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faintblueivy · 5 years ago

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So Imagine...

A world where Bruce Wayne died as a child in that alley that day, Martha and Thomas Wayne grieve as normal parents. They DO NOT BECOME BATMAN AND JOKER.

Nothing ever remains the same after losing their little boy. So, Thomas buries himself in his work and Martha drowns herself in depression and pain. They do therapy and it works a little and life becomes bearable but...not happy.

One day, Alfred badgers the couple to go out and relax a little and buys them tickets for a circus - Haly’s circus. Everything was going nice and dandy and Martha was in awe of this little acrobat as much as the rest of the crowd when suddenly the rope snaps and the boy’s parents fall to their deaths - right in front of him and the gathering. Thomas is quick to jump in to see if he could help them in any way but Martha can see it in his eyes that they are as dead as they can be.

They return to home with heavy hearts and Martha can’t get the image of the little boy out of her head. His skin was a light shade of bronze but his dark hair and bright cerulean blue eyes reminded her so much of Bruce that her heart wouldn’t rest. So a few days later she uses her connections to know if the child is safe and well cared for, when to her immense horror, she is replied that he was shipped to Gotham Juvie due to the lack of foster homes. She is enraged.

She calls Thomas and Alfred and lets them know about the little acrobat’s situation and declares that she was going to adopt him. They hesitate a little but she is not to be deterred as she goes ahead and brings the little boy home.

Richard John Grayson - Wayne. Or Dick, as he likes to call himself.

He is adamant that he wants no parents and Martha is fine because not only that she is old enough to be not his mother but also because no child can ever be her Bruce.

“You can just call me Grandma then.” She tells him.

His eyes are wide but he nods and then smiles and Martha, in a long while, has never felt this happy.

Her new Grandson, despite losing his parents, is a ray of sunshine with unlimited supply of energy and the cold and empty manor is warm and happy again.

Dick is a little charmer and even after Thomas and Alfred’s initial reluctance, they immediately fall in love with the boy and one day, when Martha comes down to the morning breakfast, she hears a happy, deep rumble - one she has not heard in many years. Thomas is laughing.

There on the dining table, seated beside Dick, was Thomas laughing. Her eyes water at the scene and Alfred, who is standing beside her offers her a handkerchief. None of them mention how his own eyes are wet too.

...

Dick is sixteen, a brilliant boy in academics as much as they disinterest him but an invincible athlete. Martha has been told time and time again that her grandson is undoubtedly a international level gymnast. But he is a teenager.

And teenagers steal their grandparent’s ‘coolest’ car and rush off into the night. But they don’t come back with a little battered and bruised, homeless kid tucked under their arm.

“He had jacked three tires off your car. When I confronted him, he tried to hit me with a tire iron.” He says, amused, as Thomas tries to convince the child to show him his injuries.

“I didn’t do nothin’! He’s a fuckin’ big boob liar!” They boy screams, his blue green eyes glaring daggers at Dick.

“Language.” Both her and Alfred warn simultaneously.

After hours of struggle, interrogation and fuck you’s, Martha learns that the child’s name is Jason. He is twelve. Mother died form drug overdosing and Dad is a petty henchman of some crime lord. He ran away from multiple foster homes because they are so abusive that the child feels safer on streets.

Martha goes on a rampage over Gotham’s foster care after that. She did not donate millions of dollars annually for children to feel safer on streets. After of lot of talks and reassurances and promises, Martha acquires her second grandchild.

Jason Peter Todd - Wayne.

Jason is tiny. Malnourished like Leslie said. But he is sharp, observant and hungry for knowledge. Martha and Alfred joke that Jason is Thomas' soul child. Where Dick had loved activity and movement, Jason liked quiet and stability - Martha thinks that running and fighting for survival on streets every single day does that you. So evenings often found her and Dick in the garden but Thomas and Jason in the library pouring over as many books as they can.

And to nobody's surprise, despite their rocky start, the boys become inseparable. They are outwardly different, with clashing interests and behaviors but Martha can see that they both carry the same cores of light.

When the morning of Dick’s Parent’s death anniversary comes around, both her and Thomas find Jason on Dick’s bed, arms curled protectively around his big brother. For the first time in so many years, Dick wakes up to warmth surrounding him, not nightmares.

...

Both her grandsons attend Gotham Academy so when she receives a phone call from the Principal, she is half surprised and half not. When she enters the Principal’s office, both her boys are standing on one side, Jason with his head hung in shame and Dick glaring daggers at the other side. The boy who seems to be injured is being coddled by his mother who is shooting nasty glares at her grandchildren periodically.

Then she notices another small boy standing beside her boys, trying to melt into the wall.

Tim Drake. The only son of Jack and Janet Drake of Drake Industries.

She arches a questioning eyebrow at Dick who shakes his head and then she turns to the Principal.

“What happened here?”

“Glad to see you’re here Mrs. Wayne.” The Principal says, pushing his glasses up his nose, “I regret to inform you that your ward Jason Peter Todd attacked this young man here.” He gestures to the other boy.

“Madam, Gotham Academy is a prestigious school and we do not encourage physical violence here. Yes, it might have been acceptable from where he came from but it won’t be, here. I hope you give us the right to punish Mr. Todd here appropriately.”

Martha inwardly bristles at the jab at her grandson and says crisply, “Mr. Wayne.”

“What?”

“He’s not just Todd. He is a Wayne. Please remember that.”

“Principal Sir.” Dick cuts in and Martha is confused because as hyperactive as Dick is, he is a mannerly child and knows better than to cut in a conversation like this but what draws her attention is the chilling tone which Dick almost never uses. Dick continues, “Why don’t you tell our grandmother more of your regrets? Or the prestigious Gotham Academy believes that bullying is acceptable.”

Martha has been told what she needs to know.

“Jason?” she calls out to her youngest grandson softly, “What happened?”

Jason is quiet when suddenly Tim Drake moves forward. She can see he is scared the way his hands shake but determination shines in his blue eyes. She likes him.

“I want to say something.”

He narrates the tale of how he was being bullied and how the boy on the other side with his mother threw his science project model away and broke it and physically tried to attack him when Jason stepped in to save him. Martha felt nothing but pride at Jason’s righteous indignation.

Tim also explained that Jason exercised immense control even after these bullies called him ‘street rat’, but the verbal spar intensified after Dick was insulted for his Romani heritage, but it came to fist fight after Thomas and Martha were insulted, and Bruce’s death was made fun of.

Her gaze snaps to the other three occupants of the room and they are all in various shades of pale. Apparently, the Principal had not done his homework.

“Principal” She says icily, “Yes, I give you the authority to punish Jason appropriately but only when this young man here”, she gestures to the boy who was now cowering behind his mother, “Is dealt with in the same way.”

After threatening the Principal in soft words but harsh tone about not tolerating to having her grandsons bullied the next time, she grabs Jason’s hand to drag him away from these people who don’t deserve his company, when her eyes fall on the little trembling Tim.

She offers him her hand.

He stares at it, shocked but after an encouraging smile from Dick and a small shove from Jason, he takes it shyly.

And since that day, Tim becomes a member of Martha’s family. The boys stay together so much that even Thomas forgets that Tim is not theirs.

Tim’s upbringing sends Martha’s grandmother instincts on a haywire and she resents the Drakes for their criminal neglect towards Tim.

It is rewarding that Tim flourishes in their attention.

She learns that his hobby is Photography and he is excellent at it. And he is a genius when it comes to science, computers and gadgets. He likes crime thrillers movies and books and often picks them apart with his scarily good knowledge about forensics that leave the rest of the family in awe and slightly disturbed.

The dam breaks when one day Jason and Dick return back from school telling her that Tim was absent today and they are worried about him. When they later sneak into the Drake mansion in the evening, Thomas receives a frantic call from their oldest grandchild that Tim was burning with fever. Because Thomas is a doctor, they save Tim before anything serious happens.

This time, it is Thomas who sues the Drakes for Tim’s custody after him and Jason had, had enough of ‘Timbo’s shitty parents’.

“Timothy?” Martha brushes his sweat soaked forehead gently. “Would you like to be a member of our family legally?"

Tim is hesitant about this but he admits that he likes Wayne manor much better than he ever liked Drake mansion. He confesses that he loves Jason and Dick as brothers and sees Martha, Thomas and Alfred as his grandparents as well.

The long custody battle ends with both Jack and Janet Drake dying at the hands of two different tragedies, leaving Tim an orphan, but also with a loving family consisting of three grandparents and two brothers by his side.

Timothy Jackson Drake - Wayne is adopted into the Wayne family as her and Thomas’ third grandson.

...

A year after they adopt Tim, Thomas comes home with a small girl on his side. She is clearly an east Asian in heritage with dark hair and dark eyes and is speech deprived. Thomas is clearly distressed after Cassandra - her name is Cassandra - is safely secured in warm bed in a nice room across Jason’s. He calls her, the three boys and Alfred to his study to explain about the small girl.

He talks about how Gordon brought the girl to him and after hours of wordless, signed and clumsily sketched on paper conversations with the little girl they were able to determine that Cassandra was hiding from her father who was an assassin and wanted to drag the little girl down the same path before she ran away. The more he talks about the damage and abuse the girl had experienced at the hands on her own father, the more furious Martha becomes. When Thomas’ explanations ends, Jason slams a punch into the wall making a dent but no one has the heart to reprimand him for that.

The following morning, Martha can see that her three boys have unanimously decided that they are adopting Cassandra as their sister. She is treated like a Princess, and given the nick name ‘Cass’.

Slowly but surely, Cass learns what it means to love through Dick’s bright kindness, Jason’s quiet protection and Tim’s infinite patience. After her father is finally apprehended, the family celebrates.

Cassandra Wayne, soon after, becomes the beloved Wayne Princess of Gotham.

Martha and Thomas often accompany their only granddaughter to her speech therapy lessons, so after six months of her adoption, at dinner, she places a kiss on everyone’s forehead - her three brothers and three grandparents, stands at the head of the table and croaks out, slowly, “Thank...thank you.” All of them stare at her flabbergasted, but it appears that she was planning to shock them even more.

“You...Love. Love you...”

The silence that follows her broken but sure words is deafening. Surprisingly it is Tim who breaks it as he scrambles out of his chair and launches himself at Cass, wrapping his arms around her and both Jason and Dick follow him, grabbing both their youngest siblings fiercely.

A quiet sob breaks her out of the trance and she smiles when she watches Thomas furiously wiping his tears from the sleeve of his shirt. The last time he had cried was at Bruce’s funeral. And Martha is infinitely grateful that this time these are happy tears.

...

Sometimes Martha wonders what would have happened if Bruce had lived. If these children are her grandchildren then does that mean they are Bruce’s kids? Had Bruce lived, would he have accepted these gaggle of kids that her and Thomas have collected over the years as his own? Would he have kids of his own?

Her questions are answered when one day she hears a slight commotion in the entrance is surprised to see a young woman with a sword threatening Alfred.

“I want to meet the Master of this house. Let them know immediately.” She demands in an authoritative but silky voice, and Martha suddenly sees the Toddler clutched in her arm.

“What is it?” Martha speaks as soon as she can when the woman notices her. She looks surprised for a second but immediately schools her features as the baby fusses.

“You’re alive.” She whispers and before any of them could make an indignant comment about her wordings, she says, “It appears that I might have traveled in to the wrong universe.”

Now that is interesting. Martha lives in a world where they are protected by aliens...so, it is certainly worth hearing for.

Martha offers the young lady an invitation for tea which she accepts. She notices how the woman carries herself with lethal grace and dignity as if she was a Princess but much more. As they sit and Alfred leaves to bring the promised team Martha notices how the woman’s eyes sweep over the place.

“How may I help you?”

Her voice attracts the attention of the toddler and this time, he is not clutched tightly enough to his mother’s chest to turn his small head and look at her. Martha gasps. Because the child looks too much like Toddler Bruce. But instead of the blue eyes like her son, this child has glowing green ones, like his mother. But still, the resemblance is uncanny.

“Yes, he is your son’s.” The woman answers the unasked question.

She is explained the existence of Multiverse, and it’s workings and how Bruce survived instead of them in that world, met Talia (the woman’s name is Talia Al Ghul) and had a child but had to leave. Talia mentions the reason she came here was because her son’s life was in danger and Talia’s father wanted to raise her son as an assassin Prince and a tool for him to use. Talia’s solution to protect her son was for her to give her son to the Bruce of this world to raise, since the Bruce of that world had gone missing.

“I can raise him.” Martha suddenly declares and the woman looks at him shocked. “I will not raise him into a life of violence but I can certainly protect him and give him a happy civilian life.”

Talia looks unsure, hesitant, but says, “I...have been a warrior since the day I can remember. Never once have I ever thought of my son not being a warrior. He was...born to be one.”

Martha smiles. “He doesn’t have to be one. Yes, his life will be infinitely different than the one you imagined but...he will be well loved and protected. I can assure you of that.”

“Damian.” Talia whispers as he deposits the baby in her arms after a lot of consideration. “His name is Damian.”

She looks at her son tenderly one last time and places a kiss on his forehead and Martha’s heart breaks a little for the young mother.

“Will you return back for him?” Martha asks as she follows the Talia to the door.

“No.” Talia whispers, her voice strained. “I will not. Any action taken by me is monitored by my father closely. If I return back, then he might know that I have left Damian here and I cannot let that happen. He is yours, forever.”

Martha gives her a sad smile. “You’re a brave and good mother Talia. Thank you for doing what is best for your son.”

She nods, not turning to look at Damian one last time as she leaves the manor grounds, never to return.

Martha looks at the baby secure in her arms and her lips quirk up into a grin at the sight of two curious green eyes watching her with interest.

“Welcome to the family, little Damian.”

When she introduces the new addition to the family, Thomas is dumbfounded. Dick is ecstatic at the prospect of having a new baby brother, Jason is secretly pleased, Cass is happiest and Tim looks unsure.

That’s how Damian Wayne - Al Ghul joins the family.

Damian fits in their home spectacularly. After few days of hesitation, like he had with Dick, Thomas takes to Damian quickly. He has an epic competition going on with their eldest grandson to become the baby’s favorite. Damian refuses to sleep without Thomas but his tantrums are only controlled and won over by Dick. Damian loves Jason manhandling him and giggles happily when the older boy throws him in the air or swings him around. Damian loves Cassandra because she knows what he wants before any of them do. And Cass loves to carry her little brother around to watch birds and animals in the manor grounds.

The only person Damian seems to not get along with is Tim and the older boy seems not be fond of him either. Because Damian wants everything Tim does and the older brother has to compromise for Damian every time. But Martha has to bite laughs a lot now a days because almost everytime Damian falls asleep, it is with Tim in vicinity. And she has caught the older boy tenderly covering Damian in his favorite blanket more often than not. Martha thinks that this is kind of cute but keeps her opinion to herself.

Her little grandson is quite protective of his siblings though. Anytime someone upsets any of his siblings, they are threatened with scowls, growls and even bites and stabbings in extreme cases.

Like last time when Mrs. Park made fun of Cassandra’s speech impairment, Damian almost bit her finger off. Damian hates one of Dick’s racist colleague (they all do) so much that anytime the man enters his field of vision, the first thing Damian gets his hand on is thrown at the guy’s head. With deadly precision. And last time when Mr. Link had called Jason ‘street rat’ for personally volunteering charity work for poor and homeless, Damian had smeared his juice and drool covered hands on the Man’s thousand dollars suit. And when one time, a reporter had infiltrated a Gala and chased Tim around to ask uncomfortable questions about his parent’s death and the Wayne’s involvement in it, Damian, noticing Tim’s distress had stabbed the reporter with a fork with no hesitation.

Martha is still not sure if she should encourage or reprimand Damian for that.

...

As she sits on the head of the table with Thomas on her side and Alfred on the other end, she wonders how miraculous it is for her to have all these children in her life.

Dick is engaged in an animated conversation with Stephanie who was introduced to the family as Tim’s girlfriend. Barbara, the daughter of James Gordon and Dick’s girlfirend/or not was helping Cass pile up food on her plate. Damian and Tim were bickering over something as usual but Jason trying to hide his snickers in guise of drinking water which made Martha sure that the something was Jason’s doing.

These people were her family. The ones she had gained after losing Bruce. She wonders, if there was a universe where Bruce got to meet her grandchildren.

Would he accept them? As family?

Would he love them? As family?

She brightly smiles when the multiple sets of eyes turn to her waiting for her to blow the candle.

“Happy Birthday Martha.”

Thomas says warmly, his voice thick with emotion and she meets his gaze and sees the love, affection and thankfulness in his eyes for this family that they had created after their earth shattering loss. She knows what she wants as she blows the candle on the cake flickering in front of her.

I wish for us to be family in every universe.

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theolsentimes · 4 years ago

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Mary-Kate Olsen's Singular Style

She came to fame as a twin, but the actress's cultish look is entirely her own. Here, with Lauren Hutton, she pays homage to another fashion inspiration, Grey Gardens. Written by Laura Brown, with photography by Peter Lindbergh (Harper's Bazaar, 2007)

VIEW GALLERY

Mary-Kate Olsen may be the only young actress who breezes into her local Starbucks wearing towering, fashion-fierce Balenciaga boots, who arrives at her latest premiere (in Mary-Kate's case, for the new season of Showtime's Weeds, in which she plays a devout Christian with a pot fetish) sporting an oversize cross, and whose favorite band is Led Zeppelin. She may, in fact, be the only young actress who knows who Led Zeppelin is. MK, as she is known to her friends and family, is also a punctual and professional sort. She arrives for a poolside tea in Los Angeles 10 minutes early, ordering a hot chocolate while explaining her fetish for all things sweet — "I'm a candy girl, like Tootsie Rolls and Swedish Fish" — and objecting when the waiter tries to take the sugar bowl away. She is wearing a nautical striped T-shirt (her mom's, from the '70s), tucked into two black Wolford slips rolled down and turned into a tight, Robert-Palmer-video-style mini, and multicolored sparkly Christian Louboutin stilettos. She's just had her hair colored, returning to a sunnier shade after some experiments with both peroxide ("I woke up one morning and was like, I want white-trash hair today") and the dark side (an auburn-haired near-Goth moment last year). She's carrying a large black fringed leather Prada tote — she doesn't do small bags — and her fingers are covered with rings, most notably two vintage coiled gold snakes stacked on top of each other. ("They remind me of twins, sort of double headed.") Altogether, the effect is less her famed "bag-lady chic" than an edgy, body-conscious, and, yes, sexy silhouette. If she weren't 21, she could be 40. And French.

Few people need reminding that Mary-Kate — with her twin sister, Ashley — literally crawled into celebrity aged nine months (courtesy of Full House) and has not been out of the spotlight ever since. She has been a celebrity for more than two decades. Perhaps that's one reason she seems as if she came out of the womb worldly, the textbook old soul. "Yeah," she says with a small shrug. "I get that a lot." With all of that attention and all of the money (her and Ashley's company, Dualstar, has famously become a "billion-dollar business"), Mary-Kate could easily have ended up the type who wears pink terry cloth and carries a variety of small dogs. "Could you imagine?" she says with the politest version of a snort. "No way." She credits her exceptionally close-knit family (she has five siblings) and, interestingly, early stardom with helping her keep her perspective. "I think it helped that I started in front of the camera, so it didn't come as a shock. If I was a teenager and was thrown into the spotlight, I don't know how I would react, to be honest." Though the tabloids are all too keen to brand her a skinny, nervous deer in the headlights, in person Mary-Kate is easy in her skin, confident and surprisingly tactile, curling up in her seat and touching you on the arm to make a point. She laments the generic style of most actresses and cites only men as style inspirations: "Heath Ledger, Johnny Depp. Men, they just dress the way they want, and they don't think about Who Wore It Best." She doesn't much care for Who Wore It Best, noting she avoids those pages by "wearing vintage so often. I just dress the way I feel instead of looking for what's the new handbag." If Mary-Kate and Ashley have their way, more people will be wearing clothes and carrying bags the way they do. They have just shown the fifth collection of their ready-to-wear line, the Row, and recently launched a contemporary label, Elizabeth and James, named after a sister and a brother. The Row's holiday collection (in stores next month) is a slick mix of skinny leather pants, razor-cut blazers, butter-soft, slouchy tees, and a destined-to-be-cultish pullover fur. Lauren Hutton, who stars in the Row's Spring '08 look book, says, "The clothes are extraordinary. A man I was with just loved them. The pieces are just so genius, soft like a baby's skin. Simple minimalist stuff, but really spectacular." Mary-Kate, designer, faces an interesting challenge. She has to marry Dualstar — which has made its fortune selling tween-tastic DVDs and pastel Mary-Kate and Ashley T-shirts at Wal-Mart — with her increasingly edgy and subversive taste. Dualstar executives, some of whom have worked with her since she was a child, often nag her, mom-style, about pulling her hair back "or wearing a color," she says with a laugh. "I had this event recently, and I was like, They're going to be so happy that I'm wearing ... purple. I actually have to think about those things, though, you know, so I don't get trashed." Get trashed sometimes she does. Hutton says, "Once in a while, she'll wear something and I'll think, Oh, baby doll, take another look. But to have the bravery, to take the chance to do that, is pretty wonderful. She is making her own way, which is hardly ever done in Hollywood." Of Mary-Kate's penchant for gigantic Balenciaga heels, Jenji Kohan, the creator of Weeds, says, laughing, "I'd be like, 'It's Tuesday. Do you really want to be wearing those shoes?' But she pulls it off." Designer Giambattista Valli, a friend, says, "She likes to take risks, but because she has such strong personal style, she always manages to make it work. Even if she had nothing on, she'd have style." And MK chic is spreading. "Sometimes I'll look at people or at a magazine and I'll do a double take because I'm like, Oh, my God, that's my outfit, but that's not me," Mary-Kate says. Playing with her wire-rimmed aviators, she jokes wryly that she should have bought shares in Ray-Ban. (She and Chloë Sevigny pretty much brought back white '80s Wayfarers.) She tends to fall in love with a look, then wear it until she's done. "If I put together a good outfit, I'll wear it for three days and then switch it up with a blazer," she says. "I still love my vintage jeans, my tights, and my pants, though." She didn't start wearing heels, in fact, until a couple of years ago: "I kept watching Ashley walk around in them so gracefully, and I'm such a klutz. But I ended up loving heels, and I don't usually take them off." She wears precisely one pair of flat shoes: Chanel's knee-high patent-leather gladiator sandals. This season, it's Balenciaga's fall collection — all of it — that has Mary-Kate obsessed. She is close to designer Nicolas Ghesquière and says, "He is so talented, but he's the nicest, most down-to-earth guy, and that makes everything he does more brilliant. I bought everything, but I haven't got anything yet," she says like a girl impatiently waiting for Christmas. Will she wear the new pieces with her infamous clodhopper boots? "Uh-huh. Wore them the other day, actually." Mary-Kate always goes with her gut, even if some people (back to those tabloids) don't quite get it. "The tabloids say things about me? What do they say?" she asks archly. "People are going to write what they want, and everyone's going to have their own idea of who I am. But I'm not trying to be friends with the people who are reading them, really." After a rough couple of years filled with near-forensic scrutiny of her weight, she'll have you know that she does eat. "This is not going to sound good," she laughs, "but I like making crispy tofu sticks with peanut sauce. I love my sashimi and my salmon and my vegetables." She observes, "Stress plays a big role in how I look day-to-day. I've always been very active — Pilates, yoga. I grew up horseback riding every day for hours. I love dancing. I usually last longer than anyone on the dance floor." A common image of Mary-Kate has her emerging from a coffee joint with an oversize cup. "I always get creamed for having my Starbucks cup," she says, sighing. "But the only time people get photos of me is when I'm getting coffee, when I can't sneak away from the camera." She also resents the pictorial implication that she and Ashley are dilettantes. "They take photos of us going into our offices, and it's 'Mary-Kate and Ashley shopping again.' But I'm going to work for eight hours, and we're working so hard. ..." She trails off. "It just shows how people want to think of you." Mary-Kate is not above celeb watching herself, however. Newly obsessed with Victoria Beckham, she notes she avidly watched Beckham's Coming to America documentary: "She's running around in a bikini and heels, and I'm like, Oh, my God! I do that, too!" How positively Grey Gardens. "I run around my house naked with heels all the time. It's so funny. All my friends will tell you I love running around in kimonos and jewelry or naked with jewelry." More people will be watching Mary-Kate soon, thanks to her role in the Emmy-nominated Weeds. "I am a very good Christian girl," she says with a wink. "She has her moral beliefs — and she happens to smoke pot." Of her newest cast member, Kohan adds, "Mary-Kate is complicated. She's a big celebrity, a huge media icon, but you have to separate the media images from someone who has the same issues, the same desires, as anyone else." Of course, Mary-Kate's image, in all its incarnations — from high fashion to small screen — is her strongest asset. And she has yet to settle on one. "I feel like I've lived 10 different lives already and I'm only 21," she says, almost as a reminder to herself. "But I also feel like I'm entering a new chapter." One thing on which she is clear, though: She doesn't need to be looked at all the time. What would she do for a day if she were invisible? "I would probably go to a restaurant with my friends, who would be able to see me, of course," she adds pragmatically, "and I would sit outside and enjoy a nice lunch with them. Then I would walk down the street." The old soul takes a sip of her little-girl-sweet hot chocolate. "That's what I would do."

#Mary Kate Olsen #mary kate and ashley #Ashley Olsen #harper's bazaar #magazines #articles #photoshoot

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wondersofdreaming · 4 years ago

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Show Night

Characters: Henry Cavill x female reader

Word count: 1.446

Warnings: Pure fluff. Competitiveness. Blurting. Hidden relationship. A little teasing. Embarassment.

Author’s note: This is a prequel to Game Night

Thank you @radaofrivia for your inspiration, motivation and for guiding me <3

Go read her stories here: Rada’s Masterlist

Divider by @firefly-graphics

I do not own any characters in this short story, except the reader who is a figment of my imagination.

MASTERLIST

Feedback is appreciated.

“Tonight, ladies and gentlemen, we have a very special treat for all of you. We have the entire Justice League here with us. Please give a warm welcome to Gal Gadot, Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Jason Momoa, Ray Fisher and Ezra Miller.”

The entire audience clapped. There were whistling, some were screaming at the top of their lungs. You were cheering just as loud. Watching your handsome boyfriend walk out and wave to everyone. A relaxed smile spread on his lips when his eyes landed on you.

You were at the Graham Norton show. Sitting on the front row. No one knew who you were except the man who owned your body, heart, and soul, and now also Graham Norton and his crew. The producers had wanted you to stay backstage, but you had been adamant on wanting to sit in the audience and watching the show live. They had relented in the end if you promised not to cause a ruckus, which you had sworn.

Graham starts asking questions about the Zack Snyder’s Justice League, and at some point the engagement ring for Amy Adams’ character ‘Lois Lane’ comes into the conversation.

“Did you in fact choose that ring yourself, Henry?” Graham asked and motioned to the monitor behind him, showing a closeup of the ring.

“I didn’t. I actually have no clue where it comes from,” Henry chuckled, his eyes searching for you. You could see he was a little nervous, as he was fiddling with the hem of his suit jacket. You put your hand on your chest and crossed your fingers.

It was your secret sign for him. A sign of your devotion to him, as you had promised to always be there for him. The idea came to you while watching your favourite anime show ‘Fairy Tail’.

“If you ever become nervous or need a reminder, then look towards me or the camera if I am not there. I will you show you this sign,” you had crossed your fingers over your heart, “Even if you can’t see me, no matter how far away you may be, I will always be watching over you.”(1)

It had been a day where Henry had had a long day filled with interviews right at the beginning of your relationship. He hadn’t wanted to ask you to come, which was the reason why you hadn’t attended, thinking he wanted to work in peace. He proceeded to come home and went directly for your lap, falling asleep in 0.2 seconds, and you had asked him to bring you with him to work, as you, an author, could work anywhere.

“… I think it is about time he finds himself a girlfriend, a woman to spend his life with,” Jason’s voice pulled you out of your thoughts. You looked up to see Henry squirming more than before. His jaw was tense as he was forcing a laugh. You felt his pain and wished you could sit next to him and squeeze his hand in yours.

“I have a lot of single friends, Supes. Say the word and I’ll introduce you,” Jason smacked Henry’s thighs with the biggest grin on his bearded face. It may have sounded like a joke to the audience but Henry knew that Jason wasn’t teasing.

“I don’t think my girlfriend will like that you’re playing matchmaker, brother,” Henry smiled. All the actors’ faces fell, even Jason was gobsmacked as his jaw dropped to the floor.

Then Henry noticed what he had just said. His head turned towards you with a look of utter shock. He had just blurted out that he wasn’t single anymore, without having consulted you. Your heart was racing, your secret had been revealed. In some way, it felt like a heavy stone having been lifted from your shoulders.

You didn’t know whether to scold him for not asking you to make your relationship public or to laugh at the horror he was sporting on that handsome face of his. You opted for the second choice, the people around you followed suit and started laughing and cheering.

“Well, you heard it here first, ladies and gentlemen, Henry Cavill is officially off the market,” Graham announced to the camera. “Now, Henry, you have to tell us how you two met.”

“We… eh… met through mutual friends. They were having a game night, and we ended up being paired together for charades,” Henry smiled at the memory. Looking at you, making you fall even more in love with him. Jason and the others noticed where Henry was looking and started shouting for you to join the group.

“Oh yes, please she must join us for the next part of the fun,” Graham pleaded.

Ray and Ezra both stood and went to stand at the edge of the stage. Each man gallantly offered a hand, which you took and was led towards the sofa. Jason moved to make space for you and was wearing a big grin, his eyes shining with glee.

After the rounds of introduction and you told what your occupation was, Graham went to introduce the little quiz game he had conjured. You were each given a button that made a sound. Yours sounded like a pig snorting, while Henry’s was a howling wolf.

“So, the winner gets to take home whatever is underneath this piece of cloth,” Graham said after he had told you the rules. He motioned to the covered box next to him.

“Everyone ready?” he asked. All the actors and yourself said yes. Henry was leaning a little forward, to be ready to push his button.

“First question: Who are the original members of the Justice League?”

You pushed your button faster than anyone, while Henry pushed his so hard it nearly flew off the table.

“Aquaman, Wonder Woman, Batman, The Flash, Superman and Green Lantern,” you told Graham. (2)

“Go girly,” Gal cheered for you. She leaned forward and raised her hand for a high five, which you returned.

“Correct! Question number two: What is the Green Lantern oath?”

*Oink oink*

Again you were the fastest. Everyone watched as Henry let out an annoyed huff, but his face showed nothing but absolute happiness.

“In brightest day, in blackest night, No evil shall escape my sight.

Let those who worship evil’s might Beware my power, Green Lantern’s light. (3)” You quoted.

You felt the other actors starring at you. Jason gave you a side hug and told you that Henry had found not only a beautiful woman but also an impressive one and that he was damn lucky to have you. You had smiled back and felt yourself being pulled back towards Henry’s side. He held a protective arm around you the remaining of the show.

“Seriously, Cavill. Don’t want to compete with your girl?” Jason asked teasingly.

“I’ll gladly just lean back and let her have her time in the light. Besides, I’m already winning because she’s with me,” Henry smiled proudly at you. You heard the entire audience all go ‘awwwwwwwww’, so did the actors and Jason went between you and Henry to hug both of you.

“Third question: In what year was the first Justice League comic book published?”

Again you were quick to push the button.

“Depending on whether you’re talking about the first time they appeared all together which was in The Brave and the Bold #28 (4) and published in 1959, while their very first own comic book series was published in late 1960.” (5)

Henry raised his eyebrows, clearly dazzled by your vast knowledge.

“Correct again. Seems you know more about the Justice League than the Justice League itself,” Graham joked.

“I didn’t expect anything less from Superman’s girlfriend,” Ben said with an appreciative grin.

You felt Henry moving closer to you, hugging you tighter to his chest. It was the safest you had ever felt, and even though Henry hadn’t gotten one single point, he was still oozing happiness. Happy to have you by his side forever and ever.

“Here is what you’ve won,” Graham handed you the box and removed the cloth. Inside was Funko Pop figurines of every Justice League member.

After the show, you made sure that every single actor signed their respective figure, and you had pictures taken with them to remember the evening.

At home, you arranged the figures with how they look on the poster you had hung on the wall of your office.

“Another win for the team,” you said out loud. Henry walked in and hugged you from behind. He wrapped those big arms around your middle and whispered seductively in your ear:

“I’m the real winner here.”

1. This is a line from Fairy Tail episode 48 by Makarov Dreyar. I changed it a bit to fit the context.

2. Source https://ew.com/books/brief-history-of-the-justice-league-in-all-its-incarnations/

3. Source https://greenlantern.fandom.com/wiki/Lantern_Oaths_(Disambiguation)

4. Source https://dc.fandom.com/wiki/The_Brave_and_the_Bold_Vol_1_28

5. Source https://dc.fandom.com/wiki/Justice_League_of_America_Vol_1_1

#Henry Cavill #This man #I need a drink #Jason Momoa #That man #Justice League #Gal Gadot #Ben Affleck #Ray Fisher #Ezra Miller #Graham Norton #Game Night #Show Night #My story #Fanfiction #henry cavill fanfic

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esmecvllens · 4 years ago

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Carlisle and Esme love language, I am rooting for this

this is a bit different than usually bc it��s in emmett’s pov, but I wanted to try something new. thank you for the request!

1936

Emmett stood in front of the big living room window, watching the world outside. It was a beautiful August, one of the hottest he could remember, and bright rays of the afternoon sun made the trees seem greener and the sky bluer. Outside, in the shadow of a willow tree, Esme was lying and reading a book. She had a short dress that's rolled up to her thighs, and her caramel hair fell onto her shoulders and neck. Someone - possibly Rosalie - plaited a few forget-me-nots into her hair. Emmett thought that she looked exceptionally pretty and petite, and he'd never before seen her like that.

Rosalie was nowhere to be found, probably working on her car in the garage or reading in her room, and Emmett felt a sting of disappointment in his chest. He'd been working up the courage to tell her how he felt about her for quite some time now, but there was never a good moment - with Rosalie, joyful days were outcounted by sad ones by lots. And whenever he wanted to confess to her, something stood in his way. But there would be time for that. He just had to be patient, and love her quietly in the meantime.

So in desperate attempts to stop thinking about Rosalie, Emmett had been spending a great amount of time observing his new family members. Not able to walk out of the house just yet, he had much time to do so, and there were so many tiny things to see. He noticed, for example, that Edward keeps his eyebrows frowned whenever he composes music. He observed that whenever Rosalie would feel sad, she'd work on the family cars - improving them, even though they didn't need it at all, and she liked to be alone. She would disappear for hours, and Emmett wanted to do something to ease her sorrow - anything, really - but he had no idea how to help. A bit starstruck by her intimidating presence and beautiful features, he wanted to let her know how much he cared about her, but couldn't gather the courage quite yet. He realized that he needed some help and insight on how to build a relationship with her, so he started seeking for an example within the healthiest couple he knew - his newfound parental figures. Having paid closer attention to them, he noticed how they were basically inseparable.

He noted that when Carlisle comes home from work, the first thing he does is welcoming Esme with a kiss. At first, Emmett thought it's a bit dumb - why repeat the exact same thing every day? But then, one time, he witnessed Esme running to the doorstep as she heard Carlisle's car on the driveway, and the sheer love and excitement in her eyes made him realize that maybe it's not stupid at all. Every day, they were both so happy to see each other as if they'd been separated for weeks, and Emmett thought that he wants Rosalie to react to him that way, too.

He also noted how they always keep close to each other. Carlisle usually kept one hand around her waist when they walked somewhere or had his hand on her knee when they sat together. His fingers would always find a way to touch her skin. Esme reached for his hand to hold all the time, and the looks they shared were sometimes so intimate Emmett had to turn his sight away. With not many words at all, it was obvious how much they loved each other. They made Emmett realize how important those simple gestures were, and he started doing so with Rosalie - nervous at first, he reached his hand out for her to catch as they were hunting, and she took it. If Emmett had a heart, it would have been racing quickly. He wanted them to have what Esme and Carlisle had one day, when Rosalie would be ready.

Outside, just as Emmett was thinking about him, Carlisle joined his wife under the willow tree, and Esme smiled at him so widely, Emmett wished to make Rosalie grin like that. They exchanged a few words, but Emmett started humming, trying not to hear them. He really wanted to give them the intimacy they deserved, especially after the latest incident in Carlisle's office. It taught Emmett to always, always knock before walking into Carlisle's study, and he learned it the hard way.

Carlisle laid beside Esme on his back, so close to her she began brushing her calf against his. He reached his hand out and started playing with her hair, wrapping her golden locks around his fingers. Esme tried to keep reading, but Emmett heard how she called him a terrible distraction, and they both laughed.

"I'm going to pretend that you watching them is not weird at all," Edward's voice suddenly rang out and he stood beside Emmett with his arms crossed on his chest. "Creep."

"I wasn't watching them," Emmett replied defensively, making Edward raise his eyebrows. "I was... thinking. About something."

"I know, I heard."

Emmett sighed - he kept forgetting that his thoughts weren't necessarily private anymore. His eyes flittered over at Esme and Carlisle again, but now Esme laid with her head on his chest and they talked quietly about something he'd rather not hear, anyway.

"Are they always like that?" Emmett asked his new brother, and Edward shrugged.

"I guess? Define what you mean by like that."

"They're always so... close," Emmett took his eyes off them and focused on Edward again. "Sometimes I get the impression that it's physically impossible for Carlisle to not be touching her somehow."

"Then yes, they're always like that."

"And how long have they been married?" Emmett asked casually, but really, he was wondering if that honeymoon phase would ever pass. He wasn't sure why he pretended, though. Edward had an unwanted insight into his brain, anyway.

"I don't think it will, not for them," Edward replied with his hands tied on his back, answering to his thoughts. "This December they will have been married for fifteen years, and not much has changed. Honestly, they were such a pain in the beginning. Listening to their thoughts was a never-ending doom."

"Why?" It felt odd to hear this about Esme and Carlisle - in Emmett's mind, they were always together. He couldn't even imagine them being uncomfortable with each other. He'd grown to the idea that they always keep close, and it felt odd to imagine them in the phase he and Rosalie were, but he felt like smiling. Maybe, one day, they would be as close and comfortable with each other as Carlisle was with Esme.

"They were both sure the other one doesn't reciprocate their feelings," Edward rolled his eyes. "It was a whole situation back then. And now they're like this. I guess it's because Carlisle isn't the best with words, so he prefers to show her."

After everything Rosalie had lost, Emmett wanted desperately to give her the kind of happy, long life that Carlisle had given Esme. He yearned to have it with her, because he knew that their future could be just as bright as their parents’. And maybe one day they would develop their own love language, special and reserved only for them. Emmett couldn't wait for that as he watched Carlisle and Esme laughing under the shadow of the weeping willow tree.

other fics / have a request?

#i would give up my life for emmett idk if its clear by now #weronika writes #twilight #twilight fanfiction #fanfiction #twilight renaissance #esme x carlisle #carlesme #rosalie x emmett #emmett cullen #rosalie cullen #esme cullen #carlisle cullen

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briar-craft · 3 years ago

Text

Miles, Gregory, and Ray

I wanted to have a few days to digest what I thought about the whole of Investigations 2. It was such a fantastic storyline with great characters. Here are my thoughts on it alone, I have not read/seen anything else about this game or story, so if there’s something developers have put out, just know I am not aware of it and thus not including it here.

In my post a little while ago, I said that Edgeworth and co met with Raymond in the second case. Even though he was cordial, you could definitely see some iciness between him and Miles. Judging Miles’ actions and scolding him a bit here and there until he sees that he truly changed from when he first started out as prosecutor. Even so, it’s clear that it was not the first time he and Ray met. My thoughts on when they first met would most likely be during the year when the trial of Master was taking place. While Gregory wouldn’t talk details with Miles at such a young age, I have no doubt that since Manfred von Karma had adopted Miles after everything Gregory was a single father. Could have been from birth, or even sometime after that. We don’t exactly know. Ray could see just how excited Miles was about learning more of his Dad’s work when he had no other option other than taking him to work. As Gregory had told Raymond during their case together, I can see Ray taking on more of a big brother role for Miles. A bit of them getting into mischief together to lighten the mood, and Ray distracting Miles as Gregory looked into the more gruesome details. So why didn’t Ray take Miles after Gregory’s death? Ray was only 18 to 19 at the time. He had just gotten out of high school and was working to pass the bar at the time. He was probably mostly shadowing Gregory on the case. Then, Miles’ anger and sadness also comes into play. Imagine little Miles Edgeworth, having just lost his father. Where he was going to go was still being discussed when he hears that even with a spirit medium channeling his father, the defense attorney had gotten the one who Miles had thought killed his father off the hook. Why? Why would he defend a killer? It didn’t make sense. I can imagine Ray trying to talk to him, but Miles pushing him away, asking if that’s what he did, and saying he hated defense attorneys. Ray at the time thought it was just him trying to process all that happened, so he gave him space. He was no doubt confused and worried when he heard Manfred von Karma had adopted Miles and tried again to get in contact but, before he could, Manfred took them back to Germany, both to recover from the bullet in his shoulder and keep anyone from finding out. Even though Miles was a kid, Ray couldn’t help but feel hurt and betrayed that Miles let Manfred adopt him, even after hearing the stories of what the prosecutor did. So, he kept himself busy, passed the bar exam, and kept the Edgeworth Law Offices open and running. If there were any cases where he heard Edgeworth taking, he would make sure to keep away, not wanting to see if the rumors were true or not. He didn’t want to have to tell Gregory what he saw if they came head to head in court. It’s all rather sad, but at the same time even though Ray has banned Miles from ever joining the Edgeworth Law offices, that doesn’t mean he can’t visit. But no doubt Ray would never step foot in the prosecutors’ building. So they kept it to phone calls mostly afterwards I would imagine.

#Ace Attorney #Ace Attorney Investigations 2 #Miles Edgeworth #Raymond Shields #Gregory Edgeworth

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hopeaterart · 4 years ago

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Mario Odyssey: Paper Kingdom AU

Or: The AU where I adapt Paper Mario characters into a kingdom in Mario Odyssey because while my brain is small, it has a big mind that keeps thinking up new ideas. This tackles the kingdom’s backstory, it’s travel brochure, why Mario ends up going there, and the frankly ridiculous political context he stumbles into. I might tackle the characters in another post.

Backstory

A long time ago, a creature made out of shadows and thin as paper rose out of an island. Calling itself- or herself- the Shadow Queen, the malevolent spirit could wield the power of seven stars, and her heart was pitch-black and full of chaotic hatred. She reigned over the land with an iron fist, terrified painted shadows at her command.

Until one day, a small faction of her own people turned against, led by four heroes and eight mages. They studied her magic, and turned it against her, folding themselves like paper get close to her and stealing her stars to destroy her body, the eight mages using their magic to separate her heart from her spirit

Enraged, her spirit lashed out, cursing the four heroes into suffering the same fate as her, reduced to spirits enclosed in coffins just as she unleashed the full power of her heart. But before she could turn her wrath on the other rebels, the eight mages sacrificed themselves, turning their souls into pure energy and setting it on the Shadow Queen’s heart, ripping it out and sending both the heart and the soul of the Shadow Queen into a deep sleep.

The only thing left was a prophecy- a warning. If a cruel monster and a gentle maiden marry each other in a farce, the Chaos Heart will rise again. If this happens, the Shadow Queen’s rise is imminent, and she will take over the body of the maiden. The only way to stop her is to find her Seven Stars, and use them to destroy her soul once and for all.

The throne of the Paper Kingdom is left symbolically empty, and the country is ruled by a council.

Travel Brochure

Population: Sparse, but plentiful

Size: Wide

Locals: Shapeshifters

Currency: Paper fortune teller shaped

Industries: Construction, stories

Temperature: Average 73 °F

A craft for the ages

Multi-level: The Paper Kingdom is made of multiple levels carved within the plateau, and all of them have something to offer. From the charming beach town of Rogueport to the looming Castle of Chaos, this place is vibrant and full of carefully crafted layers.

Rich History: The Paper Kingdom’s history is something for the ages: A demon rising out of the earth, her own people standing up against her, a battle ending in tragedy, and a prophecy! And they know it too! Their own history is so rich and captivating, they transformed telling people about it into a spectacle. If you’re ever in the need of someone to give a grandiose speech, a Paper Kingdom storyteller is what you need!

Origami Festival: If you visit the Paper Kingdom during their fall season, you might bear witness to the Origami Festival! While considered unorthodox and dangerous, Shapeshifters recognize origami as an incredibly powerful type of magic, allowing one to become anything their heart wish. As such, they have festivities centered around this concept that lasts a week, where they put up tons of different and incredible origami displays celebrating the concept.

How it fits in the game

For it’s location, it would be a decently sized island between the Luncheon Kingdom and Snow Kingdom, and would be the last place you go to before Bowser’s castle. From above, it would look rectangular, and most of it would be very elevated (think of a plateau, but in the middle of the ocean.) While it would seem small at first glance, the truth is that most of the earth is hollowed out, and there’s a lot of communities that live underground. You would be able to visit the two surface ones (Rogueport at the base of the plateau, and Castle of Chaos (Equivalent to Castle Bleck) on top of it) from the start, and at least one additional area under Castle of Chaos would unlock after the main story.

As for it’s place in the story, a wedding needs an officiant, and Bowser decided to get a storyteller from the Paper Kingdom because they’re known to give quite touching speeches. Bowser was originally planning to make his announcement of his marriage to Peach, take someone by force if he got denied, and leave the kingdom in disarray as punishment for denying him.

So you can imagine his surprise when not one, but two storytellers volunteered to be his officiant: Dimentio, royal jester and local agent of chaos who’s starting to find the current situation in the Paper Kingdom boring because it’s stagnating (albeit because they want to stop the hostilities temporarily for the upcoming Origami Festival), and the Beldam, eldest of the shadow Sirens and actively trying to resurrect the Shadow Queen.

Let’s be clear, here: Neither of them are really interested in Bowser’s marriage, but both are after the power of the Chaos Heart, which has the potential to arise from this union: Dimentio to create even more chaos, and Beldam to harness it’s power and bring the Queen back to life. He picked the storyteller who had actual experience with being an officiant: Dimentio, who officiated multiple noble weddings- and left a fuming Beldam behind. In her rage, she decided to make the King of Koopas not choosing her as an evil marriage officiant everyone else’s problem and promptly started freezing everything in sight.

And that’s where Mario and Cappy come in, looking for Power Moons...

What’s going on?

A few weeks before Bowser shows up, the wedding of Blumiere, the son of an important count, and his human girlfriend Timpani (I don’t know from where she could be, probably New Donk CIty), was happening. However, in part due to a sinister prophecy that foretold the rebirth of the Chaos Heart if a furious monster lord (Blumiere is not human, and he has quite the unstable temperament) and a fair and lovely maiden (Timpani is a bit shy, cares for everything around her, and is nothing but kind) got married, and in part due to being a racist fuck, Blumiere’s father tried to stop the marriage by lethally attacking the bride.

Big mistake.

Blumiere ended up flying into a rage, messily killing his father with his bare hands and the assistance of a surge of magic, and destroyed the wedding venue. He then took Timpani, who was dying, to the origami craftsman, who earned himself a reputation of defying nature’s law by creating Olly and Olivia for an Origami festival, which was. Not planned. He then more or less forced him to heal his bride.

The craftsman was absolutely able to say no: Olly brought to life multiple office supplies and all of them are ready to attack on sight, but he still went and healed up Timpani, albeit altering her physical appearance permanently due to having to heal her up using Origami Magic. Olly does not take his father being threatened into helping someone well, and barges into Castle of Chaos two weeks later and self-proclaim himself king with the assistance of the office supplies, which he dubs his Legion of Stationery, because of a perceived disrespect toward his family.

He is twelve.

Blumiere- who renamed himself Count Bleck following his father’s death- is understandably outraged, and denounces Olly with the support of his companions. Said companions are: his wife lady Timpani whom he (and most of the kingdom) adores, a small bat-like woman and his spokesperson Nastasia, the strong but dimwitted warrior and champion O’Chunks, the robotic but emotional Mimi who works in banking, and local shit-bastard jester Dimentio. This is due to Bleck being a direct descendant of one of the eight mages that sacrificed themselves, and he’s forced to make a claim to the throne to be taken seriously in trying to stop Olly.

He does not want to take the throne.

So now, there’s a twelve years old and a pissed off count who murdered his father in a blind rage fighting over the throne of the Paper Kingdom, neither of them know what they’re going to do next, and no one is happy about this situation. The instability allows a third party to make an appearance and grab for the throne: The X-Nauts, a race of robotic aliens led by the tyrannical Sir Grodus. Their goal? Resurrect the Shadow Queen and use her power to remake the Paper Kingdom, and eventually the planet, in their image.

The good news is that neither Olly nor Bleck want the X-Nauts to succeed. Bleck because he knows they’re planning on resurrecting the Shadow Queen and he does not want that to happen, and Olly because Grodus’ second in command was mean to Olivia once. This means that they are able to put their difference aside, which means there’s still hope an all-out civil war can be avoided.

Speaking of Olivia, poor girl think her brother went evil and wants to reign over the Paper Kingdom like a tyrant. This is understandable, as he’s a irritable twelve years boy with six killing machine at his command and also starting his emo edge lord phase, and she’s a literal ray of sunshine. As such, Olivia decided to find other people willing to stop Olly, Bleck and Grodus from burning the country to the ground in their squabble, not realizing that, as the leader of this group, she is also making .a claim for the throne.

She is also twelve.

And now, there’s Beldam losing her shit over being turned down and freezing everything into unmoving sheets on the walls. Ironically, this common enemy might just be what’s needed to calm everyone down.

#writing #My writing #mario bros #paper mario #paper mario origami king #paper mario the thousand year door #super paper mario #pmtok #spm #pmttyd #king olly #olivia #count bleck #blumiere #timpani #tippi #dimentio

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kilesplaysthings · 4 years ago

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Halloween in Cradle!

Let’s imagine Halloween is a holiday that was introduced in Cradle by the first Alice and the people decide to let celebrations coincide with the harvest festivals like the “Land of Reason” does. How would "Alice” spend it with the boys?

(first time doing an IkeRev thing! some characters’ stuff will be shorter since I don’t know much about them yet! Put in a Read More since it’s LONG lol)

Lancelot:

It’s become a tradition that the rich and elite of Cradle attend an evening Halloween masquerade ball. The ball is only lit by candlelight and everyone dresses in black for an added spooky elegance. Red wine is served and haunting, but elegant music is played for dancing

Lancelot, of course, attends and invites you to be his partner. It’s the first and only time you’ll see him in black (you know, being that he’s the King of the Red Army) and he looks absolutely regal in his black suit, cloak and full mask with gold trim.

As the two of you dance and enjoy the evening, he explains the traditions of this party. It seems that the Central Quarter’s ballroom is, in fact, haunted by the ghost of a woman in white. She died a tragic death on Halloween night; people found her amidst the dancing, sprawled at the foot of the grand staircase, swathed in her pure white dress. As such, everyone who attends dresses in black to be sure that they can spot her before someone is “spirited away.” Red wine is served because it was her favorite drink and her favorite music is played to let her know she is welcome.

As he tells you this and the two of you continue to spin around, you think you catch a glimpse of white out of the corner of your eye. Lancelot squeezes your hand at the look of apprehension in your eyes and smiles at you, pulling you closer.

“Don’t worry,” he whispers. “I’ll make sure no ghost spirits you away tonight.”

Ray:

Halloween for Ray is busy just like any other day, but he’s always willing to help decorate the barracks to make them spooky!

Both armies like to have fun with the public and open parts of the barracks up for visitors for a fun spooky evening with games and fun haunts.

Insists on plenty of black cats everywhere.

Black cats are not bad luck. They’re good luck and ensure that Halloween will be fun and safe! (that’s the legend he’s determined to spread). Is not ashamed to wear black cat ears for the night either lol

He’s the head of security for the autumn and Halloween festivals that happen in the neutral Central quarter’s town square and the two of you walk around together having fun as he oversees the safety of everyone.

After the fun is over and the night is winding down, he’s happy to cuddle with you by the fire with a cup of warm apple cider - most likely with a black cat or two snuggled on your laps.

Jonah:

Not much of a Halloween person, tbh thinks it’s too childish

thinks the sweets are too much of Edgar’s type, not his own

the morning of, however, he invites you to a nearby café for brunch to show what delicious autumn delicacies they have

is happy to tell you about the different things he and Luka would get up to on Halloween when they were kids.

the two of you laugh over the stories he tells when he “defended” little Luka from a person dressed up in a ghost costume when they went guising as kids. Won’t admit that he ever got scared, (though he did)

Sirius:

This time of year is one of his favorites, because it means lots of autumnal baked goods that he can make!

Pumpkin pies, pumpkin cake rolls, pumpkin doughnuts, apple pies, apple crisp, pumpkin apple crisp! You name it, he’ll bake it.

It’s his baked goods that are always around for any harvest or Halloween festival

While he’s cool with Halloween, he does prefer the harvest aspect of he month more, mainly because he likes autumn decorations

Will invite you to help carve pumpkins with him. Or rake leaves. He’s actually quite good at carving and makes some fantastic faces and designs! And expect some fun leaf shenanigans with Chutney involved too

the two of you like take a walk together on the nearby trails to admire the beautiful autumn colors before the harvest dinner.

Edgar:

To your surprise, he quite likes Halloween

Mainly because he gets to scare and prank people and no one can judge him for it this time. Also CANDY

You can bet this guy has TONS of candy everywhere

Is ready to go out guising like all the kids do for the candy, even though Jonah keeps berating him for being too old

“You don’t even have a costume!!!” “I do so have a costume. I’m going as a Red Army soldier.”

Can also carve pumpkins quite well. makes some scary faces on them

Since he’s forbidden to go guising, takes the next best thing, which is to take you around the Halloween festival in search of treats to buy and win

Is a pro at all the games. Takes GREAT pleasure in the dunking booth, and is a great shot at it

“Here, Alice. I won this special candy just for you. Don’t eat it just yet. Let’s wait till we’re alone. Then we can share them, together~”

Luka:

Like his brother, is just meh about Halloween

But he enjoys the harvest festivals

Invites Alice to join him in going to one that’s on a farm just outside of the city. Together the two of you have a blast! Going on hayrides, looking at the different pumpkins in the pumpkin patch - and picking some out for later Halloween decorations - as well as picking out the juiciest apples for later baking and sampling some delicious apple cider

You pick out matching scarves with him at the farm’s shop that sells hand-knitted clothing perfect for fall days like this one and wear them for the rest of the day

You can be sure that harvest time means some delicious food made by Luka, as he gets along with the farmers who offer him their best produce

The nights are colder, so he makes sure he warms up a cup of tea for you before you both snuggle down together for bed.

“Going to the farm with you was so much fun. Let’s make it a tradition to go together every year!”

Kyle:

This time of year, our boy is on the lookout for colds. He’s prepared for visitors coming far and wide seeking treatments for them and has his office well stocked with medicine and herbs to help treat coughs and sore throats

He can get into the Halloween spirit too and decorates his office with a sort of “mad doctor” vibe to it. hOw OrIginAL

You can be sure he offers every kid that comes to him a Halloween treat when they leave his office (he’s a doctor, not a dentist lol)

basically Halloween is a chill day for him with just a flavor of spookiness.

likes to chill at Dalim’s bar in the evening for a quieter Halloween night

Fenrir:

This boy does NOT do Halloween!!

He’ll do anything to avoid celebrating it. Too busy with work! Gotta train! Has guard duty at the barracks! He has DESK WORK to take care of!

The other officers admittedly like to prank him this time of year because of it and it never fails to work

He’s touched when your make him his favorite meal to comfort him after a prank got him good

he tells you that his dislike of the holiday and his fear of ghosts both started when he was kid. his family threw a big Halloween party one night and late in the evening, when everyone was sitting together telling ghost stories, there was a banging in one of the rooms upstairs and the fire went out suddenly, leaving them all in the dark. People said it was a ghost coming to visit them. for a boy of only six, he said that night stuck with him for years and he still remembers how scared he was.

you’re touched by this rare moment of vulnerability from him and promise that from now on, each year, you’ll have your own “un-Halloween” celebration together

Zero:

He likes the idea of guising but knows he’s too old for it

Instead, he enjoys participating in the Central Quarter’s Halloween festival

He helps the local candy maker in his booth and the two of them make candy for people to buy during the festival

is not above dressing to get in the spirit of the night

Makes you your own special candy when you visit him in the booth

you share a candy apple together when he gets time off and can walk around the festival with you

Seth:

Ultimate Halloween prankster of the Black Army.

Has been the chief scarer of Fenrir but never goes too overboard -just enough

Halloween is in part about dressing up in costume, so you can be sure he’ll want to dress Alice up in every princess, witch or vampiress costume he can get his hands on

matching costumes is a win-win situation for him. his favorite is vampire and vampire bride. will get into character for it too

“careful Alice, I just might bite that pretty neck of yours if you keep acting so adorably~”

Loki:

Will 100% want to go guising with you

dresses up in a black hoodie with cat ears. “Look! I’m a black cat!”

the two of you hop around the villages together, you in a white sheet as a ghost, and him as a black cat, carrying sacks to get candy

back at the house, the two of you will sort out your booty together and trade treats, offering some to Harr if he wants any.

the night will end with bobbing for apples, some spooky games and tales and Harr admonishing you both not to eat too much candy before bed

you both may or may not decide to play a fun, innocent prank on Harr later on in the night

Harr:

For Halloween, you and Harr decide to take it easy. Maybe eat a big dinner with some celebratory cake and play some games together at the house

but then Loki comes up with a daring idea: late night exploring in the Old Ruins that lie deep in the Forbidden Forest

the idea is kinda scary, but also thrilling! Plus, Loki reasons, they’ll be with Harr, so there won’t be any danger

Harr (secretly pleased that he’s trusted so much) finally agrees.

The Old Ruins are rumored to be haunted, Loki says, as the three of you creep in. The door makes a painfully loud creaking noise as he tugs it open

Armed with a lamp fueled by magic crystals, Harr leads the way in as the other two huddle around him. the building is dark, decrepit, and quite dangerous in some places as the walls and upper floors are caving in.

“We shouldn’t stay here too long,” Harr warns, worried about the instability of the place. A sound is heard in a nearby room adjacent to the foyer.

“Let’s check it out!” Loki suggests and he heads in the direction of the noise.

You don’t find anything but continue to hear noises, noises that seem to be coming from the upper floors...

After a while of exploring, Harr suddenly decides to put his foot down. “Let’s go. Now.” He tells you.

You both don’t argue against the tone in his voice and head back to the house, Loki excitedly talking about their adventure. As he does, Harr takes your hand and holds it tightly.

“I’m sorry we had to leave so suddenly, but while you both were looking around, I saw someone watching us from above on the third floor. The last thing I ever want is putting you in harm’s way. Stay with me tonight so I know you’re safe.”

Blanc:

He can remember when the first Alice introduced Halloween to Cradle. In fact, he helped in forming the traditions of the holiday to what they are today.

He organizes and is in charge of the Halloween festival alongside with Dean. He also likes to host a costume party in the Garden, free for anyone who wants to attend

He dresses up as a white rabbit knight hOW OrIginAL

Cliched costume aside, he looks cute so it’s all good

You are his special guest and he ensures that your first dance of the night is with him

Oliver:

His favorite part about this holiday is the costumes

He makes lots of costumes and items for kids who want a super cool look for Halloween

in his kid form, he reluctantly agrees to an early afternoon of guising with you, but insists on wearing a mask he made for himself so no one knows it’s him

don’t be surprised if he pulls some pranks on you throughout the day to get back at you for making him do that in his kid form

never goes to Blanc’s costume party. prefers to join Kyle at Dalim’s bar instead for a more laid back celebration

Dean:

Teams up with Blanc in organizing the Halloween festival

Is a huge folklorist and can tell you all sorts of weird and creepy stories about Cradle’s history

owns a whole library about it, actually

being a teacher, he does fun things throughout the day for his students to get them in the Halloween spirit

his students put on a play for the Halloween festival that is usually about some Cradle folklore

He’s a good storyteller, so be prepared with a blanket and some hot cocoa when you both sit by a fire and share ghost stories

Dalim/Dum:

Halloween or not, the bar’s gonna be running. Doesn’t mean he can’t get in the spirit of things, though

decorates the place with candles and fog and all

keeps things quiet for those who want a calmer holiday

concocts special drinks for the occasion. Kyle’s favorite is the White Lady, based on the ghost that haunts Central Quarter’s ballroom

Will keep visitors entertained with weird and creepy stories that he’s heard from customers over the years

Mousse:

Halloween is just another day for him

Candy is whatever. He’d rather be given cheese. Prefers harvest festivals since there is cheese in abundance.

has to attend the different public gatherings as a Cradle official

ghosts don’t scare him. doesn’t believe any of the legends to be true

likes to drink warm cider and will fall asleep in front of the fire if he’s at a party

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lgbtqlegends · 4 years ago

Note

hi i love ur hc they are awesome! could u maybe do like a ray & sara brotp soft friendship kind of thing? thanks!💜💜💜

thank you!! thanks for the ask n hope you enjoy!

-ok so they're both pretty big nerds, sara just usually doesn't like,, outwardly show it as much as ray tends to. they watch ancient aliens together and get so invested in the episodes that they'll lose track of time. they end up using the waverider to try n check a lot of the stuff. it doesn't always work but whenever it does work, if the stuff turns out to be real they're super smug about the knowledge that it's Real and then whenever they come across any skeptics or non-believers, they always end up just smirking like "haha you're w r o n g,,, it is r e a l". they get a kick out of it

-they also 100% take trips back to camelot together bc without the threat of the legion of doom, they can let themselves like,, fully enjoy it (well,, more so sara can enjoy it fully bc ray already enjoyed it fully even with the threat of the legion of doom,, but it's still always a great experience going back to camelot whenever they do

-also sara's S1 or S2 (i forget which) line of "i know science" makes me imagine that sara spends a fair amount of time in the lab with ray,,, at least,, whenever she can,, especially after like,, S1 with snart and kendra gone (bc those were the two she probably spent most time with on the ship when they were there),, so she ends up hanging out with ray more and they become really good buds

-also,,, adhd!sara + autistic!ray and/or autistic!sara + autistic!ray (both of which I've mentioned separately + briefly in a couple hc posts) is a vibe and so I'd imagine they'd kinda bond over that from time to time

-and it's also canon that sara loves supernatural, and ray seems like he'd also be someone who loves supernatural, so the two of them def watch it together n sometimes they're like,,, "alright let's binge watch all of it". they also sometimes get into "heated" (not really heated,, just,, very passionate) debates about which characters are hotter

-since they were both from star city before they were legends, i think sometimes they'd go and visit together like,,, go n see everyone from team arrow n visit all their old favorite places n stuff. one time they run into quentin and he's surprised to see them since they're usually on the waverider. they end up going to that little chinese restaurant that sara and quentin go to sometimes. ray is a little bit awkward (bc he's ray). quentin's a little confused and he thinks they might be dating but he's not sure so he asks and they're both just like "no no,, no,, just friends" (sara) and "nope! just buddies!" (ray). they all laugh it off and continue lunch for a bit until quentin has to get back to work or smth n they have to get back to the waverider

-oh and it's also canon that they go to trivia nights together sometimes, so they do that whenever they can too (and it gives them another chance to visit star city more, so they take it)

-they're also both pretty affectionate people (ray being a little more open with it n sara reserving it for only people she trusts) so there's like,, the casual affection between them like,, hugs and hair ruffles and like,,, light arm punches when they tease each other. like they're just v close friends n maybe even a dash of like,, little brother/big sister relationship (despite ray being older,, it's fine lmao they don't mention it. time travel n all that)

-they're also both very observant n perceptive and they can both kinda tell if the other is having a bad day or just,, isn't feeling great or smth. they don't necessarily like,, bring it up, at least like,, not directly, but they're both There. like,, ray will usually like,, give sara's shoulder a little squeeze or smth like,, in passing or smth,, sara usually will like,, offer to listen if ray wants to talk (abt anything) or she'll like,, reach up n ruffle his hair or smth,,, just little things to let the other know they're there without making each confront anything unless they want to

-oh ok and also like,,, back to the adhd!sara + autistic!ray and/or autistic!sara + autistic!ray,,, whenever it's like,, bad days or days where they're struggling with sensory overload (either one or both of them),, sometimes they'll like,,, chill together in the lab or like in the library or captains office or smth like with the lights turned down. they don't talk or anything bc conversation would be too hard, but it's nice to just chill together in the quiet bc they both understand n that helps a little bit

#ray palmer #sara lance #legends of tomorrow #i absolutely Love sara and ray's friendship #headcanons #headcanon prompts

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devil-in-those-eyes · 5 years ago

Text

Duchess of the Kooks Part2 JJ Maybank

Hi guys! Wow, I’m really thankful for you guys and the love of this imagine. Let me know if you’d like to be in the taglist. I hope you guys like this part!

Part 1!

Taglist: @lovelymaybankk @hyuckiesof @outerbanks123 @heimdoodle

Summery: End of ep. 4, beginning of ep. 5. Y/N’s reaction to JJ taking the fall for Pope might have some consequences.

A/N: I know jackshit about the law and bail and all that, so please just go with it if I’m wrong. ALSO, do you guys know anyone that is okay with gifs being used with credit being said? If not, totally fine, just a question :)

The drive was silent. You dropped Kiara off at her house first and then Pope and JJ. JJ was sitting in the front seat with you while Pope got out of the car, “Man, I’ll see you inside.”

“Right behind you,” JJ answered as you slowly looked at him.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” You whispered, taking in the busted lip. JJ touched his thumb to the swollen skin, he had gotten rid of the blood on the sleeve of his shirt and continuously moved his hat on his head.

“Yeah, nothing I haven’t dealt with before,” he grumbled, turning his eyes onto you. For the second time tonight, there wasn’t any disgust when he looked at you, he just looked… unsure. “Thanks for the uh…”

“Sure,” you breathed, nodding and turning your eyes away.

“And for uh, jumping on Rafe and trying to stop him,” he said, his voice sounding small and awkward. He probably wasn’t used to thanking people, let alone you.

“Who else is gonna be a dick to me?” You shrugged, earning a smirk from him and this time, it melted the butterflies with red wings.

“You sure you’re okay? Kelce threw you pretty hard.”

Actually, you had a pretty big headache but him seeing you at a weak point wasn’t an option, he was still JJ. So you nodded and breathed, “all good.”

JJ pressed his lips together and nodded, popping the door open. “Night, Y/N.”

“Night,” you said before he shut the drove and drove home.

You didn’t want to go home because there was a chance that Topper would be there, but when you saw your uncle’s rental car you forgot how much of a jackass your brother was and rushed inside. The one person who didnt make you feel alone was sitting in your kitchen, drinking a beer and eating a piece of pie.

“Uncle Mac!” you exclaimed.

Uncle Mac stood up with an easy going grin on his face. “My favorite niece!” he exclaimed, catching you as you jumped into his arms, kissing your cheek.

Catching up with Uncle Mac was almost as easy as talking to Kiara. He never made you feel stupid whenever you told him stories, you could talk to him a lot easier than your mom and you didn’t bother giving your dad the time of day.

You could listen to Uncle Mac talk about Hawaii for hours. He was expressive, using his hands when he talked about the waves he caught every morning. You felt the apprehension of his stories when he talked about seeing sharks and sting rays. You felt happiness when he talked about the life he led with his restaurant that was a tourist destination. You could always see it in his pretty eyes, the true happiness and freedom he had. He was loaded by last name, but lived in a little shack by the beach, like John B. He never wanted to use his trust fund money. He was exactly who you wanted to grow up to be.

The next day you walked into the place Pope’s dad owned and greeted him with an easy smile. He instantly returned it, “Y/N, is there something your family needs?”

“No, sir, I was actually wondering if Kie and the others were here.” You smiled.

Mr. Heyward smiled and nodded his head to go inside. When you walked in a few people were looking around by Kiara was standing with Pope behind the register, working, while JJ sat on the other, throwing an orange around.

JJ was the first to see you and was back to his sarcastic ways, “Well, well, Little Topper.”

You nearly growled at him, “Is your brain that small that you can’t remember a simple name?”

“Why bother?” he asked, tilting his head at you. “Not like you’re gonna stick around long enough.”

You didn’t expect him to change over night, but you did expect a little something different since you did throw yourself in the line of fire for him. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Play nice, for the love of god.” Kiara groaned before handing change back to the customer. “have a good day, Ms. Fitch.”

You faced her, “I was coming to see if you guys wanted to catch waves, but clearly not.”

“Jesus, don’t get your panties in a twist, it was a joke.” JJ said. Kiara stared at him, giving him a glare and I even saw Pope stop what he was doing to stare at him. “What?”

Kiara rolled her eyes and looked at you, “Pope’s almost done then we can head out?”

“Sure,” you breathed, nodding your head. “Pope, what can I help with?”

“Wanna organize the oranges? Someone nearly knocked them over.” Pope said, tossing his eyes quickly over to JJ.

You smiled and made your way over to the stand. You started fixing them as JJ popped off of the counter and turned to face you, leaning his elbows on the counter. “How’s home life? You see your big bro?” JJ asked.

Surprisingly, no you didn’t see him last night. When you woke up this morning he was still sleeping. You quickly showered and rushed on over here before he woke up and you had to deal with him. You plucked the orange from JJ’s fingers and popped your P, “Nope.”

“Which reminds me, how did you know about it?” JJ asked, moving a little closer against the counter.

You sighed, looking up briefly to see Kiara watching you two over her shoulder. “I heard Rafe talking about beating up Pope, then saw the guy pulling his boat out of the water.”

You felt JJ’s eyes on you, so you looked back at him and raised your eyebrows. “By the way, whoever came up with that… freaking brilliant. My mom was so pissed off.”

A hint of a smile touched his face. “It was all him, I think I’m rubbing off.”

You didn’t necessarily think that was a good thing but you kept your mouth shut anyways. For the next hour or so you and Kiara helped out Pope and his dad while JJ just floated around and continued to be his unhelpful self, he cracked jokes and made you guys laugh. You tried keeping your amusement to a minimum but you couldn’t help it, he may piss you off to no end but he was still attractive when he smiled, despite having a busted lip.

“I can’t believe that happened last night.” Pope said quietly as you helped out Kiara behind the register, bagging somethings the customer just bought.

You sighed. Topper really did go too far last night. “Don’t let it get in your head, three of them and two of us,” JJ said as he rested against the wall. “That’s some typical kook shit right there.”

Even you couldn’t deny that, so you nodded a long with Kiara as she said, “hell, yeah.”

“What was your thought process, using your head?” JJ asked Pope.

You bit back a smile and looked at Pope. “By the way, you head butting my brother is my favorite thing that’s ever happened.”

Pope fought a smile and rolled his eyes at you. “I don’t know, man, I just kind of acted off instinct. I was a corner animal.”

“Hey, Pope, someone here to see you.” Mr. Heyward said, coming in from the back door, looking as if he had seen a ghost.

Deputy Shoupe walked around the corner and you nearly dropped the apple you were holding. “Evening officer,” Pope said, his voice slightly wavering.

Deputy Shoupe didn’t hesitate. “I have an arrest warrant for felony destruction of property.” Shoupe handed Pope’s dad the warrant and my face paled, knowing that this had everything to do with my brother. As Shoupe walked towards Pope, telling him to keep his hands where he can see them, Pope looked over your head to JJ with wide eyes.

“Young lady, out of my way.” Deputy said to you and Kiara. Your feet were glued to the floor so the deputy gave you a light push, and you felt JJ’s hot hand touch your lower back.

“Whoa, Shoupe, what did he do?”

“It says in the arrest warrant.”

“So, you’re arresting him?” Kiara asked him.

“Oh, my god.” You whispered as the deputy put cuffs on Pope.

Commotion picked up in the place as customers backed into the walls. Kiara was talking loudly and Mr. Heyward was continually asking what happened. JJ grabbed your forearm and moved you behind him so he stepped towards the deputy. “What’s the evidence?”

“Shoupe, are you listening?”

The deputy started giving Pope his rights and started walking him out from behind the counter. It was all a huge mess. How did they even know that it was really Pope? Sure Topper would have told him, but they couldn’t do it just a limb and without any actual hard evidence. Kiara followed the deputy and you pushed past JJ, twisting out of his grip to keep you out of the way.

“Deputy, you don’t understand what really happened.” You called out.

“I understand plenty, Ms. Thornton.”

“Pope, don’t say anything!” Mr. Heyward said above you as JJ asked how much did the kooks pay him.

“Sir, just let him go. Pope did nothing wrong!” You exclaimed as you got outside, Pope hadn’t even uttered a word. JJ continued to get agitated so Mr. Heyward told him to stay back, because he could make the situation worse.

“So, what, you’re just going to arrest him without hearing him out?” Kiara asked, “He’s seventeen!”

“My brother and Rafe Cameron beat his face in, you should be looking at them for battery and assault!” You blurted out as Mr. Heyward touched you forearm.

“It wasn’t him!” JJ yelled. Both your and Kiara’s heads snapped to look at JJ as he stood a few feet away, if anymore blood was left in your head, it all drained completely out. No, no, no. “It was me.”

JJ started walking slowly towards Pope and the deputy, “He tried to talk me out of it, but I was mad because he’d just been beaten up. I was so sick of those assholes from Figure Eight that I lost my shit.” He stared at Pope, “I can’t let you take the blame for something I did.”

This had all been taken way too far. If anyone needed to be put in jail, it was your brother for trying to drown John B and then Rafe Cameron for beating up Pope. Had anyone done anything then, these two boys wouldn’t be arrested.

“You’ve got too much to lose, Pope.”

“JJ, what’re you doing?” Pope hissed.

“I’m telling the truth, for once. I’m telling the god damn truth.” JJ smirked sadly. “I took his old man’s boat, too.”

“What the hell?” Mr. Heyward asked.

“JJ,” you started, shaking your head and feeling a lump form in your throat.

JJ turned his eyes onto you. They were sad, you could see the slight quiver in his lip. But you could also see that he was really going to do this. “Let it go, Y/N.” he said softly.

“JJ, I can’t,”

“Shut up, Pope.” JJ cut him off, looking away from you and at his best friend. JJ looked at the deputy, “he’s a good kid. You know where I’m from.”

“Yeah,” the deputy said softly.

“This was all me.”

The deputy looked at Pope, “That’s the whole truth.”

I started shaking my head but Kiara rushed around and grabbed my hand. JJ spoke out, “Whole truth, swear to God.”

“I know what you think, damn it, I’m asking Pope.” The deputy said loudly.

I didn’t realize how fast my heart was beating inside my chest until now. It was pounding so hard that I felt like my whole body was moving along with it. Silence filled us as we all waited to see if Pope would go along with JJ’s lie.

Pope lowered his eyes from JJ, “Yeah, that about covers it.”

The deputy sighed and took the cuffs off Pope. You kept my eyes on JJ as he turned to face Kiara and you, putting his hands behind his back. Kiara shook her head slowly and JJ finally turned his eyes onto you. You hadn’t done anything wrong but you blamed yourself, because of your last name. Because it was Topper.

You stepped towards him, not knowing what you’d say but you couldn’t stop yourself. Don’t. JJ mouthed and your heart dropped. As the deputy read him his rights, he mouthed it’ll be okay to Kiara and you.

You all watched as the deputy put JJ in the back seat and slammed the door. Pure shock filled your body, was this really happening? After the deputy drove away, Pope finally lost his cool and threw his hat onto the ground, releasing a loud curse before running away.

Kiara let go of your hand and followed after him. You stayed where you were, watching the car slowly drive away. This was all your family’s fault. You didn’t have any cameras on your dock, but our neighbors did. Couldn’t this have been settled some other way? Through insurance instead of pressing charges? Was ruining JJ’s life really that worth it to your mom, because it was ultimately her decision, because she was still paying for the boat.

With shaking hands you found your phone and dialed the only person you could think of.

“I need help.” You whispered.

Over an hour later you paced outside of the police station on Figure Eight, your phone heavy in your hand. You hadn’t told Kiara where you run off too because she was too busy dealing with keeping Pope from losing grip on his sanity, while also trying to explain to Mr. Heyward what exactly happened.

“Y/N!” You turned at the sound of the voice. “Kiddo, what happened, are you okay?”

“Uncle Mac, I need your help.” You said. You had calmed a bit within the last hour, but you were still upset. Your uncle touched your shoulders and kept you steady, you started to stutter, unsure of where to start so you stopped and clamped your mouth shut.

Your uncle sighed, “I can’t help unless you give me the whole story, kid.”

You closed your eyes and spewed everything. You started with the fight with Topper and John B, going to when Topper and Rafe jumped Pope, which led to sinking Topper’s boat. You confessed to the fight at the movie night, even telling him how Topper nearly choked Pope to death, and finally got to JJ being arrested.

“Mac, JJ can’t go down for this.” You begged, shaking your head.

“Y/N…” Mac sighed, dropping his hands. “You want me to pay for his bail?”

“Just help him out,” you pleaded. “This is my brother’s fault and he won’t get anything for assaulting them!”

Mac sighed again, rubbing the back of his neck. “I know I got money lying around, but paying someone else’s bail? Y/N, I’d bail you out in a heartbeat, but this kid? He’s a stranger.”

“Topper nearly killed Pope,” you whispered. “He nearly drowned John B. It’s the least our family can do…”

Mac’s jaw tightened. You knew you were asking a lot of him, it was almost impossible but you knew that if anyone could do this, it would be your uncle. In your head, it was the right thing to do.

Mac didn’t say another word, he just walked past you and headed into the police department. Your heart was back to racing as you followed after him. You stood to the side, trying to breathe out in relief as Mac said he was here to bail out JJ Maybank.

“Are you his guardian?” The officer asked.

“Does it really matter, Abbie?” Mac grinned, wearing a charming smile.

The officer, or Abbie, ignored the flush to her cheeks and glanced around. It took a few seconds of your uncle charming the officer, but in the end she gave in and told him they would grab JJ. The bail out for JJ was just under a grand and hearing the amount made your heart stop, you could see the annoyance fill in your uncle’s body because he was trying to clean up your family’s last name.

JJ was brought out and his eyes widened as he saw you. You turned your eyes back onto your uncle as he filled out a check while the officer gave a speech about JJ’s hearing in two weeks, if JJ failed to show up, the bail would be forfeited. The restitution, to cover the damage done to Topper’s boat, would be an average of three estimates.

Mac sighed, “There isn’t a chance I could pay for the kids restitution now, is there? Forget the whole hearing?”

I bit the inside of my cheek as the officer shook her head, “sadly, no.”

“Sign here, please.” The officer said. Mac did as told before turning towards JJ and jerked his head towards the door.

You kept your eyes downward as JJ passed you and whispered, “the fuck did you do.”

Mac walked out after you and you instantly started apologizing. “Mac, I’ll pay you back.”

“$700 bail out, Y/N?” Mac asked, his cheeks pink.

“I didn’t know!” You promised. “It was Topper’s fault, I needed help, I’ll pay you back.”

“Sir, I,”

Mac turned towards JJ, taking both of you in. Mac sighed and looked away from JJ and to you, “you don’t need to pay me back. But you,” he pointed to JJ, “You better show up to that hearing.”

You lowered your head as JJ agreed. “Of course, sir. I, uh, thank you.”

Mac nodded once and pointed to your car, “Home. Now.”

You turned your head, to look back at JJ, trying to offer a smile but couldn’t muster it. You stepped away and JJ reached out, touching your forearm and turning you back into his chest. “Why?” he whispered.

The lump in your throat grew as you stared up at him. Your lip quivered, “I don’t know. I just couldn’t…”

Some asshole peeled into the side walk. “Y/N, now.” Your uncle called out.

Unsure of what to say, or do, JJ just stared down at you. Both of you shocked by what you just did. His hand slowly loosened his grip as he looked over your head and at the guy that got out of his truck. The softness in his eyes went hard and you turned to see an older man glaring at him. Realizing this was his dad, you quickly walked away and headed to your jeep, following your uncle home. You knew you were going to get an earful and you didn’t want to leave JJ, but you had too.

#jj maybank #obx jj #jj x reader #jj mayback x reader #jj outer banks #kie obx #kiara obx #kiara outer banks #Outer Banks #john b #john b routledge #john b x reader #pope obx

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voidselfshipp · 4 years ago

Text

The Mystery Before The Revelation

(pLZ RB WITH Y'ALLS THOUGHTS ON IT!!!IM SO EXCITED TO START THIS FIC!!!,SO OK TO RB).

Theres also some oc stuff here.

♡~♡~♡~♡

Two girls ran amok in the yard, playing tag.

--You cant catch me!-one of the girls say while runnin.

The sun is setting and its almost dinner time.

--Enola!jerico!come inside girls the dinner ready!.

Jerico and elona were the best of friends,partners in mischiefs and confidants to the other.

Elona remembers jeri as being very close, inseparable, she almost lived with her.

But when elona left looking for her mother jer also left.

She thought she never see her again.

Until a couple of years later.

Enola is talking with her two older brothers,Microft and Sherlock.

--Oh dear sister I think youll find this visit very enjoyable--microft said.

--What makes you think that?--they werent on the best of terms.

--Well you shall see- he said again.

But she wasnt the only one surprised by the visit...but also Sherlock.

Jerico got off the carriage,she lifts her eyes, and enola gasps.

They ran to eachother hugging the other.

--Oh my god!its you!

Jer smiled-- hey been a while.

But Sherlocks eyes are there, stuck like glue to his sisters childhood friend.

--Sherlock?Sherlock!snap out of it!-- microft yells in his ear.

--I heard you the first time brother...no need to yell.

They approach both women.

--microft,Sherlock!--jer hugs the detective with a huge smile-- there you are! My my youve grown to be a lovely Man

--And I see youve flourished into a most beautiful woman

He holds her hands, kissing her knuckles.

Enola huffs breaking the moment by grabbing jericos arm--lets get to my lodge and talk, shall we?...

--Why,of course!--the woman bows and locks eyes with Sherlock, winking at him--ill see you gentlemen around...

And so off they went.

The detective sighs dreamily as he sees her leave.

-- I heard you got into some trouble--jer said sipping idly from her tea.

--Well,the adventures of my teenage Years are behind me..

They meet their gazes and burst into laughter.

--Ive missed you--the english woman says.

--Me too..

--So,i see your people are getting ready for something big

--Yes it is...this Year is the year of the big revelation, I cant wait

--Neither does the press apparently-- Both women chuckle.--I saw you looking at my brother with bedroom eyes

--well he is quite the looker enola, what can I say?

Enolas face contorns in disgust,Rolling her eyes--i cant Belive you have a crush on my brother,youve known him since we were kids, plus hes an old Man

--Well I wouldnt call it a crush, just interest

--Im sorry to be the one saying this to you,but your taste in men is questionable...

--You dont like me being interested in your brother at all, do you?

--Can we just-- change subjects?please?

Jeri nodds--Ill take that as a Yes

Meanwhile Sherlock was back at his Office,aparently jerico Will be with his sister the whole day, well he cant blame them,they were very close and he imagines they wanted to catch up.

But what are these New feelings in his chest?,he could barely speak when she talked to him, and those eyes, they had him eating form her hand.

Maybe its just that he missed her too, or thats what he wanted himself to think;even though he was foolishly hiding the true feelings he felt.

He puts the letter down,jericos family couldnt Keep away could they?.

--Jericos dad wants me to work a case for them, why?why now?....

And somehow he decided to accept the case.

He went to their house the Next day, at the crack of dawn.

The beautiful garden was full of flowers,he could barely recall them all.

The big Stone mansion seemed to reach the Sky, plants growing on the old old house.

And of course....those sunflowers infront of the entrance.

Its cold.

--Oh its you Sherlock...

--Yeah missed you too vica

Vica wasnt a fan of Sherlock...since jericó was sixteen, but kindly made him come into the house.

--Oh Sherlock!--Illa, vicas partner greeted him with a hug--The tea is ready,master von terra is waiting for you in his study

--And jerico?

--Sleeping,the trip here left her very tired...

--going overseas is very tiring , alright could you show me to míster Von Terras study illa?

--Why of course!

The long flight of stairs Led to a long Passage way, they Turned a corner and in the end was the gloomy Office of jericos father.

Sherlock entered and sat infront of him.

--Sherlock...welcome...--the Man turns in his chair to meet Holmes--Im glad you accepted the case...

--Yes,but I have to inform you sir, that I am more of a detective, I solve crimes, not a private investigator...

Jers father was always very scary and serious.

--Yes well...I suspect you didnt accept the case because of money, did you?but thats besides the point, lets talk bussines...--he gives Sherlock a folder-- look mister Holmes,this is something very serious, something very important for humanity itself, we need to make sure it all goes smoothly,understood?

Important to humanity itself?now he was interested.

--Yes...mister von terra,I understand...

In another room jerico woke up to vica, patting her back.

--Okay wizquepu--they say--wake up, get cleaned up and rest, we have some guests over

--Hmm...--jerico said,sleepily--thanks void...

--Youre welcome sweetheart, I picked a nice dress for you to wear at breakfast

--Dress?-jer sits up on the bed-- who is it?

--Someone whose also excited to see you, come on now

Vica stands up, leaving the room.

Who the hell could it be?.

--So you see Sherlock,i cant disclose what it is...--Von terra said.

--If you dont tell me I cant help...

--Do as youre asked mister Holmes and you Will be greatly rewarded...head to the dining room,my daughter Will join Us for breakfast and I expect you to be on your best behaviour...

Sherlock bites his tongue but nodds heading outside.

Ray turns his back looking at the chimney.

Sherlock hears him mutter as he leaves the room-- the fate of humanity rests on this encounter...

#f/o community #f/o #romantic f/o #f/o x s/i #self shipping #my f/os #self ship #self insert #f/o tag #f/os #f/o fic #enola #sherlock(hc)

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let-it-raines · 5 years ago

Note

You talked about it so much that I HAVE to see Will and Belle's wedding in CMIYC!!!

Fun fact: this was almost the epilogue! But I decided two months later wasn’t a big enough time jump! But here you have it now 😊

found on ao3 | here |

-/-

December 7th, 2019

“Damn, Swan.”

Emma turns on her heels to find Killian standing in the entryway of his bedroom. Or their bedroom. She doesn’t know, and she really shouldn’t keep mentally correcting herself. Their living situation is what it is, and not a soul in the world knows how to define it.

They should probably talk about it before she has to sign her lease next month.

Or, well, not sign her lease.

She still has no idea what she’s doing with this whole thing.

Except being impressed by how well Killian cleans up.

“I could say the same thing to you.”

He’s dressed in his black tux already, the only thing missing the jacket and the bowtie. Though, she’s not going to complain about that. She likes the suspenders and unbuttoned shirt look. And Killian hates being buttoned up, so she imagines that as soon as the ceremony is over, he’ll return to this look.

Good. That’s good. This is a good look.

“Oh, no. You can’t say that when you look like this.” He waves his hand in front of him before stepping into the room. “I didn’t know someone could wear long sleeves and still have so much cleavage showing.”

“Shut up,” Emma laughs, looking down at the deep neck of her dress and the floral overlay of her black dress. Okay, so maybe he’s right, but this dress makes her boobs look amazing. Who is she to pass up wearing something like that? “A coat is about to go over this, and I’m going to be majorly bundled up. So take a look at the boobs now, Jones.”

“Is that not what I was already doing?”

Her boyfriend is an idiot.

She loves him a frankly ridiculous amount.

“Aren’t you going to be late? Isn’t there supposed to be some groomsmen bonding going on?”

“Aye,” Killian answers as his head dips down so his lips can press against the side of her neck. He’s a smart man to know not to touch her face, but she really, absolutely wishes that he would. “I’m going to leave in a few minutes, but I wanted to see you first. I heard your boobs were going to be covered up later, and I couldn’t pass up on the opportunity to see them. You cut quite the figure in that dress, love.”

“You’re the worst,” she mumbles, biting her lip. She might as well kiss him if she’s going to mess up her makeup like that. “I will take the coat off when we’re at the reception, so you are free to go so you don’t piss Will off.”

He bites at her neck before moving up to her ear, and a shiver runs down her spine and curls between her thighs. “Am I not allowed to piss Will off? It’s so much fun.”

“Not today, twenty-nine. Let him have today.”

“You only say this because you have a soft spot for Scarlet.”

“So do you.”

“Eh, debatable.” Killian nips at her ear one more time before pulling back, his smile so big that his eyes crinkle. “You look beautiful, sweetheart. Are you sure you don’t want to come to the venue early?”

“David and Mary Margaret are going to pick me up on their way.”

“Let me know when you get there, yeah?”

“You know what I’m wearing. I think you’ll be able to find me.”

Killian chuckles and pulls back from her, trailing his hand down the back of her arm. “That I will.”

Killian winks before he turns around, walking away from her with a sway of his hips that’s absolutely ridiculous. He’s in a good mood today. Hell, he’s been in a good mood for a month now, riding on some kind of ridiculous World Series win high. She gets it. She’s been doing the same thing. Well, maybe not quite so much because she still has to work in the office while he simply has to workout at home, but it’s been nice.

Now that it’s December and all of New York is decked out for Christmas, Emma thinks he might have lost his mind. She thought she knew Killian more than well, but she somehow missed out on how excited he was going to be about Christmas. Or, really, the holidays in general. At Thanksgiving, he might as well have been walking around on actual rays of sunshine, and seeing him this happy has been great. It’s been a year full of deep lows and incredible highs, but it’s going to end on a good note.

She can feel it.

Off-season might just be Emma’s favorite season.

(That could also be a part of the World Series high and the frankly ridiculous amount of sex they’ve had now that most of their days involve staying at home, but she’s only chalking it up to it being part of how relaxing it’s been.

The other part is simply having Killian around more and there being no travel involved.)

She’s not anywhere ready for it to be over, so it’s a good thing they have some more time.

-/-

The ceremony is beautiful.

Emma knew that it would be. She’s listened to Belle and Will plan this wedding pretty much since the day she met Belle, and while a lot of it is definitely to the specifications of Belle’s parents, it’s still very Will and Belle.

And all that really matters is that they get to stand up in front of all of the people they love – and some people they probably don’t care about – and commit to each other. Will is only a few years younger than her, is still practically a baby in her eyes, and it kind of feels like her little brother is getting married.

When the hell did those feelings happen?

Probably on the floor of a hallway as Emma sobbed next to a pair of vending machines because her entire life was falling apart, and Will was there to pick up the pieces.

“Are you crying?”

“What? No,” Emma says, turning to David.

“I meant Mary Margaret,” David corrects before leaning over to look at his wife. “Sweetheart, are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” Mary Margaret sniffles. “You know that I cry at every wedding. Don’t make fun of me.”

“I was not going to make fun of you.”“David, we have been together for fifteen years. You make fun of me at every wedding.”

“I just think that it’s funny that you cry at every wedding, but you didn’t cry at ours.”

“Wait,” Emma laughs, “you didn’t cry at your own wedding?”

Mary Margaret slides down in her chair. “It was a busy day, okay? I didn’t even have a moment to breathe. I was obviously overwhelmed with joy because I was marrying the love of my life, but no, I didn’t cry at my actual wedding.”Emma laughs, but she tries to cover it up. This is obviously something David brings up at every wedding, and she should not be laughing at it. She really shouldn’t, but Mary Margaret cries at everything. Legitimately everything. Emma can’t imagine that Mary Margaret didn’t cry once at her own wedding.

“You laugh now, but wait until it’s your wedding day. See if you have time to cry.”“Well, uh, that’s not…that’s not really a bridge we’ll have to cross anytime soon.”

“I would hope not. Killian hasn’t asked for my blessing yet.”Emma reaches over and slaps David’s shoulder. “I’m pretty sure if Killian and I were to get married, he wouldn’t have to ask for your blessing. We’re adults in the twenty-first century. We can make our own decisions.”“I know that, but – ”

“Swan,” Killian interrupts. David’s cheeks go absolutely red, and Emma tries not to laugh at him. That’s what he gets for trying to be all old-fashioned on her.

Killian keeps walking over to them, moving away from all of the people who are trying to leave from the ceremony and walk downstairs to the reception. Ruby and Graham already left, deciding not to wait on the crowd, but Emma told Killian she’d wait in her seat for him since it’ll be crazy down in the ballroom even with Belle’s mom’s highly specific seating chart.

(Emma still thinks seating charts are the worst.)

“Why is Dave blushing?”

“Mary Margaret is making fun of him for crying,” Emma lies, standing from her seat and smoothing down her dress. “It’s a long story.”

His brow arches. “How is that a long story?”

“You don’t want to know.” Emma steps around her chair to stand next to Killian and threads her fingers with his. He squeezes before bringing her knuckles to his lips. “You ready to go? I hear we get to sit next to the cranky pregnant lady at the reception.”“I might have switched the cards around.”

Emma laughs and shakes her head. “You did not.”

“Oh, no, I did. I’m so bloody tired of hearing about the seating chart that I changed it all at the last minute.”“That would be a major asshole move.”

“It would definitely get me murdered by the entire French family.”

“True.” Emma reaches up and straightens Killian’s bowtie. “Is this thing driving you crazy?”

“You have no idea.”

They walk down to the reception ballroom, joining the droves of people who are already there, and they quickly find their seats, joining everyone else who was in the wedding party. They took all of the group photos beforehand, so everyone but Will and Belle are here.

“I am starving,” Ariel whines. “I need, like, two plates of everything.”“You know you’re only supposed to eat three hundred extra calories. You’re not supposed to actually eat two meals.”

“Eric, I will murder you. This is your fault.”“How is it my fault?”

“Because we – ”

“Just let your wife eat the two meals,” Robin groans. “It’s easier that way, and Ariel has been working her ass off while finding out she was pregnant. She deserves a break.”

“Amen, especially since I was not supposed to be pregnant for, like, two more years.”

“Thank you, darling, for telling everyone our life plan.”

Ariel waves Eric away. “Killian already knew it wasn’t planned.”

“How did Killian know it wasn’t planned?”

“We talk.”

Killian laughs next to her as his thumb runs over her knuckles. “Protection is important, mate. Do we need to get Al to give some kind of sex ed class for us?”

“Al would punch you in the face if you suggested that.”

“It might be worth it.”

“I think it might already be too late,” August snickers.

“Not for you,” Robin murmurs under his breath. “We’re both sitting at this table because neither of us brought dates and there was room.”

“You realize you just roasted both of us, right?”

Robin shrugs, a smile on his face. “Sometimes you have to take one for the team.”

Killian’s finger taps against her hand, and Emma looks down at her lap before looking over at him. “What?”

“Nothing.”

“I don’t believe you.”

“It’s nothing,” he repeats, leaning over to brush his lips against the shell of her ear. “I’m simply glad that you’re here with me.”

“Yeah,” Emma sighs, “me too.”

The food eventually gets served, much to Ariel’s satisfaction, and it is really good. It’s not hot dogs and concession stand food like they joked about, but it’s definitely better than any kind of concession stand hot dog. And maybe, just maybe, everyone here needs to move away from sweaty clothes and junk food for a night and do something on the slightly more refined scale for a change.

As if any of them have stepped inside of that stadium in the past month.

Except for the World Series celebrations.

They’d all happily walk back in there to do that again.

Hopefully one day.

That’s really not what any of them are focused on right now anyways.

Will and Belle make their way into the hall eventually, the entire room clapping for them before they have their first dance and then settle down to eat their food even though people keep interrupting them to talk. Emma’s got a perfect vantage point of their table and keeps looking up and over at them without meaning to. Will is not the most physically affectionate guy unless the occasion calls for it, but with Belle, he’s different. There’s something sweet and especially sentimental about that, and maybe Emma is a bit of a romantic somewhere deep down.

Or much closer to the surface than she’s willing to admit.

It’s a lot easier when she’s not in a relationship where the other person has betrayed her in some kind of awful, monumental way.

Tonight is probably not the night to be having those kind of thoughts.

Soon the food starts to dwindle and the playful arguments around the table die down, even when Liam and Elsa pull up a set of chairs and join in on teasing Killian over the absolutely awful tan lines he has on his back from when they went to California last month. He’d applied his suntan lotion in uneven streaks, and now he’s got these awful strips that are a different color than the rest of his skin.

“It’s December in New York. I can’t exactly even out it out.”“You could go to a tanning salon.”

“Those are literally beds of death, so I’d rather not.”

“He’s right,” Liam adds in. “None of you should be going to those unless it’s for a spray tan.”

“What kind of spray tan do you get, Liam?” Emma teases.

“This glow is natural. Don’t be jealous.”

Emma huffs and releases Killian’s hand before getting up from the table, excusing herself to go to the restroom and then to get another glass of wine for her and some more rum for Killian. A few people have already made their way to the dancefloor while others stay standing at the dessert table or the bar, but she’s easily able to move around them until she’s back in the bathrooms, which are surprisingly empty.

Probably because this is a ridiculously large space and there’s more than one bathroom.

She has got to stop thinking about the bathrooms.

They have really nice lighting that makes her makeup look fantastic though.

After reapplying her lipstick and moving away a speck of mascara, Emma leaves the bathroom and turns the corner to head to the bar only to nearly run into Will.

“You trying to push me down?”

“That was obviously my intention.” Emma reaches forward and wraps her arms around Will’s shoulders before kissing his cheek. “Congratulations, Will.”

“Thank you. I appreciate it. Though, I don’t appreciate you getting your red lipstick all over my cheek. Wouldn’t want my wife to get jealous.”

“Belle doesn’t have a jealous bone in her body.”

“Let a man dream for a moment.”

Emma scoffs and pulls back before reaching up and rubbing her finger against his cheek to remove some of her lipstick. She’s going to have to reapply it again. “Who am I keeping you from? Why are you over here?”

“I was sent to get drinks, and since I’ve been stuck talking to Belle’s uncle for the past fifteen minutes, Belle decided I deserved a break.”

“That much fun, huh?”

Will chuckles and shakes his head. “Listen. This is the greatest day of my life, but I wouldn’t at all have minded it just being Belle and me and our closest friends.”

The song changes, and Emma glances to the side to see everyone slow down, some people filtering off the dance floor while others move forward.

“Go get your drinks, Scarlet. Then get Belle and go dance so you don’t have to keep talking to people you want to talk to. It’s your day. Who gives a shit about pleasing other people?”

“And that’s exactly why I like you.”

Emma laughs and reaches forward to squeeze Will’s forearm only for Killian to show up behind Will, clapping his hand down on Will’s shoulder. “If you don’t mind, I think I’m going to steal Emma away from you.”

“Please,” Will laughs. “She’s been driving me insane, and I’m supposed to be getting drinks.”

“Funny, so is Emma.”

“Hey,” she laughs, “I was going to after I went to the bathroom. Then I got distracted by Will.”

“It’s my face. It’s distracting. Only in the best ways, of course.”

“I’m glad you clarified because I’m sure Killian would have made a joke.”

Killian fake gasps and places his hand over is chest. “I would never.”

“You would.”

His eyes roll, but then he smiles, stepping around Will and reaching forward to grab Emma’s hand. How is his hand so impossibly warm when it’s approximately eighteen degrees outside?

“Let’s leave Will to get back to his bride, yeah?”

“What about drinks?”

“We can get those later.”

And then he’s gently pulling her across the room until they’re at the edge of the dance floor, mixing in with the other couples while also staying just close enough that they can slip away at any time. It’s Killian’s go-to move at events, and she is all here for it.

Emma wraps her arms around Killian’s shoulders, fingers threading into his hair, and his hands find their place on her hips as they sway back and forth, careful not to step on each other’s toes. Killian probably wanted to do an actual dance, but she needs a few more drinks in her for that.

“This is nice,” he whispers after a few moments of silence while the band plays Van Morrison.“Mhm,” she hums, resting her head on his shoulder.

“I like the idea of something like this, all of your loved ones around you, celebrating you find a partner.”

She thinks of what Will said earlier, of what she’s always thought too. “Your loved ones and all of your parents’ friends and coworkers.”Killian huffs and tugs her a little closer. “Well, that’s a good point. Not to be morbid, but we wouldn’t really have to worry about that.”

Emma’s heartrate picks up. She knows why. She does. It has absolutely nothing to do with Killian pointing out the fact that he doesn’t have parents and she only has Ruth. “No, I guess we wouldn’t.”“We’d have to invite the entire roster, though. Most of management, too”

“Except King.”“Fuck King. I’ve heard he might be leaving anyway.”

She huffs and pulls back from Killian’s shoulder to look him in the eyes. With her heels, they’re almost the same height, and it’s easy to gently press forward so her lips move against his.

“Jones, I love you, but I’m not sure I’m ready to be planning such specifics about this hypothetical wedding.”

“What? We don’t even officially live together and you’re not ready to plan our wedding? That’s ridiculous.”

Everyone’s really pulling out all of the punches tonight.

(She only minds a little.)

(She doesn’t mind at all when it’s Killian.)

“Oh my God. Was this basically a roundabout way of us talking about our living situation?”“I figured it was better than planning a hypothetical wedding.” He leans forward and lightly brushes his lips across her cheek. His whiskers prick at her skin, and a shiver runs down her spine that has nothing to do with the cold. “Ruby may have mentioned that you’d have to re-sign your lease next month.”

“Did she now?”“Aye.”

“And how would you feel,” Emma whispers as her finger trails along the back of Killian’s neck, “if I didn’t re-sign my lease?”

“Well, I feel like you might then be without a home,” Killian sighs as his lips tick up into a smile that has her heart pounding that little bit faster. “Move in with me, my love. Officially. We’ll figure out the rest from there.”

She absolutely cannot believe they’re having this conversation at Will and Belle’s wedding.

Then again, she can.

It’s definitely on track for them if she’s honest with herself.

And really, she wouldn’t want to have it any other way. It’s much better than her having to start this conversation over breakfast or something. They apparently can’t do anything in a conventional way.

“Are you going to give me space in the fridge?”

His brows rise to his hairline. “You have space.”“I have a shelf.”

“You don’t cook.”

“That’s beside the point.”

Killian chuckles and squeezes her hips before lightly pressing his lips to hers. He’s trying to avoid her lipstick still, but there’s the slightest bit of red when he pulls back. It’s been steadily growing darker this entire night. “You’ve already taken over my closet and my bathroom. I have far too many blankets and pillows in my living room. I guess I can give you more space in the refrigerator that you don’t use.”

“Oh, that’s the most romantic thing I’ve ever heard.”

“I try.”

Emma’s hand falls to Killian’s bare collarbone, finger moving against the bare skin. His bowtie is in his pants pocket now, and it’ll likely never see the light of day again. His skin is warm to the touch, and her fingers search for something to touch, his chest hair a little too far away. Sometimes she misses being able to play with the chain around his neck, feeling the cool metal, but she wouldn’t change him giving it to her.

She apparently wouldn’t change a lot of things.

“I would love to officially move in with you, twenty-nine. Though, I don’t think anything is going to change.”

“That sounds perfect.”

“Yo, Jones,” Will calls out over the microphone, stopping the music, “it’s time for your speech.”

Killian’s eyes crinkle as his mouth opens up with his smile. His teeth look ridiculously white in these lights. She’s spent far too much time thinking about how handsome he is this evening, but she doesn’t think anyone in this room would blame her. “Do you think he’ll kill me if I tell the story of letting him throw up in my lap so he didn’t throw up in Will’s?”

“You’ve been planning on telling that story since before they even got engaged. Plus, Will told me that story about seeing your bare ass the first time you met. It’d only be fair.”

Killian winks. “I don’t really plan on changing my speech now. I’ve got notecards.”

-/-

@bluewildcatfanatic @killianswannn @dorisquinn @onepunintendid @authorarsinoe @stunningswan @eala-captian @galaxyzxstark @xellewoods @mariakov81 @ultraluckycatnd @royalswan @shey-starsfury @superchocovian @sals86 @iam2307 @ashley-knightingale @karenfrommisthaven @scientificapricot @captswanis4vr @ultimiflos @jamif @idristardis @nikkiemms @resident-of-storybrooke @tiganasummertree @bmbbcs4evr @onceuponaprincessworld @jennjenn615 @mayquita @captainsjedi @teamhook @notoriouscs @kmomof4 @ekr032-blog-blog @cs-forlife @andiirivera @jonirobinson64 @qualitycoffeethings @carpedzem @tornadoamy

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witharsenicsauce · 5 years ago

Text

Chosen Stories From the War #16: Boat Ride to Vorontsovo

“Mail time!”

The bar was relatively empty, only a few other soldiers having set up in there for the afternoon. Princess and Tisiphone were arguing about something again, but this time Tiwaz was there as well to remind them to please keep the conversation at an indoor level. Mithridates had set up with his laptop in the corner and was playing (and losing) a game of chess against the computer.

Kon-Mai and Gur-Rai had shoved aside the remains of their breakfast (which was just green tea for Kon-Mai and a piece of toast with spicy mustard for Gur-Rai) and were now sitting across from each other with a deck of Uno cards. Neither of them knew how to play, however, so they had pretty much been making up a totally new game that was somewhat of a combination between Poker, Go Fish and BS.

At the sound of the yell, everyone looked up to attention as Bradford strolled into the bar, waving a stack of envelopes. The other soldiers got to their feet and rushed over, hands out like eager little pigeons awaiting breadcrumbs. Kon-Mai returned her attention to the cards in her hand, confident that there would be no mail for her. Gur-Rai, however, stood up and waved the Central Officer over.

“Central!” He called. “Anything for little ol’ me?”

“Actually.” Bradford walked over to them, thumbing through the huge pile before pulling out an envelope and handing it to Gur-Rai. “Here you go. And for your sister…” He pulled out another one and plopped it in front of Kon-Mai, who picked it up and stared at it in confusion. “That’s all.” Bradford began to walk off, but Kon-Mai jumped to her feet.

“Central, what is this?” Kon-Mai demanded. “We have no family to contact us. We should not be getting mail.”

“That’s your paycheck.” Bradford said casually.

“...I beg your pardon?”

“Your paycheck.” Bradford looked up at her and chuckled. “...You didn’t think you were working here for free, did you?”

Kon-Mai blinked, completely taken aback. “...What...what do I do with this?”

“Have you never gotten a paycheck?”

“The Elders weren’t big on fair wages.” Gur-Rai said as he tore open his envelope and looked over his pay stub. “Oooh. Not bad, Central.”

“What use do we have for money?” Kon-Mai puzzled.

“Well...it depends.” Bradford shrugged. “Some of the refugee camps have convenience stores that still take Old World cash.”

Kon-Mai rolled her eyes. “I have little need for such small trinkets.”

Bradford scowled. “Well maybe the Black Market is more up your alley.”

“The what?” Gur-Rai lit up like a Christmas tree upon hearing those words.

“Yeah, ask the Commander about it. I gotta hand out the rest of these.” He stopped as Dhar-Mon entered the bar, and dug out another paper. “Hieromonk.”

“Hm?” Dhar-Mon took the paper, his reaction quite similar to Kon-Mai’s. “What is this?”

“That is your paycheck, Brother~” Gur-Rai chuckled.

“Central, I cannot accept this!” Kon-Mai shook her head. “This is valuable funding that XCOM needs to acquire weaponry!”

“You’re a soldier like any other. You get a paycheck.” Bradford said. “Look, if you don’t want it, just take the cash and give it to another soldier. Give it to Tygan. Or the Commander. Or me, hell knows I could use a raise. It’s your money.” He griped like an old man as he walked away, leaving Kon-Mai standing there, dumbfounded.

“You forget, Sister, XCOM soldiers aren’t mindless drones.” Gur-Rai folded his check. “They probably need more of a reason to stay than just loyalty to a cause.”

“But why give us this?” Dhar-Mon mused. “We would never leave. We have no place else to go.”

“Perhaps it’s the principal of the matter.” Gur-Rai stood up. “In any case, I definitely want to know more about this…’Black Market.’ that Central mentioned~”

They stopped by the “clerk”, which was just a safe in the armory connected to a computer that still ran Windows 7. Kon-Mai stuck her check into the little slot a the bottom and stared at the screen as that god-forsaken loading symbol sat there, taunting them, for a good two minutes until another screen finally popped up.

“Please select your currency.” The computer said aloud.

Kon-Mai looked back at her brothers for help. “What currency is even accepted at the markets?”

“I guess it depends on what country it’s in.” Gur-Rai leaned over her shoulder and read through the options. “Oh, go for American.”

“Why?”

“Because America is always the country you see in movies.” He shrugged.

“I do not believe America exists any more.” Dhar-Mon said.

“Still, most people will recognize it! So their currency has to be valuable!”

Kon-Mai grimaced. “I think not.” She looked around for a moment, finally clicking on Japanese Yen.

“Oh, fine then. Don’t listen to me.”

“Shut up.” She smirked as she typed in the amount she wanted to withdraw. The machine whirred for a moment, shuddering worryingly, and then opened up a slot and spat out a wad of bills and a few coins. Kon-Mai took them, counted them meticulously, and then tucked them into her belt.

“Okay, my turn.” Gur-Rai pushed though as Kon-Mai turned to the door, where Dhar-Mon was still standing, reading over his check.

“Are you alright, Brother?”

He looked up at her, worry apparent on his face. “I simply do not feel right taking money from XCOM. After the grievous atrocities I committed…”

“Grievous atrocities?” A voice behind him giggled.

Dhar-Mon jumped, his palms glowing with psionic power, but behind him only stood Senuna.

“Commander!” He dropped to one knee, as though he were once again worshiping the Elders. Senuna at first seemed to smile at this, before she shook her head and patted his shoulder.

“No no no, up up.” She coaxed him gently. “No need for that, Dhar-Mon. I actually was just looking for you three!”

“Hello Commander!” Gur-Rai called as he dropped a handful of pennies onto the floor.

Senuna waved at him. “So. Shen and I were about to take a trip to the Black Market-”

Kon-Mai raised a brow. “We had heard about this ‘Black Market’ earlier. From Bradford.”

“‘Course you did!” Senuna winked. “So I thought, I COULD use my regular security detail, BUT, I also have a bunch of big, scary Chosen who I’m sure would love some time out! Whatddya say?”

“I say hell yes!” Gur-Rai called as he stuffed the dollar bills into his pocket.

“Do we need any specific currency?” Kon-Mai asked.

“Oh, no, the Black Market takes anything. Some traders will bitch about certain exchange rates but overall, if it’s money, they’ll take it!”

“Wonderful.” Kon-Mai looked to her eldest brother. “Dhar-Mon? What do you think?”

He hesitated for a moment. “If you and Gur-Rai both think it a good idea…”

“Brother, you don’t have to go if you don’t want to.” Gur-Rai said.

“That is true but…” He didn’t say it, but Kon-Mai could see he did not want to leave the comfort of their little trio.

“So it’s settled then!” Senuna giggled and clapped. “Well I have to get ready, so meet me in the garage in...about 2 hours!”

Kon-Mai stared at Senuna in disbelief as she sauntered away, and Gur-Rai chuckled.

“How that woman became Commander will always be one of the world’s greatest mysteries.” He said.

The Avenger had landed near the ocean, dropping from it’s main deck a life vessel that could only hold a few people at most. Crammed inside this tiny boat were all three of the Chosen, Lily Shen, and Senuna herself who, under the black cloak that covered her, wore one of her best summer dresses with a garish flower print, thus requiring the cloak. In fact, they had all had to conceal themselves, and seemed to have blended in nearly perfectly with the night. The gentle hum of the boat was the only noise as they splish-splashed through the water towards the distant lights.

The buildings on the shore were dark and quiet, with nary a sign of life as they approached. Gur-Rai realized he was holding his breath, and forced himself to release it. His sister pushed herself further to the front, in front of her brothers as though to protect them.

As they got closer and closer to shore, they saw the eyes. The moving shadows of people watching them from the windows and on the corners, just barely there enough to see, but not identifiable. In fact Gur-Rai was beginning to question if they really were there at all. Perhaps he was imagining the little moving shapes…

Until, as they passed the docks, a group of men came seemingly from nowhere, guns trained on them. They were yelling something in Russian, and if Gur-Rai closed his eyes and listened, he could just barely make out the words “Stop! State your name! Who are you with?!”

“Ya Komandir XCOM.” Senuna said, in fluent Russian. “Menya zovut Senuna. Sprosite Ledi Guan-Yin, ona khorosho menya znayet.”

The men spoke among themselves for a minute, and one of them walked off into a nearby building. The silence was thicker than tar, until one man jabbed his rifle into Gur-Rai’s shoulder, yelling something else that he could only barely understand from snippets of long forgotten memory. “Why is ADVENT here?!”

He heard Kon-Mai hiss at that-she must have understood ‘ADVENT’ at least- and Senuna smiled and spoke to them again: “Ikh bol'she net s ADVENT. Teper' oni svobodnyye lyudi.”

“Razve oni ne Izbrannyye?” The man whacked Gur-Rai in the head with the mouth of his pistol.

“Sprosite Ledi Guan-Yin. Ona khotela by uslyshat', chto ty brosayesh' mne vyzov.” Senuna spat with fire in her voice.

The previous man came back and said something, to which the man with the gun spat into the boat and growled. Gur-Rai heard him say “You may go.”

Senuna bowed, and the boat prattled forward, the tall concrete buildings on either side of the canal slowly fencing them in, making them all claustrophobic. Gur-Rai felt Dhar-Mon reach out, and he took his hand, smiling back at him to comfort him.

The buildings began to thin out, and Kon-Mai leaned forward. “Why are we not stopping?”

“We’re not there yet.” Senuna whispered. “Leskino is just the gateway.”

“So where are we going?”

Senuna merely smiled at her. “You’ll know when you see it~”

The canal widened into a large, open bay, and once again the little boat was tossed against the waves of the dark waters. Dhar-Mon was squeezing Gur-Rai’s hand, and even Kon-Mai had shrunk back, clinging to her brothers. When Gur-Rai peered over the boat into the dark waters, he swore he felt something staring back at him from the depths, with teeth as sharp as his and twice the size, just waiting for one of them to take a tumble overboard…

He grabbed his sister around her shoulders and pulled her in close.

The boat bobbed and floated toward where the bay began to narrow once again, and Senuna pointed forward. “That way is where we’re going.”

Gur-Rai pried his eyes away from the dark, churning water, and gazed forward at the lights of the town cutting through the darkness. He saw other boats, some large, others smaller than their own, bobbing along the docks. Even from out here he could hear talking and shouting, and saw the dark figures of sailors hauling their cargo to shore.

“Vorontsovo.” Senuna said excitedly. “The Black Market.”

“Oh.” Gur-Rai smiled despite his trembling insides. “Sounds magnificent.”

“It’s a hive of scum and villainy. You’ll love it.” Shen winked.

As the boat got closer, he could see even more of the colorful silhouettes that surrounded them. The boats parked there were massive, towering ships of antiquity, some made of steel and concrete, others only of wood. They parked the little dinghy in between two such ships, and Senuna leapt out and dragged it to shore. She was surprisingly strong.

Shen got out next, and Gur-Rai joined her, helping his sister from the boat first, then his brother. Now that they were on land, they conspicuously towered over everyone at the docks, and yet no one seemed to pay them any mind, so lost they were in the hustle to unload cargo.

Senuna put her hood down and unbuttoned her cloak, letting it hang loosely around her shoulders and revealing her obnoxious dress. “We made it, everyone!” She waved them over. “This way! And don’t fall behind, it’s easy to get lost in this place~”

They weaved their way into the crowd, and as they did, the colors and sounds increased in intensity. They pushed their way past the sailors, some of whom already had drinks in hand, and the small stands and vendors sitting on blankets grew more and more frequent, lining the streets. Many of them called out to the group, beckoning them over to sample their wares. Occasionally one would slip a glance at the Chosen under their hoods, and the calling would promptly stop.

Gur-Rai’s sharp eye caught the sight of several women, and a few men, wearing extremely flashy, garish outfits, even for this place. A he followed one with is eyes, a blonde girl with a long red ball gown, she glanced at Kon-Mai and whistled to her, waving and giggling. Gur-Rai huffed as Kon-Mai looked between them in confusion.

“What?” Kon-Mai looked around. “What is going on?”

“Don’t worry about her, Sister.” He chuckled. “She’s just a...lady of the night.”

“Of the night? Like me?” She smiled. “They are stealth warriors?”

“Um...no.” He chuckled. “They’re not.”

“But you said-”

“They’re prostitutes.” Shen called back to them, and Gur-Rai watched as Kon-Mai’s blue skin turned purple with realization and embarrassment.

The street grew more packed as they walked, and Gur-Rai looked up at the buildings towering above them. The light of the moon illuminated the tops of the rickety buildings, and he saw that the old concrete structures were also full of people, leaning out the windows and watching those who shopped below.

“See that building up there?” Shen pointed towards the end of the road, where a large cliff face blocked off the market. Within the stone, there seemed to be carved an old temple, great and looming, with dark windows spreading across it’s walls.

“Spooky.”

“Yep. That’s where we’re going.” She sounded cheery. “I can’t wait for you guys to meet...well, you’ll see.”

Gur-Rai looked up at the temple again, and swore he saw a figure standing there. Watching them.

Senuna removed her cloak and draped it over one arm, despite the temperature continuing to drop as the night went on. Gur-Rai and Dhar-Mon were huddling together for warmth, the big man providing a significant amount of it, and even Kon-Mai (who was naturally cold) was beginning to shiver.

Shen ran up ahead of them, towards two armed guards who stood at the end of the road. She spoke to them, not in Russian this time, but Chinese. They nodded to her, stepping aside and bowing to her, as she gestured for the others to follow her through the now open gates. “This way!”

“How’d you do that?” Gur-Rai asked, trying to keep his teeth from chattering.

“You’ll see in a bit.” She smiled as they made their way down the stone pathway.

Instead of a garden of plants, the front yard of this shrine was populated with large spires of colorful rocks, placed within indentations in the sandy ground. Strange patterns had been carved into the sand, and Kon-Mai’s eyes widened with interest. “What a lovely arrangement.” She mused softly.

“Yeah…” Shen chuckled. “Nothing grows here, so….”

“Guan-Yin had to improvise.” Senuna chuckled, and pushed open the large metal door of the building.

It was dark inside, illuminated only by dim crystals of various colors, drilled into spots all over the walls. The main hall was empty, the ceiling tall and looming and the walls made of ebony stone so cold and dark, it made it so their steps echoed off the stone walls. However, from a staircase to their right, another set of footsteps could be heard.

They turned, and Gur-Rai saw a woman who looked so much like Shen, he almost called her that.

She descended the stairs in a purple dress that looked much too plain for someone who lived in this building, and her hair was tied in a bun so messy, most of her hair was actually falling out around her shoulders.

“An-Yi.” The older woman’s stony, wrinkled face morphed into a smile, and she picked up her skirt and ran down the stairs, where Shen met her in a tight hug.

“Wǒ xiǎngniàn nǐ.” Shen pulled away and turned to her compatriots. “Guys, this is-”

“Lady Guan-Yin Shen. Owner and proprietor of the Hēi Shìchǎng, Mayor of Vorontsovo, and proud mother of An-Yi Shen.” The woman said, her back straight and her eyes piercing as she scanned the three of them. Her gaze lingered on the three Chosen for an uncomfortable minute, and then she turned to Senuna. “Now, Sīlìng, what have you brought into my city?”

“Mom, these are our...new recruits~” Shen giggled. “The, formerly, Elders’ Chosen.”

Lady Guan-Yin sighed, closing her eyes in familiar resignation.

“I told you I could do it~” Senuna was giggling like a schoolgirl.

“Of course you did, but do you blame me for doubting you?”

“Of course I do. You should know better by now!”

“Nǐ yītuánzāo.” Guan-Yin snapped at her.

“Mom.” Shen said. “Think we can head upstairs? We’ve been walking a long time and my feet hurt.”

“Of course An-Yi. Where are my manners!” Guan-Yin bowed to the Chosen. “Please follow me. We shall conduct business in the drawing room.”

“Business?” Dhar-Mon asked.

“Of course.” Guan-Yin smiled. “That is why you’re here, is it not?”

The drawing room was significantly more comfortable, with velvet pillows and curtains and colorful wallpaper coating the walls. There was a hookah on the table that Kon-Mai had smacked Gur-Rai for trying to take a hit of, and in the corner was a small stove that was boiling mint tea. The room seemed to be a mix of decor from all over the world, and all of it looked rare and expensive. Dhar-Mon was enthralled with some of the tapestries on the walls, depicting stylized scenes of ancient warriors, while Kon-Mai had settled into her lotus pose on one of the pillows, looking completely in her element.

Guan-Yin took the kettle off the stove and poured six cups of tea, which smelled strongly of mint. She handed the first one to Shen with a loving look, then passed the rest around to her other guests.

“You have impeccable taste, Lady Guan-Yin.” Dhar-Mon said as he took his cup. “Many of this art has not been seen in...quite some time.”

“I am very resourceful.” She replied, narrowing her eyes at him. “ADVENT can’t destroy everything, and what they miss, I keep.”

“It is certainly a collection to be proud of.” Kon-Mai said. “You control this market, then? All of it?”

“Of course I do!” Guan-Yin said with a smile that seemed somewhat forced. “I built this place from the ground up, you know. It started as just me and my little shrine, and became something truly grand.”

“Incredible.” Gur-Rai nodded. “All this under the nose of ADVENT?”

“Absolutely. ADVENT is very stupid.” Guan-Yin sat down in a large, ornate chair and crossed her legs, tucking her purple skirt around her knees.

Dhar-Mon looked taken aback at her forwardness. “...I...suppose…”

“Yes. They are clueless. They don’t know us humans, how we think, how we feel. They barely have a hold over the territory they do control. It takes very little effort to go around them, and would take even less to force them out.” She sat back and looked to Senuna. “You wanted to make a deal, yes?”

“Yes.” Senuna scooted closer. “Shen told me you came into possession of some plans for the Hellweave Armor.”

Guan-Yin looked over at her daughter. “Are you running your mouth again?”

“I can’t help it! I got excited!” Shen giggled.

Guan-Yin looked back at Senuna. “Maybe I did.”

“Mhm. Any chance we could get a jump on that?”

“Just because my daughter favors you doesn’t mean I do.” Guan-Yin leaned on her hand. “Besides I already have a buyer. The Golden Horde is interested and they have the coin to back it.”

“Guan~” Senuna chuckled. “I’m good for much more than coins. You know that~”

“Do I, Sīlìng?” Guan-Yin raised a curious brow. “Do I know that?”

“Well you husband did.” Gur-Rai piped up. “He worked for XCOM, didn’t he? This’d be a nice tribute to his memory.”

A cold silence fell over the room, and Shen hissed at him, making a slashing motion across her throat.

“My husband.” Guan-Yin said softly, her teacup shaking in her hand. “Yes. My husband. He loved XCOM. More than he loved me.”

“Oh boy.” Senuna whispered.

“And certainly more than he loved his daughter!” Guan-Yin snapped. “Do not get me STARTED on my husband, who uprooted his entire family to go chase a half-baked dream in the U.S.”

“But XCOM was a government fund-” Gur-Rai shut up as his sister dug her claws into the back of his neck.

“Did he ASK me if I wanted to relocate? No he did not! We were perfectly fine in Taiwan and all of a sudden, I have to leave behind MY entire family, An-Yi never even got to see her grandparents again before the aliens attacked!” She stood up, leaning forward with her hands on the table. “And when XCOM fell, when his little escapade proved useless, MY HUSBAND was more obsessed with protecting his damn ROBOTS, than he was his own wife and daughter!”

“Mom.” Shen whimpered. “Stop, we get it.”

“So no, Madron, I don’t give XCOM any special treatment. I had to struggle and canive and claw my way up here, all to ensure my daughter and I didn’t DIE in this wasteland MY HUSBAND left behind. I have other customers besides them, and I don’t rely on any one person to make this market as prosperous as it is. That was all my hard work. Me.” She sat back down, silence hanging over the room.

Dhar-Mon cleared his throat. “With respect, Commander, I think it would be best to leave you to conduct business with Lady Guan-Yin...alone.” He motioned for his siblings to follow him.

“Agreed.” Kon-Mai stood, pulling Gur-Rai to his feet. “Perhaps we shall sample some of the storefronts.”

“Yeah…” Shen stood slowly. “Do you mind if I go with them, Mom? I can...make sure they don’t get lost.”

“Of course, Bǎobǎo, just be careful! Tell them I sent you!” Guan-Yin called to them, reaching out and squeezing Shen’s hand as the mechanic slipped out beside the Chosen.

Kon-Mai handed the vendor a few metal coins and gave one of the small fried confections to Dhar-Mon, who sniffed it curiously and gave a confused look. Gur-Rai broke off a piece of his and held it up near Shen’s mouth. Shen ignored him.

“Come on.” He chuckled. “I don’t even need to eat this, you do.”

“I’m not that hungry.” She muttered.

“You paid for it.” He said. “Don’t wanna let it go to waste, do you?”

“Perhaps there is a scrap vendor around.” Kon-Mai mused. “You could acquire some new parts, Shen.”

“Mom keeps all the worthwhile stuff at the shrine.” Shen sighed.

Dhar-Mon took a bite of the fried dough, looking around. He pointed to a shop window and muttered something around the food in his mouth.

“Pardon, Brother?” Kon-Mai looked over. “Oh!” She gasped. “A fabric vendor!”

“You planning on making drapes?” Gur-Rai asked.

“I am planning on making myself several new articles of clothing!” She retorted.

“What, your XCOM allotted clothes aren't good enough?” He smirked. “I thought we had all we needed on the ship.”

“Well, I was considering making you some fitting pants as well, but since you are so very rude-”

“Oh beautiful and gracious sister of mine!” Gur-Rai bowed obnoxiously. “You are most generous to think of me, your humble brother, in his hour of need. And yes I desperately need pants.”

“That is better.” She smirked. “Dhar-Mon, would you like to accompany me?”

“Of course, Little Sister.”

Kon-Mai waved to Shen and Gur-Rai as she and their brother disappeared into the crowd, and Gur-Rai was left alone with Shen once again.

He turned to her. “Anything you wanna see, Lady Lily?”

“Don’t call me that.” She muttered.

He paused. “...Okay, I’m sorry about earlier. But in my defense, how was I to know your mother would throw a fit?”

Shen didn’t say anything at first, and Gur-Rai had half a mind to stop talking. Unfortunately, the other half won out, and he kept talking.

“It was stupid of me.” He followed up. “So, I apologize.”

“It’s...not your fault. You didn’t know.” She sighed. “I just wish I could bring up Dad without her throwing a tantrum about it.”

“It’s a shame.” He nodded, grabbing her arm and gently pulling her through a tough spot in the crowd. “From his ADVENT files, he seemed like a remarkable man.”

“...He was.” She said softly. “And, don’t get me wrong, Bradford and the Commander spare no details about him, they’ll tell you anything and everything they know. But…” She crossed her arms. “I just wish I remembered him as a dad. Not as Raymond Shen but...as Dad.”

“...How old were you?” Gur-Rai asked. “When he…?”

“Eleven.” She said. “I know it doesn’t seem that long ago but...I’m 33 now, and I can’t even picture his face anymore.”

Gur-Rai looked away. “Well, surely he left you something. I thought humans wrote out wills for their loved ones.”

“Not that I’ve ever seen. Honestly, I’d just love to ask my mom what he was like before all this…”

“If the previous conversation is any indicator, that is not a good idea.”

“I know, Gur-Rai. I’ve tried.” She looked up. “The most I’ve been able to garner is, their marriage was not great.”

“I can’t imagine!” Gur-Rai chuckled. “She seems so sweet and mild.”

Shen snorted in laughter. “Not Mom. She was a hardass even when Dad was alive.” She sighed. “...Taiwan wasn’t big on women being independent. I think she had other dreams besides raising me. Dreams of owning her own business…”

“Well.” Gur-Rai raised his arms. “She has that now, the greatest business on planet Earth, quite literally. And she did that with you on her hip, Lily.”

Shen smiled. “Yeah…” She sniffled. “She may have hated Dad but...she always made it clear she loved me.”

“At least you had that.” He chuckled. “Better one parent who loves you, than three who despise you.”

“Sounds like you have experience with that.”

“You think your parents argued?” Gur-Rai smirked but it was forced. “Our parents alternated between constant screaming and constant fucking. And if they weren’t screaming at each other, they were screaming at something I or one of my siblings did. Usually me.”

“God...that sounds awful.” Shen said. “And you said three? How many were there?”

“The three who ‘birthed’ us were the head honchos. They were married, all three of them, but no one else got to be in on that inner circle so it wasn’t an open marriage by any means.” He said. “The others didn’t have much to do with us besides checking in once in a while. I think Kompira made Kon-Mai’s sword but that’s all the contact those two had.” He shook his head. “No, the big three were in charge of us, for better or worse. And oh, they just set the best example~” Gur-Rai faked a gagging motion.

“Huh…” Shen chuckled. “Suddenly a LOT makes sense~”

He nudged her, laughing, and she stumbled. As he dove to catch her, his foot slipped and the two landed on the ground in a heap.

“Ow.” Shen grimaced. “Get off me, you big blue ogre.”

“My sincerest apologies, Lady Lily.” He knelt dramatically as she stood. “Please, allow me to lick your shoes~”

“Fuck off!” She cackled.

“Where did they get Tussar silk?!” Kon-Mai gasped, running her hand over the fabric. “I had thought it all lost in the raid of Bhagalpur.”

“Lost but not forgotten, it seems.” Dhar-Mon said as he, too, browsed the rolls of cloth. His hand brushed over a purple velvet dress, and he lifted it from the rack to view it further. “This is old, from long before the invasion...I can sense the history of it.”

“Let me see it.” His sister rushed over to the fabric he was viewing and he held it out for her.

“A connoisseur of historical artifacts, are you, Sister?” He raised a brow.

“Human history is so...rich and vibrant.” She took the velvet from his hands. “I can feel it as well. This dress is as old as the Black Plague of the 1400′s.” She smiled. “I would wear it myself, but I am afraid I would ruin it.”

“How would you ruin it?”

“My great height.” She growled. “No human woman was ever as tall as me, and if they were they did not wear dresses like this.”

“You could undo the stitches and tailor it.” Dhar-Mon suggested. “Make the dress your own.”

She shook her head. “No, no, I could not bear to defile a work of art such as this.” She placed it back on the rack and went back to looking at the silks. “Tell me, Brother, what clothes would you wear in a casual setting?”

He blushed slightly. “I was...hardly ever without my armor. When I was, I was being bathed by my attendants, or was in my sleeping chamber..”

She chuckled. “What of your priestly robes?”

“They are...quite formal.” He admitted. “When you say casual, I assume you ask what I will wear when socializing in the Avenger. I would rather have something...innocuous.”

She looked surprised. “Perhaps Bhandasura’s attack did more to you than the doctor assumed, because the old Dhar-Mon wouldn’t dream of such a thing.”

He looked away. “Yes...the old Dhar-Mon had much to learn.”

“Well then, my dearest brother, perhaps a woolen sweater like Gur-Rai’s? Or something a bit more practical?” She abandoned the silk and began sifting through the sturdier fabric. “How much hard labor do you expect to partake in?”

“All the soldiers require of me.”

“Hm.” She looked over the racks. “Perhaps denim then, or a blend, something that can be used for both comfort and the occasional strong-man activity.” She chuckled. “Your shirts, however, I’ll make softer.”

“When did you take interest in sewing?” Dhar-Mon asked as he watched her prattle away.

“When my armor became severely damaged and I had to repair it on my own.” She replied. “It became a relaxing activity, and I would spend hours sewing and improving my clothing.”

“The...Elders did not help you?”

She hesitated. “...Vox Kompira reforged a few of the plates. But the cloth...no, I had to do that myself. And when it’s a matter of life of death…” She smiled. “I simply became good at it.”

Dhar-Mon hesitated, still thumbing through the clothing racks. The words were on his lips but he was reluctant to speak them.

“Cotton maybe…? No, too flimsy. Oh, perhaps Muslin Soft-” She looked up at Dhar-Mon. “Is something the matter, Brother?”

He looked up, was about to say no, don’t worry, all is well, but instead he opened his mouth and blurted out- “Can you teach me to sew?”

Kon-Mai blinked, stunned, while Dhar-Mon turned purple and wished for death.

“I...well…” He stammered. “You do not have to. Not at all. It is very dear to you, this activity, and you do not have to entertain…”

She reached out and put a hand on his arm, and when he met her gaze, she was smiling.

“Dhar-Mon.” She said. “I would be honored to teach you to sew.”

He squirmed a bit. “I know it is not the most…” He cleared his throat and fell silent.

“The most what?” She asked.

“The most…” He was so afraid to look her in the eyes. “This is not an insult towards you, Sister, I swear, but...it is not very masculine.”

She scoffed. “Dhar-Mon, I’m surprised at you. To let something like gender perception hold you back?” She saw him begin to crumple and hugged him. “No no, I am just joking with you.”

“Will anyone think of me differently if I practice such a skill?” He asked, feeling like a child in her strong, motherly arms.

“If they do, then they will not think long before my blade severs their head from their body.” She pulled away and squeezed his shoulders. “It is a skill, Dhar-Mon, and I am happy to teach you it.”

He took her hands. “...Thank you, Kon-Mai.”

“Oh Brother, it’s what I’m here for.” She smiled. “Let us make our purchase and return to Gur-Rai, before he does something I’ll regret.”

“Is there anything else you wanted?” He questioned as she gathered the fabrics and patterns she had chosen.

Kon-Mai thought for a moment. “Perhaps some…” She shook her head. “It’s nothing useful.”

“Sister!” He put his hands on his hips. “You dare judge your interests on their practical application? Activities can be enjoyed for their own sake.”

She burst into a raspy laugh at the sight of him. “Well...I did want to peruse the shops, in case they had any...cosmetics.”

“Cosmetics…?”

She tapped her cheeks. “Make-up. I…don’t have any at the Avenger, and while it’s rare that I wear any I do miss being able to...pretty myself for special occasions.”

“But you are already pretty.”

She rolled her eyes. “Did you not just tell me to stop judging my interests based on use? I know that make-up by itself is going to do nothing to improve my appearance, but I really...appreciate the art.”

Dhar-Mon seemed to take a minute to process this, then something clicked in his head and he nodded. “If that is the case, I shall help you find what you desire.”

She smirked. “I think this has become a mutually beneficial exchange. I give you sewing lessons, and you pay for my cosmetics~”

“Yes.” He put his hand on her shoulder and the two made their way to the front.

“How long should we give the Commander?” Shen asked, pulling a piece of cotton candy off of Gur-Rai’s stack and shoving it into her mouth.

“Dunno. She’s talking to your mom, I thought you’d have more of a time frame for this.” Gur-Rai let the piece of candy sit on his black tongue for a moment before putting it in his mouth. “Finally a food that melts on contact for everyone else, too.”

“Is that what eating is like for you?” Shen whistled. “That’s sad.”

“Our parents figured since they don’t need to eat, we don’t either.”

“Your parents can suck a dick.”

“They can’t actually. No mouth.”

Shen thought for a moment. “...Do they have other holes?”

Gur-Rai blinked. “I don’t know, Lily. I didn’t ask my fuckwad abusive masters if they like to stick things up their butts.”

Shen snorted, spitting out a glob of cotton candy spittle, covering her mouth as she muttered “I am so sorry oh my god.”

“You’re fine.” He flashed a toothy grin. “Karma works fast.” He looked up, and his smile suddenly dropped.

“What’s wrong?” Shen asked, wiping her mouth with the corner of her shirt.

“Hey, don’t look,” Gur-Rai hissed “but there’s someone watching us.”

Shen immediately began scanning the crowd. “Where?”

“Didn’t I just say not to look?” Gur-Rai motioned with his head across the way, where a masculine figure was leaning against the wall of a shop, staring at them.

“Maybe he’s a prostitute.” Shen shrugged.

“No, he doesn’t have the look.”

“There’s a look?”

“There’s a look, Lily, trust me.” He looked away. “But I think he does want something.”

Shen looked over. The person was still standing there. “What?”

“Dunno yet.”

“We could ask.”

“Ah, patience my dear Lily.” Gur-Rai tapped his eyebrow. “A true detective must deduce from context-HEY!”

Shen stood up and walked over to the figure, and Gur-Rai saw her strike up a conversation just as he heard footsteps, and saw his siblings returning to where they were waiting.

“Why do you look sour?” Kon-Mai asked, an old cloth shopping bag draped over her arm. The rest of the bags and boxes were being held by Dhar-Mon.

He pointed across the way where Shen was still talking to the figure, although now she was doing less talking and more nodding.

“Who is that person?” Dhar-Mon asked.

“I dunno.” Gur-Rai crossed his arms. “They were just...staring at us. Lily decided to be stupid and go talk-HEYY!” He cried as Kon-Mai followed Shen’s example and went to join the conversation.

Dhar-Mon looked down at his little brother, who was now pouting.

“You gonna go too?” Gur-Rai grumbled.

Dhar-Mon simply took a seat beside his brother.

Gur-Rai smiled and leaned his head on his arm. “At least we have each other, Big Guy.”

Shen whistled and waved them over. “GUYS! C’MERE!”

Dhar-Mon looked at Gur-Rai again. “I believe this may be of interest to us.”

Gur-Rai sighed. “WHAT IS IT, LILY?”

“I GOT US A DEAL! COME HERE!”

Gur-Rai’s eyebrows shot up. “A DEAL? WHAT KIND OF DEAL?”

“BROTHER, GET YOUR SCRAWNY LITTLE FORM OVER HERE!” Kon-Mai shouted across as the figure opened the door to the building they were standing against.

Gur-Rai finally stood, followed by Dhar-Mon, and the two followed the other members of their party inside, where the aforementioned mysterious figure was holding the door, seemingly waiting for them.

“Greetings.” They said with a smile. “Welcome to my humble abode.”

“Guys, this is Japheth.” Shen said, as she began to browse the incredibly dark shop. “He said he’s heard of you guys before, and he’s definitely heard of me, so he gave us a wicked discount!”

“It is my pleasure.” Japheth bowed. “I must say, Madron, I have been expecting you for some time.”

“You have?” Dhar-Mon looked at him warily.

“Oh yes.” Japheth smiled knowingly. “I saw it.”

“If I understand correctly,” Kon-Mai said as she sat down in a rickety wood chair “Japheth is a diviner.”

Gur-Rai sighed. “A fortune teller, Sis? Really?”

She scoffed. “In a world where the power of one’s mind can reveal the deepest of secrets and even connect those a thousand miles away, fortune tellers are where you draw the line? Truly?”

“Yeah, because most of them are hacks.” He looked over to Japheth, “No offense.”

“None taken. I understand, it is good to be wary of those trying to extort you.” Japheth went back to his table, upon which there was nothing but a bowl of water with some herbs. Behind him, leaning against purple felted walls, some magic trinkets and tarot cards were scattered around haphazardly. “That’s why I’m willing to perform for free.”

“Free?” Gur-Rai’s eyes shot wide open. “I like free.”

“I thought you would. And I’m not going to try and scam three large, blue monsters who could lay waste to me with a thought.” He nodded to Kon-Mai. “No offense, Miss.”

She rolled her eyes.

Dhar-Mon gently put the purchased items on the floor of the shop and stood beside his sister, looking over the table. “...I know this plant well. That is Silene Capensis.” He pointed to the bowl of water, or more specifically, one of the herbs floating in the bowl of water.

“Right you are. It helps me with my rituals.” Japheth nodded. “But I try not to rely on my herbs to determine for me. They simply help me see more clearly.” He pointed to the bowl. “I have Heimia Salicifolia and Artemisa Vulgaris in there as well.”

“I understood, like three of those words.” Gur-Rai said as he, too, leaned over Kon-Mai’s shoulder.

“I assume, Miss, you’d like to go first?” Japheth asked Kon-Mai.

In response, she shot her brothers a look that told them to back off immediately. Once they did, she put her hands on the table, palms up.

He smiled. “You’ve done this before then?”

“No.” She simply replied.

“Hm.” He took a bit of the water from the bowl and ran it over her palms, between the lines in her hands and her fingers, and then took her hands and closed his eyes.

Dhar-Mon shivered as a wave of something familiar came over him. He knew this feeling, similar to what he felt with Malinalli during his practice with her. But where hers was passionate and excited, this...was older. Deeper.

Japheth opened his mouth, hesitating for a moment. “You have no idea the wreckage left behind you.”

Kon-Mai’s face fell, and she looked like she wanted to pull away, but she didn’t.

“Your past is rife with destruction and sorrow, a tale of woe to rival the gods. Every happiness you sought was stripped from you, until they left you with nothing, empty, the perfect warrior. A puppet.”

Kon-Mai grit her teeth.

“Your present is warm, but something waits underneath. You have found emotions that you, Kon-Mai, have never felt before, and yet these feelings are familiar to you. You do not know why.”

Gur-Rai stifled a cough, and Kon-Mai glanced at him briefly. He saw distress in her eyes.

“But your future…” Japheth hesitated, and Kon-Mai felt her skin prickling. “Your future is full of love.”

“...Love?” Kon-Mai furrowed her brows.

“Love.” Japheth repeated. “This love will grow within you, expanding like a galaxy and burning like the sun. It will be yours to nurture, yours to care for, yours to admire no matter the form it takes. You will know fear in its presence, fear unlike any in the cosmos. But you mustn't balk from it.” He opened his eyes. “You will know what to do when the time comes.”

Kon-Mai pulled her hands away, seeming like she was in a trance. Dhar-Mon helped her to her feet just as Gur-Rai took her place in the chair.

“Okay, my turn.” Gur-Rai put his hands on the table, palms up. “Lets see what kind of trouble I’m going to get into.”

Japheth chuckled as he smeared the herb water over Gur-Rai’s hands. He took his hands, and his eyes grew wide for a moment, before he closed them.

“You have survived so much.” Japheth sounded impressed. “What brought most to their knees, you took in stride, no matter the pain, no matter your wounds, or how deep they were.”

Gur-Rai smiled slightly.

“But even the strongest diamond can be worn down, and you are simply waiting for the day you do shatter.”

Gur-Rai’s smile fell.

“You want to trust in what is real, but you are convinced it shall be torn away, like it was before. Like everything, and everyone. And you are convinced it shall be you that deals the final blow.”

“Yeah, great, please tell me my future involves me getting rich and moving to a tropical island.” Gur-Rai said jovially, but his voice was shaking.

Japheth chuckled. “Your future is made up of many voices, and many lives. You have known many, and you will know many more. You will know those who will betray you, those who will destroy you, and those who will shatter you before you finally find the ones who will put you back together and hold you.”

Gur-Rai yanked his hands away, and Japheth’ eyes snapped open.

“I’m sorry.” Japheth said. “That one was very intense.”

“Yeah, it’s fine.” Gur-Rai jumped up and moved near to the back wall, where he seemed to retreat into himself. Kon-Mai went over to him, and stood beside him, offering her arm to him. He didn’t look at her.

“I suppose it is my turn.” Dhar-Mon sat down, the chair creaking under him, and put his hands on the table.

Japheth smiled. “A fellow psionics user. This will be interesting. I will try not to frighten you~”

Dhar-Mon scoffed. “I do not frighten easily!”

“Hm.” Japheth took Dhar-Mon’s hands. “That is a lie.”

Dhar-Mon growled, but he held his hands still, feeling the energy from Japheth’ grasp sweep over him.

“Oh dear…” Japheth seemed to cringe. “There is so much you don’t remember. And yet you do, just under the surface...that will be painful to dig up again. Your past was so happy until…” Japheth sighed. “Well, the imprint is always there. Nothing is ever really forgotten.”

Dhar-Mon’s lip twitched.

“Your present; it is full of uncertainty. You have been one way for so long, now something else is expected of you, and you do not know how to fulfill it.”

Dhar-Mon lowered his head. “Just tell me...will I fail?”

“Depends on what you mean by fail.” Japheth smiled. “But your future burns with an intensity I rarely see. You care very deeply for someone, don’t you?”

Dhar-Mon looked up, almost frightened...and slowly nodded.

“She is all around you. I see her in your past, present and future. She is more powerful than she knows. But you know.” Japheth chuckled. “Don’t you?”

Dhar-Mon’s lip quivered.

“This fire you feel in your chest will be your guiding light in the darkness. But it will consume you, and it will consume all and everything in its path, ADVENT and XCOM alike.” Japheth leaned forward. “The light of your love will be the spark that sets off the fire of Rome.”

Dhar-Mon sat in silence as Japheth let go of his hands.

“...Are you alright?”

Dhar-Mon nodded, stood up, and bowed. “...Thank you.”

“Of course.” Japheth beckoned Shen over, but she shook her head.

“No thanks. I like being surprised.” She winked. “But let me know if you ever start offering lessons! I’d love to learn how to do that!”

“This is very interesting.” Guan-Yin set the diagrams to the side. “A war hammer and a sword? That might actually get you something valuable.”

“The actual weapons aren’t for sale.” Senuna smiled knowingly. “But with those schematics…”

“Perhaps.” Guan-Yin looked over them again. “Someone will be able to replicate it. You know humans.”

“Yes.” Senuna sighed wistfully. “I do. So, how about that Hellweave Armor?”

Guan-Yin sighed. “...Fine. I shall send you the blueprints. Happy, Sīlìng?”

“Very.” Senuna began to stand. “If that is all-”

“There is one more thing.” Guan-Yin beckoned her to sit back down, and Senuna raised a brow as she sat.

“Oh? Do I have to pay extra?”

Guan-Yin shook her head, and her face was suddenly very serious, even moreso than before. “My little birds have told me of something that ADVENT is holding.”

Senuna grimaced, but she did look interested. “Is it another weapon?”

“No, Sīlìng, it’s not a weapon. It’s a person.” Guan-Yin leaned forward, her eyes soft with tears. “My source has the location of Shaojie Zhang.”

Senuna audibly gasped, covering her mouth. “Chilong? He’s alive?!”

“He is alive, though for how much longer I do not know.” Guan-Yin grasped Senuna’s arm tightly. “I suggest your team go to rescue him as soon as you can, Sīlìng. You and I both know what ADVENT will do to him if you don’t.”

(Is it 4:30 in the morning? Yes. But I was gonna get this out today one way or another! I just could not wait for this reveal.

I’ve had so many ideas for the Black Market, putting them all together was fun. The location was actually taken from my S.O’s XCOM 2 game, where the Black Market is near Russia. It was also partially his idea to have Shen’s mom be the Black Market leader, because we never see her mom, and I feel that opportunity should have been explored much more!)

#xcom #xcom 2 #xcom 2 war of the chosen #xcom the chosen #xcom assassin #chosen assassin #xcom hunter #chosen hunter #xcom warlock #chosen warlock #lily shen

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fortunatelycooltrash · 5 years ago

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So people love to say that America doesn’t have free healthcare because the quality would sink and the waits would go up. Now, while those are valid worries despite being no excuse for the atrociously high prices of even minior procedures, I’d like to share some bullshit that I’ve experienced involving normal US hospitals and medical branches alike.

My root canal is going to cost 2500 dollars because it is not covered by most dental plans despite it being a completely necessary procedure that directly affects my health. Absorb that then absorb the fact this plan covers some of braces. The crown alone is costing over 1200.

I almost died in a hospital waiting room because my ‘stomach ache’ that was causing me so much pain I was sick with it wasn’t severe enough to qualify for immediate attention. Undiagnosed Appendicitis.

My nephew and sister almost met their end because an incompetent doctor misdiagnosed my sister with a URI. She had type A flu.

My cousins father had a doctor who refused to diagnose him despite him coming back constantly because of lethargy. Said he couldn’t find anything wrong. Her father was poor and had really bad insurance. Finally he went to another doctor and was diagnosed with kidney cancer. He could have lived if he had been diagnosed a year or two prior before it spead but by the time he got his diagnosis, it was too late. He died, I believe, a few months later but I was young so he might have made it a year or longer.

I suffered from chronic nosebleeds as a child to the point that blood didn’t even scare me anymore. The doctor told my mother that it was coming from wounds inside my nose and I was most likely picking at it and there was nothing medically wrong with me. My mother, knowing even as a child I knew not to waste her money, took me to another doctor. Severe Anemia. Still suffer from it too this day. Have to take those horrid tasting red pills🤢.

My aunt constantly butchering her budget because she needs her insulin and it’s cost keeps getting higher despite it remaining relatively the same. Luckily my state is looking to cap it at 100 though if that will actually go into effect isn’t determined yet.

My mom, bless her, repeatedly going in for her back aching only to be told pain was normal for someone of her weight and age. Nope, she is a nurse and turned people that were 300 pounds or more. She had completely blown her back and had a pinched nerve that was so severe she could barely stand without pain. The doctor that diagnosed her was surprised she could even walk.

My sister, having a grand mal seizure in the nurses office of a high school. They told her to stop faking. That bitch wasn’t even a real nurse so this one doesn’t count but I had to mention this because why the fuck wasn’t a registered nurse hired?

My (other) aunt having minor chest pain then suffering a heart attack in the waiting room because they had her wait so long since she didn’t seem serious. I’m sure that’s going to have lasting damage that could have been easily prevented.

My sister giving birth and getting a 28,000 dollar bill for a room and care for her and the baby. She was there for a day and a half. She didn’t even have a long or complicated delivery.

My mother being told she was completely fine to continue working despite having an off feeling about her third pregnancy(about 24 years ago) the doctor told her there were no complications and she could go on as normal. She miscarried her seven month along daughter three days later because her placenta was underneath the baby and tore. That doctor is still in practice.

The nurses in my mothers delivery room ignoring both her and the monitor. Which, if they had been looking at, clearly desplayed my older brother with his umbilical core wrapped tight around his neck. He lived because my moms main doctor walked in and had a conniption fit when he noticed the vitals dropping. He’s the doc my sis uses now. A good man.

(Same bro)My older brother turning blue everytime he cried being brushed off. Hole in his heart that has since closed.

When I was younger, I slipped in the shower and hit my head so hard against the metal lining of it(stall shower) that the skin split open and abscessed. My doc treated the abscess but did no further testing after a 4 hour wait. As we were leaving, I don’t remember much of this week my mom told me, I vomited and passed out in the parking lot. Had a concussion.

My brother being misdiagnosed with the flu, strep, and a few other things over the course of a few weeks before one doctor finally tested him for HIV. It was positive. Luckily he only had one partner. Unluckily, the partner was the one that gave it to him via cheating on him.

Me, almost dying of a violent case of strep throat because they said I had a sinus infection. My fever peaked at 104 then, blessedly, broke. I do not remember this as the memories of the days I was sick are incredibly fever burned but I remember wrapping blankets around me because I was so cold.

The strep attacked so quick and harshly that if I had lived alone it probably would have killed me since I wouldn’t have been able to get help and I would’ve kept trying to get ‘warmer’ and helped raise my temp over 106. You typically don’t come back from that one unharmed. If at all.

My older bro(cord baby) being told suffering from auditory hallucinations was a common thing(not wrong but they should have actually asked about his family history and idk, did more??) he had undiagnosed bipolar disorder. He is medicated and much happier now.

Me breaking my gotdamn pointer knuckle and the x-ray person getting blurry x-rays that she used despite the fact that they weren’t accurate. Thank you bitch, now my abnormally short pointer finger clicks because it began to set wrong.

Theres a few more but I’m currently giving my bro a hard time for texting me a text meant for his bf so imma bounce for now. May add more later. The whole point to this was to show people that don’t want free health care because the ‘quality would go down’ or the ‘wait would be too long’ that the wait is already long enough for you to die anyway and the quality already sucks ass if you’re poor because they will not diagnose you correctly.

Or They will misdiagnose you then blame YOU when you sue(happened to my mom in that miscarriage one but because he hadn’t wrote a release back to work she had no actual proof he’d told her she could.)

Or They will overcharge you for things that have a far cheaper value simply because they can and you can’t do anything about it because you need that procedure or medicine to keep your health good.

I can understand things like heart surgery or transplants, you know, the big major stuff not being free because yeah that shit takes a fuck ton of resources and care so I get it, I do. I can reasonably say “Yup that should cost thousands.” I mean, I’m don’t even avocate for fully FREE healthcare, I just want a limit on their overpricing bull shit to where it matches with economic standards.

You can’t expect someone with an average 7-4 job that pays 10/hr(oooh ya, y’all think I’d go higher? Guess what, young people starting out their careers also get sick!) to drop thousands upon thousands of dollars for whatever. The sad thing is I can say ‘whatever’ and you can actually think of multiple things that aren’t that major or that resource draining yet still cost thousands.

Even someone making 15/hour couldn’t do that and I’d be hard pressed to say even 20-25/hr could do that. They may have it better and be able to pay it off faster but they’d still be in debt for a while or have to work years after their planned retirement to make up for the lost savings if they were lucky enough to have them.

I’ve also heard people complaining about it raising taxes but you’ll spend way more getting something done at a hospital then you’d spend on those taxes in a year.

Besides, if you’re so pissed about taxes then to even it out protest the stupid taxes. Your house? Taxed. Your inheritance that you gain but also leave behind to care for your family? Taxed. Your property that you bought 100% full price paid? Taxed every year. Your car? Taxed.

How bout getting pissed about those instead of getting pissy about people getting their health fixed? There are plenty of ridiculous taxes so I don’t know why people are so against having one that actually helps people.

Sorry for this rant, I know it’s not centered around my profile theme but I am majorly pissed off that I’m about to have to let a tooth rot out of my head because my insurance decided that: covering something cosmetic like braces? Yeah! Covering a completely necessary surgery that can actually harm/kill the person via infection if left untreated? Nope, that costs us more!

I can’t drop two fucking grand on dental surgery. It’s just not happening. I don’t know anyone who can do that shit. Anyone who gets pissed off about me posting this: go slam a hammer against your tooth until it cracks down the middle, exposing your nerve to the harsh unforgiving world then let it develop a cavity around it.

Afterwards, try to eat literally anything: hot, cold, hard, soft, it doesn’t matter. You’ll cry, I promise. Now imagine being told the only way to fix that is to cough up over two grand and if you can’t well then oh fucking well? Kinda hurts ya a bit. Not nearly as much as the tooth but still.

Hell, I know dental probably wouldnt even get covered if they made healthcare reduced or free but this whole situation has reminded me just how fucked you are if you get anything remotely wrong with you in the U.S

#freehealthcare #no i dont plan on having kid too many bad genes #america #americanhealthcare

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four-loose-screws · 4 years ago

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FE4 Suzuki Novelization Translation (Gen II) - Chapter 7

If you would like to start from the beginning, read a missed part, etc., click here!

FE Game Script Translations - FE Novel Translations - Original FE Support Conversations

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———————————

Chapter 7 - Earth Lance Gáe Bolg

T/W: Mention of likely one-sided romantic feelings between adopted siblings.

Travant ordered both Coruta's dragon knight unit and Princess Altena to deploy. With the empire's presence gone completely from the Thracian Peninsula, he considered this to be the perfect chance.

"Start by seizing Munster. Do not hold back against anyone who turns against you, even the citizens. Kill them all."

"Wait, Father!" Altena called out.

Altena wore the uniform of the Thracian Dragon Knights, and held her long brown hair back with a bandana. Her almond shaped eyes gave a bit of an intimidating impression, but when she put on her military uniform, it highlighted how brave and honorable she looked.

"I'll happily fight if the imperial army is our enemy, but there's no meaning in killing powerless civilians. Even if you say we'll fight with the empire, we should be happy to work with the liberation army. Why must we fight them?"

Prince Arion, General Hannibal, and a few other people held the same opinion as her, but she was the only one who was open about it with the king.

However, no matter what she said, Travant would not be swayed. "Altena! Are you trying to lecture me!? Do as I say! I will not allow you to talk back to me!"

"But…"

"Altena, do as Father says." Prince Arion said. He felt that their father would only get angrier the more they opposed him.

"Brother… I will." Altena said and bit her lip. Her dissatisfaction with her Father's orders did not go away, but she always believed in her brother's decisions.

'Big brother said he thinks the same as I do. He must have a reason for saying that.'

Deep down, the reason why she believed him was because of her love for him (though she did not realize it). And it was not just the love of a brother and sister, but something much more. Her feelings were simply locked away in the subconscious of her heart, so she did not notice them.

Travant watched her begin to leave the reception hall, and said, "Altena, have you finally agreed to deploy? You're a very strong-willed girl. Your mother was just as tough. Don't fight your blood."

"Altena means well, Father. Please be lenient with her." Arion interjected.

"I know that. You would speak the same words as her if you had the opportunity. Unifying with Northern Thracia has been our deepest wish for many long years. Our lands are barren, so the men are all hired as mercenaries, while being looked down upon as hyenas… And the women remain here to dig into the mountains' slopes, and must till their meager fields. If we continue to live here alone, then we will always be forced to live in poverty. Altena grew up in the palace, so she does not know what the people wish for."

The dragon knight unit lined up in front of Munster Castle.

"The liberation army that killed Bloom is still on the other side of the river. But only the citizens who revolted are currently at Munster Castle. And I've received reports that they know of our movements and are gradually running away. We should begin our attack straight away." Courta explained to Altena.

"Wait, Coruta. There's no reason for us to attack an enemy like that. I'll go and suggest to them that they surrender. Wait here for a bit."

"I can't do that. I was given specific orders by the king. No matter what you say to me, I cannot go easy on them.”

"I am your commanding officer. Are you going to ignore my order?"

"This is my unit, and I received my orders from His Majesty directly. If you disagree with that, then stay here and watch. We will attack on our own."

Coruta flew off and delivered his order to his soldiers. "All units, we will ambush the enemy! Those who resist will be killed! Now charge!"

The dragon knights all flew into the sky at once.

As she watched them fly towards Munster Castle, all Altena could think about was the tragedy that was about to unfold, and how infinitely powerless she felt.

'Maybe my views are wrong. ...No, they couldn't be. Brother agrees with me. Father and Coruta are the ones in the wrong. Even in the event that they win, killing civilians will make the people hate us, and do the exact opposite of unifying us.

But are Father and Coruta the only ones to blame? I couldn't do anything to stop either of them. Am I just as guilty as they are?’

The first dragon knights to try to fly over the castle wall were suddenly hit by the strongest gust of wind they'd ever experienced. Their dragons' wings twisted, and their bones, usually able to withstand anything during flight, snapped in an instant. Without the ability to stay in the air, they all began to drop like flies.

And it didn't end there, with another guest of wind assaulting the next group of dragons.

"Dodge! Just dodge it!" Coruta shouted, realizing this was no force of nature.

They cautiously made their way around the castle, until they found a single man standing atop the castle tower.

'Dammit, he's using wind magic!'

Faced with an enemy stronger than he thought there'd be, Coruta decided to change course and go after the citizens fleeing from the castle.

'If it's just that group, we can kill them all before they make it to the river.'

However, Seliph and the liberation army had just crossed the river. And to make matters even worse for Coruta's unit, the liberation army was much larger than they'd ever imagined, and had archers amongst their ranks, which dragon knights were weak against.

Coruta was only lost about what to do for a second.

'If your only other option is to run away, then choose to die a glorious death.'

That was the pride of the Thracian dragon knights, and a legend that had been passed down for generations.

'Even if our bodies should perish, our tales of bravery will live on.'

"Chaaaaaarge!" Coruta shouted, and led his unit in a dive bomb maneuver.

The enemy army grew larger and larger with each passing moment.

The moment he saw a bow, Coruta knew that an arrow had been shot at him.

As Altena watched Coruta's unit fight spectacularly yet tragically from a nearby mountain ridge, her feelings were very complicated. The regret of losing her allies, the blame she placed on herself for what she hadn't the chance to tell the unit, and the justification that made her sure this was not the way to fight, all swam around in her mind.

After watching the last dragon knight fall, Altena lightly pushed her knees into her dragon, signaling her mount to flap her wings and fly into the air.

She flew high into the air so that she would not be attacked, and slowly circled around the battlefield.

The liberation army had once again started marching towards Munster Castle.

'We weren't the only brave ones here.' Altena thought. 'What is the liberation army going to do next? Since we attacked them, they must now think of Thracia as their enemy. If they intend to march to Grannvale, then they'll travel through Thracia to get there. So they'll most likely attack Mease Castle next.'

There were only a few soldiers, led by General Maikov, stationed there.

'Maikov is a brave general, but there's no way he can defend the castle against an army as large as this one.' She turned her dragon towards Thracia Castle.

Meanwhile, from amongst the liberation army, Finn said to Prince Leif, "Lord Leif, please take a good look at that dragon knight."

"That one? I've looked up at them a few times already. They appear to be a woman, but I don't think that's uncommon in Thracia. And she seems to be bathed in light. Perhaps she's flying in a ray of sunlight?"

"Yes, that light is what I'm referring to. It looks just like the light of Crusader Njörun, which would also envelop your late father whenever he wielded Gáe Bolg. If I am correct, then she is wielding that lance right now. It id the one passed down through the Leonsterian royal family."

"What? Why would a female Thracian knight have Father's Gáe Bolg?"

"I don't know. The only thing I can think of is that she is your elder sister, who went missing when the Thracian Army attacked. Lady Altena seemed to be unharmed, but had gone missing with Gáe Bolg."

"But why would my older sister be with the Thracian Army?"

"My guess is that she was kidnapped by Travant, and he raised her as his own."

"I've heard that Travant is a coldhearted man, but he might have a small human heart inside him after all."

"No, I don't think that's it. Crusader Njörun's blood was passed down from Lord Quan to Lady Altena, so Travant must have wanted Gáe Bolg's power. It seems like something he would do."

"So he's tricked her, hasn't he? How could Travant be so horrible…? Finn, let's help her. I want to tell her the truth and team up to free Father and Mother of their regrets."

"You are the only one who can do that, Lord Leif. If her younger brother tries to persuade her, then she is likely to open her heart and listen to you. Please save the princess!"

"Of course I will! You always stop me from doing so, but when we fight with the dragon knights, I'll go on the front line. I'll risk my life, but try my hardest to persuade Big Sister! And if she's alive, that means…"

'That means I'm not alone anymore.’ Leif thought.

As a boy raised without any memory of his birth parents' love, he was starved to meet someone from his blood family.

He knew full well that Finn loved him. But that love was an extension of his loyalty to Quan and Ethlyn. Finn was a great guardian and teacher, but wasn't someone that Leif felt he could fully open up to about his troubles and worries.

Finn had said to Leif on countless occasions in the boy's youth, "Lord Leif, you are the next in line to become king of Leonster. You mustn't say such things."

Or sometimes it was, "You mustn't do such things." Other times it was, "You mustn't cry over such things."

"I understand, Finn. I won't say that ever again.” Leif would answer.

But deep down in his heart, he always muttered to himself, ‘Mother, why did you die and leave me here all alone? Why…?’

He also had that thought when he was living in hiding, and saw parents or siblings expressing love towards one another.

'Why am I the only one who's all alone?'

When he became so sad that he couldn't bear it anymore, he would find a place where no one else would find him, and cried.

'Mother, why did you die and leave me here all alone?'

So the news that his sister was alive (even if he couldn't confirm if it was true yet), made him happier than anything else in the world.

As he marched together with his unit, he imagined what his sister might look like. Then, he imagined successfully persuading her, and how they would hug each other, and be so happy...

'I'm not alone anymore!'

Seliph lowered the gate and entered Munster Castle, then met Ced inside.

"Hero Ced, many of the citizens' lives have been saved because of you. Thank you."

"I've waited so long for this moment to come… Lord Seliph, please save not only Thracia, but the entire world. The people are living in despair. Even in Munster, many children have been kidnapped and taken to Miletos Shrine. I couldn't save them. I am no hero, but a mere coward."

"No you're not! I couldn’t do anything by myself! I've made it this far because of everyone else's power. Hero Ced, I want you to join us."

"Understood, Lord Seliph. I will follow you to the ends of the earth." Ced took a step forward to shake Seliph's hand, but when he saw Lewyn standing behind Seliph, his hand froze. "Lord Seliph, who is that behind you?"

"Huh? Oh, this is my advisor. His name is Lewyn. He is Silesse's King Lewyn. Oh, that's right, I heard you're from Silesse, too!"

Ced did not answer Seliph, instead walking up to Lewyn. "Father… It's you, isn't it, Father?"

"Ced, it's been a long time since I saw you last. How have you been?"

"'How have I been?' I've been looking for you this entire time! Do you have any idea how many years have passed since you left!?"

"Now that you mention it, I do wonder how long it's been. How is Erinys?"

"How could you be so… Mother passed away! All she wanted was to see you one more time, and watch you pass Forseti on to me! That's why I went on my journey, to find you!"

"I see, so she's… How unfortunate."

"You're so cold, Father! You're finally heard that Mother died, yet you won’t shed even a single tear!"

"Ced, I don't have a wife, nor any children. That's what I have decided. I want you to think so from now on as well."

Ced glared at him in response.

Seliph knew very well that Lewyn was not a cold person, so he questioned his flippant response towards finally reuniting with Ced.

That night, the army held a modest celebration, where Ced and Fee realized they were brother and sister. That reunion was a happy one.

"Fee and Lewyn joined us in Isaach, so they've been face-to-face since then. Yet why haven't they called each other father and daughter?'

Though Seliph's trust in Lewyn did not change, the suspicion within his heart slowly began to grow.

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