares about their reaction. But not tim ????? Canon UTRH doesn't even mention Tim ????? ???? So in the end it's still shit imo.

I also find the use of Pit Madness in fanon super interesting, despite it not being canon. It's used to propel the Titan's Tower incident, which fascinates me because it shows how people are willing to work around its flaws to maintain consistent characterization in their works (which is !!! cool !!)

It's so interesting how many other incidents that do occur in canon aren't as well known as this one aren't given much thought. But this one is and it's interesting how people try to work with it regardless of it's flaws originally!

I'd really love to hear your opinions about it and how flexible you are with the Titans tower incident! :) How do you work with your Jason and your Tim? because it's cool to hear your analysis etc etc

Hooo boi okay i was planning on replying to this earlier but this deserves a proper, thought out response (which I’m shite at but I’m trying here. Words are hard.)

For one, I wholeheartedly agree with the whole trauma dumping thing.

Obviously we all have different tastes in media and I know there are quite a few people who enjoyed the confrontation with Tim, which is totally fine, but personally… yeah, not my thing.

I got into the Batman/batfam fandom via fanfic, so my first introduction was some version of Titans Tower I believe. I was super intrigued by the characters and the tidbits of lore sprinkled throughout that I immediately began reading up on them and digging through the internet for more info and background story on them. Which then quickly evolved into the part where my adoration for Jason’s character began and a short phase where I absolutely despised early canon Tim.

Like— all the victim blaming. He seriously couldn’t mention Jason without adding something derogatory about getting himself killed, which sat so, so wrong with me. Not to mention the Titans just accepting a new Robin right off the bat and joining in blaming Jason for his own death. I’m pretty sure that was the point where I swore off comics for a long while and decided to live off fanon 🤣

And then Jason’s part in the Titans Tower incident. I think part of how weird the canon event was is due in part to how the writers fumbled to depict trauma? Or maybe they just outright hated him because I know a lot of people back then despised Jason and his run as Robin.

Whatever the reason, I think I genuinely cringed when he revealed the Walmart Robin costume he was wearing. And then the trauma dumping.

Jason is smart enough to know Tim wouldn’t care about his grievances. I mean- dude just broke into his hideout to attack him, I think Tim’s about as done with Jason as with any other criminals, regardless of his past. And all that is proven by Tim fighting back tooth and nail without pause. He doesn’t even react to the accusation of the missing statue in Jason’s honor. Like, he genuinely doesn’t seem to care. And why would he? They don’t know each other.

And yeah maybe he was trying to beat some sense into Tim (which is still wrong but— vigilantes I guess? Idk) and make him quit Robin, but Jason’s also smart enough to know that Robins don’t quit easily. And then, as soon as Tim is down for the count and can’t keep fighting, Jason leaves. Just like that. No actual murder attempt, no kicking-while-he’s-down (at least as far as I remember).

It makes no sense. What would Jason be gaining from that encounter? Why would he blame the kid that replaced him and not the guy that did the replacing? Hell, it would make more sense for him to go after the Titans than Tim. Not the mention him casually doubting Tim’s talents when he must have done some background checks on him.

It’s why I like the idea of Pit Madness I guess, and that Jason actually went to the tower with the intent to kill. Because that way the entire thing wouldn’t seem so… pointless.

As for how flexible I am with the Titans Tower storyline, it really depends on the route people choose to explore. But I’m a huge sucker for the “Jason was Tim’s Robin” trope where there’s at least a mild amount of hero worship going on. 👁️ Oh, and happy endings. I can’t deal with tragedies.

But yeah these are my thoughts on it. Obviously no hate to whoever enjoyed the comic mentioned above 💚 we’ve all got different things we resonate with after all~

[solar4seekstron]

That’s Too Bad

TFIDW!SG!Yandere!Goldbug x Cybertronian!Decepticon!Femme!Reader Oneshot

Content: 18+, You basically get Stockholm Syndrome.

Introduction Movie Oneshot Masterlist

TW/Tags: A couple smut scenes, noncon, eventual dubcon, Stock Holme Sybdrome, unconsensual touching, sexual assault, sexual harassment, forplay, kidnapping, dry humping, swearing, mention of DV, feelings near end, Goldbug deserves no sympathy still, forced relationship, toxic relationship, time jumps, i think thats all? Might edit again later idk.

Notes: Reader is a but shorter then thundercracker and a bout 3 feel taller then Goldug. He’s a is pretty short but damn is that bot strong. It’s scary.

I do NOT Condone the actions committed in this fic. Smut scenes will be in Blue. Don’t like, Don’t Read. And don’t bully people who choose to comment if they like or chat in the comments.

You were just another decepticon. You believed in Megatron when he said he wishes to help make the planet a better place. You were also a certain cons Conjunx.

Thundercracker.

You two are the definition of couple goals. That was at least until one day. As both fractions were building up and everyone was choosing their sides. Many getting symbols on their chest.

One day he didn’t return home for dinner.

You grew worried. Not feeling anything through your spark for a while. That at least until you get a knock on the door.

When you opened it. It was that little blue bot with the red visors. You both only met a couple times during some autobot and decepticon debates. At the time Thundercracker will always keep an arm around you to keep you close.

Never noticing a certain bots optics watching you and trying to stay calm. At the time he was grey.

But still one of the meanest bots to ever meet.

You were surprised since he’s usually right next to Optimus. You were also a bit frightened since you’re a decepticon and he’s an autobot. You spoke.

“Um. Can I help you, Goldbug?”

He stood there with his arms crossed. His helm then moving up and down in a slow motion. Was he- was he checking you out? You are a well built bot but seriously?

He then spoke while also lifting his cervo up. Looking like he’s about to snap.

”She’s perfect. Let’s take her.” Snap.

Before you knew it. You were knocked out. Your larger frame falling against his. Him catching you flawlessly.

His helm then presses against your shoulder. Gently whispering while the two other bots in your apartment wait for his next orders.

”You’re more perfect up close.”

He the gave the order for them to take you to his apartment and to lock you up in his room. Handing them the keys as he places his cervos on his hips.

”I shall give her a more..proper welcome when she wakes up. Now move.”

He started to walk away while the two bots started to hold you better. One of them putting ou over his shoulder as the other held the keys.

Taking you to your new home.

—————————————————————————-

You woke up in agony. Your bond. Your Conjunx.

There was so much pain. Like someone was stabbing you endlessly through the spark and other parts in your frame.

Someone was hurting your Conjunx. Thundercracker is being tortured. But why!? It continues.

Your screams being heard on the other side of the door. Goldbug standing there with his arms down. He then whispered to himself before turning on his comm to the bots torturing him on the other side of the city.

”Alright, kill him.” He then chuckled when the comm disconnects. Hearing you let out another cry of agony.

He then whispered to himself after his low chuckle and reach for the door nob. “Time to make those screams day my name.”

He then hears you let out a final scream. You felt the pain of his spark die. Instead of on the bed. You were now on the floor. Laying on your stomach. Your cervo over your spark as you cried.

The door then opened. Goldbug taking a step in then closing the door behind himself as he grinned under his mask.

You didn’t notice him as you cried.

Your helm facing the ground as tears start making a small pool under you. He then kneeled down. His cervo gently grabbing your chin and making you look up at him.

He then spoke with a low voice.

His visors disappearing. They were dark and cold, but yet bright at the same time.

He glared down at you. “Pretty thing like you shouldn’t be crying that much tears. But I can fix that.” He stood and walked to stand next to you.

Then grabbing the back collar of your frame.

Pulling you up like as if he’s a bigger bot. Making up get in your knees. The tears still falling down as he gently you into the bed. You were even in shock with how strong he was.

He didn’t even yell at you to stop crying yet.

The pain in your spark still strong. He then placed you onto the berth. Legs dangling while he remains between them. His cervos holding your arms down while he then got on the berth with you.

You tried to get up but he pressed his torso against your waist. That also keeping you down while his legs made their way on the berth.

Knees moving to be under your thighs.

Making them go over his. His panel against yours and the side of his thighs and front hips pressed against your aft. Them moving more forward.

Luckily you were a bit smaller then the other big bots.

Making your legs go up against his frame. He was more over you. His cervos pressing your arms down against the berth harshly. His knees pressing more into the berth keeping your thighs over his.

Your legs in the air behind him. Legs remaining spread for him. Creating some friction because of the way he rubbed his panel against yours while moving up.

Your sobs smalls and groans released in a whisper during this action.

The pain is still there. Making you weak. Get you just stared at him with teary optics. But his own remains closed.

And he was taking full advantage of this. His optics soon opening so he glares at you once more. He then leaned down more. The front of his frame now fully pressed against yours.

The side of your legs next to your frame now.

Pedes up in the air. His cervos letting the harsh pressure off your arms. His digit (thumb) gently rubbing them for a moment.

His helm now next to yours. Your soft sobs heard next to his audio sensors.

Soon his mouth guard was gone and he started to press aggressive kisses against your shoulder. His glossa soon sticking out to lick up your neck. An action that made you shiver. He then kissed away your tears.

You spoke. You’re sobs and crys almost drowning out your words. “Why?…”

He stopped for a moment. Staring at you. Optics narrowed up to you. “I always take what I want. If you don’t wish to feel any more pain I suggest to I be a good femme for me. Hm? I’ll make sure you’re….comfortable.”

He lets out a soft chuckle, before returning to kiss you with his own idea of affection.

Your chin at first. But to reach your cheeks more he had to press his panel against yours a little Harder. This causing you to groan more, which was music to his audio sensors.

You finally spoke after such a long period of silence.

You spoke once more. “S…stop.” He froze for a moment.

His panel still harshly pressed against yours even more.

Your legs along with your frame shaking from the pleasure. He finally spoke as his chest then presses harder against your chest now that he was more above you.

“Stop?…” His dermas now dangerously close to yours as you stared down at him.

Not being at eye level still. His voice then deeper once he spoke once more. “No. 'Cause I will always get what I want.”

His hips then moved back only a little. Leaving your poor panel alone for a moment before harshly slamming his own against yours once more. This causing you to let out a gasp.

He letting out a small groan.

He took full advantage though. Letting his glossa into your intake when he was able to leane up more.

Creating a very heated kiss. His hips moving back and forth. Aggressively slamming his panel against yours repeatedly. Making your frame move back and forth with his dermas keeping up with yours to continue your kiss.

Your legs moving along with in the air still.

You even tried to move your helm back and up to try to speak. But one of his cervos then moved to grab the back of your helm.

Forcing you to keep your helm almost leaned down so his dermas stays connected with yours. Now that your arm was free though. You tried your best to push against his chest.

To get him of. Anything. But he just continued.

It’s almost like a bigger bot then you is able to hold you down. Yet here he was. Having a bigger frame then him but yet. He can hold you down so easily just by his own frame.

Your cervo just keeps pulling and pushing at his frame while the rest of you is being violated.

His panel humping against yours. Practically ontop of you making your legs stay in the air. Chest to chest and his intake claiming yours so harshly.

You almost gagged becaus of the built up saliva. Even some falling down out past your dermas. Your tears never stopping as he moans and grunts into the kiss.

You felt his cervo move more to the back of your neck.

Lower to between you neck and shoulders. Then he pressed something into your neck. Like some sort of device.

He then pulled back. The kiss finally ending.

His other cervo that held our other arm down finally let go. Sitting up while his hips continues to press against your panel. Continueing to make your frame move faster and faster, back and forth.

His cervo gently holding your thigh. Rubbing up and down as a show of affection while the other takes out a device. You tried to sit up.

Continueing to beg in almost a whisper. Your voice deep. “Please…No More.”

He let out sounds of a tsk tsk from his dermas. You glanced at him. Your aft still in the air as your thighs remain on his own. Legs bascially on his shoulder so he has better friction.

You see him then take out some device.

He then spoke. Pressing his panel fully against yours and gently rubbing. His frame now moving up and down as he spoke.

“Tell me. Is this bringing you pleasure, sweetspark?”

You shook your head now. And yelled in almsot a soft and deep tone as you glared down at him. “No! Let me go!”

You soon were on your elbows. Trying to get up somehow.

But instead he presses a button on the device. Causing a shock through your body. You’re back on your back frame as you almsot screamed in agony.

Your legs as hips along with your frame shaking.

He watches with a grin and took his digit off the button. The pain soon away. You gasped and struggled to breath for a moment. He then gently tapped at your panel after moving your legs to be around his waist.

”Let me make this clear, sweetspark.”

He leaned forward. Making you legs pressed wider around his waist. He moved up once more. Your aft lifting against his panel. His dermas close to yours as you panted a little.

Speaking once more in an almost threatening tone.

“If you don’t wish to feel that pain. Every. Single. Day. Then i suggest you accept this as your new life. And be a good Conjunx for me. Alright Sweetspark?”

His cervos gently rubbing the side of your waist as he spoke. You continued to shake.

What can you do? What should you do. Your Conjunx dead and yet you’re still here living. At the mercy of this Autobot. Using you as a play thing. He was getting annoyed now. Whispering once more.

“Just nod. And maybe if you make me feel good. I wont shock you for the night. Hm?”

You glanced down at him. Tears in your optics once more. He was serious. He then gave you a soft and gentle kiss before leaning his helm back once more.

You thought hard of your options. Your only options.

So…swallowing your dignity, not wanting to be shocked any longer. Slowly nodding as you closed your optics as tears continue to fall. Goldbug then has a dark grin on his scarred dermas.

Then whispering as he leaned down to your audio sensors. Whispering with lust.

”Open up that lovely panel for me sweetspark.”

He leaned back. More tears falling down. Your panel soon opened. Goldbug would then let out an annoyed growl once he leaned back. Your valve wasn’t wet for him at all.

He spoke with anger in his tone.

“That wasn’t enough to get you. Ready for me! Honestly what was so great about that damn seeker!”

You flinched a little. He then moved so he’s off the berth. Kneeling as he grabs your hips and pulls then closer to him. Your aft at the edge of the berth. His cervo groping and squeezing at your waist and thighs.

Your hips held still by the other cervo.

He then leaned his helm down. To where his dermas are close to your clit.

You watched as you turned your helm down to the side to only see the top of his helm. You then feel his glossa lick at your node. His dermas then around your clit.

At first licking, then sucking at the sensitive node. Making your legs shake on his shoulders.

He continues, his glossa licking and moving in circles around your now wet node. His dermas gently biting at it and sucking harshly at times. Making you let out soft moans.

His cervos then holding under your thighs.

Pushing them back and wider even more to spread your valve. He then moved lower. Pressing his glossa into your cunt. Making it thrust in back and forth.

Letting out soft groans to send vibrations against the walls and send more pleasure into. Making your hips lift up and forward more against his helm against your own will.

He then continues. Then moving back to sucking your clit.

Your moaning becomes louder and louder. Your valve becoming wet and your hips struggling to stay still. He keeps a firm hold on your hips.

When it felt like you were wet enough. He moved his cervo to your valve. Pressing a digit into your valve.

Causing you to let out a gasp.

He started to stand a bit more. Pressing a few kisses against your thighs and waist.

His digit moving in and out of your valve.

You only letting out soft gasps. Your helm turning to the side to look away. His helm returning to your clit.

Pressing a second digit in as he returned to licking your very sensitive node. Licking and sucking at it. Soon pressing in another in, making it three digits in now. It being what feels you up.

When you let out an even louder gasp and more softer moans. He chuckled against your valve and curled his didigts.

Making you arch your back and your thighs to try to squeeze him tightly.

Before you even realized yourself. You finally came onto his digits. Your frame relaxing a bit. He could taste it against his chin. His optics opening to stare up at you with almost closed optics.

Bright red as his dermas moved lower to clean you up.

Removing his digits from your cunt. Giving a long lick very sensitive valve causing large amount of pleasure through your frame. Your legs shaking and lifting off his shoulders.

While he continued you tried to hold yourself together.

You just had your first orgasm in well, forever. Since the two fractions started to become bigger in the picture.

You and Thundercracker ended up being too busy to really spend certain time together. Your moans and gasps become non-stop. His glossa lapping and pressing almost harshly against your sensitive valve.

Once you were cleaned up, he made sure to give your valve a very gentle kiss. Lifting his helm up, he got back on the berth.

Pressing his cervos against the berth to support him up.

One of his cervos then moving to hold your chin.

Making you look at him. Your optics were just dim, cry tears as small once still flow down, and a sad frown on your dermas. This made him upset inside. Missing that usual smile you usually have.

But he guess he should’ve guessed that.

His helm then leaning down. His dermas connecting with yours. It was soft, surprisingly. He seems to be really into the kiss. Optics closed and all as you just watch him.

But then, as his other cervo made its way to his own panel. Gently rubbing it for a moment. He’s then interrupted by a call through a comm. He pulled back from the kiss and let out a soft groan.

Sitting up on the berth as he answers it. The cervo once holding your chin now gently rubs back and forth on your waist.

Is this his was of comforting you? You just stared at the ceiling as you heard him.

He just nodded and said yes every now and then.

After a few minutes he ended the call and let out an annoyed sigh. Looking back at you. He soon has a grin on his dermas and gently kiss your cheek.

Then gently whispered into your audio sensors while he leaned over you once more.

”Be a good femme and stay in your room. You’re very tired and I’ll be back before you know it. Understood? Oh and I’ll have guards at the door if you try to leave. You’re only allowed out that door to eat and gain energy. Undertsood?”

He continued while his cervos gripped at you waist tightly.

You slowly nodded.

Not wishing to feel that intense shock again. You just listened as he got but and hear the click of his visors and mask returning. He then made his way to kiss your cheek and gently whisper bye for now.

You closed your optics and turned your helm away. Hearing the door opened and closed.

Soon turning to be on your side. Seeing there’s a window. Black inside so no one can see into the apartment. You tightly squeezed your legs together.

Feeling so much shame and guilt. The pain overwhelming you that you’re becoming exhausted.

Hugging the pillow for the berth as you sobbed.

Wondering how you haven’t ran out of tears yet. Before you even realized it. You were soon fast asleep. Your body slowing down from shivering. Your back finally relaxing.

Your valve slowly relaxing more after your high. You don’t want to know what he has planned tomorrow.

———————————————————————————

As you slept in recharge. You still laying on your side.

Goldbug finally returned past the dead of night. He had to deal with Optimus having another temper tantrum. The guards being replaced by new ones for the night.

Once he laid next to you. He made sure to hold you.

Being higher then you, placing your helm against his chest as he laid on his back.

His arm around your shoulders as his other went under his own helm. Finally falling asleep. Hours later in the morning you slowly woke up. Seeing through the tinted window, it was sunrise.

You sat up, struggling a bit as you felt almost a soreness between your legs.

Your pedes moving off the berth. Sitting up and looking around. You didn’t get to take in how nice the room you were in was. Surprised really.

You realized Goldbug wasn’t next to you. Unsure if he even came back.

You then made it to the door. Slowly opening it and peek outside. The guards aren’t there. You slowly walk out.

Seeing the front door pretty far. You then slowly step forward. Trying to be as quiet as you can. Until a blue bot close by cleared his throat. Making you freeze in fear.

You slowly turned to him. He was sitting at the table. His chair apparently a little bigger than the others. He had two energon plates.

One in front of him and another in front of the chair next to him. His arm on the table as he leaned forward a bit while his visors and mouth guard were off. You just stood there frozen until he finally spoke.

”Come sweet spark, sit.” He says the last word in a deep voice. You then notice he had the device next to his arm.

Definitely placed there as a warning.

Slowly, you made your way closer to him. Taking your seat next to him. Cervos on your lap while his optics watched you. You would then feel his cervo go to be over yours. Making you shake a little.

He finally spoke after a moment of silence between you both. “Already so obedient for me. Because of my little device here? Hmm…Wonder if I can get you to be obedient, just by the sound of my own voice.”

He teased. His helm getting closer as he leaned more forward.

His digit gently rubbing your cervo, his optics scanning your frame as he has a sly grin on his dermas. Speaking once more.

”Now that I think about it. I haven’t properly introduce myself and your new life with me. Now have I.” His cervo slowly moving from on top of your cervos, up to your chest. His other still on his own thigh. You watched his cervo. Before taking note that he had a few scars around his dermas. And his optic. And yet.

Unlike yours and others. His optics are fully red covered and even darker then even Optimus own red optics.

He took notice. His grin growing wider. Speaking once he leaned back. His cervo no longer at your chest. Instead the arm on the table once more while his other remains on his thigh.

The cervo on the table then picking up the energon on his plate as he spoke.

”You see, sweetspark. I took you from your poor apartment and poor excuse of a Conjunx. He ate an energon. “I suggest you eat. I’m taking you to work with me, sweetspark.”

You stared at him with fear. Then looking down at the plate of energon. Slowly your cervo moved to grab the energon. Then putting it to your dermas. Finally eating one.

He watched while he ate. Once you were finished, he got off his chair and has his frame face you. His optics narrowed almost. But his grin still there. He then spoke again. “Your place, is next to me now. You see sweetspark. I always have what I want.

And lucky you my dear. You have the honor to be the Conjunx of Goldbug himself!” He exclaimed with pride.

Throwing his arms up at the last part. You just looked down.

You can only imagine thundercracker joyful face from just a few days ago. Already feeling more possible tears coming down your cheeks.

Goldbug noticing and letting out an annoyed groan.

He then aggressively grabbed your chin. Making you look at him as he glared at you while his optic grew a bright red for a moment.

“Now, now sweetspark. Haven’t you cried enough From our foreplay last night! Now face me like a good Conjunx. And face me!” You tried to not flinch. So, slowly you moved on the seat. Having finished your energon.

He made sure to be between your legs. His cervos then gently rubbing the top of your thighs.

He let out a deep chuckle while you just looked down.

Soon he gets a call through the comm. He answered it. Placing two digits at his audio sensors as he looked to the side.

All you can do is wait. He then spoke. responding to the caller.

”Alright, alright. I’ll make my way over…Yes, I am. Bringing her. Prime better know better to keep his cervos to himself.”

He grumbled. His mouth guard and visors returning to cover his face. He then moved to put the plates away and made his way to the door. Soon speaking without looking at you.

“Come along sweetspark, It’s time you get to work as my assistant.”

You slowly stood up. Walking toawrds him .Taking notice he’s gripping tightly to the device that’ll send a shock into your body. You behind him as you both walked out of the room and into the halls to the elevator.

You trying to keep some distance as you try to stop the tears from going down your cheeks.

The entire time you and him made your way to the building where he works. You continue to keep your distance.

You both then making it to this open space where many bots are drilling into the ground. Goldbug then started to look around. You just stood there. Having put on your mouth guard earlier to hide your quivering dermas.

He then spoke. Giving your aft a good slap once standing next to you. “Now stay here. I’ll be right back sweetspark.”

He made his way to Optimus. You stayed standing there of the door while you watched him get further and further.

Wait- he left you alone? Here??? Your cervos clenching while you hear the bots around you whistle and talk about you.

Complimenting your frame and all. While others even pass by.

Your visors soon coming on, since earlier goldbug seemed to glare at you when you tried to earlier. You stood there for a moment longer.

Goldbug seems to be arguing with Optimus. You got more nervous as more and more bots started staring at you and talk. Some bigger and smaller then you.

You then tried your best to not flinch as Goldbug made his way back to you. You can tell he’s angry just by his movements.

As he’s about to pass you. He grabbed your cervo and dragged you with him. you both making it to his office.

You’d then look around while he grumbled and started to throw things around.

Staying close to the door. The office becoming recked and messy around the desk while he grumbled and complained about Optimus.

When he slowly calmed down. He looked at you and yelled. “Close that damn door!”

You flinched. Doing as he said. “Lock it!” He yelled once more. You doing as he said without hesitation. When you looked at him. He sat in his chair at his large desk.

Turning on the tv to show the news hosted by Blaster. Sighing as he leaned back.

Still fuming with so much anger. When he noticed you standing there still. Looking away and down as you shake a little. He then tapped his desk. You then looking at him with your visors back. His cervo then lifting. His digit curling for you to come closer.

Slowly once more, you made your way to him. Going around the desk and standing before him. He then just stared at you.

Then leaning forward as his cervos moved and ruined around the sides of your waist. Letting out a hum.

He then let out a soft sigh and looked up at you. Leaning back against his chair once more as he looked back at you. Speaking once more.

”We have…a lot of work to do.”

—————————————————————————

Weeks…..probably months have went by since that day.

Morning and night. At work and his apartment. Always keeping you close even during the meetings with Prowel and a few other important autobot memebers.

You always standing by next behind his chair. Cervos behind your back as he taught you to do this at every meeting and if he’s just speaking to someone.

Always having a bad feeling as you felt Optimus optics burn the the side of your helm.

He always stared at you without even a care of being caught. Hell, just like Prowl. The two are always making optics towards you. Even one time when you and Goldbug were leaving. Prowl whistled to you.

Placing his cervo to his helm with two digits split in front of his dermas. Then sticking his glossa out with a grin.

His glossa between the two digits. A low chuckle coming from his intake when you looked at him.

At times when Goldbug does notice. He take his anger out in interfacing with you either after or once at home.

You were submissive. Though when you would get lost in your own helm. He always made sure to shock you. The next always longer then the last one.

Your faith in being saved or even escape becoming more and more unrealistic.

Losing your sanity even. After binding with Goldbug so long ago, getting more and more use to being with him every single day.

You hate yourself even more. Slowly accepting your life and just becoming more tired. Your kisses slowly by the month becoming more responsive towards his when he would show that affection.

On one particular day, you stood at your usual spot behind and next to his chair. A data pad in your arms as you looked outside his large window. Bots flying around and so on.

Goldbug was in a middle of a meeting on his computer with Prowl. He was angry of course. You staying out of view. Your choice at least.

When the call finally ended, he let out an annoyed sigh.

You taking a step to be next to him more. Ready to write in your data pad. He then looked up at the door thinking for a good moment.

Standing up and stretching out his arms up. Then placing his cervos on his hips as he spoke.

”I’m going to get some good energon for us and speak to ratchet for a little. You can stay here and finish prowls report from todays meeting. Be a good femme while I’m good. Alright sweetspark?”

His cervo has moved to hold your hip then to your aft. Bringing you closer as he stared up at you with a grin.

You nodding with a forced smile while his mouth guard returned. Soon he’s walking out. You letting out a soft sigh as you write down the report you saved in your memory. Finishing git as you soon hear the door open.

“Goldbug? You’re back so soon? I-“ You froze.

You were behind the desk when you put the data down and looked up. To see Optimus standing there with his cervo against the frame door and his other cervo was against his own hip.

You backed up a bit. Stopping when your legs hit the small chair. He then started walking towards you. The door closing behind him while his reps remain casual.

Getting closer and closer. You moving to behind the small chair as he spoke.

”Not to worry, little femme. I have been meaning to come over to….chit chat. Is all, I promise.” He went around the desk getting closer. “He’ll be very busy downstairs. So what you say we get to really…Know. Eachother.”Before you knew it he has pinned you against the large window.

His cervos against the glass. His optics staring down at you while there’s only a few inches between you both.

Your back frame against the glass fully from your fear when you got startled by him. You started to shake.

Sending Goldbug a signal through the bond. He seemed to be goring it though. Why?

Optimus helm then leaning down as his mouth gaurd goes back. A horrible grin on his dermas as he spoke once more. “My it’s so rude of Goldbug to just keep you all to himself. he should really learn to share.”

He whispered is a low voice. His glossa then sticking out to lick the side of your neck. Making you shiver. He then got to work with sucking and kisses at your neck. From your shoulder to under your chin.

His cervos feeling up your frame. Your own cervos moving to press harshly against his chest despite being much more taller then you. He continued his act as your started to get in your own helm. You couldn’t do this with goldbug before.

Why? Do you just fear goldbug more then Optimus?

You never dare to resist against goldbug. But for all you know, Optimus is much stronger then him.

You’re then roughly turned around by Optimus. The side of your helm harshly pressed against the window. One of his cervos presses against your upper back to keep you pinned.

While the other has a hard grip on your hip and aft. You then hear him let out a low chuckle.

Taking note of your tramp stamp. It was blue and gold frames with Goldbugs name in red on it. Not your willing choice.

Then again you different have a choice when he made you get it.

Optimus gave your aft a gentle pat before having his middle digit press harshly against your panel. Your optics shutting tightly. Continuing to send pulls to Goldbug.

Optimus dermas against the back of your neck. Before he can force your panel open, you both heard the door to the office open. Goldbugs voice booming as you both hear him stomp over. Optimus only backing a little.

Giving you room to not be against the window.

Goldbug then pointed his gun at Optimus while yelling at him. “You better leave if you know what’s good for you Prime. And to NOT touch my property every again!”

Optimus just chuckled and casually walked away to the door as he spoke calmly.

”Now, now goldbug. Can you blame me? When you have have something so…enchanting you simply must learn to share…I’ll see you around.”

You just stared at Goldbug. Who was fuming.

Apparently Optimus had a few guards distract him and he thought you were calling him because you were becoming needy.

Not sure why he would assume that but at least he made it back before Optimus can have his fun.

Goldbug being beyond pissed. Is an understatement.

Eventually after having another fight wit Optimus and killing your old friend starscream while he had you stay home to make your famous energon cake.

He became the lord to a large part of Cybertron. Of course, keeping you by his side.

Much to Optimus dismay. Life for Goldbug was great. Leading over his own followers and honestly having the strongest ones on his team.

For you however, things remained the same. Still to be watched over whenever he needed to leave you alone.

That much still against your own will.

—————————————————————————

One day, after weeks of things being how they are.

You’ve noticed Goldbug seemed almost….more affectionate with you. As in a tiny bit kinder and as in he genuinely cared almost when you’re with him.

You soon realized something very new with him on one special day. A day before the Decepticons became more of a threat then ever.

You were in his office with him. Of course. Sitting on the desk with your cervos on the desk. Leaning back a little as your eggs dangled off. Your helm leaned back while loud moans and grunts leave your dermas.

Goldbug standing with his cervos gripping tightly at your waist. His forhelm against your mid chest. His mouth guard off while loud groans and grunts leaves his own dermas.

Visors on as his optics stare down between you both. watching his spike appearing and disappearing into your tight valve.

His spike is so much bigger then you would expect from a small bot like him. With pride told you it’s just good genes.

But wheeljack told you when watching over you that he made sure to help him create the perfect size before taking you.

You promised to stay quiet.

Your legs remained around his waist as he ordered. Going a few rounds. The desk constantly moving back and forth after every aggressive thrust.

Your moans and the desk moving of course being well heard outside the office.

You soon felt him wrap an arm around you as the other presses your thigh down. His thrusts becoming faster and faster. Your moans becoming louder and louder.

Going another few rounds while the sun slowly set behind him through the window.

When he finally stayed still. Pushing his last load into you. He remained still. You leaning back on your elbows against the desk.

The front of his frame resting against yours.

His hips pressed firmly against yours. Your legs no longer around his waist but just above his hips.

You glanced down at him. The side of his helm against your chest while his optics closed. Trying to calm himself. You then hear him speaking. In a whisper. You’re sure he was trying to whisper where you cant hear him.

But You always did have good hearing. His words leaving you to remain frozen. “I love you.”

You're stunned for a moment. Staring out the window for a moment. Slowly, your cervo moved to his helm. You’re not sure why. You noticed your cervo shakes a little.

Your cervo then gently holds the side of his helm. Very comforting as you looked out the window. It being dark out now. The lights from the city being the only thing creating light in the room.

Goldbug seemed to flinch a bit when he felt your helm.

He soon grabbing your wrist and leaning up a bit as he glared at you.

Then speaking while his other cervo gripped harshly at your thigh. Making you flinch from the action. “What are you planning?”

You responded. “You just- seemed like you needed it. I’m sorry.” You turned your helm away. Expecting to get slapped for a moment there. Goldbug just stared at you for a moment longer before looking down, then away.

You then feel his spike move out of you. His loads pouring out of you to the desk then off to the floor.

He started to walk to his chair by the window. Kicking it earlier when he decided he wanted to have some fun with you. Sitting down in it while his spike remains up and hard.

His optics staring at you through his visors while keeping his legs spread. Arms on the arm rest of the chair.

“It’s getting late…Go to bed.”

You remain silent for a moment. Getting off the table and passing him. Making your way to your shared berth room next to the office.

You laid down. Laying on your side, your back facing the door. A couple hours later he finally came in. You still weren’t asleep. Something you grew use to because of your anxiety and fear. You stayed still. Pretending to be asleep.

Feeling his weight on the berth and his body moving to get closer to you. His arm moving around your shoulders to hold the other side of your helm.

His dermas pressing against yours to ‘wake you’ up. You pretended to wake up as your frame turned, laying on your back. He was using his elbow to support himself up.

He knows you heard him, because of your action.

You both just stared at each other for a moment longer.

The silence almost unbearable. Without saying a word, his optics almost closed and are dim.

He then leaned down and connected his dermas with yours once more. For the first time this one was passionate and soft against yours. He seemed to let out a few moans against the kiss.

Not even forcing his glossa in this time.

After a second, you responded with a kiss. His cervo once holding the side of your helm moved to rest above your waist.

Rubbing in a circular motion as the room is covered with the sound of soft kisses and your small moans. He then slowly pulled back and looked away for a moment, seeming to be deep in thought. You waited. Your optics almost sad while you glance at his cervo still on your waist. He sighed and spoke once more.

His voice low and in a whisper. As it always it when you both are alone.

”Get some rest. We deal with the damn decepticons tomorrow. So be a good femme and maybe I’ll reward you. Understood?”

You just slowly nodded. Goldbug then laying down. His cervo on his own top waist while he stared up at the ceiling. Letting out a sigh. You then turning your helm away for a moment.

A small tear falling down the side of one of your optics.

You both, soon fast asleep.

This- took so long to edit- im sure i still missed something just message me if i do so i can fix it. My god i love this but DAMN I got so into it. I hope you guys enjoyed this and as always a repost is appreciated.

Really proud if how this came out and i hope to see you guys in the next one! Have a good rest of your day!!!

[dom1re]

Introducing my MC

Thank you @lamieboo for the wonderful prompts! I'm taking advantage of #MCtober to finally make an introduction post. This little guy deserves a proper character sheet but alas I just don't got the time this week 😔😔 Someday!! For now plz enjoy some Sunan facts 👇

He was born in Nov of 1874 in a wizards' quarter near Whitehall. He was the only child and grew up pretty close to both his parents. That was, until he was sent to a Muggle boarding school at 13. He kept in touch with his father, but his mother not so much.

His middle name is Ernest. He never thought it suited him.

While at the boarding school he dyed his hair brown to fit in. Reverted it as soon as he returned to the Wizarding World at 15. He still does sometimes when he needs to evade the Rookwood Gang, but hates it. Reminds him of his time as a squib.

The gray hair runs in the father's side of the family. The asymmetrical dimple is from his mother.

Has a small golden pocket watch with him at all times. He fidgets with it when he's bored or anxious. It was a gift from his mother. He won't admit it but it's one of his most prized possessions.

Another one is his broom. He fell in love with broom-flying the moment he took laps around the castle with Everett. When he's not working on homeworks with Sebastian and Ominis he can be found on his broom trying new techniques, or playing two-a-side Quidditch with Everett, Nellie, and Natty. Secretly enjoys watching them bicker over rules and fouls.

He's active and always hungry. Often carries sandwiches or fruits with him. He will eat anything except slimy foods (and durian). Why is jellied eels a thing anyways?

Has a bossy little owl named Oliang, or Oli for short. The brown hawk owl was his father's gift upon his start at Hogwarts. She will ignore you if you don't have treats. She will peck you if you have them but don't give. She can always tell.

He doesn't know his Patronus yet. Perhaps he'll find out soon.

He's not as mature as he thinks. He believes he's done all the growing up after narrowly avoiding death many times during his first year at Hogwarts. But really he's still got a long way to go.

(feel free to check out my fic and learn more about Sunan 😌)

[emeraldart]

Fighting my fear of the ATLA fandom to give my analysis of the “I love Zuko more than I fear you,” scene from a Maizula lens

Let’s start with the preluding line. “You miscalculated.”

Azula doesn’t miscalculate, that’s kind of her whole thing. We’re introduced to Azula as a character when she refuses to have one hair out of place. She’s perfect. She doesn’t miscalculate.

Her miscalculation is, of course, believing Mai is on her side.

Except Mai has been on her side.

It can’t have been being cruel to Zuko that forced Mai to change sides. Azula does that all the time—she’s been groomed to be cruel to him for years.

Telling Azula she miscalculated is such specific wording. It’s less about declaring her new allegiance, it’s not insulting anything about Azula’s cruelty to members on her own side, it’s insulting Azula’s perfection, the most fragile thing about her.

Mai knows this. She understands Azula and how to push her buttons. Enough that Azula’s shout back, “No! You miscalculated!” feels more out-of-control than Azula normally is.

“I love Zuko more than I fear you.”

I honestly don’t doubt Mai loves Zuko. They’re both trapped in an awful situation, and they’ve been friends since childhood. But I fail to see it as romantic. In fact, while Mai appears to be the one with the crush on him as a little kid, she shuts down most—if not all—Zuko’s attempts at romance.

While it could be a part of her mask, feigned indifference as a defense mechanism, if anything, having feelings for Zuko while he’s on the Fire Nation’s side would only be beneficial. (But if you’re a big Maiko shipper, take it this way. Mai knows that Zuko isn’t truly loyal to the Fire Nation, she knows he deserves better, but she’s too powerless to leave with him. So she shuts him out.)

Mai and Zuko have been expected to get together their entire lives. It’s beneficial for her to have feelings for him. As beneficial as her indifference is. But she doesn’t.

We see her smile at Ty Lee in the comics, sometimes, but she also jokes with Azula in her proper introduction. “Please tell me you’re here to kill me.” Mai has a sense of humor! It’s just reserved for Azula!

So. Assuming Mai doesn’t love Zuko romantically, and assuming she does love Azula romantically, this sentence takes on a new meaning.

Azula controls people constantly through fear. It’s why she’s more afraid of her mother loving her than fearing her. She doesn’t get love, she gets fear. This is also why she craves Ozai’s affection to such an extent. He’s the only one who loves her. (Well, he doesn’t, but she’s useful to him, and that’s the second best thing.)

Ty Lee doesn’t appear to be an exception. Azula threatens Ty Lee to get her to join. But she doesn’t really threaten Mai, unless I’m remembering wrong. Mai and Ty Lee are her closest friends, the closest equivalent she has to love even if she probably doesn’t view it that way.

Azula has consistently been rejected for her brother, with the exception of Ozai. Iroh and her mother both seem to hold affection for Zuko, but fear for her—although, we don’t see much of Ursa, so it’s hard to say if that’s only her perception or actual reality.

If Mai and Azula are close, Mai would know this.

“I love Zuko,” is an automatic way of saying I don’t love you because Azula has been taught that love is finite, and must be split between her and Zuko. Then “-more than I fear you,” immediately removes the element of fear that Azula has over Mai.

Mai removes three elements of Azula’s power: her perfection, her superiority over Zuko, and the fear others have over her.

Mai knows Azula, and knows how to hurt her.

She’s rejecting Azula to defeat her, and it kills Azula inside.

[markantonys]

I wanted to ask you, as the resident Gawyn stan, about his characterization in the show so far. Cause I have seen some complaints about how both Gawyn and Galad have been characterized cause some feel they're both ooc (I know you don't care about Galad lmao but they're typically talked about at the same time in these comments)

the resident gawyn stan! a title i'm honored to accept!!! and it is also Known that i don't care about galad djfkgj i've established my brand so strongly!

now, to start off, i am so absolutely thrilled to FINALLY have gawyn after waiting so long that i was just putting my chin in my hands and smiling every time he was onscreen. with that baseline out of the way, let's talk the specifics of his characterization!

first of all, it's tough to really get much of a read on his characterization because he's so background this season, which i was definitely sad about! i'd hoped to see a proper storyline for him and see him involved in the coup buildup, see his growing mistrust in siuan and see him falling under elaida's sway, but it seems we're not gonna have time for that, which is fair enough, there's a lot going on this season and a lot of characters to deal with. but i do think that, having an honored position as Future EF5 Love Interest, gawyn deserved a stronger introduction and bigger role in his entry season! and i DEFINITELY think he should've been the brother who got the bigger focus rather than galad, but hey, it is accurate to the early books that galad's personality is so overpoweringly strong that gawyn kinda falls by the wayside in comparison. still, with gawyn's Big Formative Event (the coup) being scheduled for sooner than galad's (becoming a whitecloak), i'd think it would've made more sense to focus more on gawyn this season and let galad have his day next season.

i don't want to say it feels like several characters' time was wasted just for the purpose of being able to make the quarterstaff fight happen for fanservice, buuuuut it kinda does feel that way, as much as i adored the fight scene. because galad & gawyn were only in 2 episodes this season (if imdb is to be believed), and almost all of their screentime was used to build up mat's annoyance at them culminating in the fight, rather than really showing us much about THEM, which could have been done if they'd nixed the fight and instead focused the limited screentime allotted to them on family scenes, coup tensions, and elayne's disappearance. they had more scenes with or about mat than with or about their family, even though long-term, it's WAY more important to establish their relationships with elayne, morgase, each other, siuan, and elaida than with mat, so i can't help but wish their time had been used more wisely. hopefully we'll get much more of gawyn in s4! but the coup will be well underway by then (if they split it so that the deposition is in 3x08 and the fallout & battle is in 4x01, which several people have been speculating), and gawyn's role in it would've hit a lot harder if we'd spent real time with him this season getting to know him. (and maybe we could've had mat in the waste giving us some good cauthor content if they hadn't been so hell-bent on squeezing in the quarterstaff fight.........but i digress, and digress into strong Personal Bias territory at that haha)

so, what little we do see of gawyn's characterization: he's the easygoing middle child who is the Fun Brother in elayne's eyes and joins her in teasing galad rather than joining galad in being overprotective of her. this is all excellent stuff!!! that's exactly bang-on for early-series pre-trauma gawyn! i absolutely loved that family scene in ep2! i wish there had been more scenes like it!

however, where i do feel a difference is a side effect of the show letting everyone fuck haha i love that the show lets everybody be casual and normal about sex, it's definitely an improvement over the over-the-top prudishness of the book characters, but it does make some characterizations feel different to me! namely, book!gawyn always struck me as fairly reserved and even shy, or at least introverted, not to mention very lacking in self-esteem, which is a huge contrast to show!gawyn being super confident and sexy and loving to show off publicly and be fawned over by half the tower's population. i don't hate it, yet, since we haven't seen nearly enough of him to get a proper sense of his show characterization, but it did make me go "huh, that doesn't feel like the gawyn i have in my head". (and, again, maybe another symptom of them prioritizing the quarterstaff fight so heavily: they were really focused on the Pompous Princes That Piss Off Mat angle rather than on gawyn as his own character.)

(sidenote, but i would say the same thing about aviendha's characterization feeling pretty different to me as a result of the Everyone Fucks Casually All The Time change. show!avi is playful and mischievous and flirty and sexually confident, whereas book!avi a) always struck me as extremely stoic and serious to an extent that even puts many other aiel to shame, the kind of person who's 100% confident on the battlefield but uncertain and hesitant in her personal life, reserved and borderline shy in expressing her feelings even once you do get to the soft core underneath her prickles, and b) honestly read as demisexual to me in the sense of attraction being a Completely Brand New Thing She's Never Experienced Before, WTF Is This Weird Feeling as she's getting to know and falling for rand (and elayne subtextually), which was a character arc i found very sweet, her navigating a new sense of her own sexuality alongside the changes to her life in her transition from maiden to wise one. and, again, completely understand the show nixing all of this and having the characters aged up a bit in terms of life experience and thus sex isn't new to any of them, but it does make avi feel like a pretty different character to me personally. ever since s2 ayoola has been describing her as more playful and open than most aiel, which has always made me kinda go ??? because in the books i felt she was characterized in the opposite way, as more stern and prideful than most aiel. but it could also be a similar thing as lan where overly-stoic characters don't translate well onscreen, so they lightened her up to avoid coming off as flat and one-note.)

i will also note that as a show-first person during s1, characters like gawyn and avi (and galad and elayne too) are MY first experience with characters i met as Extremely Virginal in the books suddenly fucking like rabbits in the show, so i am now experiencing that bit of mental jarring that you longtime readers already got over and done with back in s1 with randgwene shocking you all by fucking in the very first episode dkfjgjh my brain just needs a little time to adjust!

back to gawyn, the only other thing i can think of is that, while i love luke and am eager to see more of his performance, i still can't shake the sense that he's a little too old for gawyn! i feel that gawyn works best with an element of naivety to him (his whole life he's been raised with idealized concepts of war and now war is actually happening and it's so different than he was told and he doesn't know what to do), and that's harder to pull off with an early/mid-30s actor, but i'm reserving judgment for now and looking forward to seeing how he handles the role once gawyn becomes a proper character with serious emotional weight behind him! i'm also super curious to see his chemistry with maddy, because seeing how they vibe together will let me judge whether or not i actually feel an age difference there or whether show!gawyn and egwene do feel like contemporaries, as they are in the books. (and we know show!gawyn IS meant to be very close in age to the EF5, since he was only a little baby while morgase was pregnant with elayne, so they haven't actually changed the in-universe age difference at all.)

anyway! my overall conclusion on show!gawyn's characterization is: just too soon to judge. after all, we ARE seeing him pre-trauma here, so it does make sense to perhaps show him at his most confident and sure of himself now as a contrast to when he gets whammied with trauma and depression later (and after watching the flowers in the attic prequel miniseries, i can attest that luke does great with emotionally heavy stuff and characters undergoing trauma!) and book!gawyn doesn't really emerge as much of a character until LOC anyway, so it IS book-appropriate for not much to be done with him pre-coup, even if i'd hoped the show would take the opportunity to give us what the books missed!

[oros-ash3s]

|I 𝗪𝗜𝗣 𝗙𝗢𝗟𝗗𝗘𝗥 𝗧𝗔𝗚⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪

This was requested by @theink-stainedfolk <3 Thanks for the wait and thanks for being so curious about my WIPS ૮₍ ´ ꒳ `₎ა

“(Not so cursed) Cursed Polycule” is not a WIP to a drabble or chapter of mine, but instead a doc I was working on to figure out Odesa, Ryuji, and Dior’s relationship inside Metamorphosis.

I felt it had begun to feel a little plain and neglected, so I wanted to figure out how they interact with each other and why they get along so well.

Here’s a little excerpt on their backstory:

Dior arrived at the Sector shortly after. Ryuji and Odesa were both 13 by then, the bestest of friends, and had well-adapted to their lives at the headquarters. Ryuji had been spending his time working alongside his mother, Ophelia, in the infirmary, when a particular new recruit caught his eye. 

Dior, upon arriving at the base, was terrified. Everything was so bright and new, so very unlike the constraints of the basement that they had come to know. Stuck inside the infirmary, the other doctors scared them. Although at first they were soft, with sweet as honey promises and reassurances, when their tactics did not alleviate the child’s stress, their patience very quickly grew short. Someone who was so scared of a place like the infirmary meant they had no chance surviving inside the Division, a place built upon blood and war.

But Ryuji was unlike the others inside the infirmary. Younger and with a softer, unburdened heart, due to his youth, he was slow with Dior. He did not push or prod, helping keep them both calm yet doing what was needed to improve their condition.

He quickly earned their trust, leading Dior to utter the first words they’d spoken in a long time. As the months passed on in the infirmary, the two began to become fast friends, growing immensely close despite their differences. It was a nice change, to the two lonely souls.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞𓆝 𓆟𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟

“Me when they have childhood rivalry” is a part two to this WIP, and basically was a fic idea I head for Ryuji and Odesa’s backstory.

It takes place when they’re both around 9 or 10, and shows how their relationship started off kind of rocky. Personally I love it because in canon (due to Yara being the narrator most of the time), you don’t get to see Ryuji’s softer, more caring side.

Ryuji does not know what exactly compels him to do this. He shouldn’t have to. Anyone else would leave, abandon her here. This isn’t any of his business, shouldn’t ever be any of his business. Odesa Alves has made his life a living hell since the moment she stepped into his classroom so many months ago, why should he ever offer her grace and do something so vulnerable as comfort her?

But Ryuji finds himself sitting next to her anyway. Maybe a part of him knows he doesn’t really believe that, when Odesa has not truly ever hurt him, not in the ways that count.

And maybe it’s the fact that she is not so different from him after all. He knows how she is feeling right know, the humiliation and shame an emotion that has followed him around for too many years to count. He knows what it’s like, and he knows that as annoying as Odesa can be, nobody deserves this.

Odesa does not look up at him, even when he scoots into the alcove beside her. They are squished close, something Ryuji rarely allows, even with Aster. There is something different about this time though, this change in the air — the silence in his head. He doesn’t mind the feel of her clothes against his, doesn’t mind the shake of her sobs. He wonders if she feels the same.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞𓆝 𓆟𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟

“Meet Ryuji” is a WIP from Metamorphosis that I actually already posted a snippet of a little while back. You can read that HERE.

It takes place when Aster and Yara first come to the Seventh Sector, and serves as Ryuji’s proper introduction. (Though he may perhaps show up beforehand….)

Here’s a new excerpt to that:

“Ryuji!”

“I said to shut the fuck—“ The boy whipped over in their direction, expression twisted up into a snarl, rage lingering beneath his features. A dark swirling eye then landed on Aster, standing with his usual wide smile, Yara cowering behind him, and his face softened. “Oh.” He mumbled, appearing to be almost sheepish. “It’s you.”

Aster laughed hard, eyes brightening. “Man, don’t try and sound too happy to see me.” He skipped over to the boy, opening his arms wide. “Where’s my hug at?”

Ryuji rolled his eyes. “Don’t you start.” He huffed, leaning over his paperwork once more.

Aster just laughed, taking no offence to his clipped, and rather harsh, tone. He clapped the taller boy on the back, laughing good-naturedly. There was a certain excitement inside his eyes, gleaming within the gold, that Yara had never seen present before. She wondered how he could’ve known this mystery boy. And why he’d never mentioned him before. “C’mon, I know you missed me.”

“You wish.” Ryuji grumbled, scribbling something down onto one of his array of papers. “Oh, don’t be like that, you old grump.” Aster flicked him absent-mindedly, turning back to Yara with a smile and waving her over.

“Yara, come on in!” He called, grinning. “We don’t bite— or at least, I don’t.” He added with a snicker, moving to lay his body weight against Ryuji, causing the boy to stumble. He shot Aster a quick glare, jabbing him in the ribs. “Quit.”

“Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed.” Aster whispered in a sing-songy tone, laughing again. He turned his attention back towards Yara, still not forgetting about her despite his excitement. “Yara, this is Ryuji,” he said, mussing up the boy’s already dishevelled mop of hair. “My baby brother.”

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞𓆝 𓆟𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟

“Run Boy Run” is a WIP from What Lies Below. It’s an idea I had for a to-be chapter two of the story, and takes place in the past, offering exposition and backstory for the events that took place in the prior chapter.

It would centre around Crow, the second primary main character of the story. It’s about his life on the run as a teen, and how he came to this live in his tiny little apartment downtown.

Here’s an excerpt of that:

December, 1987–

The boy was always good at running.

He couldn’t recall a time when he hadn’t been fast, flighty. It seemed from birth this very notion had been written into his bones, coded into his very genes. He was good at running, good at escaping. To a boy born with a target on his back, he had to be. There was no other way of survival.

Running had kept him alive up until now. Against all odds, it was the thing that had his back, through it all. In the face of betrayal and hatred, he would always depend on it. For it had protected him, sheltered him. Kept him safe.

He was not built for a life of luxuries, of relaxation. He had made his peace with that. For a split second he was almost fooled by the idea of shelter and warmth, but he understands now. The days of sleeping, of home-cooked foods and soft smiles under the sunlit mornings: Those are times he can never return to.

But shivering in the cold, hiding in a corner clouded deep in black shadows, the boy could still not stop himself from dreaming, for wishing. A different time, of youth and freedom. A time where he had somewhere to call his own.

Death would have been a more merciful fate than this.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞𓆝 𓆟𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟

“Felix and Reagan save me” is a fic idea I had for my WIP Saudade. If you’ve never heard about it before don’t worry because I’ve only vague-posted about it once.

The story is about two siblings, Felix and Reagan Rodriguez. From the outside, their life is seemingly normal, despite the hardships the two young people have had to face since the passing of their parents. A dedicated older sister doing her best to raise her baby brother and get through her online classes. And a rambunctious but good-hearted teen, with an eye for photography and sports.

But as the two move yet again, and Felix starts to make friends, it becomes suddenly very apparent to the other folks in their town: Not everything is as normal as it appears on the surface.

Felix and Reagan have a secret. And it may threaten to put the lives of everyone around them in danger.

The snippet takes place near the end of the story:

Not a day has passed where Reagan hasn’t thought of Felix.

She has not seen him in years. Years that have not been kind to either him or her, nights spent searching for a boy who did not want to be saved wearing both of them down. They are not close to who they were at the start of this, before the rumours and the gossip fully caught up to them. She fears they’ll never be those naive kids again, stuck in the belief that they’ll really make it in this world that is so set against them.

Reagan wonders if they would’ve ended up right here now, if things had been different. She wonders, for a split second, where they’d be. If she was stronger. If she was an easier person to love, a better parent. A proper sister. She wonders—

Would he have stayed?

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞𓆝 𓆟𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟

“Toxic yaoi” was a fic idea I had for my (more neglected) WIP Golden Veins. Without giving away too many spoilers, it’s a scene between one of the main villains, Rex, and one of the primary protagonists, Arcturus. I actually posted a snippet of it HERE for WIP Wednesday a while back.

In the scene Rex appears in Arcturus’ room, offering him a proposition for something that may well change everything Arcturus had thought his life to be.

Here’s an excerpt of that:

But the one thing, out of them all, that Arcturus didn’t think he’d ever be able to get over, even after months of them all, was the boy’s appearance. Unlike the prim and proper facade that he had grown to know the boy to be, his appearance now was the clear opposite of that.

A burst of electric blue hair, almost like a flame sitting atop his head, scarred brown skin the most ethereal shade of copper, and sharp, pointed features. Most noticeable out of them all, though, were his eyes. Silver and narrowed, eyeing Arcturus not if he was a person but instead a piece of meat, a meal for the boy to enjoy. It never failed to send a shiver down his back.

“What do you want?”

It has been weeks of this. This game the two seem to be trapped inside. This illusion they have been building, neither acknowledging it out loud. It is the first time that Arcturus has attempted to break the spell, spitting with a kind of terrified desperation the very words that the boy has been waiting to hear.

He grins, eyes flicking back towards Arcturus’ face. He has trapped him, even if the other does not know it yet. This was a game of wits, a cat and mouse chase, and to someone so blissfully ignorant, Arcturus never had a chance of winning.

“Oh, so he finally speaks.” He smiles, thin-lipped. The piercing wrapped around his bottom lip glints, sparkling underneath the violet hues of midnight. He has already won, and he knows it.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞𓆝 𓆟𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟

“Icarus fell” also has to do with Arcturus! Although fairly rough due to me losing interest in it, the scene was supposed to showcase Arcturus’ downfall through the lens of his sister Evangeline.

The context for it is pretty spoilery so I won’t give too much away, just know that Arcturus is definitely an “Icarus” kind of character. Also, he originally had wings, like in the myth with Icarus.

Evangeline is stopped in her tracks.

Throughout all her years on this job, of all the horror and gore and terror she has witnessed, this is the first thing to truly scare her. Anything else she can lock in a compartment in the back of her mind, quickly pushing it to the side. Out of sight, out of mind.

But this? This is something entirely different. Something that Evangeline isn’t sure she’ll be able to stomach. Something that she is not even sure is reality, appearing before her very eyes.

Because only mere feet away, standing with a kind of reverence radiating off of him, stands her newly-deceased brother.

And he is hanging off of the arm of the very man that had ripped the two apart.

TAGLIST || @ohagiwrites @bloodinkandashes @corinneglass @icantthinkofablognameatm @vesanal @inky-anathemata @bioniclechronicles @seastarblue @gr3yhellh0und @aalinaaaaaa @shadow-of-tea-and-tea @robinshandhurts @ieppiq @sugaredparchment @lunaeuphternal @ifmasonbasonwasawriter @steh-lar-uh-nuhs @blackboxwarrior-mkultra @lancedoncrimsonwings @sharkblizzardblogs @nightmaricwriter @cepheusgalaxy @cacophonyofwords

[bibibbon]

Lady nagant deserves better by the narrative

Oh I genuinely love the entire concept of lady nagant and what her character is supposed to serve in the story but I hate how it was introduced and executed.

To me it felt like lady nagant was somewhat introduced out of nowhere just to add to the building of worldbuiling and the morality of hero society. It would be better to foreshadow or illude to the existence of heroes like lady nagant earlier onto the series. For example, during hawk's first proper manga introduction and during his arc (where he works for the HPSC) you can have lady nagant name drops or stuff talking about how she used to be his mentor or how she killed a hero in the past because they got into an argument.(it still surprises me how in canon she was never his mentor but he was just her replacement.)

After that she can officially be brought up by hawks during the vigilante arc by hawks who tells izuku everything and how he worries that AFO might of hired her to assassinate him.

I personally really liked lady nagants introduction in the story and her first appearance where horikoshi actually makes her seem like a real threat. He also uses her to increase tension and stakes considering that Izuku at that moment hasn't eaten or slept in well in weeks. From the begining of the interaction it seems like lady nagant wants to already finish this of and doesn't plan on hunting down or fighting Izuku. She gives him the option to resist and die or to simply die without any struggle. Both are undesirable options however, I like this introduction especially after we find out that she never wanted to kill him but was made by AFO as a way to get her "freedom".

During the fight more about lady nagant is revealed. Things that we previously knew about her like how she was put in prison due to her killing another hero because they got into an argument are found to be false. we find out that like her successor she was taken in and trained by the HPSC at a young age to do societies bidding. We also find out that lady nagant killed the previous head of the HPSC because she didn't want to be continue killing, neither did she want to be used as a tool anymore.

An interesting eye opening moment is when lady nagant loses it or well the build up to her losing it. I really liked the contrast between the whole interaction of lady nagant meeting her little fans and her talking to her boss. In one interaction she seems completely innocent and surrounded in a harsh environment in the other she is painted out to be guilty with blood all over her hands. Lady nagants hesitance to interact with the kids shows how she feels her sense of humanity dissipating and how she is losing herself. She reaches towards the children with her right hand, yet it is her right hand that has taken so many lives but it is also her right hand that the former HPSC leader tells her that protects lives and does societies evil bidding. Lady nagant's perspective also shows us how she was coaxed into believing that what she did was right and honourable yet as she continued to do it that belief started to falter and she could only remember the screams of the lives she has taken. She ends up seeking I guess what you could call affirmation that she is in the right and that her work helps others yet that doesn't help and she ends up killing the guy who gives it to her. This simply allows us to see the cruelty and the negative side of the hero system and how it directly effects the heroes themselves.

I think lady nagants character design and her quirk are both very interesting concepts that hori came up with. Her quirk makes it so that she is a literal tool, a master rifle weilder and a dangerous one at that. Throughout the story she is consistently objectified and dehumanised with people only seeing the potential that her power has or the dangers it has. Lady nagant from previous flashbacks we are shown that she used to have long hair now this could be due to her needing her own hair for her quirk use. However, we now see her with short hair and this shows that maybe the people in charge in the prison and all cut her hair of so she wouldn't use her quirk. Also it's a striking difference from her long hair look which could show the change within her and her character. Lady nagants hero costume is very plain which is something she needs when it comes to her line of work and I think it's interesting as that contrasts with the outfit she is in when she goes to hunt down Izuku midoriya. She is in somewhat brighter colours almost as if letting her identity seep in through but not fully so. Lady nagant also has purple/pink hair (this is definitely me digging too much into this) which could be symbolic of something.

Pink: within Japanese culture pink is seen as a colour of mourning and it symbolises the young fallen soldiers in the full bloom of life. Others also see pink as a colour of innocence.

Purple: purple is naturally seen as a colour that symbolises spirituality, mystery and devotion.

Now you can argue that some of these can apply to lady nagant and her character design but Iam digging way too deep.

Lady nagant is honestly our first in depth introduction to the horrible acts of the HPSC and I liked the moments the manga was focusing on that and her own views on the current system. It's stated that she doesn't like izuku because she thinks that he is disillusioned and ignorant by the system. While fighting Izuku we clearly see her try to understand this and how some of her ideas about him slowly melt away.

Lady nagant at first is right to assume that izuku is ignorant and is simply being led by the "phony education system" as she goes to describe it. From the information that she already received from people like AFO and overhaul she thinks that he is simply another carbon copy of the ignorant hero society that she despises. She thinks that izuku is naive which is a belief that easily crumbles away as she recognises that he (like her) has a lot of secrets to hide for example both have more than one quirk and ironically both are sought after due to their quirks. What interests lady nagant about izuku is his beliefs. Izuku believes that he as a hero should reach out and help people. He doesn't try and beat them down for being villains but he tries to see the best in everyone while also acknowledging their actions. (Respectfully, I have my own problems with Izukus development but this isn't about him).

Her whole fight and relationship with Izuku is interesting and I wish we got to see her maybe take on a mentor type role for izuku. I feel like it would be a lot more interesting if we got to see them interact more. Especially because I like lady nagants views and how she knows that the path that izuku picked is a "difficult and nuanced one".

Lady nagant and hawks interactions and relationship would be further reinforced if she was his mentor. I think there is something so ironic in lady nagant training a child who would come to replace her role in that society. I really enjoyed the parallels that horikoshi put with lady nagant and hawks. I have mixed feelings when it comes to lady nagant and hawk's conversation when she is heavily injured. The introduction to it is basically hawks catching her limp body and saying something along the lines of "Iam your replacement". Now this goes to honestly dehumanise both characters and show us just how cruel the hero system is. However, I am not a huge fan of it just because how the hell are you introducing yourself to a dying woman who just got exploded as her replacement?!?!

The conversation goes to futher depict these characters as pawns of their own fates and reinforces the parallels between them. Lady nagant notices the hope in hawk's eyes and asks him how he still manages to have such hope in such a terrible society. Iam not a fan of hawks response where he simply says ,"Iam an optimistic guy" but I would of let it be if after lady nagant received medical treatment she brings that conversation back up again to hawks and we see glimpses of their conversation both exchanging stories and all. Hawks seems to acknowledge that really one of the only reasons that he didn't become like lady nagant is because he held onto hope and had people around him like tokoyami.

Also something that Interests me is lady nagants relationship with overhaul. It seems that simply drags him around and that they both accompany eachother to the fight. Lady nagant doesn't particularly hate overhaul but she doesn't care for him and is willing to use him as bait so she can't complete her job in killing Izuku midoriya. Personally, I would of liked to see more on how they met and their relationship. They could be an interesting duo that simply happend due to their own desires, lady nagants desire for freedom and overhauls for his boss. Also something that really stood out to me is how technically overhaul would of slowed down lady nagant yet she simply let him stay by her side? Seemed interesting to me.

Personally, I would write it so that they both obviously meet in prison and overhaul and her are cellmates or in similar cells. They end up sharing stories and all and when it comes to them breaking out they end up breaking out together. They end up using eachother for their own gain in the end.

Lady nagant obviously goes on to redeem herself but the ending that she receives leaves an incredibly bitter taste in my mouth. She is obviously still very traumatised and chooses to stay in prison and in all honesty I can see where this ending is coming from but I feel like an ending where she helps hawks from the sidelines while being let out do prison and being allowed to explore the world/live her life disconnected from heroes and the system would be the best for her. Lady nagants character also holds hope for change and believes that what Izuku showed them would help change the world but the problem is what Izuku showed them was just regular hero work, it wasn't necessarily anything unique or new so I would rewrite it so that izuku does show the world something, physically shows the villain kindness and physically shows that he is trying his best in helping people's while trying to give victims a voice at the same time.

In conclusion, I actually enjoyed lady nagants character I just wish that the narrative itself built up her character way before her introduction. I also wish that her character relationships were explored a lot more, like how did this happen to her? Where were her parents? How old was she when she became a fully fledged hero? And have her relationship with characters (izuku, hawks and overhaul) actually receive more build up and attention.

[seokizaten]

Glory To The Justice [Neuvillette]—⋆｡°✩

Chapter 1 [previous] [next]

Series Introduction: As per the country’s laws, an innocent woman was pronounced guilty. Upon the years that passed, the flow of water crosses the Chief Justice at her trial. How does a woman deal with the love that turned into hatred against the chief justice who respects the laws of their nation?

Warnings: Slight mentions of alcohol, attempt in murder, assassination, Y/N is with grief and extreme sadness/anger, Y/N presenting literal delinquent behaviour.

5 years has passed so smoothly and gracefully above the Fortress of Meropide, while the days can be counted through the lights of the sun instead of the mechanical clock while working for mass production. Two different worlds, and she witnessed it both.

For five years, she served and lived the life she did not deserve, all because someone falsely accused her— she lived that way for no reason at all, making her lose everything the light gave her.

“Good morning, Monsieur Neuvillette! Your scheduled guest has already arrived in your office.” A melusine approached the said man who was just about to head to his office.

He nodded with a smile. “Good morning, and thank you.” He said and headed to his office right away. 

In order to meet the Chief Justice of Fontaine, one has to set a schedule instead of just visiting right away due to schedule issues. The role of the nation’s Iudex is beyond serious, and to be able to fulfill that role every single day is outstanding. 

He opened the door, looking for the said guest as he walked towards his table. However, the guest is nowhere to be found. He wonders, did the guest leave his office due to impatience? But he wasn't late, the guest was just early.

Walking towards his table, he found a glass of water. He then raised an eyebrow upon seeing that, he did not forget anything as such yesterday, did he?

“My, did you like my reunion gift?” A familiar voice said, jumping off one of the tallest shelves. Neuvillette sighed upon hearing her voice again after five years, turning to look at her. “That took years of grieving.”

It is her, Y/N Delmare. Still the same face, but different appearance. Her hair is longer, untied and loose unlike it being in a neat bun like before. Her face is still the same, but it shows less soul. Her eyes that used to be cheerful now looked soulless as well.

She then sat by the tea table, helping herself with the tea served by a melusine minutes ago. “Heard you’re a water enthusiast, so I brought you water dropped from the leaking pipes I slept in for five years, mixed with my painful tears to make it extra remarkable.” She hissed. “Do you like it, Monsieur Neuvillette? Tell me what it tastes like.”

It shows, her grief and anger. And to her, it is something that can never be changed.

He sighed and walked towards the seat in front of her, sitting down and looking her in the eyes. “Ms. Delmare.” He said and bowed his head a little to greet her respectfully. “I am delighted to hear that you’ve been released, I however was not informed of your sudden visit at the Palais Mermonia. With all due respect, I acknowledged a meeting with Ms. Tempete, and I wouldn’t be entertaining unscheduled affairs.”

“I see, you are still the same as you are.” Y/N said, taking a sip of her tea. “However, I believe I made a proper route towards this meeting of ours. Just like how I usually do, I follow the laws.” She paused before smiling and clearing her throat. “Y/N Tempete. Sounds pretty powerful, doesn’t it?” She chuckles.

Neuvillette sat still, looking at her with his usual gaze. “A change in name?”

“Of course, how else would I live a life after losing what you destroyed?” She hissed and slammed her teacup hard on the table that it broke. She then stood up and pointed at him using one of the glass shards. “I assume you lived normally, free, and very joyous these past five years. Ah, yes… you are the respectable Iudex, one of the embodiments of justice. You’ll always be working hard. Ah, I wonder how many trials have I missed after losing in one.”

Neuvillette began feeling the unsettling situation, as if it’s going to lead into something more. “Ms. Delmare, please,”

“It’s Tempete, Monsieur Neuvillette.” She said, gritting her teeth upon stating his name. “Do not take my rights once again.”

He did not say anything in return. Instead, he just looked at her and analyzed her. It’s not only her appearance that changed, but also her personality. That one cheerful and ambitious lady is now only coated with wrath, regrets, and everything. This Y/N Delmare is different— this woman is someone else.

“You killed Delmare.” She angrily said. “Now, if you’re wondering— what am I, a formerly convicted woman with shattered life, doing here in your luxurious office that’s only built for those privileged and powerful enough to declare justice?”

He, once again, did not say anything in return. It seems like he knows what she is on about, and that’s a good that they’re on the same page at last. He was right, his intuitions led him into the conclusion.

“I want justice like how I always sought it, and I am not wasting any time.” She said and threw the shard away, making a sharp sword appear by her right hand. Neuvillette’s eyes slightly widened upon seeing that. He knew it, she is to seek revenge. “I’d write my name using your expensive, exquisite blood, Neuvillette. Worry not, I’ll save your beautiful face in a glass box.”

When she launched towards him, he immediately dashed away calmly, dusting his suit off. “I’ll give you a fair warning, Ms. Delmare. If you are to drop your weapon this instant, I will not raise any consequences.”

Neuvillette is so calm, despite being in a process of assassination. However, he is in shock on the inside upon witnessing something he wouldn’t imagine she would do.

Y/N laughed out loud, standing up straight once again from her previous attempt to attack him. “Haha! That sounds ironic, doesn’t it? You’re giving me a chance to save myself this time?” She laughed. “I spent five years in vain, waiting for the moment to hear your name passing away. I am being impatient, Neuvillette. I will be the one to take your life, and justice will prevail!”

With that, she took another dash towards him, which he also successfully dodged with no effort. “I am giving you one last warning, Ms. Delmare. I will not be taking any responsibility for your consequences.”

However, she did not listen. She ran towards him and swayed her sword. “Yaaah!” She screamed as she jumped— however, her eyesight became blurry. When she opened her eyes, her limbs were already physically unconscious as she lay on the ground, but her mind was conscious enough to process everything. 

Neuvillette stood right next to her, looking down at her like she’s some sort of peasant who just lost another gold she worked hard for decades. “I am sorry that you had to go through all of those, but it is the law of Fontaine to distribute justice to its own accord. If you are under wrath, then it is outside my responsibility.”

A tear left Y/N’s eye upon hearing that, not because of sadness, but because of anger that’s piled up inside her. “I loathe you, Neuvillette…” She almost whispered as she sobbed without showing any facial expression. “I hate you above everything…! I hate you! You ruined my life!”

Gardes then entered his office, and headed towards her. She just kept crying whilst being physically unarmed on the ground. Neuvillette gave her one last cold glance, before eventually walking away like she was nothing.

The gardes then picked her up gently, “Sleep with your eyes open, Neuvillette! I am never going to stop until your blood is my ink in my manuscripts!” She threatened before being dragged out of his office completely. 

Neuvillette faced his desk while hearing her voice, and then he was left with just silence, and her remarkable sword on the ground. With his lifespan, this isn’t the first time someone attempted to send a threat towards him due to the trial related cases.

However, Y/N Delmare is a different case. It shocked him to the core. 

She was— different.

“Monsieur, Neuvillette! I love how you did your hair today.” One of the sentences she used to tell him, even though he always had the same hair. 

She always approached him back then, but for a different purpose. She was a young woman in love and she wasn’t afraid of expressing it, she however never directly said it. There are times that Neuvillette overhears her gossiping by the courtyard with another journalist, talking about how she is so in love with him.

She dreamed of the whole court itself, including the chief justice who speaks in between parties. That’s who she was.

Now, she is— he doesn’t know.

He scoffed, closing his eyes. Wasn’t it his fault that another angel lost its wings? So he shouldn’t be surprised at any cost. 

“Monsieur Neuvillette, please!” He hears her pleading voice in the court from five years ago, and it rang in his head for those past years like it is the signature of something. “Monsieur Neuvillette!”

He kept hearing her voice from the court, calling out his name as she begged for a chance to stand up for herself. It haunts him, and it haunts him for years. 

He sighs, “What’s done is done.” He whispered underneath his breath and picked up the sword she used with her assassination attempt. It is blue, and it seems like it is covered with ice-like sculptures. By its blade, he saw his name neatly engraved.

Is this weapon really assigned to cut his head? Her hatred towards him must be really that deep. Can he blame her? 

He then sat on his chair once again, glaring at nowhere but in front of him. He is Neuvillette, the nation’s Iudex— and no event such as that would cause his misalignment in his duties.

“Y/N, isn’t that your fifth drink already?!” One of the men around the Spina di Rosula’s bar stated with concern, looking at her with worried eyes. “You can pass out with that much amount of drink.”

Y/N smirked upon hearing that, closing her eyes and drinking the whole entire glass within a second. She then wiped her mouth, and looked at him with a smug on her face. “And Neuvillette’s a saint.” She said, placing the glass down. “Another, Tetreaux.” She said.

“Right away, mademoiselle.” The bartender named Tetreaux said, preparing her drink instantly. Looking at the concerned man, who’s currently looking like he is at a loss of words, he chuckled. “Y/N do not get drunk. Whatever she experienced underneath must be far more than a glass of alcohol, so you need not to worry.”

He then served the drink and Y/N took it instantly, chugging like there’s no tomorrow. She sure has a huge tolerance for alcohol that she still feels normal upon drinking that much. 

It has been three days since her confrontation with Neuvillette at the Palais Mermonia, technically a reunion that was supposed to end his life. She unfortunately did not expect the said man to have such ability to defend himself. Her plan to end his life did not go as she expected.

She is now in the sewers of the said beautiful nation after getting released about two weeks ago, where she is with people like her. People who either their dreams got broken by a variety of reasons, or they weren’t being heard by the good governance of the nation of justice. 

Ironic, isn’t it? Nation of justice but there are different worlds? However, she sees herself getting along with people around Fleuve Cendre rather than above. She thinks that those in the Palais Mermonia are hypocrites of the title ‘embodiment of justice’. 

And the person she despises the most is the man who never gave her the opportunity to speak, the man who sealed her lips shut as the lies got lifted, the man who decided her fate by his own accord. 

She angrily closed her eyes and exhaled loudly by her nose. “That man is pathetic.” She said, chuckling right after. She cannot describe how much of hatred is there inside her, the weight of her anger towards the chief justice. 

She is now 23, sitting on a bar stool wide with her legs wide open like she is some sort of delinquent everyone must be afraid of. She is now 23, wandering around like a lost piece of a shattered mirror getting driven away by the water of the sewer pipes like she is nothing. She could’ve been a successful attorney right now, and a known journalist if it weren’t because of that incident. Everything’s just wasted, everything’s gone, all because of an inconsiderate man.

And she can’t do anything about it.

A tear then left her right eye, making her wipe it instantly. Tetreaux noticed the heavy feeling, and smiled, “I know, it is not alright. But at the same time, you’ve found your way towards Spina di Rosula and we’re going to take care of you. Miss Navia is very in fond of you, you know?” The bartender said. 

“Well, while I really am grateful for where I am now, I can’t help but think of what could’ve been.” Y/N said, shaking her head. “That man’s name will forever be wrapped in hatred, venom as long as he lives.”

Tetreaux chuckled as he cleaned some glasses by the counter, “You used to be in love with that man, I heard. Is that true?”

Y/N snorted, rolling her eyes as she looked away. “You’ve heard about the funny story, then. I wouldn’t be if I knew what he’s like.” She says, “How I wish I could turn back time and not waste those days in some kind of man.”

Thinking about those memories of her chasing after him every trial is such an ironic thing. With all her flaming hatred towards him right now, she can’t help but shake her head in annoyance. What could she have possibly seen in him?

Well, she can still answer that. Neuvillette is undeniably beautiful and intimidating, he is an extremely powerful man who holds authority over things. His aura and his entire being describes what a man should be, and she was utterly disappointed with how things went. 

Neuvillette is a nice man, yes, she knows that because she is acquainted with him. Somehow, her smile faded upon thinking over those things again. It is not only her dream that got wasted, but also her genuine feelings for the said man. She is not only brokenhearted by her dreams getting shattered, but also because of a man.

And due to that, she is mourning two things. But whatever, she is going forward and doing her goal of seeking justice like she always wanted. However, it will be in a different way— the way her old self would probably never think about doing.

One of the men spoke, “B-But, isn’t Monsieur Neuvillette known as that one kind of man who’s very nice to everyone?”

Y/N snorted once again, shaking her head. “What an odd thing to say whilst living by the sewers, next to one of his biggest victims. Also, that man did not return my sword. Selfish.” She said and stood up, placing moras on the counter and began walking away. “Later.” 

She placed her hands in her long skirt’s pockets, with a tight pair of cargo pants underneath where she hides all her lethal possessions. Her boots clanked on the metal floorings of the said place as she walked, and she climbed on the ladders made out of scattered pipes to get upstairs.

The place of those that are privileged. 

Once she headed outside, she walked so casually and chill, still with hands in her pockets. “Du du ru, du ru.” She sang as she walked along the streets of wealth. “On my way to see the heartless Neuvillette-y yeah yeah yeah!~”

People who recognized her looked at her in shock, but chose not to say anything nor to greet her. Not that she minds, she buried it all whilst being buried underwater anyways. Nothing matters anymore ever since she was released, no one matters anymore.

She whistled and hummed as she walked with all confidence, stopping by the general store to buy herself an avocado. Quite a random thing to do while walking but that’s her favourite snack in this privileged place. She peeled it with her teeth and just ate it that way, no mess, just pure skill. 

She later rode an aquabus like a very confident being, and arrived at the famous land of Fontaine. The one where her life shifted dramatically, the land where the fountain sits at peace as innocent people get charged for no reason at all. 

While walking by the fountain, she flipped a coin to toss without stopping, “A head of Neuvillette.” She wished and proceeded to walk towards the famous place— The Opera Epicles, the stadium where her dramatic ending happened. 

“Good afternoon, Aeife.” She greeted the melusine by the door then held the handle to the door of the famous court, making the melusine gasp in shock. 

“Mademoiselle, it’s you! You’ve finally visited once again! I have been waiting for you for a long time!” The melusine happily said, almost tearing up when she looked up at Y/N. “Are you here to see Monsieur Neuvillette? He is currently handling a trial.”

Y/N smiled with a pause, kneeling down to the melusine’s level. “I am. It’s nice to see you again, Aeife.” She said and hugged the little melusine who began crying.

“Where have you been, big sissy Y/N?! I was looking for you!” She cried, hugging her back. “Monsieur Neuvillette said you would be away for a long time, I’ve lost count of the days already.”

Aeife is the melusine in charge of guarding the door of Opera Epicles, who became dearest to Y/N as she always visited due to her interest in court trials years ago. The melusine waits for her appearance, every single trial without knowing what happened to her after that last one. 

Y/N chuckled and tapped her back. “Ah, Monsieur Neuvillette, the gentle man.” She said and pulled away, standing up right after. “I am looking forward to seeing him again.”

“Go and enjoy the trial, mademoiselle! It began minutes ago.” Aeife said and waved her good bye. 

Y/n smiled before opening the door of the said place, confidently walking in casually like she is familiar to the place.

Because she is.

Upon seeing the place she loved after five years, she closed her eyes and began doing her usual dance after every trial, her eyes closed as she did her theatrical performance. “I, Y/N Tempete, known as the shattered woman of Fontaine will be representing all the voices lost,” She said as if she’s a theater actress, just like Furina. “And Neuvillette’s head is the true meaning of justice.”

She danced gracefully, arms elegantly swaying in the air as she walked up the grand staircases. A smile on her face is pasted, recalling every single time she performed such a dance by herself on the stage years ago. But this time, it is very different. 

Upon reaching the door of the top, she immediately opened it, walking towards the middle like she is the main star of the show. Her chin is lifted with confidence, and her arms swayed gracefully. 

There he stood in the distance, beautiful and elegant like she always remembered. Their eyes met in the instant, and suddenly, time became slower than anything. It felt like forever, when their eyes met. He then showed a shocked face, which he immediately brushed off as he listened to the speaking people. She immediately smirked due to that reason.

“Still the same, Neuvillette.” She whispered underneath her breath. 

By reaching the staircases covered in red carpet, she went down for about five steps before elegantly sitting down on one, looking at the said man like all her interests are on him.

Neuvillette on the other side is not surprised to see her here as it is the very first trial he is going to hold after she gets released, knowing her, she would definitely visit again like old times. But he was shocked to see her dramatic entrance. And he knows, he just knows…

The lady sitting gracefully on one of the steps of the staircase above, with a smile on her face and hands both on her lap, isn’t there for her usual interest. Her eyes are sending him sharp daggers, her smile is hinting something dangerous. Knowing that he is being targeted by the said woman, he knows what her intentions are.

But at the same time, he doesn’t feel threatened even a bit. For some reason, it felt like something relevant to him, to see her presence at the court again.

“I assume that the other party’s turn is supposedly beginning, we shall now proceed.” Neuvillette’s voice echoed inside the quiet court, making Y/N smirk once again.

“Still the same, Neuvillette.” She whispered underneath her voice once again, looking at the man she used to dream for, but now she hates. She doesn’t understand herself as well, but something inside her feels warm. Maybe it’s because she is experiencing the old times? Or maybe because the nostalgia is burning her like hell? Above all, her hatred is uprising. This is her passion, but she knows she can’t reach it anymore.

Opera Epicles, you are the home she used to have— or she never actually had. 

After several rebuttals and echoes of the Iudex’s voice, she knows what’s going to happen next. Once everyone’s walking towards the exit, she jumped off the highest grounds and landed on the red carpet. She stood up elegantly, and started walking towards the stadium, while others left the room.

Neuvillette, who’s still on his high throne, looked down at her while holding his wooden cane with golds engraved on it. “Ms. Delmare, it’s a pleasure to see you watch another trial after five years.” He genuinely greeted her first as she stood on the stadium, looking up at him with a smirk on her face.

“Enough with the formalities, Neuvillette. Why don’t you get down here on my level and state my name properly, eh? I said it’s not Delmare anymore. Did you forget about our last meeting?” She said, rolling her eyes. However, he did not move. He just stared down at her with his usual gaze. “Eh? What are you afraid of? You have my sword, don’t you? Ah, speaking of. I’d like to ask for it back.”

Neuvillette looked away and shook his head, “Why is my name engraved on it, on your weapon?” He asked. But deep inside, he knows that it is engraved there because she customized it for his assassination day. He knows that the blade was intended to harm him and only him.

“Pfft, don’t act like you don’t know!” Y/N said, laughing. “You are very clever, Neuvillette. And I assumed you’ve felt it already, ironic thing but alright.” She kept laughing. She then raised her right hand. “Now, would you please? I am not a huge fan of long nonsense talks, mostly with those sorts such as you.”

He did not say anything in return. Y/N assumes it is because he feels threatened from last time, her attempt to take his life away. So she immediately chuckled.

“Oh, come on! I have no weapon in me so you shouldn’t be afraid to be near me, and I am literally politely asking for my object that’s under your possession. Aren’t you sensing safety from my presence?” She said, hinting signs of annoyance and impatience. 

“I am not afraid of you, respectfully, Ms. Delmare.” He said and jumped off the highest grounds, creating a thud upon his impact on landing in front of her. Y/N covered her face because of that, then spotting the tall man in front of her. “Because I know Delmare would seek justice through court and vocabulary, not by a bleeding sword. I’ll see you next time, Ms. Delmare.”

With that, he walked past her, leaving her mental state in confusion. His words stung her like a salt on an open wound, she can’t decipher what he meant by that but she felt— anger. She turned to look at him angrily. “It’s Tempete, Neuvillette.”

He stopped walking, and slightly turned to her, without looking at her. “Delmare or Tempete, you are the person I used to perceive as. But correcting me every time, does that change a thing?”

“It certainly does because your impulsive mistake crashed my name in the academy, making me ineligible to proceed in my dreams of being an attorney. So thank you, if that’s what you want to hear.” She angrily said, balling her fists on her side. “You ruined my life, Neuvillette.”

He sighed upon hearing that, she is clearly showing her grave anger regarding her passion. “And just like I said, you are indeed… still Delmare.” He said. 

“Delmare is gone!” She exclaimed, leaving both of them in an awkward silence. She then sighed and looked down with her eyes closed, raising her right arm towards him to ask for her stuff. “I no longer want to speak of it, just give me back my sword, Neuvillette.” She angrily demanded, but he ignored it. 

Just like what he did that day in the same place.

“If you want your sword back to your possession, you must create a contract of agreement with Miss Furina within the month.” He briefly said and began walking once again. 

“Huh?! What is that for?!” She angrily asked, watching the walking man’s back with his hair moving along his movement. “Contract of agreement of what?”

“Details about the information will be settled in Palais Mermonia, respectfully, Ms. Delmare.” He said before exiting the doors of the place, leaving her all confused and angry in the stadium.

She then angrily held her skirt, and stomped her feet loudly. “Urgh! Just– give– it– back! This stupid— foul country’s laws are beyond excruciating!” She angrily screamed on the top of her lungs, making her voice echo along her stomping feet on the stadium. 

Neuvillette behind the doors heard her voice, making him close his eyes and sigh as he shook his head. She really cursed the name of their country, something she wouldn’t do if she is— Delmare. He then decided to turn around and walk back inside.

Opening the door of the Opera, he saw the angry woman still stomping her feet on the wooden stadium like a mad woman. This isn’t the Delmare he used to know, and she is clearly unable to control herself unlike before. However, what he felt was genuine concern. He stood in a distance unnoticed, watching the woman who’s clearly showing signs of mental distress.

Just what… he could’ve done aside from that?

“I’d kill you, Neuvillette.” She angrily said before jumping off the stadium— but gasped when she saw the man still on the top of the stairs. She immediately made an angry face, and pointed at him. “You! What are you still doing here, Neuvillette?! You already left!”

“I do believe that I have the authority over this place, so I do come and go as I please.” He responded, making her even angrier. How can he answer her in that manner?! It’s as if he really is trying to provoke her. “At this time of trial’s phase, isn’t it supposed to be your performance on the stage?”

Her performance on the stage.

She then ran up the stadium, being the only one left inside the court surely gives her all. Imitating their Archon’s personality, she danced so gracefully with the music only inside her head. 

“I, Y/N Delmare, Attorney from the Court of Fontaine is hereby to represent my dear client.” She announced to no one, acting like she is in a theater play. “And by the use of this trial, I will deliver the meaning of justice alongside my name!”

Y/N held her head instantly, feeling something painful inside as her voice echoed inside. Her left ear also rang, making it even more painful to her. “H-How did you know that?” She asked in disbelief, how would he know about that? She is certain that she is the only one inside the Opera whenever she dances after every single trial she watches. 

“I, Y/N Delmare, Attorney from the Court of Fontaine,” Neuvillette recited, and it seems like he memorized the speech of hers. “Is hereby to represent my dear client.”

Y/N covered her ears in anger, closing her eyes. “Stop— stop it, Neuvillette!” She exclaimed, visibly showing signs of mental distress. His words stung her so much, it’s like poison flowing through her veins. But that did not stop him.

“And by the use of this trial, I will deliver the meaning of justice alongside my name–” He was interrupted by her sudden scream,

“I said stop!” She shouted as loud as she could, grabbing the knife by her leg and dashing towards him instantly. Neuvillette stood there calmly, watching the mentally unstable woman hurry towards him with visible violence.

However, her violence was immediately stopped—

When her entire figure was met by a huge embrace. 

Neuvillette held her, hugged her– her head on his chest like it is a memory to claim. Y/N’s entire figure immediately softened upon feeling his warmth. Her knees gave up, making her figure drop but Neuvillette held her steady. She lost her control over her hands, making her drop the knife immediately.

The metal hitting the carpeted grounds did nothing to her mental state, she can’t even focus on anything right now, not even with what’s happening so she doesn’t know what to do nor to say at the moment.

Her eyes are wide in shock, while her entire body feels numb. A tear then left her eye upon having the situation sink inside her. Neuvillette, the man she used to love, the man she now hates with all her soul— is hugging her.

“I am sorry for what happened, Ms. Delmare. But at this current time, allow me to let you adapt in a new— replenished way.” His voice echoed in her head as tears poured down her cheeks like it’s raining. “I’ll give you back your home at the Court of Fontaine, and I will try to make a way for you to be able to study again. And with that, you’d be able to work with me like you’ve always wanted.”

His voice is so stern, but soft and comforting at the same time. He is holding her tight, making her feel even more secure. She is so angry, terribly angry but she can’t seem to move. Why is he doing this right after ruining her life?! Why is he acting like he is a saint who wants to help her, when he literally was the one who shattered her joyous soul?

She sobbed, still with wide eyes, but her arms finally made their ways to wrap him in a hug in return. What is she doing? Doesn’t she hate him? 

Or maybe, because somewhere in her shattered soul is the old Y/N Delmare who has so much love for the man within her arms. Y/N Delmare who would risk all her face just to walk towards him every after trial, Y/N Delmare who would be willing to do her best in everything in order for her to reach the same workplace as he. Maybe she is the one who’s hugging him back, not Y/N Tempete. 

“Monsieur Neuvillette…” She whispered with her shaking voice. 

“Hm?” He responded.

“I hate you…” She said, still whispering with her shaking voice. “I hate you so much that I want you dead and stiff, getting flowed by the oceans of Fontaine. I hate you so much that my body is so numb with anger.”

However, Neuvillette chuckled upon hearing that. “I understand.”

No, he doesn’t— he definitely doesn't understand.

[previous] [next]

[main]

This is a fanfiction based on Genshin Impact’s Neuvillette, all made with my imagination. Please do not copy, translate, or repost to another platform without my permission!! —⋆｡°✩ Thank you so much!!

Author's Note: Sorry for ghosting you for days, friends! I, out of nowhere, felt the urge to reread one of my favourite mangas lol. I hope you're having a great day!

Taglist: @erzys @fleurdebels

[jadeyarts]

Ngl, I think Chloe was done dirty in the show

She should've had her own fairy godparent then share with Timmy. Plus she was introduced when the show was dying and was used as an attempt to revive it.

I want a Chloe redemption, give her what she deserves.

agree! like, her introduction was awful and actually truly failed to introduce her character sincerely or accurately it was so baffling. i watched season 10 twice, first in reverse order then in proper order and it was actually absolutely wild how absolutely nothing in her introduction episode was really that indicative of her character??? it doesn't truly capture any of chloe's quirks and complexities, or even really why she would need godparents, and barely anything in the episode actually carries into any episode beyond that besides, like, the turners being rich for the rest of the season? which is not a decision i liked, and it really only served as a half-hearted reason for the carmichaels to hate the turners inexplicably, but they really didn't need to be rich for that. the turners being rich could have been interesting if they actually brought back remy, though, since the turners literally bought the country club that remy's parents owned. whatever.

i mean, i think i understand what they were trying to do - setting timmy up as being jealous and frustrated with her and then forcing him to have to try being cordial, to force them to have to work in tandem, makes sense as a narrative and stakes. and revealing that she isn't actually as perfect as he initially believes her to be also narratively makes sense! but sadly the execution of these ideas is very disjointed and shallow. not to mention the way they tried to explicitly spell out its themes was extremely forced. it's kind of a retread of both imaginary gary (the episode) and the boy who would be queen in those aspects, but lacking cohesion. it feels like maybe a first draft that wasn't revised nearly enough, or something. maybe it was! maybe they hadn't truly figured out what they really wanted to do and by the time they did it was too late. i dunno, but whatever it was, the end result is the same: a lot of people barely make an effort to understand chloe as a character and instead parrot whatever reviewers said about her intro a decade ago. and i get it, i'm not innocent of that either, i did the same thing years ago. but then i decided i wanted to come to my own conclusions. and i ended up loving chloe's character, she would have been a great addition to the series if she just came in at a better time. she was a great foil for timmy! and their chemistry as friends was actually great!

and... to that second point... i guess i think you're objectively right, a lot of viewers would likely have an easier time accepting chloe if she had been introduced with her OWN fairies, separate from cosmo and wanda, while just coincidentally becoming friends with timmy... or even being the protagonist of a sequel would have been less controversial... but i also kind of disagree. the fact they were forced to share cosmo and wanda was actually one of the more interesting aspects of the season to me, even if the actual reasoning behind it was dog water. but i really liked the dynamic that formed as a result. this sort of allegorical stepsibling, blended family dynamic. i like the way that cosmo and wanda specifically both represented different attributes and values they needed in their lives! i like what this specific set-up added, even if i find the execution of most of its episode ideas to be um. well. season 10. i honestly think a better way to introduce chloe and incorporate these dynamics i found so interesting would have probably been to make them actual, literal stepsiblings and not just allegorical fairy god-stepsiblings. not sure who would have been into that besides me, though.

sighs loudly. maybe someday ill rewrite season 10 or something. i have a lot of story ideas for chloe.

[alessiathepirate]

Now You See Me 2

MIDNIGHT ON THE THAMES: Dylan Rhodes/Shrike x fem!reader

Summary: The reveal happens at the stroke of midnight, in the middle of the Thames, on New Year's Eve - and she couldn't be happier. Or maybe she could, because Lula and Jack won't be the only ones kissing that night.

Notes: English isn't my first language. I apologize for any mistake I made while I wrote this short story.

This man is so underrated, it's a crime. He deserves some love - please love him.

Warnings: a bit of swearing, but nothing more

•••

No matter how many successful reveals they pull off, she still feels the same amount of excitement, happiness and slight nervousness at the end of every trick and show.

Yet, the strongest feeling out of all of them was the happiness. The happiness because everything turned out just fine in the end, because this tiring performance is close to being over and mostly because her friends are also smiling with honest, wide grins and letting out excited chuckles.

This one though, this one wasn't easy to pull off. It was possibly the hardest show they had to put together with the trouble and issues they had to overcome. It was tiring, stressful, but also kind of fun and thrilling.

After this they'll sleep through a day if not two, she smiled at the thought as she let go of Lula, who was the last to end the group hug.

As Walter, Tressler and Chase slowly, reluctantly left the plane, stepping into the light, not understanding what is happening around them; the last act was about to start -- and this, this will be her favourite.

Those three absolutely ruined her whole week, made her almost choke on tears and worry and made her hate their whole existence and the fact that if they wanted to fool them, they had to let them believe they won was hard to swallow. Now they will get those smirks off of their faces and make them realize how easy it was to fool them. They were greedy and arogant and now they are losers -- nothing more.

God, how much they had to go through to reveal their real faces to the world.

"No, no, you should feel pretty good about yourself man. You predicted it correctly." Atlas started to tease the three of them for her pleasure, as they looked around with nothing but pure shock on their faces. "The Thames, stroke of midnight. New Year's Eve. Happy New Year!"

The people, the hundreds of curious fans who decided to come and see the final act shouted in happiness and excitement. Before these people tonight, there'll be nothing they'll be able to hide. That thought alone made her smile wider.

"We would like to acknowledge not just our old friend, Arthur Tressler, but his young and brilliant son, Walter Mabry!" Daniel continued. "Who has performed one of the greatest feats of illusion even we have ever seen. He has, amazingly, brought himself back from the death!"

The audience roared again, but this time the happy laughter wasn't the thing what made her heartbeat unevenly fast. It was the presence of the person who could both calm her down and make her uneasy with butterflies. Dylan's hand landed on her arm, squeezing it gently, lovingly, making her mind into a mush and her tounge forgot how to function to speak - and it's soon her turn to say something. She didn't know what that meant, but it was a sign of something - something soft like a silent 'thank you' or 'congratulations'. Even if it was slightly confusing, it felt nice. Too nice.

"But before he did that, he revealed someone. And we think it only right to give him a proper introduction. He is our friend and he is our leader, Dylan Shrike!"

His hand slowly left her as he turned towards their audience and began to speak.

"So normally only the magician, his assistant, and a few trusted stage hands know the secret of a trick..."

His voice faded away as she looked at him, quietly admiring him from afar, letting him enjoy his place in the spotlight. Her mind was full of memories. Memories of him, memories of today. The day she thought she'll actually choke on stress and worry.

God, how thankful she is that he's okay. That he's alive and up here with them, not down there in the water.

They were close, so close she felt comfortable in his presence. He was a person she could trust with anything, a person who didn't tease her like Merritt or Danny did sometimes. They were play fights, she knew that, but still there was something special between her and Dylan, a different kind of honesty.

And knowing that he could die from the digusting 'magic trick' those three tried to pull off with him made her cry. Like actually cry, many tears with a dry and quiet voice.

After he climbed out of that damned safe, she followed him around like puppy, sitting next to him on the stairs as they discussed what to do next. She sat next to him, not daring to hug him, but craving it -- yet instead she just let their knees touch slightly. It was enough to give her some energy and acknowledge that now they are going to war.

A slight nudge made her let go of those memories, getting back to reality, to a moment she should enjoy. Jack was the one talking now, explaining the secret behind 'Find the Lady' and this time Merritt was the one standing next to her.

"Don't daydream yet, lover girl. We still got a show to run." he patted her back and then walked away with a knowing a smirk.

Damn mentalist, she thought just as Lula began to explain the secret behind the airplane. He knows everything he can use to tease people with.

"Basically, we showed them everything." she finally spoke up herself, still laughing a little as she watched how Merritt teased his brother, finally getting the upper hand. "The switch, the plane, the manipulation... Yet they were still too blind to see." she turned towards Walter, a smirk forming on her face. "And you kidnapped us to steal the very thing that is in your pocket."

Walter was about to reach into his coat's pocket, to see if their homemade special card is really there; but Atlas was quicker.

"Whoops!" he said as the card appeared in his hand, seemingly out of nowhere. "You know, this thing here, which you said you could use to adjust markets, manipulate goverments, and spy on whomever you choose."

"Also, you could, as you said, control the public from outside the grid." she continued as the public groaned in frustration, realizing what their words really meant.

That reaction filled her heart up with pride.

"These men destroy people's lives. Spying on the world, robbing you of your right to privacy." It was weird, how well she recognized Dylan's voice and how well her heart did as well - as it was beating faster. Their eyes met and even if he was speaking the harsh truth, his gaze was still soft. It was always soft with her. "And they do that by hiding in the dark. So in true Horsemen tradition, we are here to expose them."

"Tonight, they, like all of us, are finally stepping into the light." she was grinning as the people reacted, shouting, screaming happily, because the truth was finally out. "Thank you everybody!"

"We are the Horsemen and we will be back very soon!"

And the moment came - when the show ends, the tiredness appears. Her chest was heavy with pride and happiness, justice found those three men who ruined their lives for days without stopping. Now they got what they deserve.

And then the coundown began. The audience shouted, like if the wait until New Year was part of the show... They shouted as the sirens were turned on, meaning the FBI was on its way. It was time to leave -- and then finally rest.

And then she felt it, the push - the literal, physical push she knew she needed, which got her closer to Dylan, almost bumping into him. She didn't know who it was, although she could bet her right arm on one of her friends -- but it didn't really matter. Thoughts didn't really matter. She was there, close to him, their eyes met.

It was their moment.

"So fun's over, huh?" she tried to joke, but her throat was dry and she could feel that her cheeks were pink for sure.

And then it happened - the need in her was satisfied, they touched the other. That kind of closeness was new and intoxicating, but not at all uncomfortable. It was something what both of them longed for since forever - and now here they were.

Their lips touched. It was a quick and short kiss, but it was a very meaningful one. She felt it. She felt it in how warm his lips were, how he touched her cheeks and how he was slightly shaking just like her, because what they wanted finally happened. It was soft, but it was full of passion. All the unsaid feelings were pushed into that one, simple kiss.

"I love you." his words were simple, they were nothing special, but they still made her insides warm.

"Hey, we are on the clock here!"

Damn the clock!

They had to run, sure. But even that couldn't wash the lovesick smile off her face. It couldn't, because Dylan Shrike loved her. He said it himself and she knew it was true.

Dylan grabbed her arm, he held onto her firmly as they started to run - just in time, because the boats arrived and agents started to get out of them, running towards them.

"I love you too." she said as they hurried away. "I think I've loved you since you interrogated me."

"Ever since then, huh?" he chuckled.

"What can I say? I think it was the suit. You look really good in suits."

They both laughed even if they were a little bit out of breath.

Dylan suddenly stopped and so did she. She took a deep breath as she looked at the water of the Thames, which was only a few meters away. People shouted behind them, possibly the agents who were sent here, only to fail their mission once again. They never really learn.

He turned towards her and touched her cheeks once again, his thumbs drawing shapes gently into her skin.

"I need you to go, okay? I'll be right behind you, but there's one more thing I have to do."

"Promise?"

"I promise."

She leaned forward and pressed a kiss to his cheek and then she looked up at him with a shy smile.

"I'll see you soon."

And just like that she was gone. Gone, disappeared into the night like the magician she is, making a fool out of the FBI once again.

Dylan stayed there, waiting for an agent to turn up so he can finish what he started and give them the proof they need against Tressler and his son. He stayed there as the shouts came closer. He stayed there and looked after his lover, knowing that he'll adore the moments he'll spend with her once they finally get to a safe place where they can finally rest.

[cas-kingdom]

White Flower

A/N: Definitely a long time coming. I've been so slow in my writing since starting university but I'm glad to finally have this one done. Hopefully you all enjoy the introduction of my OC!

Set in the aftermath of Glass Onion.

Title: White Flower

Summary: Fleur Blanc, art student and only daughter of the world's greatest detective, wants to steal the Mona Lisa.

Words: 2336

Despite the alarm and the impassive yelling of “this is a smokeless garden”, Benoit Blanc believed he quite deserved this cigarette, thank you very much. Trying was one word to describe the weekend he’d had. All-round tits up was another.

Besides. The island was pretty much a raging pit of alarms, fire, and general chaos by now. One more addition didn’t make much of a difference, and there certainly was no stopping the activation of the hydrogen fuel now.

“Oh, do shut up,” he said anyway, because it felt good, and because the first yell had made him jump and squish his cigarette between two fingers.

He reached for another and let his sunglasses fall over his eyes, squinting into the distance.

The horrifically neon pink of Birdie Jay’s sunhat stuck out like a sore thumb in the midst of the remaining participants of the weekend’s fiasco. They were all fanned out across the beach, as far apart from each other as possible, waiting impatiently for the policeboats to arrive. Ironic, really, considering how they’d arrived, each one a suck up to the next.

Benoit lit his new cigarette and shook his head with a scoff. “Megalomaniac, Janus-faced…” He muttered the words under his breath and took a puff. The alarm and impassive yelling restarted, and the second cigarette promptly joined the one on the ground.

“For the love of...”

He was owed a proper vacation after this, at the very least.

The yelling stopped abruptly with a crackle and a robotic groan. When Benoit turned, he was met with the sight of a young woman, her feet precariously placed between the gaps of the odd white sculpture that the yelling emanated from.

No longer.

After a violent snap, she held a handful of the offending wires, a look of irritation settling on her face. A flick of long hair and a moment later she tossed the wires onto dry land and followed them down into the shallow water with a quiet splash. Benoit rose a brow and fit his third cigarette neatly between smirking lips.

“Why, thank you, my darlin’.”

Fleur Blanc, twenty-year old art student and daughter of the world’s greatest detective, offered a mock bow as she stepped out of the water. She stretched out a leg and shook her foot dry as her father turned his gaze back towards the beach.

It hadn’t been his idea to bring Fleur along on this particular adventure, and he had in fact protested against it when she and that good-for-nothing roommate of his had suggested it, remembering quite well the last time his detective business had taken him on a wild ride. Alas, lockdown had turned Fleur into a firecracker and Philip had eventually boiled Benoit’s options down to “you take her with you, or I take myself out with the shotgun in the safe.” All fun and games, of course. Of course.

He couldn’t say her presence had been unappreciated. Apart from the obvious ease in her company, and the slightest spark of feeling like they were on a proper vacation, she had helped with the investigation, too. His little detective in the making, he’d always teased, though for as much as he was sure she loved the thrill of investigation, he was certain her career path would lead her straight to the arts.

That certainty was consolidated at the unusual silence coming from Fleur. When he turned, she was standing with her back to him, her eyes fixed on what remained of the Glass Onion. The structure that had once been so…not on fire generated quite the backdrop for his obviously preoccupied daughter. Her head tilted, arms crossed, feet bare and loose hair billowing behind her in the summer breeze, one would assume she was the picture of innocence.

Benoit knew better.

The moment she glanced over her shoulder, a twinkle in her eyes and the—in this case—horrifying beginning of “Dad?” on the tip of her tongue, Benoit pulled his cigarette from his mouth and pointed it at her. His own head dipped dangerously low, and his brows raised in what Fleur knew to be warning.

“No,” he said. Firm and simple. He would not deny she often found herself wrapped around his little finger, but this was one thing he’d be ridiculous to abide by.

“But—”

“My goodness, Fleur, no!”

Fleur narrowed her eyes and whipped her head back around. Benoit saw her fingers tapping rhythmically against her forearm. He remained still, waiting, ready. Because when a thought entered Fleur’s mind, she was hard-pressed to get rid of it.

With a defining nod and not a single glance back, Fleur slipped her flip-flops on and started walking with absolute intent. Benoit rushed after her. He grasped her shoulder and stopped her before she could take another step.

Fleur was ready for him. “I’m doing it,” she stated, “I’ve decided. I have to.”

“You are insane if you truly think—it’s—you are just preposterous, child!”

“But, Dad, it can’t be a crime, right? Most of it’s already destroyed!”

Benoit spluttered. He dropped the cigarette and, with a sudden distaste for the thing, squashed it under the toe of his shoe.

“Jesus, God, Satan, give me strength,” he muttered under his breath, not for the first time concerning his daughter and certainly not for the last. He grasped her by the shoulders, ensuring she couldn’t avoid his gaze, then, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, “Fleur, sweetheart, you want to steal the Mona fudgin’ Lisa.”

“Rehome,” Fleur was quick to correct. “And it’ll have a better life with me! You really think Miles appreciated it as much as I will?” That was a given. “And—and only a small part, Dad, that’s all I want.” She suddenly hardened her stare, that familiar seriousness suddenly reappearing. “That’s all I need.”

The detective’s speechlessness after that closing statement could have been due to a number of things. One, because the pure gall of this girl never ceased to amaze him. Two, because something seemed to blow up behind them, a puff of smoke emanating from the top of what used to be the Onion. Three, the most likely contender, because the moment said explosion had him distracted, Fleur ducked under his hold and made her way intently towards it.

Like father, like daughter, was all he could think. And he wasn’t referencing himself.

Surprising, considering he followed after her with absolutely zero hesitation.

The Glass Onion’s majesty was long gone. The maddest of people would advise anyone and everyone to stay about a hundred feet from its flaming mess, armed with a hard-shell helmet and a fire extinguisher, just in case anything went even more wrong. Which, looking at it, was likely.

Still, as was typically—stupidly—the case, Benoit Blanc stood in the middle of it all.

One hand wrapped around his daughter’s, the other gripping the doorframe for easy escape, his wide eyes darted around the Onion. If he was any less focused on the state of his surroundings, he would have been more concerned at his daughter’s lack of concern. True, the fire had somewhat died down, and the structure itself looked less ready to cave in than it had done before, but safe was still not a word he would use to describe it.

Helen’s stunt had certainly done a number on poor Mona, but the world of aesthetes could decidedly remain relieved with the knowledge that some parts of her were untouched. Surrounded by what had once been her glass refuge, she sat still in the place she had done since Miles had obtained her. One eye was black, the other pristine. A side of her hair reflected the fire, the other had been destroyed by it. Needless to say, the majority of her was gone, and if Fleur had the time, Benoit had no doubt she’d be down on her hands and knees, collecting the ashes in a little pot and shamelessly risking her life in the process. Alas, he would sooner drag her out, kicking and screaming, than have her be here a moment longer than she apparently needed to be.

Benoit watched his daughter’s eyes as they scanned the room before landing on Mona. In less than a second, that tell-tale glint went from inquisition to pure delight. It seemed no amount of staring from outside of the case could prepare her for now. True, the painting was charred more than not, and his watchful eye did catch a spark of disappointment, but it only seemed to spur her determination in getting it safely within her grasp.

Parental instincts ablaze since the moment he’d stepped foot on the island, Benoit immediately tightened his grip on her hand and yanked her back when she made to move forward. “Hold your horses,” he said, waiting for her eyes to meet his before wildly gesturing around them. “There’s glass everywhere, Fleur, and you’re wearing flip-flops. Why would you bring flip-flops to this island and nothing else?”

“We’re on vacation!”

“You knew darn well this wasn’t a vacation!”

Fleur spluttered for a moment before pointing accusingly at his own choice of footwear. “Like you and your boat shoes can do any better.”

Benoit gasped. Audibly. “These have hard, glass-proof soles, I’ll thank you to notice.”

He wasn’t quite sure what it was that spurred him to his next decision. Perhaps it was the urgency of the situation. Or the very distant, but ever-closer, sound of sirens. Or, maybe, it was the pure eagerness of his daughter; eagerness of which had always softened his heart, no matter the circumstances.

Whichever it was, he tried not to think about the guilt that would remain on his conscience for the rest of his life as he turned and bent over slightly, motioning with his hands.

“Get on my back,” he said hurriedly. When Fleur stalled, shock settling quickly on her face, he motioned again. “Come, child, we haven’t got long.”

And, with that, Fleur hopped on her father’s back with as much excitement as a child. Benoit gripped her legs, and she wrapped her arms around his neck, leaning her chin on his shoulder, the biggest of grins adorning her lips.

“Look at you, Dad,” she said as he began walking, stepping carefully over large shards of glass.

“We are not to tell your father,” was his only response to her obvious insinuation that he was becoming rebellious in his old age.

“Might be a little difficult when we come home with the Mona Lisa. Ooh! Why don’t we take the Porsche home too? Just the steering wheel?”

Benoit uttered a silent apology to da Vinci.

“Do you see these grey hairs?” he said. “You are the cause.”

Needless to say, through no innate conformism, Fleur’s inner connoisseur had won over her desire to keep a piece of the Mona Lisa in her cardholder. The moment the police had finished detailing the basics of the weekend’s mess with her father and struck up the sensitive question of the possibility of either of them having seen the Mona Lisa’s remainders at all during the night—Benoit believed it was their imploring “the Louvre are simply desperate to get it back” that had swayed her—Fleur had produced the scraps she’d been able to save from her pocket. Handing them over with only the tiniest hint of reluctance, she’d smiled at the gratefulness from the police and watched them go with the bit of longing she could allow herself.

Chuckling softly, Benoit wrapped an arm around her and drew her into his side, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “Well, darlin’,” he said, “I’m very proud of you, if it counts for something.”

Fleur breathed a deep sigh and pressed her lips in a thin smile. “It does. At least I cay say I’ve touched her, right, Dad?”

“Oh, absolutely. That’s more than most people can say, after all.”

The police were wrapping up now, gently guiding the exhausted party members onto a boat—one in particular in aptly placed handcuffs. The island itself would take mountains of work to be habitable again, he’d heard a firefighter voice in passing, and for a moment he wondered if Derol had made it onto the boat. After brief consideration, he decided Derol was probably better off here than America.

Benoit pushed his sunglasses down and steered himself and his daughter in the direction of the shore. He didn’t quite enjoy the idea of sharing a boat ride with previously-dubbed megalomaniac, Janus-faced…people, but alas, after today he would no longer experience the displeasure of seeing them again. Though, he would be glad for Helen to attend a few of his dinner parties when the pandemic allowed.

Fleur reached up to grasp her father’s hand at her shoulder as they walked slowly, stepping carefully around anything glinting in the sand. Then, quietly, “Where’re you gonna put your steering wheel?”

Ah. Benoit instinctively glanced down at the duffel bag in his free hand. True, it was heavier than it had been when he’d first arrived on the island, but he had told his daughter that he’d be much appreciated if she didn’t remind him of his rebelliousness at every given moment. Which she had.

“I’m going to lock it away in a safe, so it’s never found, and I’m never arrested for thieving,” he said, finality embedded in his tone. If anyone ever asked: no, he had not stolen the steering wheel of the Porsche 918 Spyder’s wreckage. No, he did not have it in his duffel bag, blanketed by his clothes and second pair of boat shoes. And, no, once it entered the safe he would never look at it again. Except on birthdays. And maybe Christmasses.

He couldn’t say he regretted it.

But he did regret not regretting it.

“And may I just reiterate,” he said, leaning closer towards her, “your father does not need to know a thing.”

Knives Out Masterpost

[shinglescat]

With all its faults, i enjoyed the story of Stalker 2. It feels like home.

After 2nd pt, I grew to love Faust, easily one of the most memorable and iconic characters of the franchise. I still wish monolith and ex-monolith had more screentime besides being the go-to adversaries for exploration shootouts. The few quests they had are not enough, especially given the tragedy of Strider and his entire group. I'm still not over his death, he of all people in the franchise deserves better. The way he tried to shoot himself right after the Signal went off broke my heart. And the death scene, where he's free of monolith influence again, realizing he nearly killed Skif........................

Surprised by Korshunov, like super surprised. First time i did Varta-Varta-Strider-Strelok-Doctor (i also did permutations of the last two to see the three other endings), and this time I did Spark-Spark-Varta-Strelok-Doctor. I expected him to be a typical soldier bossman, someone who would betray me and who would try to off me, but nothing like that, and he actually respects Skif and does not consider him to be a meat on legs. He's very convincing, menacing but not evil, likable also. The "i can't even bury them" speech hit right in the heart - he's got his men at the top of his priorities, and it's a breath of fresh air to see a military man in a media to not think of his subordinates as of disposable.

Dalin Jr. is the same revelation. I thought he'd be a scumbag, a scientist without morals, another trickster, but nope, man with a heart of gold following after his not so good father. Feeling a bit guilty for not trusting him the entire time the first playthrough. I laughed my ass off during that one section at the institude where Korshunov casually watched Skif assault Dalin, as if it's a regular occurence at the place.

Scar is one big holy shit. I both love him and hate him. He's definitely not something i thought him to be from Clear Sky, but he's entertaining nonetheless. He is actually the ruthless and crazy motherfucker i believed Korshunov to be, with absolute fuck all about human lives. Proper terrorist. And his S2 story tying with CS - i can't help but pity him, groomed to be used as a modem by people with power.

Separate mention to Spark's Star. The guy had at most 10 minutes of screentime total, but he's got some real good chemistry with Skif.

Richter is a whole nother beast. He's like an autistic golder retriever puppy. Jesus, man, just kiss Skif already, you aren't gonna see him ever again anyway.

I swear, if the game was less depressing, Skif, Richer and Star could be boyfriends.

Strelok is everything i thought he'd be and would become. Definitely didn't disappoint, tho at one point i questioned where tf he got so much money hiring all those mercs lmao. He definitely had his brain scorched with an idea, but he's somehow still rational about everything else. Clever, stubborn in his ways, rigid, unable to see thru some subtler parts.

Really glad to meet Doctor proper after so many years. He's everything I expected him to be and more. What I didn't expect is him throwing heavy as fuck lines constantly, making me question every single step.

Degtyarov... had crininally little time after introduction. Certified badass tho.

Oh my god Agatha the bitch. This is the ruthless person I believed Dalin to be. The Varta ending is easily THE BAD one because of who she is, who she is serving and what their plans are, though not even remotely as depressing as Scar's. The old hag had my homie Korshunov follow her without any doubt. Ugh I wish there was a way to knock some sense into him....

For the Varta ending, Strelok literally says they're going to use the Thread project for something during that one infiltration mission with the TVs, but he doesn't know exactly what for. I followed Korshunov's reasoning and logic that the Zone is to be destroyed, but somehow, i disregarded Agatha completely. And then the ending hit me. Ye, the Zone is gone, but something far more sinister is in its place, with project X finished after so many years and its goals fulfilled. And those TVs at the end, being creepy. Nah, never picking that one again.

The Scar ending is easily the most depressing one. First Korshunov kills Richter, but then turns out that O-Soznanie is legit and exists in the subtle matter, and Dalin is ecstatic to finally be able to talk to his father. And then the O-Soz representative sends you to the generators, and it's surprisingly peaceful and not dangerous at all, rainbows everywhere, and you chill near the blue campfires under emissions with your now suddenly alive-but-not-really Richter and other dead homies from the subtle matter (Strider is suspiciously absent), and Richter shows you the way like a fucking disney princess. And you think, hey, it's not as bad as I thought it would be. WRONG. You get to the X-lab, and Scar is having a life crisis cuz his entire life in the Zone was a lie, his memories have been imprinted from another stalker, and he himself was programmed for this exact job, but then he comes thru and decides to go into the fish tank anyway. And then it's butterflies, poppies, unicorn farts everywhere, all dead people are alive, and Skif be having a grand time of his life chatting with homies.... UNTIL THE FUCKEN CAMERA SHIFTS, and turns out it's all in his head. Yeah no, never again.

The Strelok ending is probably a good one. Or at least neutral. He gives his reasoning, he tells everyone to fuck off, he prohibits exit and enter into the Zone, and he's now the entity guarding her like a loyal dog. The Zone supposedly (because let's face it, this balding mofo's in charge now) has no masters anymore, no one can abuse her ever again, but she's not free either. Tho it's kinda a weird one with him. He wanted the Zone gone, but now he put her under his own protectorate? I mean, it's been 10 years, a man can change, but... would be interesting to hear a more elaborate explaination than "she gave me a new life" or smth.

And then the Doctor ending. Some say it's a bad one, but I really do love it the most. I knew i wouldn't be able to kill him as Strelok wanted, and he gives very compelling arguments against Strelok's crusade... and you spare Doc, run to hide into the basement of his house from the emission... only to find more notes down there, talking about the O-Soz agents and him using them and scaners and alpha-artifacts for something... makes you question if he wasn't the mastermind behind all this. Maybe even his couriers were behind the explosion at Skif's khrushovka. Maybe it was a setup to bring an outsider to make his plan come true. And then, at the end, as the Zone finally frees herself of her shackles, expanding worldwide (i doubt it's an actual expansion, more like local anomalies appearing worldwide), Doc morphs into Faust and makes you question the entire Doctor's story. Was it Faust the whole time? Was he not killed by Skif? Is he a manifestation, an illusion? Was it Faust himself that is the mastermind behind all this? And then remember that reactivated monolith-Strider tried to kill doctor. Was it a coincidence? Was it a command to kill Doctor Kaymanov by O-Soz, was it a command by O-Soz to kill Faust while pretending to be Doctor because he's sorta gone rogue/against his original program, or was it a command by Faust himself to get Skif to trust the illusion?

And the awesome part is that all of the endings-related parties are right about their respective things.

This is the game narrative-wise I wanted Veilguard to be tbh. But here I am, left alone to geek out about stalker 2 instead. Oh and in this game they drop some serious lines, most notably Doctor, as I mentioned above. His "But how does one know the value of freedom if one has never been free?" hit me like a truck. Strider's monologue after his death about monolithians being puppets brings tears to the eyes.

Ugh, this makes me think what kinda ending woulda been if Strider was alive and still himself, if he went into the aquarium instead of everyone else.

Oh by the way, the Faust theme, 0:40 - 0:50, I swear I can hear "let me out". Not creepy at all, but checks out.

TL:DR i want more monolithian stuff, i want justice for my bestie Strider AND I want a romance-dating DLC because Richter and Star are definitely boyfriend materials for Skif lmao.

[cptn-m]

One Piece chapter 1132 review

What a weird month and a bit it's been. The double two-week breaks with a single chapter in the middle was weirdly discombobulating, making it feel like it's been longer than it really has since the last chapter. I feel bad for Oda, falling ill right after the research break, when he seemed like he was coming back with a second wind. But we're back now, and it's worth the wait for the proper introduction to Elbaph following the arc's fakeout prologue.

The main thrust of this chapter is the two groups of Strawhats resolving their previous plot threads and converging in one place to get the real story started, but that doesn't mean Oda doesn't find time to set up a few mysteries and build up the figures who will influence the story to come. The opening scene introduces Collun (can't believe the scanlations actually went with Colon for the name; Collun is better, but I would probably have used the classic Japanese L/R switcharoo to make him Coron or something similar) reinforces Shanks's presence and the weight he carries in this land. I'm glad to see Shanks was hyping up Luffy to Collun - easing some of the cynical theories about whether Shanks really cares about these kids he's inspiring around the world or if he's using them in some undefined way - and I'm looking forward to seeing what kind of interactions the two will have.

There's wonderful art and a fantastic sense of worldbuilding whimsy in some of the big moments this week, starting with the ride up the rainbow bridge. The sudden vertical turn makes me think back to the journey to Skypiea, and I can't wait to see what the full colour manga does with the glowing light of the bridge when it catches up to here in a few years. One Piece is beautiful in black and white, but this is a spread that feels made for colour.

As Luffy's group reunite, it's curious to see that Luffy's talk with Loki ended with a deal. When we last saw them, it seemed like the mention of Shanks had soured the conversation, but now they've come to some kind of accord. The fact that Oda is playing it off so secretively makes me think it's not going to be as simple as just getting the key to free him like he asked before. Loki may have offered an alternative, or Luffy may have changed the terms. Sticking in a pin in this one for later.

Rodo's unceremonious and unserious dispatch comes well deserved. Probably not the last we've seen of him - almost definitely not if the theme of the arc is going to be competing sun god candidates. I don't think Rodo has the raw charisma to be the Buggy of the Nika lineup though.

And the centerpiece - the thing that makes it all worth the wait - the "welcome to Elbaph" spread. The detail! The scale! The spirit of adventure is very, very much alive in this one. The one analytical angle I can think to take here is a comparison to Rodo's diorama. Bigstein Castle provides an obvious matching landmark, but nothing else quite matches. The style of the houses doesn't feel as reflective of the viking-style houses of the real giants, the trunk of Yggdrasil is placed different relative to the castle and the town in the real world, and the diorama has no indication of the gaps and waterfalls down to the underworld layer - save maybe for recreating the bridge. I'd be surprised if anything Nami learned studying the map of the diorama manages to be relevant to the real version here.

A Louis Arnot callback mixes nostalgia with what's new, as well as providing an ominous warning. How much of the arc are we going to have to get through before we find out why he'd say that? But the real treat here is the hint that the dude who was with Crocus in the cover story could finally be getting revealed! Man I've waited a long time for that. And yes, I got my hopes up and got burned once already at the start of Onigashima when the shadows on Izo's kimono looked like the stripes on the guy's cloak, but this time it feels a lot more certain. I'm ready to be hurt again.

As good as all this has been, I don't dare hope for this momentum to continue. There's at least one more chapter coming, which is great, but then a difficult regiment of Christmas/New Years' breaks to wade through before the series can settle back into any kind of a normal rhythm. Just bad timing, but we've survived it every other year up til now, and we'll do it again.

[quillandink333]

Dear Sunflower

Kazuma Asougi × Original Character

SPOILERS FOR THE GREAT ACE ATTORNEY CHRONICLES ~ Read ahead at your own risk!

Rating: T

Word Count: 2.6k

WARNINGS: depression, mentions of psychosis, insufficient self-care, sleep deprivation

Summary: Kazuma pens a heartfelt letter to the estranged Cecelia, in which he tells her everything he should have done long ago but couldn’t.

Notes: Special thanks to @angeaxil for letting me include her OC Genevieve in this series! It’s both an honour and a pleasure to be able to work with this lovely girly~

Masterlist

It was late into the night on the fifth of November when Cecelia heard a knock at the door to her desolate little room. No matter who it was on the other side, she at first wanted nothing more than to dismiss it and pretend to be asleep. But then came the familiar voice of her dear friend and role model, Genevieve Bellerose.

Of course, Cecelia invited her in, enquiring not ungratefully as to why in the world she was visiting her at such an obscene hour. Miss Bellerose replied by reaching into her handbag, pulling out an envelope, and offering it to her. The thing was heavy with paper, its sheer thickness almost half that of her beloved botany journal. A wax seal embellished the front, depicting a posh fleur-de-lis emblem in dark red. When she turned it over, she gasped. Written there in Japanese katakana was her name, ‘セセリアガードナー.’ She glanced up at Miss Bellerose in shock, her heart caught in her throat, but the lady simply urged her to open it.

“Miss Cecelia,

“Although your spoken Japanese is nothing short of excellent, I am uncertain as to whether you are as comfortable reading it as you are speaking it. Thus, I have decided to write to you in English.

“I realise that much time has passed since we last spoke aboard the Steamship Vitesse. I hope you have had little trouble getting settled back in after our long journey. As for myself, a great deal has happened in that span of time, the most significant of which being that a large portion of my memory has returned, having evaded my grasp for nine whole months. As I sit at my desk with pen in hand, I ponder which of these events would serve best as an opening to this extensive letter.

“It occurs to me that, although I unfortunately cannot give it to you in person due to—” His pen came to a halt, an unwelcome warmth quickly spreading throughout his face. Tersely he continued, “circumstances, a proper introduction is in order. My name is Kazuma Asōgi. I am now twenty four years of age, and my land of origin, as you so astutely surmised on the day we first met, is the Empire of Japan.”

Kazuma went on to write about everything he’d experienced since their parting in great detail—from the start of his legal apprenticeship to the return of his memory and every regrettable thing that had transpired thereafter. His penmanship in this section became a bit scattered as he gathered together each crucial piece of the story in its proper order. Though of course, none of it was enough to justify the way he’d cast her asunder like some kind of discarded project. Even so, he believed she was deserving of an explanation.

“It is now that I must apologise to you again, for there is still much that I have yet to relay to you in addition to the paragraphs upon paragraphs of which you have only just reached the end. Should you feel the need, please set this letter aside and let those sparkling eyes of yours rest a while before continuing.”

Cecelia suddenly realised how dry her throat was. Thankfully Miss Bellerose had been kind enough to put on a pot of tea in the meantime, which she thirstily accepted.

The letter’s author was spot on; her eyes were indeed sparkling, albeit because of the tears that had formed as she’d read. And yet, she couldn’t bring herself to follow his advice. She couldn’t simply sit there staring into her teacup for longer than a minute or two. So she read on.

“Shortly after the return of my memories, it became apparent to me that the sword you had commissioned for me was more than just a parting gift. I recognised the message that it conveyed: ‘Be wary of the truth,’ if I am indeed interpreting it as intended, but it was not until the trial had reached a critical turning point that I came to understand the purpose it was meant to serve. I must say, I have no idea how you could possibly have predicted that I would be needing a reminder such as that, but if it had not been for your remote guidance, I surely would have pursued the fallacious path set before me by the Reaper to the bitter end, and the truth of what took place ten years ago would have remained shrouded in shadow for eternity. For that, you have my undying gratitude.

“Having said that, this is not nearly all for which I feel obliged to thank you. Over the course of those six months at sea, I spent every day in confusion and paranoia, surrounded by unfamiliar sights and sensations and all the while questioning what was real and what was not, who I was, and what purpose I had. In the midst of all that turmoil, you remained a constant source of stability and comfort for me. You stayed by my side all throughout our voyage, regardless of how stubbornly I may have tried to keep you at bay. The happiness by which I am assailed each time I recount how easily you would put a smile upon my face, I fear I am unable to express through written word alone. Likewise am I unable to express my remorse when I recall the circumstances in which I left you, without even bidding you goodbye I should add, in Dover.”

Kazuma noticed his pen was trembling in his tight grip as he went for more ink. He took a moment to breathe and collect himself, his lungs shaking just as much as his hand.

“Since then, not a day has gone by when I have not thought about you. In truth, ever since the conclusion of that horrible trial, I have been contemplating a means by which to get in touch with you, but have also simply lacked the courage necessary to do so. Recently, however, it dawned on me that your parting gift contained a second, smaller message, but one with an imperatively greater meaning. There is truly no modest way to phrase this, but when I saw it, and the nature of your affection for me came to light, I knew I could no longer allow you to go on living in the dark as you have been. It is for this reason that I am writing this letter to you now: so that you may know who I truly am and decide for yourself whether you still feel the same way with the knowledge of all my flaws and misgivings. With that in mind, if you despise me, I ask that you please destroy this letter as soon as possible. On the other hand, if by some miracle you find that your feelings do not change, I want you to know that they would not go unreciprocated.

“I fully understand that I’m in no position to ask for your forgiveness, and as such I have no intention of doing so. Please take as much time as you need to come to terms with all of what you have just read. I can only imagine how jarring this must be for you. In the meantime, I shall surely have you in my thoughts.

“Yours sincerely, 亜双義一真”

The next day, no later than six o’clock in the morning, a telegraph came to the Van Zieks estate for Kazuma. He rushed to the door, having spent the whole night wide awake in the grand parlour pacing about until the soles of his feet grew sore. He ripped open the envelope despite that persistent tremor in his hand, his eyes burning holes into the little paper card.

“Stanhope Gate, Hyde Park, 7:00 am, 6th Nov. ~ C. Gardner”

This was it. The time had come for him to look his victim of the heart in the eye. He was so wrought with anxiety that he ended up arriving just less than half an hour early. The streets were completely barren, dusted with a thin and undisturbed layer of snow. The wait was torture, and not only to his morale. The harsh morning air was cold and dry, forcing him to breathe into his hands for most of the time he stood there, but for her, he would endure even the most ferocious of blizzards. This was truly the least he could do.

“Kazuma-san?”

The sound of his name came from directly behind him. He froze. It couldn’t be, and yet it had to. That soft, slightly faltering voice was unmistakable. His cowardice paralysed him for a few seconds until he worked up the nerve to turn around.

And there she was. This time, he was certain she wasn’t just another result of his mind playing tricks on him. He knew the girl in front of him was the genuine article. Her breaths condensed in front of her, and her boots left clear tracks on the pavement. “Is it really you?” she said.

Kazuma could think of nothing to say in reply. Every word that came to mind seemed either futile or just plain wrong. Why was he even here? To give her a chance to slap him across the face and demand that he never speak to her again? In that case, so be it. He would accept whatever punishment she deemed fair. He closed his eyes and bowed his head.

Then he felt two arms wrap around him in a vicelike embrace and a warm body press up tightly against his.

“Cecelia-san, how…? How can you forgive me?” His voice cracked under all the pressure he’d stacked upon his own back. “I thought you called me here because you wanted to tell me just how cruel and, and two-faced I’ve been.”

“No, no…” She shook her head without lifting her chin from his shoulder. “I never blamed you for anything. I just wanted to help you.”

“You did,” he sighed, letting a smile show through. “You have no idea.”

“Thank God…” At last, a beautiful, blinding smile of her own graced her face as the tears continued flowing. “Oh, I’m so happy to see you,” she wept, framing his face in her hands. “I missed you so much. So very much…”

His heart ached as he watched her fall apart. He brought a hand to his cheek where hers was. “I missed you too,” he confessed, the truth of that very statement finally dawning on him. “I’ll never push you away again. I promise, I won’t.”

Holding her close, he tilted his head and aligned his lips with hers, then stopped, breath stagnant and eyes half closed. For a moment, the world stopped spinning and time stood still, and the only sound to be heard was that of their hearts beating in unison. Then she closed the gap between them, and in that fleeting, fragile moment, everything was just as it was meant to be. This… This was the true meaning of home.

When they eventually parted, she rested her forehead against his. “You look well,” she smiled whilst drying her tears. “I’m so glad.”

“Well, you don’t look well at all.” He huddled her thin frame closer to him. She was shivering and the shadows beneath her eyes were long, to say nothing of the slight teeter in her step as she stood before him. She looked as if she might just collapse from fatigue at the drop of a hat.

One of her frail hands flattened against the plain of his chest, then grasped at the front of his waistcoat with all the strength of a wilted dandelion, unwanted yet stubbornly persistent. “I just…missed you,” she whispered. “I could never stop thinking about you, every day. About everything that happened, and where you’d gone, and…”

“There, now, I’m here.” He tipped her head up to look at him. “I’m so…so sorry, from the bottom of my heart. Let’s just try to move forward with our lives and…let bygones be bygones? Alright?” It felt so wrong for him to be the one saying that. “I just want to be near you again. I need that now, more than anything.” His closest thing to a family that he had left was already set to begin their journey back to Japan in just twenty four hours. “I know I don’t deserve to ask this of you, but I need you with me. Now more than ever.”

She needed a moment to collect herself as her voice was refusing to come out. But her silence made the anticipation unbearable for him.

“Please…?”

At that, she couldn’t stop herself from laughing out loud at the way he may as well have been begging on his knees. “Yes, Kazuma, I accept. I’m sorry,” she chuckled. “Of course I accept. I need you too.”

The acute lack of suffix with which she said his name just then made his heart throb. “You do?”She nodded, still wearing that thousand-watt smile he’d missed so dearly. He looked her up and down, taking in her pitiful condition, then smiled back. “I suppose so, don’t you?”

“I mean, you of all people should know,” she laughed, recalling all the times he’d used to lecture her about making her bed correctly, remembering to change the oil in her lamp, and countless other such menial tasks. “But aside from that, what I really need is just to know, for myself, that you’re okay.” A trace of sadness flickered in her smile, causing his to fall. “That’s why I want you to come live with me.”

He froze up all over again at her appreciated but frankly ridiculous suggestion. “Are you sure?”

“Oh, don’t even start. I’m absolutely sure. I’ve been sure since before we even arrived in Dover. That’s how sure I am.”

“But—”

“No ‘but’s.”

She gave him little choice but to shut his mouth as she pulled him along on her quest to hail them a carriage.

“We’ll have all the time in the world to argue and deliberate once we’re home.”

“Home…” The weather was quite frigid today, he had to admit. It would look rude if he kept refusing her hospitality, but he had to wonder if she was truly serious about having him move in with her full-time, after everything he’d said and done.

“If it helps,” she offered as the two climbed aboard their ride, “you can think of this as a way to make up for, ehm, past mistakes, shall we say.”

How on earth could she be acting so nonchalant about it all?! Surely there had to be loads of pent up words she was leaving unsaid, at least for the time being. But she was right; it did help to think of it that way. “I promise to take care of you,” he straightened up and asserted, having to raise his voice to be heard over the rumbling of wheels on bricks. “I swear, I’ll do anything. Anything you need, just name it.”

But all he got in reply was a soft hum and that radiant smile again. The next thing he knew, she had her head on his shoulder, her eyes closed and her body lax. Remnants of tears glistened against her cheeks, like sunlight on melting snowflakes. The mere sight had his own eyes welling over at last.