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bumblesimagines · 1 year ago

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do you want to hear what really happened?

you already missed your chance.

i've loved you since the day we met.

Mencia Blanco

do you want to hear what really happened?

you already missed your chance.

i've loved you since the day we met.

pronouns: they/them, gender neutral

You had hoped that after a couple minutes of being ignored, whoever had continuously rang your doorbell would've gotten the hint. You kept your face buried into the silky pillow, praying and hoping whichever asshole standing at your door left soon. But when another three minutes passed and the doorbell continued ringing throughout the house, you groaned and rolled out of bed, taking a glance at the clock on your nightstand that read 3:00 AM in bright neon green.

"Are you serious?" You hissed quietly into the dark room, snatching your phone off the nightstand and turning it on. No new messages from any of your friends bold enough to try awakening you at such an ungodly hour. Unless one of their phones had died, you couldn't fathom who else would show up at your door with a persistent attitude.

On second thought, you knew exactly who. And it just so happened her number had been blocked for nearly two months. You automatically took in a deep breath at just the mere thought of your trainwreck of an ex. Pretty little Mencia Blanco, daughter of the insufferable principal and sister to the equally insufferable twins. The start of a headache began licking at your temple and you groaned, pushing yourself forward and flickering the light on.

Making your way through the hall and down the stairs, you found yourself relieved your parents had gone away on a trip. Otherwise, it'd be hell to explain why a strange girl they barely knew was at their doorstep like a stray begging to be let in. You could only imagine what your mother would say as you neared the front door and unlocked it, tossing it open and confirming your assumptions.

Mencia stood before you with a duffle bag secured in her hand. Her dark makeup smudged around her eyes and her lips had been twisted into an exhausted pout. Tear streaks stained her cheeks and you could already hear the explanation she'd give you. Another fight with Benjamin or another spat with her siblings, likely both. Always the same repetitive tale that she never seemed to escape despite her numerous attempts. She stared at you, big brown eyes filled with longing and sadness, and took a small step forward.

"Can we talk?"

"About?" It was too damn early for this.

"Us." She answered simply and softly, her brows lowering and light red-tinted lips rubbing together. You stared at her and debated turning her away or calling one of her siblings. But Mencia would only resume her assault on the doorbell and you doubted either one of the twins would even pick up your call. You exhaled through your nose and tilted your body to allow her inside. She smiled and headed in, resting her duffle bag beside the couch and taking a peek at the living room she'd only briefly seen once.

"You couldn't have chosen a better time to run away?" You asked, closing the door and turning the clock. Mencia laughed lightly and rubbed at her cheek, trying to clean away the subtle black lines from the wet mascara. She hadn't changed in the slightest since the breakup. She still remained the chaotic hot mess who silently wished to be taken seriously. Then again, none of the Blanco family were put together. Benjamin appeared more like a boss than a father, even when he put on his best fatherly act. The poised Ari seemed one shot away from a mental breakdown and often acted like a mother rather than a sister. And the attention-seeking Patrick only knew how to self-destruct and bring everyone down with him. They'd been entertaining to watch from a distance until you got sucked into their drama.

"I would've gone to a hotel but..." She trailed off and toyed with one of her rings, strands of chestnut brown hair sweeping over her face as she peered down at her boots. "Benjamin locked me out of my cards."

"Rebeka lives up the street. Go stay with her, or did you fuck that up too?" The bitter words slipped out faster than you could process them. Mencia winced and sighed, her arms and shoulders slumping. She made no move to deny it and you took in another deep breath, trying to keep the tired annoyance from slipping out again.

"I do want to talk about us... about what happened. I... I hurt you, I know that. But, I've loved you since the day we met. I fell in love when you stood up to Benjamin, I fell for you more when I saw how you treated your friends like they were family. I loved you when you agreed to a date and I still love you. I fucked up. I... I let what Patrick said about me that night get to me and- and I believed him when he said you'd leave me-"

"I doubt Patrick told you to cheat on me with Rebeka." You sighed. "You already missed your chance, Mencia. You had two months to grow some balls and talk to me at school but you chose to act as if I didn't exist. Rebeka herself apologized for what happened and yet, the actual chick that fucked up couldn't."

"I was planning on it at the drive-in last week but you disappeared! I went to your car but you weren't there and Cayetana had no idea where you'd gone." Mencia's voice grew louder and she grunted softly, lifting her hands to her face and massaging her temples. You stared at her, unable to shove away the memory of what had occurred at the drive-in. It almost amused you, in fact.

"Do you want to hear what really happened at the drive-in?" You couldn't help but ask, and she dropped her arms to her sides. She nodded limply, completely and uttering unaware of the words about to tumble right out of your mouth. "I got into an argument with Samuel and Isadora made an offer 'cause she was pissed at Phillipe. We hooked up in her limo and then again at her place. That's why you couldn't find me and that's why I'm not giving you a second chance, Mencia. Even if she's a bitch and believes Phillipe's innocent... I think I'm starting to like her."

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bonaesperanza · 25 days ago

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I saw a similar post that I can't find right now where one of the replies introduced the concept of narrative porosity.

Basically, it's not about how good the piece of media is, it's about how many threads it leaves for you to pick up and follow up on (or how many holes it has for you to fill, hence the word "porosity"). A sort of fandom equivalent to affordances in developmental psych.

If a piece of media has resolved all its character arcs and subplots and dealt satisfyingly with all its narrative themes it leaves you nothing to do. It's all tied in a bow and you can't add anything without ruining it. Lots of more highbrow media is like that because these are things something like, say, litfic or an Oscar bait movie cares about: it has a small number of characters but their psyches are explored to exhaustion and the themes are usually done well because that's litfic's Thing. (That's what makes it good, while Fast & Furious is beloved less for its intricate characterization and more for its excellent car chase sequences.)

OTOH a CW show will have straggling plot threads and characters that appear and disappear ad hoc and themes that get dropped after two seasons and minor characters that are given certain traits for variety but that turn out to have fascinating psychological implications. Mediocre media has lots of threads to pick up on because it's shoddily made and therefore undersaturated with meaning by default.

BUT that's not the only way to have narrative porosity.

Worldbuilding that only hints at certain areas of the world or gives loads of information you can expand on also increases narrative porosity because that also gives you threads to pick up on. You wouldn't call LOTR mediocre but it has a huge fandom for exactly this reason - you get to flesh out all the random blorbos from the appendices or whatever.

This is also why media dealing with institutions and hierarchies and life within them does well - it gives you scaffolding to create your own iterations on those contexts, e.g. making your own Jedi or wizard or shinigami or waterbender OC or writing about the previous or next generation or whatever. The worldbuilding is basically a grid template where only the boxes for the main characters have been filled. OTOH if I wanted to write fic for, say, the movie Anora, I can only do that by featuring the characters of Anora, otherwise it's just a story set in New York.

Having a plot-oriented piece of media means that in-depth exploration of the characters' psyche doesn't fit the genre/format, but if your thing lasts more than like three hours your characters will behave in ways and react to things and if you've made them even the least bit humanlike that can be inferred to hint at hidden depths. Tantalizing glimpses of more complex characterizations that are never paid off in canon also create porosity, because they also leave unaddressed straggling threads. There's tension there, room for a theme or a character arc that the OG writer(s) haven't put in.

I'd argue that having characters and plots fit into easily comprehensible archetypes that are relatively detached from the setting also fits because it gives you AU potential. I recently had a talk on an ASOIAF discord server about how difficult it'd be to make a modern AU version of Theon Greyjoy, because his entire personality and mindset have been shaped by the medieval institution of sending relatives as hostages to guarantee your good behavior it'd be very hard to transplant that without losing a huge chunk of his character and motivations. OTOH more universal character beats or traits: abusive parents, star crossed love, overachieving, yearning for adventure, etc. are easier to play with by making various iterations across various settings. Luke Skywalker could be a random dude from Appalachia and he could have all the character beats from the OG movies - yearning for adventure, coming into his own, encountering his estranged father who turns out to be a dick. This can happen in Ancient Greece or in Alberta, Canada or in the Horn of Africa.

The dissatisfaction people talk about is recognizing that picking up some of the threads I described above would have made for a stronger work, or at least one more interesting to you. They're unresolved and frustratingly so, they're an annoying empty hole asking you to fill it. There's a connection that could be made but wasn't. The work isn't saturated enough with meaning, or a specific thread you care about a lot hasn't been addressed.

You can also connect the work's unresolved threads with other threads inside your head - e.g. I think I would make blorbo happy (readerfic) or I think blorbo would get along with character from fandom Y or whatever. E.g. I'm obsessed with the idea of a modern AU of The Count of Monte Cristo, because I see a novel written by a mixed race man about a man twisted by unjust imprisonment and I think about the modern prison industrial complex and what it does to minorities, and I also see the lavish wish fulfillment descriptions of fast boats and cool clothes and lavish furniture and people being judged on "taste" and I think about the cottage industry that analyzes every expensive object that's ever appeared in Succession and I think a Monte Cristo modern AU would be a crowdpleaser that I would LOVE to see. That's a thread I've connected to something entirely outside the original novel that's relevant and fun to me.

OTOH I think there's a type of work that says very little in the actual text but wields its blank spaces so masterfully that you get this feeling that trying to fill them would make everything worse. The blank spaces already have meanings.

Challengers for example - a lot of its artistry is in expertly wielding the tension, in choosing what to show you and where to cut off. It does feel saturated with meaning even though it leaves so much unsaid because the "narrative whitespace" takes on a meaning of its own, like the arrow in the FedEx logo can only possibly be an arrow. It's hands down my favourite movie of the year, but I'm lowkey kind of scared to look up fic for it in case I ruin it somehow. I feel like extending the narrative beyond the movie's ending would make things less thematically resolved, like adding things to the FedEx logo might.

A lot of my favourite book series play with unreliable narrators and characters' perceptions and what is said and what is implied, and it feels almost crass to break up the way the whitespace in them is set up. I dunno, it feels like easy pickings to write a fic explicitly describing how the Regent abused Laurent from CaPri, or Gen and Irene's first night as a couple for Queen's Thief, or Lymond breaking down emotionally for the Lymond Chronicles. Like circling the FedEx arrow with a red pen and writing "arrow underneath". It kind of kills the tension, because you can already make out the shape of the missing piece from the canon, and writing it point blank kills the delicious tension in it, and perhaps even obscures the meaning and characterisation that was built into the way certain things were not said.

Sorry for the wall of text this is just a really fascinating subject for me

also this might be an unpopular opinion, but i think MOST people are actually completely able to "consume" a piece of a media without anaylzing it through a shipping lense, but i just think they than aren't likely to be posting that analysis on archiveofourown. i think for the most people what's happening is that people are like. going on fandom websites and communities and getting really annoyed they're seeing too much yaoi or whatever, and it's like there's alot of fast food at mcdonalds too, i'm sure the people eating there don't have anything else going on in there lives either

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thecarnivorousmuffinmeta · 4 years ago

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I kinda find it funny how, if Ed didn't break up with Bella and then chase after Victoria in NM, we might not have gotten the events of Eclipse. Girl was just vibing with her makeshift "guards," and he had to mess it all up by having her see how newborn armies work and inspire her. Do you think Vic would've still would've gone after Bella if not for NM's events (and how it'd go down)? Cause low key I think it's funnier if she wasn't a danger but Ed made her into one jfksaldjf.-Sw

I think she would have.

True, Victoria comes up with the newborn army scheme after Edward chases her down to Mexico, but she also doesn't use it right away. She tests the waters in Forks for a very long time before she decides to invade.

In other words I, sigh, agree with Edward on this: Victoria was coming back to murder Bella Swan in vengeance no matter what was happening.

Without the newborn army, however, things would have played out very differently.

A Bit on the Romantic Tragedy Penned by Edward Cullen

First, a note, Edward had always intended to leave Bella. From the moment he realized he was in love with her he told himself that he would one day leave her. It was just a matter of when.

In Twilight, he's torn. He knows he shouldn't be a part of her life, that bringing her into his world almost necessitates her becoming a vampire, but he also really doesn't want to let her go. He doesn't think he's strong enough to do it.

And as Bella keeps getting herself into danger he gives himself more and more excuses.

If he's not there, then Bella will get crushed by a van or raped in an alley or eaten by bears. Her number's up, and Edward is single handedly fighting fate to keep this angel alive.

Bella needs Edward, therefore he can't possibly go.

The birthday party put things back into perspective. Edward's family is the most dangerous threat to Bella there is, Edward himself really may lose control one day and devour her, and unless she turns (which Edward absolutely does not want) then she has no future with him.

The family has to leave now.

However, if there's no birthday party, then Edward doesn't have that catalyst and reminder. He likely decides to himself that he will leave Bella after graduation, his family will move towns, Bella will attend whichever university she attends, and he will have had a few wonderful years with Bella pretending he's a regular high school boy dating a regular high school girl.

When Bella then dies a natural human death sometime later, Edward will go to Volterra and kill himself (and force the Volturi's hand when Aro refuses to do it).

Of course, he'd probably break here too, but that's a different story.

I do think without Jasper's slip up and the birthday party, that Edward would have stuck around for New Moon.

The World Without Bella's Birthday Party

Bella throws the fit she didn't in canon.

She doesn't want this birthday party, she never asked for this birthday party, AND WHY DOES BELLA ALWAYS HAVE TO HUMOR ALICE?!

Bella has had a summer filled with Alice. In canon, this was a delight, in this world Bella realizes that maybe they spend most of their time doing what Alice wants to do rather than what Bella wants to do.

Alice is clearly throwing this party for Alice's sake, everyone knows it, and Edward tells her, "Please humor my sister and be a good sport."

Isn't this party supposed to be about Bella?

Alice is terribly upset and does not handle any of this well, Edward tells Bella to be reasonable and be the better person and give Alice this party, Rosalie thinks this is all petty bullshit but has mild respect for Bella on calling Alice out on this, and Carlisle is rubbing his temples somewhere trying to let the children deal with this themselves.

In the end, they compromise, Bella's birthday is Edward taking her out to dinner at an expensive restaurant in Seattle of Alice's choice, Bella wearing a fancy Chanel dress that Alice selected for her.

Bella's still embarrassed and miserable, but at least there aren't a billion pink candles.

As a result, there's no birthday party, no papercut, and no dumping.

The next several months instead are spent with Bella and Alice in a battle of wills and a real rough spot in their friendship. Bella tries to explain to Edward that Alice treats her like a doll, not a person.

Edward, of course, has no idea what she's talking about.

Bella fails to realize that Edward also treats her like a doll and not a person.

Laurent's Scouting Mission

As in canon, Laurent is probably sent by Victoria to scout. Victoria probably never left the area which means (remember this is book universe where Riley was in California) that she never turned Riley.

Without being all over the Forks area killing hikers, probably fewer wolves are turned. Yes, the Cullens are in the area, but they've been there three years, are very non-threatening, and in that time only Sam shifted.

We don't see the deluge of shifting until after the Cullens have left and Victoria starts actively attacking the area.

(Yes, this is worthy of a meta but that meta is not this meta)

Regardless, Laurent shows up, Sam's not sure if he's one of those friends of the Cullens or not, and Laurent walks in to see that all the Cullens are there.

Just like he expected.

Because Victoria has sent him to die.

Carlisle feels a headache coming on but is not shocked to see that Laurent's eyes are red again after only a few months. (Though this explains the sobbing phone call that Carlisle got from Irina asking if he'd seen Laurent because that beautiful, perfect, man has gone missing!)

Laurent provides some weasley bullshit explanation anyway. He asks, though it's really more of a demand, that he join the Cullen coven (much larger than the Denali, very gifted, and very powerful). Carlisle says no, Laurent has to stick to the diet if he joins the coven and he has to mean it. Given Laurent's current appearance, it seems as if Laurent is not willing to do that.

Laurent then begs them to let him stay: Victoria will murder him otherwise (and oh by the way she's after your Lunchable Bella Swan). That gets Edward into action, he demands Laurent's death and that he then hunt down Victoria personally.

Carlisle politely suggests that Laurent, rather than seek shelter from them who he knows Victoria intends to cross paths with, go back to the Denali and give the diet another whirl.

Laurent flees back to the Denali, Irina is ecstatic to see him. Victoria's not even surprised.

The family discusses what to do about Victoria. Carlisle would rather not hunt this woman down on hearsay alone. Jasper thinks they should have killed her to start and letting her escape was foolishness, he told them she'd be back. Edward for once is with Jasper, Victoria must be destroyed before she can harm Bella. They look to Alice and, yeah, there's a good possibility that Victoria will be back.

Edward is torn between hunting down Victoria and protecting Bella in person. Jasper leaves before he can make the decision, which of course angers Edward beyond belief, but, well, he guesses it is what it is.

Edward decides to not tell Bella that a vampire is after her life: it'll just worry her.

Jasper's Hunting Mission

Jasper likely has a devil of a time catching Victoria, as he did the first time, because of her gift. He ends up having very long phone calls with Alice as he tries to coordinate a successful solution to this.

Because Edward never left Bella, she never sought out Jake. She never forms her friendship with Jake nor realizes the secret behind the shapeshifters.

Billy tries to give Bella a few more ominous warnings but there's no getting through to this girl.

Edward never proposes to Bella because he's intent on leaving her after graduation. He does not tell Bella this though she constantly worries about it.

He assures her they can have a long distance relationship at college (he has no such intentions).

Victoria is kept out of the Forks area by Jasper and likely takes the one obvious route left to her. She has nothing left to live for, and it doesn't matter how much terror she lives in the Volturi, if this means her death then so be it.

She goes to the Volturi and narks on the Cullens.

Victoria Narks

It... does not go as planned.

Aro placates Caius with many excuses: this girl is in her primary schooling, is the only daughter of a police chief, she cannot simply disappear.

Carlisle is likely waiting until after she graduates and can disappear across the country.

And yes, technically this James fellow had bit Bella and they had their perfect chance but... Well, Aro will talk to Carlisle, it is not breaking the law yet.

Aro travels to Forks in person with Renata, shows up on Carlisle's doorstep, and says, "We need to talk."

Aro lays down the law, this girl better be turned after graduation, and Aro can only stall Caius so long. Also, great to see you, you built yourself a coven and that's perfectly marvelous.

Edward, of course, throws a fit but the law is the law and the law just visited them for tea. Aro makes it very clear that either Bella is turned, she dies, or Aro will have no choice to take adverse action against Edward at the very least (if not Carlisle and the rest of the Cullens).

Aro also points out this is an unsustainable relationship that's not good for anybody. Yes, it's too bad the girl has no choice, but they really should have thought of that before Edward walked around strongly hinting he wasn't human.

Edward insists they vote.

The vote doesn't go the way he likes.

Esme doesn't want Edward to live in misery after Bella dies, Rosalie doesn't like the idea of turning Bella but it appears they have no choice, Jasper (via conference call) doesn't want to be the one to eat Bella and it's stupid given the VOLTURI IS IN THE ROOM FOR THIS VOTE, and Carlisle notes that it appears Bella has no other option and at least this seems to be what she wants?

They will turn Bella after graduation.

Edward smashes a TV.

They tell Edward to tell Bella, it should come from him, Edward never does.

Instead, out of nowhere, he asks her to marry him and elope. They can live on a deserted island somewhere.

Bella thinks this is stupid and says no.

Edward dies inside.

Victoria Chooses Death

Victoria is out of options, the Volturi did not come through, and she wanders out of Volterra in a daze.

She guns it for Forks with Jasper hot on her tail. If there's one thing left for her, she will murder this Bella Swan before she dies. She fails, Jasper catches up to her in Forks and murders her.

No one tells Bella.

Graduation

After graduation, Carlisle picks Bella up. Bella has no idea what's happening, Carlisle assumes she does. Carlisle lays down the game plan, she's going to take a summer abroad before school starts, travelling with Alice, then both she and Alice will disappear in an accident.

Bella asks him to hold up, what the hell is he talking about?

Carlisle realizes with dull horror that Edward never told Bella. He awkwardly explains that the Volturi personally came to visit and, well, they have to turn Bella into a vampire.

He's very sorry.

Bella's very on board with this, she asks if it can be Edward that does it.

Carlisle says no, that's not a good idea.

They stare at each other.

Carlisle cannot believe Edward didn't tell her.

Edward and Bella do not get married nor does she have sex with him as a human.

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necros-writing-stuff · 3 years ago

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"You're joking." Bailey took another drag from his cigarette, an unamused glare leveled at his only real friend. Eden sat across from him, on the other side of his desk. The chair he was in, too small for his height and weight. It creaked when the hunter shifted, sitting up straighter in the chair ment for children and teens.

"I'm not." Eden's deadpan expression and monotone response felt like a punch in the gut. Or a knife in the back. Not that Bailey would let him know that.

The caretaker let out a cloud of smoke before snuffing his cigarette in the ashtray to his left. He opened one of the desk drawers and pulled out a bottle of whiskey, the cheap stuff you used to get wasted fast. He kept the good stuff at home, the expensive, quality kind ment to be sipped on while reading by the fire, his spouse's head in his lap. Resting, or blowing him; he didn't care which. God, he wished he could be there instead right now.

The cap of the bottle was uncerimoniously flicked off, bouncing off the wall and landing in the trash across the room. Bailey brought the glass to his lips and began drinking the amber liquid.

"Nice shot-"

"Don't fucking start with me, Eden." Bailey snapped, bringing the whiskey down hard on his desk. The sound was a lot louder in the otherwise quiet room. For a moment, the only sound was from his ancient computer. The monitor humming with life. He had three new emails from high paying clients, but he couldn't focus on anything but the sick joke in front of him.

"You're being childish." Eden grunted, shifting in the wooden chair.

"Childish? I'm being childish?! You're the one who's trying to fuck my kid!" Bailey's hands came down on the desk, his chair pushed out from under him as he stood. Eden quirked an eyebrow.

"You sell children all the time. Figured it'd be the same with that one." He shrugged, much too calm for Bailey's liking. He grit his teeth and breathed heavy out his nose. There'd be no good in killing Eden. He'd feel bad about it, his kid would be crushed and, most importantly, his spouse would be upset.

He used his foot to drag his leather office chair back to him and ran his hands through his hair, mussing it. He dropped back down in his seat and glowered at his "friend".

"It's different with my kid." He said sternly. He hadn't kept many secrets from Eden in regards to his home life. Hell, he let you visit him! Eden knew damn well you were one of two people he gave a shit about and yet here he was!

"Is it because your spouse?" Eden asked, cocking his head to the side like a dog. He spent too much time in the woods. He was going feral. He was going fucking feral and he wanted to buy Bailey's only (actual) child. He didn't give a shit if you were an adult, almost finished with high school and ready for uni. He was your father damn it! You were still a baby to him!

"No. It's not because of my spouse." Before he felt the itch to grab his gun itch up his arm, he took another long swig of whiskey. How could Eden not get it? He was like family to you! To him! What the actual fuck?!

"You think someone else would take better care of them?" Eden countered. Had Bailey said that out loud? Regardless, the caretaker pinched the bridge of his nose.

"That's not the point Eden." He let out a defeated groan.

"What is?" Bailey stared hard at Eden, searching for any hint of humor or malice, or anything that might give away that his childhood friend didn't actually want to bone his baby.

"The point," He found none. Bailey ran his hands through his hair again.

"Eden, is that you're like an uncle to them. It's as close to incestuous as you could possibly get. Not only that, you're significantly older than them and quite frankly," Bailey pulled out another cigarette and lit it. He took a long drag before letting the smoke fill the air between them.

"I'd rather they leave for uni and never have to come back here. I don't want them living in the forest with a man who's forgotten basic decencies. Like not requesting to engage in sexual acts with their friends' kid." Bailey held his fresh cig between his middle and ring fingers, studying Eden. He didn't want it to come to blood, but he'd done worse things in his life. Eden chuckled.

"So there's something you won't take money for." He said, his smile genuine and amused. His spouse would be so upset if he killed Eden. They'd be so, so disappointed if he went home with bruises and bloody knuckles from beating the shit out of their friend. He was sure they would understand, of course, he just didn't want them knowing it came to blows. His perfect little spouse was already aware of all the horrible, fucked up shit he did. He didn't want to push it.

"Two somethings." Bailey corrected. He had a small picture of you and your other parent hidden in his desk. Helped him not kill the orphans that were too young to sell. It was also helping him resist the urge to smash the half drank bottle of whiskey over Eden's head.

"I'm not asking for you to pimp them out." Eden spoke like they were talking about the weather. Like Bailey wasn't doing his damndest not to kill him.

"I said, I wanted to buy them. For keeps." Bailey flicked the ash off his cigarette.

"And what does for keeps mean?" Bailey could see the gears turning in Eden's head. He didn't like it. Eden wasn't dumb muscle. He was strong, sure but he was also smart and resourceful. That made him dangerous. After an agonizing minute passed, Eden spoke.

"Like you and your spouse." Bailey blinked slowly, dumbfounded.

"You want to marry my eighteen year old. Who you've known since they were an infant."

"Yes." Bailey sat back in his chair and pulled a phone from his pocket. Not one of his burner phones he used for criminal activity, but one he bought specifically to contact you and his spouse. He quickly selected your other parent's number and called them.

The pair listened as it rang, and a soft voice came from the line. The sound of something boiling and the clattering of dishes could be heard in the background.

"Hello?" Bailey's spouse answered. Bailey ran his free hand through his hair again, further wrecking it. He was an incredibly prideful man. If Eden had been anyone else, he'd be dead. If his spouse was anyone else, he wouldn't speak to them. If you were anyone else, he wouldn't give a shit. But three strikes and he's out.

"Eden's lost his mind. I can't speak with him. Please explain to him why he can't marry our child." He knew he sounded pathetic and defeated. He was caught between a rock and a hard place. Thus, he chose the option that wouldn't affect his marriage.

"I'll be there in five." Oh. They sounded so... Angry. He hadn't expected that. They were always so soft and gentle, they rarely got really, truly angry at any one person. Of course, this was their baby they were talking about. You were as precious to them as you were Bailey.

Eden seemed just as curious to see them pissed off as he was.

(- anon 🚩 then Prequel!pc showed up, the three of them yelled at eachother, exchanging low blows and personal insults and then current!pc came in cause no one was home and eden proposed and they said yes and they left together and fucked for a whooooooooole week. The end.)

Oh what I would give to be a fly on that wall.

And you just know Current-PC and Eden would come visit for dinner every week and Bailey would have to sit there while his best friend hand-feeds his kid, who still sits in his lap regardless of where they are. Pre-PC might purposefully burn Eden’s food.

#🚩 anon #younger au #spill your guts #Eden the Lonely #Bailey the Caretaker #others stuff

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redux-iterum · 3 years ago

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Maybe this might sound rude, but I need to know: with all the work and care you give to build up the lore and story of this project, why would you just limited it as a Warrior Cats fan AU, like many others out there, instead of your own IP only loosely based on it? Seriously you can as well make a profit out of it!

DULLARD: A very fair question! How to explain my answers... they may be foolish ones, but they are true.

When I started this universe years ago, it was a compulsion to fix a setting and story that I felt had so much potential to be incredible. I felt an obligation to try, because I'm a storyteller by nature and I hate when potential is wasted. As time went on, I did give up because of the culture surrounding me growing rather terrible, but I've returned because that compulsion is back and I have a chance to better not just Warriors, but the Redux itself. These ideas - myths, characters, etc - were created and maintained because they could flesh out this world in particular and give it some life, and that's their purpose.

Related to that last sentence, I feel like most of these ideas - the plotlines and characters in particular - can only really work in this sort of project. They wouldn't be as interesting or impactful in any other setting. Similar to my own fanClan: its driving force of a concept can only really work within Warriors-based context; otherwise it doesn't have the punch it can have.

I do have original stories with concept I find very interesting, though! One is a comic which you can read here (pardon the old art). The problem is that, well, no one really cares about original stories. They want to see fandom things. Iterum and the Redux are partly here to build up an audience who may, perchance, be curious enough to see what kind of original things I've made and may, perchance, check them out and enjoy them. My eventual goal is to earn a living through storytelling, and this is one of the stepping stones to get there.

Finally... honestly, Warriors has kind of cornered the market on cat-based stories. None of this is easily translatable to a different feline setting, and even if it was, I don't have any more to say about cats than anyone else does. It'd be a pointless endeavor. Fanfiction works well enough for me while I work on non-cat things that I believe to have much more potential.

LYNX: This is branching into a larger... thing I've noticed about cat xenofiction. It's incredibly hard to step out of Warriors' shadow, just look at Clouded Moon as an example. The fact that it's a former Warriors fanfiction with the serial numbers filed off is incredibly obvious, even with the new lore and worldbuilding. Same goes for Cattails being Warriors Untold Tales with the serial numbers filed off.

I'm not saying it's a bad thing, but it's a thing that at least bothers me. It's why I've been struggling for the past three years with my original cat fiction because I just don't know how to not be Warriors. Hopefully that'll be amended when I read actual good xenofiction, but that's not the point, we're talking about Warriors, not my garbage.

Honestly though, considering that Iterum is (at least for now) the first four arcs of Warriors condensed into three arcs of similarish story beats and characters (at least in name or in what scraps of a personality we can salvage), it doesn't feel right to me to take the plunge and say this is ours and earn money off its sales. This scrap art isn't mine; I pillaged the broken bike from the mansion's dumpster and helped make it into something else. That metaphor probably doesn't fit well, but it's the best I got.

There's also the thought that these characters deserve the best shot at existing in a deep world and living through thought-provoking stories. The Erins and HarperCollins will retcon the world over and over and the characters will be considered lucky if they've been given a half-second of thought towards their depth in their characterization. We as fans have the opportunity to remedy that. Even if it's technically illegal.

#ask #anonymous #lynx #editor #i speak

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demon-country · 3 months ago

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The fact that it's taxidermy is especially noteworthy because of how fucking expensive it is. Blitz may be blowing through his money at an alarming rate, but at minimum a taxidermy owl is gonna be around US$200, with the higher end ones going for upwards of around US$2,000. At just US$200, 300 taxidermy owls would be around US$60,000.

Granted, the going price for it might be different in hell (assuming there even are owls in hell, otherwise he'd have to somehow order them from earth establishments), but it's still going to be pretty damn expensive, just because of how much work goes into it and the fact that you can't just use any dead animal, it has to be one that has a completely intact body without any holes and its feathers haven't been trashed. The limited number of owl carcasses that fit that criteria and the even more limited number of taxidermists who have access to those owls is also why you can't actually buy taxidermy owls in bulk from a single place, especially on such short notice. Which means they weren't actually an impulse buy like the horse plates likely were. He'd have had to go out of his way to find a lot of people who were making and selling them. Which means them being taxidermy is a deliberate choice he made again and again and again.

We know he got the owls because they reminded him of Stolas, who he desperately misses. And he likely burned them because they hurt too much to look at, and/or because he's using it as a way to hurt himself with the "reminder" that he destroys everyone he loves - just like how he bought the horse plates specifically so he could "sell them next year for three times as much, and then [he'll] have something to show for it when the things [he] cares about vanish", i.e. so he could hurt himself every time he looks at them, because he knows that he's going to have to give them up even though he clearly really likes them. But the fact that they're taxidermy ones is so specific it's hard to believe there wasn't a meaningful reason for it. And the only other character we know of who has even mentioned taxidermy is Octavia, who has a passion for it.

So it'd make a lot of sense if they're at the very least tangentially related to Octavia in Blitz's mind, like if he got taxidermy owls because taxidermy + owls reminds him of Octavia, which then reminds him of Stolas, or something. But it's also possible that he bought them specifically because they remind him of both Octavia and Stolas, but once he actually got the owls he started spiraling even harder, which is how he landed on burning them to get rid of them rather than just throwing them away or returning them. Because if he is doing it as a way to hurt himself and remember that he hurt them, then what better way to do that than to use fire? Burning bridges, destroying families, etc. It'd be just like him to purposefully retraumatize himself as punishment. Even if he couldn't bring himself to watch it happen (although he may have watched a few of them being burned at first), just knowing it's happening would still hurt him.

I'm not sure if he mourns the relationship they might have had - although I definitely agree that he'd be a great step-father to her - but based on his memory sideshow he at the very least clearly regrets inadvertently hurting her and "tearing apart" her family. I wonder if burning them hurts him even more then, to know that he's destroying a bunch of things he knows she would love.

Another thing about burning the taxidermy owls…

Obviously, on its face, he’s getting rid of things that remind him of Stolas (though he’s also bringing those things into his home in the first place when he didn’t need to) and subconsciously engaging in terrible coping mechanisms to drive the remaining people in his life away to get the inevitable abandonment over with, already.

But I find it interesting he’s using taxidermied owls and not, like, stuffed animal ones. Or photos. Hell, even dead ones on the side of the road. Taxidermied ones.

One of Octavia’s hobbies is taxidermy.

We never see Stolas interact with Loona and we see Blitz interact with Octavia once to call her ‘sweetie’ in Loo Loo Land. Which makes sense. They’re not in a romantic relationship. They have no reason to go out of their way for each other’s child (though my little Italian heart BALKS at the idea of not even saying ‘hi’ to my situationship’s child. Who raised you?? Wait. Don’t answer that. I know who raised you and he fucking sucks).

Does Blitz know Octavia likes taxidermy? I’m sure Stolas told him. He’s a girl dad. There’s no way he doesn’t talk about her constantly. And Blitz has no reason to dislike Octavia. Even though she broke into his office to steal the grimoire, he spends most of the episode making sure Stolas doesn’t have a panic attack. He’s never angry or upset about it. I think he understands she’s 17 and going through it, even if the ‘it’ is not something he’s knowledgeable about.

Was Blitz maybe, possibly, just a little, thinking that he could have another daughter in Octavia? That Loona could have a little sister? Is he also, even just a little, mourning that loss?

#blitzo #octavia goetia #text post #meta #helluva boss spoilers

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boxofbadaddiction · 4 years ago

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The Missing Piece

Fred Weasley x Reader

George Weasley x Reader(Platonic)

All I Wanna Do Continuation

Warnings: Swearing. Angsty.

A/N: I know this was only meant to be a two part series...but I'm hopeless. So I present to you; Part II of (?)

It had been a couple days since y/n ran into George in Diagon Alley, revealing the hardest of truths to her long time friend. That being of her secret child to one Fred Weasley, conceived only the day before his death. The one whom she kept secret from her whole old life in London, after running from it. Marcos was the Weasley no one knew existed.

It had been more than difficult when George discovered the truth, seeing a young Fred with peircing y/e/c eyes barrell towards the two adults during a casual conversation between old friends. It'd hurt George more than he thought it were possible to hurt, no injuries sting ever coming close to the one he felt that day. However, after a night spent bonding with his newly discovered nephew and multiple nights of y/n explaining everything to him. From the night before the battle; which involved a little too much information in Georges opinion, to the day they accidentally crossed paths, he'd found a way to forgive her.

He'd been so angry in the beginning but now that they'd spoke and he saw her side none of that mattered. He couldn't stay mad. Not really.

It turns out though that y/n and Marcos had been staying in a small Muggle Inn as y/n searched for a place to relocate whilst Marcos reddied to begin his first year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Something which George refused to stand for, and so that's how for the past 4 days the two had been living happily above the store of Weasleys Wizard Wheezes, number 93 Diagon Alley.

George hadn't been happier in so long, to have someone else living within the flat with him. To have someone to come home to. A family no less. Y/n felt the same way. But that didn't mean the dread of letting the rest of the Weasley family in on her dirty little secret were any less prominent in her life. Even George had to admit he was nervous as to how they'd react.

Of course since Marcos had learned of the additional family members, he were yet to meet, he'd been pestering the pair as to when he'd finally get to see them. So, often y/n and George found themselves up late planning the right way to go about it.

They'd decided on a meal at the Burrow with the entire clan present. No exceptions - meaning Dragon Boy himself, as well as the Workaholic. They'd worked out all the kinks through countless Owls flown tirelessly back and forth and it was settled.

Tomorrow at 5pm, the three (two as the family expected) were to arrive via the Floo network, in accordance with the fact Marcos had never travelled by Floo before and was eager to experience it. Though if you asked Mr and Mrs Weasley the reasoning, they'd say the pair simply preferred that way.

At 4:52pm, the day of, Marcos could be found waiting eagerly and very impatient by the fireplace of the Twins flat. "Come ooooon, Mum!" He whined staring to his uncle and mother fussing over whatever he-knows-not, whispering seriously to one another by the kitchen counter. "In a moment, bud." George answered, receiving a huff in response.

George had his hands placed firmly on y/ns arms to steady her as he spoke sternly, eyes fixed directly onto hers. "Everything is going to be okay. I'll be with you the whole time. They're going to love him." "It's not him I'm worried about." Y/n croaked, voice thickly laced with emotion, "I know this is what's right and he'll fit in perfectly, that they'll love him unconditionally. But what of me George, I kept him from all of you. How could they ever look at me again. Let me in that house again. I know it sounds selfish but I'm not worried for him at all. Because it's what's right. But just because it's the right thing to do doesn't mean it makes this whole mess any easier. There wouldn't even be a mess if it weren't for me." Y/ns head dropped, picking at her nails in attempt to distract herself from the burning that set in behind her eyes and in her throat.

"Hey." Lifting a delicate finger to the underside of her chin, George pulled y/n's attention back to him, "You did what you thought was best for you at the time. What you did wasn't easy and I understand it now, just like they will. Once you explain and they meet him...there's no way they can stand against you. Okay? It's going to be okay." The whites of y/n's eyes burned red as she held back the tears which were ready to spill. All it took was a nudge, in the form of a tight comforting George Weasley style hug, to knock them over the edge.

"Can't you hug when we get there?" Marcos groaned, rolling his eyes in frustration this causing his Uncle chuckle. Y/n pulled back and looked to the clock on the wall, 4:59pm. Wiping the few stray tears still running down her cheeks she stepped toward her son. "Sorry sweety." She smiled sadly, fixing his hair. "Why are you crying?" her son asked simply. "It's just...it's just been a very long time since I've seen any of these people. It's got me a tad emotional. Don't worry, we can go now." "ALRIGHT!" The boy yelled excitedly, jumping into the large fireplace. George placed a hand to y/ns back, guiding her in next to Marcos as he grabbed a handful of powder and stood to the boys other side.

"Everyone ready?" George spoke with a wide-eyed, unnerved expression to y/n, "ready!" Marcos bounced on the balls of his feet excitedly while his mother, unknownst to him, offered back a grimace and shrug. "Yeah that seems about right" George spoke more to himself. Looking back out over his living room tight-lipped he grasped the boys shoulder, "The Burrow." He dropped the glittering dust in a swift motion and the three were quickly engulfed in vivid green flame. Here goes nothing.

This dinner would be the first time everyone had been together in years. Since the war if you were to include y/n in the family head count, which Molly did. So as you can imagine she had been fussing over every nanodetail to ensure the whole night went perfectly.

"Molly dear, you must try to relax. You've out done yourself, everything looks splendid and they'll love it." Arthur assured his wife, with a light kiss to her cheek. "I just haven't seen her in so long, not since...well-"

Y/n and Molly had shared such a close bond as she grew up alongside the Twins. The sort of connection Mothers dream of having with their daughters. Y/n came to her about absolutely everything; classes, grades, bullies, boys. There was nothing the two couldn't talk about. So when y/n disappeared after the War, well to Molly it were as if she'd lost another part of her family: the pain she felt neared that of losing another child. That day Molly Weasley very well lost a piece of herself.

It was no wonder her emotions were currently running ragged at the thought of finally seeing her again.

"I have so missed her." "As I'm sure she has you but that is no need to overwork yourself dear, come sit in the lounge." Arthur directed his Wife back from the kitchen to where the rest of their family were gathered.

"Jeez mum, wish you loved us that much." Charlie joked over his mother's flustered form. "It's just y/n" Ron groaned. "The house looks lovely, Molly. But Arthur is right. You must relax." Fluer spoke from her place beside Bill. Though she appreciated the sentiment, their words did little to soothe her excitement and nervousness over tonight. "I know, I'm sorry everyone I'm just so excited to have her back. It's been so long after all." Arthur had his arm placed over her shoulders, stoking her arm contently as she stared to the clock on the wall. 4:52pm.

The group fell into comfortable conversation as they awaited the final two guests, all far more excited to see y/n than they'd care to admit aloud. This would be the first time any of them had seen her in over a decade.

A loud crash and a flash of green from the kitchen alerted the family huddled within the lounge just as the clock struck 5:00pm.

"Oh! They're here!" Molly spoke excitedly. George was the first to step out of the fireplace, ruffling his hair to rid the ash which coated it's ends: appearing like smoke from a flame as it hung from the ginger locks. The family moved quickly from the room, essentially jumping from their seats, to come greet them, however they were suddenly halted.

"Before you all swarm us!" George declared with palms raised towards the group, "there's a little uh-...announcement to be shared first. Or rather an introduction. You see we've brought someone with us." He looked back over his shoulder to y/n who was staring up at him with scared eyes as she trembled slightly in fear of what was to come. She glanced back to her son, hidden by the corner of the large stone wall of the fireplace before looking back up to George as if to say 'it's now or never'. "Just...try to have an open mind." His eyes were pleading for his family to understand even if they hadn't the foggiest what was going on. All their faces contorted as they looked between one another in confused anticipation.

George lowered his hands with a nod satisfied no one was going to tackle them in a crushing embrace or otherwise hectic greeting typical to that of the Wealsey family. Turning to the side so he no longer stood infront of y/n and the wall of the fireplace he encouraged his friend to continue. Y/ns eyes barely left George, aside from a quick nervous flick back over the gathered audience.

Turning back determinedly she reached her arms out for Marcos to hold, helping support him as he stepped down from the slightly elevated floor. There's a kind smile on his face as he moves toward the sitting room where the family is waiting. George places an arm on the back of Marcos nudging him forward slightly, with a nod to y/n, who is staring teary-eyed at him, breath hitching as she starts to panic. "Everyone..." he turns back to his family, "this is y/ns Son, Marcos." "Hello" he says simply with a warm smile.

Everyone looks like they've seen a ghost. Staring silently with mouths agape.

Though covered head to toe in soot his firey red hair sticks out like a Dragon in a flower patch. The Weasley hair. Not just that, it's his face. His entire body. His voice. It's everything but his eyes.

Marcos is quickly becoming uncomfortable as everyone just stares at him, this wasn't what he'd expected. He looks back over his shoulder to his mother. She steps forward and grabs his hand, placing her other on his shoulder, looking to George for strength as she speaks quietly, "I know I have a lot of explaining to do" she swallows hard looking back to the pale faced Weasleys, "but this has been too long coming and it couldn't wait any longer. If George's reaction is anything to go by I know you all have quite a few words to say to me. And I'll hear them all. I deserve it for what I've done."

Marcos looks up to his mother confused, what had she done? For all he knew they hadn't met simply because they lived in different countries. That's no reason why she'd be in trouble is it? He looks back around the room then to George who smiles warmly to him in reassurance. "Sorry isn't enough I know, but I am. Truly. It's time though, Marcos needs you. He needs his family."

No one says anything. Though all silent there's a mixture of strained emotions held within the room. Many teary eyes. Some white knuckles and poorly hidden anger. But mostly it's shock.

Bill's looking around his family, worried, someone needs to say something. They can't just stand there any longer gawping. Dropping Fluers hold he walks forward, heads turn at his sudden movement. He squats infront of Marcos smiling as he shakes his nephews hand with both of his "It's nice to meet you Marcos. I'm Bill," he turns slightly on the spot to point towards his partner, "that's Fluer, my wife." She offers a small smile and wave, then Bill turns back to face him "I'm the eldest of your uncles." He states proudly, "And the coolest" he winks speaking the final line in a whisper. Marcos smiles, whispering back "But Uncle George said that he's the coolest" "yeah don't listen to him, or any of the others - there'll be a lot of that going around." Bill chuckles.

Marcos starts to relax at his uncles attempt in conversation. Y/n and George smile sweetly to one another but with nerves still evident in their expressions. "How did you get your scars?" Marcos asks abruptly. "Marc-" y/n warns, "ah, now THAT is a pretty awesome story" Bill grabs both his hands in his once more, bouncing excitedly on the balls of his feet etching ever closer to his nephew as he readies to tell the story, "you see there was this fight, at Hogwarts, before the War where I was up against this Werewolf-"

"Alright, alright, Bill, don't hog the boy with your boring old Greyback story." Another redhead interrupted, walking forward from the group to push his brother to the side, Marcs face contorted in confusion, brows furrowing and head falling to the side. Did he just say his story, with a werewolf, was boring!?

"I'm Charlie" the man knelt before the boy smiling widely "and I am by far cooler than these ones don't listen to them." "How are you cooler?" Marc asked "I work with Dragons." He widened his eyes in mock surprise before smiling again. "REALLY!? DRAGONS!?" Marc lit up like a Christmas tree. Charlie turned his head over his shoulder with a smug shit-eating grin on his face as he taunted his siblings for the reaction he'd elicited from such a simple statement. "Yep. Dragons." "Do you have one!? Can I see it!? Are they really as dangerous as everyone says?" Marc was firing questions at him quicker than his breath could carry, his enthusiasm endearing and contagious as the rest of the family made their way to make their introductions.

"Move it Charlie" stated a firey haired young girl "Merlins bollock!" "Marcos, Language!" Y/n warned but her son paid no mind to the woman too engrossed in the individual before him. "I know you! You play for the Hollyhead Harpies!" It was Ginnys turn to grin smugly to her brothers as they were pushed to the side. "It's lovely to meet you Marcos." She hugged him warmly. George and y/n stepped back a couple paces to allow the family more room for introductions.

Y/n was quietly crying as George had his arm placed securely around her back listening along to the excited conversation of everyone present, her son in particular, each time he was met with a new face. Until it seemed to reach a peak.

"YOU'RE HARRY POTTER!" "There it is." George whispered amusedly in y/ns ear. "The one and only." Harry smiled, "I must say, you look so much like your father. Except the eyes of course you've got-" "-my mothers eyes. Yes. So people keep telling me." Marc nodded with thin lips, this being maybe the hundredth time he'd been told so. "Sorry, trust me, I know that line gets a bit old." Harry smiled to himself.

Y/n was wrapped up in the various pieces of conversation that met her ears as more introductions were made. She always felt something had been missing from her life, she assumed it were simply Fred. She was wrong. This is what she was missing. They were missing from her.

They were her missing piece.

"Hello, my boy, I'm Arthur - your grandfather it'd appear" he stated warmly very much liking the sound of that. "What do you do?" His grandson asked curiously. "I work with the Misuse of Muggle Artefacts in the Ministry. Tell me..." Arthur began in a firm murmur, "do you know how exactly a 'microwave' works? I've been told it is a box which produces heat a-" "Daaaad not now!" Ron had grumbled. "I'm Ron. I'm an Auror with the Ministry" "like Mr Potter?" "Exactly." "Wicked".

"Greetings, Marcos. I'm Percy" came the next, posh, voice. "Hello, what do you do?" "I work within the Ministry-" Percy began before being interrupted by a sarcastic voice, "yeah don't worry about that one, Mate. Percy is in no running for the favourite uncle." George had spoke loudly causing a wave of chuckles to issue through the room.

Everyone was so warm and inviting and excited, it made y/ns heart swell. Hand placed to her chest as the other muffled her quiet gasps as joyful tears fell from her eyes. It was perfect, until she noticed something.

Where was Molly? Her eyes scanned the room, she was here not a moment ago where had she...

George noticed her shifting gaze and tensed posture. "Something the matter?" He whispered before his own eyes scanned the crowd of people. She needn't say a word as realisation struck swiftly, causing him to straighten himself. Dread flooded his body. "Don't fret, love" he whispered once again, gently rubbing her shoulder blades before taking a step towards Charlie - the closest member of his family - tugging on his shirt sleeve. Charlie leaned himself back towards his brother, eyes not leaving Marcos, nor the smile leaving his face. "Where's mum?" George asked. Charlie shrugged in response with a slight shake of his head "no idea".

Worry set in across Georges face, caught by Ginny across the room, whose head fell to the side as she silently asked the question, mouthing a simple "what?" To this George mouthed back "Mum?"

Her gaze quickly fixed to the room, brows furrowing as she noticed her mother's absence. Ginny looked back to George, shrugging she mouthed "up stairs?" George grimaced. It wasn't like his Mother simply to disappear. He certainly hadn't expected such a reaction. Given the circumstances, she should have been the first greeting him. With a suffocating hug and some offer of food.

"One sec" Ginny mouthed, holding up a finger while she quietly ascended the Burrows staircase in search of Molly.

George placed a firm hold around y/n again as he rubbed the back of his neck nervously. Ginny returned a few minutes later, arms wide with a shake of her head to let him know her search came up empty. George nodded a thank you, turning his head over his shoulder toward the kitchen. Empty. But the door...the door wasn't latched.

With a final squeeze to y/ns shoulder and a light comforting kiss to the top of her hair line he left her side for the first time since they'd arrived.

Y/ns arms wrapped around her body feeling far too vulnerable in the moment without George by her side. But she knew he had to be the one to find her.

Charlie's attention had been turned to the pair as he noticed Ginnys shrug in their direction. Looking just in time to see George walk towards the door as y/n tensed, insecurities and anxiety setting in.

He was unsure how to react. On the one hand he was ecstatic to discover he had a Nephew, one which oozed confidence and joy. One exactly like the Brother he'd lost. He fit like a puzzle piece into their lives, filling a hole they thought would never be filled. Though the cracks were still there, and he could never truly replace Fred - not that they'd want or expect him to, Marcos was the missing piece they needed in their lives. More than any of them probably realised.

On the other hand, however, Charlie was angry. Worse than angry. He was full-fledged fucking furious. Not an emotion usually acquainted with Charlie Weasley, the most carefree and open minded Weasley in the clan. To think someone he considered a friend, no. family. For years could just up and disappear from their lives, hiding this boy from them, this part of their family from them for more than a decade...it was a thought that made him sick. Feeling his throat close over and stomach turn at the disgusting lie he'd been unknowingly living. Talk about hard pills to swallow. Could he look past this?

Staring at the girl infront of him he did what he's always done. He began to reason. As painful as this is he knows there's two sides to every story and lashing out in anger is not going to solve anything. So he looks at it from her perspective; she'd just lost the man she loved. Perhaps she didn't know at the time she was pregnant? After that she ran, he remembered the last time he saw her. She'd broke down saying she can't stay in England any more, he'd thought it was just the emotions talking but she was gone days later, once everyone who'd died were buried. So she ran, and found out she was pregnant. She was alone and grieving and terrified. Still he couldn't see why she didn't think she could come to them. That was beyond even his reasoning, he assumed she'd explain all of this in due time. Until then what she really needed was for them to be there for her.

So, swallowing all those festering venomous thoughts he stepped toward her. Placing a tentative hand to her shoulder with a brief half smile. She looked to him defeated, his name falling from her lips in a sigh the beginning of an apology followed as she trembled before him. He silenced her with a shake of his head, wrapping her within his arms in a hug to let her know everything would be okay. "We're here for you" he whispered simply.

As George stepped out of the house in search of his Mother, eyes squinting as they adjusted to the bright unfiltered sunlight beating down overhead, he scanned the hills and the veggie patch - where she wasn't. Walking slowly he headed for the back garden - where she was.

Sitting with her back to him on their concret garden bench, her posture was stiffly straight but her head hung low. The light sniffle of her nose told him everything he needed to know about her current emotional state. He had been fully prepared to find her seething with anger, afterall she had never been afraid to cry infront of the family before but anger was something she rarely liked to broadcast. Unless of course a scolding was in order for her children's bad behaviour. But here she was crying.

He placed a gentle hand to her shoulder unable to think of the words to make his presence known. She jumped at the touch before placing a hand atop his own. "Mum?" He asked hesitantly, she didn't speak, only wiped the fresh tears which had fallen from her eyes with the corner of her appron. George moved to sit next to her, hand not leaving her shoulder. He patiently waited for her to speak knowing it best not to force any conversation.

His eyes travelled over her face; eyes puffy and red, lip trembling slightly. Then down to her hands which both now played tensely with her frayed appron ending. He always hated to see his mother so upset, usually he had a joke to crack making her smile but since Fred he had trouble 'picking up the slack', as it were. Never able to break an awkward silence the way Fred had. He needed that first line from another to prompt any sort of sarcastic or witty remark. Hate to admit it but he were a tad envious of his twin in that respect.

After several long minutes Molly spoke. "Oh, George..." she sobbed defeatedly. His attention was immediately back on her face, waiting for her next strangled set of words. "He-he...he's..." "he's not mine." George nudged playfully in an attempt to lighten the atmosphere but it comes out a tad sad in his opinion.

"He's so much like him. Exactly like him if not for the..." "eyes." George spoke, smiling fondly at the thought, "he has his mother's eyes." Molly faced him finally, "Why'd you leave?" He questioned. Gingerly running a hand through the hair above her sons scar she replied sadly "It was just too hard." And more tears fell.

"It's hard for all of us Mum, I know it's a lot and this would be the last thing you'd ever expect to come from the fireplace but it's what came. And through all the bad and confusing you need to see the good. You have a Grandchild. Your first. What you've always wanted." "But George, it's not-he..." "he looks exactly like Fred, sounds exactly like Fred and acts exactly like Fred. But he's not, I know. He's not Fred. But he's a piece of him. More than what we had." Molly was shaking with tears now as George spoke with her. A similar burning taking root behind his eyes, but he had to hold strong. The family needed that right now. "I know it's hard, believe me when I found out I-well...let's just say some bystanders were scared they were about to witness a murder" he chuckled. "I'd never been so angry. But y/n explained everything. She talked me through it and she'll do that with you. With everyone. You just have to give her the chance."

Molly scoffed slightly as she let out a long breath. Looking up to her son her heart swelled to think she was able to raise such a strong, passionate and caring young man. She'd never been prouder of him. Seeing how, through everything; the war, losing Fred, finding out the truth about Marcos. How he managed to stay that compassionate and loving young man she always knew...it was beyond her how he could do that.

She'd lost so much during the wars. In the first she lost her brothers, and countless friends, then she lost a son to the second. When had she lost herself along the way? It was then she knew she needed to be the mother he deserved. That they all deserved, stronger than she had been before. She had to be with her family now. The family which just grew by a member. "What do you say, Ma, Ready to meet your Grandson? Cause you know I've been telling him all about how his Grandmother is the world's best cook. Don't know how much longer he's going to be able to wait for one of your homemade apple pies I've been telling him so much about."

Molly began to smile through her light tears before her face dropped completely. "Oh no!" She'd near shouted placing hands to her mouth, jumping from her place on the bench and startling George in the process. "I didn't cook any apple pies! I didn't think to! Usually we only eat those on very special occasions and- well, yes of course this is the most special occasion...but I had no idea!" Molly paced back and forth fussing over the fact she had no pies prepared "oh, George, you don't suppose he'll be too disappointed do you? I'm sure I can whip up a batch before dinner. Oohh but I haven't any apples! I'll have to run to the store".

George sat smiling fondly as his mother twidled her fingers together stressfully. It was endearing he thought, how quickly her priorities change. It wasn't till she started running her hands through her hair and down her appron he knew she needed to be calmed down.

He stood, placing both hands to her elbows to stop her pacing, looking down to her with a grin "Mum...relax." "oh George but the pies!" "MUM! How bout, first things first...you meet the boy." Silent laughter radiated through his chest as her eyes flew open "oh of course! How could I be so selfish! Do I look okay? I don't want to come across as some nutter" "doesn't matter how you look, you'll ways be a nutter." Molly smacked her son's arm as he laughed.

Slowly the two made their way back inside, his arm tight around her shoulder. He found it concerning at how slow she were walking but knew this was a difficult situation.

As the kitchen door swung open all eyes fell to the pair. Marcos was sitting on the small coffee table of the sitting area as everyone was gathered around, filling him in on anything and everything he wanted to know. Y/n was tucked closely under Charlie's arm on the sofa. Everyone went quiet once again as the two rejoined. Y/ns eyes flew to George who nodded at her, letting her know everything was okay.

Y/n was the only one to move as George and Molly approached the group. She stood, grabbing Marcos by his hands and moving him towards his Grandmother.

He stood straightly, smiling before her as y/n knelt beside him. "Marcos, this is Molly. Your Grandmother" y/n smiled sweetly but nervous up to Molly who only had eyes for the boy infront of her. She had a hand placed to her mouth as she held back glistening tears. "It's nice to meet you" he held out his hand for her to shake, but she didn't move to take it.

"Wait for it" George smirked knowingly. Marcos dropped his hand slightly, head falling to the side in confusion. Wait for wha-

Molly instantly swooped down, engulfing the young boy in a bone crushing hug as a heavy breath left her throat. "We're so glad to have you here, my boy." She let him go, leaning back to place his face between her palms smiling brightly through joyful, unfallen tears. "Bit peaky, what's say we begin dinner" she asked warmly. "That sounds nice" Marcos mumbled through squished cheeks.

"Come, this way Dear," Molly placed a hand to his back directing him to where they'd be eating, fussing over the boy more with each step.

George and Y/n watched on as her son happily seated himself at the table and Molly began piling various foods onto his plate as the rest of the family did the same from the lounge, basking in the small moment shared between Grandmother and Grandson.

'This is how it should always have been' Y/n thought with a heavy heart. There was a calmness in her mind as she watched on, replaying the way the family had greeted the pair as they entered. Things might just work out better than she had feared. Might.

#harry potter fanfiction #fred weasley x reader #George weasley x reader #fred weasley/reader

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addictofsupernatural · 5 years ago

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Mystery Man

Sweet Pea x reader

Summary: When shy girl y/n catches Sweet Pea's eye, he decides to show her some gratitude. The only problem is, she doesn't know it's him.

Word Count: 4825

You didn't really have that much friends. You were a shy person, and it took a bit to get you to open up. Betty didn't care, and saw something in you that she liked. So you became best friends with the core four. People still made fun of you at the artificial school called Riverdale High, but it didn't bother you most of the time since you knew there were people in your life that liked you for the "freak" that you are.

Being shy also made you very observant. When people weren't making fun of you, they ignored you, and being invisible made it easier to witness all that was going on. Of course you did go back and talk about some things you'd hear with Betty, Jughead and Veronica. But that's how you've come to known Sweet Pea.

He wasn't as bad as so many Northside students made him seem to be. Not at all. In your eyes, he was just looking out for his family, the Serpents. It wasn't his fault he was born the wrong side of town, yet people were quick to judge him. He was easily angry, but you saw that it was because of everybody's judgements. You saw that he didn't want people to think he was weak, so he used anger to show people otherwise.

That's why you decided to help him. You figured you should just mind your business, but you felt bad for the tall serpent sitting next to you who was struggling with the equations. He never asked for help since people would just label him as stupid.

He buried his face in his hands in frustration. How was he supposed to pass this class when the teacher is doing lessons that he never learned at Southside High?

He was brought out of his thoughts when he felt a tap on his arm. He turned his head towards you, looking you up and down. "Do you need help?" You asked quietly.

He just stared at you. He didn't know if it were a joke or not. "What?" Was the only thing that came out of his mouth. He then felt more stupid.

You took it upon yourself to grab his notebook and begin to write on the problem he's been stuck on. "Do you get how I set that up?" He shook his head. "So since it has an exclamation mark, it means that it multiplies with all the numbers before it, up to 1. But to make it easier, when you write out the numbers you stop when it's the same as the bottom of the fraction so you can cross it out. That way the bottom is 1 and you don't have to simplify. All you have to do is multiply the rest of the numbers."

You gave him back his notebook, and he continued to stare at you. You suddenly felt really hot and small in your seat. You went back to your own notebook, and Sweet Pea did the same.

By some miracle, the rest of the problems were easy to complete. He looked around at almost the entire class struggling, but he was done. He didn't feel so dumb as he usually felt. He looked over to you. You were done as well, and were doodling on your pages.

"Alright everyone," Ms. Danvers brought everybody's attention to her. "Pencils down. Let's review." She looked around the room, noticing Sweet Pea staring at you instead of the board. "Sweet Pea." He snapped his head to her. "Since you don't find it important to pay attention, why don't you tell us the answer to number 1?"

"Uh, 235." Ms. Danvers looked at him with a mixture of shock and annoyance. She ignored him, moving on to the second question. Sweet Pea smiled to himself before looking to you. You smiled back.

When he kept his gaze on you, your face felt hot and your smile faded as you quickly looked back to your notebook. He internally chuckled at you. He noticed how your hair covered some of your face, and that you had a cute figure that you hid as well with a flannel.

The bell rang and you all packed up. You were about to get up when a hand slammed on your desk, causing you to jump your seat. "Sorry." Sweet Pea said. "Thanks for earlier." He put down a ten dollar bill.

You looked at the bill and slid it towards him. "You're welcome." You then got up and grabbed your stuff.

"I don't want to owe you anything." He held out the money to you.

You sighed, grabbing the money and putting it in his flannel pocket. "If you're being paid to be nice then it's not really being nice is it?" He didn't say anything, so you offered him a small smile. "If you ever need help, you could just ask."

He watched you leave, wondering how someone could be so adorably nice. He decided to sort of follow you around without your knowledge of knowing. You didn't really speak to anyone, except for Jughead and his three friends.

Later at the Whyte Wrym Sweet Pea asked Jughead a question, with Betty sitting on his lap. "So what's with your quiet friend at school Jones?"

Betty and Jughead looked at each other. "I think he means y/n." Betty explained.

"Oh. Why are you so interested in her?"

"I never said I was, she's just kinda mysterious. Why doesn't she really talk?"

Jughead and Betty smiled at each other knowingly. "She's a shy girl." Betty said. "The sweetest you'll ever meet though. It sucks that she takes all that crap from everybody."

Sweet Pea furrowed his eyebrows. "What do you mean?"

"Oh, just the artificial society created by highschool. Her quietness seems to be at the bottom of the food chain." Jughead explained. Sweet Pea just stared at him. "She gets bullied and doesn't do anything about it."

He didn't know how to react. He was angry, but he really didn't have to be. He didn't even know you. "Shouldn't someone be defending her?"

"You mean you want to defend her?" Jughead asked. Sweet Pea didn't say anything, but gave him a glare.

Betty smiled. "Whenever we try to help her she just brushes it off. Besides, she has some personal issues that she has to deal with."

"How do you get closer to a girl like that?"

Both Betty and Sweet Pea ignored Jughead's snickering. "Actions speak louder than words. You should show her that you want to get close to her."

Sweet Pea thought about this. It was a good idea. He wasn't a very outgoing person when it came to talking about his feelings, so this worked out perfectly. "Can you tell me something that she likes?"

The next day you were going through a normal day at school when you opened your locker, finding something out of the ordinary. There was a comic book with a present bow on it and a letter taped to the front.

I heard you love Marvel. Hope you like it, cause I'd feel like a superhero if I made you smile. You should have your hair a little out of your face. It's cute, but what's behind your hair is even cuter. I know heroes usually hide behind a mask, but there is one hero that isn't afraid to show the world what he really looks like. You'll be hearing from me again soon.

You took the note off, seeing a comic book for Iron Man Volume 3, the one where he reveals his identity. Tony Stark was your favorite Avenger. How could anybody know this?

Sweet Pea watched you as you smiled at the gift, putting it in your backpack and happily walking to the school library for lunch with your friends. This was working. Sweet Pea felt proud of himself.

When you got to the library you found an unopened bag of Pop's on your seat. "It's for you." Betty said, a teasing smile on.

"Who's it from?" You asked quietly.

Veronica then spoke up. "He'd rather not have us say." You opened the bag to your favorite order, as well as another note.

You like it? Sometimes you forget your lunch money since a lot of things go through your mind. It's not good for you to skip meals. Eat up! :)

"Are you guys telling him stuff about me?"

"If somebody asks a question, it'd be rude not to answer." Betty said, amusement in her voice.

The next day at school you saw a small box with another note sitting on your desk in Geometry. You first opened the note, with Sweet Pea nervously sitting next to you in his desk.

Make a wish! My wish is for you to like me for who I really am, but I'll let you have this chance. Oh, and as much as I'd love to spoil you, I'm not really made of money. I'd rather talk to you more. 714-xxx-xxxx

You then opened the box, revealing a necklace that had a small rose gold wishbone on it. You let out a short giggle when you saw it. "Make a wish." You quietly said.

Sweet Pea watched in joy as you put it on. You then put the note in your backpack. When you looked around, he turned back to the front of him, trying not to seem suspicious. He then felt a tap on his arm.

"Hey." You said. "Uh, did you see who left this?" He shook his head. "Oh, okay. Sorry to bother you." You turned but quickly turned back to him. "Oh, and, please don't tell people about this. I know you don't know me and shouldn't really care about me, but I'm just saying. Just in case, y'know? I, um, don't want certain people to know about this." You nervously stared at him when you finished your ramble.

"Why not?" He simply asked.

You let out an unamused laugh. As you were about to open your mouth to respond, some River Vixens came up to you. "Aw, what's this? Shy girl got a gift from a crush?" One said as she lifted up your necklace.

The other one went behind you and took it off. "It's cute. I think it'd look better on me."

"Wait, no!" They laughed at your panicked form. "Please give it back. Please." They responded by taking their seats.

You began to shake your leg nonstop. Sweet Pea watched as you kept doing that and tapping your fingers on the desk. "Are you okay?"

"Huh- uh, yeah. Mhm." You didn't look at him.

"You sure?"

"It's called anxiety." You snapped. "So if you want to make fun of me for it too, be my guest." He didn't respond, only stared at you. You buried your hands in your face, then pushed back your hair to look at him. "Sorry." You mumbled.

He nodded. "You should let someone help you with it."

"I don't want to drag someone into my problems, that's selfish." You paused. "Which is what I'm kinda doing to you right now. Sorry."

"You shouldn't say sorry for things when you didn't do anything wrong." The bell then rang and you kept your gaze on Sweet Pea, wondering how someone could be so secretly nice. You brain then wondered, and you snapped out of your thoughts. You shouldn't think of him like that, when there's someone out there who actually has feelings for you.

Later on, you heard a knock on your door about an hour after you got home. You went to go answer it, since your parents were always working. Not they'd answer the door. When they were home, they didn't really talk to you. They told you that they loved you, but you always felt that they were ashamed of you. They were Northsiders, after all, they weren't really proud of having a child that was different from the others.

When you got to the door, nobody was there. You looked down, and there was another box with a note. You opened the box, and there was another necklace. This time, it was a key hole. You then took a look at the letter.

I heard what happened, but it's okay :) Maybe you'll find the key. Hopefully sometime soon.

You then set the box and letter down on your nightstand. You took out the letter from earlier and put the number in.

You ~ Thank you

??? ~ For? 😏

You ~ Everything

??? ~ Do you like the new necklace?

??? ~ I have a matching one of a key

You ~ Why are you being so nice to me?

??? ~ Why are you always so nice?

You ~ .-.

??? ~ You don't care about superficial crap that everybody else does

??? ~ You're always so selfless and don't ask for help when you might need it

??? ~ Why wouldn't I be nice you to?

The two of you talked some more, and you figured that he wouldn't reveal himself to you anything soon. That meant that it was up to you to figure it out. You texted him the next day.

You ~ You're from the Southside

Sweet Pea was caught off guard. It had only been two days of doing this and you were already on to him.

??? ~ Why do you think that?

You ~ Because almost all Northside guys are dicks

??? ~ Lol

??? ~ Wait

??? ~ Almost?

You ~ Archie is sweet

Sweet Pea rolled his eyes. Of course you would think that. Everybody on the Northside seems to love Archie, and he never understood why. Little did he know that you were saying this on purpose.

??? ~ He's not even as innocent as people make him out to be

??? ~ I don't get what people see in him

You ~ So you're a Serpent

Sweet Pea was freaking out now. "Wow." Toni said, reading over his shoulder. "Smart girl."

"Toni, back off." He pushed her away. "Stop reading my messages."

"You really have to hide yourself in order to get a girl to like you?" She teased. He glared at her. "Relax, I'm kidding. You don't have to hide yourself, she doesn't seem like the type of person to care." They both looked at his phone as he texted you.

You ~ Why do you think that?

Y/n ~ If you don't like Archie then you're a serpent

Y/n ~ Don't worry snake boy 🐍🐍

Y/n ~ I'll find the key soon enough

"Wow, you're really making her work to you." Toni said. "Then again, you seem like you're working hard too."

At school you went up to Jughead, asking a question that was to everyone's delight. "Could I have a list of all the Serpents that go to this school?"

He shifted in his seat. "Why?"

"The guy who's been giving me things is a serpent. I can tell."

"Wow," Veronica said. "Mystery man is taking an effect on you. I haven't seen you this giddy before."

"I can give you a list of the Swords and Serpents Club members." Jughead offered.

You nodded, giving him a hug. "Thank you!" He awkwardly hugged back. He then gave you the list after school.

You ~ So I narrowed you down to 16 guys

Snake Boy ~ Good job

Snake Boy ~ Your prize is at your favorite diner

You stopped in your tracks on the way to your house, turning around to and walking to Pop's. "Hey Pop."

"Hello y/n." Pop said, smiling. "You must be here for your gift."

You nodded excitedly. He handed you a teddy bear with a mini Southside Serpents jacket on it. "Thanks Pop." You giddily said. "Could you tell me anything about him?"

"Well, I'm only allowed to say one thing."

"Um, this hair color?"

"Black."

"Thanks Pop." You then took off, texting your mystery man.

You ~ 7 guys

Snake Boy ~ Your next prize is at your door step

It was a Joker and Harley Quinn poster. You happily put it up on your wall. You were excited to learn who this guy was. You just hoped that he wouldn't change is mind.

The next day you walked into Geometry class, sitting down and putting your key hole necklace under your shirt. Sweet Pea smiled. You were enjoying the gifts, and it seemed special to you. Unfortunately he was so focused on you that he wasn't paying attention to the board, and had no idea what to do.

"Um, hey," he tapped your shoulder as you drew on your notebook. You looked up at him and smiled. "Could you help me out with this? Please?"

You smiled. "Sure." You then began explaining the equations to him, and even cracked a joke here and there. You were usually awkward with people when talking to them, but he was easier to talk to. You showed him though your notebook, and Sweet Pea couldn't have been any happier with what is saw.

"Is that a bear with a leather jacket on?" He pointed at one of your drawings. You felt your face heat up and nodded. You hid behind your hair. He let out a chuckled. "That's pretty cute."

He then took a piece of your hair and tucked it behind your ear. You then looked at him. "Why'd you do that?"

"You look prettier when you show your face." Your face felt like it was on fire as you turned to the front. You couldn't be feeling like this with him when mystery man was waiting for you.

Your mind danced around the idea of Sweet Pea being mystery man, but you dismissed it. He would probably be too embarrassed to be seen with you. Maybe he's just a really flirty person.

In PE Jughead gave you a water bottle from mystery man. On the plastic bottle it said hydrate. "This is becoming sickening to watch." Jughead said. "I don't really enjoy being a delivery boy."

"So you're closer to him then." You said. "You wouldn't do this unless you were more closer with them."

"I can neither confirm nor deny this." His smile betrayed him.

"So it's either Fangs or Sweet Pea." You cracked a smile as you said the ladder's name.

Jughead noticed and shrugged. "I guess you'll just have to ask mystery man himself."

You grabbed your stuff when PE was over, taking out your phone to give a quick text.

You ~ 2 guys

Snake Boy ~ Who did you come up with?

You ~ Sweet Pea or Fangs

As Sweet Pea looked at his phone in shock, Fangs was reading over his shoulder. "Hey, it's either me or you. I've seen her, she's pretty hot. Maybe I could have her." He laughed as his friend shoved him.

As you and Jughead were walking out of school, some bulldogs stopped the two of you. "Well what do we have here?" Reggie said. "If it isn't little miss freak."

"Lay off Reggie." Jughead said.

He chose to ignore Jughead. "I noticed that you've been skippin' around school like you own the place, all for some mystery guy." You said nothing, only looked down. "Let me tell you something, whoever this guy is, doesn't like you. I mean, there's nothing to like, really. You will always be the freak that people laugh about, and he's just playing you."

You kept your gaze on the ground, which infuriated one of the other bulldogs. "Hey!" He said, shoving you back. "You listenin-"

He was cut off by a punch from Jughead, which caused another Bulldog with a ring on to punch Jughead, causing his cheek to bleed. You yanked him away, and the two of you began to sprint to your house.

Once you got home you gave Jughead your first aid kit to patch himself up. That was when you thought about what Reggie said. He was right. You would always be the freak, and nobody would like you for who you are. You were too damaged, too different.

"Hope you're not thinking about what Reggie said." Your thoughts were cut off by Jughead. "Look, Reggie's just a dick. Don't ever listen to anything that comes out of a mouth breather."

You smiled at his half joke, but still felt a heavy feeling in your chest and stomach. "Thanks Jug, but I just kinda want to be alone right now." He knowingly hugged you as your eyes began to water. He then saw himself out.

That's when the bad thoughts came flowing into your brain. They were worse that usual, and instead of fighting your anxiety like you read about, you just let it take over you. Once you started crying, you went into your room and curled up on your bed. You stopped crying after a bit, but were still taken over by the bad thoughts. That's when too heard a knock at the door.

You answered it, and saw Sweet Pea nervously standing there with a bag of chocolates. "Hey. I was going to just leave these at the door, but it seemed like this was more serious."

You stared at him blankly. "Are you mystery man?" You asked, quieter than intended.

He let out a small laugh. "Is that what you guys have been calling me?"

You still looked at him seriously. "How do I know this isn't some mean trick?"

He showed a necklace that he was wearing under his shirt. It had a gold key on it. You ran up and hugged him, causing him to drop the bag. "Woah." He laughed. "Didn't think you'd be that excited."

"Come in." You picked up the bag and grabbed his hand, leading him in.

"You sure your Northside parents are okay with a serpent coming into their home?" He asked as you closed the door.

"They're not home, and they don't really pay attention to their freak daughter." You said as you both sit on the couch. "So, I have questions."

"It's only fair if I ask questions too." Sweet Pea said as he got a little closer.

You suddenly became aware of the close proximity and scooted back a bit. "Okay." you said, face flushed. "We'll take turns. I'll go first. Why did you do all these things for me?"

"Because I wanted to get closer to you. You didn't handle being face to face as well, so I figured this was the best way to go." You nodded. "Are you happy that it was me?"

"Extremely." His lips curled up as he looked at your blushing form in a daze. "What do you see in me?"

"Awesomeness." You giggled. "I see that you don't care about me living in the Southside. I see that you're always kind to people, even though nobody deserves you. I see that your really pretty but don't think so. I see that your body is perfect but you cover it with a flannel."

As he said that, he pushed hair out of your face and gently tugged on your flannel, causing one side to be hanging off your shoulder. You got closer, putting a hand on his cheek. "It's your turn."

He leaned into your hand. "Why were you happy that it was me?"

"Because I was starting to gain feelings for real you, and I felt like I was betraying mystery you because I had feelings for him too." He looked down to your lips. "I figured out it was you. What's my prize?"

He leaned into you, pushing his lips onto yours. He put his hands on your waist while you put yours in his face. When he finally pulled back from the mind blowing kiss, he asked, "Would you like to go out with me?"

"Do I get to call you my boyfriend?"

He laughed. "Of course."

"Are you sure you want to be with me? Damaged and all?" You were nervous, and this made Sweet Pea just fall deeper for you.

"You're not damaged, you're actually perfect. You just don't see it, but it's okay because I do. If you're going through something I'll always be here for you. Truth is, I'm the broken one here."

You shook your head, kissing the side of his jaw. "I don't care about your baggage, I care about you." He then pulled you in for another amazing kiss as you felt him smile.

The next day at school you confidently walked in with your key hole necklace. As you were looking you for friends to tell them the amazing news, three River Vixens came up to you. "Well what do we have here?"

Your smile faltered a bit. "I think Mr Fake Secret Admirer gave it to her." Another said.

You held onto it. You were not going to let them get this one too, it was too special. "That's none of your business." You sternly said.

The three of them laughed. "Aw, shy girl does have a voice after all. Look tiny, you will never have a man who loves you, so you should stop trying to convince people that someone fell for your loser ass-"

Her voice faded off as the three of them stared up at you. You then felt two arms wrap around you, and you smiled, turning around into your boyfriends arms. "Morning."

"Morning." You said back. He then tugged you into a kiss, grabbing your face and deepening it as the three others watched. When the two of you pulled back you had your arms around his neck. "Did you like the chocolates?"

The two of you were almost nose to nose, you staring at him as he happily stared at your lips. "Yeah, I ate a little when you left. How'd you know those were my favorite?"

His hands left your cheeks to slide onto your hips. "I have my ways." He then looked up, pulling back a bit to eye the three Vixens. "Can I help you?"

You didn't look at them, only played with the key necklace he was wearing. They noticed how the two of you were matching necklaces. "She's paying you, isn't she?"

He then laughed, eyeing them up and down. "You girls have boyfriends, do you?" They were all silent. "Yeah, thought so. Maybe when you guys stop being assholes to other people, you'll understand why we're so happy."

He then put an arm around your shoulder and walked away with you. "Wow." You laughed.

"Can't let them talk bad about my girl. No flannel?"

"No, figured I should stop hiding so much. You like it?" You smiled, and Sweet Pea almost melted. You were just too adorable.

He pulled your waist closer to him. "I like you."

"I like you too." You both kissed, but stopped when Sweet Pea felt a hand clasp his shoulder.

"So you managed to pull this off." Fangs said. He then stepped towards you. "Since I was your second choice, does that mean that I can have you if things don't work out between the two of you?"

You giggled, already liking this guy. Sweet Pea found this less funny, and decided that everybody should know who you belong to. "Come on." He said grabbing you and putting you over his shoulder.

"Sweets!" You and Fangs laughed as he began to walk away with you. "It was nice to meet you Fangs!" You called out as he watched you being hauled around by your boyfriend.

#riverdale #riverdale fandom #riverdale fanfiction #sweet pea #sweet pea fanfiction #sweet pea fic #sweet pea x reader #riverdale sweet pea #sweet pea fluff #the southside serpents #sweet pea x y/n

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punkscowardschampions · 4 years ago

Text

Buster & Rio

Buster: I miss you Rio: Guarantee I miss you more Buster: State your case then Rio: 😍😍 Buster: That's a strong introduction, how are you gonna follow it through? Rio: 🤤🤤 Buster: I like the thread of your argument, I can't lie, but I still miss you more Buster: 'Cause a girl was flirting with me in the gym and after telling her all the ways she doesn't compare to you, how incomparable you are was, and is, all I could think about Rio: As much as I probably shouldn't encourage you to be rude to random girls Rio: I love that you do so Buster: She embarrassed herself long before I embarrassed her, reckoning she had a chance Rio: I know what you mean Rio: the stalker has been getting inventive today Buster: Tell me Rio: We're doing this whole project in comp sci about viruses and shit Rio: and they've sent a meant-to-be-creepy spam type email Rio: it's got attachments but Rio: I've not looked yet Buster: Send it to me, I'll open it for you Rio: I know it's unlikely they're that smart Rio: but what if it does have some computer-killing 👾 attached? Buster: Smart enough that we haven't worked out who they are yet Buster: but if it's a virus, I'll buy another laptop Rio: it seems ridiculous Rio: this proves it has to be someone at school now, at least Rio: it's not like I've posted about my fucking homework anywhere Buster: How big's that class? Buster: Can discount my sister and your brother already, like Rio: Don't Rio: you're about the only person I've not thought it could be at my craziest Rio: probably about 30 odd though, standard Buster: Baby, they're the crazy one and I'm not letting them drive you even slightly close to the edge Buster: Who do you know and who don't you, percentage wise? Rio: I thought I knew everyone in this school, this town Rio: you'd think if someone was as creepy as this, anyway, that you'd know, they'd fucking stick out a bit but no Buster: It ain't a film, there's no creepy music playing to give it away Rio: if it was, it'd be dragging Rio: time for the resolve and happy ending Buster: Yeah, I know Buster: You wanna try calling that helpline again? Rio: Maybe Rio: I just wanna talk to you Rio: that's more helpful Buster: It's the least bullshit lead we've had for ages, I'll find a way to narrow it down more somehow Buster: We've got an obsession with you in common, it'll be me who figures it out if any cunt can Rio: Yours is the only one I need Buster: If you need to stay here for a while I'll sort it with my parents, yours, school, whoever Buster: You know that Rio: I know Rio: it's more and more tempting to not leave every time I go Buster: I just want you to be able to take an actual deep fucking breath Buster: Like you said, the amount of time this has been going on is ridiculous Rio: I can forget about it, most of the time Rio: but it's when something new happens, unexpected Buster: I'll kill him when we work out who it is Buster: 'Til then, stay with me Buster: He never does fuck all when you're here Rio: At least that's quick Rio: too nice if anything, babe Rio: always say that about you Buster: It don't have to be quick or nice Buster: Don't underestimate me, babe Rio: 🤤🤤 I rest my case Buster: I love you, that rests mine Buster: I'd do anything for you Rio: I love you so much Rio: I'd definitely be crazy without you, stalker or otherwise Buster: There's a fair chance I'd be stalking you too if things were any different between us Buster: I'd leave better presents though Rio: and I'd know it was you always Buster: 'Course Buster: I'd want you to know Rio: hence there's no world in which we ain't a thing Buster: [has bought her the most expensive and best ever anti virus software and all that jazz so sends her the deets like there you go] Rio: this really has everything Rio: thank you Buster: He ain't gonna be smart enough to get through that, I've been reading reviews since you told me Buster: And I have it too now so you don't have to worry about sending me whatever bullshit he does to you Rio: We can open it together then? Rio: [I think it shouldn't be camgirl moments but something @school to drive that home] Buster: Yeah, on the count of three Rio: [just some creeper shots all throughout the day up until that lesson] Rio: these are today, I'm 99% sure Rio: I swapped my bag Buster: Forget going there tomorrow, I'm booking you a flight here instead Buster: I'll think of a lie to tell my parents if you still don't want anyone else to know the truth Rio: there was always the possibility Rio: but now I know it's someone I really see in person Rio: every day Rio: jesus Buster: I meant what I said, I'm gonna find out who, whatever it takes Buster: I know it feels fucked, but it's good, that it's one of 30 classmates rather than the numbers of lads who watch your streams Rio: it's true Rio: but those lads could be anywhere in the world, not in the same room as me Buster: Which is why you shouldn't be in that room until we know which sick cunt it is Buster: Just give me some time, it's not like I don't have the money to throw at it Rio: I couldn't be there if I had to Rio: I don't even want to be here at home now Buster: How soon can you be at the airport? Rio: not for a while Rio: I mean, tonight, maybe Rio: what should I tell my mam? Buster: Tell her I'm having a breakdown, it wouldn't be the first time Buster: I'll trash the house for realism if it comes to it, like Rio: it'll keep her from being worried Rio: pissed off is fine, I'll deal with that when I can Buster: Exactly Buster: And Ava's at a friend's so I don't have to worry about scaring the shit out of her with my acting Buster: 'Cause it'd be stupid not to feed my parents the same lie Rio: You don't have to go that method Rio: but I wouldn't blame you Rio: I'm trying to keep my freak out internal because I'm looking after the twins and your sister is on her way Buster: I'm glad you're not on your own, even if the company is Nance Rio: I was kinda hoping someone took the homework too seriously and was pranking the whole class Rio: but nah, the email was more specific than I let on to her, of course Rio: even before the pictures Buster: 'Course you were Buster: He'd been quiet for a while Rio: really think he'd get bored at some point Rio: I never react, respond, everything they tell you Buster: Now isn't really the time for me to reiterate how stalkable you are again when I can do better with compliments Rio: the fact you can make me smile even at this time Buster: I can do better than that too, I'll make you forget about it Rio: yeah? Buster: Yeah Rio: I need that Rio: my head is all over the place Buster: You've got it, and whatever else you need Rio: I only feel really safe when I'm with you Buster: You are safe with me, but you won't have to leave until you're also safe everywhere else Buster: I'm gonna fix it Rio: yeah Buster: I know I've said it before but this time I swear Buster: He fucked up by giving us a decent clue Rio: it does narrow it down Rio: even if it isn't the class, and it's just the school in general Rio: that's the most we've ever had to go on Buster: Exactly Rio: but what do we do Rio: if we work it out Buster: I told you, I'll kill him Rio: so you're the only one that ends up in prison Buster: I'm not a fucking amateur, babe Rio: mm Rio: 🙄😏 Buster: Hilarious Buster: Nance will be a way more receptive audience though Rio: yeah, really in the mood for this study sesh now Buster: I can easily change hers if you wanna get out of it Rio: nah Rio: I need to keep things normal Rio: only just invited her over, it'd be weird to change my mind Buster: You can blame me for that as well, I don't give a shit Rio: I can't leave yet, like you said, distraction is probably a good thing Buster: Alright, what can I do to make it a more bearable one? Buster: [loads of her fave things getting delivered to this gaff like don't be scared to answer your door, look they are all from me, here's the order confirmations] Rio: I don't deserve you Buster: You don't deserve the bullshit he's putting you through, you've always deserved me Rio: I feel like I should just Rio: stop the streams Rio: I know you aren't meant to change your lifestyle and habits for them but it wouldn't have happened if I weren't doing that shit Rio: I know you aren't meant to change your lifestyle and habits for them but it wouldn't have happened if I weren't doing that shit Buster: Fuck that, we know he's from school Buster: Being able to see you every day pre-dates anything you've done online Buster: He could've known you since primary Rio: I guess Rio: but would he be bothered if there was less out there to stalk Buster: It's not your fault, Rio Buster: It can happen to anyone, you know that Rio: it's happening to me though Buster: Not 'cause of anything you've done Buster: Come on Rio: anyway Rio: I'm gonna enjoy all these treats Buster: Good Rio: how much should I bring? Rio: when I pack Buster: As much as you want, I'll send you money for if your cases are over the weight limit Rio: don't want it to look like I'm running away too hard but Buster: You're overthinking it, you never travel light anywhere, nobody'll notice Rio: I need options Buster: I'm not mad about it and I don't care if my parents are Rio: they're going to be Rio: you'll have to go to school, be 😇 to show I'm totally not a distraction Buster: You are, but I'll still go Buster: All that matters to me is that you feel safe Rio: I will do Rio: and I'll find ways to be useful to them as well as distracting to you Buster: Winning over Ava is basically the same thing as winning them over Buster: You've had loads of practice at that Rio: kids are easy Buster: She's easier than Grace, obviously Rio: wouldn't take much on Ava's part Rio: bless Buster: She'll be distracting at any rate Rio: I can take her to school and shit, free up some time for them Buster: Yeah, and once you've had some time, we can sort out getting your assignments and shit sent over Rio: I won't miss anything important Buster: It'll be fine Buster: I'll make sure it's fine, like Rio: I know you will Buster: You gonna facetime me into this study session or what then? Rio: depends Rio: are you going to be nice? Buster: To you Rio: well you're always nice to me Buster: Are you asking me to help Nance with her homework? Rio: how much do you think she'd appreciate that? Buster: She wouldn't, so of course I'll do it Rio: I can't with you two, honestly Buster: You love me, you don't even want her to come over Rio: I'm not getting in the middle of it Buster: You already are Rio: No I'm not, shh Buster: It's okay, I know you're on my side Rio: I love you more than anyone else in the world Rio: goes without saying Buster: I still really like hearing it Rio: You know you can hear it any time you want Buster: Is she there yet? Rio: nope, you remember how long that drive takes, even in an uber Buster: I'll call you then Rio: 🥰 Buster: [does obvs] Rio: I'll just be here counting down the minutes 'til you can hold me Buster: However long it feels, you'll be staying longer Rio: promise? Buster: I swear Rio: then I'm happy Buster: If you are, I am too Rio: I haven't even asked you how your days been Rio: I'm so rude Buster: Before and after I shot down gym girl there ain't much to report Rio: what did she look like? Buster: Every other girl in this postcode Rio: Blonde and skinny Buster: Yeah Rio: vaguely equine, dresses more like a nan than nan ever would Buster: I'll have to remember all that for the next one Rio: I can tell her myself if you like Buster: If you like Rio: Me? The jealous type? Buster: The jealous type and my type Rio: I better be Rio: only type Buster: You're the only one I've ever wanted or will ever want, you definitely don't need to add that to the list of shit that's worrying you right now Rio: I just like to hear it Buster: I'll tell you again then, I want you so much Rio: even without all this bullshit Rio: it's been too long Rio: I hate every second I'm not with you Buster: I know, me too Buster: I'm not gonna say he's done me a favour, but I am glad you're coming to stay Rio: I'll say it Rio: may as well get something good from it Buster: I'd rather you didn't have to deal with any of this bullshit, obviously Rio: of course Rio: I told you, I've never thought it was you, it's okay Buster: It's not okay that I haven't been able to do fuck all about this though Buster: I'm sorry Rio: Don't Buster: It's not good enough, I know that Buster: I'm gonna do better Rio: Stop it Buster: I mean it, Rio Rio: we've done everything we can Rio: it's not fair on me or you to act like we haven't Buster: I just hate this Rio: I know, baby Buster: You're the best thing that's happened to me, this shouldn't be happening to you Rio: It really could happen to anyone Rio: it's shit Rio: but you make me feel safe, that isn't nothing Buster: I'll calm down before you get here Buster: I swear Rio: you don't have to Rio: you can be mad, I am Rio: but you don't need to blame yourself, even if it's second to him, it's all on him Buster: I am angry but you've got the wrong twin if you reckon I'm willing to make any of this about me Buster: I'm here for you Rio: Trust me, I know Rio: she seems distracted herself recently Buster: Yeah? Rio: I'll try to work it out, not had time yet Rio: she won't say anything if you're on the phone though Buster: I don't have to be, if you wanna do some investigating Rio: I know you wanna know too Buster: I know if you get her started she'll talk about herself until you've gotten all of your own bullshit exists Rio: and you're a little nosy too, you can admit it Rio: I'll get the gossip Buster: She's still my sister Buster: 'Course I wanna know if she's being stalked as well or whatever Rio: You're cute Rio: and I do not think it's that Rio: obviously Buster: You know what I mean Rio: I do Rio: that's why I wanna know too Buster: Okay, tell me when you do Rio: 🧐 Rio: wouldn't suit the hat Buster: You'd suit anything, don't lie Rio: 😊 Rio: I mean if that's your thing I'll do my best Buster: If it was that wouldn't be the first you've heard of it Rio: be mad if it was Rio: you have to tell me exactly what you like so I can be it Buster: You are Buster: And I don't have, or want to have, any secrets from you Rio: secrets are boring Rio: and hard to keep Buster: Neither of us could ever be boring Buster: And I'll do whatever it takes to keep you forever Rio: You've got me Rio: not going anywhere Buster: Only closer to where I am, not further away Buster: Soon as your mum is back and your study session is over Rio: not that I need to do this homework now Rio: just be throwing subtle hints at Nance instead Buster: Be fucking typical her if she's getting bullied there as well Rio: I'd know if she was Rio: only have the two lessons with her but contrary to what the stalker suggests, I know most people well enough that they wouldn't Buster: Well Ava'll probably get a love life before she does, Christ knows what else it could be then Rio: ugh don't Rio: it's coming up with Edie for sure Rio: Jun is like Nancy and Billie isn't bothered thank god Rio: hate it Buster: Who's bothered about Edie then? Buster: Tell me your gossip Rio: It's just like the boys she hangs with are less useless stoner and more keep your eye on them types than Billie's friends Rio: and they aren't just friends types, I don't trust 'em Buster: Maybe I should be getting on a plane instead of you Rio: at least none of them are stupid Rio: especially not Eds Rio: have to hope anyway Buster: I've taught her how to protect herself physically, I reckon she can handle lads trying to get in her head Buster: Like you said Buster: She's no stupid kid Rio: Yeah, she has all the tools and advantages she can be given Rio: 💘 and hormones still make people stupid though Buster: I remember Rio: well yeah, ignoring the fact we'd be used as prime examples in that lecture Buster: Sure we have been, never too early for mum and dad to tell Ava what not to do Rio: As if we'll have started a trend Rio: if it wasn't you it'd be a really bad idea Buster: They should want her to have this, how I feel about you, how happy I am Buster: It's not as if they can actually judge us for who it's with Buster: This family are way past that Rio: You'd think Rio: I'm way past caring Rio: it was so Rio: I wasn't me without you Buster: I feel exactly the same, you know I do Buster: The only thing I've ever done wrong was not be with you, every bad thing I did or that was done to me can be traced back to that Buster: We're free now and this stalker isn't gonna make you feel otherwise any more, I'm not letting it happen for another fucking day Rio: we can get through anything, we've got the rest stacked against us and we're still strong Rio: as long as you love me, then there's nothing anyone can say or do Buster: I really fucking love you Rio: I love you Rio: endlessly Buster: [a flight he's booked her like this is happening no matter what excuse us fam] Rio: 🙏 Rio: I cannot wait Buster: Me either Rio: you can pick me up from the airport, right? Buster: Nothing could stop me Rio: Yay 🥰🥰🥰 Buster: You need me to help you with all that luggage Rio: it will be one suitcase Rio: and a sizeable handbag, thank you 😂 Rio: but I still need you Buster: I'll be early regardless Rio: you're the best Buster: No, I do my best, you don't even have to try Rio: You don't either Rio: but I will for you and I appreciate that you do Buster: I appreciate everything that you do Rio: you will Rio: that's the plan Buster: I do, whether or not shit goes to plan Buster: You're one of the strongest people I know, the least I can do is give you the reminder Rio: Buster Rio: it won't always be this dramatic, you know Rio: being together Buster: I don't care if it is, you're worth it Buster: And I'd endure the worst suffering I can possibly imagine to be with you if any alternative meant not being Rio: now you're just being hot about it on purpose Buster: I told you I miss you, nothing's changed Rio: I miss you all the time Rio: but I'm down for all the ways you make it worse Buster: [sends her a pic from when he was at the gym earlier like okay we're testing the waters but not very much yet lol] Rio: oh Rio: yeah, I would've flirted with you too Buster: What would you have said? Rio: Hmm Rio: ask you to check my form Buster: As long as you'd have time for how thorough I'd be, I don't have any problem with that Rio: Of course Rio: I'd ask you because you're clearly an expert Buster: And there's no need for me to hold back on my expertise as you're clearly so receptive to it, not to mention deserving Rio: Don't, I want you to show me exactly how you do it Buster: Never, I wouldn't wanna leave you with more questions than answers Rio: of course, but there are some things I could show you in return for all you're going to teach me Buster: Yeah? Buster: You've got yourself a deal, babe Rio: are you going to let me come to the gym with you really Buster: If you want to Buster: I'll try not to get too distracted at the prospect Rio: you look like that, obviously I want to Buster: [a pic of how he looks now like we can also stay in this bed where I currently am chilling] Rio: 🥺🥺 GIMME Buster: You're not meant to change your behaviour or habits for that cunt, remember Buster: Say please Rio: please Rio: please let me be in that bed right now Buster: [treat that gal to some more pics boy she's had a shit day] Rio: please be with me right now Rio: in me Buster: You know that's all I want Rio: you're perfect, Buster, you know that Buster: We're perfect for each other Rio: marry me Buster: As soon as we can, I will Rio: seriously Buster: I am being serious Rio: oh Buster: Once we're both 18 nobody can stop us Rio: yeah but Rio: nobody would come Buster: I only need you to turn up Rio: technically Buster: And actually, 'cause the rest of my family won't and like you said, I'm past caring Rio: if you were going to do it Rio: you'd want the big day, the venue, the clothes, the car Rio: everything proper Buster: If you were going to do it, you'd want your family there, you can say what you really mean Rio: we can't just do all that for two people Buster: We can do whatever we want Rio: I just wish people would be happy for us Buster: I know, I haven't properly asked you yet 'cause I want everything to be perfect for you and there's fuck all I can do to give you that Rio: it'll never happen, I know that Rio: I've accepted it, it's just hard to make total peace with Buster: There was a time when I reckoned we'd never happen Rio: yeah Buster: I don't care who or how many people I have to turn my back on for you, it'll never matter as much as us being together Rio: it shouldn't have to be like this Rio: it's bullshit Buster: Yeah, but it is, and I've made my choice Buster: You know the things I'd do differently and none of 'em are about not ending up here Rio: Me too Buster: Changing their minds is as likely as us changing ours, it's an old fashioned stand off, like Rio: True Rio: it's like, they forget they're meant to be anti-us sometimes though Rio: and it's just normal, like we're any other couple Buster: Maybe when we've has as many years as my parents, it will actually be considered normal Rio: you reckon? Buster: Worked for them Rio: I guess nan and granddad are sufficiently over it Rio: had competition though, didn't they Rio: don't think that's likely to repeat itself Buster: Fingers crossed Nance is hiding a dark enough secret to take at least some of my parents' attention nevertheless Rio: in your dreams, babe Buster: Why would I dream about her downfall when I could dream about your happiness? Rio: alright 😇 Buster: We're not married yet but in regards to that, what's mine is yours, babe Buster: And vice versa Rio: you know I want it too Rio: to be married to you, and have everything we want Buster: Then I'll make it happen, exactly how you want Buster: Where there's a will there's a way, yeah? Especially when it's my will getting involved Rio: I trust that Rio: you Buster: Good 'cause you can Buster: About this and everything else Rio: then that's settled Rio: and Nance is finally here Buster: I'll still be here if you need me Rio: 🧡🧡🧡 Rio: you focus on doing everything you possibly can before I get there so you can spend as much time with me as we've got Buster: Consider it done

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perish-the-creator · 6 years ago

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Was doing another Godzilla tag scroll and came across your post about how you feel regarding being a newbie to the fandom and what you're doing with it. After 25 years of loving Godzilla, I have this to say: Keep doing what you're doing as long as you want to keep doing it.

Listen: I spent those 25 years hiding my love for a property widely considered hyper-cringe garbage. Except for VHS (and later, DVDs) I had nothing and no one much to interact with outside of the occasional peek at an online debate and a couple purchases of the cheapest scraps of stuff that got to America. I cried when they announced that we'd get another chance at mainstream with 2014, and again when the general reaction to it turned bad. When KotM trailers dropped, I shoved them at every friend I had in the desperate hopes of having someone new besides my husband to talk to about it and giving the movie even one extra ticket sale. I felt so miserably awkward and embarrassed about the fact that I was trying to talk up a Godzilla movie that every time I opened my mouth I wanted to laugh and say I was kidding, crawl under a rock, and never come out again.

And then one by one they agreed and went to see it, and they liked it. One of them actually enjoyed it so much they dove in headfirst and have since stayed stuck in. It was like having ten birthdays at once.

But I was still convinced there was no way it was ever going to get wider approval, let alone standard fandom activities. People were going to nod their heads, say "neat" before moving on if we got really lucky, and that would be that.

But here you and all the other fandom newbies are, RPing and headcanoning and writing. Here you and the others are, drawing and sculpting and sewing. Here are long discussions without intense and bitter gatekeeping, sometimes serious and sometimes the complete opposite. Here are actual honest-to-Godzilla joke posts and memes. Here are people discovering assorted comics eras, and giggling at old product tie-ins, and developing favorite monsters. Godzilla and other kaiju properties are being treated like something honestly worthy of people's attention, and not a thing to only like 'ironically' or something to screw one's face up at and dismiss as bargain bin Saturday morning TV.

When I first realized that? I cried then as well.

Some of you may stay, and some of you may leave. That's okay. That happens in every fandom. Different people like things for different lengths of time. But I don't want any of you to feel the guilt or shame I used to feel about being part of this fandom while you are here. You're not a dumbass, you're not reducing the characters, and you're not killing me by giving me gay tragic dinosaurs with feelings. What's actually killing me is that any of you think you're doing that.

I love with all my heart that you and so many others have decided to join in and put your mark on things, for however long and in whatever shape those marks may be. It is not humanly possible for me to be any happier that you're all swimming in this kaiju-sized pool with me than I already am. I don't give a rat's ass if you or anyone else didn't know why the outposts were numbered that way, or haven't heard of Varan the Unbelievable, or never had to wait years and years to watch a Godzilla film because it'd been out of print forever. I'm thrilled beyond belief that you're all about to gain access to an entire Showa box set instead of needing to pick off one random title every three years! Waiting sucked! Why would I demand someone go through something I myself hated?

Let me reassure you: You are all exactly as welcome to enjoy this material as everyone else. Anyone who says otherwise is a bigger jerk than Destroyah and not worth the brain cells it'd take to listen to them. If I physically could, I'd throw all the content at every fandom newbie in one great big pile and be overjoyed that there are so many people I could sit and learn and create and share and laugh with.

So you, Perish, go right out on there and write your Rodorah ship content with pride. I'll be here cheering you and all the other newbies on every giant footstep of the way.

PS: Some time when you need a break, take a slow hour or two to read Godzilla In Hell. It's a trip.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thank you ❤❤❤❤ oh my god it means so much to hear this. I'm trying not to cry like omg

#hhhhfgjjg thank you #oml thank you^^#submission #godzilla

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thepolyamorouspolymath · 6 years ago

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Cheating

Is it really cheating if you're with a man that you like as a person, but well, dumb and not at all attractive. (Now for those of you wondering why I stay with him even short term... hes really nice and hes really sweet and if I close my eyes and dont run my hand around too much we have great chemistry. Good with his hands, takes direction well, great kisser... you get the idea)

And the guy that you're cheating with is the love of your life that you'd do anything for. And that you only aren't with him id because he called it quits. Otherwise you'd be completely honest, tell guy number one that he's great but you don't love him. And then you'd ride off into the sunset, happily ever after.

But this isn't a fairy tale and the world isn't perfect, so that's not what's happenimg is this...

I met PJ online, only P. J doesn't want to meet me until after his scenario, but made me a video showing that it is her and this is what she wants. The scene starts before I get there so I don't want to take her out of it to ask a ton of consent questioms. P and I have chatted about a number of times, both about our playdate and about every day things, like he's a geek too.

We get along great. And from everything P has said, J and I have a ton in common. I like these people, I want to be their friend. And I like the scenario shes got in her head -' not something id like normally but the fact shes so into itand has a rich scene in her head makes it insanely sexy

I assumed it'd be fine. It was one night with people im that way that I'd likely never see again. Theres was no threart to our relationship at all.

But that's really just back story. The real story begins when I tell the current guy (let's call him MI, like the state of Michiganv) about these plans.

He had a serious problem with it. So do I a) cancel which I don't want, b) I'd have to stop and c) M really is the love of my life

I get thru every day think "this might be the day." and go to bed thinking "maybe tomorrow will be the day.," i spend my free time analyzing everything he does or says. Healthy or not, M is my whole world

So I didn't tell the new guy. Because I don't want anyone to stop meso no

So now I'm lying to M that I'm single. I'm lying to him that everything's fine and if i have a problem that's too big for him to solve in under 5 minutes then I do not have problems... and I cant tell him any of it. Even though he's the only one I want to talk to. Even though he's the person I know best how handle the whole mess

And I'm lying to MI. As far as he knows I had bf a long time ago and he was an ass. He doesnt know that we even still talk, let alone hangout, let alone the sex. And I don't like lying. Its just the only way I can keep them both. Bc if it comes to it there's three possiblities: i keeo both, the ultimate win... and what I have now with a few cheating details. I keep MI but lose M.... the worst case sceanrio. Because I'll have a nice, dependable guy that loves me. But... there won't be any fire, no passion -- nor jusr sexually (though definitely makes the list of reasons not to kill you. But M and I can volley a coversation without ever stepping on each others toes or missing a bear. Watching M and I argure is like watching Fred Astaire and Ginger Rodgers dance -- two people so precise to hit the marks every time, always completely in sync, knowing exactly what the other was doing without even glancing

THAT'S what M and I have and THAT'S what i can't give up.

And then there's the third option, I end up with M but not MI. Now theres nothing that could make me any thing less blissful. But it'd mean hurting a good man who honestly care about me and treats me well. And a man who just lost his wife few months ago... and now I'm suppose to reject him?!?

So, since confessing would do more harm than good for all parties and it'd mean MI has to lose something that was helping him deal with his grief..

And I have never promised either of them exclusive rights to anything. That's important to know

Is it cheating or kindness?

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theanthengroup · 3 years ago

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Maersk secures green e-methanol for the world’s first container vessel operating on carbon neutral fuel

European Business shippers reception and abroad face increasingly unfair competition from China’s state-owned shipper, COSCO. But there are several measures the EU could use to counter this, argues Jacob Gunter. When COSCO, China’s gigantic state-owned shipper, attempted to need shares within the Port of Hamburg recently it reignited the mention imbalances in access to European and Chinese shipping markets. it's considerably easier for China’s shippers to access European markets than the other way around. This presents a long-term risk to European competitiveness within the industry. Europe has options at its disposal to remedy this, and thus the earlier it does so, the upper. The imbalance, explained Nearly every country has cabotage laws – rules that restrict foreign-flagged vessels from engaging in domestic shipping. European countries aren't any different. EU cabotage laws demand that only locally-flagged vessels can participate. This includes inland bodies of water, but also shipping between ports within an equivalent country. China’s cabotage laws go one step further. Domestic shipping can only be performed by Chinese-flagged vessels that are also owned by a Chinese company. What the laws means in practice is that, as an example , a Chinese-flagged vessel cannot ship goods between Dutch cities on the lower Rhine, whilst a Dutch-flagged vessel cannot ship goods along the Yangtze. The Chinese-flagged vessel would even be barred from onloading goods in Amsterdam and offloading them in Rotterdam across the North Sea , whilst the Dutch-flagged vessel couldn't take goods from Qingdao to Fuzhou along the East China Sea. However, whereas COSCO could invest during a subsidiary within Netherlands and run Dutch-flagged vessels between inland and coastal ports alike, a Dutch shipper couldn't invest during a subsidiary in China to run Chinese-flagged vessels. The issue extends to a practice mentioned as international relay – the reorganizing of products collected from multiple ports within an equivalent country for shipment abroad. Chinese-flagged vessels can do this between ports during one EU-member state, also as between different countries. Three Chinese-flagged vessels owned by COSCO could load on beer in Hamburg, cheese in Rotterdam and chocolate in Antwerp, then all meet at one port and redistribute their cargo so as that one could attend Canada, another to South Africa and thus the last to Singapore. This enhances global shipping efficiency and explains why China is keen to require an edge in European ports like Hamburg – an honest place to transship for northern Europe – and Piraeus – a superb transshipment site for southern Europe that's also just across the ocean from the Suez Canal . Unfortunately, the same rules in China governing domestic shipping hold true for international relay – it isn't enough to be Chinese-flagged, an organization must even be indigenous to the market. So, three Dutch-flagged vessels owned by a Dutch shipper couldn't onload fruit from Qingdao, rice wine from Ningbo and tea from Quanzhou, then all shuffle cargo during a port in China . Instead, they could need to attend a close-by country like South Korea or Japan to redistribute goods to send off to varied destinations. European shippers are clearly at an obstacle to Chinese ones. this is often often especially pronounced because of the number of products that are exported out of China , which boasts nine of the world’s twenty busiest ports across an enormous coastline. as compared , the Chinese vessels going between Hamburg, Rotterdam and Antwerp all have a visit shorter than the one between Tianjin and Qingdao. The implications of inaction This imbalance is troublesome for European shippers both now and within the long-term. Europe currently boasts four of the five largest shipping companies within the planet as measured by freight (COSCO is that the third largest). For now, European shippers have scale on their side. However, with a protected domestic market, COSCO and other Chinese shipping companies are build up massive scale which can then be exerted into other markets. Yet, the challenges presented by COSCO transcend just this imbalance. COSCO is directly controlled by SASAC (State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council), which governs China’s biggest State-owned enterprises (SOEs), including most of the upstream value chain that feeds into COSCO. because the ecu Union Chamber of Commerce in China put it within the ir 2020 report on European involvement within the Belt and Road Initiative: “Chinese shippers use ports built and pass by SOEs using steel and cement provided by SOEs; they use vessels built by [China’s state-owned ship-building monopoly] using steel made by SOEs, which is produced using iron and coal from SOEs; all of which is financed by SOE banks.” China’s SOEs benefit not only from subsidies, they also enjoy privileged access to factors of production like free land and dirt-cheap capital. This support can become hidden within the upstream value chain that feeds into the highest user – COSCO. Additionally, anywhere along this value chain, cheaper prices and favorable deals at one or more stages can ultimately benefit shippers. When combined with the unbalanced playing field and thus the protected domestic market, the long-term implications for European shippers could be bleak. A blueprint for reciprocity, positive or otherwise While Europe discusses the fate of the Port of Hamburg, it should also consider the broader situation. If sufficient political will are often mustered, a few of straightforward measures could be introduced within the EU. A common market cabotage law could be developed that allows member states to require care of their current rules domestically while also preventing Chinese shipping companies from exploiting the close proximity of European ports that lie across national borders. A reciprocity review mechanism that's almost just like the proposed International Procurement Instrument could be legislated. this is often ready to allow the EU to measure the extent of openness of foreign markets to European shippers, then impose reciprocal restrictions on companies and vessels from that market. Ideally, these measures would yield swift negotiations with Beijing that leave its shipping markets as open as those of the EU. If Beijing refuses to budge, then this toolkit would a minimum of protect Europe’s shipping market from China’s distortions. It would not necessarily be easy to make consensus between all member states, but if achieved, it'd be an honest test for the EU to make out a toolkit that advances reciprocity. Compared to other efforts at showing Beijing that Brussels shipping can play hardball, this is often ready to be low-hanging fruit, and can do considerably sort of a confidence-building exercise within the broader competition with China within the economic arena.

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thejakeformerlyknownasprince · 6 years ago

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This is a really interesting perspective and I like it a lot! I honestly think that the whole numbering system has to be a bit of a continuity error, because both Temrash 114 and Iniss 226 (in #6 and #2, respectively) mention their number suffixes changing with rank or social order, but Esplin 9466-prime remains Esplin 9466-prime throughout like four different ranks. The "yeerk's name-number represents birth order" system seems to come up way more often than "yeerk's name-number represents rank", which is why I think it's fanon that the name-number doesn't change for most yeerks.

The other one I find interesting is that the yeerk ostensibly inside Jake in #41 is called Essak 241275 and has a whopping six-digit number when we otherwise only see three-digit and occasionally four-digit name-numbers. It could just be a continuity error in a book that frankly has a lot of other continuity errors... OR it could be a hint about the fact that he's on a version of Earth where 100% of sentient beings are controllers, suggesting that there are a ton more yeerks in dark!2009 than the version of 1999 he remembers. If we go with the name-number-as-rank idea then that suggests that yeerks have just made so many more yeerks that they need 10³ more ranks. If we go with the name-number-as-birth-order theory, that means that yeerks have managed to bring reproductive success waaaaay up; I'm thinking something like England going from a ~50% infant mortality rate to a ~0.03% rate in only about 100 years, only yeerks pulling off the same thing within 10 years thanks to sci-fi nonsense.

Anyway, it'd be nice if we got more answers in canon. But then I guess there'd be nothing for us to speculate wildly about.

What IS Yerk Culture?

YES. That IS the question.

Sorry for the facetious answer, but we really really don’t know. As far as we can tell they wouldn’t have any kind of visual or audial arts, given that they don’t use sight or hearing for communication, and their senses of taste and smell also seem to be fairly limited by human standards beyond what it takes to interface with other creatures’ minds. They also don’t apparently make noise, and navigate through tactile echolocation (#29). So that rules out music, visual art, and a lot of what we humans would consider “culture.” Not only that, but we never really see yeerks who aren’t in the military, and we rarely ever see them outside of strategic-planning or combat situations.

We know that they have a language that can be at least kind of conveyed through human mouths (#17) and andalite thought-speak (MM1), even if Rachel estimates that the human-controllers are probably approximating a lot of words and sounds. We know that yeerks have complex computer interfaces that allow them to digest large amounts of information (HBC) for all that they’re probably not “reading” in the sense we think of reading with words on a page or books on tape. They could be using a Braille-like system, or taking advantage of their parasitic abilities to create artificial intelligences that they can then “infest” and take “memories” from.

There’s also the fascinating detail that they die in order to spawn. Teeechnically, a species can’t have “culture” at all unless it transmits information from generation to generation within single groups. So, it’s possible (and crazy to think about): yeerks could’ve had no culture at all before Seerow came along. It’s a remote possibility, given how far they come in the next 40-odd years, but if all the yeerks in a naturally occurring yeerk pool were constantly smushing themselves into balls, dying, and producing new yeerks that had no way to communicate with the now-dead older generation… Maybe yeerks need computers like the kind Seerow offered in order to exist as cultural beings. If they do go from having zero culture and zero communication to being The Yeerk Empire in about 15 years, then boy howdy is Ax off-base when he says that humans advance faster than the universe average.

Assuming that the yeerks did have culture before Seerow (maybe they communicate through half-generations?) we can speculate about human-like forms of culture that might work with their lived experience. A couple ideas:

Dance. For yeerks this’d probably mostly take the form of synchronized swimming, but given that they swim in pretty tight clusters and there are usually hundreds of thousands of them in any given yeerk pool… might be pretty cool.

Competitive sports. I’m thinking yeerks could have races, swimming obstacle courses, attempts to see who can control a gedd the fastest, and other demonstrations of physical skill.

Games. If yeerks are anything like ketrans, then they might really enjoy MMORPG-like simulations using their computer-brains. Plus, these could double as training tools, similar to the way the U.S. military uses video games right now.

Changing hosts over several yeerks. This could be the form of a game or puzzle or training exercise, and to be clear it’s UNETHICAL AS FUCK, but Yeerk 1 could leave a skill or quirk or neurosis in a single host’s brain that Yeerk 2 finds and builds upon, and then maybe Yeerk 3 tries to force the response to go extinct while Yeerk 4 alters the host’s brain chemistry in order to create a conditionalized response for the training… So on and so forth. They could build on each other’s work in order to pool their intelligence toward altering a single human or hork-bajir AND I DIDN’T SAY IT WAS MORAL JUST THAT IT WOULD BE FUN FOR EVIL YEERKS TO DO TO PASS THE TIME.

Competing with sensory intensity. For yeerks new to humans’ music perception, andalites’ panoptic vision, hork-bajir’s trigonometric skill, or taxxons’ probably-out-of-this-world sense of taste, I could totally see bro-like contests with yeerks drinking hot sauce or blasting heavy metal or otherwise proving their toughness through masochism.

Sun worship. This one is hinted at a teensy bit in the books, when controllers greet each other with “may the kandrona shine and enrich you” (#2, #41, #53) or variations on that phrase. Since the yeerks take their energy directly from their sun, or else bottle up the energy of their sun in portable kandrona generators, it might make sense that they have a deeply spiritual connection to the sun and its rays.

Anyone else with ideas about yeerk culture, please add to this list.

#yeerks #yeerk culture #animorphs meta

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