#Netflix will have to pry the show from my cold dead hands

[criedtoneverdreamagain]

The more I think about it, the more mad I get. Netflix spent $0 on promo and put the season 2 premier in between the release of a lot of big titles that got a ton of promotion KNOWING those titles would get more attention but somehow IT STILL SUCCEEDED. Their attempt to make Warrior Nun go unnoticed so that they could cancel it due to “bad analytics” is so blatant it’s disgusting. They truly have no excuse for this cancellation and I hope Simon is able to move it to another platform

[thisismytotallyawesomeblog]

wait so i'm meant to believe that Yennefer managed to run all the way back to Aretuza before Tissaia could exhaust her Chaos with the lightning but she couldn't run up a few flights of stairs to save her before she was too far gone? sounds fake but ok

[hmspogue]

Outer Banks Season 3 Shot by Shot Trailer Rundown

I do not own any clips or screenshots, all rights to Netflix and the creators.

To say I'm still reeling would be the understatement of the century, let's get into it.

John B: "From the very beginning, it was always Kooks..."

Even though they're set on us prying this orange filter from their cold dead fingers, these first two shots are actually stunning?

"...and Pogues"

Holy hell, we know we have all the ohter Pogues reuniting with their parents after they get back home, so JJ being all alone at this house is actually so heartbreaking.

Jiara nation rise, it looks like Bracelet Touch™ takes place at the empty Maybank house I'm not well.

"Some people with everything..."

Why are season 3's always everyones haircut season in shows like what is the source of this phenomenon?

But Rafe and Barry with the key

This hiding job is on par with JJ throwing pew pillows over it in the church.

Although, kind of think this is them getting ready to try and melt the cross down (which makes me so beyond furious), because off to the side you see the lighter fluid and the muffin tins, then later there's shots of gold.

"...and some with nothing."

The DIVIDE. I actually love the dynamic of Kooks vs Pogues heating up and the two cultures that try and exist on a very small island together. Especially since this season seems to be Kiara centric, her whole identity being called into question about where she falls I NEED IT.

I cannot even begin to express how sad I am that we're probably going to get approximately 3 seconds of them hanging out on Poguelandia because look at them!!! Let them be happy!!!

"That's the way it's always been."

SDHCULAISUEHLWAG JIARA FISHING ISNT JUST A MONTAGE I REPEAT JIARA FISHING WILL NOT JUST BE A MONTAGE.

I LOVE HER SO MUCH YES BABE GO FISHING!!!

Pope and Cleo making a signal fire together. Looks like that scene from the teaser of them walking in the field was probably them trying to scout out a good spot for it.

Jarah B looking fine as hell John B I know that bandana is your father's but i cannot even begin to imagine how disgusting it is at this point I'm sorry-

IM BEING SO NORMAL ABOUT THIS!!!!

I feel like both this shot and the previous one are them being saved by the plane that lands.

(@whitetrashjj the mullet truther, your time has come).

"Until now."

This may be my favorite John B set up narration so far.

Also, like I said, them getting rescued by the plane. Kiara looks almost hesitant? Could be the same shot as above where her and JJ aren't too sure about this plane or the people on it.

MMMMMMMM VERY concerning JJ bike crash. Pope and Cleo (or maybe Kie?) in the back of the truck with a crate.

Okay this is SO intereting to me because Ward with blood all over himself (whatelse is new?), Rafe, and Sarah helping him? I can't tell what's in his hand. But the family dynamics this season are goign to be somehow even messier, I can feel it.

Kiara getting kidnapped and taken to wilderness camp, I'm so not ready for this like. It's for sure the Carrera house in the back, the two shirts say Kitty Hawk Adventure.

For a long time, we all thought this was going to be something they ended the season on, but now it seems like it'll be a plot point in the middle. Thanks to @sun-undone and her unhinged costuming documents, we know that this yellow halter top is after the Carrera anniversary party we got BTS from (with the Jiara gate fight and John B rocking Topper's shit and Mike's "see, this is what I'm talking about, JJ"). We know Kie is seen later witht he Pogues, so Blue Ridge may be a quick, one episode plot mid season.

If they've been holding Blue Ridge over her head the whole season, then John B beating the shit out of Topper at the party is sort of the last straw, I cannot een begin to imagine the fight that he and JJ will have about it????

JJ and Kiara INSIDE the Chateau and a fire being lit OUTSIDE? If someone's trying to burn the house down witht hem trapped inside there will be heLL TO PAY.

IF THE CHATEAU GETS BURNED DOWN IM COMING FOR THE PATES I STG DON'T DO THIS TO ME WHY DO I FEEL LIKE IT WOULD BE MY CHILDHOOD HOME BURNING KJDFLAIUDHFAL??????

I know that Cline talked about having to mentally take Sarah to some very dark places this season and this shot just confirms my theory that I seriously think Sarah's going to kill someone and deal with the emotional consequences of that.

I want this to be feral JJ so badly after Kiara's taken, but, sadly, he's not in the right outfit. Not the first time we've seen machete!JJ though.

We saw this shot in the teaser, but looks like they're climbing up an abandoned elevator shaft. They're in their clothes they have on get reunited with Kie. I think it's from the same abandoned hotel the Pogues (minus Kiara, probably because they're going to save her) are in front of in a different shot.

Andd here it is: the new plot of the season and confirmation they're going after fucking EL DORADO NEXT LIKE.

Important to note this is shot on a plane as well.

Oh the Twinkie, how I missed you.

oh look they remembered a mom besides Anna this season WHY MY EYES WET LIKE THESE REUNIONS ALSO WHILE JJ IS COMPLETELY ALONE. HEYWARD, ADOPT HIM YOU COWARD!

Kiara's relationship with her parents is so askjhfailsuh COMPLICATED because I think they really do love her. And she wants more than anything for them to understand her and they just keep missing each other.

"My father and me..."

This shot is very aesthetically pleasing to me. That's all I have to say about it.

YEAH OKAY AND THEN I STARTED FUCKING WEEPING BECAUSE THIS?????? I CANT BELIEVE THEY PUT BABY JOHN B IN THE TRAILER?????

If they only do baby Sarah and Baby John B I will do something so drastic-

"...the treasure was our way out."

The way he's looking at his father? Like the pride in his eyes? I know this relationship is going to sting so badly with the way the Pates have talked about John B having to reconcile the idealized version of his father in his head with the one that left him for gold.

This is a kid that hasn't been hurt by the world or his father yet and I wanna hug him.

(post will be continues apparently i can only up load 30 images at once)

[madlyn5ever]

Time for all of my current autistic headcanons because I’ve got more and I need to share:

(Not including characters like Brennan from Bones who are as canon as you can get without it being said flat out in the show/movie/whatever.)

Maddox- hsmtmts

Big Red- hsmtmts

Anya Jenkins- Buffy The Vampire Slayer (will discuss in length how she is so autistic)

Cristina Yang- Grey’s Anatomy (will also discuss this in length I have so many thoughts) (she’s also canonically dyslexic)

Arizona Robbins- Grey’s Anatomy

Sam- Ghosts (U.S. not UK I haven’t seen the uk version. This one is purely a vibe I can’t explain)

Wednesday Addams (specifically Wednesday from the Netflix series, on the fence on other Wednesday iterations, just because of who the character is and her family and and her life and interests.)

(I have a very strong opinion on this one and would discuss it in length bc Wednesday series Wednesday is one of the most autistic characters ever.)

Robin Buckley- Stranger things (although I also strongly see her as just having ADHD, but I love the autism headcanon for her so either works)

Nancy Wheeler- Stranger Things (you can pry this from my cold dead hands. Also OCD for her cause I saw this edit that went into detail on this and I absolutely agree. I think that one Nancy character analysis slide show talks about OCD too but idk.)

Some honorable mentions (I‘m deciding on my opinion and need thoughts from others):

Meredith Grey- Grey’s Anatomy

(I don’t know, bc there’s a lot to unpack there, but I sort of think so so if anyone has opinions or thoughts on this please let me know!)

Tara Maclay- Buffy The Vampire Slayer (I would’ve included this one in my head canons bc she so is but also she feels like maybe she just has an anxiety disorder and a messed up family and it’s less she’s got autism. But she could have all three honestly I’m not sure. But I love her sm.)

[daincrediblegg]

Oh my gosh okay I've seen you tag things with 'Lady Terror' and please please please I have to know more . Is it what I think? (The Terror in human form *o*) I'm so interested .

LMAO OK SO!!! funny story because, actually, even though she's definitely more human and grounded in reality now (and if you should wish to hear a little more about her backstory- knowing that she's a self insert for sure that I'm using to fuck francis crozier silly, I have a Bio for her HERE that may entice you ahead of the impending fic I have been writing about her and francis- the gothic austen romance of my fucking dreams, and I've also got a couple of mini fics and a fic preview on my masterlist should you like to read them) SHE ACTUALLY did kinda start out as the terror in human form, because at around the time I did my re-watch of the terror that LED to this whole year-long adventure, I was also watching 1899 on netflix and mourning the loss of its second season (added to netflix's list of heinous crimes), and the whole endeavor was partially inspired by the concept behind that show (no spoilers. but it's very cool), and some of the principal characters that absolutely have some kinda romance going on (yes I'm fully invested in maura/eyk and they are definitely a blueprint for whatever the hell francis and lady terror have going on)

but even though the dynamics have changed since I first came up with her and the nickname, I feel like there's a lot playing into that name that makes it a really fascinating moniker for her as a character now. the disambiguation from complete personhood that the name implies (similar to how Lady Silence for Silna operates), meanwhile having binding to both the ship (double-edged, as it implies something illicit in being the "lady of terror"- which is how she earned that nickname in the story in the first place- since she is supposed to be stationed on Erebus, but spends enough of her time on Terror to garner that reputation... but also something horrific and to be feared- as it's also what they call the Tuunbaq as well), and something then also in the way that it commands some level of power... but then also, for Francis especially, becomes something that he can embrace... in all her (and the nickname's) facets. Not something he could ever claim, but someone he can respect... feel affection for. perhaps even find some comfort and levity in... and by god do I love those implications and you'll pry them out of my cold dead hands at this point.

And so, to all, Lady Terror she remains.

[joons]

Joons I can't lie to you. I can't give up on Lockwood and Co even with Netflix cancelling it. I gotta believe that through the fandom being active and word of mouth we can get more fans and have some other platform take an interest in it. They can pry this show from my cold dead hands.

I do think that's a real possibility! Joe Cornish is a beloved creator with real connections, so I would love for someone to snap him up. And there is reason for hope not even just for our show but because of the unsustainability of the Netflix model and the industry-wide drive to force change on streamers that try to avoid compensating their talent correctly by leaving shows without any advertising support after they've been made.

Here's a good thread for how to communicate on social media and to other companies about the show. Staying positive is not only good for your own sanity but puts the best foot forward as the show's "representative."

At the end of the day, being a Jonathan Stroud fan is a blessing. We have so many great books that come out pretty frequently, we have a perfect adaptation, we have other adaptations in the offing, we have no drama. It's really an abundance of riches. But that's all the more reason why the show deserves to be cherished for how rare it is to have a series so surrounded by talented, thoughtful people who bring that positivity into the world. We were SO LUCKY to have the right crew behind it. Still pinching myself. They deserve to be rewarded for that dedication and love.

[buckybarnesss]

They removed teen wolf from net netflix nooooooooooo

i know it's streaming on paramount+ and i think hulu. technically it's on prime but i just looked and they are doing that bullshit where some seasons aren't available and others you have to buy.

this is why i own it on dvd. they can pry my silly little show from my cold, dead hands.

[charmanderxerneas]

i really just saw the ice cold take of “It sucks everythings a subscription service now but also you really shouldnt hoard or build up a big collection of physical media either :/ “

??? Lol. Okay loser. Have fun playing digital games and watching netflix until the shows you like get taken off and you still have to pay a ridiculous amount monthly, while im sitting over here in my room with shelves of physical games i get to keep and play forever and no company can take them from me unless they pry them from my cold dead hands

[pizza-is-my-buziness]

I'm nervous Sam and Deena won't be in it and also that they might get messed up. But if it's Leigh, I can't see her bringing them back just to do that. My hope is maybe a smaller role for them, like Martin or adult Ziggy. Yeah, very random that Olivia posted that picture after so long. And there's also Kiana's comment about "soon." I know Olivia is on a show now, but it's a very quick shoot according to Production Weekly and finishes the first part of December.

Yeah I think that's my biggest concern is that something happens to the two of them (or they mess with the canon-esque stories of their future that Kiana and Olivia have talked about that Netflix can pry from my cold, dead hands) but I agree that Leigh wouldn't (hopefully) do that or that it would be a bad look. Also okay with the idea of them having a smaller role or even just being mentioned in passing...though I also don't know how much interest I would have without them in the story so I guess I'll just have to stress over Netflix producing the exact right story for my own personal enjoyment (kidding...mostly)

[in-tua-deep]

yoo this isn’t technically a question in the ask game, but i was curious if you had any thoughts on S2 of The Witcher? your fic is one of my fave parts of the brief time i’ve spent in this fandom and it’s always really interesting reading your insight on the characters and plot and such! also (without spoiling anything ofc!) will TGIA cover any of the events of S2? (wasn’t sure whether to send this to your Witcher sideblog sorry, feel free to ignore if this is the wrong place for this question lol) (also while i’m here you’re one of my fave fic writers for both The Witcher and TUA and you’re very cool ANYWAYS-)

full disclosure: nope, tgia will not cover events from s2 of the witcher! mainly because the story as-is is planned to "end" with the finding of Ciri and the reunion of Geralt and Jaskier, which has been planned since before s2 came out

a sequel to tgia might cover events though, but tbh we have veered pretty hard out of canon so the ripple effects would mess things up

and more full disclosure: i'm actually not watching s2 until i've finished my fic! mainly bc i have a Vision and i don't want to watch s2 in case it influences what i want to put in the final chapters!

i've only had a couple of spoilers from my sister and been made to listen to "burn butcher burn" so far sO

(i was thinking of meeting with the other witchers in the sequel and i know that s2 has?? other witchers? so maybe they'll be characters in sequel tgia?)

as a spoiler, i think it's VERY funny that apparently jaskier and yennefer get to hang out in s2 because they're actually going to hang out in tgia as well lmao, which has been planned since before s2 came out

i'm just. sitting here with 44 pages on a google doc of content for the next tgia chapter and i haven't even written the ciri parts and half the geralt parts so,,,, long chapter coming up

there's probably only two or three chapters left in tgia though

i AM spitballing names for a potential sequel though. to bloom in triumph is currently the top contender but i'm open to ideas ;3c

though idk if i want a sequel or if i want like. a deleted scenes/mini series in the same 'verse instead so

[edwinas]

its been pointed out a lot that one of Paxton’s insecurities is that people think he is an idiot/not smart & that he sees himself that way. so what do you think his reaction is going to be when he has to deal with Devi, the girl he just realized he might have feelings for, going out with someone , & that someone is Ben, like a certified genius & more on Devi’s level intellectually (assuming Benvi is officially a thing when S2 picks up)!

Good question anon!

Paxton would be regretful for screwed up and guilty because he was not there when Devi needed him.

But she is now dating this smart loaded nerd who she has been rivals for years. How do you restart a relationship with someone he barely knows, kissed, ghosted, left a voicemail (suggesting they get back together) and now have an unrequited crush on? And she is dating someone who is your opposite???

So he goes through a lot mentally (perfect time to get an episode from his point of view!). Devi asks him if they can still be friends which mirrors Devi in ep2 where she is hopeful that they can be something more but Paxton says they are friends at the hospital (and crushes her hopes).  His feelings for her and the need to make things right trump the awkwardness.

So Daxton stay friends but he feels insecure. He might be distant and be put in his place by Becca again, or better, Devi speaks her mind. They have a fight (where both say honest and truthful things) which brings them closer. 

I hope their friendship will make him more confident or at least more open about his feelings. We already know from s1 that he is open and vulnerable with her. So give me Daxton best friends!!! 

But I want no disrespect from Paxton towards Benvi i.e. he respects Devi’s boundaries. We might get loaded moments between Paxton and Devi but no attempted kisses. No “trying to steal a girl”. He respects Devi too much and can only hope she returns his feelings.

[mikauzoran]

Lady Noir/Ladrien: I’m Learning to Love (Walking Away from Things): Chapter Two

Many thanks to @shadownoble for the prompt for this chapter!

Read it on AO3: I’m Learning to Love (Walking Away from Things: Chapter Two: Starlight

Groaning in exhaustion, Adrien collapsed facedown onto his bed.

Yet again, his father had run him ragged with photoshoots on top of magazine interviews on top of variety show appearances. That wasn’t even counting the extracurriculars he still had to do and the significant workload of his university classes.

He was so wiped, he almost didn’t move to look at his phone when it pinged with an incoming text.

When he saw the sender, however, he was glad that he’d put forth the effort. It was Ladybug checking in on him.

“i remember you saying you had a busy day so i wanted to see how it went”

A second message quickly followed the first: “hang in there!”

His heart melted a little at her concern.

“Thanks for thinking of me, Buguinette. <3” he typed back. “Today”

He paused, briefly considering lying and telling her that it had gone fine. Ultimately, though, he decided on honesty.

“didn’t go very well. There were a lot of problems that put us behind schedule, and my father was in a bad mood. I’m surprised no one got akumatized, honestly.”

“are you okay?” she replied immediately.

He bit his lip.

“he didnt take it out on you did he?” she prompted, and he suspected that she already knew the answer.

Adrien winced, hedging, “I’m all right. Just tired. It was a long day.”

His father had, in fact, lashed out at Adrien, but he wasn’t about to tell her that. Ladybug was already on the warpath against his father, and he didn’t need to give her any more reasons to hold a grudge.

Several minutes passed with no response from Ladybug, so Adrien flopped back down on the bed and closed his eyes.

He was just starting to doze off when a knock on his window pulled him out of the dazed limbo between sleep and wakefulness.

Adrien sat up with a jolt and found Ladybug smiling and waving from the other side of the glass panes.

He fumbled for the remote on his nightstand and hurriedly pointed it at the windows.

“Good evening,” she greeted cheerily as she stepped down into his room. “It’s not too late for a visit, is it?”

“A visit from you?” he chuckled. “Never. For you, my window is always open.”

“Good to know,” she laughed, taking in his rumpled, worn state. “I actually came to make sure you were doing okay and see if you wanted to go stargazing with me, but you look pretty beat.”

Sheepishly, he admitted, “I might be a tiny bit dead on my feet, but I’d never pass up the opportunity to spend time with you, My Lady.”

She didn’t know if she was ever going to get used to hearing him say that with Adrien’s face. It was taking all of her available energy to keep it together around him because she knew that treating him differently would only make things worse and defeat the purpose of her knowing his identity in the first place.

Oblivious to his partner’s internal struggle, Adrien got to his feet and was just about to call on his transformation when he remembered and winced.

“…Except…I promised Plagg that if he were good today, he could relax and watch his Netflix shows and eat Camembert in his sock drawer the rest of the evening.”

Ladybug shrugged, unconcerned. “You don’t have to transform. Just put a jacket on so you don’t get cold, and I can carry you.”

Cheeks burning, Adrien did as bid, slipping on a jacket and then taking her proffered hand.

The feel of her suit on his bare skin was odd but not uncomfortable. He couldn’t compare it to any material he was familiar with.

Not for the first time, he wished that there didn’t have to be a barrier between them.

“At least we’re one step closer to that reality with her knowing my identity,” he tried to comfort himself.

Meanwhile, Ladybug was internally freaking out and glad she still had the thin veil of anonymity to hide behind.

Almost a week after learning her partner’s identity, she was still struggling to reconcile Chat Noir with Adrien, and the feelings she had for both of them were making things complicated.

With a smile carefully pasted in place, she scooped him up into her arms and set off over the rooftops.

She didn’t go far—only to the Eiffel Tower a few blocks from the Agreste Mansion.

“Do you know much about the stars?” he asked as they settled into their usual spots at the top of the monument, away from the prying eyes of the public.

“Not really,” she confessed, sheepishly pushing a lock of hair out of her face. “You?”

“A little.” He pointed up at the sky. “Even though it’s autumn now, you can still see the summer triangle. There’s Vega, Deneb, and Altair.”

She nodded as she made out three bright stars that seemed to form a triangle.

“Over there by the moon, you can see Jupiter and Saturn,” he added, motioning to what looked like two big, dazzling stars.

She frowned. “How can you tell them apart from regular stars?”

“Planets don’t twinkle,” he explained. “Since they’re closer and bigger, their light doesn’t get distorted by the Earth’s atmosphere as much as the stars that are farther away. So, while stars twinkle when dust particles pass between them and us, planets shine more steadily because the dust particles don’t obstruct as much of their light.”

It was the kind of thing that wasn’t out of place coming from Adrien, but Ladybug couldn’t imagine having the same conversation with Chat Noir.

She blinked at him in amazement. “You’re really smart, Chaton.”

“Me? Smart?” A short bark of laughter caught him by surprise, and he shook his head. “I’m just a nerd whose parents kept him locked up most of his childhood. I read a lot to fill the time, so I’ve got a ton of useless trivia floating around up here.”

He tapped the side of his head. “For example, did you know that cats purr to self-sooth? Or, how about that the first cat video was filmed in 1894?”

Now it was her turn to burst out laughing.

That was her dumb cat, all right.

“You are such a dork,” she chortled, shaking her head in disbelief.

He shrugged, looking back up at the sky with a grin.

It was a huge relief that things between them hadn’t changed all that much since she’d learned his identity. It made him think that maybe things would be okay.

Her laughter slowly faded, and she scooted in a little closer, joining him in gazing up at the stars.

They sat there for several minutes before she spoke again.

“…You know…” She swallowed, mentally steeling herself for the confession. “…there was something I wanted to talk to you about.”

“Hm?” He tipped his head to the side, his curious gaze meeting her apprehensive one.

“I thought you should know that, about six years ago, I had this ridiculous crush on you—Adrien you,” she clarified.

His eyes flew as wide as galaxies. “You… What?”

“It wasn’t a celebrity crush or anything!” she rushed to assure, waving her arms wildly. “I…I sort of know you in real life, and I had a crush on you.”

His mouth opened and closed several times, and, after a handful of false starts, he managed to respond. “You said that you had a crush on me. Like…as in past tense.”

He drew in a slow breath, mentally preparing himself for the worst. “May I ask what I did that made your crush a past tense thing? Did I do something wrong?”

“Oh!” she gasped, waving her arms like an air traffic controller yet again. “No! Nothing like that. It wasn’t your fault. It was me.”

He winced. “So…‘it’s not you; it’s me’ is what you’re saying?”

She cringed, realizing what an insincere cop out that sounded like. “No. For real, Adrien. It was me. I needed to prioritize my duties as Ladybug, so I didn’t have time for dating, but…mostly…it was that I realized that I didn’t know you as well as I should for how obsessed with you I was.”

She averted her eyes as shame bubbled up hot and red on her cheeks. “It was unhealthy, and I decided that I needed to take a step back and focus on my friendship with you…so that’s what I did. I concentrated on being your friend.”

Tentatively, she looked back up at him. “I think you needed a friend more than anything at the time anyway. …Though, I’m not sure if I even did a good job being your friend. I mean, I completely missed how bad your home life is, how much you hate your hobbies, how little control you feel like you have…”

He shook his head, setting his hand on her shoulder. “Buguinette, no. Don’t beat yourself up about it. I don’t let people see that side of things. Not even Nino knows the whole truth. I’m sure you did your best to be a good friend to me.”

He bit his lip and hesitated. “…Though…I kind of wish you would have said something about your feelings for me.” He accompanied his words with a wink and a teasing Chat Noir grin.

She rolled her eyes and swatted his arm. “Flirt. You would have turned me down flat. You would have been nice about it, but you’d never have gone out with me.”

He grimaced when he realized that she was most likely right. “Probably. I may be stupid, but at least I’m loyal.”

“You’re not stupid,” she groaned. “Be nice to yourself, you dumb cat.”

He leaned in and rested his head against hers. “…Thank you. It means a lot to me that you care.”

“Of course I care,” she sighed. “You have no idea how much I care about you—both sides of you.”

She took a slow, steady breath. “…Plenty of other people care about you too, Adrien. That’s why I think you need to open up with your friends. Nino at least should know about how bad things are. He loves you, and he’d do anything he could to help.”

Adrien pulled away, straightening up and shaking his head. “I don’t want to be a burden on them.”

“They would never think of you that way,” she insisted vehemently.

“I don’t want them to worry when there’s nothing really they can do,” he amended.

“They can at least listen,” she argued. “They can text you cat memes and check in on you and let you vent. Isn’t that all you really want? People supporting you and validating your feelings and reminding you that you’re loved?”

He pursed his lips, silently considering for a long stretch. “…Yes, but…”

“Marinette told me what happened at the photoshoot today, what your father said to you.”

Adrien winced.

He’d known that Marinette was there at the shoot interning, but…

“Marinette heard that?”

Ladybug nodded.

Practically everyone on site had heard Gabriel railing at Adrien.

“He was wrong, you know.” She reached up and gingerly started massaging his scalp. “You’re not useless. He has no idea what he’s talking about.”

Adrien made a noncommittal noise as he closed his eyes and lowered his head to her shoulder.

“You’re amazing and wonderful and hardworking and kind and smart and brave…and the best partner ever,” she stressed with unwavering conviction. “Your father is blind if he can’t see how incredible you are.”

“Thank you, My Lady,” he whispered, voice brittle and trembling as he held in tears.

“…You should tell your friends,” she repeated, gently urging. “You should have support in your daily life, Adrien. I can’t always be there for you, but I want you to have that kind of support. You deserve it.”

“Maybe,” he mumbled into her shoulder. “It’s just…my friends all have really solid family relationships. I don’t think they’d even understand.”

“But they’d try,” she countered. “They’d want to try to understand. They love you.”

“It’s hard to tell people you respect that you’re not all right,” he sighed.

She kept pressing, desperate to get him more support. “They’re not going to think any less of you, Chaton. I don’t. …Maybe start with someone you know will be on your side. Maybe Nino? Or…or Marinette? She was awfully worried about you today. I’m sure she’d want to help.”

Adrien winced and pulled away, sitting up to meet Ladybug’s gaze. “Yeah, but I already told one girl I like that I’m a mess this week. I don’t think I’m emotionally prepared to tell the other one too.”

She stared at him, blinking slowly as her braincells tried to reconfigure what he had said into something that made sense.

“You… You like…?”

An adoring smile spread across his lips, and a soft blush lit up his face. He nodded, rubbing sheepishly at the back of his neck.

“Marinette,” he completed, voice full of affection when he said her name. “Yeah. I do. I have for a while now. She’s so sweet and thoughtful and fierce and courageous.”

He laughed. “I’m lucky she deigns to be my friend. Ladybug, she’s so out of my league.”

“I’m sorry. What?” she scoffed, not believing what she was hearing. “You—you who are not only Chat Noir but also Adrien Agreste—you think that Marinette Dupain-Cheng is out of your league?”

Earnestly, he nodded. “Ladybug, she’s amazing. She’s like you.”

She covered her face with her hands as her brain overloaded from how adorable he was.

“Marinette’s not out of your league,” Ladybug grumbled. “…and neither am I.”

His eyebrows slowly climbed up into his hairline.

“Shut up,” she replied preemptively.

A broad grin broke out on his face as he realized that maybe Ladybug’s feelings for Adrien weren’t entirely a past tense thing after all.

“Stop that,” she groaned.

“What? I’m not doing anything,” he chuckled, cuddling up beside her once more.

“You’re being smug,” she pouted, dropping her hands from her face and wrapping an arm around him.

“I would never,” he playfully protested.

A comfortable silence fell between them as they snuggled and gazed at the stars once more.

“…Maybe I should talk with my friends about what’s going on,” Adrien whispered after a long stretch. “It’s just really hard to be vulnerable like that.”

She gave him an encouraging squeeze. “We can practice, if you think that will help.”

He took a deep breath. “Hey, Nino? There’s something I want to talk with you about, if it’s okay.”

“Sure, Mec,” Ladybug responded, doing her best Nino impression. “What’s up, mon pote?”

“…My relationship with my father is in the rubbish bin, and I kind of hate my life,” Adrien groaned.

“Dude. That is it, Mec. I’m adopting you,” Ladybug as Nino decreed. “I’ll fight anyone who gets in my way. We’re gonna make this right.”

Adrien burst out laughing, leaning heavily on his partner. “I don’t know what I’m so afraid of. That’s probably exactly what he’s going to say.”

“So, you’ll tell him?” she pressed, mentally crossing her fingers.

Adrien blew out a long exhale. “Yeah. I’ll try to talk to my friends soon. You’re right. It’s more than I can deal with on my own, and I could seriously use my friends.”

“That’s what we’re here for,” Ladybug reminded, giving his hair a nuzzle.

[silentfcknhill]

FAVORITE SHOWS IN POSTERS

Well, we’re back for another installment of this tagged meme, this time for TV shows! I also stole this from/was indirectly tagged by @jcmorrigan. My taste in shows also differs a bit from my taste in movies, as I tend to like a lot of comedy shows with not as many horror ones. I’m not into shows as much as movies overall, but there are some that I am very passionate about so I picked twenty again. So, here we go for part 2, in order:

1. Avatar: The Last Airbender/The Legend Of Korra (2005-2014)

I'm including these as one show since they take place in the same universe and tell a continuation of the same overall plot. Altogether this is probably the best piece of media to ever exist, including movies. It has so many great characters and villains especially and some of the most epic sequences, charming humor and heartwarming moments ever. I've never met a person who didn't like these shows, even people who normally don't like cartoons. My dad, who is biased against animation? He loved it. My mother? She loved it, watched it with her multiple times. My grandmother? Loved it. My ex-boyfriend? Loved it. My best friend? Loved it. I dare anyone not to, and I'm so glad it's making a resurgence since it's on Netflix for a new generation to enjoy.

2. Black Butler (2008-2014)

I never was big into anime growing up and only really started watching anime when I was like 16 and above, but this is one of the exceptions because holy shit is it ever dark and epic. I'm not sure I'd really recommend it for kids, it's more of a teens and young adults kind of anime and that's probably why it's so good, because it isn't afraid to explore dark and mature topics and do it with all of the intensity and gravitas required to do said topics justice. It has lots of great characters, and the story of demons who make deals with children who have a dark side is fun to watch play out.

3. Seinfeld (1989-1998)

My dad was a huge fan of this show so I watched it growing up since I was a toddler and it became a classic for me. I've watched thw hole show through at least 8 times, and I'll never stop because it never gets old or boring. It's also my only comfort show when I'm having a panic attack because of one time a few years ago when I was having a drug-induced psychosis episode and watching it calmed me down, so now it's like the opposite of a trigger and whenever I'm having an episode or something I watch it to bring me back to reality. For that reason it's more than a show to me, it's a medical treatment and I'm forever grateful to it.

4. The Good Place (2016-2020)

The big four shows made my Michael Schur all made it on this post (The Good Place, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, The Office and Parks And Recreation), either in the main list of the honorable mentions, but this is my personal favorite of the four. It's so funny, quirky, relatable and basically tailor-made to suit my interests. Not only is it an entertaining and wholesome show, but I think watching it helped me come to terms with a lot of things like mortality, ethics, philosophy, religion and my relationships with other people. It gets  alot of different viewpoints across and if you're a very analytical and philosophical person like me you'll probably enjoy seeing it all play out. Not to mention, every single character is 'favorite character' material. It's rare you find a show with no filler characters in the main cast, but I genuinely can't choose who is best.

5. Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013-?)

Another of Michael Schur's shows, this one is just barely under The Good Place and to be honest it was tough to pick my favorite between the two because they're both equally funny. I know it's kind of controversial right now because of the whole law enforcement thing, but I actually think they do a good job of handling social issues in the show and remaining respectful of real-life systemic problems. As for the characters, this is another one of those shows where every single character is gold and I think that tends to be a trend among Schur's shows in general. He produces damn good comedy, and damn good characters. I can't wait to see what they bring next.

6. Rick And Morty (2013-?)

This is unfortunately one of those cases of 'great show, horrible fandom' and for that reason I don't get involved in the fandom even though I love the show. It's a shame because it really is a great show, so funny and, again, such good characters. I think it's a lot more accessible than the fandom likes to claim, so I'm hoping more people will give it a chance and not get put off by the intellectual elitism of the fandom because it does have some of the most entertaining and batshit crazy episodes ever, poking fun of some of the staples of science fiction in media while also poking fun of itself the whole time. Unlike the fandom, the show doesn't take itself seriously and that's enjoyable nowadays.

7. Orange Is The New Black (2013-2019)

While this show is a comedy, it is also a lot of other things and it's probably made me ugly-cry just as many times as it's made me laugh. Well, maybe not as often, but those few scenes (if you've watched the show then you know the ones I'm talking about) made me hysterically sob hard enough to be worth like fifty minor sads. But I didn't even mind because the show is just that good, and it makes you /feel/ something in a real way. Probably because of just how real it gets in terms of telling stories that happen all the time in the real world, sometimes with inevitably tragic endings. But these things do happen every day, and it's important to shine a light on that. It's not just representation for LGBTQ+ but also for POC, the neurodiverse, the poor, and many more. Give it a watch to broaden your perspective!

8. Big Mouth (2017-?)

This is probably the grossest show I've ever seen but by god is it ever funny. Maybe it's because I have an immature sense of humor or something, but I love this show. It definitely won't be everyone's cup of tea and I don't recommend you watch this show with anyone else around because it will get awkward. I think part of its appeal to me is that everyone I talk to who likes it considers it so relatable to their lives growing up but for someone like me who grew up on the autism and asexual spectrum and who was physically an early-bloomer by years, nothing about this show is relatable to me in any way so it makes it all the more crazy and bizarre watching how the people around me must have experienced things. Did y'all really have these experiences with puberty in middle school???

9. Dexter (2006-2013)

I recently heard that this show is coming back for a reboot soon and I'm so excited because this is my absolute favorite drama/thriller show, as evidenced by the fact that it's the highest one on the list so far that isn't a comedy. I love the idea of having a protagonist who is sort of a villain (or at least morally dubious), and the idea of a serial killer who only kills bad people is particularly satisfying for some reason. Maybe because he's the vigilante we all deserve and want in this unjust and evil world of modern times? Idk but the very premise of this show set it up for big things and aside from the ending I think it delivered consistently.

10. Once Upon A Time (2011-2018)

This show took us on some journeys, and you can't deny that. Sure, maybe it didn't always finish what it started and didn't always end in the most satisfying way, but part of its charm is that you didn't care because the experience was just so much fun. They took characters and stories that have been told to death and somehow managed to put a unique and unexpected twist on them, and that alone is admirable. Good twists, good villains, and pretty much every cliffhanger known to man will keep you hooked on binge-watching every episode.

11. RuPaul's Drag Race (2009-?)

A bit different than the other entries on my list in that it's not fiction but a reality competition show, but I couldn't leave Drag Race out because it's just so fucking iconic and perfect. Even when you disagree with the judges or can't stand a certain contestant you'll still be having a good time. It's got the personalities you love to love, the ones you love to hate, and the comedy that's completely meme-able. I mean just how much has this show contributed to pop culture and the internet? More than most of us, henny. I've watched every single season, even the international ones and all of the spinoffs. This show will probably be on for another thirty years when Ru is throwing shade from a hospital bed and I'll still be watching.

12. House (2004-2012)

Some people hate on this show, and I don't get it. I love House. Yes, he's an ass. That's the point. He's supposed to be unlikeable, and that's why I like him. Maybe because I always love the rude, sarcastic, misanthropic jerkass-genius characters for some reason. And I also love procedural shows, so it's a win-win. I also work in the healthcare field so it appeals to me for that reason too, because obviously the whole premise is outlandish which is what makes it funny. Of course it's not realistic for a hospital, so just enjoy the absurdity and don't get too hung up on the details of medical accuracy and professional ethics and you'll be fine.

13. The Office (2005-2013)

The third of Michael Schur's show and the last one that made the main list (sorry Parks And Rec, I love you too but there was just so many good shows to choose from and I saw you last so the nostalgia isn't as strong!) I don't think I need to hype this show up any, it's already a classic and you can't even turn around online without getting hit in the face by a dozen Office memes. You'll have to pry this show and it's relatable characters (especially Michael Scott) from my cold, dead hands.

14. All Hail King Julien/The Penguins Of Madagascar (2008-2017)

Like Avatar/Korra, I also consider this as one show for the sake of this list because it also takes place in the same universe (Madagascar, specifically) and I just couldn't choose one over the other because they're both so perfect. They're funny and I love all the characters (it cut out the weaker links of the Madagascar film series and just focuses on expanding the standout side-characters like King Julien and the penguins). It also delved into some lore, particularly the first show, and even though I didn't also agree with the directions it took (you may have seen me get salty about the ending because I cared too much), I can't deny how much I love it.

15. Bones (2005-2017)

One of the other scarce non-comedy shows on this list, it still has it's funny moments. It's also, like House, another procedural show that involves some medical stuff, but this time on a more scientific and forensic level which is even more interesting. It's nice to see a lead female with Asperger's, too. There's a lot of cop/law enforcement shows where they try to solve crimes, but this one is the best, and I'm saying that as a fan of CSI as well. Don't fight me on this, I'm right. Oh yes, it's corny, it's campy, it's cheesy, but I love every minute of it. Don't watch if you have a weak stomach though.

16. The Simpsons (1989-?)

We all grew up with this show, don't lie. It's been around longer than most people on tumblr have even been alive. Should it have ended seasons ago? Hell yes. But that doesn't take away what the first like 20 or so seasons gave us (there's a lot of argument about when the show jumped the shark, for me it wasn't until much later than the popular consensus). The characters are amazing, but the secret to the show's longevity is that they always return to status quo and there's comfort and nostalgia in that. Bart will still be in 4th grade when you're out there pushing 90. This show is persistent. This show is eternal. This show will outlive us all.

17. Ash Vs. Evil Dead (2015-2018)

Sorely underrated. This show is hilarious, gruesome and campy as hell and I love it. I don't think you necessarily have to watch the Evil Dead movies beforehand in order to get the plot of the show, although it would probably help. In my opinion this show ended way too soon and I'm hoping someday we'll get a comeback because Ash is the reluctant, self-absorbed hero we all need and it's 2020 so at this point there really might actually be a demon-zombie apocalypse and who's gonna save us then if not for the impulsive womanizer with a chainsaw for a hand?

18. Malcolm In The Middle (2000-2006)

Another show I grew up with, I don't think it gets as much credit as it deserves. It has some damn funny episodes and great characters, and it did a lot of the popular sitcom tropes before they were 'cool'. Some other great sitcoms, The Middle in particular, took a lot of influence from this show and it helped pave the way for the future of sitcoms at a time when they were about to make a comeback. If you want a good show about the real experiences of growing up, this is a much more accurate representation of the highs and lows of being an awkward tween from a dysfunctional home.

19. A Series Of Unfortunate Events (2017-2019)

Unlike most people I actually liked the movie version from the early 2000's, and I read the books growing up so I was excited when I saw there was a live action television adaptation of it on Netflix because I felt like they cancelled the movie franchise too soon. I was interested to see how new actors would handle the roles, and I was not disappointed. I wouldn't say I liked either portrayal of the characters better or worse, they both added their own twist to it and this show is a great and loyal adaptation to the books, probably because the author was so heavily involved. He knew just when to stick to the books and when to improve upon what he had done with the benefit of hindsight. This show is basically the books, but remastered.

20. Winx Club (2004-?)

Sort of an odd one out on this list, but I really love this show even as an adult and it may surprise you to learn it is still going on and the most recent season came out last year. They take big breaks sometimes in between seasons, but it's still going strong and in multiple countries. The only thing I don't like about watching this show is all the different and inconsistent dubs since the original show is Italian and each dub only goes for a couple seasons so by the time you get used to one set of voices/names for the characters oyu have to abruptly switch to another, but it's still worth it for the beautiful animation and cool characters (especially the villains!)

Honorable Mentions: 

13 Reasons Why, America's Next Top Model, American Horror Story, Arrested Development, Bates Motel, Battlestar Galactica, Black Mirror, Care Bears, Chernobyl, Courage The Cowardly Dog, Criminal, CSI, Duck Dodgers, Goosebumps, Kenny Vs. Spenny, Kim Possible, Kingdom Hospital, Lazytown, Lost, Making A Murderer, Mayday, Mindhunter, Modern Family, Monster High, Obsession: Dark Desires, Parks And Recreation, Prison Break, Project Runway, Queer As Folk, Queer Eye, Salem, Schitt's Creek, SCTV, Spongebob Squarepants, The Emperor's New School, The Good Doctor, The Haunting Of Hill House/Bly Manor, The Middle, The Pretender, The Walking Dead, The X-Files, Through The Wormhole, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Unsolved Mysteries, Yugioh

Tagging: @bullet-farmer​ and anyone else who wants to!

[shadow-assassin-blix]

Parent Trap AU

Part 4

Marcus Moreno x Reader

A/N: The dreaded Ex appears. But lots of Family time and Protective!Dad Marcus. Hm. There may only be 2 more parts after this. There will be lots of headcanons about them though. 

Everything tag: @mikeisthricedeceased

Pedro Tag: @m-1234 @fioccodineveautunnale @artsymaddie @blo0dangel​ @mcrmarvelloki​

It had been a several months since that first date; things have gone much better. The two of them had gone on several dates, both together and with their kids. The four of them had become their own makeshift family.

Currently Shade and Artemis were spending their Saturday together, baking brownies and cookies while watching some Netflix. Artemis really enjoyed The Vampire Diaries, so an episode was on in the background. As they were mixing the batters, there was a knock on the front door. Shade left Artemis to finish mixing the brownies, to answer it.

She opened the door and immediately frowned at who she saw standing there. It was Mike, her ex, Artemis’ father.

“What are you doing here?” She asked in a whisper, angrily.

“What? I can’t come see my daughter?” He asked in a disinterested voice.

“No. Not when you compare her to your other kids and make her feel less than. Get off my property,” She demanded, moving to shut the door.

He grabbed hold of the door, stopping it from slamming in his face.

“I have a right to see her,” He said loudly, trying to push the door pack open.

“No. No you do not. You didn’t want her when I was pregnant with her. You didn’t want her for the first 7 years of her life. I gave you the courtesy of being in her life, and you have made her feel worthless every time she’s seen you. You don’t get to waltz in when you feel like it and mess up her life the way you did mine. Now, I’m goin’ to say this one more time: Get. Off. My. Property,” She stated firmly, putting her weight into closing the door.

The door reluctantly closed, and she locked it as quickly as she could. She could hear him yell at her through the door, before stomping off.

She slid down to the floor, her back against the door. She sighed heavily, wrapping her arms around her knees, bowing her head down.

“Momma? Are you okay?” She heard Artemis ask.

She lifted her head up, looking at Artemis who was standing in the entryway of the living room.

“Yeah. Yeah baby, I’m okay. C’mere,” She waved her over, opening her arms up for her, straightening her legs out.

Artemis rushed over to her, crawling into her lap. Once Artemis was comfortable, Shade held her to her close, rocking her slightly.

“I don’t want to see him anymore,” She hears Artemis whisper to her.

Shade nodded softly, murmuring she understood.

At that point, her phone rang, and as she answered it, she sighed with relief as she heard Marcus’s voice speak.

“How are my girls doing? We still on for tonight?” Marcus chipper voice asked.

“Yeah. Um. Actually… do you mind if we come over to you? I’ll… I’ll explain when we get there,” Shade wondered as she tried to think quickly.

“Sure! Come over whenever you are ready, we will be here!” Marcus replied still trying to sound happy, but she could hear the concern.

Shade hung up, and the two of them got up. Shade quickly cleaned up the kitchen, tossing the abandoned batters. Shade packed an overnight bag for the both of them, wanting to get away from the house for the evening. Once their bags were ready, the two of them got in the car and drove off. They arrived at Marcus’ home in less than 20 minutes and made their way inside.

Marcus looked at the two of them, worry furrowing his brow.

Artemis dropped her bag, and immediately hugged Marcus. Marcus picked her up, hugging her tightly. Artemis buried her face into his chest, and Marcus spoke to her softly, carrying her to the guest bedroom.

Missy came downstairs and gave Shade a hug in greeting, and looked around confused.

“It’s a long story, kiddo. So, what do we wanna do for dinner?” Shade asked, trying to distract herself.

“I was thinking takeout? Not pizza, but maybe some Chinese?” Missy offered as the two of them walked into the kitchen.

The Hero

Marcus carried Artemis into the guest bedroom, so they could talk. Artemis had quietly said she wanted to talk to him when he had picked her.

The two of them sat down onto the bed, and Marcus waited for her to speak.

“…my dad came by today. He wanted to see me. Mom wouldn’t let him. I don’t want to see him anymore,” Artemis rambled quietly.

Marcus felt a slight swell of anger build within him; Shade had told him in great detail many of the things he had done in the past. He had constantly allowed his kids to bully her and made her feel like she was a burden.

Marcus pressed a kiss to her head, before looking her in the eyes, “Hey, you are perfectly allowed to choose that. If you don’t want to see him, you don’t have to. Besides, you are mine. Just like Missy. You two are both my kids. Nothing will change that.”

Artemis looked at him, tears building up her in eyes, “Really?”

“Really, really. You’re mine. You are my daughter too,” He said firmly.

He hears her sniffle and pulled her into a hug; he allowed her to cry and let it out. It took several minutes, but soon the tears subsided. She pulled away, rubbing her eyes.

“Do you want to go eat dinner, or do you want to relax in here for a bit, and eat later?” Marcus wanted her to have the option to rest if need be.

“Not really hungry. Wouldn’t mind just taking a nap if that’s okay?” She requested, her voice a little hoarse.

“That’s perfectly fine. It’s the summer anyway, sleep schedules are allowed to be off from time to time,” He said with a smile, tucking her into bed after she slipped off her shoes.

Artemis smiled back a little, curling into a ball under the covers. Marcus stayed with her until she fell asleep, turning the light off and leaving the door propped open.

Marcus stepped back out to the kitchen, smiling as Missy told Shade about her day as they wrote down the takeout order to call in. Missy looked up as she heard him stepped in and smiled brightly.

“Hey dad. Where’s Artie?” Missy looked past him as she asked.

“She’s not quite hungry right now, so she’s going to take a nap. You can join her if you want, I’m sure she would like your company,” Marcus proposed as he leaned the kitchen island.

Missy was down the hall in seconds.

It was quiet as the two of them stood there, the air felt slightly tense in some way.

Marcus slowly walked around to Shade, tugging her gently into his arms. She all but collapsed into his embrace. He felt her take a deep breath, releasing it shakily. Marcus simply held her, knowing she simply needed someone to be there for her.

“I can’t believe he just… showed up. Like. Like he hadn’t ignored her for the past year. I hate him. I’m so glad I never put his name on her birth certificate,” She muttered the last piece.

Marcus gently pulled back a bit and looked at her confused.

“Every time….” She began but stopped, taking another shaky breath. “Every time he pops back up, I worry that he’s going to try and take her. Try and… fight for custody of her.”

Marcus sighed sadly, feeling her pain.

“Well. Guess it’s a good thing you have me. He’d have to pry her from my cold dead hands to take her from us. I know… I know this is sudden but… I know two things. One, I want to marry you soon. Two, I want to adopt Artie. You two are my girls, just as much as Missy is. I’m not letting either of you go,” Marcus declared looking her in the eye.

The Artist

Shade blinked rapidly at that declaration. Of all the things she expected him to say, that was not one of them.

“You… you what?” She whispered not quite believing him.

“I don’t mean to unload this all on you suddenly. But I wanted you to know that I want and love both of you. I wanted to talk about this to you in a more romantic setting, but-” His statement was cut off by her kissing him.

Shade couldn’t help herself. It was probably the sweetest thing she had ever heard, and she was overcome with the urge to kiss him. She felt him smile as he kissed back, one of his hands resting at the base of her neck. Shade’s arm found a home around his neck, keeping him close.

When they finally parted, they were panting slightly, trying to catch their breaths.

“I love you,” She said softly to him.

“I love you too honey,” Marcus replied kissing her nose.

They spent the rest of the evening constantly near each other, and the girls when they both got up to eat.

The Hero

The next morning, Marcus slipped quietly out of the bed, kissing Shade on the cheek as he left her. He got dressed and drove back to Shade’s house. The two of them had talked last night about her and Artemis staying a couple more days. So, he was going to drive to their place, to get more clothes for them.

He had a spare key on him, so when he parked, he simply let himself in. It didn’t take him long to pack up a suitcase for both of them, with clothes and some toys/stuffed animals for Artemis. He had just placed the bags in the trunk when another vehicle pulled up.

A tall man with dirty blonde hair, and a scowl on his face stepped out.

“Who the hell are you?” The man asked as he stepped up to him.

“Marcus Moreno. You must be Mike,” Marcus wasn’t impressed by him.

“Yeah. I am. Where is Shade and Artemis?” He demanded to know.

“None of your business. So how about you leave?” Marcus refused to answer.

“How about you to tell me where my brat is and her whore of a mother?” Mike got directly in his face.

Marcus was done. He wasn’t going to allow this cretin bad mouth his family. He couldn’t stop himself. He threw a punch, knocking Mike down.

“I’m going to say this once. You will leave my fiancé and OUR daughter alone. You will not harass them. You will not show up out of the blue like this. You got it? As a Heroic, I have dealt with villains of all shapes and sizes. But men like you? Men who treat their children as disposable? You are the worst,” Marcus said with disgust.

Mike looked up at him with slight fear and realization, “Wait. You’re THAT Marcus Moreno?”

Marcus raised an eyebrow at him, nodding once, daring him to say something else.

Mike scrambled to get up on his feet and ran to his car.

Marcus stared harshly as he watched him drive off. He was then suddenly aware… that he had an audience.

He awkwardly smiled, rubbing the back of his neck as some fans had stopped and recorded the whole scene.

“How long have y’all been there?” He asked somewhat embarrassed.

“The entire time sir. Are you really engaged?” A teenaged girl asked staring at him in awe.

“Yeah. I am,” He answered with a nod.

He heard her go ‘awww.’

The boys of the group asked for an autograph, which he happily did. One of the boys, started to leave but turned back.

“That was really cool… defending your family like that. Wish my dad was like that,” He said to him, before walking away.

He didn’t quite know what to say to that, and once the coast was clear, he got into his car and drove off.

When he returned home, and brought the bags inside, he checked on all 3 of his girls. Missy and Artemis were still passed out. Shade was slowly waking up when he stepped into his bedroom.

“Hi. Where did you go?” She asked sleepily.

“Went to go get you some stuff from your house. Ran into Mike,” Marcus said with a wince thinking back to the situation.

She shot up and stared at him concerned.

“Umm. I might’ve punched him… and referred to you as my fiancé. And called Artemis “our daughter.” It was…. Not my best moment,” Marcus confessed.

She stared at him incredulous… before several snickers escaped.

Her giggles continued for several minutes, which caused Marcus to chuckle a bit as well. Marcus told her everything in detail, especially the part about the audience.

She still giggled but sobered up finally to tell him, “I’m just glad he didn’t try to hurt you.”

“Hurt me? Never,” Marcus played it off, with a wave of his hand.

She was about to say something else but there was a powerful knock at the door.

Marcus made his way back downstairs, answering it quickly.

“Miracle Guy? What are you doing here?” He questioned looking at his best friend.

“You haven’t been answering your phone calls or texts,” Miracle said making his way inside.

Marcus pulled out his phone to see he had several missed calls and texts from… everyone.

“HQ has been losing their mind, apparently one of those kids was livestreaming the entire incident. Everyone wants to meet this fiancé of yours. Every news outlet wants an interview about your new love interest and everything,” Miracle explained with a shake of his head.

“Okay. Well. Then they are just going to have to continue wondering. Not that I’m not happy to see you and all MG, but why are you telling me this and not someone from admin?” Marcus asked him curiously.

“Oh. I am here to call a best friend foul. Why haven’t I heard about this fiancé of yours?” MG teased him.

“Marcus? Everything okay?” Came Shade’s voice as she stepped downstairs, dressed.

MG looked at him surprised as he looked between Marcus and Shade.

“Shade? No way. S’that you? Wow. You look great!” MG exclaimed giving her a hug as she stood next to Marcus.

“Hi. Yeah. It’s me. I hear you finally settled down, wife and kid and all,” Shade said with a smile.

He smiled proudly, nodding.

“I’m guessing his little performance caused some problems,” Shade noted hesitantly.

“A little bit, but nothing that can’t be handled,” MG said with a shrug.

“Yeah. If any damage control needs to happen, please let me know what I can do to help,” Shade offered with a half shrug.

“Alright. Good to know,” MG said as he made his way to the front door.

Shade moved to check on the girls, allowing Marcus and MG some privacy again.

“Damn. You have so much to explain man,” MG said lowly.

“I’ll tell ya everything when I come in later today. Suspect I am going to have to give a statement and such,” Marcus promised with a smile.

“You better,” MG said as he took off.

Marcus closed the door, staring at his left hand as he did so. He had taken off his ring a month after he had started dating Shade, feeling it was time. He looked at his leather jacket, specifically the lump that could be seen in one of the pockets.

He hears Shade leading the girls into the kitchen promising pancakes for breakfast. As she did that, he made his way upstairs, closing the door, so he could make some phone calls.

One of which was to his mom. It took only two rings before she picked up.

“Hello my sweet boy. What’s happening?” Came her cheerful voice.

“Hi ma. Um. Some things have happened, and I needed your advice,” He began, before explaining everything that happened this morning.

“I… I want to marry her. Even… I even have the ring… but…” He didn’t know how to explain his feelings.

“The closer you get to Shade, the farther you get away from Isabelle?” His mother supplied.

“… Yes. Guess… part of me never thought I would wind up here again. Deeply in love with a woman that I want to make mine forever,” Marcus whispered looking down at his lap.

“But that doesn’t mean you are forgetting Isabelle. You still have the memories you shared with her. If you feel in your heart that she makes you happy, and that you want to take that step with her, then do it. Isabelle wouldn’t want you to put your life on hold,” His mother tells him softly.

He hummed softly, “You’re right. Guess… I guess I’m just scared.”

“Just because you’re a Heroic doesn’t mean you are fearless, my dearest. Now, go take care of work and tonight talk things out with Shade,” His mother ordered.

Marcus hung after thanking her and made several more calls to work. An hour later he had to make his way into work and make official statements.

The Artist

Shade took care of the kids while Marcus did what he needed to do. As the girls played outside, she suddenly got inspired to draw. She pulled out her sketchbook from her things and began to draw. She sat outside with the girls as she drew, smiling at the giggles she heard occasionally.

Eventually, she felt the girls hover over her shoulders to watch her work. She was quietly drawing Marcus in his superhero outfit, with a hand on his hip and the other hovering over his sword handle.

It was the first time she had drawn him in a very long time and for the first time she had so many ideas floating in her mind. She stopped when the girls wanted to hang out and sat her sketchbook on a table inside the house. The three of them watched some movies. Marcus didn’t come home for dinner, and the girls went to bed at about 10pm.

Shade waited for him in the living room, returning to her sketches. It was close to 11pm before the front door open and Marcus walked in and collapsed onto the couch next to her.

“Tired?” She asked setting her book and pencil down.

He turned his head to look at her and nodded tiredly. He pulled his arms out of his jacket, just letting it sit there.

“Today was a mess but everything is settled for now,” Marcus said with a sigh.

He was quiet for a moment, reaching into one of his pockets. He pulled out a small velvet box.

“Not… not quite how I wanted to do this but,” He said as he handed it to her.

She took it from him, slowly opening it. Inside was an engagement ring that had a rainbow of gems lining the band.

“Not going to lie… I’ve… I’ve carried that since college. I kept it in a lockbox when we broke up. I was going to say some cheesy line of ‘my world was black and white, and you brought color to it.’ When we started to date, I took off my old wedding band, thinking it was time. The past 10 months just made me remember how much I loved you when we were younger and that love has just grown exponentially,” He began to explain.

She listened to him closely, her eyes flicking between him and the ring.

“It took me a long time to get over most of the guilt I felt with moving on with my life. It still creeps up every now and again, like… this morning. But I want you to stay in my life. You make me so happy. You and Artemis both have are so wonderful. I can even see Missy changing for the better. She’s so much happier with Artemis in her life. You… don’t have to decide now, if you are overwhelmed, but I was serious when I said I wanted to marry you,” Marcus concluded taking a deep breath.

Shade stared at him in shock. It took a minute for it to fully process what he said. She blinked rapidly as she stared at the ring, and felt tears welling up in her eyes.

She slowly pulled the ring from its box. She examined it with a smile that slowly grew. She slipped it onto her left ring finger, noting that it fit perfectly.

“No time needed. I love you and Missy too. Artemis… was so shy before she met her. I never would’ve thought she’d hit a boy to defend someone being bullied,” Shade joked thinking back.

Marcus chuckled, nodding his head.

Marcus leaned over to kiss her. Shade kissed him back enthusiastically, the two of them smiling at each other. The two of them heard giggles around the corner followed by a shushing.

The two of them shook their heads, and Marcus called out, “Ladies. What are two doing up at this hour?”

The two of them waited for a moment before they heard two sets of feet rushing to them. The girls ran to them, jumping into their laps, excitedly talking, and asking questions at rapid fire.

The two of them laughed at their excitement and waited for them to settle to answer questions.

Missy was sitting in Shade’s lap, while Artemis was in Marcus’.

“Well. The two of you are bright and intelligent. I guess we should talk this out with you two,” Shade said looking at the girls. “Are the both of you okay with us getting married?”

The two of them looked at each other and smiled, nodding happily.

“Does that mean we will be sisters?” Artemis asked somewhat shyly.

“Yes. It does. Are you okay with me being your dad?” He asked her directly.

“… kinda thought you were already,” Artemis said quietly, looking down.

Marcus nodded his head, and Shade could see some tears forming in his eyes, as he hugged her.

“Yeah. I am sweet girl,” He told her.

“Missy. What about you? Are you… are you okay with me being your mom?” Shade asked her hesitantly.

Missy was quiet for a moment, before answering, “Yeah. There’s lots of room for you and Artie in my heart.”

Shade thought back to one of their first conversations and realized what she was referring to.

“Yeah? That’s good to know. Do you remember what else I said that day?” She asked her.

“That you don’t want to replace my mom. Though… like Artie… I kinda thought of you as my mom already,” Missy admitted.

Shade smiled at her sweetly, hugging her.

“So. We are all okay with making this family legit in the eyes of the law? Say aye,” Shade said jokingly.

There were three ‘ayes’ in response followed by several giggles.

The four of them spent some time talking further, before heading to bed.

Marcus and Shade spoke more about details, like, wanting to make the engagement long while they found a home that was big enough for all four of them. The two of them didn’t want to rush anything and wanted to make sure they got everything ready. The wedding wasn’t going to be large grand affair; something small for them and their friends and family.

They didn’t have anything set in stone yet, but they knew one thing for sure. They had each other, and their girls were happy.

[shoutosteakettle]

word count: 1587

key: ♢,☾

warnings: tw:cheating, excessive use of the word ‘fuck’

a/n: humph, i love you so much lois! like the amount of love that i have for you can’t be put in to words. thank you so fucking much for being the first person to reach out to me here on tumblr

a/n ii: my attempt at heartbreaking angst with my bby Shouto. i feel like loyalty would mean everything to shouto in a relationship. like, it doesn’t matter how much he loves you, you cheat on him and you’re done.

for my 200 event @lungkot​ asked for 18 + 19 in angst, and broke my heart.

It wasn’t the feeling of the warm sun on your face that stirred you from your sleep or the earth-shatteringly loud snoring in your ears. No, it was the warm weight of someone else in bed with you, something you hadn’t felt in weeks because your boyfriend’s hero job kept him from home most nights, but the large arm around your waist suggested something different. You laid in the bed, basking the bliss of the moment, enjoying the overwhelming smell of cinnamon and smoke.

“Goodmorning Princess,” the greeting drew you from your thoughts, the nickname was familiar, one of Shouto’s go to’s, but the voice...the voice was not one you heard every day. It took you a minute to recognize it, but when you did, you swore you felt your heart drop out of your ass. “Katsu?”

“Yeah,” Katsuki groaned, his voice husky with sleep. With that confirmation, you removed his arm from your body, then yourself from his bed, nothing but Katuski’s thin bedsheet you held shielding your naked physique from his prying eyes.

“What the hell, Katsu! What am I doing here?!”

“Oi, stop with all the fucking yelling, it’s too early in the morning for you to make my ears bleed,” he mocked.

“Why am I here, in your bed,” you hissed at the blonde, “and why am I naked?”

“Cut it with the fuckin’ innocent act. You’re the one who showed up at my doorstep last night, drunk off your ass and talking about how lonely you were,” with every word that left his mouth, the memories came pouring into your brain, playing back like a cheesy Netflix movie.

“Shit. How could you let this happen again, Katsu, you know I’m with Shouto,” you shouted, bending over to pick up your discarded clothing from his bedroom floor.

“Again with the fucking yelling, and I didn’t know that you were still with the icy-hot bastard,” his words were harsh, the emotion behind them was anything but. How could he do this, Katsuki Bakugou was many things, but cheater was not one of them, “Just put on your fucking clothes and leave,” he reached over on his side of the bed to grab the orange sweater left behind on the floor from the less than holy events of the previous night, throwing it at you ‘helping’ you in your hunt for your missing clothes.

“What the hell do you think I’m doing,” you spat, more than irritated with this whole situation you put yourself in. “Uhg, where are my underwear.”

“You don’t get to be fucking angry with me, this is your fault. And now you’ve dragged me into whatever drama you have going on with your boyfriend, the same one you told me you broke up with lat night,” you looked up from your search for your missing panties and into his vermillion gaze, how was this your fault?

“Well, I wasn’t the one who thought it was okay to take advantage of a drunk woman, so get off your fucking high horse. Where are my fucking underwear,” this was the last thing that you needed right now, you already felt like shit, there really was no need to rub it in your face.

“Fuck it,” you said, abandoning your search for the missing panties pulling your retrieved jeans over your bare legs, the feeling of the scratchy denim shaking any remaining bits of sleep from your system. “Don’t say anything about this to anyone.”

“Didn’t plan on it. Your keys are on the coffee table, don’t let the door hit you on the way out,” Katsuki called out, watching you pull your shirt over your head as you made your way out of his bedroom.

“Fucking shitty woman,” he grunted to himself, laying back down on his bed, fully intent on going to sleep. He laid his head down on the fluffy cotton, placing his hand on the other side of the pillow, feeling his fingertips brush against the soft fabric of your panties.

-

“Hey, Babe,” Shouto called out when he heard you open the door to your shared apartment. You took off your shoes and walked over to the living room to see him watching T.V., feet propped up on the coffee table, a bowl of popcorn occupying his lap.

“I know I’ve been a bit distant. Lately, work has really been kicking my ass - not to make excuses, because there shouldn’t be any, but I took a couple of vacation days and was hoping that I could start to make up for it,” he smiled, motioning toward the television which had your favorite movie on stand-by.

The guilt building in your stomach increased tenfold, spilling onto your tongue, and it tasted bitter. You sent Shouto a small smile before making your way to your bedroom, “Let me just hop in the shower real quick.”

“Where were you this morning,” his question had you stopping dead in your tracks and a cold sweat breaking out right above your spine.

“I spent the night at Momo’s,” you lied, “I was feeling a little lonely because you hadn’t come home yet, so I called her, and she said to come over.” 

“Okay then...well, um, hurry up in the shower, so the popcorn doesn’t get cold,” Shouto cheered, watching skeptically as your body relaxed at his less interrogative words.

-

“So Shouto, what’s for dinner tonight…” your voice trailed off when you saw what he was holding in his hand. 

“Hey Y/n,” Shouto began to read from the note in his hand not occupied by your missing panties, “I meant to send these to you last month, but you’re getting them now, deal with it - Katsuki Bakugou.”

Shouto looked up from the evidence in his hands, his glossy eyes meeting yours overflowing with what oy could only describe as true, genuine sadness, “I only asked once before because I trust you. But one last time, where you the night I came home late, and you weren’t here?”

His voice was calm - too calm, almost eerily so. This is how he was during arguments, he never got loud and angry - emotional yes, but never angry - on the outside at least.

“Look, Shouto. This isn’t what it looks like -”

“Don’t lie to me, because I already know what the answer is; my girlfriend is a cheater, you spent the night with him, right? Bakugou. 

God, I’ve been sleeping in the same bed as you, eating at the same table as you, fuck, having sex with you, I feel fucking disgusting,” he groaned and you watched as he physically shuddered, “I just want to know why did you do this and never mind the fact that you lied to me about it for a month. Was I not good enough for you, or are you just a that much of a whore?”

Loyalty meant everything to Shouto, and you knew that. You also knew there was no excuse for what you did to him and that he was right; it didn’t make this situation any easier. “I was lonely Shouto, all of this happened before you started trying to make an effort to start spending time with me again. Katsu was there for me when you weren’t,” Shouto visibly cringed at your use of a nickname for Bakugou.

“Is that why you did this - so you could get in a quick fuck because I was too busy protecting the people of Japan? Dammit Y/n. Everything was just starting to get better, and then you go and pull this shit. Fucking unbelievable.” he mumbled that last part to himself, bringing his sleeve up to wipe away the tear that had fallen during his rant, before getting up and walking over to the microwave in the kitchen. You heard him punch in some numbers on the keypad and then a low hum. He turned around and looked you in your eyes, his heavy with the feelings of being torn apart from the inside out.

“I put 20 minutes on the timer. That is how long you have to pack up your stuff and get out of my apartment. I am going to take a walk, and I do not want to see you when I get back,” with that Shouto turned on his heel and left the apartment, ignoring your yells of protest and your pleas, and the small voice inside of him shouting to give you a second chance.

-

“Fuck off, shithead!”

“You’re starting to sound more and more like me every day,” Katsuki claimed, keeping his eyes focused on the mail he was shuffling through, “When are you getting your own place anyway, it’s fucking annoying having to see your face every day.”

“I have a meeting with a realtor later today, so I’ll be getting out of your hair sooner than later, but thank you for letting me stay,” you said to Katsuki, who was ignoring you like usual.

“This is for you,” he said, leaning over from his seat on the sofa to hand you a large orange envelope.

“Who is it from,” you asked, no ever sent you mail, for the same reason no one ever called, your best and only friend had broken up with you.

“Icy-Hot” Katsuki replied.

“Oh.” You watched from the corner your eye as Katsuki watched you open the envelope. You reached inside to find a simple pair of black laced panties and a simple note that read ‘you forgot these’.

hope you guys don’t hate me, if you do it’s completely understandable :(

[hayleysstark]

(PT 2 of 2). I also wanted to say that, unfortunately, my Netflix account is going to be cancelled soon, so I can't watch all of Merlin. Can you recommend any must-see episodes?

Ugh, for real? That sucks, Queenie, I’m sorry. (I mean, I get it, things like Netflix are luxuries, but luxuries are nice to have around, and it’s tough to lose one, and I’m sorry that you have to.) To tell the truth, I really,,,,, don’t know if separate episodes can really stand on their own? I mean, don’t get me wrong, a solid ninety percent of the episodes are great, and absolutely worth the watch, but they all feel ((at least to me. maybe I’m alone in this)) like just scattered pieces of a whole until you put them all together into the series. But I think I can rustle up a solid handful that’ll still give you a good feel for the show as a whole ((and help you decide whether you want to continue it when you can - this series really isn’t for everyone.))

1x13: Le Morte D’Arthur: The entirety of S1 is really Merlin at its absolute best--smooth, believable dialogue, excellent comedic timing, wonderful plot structure, characterizations that are just to die for--but let’s be honest, this one, the S1 finale, is the one that takes my breath away. Colin Morgan and Anthony Head are both superb in their respective roles as the titular character and the hotheaded, short-sighted King Uther, and this episode is where they both just shine. Bradley James (Arthur) doesn’t receive a whole lot of screentime in this one, unfortunately, but there’s no denying he’s the center of the episode, and the moments we do get to see him, he’s just as incredible as the other two. The scenery is gorgeous, the worldbuilding is fantastic, and the emotion, oh, the emotion. Colin Morgan delivers some of his absolute rawest lines in this one. He knows when to play up the rage, the grief, the terror, and--I don’t say this lightly, but it’s really nothing short of flawless. Also, I’m in love with the villain. Her name is Nimeuh. I’m going to marry her someday. I am in love with that woman. she’s beautiful.

2x01: The Curse of Cornelius Sigan: This one is nothing on Le Morte D’Arthur in terms of plot, dialogue, or emotion, but damn if it isn’t the funniest fucking episode in the entire series. It’s essentially just a fun romp. The villain is so Obviously Evil, and of course no one else in Camelot SEES that he’s evil except Merlin. And Merlin??????? a petty, jealous bitch?????? yes absolutely. oh my god this one is just hilarious you would not believe. 

2x08: The Sins of the Father: Finally, an episode where we get to see the true depth of Bradley James’ talent!! Really, his performance sells the entire episode in and of itself, but this one’s got plenty more to recommend it as well. Anthony Head returns as brilliant as ever, of course, and we get introduced to yet another incredible villain. Nowhere near as fleshed-out as Nimeuh, but this lady’s definitely got spunk, and she’s just fun to watch overall. Merlin’s warring loyalties are put into conflict yet again, Arthur gives his asshole father the call-out of the century, honestly, what more could you want? And we get to see a much softer side of Arthur as well, one that almost never reappears again - which is a real shame, by the way, considering how well Bradley James does strong emotions.

2x09: The Lady of the Lake: okay this one. this one does. it doesn’t. it doesn’t need to be on the list. it really doesn’t. but Merlin gets a ladylove and it’s absolutely BEAUTIFUL and everyone can shut their mouths. the girl he falls for?? 10/10. would die for her. she is beautiful and sweet and amazing and she dOES NOT DESERVE ALL THE PAIN SHE HAS SUFFERED I LOVE HER. I WOULD TAKE A BULLET FOR HER. 

2x13: The Last Dragonlord: ahhh here we go!! This one’s the one. This one’s where it’s at. This episode has absolutely everything I initially started watching Merlin for - knights, dragons, sword fights, branches of magic no other fantasy series has yet explored, and to top it all off, Colin Morgan AGAIN goes above and beyond in his performance. I am convinced there’s nothing this man can’t do anymore. i would fight and die for the last dragonlord. both the episode and the dragonlord himself. 

3x04: Gwaine: if you take nothing else away from this series, then for fuck’s sake, remember that Gwaine is, objectively speaking, beautiful. honestly. what a bastard. what a gorgeous, gorgeous bastard.

4x01 (and 4x02): The Darkest Hour: honestly incredible. i weep. the knights are such bros and look, Arthur has feelings, and hE’S GOT A SMARMY-ASS UNCLE NNNN I HATE WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK I HATE HIM HIS NAME IS LORD FUCKING AGRAVAINE AND I WILL HATE HIM UNTIL MY DYING DAY and Merlin gets whumped!! excellent, perfect, 10/10. three cheers for Merlin whump.

4x03: The Wicked Day: ohhhh gosh just a whole bundle of emotions here. Merlin is trying his best. Arthur deserves better. Gaius watches with a raise of his infamous eyebrow. Everything goes to hell. Merlin still tries his best. that’s it. that’s the whole show.

4x04: Aithusa: I SWEAR IM NOT GOING TO RECOMMEND EVERY SINGLE EPISODE OF S4 ((well maybe I am but that is because S4 is amazing and i am a GARBAGE HEAP.)) THERE ARE JUST. A LOT OF GOOD ONES. RIGHT AT THE BEGINNING. ghjhyghgb okay this one is just??? really good in general?? More dragons!! More knights being bros!!! And some serious character development on Merlin’s part like holy hell I don’t remember him having em that big in S3. this dude is getting what he wants and that is Just That.

4x06: Servant of Two Masters: okay let’s be real this one has a super intense start - in the first three minutes, Merlin is given a fatal wound, with a fucking MACE, no less - but honestly, at about the fifteen-minute mark, it just?? turns into comedy gold??? Merlin Emrys’ entire existence is a power move for forty straight minutes. he is Salty. he is Sassy. he is an absolute, stone-cold, unforgiving bitch. he takes no one’s shit. he will come for you and your family, and probably your hopes and dreams, too. he will stop at nothing. It’s somehow funnier when you stop and think about how genuinely sweet he usually is. this is just the most complete and comedic turnaround, and I love it.

4x12 (and 4x13): The Sword in the Stone: HERE’S where the myth and the series really start to collide. congratulations, only took 4 entire seasons. still kind of irritates me that the sword in the stone is Excalibur. what can you do. a lot of retellings condense. understandable but annoying as all hell. Arthur’s character arc comes to an admittedly unsatisfying end, but Tristan and Isolde make a cursory appearance, so that’s something I wasn’t expecting. Also, Merlin’s S4 character arc comes to an AMAZING head like wtf. we did not deserve that. Merlin Emrys is chaotic and vengeful. 

5x03: The Death Song of Uther Pendragon: listen,,,,,, listen,,,,,,, this one serves Literally No Purpose and Does Not Need to be on here. it doesn’t advance the plot. it doesn’t build toward anything whatsoever. it’s just really fucking hilarious. it’s Arthur and Merlin being bros. Uther is his usual bastard self. Gwen is beautiful and we do not deserve her. Sir Leon makes an appearance and is very confused. Sir Leon is extremely relatable.  

5x05: The Disir: Admittedly not my favorite, just??? not my favorite. But it really does take Merlin’s character in an absolutely stunning direction that still blows me away to this day, and it’s worth the watch just for that alone. Very dark episode though, very sad. Kind of has a “hopeless” vibe going tbh so. (May need to watch 1x08, The Beginning of the End, to get a bit of backstory for this one.)

5x08: The Hollow Queen: YOU WILL PRY THIS ONE FROM MY COLD DEAD FINGERS IT SERVES NO PURPOSE IT ADDS NOTHING TO THE PLOT BUT MERLIN GETS WHUMPED SO MUCH??? EMOTIONAL. PHYSICAL. IT’S ALL HERE. HE SUFFERS SO MUCH. IT’S GREAT. IT’S INCREDIBLE. maybe watch the two before it ((The Dark Tower and A Lesson in Vengeance)) before, though, because it’s kind of hard to understand unless you’ve got backstory lmao. 

5x10: The Kindness of Strangers: More Merlin whump on every side, but this one also gives us our first (and only) look into Merlin’s position in the magical community? We don’t get to see him interact with people like him a whole lot over the course of the series, and who he actually is, what he represents, to his kind as a whole, is often left very fuzzy. There’s just a lot of confusion surrounding it, and this episode goes a pretty long way toward clearing that up.

And of course the series finale should be on here, but ehh. not that great tbh. really dropped the ball if we’re being honest. SO. those are. all of them. not really going to give you a sense of the full scope of the series dfhffgfdfgb probably just going to confuse the hell out of you and give you a sudden, insatiable thirst for Merlin whump ((which I can sate w/ fic recs. do you want fic recs. I’ve got fic recs. so many authors love to torment this man.)

ANYWAY THOUGH. I hope this helped!!