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gloryofroses19 · 3 years

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Cool Down

Iron Legacy Chapter 5

Stark Lake House, Georgia - March 2023:

“Want some company?” Samantha turned to find Pepper making her way out of the back door. Taking a seat on the steps next to Samantha, Pepper continued, “How are you holding up?”

Facing her sister-in-law, Samantha and Pepper shared a look before they both began to laugh knowing how crappy the other was feeling.

Once the laughter died down, Pepper questioned her on something that’s been bugging her that’s she watched her give Morgan a bath three hours ago. “What happened to your fingers?”

Samantha ran her right finger across her bandaged left pinky, “Oh… well I went to get a tattoo this morning.”

“Very funny…are you serious? Those are permanent Samantha! I don’t want you to make a decision you’ll regret.”

“I mean I’m rich so if I really regret it I can easily laser it off, but I don’t think I will.” Peeling off the bandages on both pinkies, she moved her hands towards the light. Though the skin was red, outlined in black was a moon on her left and a sun on her right.

Tracing her fingers over the sensitive skin, Pepper commented “A moon for Tony and sun for you. Tony would have liked them; pinky promises were always your thing.”

Replacing the bandages, she corrected Pepper. “Actually, they're both for Tony. He was the moon who protected me and the sun who made me feel warmed by his love. But could also be our sleeping habits. I did always stay up late with him just to spend time together despite always getting up early as my nickname suggested.”

Pepper watched Samantha wipe away the tears that had begun gathering in her waterline. Pepper understood the sentiment, she also had lost Tony. The man who proved every notion she had about him wrong and loved her for it. Deep down, she knew she would never be able to love again, when you love the sun that was Tony Stark then nobody would compare but she worried for Samantha. The months without Tony had been hard on them all but she could see how Samantha struggled as she, Morgan and Samantha attempted to rebuild. Though she put on a brave face to Morgan and everyone else, Pepper could see how Samantha seemed to have lost everything of herself.

Leaning over, Pepper took her hand in hers. “Druig, asked me to ask you to call him or and I quote ‘he’ll board a plane and force you to talk to him.”

Samantha avoided Pepper’s attempts to catch her gaze as she looked at the lake. "No, he won't because if he ever cared about me then he would respect my wishes to give me space.”

“You know he does. Why are you avoiding him?”

With a deep sigh, Samantha rubbed her forehead to suppress the headache that hasn’t left her since Tony’s death. “Because loving someone means putting them first and I don’t want to.”

“You take care of me and Morgan, you put us first every day.” Pepper squeezed her hand in an attempt to ground the pain she heard in Samantha’s voice.

“Exactly, I love you both and that's my limit.”

“He’s not coming for you to take care of him, if anything he’s coming to take care of you.”

Samantha removed her hand from Peppers and wrapped her arms around herself. “Well, I don’t want it. I feel nothing these days, just an empty void where my heart is and that’s fine by me. I don’t need any more emotions to deal with, I’m practically drowning in them, and I don’t want to have to explain this to him. I’m not the woman he fell in love with, and I don’t know if I could ever be her again or even want to be her.”

“You sound like you resent him”

Placing her chin on her arms, Samantha closed her eyes before saying what she’s been thinking since she asked Druig to give her space after Tony’s funeral. “Honestly, I do. He and his fellow Eternals claim to be some symbols of peace, but they walked away, and humanity survived and thrived and then the Avengers came. And they took over but when we needed help because even the Avengers could get out of their depth, but they didn’t come.”

Samantha stopped her rant to exhale before continuing with a venom laced voice, “All because of some stupid rule of a ruler they didn’t even follow anymore. Druig defied Arishem once and walked away with his people but then the Blip happened and what? All his claims to want to protect humanity weren’t true because he didn't show up. Because with a snap of a finger, my world was destroyed. So yeah, Pepper, I don't want to talk to Druig because neither of us are the same people we were when we met in Rio or who we thought we were, and I don’t know how to reconcile all of it.”

Pepper was taken aback. This was the most she had heard from Samantha since Tony died. It was an unspoken agreement that the three Stark women would stay at the lake house to take care of each other. Morgan, not realizing how much of a light she was to the older two to keep them afloat in the dark sea that had overtaken them. Pepper, coping with the pain she knew would come one day and still trying to be the best mother and willing to lean on Samantha and Rhodey when it got too much. But Samantha had become truly Tony’s legacy by refusing to discuss her feelings and throwing herself into whatever anyone else needed.

“I would take his place; I really wish I could.”

Pepper’s heart shattered at the statement that she knew Samantha would have gone through with. “Listen to me, Tony would never have been able to live with himself if something happened to you.”

“And you think I can? I love Morgan and I love you, but I just feel like there is hole where my heart is supposed to be.” Standing up in a furious rage, Samantha turned to Pepper. “And honestly? I am so angry that Steve got to grow old with the love of his life. Tony gave up so much to raise me and to change the world for the better, he should be here with you and be able to watch Morgan grow up.” Childishly stomping her foot, Samantha began to lose steam as she began to sob, “How is this fair? Tell me Pepper because I can’t figure it out!”

Pepper moved to join Samantha standing before putting her hands on the younger’s shoulder as she spoke softly. “Tony died peacefully knowing that he did what he needed to in this world. I know you are sick of hearing this, but Tony was so proud of you. I can’t tell you how many hours I sat through him talking about how much he loves you and is proud to be your brother. Honestly, him talking about you was when I realized I fell for him. That playboy persona fell apart anytime your name came up and I was able to see Tony for who he really was. A sarcastic tech obsessed nerd who adored his little sister.”

Placing her arms around her shoulders, Pepper hugged Samantha and continued, “And because of you, that gave us 13 beautiful years together and a beautiful daughter. Until Morgan, you were his world and then after her, it split into two worlds. You helped him realize that he was more than what your father and last name said. That he was going to leave behind a legacy in the form of you who always was the light in his life, it’s why he called you, his sunshine.”

“I can’t do this Pepper…” Speaking the truth she had been hiding from these past two months, Samantha buried her head in Pepper’s shoulder wishing more than anything it was Tony.

“Look, I know this is hard, but you can’t…”

With a final squeeze to Pepper’s waist, Samantha moved an arm’s length from Pepper before cutting her off, “I can’t keep hiding here, right? You and Rhodey aren’t as quiet as you think.”

Pepper laughed to herself, “You always were the best at eavesdropping, I just know Morgan is going to inherit that trait from you.”

“Well, when you grow up around people trying to hide things, it becomes a product of the environment.” Samantha busied herself with wiping her cheeks with the sleeves of Tony’s MIT sweatshirt.

“You know I love you and I love having you here and I do need your help to raise Morgan because she is Stark and you Starks are a beautiful handful, but you have to keep living, Samantha. Tony wouldn’t want you to hide, I’m not saying to become the media playboy Tony was, but you have to live outside of this lake house bounds.”

“You think I don’t know that! I just…” Sighing, she met Pepper’s gaze. “Look, I thought about it and you and Rhodey are right. I have been hiding for two months and it’s time I stop. Which is why I’m going to take over Stark Industries. With everyone back, it’s time we get the company back on its feet and continue to improve the lives of people.”

“Wait, that’s not what I was saying! It’s not your dream.”

“You’re right that Stark Industries has never been my aspiration but come on Pepper, it wasn’t yours either. How many times have I heard you complain about all the technical babbler boring you to tears?”

“Because it is boring…” Despite the limited light, Pepper was taken aback at the sight of Samantha. Bathed in the moonlight, she was reminded of Tony. She often thought of Tony these days when looking at Morgan and Samantha because they were versions of him. But the bluntness, ambition and possibilities coloring Samantha’s speech were a copy to Tony’s.

“Exactly, which is why you’re gonna take over the foundation work and I’m gonna run Stark Industries. Howard always wanted it to be his children’s legacy and Tony left a lot of unfinished projects that I want to complete.”

“If I remember correctly half of those unfinished projects are yours also. You and Tony were always cooking up ideas and schematics. You never give yourself half the credit you deserve.”

With a shoulder shrug, Samantha kicked a rock. “Either way, I want to finish them. If I’m forced to stop hiding, then I want to deal with it like Tony raised me to. Meaning, I will be burying myself in piles of work so I can push my emotions away because idle hands are the devil’s workshop.”

Watching her, tears came to Pepper’s eyes. Self-aware yet self-deprecating, she truly was a mini version of Tony. “You better not become a stranger; I want a phone call at least once a day young lady.”

“Come on, Pepper. This is me you’re talking about; you’ll get a call at least twice a day from me.”

“I meant for myself! I know for a fact you’ll be calling Morgan twice a day. You two have been obsessed with each other since she was born. I’m still mad about the time she was three and said she’d rather sneak into your bed than mine.”

Lightly shoving Samantha, Pepper joined her in laughing while knowing in her heart that they were going to be okay.

A/N: Feedback is much appreciated ! Also thank you to all who's liked, commented and reblogged so far!

Taglist: @7minutes-tomidnight , @keziahwrites , @carpediem1219 , @ofrosesandteacups , @bubblyyz , @myguiltypleasures21

Link to Masterlist

#druig imagine #druig x reader #tony stark x sister!reader #tony stark x stark!reader #tony stark imagine #druig x stark!reader #eternals imagine #marvel imagine #eternals x reader #marvel x reader

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nejibaby · 3 years

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The Sun

Pairing: Portgas D. Ace x Reader

Summary: If there’s two things common between you and Icarus, they’re 1) you both tried to get too close to the sun, and 2) you’re both mortal — vulnerable and susceptible to the pain that comes with it.

This is initially intended to be the second part of Burn, but this can also be considered a standalone fic. 😊

[I also tweaked the story of Icarus and Daedalus a little bit so they can fit the One Piece universe. Hope you don’t mind.]

Word Count: 1.6k

A/N: So you see I’m trying out this new writing style, but I’m not sure if it turned out how I wanted it to be. But please let me know your thoughts about it~

Icarus.

Back when you still lived in your hometown, as a child, you have grown to like the tales of sailors who docked at your island. There’s this story about one of the first ever heard of uses of devil fruit powers.

It’s about a master craftsman named Daedalus imprisoned in some far away kingdom with his son, Icarus. With their cell up high in the castle and the ground filled with guards, there was no means to escape for an average person. But Daedalus was all sorts of things other than average; he’s a father, a genius, and a devil fruit user of the Doru Doru no Mi. And because of those, he has found a way to get out of the kingdom through something that only he can make: wings made out of candle wax.

“Don’t fly too close to the sun or else the heat will melt the wax and you’ll fall into the sea.” A fair warning from Daedalus to Icarus as he handed a pair of wings to his son, who only nodded in response.

Their escape went on without a hitch with the help of the wings. However, because of the delectable taste of freedom, the further away they had gone from the kingdom that constricted them, the more precarious Icarus got. He flew higher and higher and higher, until his wings started melting. And only when he was falling to the sea did he notice that the wings had melted off completely. Even Daedalus had noticed it too late, and all he could’ve done was lament for his son who didn’t heed his words.

“It was tragic,” the sailor once told you. But all you could ever think about back then was that Icarus was dumb. Foolish. Idiotic. Stupid. Moronic.

Why would he fly higher when he knew the risks? It just didn’t make sense. There was no rational explanation, no sensible justification for it.

But now that you’re older, you might have found a possible reason why he did what he did.

Maybe, just like you, he fell in love with the sun.

The Sun.

Icarus might have fallen in love with the sun. But who are you to judge him? The sun is bright, brilliant, warm, and enticing. You couldn’t blame him for wanting to be guided by its light, to bask in its warmth, to ever so gently be caressed by its flames. You couldn’t blame him for wanting to be nearer, despite the repercussions.

You can’t call him out because you did just the same. Ace was — no — is your sun.

With his charming and boyish smile that’s always capable of cheering you up, you can mistake him as the light. He’s like the sun peeking from the clouds after a stormy day, or the sun rising after the darkest night.

In his embrace, no matter how momentary, anyone would be able to feel his care. Hell, even with his arm slung over your shoulder or his mere presence beside you, you would feel a sense of security. Because Ace is also the warmth and the comfort. Pretty much like the gentle rays of the sun enveloping you with a blanket after a cold breeze.

But you also know that like the sun, he too is dangerous. The least he can do is to burn you. And at the very worst, he could be destructive.

The Fall.

When Icarus got too close to the sun, his wings melted and naturally, he fell into the sea. There were no stories about how he felt or what was in his mind when it happened, but recently you’d like to imagine that he was content.

Falling is scary, that much is true. But falling can also be exhilarating and thrilling — it’s feeling only your weightlessness, the breathlessness, the adrenaline flowing through your blood.

You’d like to think that as Icarus fell, his thoughts were about how he did not regret what he did. In the end, he got his freedom and then he made a brave choice of going after his love. Isn’t it better to have felt the burning light than never at all? Isn’t it better to have a taste of love albeit briefly?

You’re no Icarus. You’re not a child of a genius, and you have no wings that’ll melt once you get close to your sun. But for you, the answer to these questions is yes.

You’re grateful to have experienced being by Ace’s side. You’re happy to have seen his smiles and to have heard his laughs. You’re content to have been the recipient of his sparing touches.

And as you ran with bloodied hands and injured parts after escaping from the Blackbeard Pirates, you’re pleased that it was you in this predicament and not Ace. He’s safe and it’s because of you. And despite standing face to face with death just moments ago, you’re delighted because you accomplished your mission to get information about their plans.

If there’s one thing you and Icarus should regret though, it’s being vulnerable and susceptible to pain.

The Reunion.

Icarus did not live long enough to be reunited with the sun. But you did. Your body might have been littered with scars now, but the important thing is that you survived. You’re alive, you’re healed, and you’re at peace.

And you’re back with the Whitebeard Pirates.

Whitebeard, the Division Commanders, and the former members of the Spade pirates are quick to reprimand you for your rash actions once you board the ship. You listen to their sentiments quietly, understanding the severity of your decision, but you stand by your ground, telling them you didn’t regret doing it, especially since you’ve gotten valuable information about Blackbeard. And once you’ve relayed everything to them, they all quickly let you off the hook.

All except one, of course.

You’re just about to retire to your room when Ace softly asks, “Yo, can we talk?” once you pass him by.

The sun is always so inviting. It’s capable of luring you out of whatever cave you’re hiding in. That’s the aura Ace gives off when you turn to look at him. So you nod your head and follow him to a more private area on the ship.

At this moment, you can’t help but think that the sun and the planets are bound by the laws of science. Science tells us that planets orbit around the sun because of attraction, however, they must never cross the line. This has been your mistake in the past, but now you know better. And so now you try to physically distance yourself from him.

Ace doesn’t comment on the distance. You aren’t sure if he even noticed. Instead he asks, “Why did you do it?”

You raise your brow, “We wanted information, right?”

“I was the one who should’ve been doing that. I’m his Commander. I’m the one who’s supposed to be responsible for that.”

You scoff. “It’s done now, let’s not dwell on it anymore—”

“But you could’ve died!”

“So what? Would you rather it was you? Because I don’t! If you died… if you died…” you choked back a sob. You didn’t want to think about him dying. Just the thought of it is enough to tug your heartstrings.

The sight of you softens him up right away. “Hey, hey, hey,” he tries soothing you. “I’m not gonna die.”

“You say that, but even the sun will die eventually. And I don’t want to witness that tragedy.”

This shuts Ace up. He didn’t really understand how much he matters to you until now. Seeing you crumble with just the thought of him dying makes him realize that your confession to him before the two of you parted was indeed the truth. “You’re right. I’m sorry…”

You could only bite your lip to calm yourself down.

“I’ve done a lot of thinking when you were away…” Ace murmurs. “And my thoughts were always about you.”

You gulp as your heart rate accelerates. Will he be turning you down properly this time? Give you the confirmation and closure that you need?

If you focus on your thoughts, you can hear a chant in your head: The sun will prioritize light over love. The sun will prioritize light over love. The sun will prioritize light over love.

But you reason, that’s okay. The sun is bound by the laws of science and one of its main purposes for its existence is to provide light. And you will not hold Ace back from doing that. If he doesn’t love you, it’s fine, you’ll be fine.

“I thought… you didn’t like me,” Ace says.

This statement catches your attention immediately. You’re about to object but he continues, “Because you always called me ‘Captain’ and then ‘Commander,’ and never by my name. And I thought that that was you drawing the line between us.” He rubs the back of his neck. “I’m not good at these things,” he chuckles, trying to lighten the mood.

But you remain tense, trying to comprehend what’s happening.

Ace takes a small step toward you.

And you couldn’t help but think that if Ace gets closer, you’ll burn once again.

Yet you watch with wide eyes, not stopping him as he gets closer and closer and closer.

At this point you can only hear how wildly your heart is beating across your chest.

And when Ace raises his hand to tenderly touch your cheek, you realize: The sun’s rays do not burn until brought to a focus.

Which could only mean one thing: his focus has always been on you.

“I love you, my angel,” Ace whispers as he presses his forehead against yours. “I’m in love with you,” and he seals his admission with a kiss.

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tiramisiyu · 3 years

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Thoughts on Xia Yan’s Anniversary/Kiss Date

Not a translation, but rather an unleashing of the many thoughts I had for his date because it made me feel so many emotions and think so many things;;

Wordcount: 2.8k

Date Translation

Preamble

Tears of Themis’ 1st anniversary features one of the most significant in-story events you can view within an otome game - the confession event between MC and respective male leads. The gravity of this confession event, however, is intensified with respect to the ML Xia Yan, as their emotions towards each other is not the only focus of said confession - he must also reveal the heartbreaking truth that his life is likely to end in three years.

In the below sections, I will discuss the significance of various components that comprise Xia Yan’s anniversary date. My primary focuses will be on Xia Yan’s internal struggles, his care for MC, and the nature of the confession, and I aim to ultimately express why this date had such a major effect on me and whoa if you’re still reading this rambling part, I applaud you. I’m really just doing a fancy thoughtdump here.

The Nature of the Confession Event

From the beginning, XY never intended for the confession to be full of pomp and circumstance - and this was out of concern for MC, fearing that she would be too swept up in emotion to make it. Based on how the other guys’ cards look (them being outside and MC’s all dressed up), I assume that there was some ceremony-like aspect to their respective confessions, and I think that this draws a stark contrast to XY’s (who staunchly refused Yang Xiao’s offer to help make his confession just as ceremonial). In XY’s, MC’s not dressed up the way she is for the others, and both have been drenched in rain and are dissolving into tears of sadness as they speak. In addition, their desires are conflicting (rather than a situation where both parties confess and get together, and thus have coinciding interests) - despite what XY has said before, he does not want MC to be with him, while MC wants the exact opposite. It’s not a beautiful or gorgeous scene by design - instead, it’s very raw, very 狼狈 as the two lay bare their own painful emotions, discuss/cry about heavy topics, and show very vulnerable sides to each other, trying to get through to the other person.

Speaking of showing vulnerability, the fact that Xia Yan is so anguished by what he has to say that he has to sit down and cry hits particularly hard because he has always, always tried to put on a strong face in front of MC. Whenever his illness strikes and MC sees it, such as in aquarium date or Neruda poem date, he’ll smile and/or joke about it after. When the two were talking about his posthumous letters during the RRG date, he still had a calm smile on his face. Even when he talked about being shoved into a car trunk to be “disposed of”, he was still calmly smiling. As MC noted, his job has taught him to have extreme control over his emotions, so it’s almost overwhelming, trying to imagine how much sadness pushed him to that point.

Pathetic fallacy also plays a part in increasing the impact that the confession event had. In the days leading up to the last part of the date, storms keep striking suddenly, such that it’s even described as “strange”. Storms are, of course, generally associated with less-pleasant things, such as conflict, anger, depression, difficulty, and so on. The meaning behind why they appeared suddenly or frequently is a little harder to understand, but my assumption for the frequency of the storms (rather than an ongoing storm or gloom) reflects how things could not completely “clear up” (despite uplifts in emotion from time to time) until they confronted each other with their feelings. During the confrontation, not only is the storm still going on, but they’re also harshly drenched in the cold rainwater. It is only after the kiss, after their interests finally coincide, that the storm lifts and the beautiful starry sky casts its light on Xia Yan, who was holding the majority of the conflict/sadness/depression between the two of them. (This is also highlighted in how MC notes that Xia Yan feels slightly cold (during the kiss), and she tries to transfer her warmth over to him, trying to alleviate that heavy emotion that’s wrapped itself around him.)

The Location

The attic of their old home remains an important location for these two, and I pretty much can’t think of a better choice to set the confession. It contains their childhood memories, and it also came into play during Xia Yan’s first birthday after his return (i.e. the idea of continuing to make memories there). It’s also interesting to note that Xia Yan, from his rational mindset, did not intend to see MC… yet he still came to this place - a place that was equally meaningful to both of them, and a place where he’s likely to get lost in emotion. He may be restraining his emotions for MC’s good, yet they still show in small places. (At least, there doesn’t seem to be any logical reason for him to be there, since he wasn’t setting anything up there…)

The Humanizing and Internal Conflict of Xia Yan

I call it “humanizing” because I’ve done some commenting before on how Xia Yan has felt a little superhuman - so many skills everywhere, and rarely a moment of weakness. Now, this date really drives home that he is just human too, with the harsh reality of imminent death hanging over him (especially since we also learn a few more concrete details on exactly what his illness is). This point is brought into attention when he talks about how he’s neither able to be as brave as Schumann (who acted based on emotion) nor as silently strong as Brahms (who acted based on reason). He’s pulled in so many directions for all the things he wants - a desire to stay by MC’s side and do so much with her, whether as family or as something more, versus his rational mindset that tells him to not see her at all, to disappear from her life after, or to push her away even after her confession. There was also his “rationally” created plan in which he would give her the letter and let her decide, yet he still tries to convince her to not be with him.

The Schumann/Brahms comparison shows how he keeps getting pulled back and forth between reason and emotion. He reveals his feelings to MC (Schumann), but wants her to make the optimal decision, which he believes is to not be with him (Brahms). He then kisses her after hearing her conviction (Schumann) and then gives her the gift that’s linked to Brahms. In realizing that he’s not able to stick to either path, he calls himself a coward - but he doesn’t need to be like either person. As MC says, his restraint is a part of his own background, and his emotional wavering is because of his care for MC - all in all, his motivations are because he is Xia Yan, not Schumann or Brahms.

Personal Story Chapter 2 Parallels

In Xia Yan’s personal chapter 2, Yang Xiao sets up the story of 零/Zero and 玛丽薇莎/Marivisa to mirror MC and Xia Yan (respectively). The mention of what will bring Zero and MC happiness is starkly similar in these two situations:

⊳ Personal Ch.2-9

Xia Yan: 因为...这样，零会更幸福... 她不是在牺牲，她只是用自己的方式让零能幸福。Because this way, Zero would be happier… She wasn’t sacrificing herself. She was only using her own methods to make Zero happy.

MC: 但零的幸福就是她啊。But Zero’s happiness is her.

Xia Yan: 她已经无法给零幸福了。 It’s already impossible for her to give Zero happiness.

⊳ Date

Xia Yan: 如果你选择别的男人。。。只要他能给你幸福。我只会带给你不幸，我没有时间了。。。If you choose another man… As long as he can make you happy. All I can bring you is unhappiness. I don’t have much time left…

MC: 你怎么可能带给我不幸，你怎么可能做不到给我幸福。你在我身边，你的存在本身，就是我的幸福。How is it possible that you can only bring me unhappiness? How is it impossible for you to bring me happiness? You being by my side – your very existence – is my happiness.

Yes, the Zero/Marivisa story was intentionally made to parallel these two, so it might feel moot to compare them like this. However, I still really appreciated that they brought this discussion of what brings MC/Zero happiness back, especially since XY’s chapter 2 was very major in developing his character. Back then, MC is vehement in that Zero would have been happier spending all the time he could with Marivisa, as well as even having the choice to spend that time with her. I think that this part was instrumental in Xia Yan eventually deciding to tell her the truth and letting her make her own decision (as he explicitly stated to Yang Xiao in part 1 of the date). However, he still wasn’t fully convinced by what MC said back in chapter 2, so we satisfyingly see this discussion of happiness come full circle by the end of this date, when Xia Yan finally trusts MC to make the best decision for herself.

Xia Yan’s Considerateness

Xia Yan’s enduring consideration for MC displays itself in nearly every single action within this date.

The flashback, when he thinks about MC potentially having to go through what the widow is now experiencing, and how his own happiness for three years isn’t worth that

His conviction to give her the right to decide in this matter that involves both of them, because he can’t be the one to decide everything

He insisted on not making it a romantic event, because he wants MC to make the best decision without having a mind clouded by emotion. He’s also made peace with the idea of not being with MC, for the sake of her long-term happiness. All he wants is for her to know the truth of his feelings and illness.

His decision to still make MC a gift to retain some aspect of the romance in the confession (but he only gives the gift after MC has made her decision, again to ensure that her mind isn’t clouded). I think the concept of the gift is particularly beautiful - the little, happy holograms of them inside the glass, as if ensuring that he will always be by her side in some way; the music that brings back their childhood memories and alludes to an enduring, quiet, and protecting love that puts the recipient first (i.e. Brahms to Clara); and the rainbow, which has its childhood memories and treasure implications that are already mentioned in the date, but it also reminded me of the miraculous double rainbow in his Lost Gold date. That double rainbow was the trigger for Xia Yan to proactively seek out a future with MC, when he took the initiative to ask MC if she could be with him to seek out more miracles. Overall, there are a lot of beautiful memories and implications wrapped up in that music box/snowglobe.

The little comical segment where he worries about the optimal time to deliver the letter, worrying about MC’s sleep or if she’ll be able to eat well.

His stress over what he should’ve done after the letter was delivered, and how he immediately answered MC’s call out of pure worry, despite being so resolute about not answering her calls that he’d turned on airplane mode before.

Their ensuing discussion in part 3 is just full of Xia Yan’s consideration for MC at its peak -

Rather than being ecstatic about MC’s confession, his first instinct is to tell her to take a few days to think about it logically. (But really, emotions aren’t logical to begin with, so it’s not like MC would’ve stopped liking you after mulling it over for a few days, haha)

His immediate apology after yelling that he has to mention his death

His worry about how MC will cope after he’s gone, going so far as to saying that she would be better off with another man

I think that this particular (above) line got a particularly visceral reaction from Xia Yan fans, including myself. Because like MC, our initial thoughts fell along the lines of “How could I ever choose someone else when the only person I like is you? There’s just no way someone else could make me happier…”. Another reaction that I’ve seen among Xia Yan fans (yep, including myself) is how we originally viewed the story in third-person, seeing “MC” in the story, but this date (and this particular scene, where MC says nearly everything that I myself would want to say) dragged us into a first-person position.

The heartbreaking scene where Xia Yan cries from being unable to give MC the happiness that he wants to give her (or so he thinks).

He’s just so painfully selfless. I also really like the line during the kiss where MC tries to transmit her warmth to him, trying to balance things out between them and have him feel better, when he had already written himself off by thinking that his happiness is better off sacrificed for hers.

Jin Xian’s Voice Acting

Jin Xian’s voice acting deserves a whole section to itself, because I think that he did an amazing job of portraying the intense emotions Xia Yan feels during the date. Just going to list some lines that really hit hard - both because of the content, and because of the voice acting that really considered how Xia Yan would be feeling then.

我可以去追她，我甚至可以和她结婚。我可以把最后的三年过得很好，过的毫无遗憾，但是然后呢？她一个人要怎么办。。。谁陪她走出来，谁来照顾她。。。(“I could pursue her. I could even marry her. I could live my last three years happily, without the slightest of regrets. But what about after? How will she cope on her own… Who will be with her as she handles this? Who will take care of her…”) The ups and downs of this section’s voicing really hit hard.

The gentleness with which he speaks about what he plans to tell MC, especially the line 她从来都是这样 (“She’s always been like that.”)

He’s so cute in Part 2!! The tone’s a lot happier and relaxed and it’s really nice to see and hear.

In part 3, the vehemence with which he talks about how the risks of MC’s work aren’t comparable to his established time limit, which then softens into something sadder when he talks about how Yang Xiao’s efforts haven’t extended his time by much.

The intensity when he says 我必须说 ! (“I have to say it!”) (when MC reacts to him using the word “death”), and how he immediately softens his tone after. But then his voice starts to rise again as he worries for how MC will bear his death… and then he takes a break to calm down, and then makes the suggestion of MC finding another man with a near-inflectionless tone that gradually slips into a whisper

His whispering voice makes the impact of 我在乎。。。！(I care…!) hit even harder because it’s suddenly loud, and you can clearly hear the tears in his voice. Once again, he takes a breath to calm himself down and quiet his voice. But even as he keeps talking in a voice that descends into a whisper again, you can tell that he’s still on the verge of crying…

Also the 我也。。。好喜欢，最喜欢你. (I also… like you. I like you the most) line left me screaming with how it was whispered but really strong and adamant-sounding aaaaa

Anyways I could list more but at that point I might as well list Jin Xian’s entire script lmao. He did such a good job!!!!!!

Sound Effects

I’m laughing at myself for including this section - if you turn off the music that accompanies Xia Yan’s card, you’ll… hear some very interesting sound effects [狗头]

They’ve got to make the most of their limited time together, after all, and this is the only date out of the set of four that’s indoors… it makes sense…

Other Thoughts

Two kisses!!

What sort of treatment would leave Xia Yan infected with drugs with prohibited components? What were they even trying to do?

The date was short relative to the other, super-long Themis dates, but I’m personally alright with that because it places focus on the confession itself. It hit all the points that I personally was expecting for Xia Yan’s confession, including his past struggles with the idea of staying with MC, his confession about both his feelings and his illness, and how resolute MC is about staying with him vs. how hard he tries to get her to understand the implications of being him, considering that he doesn’t have much time left.

I think now’s a good time for the two of them to get married if they’re well aware that Xia Yan’s time is limited, so Xia Yan, where’s the ruby ring?

I wonder what implications this will have on the main story - e.g. will the rest of NXX find out about Xia Yan’s illness in Chapter 7.2? Or will they never know? Actually, I wonder if they’ll have MC be aware of his illness in the main story because… that implies his confession happened, which might anger fans of the other boys.

Conclusion

I love Xia Yan and I love this date.

#tears of themis #xia yan #luke pearce #rambles #this whole thing is kinda messy so kudos if you made it through

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nioxuntitled1 · 4 years

Photo

Types of Love

{ Albedo x reader } (1523 words)

Even though your position within the Knights of Favonius isn’t one with a bright title as your job was merely to gather the needed ingredients for various investigational needs, you were nevertheless happy to be a part of it.

Since your tasks are greatly around gathering and exploration, it isn’t anything too surprising for your relationship with the chief alchemist and captain of the investigation team to be close. It was common for him to drag you along to the magnificent yet deadly temperatured white scene of Dragonspine on a perfect Thursday.

“Say, what is the ingredient you need this time?”

“The scarlet quartz. It’s ability to maintain warms despite it being a crystal is truly interesting. A little further in investigation and we might turn it into something to help our future journeys here.” He said it with his usual tone while walking up the mountain to our camp. Surely it will be a lie if you say you aren’t taking a liking to this popular alchemist, but at the same time, something kept interrupting those words from revealing themselves.

The sky had started to turn dark yet the camp was at least still ten minutes away, despite making numerous runs around this area and fully prepared for each, the cold still manages to slip through jackets, sending a shiver down your body.

The boy had noticed your reaction to the sharp climate and decided to silently place his coat over yours.

“But-”

“I’ll be fine. You seem a little tired from your tasks previously, ignoring human temperature maintenance at this state will cause sickness.” And you could only nod to his statement.

“Actually, I...have a certain matter that I hope you would help me with.”

“Sure, what’s it about?”

“Emotions, various distinguishing between emotions to be exact. I admit I might not be the most professional when it comes to human feelings, so I do have some questions on some reactions I have when I meet a certain few.” “Hm, I might not be the best to ask though.”

“I understand, though I would like to know your opinion on these cases.”

“...Okay then.” After finally reaching the camp, managed to gather some of the quartz that he needed, cooked up some soup as he started his experiment once more.

“Should we start?”

“Here’s your jacket-”

He only stepped closer and held your hand within his. After knowing that your body has still yet to recover from the freezing coldness, his eyes expressed worry before grabbing his coat and placing it on you once more.

“I should make a potion for you, just in case…” You could hear him talking to himself as he walked back to his table. Before you could stop him, he had already finished the creation.

“Here, take this warming bottle, it should provide enough heat for your body to regain maintenance under the weather. And here’s a potion, you should drink it if you feel any uncomforts.”

“T-Thanks, you don’t have to do too much for me though.”

“I wanted to.”

There was a silence between the two before you decided to continue the previous topic. “Let’s start?”

“Alright.” He sat down beside you, somewhere not too close and somewhere not too far, just the enough distance for you to tense up and him to laugh at your reaction. “This first subject, whenever I meet them I get a very warm feeling. The feeling of the need to protect them and to make them smile even if it was to act out of...order and control. And when they made the right decision, I’ll feel glad for the troubles that they didn’t cause-, um, the peacefulness that we get to keep.”

You thought for a while before answering. “Hm, that’s...love, I think. I’m not so sure, but it could be connected to the caring that you have for the one and how you might feel proud if she grows in her decision making.”

He hm in response, slightly amused at you taking seriously the emotional words he used which yet so confusing, “You certainly do possess a skill that’s worth investigating.”

“Me?”

“Indeed, what you’ve said was quite the fact. I do care and would be proud to watch Klee grow,” he said. “And this word, love, is a complicated one, isn’t it?”

“It is, so to be more specific, your love for Klee is the family kind of love.”

“Hm, interesting.” He replied while taking a few notes from your explanation before continuing. “Then what about the second subject? Whenever I meet them, I feel as if I was being understood in the field of alchemy. The work that they’ve done is not quite yet at an extraordinary level, but the determination they have for the topic is admirable. I enjoy researching alchemy with their help and the progression they’ve made to where they are today was nevertheless impressive. Even off work, their suggestion for taking a leave was...amusing. I recall once they suggested investigating the crabs near the Falcon Coast.”

You can’t help but giggle at the fact that observing crabs is a good way to relax, which gives the chance of the slight blush on the boy, upon hearing your soft sounds echoing the area, to go unnoticed.

“Friendship,” you said, trying to take a pause from laughing. “The feeling you feel is probably the friendship, which you could also classify it as a kind of love I suppose. The feeling of being understood through the same interest, the respect you have for one another, and the carefree side that you tend to present to them is a form of trust. I’d say you are good friends with them, am I correct?”

“Precisely, but the usage of the word friend still confuses me. But in this case,Sucrose...then I guess we’re good friends, huh.”

“Sucrose?! Was she the one who made that suggestion-” And you couldn’t help but started to laugh again, it really was nothing new for the alchemists to misunderstand the definition of ‘relaxing.’

“What do you think about it though?”

“About what?”

“That plan, the crab and Falcon Coast one.”

“Oh, I think it was worth investigating, since crabs themselves might have some connections to a few recipes that I want to improve.” And you could only sigh at the boy who relates everything to work.

“...You did mention you feel confused by the word friendship?”

“Ah yes,” He said before glancing away, “I feel like there’s something more to this feeling.”

“...Is that so.”

It made your mood die down a little as your grips tighten around your knees, embracing for whatever he had to say. It was perhaps, Sucrose, the one he adores and not you. The thought of them being together, walking onward for a future that’s made for them was indeed an warming sight. But this bittersweet feeling just won’t go away.

Your focus landed on a plant beside some documents on the desk, a slight unusualness of it being present on this specific place as if it was something special, given from someone important. You shake your thoughts away, however, clearly he views you less than her.

Your admiration for him had already lasted for some time, but will the bud bloom when the spring comes?

“Does the emotion of friendship include an increase of heart rate?”

“...no, not usually.”

“Hm,” he said, continuing to record it down. “Then does it include the desire to hold them close?”

“...no.”

“Or signs of redness across ears and cheeks?”

“no.”

“Or the desire to protect them, be with them, and spend time with t-them till the end?”

“no, no, and no.”

He silently put down his pen and the paper before turning back to you. You could feel his sight, but you weren’t brave enough to maintain any sort of connections at the moment.

“Is it not friendship that I’m feeling?”

“...No.” And you started to explain. “It’s love, romantically. Your hope to be sharing the same future with the one you adore the most, the desire to be by their side whenever and wherever, the need of protecting and the signs of blushing shows how you treat them differently from the rest.” It hurts every inch of your heart to explain, but it was still done for his sake. “It’s love, the romantical kind of reaction.”

“I see.” he said before standing up, giving his hand to you. “Then I suppose I’m in love with you, (Y/n).”

“Wait-”

“Yes?”

“Is it not Sucrose that you love? But I thought-”

“You even said it yourself. It was only friendship between her. That description of emotion made me wonder about my feelings toward you. Turns out, it was as expected.”

“So you planned this all along just to-”

“Yes.” He looked at you with his shimmering teal eyes gazing into yours, as you see his smile that’s not noticeable, but compared to his usual expression was too shocking to be ignored.

“I planned this all along just to confess to you, correct.”

In the end, the flower did bloom in the coming spring.

#genshin impact #genshin impact x reader #genshin oneshot #genshin albedo #albedo x reader #albedo #oneshot #genshin impact oneshot

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aelingalathyniusrailme · 3 years

Text

Broken, battered, and beautiful-chapter 2

if you haven’t go check out chapter 1

“Oh hi.” even in the privacy of her own home elain was clothed in a fine dress made of satin, the color of sunflowers with a high neckline. Gwyn tried to muster up embarrassment for her own plain outfit that most definitely could have been mistaken for sleep wear, but she couldn’t find the energy to care.

“Hello, um I wanted to come by to say thank you for the other day.” Gwyn felt awkward and uncomfortable, this female had done nothing to wrong her and yet it was difficult to let the protective and territorial instincts go. Azriel was not hers, it was a mantra she replayed in her mind over and over. The words a double edge sword encouraging her to move on with a torturous truth.

“It’s no worry, I never would have left you on the ground at night” elain smiled warmly, “and besides nesta would have my head if something had happened to you.” gwyn gave her a tight smile, the most she could force herself to manage.

They stood in an unpleasant silence, the only sound being the soft anxious tapping of gwyns hand on her thigh, a nervous tick she had yet to break. thankfully after a couple dreadfully long seconds elain spoke, “would you like to come in?”

Gwyn let out a sigh of relief and gave a slight nod of her head. She then followed Elain into her home. As Gwyn's eyes roamed the place she felt as if she had stepped into the spring court, or what it used to look like, she supposed from what Feyre had told her about its current state.

Elain must have noticed her curious glance at the windows stretching from ceiling to floor with the sun blazing through them, “when I was looking for an apartment I wanted as much sunlight as possible,” she paused to reposition one of her many many plants. “For me” she paused once again, taking in the almost overwhelming amount of blossoms. “And the flowers. In case you haven’t noticed, I have a slight obsession with greenery.”

“Slight is a modest term.” gwyn noted. She laughed. The sound was sweet and full and covered the room in a joy that could not be masked. Gwyn wished she could say she couldn’t remember the last time she laughed like that, but she had. Darkness coated the once joyous memorie, infecting it with anger and malice. Pain was soon to follow but Gwyn shoved it down, pressing a lid on her emotions, better to feel nothing at all then the heartbreak of what she had lost.

Elain quickly picked up a few scattered papers on her table and pulled out a seat for gwyn. “Would you like some tea? Emerie gave me a few samples but I haven’t had the chance to try them yet.”

“I would recommend the strawberry green tea, personally I think it’s her best, though most of them are… editable.”

She raised an eyebrow “most?”

“Well for Emerie's sake I’ll let you form your own opinions but between you and me, I’d keep a safe distance from the lemon ginger.”

Elain looked amused. “I will keep that in mind.”

gwyn watched as elain made the tea quietly humming to herself. She set down the cup in front of her, “one strawberry green tea.” Gwyn gave a nod of gratitude before quickly realizing that that was a poor response. God had she lost her manners along with her dignity.

“Thank you.”

Once again silence fell over them, the conversation they had both known gwyn had come for hung in the air, hovering, waiting for a moment to strike. But Gwyn had made a promise to Catrin, a promise to her found sisters, and a promise to herself that she would be brave.

“What happened between you and azriel?” she blurted. Elain took a deep breath before answering, everything about her expression and posture, unsurprised by the question.

“In order to really understand, I would have to start from the beginning. Are you positive you want to hear the truth?”

No. yes. No. She did not want to hear, she desperately did not want to hear but she had to know. “Yes.”

Elain nodded, “It’s been about four years since I became fae and the subject still isn’t my-favorite, but four years ago I was engaged to a man named grayson. Looking back he was truly dreadful and a little bit of a tool. But I was in love, or.” Elain’s cheeks flushed slightly. “what I thought was love. He truly hated the fae and when I became the one thing he hated more than he loved me, his love quickly became fear and his fear fueled his hatred. I was dependent on others, in more ways than one. And with my world being literally and figuratively turned upside down, the one person who was supposed to love and support me through it all, abandoned me without hesitation. Although the argument could be made that I was coddled my entire life and this was a much needed wake up call.” Elain paused, letting out a shaky breath.

“If this is too difficult for you we can stop.” As much as Gwyn needed to hear this story she would not force Elain to relive her trauma.

“I owe it to you and to my sister to avoid bad blood between us and if telling you this story is what it takes, then that is the least I can do.” She took a sip of her tea. “Now I knew I had just lost who I thought was the love of my life and then I was forced into the hands of another.”

Her stepbrother, she thought. “Lucien.”

“Yes,” elain smiled fondly. “He was my breaking point. All I wanted was to collapse into myself, to pretend that I was still human. But with him I couldn't. He was a walking reminder of everything I hated about myself. The only thing that haunted me more than him was my own reflection. I thought that if I avoided him I could ignore the magnetic pull that drew me to him.” She looked down and bit her lip. “Denial was a personal favorite of mine.”

Gwyn raised her eyebrows. “I can tell.” she watched as color flooded her cheeks and Gwyn's lips twitched.

“But it was proving to be a little more difficult than I had expected. And then there was this dark, attractive male who seemed to be intrigued by me. He was kind and he was there so I forced myself to believe I had genuine feelings for him, that I desperately wanted him.” Gwyn's stomach lurched but she forced it down. “He was a perfect distraction, there were these small moments where our fingers would brush or I would find him looking at me as if he desired me. I needed so badly to believe that this was what I wanted and yet I felt nothing. I thought that becoming fae had broken me. I made up my mind that if I kissed him, the feeling I craved would come. So at solstice, when I knew there was no way for him to avoid me, I gave myself an opening and waited until after dinner to give him his gift. He gave me a necklace and kissed my neck. We were moments away from, well you know, when he left very suddenly. I was confused and a little bit hurt and I still felt nothing. So I followed him, and well” elain let out a bitter laugh. “Let's just say Azriel said some rude things.”

Gwyn’s face was one of constant shock as elain told her the shadowsinger’s conversation with the high lord of the night court. “The only thing he could say about you was Three Brothers, Three Sisters?!?”.

“Yep.”

“He thought he was entitled to you because his brothers were mated to your sisters?!? Even though you had a mate??”

“Exactly”

“And you guys were so not on the same page, you guys weren’t even in the same gods damn book.”

She laughed. “I guess that’s what happens when you don’t communicate.” Gwyn's thoughts were a cage of her own making, one she couldn’t escape. She was outraged on behalf of elain, how dare azriel make some sort of claim on her, she was not a toy to be passed around. But she couldn’t help but think first Mor than Elain, what the hell was she to him? Had it all been a game of pretty words and sweet lies? Was she just one of many?

“Anyway, I decided that the distraction wasn’t worth putting myself through whatever was going on with him so I gave him back the necklace. I assume that he saw you sometime that night or in the next few days because I saw you with the necklace a couple weeks later. I know that I did not have the right to be upset considering I gave it back but, for me, it confirmed that my decision was the right one.”

Azriel had, in fact, come to her that night Gwyn thought back to solstice 2 years ago. It was the first time she had been alone with him, It was the first time she'd been alone with any male since.

“Azriel and I barely spoke or interacted since solstice when a couple weeks ago, when I was shopping in town I saw him so drunk he could barely walk. I’d seen him with you a couple times and it seemed like he had changed so I went to go help him and he tried to kiss me. I slapped him and walked away. The next day he came by my apartment and begged me not to tell you. I told him I owe him nothing and closed the door in his face.”. She didn’t owe Gwyn anything either and yet she still defended her. “I then told Nesta what had happened and asked her to tell you.” elain took another sip of tea. “I thought it would have been better if it came from her.”

Gwyn watched elain, even doing something as mundane as drinking her tea, in this house, she looked more peaceful and in her element as she had ever seen her. Gwyn was also positive this was the most she had ever heard her talk and despite a part of her still wanting to rip her head off, she was grateful for the female and she was sympathetic for what she had gone through, and she was embarrassed for not seeing this side of azriel.

“I’m sorry.”

A puzzled look graced elain’s face. “What for?”

“For what you went through, for whatever part I played in your pain.” she chuckled at that.

“You did nothing wrong, besides if anyone should be apologizing it should be me.”

Gwyn snorted. “That’s ridiculous.”

“How about it should be azriel apologizing to the both of us.”

“Deal”

elain looked out the window. “Oh speaking of solstice, I have to do my gift shopping.” she glanced at Gwyn, something in her gaze she couldn’t detect, maybe pity, maybe spite from an old grudge, maybe it was genuine, maybe a mix. Whatever it was made her ask, “would you like to come with me?”

And even if it was pity or spite, even if all elain saw was a broken toy in need of saving, she said “yes.”

tagging: @stars-and-scripts @valkygwyn @em---r @whereisvaughan @purplecherrypie @lattristantketchup @bookish-isha @meher-sumedha @jennysofoldstone @ratabrasileira

#gwynlain #gwyn berdara #elain archeron #let me know if you want to be tagged or removed #gwynriel #elucien #I'm not going to lie I kind of enjoy shitting on azriel

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godsofhumanity · 3 years

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rank the men from the iliad (+ explanations)

1. Hector

WHAT do i even need to say????? Hector is literally brilliant!!! He’s kind, he’s smart, he’s brave, he’s honourable, he’s loyal, he’s a fighter. Even Zeus thought he was so good that he deserved to be saved and only didn’t save him from Achilles because Athena begged him not to. I also really love Hector because even though he’s so awesome, he’s not arrogant or pretentious like Achilles, he’s just so grounded and nice.

2. Odysseus

Remember when Odysseus tried to avoid participating in the war by pretending to be insane? AGHHHHH ODYSSEUS, KING!! That really indicates what kind of a man Odysseus was- kind, and strong, and preferring peace to violence. This guy also stopped Achilles from being stupid and forcing his soldiers to keep fighting even though they were exhausted. Also.. Trojan horse epic prank.. great work, Odysseus.

3. Priam

Oh, Priam! The scene where Priam goes to Achilles himself and begs him to give Hector’s body back is what does it for me. Priam, a king, has to cross enemy lines and bow down before his enemy, the man who murdered his son, and beg him to have the smallest bit of sympathy and give back the body so that they can give Hector the proper burial rites so that he can pass on to the land of the dead. Can you imagine how humiliating that must have been? What strength of mind this old man must have had to go to Achilles, a spoiled brat, and ask for mercy! Priam is just... words can’t describe. I have so much respect for him. He really put family first, always.

4. Polydamas

Hector’s good friend and a Trojan commander. He gives Hector some really good battle advice but my man Hector never listens 😭😭😭 Props to Polydamas for trying though xx

5. Diomedes

Honourable, valiant and not pretenious despite being the ONLY mortal warrior to actually wound the immortal gods (Ares)!!! I LOVE this dude!! He’s smart, he’s brave, he’s cunning, he’s resourceful. Fantastic work, Diomedes!

6. Nestor

i like him because he’s a little bit funny, but also extremely wise and sensible. everyone appreciates him and listens to his advice when he gives it.

7. Aeneas

Aphrodite, Apollo AND Poseidon loved this dude and saved his life on separate occasions, so you know he’s a good one!!

8. Ajax the Greater

remember when Hector and Ajax had a big fight, and then they just stopped and gave each other gifts???? KINGS! Ajax is just very honourable, and he’s an excellent fighter. i like him! sad ending though :///

9. Patroclus

Did you know that Patroclus was actually older than Achilles, despite most modern adaptions portraying him as younger? Anyways, i don’t hate Patroclus. He had the spirit- he was brave and courageous, albeit a little brash.

10. Deiphobus

i feel like we always forget that Deiphobus married Helen after Paris died. the fact that Athena chooses to impersonate Deiphobus during Achilles’ fight with Hector, indicates that Deiphobus was trusted and beloved by Hector, which further suggests that they had like-minded personalities. still, he’s further down this list because of the myth where he carries Helen off and marries her- Deiphobus, my dude, did you not just watch an entire war unfold because Paris did the exact same thing? Idiots! The lot of them!

11. Menelaus

Menelaus isn’t exactly a strong fighter, but i actually kinda like him! As a king, i think that if Menelaus had simply just sat back down and been like “okay, my wife got kidnapped, let me just leave it be because a war is too much”, that would have made him look really weak. He 100% was in the right for waging war, because Paris was WRONG and never should have done what he did. I genuinely do think that Menelaus did love Helen, though I’m undecided about whether Helen reciprocated. Either way, Menelaus is okay in my books- he just did what he had to.

12. Achilles

ugh. i used to really like Achilles, but the more of the Iliad i read, the more i disliked him. He’s so arrogant and pretentious and hot-headed. He thinks he’s a god. obviously, i hate what he does to Hector, and i don’t think he was all that honourable. He was just a spoiled brat.

13. Paris

Troy’s resident dumbass. for real, Paris is just so dumb.. i don’t like him! he makes so many bad decisions, and everyone else has to pay for them. He knew that Helen was off limits- being married, and already being a mother with a child who needed her, so what did brave Paris do? Kidnap Helen! AGHHH YOU IDIOT! YOU FOOL!

14. Agamemnon

i hate this guy. i feel bad for him because he had to sacrifice his own daughter for the sake of the war.. but other than that,, he’s just so angry and scary and brutal,, and i don’t like him. also, his own wife killed him, so what does that say about the man?

**these are just my opinions,, feel free to disagree!!

#this was fun!!! send me more asks like this!#i like the way people draw Achilles.. like in Supergiant's Hades and stuff.. but him as a person.. idk..#greekschist #asks

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cheri-translates · 3 years

Text

[CN] 3rd Anniversary Love Carnival - Lucien

🍒 Warning: This post contains detailed spoilers for an event which has not been released in English servers! 🍒

Lucien’s Prologue: here

3rd Anniversary Masterlist: here

[ PART ONE ]

MC: Which attraction should we try first…

Looking at the splendid carnival, I’m a little spoilt for choice.

Seeing how I can’t make a decision, Lucien chuckles.

Lucien: Take your time to pick. No matter which attraction it is, I’ll experience it together with you.

MC: I’ve decided!

Lucien: In that case, which attraction is so lucky to have been picked by MC?

Lifting my hand, I point towards the front.

MC: Let’s start today’s journey with the “Rotating Wind-and-Fire Wheel”!

Lucien: …

I’m not sure if it’s a misperception, but Lucien’s gentle smile seems to freeze for a second.

Even though I chose this scream-inducing attraction with a high morale, my heart still feels slightly anxious when I sit down.

After all, aside from a rotating descent, each seat is also centered on a connecting point at the ends of the ride, enabling it to move 360 degrees at a high speed.

After buckling the seatbelt, I take a deep breath.

MC: Lucien, are you ready?

In contrast to my evidently nervous self, Lucien maintains his usual composure.

Lucien: Mm. I believe the safety of this facility is sufficiently comprehensive.

MC: What I mean is… you can tell me if you’re scared.

Lucien: A sizeable number of people enjoy the more exhilarating rides in the amusement park. For instance, the rollercoasters, and the Wind-and-Fire Wheel we’re on right now.

MC: …

Although I don’t know why he’s suddenly bringing this up, I nod.

Lucien: Other than joy or happiness, people seek after fear on their own accord. When we’re in a safe environment and experience things that stimulate our “fight-or-flight response”, the brain will secrete serotonin.

The ride starts moving slowly. Lucien doesn’t seem to be affected by this, and his tone remains calm.

I’m a little confused about this sudden seminar on anthropology.

However, after putting more thought into it, a guess which doesn’t seem quite possible, yet is appropriate for this situation furtively arises.

Lucien: Aside from this, when experiencing more adrenaline-inducing rides–

Lucien’s mini lecture abruptly stops.

At the same time, without any warning, our seat starts spinning at a great speed. Along with the change in altitude, I instinctively start screaming.

MC: Ahh–!!

The sense of weightlessness and soaring into the air intertwine, and the world goes topsy-turvy. Other than the instinctive fear and anxiousness, what remains embedded in my mind is another impactful fact.

Even Lucien is scared!!

When we return to the ground, a sense of contentedness I’ve never felt before gushes out of my heart.

MC: Ah, Mother Earth, I love you.

Not caring whether I’d get ridiculed, I sigh with emotion from the bottom of my heart.

Lucien pats my back as a form of comfort, and smoothens my hair.

Lucien: How are you feeling now?

MC: As compared to this…

I straighten up, looking at Lucien seriously.

MC: Lucien, you aren’t great with such rides, are you?

Lucien: At the very least, I, with my eyes open, could see this brave lady screaming with her eyes closed during the entire process.

He doesn’t give me a straightforward answer. His calm state seems to be no different from before we rode the Wind-and-Fire Wheel.

However, his slightly tense smile, and his slightly flying fringe, gives me a different answer.

Translated comic based on this part: here

[ PART TWO ]

Note: Contains references from Reading Date, which has not been released in EN!

After experiencing the severe trials of the Rotating Wind-and-Fire Wheel, I select a few more peaceful attractions.

Taking Lucien’s advice, we take a short break in a small garden in the park after taking some simpler rides.

The park is built on a man-made lake, and numerous evergreen shrubs have been planted. Even on winter days, it doesn’t appear cold or cheerless.

For some reason, there’s a sweet fragrance permeating in the surrounding air.

After sitting down on a bench, Lucien doesn’t rest with me. He tells me to wait for a while, then walks along the path to the other end of the park.

What returns with him are two freshly prepared crepes.

Lucien: Since just now, you seemed to be looking for something. If my guess is correct, the fragrance you whiffed should be this.

MC: You noticed…

The freshly prepared fruit crepe still carries with it a faint warmth. Embellished with cream and chocolate, it looks especially delicious.

MC: Lucien, thank you!

Lucien sits down beside me, watching ripples appear on the surface of the lake.

Although it’s already late winter, the weather is especially good today. Coupled with how he’s beside me, it makes me feel even warmer.

MC: It looks like a scene from a comic.

I munch on the crepe happily, and can’t help but sigh with emotions.

Lucien: Why do you say that?

MC: Just look - don’t you typically see such scenes in comics? The female and male protagonists head out together for a date, take a break in the park, and share sweet crepes together.

The female-targeted comics I’d once read surfaces in my mind.

The thought of those scenes, which I had once yearned for, happening to me right now causes a sweetness to arise in my heart.

Lucien: Mm. I remember. When we exchanged books the last time, those comic books you had did have such scenarios. From such a perspective, I should have bought two different flavoured crepes, and exchanged them with you while we ate.

MC: There’s need for that. Things are already very good now. After all, life can’t be the same as in comics. Being able to participate in the carnival and enjoy delicious desserts is already the best date.

I take another bite of the crepe, the soft cream spreading in my mouth, filling all of my tastebuds.

Lucien: Is that so? In contrast, I think this girl who keeps quite a number of comics has pretty high expectations of her own “male protagonist”.

While Lucien says this, he turns his head and gently kisses the corner of my mouth.

The moist and soft sensation is akin to a feather brushing past lightly.

In the winter day which brings with it a slight coldness, his temperature is exceptionally obvious. It brands itself onto my skin, and melds into my breaths.

I’m frozen to the spot, my heart thumping continuously.

I can almost imagine that if this were a comic book, I know what kind of storyboard would be used for this present scene…

There would definitely be a large patch of white, with flowers and plants bubbling and encircling the protagonists.

MC: Why are you suddenly…

The “chief culprit” who caused my face to flush red remains calm and composed. He even takes a bite of the crepe in my hand.

Lucien: Now, does it seem a little closer to a comic?

[ PART THREE ]

Lucien: Oh yes, MC. There’s an attraction I want to try. Could you accompany me?

MC: What is it?

Lucien doesn’t respond. He simply takes my hand, leading me forward.

Lucien: This.

Looking at the attraction which has caused him to pause, I blink a number of times.

MC: The Pirate Ship?

Even though we’ve already buckled our seatbelts, and the Pirate Ship has already started swaying back and forth, I still can’t help but ask Lucien a question.

MC: Lucien, did you really want to ride this? If this is revenge for pulling you to ride the Wind-and-Fire Wheel earlier, your plan would have failed. After experiencing the Wind-and-Fire Wheel, even if we’re seated at the head of the boat, I definitely wouldn’t feel afraid! Also, based on what I’ve observed, you’re not great with such rides.

Seeing my confident expression, Lucien nods.

Lucien: I don’t deny that.

The Pirate Ship sways at a gradually increasing angle. But as I said - after experiencing the Wind-and-Fire Wheel, the Pirate Ship is nothing special.

Lucien: However, there’s an experiment I wish to conduct, and it’s worth taking on a ride I’m not great at.

MC: Experiment?

Lucien: Of course, from your perspective, it could be understood as another reason.

When I’m just about to continue probing, I gradually realise that there seems to be something wrong with this Pirate Ship.

Based on my memory, the speed of the swinging Pirate Ship shouldn’t be this fast.

MC: Did you…

Lucien: Based on my observations, the angle of the swinging Pirate Ship in this carnival is even larger than typical Pirate Ships. Put another way, its “destructive power” is even stronger.

As though agreeing with his words, the Pirate Ship sways from a vertical angle following the next swing.

MC: Ahhh–!

A similar weightlessness from the Wind-and-Fire Wheel causes me to scream even louder.

Despite experiencing a similar ride, my body didn’t get used to it as I had expected.

Instead, it exacerbates the memory from earlier, intensifying the feeling of fear.

I squeeze my eyes shut, gripping the handlebar tightly, wanting to stick myself to the seat.

When the ride ascends again, I can feel the Pirate Ship reaching a height that it has never reached before.

In my extreme nervousness, my heart clenches tightly.

Lucien: MC.

Suddenly, Lucien calls my name.

I subconsciously open my eyes to look at him.

It’s the first time I’m seeing such a Lucien.

In my memories, his expressions are mostly flat.

But right now, Lucien is looking at me, his narrow eyes turning into handsome arcs. The corners of his lips are raised, and he’s smiling happily and broadly.

Behind him is the dark blue sky. At a place far from the ground, I see a completely different smile from Lucien.

In its brightness, I seem to sense the childishness of someone whose prank has succeeded.

In this moment, I even forget that I’m on the Pirate Ship which is about to make its descent in the next second.

When my body reminds me of this, it’s already too late to close my eyes.

The exhilaration from having my eyes open while screaming is ten times more than when my eyes are closed.

MC: Ahh—!!!

In this instance, I understand what he meant by “another reason”.

Lucien: A little, tiny revenge?

MC: Lu–! Cien–!!!

What I get in response is a sigh from Mother Nature, as well as Lucien’s soft chuckle from the side.

[ PART FOUR ]

Looking around the adorably and warmly decorated cafeteria, and then the little gift that came along with the meal, I’m a little confused.

A few minutes ago, we were thinking about what to have for dinner, and we walked into this warm and adorably decorated small shop.

But we didn’t expect…

MC: I really didn’t think it’d be so “hardcore”.

I hold up the little gift, placing it in between Lucien and I.

It’s different from the small ornaments and objects with a feminine aura from my memories.

This cafeteria gives a heart-shaped Burr puzzle to patrons who order the couple set.

MC: The dishes are so delicious that they’re comparable to top-grade restaurants. Even the gifts they provide are just as hardcore. It’s amazing.

Lucien is tickled by my dead serious expression.

Lucien: Looks like the organiser has put in much effort, wanting to leave every visitor with unforgettable and happy memories.

MC: But giving visitors a heart which can’t be unlocked - what’s the owner of the shop thinking…

Without a proper strategy, I play with the Burr puzzle, and can’t help but grumble.

Lucien chuckles, taking this “heart” from my hand.

Lucien: With a little technique, it can be opened easily.

He sits slightly closer to me. Slowing down, he gives me a demonstration while explaining the technique of how to unlock the Burr puzzle.

With the movement of his fingertips and a gentle tug, the wooden lock, which was linked for a very long time, opens, revealing a tiny empty space in the heart which can be used to store things.

MC: Even though you’re already sick of this phrase, I still have to say - Lucien, you’re truly incredible.

Lucien: If I say that I haven’t gotten sick of this phrase, would you be willing to say it to me even more times?

Lucien turns his head over slightly to look at me. In his eyes are the familiar smile and slyness I’m most familiar with.

MC: If I say it, will I get a special prize from Professor Lucien?

After hearing this, Lucien actually ponders over it.

He narrows his eyes slightly, as though he’s facing the most complex, important, and difficult question.

Lucien: If it’s a prize…

All of a sudden, he leans over to my ear. Every gentle word brushes against my outer ear, trickling into my heart.

Lucien: Would an especially happy Lucien be enough?

MC: …Professor Lucien, that’s called being unreasonable.

Lucien: Is that so? I even thought you’d be very satisfied with it.

Lucien blinks, pretending to be taken aback.

Just when I think of how to best turn the tables, he places the wooden mortise of the Burr puzzle, which is used to store items, in my hand.

Lucien: Want to think of what to put in here? Given its structure, I’m thinking this is a safer place to store tiny keepsakes.

MC: Yes.

I turn towards the staff at the side, asking for a few sheets of post-its and pens, and also to allowing the temperature on my face to dissipate.

After we write on our respective notes for a while, Lucien and I exchange them.

On mine, there’s a simple drawing of a man opening a lock, a handsome smile on his face.

What Lucien hands over is a sketch.

In the simple composition, in the midst of light and shadow, he impressively draws me.

The me in the picture has her head lowered, writing on the post-it note, smiling very sweetly.

MC: Now, we’re doubly satisfied!

[ PART FIVE ]

MC: Why is there an animal show?

I look at the signboard at a corner of the park, and can’t help but frown.

MC: Should we remind the organisers that this is disrespectful to the animals, and also inhumane?

Lucien: Under normal circumstances, that would be the case.

Lucien takes out the guidebook, turning to the page which features the animal show.

Lucien: All the animals performing here have been rescued by the Loveland Animal Protection Organisation. During their training, there will not be any scolding or punishment. They also wouldn’t do anything against their instincts. For instance, jumping through flaming hoops. There’s a strict limit on how long they can perform, ensuring that these little fellows wouldn’t be too tired. Also, just as the guidebook says…

Lucien’s finger glides to the respective section of the guidebook.

Lucien: The profits from the carnival will all be used on animal rescue and protection. So I think supporting the “work” of these small animals is something we could do.

MC: Since you’ve put it that way, let’s go have a look!

Very quickly, along with a crisp sound of an bell, the performance begins.

A small white cat peeks its head out from the stage. After looking right and left, it leaps onto the window sill with light steps.

In the next second, plump tuxedo cats jump out from the same place, running to the railing at the other end.

Various coloured kittens start a round of “relay racing”.

MC: So cute!

Even more small animals join this relay race.

Puppies, parrots, and even charmingly adorable piglets and vivacious lambs.

MC: Lucien, how do you think they did this?

Completely absorbed in this novel performance, I can’t help being curious.

Lucien: By using food as a method of training, every small animal knows where it should run to. Staff members behind the scenes would let the next small animal enter the stage at the appropriate timing, leading to a successful performance.

MC: …that’s all?

Even though I was the one who brought up the question, receiving such an unexpectedly simple principle causes me to feel slightly empty.

MC: Truly, after knowing the principles behind things, the magic is no longer interesting…

My soft muttering doesn’t escape Lucien’s ears.

Lucien: Why don’t I give you a small gift as compensation for this “spoiler”?

The length of the performance isn’t very long. Once it’s over, Lucien walks over to the staff, and says something to him.

Lucien: MC, come here.

Curious, I follow Lucien to the empty area beside the stage.

The bell rings once again. This time, however, the “little actors” who had appeared on stage earlier are standing in a queue, walking towards me.

In the mouth of every animal is a small flower.

MC: Are these… for me?

As though answering my query, the small animals place the flowers into my open palm.

Lucien ties the flowers together, weaving them into a bracelet, and carefully wears it on my wrist.

Lucien: Even if it’s a simple principle, it can bring pleasant surprises if coupled with the thought of wanting to make you happy.

While he says this, he takes the final flower held by a small bird, wrapping it around my fourth finger, and rolling it into a ring.

Lucien: This “magic” which has been disclosed - do you like it?

Fireworks event: here

#this is just a re-post of the love carnival translations!#the previous translations were split according to parts rather than love interest which I find really disjointed!#I'm doing some mild renovations to the blog so don't mind me!!

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stuckinapatriarchalbullshitland · 4 years

Text

Sorry Moonchild

I don't know how to express my chaotic thoughts right now but there are really two things I understood from Lauren's live. One, she was just selling her logical LJ1 narrative and I'm not saying her fight wasn't real or invalidating her feelings, but she has just copied the was never real tweet at once erasing everything we've seen before . She spoke from her perspective but I think she forgot that everything that happened between the two of them was reciprocal, it was not only her, Camila was also. And he did it to keep Camila in the closet when she never belonged to him and less in the past was what has screwed me the most from that video. Lauren's speech isn't new, folks. She has always had it and her traumas did not begin in adolescence, nor with TXF, nor with 5H, nor with Camren, they began in her childhood. They started with their family and continued their education LONG BEFORE MEETING CAMILA. That I think haters have forgotten very quickly. And why involve the Latino community in all that drama? I really agree with several of my mutuals here. Lauren didn't take Camila out of the closet but kept her there, a prisoner. She erased everything that gave us a sense of identity in a way that has always been used by the industry. I think it was @romanticentropy or @emisonme who said that the industry DOES NOT SELL REALITY but PRs and Lauren described that. I know that afterwards my inbox is going to be filled with haters again, but I don't care. What has screwed me the most is that those fucking bastards used the last letter to kill Camren which was Lauren, who always denied Camren to make us drop like flies. If they have succeeded, I don't know. Possibly. All I know is, unfortunately, Lauren has given rise to circus fans to use her against us because her clip talking about Camren and Camila is already circulating on their fucking accounts. I have to remind you once again that every artist needs a public backstory to "justify" their music and Lauren Jauregui's backstory will always be Laucy, Tyren, and Deny Camren because that's what drives the most headlines. Wait and see, folks. In fact, it already did yesterday because the global trend WAS LAUREN TALKING ABOUT CAMILA. So for me there is nothing new here. This is a bit of going back to 2016 and 2017 and it's really funny, but I doubt the fandom will die completely if fans decide to quit. Camren has meant a lot to many fans. Many queer fans who have been represented in the relationship of the girls, in what they transmitted. If that was never real I don't know what pussies we saw at the 2018 AMAs. If Camren wasn't real I don't know why Camila keeps talking about green eyes in her songs and Lauren promoting her eyes like crazy all the time after the premiere from South of the Border. If Camila was always straight, I don't know what her phrase means "This album is not really about boys." If Camila was always straight, I don't know what those green eyes mean in Camila's She Loves Control merch. I'm here to say that I really don't understand it, I really don't. Camila never hid her essence and for this she was repressed. Lauren freely chose to hide hers during her time before Fifth Harmony so as not to be harassed or bullied and is respectable, it was her decision to take care of herself. But this seems to have invalidated people who bravely decide never to hide and live their essences freely. I feel like Camila was always one of those people and I'm sorry, but I can't agree with Lauren on that point. What she did I did not like and cannot support her. And I don't, because I felt identified with what she did. I had a gay friend for a short period of time who never denied his sexuality or that he liked boys and in the camp where I met him he always showed himself free, without hiding his essence despite being harassed and bullied and it was me who always came out to defend him. Forever. Pablo always told me not to do it because he didn't care what they said about him and that annoyed me because those idiots had no right to do him that harm when he was not doing anything wrong. Until a counselor from the camp came to talk to me and told me to try to convince my friend to hide. He convinced me to talk to Pablo to hide his essence and not be disturbed. I naively believed that I was doing something good and I told him, I tried to convince Pablo of that and he got mad at me for it. He told me that he thought that I was his friend and that I would be the only one who would not do such a thing as hide and he stopped talking to me for a while until he went to apologize and tell him that if he did not want to hide that he did not do it. That she would support him and help him fight and defend himself if he needed it. Pablo became my friend again and since then I promised myself never to interfere with anyone's real essence. Lauren didn't understand that when she kept Camila in the closet. What has screwed me the most about the video was not Lauren's words per se, but the fact that she knew that we were once manipulated by management. Again. But, despite everything. I will not fall for the game. I'm not going to fall for all the haters who say we've lost that Lauren has killed our fandom and a thousand other shits. There was a story there folks, and we don't know for sure if it still does, but there was something there and no one is going to convince us otherwise. Not the haters, not the industry, not even Lauren. She also knows that we don't believe her so again, nothing new. All I know is that LJ1 is coming and the promo machine is up and running with Lauren. Soon we will see that it will have headlines (because it already has videos of fans on Youtube talking about it) so I am going to leave this long ass post here and warn anons and haters that I will keep my inbox closed after answering the group of asks that have me arrived. That's it. Peace out.

#sorry moonchild #i can't convince you to stay #but love the ones who decide to stay

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sserpente · 4 years

Photo

A/N: Finally! It’s been so long since I wrote something for Eric. This is loosely based on a request I got but mainly an idea I have been meaning to write for quite some time now! Enjoy! ♥

Words: 4199 Warnings: very brief mention of a pandemic

Some decisions in life had to be made not out of convenience but because they were the right thing to do. Although you had not gotten Candor for your Aptitude test, the choosing ceremony was the one day in your life you had sworn to be honest to yourself. Despite what everyone would think. Despite what your heart told you. Despite Eric.

You could not have stayed in Dauntless. You were war too peaceful, too much of a pacifist—but against all reason, you had fallen in love with the most dangerous and scariest person of the entire faction. Eric Coulter.

You spent a lot of time together, before he became a leader. Your friendship had involved long nights on the metal bridge right above the chasm when the compound was quiet for once. It had involved training together, fighting together and hoarding cake and muffins in your parents’ apartment. He had loved muffins back in the day. Coming from Erudite, all they had was fizzy drinks. You doubted he still ate muffins or cake these days. Anyway it wasn’t like you’d know. Not after you transferred to the faction Eric positively hated even more than Abnegation.

Amity had been the right choice for you—not only had it been the result of your Aptitude test (which your test administrator had told you with a rather concerned expression)—it was also the faction appealing to you the most. You belonged here; never in Dauntless where the preferred way of solving problems was by throwing fists.

But it had been the moment you had turned away from the bowls filled with whatever represented the respective faction and pressed your thumb to the fresh cut on your palm, when your eyes met his cold and disappointed glare that he was never going to forgive you for leaving him. You almost scoffed at the thought. It sounded like a tragic love story when in fact, you had never actually gone further than sharing passionate kisses. The last few weeks before the choosing ceremony around your sixteenth birthday had been the first time Eric’s subtle touches became more meaningful, more physical—leading to your first kiss in the pit, in the middle of the night, and your first serious relationship. You still remembered this one time he had pulled you on his lap in the middle of the cafeteria, right before the eyes of Four and the other leaders as if to prove a point.

You had been frowned upon, too. It wasn’t just the minor age difference when Eric officially joined the Dauntless leaders. But everyone, including your own friends, had suspected he would favour you, making it harder for other initiates to secure a spot in Dauntless. Well, you were never going to stay anyway. It was just you had never told him that—not until the day you took your Aptitude test.

Several years had passed now. You had not seen Eric once since the day you left Dauntless and since your parents, sharing Eric’s opinion on feeling sick about all the peace and harmony in Amity, never came to visit you for you to ask about him. Without a doubt, he was still a leader. Without a doubt, he was still dangerous and feared. Without a doubt… you still loved him, even after all this time.

You had had one relationship since your transfer, just about long enough to gain some sort of experience, well, non-sexual that was. Up to this day, you wondered would it would be like to have sex with Eric instead. No Amity man had thus far held your interest for longer than a few days when they first began to court and compliment you—and you were fair enough to tell them straight away you did not reciprocate their attraction. None of them was muscly. None of them had intimidating tattoos on their neck and arms and none of them had two piercings above their right eyebrow.

At least you had hopes that at some point, you could forget him, move on and get married to a charming Amity man. That was until Jeanine announced a couple of Divergents and their sympathisers as fugitives—the very same fugitives Johanna was currently hiding in your faction and Dauntless, or whatever was left of it, disrupted the peace.

You jumped from your seat when the trucks arrived, tearing down the wooden fences in the process. It was obvious this was not going to be a courtesy visit. Swallowing thickly, you tried to remember what you had heard on the news. Divergents threatening the faction system, Jeanine trying to stop them from recruiting members of Dauntless to overthrow Abnegation and thus the government…

You did not have to be Candor to know she was lying. You had known a Divergent girl once. She had transferred from Dauntless to Abnegation after her Aptitude test and if anything, she had been terrified she did not seem to fit into only one faction. Four and Tris, they were no threat to the faction system. Their version of the truth was what you believed in. Still, much like Johanna, you did not want any part of this and instead, eat your bread soaked with peace serum.

For a breathless moment that lasted just a second too long, it was awfully quiet. Then, all hell broke loose as aggressive and armed Dauntless soldiers stormed into the open cafeteria and lined everyone up for “testing”.

It was panic you felt creeping up your guts. Fear of what might happen to you or your new found friends in this faction. Breathing heavily, you glanced at the exit nearest to you. You were fast. Your time in Dauntless had made you not only brave and daring but also strong. You had one shot at making a run for it and hide in the hennery or the stables—so you took it and you fled.

Was he here somewhere? You had spotted Max talking to Johanna as you ran but had not dared slow down; not until you had finally reached the stables the farthest away from the cafeteria and Johanna’s office and hid with one of your closest friends—you had named him Starlight and he truly deserved his title being a black and graceful stallion with blue eyes. You sat down next to him, waited and prayed.

The shots reached you across the fields seemingly out of nowhere. Flinching, you put your hand on Starlight’s mane to calm him down even though you barely helped with your heart beating faster than a steam hammer.

Not long after, you heard him before you saw him, your blood running cold and a petrifying shiver freezing you in place as you broke out into a sweat.

“We need shelter for the night.” Eric.

Go, leave! Leave before he sees you! But you could not bring yourself to run. If he moved any closer, he would be able to see you. Part of you wanted stay, to cup his face and kiss him, the other… the rational one, wanted to flee.

Now. You jumped, turning around the corner to do just that, in an attempt to leave him and his sinful voice behind you for good. Instead, you bumped straight into him. Positive that your heart skipped a beat, your eyes widened when you caught his attention and he recognised you.

“Eric.” Your voice was no more than a whisper.

Whatever flashed in his blue eyes, it was gone before you could properly grasp it. Was it surprise, anger, regret or longing? Or perhaps a mixture of all? Your lips parted when he took a step towards you, approaching you slowly but determined—like a predator about to attack its intimidated prey.

He looked more mature. Stronger, even. And right now, he was sweating a little, all out of breath and appeared to be downright furious. Tris, Four and their friends must have managed to escape then.

“Look at that,” He finally said. There was a coolness in his voice which had never been there before. With a slight frown, he eyed you up and down. “Black suited you much better than orange.” Another step, invading your personal space. You could smell his aftershave when you inhaled, shakily. He was still using the same.

“Eric, please leave her alone.” Johanna intervened. You had barely noticed her standing there before but were all the more grateful that she was. You were not afraid of him—Eric would never hurt you physically, you were sure of that. Still, her presence relieved you. “I told Max we have additional cots in a hut across the farm for our initiates. You can spend the night there.” She explained peacefully.

Eric’s taunting and challenging gaze never left yours when he replied to her.

“I think I’ll be just fine staying with (Y/N).”

“What?”

“Now what happened to that friendly Amity hospitality?” He mocked, a scornful smirk playing on his lips. Clenching your fists, you gnashed your teeth in an attempt not to lash out at him either verbally or physically. Johanna wouldn’t like that and you certainly wouldn’t either. Eric just brought out the former Dauntless in you.

Johanna opened her mouth to protest. She did not know Eric and you had a history but she was not the sort of person to start an argument. Besides, she could figure you knew each other from the past, given he had said your name and she was aware of where you had transferred from in the first place. How would she protest? If she did, she would hardly be the leader of Amity.

“I’m sure you’ll understand that the leaders of Dauntless won’t settle for sleeping in cots for initiates?” The tone of his voice hid a mocking threat. Johanna lifted her chin. She failed to stand up to him but her expression all but revealed how displeased she was with him.

Still, part of you longed to throw yourself into his arms. The other part… oh, the other part wanted to let out your Dauntless vein and slap him square in the face for his arrogant and superior attitude. Clenching your fists in an attempt to stay calm, you met Johanna’s concerned gaze.

“It’s okay. He can stay with me.”

“How generous…” The Dauntless leader mused.

“Eric! Remember we value peace in this faction.” Johanna called after him, presumably with a reproachful expression on her round face. He only chuckled in response as he followed you around the corner.

You did not know what to expect from Eric once you had brought him to your room. Perhaps that he would lash out at you and scream for transferring all those years back without telling him first, or maybe he would simply give you the silent treatment. If anything, Eric had always been really good at hiding his emotions from you. It was why him wrapping his arms around your waist and pulling you close so you crashed into his steel chest, his lips on your within a matter of seconds caught you completely off guard and was certainly the last thing you would have expected from him.

You had missed those lips… how warm and soft they felt against yours, his tongue demanding entrance to claim you for an even more passionate kiss and his strong arms folding around your body—so tiny compared to his—to keep you safe and warm.

Your eyelids threatened to fall shut, your fingertips itching to put your palms flat against his abdomen, to feel the muscles dancing underneath… you would have if you had eaten your bread today.

Outraged, you pushed him away with all the strength you could muster, glaring at him as if he had grown another head. How dared he? You could have been married by now!

“What… are you doing?”

The Dauntless leader quirked an eyebrow, seemingly unimpressed. His lips were a little swollen from his own vicious attack. “If I recall correctly, kissing is usually what couples do to show their affection for one another.”

“Eric, we broke up.” You stuttered.

“We didn’t break up. You left.”

Your eyes met his. “Because I never belonged in Dauntless, we both know that.”

“Bullshit.” He spat with dismay. “You would have made through initiation easily with my help.”

Sighing mutely, you closed your eyes. That was exactly why you had never told him you wanted to leave your old faction. That… and the fact you hadn’t been brave enough to say goodbye and confront the ache in your heart. There went another reason you could not have stayed in Dauntless.

“Why are you here? This doesn’t seem like a courtesy visit to me. I heard the others talk about some sort of testing. What testing? Is it a disease? A pandemic?”

“Yeah, something like that,” he muttered with his back to you, stepping further into your room and looking around curiously all the while you crossed your arms before your chest. You did not have many belongings. A couple of books, a hay doll which you had crafted yourself and a little table lamp so you could read at night. You had bought it on Trading Day and regularly used it to read at night. It was a luxury not everybody here in Amity had.

With a start, he turned back around. His blue eyes were so cold you shivered. You wondered what had happened to him that had made him so… cruel. Eric did not look like he would hesitate to kill anyone who stood in his way.

“We’re looking for Divergents.” He said.

You frowned. “Why?” Your blood began to boil… they were human too, with hearts that beat all the same. There was no difference, really. Was it not the decision you made on Choosing Day which truly mattered?

“They’re threatening the faction system, attacked Abnegation, compromised Dauntless members…” And that was not the story Tris and Four had told Johanna. He was lying as much as Jeanine was—and he knew very well he was. The tension between you was palpable. If you reached out, you felt like you could actually grasp it, get him to snap. His composure was eerie.

“I think that’s not quite true and you know it.”

“Do I?” Eric raised his eyebrows, his tone almost mocking. You cursed yourself for thinking he was still incredibly sexy—despite his attitude; and your heart was beating so fast you could not help but realise you still loved him. “Don’t you worry. We’ll bring order to this mess they’ve caused.” Only it wasn’t the Divergents who had caused this mess, no?

You gasped when he grabbed you by the waist and pulled you close, his mouth once again dangerously close to yours—not for the first time were you reminded of that one time he had pulled you on his lap in the cafeteria back in Dauntless. The only way someone like Eric would occasionally show affection for someone.

“You could come home then. Jeanine will sort it all out and everyone who ended up in the wrong faction can transfer.”

“I didn’t end up in the wrong faction!” You exclaimed indignantly, pushing him away with all your might. It didn’t do much. He barely stumbled back.

Eric seemed unconvinced—and almost all but unaffected by your words. “Okay.”

But only almost. It was the way he clenched his fists, the way that vein pulsing on his forehead and the way his left eye twitched barely noticeably. He would never admit it, let alone phrase it like so but you knew you were guilty of having broken his heart. The remorse was eating you up, from the inside out. Being with him now felt both like a relief and pure torture, knowing there was something you could never make up for.

“Don’t you miss the muffins?” He suddenly teased, playing down his emotions—like he always did. Only this time it sounded downright malicious and evil.

You scoffed. “When did you become… like this?” You said instead of responding to him. “So cruel? You wouldn’t have hesitated to kill any of us down there. I saw it in your eyes.”

His nostrils flared. “We’re at war, (Y/N)! I’m a soldier. Of course I wouldn’t hesitate.”

You snorted once more. “Well, that’s one of the reasons I left Dauntless.”

“And there I was hoping you’d regret your decision soon enough.”

For another long, agonising moment, he simply stared at you—then, mutely, he turned away and started taking off his clothing, piece by piece until all there was left were his black underpants. You had never seen him fully naked… well, how? You had never taken this step in your relationship given you had been much too young for it. And right now, there were much more important and pressing matters… like the fact he simply made himself comfortable in your bed as if it was his own.

“I could be married, you know.” You suddenly found yourself saying, only to realise the second the words left your mouth that you were only making this worse. “What if my husband comes home any moment now and finds you in our bed?”

“Then I’d tell him to fuck off.” He mumbled into the pillow before turning back around to face you. “You’re not married.” He added, nodding at your bare hand. “Actually I’m pretty sure you haven’t let a man lay a hand on you for more than an inept kiss.” You swallowed thickly. He was right.

“You’re wrong.”

“You know I’m not. Now go to bed, the trip back to Dauntless will take us longer now that so many Divergents are on the loose.”

“I am not coming back to Dauntless with you!”

He scoffed in response—and you were far too troubled to sleep. Let alone in the same bed with him. You considered your options for a moment. The hard wooden floor, the ice cold stables in midst of hay… or your soft bed in a warm room.

The decision was easier than it should have been. Still protesting mutely, you did as you were told, albeit reluctantly, but opted to keep on your dress.

You weren’t just cold. You were crying too. You realised the moment your cheek was growing wet from the sad spot of tears that had already formed on your pillow. Shaking silently, you hoped your mute suffering—more mental than physical—would go unnoticed and he wouldn’t wake up. That wish was ridiculous, come to think of it. Eric had learned during initiation that a light sleep could potentially save your life.

“Stop crying…” You heard him grumble, his voice drowsy. He sat up when you didn’t react, a loud sigh tearing through your dark room. “Stop crying.” He said again, softer this time, almost… soothingly. Comfortingly.

His skin felt like hot flames on yours when he leaned over to envelop your upper body in his embrace. You knew he wouldn’t say anything more. Eric was a man who let actions speak louder than words. Soon, you stopped trembling. Soon, you stopped weeping too.

It wasn’t just for his arms around you. It was the fact that you had hurt and disappointed him and he could have sent you straight into your death the moment he saw you again. He had not. He had acted cold and cruel and practically ordered you to return to Dauntless with him but he still loved you—as much as you still loved him. How much of this was healthy, you did not know. It was simply Eric’s way of showing feelings.

The next morning felt surreal, yet before you got to ask yourself if Eric was really here with you—here in Amity, in your bed—you felt the weight of his arm around your hips. You could tell by the way he tensed when you shifted slightly that he was already awake.

“Are you hungry?” He muttered. Frowning, you gazed at your wooden floor. You usually had breakfast before heading out to the farms. This morning, however, the thought of food alone was enough to make your head spin and feel nauseous.

“No… are you?”

“No. Pack your things then. We’re leaving.”

Eric stood. Half naked, he treaded across the room to put his clothes back on.

“I’m not packing anything. I can’t come with you, Eric, you know that.”

“Of course you can,” he spat. “Didn’t you listen to me last night? Jeanine will allow transfers. Make sure everybody’s loyalty is with the right faction.”

“My loyalty is with Amity.” And with you, you added silently. But you couldn’t have both. Faction before blood. The ideal praised be the entire city of Chicago had never felt more painful. “Why won’t you accept it?”

“Because you’re lying to yourself, (Y/N)! You think I didn’t try to move on? Fuck other women?” You flinched. “I could never wrap my head around you wanting to spend your life harvesting fruit and grain.” Dauntless never give up. Eric had never given up on you. Tearing up, you flinched once more when he opened your wardrobe and pulled out the small travel bag every Amity member was equipped with and started packing your few belongings himself when you did not make a move to listen to him.

“Eric, stop it!” The Dauntless leader didn’t even react. Instead, lastly, he reached for the testing device. You had barely registered him bringing the strange piece of Erudite technology to your room and setting it aside the moment the door fell shut so he could attack you with a kiss. Unceremoniously, he threw it on top of the few contents of the bag.

“We’re leaving. I’m not letting you go again.” He knew he wasn’t asking you to stay with him against your will. No, Eric was intelligent. He knew you still loved him and that being with him again would hardly entail him keeping you captive.

“Eric, I said stop!” Fuck Amity protocol. Snapping, you grabbed a hold of your bag and attempted to rip it from his grasp. He did not let go, resulting in an almost ridiculous tug war until the thin fabric of the handle broke apart and Eric’s device dropped out.

As it clattered to the ground, the built-in sensor activated, pointing straight at you. “Divergent.” A computer-simulated voice spoke from the tiny speakers.

You froze. Eric froze. Time froze.

Eric stared at the device as if it had just grown three heads. Then, slowly, his gaze wandered up to your face, discovering the utter horror in it.

He was unpredictable, he always had been. You could still feel his arms around you from last night, after all. And once more, you reminded yourself that you had never had a doubt that Eric would harm you in any way. Now, for the first time, you were worried he would kill you when he darted forward, his expression all but brutal and ruthless.

You tried to remember what your Dauntless friends had taught you long before your transfer. How to block a blow, how to duck and how to throw a punch so your opponent would be knocked out soon enough. Right now, not a single combat move wanted to come to your mind. All your body could master was flinch back—terrified.

It came different. Instead of lunging at you and arresting you for alleged attempt to overthrow the faction system, Eric stomped his foot and crushed the device under the sole of his boot. It broke apart like a dry twig, throwing sparks for a moment.

“Did you know?”

Slowly, you shook your head, still utterly horrified. “No…”

“Did you know?!” He repeated, yelling at you this time loudly enough for you to flinch.

“No! I did not! How would I? For Heaven’s sake, I got Amity for my Aptitude test, Eric!”

“Is that what your test administrator told you?”

“I am not Divergent, Eric!” You yelled. “Don’t you… don’t you think I would know if I felt like I belonged to more than one faction? I don’t!”

“Erudite technology doesn’t lie.” He said, pausing dramatically. “And you know what? I think the part of you who is Divergent is the part that should have stayed in Dauntless with me.”

“You’re hurt. I know you are. Eric, I am sorry. I really am. But I was too much of a coward to tell you I planned to leave. I loved…” No. That was wrong. You took a deep breath, closing your eyes for just the fraction of a second. “I love you.”

Eric approached you and this time, you didn’t move away. You stood your ground—for whatever was to come. Your reward was the relief washing over your entire body when he took a hold of your waist and pulled you against him.

“Come back to Dauntless with me.”

“Eric…”

“Come back to Dauntless with me. It’s the only place where I can protect you.”

Your lower lip was shivering when you looked up to lock your eyes with his. You still trusted him, even after last night. And you believed him, too.

A/N: Check out my blog to find more Imagines and take a glimpse at my first (to be) published novel! If you enjoyed this story, I would appreciate so much if you supported me on Kofi! ko-fi.com/sserpente ♥

#eric divergent #eric divergent imagine #eric divergent x you #eric divergent x reader #eric coulter #eric coulter imagine #eric coulter x you #eric coulter x reader #divergent #divergent imagine #insurgent #insurgent imagine #jai courtney #dauntless #dauntless imagine #amity #amity imagine

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laniidae-passerine · 3 years

Note

your Gomez!master and Dhawan!master analysis post is so accurate!! I wish this post could be sent directly to Chibnall himself. Those writing decisions in the purposeful lack of continuity in the character development they had with Missy were the main problem that made it not work despite the casting being so good

I’m not exactly which one you’re referring to anon, but thank you!!! It really sucks that the show has completely driven the Master off the rails and while there are a few fun moments it really just feels like they completely abandoned the development of Missy (one of the few things Moffat ever did right) and now nothing makes sense. I know I’ve written meta trying to reason and rationalise the devolution of the Master but as the season went on, their behaviour just became increasing unjustifiable and intensely confusing. None of the knowledge (that I’m praying is false) that we learnt about 13 would cause Gomez!Master to collapse like this - she may be shocked, upset and a little angry but she would immediately seek out her best friend and ask them what they were going to do next.

Missy learnt about love. She learnt to grow and sacrifice and be brave through opening her heart and facing her crimes. She would never, ever hurt anybody the way that Dhawan!Master did because she finally found the peace and the beginnings of love with her best friend again. Dhawan!Master is the same as Gomez!Master, at least right after regeneration, and if it doesn’t make any sense for her to do it, it doesn’t make any sense for him to do it either.

Also I seriously don’t get why the Master’s first impulse wasn’t to run to the Doctor. The two of them had begun to rebuild their relationship to the point where Capaldi!Doctor truly believed that she could be trusted and redeemed. If I was Dhawan!Master, my first thought wouldn’t be to run to Gallifrey but to seek out the one person I knew saw the good in me. Why wouldn’t he? He knows that the proof of his new face and a pretty believable story would make sense to the Doctor - and even if it isn’t enough, they’re sane enough to behave in a way that would regain most of that lost trust. It’s like if you got shot and instead of running to the hospital that you know will help and heal you, you run straight into the sea for the saltwater to burn your wounds.

It feels like Chibnall didn’t even watch Missy’s arc and just decided people think it’s more fun to watch a horribly unrepentant villain like Simm!Master, when really a lot of us prefer an antihero. Yeah, I’d love it if Dhawan!Master was a little problematic and shot or killed some people here or there when the Doctor couldn’t, but all the insane batshit things he did were just too much. I want the Master that twirls an umbrella and playfully teases the Doctor while threatening people with guns, not the one that wears a fucking SS uniform. That’s far too much and it’s antithetical to the person we just saw pre-regeneration, who cared and loved and grew.

Also, this is our first main character poc timelord and hhhhhhhhhhhhhh as a half SA woman myself... wow this is what we get???? not fun, playful, flirty Dhawan!Master but instead actual genocidal, vicious, helps the actual Nazis Dhawan!Master?????? I hate you Chibnall and not even Martin!Doctor makes up for the absolute garbage fire (she kinda makes it worse cause you screwed her up too) and I just wish these actors were given scripts that their skills deserved.

#thank you anon!!!!!#I still think deeply about this it’s why I can’t watch DW anymore #doctor who #missy #gomez!master #dhawan!master #simm!master #dw #dw meta #dw critical #anti chris chibnall #asked #answered

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rocorambles · 4 years

Text

A Boy You Used to Know

Pairing: Hinata x reader

Genre: Yandere, Mafia AU, Murder, Torture, Stealing, Kidnapping, Implied NSFW, Implied Rape/Non-con/Dub-con

Summary: You desperately scan the face next to you, searching for even a hint of the man you once loved. But your search always comes out empty and in the end, you force yourself to sleep, temporarily escaping in your dreams of a radiantly warm and smiling orange haired boy you used to know.

Requested by Anon

Hinata and you pant as you race down alleyways, dodge people, and frantically look back to see if you’d lost the officers chasing you. Adrenaline, fear, and hunger fuel your desperation as both of you clutch to the meager stale bread and near spoilt apples you’d stolen from one of the markets. It hardly makes sense that a squad of officers are chasing a couple of urchins like you for taking such low value items, but you both know better. You know they’re looking to make an example of the two of you. An example for the rest of the unfortunate poor that littered the streets.

But although they’re bigger, stronger, faster than Hinata and you, they’re not as nimble, not as lithe and you use that to your advantage. The two of you slip under people’s legs, sneak through hidden nooks and crannies and you both sigh in relief when you near the edge of the inner city. Even if they bothered to chase you here (although you doubt they would...there are much worse things in this part of town than a couple of street orphans), they’d never be able to navigate the back alleys and lanes like you two. And sure enough, as you both cross the hidden line into the dark underbelly you hear their shouting fade in the distance as they curse you before turning back around and leaving you alone.

The two of you keep on racing towards home and only when the two of you enter the abandoned warehouse and lock the doors do you collapse and ravenously eat your plunder. With the hunger pangs now at bay for a little bit, Hinata and you make eye contact and you smile. Smiles turn into laughter and despite the rags you wear, the dirt smeared across your faces and bodies, and the chill of the cold, empty building, the both of you take comfort in the fact that neither of you are facing everything alone. You still have each other.

The years pass and now the two of you are young adults in your early twenties. The stakes are higher and the law isn’t as kind towards you, not that it ever was really kind. So, as the more responsible of the two, you find a job as a waitress at a dingy tavern a couple of blocks away from the warehouse you still live in. The pay isn’t great and sometimes the men harass you, especially in the middle of the night when they’ve drank too much, but it’s a honest job that brings in enough steady money for Hinata and you to survive. You can’t say the same for your orange haired friend, lover, boyfriend? You’re still not sure exactly what Hinata and you are. It’s a question that lurked and grew as the two of you became adults. All of a sudden sharing living quarters together and huddling together for warmth seemed to have a different connotation and neither of you miss the longing look in each other’s eyes, but you’re also now more at odds than you’ve ever been before.

You can’t even keep track of the fights and shouting anymore. You tried to bring Hinata in as a busboy or even a dishwasher at the tavern you work at, but no matter where you tried to find him a job, it just never panned out for various reasons. But you know better than to trust any of the excuses Hinata tells you. You see how his eyes dull as he repeats tedious tasks and the way he scowls at the pitiful pay for his hard work. You remember how his eyes used to light up when the two of you had still been kids stealing whatever your grubby hands could grab and how he’d grin when you went over your loot back at home. You know he’ll never be satisfied with a real job unless it can bring him the same excitement as his criminal ways. So you watch as he comes home from riskier and riskier runs with bruises and cuts all over his body and the two of you scream at each other, you sick to death with worry that one day he won’t make it back home and him frustrated that you can’t just be happy that he’s providing for the two of you. But at the end of the night, when both your throats are hoarse and there are no more words, you put your anger aside and hold each other tight, still grateful to have each other.

Hinata carefully scopes the area outside of Ukai’s market. He’s grateful to the man and he has no plans to steal from him. Despite his rough outer appearance with his piercings and bleached hair, Ukai had kept an eye out for him and you, always sure to forcefully shove free food into your hands when he sees either of you around his shop. No, he’s not interested in biting the hand that fed him. He’s more interested in the men in expensive suits who he’s seen in increasing numbers, walking around the inner city like they own it and maybe they do. They certainly look rich enough to and Hinata isn’t blind to the way the local residents cower in fear when they walk past. But Hinata’s never been good at resisting the thrill of danger and he slowly inches closer to the men hovering around Ukai’s front door, careful to stay hidden in the shadows. His hand reaches out to a back pocket and he’s so close his fingertips can almost graze the wallet he sees sticking out when he’s slammed into the ground by a leather clad foot.

A muscled man with brown eyes grins down at him as he shoves the heel of his shoes further into Hinata’s ribs. “Suga, you’re getting sloppy. You were really going to let this runt get away with stealing from you?” The silver haired man who Hinata had been reaching for just laughs and shrugs his shoulder. “Why do I need to be careful when I know your sharp eyes are always watching out for us, Daichi?”

Hinata trembles in fear as the man on top of him, Daichi he supposes, pulls out a gun and points it at him. “I don’t like killing someone who’s barely an adult, but I can’t just let anyone think they can take from us. Sorry, kid.” Hinata shuts his eyes, but a loud shout interrupts them and suddenly he sees Ukai standing in between him and the barrel.

“Wait, Sawamura. Please don’t kill him. He’s a brat, but surely you could find some use for him? He’s quick, brave, and knows this area like the back of his hand. I’m sure he could be an asset in your line of work.”

Daichi hums in thought, but both Ukai and Hinata let out their held breaths as he finally tucks his gun away. “Come on, kid. We’re going to need to get you up to speed as quickly as possible if you’re going to be of any use to us. Welcome to the Karasuno Mafia.” And as Ukai watches the smaller male leave, sandwiched by the taller men, he wonders if he made the right decision and he sends a prayer to whoever’s listening to watch over the boy he’s grown fond of.

Anxiety and worry eat at you as you restlessly twist and turn on the floor, sleep escaping you as you wait another night for Hinata to return. You haven’t seen him for days now and you had visited everyone you knew, every establishment you could think of that Hinata would be at, but the only answer you got finally from Ukai was that he was fine. He had refused to say anything more no matter how much you pleaded, but Ukai had never once lied to you, so his words brought some peace to you. Yet his words couldn’t replace the empty space beside you and your eye stays glued to the door, hoping to see it open and when it does, you scramble towards it, throwing yourself into Hinata’s arms before he can even fully enter. You release him when he laughs and tells you he can’t breathe, but you go still when you take the sight of him in. You instantly recognize the suit he wears having seen your boss pay his dues to the mafia on multiple occasions and you feel anger rise again within you.

“Don’t you know what they do?”

“Sawamura said I wouldn’t have to do anything if I didn’t want to.”

“Oh, right, because the mafia’s in the habit of just letting you do whatever you want. Don’t be stupid, Hinata!”

“Why can’t you just be supportive of the fact that I’m bringing in more money for us? Aren’t you tired of living in this dump? Don’t you want to live in a real apartment? House? I’m doing it for you, for us.”

It’s the same argument just with a new intensity behind it and you’re disappointed in yourself for giving in like you always do, but you’ve never been able to completely deny the big pleading eyes Hinata’s perfected over the years and with a resigned sigh you agree to move into the mafia complex with him, with a warning that you’d leave as soon as he went beyond his usual petty crimes. Surprisingly, it seems that Daichi keeps to his words and Hinata tells you about going around town collecting protection money and stealing things here and there. You roll your eyes, but hold your tongue. You still don’t approve, but you can live with Hinata acting as some type of tax collector and stealing. You know it’s the best you can hope for in the situation he’s in and if you’re honest, you can’t deny it’s nice to sleep in an actual bed and have more than two outfits to alternate between.

Life continues on until you wake up in the middle of the night as a loud clap of thunder echoes throughout the room. Groggily you try to fall under sleep’s spell once more, but another roar of thunder crackles and you grumble as you sit up. You turn to see if the sounds have woken Hinata as well, but you’re stunned when you find the space beside you empty. You’re still not fond of walking around the mafia complex by yourself. The rest of the Karasuno mafia you’ve met have been pleasant enough, but unease stirs within you thinking of some of the unspeakable crimes they’ve committed. However, you’ve always been curious by nature, especially where Hinata is concerned, so you pad your way out of your room as you search for your rambunctious lover.

You’re not quite sure where to go and you amble aimlessly down the halls until you hear a loud sound or was that just another thunderbolt? You pause but in between the familiar crackles of thunder you hear the sound again and your feet instinctively move towards it until you enter a wing you’ve always avoided. The wing where the group does most of their work. You hesitate, but as the sounds continue you can’t help yourself from inching forward until you’re right in front of a narrowly propped open door. You peek in and instantly cover your mouth with both hands trying to hold back the scream that threatens to escape.

Crimson splatters. Agonized screams. Your body shakes as you take in the suited men pointing guns at the bound people kneeling on the floor. Well, the remaining ones at least. You feel yourself go faint at the pool of blood spreading from the figures already limp on the floor.

“Hinata, why don’t you take the next one? It’s been awhile since your last kill.”

It’s been awhile? Hinata’s killed before? Your thoughts are spinning as you keep on staring despite every cell in your body urging you to turn around and pretend this never happened, but it��s like you’re in a trance as you watch the man you love step forward. Your heart sinks as you see the feral grin that adorns his face and the gleam in his eyes as he cocks his gun.

“My pleasure.”

You bite your lip so hard it begins to bleed in an attempt to not cry out as you see his finger pull the trigger and another man collapses to the ground and you finally find strength in your legs to run back to your room as the men whoop and holler, congratulating and praising him for the clean shot. The next moments are a blur as your heart beats so strong, so rapidly that you think it might tear itself right out of you. All you can think of is getting as far as you can from here and your fingers tremble as you stuff a bag with the essentials. As you run out of the complex, for once you’re thankful for the thunderstorm, the thunder masking the sounds of your escape and the rain hiding your tracks and the tears that stream your face.

It’s not easy starting life from scratch, but what choice do you have? You make the long journey to Nekoma. You’d rather not live in a place that has anything to do with a mafia, but the only places within traveling distance are all governed by one. At least Nekoma was far enough that you knew Karasuno wouldn’t have much reason to visit often, if at all. You find another job as a waitress and months pass as you settle down in the new city. You begin making friends, venturing out, and although a tiny sliver within you still misses Hinata, you know the Hinata you fell in love with no longer exists and you take pleasure in finally living your own life and learning more about yourself.

Life is amazing and you feel your defenses lower. You begin to forget the fear that had you always looking over your shoulder and around you. You begin to forget the feeling of running from something, from someone. You begin to forget the nightmares of corpses and blood that ravaged your dreams for so many nights. So you think nothing of it when your doorbell rings and you open the door without even looking out of the view hole. In hindsight, you’ll regret that for many years to come.

You freeze when you see the three men in your doorway. Daichi and Kuroo, the head of Nekoma, have always had an intimidating commanding aura about them, but it’s Hinata who’s coldly staring at you who has the most impact and you try and slam the door shut as a malicious smile begins to spread across his face. The familiar cocking of a gun makes you stop your futile struggling and you quietly reopen the door and Hinata takes that as his cue to draw nearer and tilt your head up to look at him.

“I’ve missed you so much.” Your heart flutters, but you try and shove his unmoving body away from you. “Hinata, please, I don’t want to go back. Just let me go. Whatever we had is over. How did you even find me?” You wince as his hold on your jaw tightens, effectively shutting you up. “Sawamura and Kuroo are good friends, so when I sent out a search notice for you in all the territories, it was only going to be a matter of time before one of his men recognized you. It’s funny that you think you have a choice in this, honey. You think you could just get away with betraying me, stomping all over my heart, abandoning me? You’re going to regret ever thinking any of that was okay.” You struggle to escape his hold, but a pointed jab of a gun in your side has you behaving instantly and instead you silently plead to the two bosses behind Hinata. Daichi shrugs. “Hinata’s become quite a valuable asset to the family. I promised I’d reward him.” Kuroo smiles. “You’re pretty, darling, but not pretty enough to start a gang war over. Your stay in Nekoma is over.” And with those final words, you sob as Hinata wraps an arm around your waist and pulls you along to the black tinted car parked outside your building.

You spend the entire car ride in Hinata’s lap, his arms practically squeezing the air out of you as he wraps himself around you, not allowing you to move even an inch. You tense at the feeling of his teeth and mouth latching onto your neck, biting, kissing, and licking every inch, leaving a collar of marks, but memories of what pain and malice the men around you are capable of keep you obedient. Even when Hinata drags you to your old shared bedroom and tears your clothes off, ruthlessly plundering your body again and again, reminding you exactly who you belong to, where you belong, you don’t fight back. Even when he drags you with him to his meetings and duties and gives you a front row seat of torture and death, you don’t think about escaping. Only at night when Hinata is soundly asleep and your used body lies limp beside him, painted with bite marks and bruises with every hole aching, do you desperately scan the face next to you, searching for even a hint of the man you once loved. But your search always comes out empty and in the end, you force yourself to sleep, temporarily escaping in your dreams of a radiantly warm and smiling orange haired boy you used to know.

#haikyuu yandere #yandere haikyuu #hinata x reader #haikyuu mafia #haikyuu #hinata #haikyuu fic #haikyuu writing #tw: noncon #tw: rape

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lincnok · 4 years

Text

Disney Princesses are all excellent role models

Nowadays, we see something called the feminist movement, something that was born to empower young women, and equalize society, a noble cause; now it is nothing like it’s original goal, and some even bash more feminine, or soft spoken women in the fictional media. I have seen many ‘feminists’ go off about how earlier princesses, like Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora and Ariel are all ‘weak’ and are ‘unfit to be role models for young girls’ whilst princesses like Moana and Elsa are praised for their ‘empowerment’. In all of these events, both on the opposite sides of the spectrum, there is barely ever any space for the girls in the middle like Tiana and Pocahontas. Whilst these characters aren’t recognized, some get bashed, and others praised above the rest, which is unfair as they are all excellent role models and here’s why.

(I’m gonna start from the first movie cuz I find it easier that way)

Snow White:

This princess is overlooked and consistently talked about as weaker and ‘less than’, when in actuality, she is as strong a role model as any other. Even in the face of death, she is kind-hearted and care-free, choosing to clean the dwarves home, and never saying one bad word about her step mother. Yes, she did open the door to a stranger and eat the apple, but she was fourteen, and in the original story, had been living with the dwarves for two years, essentially leaving her ‘sheltered’. She lived in the middle of the forest with a group of tiny men for God’s sake, do you really think she would understand the no strangers rule? And even then, eating the apple was something she did out of politeness, rather than stupidity. It was her innocence taken advantage of that got her poisoned, not stupidity or weakness. She is a positive role model because she was able to stay level-headed, polite and innocent, even under severe pressure.

Cinderella:

Now in her story, she is claimed as weak because, in some people’s eyes, she did nothing in the face of abuse. Is that true? Absolutely! But not because she is weak, but because she is strong enough to know when not to fight. She cried and had bad days, but still chose to do the things she was asked in order for things to remain peaceful. She worked hard to achieve what she wanted. When she was told she had to do all her chores and more in one afternoon to go to the ball, she did, and made a dress on top of that. She would’ve gone to the ball anyway if it were not for her step-family’s spite, all she need the fairy godmother for was a change of clothes and a ride. She was honest and hard working, unbending even in the face of abuse and pain, something all girls should aspire to be.

Aurora:

This is the one that gets the worst media, as she had little lines and screen time and ‘slept through her whole movie’. But in all honesty, the girl lived in the forest with three fighting fairies, who did little to help with education and knowledge of the outside world, keeping her as sheltered as possible. She was happy and loveable, with a definite affinity for singing, something she did on the regular. Of course, we don’t get to see much of her personality there, but I’d like to say that she was something of a carefree spirit, happy and optimistic, trying her best to keep others happy too. She was a little boy crazy, yes, but she was fifteen, and Prince Phillip was the first man she had ever seen, so you can’t really blame her for her fascination with him. She had no idea about a curse, and if something possesses you, you don’t really have anything to do about it, and you can’t do anything if you’re asleep for one hundred years. But she kept herself happy and cheerful even in loneliness, as the prince was not only the first male she’d seen but also the first human she’d seen since she was a baby, and yet she was obviously happy, jubilant enough to sing for hours in the forest, despite being alone for most of her life. Happiness can be found in the even in the loneliest of places and that is what Aurora teaches us.

Ariel:

This girl gets bad media too because of her choice at the end of the film. Through out the film, she is presented as a curious soul, wanting to find out how the humans lived, collecting the trinkets and items from the shipwrecks said humans left. She did go too far in her curiosity, though, signing her voice away for legs. But she was eager to learn, and that is something all girls should aim to be. As I said before, she is bashed for making the decision to stay on land and get married, rather than going back home, but that is a very common thing to do, more common that people think. If a girl falls in love with someone in another country, she has every right to stay there with him, and thus Ariel shouldn’t be penalized for something so common and accepted. Her family didn’t condemn her, they came to her wedding and were happy for her. She chose her happiness over cultural norms, and that kind of confidence is something we should all aim to have.

Belle:

Belle isn’t bashed so much as diagnosed, and I feel like that isn’t right to do. I’m not saying that it isn’t true, but there is so much that is ignored about Belle’s story that should be mentioned. Like the fact that she is educated. This is something that was very rare in the time period in which she lived, and she definitely needs to get more recognition because of that. In an essay I read, it was said that she would be the equivalent of the village’s ‘IT guy’ and that is exactly right. When she rejected Gaston, she never said a bad word about him, nor wrote off his affections or was rude, she simply declined, which is something that should be respected and applauded rather than bought down. There is also the fact that she is quite feminine in appearance and picks a decidedly feminine dress despite being raised by a single father, which is a detail I rather liked, as it lets Belle be on both sides of the spectrum, being able to expertly communicate with her male friends, whilst also being ‘girly’ with her female friends, and thus makes her a well rounded character. Her falling in love with the Beast, may have well been a psychological disorder, but it wasn’t like her feelings weren’t reciprocated. And she wasn’t kidnapped. Kidnapping is abduction, meaning that you are taken or held somewhere against your will. She chose to stay. And it wasn’t like she was held in particularly bad conditions, the only condition was that she couldn’t leave. Yes, she was provided an ultimatum, but she chose to stay. And then made the best out of it. The falling in love was a side effect. Belle was educated, but not arrogant, kind and humble, polite and feminine, and those traits are wonderful, and make the princess an incredible role model.

Jasmine:

Jasmine is one of those princesses who is forgotten about, but I’ve come here today to let you know she is an absolute girlboss. In her movie, she was the crown princess, and her family ‘needed’ her to marry so that they could have a king and her dad could retire. But she wanted to marry for love instead of just political power and wealth and thus turned all her suitors away. This meant that she never gained any of the rights she would get if married and had to live in the palace for the rest of her life until she found ‘the one’. And if you pay attention, you’ll realize that Jasmine was the ruling monarch because Jasmine was royalty and Aladdin was not. She was also only 17 when she became queen, which makes her queendom so much more impactful. Her little outing one the outside gave her that little bit of compassion that she would’ve needed to become a great sultan. She may not have been a warrior, but in terms of political prowess, she was one of the most powerful. She is the ruler that girls should want to look up to and follow, a role model to her community as well as her audience.

Pocahontas:

I don’t really know much about her, but I know enough to say this. In the film (not real life), she made the opposite decision to Ariel, and chose to stay with her tribe rather than stay the man she loved. That was a brave decision, and the fact that she made it in the face of pressure is to be admired.

Mulan:

Ah, yes. The great feminist icon. But the one who gets condemned for having a prince. Yes, she was a great warrior, and yes, she was professional, but that all doesn’t mean she’s not allowed to find love. She can be all those things and still be a mother and a wife, they don’t have to go separately. And, you know what? The fact that she had a prince just made it all the more inspiring, because thats what the #MeToo movement should be about, embracing all kinds of women, and not separating the roles of mother and wife from the roles of leader and independent. Having a husband doesn’t make you any less, and that, among other lessons, is what Mulan teaches us.

Tiana:

Tia should get about as much hype as Mulan, but in reality, she doesn’t. She is very much forgotten about other than the fact that she is black. Her story isn’t about ‘conquering racism’ or anything attributed mainly to ‘black media’, but instead is about a working girl, doing just that, working. She worked hard to achieve her goal, and not once did she even try to take a short cut. She found love along the way, made some friends and lost some friends, impacted some friends for the better, and achieved her goal, no short cuts and a whole lotta jazz music. That’s what the Princess and the Frog is about, working hard to achieve your dreams. That sentiment is something everyone should learn, and the fact that that’s a black girl up there being that role model for us just makes it even better.

Rapunzel:

Rapunzel, the queen of self-isolation. But despite that, she was always happy and optimistic, which is something us cynics could stand to learn about. She was curious, but had some common sense. She was probably the most organized out of all the Disney princesses, as she had a set schedule for everything. She was probably the most artistically gifted as well. She definitely not stupid, but instead innocent and gullible, but capable of defending herself and running a good negotiation. She could’ve been a lawyer! She was a perfect example of someone talented using their talents to better the people and that’s what makes her someone to look up to.

Merida:

Another warrior, except this time, set in Scotland without a prince. You guys know the story. Bought up in a home where all she was expected to do was get married and have kids, Merida yearned to be outside with her bow and arrow, but instead was told no. Eventually, tired of the pressure, she goes to a witch to get a charm to make make her mother more lenient. Instead, the charm turns her mother into a bear, and turns her curious little brothers into bear cubs. The race is on for Merida to get the cure before it is too late. She successfully cures her mother and brothers, fights the evil Mor’du and comes to appreciate her mother more. This little family story shows a headstrong girl getting love and affection from her family without condescending, and the best interests at heart. She sets of to fix her own mistake, something still not really shown in media. She teaches girls to love their family even when you don’t agree, stand up for themselves, take responsibility for their actions and try their best to fix their mistakes.

Elsa:

I’ll start with her because this list is oldest to youngest. Another Princess without a Prince, she’s actually a queen for most of the movie, and isn’t even the mainest main character. She still teaches girls something. With her headstrong character, she was morally sound despite dealing with an immense feeling of self-hatred and fear. Only when she really broke did she ever intend to hurt anyone. She shows you how to be yourself in spite of the of the danger. She is brave and strong, with powerful abilities and love for her sister.

Anna:

Anna isn’t in the spotlight as much as Elsa was, seemingly naïve and gullible. Except, you have to realize that Anna is that she was left literally alone for God knows how long. Hans was the first person she’d met and liked who didn’t leave her alone. She liked him a lot, and it is believable that she would’ve said yes to Hans when he proposed. But still, as the story went on she became more mature, but didn’t lose her childlike spirit. She teaches us to go to the ends of the Earth for the ones you love, but to not be a push-over. To stand firm in the face of danger, but to not be reckless. Anna teaches us what true love is.

Moana:

“If I go there’s just no telling how far I go!” Moana is an adventurous soul, unafraid of nonconformity, and in love with the great unknown. She falls in love with the sea, and, even though she is prohibited, follows her dreams. She is the picture of determination and willingness to go out into the unknown, and she isn’t afraid to be herself, even amidst hardships, rejection and danger. Such a sprit is something to admire and aspire to have.

Every last one of the girls on my list is a role model and I hope you now understand why. So don’t look down on a little girl when she says her favorite princess is Cinderella. Don’t cuss out the little black girl who says she wants to be Snow White for Halloween even when there’s a princess that looks like you or vice versa. Don’t roll your eyes at the girl who says she likes Anna better than Elsa, or she wants to be a queen like Jasmine. Don’t hate on these characters because of circumstances they couldn’t control or because they’re not like you, because every single one of them is and can be a role model to a little girl, they all just cater to different types. Yes, the Disney princess line isn’t all representing, and many of these tales are taken out of context or made more light hearted, but no matter what the story is, these girls are their own characters and we should respect that, and everyones opinions on them.

Aight, I’m out.

#respect #disney princess #disney pride #merida #snow white #tiana #disney movies #modern disney princess #aurora #moana #mulan #rapunzel #pocahontas #everyones a princess #elsa #anna #jasmine #ariel #cinderella

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petri808 · 4 years

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1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32-Epilogue

When he’d agreed to let Lucy move in with them, Natsu could admit it wasn’t the greatest idea to make a snap decision, because inside he knew it wasn’t going to be easy. Plus, it had also put Gray in a tough position, because he knew his friend wouldn’t be so heartless to kick out a female with a problem. Yeah, that was kind of a dick move for which he’ll be paying once the dust had settled. Especially now that they were finding out, just how difficult it was really going to be...

Nightmares? More like night terrors. It wasn’t every single night, but Lucy would often wake Natsu up at all hours as if reliving the events of the kidnapping. Physical movements, from fighting a Touka memory. The whines and screams, sometimes blood curdling shrieks as she’d shoot up in bed covered in a film of sweat, hyperventilating and still in the midst of an unseen attack. It was bad enough that Natsu started sleeping on his side, so if Lucy started swinging, his back took the brunt of it. He’d have to grab her arms and just hold her, doing his best to keep his voice low or soft, until she fully awoke from the dream state and collapsed into his arms in sheer exhaustion. Heaven help him, if this is what Levy had gone through for months, the woman deserved a Nobel peace prize for staying sane. After two weeks of this, Gray arranged with Levy to use Lucy’s room. He didn’t want to abandon Lucy, but the lack of sleep was starting to affect his school and job. It left Natsu all alone with his girlfriend, and frankly it was affecting him too. Not only the mental struggles, but the physical exhaustion made it difficult for him to get his job done. Makarov was a saint for being so understanding through it all.

“You look tired today,” Natsu’s therapist questioned in a toned statement. “I take it you’re still not getting enough sleep.”

The bags under his eyes were a dead giveaway to anyone that saw him. “Is it really that obvious?” Natsu responded with a bit of sarcasm to his tone.

“Is it your own demons or Lucy’s?”

“A mix of both.”

“Have you told her about your struggles or are you still hiding it. You know it’s better if you be honest with her.”

Way to go for the kill shot. The therapist went straight to the heart of things. Natsu sighed, “I told her a little... when she’d admitted being worried I’d leave her.”

“What did you say exactly?”

He fidgeted in the chair. “Well... literally, just that. I was just trying to kill her fears not worrying about my own at the time.”

“Ah. Well, maybe it’s time. You’ve told me that you’re trying hard to help her to get over her own struggles, but Natsu, you also need to take your own advice.”

Turn of the screws. But the therapist was right. “I know. I just worry it’ll add to her worries, which will make it worse, a-and that’s not gonna help either of us.”

“I think you should have more faith in Lucy. As you are her strength, she can be just as much yours. Don’t dismiss the idea before you even try it. If she feels like she’s helping you, it will give her a sense of accomplishment too, just like it gives you when you feel like you’re helping her.”

When the therapist put it that way, Natsu couldn’t help but pause and reflect on it, because damn the woman was making a lot of sense! Why did he fall in love with Lucy in the first place? Because of her feisty personality, that’s why. Had he forgotten? The real Lucy was still in there, it just needed to find its way back to the surface. There’s no harm in being honest about feeling scared or guilty. Kind of bare his heart to her in a way.

“Alright. I’ll give it a shot.”

He knew if he’d waited to confront this, he’d find an excuse not to do it. So that night after dinner, Natsu sat Lucy down for a heart to heart and bore his soul. His fears, his guilt, how the brave face he showed her day after day really just hid his own pain and insecurities over the situation. It was difficult and freeing at the same time to get it off his chest.

“Thank you for telling me, Natsu... that actually makes me feel a little better, because I thought I was going through it alone all this time. I mean, you being positive helps to keep me a little grounded, but it also made me feel like a burden. I want to help you as much you help me.”

“Are you sure? I just don’t want to add to your struggles.”

“I can’t tell you it won’t always be easy, so, all I can tell you is right now is I don’t think it will.”

“Okay— then promise me that you’ll say something if it is, a-and we’ll figure out something else.”

Lucy took Natsu’s hands in her own, “now that, I will promise.”

But despite their decision to co-fight, Natsu still took the initiative for Lucy and himself to figure out how to make things better... or lose his sanity in trying. He scoured psychology websites, searching for therapy’s and techniques used for PTSD, anxiety, depression, or anything related that might be useful, even meditation. It was a lot of work, but the information was useful, and he learned a lot about helping Lucy and himself to heal. Some of the horror stories were difficult to read, yet many of the survivors stories he came across provided the much needed encouragement to get through this ordeal.

The first thing Natsu decided to tackle was the nightmares, and to do that he’d learned he first needed to deal with the underlying causes. Pent up emotions being unleashed in Lucy’s subconscious as she slept were producing these horrific night terrors. With suggestions from both his therapist as well as Lucy’s, Natsu encouraged her every night before bed to write, write anything that came to mind, and he gently coaxed her into letting go of the worst thoughts. Unleash it onto the page, as the therapist put it. Then, together they would meditate using a relaxation technique he’d found appealing. Meditation wasn’t something Natsu thought he’d take a liking to, or even believed would work. But after learning more about it, decided it was worth a shot.

Everyone he knew used to tell him, it’s about clearing your mind of all thoughts... yeah, uh-huh, who the hell can pull that off? No, in this other technique it started off by saying that’s almost impossible, and that immediately caught his attention. It taught them about learning to control instead, to have thoughts, but focus them, compartmentalize them away and let them become background static you could more easily ignore through habituation. Ever wonder how a person can sleep near an airport or a train track? It’s because you get used to the sound. Once that’s done, you zero in on something you do want to think about, a nice memory, a sound, whatever you choose. Let it soothe and relax you until the next thing you know, your mind wants nothing more than to fall away into dreamland.

It took a few days of pushing Lucy through each step, because at first, she really did not want to rehash, even in a fictional way, the events of the kidnapping. So, Natsu would pull her onto his lap, with his arms around her waist while she held the paper and pen, closely monitoring her body language. The tensing and shaking were his first signs... ‘it’s okay, let it go...’ he’d whispered and tightened his hold, continuing the positive mantras, ‘you’re safe now, you can do this, I’ve got ya...’ Next came the release in the form of tears. A trickle, like a cracking of a dam, until it burst forth. Words on paper and liquid trails along her cheeks, but it was a good thing. All the anger and negativity flowing out instead of walled up in her mind. After a couple of weeks, the techniques were showing signs of working. Lucy awoke less and less because of the nightmares. She was still having some, but they weren’t to the same degree or frequency they’d once been.

“Yup... uh-huh, n-no, really, I am doing much better Lev. Yeah, we’ll visit tomorrow.... That sounds awesome. It’s be awhile since I’ve eaten sushi... I’m pretty sure... I’ll be okay, I promise… Yeah, we’ll meet you at Genki Zushi… Uh-huh, you too Levy. Good night.”

As soon as Lucy hung up her phone call, Natsu checked to make sure she really was okay with the plan to go out for dinner. It’d been just over three months since Lucy went anywhere aside from the doctors or police station willingly.

“I need to do this,” she stammered, taking a deep breath before continuing. “I can’t stay locked away forever.”

Natsu kissed her on the forehead. “I’m really proud of you babe.”

“I’m proud of us both,” Lucy smiled. “But I couldn’t do this without your support.”

Such a simple phrase meant the world to Natsu. After the last two months of struggle, his therapists advice was coming to fruition, or at least his truly believing it was possible. They were on the road to healing and nothing felt better than that, because one of the hardest legs of their journey was coming up fast.

#nalu #nalu au #nalu fan fic #nalu fan fiction #Natsu x lucy #Natsu dragneel #Lucy heartfilia #strangers on a train #ch 27

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edenmemes · 5 years

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peaky blinders sentence starters

❝ there’s no rest for me in this world. perhaps in the next. ❞ ❝ if i shall die, you shall die. ❞ ❝ did you know that madness sets you free? otherwise we’re all just peasants obeying the law. ❞ ❝ despite the bad blood, i’ll have none of it on my carpet. ❞ ❝ everyone fucking needs me. ❞ ❝ forbidding is forbidden to us. we can do anything. nothing can stop us. ❞ ❝ you know, it’s a pity. i was looking forward to killing you. you’re at the back of a long queue. ❞ ❝ the truth? you’re unlike any person i’ve ever met. ❞ ❝ i owe you a little something, don’t i? i do. ❞ ❝ the past is none of my concern. the future is none of my concern either. ❞ ❝ but there is a part of me that is unfamiliar to myself...and i keep finding myself there. ❞ ❝ i learnt long ago to hate my enemies, but i’ve never loved one before. ❞ ❝ who’s going to stop us, eh? nobody. ❞ ❝ don’t point the fucking weapon at me. ❞ ❝ why do you play games with people? ❞ ❝ i know your weaknesses. it’s freedom. madness. killing. ❞ ❝ i get really quiet when my mind is too loud. ❞ ❝ i’ve heard very bad, bad, bad things about you. ❞ ❝ am i laughing? ❞ ❝ you’re behaving like a fucking child. this is an adult’s world. ❞ ❝ i have found them. the person i can’t defeat. ❞ ❝ i’ll rekindle all the dreams you took a lifetime to destroy. ❞ ❝ it’s just myself talking to myself about myself. ❞ ❝ those who fight by the sword, die by the sword. ❞ ❝ this is who i am! and this is all i can give you, for what you’ve given me. ❞ ❝ and i got close. i nearly got fucking everything. ❞ ❝ i’m not a fucking child. ❞ ❝ maybe it’s time you forgot about them. ❞ ❝ i’m glad i didn’t shoot you. it would’ve been a kindness. ❞ ❝ i will remember everything and forget nothing. ❞ ❝ but lately i’ve had a feeling. a feeling i can’t put into words. ❞ ❝ looking back, i have no regrets. ❞ ❝ you and i are opposites...but also just the same. like an image in the mirror. ❞ ❝ may you be in heaven a full half hour before the devil knows you’re dead. ❞ ❝ i warn you, i’ll break your heart. ❞ ❝ i’m guessing that all the bad ideas around here, they’re you. ❞ ❝ look at yourself. take a long, hard, fucking look at yourself. ❞ ❝ i try not to fight. i try not to react. ❞ ❝ my god. some devil gets into you, doesn’t it? ❞ ❝ it’s in the past. the past doesn’t concern me. ❞ ❝ don’t sit there in my chair and tell me i’m losing my war. ❞ ❝ don’t let two people teach you the same lesson. ❞ ❝ it’d be hard for you to walk anywhere with a bullet in each knee. ❞ ❝ who broke the mirror? that’s seven years of bad luck. ❞ ❝ it’s not a good idea to look at me the wrong way. ❞ ❝ i know that you want me to say that i’ll change. ❞ ❝ those bastards. those bastards...are worse than us. ❞ ❝ you have to listen to the voices you hear. ❞ ❝ intelligence is a very valuable thing, isn’t it? and usually it comes far too fucking late. ❞ ❝ i don’t have a fucking side. ❞ ❝ truth is, you’re going to be fucking dead soon. and then your starlings - they'll peck out your ___ eyes. ❞ ❝ all this time, our love still remains. ❞ ❝ you’ve got nothing to prove. you have got nothing to prove, and you’ve got a precious young life. ❞ ❝ look down on earth and see the seeds you have sown. ❞ ❝ yeah, there are rules for a reason. quite simply they have to be obeyed. ❞ ❝ i have responsibilities here, people i need to protect, and people who i love. ❞ ❝ if i had an important decision to make, i used to flip a coin; perhaps i will do it again. ❞ ❝ i just put a bullet in his head. ❞ ❝ from now on, you must do everything you want to do. ❞ ❝ i need you to be alright. i need you. ❞ ❝ you’ve got five minutes. ❞ ❝ i don’t think they trust me. ❞ ❝ what do i have to do to make people fucking listen to me? ❞ ❝ i found you. and you’ve found me. we’ll help each other. ❞ ❝ if you’re not gone from this city by tomorrow...i’ll kill you myself. ❞ ❝ i will never forgive you or accept you. ❞ ❝ feel sorry for me. it’s fine. ❞ ❝ i hear you want to kill me. ❞ ❝ you’ve got smart eyes, but you’re young, so you think that what we do is all right. it’s not all right. ❞ ❝ when we succeed, even the king will not be above us. ❞ ❝ you betrayed me. don’t be here when i come back. ❞ ❝ kill and kill...the only way to make people listen. ❞ ❝ the only thing that interests me is the truth. ❞ ❝ i know who you are. you’re a bit of a failure, aren’t you? ❞ ❝ listen, sweetie. ❞ ❝ look, i just wanted to say that you’re welcome to come home. ❞ ❝ who were you talking to? ❞ ❝ there is not a single day i spent without thinking of you. ❞ ❝ the end of a rope has been your destiny since the day you were born. ❞ ❝ i am emotional, i just don’t know what fucking emotion it is. ❞ ❝ those i can’t charm i can kill with my own hands. ❞ ❝ how soon did you know that i was not dead? ❞ ❝ walk like a king. or like you don’t give a fuck who’s the king. ❞ ❝ my fury is a thing to behold. ❞ ❝ men are less good at keeping secrets out of their eyes. ❞ ❝ someone’s responsible for all this fucking mess. ❞ ❝ let it hurt then let it go. ❞ ❝ it’s war you want, it’s war you shall have. ❞ ❝ you can change what you do, but you can’t change what you want. ❞ ❝ some nights it was you who stopped my heart from breaking. no-one else. ❞ ❝ when you’re dead, you’re finally free. ❞ ❝ i’ve told you to keep the doors locked. i could’ve been anyone. ❞ ❝ violent men are the easiest to deal with. ❞ ❝ who the fuck are you? ❞ ❝ the war is done. shut the door on it. shut the door on it like i did. ❞ ❝ he’ll wake up. granted he won’t have any teeth left but he will be a wiser man for it. ❞ ❝ did you know that madness sets you free? ❞ ❝ lies travel faster than the truth. ❞ ❝ you mother said: ‘it’s their cleverness that will kill them’. ❞ ❝ and i don’t care because i’m already dead. ❞ ❝ who wants to be in heaven when you can be sending men to hell? ❞ ❝ nobody works with me. people work for me. ❞ ❝ i never got used to seeing horses die. ❞ ❝ it doesn’t seem to change you. nothing seems to change you. ❞ ❝ that’s funny, don’t you think? a war about peace. ❞ ❝ you have your mother’s common sense but your father’s devilment. i see them fighting. let your mother win. ❞ ❝ today i killed three men. ❞ ❝ brave is going where no man has gone before. ❞ ❝ today it will be me dead. or you. ❞ ❝ do you think your repentance will mean you are forgiven of your sins? ❞ ❝ i will pour you some gin...distilled for the eradication of seemingly incurable sadness. ❞ ❝ my biggest problem? i notice everything. ❞ ❝ how many sons have you cut, killed, murdered? ❞ ❝ you crossed the line. ❞ ❝ you won’t tell anyone my secret? ❞ ❝ i heard you dress well. but now i see, not as well as me. ❞ ❝ fuck it. i’m not in the mood today. ❞ ❝ how far can we go with this beautiful dream? ❞ ❝ i’m not much good. you’ll find that out soon yourself. ❞ ❝ no, i’m not god. not yet. ❞ ❝ i think so that you don’t have to. ❞ ❝ we’re close. always within punching distance. ❞ ❝ i need you to understand that your best is not good enough. ❞ ❝ sorry about all that mud. and all that fucking blood. ❞ ❝ i was just explaining to everyone that, well, we’re fucked. ❞ ❝ when i do sleep, i dream. and in my dream someone wants my crown. ❞ ❝ the man we’re about to meet is the devil. ❞ ❝ there’s god. and then there’s us. ❞ ❝ i want you to acknowledge that your anger is un-fucking-justified! ❞ ❝ i am the first one who understands you. ❞ ❝ i won’t be on my own. i’m never on my own. ❞ ❝ i’m no gentleman. ❞ ❝ for those who make the rules, there are no rules. ❞ ❝ they’re not going to hang you. you’re going to hang yourself. ❞ ❝ last thing i want is silence. ❞ ❝ it’s not pleasant to look at and be around. i’m sorry. ❞ ❝ i am now able to just rise above those kinds of insults. ❞ ❝ today is for forgiveness. ❞ ❝ we don’t get to decide who lives and who dies. ❞ ❝ you don’t get what you deserve. you get what you take. ❞ ❝ i’ve dealt death. now death has dealt with me. ❞ ❝ so you shook hands with the devil? ❞ ❝ i am my own revolution. ❞ ❝ it’s in our blood. we live somewhere between life and death. ❞ ❝ i promised someone i would change the world. ❞ ❝ i will continue until i find a man i can’t defeat. ❞ ❝ sometimes death is a kindness. ❞ ❝ i may choose to stay here and just starve to death and choke on sapphires. ❞ ❝ i bet hundred to one...that you’re fucking lying. ❞ ❝ they are always hopeful, therefore they’re always wrong. ❞ ❝ oh, i do bad things. but you already know that. ❞ ❝ i didn’t choose this life. it chose me. ❞ ❝ you fucking stand there...you. judging me?! ❞ ❝ these hands belong to the devil. ❞ ❝ people thinking i’m going to fall, they start behaving in a different way around you. they start to circle. ❞ ❝ i wanted you to stay. and normally i get my own way. ❞ ❝ i don’t see the same thing in your eyes. you should get out. ❞ ❝ i came here not to make enemies. ❞ ❝ i love you and i promise i will keep us safe. ❞ ❝ you stay away from me, i’ve had it. ❞ ❝ you don’t understand the wicked way of our world. ❞ ❝ they say life is too short to hold grudges. i think life is too short to be letting people get away with the same shit. ❞ ❝ if only i could what? ‘if only you could change’. go on, say it. ❞ ❝ the thing is...i love you, not them. ❞ ❝ will you help me? with everything. the whole fucking thing. fucking life. ❞ ❝ why? because we fucking can, and if we can, we do. ❞ ❝ you remember that god spared you. but what did you do with the extra time that he gave you? ❞ ❝ if you take the king’s money, the king expects you to kill. ❞ ❝ do i look like someone who wants an easy life? ❞ ❝ and you...you’ve captured my curiosity. ❞ ❝ in all the world, of all the people, you alone i know i can trust. ❞ ❝ i know you like to be asked properly. can i have this dance? ❞ ❝ i rarely answer questions, is what i do. ❞ ❝ shut your eyes. go on, shut your eyes. now, come with me. this way. ❞ ❝ you want everything to be different. the whole world. ❞ ❝ there’s only one thing that can blind someone as smart as you. love. ❞ ❝ can you let me in sometimes? into your head. ❞ ❝ i’m not accustomed to being spoken to like that. ❞ ❝ and what fucking line am i supposed to have crossed? ❞ ❝ i know what i know, you know. if you don't know, then you don't fucking know, do you? ❞ ❝ drink the fucking wine and smile. that’s what i’m doing. ❞ ❝ you once said to me that people like us can never be loved. ❞ ❝ before the day is over, your heart will be broken. ❞ ❝ what do you think i am, hm? you think i’m a fucking idiot. ❞ ❝ we can walk away from all this. it’s so easy. ❞ ❝ to apply pressure on a person for this line of work you have to know their weaknesses and i know your weaknesses intimately. ❞ ❝ rule one: don’t punch above your weight. ❞ ❝ if i come for you, i will wear high heels so you can hear my approach on the cobblestones, and have time to repent. ❞ ❝ my brother and i are the same person. ❞

#roleplay meme #roleplay starters #sentence starters #i had to change some quotes here & there to make interacting easier !

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