#PLEASE stop giving Michael swords

[feraltwinkseb]

Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello attack the photographers with Samurai swords at a sponsor event September 10, 2004 - Monza, Italy Source: Clive Rose/Getty Images

[siriusblack-the-third]

Matching Misfortunes: Peter Pevensie

I binged read and watched the Narnia books and films, and idk what possessed me but I wrote. so. Let's go. Please check out the other parts for the other siblings!

.

Peter’s skin itches.

He heaves even breaths through his nose as he leans back to avoid the sloppy punch Easton throws at him, and stops himself from going for the throat for the third time in half as many seconds.

This is the fourth fight he has gotten himself dragged into since term began on Monday. It is Wednesday today, and Peter’s blood pounds in his ears, through his limbs and his flexing fingers as he holds back; doesn’t hit hard, doesn’t go for the liver or the heart or the head, does not give into the bloodlust that whispers siren songs of battle and blood-covered blades in his ears. He stops himself, clenching his fists and dodging the abysmal hits from the three boys that surround him, and refuses to lift a hand against these insolent children.

He is a King.

He is a boy stuck in a schoolyard brawl he did not start.

Peter’s skin itches.

He wants to claw it off— he imagines that this is what snakes must feel when their body gets much too big for their scales, and they have to go through the painful process of shedding their outer layer and come out stronger and larger. He suppresses a grim twist of his lips as he kicks out— harmlessly, wrestling against the lust that sings a song of death in his ears— at that idiot Michael’s knee to send him sprawling to the ground with a yelp, and thinks that what he went through was rather the opposite, really. He grew up, and then was forced into a body too unfamiliar, too awkward, too inexperienced. Too young.

He was a King.

He is a boy stuck in a body too unscarred to be a King’s.

Kenneth lunges forward to try and grab him around the waist. Peter easily steps out of the way, the part of him that is a seasoned warrior clawing to the forefront of his mind simply to scoff at the graceless flailing of limbs that these children call fighting. Lucy could do better.

Lucy did do better, twelve years ago. Or maybe it was five years ago.

The timelines blur together, in his mind; he can no longer tell whether he is in England or Narnia. He is wearing his school uniform and he is wearing his royal garments, he is walking the halls of Westbrook County Boarding School and he is walking the halls of Cair Paravel. He holds the blunted school practice broadsword in his hand and he holds the razor-sharp Rhindon in his calloused hands, he is a boy and he is a King.

“Fight back,” Easton snarls, dark brown hair falling out of its previously carefully styled place, and Peter thinks of how he has seen scarier Mice dig their teeth into the throats of Minotaurs and suck them dry of blood. He blinks, and the image of him sinking his own teeth into Easton’s throat flashes across his mind’s eye. He blinks again, and he’s back on this makeshift battleground where the mice are gone and his sword is gone and he is in clothes too uncomfortable and the skin is stretched taut over a body that is not really his—

“Fight back, Pevensie, you coward!”

High King Peter the Magnificent of Narnia, Commander of the Armies, Emperor of the Lone Islands, the Lionheart Warrior King, Protector of the People, wants to grab him by the throat and shatter his jaw into a thousand pieces for that grave insult upon his character. Instead, he laughs in his face and sticks out his tongue, like a small child.

He is nineteen, and he is thirty-three. He is not a child, in either world.

Sometimes, he wishes he was. Sometimes, he wishes he was thirteen and in his mother’s home, he wishes he had never left for Professor Diggory’s mansion.

Most times, however, he wishes for something he has almost given up hope for, something he was forced to give up five and a half years ago. He wishes, oh so dearly, for a faithful sword made of mithril in his hand and a heavy crown woven out of golden flowers on his head. He wishes for one last chance to step out of this world that was once his but no longer is, and into a world where he was once High King Peter the Magnificent, Commander of the Armies, Emperor of the Lone Islands, the Lionheart Warrior King, First of the Beloved Four, Protector of the Narnian People.

Easton yells as he lumbers forward, and Peter, too embroiled in old memories of running his fingers through the unicorn Ethrys’ snow-white mane while galloping through grassy fields, does not see the punch coming until it is too late. The loud smack of knuckles against flesh echoes through the school courtyard, and the impact of the heavy fist on his cheek is like an electric shock to his senses.

For a second, he blinks dazedly. And then his brain registers it properly. The pain flares, and with it so does blinding hot bloodlust.

‘Fine,’ he thinks as he lifts a hand to wrap his fingers around Easton’s forearm in a death grip, a high-pitched whistle echoing in his ears and red creeping into the edges of his vision as it zeroes in on the many weaknesses in the three boys’ defenses. ‘You want a fight? You’ll get one.’

It takes him four seconds to get the three imbeciles on their backs, one howling in pain from a dislocated shoulder, the other because of a broken nose and the third from a bruised kidney. His fingers flex around the hilt of a sword that he no longer owns, and he reminds himself that he is not allowed to kill, not in this world where he is not a King and does not lead wars.

He stares down at Easton, the image of a blood covered sword and a slain warrior at his feet flashing behind his eyelids when he blinks. He opens his eyes and the boy stares back, hand clutching his shoulder and face becoming paler and paler the longer Peter holds his terrified brown gaze.

“Don’t bother me again,” he says flatly to the three of them, and turns away, ignoring the teachers that are hurrying across the lawn with yells of his name tumbling from their lips. He lifts his gaze and locks it with Edmund’s for a second, brilliant blue meeting identical brilliant blue, before both of them turn away. One royal brother melts into the crowd of students without a whisper, and the other stalks off towards the dorms with blood on his ever-bruised knuckles and memories of a different world singing through the veins of a body that is too young for the mind it contains.

He is a King, celebrated and honoured for his services to a hallowed land.

He is a mere boy sitting on the roof of the boarding school, fingers flexing around the hilt of a sword that no longer belongs to him, nothing more than a memory he cannot let go of: a memory he refuses to let go of even after five and a half years.

[starhoppin]

pick a picture; what to expect for the month of october

pile 1 -> pile 2 -> pile 3

disclaimer; this is a general reading! these messages may not fit everyone. please take what resonates and leave the rest.

「 pile one」

five of wands rv (cb: the word lord rv, the wise woman of wonderland rv) knight of swords (cb: the arrow master rv, the hungry ghosts), six of swords (cb: the sacred union)

you may be purposefully avoiding conflict this month. you may find out that people are gossiping or talking badly about you behind your back. you're being asked to not engage with them. they are projecting onto you - and that is not your problem. it's their own fears and negativity speaking. there may be one person (feminine) in particular that is causing drama. do not be afraid to walk away from someone because you're worried you will not find another. staying with such a person will not benefit you in the long run. for some of you, this particular situation may be regarding a friendship of some sort. you may be grappling with a lack mindset this month. this negative mindset may be affecting your self-esteem and your relationship with potential romantic partners. this may sound redundant, but settling is not the answer. you may be giving too much of yourself to people who do not deserve it and you are not allowing yourself to receive. relationships should not be one-sided, you deserve to receive love as well. you may be experiencing self-deprecating thoughts. shift your perspective of yourself and address those limiting beliefs. be willing to stop this cycle and things will change for the better. i'm seeing that once you end this cycle, there is true love in your future - if you're brave enough to take the leap. also, i saw 12:34 on the clock while i was reading - if that is confirmation for someone.

[songs that may resonate] get it your way - the band camino, sparks fly - taylor swift, in a perfect world - dean lewis & julia michaels

「 pile two」

temperance (cb: the altar princess, the cosmos), 5 of swords (the metal king, gaia's garden), the lovers rv (the lady of the mirror, the mapmaker of destiny)

you may be starting a project or have a new opportunity that will bring a lot of meaning to your life. this could be something creative. this will bring you a lot of happiness and stability, as long as you diligently work towards your goal. however, you must be mindful of people with negative intentions trying to take advantage of you and the success from this project. keep quiet about the details of this new venture, and make sure to set boundaries with others. you may be experiencing trouble within your love life this month. for someone specific: you may have found someone who you want to start a relationship with; however, they do not want commitment. Instead, they want the more... physical aspects of a relationship or wish for a casual fling. do not blame yourself if this turns out to be the case. their actions are a reflection of them, not you - do not let their low-vibrational intentions taint your self-esteem.

[songs that may resonate] dirty little secret - the all-american rejects, i choose you - sara bareilles, your love is my drug - kesha

「 pile three」

death (cb: the dragon's duel), three of pentacles (cb: the resting tree rv), five of wands (cb: the swan queen)

you may be facing a significant choice this month. i'm hearing "should i stay or should i go?" you're being asked to analyze your choices to determine which one will serve your highest intentions. this may be concerning the end of a cycle. you may have finally completed your healing journey and you're ready to move forward into a new period. however, this will take a conscious effort on your part to step into this new chapter of your life. you may also be experiencing a lot of stress this month. if you start to feel yourself getting overwhelmed with your commitments: stop, take a breath, and meditate if you can. do not try to do everything at once or you may make mistakes - things don't happen overnight. also, do not be afraid to ask others for help to lighten your load. you aren't meant to do everything yourself. be open to assistance from others.

[songs that may resonate] eyes - bazzi, till you're ready - navvy, i'm yours - jason mraz

tarot decks used in this reading: cirque du tarot & wisdom of the hidden realms oracle cards

[shallowseeker]

Zachariah I

Zachariah II

Zachariah III - YOU ARE HERE

////

This is a collection of many of the same snippets from the Cas death rambles over here. But I feel like some of these are important enough to pull out and talk about on their own.

Oh, oh, oh. Ouch.

///

Zach's whole attitude in this scene is just awful. It's very, "Well, so much for your "champion," I guess."

(((Fuck you, Zach.)))

And Dean? Dean's upset-upset.

Zach notices.

Like Chuck's exhilarated, nervous smile, Zach will mirror it with a pleased beat of surprise, visibly taken aback.

Again, Dean instinctually recoils. Keep your distance, he says to Zach. This echoes their very first meeting: The "GROSS." & "NO, THANK YOU."

DEAN: "Keep your distance, asshat."

Vibes: Stay the Hell away from me.

And it's here that Zach keys into it. This upset.

The whole scene is about Cas. It begins with Cas's blood, and it book-ends with Dean's blood.

But soon, Zach pivots to his same old obsession:

✨Recruiting Dean. ✨

"Synergy"... right.

Ew.

UGLY.

Again, Dean's hitting Zach where it hurts: right in the vanity.

"Ugly."

ZACH: <:(

(((Stop insulting me during my pitch, Dean. I'm not even hitting on you. I don't even want you. I swear it on your mother's grave. Forget I ever said you were looking fit.)))

Anyway, back to ✨The Pitch (TM) ✨

Ah, this pitch again.

With Zach, it's largely about power and domination, about Dean bending the knee and submitting in the way Zach thinks he should.

Boom.

Aside/// it's interesting to me that after Cas dies, Dean uses things he learned from Cas to fight. This is a beat echoed in early s13, when he uses a triple-bladed angel knife in 13x02 in the same manner Cas does.

(Yes, Dean's always been good with throwing knives, even since s1, but in 13x02, he uses a beat-for-beat Cas throw of a highly specialized knife. It's very fitting to assume he learned it from Cas in some way or another.)

Oh, this.

Cas.

This is what's been eating Dean during this whole scene and will constitute a moroseness that continues throughout the entire episode.

///

And later, Zach's disrespect... will only deepen.

Dean is not getting much respect in 5x01 at all. Not from Zach, not from Meg, not from Becky.

///

Ah, Becky... after being so excited to meet Sam, who more than lives up to her fantasies, she looks to Dean and...

:(((((( * cringe* *wince* *disappointed* *you're a real boner killer for me personally wow ugh #hashtag NotMyDean*

This is interesting to me, because this spectacle of Becky, with her fetishistic incest interests... actually pairs really well with Zachariah.

Not in terms of her interests per se. (I mean, she's fine, so long, and she's not using her interests to denigrate real people. But here, she's toeing the line with Dean and stepping over it with Sam.)

But it's more than her disdain. She cringes at the sight of Dean, and she comes off as rude like Dean's yet again failing to live up to impossible expectations.

It's giving real "I guess I'm not the main either of our fathers wanted us to me" vibes.

It's interesting, then, that Becky should be the one to deliver news of Dean's souped-up relevance to The Plot(TM), about the Michael sword plotline.

Becky just barely holds back her voyeurism in the moment:

And she does indulge too much with Sam, ignoring his pleas for dignity and respect:

Actually, looking at this in totality, she pairs pretty well with Zach, actually.

[notesbutnotfromunderground]

If Aziraphale does lose his memory ...

“I used to be like you are now, so innocent and pure, angel.” Crowley choked. This was the last thing he wanted, for Aziraphale to see him like this. Then he gently closed his eyes as Aziraphale held the burning sword above his head.

Crowley realized a while back that Aziraphale had lost all of the memories they made together the moment he stepped foot back in heaven. There was no going back from this. And Aziraphale will never forgive himself if he remembers. So he did the next right thing to do—stopping time.

“Promise me one thing,” he looked at straight into the Metatron’s floating head. “Aziraphale never remembers me when all of this is done.” He didn’t give the Metatron a chance to talk back and restarted time. After all, if Aziraphale remembers everything, who knows what he will do to Heaven. And that is something the Metatron wouldn’t want happening.

Crowley’s eyes drifted back into that moment in the bookshop. He slowly closed his eyes, carefully remembering every detail of Aziraphale’s being, no longer able to hold his tears. Aziraphale’s Archangel eyes bore deep into his soul. Almost. We had it almost. Angel.”

Aziraphale tightened his grip on the burning sword, watching the tears fall from the Demon’s yellow eyes. This Demon they talked about, he wondered why he was strongly bent on stopping the Second Coming. Why were the humans so important to him? But Heaven is never wrong and the Demons are meant to lose. The humans have had their run according to the ineffable plan.

Aziraphale held the sword higher in a stance, ready to banish the Demon Crowley for time and eternity when he heard that familiar voice on the back of his mind. “Almost. We had it almost.”

The Metatron stopped floating and went to stand beside Aziraphale, “Well, go on Aziraphale. Heaven’s victory is ours. And we can begin eternity.”

Michael and Saraquel were about to say something but the Metatron looked at them. Even Michael was questioning her intentions. This was all wrong she figured it out. She opened her mouth and was about to say something but she wasn't able to.

Crowley opened his eyes just to take a look at Aziraphale for the last time. When he did, for the first time in more than 6,000 years, he could see clearly. The veil has finally been lifted from his eyes.

Time stopped again. But not for Aziraphale and Crowley. And neither of the two noticed it.

Aziraphale’s memory came rushing back to him. “Almost. We had it almost.” Aziraphale began to sob.

Aziraphale finally remembered everything. From when he heard the first Archangel’s call out in the space to when he first saw him again as the Demon Crawley up until the time when Crowley’s kiss was all brand new. His angel heart shattered into a million pieces when he realized he wasn’t able to keep the promise he made when he left the bookshop. To protect Crowley. To correct heaven that they can finally be at ease together and just be an us. He can still see and hear Crowley's heartbreak.

The flaming sword fell halfway to the ground. A palm to his mouth. “Almost,” continued Aziraphale as tears began to flow from his eyes.

Every memory repeated back in his mind.

“Oh, Crowley. Please forgive me,” Aziraphale whispered, almost lost in the air.

No more, he thought. Faster than fast, he knelt down beside him and grabbed Crowley’s right hand in his left, pulled his collar and pulled him closer to him. Their lips met.

Aziraphale closed his eyes, and for the very first time of his entire existence, he let himself go. He kissed Crowley the way he wanted to kiss him back at the bookshop.

Crowley felt Aziraphale’s hand in his hair, gently pulling. He let go of Aziraphale’s hand and reached out to cup his face with his hands. Something he didn’t have the courage to do at the bookshop. Their tears continue to fall as Aziraphale pulled them even closer together.

Both desperate and yearning.

Hurting and healing at the same time.

The kiss went on until they were both grasping for breath. When they finally pulled away, Crowley was the first to speak before Aziraphale shamely gazed away.

“I forgive you.”

Aziraphale was about to say something when Crowley gently shook his head.

Crowley silently took Aziraphale’s hands and held on to them for dear life as they pressed their foreheads against each other.

“Well there they are again,” God thought to herself. A cheeky grin on her face as the nightingale on her shoulder started to sing. She could watch this forever but they all had work to do and an ineffable game to finish.

[Fast forward to something like this:]

Artwork by: cliopadraart

[twoidiotwriters1]

The Curse of Oenone (Leo Valdez xFem!Oc)

A/N: I think it's so funny this chapter comes out on Mother's day (México) -Danny Words: 2,407 Series' Masterlist Previous Chapter // Next Chapter Listen to: 'Call Your Mom' -by Noah Kahan ft. Lizzy McAlpine

LI: I’m Currently Having the Worst Time of My Life, Thanks for Asking!

One thing about demigods is they will expose their trauma to the room. And if Ara's dad was her monster under the bed, Jason's mother was his Roman Empire (pun intended). All he ever did was based on the one lie she'd told him when he was a toddler.

"So pleased to meet you, son of Jupiter," Antinous smiles. "Listen to your mother. You have many grievances against the gods. Why not join us? I gather these serving girls are your friends? We will spare them. You wish to have your mother remain in the world? We can do that. You wish to be a king—"

"No. No, I don't belong with you." Jason replies in a dazzled state.

"Are you so sure, my fellow praetor?" The son of Janus asks. "Even if you defeat the giants and Gaia, would you return home like Odysseus did? Where is your home now? With the Greeks? With the Romans? No one will accept you. And, if you get back, who's to say you won't find ruins like this?"

"That's a lie," Ara steps in.

Jason raises a hand to stop her and replies to the other boy. "You were a legion officer—A leader of Rome."

"So were you. Loyalties change."

"You think I belong with this crowd? A bunch of dead losers waiting for a free handout from Gaia, whining that the world owes them something?"

The crowd closes around him. Piper uses charmspeak. "Beware! Every man in this palace is your enemy. Each one will stab you in the back at the first chance!"

"Dearest, be sensible," Jason's mother insists. "Give up your quest. Your Argo II could never make the trip to Athens. Even if it did, there's the matter of the Athena Parthenos."

"What do you mean?"

"Don't feign ignorance, my dearest. Gaia knows about your friend Reyna and Nico the son of Hades and the satyr Hedge. To kill them, the Earth Mother has sent her most dangerous son—the hunter who never rests. But you don't have to die."

Jason looks at the girls, then back at his mother. "What do you want? What brought you here?"

"I want life! Youth! Beauty!" The woman leans in looking crazy. "Your father could have made me immortal. He could have taken me to Olympus, but he abandoned me. You can set things right, Jason. You are my proud warrior!"

"You're a mania," his voice quivers. "A spirit of insanity. That's what you've been reduced to."

"I am all that remains. Embrace me, son. I am all you have left."

"No!" Jason steps back. "My loyalties haven't changed. My family has just expanded. I'm a child of Greece and Rome. I'm no child of yours." He makes the claw sign over his chest and his mother vanishes.

"Well, then," Antinous sighs. "I suppose we'll just kill you."

Ara tosses the platter she's holding at some ghouls, expands her shield, and draws out Almighty. Her friends join her and pull out their weapons. Watching Jason fight when angry, is one of Ara's favorite things. He throws amazing one-liners, like the one he uses when he pierces Antinous through the chest: "Enjoy the Fields of Punishment." 

Jason and Ara run through their opponents fast and mercilessly, with clear progress in their teamwork after eight months of knowing each other. The boy summons lightning while Ara keeps changing her weapon to different things, Annabeth jabs and beheads, and Piper tosses food at the spirits while shouting stuff using charmspeak.

Jason lowers his sword only a second and Michael Varus stabs him with rage before Piper kills him. Ara drops Almighty in shock. Piper tries to pull out the sword but Ara shouts at her in a commanding voice. "Don't! That'll make him bleed out faster!"

"But—"

"Gods..." Annabeth gets to them, pale and shaky. "Oh, gods."

"Thanks," Jason sinks to his knees. "I was afraid it might be bad."

"Piper, press around the wound—Annabeth, get help."

"You're going to be fine," Piper tells the boy. "Girls, ambrosia!"

Ara draws her Octopi from under her cloak and hands it to Piper. "Don't do anything yet, hang on—"

"Imperial gold," Annabeth stammers. "It's deadly to demigods. It's only a matter of time before—"

"The Argo!" Ara urges her. "Send them a message!"

"Iris messages won't work—"

"Leo is watching, you don't need those!"

"Morse code," Piper pulls out a tiny mirror from Ara's Octopi and hands it to Annabeth. "Here."

Ara grabs her sister's head and kisses the top of it. "Clever!"

Annabeth goes away and Ara tries to ignore how Jason's looking as she kneels before him. "How many times I've saved your ass, Jay-G?"

"Don't call me that," Jason grunts. "And the answer is too many."

"You have no survival instincts man, I keep telling you," Ara rips his shirt open and sees the tip of the sword protruding from his abdomen. Fear starts to seep through. "He's not coughing blood so no organs were touched... maybe. This will hurt, blondie." She looks at Piper. "Pull it out."

Piper pretends she'll count to three, and pulls it at one. Jason crumbles swearing like he's never done before.

"We gotta stop the bleeding," Ara stops him from squirming too much.

The girls rip parts of their dresses and press them against both sides of his wound. Ara sings her heart out, and now Piper knows the healing tune, so Ara hears her singing voice for the first time, which is much nicer than hers and therefore more effective.

"Keep singing!" Ara makes her old mixture of ambrosia and nectar, but there's no time to wait, so she pours it raw over the wounds. "Hang in there, Jason, don't fall asleep."

The boy barely reacts, which is not a good sign. Piper rolls him over and pours the rest at the other end of the wound. Ara tries to keep him awake and cradles his face. "You know, for a moment I feared my dad would show up but I guess he prefers to stay dead. At least your mother kind of loved you!" She jokes, but her voice falters.

Jason shakes his head. "It wasn't a part of her I could save. Don't count your blessings, Birdy, your dad might be waiting for you in Athens."

"And I'm sure you'd like to meet him so you can personally kick his ass, so keep your eyes open!" Ara searches through her Octopi bag, smearing blood on it, and pulls out bandages to keep the pieces of fabric in place. "Annabeth!" She calls anxiously.

Jason sits up groggily. "Maybe I could fly ..."

"Don't move!" Ara says sharply. "Gee, you get hit on the head multiple times and—"

"Shut up!" Jason scowls. "Gods, kind of wish I had died so you would drop the joke already..." It's the first time the boy snaps in such a way, so he must be in a lot of pain. Pain is good, it means his body is still responsive.

Ara laughs despite how frightened she is and Jason matches her grin. "Yeah, at least it wasn't a head injury this time, huh? I stayed conscious the entire fight..."

"You defeated, like, two hundred enemies," Piper kisses his temple, keeping pressure on his wound. "You were scary amazing."

"You guys helped."

"You're welcome," Ara nods solemnly. "If you're lucky this will make Leo stop switching your camp shirts with Hazel's."

"I knew it! I should anoint Nico as my new best friend..." Jason winces. "Oh gods—Reyna, Nico, and Coach Hedge, they're in danger. We need to warn them."

"We'll take care of it when we get back to the ship," Piper eases him. "Your job right now is to relax. Besides, those three are a tough group. They'll be fine."

"Fuck!" Ara exclaims. Jason's injury has dark smoke coming out of it. "The stupid lullaby isn't working!"

"Ara," Piper says in a careful tone. "You need to stay calm."

"I know, I know, I'm sorry," she holds Jason's hand, trying to absorb something, but nothing comes out. "Look at me, tough guy," she snaps her fingers, but Jason's dilated pupils hardly focus on her face and she swallows a cry. "Jason, please, don't do this to me..."

"Annabeth's coming back," Piper announces.

The girl walks up to them dragging her foot. Jason looks at her with half-lidded eyes, he's getting weaker. "Are you hurt?"

"It's fine. Just the old break from the Roman caverns. Sometimes when I'm stressed... That's not important. I signalled Leo. Frank's going to change form, fly up here and carry you back to the ship. I need to make a litter to keep you stable."

Annabeth and Ara work together, the younger girl passes the materials while Annabeth weaves. "How are you doing that?" Jason asks in awe.

"Learned it during my quest under Rome," Annabeth mumbles completely focused on the task. "I'd never had a reason to try weaving before, but it's handy for certain things, like getting away from spiders..."

Ara turns Almighty into a rectangular shield (the one Leo made is circular and wouldn't support Jason's body properly) and places it above the harness made with pieces of cloth and leather straps. Ara stands on it and pulls.

"Sturdy enough," she steps out.

"Wait," Jason stops them. "A bed—There was a special bed in this palace."

Ara frowns. "So what?"

"The marriage bed was sacred. If there was any place you could talk to Juno... Juno!"

Ara only cares about getting him out, but then in the distance, an olive tree spurts out into view. "Great, we definitely should waste our time talking..." She groans.

"My heroes," Juno greets them.

"Hera," Piper mutters.

"Juno."

"Whatever," Annabeth scowls. "What are you doing here, Your Bovine Majesty?"

"Annabeth Chase. As charming as ever."

"Yeah, well, I just got back from Tartarus, so my manners are a little rusty, especially towards goddesses who wiped my boyfriend's memory, made him disappear for months and then—"

"Honestly, child. Are we going to rehash this again?"

"Aren't you supposed to be suffering from split-personality disorder? I mean—more so than usual?"

"Whoa," Jason tries to sit up and fails. "Juno, we need your help. We—" he makes a guttural noise and falls back.

"First things first," Piper says firmly. "Jason is hurt. Heal him!"

"Some things even the gods cannot heal," the goddess raises a brow. "This wound touches your soul as well as your body. You must fight it, Jason Grace... you must survive."

"Yeah, thanks... I'm trying," he pants.

"That was super helpful," Ara remarks. "But if you could please just give us more intel..."

"I am grateful that you called upon me. I have spent weeks in a state of pain and confusion... my Greek and Roman natures warring against each other. Worse, I've been forced to hide from Jupiter, who searches for me in his misguided wrath, believing that I caused this war with Gaia."

"Gee, why would he think that?" Annabeth taunts her.

"Fortunately, this place is sacred to me," the goddess ignores her. "By clearing away those ghosts, you have purified it and given me a moment of clarity. I will be able to speak with you—if only briefly."

"Why is it sacred...? Oh. The marriage bed!" Piper exclaims.

"Marriage bed? I don't see any—"

"The bed of Penelope and Odysseus. One of its bedposts was a living olive tree, so it could never be moved."

"Who cares?" Ara exclaims impatiently. "Lady Juno, please!"

"Sail around the Peloponnese. As you suspect, that is the only possible route. On your way, seek out the goddess of victory in Olympia. She is out of control. Unless you can subdue her, the rift between Greek and Roman can never be healed."

"You mean Nike?" Annabeth frowns. "How is she out of control?"

"Explaining would take too long. I must flee before Jupiter finds me. Once I leave, I will not be able to help you again."

"What else should we know?" Jason asks hoarsely.

"As you heard, the giants have gathered in Athens. Few gods will be able to help you on your journey, but I am not the only Olympian who is out of favor with Jupiter. The twins have also incurred his wrath."

"Artemis and Apollo? Why?"

"If you reach the island of Delos, they might be prepared to help you. They are desperate enough to try anything to make amends. Go now. Perhaps we will meet again in Athens, if you succeed. If you do not..."

Juno vanishes and Jason faints.

Ara takes her friend straight to the sickbay and does her best to bring him back, she gets more blood on her clothes but in the end, the dark smoke diminishes. Jason is sleeping now, but he looks dead and ironically that makes her want to kill something.

Piper says she'll call the others for a meeting, but Ara suspects she just wants a moment alone to cry the stress out and pick herself up. Ara should've kept an eye on Michael Varus. 

Someone knocks on the door and when she turns she spots Leo staring at her with worry. "Is that..."

"It's his." Her eyes brim with tears and Leo approaches her quickly. Ara releases all of that pent-up anxiety, burying her face in his curls as he wraps his arms around her waist. "I couldn't absorb his pain, he's dying..."

Leo hushes her. "He's with us, he'll be okay."

She tries to keep him away when he tries to hug her tighter. "I'm covered in blood—"

"That's okay," the boy keeps her in place. "We can wash up later."

Her grip is weak. "Juno said something about Apollo, maybe we can—"

"Shut up," Leo stares at her as if searching for something. Ara waits in confusion. The boy strokes her cheek, outlining the dry blood on her skin. "What are you feeling?"

The girl blinks. "What?"

"Eros said you needed to reconnect with your emotions, right? So before you go back to being a General, talk about your feelings," he raises his brows. "So?"

Ara blushes at his sweet gesture. "I'm scared and remorseful, but I'll have to push through it, I can't change the past."

"You sure you don't wanna call your dad?" He tries to joke. "We can make a short stop at the next gas station and give him a call."

Ara pouts and sniffs. "Man, don't even... if I think about home I'll be sobbing like a baby for another hour."

Leo looks at her not knowing what to do to help her, then sighs. "My guy Jason... always gets the worst deal, huh?" He makes a face. "I'll have to fix the showerheads."

The girl senses his awkwardness and smiles softly, leaning into his touch. "Do you know how much I love you?"

He visibly relaxes and grins. "Can't hurt if you say it again, can it?"

"I love you," she kisses his forehead. "A lot."

"Love ya' too, doll... But you reek like a butcher, go get a shower."

Next Chapter –>

Taglist.

@siriuslysirius1107 @ask-giggles1303 @asnyox-the-hoarder @im-planning-something-look @bandshirts-andbooks @coolninjapaper @thewaterlily @whenisthefall @1randomcomic @you-bloody-shank @sunflowergraves @owlalex44 @taylordaughter @typicalsolangelolover @writingmia @espressopatronum454 @slytherinnqueen @orbitingpolaris @obxstiles @ellipsisspelled @thepixiechicksh @ebony-reine-vibes

[truearchangel]

The memories, dreams, are always chaotic, jittering and changing depending on where they start. This one began with such a normal moment, a random day in Heaven. Michael spotted Lucifer near the pond, watching his little ducks like he always did. Warmth spread in his chest and he moved behind his twin, throwing his arms around his neck and clinging to him. Happiness, joy, the love of seeing his brother. At the light that spread through his twin. He clung to him, nuzzled the back of his head and heard that bright airy laughter that he always had. He loved him so much, more than anything.

And then the vision was shattered, destroyed just like that when the nightmares takes hold. He felt Lucifer vanish from his hold and in his place was the spear, embedded in his twin’s back as he screamed in agony. His clothes were drenched, his own golden blood and Lucifer’s dampening his robes, painting them bright and messy. The spear trembled in his hold, Lucifer’s blood dripping down the length of it and into the clouds beneath him.

He could see him, the rage in his eyes as he picked his head up and trembled beneath Michael. “I hate you.”

No. No, no, no–he never said that. He never said that! He might feel it, it was undoubtedly more than likely true, it was understandable but he never said it. For all that Michael did, for all the hurt and pain that he caused him that day, he never said that he hated him. No matter how much it was deserved.

Yet, just hearing the words and the viciousness in which they were spoken, Michael could feel the tears that already rushed down his cheeks. His eyes clouded with them and made it difficult to see. His own body shook, his hands slowly releasing the spear as he stepped back, trying to just breathe through the anguish that washed through him.

He hates him.

He hates him, he hates him, he hates him–

And he should.

Lucifer should want him ĐɆ₳Đ for what he did.

It’s just the truth, it’s just what this is, it’s just what he deserves for ruining everything. For ripping his twin apart, from throwing him from Heaven, for hurting him the way that he did. It might not be what he said, ʙᴜᴛ ɪᴛ ꜱʜᴏᴜʟᴅ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ʙᴇᴇɴ.

He feels sick and as he opens his mouth to tell the vision he’s sorry–it shifts again. Ripped from the edge of the clouds he finds himself standing with his sword in his hand again, across from Lucifer once more, this same place near the Golden Palace where he begged his brother to stop. Where he lost control of his anger. His lips, capped and as dry as his throat, moved on their own. “Sam, please, you have to stop!”

“I can’t.”

The same answer, the same words, and Michael feels like he’s being tortured. Always the same thing, always the same path. History is unchangeable, fate is locked in place. Michael’s body moved as it did before, swinging his sword to block the hit and he stumbled back. He feels nauseous, he doesn’t want to fight him again, he doesn’t want to keep living this ØVɆⱤ ₳₦Đ ØVɆⱤ. When is it enough? When does his mind stop torturing him? When does he get to stop punishing himself for what happened that day?

When he’s dead?

When he let’s Lucifer ᴋɪʟʟ ʜɪᴍ in revenge?

When he gives up?

He just wants to stop hurting–and the sword slips from his hand as Lucifer’s own runs right through him. It sinks into his abdomen, pushes through the rest of his body, and his hands tremble as they move to grasp the sword deep inside his body. His throat gags, his own blood filling his mouth and he's choking on it as he raises his gaze up to his twin.

Ice cold eyes meet his own, the image of the Lucifer he knows now standing in front of him. The top hat, the snake wrapped around it, the red and white clothes. The devil, still his brother but not the same. The red and golden eyes blink at him and the King of Hell’s head cocks to the side. “You think death is a deep enough punishment for what you did? Betrayal is a grave crime, Mikey, you should be tortured like you did to me. Your halo destroyed, your wings broken and burned, left to rot and wander in a pit of your own creation.”

He leans in and Michael feels the sword twist in his gut. “You should beg and cry for mercy like I did.”

[humanoidtyphoons]

no i got things to say about gun x sword

-genuinely sad the opening did not commit to the bit of silhouettes revealed and remaining silhouettes if the characters had died. ray dying broke my heart but i think he should have remained a silhouette in the opening after his death, but at some point the anime stopped doing that and it’s a real shame bc i thought the way it initially did things was sooo fun

-didn’t expect to like ray so much but he’s a foil to van in a way that gradually became really pleasing. also him thwarting the claw’s plan, even temporarily, was super satisfying!!!

-the claw was such a good villain. trying to suss out why things don’t add up with him, what people say about him vs what he’s doing. meeting him in person, being underwhelmed, baffled, cautious and temporary insane about how things don’t make sense before coming to the conclusion that he’s actually insane so the dissonance is… intentional? he clicks in a way that’s really great to process tbh. like the good intentions he has just don’t work with his logic, he doesn’t seem to realise he killed people when he gives them hugs, and doesn’t really care if people die so long as his dream is fulfilled?

-it’s a little embarrassing to be in denial about his blatant madness, and i should have figured it out sooner, but ngl he flummoxed me for episodes bc people couldn’t hate him and apparently found him so charismatic that they joined his cause??? so i. convinced myself that there was going to be this super complicated reveal that would explain his bizarreness in a convoluted way, that would explain everything… and the simplicity of it being. he’s just insane, actually. so much more effective.

(-knives out glass onion with benoit blanc going “you’re not smart! you’re just stupid!!!” is the closest comparison i think i can get but it’s just… wasn’t satisfying for that movie, (i did like the movie, tho, with nitpicks) whereas gxs… me coming to the realisation about claw… sometimes as the audience, you doing the legwork is what makes the figuring out and making it make sense satisfying??)

-i really like that van wastes no time killing claw in the final episode. bc we’d seen something similar with ray, who also wanted revenge for the death of his wife at claw’s hands. claw talking and being dismissive. we’d seen in the previous episode, van and the claw talking, in which the claw repeatedly calling van an idiot. it was clear that they were never going to get through to each other. so van quickly cuts him in two, and honestly? so fulfilling. so satisfying.

-found myself shipping van/pricilla and joshua/wendy. ofc they didn’t end up together, but i’m super relieved van/wendy didn’t happen either and they remained platonic til the end.

-ngl van kinda inexplicably hating joshua soooo much made me laugh so much! it’s so mean and i love both characters but it’s hilarious

-i kinda do like wendy vs her brother michael and her telling him off bc she explored the planet with van and gained new experiences

-docked a point for the fan service tho

-i’m not… particularly happy about michael once he sleeps with his teammate tbh? idk how i would have written it but… uh… not like that tbh?

-honestly the story is nothing new but the characters are so fun and likeable and that matters more tbh! ngl my attention span wandered at times but when it was good, it was very very good

-but also i liked that van wasn’t solely motivated by revenge. not like ray. ray lived for nothing else but revenge, but van… as cranky as he was, still had connections to the living.

[callsignspark]

soft-tober | 11 | Billy Avalone

soft-tober is about experiencing the joys of October with loved ones. each day is a fall-related one-shot for one of the couples from my Dagger, Sword & Shield universe, plus a few extras! today is Billy and Aaron with “I don’t like scary movies.” “I’ll keep you safe.” from this prompt list.

If you’d like to be tagged for soft-tober, please send an ask!

word count: 1.6k

soft-tober masterlist | main masterlist | divider credit here

warnings: implied homophobia but nothing is actually said, this takes place in a vague time during the late-2000s before DADT was repealed bc I haven’t nailed down their exact timeline yet, some miscommunication but it gets resolved

callsignspark disclaimer: my blog is an 18+ space; minors do not interact - you will be blocked. I do not consent to my work being copied, run through an AI generator, translated, or posted elsewhere. I do have an AO3, where I eventually will be cross-posting my works.

11. “I don’t like scary movies.” “I’ll keep you safe.”

“Oh, for the love of god!” Aaron slams his hands on the table, wincing even as he does it for fear of the librarian kicking them out. Again. “You have got to stop.”

“Stop what?” Billy feels dumb asking, but he’s actually not sure what’s annoying his best friend.

“The fidgeting, Billy! Tapping the pen and bouncing your knee, you’re shaking the entire table!”

“M’sorry.” His voice is tiny, scolding himself for not being able to do anything right lately.

“I know,” Aaron sighs, scrubbing his hands down his face. “I just really need to finish this paper, so I need quiet right now.”

“I’ll go.”

“You don’t- I don’t want you to go, Billy. I just need quiet for the next hour.”

Billy sucks his lip into his mouth, he’s been jittery all week, and today has been worse than any other day, unable to sit still. Things have been tense between them since last weekend, and he doesn’t want to make Aaron even more mad.

“I don’t think I can.” He quietly admits, ears burning.

His best friend glances up from the textbook he’s furiously flipping through, taking in the bashful expression of the man across from him. Aaron opens his mouth, but Billy’s stomach growls, interrupting him.

“Have you eaten dinner? Why don’t you go grab some food?” Aaron suggests when Billy shakes his head. “Leave your stuff here, and by the time you come back, I should almost be done.”

“Do you want me to grab you something?”

His heart skips a beat when Aaron gives him a small smile. “Nah, that’s alright; thanks, B.”

Billy returns the smile, tidying his side of the table and pushing his chair in before heading to the student center. Should have grabbed a sweatshirt, he thinks as he steps out into the chilly Thursday evening. The setting sun stealing the warmth out of the air, making him shiver.

During his walk to the student center, he contemplates the same thing he has been doing all week, trying to brainstorm how to fix things with Aaron. He hates how stiff things got after he apologized.

The two of them had been hiding outside the house, drinks in hand, as they took a breather from the lacrosse team’s annual Halloween bash. Neither of them had put a lot of effort into their costumes. Billy just wrapped some white tape around a pair of broken sunglasses to be a nerd, and Aaron was Michael Phelps, plastic gold medals around his neck to complete the look.

He looks so hot.

That thought had been the start of Billy’s downfall. After that, all he could do was stare and admire his best friend’s body - his male best friend - as his brain got fuzzier from the alcohol. Then Aaron caught him staring. Normally, he would make a joke, and they’d laugh, move on. But that night, he had just stared back, taking a sip from his red solo cup as brown eyes roamed his body.

A splash of beer dripped down his bare chest as he lowered the cup, soaking into the waistband of his swim trunks. Billy watched the liquid trail down his roommate's solid chest and strong abs of his roommate, only stopping once it was absorbed. When their eyes met again, Billy made the first move.

Lukewarm beer splashed their legs as they collided, and Aaron pushed Billy against the rough siding of the men’s lacrosse house, using his two-inch height advantage. Then they were kissing, tongues intertwining, and hands roaming, unable to get enough.

I’m kissing Aaron. I’m kissing my best friend. God, he’s so warm.

It had been a great kiss, the best kiss of Billy’s life until it got interrupted by his teammate.

“Fritz! Yo! Where are you, dude?” Tansey yells, causing Aaron to pull back enough to breathe. “We need you for pong, man!”

“You should g-”

“We shouldn’t have done that! I’m sorry!”

Aaron freezes, his face shuttering closed like it does whenever his feelings are hurt. A face Billy has never been the cause of in their nine years of friendship.

“What.”

It’s not even a question. There’s no emotion behind it.

“No, not like that!” Billy tries to explain, but his tongue is tied, the alcohol making it hard to think.

“You should go; sounds like they need you.”

Aaron had walked away, rounding the corner and leaving Billy panting against the house, their cups littered by his feet. That’s where Tansey had found him and forced him into a beer pong tournament. He had woken up the next day on the couch, Aaron sitting in the armchair across from him.

He had been kind enough to wait for Billy to finish throwing up before yelling at him. Reminding his best friend how hard it is to be gay and that Billy was the one to make the first move so he doesn’t get to make him feel bad for kissing back.

“I wasn’t trying to make you feel bad.”

“And the best way to do that was by telling me we shouldn’t have done that?”

“I didn’t mean it like that!”

“Then how did you mean it?” Aaron is across their living room, and Fritz wishes he was closer; all the thinking is making his headache worse. “Billy, I need to know what you meant. I need to know if I need to move out.”

“What? You can’t move out!”

“If this isn’t a safe space for me, yes, I do.”

“You’re safe with me! You know that!”

“Am I?”

“Of course! Oh my god, Aaron.” Billy stands up, walking to his best friend. “You’re always safe with me; I’ll keep you safe.”

The twenty-one-year-olds stare at each other, emotions swirling around them. They have been friends since middle school and have dealt with bullies and Aaron’s family ridiculing him for his suspected sexuality. Billy has stood strong next to him the entire time. It had never mattered to Billy who Aaron had a crush on, just that he was happy.

Aaron blinks, his green eyes watery. “Billy, I need to know what you meant.”

He’s been trying to figure out how to answer this question for the last twelve hours; he knew this moment was coming.

“I meant that we shouldn’t have been drunk.”

“You wanted to kiss me?”

“I moved first.”

Aaron absorbs that information, nodding in realization that Billy had been the one to initiate the kiss. “What does that mean for us?”

And this is the moment he hoped wasn’t coming.

“You’re my best friend-”

“If you don’t want anything, just say so.” Aaron harshly cuts him off.

“That was the first time I’ve ever even thought about kissing a guy, Aaron! I don’t know what I want! All I know is I don’t want to lose you. You’re my best friend, and we’re about to graduate. We’re not going to see each other for months, and who knows how much we’ll be able to talk.”

“Yeah, I’m sure they don’t have cell service in Rhode Island.”

“Aaron, c’mon, you know that’s not what I meant. I’ll be going through officer school, then flight school, and you’re gonna be in California, in law school. Those are things that don’t leave a lot of free time. I’m sorry, I don’t know what I want right now. But I couldn’t take it if we weren’t friends.”

Aaron had agreed, not wanting to lose the friendship, but told Billy that he needed space. He had agreed, thinking it would be a few quiet days around the apartment. But now it had been a whole week, and they were still being awkward around each other.

Billy is drowning his sorrows in chicken nuggets when he overhears some freshman girls talking about the horror movie double feature the theatre in town is hosting. It gives him an idea.

“We should have our own marathon!” He tries to convince Aaron on the walk home, hoping that quality time will smooth out the roughness of the past week.

“I don’t like scary movies.”

“I know, but I’ll keep you safe.”

The words leave his mouth in a softer tone than he meant, changing the air around them and stopping them on the sidewalk just outside their apartment building.

“Yeah?”

“Always, Aaron.”

“Okay.”

“Also.” Billy takes a deep breath, aware that he’s about to change things and make them much harder. “I’ve been thinking about it. We should go out tomorrow night.”

“What?”

“I want to take you on a date. You’re my best friend, and I’m pretty sure we’ve been in love for years now.”

“You’re not gay.”

“I don’t think so? I’m still attracted to women. But I want you, Aaron.”

“William.” Aaron breathes his name, the one that’s never used. His mouth opens and closes a few times before he ushers them inside and up to their apartment, not speaking again until the door is locked behind them. “You’re going to be in the Navy. You’ll get kicked out if they catch you!”

“I know. We’ll have to be careful, but not having you at all would be so much worse than having to be quiet about us. And they’re going to repeal DADT someday, and then we won’t have to hide!”

“Billy, I don’t think you’re thinking about this fully.”

“Aaron, all I’ve done this week is think about how to apologize to you and if you’d want to go with me to Sophie’s for dinner tomorrow.”

Aaron blinks at him, wide green eyes the only thing betraying how flustered he feels. “You’re taking me to a pizza place for our first date?”

Billy’s heart feels like it’s going to burst. This time, he’s the one to push Aaron against a wall, trying to pour all his feelings into their second kiss.

“We can go wherever you want to go for dinner.” He pants, smiling so hard his cheeks hurt when Aaron squeezes his waist. “Just as long as you say yes.”

“Pizza is fine, Billy.”

“You’re saying yes?”

“Yes, now c’mere.”

@gretagerwigsmuse | @hangmanapologist | @hangmanbrainrot | @princessphilly | @hangmanssunnies | @thesewordsareallihavetogive | @a-court-of-roscoe-and-baby | @katieshook02 | @hellojameshowyadoin | @aristotles-butthole | @atarmychick007 | @whatislovevavy | @kmc1989 | @sometimesanalice | @laracrofted | @yuckosworld | @mika-darling | @bradshawsbaddie | @bobblebobsbae | @ohtobeleah | @withahappyrefrain

[promptling]

the adventures of robin hood ( 1938 ), dir. michael curtiz. change pronouns as needed.

you intend to act on your plans?

we must drink to this moment.

but who's gonna pay me?

stop! stop!

but i protest!

don't you know it's death to kill the king's deer?

and death from hunger if i don't.

be quiet, you.

i won't be quiet! you can kill me if you like, but not until i've had my say.

what the devil?

you'd kill a man for telling the truth?

by what right do you interfere with justice?

this man's my servant.

better look before you shoot next time.

from this day, i follow only you.

i've heard precious little else since i've been here.

by my faith, but you're a bold rascal.

what you hope can hardly be important.

why, you speak treason.

have you no stomach for honest meat?

i've no stomach for traitors.

i've pulled seven acorns out of my ribs.

my teeth ache with chattering.

it's your skull, not mine.

it's much too warm to brawl.

this fly has a mighty sting.

a small price to pay for the company of such a charming lady.

you must tell me more about myself.

i suppose you say that to all women that tickle your fancy.

i think it's revolting.

may i serve you, my lady?

i'm afraid the company has spoiled my appetite.

you're a strange man.

what's your reward for all this?

you'd best be started before i have a change of mind.

with your permission, my lady?

we'll outwit him.

how do we get word to him?

i hate to see a human being trapped.

i want to help him.

please don't stand there staring.

tell me, when you are in love, is it hard to think of anybody but one person?

are you completely mad?

that was a game.

we'll start where you're in love with me.

i had to see you again.

you must go at once.

do you know you're very impudent?

i'm not bold.

i've nothing to offer you but a life of hardship and danger, but we'd be together.

are you not ashamed?

you'll be sorry you interfered.

sorry? i'd do it again if you killed me for it.

you wouldn't dare.

what do i care about your kings and thrones and such?

give us a kiss and wish me luck.

you've traveled far this morning?

save yourself!

my sword is yours, now and always.

[dorokora]

Daichi: Michael you messed up on so many levels. I'm just gonna stab you with every single rule in my sword until I'm exhausted.

Michael: Yet you let Daikoku live? You certainly are a good judge of character.

Daichi: Daikoku is a different story and HE KNOWS BETTER THAN TO TRY ANYTHING OR I'LL GIVE HIM A FATE WORSE THAN DEATH!

Daikoku: !!!!

Daichi: But you. You went and pushed things too far. There will be nothing stopping me from wringing your neck.

Michael: Oh please. You're too soft to pull off any stunt like that.

Daichi: Hahahah...That's rich. The last person that said that, well there's a reason we don't visit certain wards in Tokyo.

Michael: Okay you're starting to scare me. Calm down...

Daichi: I'm going to keep stabbing you and I won't stop until I can't recognize your body. In fact the only way I'll stop. Is if Ryota grabs me from behind and begs me to stop.

[friendly-books]

Dresden files Grave Peril live blog

Grave Peril

Michael! Weird how he’s just now showing up in book 3

Michael is a Harry/Susan shipper

I’m with Michael. Harry should tell Susan that he loves her

Who’s Elaine? 

Not the maternity ward :(

Harry fighting a ghost is cool

Poor Agatha Hagglethorn and her daughter :(

Why does Harry think his soul is bad?

Trip to the Nevernever. Oh am I going to meet Lea?

“You’re right. Sorry. Holy shit,” I breathed “heckhounds” pg. 58 Ha 

“Long estranged godson” pg. 64 Why are they estranged?

Is it bad that I kinda want a fae godmother?

“I can’t believe we’re in jail” pg. 72 Ha 

Oh no Michael got full named. Why doesn’t Charity like Harry? She’s being really mean to Harry. 

“I’d never said them to anyone I didn’t lose” pg. 81 Well now I’m sad :(

Where’s Mister? 

Vampire time 

Not Bianca :( 

“Yeah, their saliva’s some kind of addictive narcotic” pg. 84 First Ew Second I guess that helps them when they’re attacking people. Third that’s terrifying 

Why would Bianca invite Harry? She doesn’t like him. I’m suspicious. If this is “official” business why invite Harry? He’s not a warden of the White Council.

“The safety of all invited guests is assured, by word of the assembled court.” pg. 86 Hmmm are we talking about guest rights here? I need more information about this. What counts as safety? Why just words, why not written? Invited guests so unless you have an invitation you’re in trouble? I guess Harry isn’t gate crashing. Bianca is up to something. This is definitely giving me trap vibes. Bianca is probably the reason the ghosts are acting up. As with the previous two Big Bad guys they were behind the “unrelated” problems being connected i.e.: Victor and the drugs and Denton all the murders. I doubt she’d turn him. Maybe it has something to do with Michael and his sword? 

Yay Mister is safe

Susan, why would you want to go to a party with vampires after what you’ve just seen? Please listen to Harry. He knows what he’s talking about. I know you got a career boost from the werewolves but you aren’t Lois Lane and Harry isn’t Superman he can’t save you from everything so please don’t go to the ball.

Lea stop kissing Harry. It's weird. 

I don’t think I’ve ever been smacked in the face with remembering when a book takes place than this quote “Wait until some poor sap who got AIDS from a blood transfusion breaths his last” pg. 121 I was not expecting that. Very late 90’s or early 2000’s. When do these books take place? 

“An unmarked car sat in my driveway” pg. 126 my sheer level of disappointment when I read on and realized I wasn’t getting Marcone was immeasurable  

“Rudy’s clean cut good looks” pg. 126 Bi Harry 7

No, not the birds :( 

Rudouph is the worst 

Poor Micky :( The barbwire curse is scary

Murph is so cool with The Sight

Bob being scared is worrying 

“What could possibly go wrong?” pg. 172 Harry why would you say that?

“And then droplets of her spittle fell onto my throat, my cheek, and into my mouth” pg. 183 oh no I’ve never been more happy that Harry destroyed a building

Why would Bicana send two of her maybe powerful red court buddies (subordinates?) to find Lydia? Maybe Lydia knows too much? Maybe Lydia is one of Bicana girls? 

“I’d learned to block out pain, when necessary. Studying under Justin, it had been a practical necessity.” pg. 188 Not a big fan of Justin 

Scary dream

Oh no it ate Harry’s magic

Oh no it disguised itself as Harry 

Oh no Murph 

Oh no Charity 

What pact did Harry make with Lea? How is Harry going to get out of this new pact with Lea? 

How am I only 48% of the way through? So much has happened? And we still haven’t gotten to the ball

Oh no the baby is coming 

Oh no Lea has Amoracchius

Harry’s mom got him a fae godmother? Harry’s mom makes some weird allies 

How are they going to fight Nightmare and get Amoracchius  back?

Michael, Harry’s a little busy can you have Susan leave a message

“It’s thine heart” pg. 278 Ha

It’s party time 

“Hell’s bells, I noticed how good he looked” pg. 290 Bi Harry 8

Thomas! Yay! 

Wait wait did Harry just talk about how good his brother looks?!? 

“Not just a vampire,” I said, “a cheesy vampire.” pg. 297 Ha 

Bianca’s dress is a fire hazard 

All this talk of hospitality makes me think that’s how the vampire-white council war started. Someone broke hospitality. Why are you drinking the wine Harry? It could be spiked? You don’t know what’s in it or where it’s been. It could be roofied. “The wine is poisoned” pg. 308 Aaaahhh!!!! This is bad. Oh no it’s the venom 

Harry please listen to Micheal and Thomas and leave the party

“We’re here to get information, not bring the house down on a bunch of nasties” pg. 313 but Harry your really good bringing the house down

Dragons are a thing in this universe? Cool! Michael killed a dragon, cool!

“Harry, you're not the biggest kid on the block. You’ve got to learn to be a little more polite” pg. 318 Ha like that will ever happen 

SUSAN WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?!?!? You didn’t get an invitation…You forged an invitation.

SUSAN YOU NEED TO LEAVE 

Oh no 

No Susan you can’t protect yourself here

Did Lea just try to bargain for Molly? Oh no Lea made Susan forget Harry

Who’s Mavra? Well you don’t need to call Mavra an it. That was rude.

No Susan, you didn’t know the risks before coming to this party. Susan, Harry and Michael aren’t chauvinist pigs they’re trying to help 

Vampire wizard?!? That is cool but bad for Harry 

Gift giving time

So the vampires want a sort of false flag operation? Maybe not a false flag but pressure Harry to attack.

“Lords of the Outer Night” pg. 354 that’s important not sure what it is but with those capital letters that’s important 

How is it Harry’s fault that you (Bianca) killed Rachel?

“Here lies Harry Dresden, he died doing the right thing” That’s a very accurate epitaph. Bianca knows Harry well enough to know that. That’s some villain vibes to gift someone a tombstone 

They draw weapons and the vampires immediately start attacking it’s like they’re trying to start a war. 

Oh no Justine 

Thomas don’t listen to Bianca. THOMAS why would you do that to Susan?!? Oh no Bicana didn’t keep up her end of the deal who would have thought 

Time to burn some vampires. That’s a lot of fire. Bicana isn’t the fire hazard it’s Harry 

Here comes Harry guilt complex 

Lydia what’s up? Nightmare in disguise? Possessed? I’m with Harry, Thomas needs to back off from Lydia 

I like this mushroom plan 

Does everyone know Harry’s mom but Harry? The demon knew her and now Lea 

“The handsome vampire” pg. 440 Bi Harry 9

I think you should all stick together. Oh no Harry’s surrounded 

Why is Bicana naked?

Why are they taking Harry’s clothes off? 

NO NO NO don’t like the end of chapter thirty-three

NOPE NOPE NOPE don’t like the beginning of thirty-four 

I’m crying :( Poor Harry, I don't like the implications. Can someone anyone please help Harry he needs help

Poor Justine, where are her clothes?

“I heard them taking you. Playing with you, for two hours maybe” pg. 453 I really don’t like those implications. 

Rachel ghost to the rescue…or not 

Kravos go away 

Oh no Susan got half turned. Yay Harry told Susan that he loved her! 

The ghost fight was cool!

Why would the Reds want to start a war with the White Council?

The ghosts fighting is cool!

Awww they named their child after Harry! :)

“What goes around comes around. And sometimes you get what’s coming around. He paused for a moment, frowning faintly, pursuing his lips. “And sometimes you are what’s coming around. You see what I mean” pg. 506 Does that mean that Harry is the consequences for the monster? 

“I don’t want you far away marry me” pg. 510 awww Harry asked Susan to marry her 

“And they were always the same: darkness, trapped, with vampires all around me, laughing their hissing laughter. I’d wake up, screaming and crying.” pg. 511 Poor Harry I’m sobbing 

Well I guess the White Council is at war with the Red Court now. 

Final thoughts 

I wished I had Marcone in this book. I need my Marcone fix. Glad I got to meet Michael. Charity needs to calm down. The Red Court vampires are terrifying. I’m upset that I was right about the party being a trap and Bicana. I’m upset that Susan got turned. More Bi Harry the counter is up to 9. Murph looked so cool with The Sight like a guardian angel! Not a fan of Justin. I want to know more about Lea. I hope I get to see more Thomas. Does he know that Harry’s his brother? Is he just messing with Harry? Why would he do that to Susan? I love Harry’s costume. Bianca had it coming. I kinda love Bianca’s gift to Harry. I don’t know if I’m reading too much into the implications but I don’t like them at all. I’ll probably make a whole separate comment about it because I have a lot of thoughts and feelings about it. Harry has a bit of a guilt complex/chronic hero syndrome. Now about this war. As vampires they’ve probably been around for a while so they know about the White Council. Why would they pick a fight with them? They must think they can win against them so they must have had a plan like this in the making for a while. I assume the White Council will try and make peace, maybe throw Harry under the bus as a way to appease the Reds and get rid of their (Council’s) black sheep. I need to know more. Susan went a bit too far in her investigative reporting and it came back to bite her. She’s only half turned so I assume she has some powers but not all and has some weaknesses but not to the extent of a full Red Vampire. I’m sad Harry and Susan broke up but I know she’ll come back and have Maggie. I thought the fights were good and I liked the world building. I’m looking forward to a more central storyline/plot with the war. It'll be different from the sort of monster of the week that I got from the first two books. Despite my several “oh no’s” I did enjoy this book and I’m looking forward to reading the next one.

[firedragon1321]

Pokemon Games Ranked by How Much I Can Scream About Them

Sun/Moon and Ultra: Lusamine worst parent 5ever. *screeches like an angry cat at that scene where Lusamine tries to ensnare Hau while planning 5000 fanfics revolving around it* Gladion deserves better- always. USUM ruined the original story because *insert thesis statement here*. It's yA BOY GUZMA! Team Skull and the bus stop- perfection. Hau and Gladion need to interact more please it funni. Mimikyu!!!

Scarlet/Violet: I didn't expect to cry over Sandwich Boy and his parental abandonment. And SICK DOG! I played out of order for Sick Dog. Team Star made me an emotional wreck. Motorcycle lizard cute! The three rivals interacting is Great. Clueless rich girl Nemona with Trauma Boy and Tumblrina Hacker is Great. Best Elite Four in the series. Why are you so glitchy you're beautiful.

Black/White and 2: Ghetsis worst father 5ever. Best protag designs. Probably autistic ponytail boy. Pokestar Studios is underrated and I will die on that hill. The Pokemon are the coolest reskins ever but the monkeys suck. Please power past early game it's GOOD.

Colosseum/XD: First Pokemon game! The weirdest first battles ever. GO cannot comprehend this level of Shadow Pokemon. The whole thing is grindy but so DENSE. Also MIROR B! I like both Wes and Michael. They appeal to the side of me that likes edgelords and the side that likes shonen protags.

Sword/Shield: Hop is good and needs hugs. Leon is my FAVORITE Champion. I wouldn't revisit ten years in the future but those tWO IDIOTS. I could read into their self esteem issues for HOURS.

Red/Green and Remakes: Gotta give credit to the first game, Red is iconic, and the Pokemon designs are generally good. But I'm not likely to babble about it. I could debate Mewtwo origins between media though.

Legends Arceus: Fuck your plot and potato mochi. I just want a four foot Bidoof. Although the Noble Hisuian Arcanine story is The Lion King and made me cry.

Diamond/Pearl and Remakes: MINDY! MUD/SNOW! TRAINER TRAPS! FORCED CONTESTS! But you could do fun shit with Action Replay.

Ruby/Sapphire and Remakes: 7/10 too much water. But it has a really cool Pokedex.

X/Y: Only ranks this high because of Furfrou and the ultimate weapon lore.

Gold/Silver and Remakes: A few cool Pokemon. ... *de le lelele whoooop*

[jinkieswouldyoulookatthis]

Point of No Return (5x18)

Okay, I saw someone comment on my post about Dean apologizing to Sam in Fallen Idols (5x05) that Dean's apology was negated into mere lip service because of what he did in episode 18 (also 8x06 and 8x23 but I'll address those two when I get to them on this rewatch).

Let's review exactly what Dean says to Sam in Point of No Return. But first, as a quick recap, Dean has said over and over that he is tired, that he just wants to stop fighting, but as Michael's sword/vessel, and a Winchester brother, he's not allowed to give up. Famine told him that he was already dead inside ffs, so he is in a bad headspace. Okay, so what happens in this episode?

Sam: What the hell, man? This is how it ends, you just walk out?

Dean: Yeah, I guess.

Sam: How could you do that?

Dean: How could I? All you've ever done is run away!

Sam: And I was wrong! every single time I did! Just, please, not now. Bobby is working on something.

Dean: Oh really? What?

Sam: ...

Dean: You got nothing and you know it.

Sam: You know I have to stop you.

Dean: Yeah well you can try. But just remember you're not all hopped up on demon blood this time.

Let's unpack that scene. Sam is upset that Dean ditched him and ran off. This is a reasonable thing to be upset about. Unfortunately, Sam has a history of doing exactly the same thing, something that massively triggers and has added to Dean's abandonment issues, so of course, Dean hurls that right back at Sam. It's not the mature thing to do, but it is a normal reaction given the fact that Dean just recently found out that all those times that Sam ran away, effectively shattering Dean's world? Yeah, those were the happiest times of Sam's life. Couple all that baggage with Dean not really being the most mature person and this becomes a much more understandable position for him to take. And the dig about the demon blood at the end there, that was more to remind Sam that Dean is fully capable of beating him in a fair fight, not so much about rubbing Sam's nose in his mistakes, although I'm sure that was a little part of it. Okay, let's jump to the next pertinent scene that starts with Dean once again stating that he is tired...

Dean: I'm tired, man. I'm tired of fighting who I'm supposed to be.

Sam: Well you think maybe you can take a half second and stop trying to sacrifice yourself for a change? Maybe we could actually stick together?

Dean: I don't think so.

Sam: Why not? Dean, seriously, tell me, I want to know.

Dean: I just, I don't believe.

Sam: In what?

Dean: In you. I mean I don't, I don't know whether it's going to be demon blood, or some other demon chick, or what, but I do know they are going to find a way to turn you.

Sam: So you're saying you don't think I'm strong enough?

Dean: You're angry, you're self-righteous, Lucifer's going to wear you to the prom, it's just a matter of time.

Sam: Don't say that to me, not you. Of all people.

Dean: I don't want to, but it's the truth. And when Satan takes you over, there's gotta be somebody there to fight him and it ain't gonna be that kid. So it's gotta be me.

Okay, so ouch, harsh. Should Dean have said this? Probably not like this, but it was also true. And this isn't just unfounded feelings either, Dean was sent to a near future reality where Sam did say yes to Lucifer and then killed Dean and destroyed the world. That was horrifying, like truly, terribly, horrifying. Then there is also the problem of the demon blood. And while Sam's relapse was the fault of Famine, you know who Dean likely really blames for it? I bet it's not actually Sam. Dean's entire worldview revolves around keeping his kid brother safe, but he can't protect Sam from that, and I would bet cold hard cashy money that Dean feels like Sam's relapse is actually Dean's own failure. It adds to the overall hopelessness he is drowning in. So while this wasn't a good way to express what he was feeling or thinking, he is expressing it, which is better than not talking about it, hiding it, lying about it, whatever. Okay, next scene...

Dean: Whoa, whoa, wait. You're going to take on five angels?

Castiel: Yes.

Dean: Isn't that suicide?

Castiel: Maybe it is, but then I won't have to watch you fail. Sorry, Dean. I don't have the same faith in you that Sam does.

I mention this one because it sets things into better perspective for Dean because the weird, nerdy angel verifies Sam's faith and trust in Dean. For Dean, that's not nothing. Okay, last scene...

Sam: So.

Dean: So what?

Sam: I saw your eyes. You were totally rocking the "yes" back there. So, what changed your mind?

Dean: Honestly? The damnedest thing. I mean the world's ending, the walls are coming down on us, I look over to you and all I can think about is "this stupid son-of-a-bitch brought me here." I just didn't want to let you down.

Sam: You didn't. You almost did, but you didn't.

Dean: I owe you an apology.

Sam: No, man, no you don't.

Dean: Just, let me say this. I don't know if it's being a big brother or what, but to me you've always been this snot-nosed kid that I've had to keep on the straight and narrow. I think we both know that that's not you anymore. I mean, hell, if you're grown up enough to find faith in me the least I can do is return the favor. So screw destiny, right in the face. I say we take the fight to them and do it our way.

Sam: Sounds good.

Hey, look at that! Another apology. Again, Dean doesn't make excuses for what he's done, he admits he was wrong, and gives Sam what he needs -- validation that he is deserving of Dean's trust and faith, even when Dean is struggling to do it. The fact that Dean fell back into his old way of thinking between ep 5 and ep 18 does not negate either apology. In the moment, he honestly means what he is saying and in between the moments he is trying to change. But change of this level isn't like simply flipping a switch in your mind. It's relearning how to relate to someone who has been so present in your life that you've patterned your entire identity around your relationship to them. That level of change is fucking hard. It takes persistent work and you will most likely backslide at times. Dean is a flawed guy, he is emotionally immature and repressed, but he is legitimately trying to do and be better. Sam is, for all of his own flaws, more emotionally mature. Ironically, this is because Sam had Dean to mother-hen him growing up, while Dean lost his mom when he was four and there was no one to step n and take on that role for him. Sam's life was no picnic, but he had Dean as a constant caring presence, something that Dean did not have. So even though Dean is older, there is a lot of stuff that Sam is further ahead on, which is why Sam accepts and seems to appreciate Dean's apologies.

Dean is not perfect, far from it, but he IS trying to be better, to do better. So is Sam. Our boys are trying.

"This is my family. I found it, all on my own. It's little, and broken, but still good. Yeah, still good." - Stitch

[silvergolddraco28]

Hazbin Hotel Part 3 Past and Present

Open RP, comment or reblog if interested.

()()()()()

A hand twitched followed by a low groan as the slumbering angel finally woke blinking open bright veridian red eyes floating in golden sclera. The eyes looked at the two brothers before the being sat up rater fast with a very long string of angelic curses flowing from his lips.

“Why in the seven realms am I in Heaven!?!” he asked with a slight tone of panic in his voice.

Samuel raised his hands to the being before him. “Easy, you crash landed with burns from a crack in the sky.” Samuel replied. The being looked eyes with him before an eye twitched.

“This better not be a cruel joke Michael or so help me.” the one in the bed growled with ash like steam coming from the corners of his mouth.

Samuel took a step back in complete shock. That voice, that voice was his own, only older. He had also seen the wickedly sharp teeth the other had. A hand rested on Samuel's shoulder. “I think you might be confused. I've never met you before today.” Michael replied while the other growled.

“Really? You don't remember burning my wings off with your sword. Or Gabriel tearing off my forearms and shins before tosing me off the edge of Heaven into Hell as the First Fallen Angel defied the Council of Elders?” the male snapped at Michael. “You dont recognize your youngest and most hated brother in all of Creation. Father’s Greatest Mistake and Most Hated Child, Lucifer Morningstar.”

Samuel felt his heart nearly stop at this unintentional dump of information. ‘Metal burns, torn limbs, sky burns, forced adaptation to a harsher environment… Lightbringer Morningstar…’ “…your me…” Samuel spoke keeping his eye on the long black tail that had slipped free and swayed like a cat’s tail slightly curled up. ‘…He’s terrified of us…’

“Michael, Samuel, please give our guest room.” a kind and benevolent voice spoke as a tall woman with four gold and silver rings forming a crisscrossing crown around their head with floating crystals stepped inside dressed in a simple white dress that faded to resemble the glittering night sky, her hair was long and intricately braided looking just as bright as the rays of the very sun.

“Yes, Mother.” the two spoke as one quickly scampering out of the room while Lucifer looked at the woman before him, hurt and longing mixed with betrayal and greif swimming in his eyes.

Gently the woman cupped Lucifer’s face brushing away the golden tears that were trickling down his face. “Shush… shush… oh my baby boy… let it out my little Star…” she softly cooed as Lucifer gripped tightly to her and let out a long wail filled with pain, greif, longing, and regret that seemed to shake the very air as if experiencing these emotions for the very first time in such a raw state.

”Mama.” Lucifer choked as he pressed his face into her shoulder with so many raw emotions racing through him as he continued to simply cry and break down, his tail curling around the woman’s arm on his back while a hand brushed through his hair.

[wndybyrd]

 heartlcssboy​:

If anyone could get Peter to behave like a proper leader to the group at large and not just to those he favored and deemed worthy of being something more than fodder for the hungering island, it was Wendy Darling. Even Jamie hadn’t been able to do that — but Wendy had made it a game and it was one he was all too happy to play presently. It was familiar between them, but because of their horrible time apart, it still held the appeal of feeling novel. Peter was eager to play along. At least until the game grew dull. “Oh, yes. That is true.”

Soft and sweet. That was certainly Wendy. That wasn’t all there was to Wendy, of course. If it had been, replacing her wouldn’t have proven impossible. And her stories — no one told a story like his Wendy did! “Hook is a brute with a sword and I am the best at fighting. He is much too dangerous for anyone else to fight against him. You’re right. As their father, I will teach them to fight and, as their mother, you will tell them stories.” He agreed, chest puffed to match his ego, and then added with a laugh, “Wendy, we’ve been so lost without you around to mother everyone.”

Peter smiled, pleasant and a little wicked, lost in his own thoughts and the delightful feeling of having Wendy prattling on beside him as they crunched their way across the snow-covered forest out towards the plains. And while He wasn’t paying much attention to her exact words, one of them struck him and suddenly Peter’s steps faltered and his spine went rigid. He let her hand fall away from his own. His eyes were blown wide and wild for a beat before he was able to recover. He smoothed over his terror with painted on ignorance, enjoying the safety of casual detachment that it provided. He shook his head, “I don’t know what you mean. I haven’t grown up.”

Of course, he knew! But addressing it, especially out loud, gave it too much power. Saying it made it too real. A part of Peter hoped that if he ignored all of it hard enough, then it would all simply stop being real. He was quick to move the conversation past it, wanting as much space between him and the topic as possible, hoping that Wendy would let it drop. “We should have a raid soon. The pirates might be icicles though, I suppose we’ll have to give them time to thaw out so it can be a proper raid. It’d be no fun if they were frozen solid…”

a pleased laugh escaped the pearly grin smeared on her face. peter remembered ! but, of course he remembered. after all, it was he who had first invited the girl to his island as a storyteller &, soon after, the mother of his boys. wendy delighted in this fact. he must have held her with such esteem to be honored the task of looking after all of them, teaching them, leading them. no, not lead. peter was the leader whilst she was a bard, spreading stories of his grandiose adventures & vicious battles. peter was the father whilst she was the mother, keeping his lost boys in tip-top shape for whatever marvelous idea he had next. they were partners, in her mind, two halves that shaped an incomparable whole. beauty & beast. iron & ivory. peter & wendy. 

“ & i just the same, without you all. “     wendy mused, thinking back on her final months in london bitterly.     “ it was awful being away, peter. everyone — john, michael, & even the boys — forgot about the adventures we had. they would laugh at me & treat me as though i’d gone mad. it’s why father so hastily wished to wed me off. i overheard him telling my mother so; he feared that i was becoming ‘undone’ so young & no man would ever have me, leaving me some sad, lonely spinster. i knew you’d come, though ! i’d leave my window open every night, knowing you’d save me. “     wendy’s eyes glazed at her own wistful words. like rapunzel in her tower, he’d saved her from a lonesome, dull, little life. he would always save her. it’s why she adored him so, & why she’d loved him dearly as a child. peter was the hero ripped right out of the pages in her books.     “ you must promise to let me stay this time. i don’t want to go back, never ever. i’d much rather grow-up here with you, where we can—— “

wendy’s hand grew cold without the comforting hold of his, an arm hanging limp where it had once swung jovially. her mouth had been running so quickly, too drunk on the pretty words she sang, that the sky-eyed girl had hardly noticed pan’s rather drastic change in demeanor. almost. the inviting warmth of his charm had been shed in favor of a blank sheet, a smile that made her heart flutter exchanged for some tight-lipped moue. it was not obvious, but she could feel it. the chill rippled off of him, cold as the forest. she shivered.

“ what an odd thing to say. “    puzzled, wendy stood on her tip-toes to find that her head barely reached his.     “ you’re certainly taller, & your face is different, too : sharp & structured like john’s. “     her frown fell into a pout. had nothing changed ? i’ll never grow up, he’d screamed at her once as a boy. but perched on her window a thousand nights later, the perfect picture of a man, she’d been elated. no longer would they be immature children running amuck. this time things would be different, she’d assured herself as they’d flown toward the stars.     “ there’s no need to be embarrassed or scared. “     wendy stepped forward, trying to ease the growing tension. had she done something wrong ?     “ it’s not all bad. when you grow-up you get stronger & smarter. “     wendy tried desperately to pull him back in with nice affections. he was being selfish, keeping back the warmth of his smile, leaving her alone in the cold. 

her pout deepened at his swift change in subject. battle this, pirates that. she loved the excitement of it all just as much as the rest of them, but hated his childish deflection. he must have thought her a fool to not notice. in fact, she was offended. was it really such a horrible thing, to have grown up just a tad ?     “ fine, you’re right. maybe you haven’t. it seems you’re still just a little boy playing little games. sadly, i did get older, so i don’t want to bore you to death before you can make it to this big battle of yours,  “     she huffed, turning away from him. wendy had no desire to beg & grovel. peter would always be wildly exciting, showering her in adoration when he pleased, but his goodness was only as great as his flaws. he was just as often selfish, close-minded, & trite. they’d had their fair share of arguments as children — stupid tiffs over inconsequential things. was that why she’d left, over one of their childish spats ? she couldn’t remember.      “ it’s too bad really. “     the words were tossed over her shoulder as she stormed away, though she had no idea in what direction ( only hoping it would eventually lead back to the tree ).     “ i’d been so excited to see how much bigger you’d gotten. it was like meeting a whole new peter pan, a mystery for me to unwrap all over again. alas, it seems you haven’t changed at all. the same old, or should i say little, peter pan. keep your secret cave. i’m far too grown-up for such childish things. “