#I just had to vent but I won’t harp on it | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

barricadebops · 3 years ago

Note

You said if we ask you might give a snippet, :) please

Here's a snippet from a little fic I'm working on right now:

Enjolras comes home with a bruise. But not with tears. True, it's entirely likely that those tears may have been there, now dried up in thanks to time, but so far as Bahorel and Combeferre see, he comes home only with a bruise, a bluish patch now decorating his right cheek.

Enjolras' parents are out late at work again, won't be coming home until at least 21: 30, so they're babysitting once more, though Combeferre knows Enjolras would prefer neither he nor Bahorel call it that. To that protest, Bahorel would laugh loudly and ruffle his hair, telling him he still hasn't hit his double digits yet at nine years old. Enjolras would argue that Combeferre and Bahorel aren't that much older than himself, to which Bahorel would grin and inform him that the seven years he has more than him, and the six years by which Combeferre is Enjolras' elder, are pretty damn significant.

But the point is, he comes home with a bruise, a source of immense worry for Combeferre, and garners a quirked eyebrow from Bahorel, though it should be noted that he too is concerned, it is simply that his methods of expressing are different from those of Combeferre, who scoops Enjolras up despite his noise of protest, and sits him on the kitchen counter to further inspect the bruise.

"What happened here?" he murmurs in concern. Bahorel makes his way at his side and crosses his arms, his face a cross between amusement and concern.

"You weren't fighting, now were you, ma petite puce?"

Combeferre shoots him a glare. "Enjolras wasn't fighting. He knows better than that." He turns to face Enjolras, his voice almost a warning. "Right?"

The boy blushes. "No," he replies quietly. "This isn't my fault."

Bahorel chuckles, and Enjolras frowns deep.

"I'm telling the truth, I didn't do anything wrong. I wasn't even fighting," Enjolras insists.

Bahorel's smile grows. "Well why weren't you?"

Combeferre whips around once more to glare intensely at the older boy. "He doesn't need to get into physical fights, Bahorel, stop--"

"Combeferre says to always try and talk first to solve the problem," Enjolras interrupts, reciting from memory. His words prompt a smile from Combeferre, who laughs gently and pulls a hand through Enjolras' hair.

"Exactly. That's right." He smiles for a moment more before his face turns concerned once more as he inspects the bluish patch, and he begins to rummage through the cabinets for the first aid kit.

Bahorel hums and reaches over to tuck a loose curl behind Enjolras ear with an easy brotherly sort of affection. "What's the story then?"

Combeferre can see the way Enjolras stares up with wide eyes. "These quatrieme kids took Courfeyrac's sac a dos."

"Ah!" Bahorel exclaims. "So you took up the quest of valour and fought to have it back!"

Enjolras shakes his head furiously. "No! I said I didn't fight!" He pauses for a moment. "But Courfeyrac tried to."

At this, Combeferre rolls his eyes. Courfeyrac always did have a penchant for quicker and feistier solutions.

He rummages through the kit and hums to prompt Enjolras to continue.

"I stopped Courf from fighting them and then asked them to give it back. They said they would give it back." He frowns deep. "Then they threw it at me. Really hard."

Bahorel's brows furrow. "They just threw it at you?"

"Yes."

Having prepared an ice pack, Combeferre holds it to where the boys must have slammed the bag into Enjolras' face. His blood pressure is rising steadily after hearing of what happened, but for the sake of being a good impression on Enjolras, he keeps calm.

"And the teachers outside didn't say anything?" He tries to keep his voice steady.

"They told the boys to go inside with them. I don't know what happened to them."

"Hold on, didn't they give you anything for your bruise?" Bahorel asks, flabbergasted.

"I said I didn't need anything!" Enjolras replies brightly, to which Combeferre groans loudly, putting his head into his hands, and Bahorel erupts into sudden laughter, giving the boy on the counter a tight hug, which Enjolras blinks and accepts confusedly.

Combeferre huffs and waits for Bahorel to let go of Enjolras before venting his frustrations, "Enjolras you don't get to make that decision! You were hit hard!" Enjolras gets as angry as a nine year old can possibly look and opens his mouth to speak, but closes it shut just as soon as he sees Combeferre hold up his hand. "No, Enjolras, don't think I don't know you told the teacher that you were fine so you wouldn't have to go see the school nurse."

Enjolras' face twists in indignation. "But I didn't need to go!"

Combeferre rolls his eyes and holds Enjolras still with an arm around his waist as he presses the ice pack to Enjolras' cheek and Enjolras tries to squirm away from the cold sensation. At his side, Bahorel's eyes furrow once more.

"I'm still trying to work out why thirteen year olds would pick on nine year olds," he mutters.

"Beats me, but I do hope they were sufficiently scolded," Combeferre breathes as he presses a kiss to Enjolras' forehead before letting him down from the counter and ordering him to keep the pack to his face. He leaves the kitchen, pulling out his phone with a grimace and heading for a quiet room.

Oh, he's going to love the conversation he's about to have with M. and Mme. Enjolras.

______________________________________

Bahorel stares down at where Enjolras now stands, still wobbling a little, having been set on the floor after being made to sit on the counter for so long. He grins in amusement and reaches down to ruffle his hair.

"I always knew you would be a troublesome kid," he declares as he takes him by the hand and leads him to the table for a snack. "Good on you! We weren't meant just to sit around and be meek, though I have to confess you had me worried there with the way teachers always called you quiet. For a while I thought I would grow to watch you become a rule abiding citizen!"

Enjolras nods solemnly. “Some of our rules are stupid. Like the rule that we can only go to the bathroom if its an emergency. So I don’t care about it. I just leave.”

“Well I’m glad we have another rule breaker joining us. We need as many of us as we can get, and you can be assured they’ll never tame me, no matter how many classmates keep harping on me to go to law school.”

Enjolras’ face turns confused. “But Combeferre doesn’t break the rules.”

With a secretive smile, Bahorel beckons Enjolras to lean in closer, to which he does with wide, wide eyes. “Do you wanna know a secret?”

Enjolras nods vigorously.

He looks around with an air of great drama. “Our Combeferre isn’t the rule following example he wants you to think he is,” he whispers, though not very quietly. “He’s probably broken just as many rules as I have.”

At this statement, Enjolras’ expression turns to one of disbelief as he shakes his head. “But maman says that Combeferre never went to the principal’s office.”

Bahorel winks. “That’s ‘cause he never has; he never gets caught.”

Lol, I don't know how the French education system works and what you call the grades, I tried my best with that part. Also I'm still mot used to y'all using military time. But yeah, this is a snippet. Spoiler alert, Bahorel's going to be teaching Enjolras how to throw a punch without Combeferre knowing.

#annie writes stories #annie's answers #les miserables #enjolras #combeferre #bahorel

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bbq-hawks-wings · 5 years ago

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BBQ gripes about fanon Hawks

Not even gonna put this in the character tags aside from the spoiler one I use just for the anime-onlies on my blog. I'm salty. I just wanna vent. I want to keep the general character tags fun because it was awful when I went looking for new content and found so much Not Fun material a while back; and I don’t want to become what I hate. Basic point - my blog, my vent, and unless it’s reblogged (which you are welcome to if you like) this post dies here.

Please know this isn't a callout post or me claiming that others are being fans of Hawks "wrong" because they disagree with me. I am a huge proponent that (with very few exceptions) fiction and fandom should be free to be enjoyed, reinterpreted, or otherwise indulged in however the individual fan prefers; and if I don't like it, I let them have their space and go do my thing elsewhere and leave them alone (hence why this not going in character tags). I just have been annoyed with the rampant mangling of Hawks' canon personality/characterization - that is, confusing common fanon interpretations of him with how he’s actually written/portrayed and then getting angry (like, actually-angry-spilling-into-publicly-dragging-real-people, not just disappointed) when he acts like canon Hawks in canon. Non-canon is open season and by and large has my blessing, it’s just frustrating when it gets dragged into discussions about the manga.

This has been going on a long time, but I just want to get it out of my system in my personal space. All this is, is my "Overthinking Tumblr blogger Shakes Fist at Cloud" moment.

#1 Hawks is a sociopath/unempathetic.

I just... I... You can't be reading the same manga I am if you genuinely come to this conclusion about who he is in canon. A man with nothing to gain by looking like this when considering the depths of the suffering inflicted on others that he bears some amount of responsibility in...

...cannot be called unempathetic.

"But he killed Twice and Best Jeanist!"

Twofold counterargument to this one, starting with BJ - we don't actually know he's dead. There's a body, there's a disappearance, and we have no idea wtf happened, but we also don't know wtf happened. It's drastically ooc for Hawks to murder someone in cold blood. For someone who places emphasis on speed specifically "because when two sides keep fighting and won’t give up, someone eventually has to die" it makes no sense for him to not have had a plan and simply ambush a man in his own home - this goes doubly since he was in contact with the HSPC and had time to "premeditate" anyway.

And as for Twice: Hawks ran out of options. He wanted to detain Twice and keep him from escaping and helping the MLA. He was able to do so when alone, but the moment Dabi cornered him Hawks had a choice to make - probably die in the fight and let Jin go or make absolute certain he can’t and still probably end up dying because he's in bad shape and still probably won't make it out of this, regardless. I don't need to harp on this - it's been said a couple different times now by several people. Even in 266 when Dabi initially ambushes Hawks, Hawks thinks to himself that he’ll carry Jin out of the building to keep himself and Jin safe before Twice retaliated and Dabi literally forces Hawks into a corner.

Jin's loss was a blow, but the chips on the table being wagered are human lives, not feelings. Up until that point, Hawks did everything he could despite the weight of his decision. Human life is human life, and Jin’s life isn’t more important than the may more who will be saved by quashing the MLA’s revolution. Simply equating “could kill someone” with “unempathetic” is fundamentally flawed, and mistaking someone who is pushed to kill despite every attempt to avoid it as unempathetic and even sociopathic has missed the point to the extreme - the mere fact he avoided lethal force for so long alone proves he possesses empathy.

#2 Hawks is a compulsive liar.

He is a good liar, but he does not like lying. He does twist the truth, but always when forced to keep a secret. Even then, his lies are predominantly spun from truth and omitted details instead of outright fabrications. He doesn’t gaslight, and he doesn’t make up stories/details if he can help it.

When Hawks told Endeavor his dreams for the future, that was the truth. When he told him he thought he was cool at the hero billboards, that was the truth. When he tells Tokoyami to focus on his strengths instead of merely covering his weaknesses to be a better hero, that was the truth. When Tokoyami asks Hawks for his weakness and even why he took him on as an intern in the beginning just to ignore him, he tells him the truth. When he tells Jin he "doesn't belong in a cage" and that he considers him a good person, that was the truth. When he recognizes he’s profoundly wounded Jin for deceiving him for months, he tells Jin the truth. When confronted by Dabi and he doesn’t need to lie anymore in this fight to the death, he tells him the truth despite not actually needing to in hopes to learn the truth behind Dabi and Shigaraki.

I don't have a better segue, so I'll just mention that a lot of folks who believe this also believe the next point.

#3 Hawks is unapologetically emotionally manipulative.

The context makes a huge difference and we need to look at when and why he manipulates others as well as the fact that he does.

At the hero billboards, Hawks plays the heroes on stage as well as the crowd. He's trying to shift the mindset of, "oh yeah, just another hero ranking" to "wake up, mf's, things are changing and you better be ready to change, too!" Rocking the boat is a huge no-no in Japan. Despite being part of his “persona” there is still real social risk involved with this move but one that he deems necessary to turn heads and get gears turning. This is not just an elaborate ploy to get under Endeavor’s skin, but an effort to reach a wider audience while he has them captive.

He does use the public crowd around him and Endeavor before the Hood fight as an excuse for its appearance, but the original intent was to mentally prepare Endeavor for what was potentially (and proved to be) the fight of his life without outright telling him so he could maintain his undercover status. When he realizes he’s part of the reason for Endeavor’s permanent scar and life-threatening injuries, he feels remorse.

He lies to Jin to get information out of him, but linking back to #2, when calls Jin a good person and offers him a way out, he’s telling the truth. He does feel guilt for having to manipulate an otherwise well-meaning person and betraying them, especially given his long-running history of being used and the ongoing issues he suffers from because of it.

When he meets up again with Endeavor to drop his clues about the League’s movements, he squirms when he realizes the interns don’t know him well enough to know he’s blowing smoke because he does NOT want these kids to actually buy what he’s selling. This espionage mission is hard to navigate, and he has to tread carefully lest he setup the dominoes in the wrong places.

This is all to make the point that Hawks is more than capable of emotionally manipulating people, but it’s not in his nature or something he does to any and every person he comes across just because. We haven’t had much opportunity to see him operate outside of the HSPC’s orders which is where the bulk of the instances of his manipulation comes from - those orders requiring him to operate covertly and thus, by nature, necessitate lying, manipulation, and strategically withholding information.

If anything, when he’s making an appeal to someone else as his own person - not as a hero on a mission- we actually see a level of vulnerability and transparency we don’t otherwise catch.

Though it’s technically canon-adjacent and not necessarily canon in and of itself, in My Hero Academia: Team Up Mission where he works with Bakugo and Midoriya he operates on a level of transparency with them we’re not used to seeing; and my theory is he took it as an opportunity to operate without ulterior motives and build report instead of bucking back against “training up the next generation of heroes” like he initially did with Tokoyami.

Which now actually segues better into the next point.

#4 Hawks never lets people get close to him.

There’s a surprising amount of evidence that Hawks wants the ability to be an open book. Back at Team Up Mission, the restaurant staff note he regularly takes people he likes to their establishment - so we’re basically told outright this is a special place to him reserved for enjoying himself and only people he likes get to share it with him - so we already know what that says about how he sees those two despite their sparse interactions. We already know he’s taken Endeavor there when Endeavor made no move to input as to where he wanted to have the lunch meeting.

Though he kept Tokoyami at arm’s length initially, we have at least three canon instances of him sharing personal interactions with him with other canon-adjacent indications he cares for and values his intern. We’ve readily established that while Endeavor may not consider himself close to Hawks, Hawks does hold Endeavor as near and dear to his heart. While his only mission regarding Twice was to get information out of him, he still made a genuine effort to help and save him because he wanted to and considered him a friend despite the circumstances.

We still don’t know very much of Hawk’s past, his personal relationships outside of work, etc.; but despite the HPSC’s extensive efforts to strip him of his identity he not only possesses a faceted, complicated personality but seems to want to share that with others readily when and in the ways he’s able. Getting into the truly squishy, vulnerable parts of him may take a while, but on a scale of closed to open, he seems to lean towards open.

#5 Hawks is hopelessly in love with Dabi and will abandon everything up to this point for him.

This isn't to throw general DabiHawks shippers under the bus. Most of them know VERY well at this point that canon has sunk that ship, and they're just having fun with it at this point - and you know what, power to you! They look great together! In another life, the character chemistry could have been incredible. There’s a lot of great DabiHawks shipping content I thoroughly enjoy despite not shipping it myself.

It just isn't canon. It never was and never came close. Even now, with the Endeavor reveal being very much imminent, Hawks' view of Dabi is one of a lying, malicious, callous, murderer. Though he’ll likely be crushed at the revelation of what Endeavor’s done, that doesn’t equate to him defecting (especially not immediately) and falling into Dabi’s arms.

And Dabi hates Hawks just as much.

Again, this is not anything against the ship or the shippers - just an annoyance I have with some who were so wrapped up in the ship they were genuinely mad when the ship sank and they dragged that frustration out into the real world against real people when canon didn’t align with fanon.

Ships are some of the most stupid things to rail against creators and fans over, and the amount of harassment they receive now over shipping has me ripping my hair out when I know it’s a mere fraction of the total pool of shippers who are frothing at the mouth while the rest are super cool and happy doing their own thing and keeping to themselves.

Ship what you want, regardless of “validating evidence” and have fun. Don’t make it others’ problem when it isn’t canonically validated.

#6 Hawks is a dirty cop.

Only half upset with this one because it comes down to the nuance and lack of precise definition of this phrase I have a problem with. Lots of people hate cops for very real, legitimate reasons. Police forces - being a voluntary, government-employed force enforcing government rule - are notoriously prone to corruption of every kind.

It's implied the HPSC is itself corrupt, though to what extent we don't know. (Granted, buying a young child from his family to raise as your personal puppet is pretty high up there.) By continuing to follow orders from the HPSC and not vehemently fighting back, many see him as reinforcing a corrupt institution and at least partially liable for their continued hold on society.

Fair enough, but... The issue I have with this is it reduces Hawks to his job.

I believe a huge chunk of this take comes from my experience as an armed service member spouse, but it's easy for me to empathize with a guy

Who was promised the moon for himself and his family in exchange for his service not realizing what was actually being asked of him

Is praised outside the organization for "being a hero" and "upholding this country's core values" while first-hand witnessing the corruption of it when inside

Is viewed as a cog valuable only in services rendered instead of being treated like a human by said organization and worked into the ground because of it

Is frustrated by the insistence to keep the status quo instead of improving procedure/infrastructure/environment because egos need to be padded over real, human problems being solved

Has his autonomy or otherwise ability to operate under his own judgement restricted in favor of maintaining organizational control at the cost of effective action

Has DEPENDENTS who rely on his continued work to provide for them and is thus unable to refuse an order, even when it's morally reprehensible and even outright illegal

Whose cries, both those calculated and desperate, to the organization (who have placed themselves as the sole resource he can turn to) for help (even for his own body/mind) fall on deaf ears until he breaks to the point of becoming unusable or dangerous - and even then minimal effort/responsibility is taken in favor of keeping him functioning in the organization as long as possible.

Hawks fights back against the HPSC constantly. He raised concerns over letting civilians suffer to get him in with the League of Villains and then still defied orders by reducing casualties to zero. Despite orders to keep his mission top secret, he's informed Endeavor of his motives/movements independently from the rest of the heroes. He had long refused to take an intern (read: fresh meat for the machine) to train until this year, and even then sought to minimize his encouragement of Tokoyami for as long as possible until he realized Tokoyami was made of the real mettle people needed in a hero and not just another youngster endangering himself on a pipe dream.

He even takes initiative to keep his personal to-do list from the HPSC to a minimum by squashing problems before they come knocking asking him to fix it for them. He knew of the League of Villains and anticipated the escalation of their movements immediately after the USJ incident as well as has a network of informants and connections with local police forces to stay in the know.

His methods for apprehension of criminals are, and continue to be, to react and detain them so quickly they can't retaliate or endanger others in the struggle, thus minimizing human loss and injury despite the insinuation the HPSC has told him that gloves are off in the current situation.

He might be "a cop" depending on the definition we go with, but he isn't a dirty cop. He doesn't plant evidence. He doesn't shoot first and ask questions later. He doesn't blindly take orders. He largely doesn't see "villains" as dirt under his shoe but as people pushed to extremes. He's a morally convicted individual trying to rebel within the system instead of tearing it down outright. He may be wrong in the assumption, but he genuinely believes he can do more on the inside of the system than outside.

#7 Hawks is a manwhore.

Ok, this one is not serious and actually just to end this all on a lighter note after ranting until I'm blue in the face.

I'm 100% guilty of this myself. Something about that chicken makes me and many others salivate - either for themselves or to watch him with someone else. We love dressing him up slutty, portray him as flirting unashamedly, and placing him in as many overtly sexual scenarios possible.

The best part about all of it, though, is that it’s almost the exact opposite of how he dresses/conducts himself in canon. His clothes are loose fitting and high-coverage. He’s personable, but never gives any indication he’s romantically/sexually involved or interested in anyone. The asscourse is real only because we cannot confirm either way due to his baggy clothes. His overall figure/body shape has been hinted at, but only recently confirmed; and his jacket had to be literally be burned off to get a good look at the pattern of his shirt under it!

~~~~~~~

And with that, I release the frustration and move on.

Enjoy fanon as much as you like - even I do! Just be aware of where canon and fanon diverge, and definitely don’t take the difference out on real people. Please also be aware of how others hold their favorite characters dear before flooding the general tags with negativity and creating a hostile environment for them. People latch onto their “comfort characters” for a plethora of reasons, and when they lose that character to the plot, the fandom, or otherwise, they should still be allowed to grieve and celebrate what they had in a safe environment.

Retaliation in response to others coming against your favorite is also not acceptable behavior. It sucks, but the most mature thing to do is step away from the general fandom, stick to blogs/spaces you know are safe, and let the storm blow over. Comfort characters do not justify mistreating real people no matter how much they may mean to you.

When “canon gets it wrong” is where fanfiction and pockets of the fandom community comes into play. Leave those people alone and let them be. For those who aligned themselves with canon, they are not free game to take personal frustrations out on. Leave those people alone and let them be. Unfollow the people/tags you need to for your own sake and others’, and the fandom will be a better place all around over time. Venting belongs in controlled spaces away from the rest of the fandom and with enough warning for those who not only don’t want to endure it but who for their own safety shouldn’t.

Fandom is a community, and healthy communities do not endorse members lashing out when they don’t get their way.

#spoiler!hawks #let's talk hawks

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jbbarnesnnoble · 5 years ago

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Vulnerability and Other Things (Part Four)

Chapter Title: What If You Let Them All in on the Lie

Series Summary: You’re the newest Avenger still trying to figure out where you fit in and determined to prove yourself, no matter how many times people tell you you don’t need to. Balancing your pre-Avenger life with your new life is a challenge, one that is threatening to fall apart.

Part Summary: You talk to Peter about your relationship. Peter talks to FRIDAY. FRIDAY alerts Tony, and Tony has a serious discussion with Peter.

Features: Unhealthy relationship, OMC character with controlling tendencies; if this is triggering in anyway, skip this story!

Pairing: Reader/Original Male Character; eventual Bucky/Natasha/Reader

Notes: In this part, we see Reader and Peter’s brother/sister relationship. Reader puts a lot on Peter’s shoulders in this part, more than she should. We’re cruising into the resolution of this first arc.

Word Count: 1539

You dragged Peter to Elsie’s after asking him if you could grab lunch together on Saturday morning. You loved Ruth’s, but everyone on the team went there. Elsie’s was further out of the way. It was a place you and Peter frequented when you wanted to talk about something without worrying about one of the team walking in. If one of you was asking to go to Elsie’s, usually it was because you wanted to talk about something. After placing your orders, Peter looked at you expectantly.

“What brings us to Elsie’s today, peach?” he asked. You hated that nickname. Peter was the only one who could get away with calling you that. It started because of Tony, as most nicknames seemed to do. You sighed.

“I have a boyfriend,” you blurted out. He raised an eyebrow.

“You’ve mentioned him before. Why do I feel like that’s not the point here?” he asked. You had to give it to him. He knew you well. You wouldn’t drag him out to lunch just to confirm his suspicions about you and Danny.

“Things aren’t good. He doesn’t like that I’m part of the team,” you admitted.

“There’s more, isn’t there?” he questioned. You cursed his perceptiveness. You told him about Danny’s behavior, about the red flags. You needed reassurance. Going to Peter, who was still in high school, may have struck some as an odd choice, but as the youngest two Avengers, the two of you had a bond that was like siblings. You trusted him to have your back. You also trusted him to keep it to himself. You knew Wanda wouldn’t. She’d tell Vision. Or worse, she’d spill to Natasha directly. Natasha would tell Bucky and before you knew it, the entire team would be breaking down Danny’s door. You and Peter had often lamented the fact that the team treated you both like children at times. Though you supposed, he still was one, but you’d never say that to him.

You didn’t see Danny in the parking lot, staring at the two of you through the window. You forgot you had given him access to your location. Tony always harped on you about not using that feature on the iPhone you still had. He was still trying to get you to switch to using a Stark brand phone, which was looking more appealing by the day.

“I don’t know what to do,” you admitted to Peter.

“You know I’ll always be here to talk,” he said. You nodded.

“Just...promise me you won’t tell anyone? Not even Tony. I don’t need the team freaking out over this. You know how they are,” you said.

“I won’t. I promise,” he said. Your phone vibrated with a text. Danny wanted to meet for dinner at his apartment that night. You texted him that you’d be there.

“Looks like Happy’s come to collect you. I won’t be back tonight. I’m meeting up with Danny. If anyone asks, tell them I had plans with a friend,” you told Peter as the two of you headed out of the diner. He nodded in agreement before you pulled him into a hug. You didn’t get into your car until you saw him get into the car with Happy and head off.

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

Peter sat at his desk in his room at the compound, tossing a ball in the air. He wasn’t sure what to do. He’d promised you that he would keep your lunch time discussion to himself, but it felt like something he should tell someone. Everything you had told him put him on edge. You were his friend, practically his older sister.

“FRIDAY can I talk to you about something?” Peter asked.

“Certainly,” the AI replied.

“And you won’t tell Mr. Stark?” he asked.

“Not unless it compromises your safety,” she said. Peter nodded. He wasn’t sure where to begin or if he should say anything. He had promised. But, FRIDAY wasn’t a person and his safety wasn’t the one being compromised. Surely venting to the AI would be a way to get everything off his chest and work through what to do.

“I’m really worried about her, FRIDAY. Everything she said. I know she can take care of herself but I’m worried. I don’t know if she’d leave him. I think she might leave the team to keep the peace in her relationship,” Peter confessed.

“You are very wise for your age, Mr. Parker,” the AI responded. Peter hated that you had come to him about it. He knew at the end of the day that you wouldn’t have placed the burden of knowing about this on his shoulders if you saw any other way. He was worried. His promise to you made him feel uneasy.

Across the compound in the lab, FRIDAY alerted Tony to what Peter had said. Tony didn’t make a habit of violating the privacy of the team. But Tony had been worried lately. You were acting strange and he was determined to get to the bottom of it.

“FRIDAY, tell Peter to come down to the lab,” Tony told the AI. Peter entered the lab a short time later, with Tony asking him to take a seat.

“FRIDAY told me something interesting,” Tony started. Peter paled.

“Mr. Stark I can explain...wait...FRIDAY you said you wouldn’t tell him!” Peter exclaimed.

“Calm down. I asked FRIDAY to alert me if anything that could explain a certain friend of ours’ behavior lately came up. FRIDAY didn’t tell me the specifics, kid. Only that you had said some things that were concerning,” Tony said. Peter sighed.

“Peaches told me not to tell anyone what she told me,” Peter told him. Tony frowned.

“She’s not the secret keeping type. Peter, if you have a reason to believe she’s in danger, I need you to tell me what she told you,” Tony said. Peter weighed his options.

“She has a boyfriend...he...I don’t think he treats her okay. When she was in the med bay after her last mission...he had sent her over 500 texts. He wants her to quit. He was upset that she didn’t have her phone on the mission, even after she told him it would compromise the mission,” Peter explained. Tony nodded. To say he was worried would be an understatement. It was easy to figure out why you had gone to Peter of all people with it. Going to any of the other Avengers would have ended in a quick decision without any thought. The only reason Tony now knew was because of FRIDAY. He didn’t agree with you putting it on Peter’s shoulders, but he had a feeling you felt like you had no other option.

“Thank you for telling me Peter. I’ll handle things from here,” Tony said.

“You can’t. She’ll know I told you,” Peter said, frantic. Tony shook his head.

“FRIDAY, show me Renegade’s texts,” Tony said. Peter’s eyes went wide as a hologram of your texts showed up.

“Keep telling her, ditch the iPhone,” Tony muttered.

“You can do that?” Peter asked, concerned.

“I don’t make a habit of it, kid. FRIDAY’s good, but not that good. Renegade is still using an iPhone 5s. Do you know how many security vulnerabilities are in that thing? Everyone else here uses a Stark issued phone. I couldn’t access their texts even if I wanted to. This, this is your deniability,” Tony said. Peter frowned at his words.

“I don’t know Mr. Stark,” Peter said.

“I was going to check her phone regardless of if you told me or not, Peter. I’ve been worried about her. She hasn’t been herself lately,” Tony admitted.

“I don’t want her to be mad at me,” Peter said.

“Kid, she might get mad at us all in the short term, but when you’re in a situation like she is. It can be scary. You don’t know how to get yourself out of it. Now, don’t you have homework to go do?” Tony asked. Peter nodded and headed out of the lab. Tony sat for a few minutes, contemplating his next move. If you had been working with HYDRA this would have been a lot easier. Instead, it was much worse. His next step was going to be talking to Natasha.

As this was happening, you arrived at Danny’s. You prepared yourself for another lecture, another screaming match. Nothing was ever simple these days. You knocked on the door, which opened almost immediately. Danny had a frown on his face and dinner on the table.

“You’re late,” he said.

“I had to run some errands. You said 6, it’s 5:55,” you said. It had been 2:30 when you split off from Peter, having some errands to run around town.

“That might as well be late. I was worried,” he said. You sighed.

“I’m sorry. I lost track of time. I had to pick up some things in town before the shops closed,” you said. You knew it was going to be a long night. You were too tired to argue. Tired of fighting. Tired of feeling suffocated. You told yourself tonight would be the night you ended it, knowing you were only lying to yourself.

#bucky barnes/natasha romanoff/reader #bucky barnes #natasha romanov #natasha romanoff #marvel fanfic #bucky barnes/natasha romanov/reader #buckynat/reader #buckynat reader insert #marvel reader insert #natasha romanoff x reader #natasha romanoff/reader #natasha romanoff fanfic #natasha romanov/reader #natasha romanov x reader #marvel fanfiction #Bucky Barnes Fanfic #bucky barnes/reader #bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes reader insert

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thehollowprince · 5 years ago

Note

As someone on the "salty" side of the Magicians fandom, who does tag, from my personal experience it seems the "fandom who cannot communicate" is purely the "sweet" side refusing to hear the criticisms and treating the salt side like "ur just angry because of x" and belittling us down to JUST that fact and not like We were also fans of this thing! Some of us STILL are, like we are more than our opinion of s5.

Okay, for the record, I may have gotten the wrong impression from this ask and if so, please just bear with me as I try to answer it.

I am familiar with those type of fans who try to play the victim and refuse to hear any kind of criticism, trying to claim some kind of moral high ground by saying something along the lines of "leave us alone because we're trying to just enjoy this." Granted, I've yet to see something like that in The Magicians fandom, but as anyone who follows me knows, I bounce around a lot. And I've come across a few people who try to play the victim by saying that I (or others) am ruining their experience of watching said show.

The reason I made that post was that, for the first time in months, I went back into The Magicians tag in an attempt to reconnect with everything because the show comes back this week, and I ran into more than one post that either mocked a character (and fans that liked said character) or that one about "block me because I won't shut up." I understand the need to vent - trust me, I understand - but if a person's sole reason for being in the fandom space anymore is to harp on it and the people that still enjoy it, that's where I draw the line. All I ask is that people tag it appropriately so that if someone wants to just enjoy this show, despite its flaws, that they be given the chance without having to see constant negativity.

Understand I'm not telling anyone to not complain of something abou the show bugs you. That would be majorly hypocritical of me, as anyone who follows me must know by now that I complain a lot! Its like half of my personality. And I even get it, because if anyone followed me through season four of this show, they'd know I complained from the premiere all the way to the (very) bitter end. Season four was by far the worst season this show did in my opinion, and I pointed out several of those flaws.

I even complained about how they handled Quentin that last season, particularly his exit, and I couldn't stand Quentin. He was by far my least favorite character out of the main cast, but I was still upset by how the network handled his exit from the show, and I understand why others were as well.

The real problem emerged after season three. Up until then, we were a relatively small fandom. Once we started gaining popularity and momentum in fandom spaces, that's when we started getting problems. That's when the ship wars started happening. That's when people dedicated to just trashing a particular character showed up. That's when we started getting people who were actively looking for something - anything! - to complain about and to sew discord among the fans.

The problems that arose from that aside from the rampant mistagging was the inability to try and meet anyone half way. I get it, we all seek validation. We all love it when others share our opinions on shows and characters and plotlines, but the inability to even attempt to see things from someone else's point of view is unhealthy. This mindset of "if you don't share my opinion on this then you're a horrible person and Problematic and deserve all the abuse you get."

For the record, I hate blocking people, because when you do that, you lose the opportunity to see something from another's point of view. Why does this person like or dislike this character? Well now I'll never know because I've had to block them because they either refused to tag something correctly or they went out of their way to be an ass to others. I've blocked a grand total of maybe five people in the entirety of The Magicians fandom, and two of them were people at the end of season four who went around trying to tell anyone who was looking forward to the fifth season that they were losers and idiots and "part of the problem".

I hope that sort of answered anything, because I feel like I started rambling there.

PS: to anyone who reads this, if you ever want to complain about something in this show (or any show that I follow), you want to know my opinion or express your own, please feel free. That's how I came to appreciate Fen so much, because I shut up and listened to someone who liked her.

#the magicians #the magicians fandom

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leavemethefkalone · 4 years ago

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25/10/2020 6:20pm

I’ve never felt so repulsed by someone’s audacity before. It’s to the point where I resent you and never wish to see you or talk to you ever again.

Where do I begin? When we first got together, I confided in you about my first ex threatening to stalk me at my block or my school if we ever broke up. I had massive trust issues and doubts about sharing my location with someone, but I chose to trust you and shared my location with you on Zenly because I thought you wouldn’t abuse the trust and privilege I had given you.

Alas, guess I was a fool because that’s exactly what happened. It was my mistake for not removing my Zenly from you after we ended things, but I also didn’t expect you to turn out to be a full-fledged psycho and stalk me. Stalking my location from when I was home until the point when I was eating at Chinatown, and then having the audacity to walk up to me and watch me eat? Crying over text, asking me how long I’ve been seeing the guy and assuming I cheated on you while we were together? Are you fucking crazy my dude, I don’t fuck behind your back and talk to other people like how you did when we were together. Don’t fucking project your insecurities and guilty conscience on me. Just because I move on fast doesn’t mean I cheated on you.

You still had the audacity to tell me afterwards that you thought that I was with my best friend which was why you came down to Chinatown to attempt to talk things out. Even if I was with my best friend instead of another guy, does that give you the right to violate my privacy? You’re fucking 24 not 14, I don’t think I have to exactly tell you that it’s not right for you to stalk someone after a breakup because that is just basic human decency and respect. These days, I fear going home alone because what if you’re there, at my void deck, waiting for me to come home so you could beg or me again? I shudder to think what would’ve happened if I was alone at Chinatown.

Let’s not harp on this issue anymore, why don’t we talk about the nerve of you to call my own best friend a bitch? I might get pissed off at my best friend every now and then and rant to you but it doesn’t fucking mean that I hated her, it just means that I needed an outlet to vent. Yet you decided to take that and try to turn my own best friend against me. Firstly, who the fuck are you to call my best friend names? Did you get offended because she told you to leave me the fuck alone? Can’t accept the truth until now that I don’t want anything to do with you ever again? Maybe if you didn’t violate my privacy and harass me so much, she wouldn’t have to resort to texting you to ask you to leave me alone. Secondly, why do you feel the need to turn my own best friend against me? Is your life that miserable that you have to resort to such deplorable ways, or are you just jealous that you don’t and will never have a friend that has my back like how my best friends do? Maybe you should take a good look at yourself and wonder why you don’t have much friends. Maybe you should reflect on why even your own best friend took my side when I explained my side of the story to him. Don’t you feel ashamed that your best friend has to apologise on your behalf to me and my best friend? Don’t you feel ashamed that you have to be parented by your best friend? Sad to say, your pathetic little attempt to break our friendship apart failed miserably so please try harder. You telling my best friends that I’m not what I seem is just cute. Life isn’t a Netflix show so kindly stop with the theatrics.

After your laughable attempt at breaking our friendship apart, you decided to play offensive and call me a slut. To quote you, “fucking slut would go for anyone who would give you the D. I hope you get heartbroken every damn time after you spread your legs to that person”. I didn’t know it was possible to resent you more than I already did, but surprise surprise! I didn’t know I sleep around and let any random guy fuck me but I guess I learn something new about myself everyday. Are you just insecure because you know that you never satisfied me sexually in the relationship? It’s pathetic that your dick couldn’t even stay hard for sex because of your porn addiction and sharing naked girls on Facebook/Twitter and tagging your friends in them. I never once chastised you for it when I knew other girls would’ve found it a dealbreaker. But of course, I’m the slut right?

There’s many more things I still have left to say but I’m exhausted from just typing this out. To think that this happened between the span of 2 days and there’s so much more shit you pulled on me throughout the relationship such as playing victim and playing the depression card. There’s many more things but I don’t want to waste any more time ranting about you when you’re basically dead to me now. I won’t give you the power to get inside my head like that anymore; let bygones be bygones. The only last thing I have to say is I don’t know what I ever saw in you, it’s not like you were exactly shining in the looks or personality department. Your only personality is hating your mum, being angsty, and watching porn, and smoking cigarettes all the time. It’s no wonder your first ex cheated on you. You’re insufferable.

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historyman101 · 5 years ago

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Time to leave the nest.

I think I speak for everyone when I say that, regardless of how you view Eureka 7: AO or Hi-Evolution, the community is not what it once was. I’m not going to make this a diatribe about what’s wrong with Hi-Evo (since my friends and I dissected it quite thoroughly in the podcast) or AO or even PFOR, but I will say that the lackluster reception of Hi-Evo has doused a lot of the passion this community once had, or at least it played a role.

As I’ve said in the podcast and elsewhere, I’ve been a part of the Eureka 7 fan community really ever since it first aired in the US in 2006. I’m what you would call an OG. I’ve been here since the very beginning, and I’ve seen so much happen to this beloved IP and this community, not all of it good.

When I joined the tumblr scene in 2012 when AO was airing, there was still a high level of enthusiasm and energy in the community. Even if AO wasn’t well-received by many, we still had the motivation to do some great things. The passion people had was really inspiring, and it was a major factor in me continuing my historical fanfiction series. Knowing people still cared about what I wrote kept me going. I’ve said this a million times, but to all those people who followed me and kept up with my historical series, thank you so very much. I wouldn’t have finished it without you.

As I was writing my historical series, other people made great contributions as well. Artists on tumblr made fanart that is still well-loved to this day. Users made and shared remixes of classic E7 songs. We organized weekly chats and Secret Santa events each Christmas. Some of us even tried to make a visual novel based on Eureka 7. To me, that is nothing short of remarkable.

As time went on, interest died down. It’s only natural that people would fall away from it. By the time 2017 rolled around, I was well aware that enthusiasm was waning and, as I’ve said before, were it not for Hi-Evolution being announced, I would have quietly made my exit from the community upon completion of my fanfiction series. That’s not to say I was bitter about it, either; I figured it was the best course of action since I made it clear in past anonymous asks that I wasn’t going to add more to the fandom once it was done.

When Hi-Evolution was announced, I was initially excited. The community went through a brief resurgence as hopes ran high. There was a genuine belief that this would be the franchise’s saving grace. I thought this was a chance to rekindle interest and learn from past mistakes.

Boy, was I wrong.

All the hopes I had were shattered at Otakon, and while I can only speak from my own perspective, it seems like Hi-Evo 2 as well as the delay of Hi-Evo 3 killed any remaining interest in the fandom. Instead, it’s left a splintered community, one where people no longer have the enthusiasm to write fanfics, make fanart, or even do special collaborative projects like the visual novel.

Many of the friends I made in the community tell me point blank that they are either fed up with the franchise entirely or are done after Hi-Evolution 3. If people are saying that, then I genuinely fear we are facing the death of a once-proud, tightly-knit community. And that makes me beyond sad.

I know I come off as abrasive and some people sling the word “hater” at me for my opinions, but people who know me will tell you that I’m only speaking from a place of love for Eureka 7. For all the problems I have with Hi-Evolution and the franchise writ large, I don’t want to live in a world where this anime doesn’t exist. It made me into an anime fan. I have made some of my closest friends through this, some of whom I still keep in contact with to this day.

I believe the bonds we make are stronger than whatever Bones throws our way, but I can’t help feeling saddened that the thing which united us is now turning us against each other. If the sometimes vitriolic asks I’ve received and the horror stories we shared in the podcast are any indication, the fandom is split, possibly beyond repair. We’ve reached the stage where you can’t have a conflicting opinion and be treated with respect anymore; instead, you’re viewed as the enemy. A hater. A troll whose views should be discounted.

If you voice anything other than a positive opinion about anything E7-related, be it AO, the manga, the games, or Hi-Evolution, you’re shut down and cast out. It’s not enough to just like E7; now, we all have to be comfortable and build a hugbox. That’s not the message E7 originally imparted.

Eureka 7 is a show about accepting reality in all its ugliness. Anyone who has watched the anime knows it can be very uncomfortable at times. Some moments are hard to sit through, but that’s the whole point. Renton had to learn the hard way that the life he dreamed of was just that: a dream. The people he looked up to weren’t the idealized heroes he thought they were. The world is ugly, and he had to accept that. I think we need to take the same approach when looking at this franchise.

It’s okay to dislike Hi-Evolution, AO, or anything else that’s come after the original. Fuck, the original isn’t perfect by any stretch. What anime is? What’s not okay is to disrespect others for a differing opinion or (in my case) harassing them. I hardly think that’s the message Eureka 7 wanted to leave its viewers.

What makes me sad is that it was never like this before. Even in the AO days, people were willing to let it all go. We still had fun together because we thought that the bonds we made were more important than a show that didn’t turn out well. But something changed between then and now. I don’t even know what, but the community and how it dealt with differing views changed. And I don’t like what it’s become.

Now, our community is all but dead. Not just on Tumblr, but everywhere I go, the story is the same. When Hi-Evo was announced, the Subreddit was abuzz with activity and excitement. Now, it’s practically a ghost town. The Discord server, which I left some time ago, has gone the way of disco according to all my friends. I think it’s because many of us are just bitter about what’s happened or are fed up. I’m not surprised people have gotten bored with Eureka 7; I have too.

To be perfectly honest, I wish Hi-Evo was never made. It would have been better if our fandom just slowly faded away from inactivity instead of splitting into ever smaller, squabbling camps. At least then it would have ended on a positive, happy note. Now, based on everything I’ve seen, heard, and read, it’s ending on a note of bitterness. It’s doubly sad, because Eureka 7 is optimism: the anime.

So where am I going with all of this? I don’t know. Honestly, I just wanted to vent because I needed to get this off my chest. It’s been a drain to watch something I loved and cherished for so long slowly fall to pieces and the friends I once had in this fandom turn against each other.

Eureka 7 has been such a touchstone in my life for so long that to see it crumble away like this is heartbreaking. Revisiting this franchise’s fall from grace just leaves me depressed. It’s like a blood-sucking vampire, and I can’t fucking take it anymore.

That’s why this is my last post about Eureka 7.

As much as you guys think it’s interesting, I can’t keep doing this. I don’t have the patience to wait until 2021 for the final film, and I don’t suspect many others do, either. I don’t care if it will be all hand-drawn; I’m sick and tired of even talking about it. It’s like I’m beating up a disabled person; nothing I say is going to change what we’ve already gotten or alter the reality of where the fanbase is now. It’s really sad, but I just need to move on from this.

Almost 15 years have passed since I first watched Eureka 7. Back then, I was just a lonely 16 year old kid trying to find out where to go in life. I will be 30 in January, I have a full-time job, my life is much more hectic now than it ever was, and it’s turned out better than I ever dreamed. Eureka 7 Hi-Evolution didn’t turn out too well, but there will be more disappointments to come, no question. Life is full of them. Why focus on them forever?

I don’t think that harping on the past is productive. Time only moves forward and it waits for no one. I have limited time on this earth, and I don’t want to spend it kicking this turd around forever. Life is too short to waste it on small things like an anime franchise that didn’t end well. I want to start the new decade fresh, and that means letting go of the things that have weighed me down.

I’m going to grab my future with my own hands. Because I learned from Eureka 7 a seminal lesson that’s guided me through life:

Don’t beg for things. Do it yourself, or else you won’t get anything.

#eureka seven #eureka 7 #eureka 7 hi-evolution #e7hievo #anime #favorite anime #favorite character #e7 #i can't keep doing this #I need to move on

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cancerousjojian · 6 years ago

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tired | joe mazzello!john deacon

summary: john comes home to you after a tiring day at the studio. it’s sickeningly domestic and fluffy.

a/n: two fics in two days?! we love being active. anyway writing this hurt my heart i love deaky so much i might just have to cry over it.

He smiles as soon as he steps through the doorway. The sight is too pure not to. You, his fiance, are laying on the couch in one of his old shirts, eyes closed in sleep and hair a mess. He likes seeing you in such a comfortable state, and he wishes the same for himself. It’d been quite the demanding day for him and the rest of the band as their record label harped on them, criticising their new record to no end. He was not only physically exhausted, but creatively as well.

John curses to himself in his thoughts when he wakes you with the noise of him entering your house. You slowly sit up and peel your eyes open. You can see his silhouette in your dimly lit living room, kicking his shoes off and running a hand through his hair.

“Hey,” you say, rubbing your eyes to look at the clock on the wall. Nearly midnight, you’d only been asleep for a few hours. “How’d the recording go today?”

John sighs and flicks the switch on the lamp to turn it on. He meets your eyes and the new light in the room shows bags under his soft eyes and exhaustion on his expression. He sits—collapses, rather—down on the couch next to you. “Awful. Record label won’t let us breathe.” He says. He continues to tell you every detail about his day, he likes talking to you about it and venting. He always feels a hundred times better after.

“They’ll come to their senses soon, I’m sure. If it’s any consolation, I love the new record.” You say to him. Your hand is absentmindedly fiddling with a piece of his hair, fingers massaging his scalp. He almost melts into your touch and his flutter shut in bliss.

A laugh escapes his lips. “That’s because you helped us write a lot of it.” He recalls you and the band sitting in a circle in the studio. You would offer suggestions whenever prompted. John, Freddie, Roger, and Brian always appreciated having another opinion, especially one they trust so well.

He’s only been home for twenty minutes and you can tell he really has had an exhausting day. You look over at him and he’s nodding off; hazel eyes shut and deep breaths making his chest rise and fall slowly. Surely a sight for sore eyes. You’re almost sorry when you lean over to plant a feathery kiss on his cheek and he opens his eyes, turning to face you. His hands find your jaw, pulling you in for a proper kiss. His lips curl into a smile, he can’t help it. You’re real, you’re here and you’re his.

The innocent kiss turns into a sloppy and lazy makeout, but neither of you mind. It’s warm and he’s been looking forward to it all day.

In minutes, John grips your leg with a calloused hand and hooks it around his his torso so you’re sitting on his lap. You just look at each other for a moment, each of you admiring the other. You both can barely keep your eyes open because you’re so tired, but John still somehow manages to look as handsome as ever. But he’s thinking the same of you. He’s thinking about kissing you again as his hands rest on your hips, playing with the fabric of the shirt you’re wearing. Not to mention the way you’re looking at him, with a subtle twinge of admiration in your eyes. He loves you so much. He wants to tell you, so he does.

You blush slightly at his words, which only makes his heart swell more. “I love you, too. Let’s go to bed, yeah?” You’re whispering now, your mouth right next to his ear as you place a firm kiss below it on his neck. He nods, still watching you admirably as you climb off him. You take his hand in yours, leading him down the hall to your room.

Your fiancé discards his shirt and pants, climbing under the covers to join you. You’re inches from his face and you can’t help but sweetly kiss the tip of his nose. John lets out a breathy laugh and slings his arm over your torso. It’s the most comfortable you’ve ever been.

You want to stay like this forever.

#i just wanna hug him #joe mazzello x reader #joe mazzello #john deacon imagine #john deacon #deaky x reader #john deacon x reader #queen #queen imagine #bohemian rhapsody cast #roger taylor imagine #ben hardy #gwilym lee imagine #brian may imagine

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boogiewrites · 6 years ago

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A Girl Walks Into A Bar 7

Characters: Declan Harp x Bella Fiore (OFC)

Word Count: 5300+

Summary: Modern Declan harp AU. Bella gets bad news and wants to drown her sorrows. She finds herself with Declan at the bar, and they decide to push the boundaries of their friendship with partnerships and spending more time together. Bella gets wasted and Declan gets to see a side of her he hasn't before. And he likes what he sees.

Warnings/Tags: Language. Drinking. Talk of violence.

Click on my screen name then go to Mobile Masterlist in my bio for my other works and chapters. (Had to do this since Tumblr killed links, sorry.)

You'd fallen asleep in the afternoon after a shower and running errands. You hadn't meant to but apparently your body had known you'd need it. You wake up to the insistent buzzing of your phone. You grunt and wipe your eyes, answering without looking to see who was responsible for waking you up.

"Yeah?" you mumble.

"So you've been asleep?" you hear the familiar voice of Charlotte on the other end.

"Yeah, I fell asleep. Didn't mean to. What's up?" you groan and pull yourself upright.

"Your mom has been trying to call you." her voice falls rather flat and your brow lowers at the change of tone.

"Something wrong?" your gruff out.

"Not wrong but... are you still sitting down? Are you awake enough to process something important?" she says seriously.

"Yeah. I'm sittin' up in bed. What is it?" you rub your forehead.

"Your mom found out from Rita at the hospital that Richie's been released." she says softly as if her delivery might make the news any easier to take.

You don't respond at first, your heart dropping into your stomach. Charlotte expects this and lets you process. "That all she told her?"

"They cleared him again. Somehow." she sighs loudly. "It had been years."

"Never long enough." you say weakly and let and take a deep breath.

"He's in an outpatient program now, getting set up with some government housing. I figure he'll still have to have visits and stuff like that after he's out. And you're in a new place, new city..." she tries to sound comforting.

"Yeah," you say quietly. "All my social media is set to private already so.." you shrug even though no one is around. Which you are now painfully aware of.

"You'll be fine. And if you're not you're always welcome to stay here. Okay?" she says in a motherly tone that came more naturally to her these days.

"I... I'm gonna call mom." you mutter.

"She's been worried. I'll text you later to check in on you okay?"

"Yeah, I'll... I just gotta process it. I'll be... it'll be okay." you get out.

"Better work on sounding more convincing before you call Gale." she says with a more light-hearted tone that you appreciated.

"Yeah. I will." you clear your throat and throw your legs over the side of the bed.

You hang up and dial your mom after seeing the multiple missed calls from her.

"Are you okay? Why weren't you answering?" she blurts out in her subtle Irish accent. Worn down by years of being in America and living around your Italian father's side of the family.

"I'm fine. I was napping." you assure her.

"Oi I was close to havin' a heart attack. Did Charlotte wake ya?" she asks.

"Yeah she told me." you say solemnly.

"Are ya okay? You need to come over to the house? You know we've got plenty of room." her voice is still rushed and worried.

"No, no. I'll be fine here. Really. I've got the security system and the locks and friends close by if I need them."

"Ya sure? You know it wouldn't be any trouble." her tone stays the same.

"I know. I will if I need to but I can't hide away the rest of my life." you say in a less confident voice.

"Well... I'm just a call away you know." a slight plead to her voice.

"I know, ma." you smile. "I'll text you more often alright? So you know I'm good. But I'm in a new place and I haven't made it easy for anyone to find me so..." you trail off, nodding your head.

"You're a smart girl, I know. I just worry."

"I know you do. But if I need anything I won't hesitate to let you know okay? Let's not worry until we have to."

"I'm not making any promises." you can hear the smile in her words.

"I love you. I'll be okay." you try to convince her and yourself. Trying to let your reasonable self overpower the want to freak out that your anxiety born from trauma was trying to cause.

"I love you more blue bell." she says in a patronizing tone. "You call me. Okay? Don't kill me off so soon with worry."

"I won't. Love you. If dad knows, tell him the same. Love you guys."

"Love you, sweetheart. Be careful."

You stand in front of your mirror, looking to Robbie who was curled up on a pile of clean laundry on your bed. You wish you could be so peaceful. You feel old habits pulling at you, unhealthy coping mechanisms wanting to be indulged in. You didn't think you were strong enough to fight them off today. But you knew just the place to indulge in them.

You get yourself ready, nothing special, just your usual jeans, boots and an old band t-shirt. You text Declan, asking if he's working tonight since it's a Sunday. He says he is. You ask if it would be too much trouble for him to be your DD, that you'd had a rough day and you wanted to get college kid wasted. He asks if you're okay first and an involuntary pout comes across your face. Ugh, he was such a nice guy. It kept catching you off guard. You tell him you had some things you wanted to forget, honestly. You wanted to do it in a safe place and knew he'd get you home safe. The same look comes across his face as he reads, feeling touched you felt safe with him. It wasn't something he was used to being said in regards to him. It was usually the opposite.

Being the good man he is, he comes and picks you up, saying you shouldn't leave your truck overnight at the bar and he didn't mind getting out of the bar for a few extra minutes. You don't even let him get to your door, you wait until he stops and step out the house, locking it all up well before you left. He stands with a tilted head, watching you curiously as you shuffled to the passenger side door. You both settle back in and he looks you up and down.

"You sure you're alright?" he asks with a voice that shows his concern.

"Yeah I just wanted to get out of the house." you nod and take a deep breath, warming your hands on the vents.

He pulls out and waits until you're on a straight to inquire further. "You're not in trouble or something are you?" he asks, eyes darting over to you but hands steady on the wheel. He could read people, he could tell something was bothering you, not just the mild annoyance you usually carried around.

"No." you sigh out and shake your head, fingers running through your hair. "I just..." your lips purse and your shrug. You weren't going to tell him what was really wrong. "I'll be fine. I don't want to talk about it, I just want to forget about it. Hence the plan to get sloppy tonight." you turn with wide eyes, the corner of your mouth pulled back in an attempt at a smile.

"You're a terrible liar, Bells." he says with a deep, knowing voice. He nods his chin your way, "But I'll indulge you this time." he gives a warm, soft smile your way and it makes things better somehow.

Inside the bar, he lines up two shots and orders a pizza. It's a Tuesday and there's hardly anyone inside. Which is how you'd like it. You down the shots and decide to tell CeeCee you won't be in tomorrow. When she calls you instead of texting you back you groan, but accept the call.

"Yeah?" you say, looking at the reflection of yourself in the bar back mirror, your mouth open and your nose scrunched up.

"Figured I'd call to tell you in person. Well, kinda...anyway I got good news. I was gonna tell you when you came in tomorrow but seems you've got other plans?" she asked as if it were a question, but you'd already told her it was personal, said sorry for the short notice and that you'd be unreachable for the night.

"Yeah something's come up." you grumble into the phone, eyes mindlessly looking over the bottles that were stacked on the bar.

"You okay?" Man were you tired of people asking you that today.

"Yeah I'll be fine." you mumble. "What's good news?" you ask, resting your chin in your hand.

"We got some sponsored stuff in the mail today and one of the companies sent us two tickets to that rock festival down in Columbus. I don't remember the name...I don't have them in front of me." she mutters to herself. "There's a camping spot, tickets for early access Wednesday to the finale on Sunday night, the camping spots are good until that Monday morning. Food and drink vouchers, coupons...there's merch in here too." you hear her ruffling through a PR box of things.

"You wanting to go?" you ask with a tilt of your head, you would love to go but going with her wasn't ideal. Not that you didn't like her, just being around anyone for that many days straight in a small space would be a bit much to handle.

"I do but I can't. This has been sitting at the post office for a while, so it's next week." she says regretfully.

"Oh." you with pouted lips, feeling the warm fuzz from the shots.

"You want the tickets? Anyone you know of that could go with you?"

Your eyes move over to Declan instinctually. You watch him and Mike shove each other and laugh, sharing one of the new brews to come in. "Yeah, I'll take them. I think I know someone that'll go with me." you bit your lip in thought. "If not I can find someone else to give them to. Or sell them or something." you shrug and motion for Declan to come back to you, he'd given you some privacy when you said it was your business partner.

"Really?" she says her voice inflecting upward. "That's... surprising." she chuckles. "You aren't taking off for some hot lovers rendezvous are you?" she jokes.

"No I am not. Far from it." you burst her bubble. "But I'll be in Thursday and I'll have an answer for you."

"Sounds good. You be safe or... careful or... whatever." she says lightheartedly.

"I will." you hang up and Declan rests on his elbows, bent over the bar.

"You will what?" he says playfully.

You take a deep breath and consider if asking him is a good idea. Normally you would still trust your judgment after only two shots but the little thrill of excitement that sat in you made you question yourself. Did you want to go with him? Would you be able to stand being around him that long? Did you know him well enough to ask him? You'd known him for months now, hung out with him alone on multiple occasions and he had yet to piss you off, which was saying a lot. So you decide to take another big step. You said you needed new friends. And this would certainly make or break your friendship with him.

"I've got a proposal for you." you begin, leaning in and resting your chin on your fist.

"Bella... I had no idea." he puts his hand dramatically to his chest and it makes you chuckle and roll your eyes.

"In your dreams, pal." you snort and give him a cheesy smile. "I have a real one. A question with weighted significance." you say with a dramatic flair.

"I'm listenin'." he says leaning in closer, his chin low and heavy brow guarding his bright eyes as they stared into yours.

"I just found out that we... at the studio..." You motion with your hand. "Got tickets to the music festival down in Columbus next week. It's got a pass for the whole thing, food and drink vouchers, bracelets, the whole nine yards." you shake your head as you elaborate. You pause, tilting your head and narrowing your eyes at him. "Would you wanna go?" you ask without giving away your hesitation for such a question.

"With you and your coworkers?" his chin raises in inquiry.

"No, no. There's just two tickets. It'd be you and me." you explain, your guarded facade dropping slightly.

"Really?" he gives you an impressed look and it surprises you.

"Well... uh... yeah." you nod and continue to stare at him.

He studies you for a moment. He was the first person you'd asked. "How many days? And when is it?" he says with a more friendly tone.

"We'd have to get down there Wednesday night, find a spot, then it closes out Sunday night, but the camping spot is good until that Monday morning."

"So in a week basically?" he says, looking over to Mike.

"Right." you nod and follow his eyes.

"That's enough of a heads up I think." he says without turning back to you. "MIKE?! How much of a heads up do we have to give the temp service again?"

"Uh... a week. Why?" he asks, walking over to join in.

"Well the very generous Bella has just told me she's come upon some VIP sort've package deal tickets for a music festival down in Ohio, so I'm wondering if you could cover for me next week if I get some temp help in here." he gives him a big grin.

"Oh you had to take him over the weekend didn't ya?" Mike says with no real malice in his voice as he smiles. The thought of getting Declan out and also with you in particular made him happy.

"'Fraid so." you shrug and give him a frown.

"Yeah. I can live with that. I'll be glad to breathe without ya big arse hovering over me all the time." he says as he walks away.

"You call 'em in?"

"Yeah. Fuckin' helpless." he laughs and grumbles.

"So that a yes?" you say with too much hopefulness to your voice.

"That's a fuck yes." he flashes a charming smile your way.

"I guess I'll need to see about renting an RV." you say with a pout, opening your phone back up.

"Nah, nah I can handle it. I got some boys I camp with, I can hit them up."

"You sure?" you ask, your eyes wide as they swing up to meet his from the phone.

"Yeah. It's no problem at all. Or shouldn't be... usually isn't." he shrugs and gets out his phone. "So this isn't a pop-country festival I'm assuming?" he grins as he texts.

"No, it's rock. Lemme look it up." you mumble. "Sonic Temple. Yeah." you nod.

"Oh shit that's a legit festival." he laughs.

"Oh yeah, they sent a whole PR package." you nod enthusiastically.

"Who's playin'?" he asks, eyes back to his phone.

"Foo Fighter. Fuck yes. Joan Jett, HELL fuckin' yes. Distillers Ugh, be still my beating heart." you roll your eyes and put your hand to your chest and laugh. "Action Bronson too. They've got all kinds of acts." you say impressed, losing yourself in the poster.

"Who?"

"Oh Declan... the playlist for the drive down there is going to blow your fucking mind." you chuckle and move your thumbs over to Spotify fast.

"We can't all know everything about music like you do."

"I don't know everything. About music." you add with a cheeky snort.

"Okay we'll need the van Wednesday to Monday." he mumbles.

"Van?" you ask, face rising up to look at him.

"Yeah it's the one we use to go camping." he shakes his head. "If it can hold me, another grown ass man and a big ass dog in it, it'll fit me and little 'ol you. Don't worry." his chuckle shakes his shoulders. "He's got solar panels to power shit and a sink and a hot plate and it's legit. Promise. Not gonna take you down there in a murder van for almost a week." he glances up and grins at you.

"I appreciate that." you give him a warmer smile back. You felt the excitement of uncertainty rise in you. You were really doing this.

"He and his wife take it when they go out camping or road tripping so it's nice."

"In other words, it's decorated and not bare and a tetanus threat that men threw together?" you smirk.

"Exactly." he nods his head proudly.

"Good. I'd hate to be uncomfortable for that long. The bed good?"

"Why you askin'?" he raises a brow and you roll your eyes, rubbing your temple to hide the flush in your cheeks the look gave you.

"Shut up." you spit out fast. "I'll be sleeping on it for almost a week, I don't want to be out in the sun all day and come back to an uncomfortable bed."

"It's a real mattress, it's nice." his deep chuckle soothes your worry. "Trust me, a princess like Laura wouldn't sleep on it if it weren't comfy." he raises his eyebrows.

"So it has a whole makeup vanity in it too?" you tease.

"There's a light up mirror that like... snakes out of the wall if that counts." he offers.

"Oh, shit really?" you laugh. "Okay worries are gone. That sounds legit as hell."

"I wouldn't steer you wrong Bells." he says in a sincere soft voice. "And looks like we've got it." she says sitting his phone back down.

"Done and done." you give a stern nod.

"And a shot to celebrate."

"You keep this up and we won't have problems getting along." you say before knocking back a shot with him. He can hear the relief in your voice and he knows you mean it.

After sharing a pizza with the boys and a few more shots, you're sitting pretty. Well, that's what you tell yourself. You are in fact, drunk. But you're happy and Declan can't bring himself to mind it. You wander off to the bathroom and he gets caught up in a conversation while you're gone. As you exit the bathroom, you look to your left, seeing the empty room that had caught your attention before. "Declan!" you yell out, leaning against the wall.

"Yeah?" he asks, moving down the bar.

"What's in here?" you say with a perky attitude, hips swaying wide as you move towards the doorway. He flips on a light and as you've only seen a few feet into the room before, the dim lighting in the bar from led's in the corner of the ceiling, neon signs and the ancient stained glass lamps that dot the booths and bar, you couldn't be more surprised at what you find.

The room illuminates, a buzzing and flickering light overhead reveals a large room and an old wooden stage.

"Holy shit." you say loudly, walking with outstretched arms towards it. "Why did you not tell me this was HERE?" you ask loudly, turning fast to see him but he's already close and you stumble slightly at his sudden appearance.

"Didn't know you'd care?" he shrugs.

"It's a fuckin' stage. Of course I care!" you say before turning to see what's behind the stacks of hold chairs and a very dusty curtain that makes you sneeze. "Oh!" you say as you see a karaoke machine tucked away. "Why aren't you using this?"

"The boys here don't really care for it. Got it when another bar shut down, never really hooked it up."

"I'm gonna hook it up." you declare, rolling up your sleeves and sneezing at the dust.

"You uhh... you sure you can?" he says through laughter at your drunken self-assuredness.

"If you knew how many of these I got extra money for fixing after my sets at bars you'd know how needless that statement was." you say with your hands on your hips.

He holds his hands up in surrender. "Have at it. Just don't hurt yourself." he says with a shake of his head.

You're emersed and he watches you for a few moments, dirt already on your hands, digging into the space between the wall and stage with a confidence that comes with being drunk. Once he hears you mumbling to yourself about cords he leaves you to it, heading back into the other wing of the bar.

An hour passes quickly for him, looking at his phone and realizing he hadn't heard much besides a stray swear or exclamation from you the whole time. He heads back into the room, a mirrored wall with a mounted bar top against the far right wall. A blank, patched dirty green wall in the middle of that leading to the side of the room with the stage. You'd pushed the chairs out of the way, and he sees a few lights mounted on the metal racks across the top of the stage. Old, ripped and dusty curtains are pulled out, allowing you access to the sides and back. You'd established the machine wasn't that old and found enough extension cords to piece together an almost functioning rudimentary stage set up.

"Uh... Bella?" you hear Declan's voice as you're dusting off an amp you'd found shoved into the crawlspace.

You walk out onto the stage, setting the amp at the edge and sitting next to it. "You've got so much shit back there, Declan." you say scratching your head.

"I haven't looked back there since we bought the place." he walks towards you.

"This place was a bar before you bought it?"

"Yeah." he says, moving to check out the amp.

"That would explain all the old shit." you say, patting the amp. "But that machine is less than five years old." you point the karaoke machine that was now lit up and blinking. "You've even got a small projection screen but there's not stand for it." you look over the pile of equipment you'd gathered against the wall. "You got some bare bones that could be the base for a decent set up you know?"

"I did not." he shakes his head, impressed with what you'd managed to throw together. A single spotlight, a mic stand, and a stool sit on the stage.

"If you dropped some money on a decent sound system, some lights and a good control desk... wouldn't take much in this small of a space, you could host some bands here."

"I'll take your word for it, I don't know anything about that." he shrugs. "Never even crossed my mind, sounds like a lot of work. A lot of money too."

"Well I mean yeah but this part of town doesn't have any decent live venues. You've got a raised stage, room for speakers and space to accommodate like, 100 people give or take." you motion to the big, mostly empty room. "You do a music cover charge for any non-regulars and that's a thousand bucks, plus the drinks they buy. There's money to be made if it's done right." you nod and look at him with clear eyes and he knows you're serious.

"You think a place like this could get people to come to it for music?"

"Yeah. With the right marketing. Places like this are rare, everything's been cleaned up and gentrified. Crowds still want some grit with their music, especially with rock. And if you hosted a karaoke night with THIS sort of stage? You'd make a killing." you say with a stern nod.

"At the expense of my hearing." he chuckles.

"True. But hey, money's money." you raise your brows.

"Is this... I mean..." he scratches his head. "Is this something you could help me with? You clearly know more about it and I'd trust your opinion."

"Are you seriously interested in doing it?" you ask with a no-nonsense face.

"If you think it could bring more money in... yeah. Could we stick to rock music though? If I had to listen to any pop country I think I might burn the place down for the insurance money." he laughs.

"It's your bar. You can do whatever you want." you say, hopping down from the stage. "We've got some equipment at the studio I can loan you, I'll make a few calls to some owners, see if anyone's selling anything, what acts are pulling numbers but aren't too expensive. That kinda thing." you nod and walks back towards the bar and he follows, his head moving fast with the possibilities you were laying before him.

"I can pay you for all this, you know." he states as you sit at the end of the bar. "You are an expert after all. I'm not gonna be greedy with you." he smiles and moves to grab a bottle of whiskey to pour you a shot.

"If you don't charge me to come in, and let me drink free for anything that isn't hard liquor I'll take it as payment. I've never got to build something like this." you shrug. "I'd actually really like to." you nod earnestly.

"How about you drink free if this is successful?" he grins. "But these are on me?" he gives you a friendly nod, pouring three shots in front of you.

"If only all business was so easy," you say with a sigh. "Here." you slide one towards him. "Let's toast." you offer, holding up the glass shot glass. "Here's to making some beautiful music together." you let out a laugh.

"Cheers." he says, clinking them together as you both knock back the shots.

It's approaching midnight and you're back to being floaty and happy, drawing out diagrams on napkins to show Declan about setting things up, happily hunched together as you get to share your knowledge with someone who actually wants to hear it. Once again you have to pee, as is the nature of the beast. Already thinking about the stage again, as you pass it you're drawn to it like a moth to a flame. You get the old acoustic you found, tuning it and humming to yourself. Declan has once again become sidetracked by another conversation with Mike, telling him about what you'd been explaining all night.

"Is she actually any good?" Mike asks, skeptical as was his nature.

They hear the mic hook up, a squeal as it heats up and begins to work again. The other few men in the bar look in its direction as well. You sit alone, guitar perched on your knee on the wooden bar stool you'd sat on stage. As you usually did when you were drunk, you went for some of the songs you could play in your sleep. You were in a great mood, the cause of coming out tonight behind you for now and you were feeling hopeful and confident and playful. A combination that was rare these days. The sound of you clearing your throat comes of the simple speakers in the room, drawing the men to want to check out the source.

"Looks like you'll get to see yourself." Declan answers Mike's worries as he moves to the wide archway to watch you.

"This is a song... for the ladies." you say with a drunken giggle that makes him beam at you. Your nose wrinkling as you fingers find their place on the guitar. "But fella's... listen closely." you coo into the mic. Declan knows immediately the song you're about to sing and snorts. Of course, you would know Tenacious D. The dumb shit from his teen years come back to him, listening to the albums, watching The Pick of Destiny. "You don't always have to fuck her hard..." you begin with an angelic soft voice that doesn't fit the words and he feels a feeling in his stomach that he hasn't in years. He was getting to see you in rare form, a goofy side to you that you hid from everyone and he was getting to see it. You were putting it out on display for him and he felt lucky to be chosen to see what was behind the curtain.

You sing the dirty, swear ridden song softly, playing it and singing with your eyes closed, showing you'd done it so many times it came as second nature. You giggle and smile between lines and you really let yourself go. You belt out the loud notes, shaking your head and slumping over in your enthusiasm. The other men all stand, some grabbing the dirty chairs and laughing, knocking each other's shoulders at the pretty woman cursing and singing, talking about fucking hard. You end with a huge smile on your face, opening your eyes to find everyone watching you, light applause, Declan being the loudest and most enthusiastic and you laugh, your shoulders shaking as he wolf whistles at you.

"Fuckin' tear it up, Bells!" he shouts, laughing and grabbing a chair too.

"You like the D?" you ask with a smile that stays on your

"You fuckin' know I do." he says proudly.

"Knew you were cool." you nod approvingly. "Okay. So... another one then?" you ask with a tilt of your head. One of the men claps loudly and approves. "You caught me in a good mood. Alright." you snort into the mic as you bump it with your nose. You clear your throat. This is called Master Exploder... and if I fuck it up, forgive me. I only have the balls to sing it when I'm wasted." you laugh and begin hard and sing your guts out.

Declan sits in awe. His brows high and his lips parted slightly as he listens to you belt out the songs.

"Dude." Mike says, knocking his arm with his arm. "Go get your guitar from upstairs."

"Shit. Yeah." he nods. "Wait, you go get it." he says with a bossy tone.

"Don't wanna miss anything huh?" Mike wiggles his brows at him.

"No I don't." he sass's back and shoves him out of the room.

You finish the song and Mike hands you a beer and an electric guitar, a small amp under his arm.

"Oh bless you," you mumble out, taking a drink. "That one will shred your throat." you set the beer down and take the other guitar. "Plug it in for me?" you ask politely. "It tuned?" you ask before strumming it. "Oh fuck no." you laugh and take a few minutes to fix it.

"Okay. You're making demands by giving me an electric." you give a smug smile. "Ya'll want me to show off? That what this means?"

"Of course we bloody do!" Mike says, taking a seat by Declan. "Better entertainment than I've seen in years." he says sincerely, leaning into his mesmerized friends arm.

"Flattery will get you where you wanna go." you point at him and laugh, falling into your old alter ego like ways when you were on stage, the booze certainly helping. "Okay... let's take it back it '75, Dreamboat Annie. Some of my favorite female guitar and vocal work." you say, straightening your back. "You'll know this one." you say as you start the fast-paced finger work for Crazy On You.

"Alright." Mike nods. "Yeah she's good." he says quietly to Declan.

"Told you." he grumbles defensively.

"Never thought her grumpy ass would be capable of this." he huffs out a laugh. "Lass is full of surprises innit she?" Declan sits and stares. "Or I'm bettin' ya hope so." he snarks.

"Shut up I wanna hear her." he bites back.

"Imaginin' her sayin' that to you big boy?" he knocks him with his elbow, only half joking.

And dammit if that wasn't exactly what he was doing.

@vale0413 @littledeadgirlwalking @jaegeeeeer

#Frontier #Declan Harp #Declan Harp x reader #Declan Harp fic #frontier fanfic #frontier au #frontier fic #frontier fandom #declan harp fanfic #declan harp fan fiction #jason momoa #declan harp x ofc #declan harp x oc #frontier modern au #declan harp modern au #declan harp fluff #declan harp angst

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nanigma · 6 years ago

Text

Leon Fanbook Translation: Famous Lines

Link to the Takumi Fanbook

Introduction

Profile

Another part down. Wasn’t as work intensive, but still took just as long as the other one due to fewer opportunities to work on it. But I think I like how I got it done and hope you enjoy reading it.

Another note: Unless someone has any serious objections, I’ll be skipping over the Chronicle section of the fanbook. It’s really just the most barebones summary of what happens in each game chapter, with no new information or even commentary added. Pretty much just padding imo. That way I can get the more interesting sections that much sooner! Tell me if you think otherwise though.

Before we continue, here is the same note as usual: As I am currently without a real income, I would very much appreciate it if you could throw me a couple bucks via my ko-fi account (link on my blog page). It doesn’t have to be a lot, just what you think my translations are worth really.

My comments in italics

I will be using the Japanese names

Pages 10-11

Famous Line[s]

Iconic Lines playback

We've brought various iconic lines of Leon from Conquest, Birthright and even Revelations. Let us bring back the fine lines he walked, his passion during intense battles and his reminiscences.

“... I have my own way of doing things. That's all.“

Conquest Chapter 14 – Singing Voice of Paradise Although it was an order from his father, King Garon, Leon, who felt executing every dancer in the city to be unreasonable, skilfully managed to let them get away. What happened in the end ran directly counter to what Garon wanted, but without openly doubting the King of Nohr or behaving like a sycophant Leon did what absolutely had to be done.

Sorry for the angle

“... What an eyesore. I won't show any mercy to the likes of you. Cowards of your ilk are a disgrace to our noble Kingdom of Nohr. Now at least show some dignity as you die...“

Conquest Chapter 26 – Treason The words Leon threw at Macbeth, gaze filled with scorn as he finished him off. The Nohrian Tactician had been abusing his position by concocting various schemes, laying out despicable traps for Kamui's group and getting in their way on numerous occasions. Removing this “coward“, who ended up begging for his life until the end, was done to restore Nohr's pride.

“Despicable fools... turn to dust already!!“

Conquest Chapter 18 – Princes of Black and White Leon left quite the impression with his words against the traitor Zora. This is the scene where he demonstrated his „cold hearted“ mask quite clearly. His anger was mostly directed at himself rather than his subordinate, for having trusted someone like that even for a moment.

Zora’s scheme was bad, but considering he was following Garon’s orders can he really be called a traitor??

Page 11

“... So I trust you recognize me then, big brother.“

Chapter 1 – Nohrian Brethren Leon's competitive side showed itself quite clearly in these words. Although Marx reassured him that he simply chose mastery of his magical talents over mastery of the sword, Leon personally felt alienated from the brother who saw his own strength wielded in his blade. As such his desire to have his own strength be recognized seeped through.

“This country will surely become a wonderful place. That's the feeling I get.“

Conquest Endgame – Light Fading Into Dusk After all the fighting had ended, these were the words he said to Marx, who was sworn to become the next King of Nohr, and the rest of his siblings. While they would remember the days of suffering and war, as well as the comrades who supported them throughout, now they could await the beautiful future lying in store for their country.

Pages 12-13

“Traitors are a disgrace to Nohr. Death shall be your redemption...“

Birthright Chapter 18 – Prince Leon of Nohr When confronting Kamui, who was leading Hoshidan forces to infiltrate Nohr, Leon threw angry words at them and challenged them to battle. His speech was supposed to convey his hatred for the Hoshidan-aligned Kamui having betrayed the siblings they grew up with.

Page 13

“Listen. None of you have a grasp on his real power. … He is on an entirely different level.“

Birthright Chapter 18 – Prince Leon of Nohr After stepping aside himself, these are the words of advice he gave to Kamui, who was now headed towards a confrontation with Marx. Only because Leon has some ability with the sword himself did he know just how unassailable and completely out of reach his older brother truly was. However, he understood that Kamui needed to continue on their path and so he told them about Marx's meeting with the Rainbow Sage.

Glad someone aknowledges Leon’s abilities with the sword. It still goes ignored too often.

“... I lied, sister (brother). I lied about hating you. The truth is... I always thought you...“

Birthright Chapter 18 – Prince Leon of Nohr Seeing as he normally puts up a very cold act, Leon is very bad at openly expressing affection. So here his true feelings for Kamui simply bubbled up and overflowed.

“When I look at someone as despicable as you... I feel a strong sense of disgust. Now, you disgrace. Are you prepared? Turn to dust already!!“

Birthright Chapter 25 – The Traitor's True Identity No matter the situation, he simply cannot forgive any cowardly deeds. His completely merciless attitude is undoubtedly the reason he came to be commonly known as „cold blooded“ among the Nohrian ranks.

“Ahhh, too close! Your faces are just too close!“

Birthright Chapter 25 – The Traitor's True Identity Although the amount of tension in Leon increased with every moment the final battle drew closer, conversing with his trusted retainers surely lifted his heart.

Pages 14-15

“... Hurry up and go already. The real Duke Izana is just past here. And moreover... you'll find that foolish Hoshidan princeling there as well.“

Revelation Chapter 10 – Voice of the Gods While his attitude towards the traitor Kamui remains cold, Leon was still swayed by the sincere words of his sibling. After dealing with the cowardly trap himself, it would seem he vented out some of his frustrations on the Hoshidan prince before leaving.

“Hm? The Hoshidan royalty is all here as well? Then what was that kind of performance just now? My... how pathetic. Well, I'll at least credit you with having the devil's own luck.”

Revelation Chapter 17 – Black Flame Both Marx and Leon rushed to support Kamui's group in the difficult fight they had been forced into. Leon then made a biting comment about the difficult time the group had in repelling Macbeth.

People usually harp on Takumi, but Leon can be quite the rude little shit himself.

“Appearing and disappearing as they please... what a disturbing fellow.“

Revelation Chapter 18 – The Unseen Kingdom What Leon said after jumping down to the bottom of the Infinite Chasm, fighting the Touma army for the first time and encountering an unsettling enemy he had never seen before. The fight that now began marked the start of him coming to learn truths even he had been entirely unaware of.

“Here, hold on!“

Revelation Chapter 20 – The Seed of Doubt Having come to acknowledge each other, this is the scene where Leon and Takumi first open up to the other. With Leon coming to Takumi's aid as he was about to lose his life, as well as Takumi kindly thanking him, the tension between the two had been resolved.

Cough

Page 15

“No way.. ! A puppet, you say!? So that's why father became like that... Damn, that Hydra, just what was he thinking!?“

Revelation Chapter 19 . The Ruined Town Now that he knew the father he respected had been nothing but Hydra's puppet all along, Leon's bitterness and sadness seemed to overflow in his exclamation. After already having come to be suspicious about his changed father's strange conduct, Leon finally arrived at the truth of the matter.

“Good grief... you are always making us worried big sister (big brother). It can't be helped... Then I [shall trust you] as well.“

Revelation Chapter 21 – The Way Forward Although Leon was the first to give a warning about not trusting Rontao's plans, the overly kind and pure Kamui ended up falling into the trap due to being too trusting. But even if Kamui keeps placing their faith in others, he will stay at their side, sharing his wisdom and fighting alongside them in order to help them proceed on their path.

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

And that’s it for today. Nothing big to explain I hope. If you have any more questions, feel free to shoot me an ask.

The reason I didn’t translate the Illustration notes this time, is that you can find them on the Fire Emblem wiki quite easily if you want to know more about them.

Again, without any objections I will next focus on the Relationship section of the fanbook, which I am sure you are all very excited about. Hope to see you again with another update soon. Until next time, take care!

#nanigma translates #fire emblem fates #fe14 #leon #leo #fire emblem leon #fire emblem leo #fanbook

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beesandwasps · 6 years ago

Text

If The Democratic Party Were A Computer Company

Customer: I want to buy a new computer.

Salesman: Great, we make the best computers on the market. We promise our computers will do everything you need… why are you looking at me like that?

Customer: I bought my last computer here, back in 2008. I had a bunch of specific stuff I wanted to do, and it said right on the box that it would do it all.

Salesman: Hmmm. What did you want to do?

Customer: Well, I wanted to get my finances in order, fix my mortgage, solve some problems I’ve been having with my bank — I think they’re ripping me off — fix up my house for better energy efficiency, and also the computer I had before that had some real problems, it was infested with spyware and it kept installing stuff I didn’t want, so I definitely wanted to get away from that. It’s why I didn’t go back to the other company, in fact.

Salesman: I don’t see the problem. I remember that model, the ads said it would do all that.

Customer: It didn’t. It didn’t do any of that. It wouldn’t let me change anything about my finances, it actually gave my bank permission to keep going with my old mortgage, spent a lot of time loading websites for green products but wouldn’t actually buy them — and it actually came with all the same spyware and the same two FPS games I didn’t want before, and then installed five more! And it wouldn’t even let me try to work on anything I bought it for until it finished downloading and installing an antivirus program, which it kept resetting, and by the time it finished doing that it was out of warrantee and I couldn’t get it fixed! The feature list was just a bunch of lies!

Salesman: Well, yes, we’ve found in the past that if we don’t tell those lies, people won’t buy our computers.

Customer: Why don’t you just make computers that work? I remember, 30 years ago, you guys sold computers that did stuff!

Salesman: All the people who wanted to make computers that “do stuff”, as you call it, got squeezed out by the new management, back around 1990. Sales are much better now.

Customer: Why?! Why are you even in business if you aren’t making products that work? You used to dominate the market, now you’re barely hanging on, how can your sales be “better”?

Salesman: Our competitors’ products never worked, and they’re highly profitable.

Customer: So? I’m here because I don’t want to buy your competitor’s products. If I wanted to buy a computer that didn’t work, I’d go to them.

Salesman: You see, by making products which don’t do what our customers want, we think we can get our competitor’s customers to switch brands. They’re very loyal, so it’s hard.

Customer: Huh? Wouldn’t it be easier to make a living selling products your own customers want?

Salesman (Amused): Oh, no, not at all. Every so often, a shareholder from our competitors comes in and buys a lot of computers. A huge order, more than you’ll ever buy. And they won’t keep doing that if we make computers that do what you want to do. It’s so profitable to not make our products do what you want, that we don’t really need to sell you anything at all! But since our competitor’s machines are hardware-incompatible, old customers like you are stuck with us, and so obviously we must be selling more machines than ever, even if our inventory numbers say otherwise.

Customer: So… you’re basically owned by your competition? And losing sales?

Salesman (Scandalized): Of course not! We are a totally different company, making superior products which are better than the competition in every way—

Customer: —but they don’t work.

Salesman: Right, and we have never taken money from our competitors. Just from individuals who happen to be shareholders in the competition. It is completely different. And just because our sales are down doesn’t mean that our new products don’t outsell the old ones which were market leaders for decades.

Customer: Well, what’s the functional difference between your machines and your competitor’s? Neither brand does what I want!

Salesman: Take the latest models. Our competition’s latest offering is in an ugly, squat, bloated case with an orange paint job, and it vents hot air all over. Our new model is an elegant revisiting of the designs we had 20 years ago, much cleaner lines, with all the functionality of the computer you bought 8 years ago.

Customer: So… it… won’t work?

Salesman: Look at the ad! It does home finance, it can fix your mortgage, it connects to your bank, and it has an energy efficiency package!

Customer: What’s this asterisk on the ad? …This footnote says “disclaimer: the functions listed above are not actually possible with this model”. Don’t you have anything else?

Salesman: Well, we could sell you that one over there. It’s an updated version of the ones we used to sell 30 years ago.

Customer: So it actually works? I’ll take it!

Salesman: No, no, I’m afraid we aren’t going to sell that one. It tested poorly in focus groups.

Customer: It works, and your other one doesn’t, but it somehow tested worse in focus groups?

Salesman: Well, to be honest, the focus groups consisted of employees from the design and sales teams for the 2008 model.

Customer: Which doesn’t do what I want.

Salesman: Right. We really want to break into new markets, so it’s very important to have an appealing product.

Customer: And you somehow concluded that a computer which does not work was a more appealing product, and deliberately composed an ad full of lies to sell it?

Salesman: You keep harping on those ads! Jesus, you’d think that feature sets were important. It’s terribly naive of you to think that a company, in this day and age, would actually have an honest feature set in its advertising material. You’re just a whiny nerd, don’t you have any brand loyalty? You should buy whatever we sell, and like it.

Customer: Wow, that’s… an astonishingly off-putting attitude. Why would I stick with your products if you’re going to be like that?

Salesman: You have to! If we don’t sell enough computers, our competitors will achieve market dominance and everyone will have to buy computers from them! Think of how terrible it would be — nobody will have a computer which works!

Customer: But you just admitted that your computers don’t work, either!

Salesman: Yes, but if we become too irrelevant to the market, those big sales to our competitor’s shareholders will end, and that will be terrible for everybody.

Customer: Why, what would the difference be? Never mind. Uh… well, maybe I’ll… buy your new product then? Perhaps I can make it do the things I need. At least it should be less difficult than if I switch platforms, right?

Salesman: Right! Right! Oh, and this model comes with this handsome set of luggage.

Customer: What? Why?

Salesman: Remember how I said this was a redesign of our products from 20 years ago? Well, the industrial design department back then made luggage, too.

Customer: I don’t want the luggage. I don’t need the luggage. It’s ugly, the design is outdated, I don’t have storage space to put it in… can’t you just throw it out for me or something?

Salesman: Nope. The computer is actually attached to the luggage. You can’t get one without the other.

Customer: Ugh. Okay, fine. My old computer has to go, I’ll take it and hope for the best… but still, that’s a lot of ugly baggage.

Salesman: Right, we hear that a lot. But you see, some of it was created by our competitor, which is why it’s so ugly.

Customer: Some of it? Why is it all ugly, then?

Salesman: Stop asking questions! You are not permitted to talk about the luggage, because some of it came from our competitor!

Customer: Jesus, this is insane. Just… let me get this over with, okay?

Salesman: Sure! Now, since you’ve agreed to take this model instead of the other one—

Customer: Wait, I thought you said the other one wasn’t available! I wanted the other one! It might actually work, and it won’t come with all this baggage!

Salesman: No can do, sorry, since you said you wanted this one, I have removed the other one from inventory. Anyway, now that you’ve chosen this model, I can give you the feature list.

Customer: Wait, I thought the feature list was in that ad!

Salesman: Oh, no, that was the feature list to get you to choose that model instead of the other one. Now that you’re committed, we aren’t going to promise anything like that level of performance. Specifically, you get a lower minimum RAM, no built-in storage, we preinstall spyware and a bunch of FPS games, and you will be signed up for our extended customer service plan for $99 a month.

Customer: Holy cheese, this is awful. Maybe I should just build a compatible machine from parts. Your software is supposed to be compatible with that.

Salesman: (Suddenly screaming) Traitor! You’re a filthy traitor who is buying from our competition! You’re going to bankrupt us and give them all the sales!

Customer: (Backing away) Whoa, calm the fuck down, I’m not going to buy from your competitor, I hate them. I want a machine that actually works, like your machines used to work, but you refuse to sell me one.

Salesman: (Still screaming) You’re an industrial spy! Anybody who doesn’t buy our computers is buying from the competition! You’re a filthy liar!

Customer: [Flees store]

Salesman: Please come visit us again next time you need a computer, and buy from us!

[A few years pass…]

Customer: Okay, back again. After you ran me out of the shop, my grandfather insisted on buying from the competition after all, and god that machine sucks.

Salesman: Well, I’m glad you’ve admitted your error in not buying from us. You’ll be glad to hear that we have an updated model. It’s just like the one we were selling last time, comes with some of the same luggage, but it’s based on the operating system we were running 30 years ago.

Customer: Is that a good thing?

Salesman: To be honest, most of the versions of that OS actively try to sabotage anybody who does the stuff you say you want to do, but hey, at least it’s not that orange box our competitors make, right?

Customer: I really can’t believe you’re still trying to sell computers that don’t work.

Salesman: Well, okay, we also have some experimental lines we started making two years ago. Some of them do the things you’re interested in, to a greater or lesser extent. And we are still making that other model that works as well as our computers did decades ago. But I really don’t want to sell you any of those. The one that comes with the baggage does the best in our focus groups.

Customer: Are these the focus groups consisting of your own employees again?

Salesman: Of course! In our tests, we found that that 30-year-old OS was the best-known of all our current products, which obviously means it’s going to sell like hotcakes. We also made sure that any recent hires were excluded from the focus groups, because we found that they showed an insufficient amount of excitement about that model.

Customer: Can I see the feature list? Do you have any benchmarks?

Salesman: Why do you always want to know how our computers perform in practice! Brand loyalty should be all you need! Shut up and buy what I want you to buy, so I can get back to collecting checks from the rich people who want us to go out of business!

#democrats #satire #hillary clinton #joe biden #bernie sanders #trump

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knightofbalance-13 · 6 years ago

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Your headcanon/delusion is not the intended character

http://dudeblade.tumblr.com/post/176603257231/taiyang-does-not-fill-his-intended-character

Yeah Dudeblade, pretty sure this means ‘Taiyang doesn’t act like my headcanon ergo that’s wrong.’

Yang only laughed at Taiyang’s arm joke so that he wouldn’t look like a fucking asshole because she’s nice and forgiving like that, it had NOTHING to do with him being right or not. It had NOTHING to do with the notion that that was how they functioned. It had NOTHING to do with whether or not it was funny.

Proof.

And Proof.

Because I can bring up how Yang treated Ruby in Volume 1 with her abandoning Ruby right at Beacon in order to force her to socialize, RUby talking to Jaune in Volume 1 and telling him that he can’t be a failure or a mistake because he’s a leader now and Qrow...anytime he opens his mouth, like his entire appearance in Volume 3. And that shows that 3 out of 4 family members deal with stuff like this the EXACT same way so why would it be ANY different with Taiyang?

Taiyang wasn’t right. He lost empathetic skills when Summer died.

It wasn’t how their relationship functioned. Yang didn’t fire back with something equally as scathing, and she had to take a moment to process what he said.

It wasn’t funny. Who the fuck asked for that? Who in the audience asked for that joke?

A. Dudeblade, that would require you to understand the concept of empathy. And considering I have proof of you saying that troll blogs deserve to be raped for trolling about FICTIONAL CHARACTERS (https://web.archive.org/save/http://araniladin.tumblr.com/post/176539964626/i-really-hope-the-incel-who-keeps-making-blogs): You clearly DON’T understand the concept. Even IF you did, Taiyang showed empathy both BEFORE and AFTER the joke (Episode 3 in giving Yang space as well as the new arm and Episode 4 where he told her that her experience doesn’t need to define her.)

B. No...Instead, she fired back later with a WORSE insult with INTENT to hurt. (https://youtu.be/GaB62PeuFwM?t=7m21s) Oh but that’s okay because...bias.

C. The fandom disagrees since THEY were making WORSE jokes about her arm ever SINCE she lost it.

Taiyang was an asshole. Not only that, but he wasn’t being a father. He was being an armchair critic. All he did was say stuff like “Your semblance won’t win you every fight.”- Yeah. We know that. You want to know something that the audience knows that Tai doesn’t?- Yang only deliberately took hits to fuel her semblance one time up to that point. That was the team vs. Paladin fight. So I guess Tai saw a few of Yang’s fights, and then decided that it wasn’t his fault that she was so ‘over-reliant’ on her semblance, despite the fact that he was her teacher. Oh no. That would make him the one at fault.

No Dudeblade-

YOU’RE the armchair critic.

See, thing is: Taiyang is a FULL FLEDGED HUNTSMEN. Meaning he’s been in more fights than Yang could imagine. Meaning he would know a thing or two about fighting, definitely more than her and surely more than you. But instead no, you say that the Huntsmen of at least 18 years doesn’t know how to fight nor that Yang, someone with a NOTED reckless streak, wouldn’t just ignore her training in a brash rage.

Every time I look back to that shitty arc, I find more and more things about Tai that irritate me.

Yeah and how many of those actually happened and how many are you being delusional?

And every time I do, I start to think to myself “Maybe Tai drove Raven away because he was so insufferable, and hardly took responsibility for himself.”

This sounds like a ‘He made me abuse him!’ excuse. We KNOW Raven didn’t leave because of that. But you’re portraying it that anyway both out of sexism and an insane desire to shove Summer Rose’s character into Raven’s body.

Considering that this is Mr. Leave my kids alone because I need to work, it’s starting to feel like a distinct possibility.

So providing for your family? Not okay.

But emotionally manipulating your daughter and threatening her life while gaslighting her about her actual family? Perfectly acceptable.

See what I mean here?

Best case scenario though: He’s just out of touch with everything… Because my insult to him is correct. Maybe he did lose some ability to empathize with others when Summer died.

A. Your tone is contradictory, going from definitive to ambiguous.

B. Your only example does more to make Yang look sociopathic than Taiyang.

And C. You don’t UNDERSTAND the concept of empathy.

Worst case scenario: He’s like Raven, and he hates having to accept responsibility for himself. Considering that despite him saying that he wants to go out and look for Ruby, he opts to stay behind to tend to his garden, this is a possibility.

Or what probably happened: Taiyang is depressed and having him around would do more harm than good and the cast is too fucking big as is you idiot.

Goddammit, I had high hopes for Tai. I was hoping that he’d be more of a father and less of a critic. I was hoping that he’d be more of a father and less of an unsympathetic teacher.

Thing is Dudeblade-

He’s precisely that. Taiyang IS a father. You use TWO instances to paint him like this instead of EVERY instance of his appearance.

Why? Because you project yourself onto Yang. You’ve admitted as much in the past. And likewise, you project your mother onto Taiyang and thus what you see is just an easy target to vent out your frustrations out onto.

Point is: You’re being delusional.

It was obvious that his intended character was to be a caring father, but freaking Ghira fills that role better than him. And Ghira’s doing double duty since he also has to be the encouraging mentor figure to Blake.

So is Taiyang.

And to Ruby as well.

And without someone to help him.

So he’s pulling...octuple duty?

Considering that Raven abandoned Yang, it’s starting to get harder to determine who is more at fault for Yang’s issues. Raven or Tai.

Raven, 100%. Taiyang has done some damage yes but Raven has done so much horrible shit to her own kid that her being Adam’s mom actually makes a fuckton of sense.

Like… the reason why I rag more on Tai than I do Jacques is because Tai was made out to be a nice dad figure. While Jacques was made out to be an asshole from the start. Jacques fills the role of being an abusive dad. Tai does not fill the role of caring father that well. It’s fun to hate Jacques. It’s not fun to hate Tai. But there’s so little to like about him, and so much to be critical towards him for.

No, you do it because you have some sort of reverse Oedipus complex. Also bias for Raven.

Because that is where this falls apart. You CONSTANTLY try to portray Raven as what TAIYANG is and act like this is at all feasible in canon.

The worst part is that the narrative seems to believe Tai to be in the right. Similar to how it wanted jaune to be portrayed as being in the right for starting the fight in volume 5- That stuff’s for another post, many apologies.

... Jaune was in the wrong you idiot.

Hopefully, Volume 6 can fix him. Because so far, he fails to fill the caring father role that he should have. He fills the armchair critic role well though. So if you want to say that’s his character instead, you’re welcome to it.

Because then I’d stop being so critical of him. Because at least then, he’d fill the role of his character.

But his intended role wasn’t to be an armchair critic. It was to be a caring father. Which he utterly failed at doing.

Bull fucking shit.

You said you would stop bitching at RT about representation when they delievered and yet you still harp on about it.

He DOES fit that role, you just deny anything to support that role.

And when someone actually DOES act like an armchair critic when Raven has the galls to bash Yang for being scared, you completely ignore it.

This is like saying, “i’ll leave you alone if you jump through X hoops” and X is just the number of hoops you already jumped through +1.

Everyone knows you won’t stop.

Only thing to do is to mock you for it.

#dudeblade

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mistofheaven · 3 years ago

Text

𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝟭 - 𝟰𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟮

"𝘕𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘳𝘦𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘵 𝘰𝘳 𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘩, 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘥𝘰 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯’𝘵 𝘥𝘰 𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩 𝘦𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳."

𝘁𝘄 // 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝗻𝘅𝗶𝗲𝘁𝘆, 𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝘀*****𝗱𝗲

Hello. I don’t know how to start my first entry. An online one at that... Do I introduce myself? Would that be weird?

My name is Noelani- well, that is what I will be going by here. Noelani is the second half of my first name and it means ‘mist of heaven.�� I won’t reveal a lot: I am currently in my first year of college and my major is English. I am the eldest out of my siblings. My astrological sign is a Taurus (although I’m not that into zodiac signs). I like playing Genshin Impact and I watch anime too but lately I need to watch it with someone. My favorite color is blue. Although, no harsh shade of blue will do. My favorite animal is a harp seal. I like to stream and make videos about Genshin but I won’t reveal my usernames or anything. I draw also- although, only when I want to. I have severe anxiety and mild inattentive ADHD.

Right now... I’m supposed to be working on my 4th essay for my ENGLISH123 class. But instead, I played Genshin for an hour, watched k-dramas (which is still playing on my other monitor as I type), and created a tumblr blog. Did I mention that my essay is 4 days overdue? It’s sad, really. I’m typing more in an online journal entry than on a document for an essay. To be honest, I didn’t really prepare for this essay. I thought I could write it in one day just like my other essays, but the content was not something that I could research easily. Stupid, right? But I feel like mental health isn’t an excuse. “I feel sad, so sad that I don’t want to do anything that makes me feel sad.” I feel like that alone is not worth an excuse. School makes me sad. It makes me sad that I feel like my grades are what I’m worth. It makes me sad that I’ve had bad memories in high school and middle school that made me hate going to school and made me feel dumb. It makes me sad feeling like I’m dumber than all of my younger siblings. I averaged C’s and B’s in school while all of my brothers and sisters get A’s and B’s.

I got mad at my baby sister today. She’s turning four this June. She was throwing a fit at my other sister so I went to see what was going on. I really tried to stay calm but I ended up raising my voice a little and made her cry. Before she went to sleep she went into my room to get her iPad and she came up next to me. However, I was still upset and she left my room in silence. I didn’t get to say good night. I feel terrible. I hate getting angry and I get really sad about it after I calm down. I’m a terrible big sister. To my baby sister, I’m sorry that I got mad I you and made you cry.

It’s getting late (12:38 as I write this). Ah, I have 470 words to go on my essay. I’ll try and finish it tomorrow/later today.

I made this tumblr blog as a way for me to vent my feelings and to talk about my day to day life. I don’t know how often I’ll update this blog, but I will try to update as often as I can. I don’t mean to get dark of anything but if I’m still alive and well in the future it’d be nice to look back and all of these and cringe and them. y’know?? But I think it’d make me feel proud, too. I also hope that if by the chance that anyone reads my entries and are going through the same thing, then they will feel that they are not alone or that they have something they can relate to.

To anyone that reads, will read, or will continue to read my entries, thank you for reading.

- mistofheaven

#april/may entries #journal #journal entries #writing #vent #venting #blog #blogging #new blog

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breakingdownsu · 7 years ago

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Chorus Chapter Five

Note: I'm currently working on an archive of all my work over at dreamwidth, back when I started writing (terrible) fanfiction as a teenager everyone had archives, shrines, webrings and mailing lists and I got a wee bit nostalgic. Please follow me there if you enjoy my writing, there may be work there that can't be found on A03. It's still under construction at the moment, I had a lot more work than even I realized.

https://ptlikestea.dreamwidth.org/

…..

Steven couldn't stop himself from staring at the Lapis. She didn't look that similar to the Lapis he knew, not really, but she looked close enough to be unnerving. He'd just about gotten used to the pearls' sharp resemblance to Pearl in form but not in behavior, but this stern patrician gem just freaked him out.

She brought them into an enormous lounge area, big enough to fit thirty gems comfortably, and bid them sit and explain themselves. Her pearl handed Orthoclase a small glass tube of something fizzy.

“Right, I'll try to keep this brief,” Orthoclase began, clapping a hand on Steven's shoulder. “The quartz here has lost a pearl, and she asked for my help to retrieve it.”

“Lost?” Lapis said, arching one eyebrow. “Can she not buy a new one?”

“It's he, actually,” Steven corrected awkwardly, inwardly squirming at the thought of trying to buy a new pearl to replace Pearl.

“He needs this one back, it's a matter of urgency,” Orthoclase explained. “The pearl has some sort of information on it he needs, and it's got sentimental value too...I'm sure you understand that?”

Lapis snorted, but all the same something about her....softened.

“I can understand, I suppose,” she said. “We do develop our attachments to the most unlikely of objects. But I don't understand why you need my pearl.”

“Your pearl is skilled at playing the symphonaria, is that correct?” Ginger piped up.

Lapis stiffened.

“How do you know that?” she asked, tense around the eyes and mouth.

“Pearls hear things that other gems do not,” Ginger answered, casting her gaze to the floor.

Lapis looked over at her pearl, who stood so still she might have been an actual ornament. She sighed.

“It's true, she plays. In some ways I think she's better than I ever was,” she said with a hint of bitterness. “And how is this supposed to help you find a missing pearl?”

Orthoclase looked to Ginger to explain. Ginger's eyes remained rooted to the floor.

“It's some sort of pearl communication exercise,” Orthoclase said when it became clear that Ginger wouldn't speak again. “They can communicate over long distances without being heard apparently, but its reach is limited. From what I can tell, it needs something from your pearl to...”

“An anchor.”

The other pearl spoke so suddenly they all jumped.

“Sorry, what?” Orthoclase asked.

“It needs an anchor to build on,” the pearl continued, shooting what might have been a nervous glance at Lapis. “To spread out as far as possible without getting lost or blown away. Voices alone won't do it.”

“Is that what you've been doing all this time?” Lapis asked. “When you think I'm not listening?”

The pearl's mouth shut and she lowered her gaze as Ginger did, shrinking in on herself.

“Oh, don't be worried,” Lapis demurred. “It's been my pleasure to hear you play, even if you tried to keep it from me...you're not in trouble.”

The tension didn't leave either pearl; for the first time Steven realized he was getting very good at reading pearl body language.

“What will you do to make this 'anchor'?” Lapis asked, now sounding less stern and more curious.

“With your permission, I can work the melody structure through the symphonaria into a loom,” the pearl explained, still staring at the floor. “The voices can be woven through it to support them all. It should give the reach that's required.”

“Well, that sounds like something I'd want to see,” Lapis said. “But I was told I would hear music I would never hear again...”

“We need a minimum of fifty pearls to use their voices,” Orthoclase told her. “Fifty pearls, maybe more, singing in unison. Not something you see-or hear- often.”

“How many pearls do you have now?” Lapis asked.

“Eight. Excluding yours.”

“Hm...and how do you suppose you'll get the additional forty-two?”

“We'll cross that bridge when we come to it,” Orthoclase shrugged.

“This sounds like a messy plan,” Lapis said with a scowl. “I don't like mess. But I must admit, I am curious...”

She hummed to herself for a moment, looking over at the gigantic instrument in the centre of the room. Steven had taken it for a large sculpture, but after staring at it he could see it was a musical device. It looked like a pipe organ turned on its side and covered with harp strings.

“You have my permission,” Lapis said finally. “When you get your fifty pearls. My pearl will not be going anywhere until then, and neither will my symphonaria.”

“Agreed,” Orthoclase said with a smile, bouncing to her feet. “We'll be in touch...and in the meantime, if your pearl needs remodeling...”

“No, she never will,” Lapis said, scowl returning. “Pearl, please escort our visitors out.”

Orthoclase muttered a little under her breath as the pearl brought them back to the door and ushered them outside.

“I will work on the loom until you return,” she said, mostly to Ginger, and then she was gone.

…..

When they got back to the workshop, Orthoclase left for another job, taking the Disney pearls with her, and Steven slept for a while on the couch. When he woke up, Ginger tried to hand him a glass jar full of some murky liquid.

“I think if you ingest this it will make you feel better,” she said.

“What's in it?” Steven asked, not wanting to be ungrateful but also balking at the way the stuff bubbled.

“Water, mostly,” Ginger explained. “And some complex compounds suitable for organics. I scanned your make-up as you were resting, I think I have synthesized most of what you need.”

She had worked hard, and she didn't exactly have to, so really he owed it to her to at least try it. Gulping, he pinched his nose and took a swallow...

...actually, it wasn't half bad. It was thick like a milkshake and had no real taste, it left a chalky residue on his tongue, but it filled his stomach for the first time since leaving Earth and he didn't feel sick afterwards.

“That's pretty good,” he told Ginger. “Thanks a lot, I feel way better...”

“Is there any way I can improve it?” she asked.

“Well, I guess it's kind of bland,” he admitted. “But it doesn't really matter....”

“I will work on the taste,” she said, and turned back to her console.

In two more gulps he was finished with the stuff, and he let out a small burp. It was enough to make Murder Pearl look up. He gulped again.

But that's not fair, is it? She hasn't done anything...

In fact, beyond sharpening the pole that now lay at her feet, she hadn't done anything for quite a while. She just maintained a steady vigil from the couch, occasionally looking over at him or Ginger, and watching the door.

Then, suddenly, she rose to her feet. Ginger spun in her chair, she made some sort of movement with her hand and in the next moment Murder Pearl was gone. Ginger reached out and grabbed Steven, pushed him towards one of the walls. She removed a grate from the wall and pushed him into the vent.

“Stay in there, don't make a sound,” she hissed, covering the vent again with the grate.

What...?

The door burst open.

Steven could just about see Ginger through the vent, but the two gems who had broken in were too big to see fully. He could see their giant biceps as they pushed things over, and he saw their powerful legs when they kicked barrels and boxes in the workshop around.

“Look at all this contraband,” one of them whistled, and with a start Steven realized she sounded eerily similar to Amethyst. “Do we have room at the impound for all of this?”

“We're about to find out,” the other laughed.

“Where's your owner, little pearl?” the first one asked, bending over to look Ginger in the eye.

Her face was similar to Amethyst's, familiar enough to make Steven queasy, especially as she loomed over Ginger in such a threatening way.

“She is not here,” Ginger answered solemnly.

“I can see that,” the Amethyst said with a decidedly evil grin. “Let me make it clear...I order you to tell me where she is.”

With a sinking feeling, Steven realized why Orthoclase didn't tell him or Ginger where she was going when she left the workshop, why she never told either of them. Pearls couldn't obey an order to release information they didn't have.

“I cannot,” Ginger said with a shrug.

I should do something. I should help her.

But he couldn't bring himself to move, even as the Amethyst picked her up by the neck and threw her against the operating table. She had put him in the vent for a reason, if he got out he could easily make things worse. Knowing that didn't make it any easier to watch, especially when the Amethyst picked up one of Orthoclase's scalpels and dangled it over Ginger's eye. The other Amethyst picked up a tool that looked an awful lot like the thing used to crack pearls' jaws at checkpoints.

“What does this one do?” she asked with a laugh, clicking the mechanism a few times. “Should we test it out?”

“Sure,” the Amethyst holding the scalpel said. “We've got time before your owner gets home, why not have a little fun?”

There was something in the way she said fun, something that went beyond the threat of torture, something that made Steven feel like he would be sick. He clamped a hand over his mouth to stifle it. From where he was he couldn't see the operating table properly, but he could see the Amethyst's hand trailing over Ginger's leg, reaching under her skirt...

No, no, no, stop!

A wet cracking noise split the tension, followed by a strange whooping noise and the operating table being turned over, knocking Ginger to the floor. The Amethyst was stood in an unnatural crouch, held in place by the pole that Murder Pearl had so diligently sharpened...

...until it was pulled out, and the Amethyst hit the floor hard. She poofed into her gem with her partner looking on, dumbstruck.

Murder Pearl was on the ceiling, clinging onto the tiny divots in the light fixtures with her feet. Just as the remaining Amethyst caught sight of her, she scurried away, skittering across the ceiling like a spider. The Amethyst turned, crouched into a defensive position, but she might as well have had a target painted on her back. Murder Pearl caught her with a hook she'd found somewhere, lifted her off the floor and did something to her in the shadows that made a crunching sound. A gem clattered to the floor.

Steven burst out of the vent.

“Oh jeez, Ginger, are you okay? Did they hurt you? Do you need...?” he spluttered helplessly, trying to help her to her feet.

“I'm fine,” Ginger replied, not even seeming shaken by the ordeal. “But we've been compromised. We have to move.”

“Should I shatter them?” Murder Pearl asked in a tone that could have been asking about the weather.

“No, don't,” Ginger told her. “We can dump them somewhere. But you need to get into my gem.”

Murder Pearl dropped the hook and pole, took two steps and jumped straight into Ginger's gem, vanishing with a tiny plinking noise. Ginger pressed a whole bunch of buttons, packed equipment and supplies into her gem, as Steven followed her fretting.

“Who were they?” he asked, knowing he sounded on the verge of hysterics but unable to stop.

“Black market crackdown squad,” Ginger explained. “Someone sold us out.”

For someone who had just been threatened with extreme bodily harm by two very large gems, Ginger was remarkably calm. It was enviable, Steven would have given anything to feel calm right then.

“We will need to torch this workshop,” she told him. “And get a message to Orthoclase to meet us somewhere.”

“Okay, well I could stay here in case she comes back,” Steven offered. “And you could...”

“I am not permitted outside without supervision,” Ginger cut in. “No pearl is.”

“Oh,” Steven mumbled.

“You'll have to pretend to be my owner until we can meet with Orthoclase,” she continued. “But you don't have any of the documents and there's no time to forge some...we'll have to bypass the checkpoints.”

“Can we do that?” he asked.

“We can,” she said. “If we go through the lower precincts. They aren't patrolled.”

Relief flooded Steven's body and mind, but it was too good to be true.

“The lower precincts are notorious for high crime rates,” Ginger told him. “It's very likely I could be stolen there.”

That sick feeling returned. If Ginger was stolen, Orthoclase would never finish the job and Pearl would stay lost. Not to mention what Ginger would be going through...

“We'll have to walk quickly, before it gets dark,” Ginger continued, seemingly unruffled by walking straight into danger. “I know somewhere we can go. If they let us in.”

She covered him with nanobytes, set a torch burning in a pool of liquid in the old workshop and grabbed the two Amethysts. Stepping out into the city without Orthoclase to guide him, having to take ownership of a sentient being, knowingly walking into an urban war zone...could it get much worse?

If they let us in. If. What happens if not?

Before they reached Precinct 19, Ginger tossed the Amethysts into the runoff canal by the side of a factory.

#orthoclase and pearl #steven universe fanfiction #gesture-speak and song-weaving #murder pearl #tw suggested rape #cw violence #oc gems #oc pearls

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