#and it took till season 4 to get her to Captain

[rinshairandthoughts]

Best option for 2 of Captain rank, right?

[ouiouibaguettt]

Deja-vu

Jana Fernandez x reader

request from @liverpool96

→   for the the other jana fernandez one say reader and jana are together but know one knows till after a game against each other and they kiss.

warnings: mentions of kiss 

words: 1.2k

Masterlist

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Not playing in the Champions League is certainly disappointing, but the fact that you can go to your girlfriend's games cheers you up. You'd been going out with Jana since the SheBelievesCup in 2020. It was the start of the USWNT vs Spain match, and you had just inspected the pitch when you saw that the La Roja team had arrived to do the same. That's when you met for the first time. You weren’t necessarily looking for love, but it seems to have found you and hit you hard.

//

At the end of the match, it was thanks to Kelley and Emily that you had the courage to approach her to talk. You were scared because you'd just won the match and destroyed their hopes of winning the SheBelievesCup. After that, the more the days went by, the more you got to know each other, which is why, at the end of the 2020/2021 season, you decided to go to Gothenburg in Sweden to watch her Champions League final.

Sitting alongside some of the WSL players, you were one of the only ones wearing a Barcelona shirt, even the Arsenal players who were there were wearing a Chelsea shirt despite their rivalry.

//

When the final whistle blew, you rushed to the edge of the stands in hope of seeing her. She took you down onto the pitch with the help of her captain, Alexia Putellas. You thanked Alexia before she winked at you and left to see the rest of the team.

Once the celebrations were over, you went back to the hotel with Jana's team, so it must have been a coincidence that she was alone in her room. You remember you kissed for the first time that evening and you said we'd talk about it when we woke up in the morning if we remembered...

You remembered, and you plucked up the courage to ask her to be your girlfriend. She kissed you back with a big smile and asked if you could keep it between you, because despite everything you're still young, and even though you're in the 21st century, homophobia is still present. 

"Of course", you replied, agreeing with her, because even if you’re quite open about it, it's not always easy to live with it when you can get beaten up in the street for it.

//

That's how you ended up in Eindhoven this year, wearing a shirt with 'FERNANDEZ' written on the back with her number 5. This time you were again in the company of players from Arsenal, Chelsea and Bayern Munich, some of whom were for Barcelona and others for Wolfsburg.

When the abutment team came out, she instantly found you; it was as if she knew you were there, in that very spot. Wishing her good luck from a distance, she gave you two thumbs up and a big smile. These actions did not go unnoticed by Leah Williamson and Lia Walti, who were sitting behind you.

At half-time you tried to reach down to grab Jana and tell her that everything was going to be fine, that she shouldn't go away defeatist. 

"Jana" you shouted a little, so that she could see and hear you, she was surprised to see you here, instead of in your seat. 

"Stop stressing, stop being scared, you're FC Barcelona, the best team in the world, you can do it. You can win, all right? I trust you, I trust you. So get moving okay, where's the team that gave us a 4-0 hammering during the season?" you say, hoping to cheer her up so she can do the same afterwards in the dressing room. 

"We're going to win, I promise, mi amor," she tells you, whispering the last part.

 "I'd rather that, now go on, your team's waiting for you, I love you," you say, blowing her a kiss on the cheek and shaking her hand before climbing back into your seat.

When the match resumed, it was immediately clear that Barcelona had not finished fighting, and what the coach had to say in the dressing room did them good, even a little too much, because in just 2 minutes, Patri levelled the score. Ten minutes later, it was Fridolina Rolfo's turn to score, putting the team ahead for the first time in the match.

With a score of 3-2, FC Barcelona regained the title of best team in Europe. As two years ago, you rushed to the edge of the stands for Jana, who quickly noticed me and helped me down the barrier. Deja vu, eh? 

"I'm so proud of you" you say, taking her in your arms and twirling her around. 

"I could never have done it without you mi amor" she said, wrapping her arms around your neck. 

"I want to kiss you can I?" you asked, looking her straight in the eye. 

"Go ahead, show the world that I'm yours and you're mine" she said, smiling.

 With that, you put your lips on hers before we pulled away because of the wolf whistles that Mapi, Alexia and Bruna were blowing at you.

//

The day after the celebrations, you woke up with a massive headache, to the ringing of Jana's and your phones. She still has her head on you chest with one arm under the pillow and the other on top of you. 

"Por favor apaga tu teléfono mi amor" she begged you, burying her head in your neck to get comfortable.

"Careful" you said as you moved to pick up both yours phones, when you handed her hers, you'd already switched your on to find out what was going on, you'd only had time to read one notification when you saw that Kelley was calling you on facetime. 

"Hi?" you say, yawning and making sure Jana was comfortable. 

"Don't "hi" me, how come it takes you a season in Spain, to be in a relationship with someone?" she asked you half seriously and half jokingly 

"Honestly? it isn’t from this season" you say. 

"What? and you didn't tell me" she said. 

"Oops?" you say, blocking your eyes with Jana who looked at you in incomprehension.

 "You could at least be polite and put your girlfriend on so I can say hello to her" she said with a smile.

After that disastrous call, you decided to go back and check the notifications on instagram, when you saw that Jana and you had got your fans chattering all over the web last night with your kiss. Your fans even had time to make edits. Before you know it, Jana had taken a photo of you and posted it on her instagram story, her head with your arm around it and you on your phone looking at all the photos where you'd been tagged. She captioned it, "the best wake-up after being European champion. 💙"

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Sorry, if there are a lot of mistakes, I didn’t reread before posting

[the-slapshot-series]

Chapter 1

Summery: Tyler finds out that his now Ex soon to be wife had been cheating on him behind his back. Heartbroken and alone he hinds out in his Captain's basement until his best friend in the whole world offers him refuge in Pittsburgh to ride out the summer and let things cool down in Texas.

Word count: 3.5K

Warnings: swearing, drinking, a fight of you look hard enough. I believe that's it.

A03

I just want to put this out there this is a work of fiction. I in no way shape or form know how these players really act in really life. For those of you who may like Alex Kerfoot I am warning you for the sake of the series ONLY, I made Alex a jackass to fit the story line. I don't know how he really acts in person but I made him what I needed him to be for the story only. Please don't hate on me or the series if you don't agree with how he acts or talks within the series. Thank you

When you plan the perfect fairytale wedding, have the perfect ring, the perfect girl to walk down the aisle to you, you expect it to go perfectly smooth right? Well that's what Tyler Seguin thought the day he proposed to Tiffany. It had been the perfect beach proposal in Italy during the off season, they had been together for 2 years and she seemed to understand what it meant to be a hockey player's wife. Everything seemed like a fairytale… till last night when he found what he thought was the love of his life, fucking another man in their bed, in their house. Since then he had been hiding away in Jamie's basement, nursing a beer as he poured out his heart to his best friend over facetime.

"Ziggy, I know it hurts, and I'm truly sorry, but hiding in a basement till the season starts is not the answer." Arabella Kerfoot said with a dramatic sigh. Tyler took another sip of his beer and looked away from the camera. He knew she was right but his pride was too wounded to admit that.

"I don't know, Jamie's basement is pretty nice."

"It's May, Segs. Hockey starts in September. You gonna hide down there for over 4 months??" Ella gave him a hard look. Hanging his head the hockey forward sighed and shook his head. Running a hand through his black hair he looked back up and gave her the same look back.

"So what do you suggest, oh Great One?"

Bella laughed and flipped him off through the camera. "Wayne Gretzky is the Great One. But come spend the summer with me hiding away from the Media and just regroup. Take a breather." She said, taking a bite of her muffin as she leaned back into her chair. Tyler watched her closely, seeing if she was serious about it. He closed his eyes and ran his hand through his hair again before looking back up at the camera. "Come on, even Jamie thinks it's a good idea."

"You talked to Benn about it?" .

Bella smiled at the camera and took another bite of her muffin. "What else was I supposed to do?" She asked. "Of course I talked to Jamie about it and he agreed with me. You need to leave his basement. Like yesterday and get your ass up here to my place. Take the summer to shut out the world and regroup with me." She sighed and sat her muffin down, running a hand through her hair before leaning closer to the camera. "Tyler, what happened is shitty. What she did to you was something horrible, but if you stay there, if you let this haunt you, it's going to ruin you. The media will eat you alive. Plus if you went home… dude I love your family, but let's be honest, they won't let you have any peace trying to make sure you're okay after something like this."

He knew she was right. He honestly did. They both had shitty reputations with the media. They messed up one time in their careers and all the sudden they were uncontrollable wild childs that needed to be torn down. Tyler has done so much since his move to Texas to rebrand himself, make a better name and leave all the Boston shit behind him. He finished his beer and looked off into the distance of the darkened room. Ella stayed silent as he thought, as his mind went through all his thoughts. He sighed and picked at the sandwich Jamie had made him hours ago, but left untouched. He knew Ella was waiting for him to answer, but his mind was tired and his heart was too broken to give her one. He heard his best friend sigh, knowing she was trying hard to give them the space he needed but a push at the same time. There was a 6 year age gap between the two Forwards, Tyler taking on the role of big brother to a young girl he met in 2017 who had just won the Stanley Cup in her rookie year with Pittsburgh, and made a mistake in front of the media, earning her a nasty reputation, similar to the one he had when he played for Boston. Fast forward 4 years later and the two were more like siblings then their own siblings. Tyler stood by Ella in so many fights with her brother Alex, who played for Toronto, when he would fight her on what a disappointment her reputation bright to the family name. Ella also stood beside Tyler during many family events where his family would hound him on not having settled down yet and setting his new found reputation into stone. Over the past 4 years the two of them formed a bond, one that to the outside world looked more than platonic, but they could never see each as anything more than best friends and siblings.

Knowing that Ella was in his corner and would understand if he needed a moment to breathe and ponder her request to spend the summer in Pittsburgh with her, he finally answered her question. "Let me have the night, to just…. Let my mind shut down and figure out how to go about this. I'll call you in the morning and let you know what I'm going to do. Okay Bell?"

"Okay Ziggy. If I don't hear from you by 10am I'm calling Benn and making him put you on a plane though. Love you Bubs."

"Love you Bubs." Tyler said back with their signature sign off before hanging up the phone. The room was darker than he remembered from before Ella had called, so flipping on a light he sat down on one of the sofas in Jamie's basement. His phone lit up with text messages from Tiffany, ones he swiped away so he didn't have to see them. With a sigh he flipped his phone over and ignored it as it continued to buzz. Getting up he walked slowly up the staircase to the first floor into the kitchen. Jamie was there cooking some food, listening to a game from the playoffs from the TV in the corner.

"About time you showed your face. Ella finally got you to leave my dungeon of despair?" Jamie asked as he stirred the stuff in the pot. Tyler raised an eyebrow upon hearing the weird name for the basement and Jamie saw the look of confusion. Nodding his head and waving a hand in the air he answered the silent question. "That's what she called it when she called me this morning. Don't ask, it's Ella, that's enough said."

Both men have a soft chuckle at that and Jamie went back to stirring his food. Tyler walked to the fridge and grabbed a bottle of water, chugging it down like his life depended on it. He hadn't drunk anything other than beer in the past 14 hours, and he didn't realize how thirsty he was till that moment. Throwing the empty water bottle in the small bin beside the sink, he leaned against the countertop and ran a hand through his thick hair.

"Ella wants me to come to Pittsburgh for the summer…. Instead of going home." He broke the silence after a bit of deep thinking. Jamie hummed in response, turning the stove off and removing his dish he had been stirring. Tyler watched him closely as he poured the stew into bowls. "You don't seem surprised." Jamie put the pot down and turned to face his best friend. He placed his arms over his chest and leaned against the table.

"Tyler, going home is only going to end in 1 of 2 ways. Your family going overboard on trying to keep you happy and giving you no time to grieve this, or being all up your ass about how shit went wrong and how this is going to look in you. They won't let you have any peace."

Tyler folded his arms and hung his head, giving a slight nod. "That's what Ella said too."

Jamie pushed off from the table and walked over to the forward and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Ella is right. And she's right in the fact you should go spend the summer with her. Lord knows that girl can't go home to her family. Not fair you two spend your summer with people that don't understand you. She's your best friend, so go and recover from this."

Tyler nodded his head and looked down at his bare feet. He knew they were right, there was nothing holding him here for the next few months. So pulling out his phone he shot a text to his one friend, asking if they could fly them on their small private plane to Pittsburgh in the morning. Then he shot a text to Ella that he knew she was probably already expecting.

*Pick me up at the airport in the morning*

∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆

Stepping off the private plane around 8am in Pittsburgh instead of getting ready for a bachelor party that night wasn't how Tyler saw his weekend going. But here he was getting off his friend's plane at the airport to meet up with Ella. Flipping his sunglasses up onto his hair he looked around for the tall brunette he called his best friend. Looking off to his right he saw her walking his way. Ella was one for fashion. She knew what looked good on her tall, thin but muscular frame. Clad in a white deep V neck shirt that hugged her curves, a pair of dark blue skinny jeans with black ankle boots. Orange tinted Aviators kept her eyes from the morning sun, her hair fell to her shoulder blades thick and wavy down her back.

"You definitely know how to make an entrance Ell-Bell." Tyler said as he took the last few steps off the private plane. Ella's bright laugh filled the air around them as she stopped in front of her best friend.

"Please Ziggy, you dress to impress all the time, you lady killer." She said waving her hand at his current outfit. He had on a dark green shirt that was so tight it was a second skin. Every muscle on display. Tan pants clinged to his thighs, dark brown Hey Dudes on his feet. His hair was styled in the blown away look, curls perfectly messy. Dark sunglasses now perched on top of his head. His wide, full white smile lit up the runway, reaching out he pulled his best friend into a hug. For the first time since he found his now ex-fiance with another man, he really smiled. Pulling away from the hug, Tyler grabbed his bags he had dropped at his feet and followed Ella to her car. Tossing his bags Into the back seat of her Jeep, he climbed into the passenger seat and turned to look at his best friend.

"Thank you Ella…. For helping me during this. For being my best friend."

The brunette smiled back at him and took his hand, giving it a squeeze. "You are welcome Tyler. I know this is hard, and shitty. What she did was unforgettable. You are more of a brother than my own flesh and blood and I will always stand in your corner." She let go of his hand and started up her jeep, the warm spring air floating through the windows as she pulled out of the airport parking lot. "And you know that whenever you want to talk about it, or vent, or just sit in silence and drink a beer together, you just have to ask."

Tyler watched the scenery go by out his window. Pittsburgh was a beautiful town, the people here passionate about their sports teams with flags and banners blowing in the light breeze. What had once been a small coal town was now a booming city with people from all over flocking to its doors to watch hockey and football and baseball, for jobs and major opportunities that showed up each day.

The trees were just starting to green up, the grass turning a pretty shade of green, early spring flowers blooming in the yards of the homes they drove past. Tyler was lost in thought as he watched the town go by, the wind blowing through his curls as he leaned his head back against the headrest. The sound of a phone ringing broke him from his thoughts. Looking over at his friend, he watched as she looked down at her phone, a scowl across her face as she quickly hit decline to the call.

"Is everything okay Ella?" Concern in his voice. The forward sighed as she came to a stop at a red light. She looked over at Tyler through her sunglasses and he knew right away she wasn't happy.

"Alex keeps calling." She finally spoke as she turned back to look at the road.

"What does he want?"

"It's Alex. The only reason he ever calls his baby sister is because he wants to yell at me for being the family disappointment." The light turned green and Ella started moving the Jeep again, flipping her turn signal on and going right, towards her house. "Every year my family goes on a vacation together and last year I just…. Hide away and not gone. And I don't plan on going this year and I'm sure he is calling to bitch me out for it among other things….. shit."

Tyler looked from his friend to the front windshield as he felt the jeep come to a stop. He looked up the driveway to Ella's house on the outside of town and saw a car parked right by the front door. Looking back at his friend he gave her a pissed off look.

"What is he doing here?" Tyler hissed as he looked back at the Subaru in the driveway. Ella remained quiet as she pulled up her driveway to park beside the car that was waiting for them. The Jeep hadn't even been turned off yet when Tyler was out of its doors and marching towards the man waiting. After the past weekend, the drama and pain he went through, he was now ready for a fight.

"What the hell do you want Alex?" His voice boomed as Tyler stopped in front of the tall dark haired player from Toronto. He watched as Alex Kerfoot scowled upon hearing his voice and turned to face him.

"I should have known my baby sister would have gone running the minute she found out you were no longer engaged." Alex sneered as he crossed his arms over his chest.

Ella stopped next to Tyler and matched her brother's posture. "The fuck is that supposed to mean?"

Alex laughed, shaking his head as if the answer was obvious. "With the reputation you both have among players it should be very clear what I'm saying. But I'll spell it out nevertheless." He pushed off his car and stopped inches from his sister. "You couldn't wait to have him back in your bed after you were the one that probably wrecked his engagement, Arabella. People like you two don't know how to be any different no matter how much your families try to put you on the right path."

Tyler grabbed Alex by the arm and yanked him away from Ella who had a look of horror across her face. Tyler pushed Alex up against his car and pinned him there with an arm across his chest.

"Watch your mouth Kerfoot. My engagement being called off has nothing to do with Ella. Your sister is my best friend and she offered me a place to stay while all that shit back in Texas gets worked out. Next time don't speak without the facts." He said through gritted teeth. Tyler stood a few inches taller than Alex, and he put his full height to his advantage. The two glared at each other for a moment before Ella spoke up.

"Why are you here Alex?"

Pushed against Tyler's arm, Alex broke free and fixed his jacket, giving the taller man one more glare before facing his sister. "You never come home anymore during the off season. Your place is at home, with family, keeping your rep clean during the summer instead of hiding out in Pittsburgh, giving the media more drama to feed off of. So I came to get you."

"Yeah that's not happening." Tyler chuckled sarcastically as he stepped closer to Ella for support. Alex cocked his head and waved a hand between the 3 of them to make a point. "And what place do you have here to speak Seguin?"

"Stop Alex!" Ella snapped as she pushed between the two men. She could see Tyler was holding back his anger, an anger he was famous for once having. And Alex knew how to push buttons, it's what gave him an edge on the ice. Tyler shook his head and took a step back, giving space between the three of them. He hated how Alex and her whole family treated her after one mistake. It was like watching his early years play out all over again.

"I am home Alex. Pittsburgh IS my home now. And I have house guests to care for. So I suggest you leave and let me go about my life here, with my friends and my team who are supporting me far more than my family has in the past few years." Tyler watched as Ella spoke, before she turned her back on her brother and walked back to her car to grab her purse from the back seat where she had left it. Digging out her house key she turned back to face Tyler and nodded her head towards the front door. Tyler nodded and turned back to face Alex, crossing his arms over his chest and tapped his chin up towards the Subaru behind him. He watched as Alex shook his head and grabbed the handle of the car door and yanked it open.

"I'll tell Mom that you already had plans for the summer. At least call her some though." Alex called out dryly before climbing into the car shutting the door behind him. Tyler glanced over at his friend and watched all kinds of emotions cross her face as her brother drove down her driveway and then down the road. Tyler watched her from the corner of his eye as the car disappeared down the road. He was fortunate enough to have a family that still supported him even after everything in Boston. Even after up until a year and half ago when he got serious with Tiffany he bounced around from girl to bar each weekend not caring if he got too drunk and ruin all he worked so hard to build. Even now, with everything that has happened in the past 48 hours with Tiffany, he knew his family understood to a point why he didn't come home. Why he wanted see space. Sure they would check in on him and maybe suggest coming to visit but they wouldn't show up at his door and chastise him for his choice.

"Don't bother even bringing your bags in." Ella's voice broke him from his thoughts. He turned to fully face her but Ella was already heading for her door.

"Excuse me? Care to explain??" He asked, not fully understanding that statement at all. He had a split second fear that maybe she was going to send him back to Texas after what just happened. But seeming to sense his underlying fear, she stopped at the door after she unlocked it and gave him one of her famous looks.

"We're not staying here." She said with a flip of her hair over her shoulder. "If we really want to disappear, then we are going to the cabin." Tyler had only seen her cabin once since she bought it. It was in a small fishing town at the top corner of Erie county and the lake. It sat by the water with only 2 other cabins in sight across the lake. It was remote and quiet. "The three of us need a break from the world. So to the cabin we go!" Ella singsonged as she marches through her front door, leaving Tyler to stand with a smirk on his face. He shook his head as he followed through the now open door. Only Sidney Crosby and himself knew she bought the cabin up north, as a way to really disappear when life got too much in the city.

"Wait." He stopped, replaying what she had said in his head. Three of them. Three people. So someone else was spending the summer with Ella? "Three people?" He called out but Ella had already disappeared upstairs to her room. "Ella, who else is spending the summer with us?!" He yelled up the steps as he raced up them two at a time. "I've had enough surprises in the past 48 hours to last a lifetime." He grumbled as he reached the top step. He found Ella packed 2 large suitcases of clothes, bathroom needs, shoes, and other random things. She smiled up at him and just gave him a wink. With a groan He knew he wasn't getting his answers till they reached that cabin on the lake.

Tag list @cellythefloshie @teokka @holidaywishes @wyattjohnston @raysofcrosby @starshine-hockey-girl @leafs-lover @gothicgirl100 @hockeyisruiningmylife @hockeylvr59 @laurenairay

[paintbrushinacoffeecup2]

Adam, Spock, and Eve -- an Analysis on The Apple from TOS

“The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it”, in a promised vow Adam and Eve swore to allow themselves to remain blissfully unaware of the nature of sin or face divine punishment for eating the apple that would give them this knowledge. Star Trek season 2 episode 5, "The Apple", captivates viewers with its exploration of these themes of autonomy and the consequences of blind obedience in the face of authority; or so the episode tries to sell. I would argue that it does tackle these topics in an interesting manner, though not how the writers initially intended. The crew of the Starship Enterprise continually demean the autonomy and personhood of the people of Vaal, denying them the freedom of choice and posit themselves as white-knighted heroes who would fix the unjust systems of Gamma Trianguli Six. However, the landing party fails to acknowledge that they have been here for less than a day, and their understanding of the culture of this small part of the planet is flawed. Ursula K. Le Guin’s essay, American Sci-Fi and the Other tackles these themes, highlighting how limits in our perspective leads to the alienation and dehumanization of people and practices we do not understand, which results in a denial of their autonomy.

Le Guin outlines 4 forms of alienation that have become popular in contemporary Science Fiction – the sexual alien, the social alien, the cultural alien, and the racial alien. Though each comes from a similar vein of popularized ignorance, their manifestations vary greatly in Sci-Fi. The sexual alien in The Apple takes the form of the narrative treatment of female characters like Yeoman Martha Landon. Landon’s 14 lines throughout the hour long episode quickly characterize her as a character whose femininity undercuts her competence as an officer of the Starship Enterprise. Chekov and Landon share a brief, intimate encounter early in the episode,

MARTHA: All this beauty, and now Mister Hendorff dead, somebody watching us. It's frightening.

CHEKOV: Martha, if you insist on worrying, worry about me. I've been wanting to get you in a place like this for a long time.

The conversation gets interrupted by Kirk returning and asking them to not “conduct a field experiment in human biology”. Landon is one of the only characters regularly referred to by her first name rather than her title. While this could be attributed to her low rank as a red shirt, the four other redshirt officers are still often only referred to by their last names as a sign of respect.

"KIRK: Mallory! Marple, stand back! Watch it! The rocks! (kneeling by the body) Kaplan. Hendorff. I know Kaplan's family. Now Mallory.”

Yeomen in The Original Series are often almost exclusively young women, with a notable exception being the season 1 episode The Cage, where the male Yeoman is killed to show the competency of the villain of the week. Their role is to dutifully fulfill the petty orders given by their captain, such as light administrative work or ensuring the wellbeing of the captain and his surrounding male officers. These female Yeomen are often treated by the narrative to have the sole imperative goal to be “an object of desire for the surrounding men.” This is seen especially in The Apple, when Landon voices her concerns for the Starship she is told to be quiet and sit down by Kirk, or silenced by Chekov’s seductions. Her views, questions, concerns, and opinions are constantly used as punchlines for men, as though she’s too stupid to understand the complexities of what is going on around her.

“MARTHA: But these people, I mean, if they don't know anything about. What I mean is, they don't seem to have any natural– er. I mean, how is it, done?

KIRK: Mister Spock? You're the science officer. Why don't you explain it to the young lady.”

She is alienated from the rest of the cast for being a woman, and as Yeomen often are, the women of Starfleet “are also assigned a sexed identity in their professional lives, based on their supposedly “innate” qualities” of “modesty, sweetness, fear, shyness, compassion, [and] languor.”

The social alien is one that focuses on class and hierarchy, specifically, on the lower ranks of it. This form of alienation has many reflections throughout the episode – from Kirk’s treatment of Scotty as they struggle to pull the Enterprise from the tractor beam, to the Vaalian’s role of feeding Vaal. Those who are not leading men are treated as “masses, existing for one purpose: to be led by their superiors.” Those in the Starfleet are under threat of losing their jobs – their financial security and role on the ship – if they do not listen to their superiors. The Vaalians, however, must actively choose to listen to Vaal for their instructions. There is no threat of violence as they do not know what it means to kill, nor incentive for greed as they are already provided everything they need for a happy and healthy life. As the Vaalians go to feed Vaal – their sole role in exchange for eternal life and long lasting prosperity – Spock notes that in his view, this is “a splendid example of reciprocity”. 

This point of view, however, is heavily contested by Captain Kirk and Chief Medical Officer McCoy, and is a prime example of the alienation of the Vaalians and S'Chn T'Gai Spock as Racial and Cultural Aliens. Multiple times throughout the show, Spock’s vulcan lineage has placed him in an uncomfortable position in relation to Starfleet.

“MCCOY: Negative. Did you know this is the first time in a week I've had time for a drop of the true? Would you care for a drink, Mister Spock?

SPOCK: My father's race was spared the dubious benefits of alcohol.

MCCOY: Now I know why they were conquered.”

Many of his conversations with McCoy end with a quip from McCoy about how vulcan biology is inferior to human biology, how their culture is strange and alien to him. He complains about how Spock has green blood, and a heart closer to his abdomen than his chest, even after Spock nearly died protecting them from the deadly flora of Gamma Trianguli Six. McCoy also overdoses Spock, in a blind attempt to get him to wake up from the poisoning. While these could be read as light-hearted quips to maintain the lighthearted tone of the series in face of the Hamlet-ian deaths of the redshirts, McCoy’s refusal to learn about vulcans speaks to a larger theme throughout the episode of doxastic ignorance about other people and cultures.  

The Vaalians are repeatedly noted to be happy and healthy, as explained by McCoy, as he cannot tell if they have been around for “twenty years, or twenty thousand years”... “add to that a simple diet, a perfectly controlled temperature, no natural enemies, apparently no vices, no replacements needed”. Their only natural exchange for this is the gifting of some excess fruit to Vaal each day. McCoy takes issue with this manner of living, and that the Starship must intervene, stating that their society is stagnant, and needs something to strive for. However, Spock states in the episode that the Vaalians, as any other group of people, reserve the right to choose a system that works for them. This argument continues throughout the episode, and exemplifies their alienation of the Vaal due to their ignorance, as the human crew of the Starship attempt to overthrow the system of Vaal. They eventually settle on a final course of action, with the Starship trapped in Gamma Trianguli Six’s atmosphere – to kill Vaal. This response could be predicted by LeGuin’s explanation that “[t]he only good alien is a dead alien”, especially in the context of racial and cultural alienation. The Starship landing party alienates and subverts the autonomy of an alien community because their ignorance leads them to believe they are superior . Le Guin’s essay outlines precisely in each area how this episode creates divides in its cast, both between the Starship Enterprise and Vaalians, but within the Starship as well. At the end of the episode, Spock, McCoy, and Kirk ruminate on the consequences of killing a being who was providing for an entire community of people, and the starship leaving that community with nothing but their own wits.

SPOCK: Captain, I'm not at all certain we did the correct thing on Gamma Trianguli Six.

MCCOY: We put those people back on a normal course of social evolution. I see nothing wrong in that.

KIRK: Well, that's a good object lesson, Mister Spock. It's an example of what can happen when a machine becomes too efficient, does too much work for you.

SPOCK: Captain, you are aware of the biblical story of Genesis.

KIRK: Yes, of course I'm aware of it. Adam and Eve tasted the apple and as a result were driven out of paradise.

SPOCK: Precisely, Captain, and in a manner of speaking, we have given the people of Vaal the apple, the knowledge of good and evil if you will, as a result of which they too have been driven out of paradise.

KIRK: Doctor, do I understand him correctly? Are you casting me in the role of Satan?

SPOCK: Not at all, Captain.

KIRK: Is there anyone on this ship who even remotely looks like Satan?

(McCoy and Kirk walk around Spock. McCoy is gazing intently at Spock’s pointed ears.)

SPOCK: I am not aware of anyone who fits that description, Captain.

KIRK: No, Mister Spock. I didn't think you would be.

This is not to say all of Star Trek treats its nonhuman, lower class, and female characters with this lack of respect throughout the entire series, but The Apple speaks deeply to both Le Guin’s thoughts on Alienation and Patriarchal White Supremacy, and Star Trek’s need to appeal to the larger American audience in its messaging. Landon’s alienation stems from her role in patriarchal systems that would create a divide between her and the leading male cast; The Vaalian and Spock’s alienation is due to being foreign to a capitalist system that pushes for constant productivity, and being denied agency by those who believe their own views are the ‘correct’ ones. Considering the episode was released in America during the Cold War, it’s not hard to infer that this episode was cautioning Americans against communism. However, it treats everyone who isn’t coded as a Red Blooded American Man as mindless and abused, in need of a push in the right direction. This episode tries to speak for a better, more unified divine future – to take people from a corrupted garden and give them true Eden – but it regresses directly back into idealizing colonization in its efforts to homogenize any culture it can touch.

Works Cited under the cut

Boquet, Damien, et al. “Editorial: Emotions and the Concept of Gender.” Clio. Women, Gender, History, no. 47, 2018, pp. 16. JSTOR, https://www.jstor.org/stable/26934334. Accessed 10 Apr. 2024.

Hulshult, Rachel. “Star Trek: What Is a Yeoman & Why Did They Disappear from Starfleet?” ScreenRant, 4 Aug. 2023, screenrant.com/star-trek-yeoman-rank-disappear-why-explained/.

Le Guin, Ursula K. “American SF and the Other.” Science Fiction Studies, vol. 2, no. 3, 1975, pp. 208–10. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/4238969. Accessed 10 Apr. 2024.

Pevney, Joseph. Star Trek. 13 Oct. 1967, episode 31. TV Series Episode. The Apple.

Trivers, Barry. Star Trek. 8 Dec. 1966, episode 13. TV Series Episode. The Conscience of the King.

Vatican. “The Book of Genesis.” Www.vatican.va, www.vatican.va/archive/bible/genesis/documents/bible_genesis_en.html. Genesis 2:15.

[donteattheappleshook]

Not Broken At All Chapter 7/?

Summary:

A season 1 Neverland AU. Emma is still trying to adjust to her new life as Sheriff of Storybrooke and mom to Henry, who still believes everyone in town is a fairytale creature. When she finds a badly beaten, one handed man while patrolling, she’s convinced he’s crazy. He is, after all, rambling about fairies and shadows and crocodiles. But when Henry is suddenly taken out the window of a house everyone believes is haunted, the madman in the hospital might be her only hope of getting her son back. Whether he likes it or not.

Rated M

Catch up on Ao3 (where my italics work) or on Tumblr 1 2 3 4 5 6

Thank you thank you thank you thank you always @the-darkdragonfly ​ and @elizabeethan for your help with this feral fic <3 <3

*****

Part 7

Emma’s gonna puke. She doesn’t know what will cause it first, the vertigo from the seemingly unending climb into the sky, or the fact that in the span of a few minutes her life has been turned completely upside down. Maybe it’ll be both. Magic is real. Neverland is real. Captain Hook is apparently real and steering this boat right now - and she’s managed to get on his bad side. 

She’d been prepared for a lot, ready to face down kidnappers, murderers, even monsters. But she’d been picturing monsters of the human variety. Now she doesn’t know what the hell to expect. What had the nurse said he’d been raving about - fairies and mermaids and a demon? 

Emma looks over her shoulder from where she’s desperately clinging to the rail, convinced that if she lets go she’s going to go flying out over the edge, into the clouds and the abyss below them. Killian’s face is dark, the shadows cast by the stars around them drawing attention to the harsh set of his jaw, the hard line of his mouth and the determined look in his eyes that only barely masks the dread beneath it. He didn’t want to come back. And she made him. And now she doesn’t think she wants to be here either. 

The deck shifts below her, the steep incline that had been throwing her back going weightless for a moment before the floor finally feels steady under her feet. Peeking over the edge, another wave of nausea hits her. There’s nothing but stars below them now, not even clouds as far up as they are. How is that possible? She’s flown before - she shouldn’t be able to breathe, she should be freezing to death. Emma half expects to see the earth floating far off in the distance when she scans the sea of stars and darkness around them. 

She tries to speak but the words won’t get past her throat and she has to swallow, breathe before she can try again. Her question comes out shaky when she finally manages to ask it. 

“Where are we?” Her voice sounds too loud, out of place, like she’s underwater. The space that surrounds them is silent, the quiet deafening and eerie. There’s no wind in the sails or water beneath the bow but still they’re sailing onwards, the ship still adjusting with Killian’s every careful shift of the wheel.

He looks at her and for a second she thinks he forgot she was here, lost in his own thoughts about where they’ve just gone. He hides it better, his worry less frantic than her own, his fear less paralysing, but she sees it regardless. And if she was terrified of their destination before, now she has half a mind to beg him to turn the boat around. She would, and she knows he’d do it - except Henry is here. There’s no going back. Not without him. 

“Between realms,” he answers, voice so low it shouldn’t have crossed the distance between them. 

Emma rises on unsteady legs, the sound of her boots echoing in her ears even as it gets swallowed by the eerie emptiness, the forced quiet. “How much further?” 

“Not long now,” he murmurs under his breath, gaze fixed on their path. 

She does the same, those two stars still shining brighter than the others, though now they’re no longer up in the sky but dead ahead. What was it he’d said before the ship took to the air? Second star to the right and straight on till morning. She’s heard that before, ages ago when she was little and watching movies in a foster family’s living room - a phrase tucked away in childhood and forgotten until now. 

She turns back to Killian, attention settling on the hook looped around one of the spokes at the helm, and swallows. “And then… we’ll be in Neverland?” 

“Aye.” 

She nods, the confirmation not making it feel any less crazy, any less unreal. “So then you’re…” she can barely get the rest of the sentence out. “Captain Hook.” He nods and while it shouldn’t be a shock at this point it somehow still is. “And that fairy was who? Tinkerbelle?” 

Killian blinks at her in surprise, his stern focus breaking for the first time. “You know Tinkerbelle?” 

“No.” Of course not. Emma comes from the world that makes sense, where stories are stories and - she frowns up at him. “Wait, do you know Tinkerbelle?” 

A ghost of a smirk pulls at his mouth before he nods again. “Aye.” It takes her a second to read that expression, the hidden meaning in that one word before it hits her. Oh my god, she thinks. He’s fucked Tinkerbelle. Emma files that away in the list of things she never needed or wanted to know along with ruined childhood memories.

Shaking her head she tries to get back on track to what actually matters. “The person who has Henry… that’s who?” 

There’s a pause before he answers, the seriousness returning as his face hardens. The next word holds so much hate that she can feel the weight of it like a presence. “Pan.” 

“As in Peter Pan?” Killian doesn’t answer but he doesn’t have to. What other Pan could it be? “I thought he was supposed to be the good guy.” 

“Believe me, there’s no good in that boy.” 

She’d question him, Peter is supposed to be the hero, the boy who never grows up and takes kids on adventures, but from what he told her about Neverland in the hospital and the somberness in his words, she knows better. Henry’s book is full of twisted versions of the stories Emma grew up reading. Maybe it’s the ones she knows that are wrong.

Her silence must draw out too long because his face shifts, still angry but softened by sympathy. “We’ll find Henry, Swan.” 

Do you promise? She wants to ask. How do you know? And she’s thrown by how much his answer would matter, how much faith she apparently decided to put in him somewhere along the way. He has every reason to hate her - he does hate her - every reason to betray her, to leave her to fix her own problems. And yet here he is, taking her across realms to save a kid he just met. Maybe she shouldn’t trust him, but she’s known since they left that cell that he’s not doing it for her. 

Emma doesn’t get a chance to ask him, or to thank him as she probably should for getting them this far, his attention drawn to something ahead of them before he orders, “Hold on.” Then the ground falls out from under her, the drop that never came before here now as they dive through the sea of stars towards something still hidden in the darkness. 

She barely manages to grab hold of the railing again, to keep from sliding across the deck and steady herself as the lights wiz by until they become a blur, streaks of white against the black as they plunge into nothingness. She’s never liked roller coasters, never liked the feel of her stomach lurching into her throat in the fall after the climb, and this one feels neverending. 

She’s pretty sure she’s going to be sick this time, glancing back over her shoulder at Killian who seems un-bothered despite the wind sending the heavy coat rippling around him and the one-handed death grip he has on the wheel. His gaze doesn’t find hers, focused on navigating the small sailboat - towards what she isn’t sure. But then, after a descent that feels unnervingly longer than their climb, she sees something in the darkness below. 

Struggling to heave herself up to as close to standing as she can manage, Emma leans carefully over the edge to see - clouds. Grey and lined with silver, they blanket the space between them and what she hopes is their destination as the ship finally begins to slow. 

The silvery light grows brighter as they near them, and she looks up just in time to see a moon rise somewhere off to her right. Twisting her body as much as she can, she sees it settle high in the sky above them and draw further and further away before being muted by the dense mist that surrounds them. It’s not until after the fog dissipates that she realises they’ve gone through the cloud bed, smaller, cotton-candy like ones beneath them now, and between she can see water. 

“Brace yourself,” Killian warns as they approach the surface, the bow jerking up abruptly, the swooping motion making her stomach roll before the hull collides with the waves, dragging through them and bouncing up before crashing against them again. 

The sea reacts angrily to their sudden intrusion, flaring up, torrents of salt water climbing over the sides of the ship, flooding the deck and soaking her through before retreating back into itself with a sort of grim satisfaction. Killian shakes his head, ridding the drops from his hair as he steadies the sailboat, giving the helm what looks like an affectionate pat. 

When the waves have calmed around them, a silence eerily close to the one in the space between realms settling around them, Emma finds her voice. “Are we here?”

Killian nods, dipping his head towards the front of the ship. “Aye,” he says and Emma stands on shaky legs, crossing the deck to look ahead over the bow. 

Faintly, she can see an outline in the dark, a shape coming into the light as they inch closer, large and imposing. But she doesn’t need to see it to know what it is. She’s seen the movie enough times to know it’s an island that awaits them. And Killian’s answer falls hauntingly over her in the foreboding quiet. 

“Neverland.” 

The soft shift of the ship away from land breaks her from her thoughts, brow pulling down and turning to stare at Killian as they sail parallel to the shore. 

“What are you doing?” she demands. “Hey! Why are we sailing away?” 

“Keep your voice down,” he hisses. 

The ship no longer flying or plummeting, she’s steady enough on her feet to cross the deck and confront him. Bracing her hands on the other side of the helm she tries to force him to look at her. “ We need to get to Henry!” 

Only then does he finally meet her gaze, an annoyed expression she’s gotten way too used to in his eyes. “I know.” 

“Then why aren’t we going after him?” 

She sees his slow breath and heavy exhale before he answers. “We are. But we can’t just go charging into the jungle with no plan and no weapons.” 

“I have a weapon,” she declares, pulling her jacket back to reveal her holstered gun, fingers itching to get her hands on the person who took her kid. 

“One measly pistol against two dozen lost boys armed with poison arrows? I think not.”

“Well I do! We need to get him the hell away from Pan,” she insists and he gives another exasperated sigh. 

“Listen to me, Swan,” he says so sharply that it actually makes her pause. “I’ve lived in Neverland for two hundred years. Do you know how many times I’ve managed to win a battle against the Lost Boys?” She shakes her head. “None.” The word settles in her chest. “Despite appearances, Pan is no boy. This whole island is his playground - he owns it. It bends to his every whim and desire - as does everyone on it. It’s all a game to him. He decides he wants to fight pirates and my whole crew is slain in an afternoon.”

“But they’re just kids,” she says shakily. 

“Aye, they are, which is enough to make grown men hesitate in a fight. Like I said, it’s a game and we play by his rules. When he thinks he’s losing he gets angry and like a child throwing a tantrum he flips the board. He’ll have the sea swallow the ship whole or call forth a storm to burn it and drown the crew. Sometimes, if we surrender he’ll leave it at that, only a few fallen men - sometimes he slaughters them all in celebration.” 

He’s gone somewhere else, a memory or maybe many of them, that slightly crazed fear inches its way back into his eyes before he pushes it back, slips into a persona of authority and control. “But Pan needs to be loved by the children of Neverland. He needs their admiration and their loyalty so they’ll follow him, so they’ll continue to play with him. As a child, Neverland will be everything Henry ever dreamed. He’s safe for the moment,” he promises though she can hear the unspoken ‘but not for long’. 

A chill runs through Emma, words forced out through a dry throat. “How do you know all of this?” 

“My crew were all Lost Boys once.” 

The explanation is almost dismissive, a shrug put in words. But Emma’s blood goes cold. His crew? The same crew that Pan then slaughters for fun? Those are the Lost Boys he so desperately wants to love him? What if Henry’s next? “Wh- how?”

He looks at her, seems to recognize her terror. “They grow up, Swan. Only a select few get to stay young - his most dedicated servants. And Pan has no use for adults in Neverland - at least not on his team.” Killian lets that sit with her for a moment. 

“Where are we going then?” 

“To find my ship. We’ll cut around the North side of the island and with any luck he won’t know we’re here yet and we can gather the crew. If we want to take down Pan and save your son, it’s going to take a lot more than my blade and your thirst for blood.” 

Emma glares at him but doesn’t argue. She can’t pretend she doesn’t want to rip the person who took Henry away apart. So she lets him sail on, not happy with the plan but acknowledging that it’s likely their best shot at getting her son back alive. 

A thought won’t leave her though as they drift silently through the Neverland seas, rounding the coast and keeping a safe distance from shore, keeping to the dark. Two hundred years, he’d said. Countless Lost Boys grown up into pirates and killed at Pan’s hands over those centuries. But not him. 

“How come you survived?” Killian looks at her in question. “Why hasn’t Pan killed you along with everyone else. How did you live for two hundred years?” 

“Because he’s let me,” he answers darkly, hatred aimed at both Pan and himself. “I play the game the way he wants and I get to live until the next. My predecessors didn’t.” 

Another chill goes through her as she wonders how many came before Captain Hook. He’s gone away again, lost in the memories that have haunted him since she met him, two centuries of them. And she suspects she hasn’t even begun to scratch the surface of the worst. Emma doesn’t ask any more questions after that.

They sail silently through the Neverland waters, always just far enough from shore to remain out of sight - or so she hopes. She shrinks against the cabin, hoping to hide herself when she sees the way Killian ducks his head the slightest bit, shoulders tensed. It’s a while before they reach the end of whichever side of the island they’re on now - Emma doesn’t know - turning to keep in line with the coast as they curl around what looks like a volcano, dormant, covered in jungle now. 

There’s a flash in the water, a quick, silvery blue light and for a moment Emma thinks she’s imagined it, just the moon reflecting on the waves. But then she sees another, shooting along the length of the boat and she knows that whatever it is, it’s not on the surface, it’s below. Another, this one crossing under the bow, too quick to make out, a fish maybe. The next one bumps the side of the boat, sending it rocking, a haunting, melodic screech in its wake. 

“What the hell is that?” She asks Killian, voice shaky as the rocking settles. It doesn’t last for very long, another blow to the hull that nearly sends her toppling. 

“Get below deck,” Killian orders calmly. But she can see from his expression, from the way he stares out at the water, full now of swirling, howling glimpses of silver, that it’s taking every ounce of his self-control not to shout at her. They’re surrounded.

“What are they?” 

“Mermaids.” 

“Mermaids?” As in the little mermaid? Cute little fish ladies with seashell bras? Another wail pierces the air, louder, closer to the surface, others joining, each in a different pitch, a different note, creating something both terrifying and beautiful as they meld into a single refrain. 

Killian turns to her, words hissed, barely above a whisper, the first suggestion of fear making itself known. “Hide.”

“What about you?”

She hesitates, not wanting to leave him, not when whatever’s coming has him looking at her the way he did when he’d knocked those berries out of her hand. Another blow hits them, this one enough to make even Killian lose his footing, the cries falling and climbing over one another growing louder, dissonant, unsettling. 

Grasping the spokes to hold himself up he turns a frantic expression on her. “Now! Before they see you.”

The fear is enough to send her rushing down the steps of the cabin, pulling the door shut behind her and hurrying through the small space, standing between the kitchen and the bed, waiting. She can hear footsteps above deck, Killian’s, crossing to the edge, pausing as the little boat continues to rock, hull creaking and groaning with every hit it takes.

His silence stretches on, as does the attack, and Emma’s heart pounds hollowly in her chest, wondering if they’ve done something to him, taken him, hurt him, drowned him. That’s a thing mermaids do isn’t it? In the less Disney-friendly versions? She doesn’t think she’s taken a breath in nearly a minute when she hears his voice. 

“Ianeira, would you please ask your sisters to stop trying to sink my ship?” 

What she can hear is a little muffled through the deck, but raising his voice to be heard over the cacophony, Emma can make out his tone, the panic from a moment ago hidden, the calmness returning. But there’s something else too, a casualness, perhaps even familiarity, and charm. 

The songs of the sea creatures settle but don’t disappear, lowered enough that she can hear the answering woman’s voice through the hull. There’s an echo to her speech, as though she were several people at once, subtle, tinkling sounds of every word repeated in a slightly different pitch, a fraction out of sink. 

“Who are you to ask favours of the Lorelei, sailor? What business do you have in our waters?” 

“Ia, you wound me,” he says, words dripping with honeyed sweetness. “Have you forgotten me already?” Is he flirting with the things that were trying to kill them a second ago? 

There are windows at the end of the cabin, looking out over the helm. Emma climbs up onto the bed to reach them, ignoring the silk sheets and the questionable box on the window ledge, nudging the heavy curtains aside enough to peer out in the direction of the voices. She can see Killian, leaning casually on the guardrail, speaking to someone or something further out in the water. The mermaid doesn’t answer, but the blows to the hull stop, as do the shrieks that surrounded them. 

Emma nearly falls back, scream caught in her throat when a shape suddenly rises from the water, gripping the handrail and drawing itself up to the pirate’s level. Emma studies the creature as it studies him. It’s a woman - or, almost. Her skin is an iridescent white, tinted blue as though from cold or perhaps not seeing the sun in the deep waters. Brilliant red hair falls in a long, wet sheet over her bare shoulders and breasts. It’s too dark for Emma to make out her features properly from inside the cabin, but there’s an ethereal quality to her, at once the most beautiful person Emma’s ever seen, and the most terrifying. 

The siren cocks her head, looking Killian over. He holds his relaxed stance, even as she can see the line of his shoulders still tense under his heavy jacket. “Captain Jones,” she smiles after a moment with recognition, even as her threatening undertone remains. “It’s been a long time.”

“Not so long, I hope, that you’ve forgotten your fondness for me.” Emma doesn’t have to see his completely full of it smirk to know it’s there. 

“We were told Captain Hook left Neverland years ago. What has brought you back to this realm you claimed to so despise?” 

“I have unfinished business with the boy,” he answers, still light in demeanour but an edge creeping in. Years? She only found him a few days ago…

“And where is your crew, Captain? You know better than to sail these seas alone. Why take such a risk? And so late at night?” 

“Perhaps I was hoping to run into you.” The seduction is back in full force. 

The mermaid raises a hand, long delicate fingers ending in claw-like nails stroking his cheek. He leans into her touch but freezes when she speaks. “You take us for fools, Killian Jones. What do you hide from us on your miniscule vessel?” Emma freezes, shit. 

“I think you know it’s unkind to insult the size of a man’s ship,” he flirts again, innuendo hanging on every word. The woman gives him an indulging smirk, lowering her hand, clearly amused but no less suspicious. When he can tell he’s not going to get out of it so easily he drops the act only a fraction. “It was a necessary acquisition. To travel back from the Land Without Magic.”

“Did you skin your crocodile, Captain?”

He tenses again. “The boy lied.”

“Is that why you’ve come back? To settle a debt?”

“Why else would I return?” 

“We hear whispers.” The echos ring out longer, louder, leaving its own trail of whispers behind. 

“What whispers?” 

“Of a boy. On the island.” Emma’s heart pounds. Henry.

“There are many boys on the island, love,” Killian points out, dismissive but not disrespectful. 

“Not like this one. A change is coming. An end. He wants him.” 

He’s not fucking getting him, Emma wants to shout at her. But she’s powerless, hiding here in Whale’s weird little sex cabin, hoping that Captain Hook can flirt his way out of them getting murdered by mermaids. She should have taken Henry when she first got here, packed him in her car and drove away, somewhere Regina couldn’t find them, where fairytale villains didn’t hunt them. 

“I’ll keep an eye out then,” Killian says, not betraying anything. 

“You would be wise to attend to our warning, Killian Jones. Pan does not take kindly to those who stand in his way.” 

“I’ve no intention of standing in his way,” he lies, the first lie she’s heard him speak all night. She thinks perhaps the siren sees it too. He continues before she can say more. “And I think you know very well how attentive I can be.” Jesus Christ…

She gives him another of those indulgent smirks, bringing her hand once more to his cheek, stroking it intimately. “Return to your ship, Captain. We think you’ll find your crew much changed.” Killian’s hand tightens on the rail, the first sign of actual distress he’s shown since telling her to hide below deck. Sometimes he slaughters them all in celebration… 

“Aye, I will.” 

Emma’s eyes widen in shock when the siren rises, leaning over the railing to press her lips to his, keeping him there longer than really seems necessary - not that Killian looks like he minds, going so far as to pull her closer. She finally breaks the kiss and the self-satisfied grin on his face also seems a little unnecessary. 

“It starts tomorrow. Good luck, Killian Jones.” 

His expression hardens. “A pleasure as always, Ianeira,” he answers. “Ladies,” he adds, nodding to what she assumes are the other mermaids. 

Ianeira slowly lowers herself from the railing, then turns, diving back into the water, a tail nearly three times the length of her torso sailing over the side of the ship, iridescent blue and powerful. Killian holds up a hand behind him, not taking his eyes off the water. Wait. She does, impatiently, thumb tapping quietly against the window ledge for what feels like ages, until he finally lowers his hand, gives a nod in her direction. 

She meets him on the deck, Killian having returned to his place at the helm, looking far too pensive and sombre for someone who just made out with a mermaid. 

“What was that?” Emma asks, staring off at where the fish-woman had been only moments ago. 

“The Lorelei,” he answers. “Sirens of Neverland and Pan’s messengers.” 

“His messengers?” And she had to deliver that message with her tongue down your throat? 

“Aye. He knows.” 

“He knows? Knows what?” Emma frowns, remembering what Ianeira had said. “What starts tomorrow, Killian?”

“The game.” There’s dread in his answer, fear. He looks at her and the hardness from before is back. “Pan knows I’m here. He knows I’ve come for Henry. And he’s just issued his challenge.” 

******

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[things-happens]

In Memory

Levi Ackerman x gn! Reader

Armin Arlert x gn! Reader

Erwin Smith x gn! Reader

Mikasa Ackerman x gn! Reader

hola 😎 i have a request for ya! which i do hope you like cause I literally spent hALF aN hoUR thinking of how it should go... anyWAYS, i’m gonna request it rn cause why not? .. anyways—maybe a hc for Levi, Armin, Erwin, Mikasa, and Pieck; their S/O’s favorite memories with them are playing in their mind. They wished it happened again. people thought they (they = pieck, levi, armin - yk)—people thought they went crazy. out of their mind insane. They do often smile, when they hear their S/O’s laugh. They cry when they hear their S/O’s screams. They couldn’t save them in time. they were now dead. // now do keep in mind, that this all happened weeks after their S/O’s death. they felt so useless at the fact that they couldn’t save them in time. the one they loved the most...

Note: I DELETED THIS AND HAD TO MADE THE POST so... please like and share thank you. Also I'm not caught up on season 4 but I know what has happened so I don't know Pieck's personality, I didn't want to get her wrong.

Prompt List

Mastlister

Summary: their s/o passed, they blame themselves and other and sadly cannot cope.

Warnings: Death, Blood, Feels and Fluff Words: a lot just a lot

Levi Ackerman (Sadderdaze)

Somethings never change for Levi losing the ones he loves left and right but why did he think that would change with y/n.

During the Battle of Shiganshina, Y/n was by Levi’s side the whole time.

They always was anyways, the lone survivor of Levi’s Squad after the 57th Expansion. Years ago, they vowed the loyalty for him then again 3 years later, till death did them part.

They both lead the group of soldiers to eliminate the Beast Titan.

As the Beast began to throw rocks everyone took covered in an abandoned town, after the first-round y/n and Levi resurfaced on the roofs.

They both noticed the beast was readying for another throw, yelling for the other to go bad into cover.

“GO BACK!” Y/N yelled into their cupped hands; they still couldn’t hear them.

Levi started to run to help them, only to be held back, y/n telling him there isn’t enough time.

Levi protested only for Y/n starting to push him back down to between the houses.

Suddenly, Y/n gave him a hard push on his back making him lad down on the ground. Looking back up to his love, their leg of in a now, missing part of the roof.

Levi quickly shot back up to help them out, grabbing their hands pulling as hard as he could.

“Levi… LEVI! Please take cover, you’ll die.”

“I’m not leaving you behind… not again.”

Levi had left Y/n in charge of his squad as he joined Erwin in the 57th Expansion. Nearly dying because of the Female Titan and protecting Eren.

Y/n pulled their arm away from him, giving him one final hard push in the chest right before the rock came pass them.

“I love you” they whispered.

As Levi flew back to the ground, he held eye contact with them all of his memories going through his head, knowing that this was the last time he would see of them, forever.

As for y/n, all their memories flew through them.

Late nights with Hanjie, mornings drinking tea with Erwin and Levi.

Levi… the night of their wedding, cake, slow dancing together, then stargazing. Oh, what they’d give to do that one more time with him.

Then they were gone.

Days later, everyone was concerned about the Captain. They could hear his cries and sobs when they’d pass his room. If you’d knocked, his cries would stop, and he’d stay silent till he watched your feet leave.

Every time Hanjie would open his door to bring breakfast or dinner, they could see the hopefulness in his eyes only for them to fall. Not like he ate till he was starving and knew he had too.

Years later, as Levi slept at night, he could still hear the whisper and cries of his love. That’s all he could hear ever, yet now he hid it well.

The nights he couldn’t sleep he’d walk through the halls of the fallen soldiers. In the middle of all the paintings, was Erwin. A gold frame shining in the moon light. Next to him was y/n.

They also had a golden frame and at the top were their favorite floor in their favorite color. Whomever painted it, Levi thought they did an amazing job.

The captured the brightness of their eyes, their gloss on their hair and the perfection on their hands.

Levi sat on his knees, lightly placing his hand on theirs. Wishing he could feel them just one more time.

BONUS:

“I bet you’re not popular with the ladies…” Zeke sighed.

Levi looked down thinking about y/n for the first time since the battle. “I was popular enough…”

Armin Arlert (When Will I See You Again)

Most people admired Y/n relationship with Armin, never put a title on side thing but the two and others knew they loved each other.

And when y/n died… well it was hard on everyone.

Since Armin inherited the Colossal Titian he saw and heard y/n die with his own eyes or really with Bertholdt eyes.

They stood by Armin till the very end or what they thought was the end.

The two stood in front of the giant titan, directing him. The plan… they knew they were going to die but it was with Armin and that’s all y/n would ever want.

Bertholdt let out the burning steam, burning them alive. y/n’s eyes looked at Armin, they screamed and cried till nothing… black.

Armin on the other head was giving the Titan Serum, eating Bertholdt and becoming the monsters he hated.

From the second he woke from the shift, all he could thing of was Y/n.

Where are they?

Are they okay?

Then and dare he say naturally, the memories caved in.

Seeing through his predecessor’s eyes, he remembered his love burn to death. Hearing their caries and he saw them always looking at him.

He cried and blamed himself for their death, y/n thought they were dying together but Eren couldn’t let him live in peace.

“they died thinking they were with me.” He whispered.

He always tired to keep his resentment in around Eren and Mikasa, but everyone could here him scream in pain in the forest next to the HQ.

He used Bertholdt’s memories to see them together all the time, Sasha and Mikasa would become worried he wasn’t grieving well but soon like screams every night stop.

Instead, it was quite crying at night, which wasn’t any better for anyone.

Then they left to find the Sea, one thing that could make Armin come to peace with himself.

Reaching the ocean everyone would play and have fun their but looking down in the water, Armin could’ve sworn he saw his love looking back at him but alas he lost the sight as fast as he saw it.

He knew Y/n would and still is by his side everyday till death brought them back to each other.

Erwin Smith (My Kind of Woman)

Everyone knew Erwin as a very stoic man, a calm gentle giant but with a heart and will of Iron.

And that was true, but that was after someone not one would talk about.

Their name is Y/n, Erwin Smith’s great love.

In 845, the Survey Corps returned from an expiation, but most do not know what happened.

“Four abnormals on the right wing!” some one shouted

Erwin looked at y/n who was smiling but still looking out for themselves and others. They looked over at Erwin and smiled even wilder.

Ever since training, Y/n saw bright side of things. It was their idea to recruit the Underground rebels.

In all most a flash of lighting, rain pored down soldiers dying all around.

10 abnormals flailing around, killing and eating people.

Erwin stared behind him, watching his comrades die under his orders. Then he locked eyes with y/n as they jumped off their horse as a Titan waved its arm at her.

“Erwin!”

Y/n yelled hoping he would turn and help them, and he did, yet despite the connection they had…

It was too late, they were harshly picked and swished, screams reaching everyone’s ears. Held above the Titan’s mouth their blood poured into then as the life quickly left their eyes they were dropped into its mouth.

If it wasn’t for Levi, Erwin would’ve been died too.

Ever second since then he blamed himself, knowing if he was just a little faster.

He paid someone to make a painting of her for his office, they were his right-hand person, but others knew it was more than that.

He would cry as quite as he could for years till it was small smiles or few tears while in his office or drinking tea with Levi or Hanji.

They both learned not to question it as it was a normal thing for the man after five years.

The new recruits would ask about the painting of a random person in his office, he would say someone special.

Yet it’s been years he would still become choked up that night.

Mikasa Ackerman (i wanna be your girlfriend)

Mikasa and Y/n met in training, two people how just sat not needing to say anything to enjoy each other’s company.

Eating dinner, they’d just sit and watch everyone else bicker and talk, nothing needed to be said. Despite being Sasha’s sibling, the older one seem to get all the personality then again there was nothing wrong with the way they were.

Although being close to death of a many of times, they lived and slightly loved Mikasa and watched her grow into a beautiful women she was.

Over the years, y/n become more vocal not wanting to miss out on the moments they had left with everyone. They and Jean would bicker and laugh about dumb things, Connie and they would just sitting and reminisce on old times.

Then Sasha met Nicolo and well y/n had never more vocal about anything before.

“Oooooh the cook, he’s perfect for you.”

y/n would tease Sasha along with Jean and Connie, although Nicolo didn’t seem to mind, Sasha would turn redder than a beet!

Then the war came, Y/n didn’t leave Mikasa side unless it was to save their ether extremely brave or stupid sister.

As y/n and Mikasa run to Eren’s ad after killing the War Hammer Titan, Mikasa yells at Eren.

Y/n watches the two argue, as the War Hammer Titan stands tall and definitely not dead.

Y/n watches as it starts to shoot a crystal goop at them, Y/n wipps around slamming themselves into Mikasa, holding onto her and they both flay away from the now hardened crystal.

“thank you, y/n.”

Y/n only nodded, looking back at the crystal. Again, they themselves in danger for Mikasa but they knew if it came down to it, they would die for their family.

After the battle, everyone was on the air ship, Mikasa had left y/n with Jean, Connie and Sasha. They talked happy to see each other alive.

“You guys are really special to me.”

Next thing anyone knew, both Jean and Y/n heard rumbling from the entrance. Turning around they saw a little girl with a rifle.

y/n quickly realized she was aiming for everyone of the ship, mainly their sister. Running in front of the fire, trying to do the same thing they once saw Hanjie do years ago still the girl shot.

The bullet went straight threw y/n’s stomach; push through the pain they grabbed the gun from the girl. They butted it into the little girl’s head, knocking her out.

The adrenaline wore off, y/n put their hand on their stomach. Their hand covered in blood, they turned around to see their sister on the floor surrounded by their friends.

“Guys…” they dropped the rifle on the floor.

The word came out their mouth, everyone with tears in their eyes slowly turned to look at them.

Jean watched as the blood dripped from their suit on to the light brown flooring.

Y/n began to walk to them, waddling side to side.

Mikasa entered the room watching Y/n fall over into what was now a pool of blood. She quickly ran over, flipping them over sobbing.

Jean quickly applied pressure into the wound, but it was too late. Y/n looked up at Mikasa, their bloodied hand lightly touching her face.

Mikasa sat head on her knees, in between both Blouse graves. She could still here the raspy breaths, the yells of Jean telling them to stay awake and the laugh Eren let out seeing the dead bodies.

She’d cry at nights realizing she loved them more than a friend, she felt like a piece of her was now gone.

During dinners Mikasa would push her food around till she couldn’t sit and not laugh or sob. Armin had become worried of her, but he knew she just needed time.

[optimistic-dinosaur-nacho]

My Patriot

*Gif not mine

Chris Evans x Daughter!Reader

Warnings: Slight injury, One curse word Summary: Your high school was able to allow girl’s to join football. Being around a football fan who happens to be your dad, he taught you the ropes in your freshman year, you made it to the Varsity squad your Sophomore year and your last game turned out to be a disaster at first but you made it a win.

A/N: I’ve wanted to join football after being in marching band and hearing from my guy friends (football players) who offered me to join. But I think I rather play in a band than be a low-life football player. Basketball is better along with baseball. Marching band may not be a sport to some but it is to me.

Amazing dividers by @whimsicalrogers​ I guess I lost the fan for 49ers and Raiders, I became a Patriot. 

Senior year was one of the most stressful and overwhelming. The season was at its end and it was gonna be one of your last games before you take on your wrestling season in February. This last game was gonna be one of the most powerful games of all. The last ones should always make it worth. Show that the Boston Reds were no match for the Spartans. 

You took football since you were a freshman.

One of the worst decisions you made but you’ve learned to become the first quarterback as a girl. A woman if you might add. Living in a family who were into football, you were the only oldest grandchild in the family. And only one person out of your family approved it. Your dad, Chris Evans.

Your grandma, Lisa didn’t like the idea and almost slapped the back of her son’s head while Scott came to every game with a box of bandages and water. 

Your dad and Scott were part of the football volunteers. They would stand on the sidelines, help your teammates with water, Gatorade, courage and support. Chris wasn’t your coach, no, but he did coach you at home if you needed it. You two on the weekends would go out jogging, try out new healthy foods, always took you to your school and practice some throws out in the field, since they did allow the field to be a public place at some times.

You loved your dad, more than you loved football. There were times where he wasn’t there, but Scott and your aunts were there to record your touchdowns and take downs. 

You had a couple friends on the team, almost half of them were part of the marching band up in the bleachers.

The boys on your team always supported you. Not only because you were practically Captain America’s daughter, they knew you were the best out of all of them. They treated you as an equal. Which was a good feeling to have. You were tall and strong. You weren’t positive this was gonna be a career after you graduate. It was something to do and have for the rest of your life. Something to have fun with.

Chris didn’t expect you to continue this football thing, he knew you would start something better. He was just proud to see you out in the field doing something to prove anyone could do any sport no matter what they looked like. 

School was just about to end and you pulled out your phone after you felt it buzz. A message sent towards you, you opened it and saw the message.

Dad Few minutes away. 

You grinned while shaking your head. He always wanted to be there for your training just after school. You assumed Uncle Scott would be there before your game starts. Your dad was there early to make sure what the team had and didn’t. He was a volunteer anyway.

The bell rung and you stood up, walking over to your locker. Once you got it open, someone pats your back. A random guy who nods at you, “Good luck at the game!” You smiled softly with a nod and reached in to look for your large water bottle. 

You cursed under your breath. You must’ve left it at home. You closed your locker and made your way to the side building where the footballers were gathering up. Everyone wore their jerseys with their numbers. On a game day, every sport player should wear their jerseys through the school day and you had yours on.

Your coach comes in and claps his hands, “All right, everyone. Let’s get out there fast! The other team is coming in few minutes, take the field. Coach Henderson will be separating groups and I want good spirit out there! Let’s go!” Everyone in the room went their own ways, most of them heading to the locker room for their gear. You went to a separate room and got your things on alone. 

Even for a girl, you couldn’t get ready in the boys locker room, of course. You slipped on your shoulder gear and slipped your jersey on over it. Your skin tight pants with pads over your knees, your cleats on real tight. You put your phone in the locker and closed it, taking your helmet and rushed out to the field. 

“All right ladies! Let’s line up.”

You rushed around the corner and almost bumped into someone, they shout, “Woah. Easy there, hey!” Your dad says with a grin, your eyes widen and you let out a laugh. “Sorry. I didn’t see you.” Your dad takes your helmet by the bars of your facemask and lifts it up to see small strands fall over your face. He grins, “Maybe put on your helmet after you get to the sidelines.” 

You smiled and saw in his hand that he had your water bottle. “You found it!” You said, Chris lifts it up and nods. “That’s not the only reason why I came.” You furrowed your brows, “I thought you had a flight to Los Angeles?”

Chris lifted up his shoulders, “I can’t miss a final game in your lifetime, now could I? Besides even if you did NFL, your grandma would be pulling at our ears.” You smiled and took the bottle from his hand, giving him a large hug as he lets out a huff. He lightly chuckles and hugs you back just as tight. He shakes you a little, “Now, go out there and practice. I’ll be around, Scott will be around before the game. I love you.”

You pulled away and slipped on your helmet, “I love you too.”

Your coach called you in and you made your way over. With a nod of approval, you took that and followed your team onto the field. Warming up your shoulders, tossing your throws and kicks. Chris stood on the sideline, arms crossed as he chatted with your coach. You stretched your legs and slammed into a couple of your teammates to get yourself warmed up for this last game.

The families began to stack the whole bleachers, people with balloons, you knew your whole family will be here. Especially for your last game as a senior. They would start introducing the seniors. Half of your team were seniors and they were really supportive of you.

You thought they just liked your dad around. You saw what looked like your family. Lisa, Scott, and the sisters along with your cousins. They were waving at you from the bottom of the bleachers. You look over to Chris who waves you over from the sidelines and you rushed over to him and walked over to the fam.

“Hey! Sweetheart!” You smile big and hugged Lisa first, who gave you large kisses on your head. You hugged your two aunts, Shanna and Carly, your cousins Ethan, Stella and Miles. They started to admire your gear while Stella held onto you like a koala, ‘cause she loved you. Being her only girl cousin, you always did dolls and makeup while you did football and tag with the boys.

You started to hear the marching band play and you turn around. Chris nods, “You’re up, #4.” You grin and slipped on your helmet while the family waited. Usually on Senior games, they’d always read off what these seniors wrote for their last year and the family follows them down the row with balloons and large posters.

After the short time of the marching bands introduction to the field and the national anthem, the band makes a aisle for the senior families to walk down. They let a couple cheerleaders down the aisle, everyone following behind the senior friend. 

They did that for more students till it was your turn.

Your team were very chaotic so they began to cheer your name. “Evans! Evans!” They shout, you couldn’t help but laugh at them. “Now, quarterback on the football team, number 4 on the field. Y/N Evans.” You feel a couple of your team chant your name as you walked down the aisle with your dad by your side. The man on the speakers began to read your last words for your senior year and you were just lucky to be here.

After they represented every senior, the game was starting. You felt like your dad in Not Another Teen Movie, Jake Wyler, quarterback asshole jock. It was a hilarious movie. Chris stood by the sidelines and watched you stand behind your teammates. 

You hear your teammate yell hut and you run forward to catch the ball i your hand. Guarding it in your arm, you head to the right. Then you feel a harsh jab to your back. The referee blows his whistle and you stand up. Okay, you knew some were quick. 

Your teammate helps you up and you glance across the field, watching your dad give you a thumbs up while shouting, “You okay?” You replied with a pair of thumbs up and he gives you a nod. The team sets up by the yard line where you fell.

The teams began to line up in their positions and you bent your knees. Breathing slowly, you focused on the directions you could go. Maybe throw it to one of your teammates who could be open. “Hut!” You catch the ball and aimed it, your defenders are slamming into the others.

You catch your teammate with his arms open. You imagined him being your dad in your backyard. With a large throw, the ball darts towards your teammate and he catches it smoothly before charging for the end of the field. You see him reach the end and the crowd in the bleachers cheer on. You couldn’t help but grin.

This was gonna be a good game.

Halftime was gone and you were slightly behind the other team. A couple touchdowns, you could make an easy win. A kick to the goal post could do you some good. You were almost close to exhaustion. You hear your coach call you guys in and the referees give you guys two minutes. 

Running over to the coach. He began to explain a plan and you followed every single order. Once he broke the team, your dad hands you your water bottle. “You need to hydrate, sweetheart.”

You grin, lifting up your helmet a bit to pour water into your mouth. You gotten a lot of sips in and slid your helmet back down. The referees call you back in and your team positioned on the field.

You see that the team had slightly larger guys than the last ones. You needed to run pass them. You hear the shout and the ball comes into your hands. Your feet pick up and you took a sharp turn that causes your ankle to lock and you feel someone tackle you to the ground.

A large hit to the ground, your helmet bounces off the ground and you feel the player get off you. You breath in harshly and hear someone say, “Are you okay?” You roll onto your hands and knees, instantly feeling someone’s hands on you. “Hey, hey. Don’t stand up, yet. Take it easy. Honey, are you okay?” You hear your dad ask, you nod your head, not bothering to speak. 

Your arm gets pulled up and Chris helps you onto your feet again. He leans over, “Hey? Look at me? Are you okay?” He asks.

“Yeah. Can I just sit down for a second?” Your dad didn’t refuse or hesitate. He helps you over to the bench and gives your family a thumbs up to know you were okay. He cups your helmet, “Can I take this off? It’ll help you breath better.” You nod and he slips it off your head. Your coach calls in a replacement onto the field and you lowered your head.

You lift your head up, “Coach, I’m sorry, I-” The coach gently shook his head. “It’s okay, Evans. You did good. You rest.” You felt embarrassed, being a woman and falling on the field made everyone lose hope in you. Your dad puts his hand on your shoulder, “Hey. You did good halfway through. I’m proud of you.”

You smiled up at him and watched as the team struggled to push through. No one scored and it just kept going back and forth. The coach calls out the last break. You needed to jump back in. Taking your helmet, you stand up and run over to the team circle.

You lean in, “Coach. Put me back in.” Your coach stared at you in disbelief till Chris jumps up. “No, you need to rest-”

“Please, dad. I know I can do this. I’m okay, now.” Chris looks up to the coach who does as well. Silently the two nod and your coach looks over. “All right. Y/N’s back in position. Stay strong and remember the plans.” The team breaks and you slid on your helmet. Standing in position, you breathed in slowly. You felt the memories come flooding into your head.

“You got this,” You hear your dad’s voice.

The shout breaks your position as you dart for the ball and grab it. You turn to the side and see a player in front of you. You realize he’s going to dive. It felt like slow-motion once he began to dive toward you. Your legs lift up and you hop over him like nothing. The crowd screams as you run for the touchdown yard line. 

Your team runs over and almost tackles you to the ground. They chant your name and your dad runs over. “Yes!” He shouts, too proud of a dad, he takes you off your feet and holds the back of your helmet, laughing uncontrollably. You laugh happily as he takes off your helmet and pulls your head to his chest. 

“I’m so fucking proud of you!” He says, you pull away and your team gives you a large hug. The team ended with a win and you were proud to take step back into the field. And your dad was happy to put your trophy on the fireplace.

Official Taglist:

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[the-fanciful-fangirl]

Skywalker twins born during season 4 of Clone Wars?

Early Arrival

Anakin didn’t come out of his quarters aboard the Resolute for a full 48 hours when they all finally settled for their journey home. Not that Obi-Wan expected anything less, considering what they had all just gone through on Zygerria. He himself had to meditate almost hourly to keep himself in check. He noticed Ahsoka spending as many waking hours as she can practically glued to Master Koon’s hip. The Jedi master mused that she would have gravitated towards Anakin had he made any appearances. Obi-Wan couldn't even walk past Anakin’s quarters without feeling his tumultuous emotions leaking into the Force. It had been a long time since Obi-Wan had felt his former Padawan this unbalanced but he couldn’t bring himself to pry, not without a reason or an excuse. 

It is on the morning of their third day in hyperspace that an excuse presents itself in the form of Captain Rex. 

“Captain, is there something you need?” 

The clones’ barracks were several levels down from those of the Jedi generals and despite Anakin’s closeness with his men, it wasn’t typical for Rex to be loitering in the hallway outside his general’s quarters.  

“I uh, had the General’s comlink. Asked me to keep it for him for a bit. Think he wanted some peace and quiet after all this.” 

Obi-Wan couldn’t help but notice the way Rex absently rubbed his neck. He’d been feeling similarly sore for the past two days. He doubted any of them would manage to get over this whole debacle by the time they reached Coruscant. 

“But it’s been going off constantly for about an hour. I didn’t want to bother General Skywalker, said I could answer it for him, but the transmission’s asking for a security code. Seemed important.” Obi-Wan tried to shake the feeling that Rex wasn’t telling him the whole truth. 

“Did you ask Ahsoka? I believe Anakin has the unfortunate habit of supplying her with his codes.” 

“Tried the Commander when the message first came up. The code she knew didn’t work.” An awkward moment of silence passed between the two men before Anakin’s door slid open. He looked... well he looked awful. Bags hung under his eyes, what clothes he did have on were rumpled. His exposed chest was littered with bacta patches, bruises, and small scrapes. Obi-Wan reflexively cringed as he felt a renewed pain from the lines maring his own back. Anakin’s glassy gaze looked questioningly between the two men. Rex immediately tried to cover with formality. 

“Sorry to bother you General, but your com’s been-”

Before Rex could finish, Anakin lazily swiped the comlink from his hand and looked at the readout on the front. His eyes immediately grew wide and Obi-Wan almost physically felt his sharp concern in the Force.

“What’s wrong Anakin?” 

The young Jedi continued to stare at the readout for precious seconds before jamming in his code with surprising speed. The blue outline of a woman materialized.

“Thank the goddess you finally picked up!” 

“Sabé? What’re you doing on the emergency frequency?” 

In the half second it took for Obi-Wan to rack his memory and recall that this woman was one of Padmé Amidala’s handmaidens, a pained groan was heard in the background of the holocall. The handmaiden’s entire form seemed to sigh. 

“Well, first off General and I’m sorry that this is the first time you’re hearing of this I swear to the goddess I told her to tell you months ago but she wanted to wait till you were home,” another groan. “Congratulations you’re going to be a father,” another groan, “rather quickly it would seem.” 

Obi-Wan spent the next two days aboard the Resolute staying with Anakin and trying desperately to ignore the Member-of-the-Jedi-Council part of his brain. His padawan spent hours pacing back and forth in front of the private holoterminal they’d secretly commandeered to keep in touch with Padmé’s staff whenever they had updates. At the end of the first day, Rex and Ahsoka turned up blankets and sleeping mats to shove into the small ready room. When they left to acquire food for the pair, Obi-Wan was sure he heard Ahsoka mention something about winning a bet.  

Very early into the next morning, the three of them were all there when a baby’s first cry rang out and Anakin himself started crying. Rex and Ahsoka actually cheered so loudly that they almost missed the sound of the midwife calling out.

“You’re not finished yet Senator.” And they all whipped their heads towards the console. 

“What?” Despite the horrible situation the four of them had all just endured and the utter insanity of their current one, Anakin almost sounded like his old self. It was Sabé who turned to address them.

“There’s another baby.” Her voice displayed the same shock Anakin’s had but with much more elegance. 

Another fourteen minutes passed and Anakin was suddenly, and resolutely a father to not one but two incredibly healthy children. The two Jedi and clone captain, felt intrusive as the new parents, both tired in their own way, named the boy Luke and the girl Leia. So they departed, leaving Anakin to spend the entire rest of their trip happily locked in the ready room, his presence in the Force far brighter than before.

----

Sorry this took so long but it literally got three separate, but also unique, asks about Luke and Leia arriving earlier than they do in canon and my muse just decided to turn off...

Hope you enjoy :)

[stars-in-my-universe]

Need You: Tyler Seguin

Please let me know what you think and if you would like more. I don’t know what this was, I just felt like I needed to write Tyler with a baby in some sort of way and this is what came out! Let me know what you all think.

Warnings: Cussing.

Prt 2.

Prt.3

To be fair, when you had your daughter Tyler and the guys were in the playoffs that week. You really didn’t expect any of them to come by, however you also knew that they had lost and were kicked out of the playoffs that same week meaning they no longer had any upcoming games which made you think maybe he would stop by. But you were completely wrong. Jamie and Katie did come visit you when you were out of the hospital and safe and settled in your apartment in Dallas. 

They had told you about the season and asked how the birth went, which you were honest. It was hard. You had your mom there as well as your sister and your best friend but it was still hard, pushing a baby out of you was not how you pictured yourself at 24. You were no saint and like Tyler, you had a wild past. You guys had partied together and had become best friends, always sharing your stories over some wine and pizza, which is why it killed you when you had told Tyler that you were pregnant from a one night stand; apparently rubbers and the day after pill wasn’t enough. He didn’t say much, he kind of congratulated you and asked you how you were going to do this alone? You remember being a mess and crying on his couch, telling him you didn’t know. You had a good job, that wasn’t the problem it was more so how you were going to raise a child alone. 

You were also a mess because you realized that you had started developing feelings for your best friend and now with the tiny human growing in you, you knew you had no chance now. Not like you had a chance before, you weren’t the kind of girl he went out with. It killed you even more when your pregnancy had progressed and Tyler had distanced himself from you, only ever coming around for big events and that was it, you also had stopped going over to his house parties realizing no one wants a pregnant girl around. Closer to your due date you had finally accepted the fact that there had been a shift in your friendship and now it was four months later, you had a baby girl and Tyler had gone MIA on you, posting on instagram only and actively ignoring your texts. So you finally gave up. Your nights of partying till 4 am had changed to doing research on what baby furniture you needed and baby proofing the apartment. Your life had completely changed whether you wanted it to or not. 

Jamie and Ben surprisingly still game around from time to time, but the captain and goalie never mentioned their assist captain to you, no matter how many times you wanted to ask them how he was. You had come to terms you’d probably only see him maybe during the season which was quickly approaching but you didn’t expect him to show up on your doorstep one day.

“Avaaaaaaa” You sang your daughters name as she sat on the floor surrounded by stuffed animals, some your mom gave you and some your best childhood best friend had given you. You continued to fold clothes and keep an eye on her, as she shook one of her toys in her hands and threw it on the floor.

“Are you being silly, Ava?” She let out a garbled noise which you took as a yes. You got up to put the towels away when there was a knock on the door making you stop. You hadn’t expected anyone today and your mom usually called if she was going to stop by. You put the towels down and bent down to pick Ava up who happily cooed as you held her in your arms. You placed a kiss on her hand that she kept shoving in your face making you laugh. Opening the door you turned to face the visitor and before you could catch yourself you went to slam the door shut. 

“Y/N!” Tyler’s foot shot out blocking the door from closing all the way. He was the last person you expected to see on your door step.

“What the fuck do you want Tyler?” You really tried to not cuss in front of Ava but today was an exception.

“I just want to talk, apologize, for-”

“Oh go fuck yourself Tyler.” You were pissed and Ava could tell because before you knew it she was in tears, screaming making you groan. If you went to calm her down He’d be able to get in, but you couldn’t stand here with your door open and a screaming baby, your neighbors did like you.

“Just go away, Tyler. I have to put her down.” He let out a huff but didn’t move.

“Let me see her, I want to see her.” You flinched as Ava let out another cry.

“You gave up your write to see her when you decided to ignore my texts and disappear.” Another cry. You let out a ‘fuck’ and stepped away from the door watching as the door flung open and Tyler nearly falling through the doorway onto the floor. You ignored him as you went into your room to put Ava in her crib, laying her down you had turned her twinkle lights that hung over her crib on and turned on her animal mobile that played soothing sounds when you needed her to calm down. She immediately stopped crying and looked above her, her eyes following the little lion and zebra as they went in a circle. You smiled down at her and tucked her in knowing she was probably going to take a nap. Turning on the baby monitor by the crib and grabbing the other one, you closed your bedroom door halfway and made your way back into the living room where you had left the pain the ass. 

You watched as Tyler stood by your book shelf in the living room that used to be littered with pictures of your party days. Now it was pictures from your baby shower, Ava being born, your sonograms, your mom with Ava. She really was your world now. You eyed Tyler as he took in the pictures; he looked good as he always did. He had bulked up a bit over the summer, his snapback on his head, his beard neatly trimmed. This wasn’t anything new, Tyler always looked good.

“I won’t repeat myself again, Tyler. What the fuck do you want?” He jumped at your voice which was significantly lower due to Ava. You watched as he rubbed the back of his neck, a nervous habit he had.

“I just want to apologize and talk. Let me explain myself.” You rolled your eyes.

“You left Tyler, out of my life. You were my best friend and you just disappeared.” He watched as you moved around the room, a habit you had when you were stressed. You couldn’t sit still.

“I got scared!” You wanted to slap him.

“Scared? I was scared Tyler, I was going to have a baby by myself and I needed my best friends there. But you just left. How dare you say you were scared!” He didn’t say anything, you could feel the anger and the hurt radiate through your body. 

“How could you be scared? All you had to do was be supportive, I didn’t ask you for anything else. I had-”

“I was scared because I was in love with you!” 

[jamiejohnsontalk]

LGBT Representation in Jamie Johnson as Compared to Other Kids’ Media

Pinned to the top of my blog because I’m quite proud of this post, and I still want newer followers to be able to see it.

From what I know, LGBT representation is relatively new in media. Not just kids’ media, but media in general. I don’t even think I knew what gay meant until I was like 11. And I didn’t know that religions didn’t exactly have the greatest opinion of gay people till my GCSEs. In that sense, I was lucky. I knew I was gay before I knew what homophobia was, so I have always been comfortable with who I am. But others didn’t have life that... Well, simple I suppose. I’ve always known who I am, but other people, well, in the worst case scenario, gay people can become homophobic themselves and grow to hate themselves. This might seem like a sidetracky introduction, but I think it shows the importance of LGBT in media. For someone like me, it can help to start to normalise gay people to my family. Even though they’re still homophobic, at least they’re able to watch programmes with LGBT characters in. I met someone who’s dad wouldn’t watch any shows with LGBT characters in it. And for how rare gay people used to be in media in general, they’re even rarer in kids’ media. Why is it that Disney Channel only had their first gay main character in 2017 when homosexuality was legalised in... 2003 in the US. Wow, I can’t lie, I looked up that statistic expecting it to be way earlier. OK, but it was legalised in 1967 in the UK. So why did I never see any gay characters in my childhood? I’ve known I was gay since I was 9, but I must have first seen a gay character in, OK, it was Doctor Who. Captain Jack was pansexual. So I did have some LGBT representation. But there wasn’t much. And again, not in kids’ media. So, let’s look at some of the kids’ media that changed the landscape for LGBT rep in kids’ media. Sarah Jane Adventures and Wizards vs Aliens We’ll start with what I think is probably the worst types of LGBT representation. First of all: Wizards vs Aliens. Benny came out. But I can’t remember the show ever talking about it again after he came out. Sarah Jane Adventures. Yes, it’s not Russell T Davies’ fault that he never got the chance to let Luke come out in the show, and yes, he got to have Luke come out in the memorial episode for Sarah Jane on YouTube, but even before Liz had... Luke had left the main cast, so his coming out would have still meant less to audience members. Gravity Falls had a coming out at the very end of the show, and I believe so did Adventure Time, so they fit in this category too. Compare that to Dillon from Jamie Johnson. Yes, there’s a reasonable chance we won’t see him again after this season, but if it is, he gets to leave on a high. We get to explore his coming out journey. Steven Universe Steven Universe is great for LGBT representation, and it’s great for normalising LGBT representation. You’ve got a huge variety of LGBT characters, because the Gems are all gay (Except Rose). So you can understand that there are different types of gay people (Love Victor did that too, but I’m not sure how many people would watch it). Steven universe is definitely the gayest kids’ show. High School Musical the Musical the Series fits in this category too. Carlos is out and proud. And we don’t see his coming out, more his love life. Again, great rep. Normalises gay people. Jamie Johnson is nowhere near the level of gay that Steven Universe or High School Musical the Musical the Series is, but I think that it’s less meaningful than other shows I’ll mention and Jamie Johnson. It’s the same reason Victor said “Screw you” to Simon at the beginning of Love Victor. We don’t want to see gay people who have it easy. We want to see gay people who are like us. Who have been through stuff and have come out the other side alive. We want hope, but that doesn’t come from seeing gay people who have it easy. I see people playing football and risking corona and I’m jealous. I want to play football again. I see gay people have it easy: Same. I wish I could have it that easy, and it makes me sad. Steven Universe is a great show, and has great rep, but I think even kids’ media should have something closer to home. Andi Mack and Diary of a Future President I love how they portrayed Cyrus and Bobby. We got to see Cyrus’ story from realising he liked guys to being able to say “I’m gay” to showing his crush he likes him (though homophobes can pretend the bench scene was just a friendship scene). Cyrus’ arc was great, and the bench scene was perfect and the only problem with it was that it deserved a fourth season so we could see Cyrus and TJ in a relationship. Diary of a Future President though. I was heartbroken when Bobby didn’t come out to Liam. But then I found out there was a season 2 and I was OK, because it’s hard to come out. It’s as if all the shows make it so easy to come out to the first person, but it’s not. The first real life person I came out to, I came out at 22. And they had come out to me first. And I had to write it down on my phone. I couldn’t say it out loud. So yeah, seeing Diary of a Future President take it slow is amazing, and I love it, and it’s also what they did with Dillon. Some people think that they only really intended for Dillon to be gay from season 4. But, I think that they’ve known since the beginning. I plan to do a character analysis on Dillon after my rewatch, but I think I found something that shows they must have known since at least season 2. (I expect the analysis will be a lot shorter than this. Sorry for the crazy length. And if it’s a crap read. I don’t essay well). But if they knew from the beginning, that was a brilliant move on their part. The only thing that makes me unsure is how Dillon took 3 years to realise he might be gay, but it’s possible that he denied it to himself until he realised Elliot was gay. Because there’s no way he wasn’t thinking he was gay in season 4 episode 5. He didn’t think he was asexual, his reaction to Ruby’s foster mums suggested that he was interested because they were gay. But regardless, I love that they took it slow. Not everyone can come out as easily as others, and having someone like Bobby, or like Dillon, is so much more meaningful than Cyrus, even though Cyrus is an amazing character. Bobby and Dillon are more relatable because they’re finding it tough to come out. The Dumping Ground I kept trying to decide whether I thought the dumping ground or Andi Mack/Diary of a Future President had better LGBT representation. In the end, I decided that I preferred the Dumping Ground’s representation. Yes, in Andi Mack and Diary of a Future President, we get to see the coming out journey of Bobby and Cyrus, but even though Andi Mack touched on homophobia, a lot of people didn’t even realise Kira was blackmailing TJ, making him afraid of how people would react if they found out he was gay. A number of people just thought TJ was being an idiot. But the Dumping Ground had a gay couple wanting to foster Gus. And IIRC, Johnny thought it was wrong because they were gay. Something like that would foster (see what I did there?) potential discussion between parents and children about gay adoption. Some kids watching the show might have been gay and if they watched it with their parents, they could talk about it with them. Gage their reaction. Maybe even come out to them. The Dumping Ground’s episode was great. And then May-Li came out. And we never got to see her full journey, But we did get to see her journey to being accepted by her grandmother I think. And that’s something. And Now On To Jamie Johnson Just like the Dumping Ground, Jamie Johnson has been able to tackle serious issues. I mean, season 1 dealt with Jamie’s cheating father. You’ve got Zoe being a carer, Dillon getting diabetes. But in terms of LGBT representation, it’s season 4 and season 5. Season 4 episode 5 was incredible. I remember telling all my friends about it, and how amazing it was that CBBC were doing this. To recap: Ruby said her heroes were her foster parents, causing Dillon to ask Ruby about it. She thought he was being an idiot, even though in actual fact, he was excited that someone else was gay and trying not to show it. Dillon told his dad that Ruby had foster mums while he was telling him how Ruby’s biological parents weren’t in her life anymore. Liam, Dillon’s brother, used it to rile up Ruby’s sister Alba until she attacked him. She probably would have gotten expelled from the club, but Sienna filmed the incident so everyone found out what really happened, and it was Liam who got expelled. I think Alba only got excluded. What I find really awesome about the storyline though is not just that they had it. It was that the consequences of Liam’s actions set the course for the rest of the season, aka Dodgy Duncan. Liam’s actions caused the club’s image to go down the drain, and sponsors to leave, and that’s what made Duncan turn to the dark side. And it’s a subtle way to just say “Homophobia is bad”. Because Liam’s homophobia caused all the problems in the rest of the season. The First Time Dillon Let Himself “be Gay” Dillon took a long time to come out. And, like me, I think for a long time, nobody really suspected he was gay, in real life or in the audience. He never really showed it. I’m pretty sure when I was a kid, I would act super offended and upset if someone jokingly called me gay. So, yeah, it’s a slow burn. And we didn’t get any hints that he was gay, but that happens. Gay people are good at hiding, I think that’s why gay kids are often portrayed as loving theater. They already have to act their whole lives. It’s not easy to be in the closet. But I think that once Dillon was able to leave his father’s shadow, he was able to be more comfortable with himself, leading to him coming out to Elliot in episode 7. I think he had crushes before, specifically Michelle from season 2, but Elliot was the first time he felt like he could be himself. So here we have two massive points from other shows, but they haven’t been done together. The discussion of homophobia in the Dumping Ground, and the Slow Burn from Diary of a Future President. Social Media Presence Andi Mack made a huge deal about Cyrus being gay, like a week before the episode where he came out aired. HSMTMTS had Carlos be a gay stereotype from the trailer, and OK, Steven Universe was always gay. But Jamie Johnson, and the Dumping Ground didn’t make a big deal about it beforehand. They didn’t scream to the world “Look at us! We’re woke!” They showed it. They let people see for themselves, they let people debate for two weeks on Dillon’s sexuality, and they didn’t tell everyone that this was the episode Dillon would come out (though they made sure that everyone knew they should watch this episode). They just let people see for themselves. And after the episode aired, they made their move. They had the Jamie Johnson logo in rainbow colours to celebrate pride, they had a guide on how to react if someone comes out to you, and they had a history of pride, and I expect they’ll do even more on their social media after this week’s episode. @tkstrand​ reckons the Delliot post is Jamie Johnson’s most liked instagram post. I don’t know whether the other shows did this, but it’s a great gesture regardless. Oh, and there’s the fact that they’re doing a Bafta zoom conference on how they tackle issues. Choosing the Right Character and Breaking Ground for CBBC A lot of people on Instagram said that they thought it was Boggy who should be gay, and while I think either storyline would be great, I think that the writers made the right decision. 1) Boggy is an amazing person. He’s not afraid to be himself. I think, if Boggy was gay, then he wouldn’t have as much trouble coming out as Dillon is having. Of course, Boggy is going through stuff right now, but I still think he would have been a lot braver than Dillon and so we wouldn’t get the storyline we’re getting now delving into homophobia 2) If Dillon does have a minor or major role in season 6, we might get to explore homophobia in professional football, which would be super exciting 3) While Boggy is an amazing character, I’d reckon kids tend to gravitate to the coolest character as their favourite. And while Boggy radiates cool. (Seriously, check out the two posts I made on how sarcastic he is. And just look at his hat at the beginning of episode 1!

But Dillon is the more traditionally cool character, so he’s more likely to be a fan favourite (that and the fact that he’s the best developed character in Jamie Johnson). So for those who aren’t necessarily homophobic, but don’t really understand homosexuality, Dillon is the perfect choice to have written as gay. Because after next week, the people who don’t believe Dillon is gay might leave the episode with a new understanding of LGBT people. It’s been done with TJ, who’s also a cool character, but people who want to ignore the gay subtext can because it was never said out loud in the show. And I reckon Dillon is a groundbreaking character for CBBC. Benny left soon after he came out, Luke left before he came out, May-Li is part of an ensemble cast, so in terms of a small number of main characters (the core 4 in JJ being Dillon, Jamie, Zoe and Boggy), so I think Dillon is the first gay main character (not ensemble character) on CBBC who has gotten a major gay storyline. Could be wrong, let me know if I am! Groundbreaking in General From what it looks like, the next episode is gonna focus completely on Dillon’s coming out storyline. Forget kids’ media, I don’t think I’ve seen an adults’ show that has an entire episode solely dedicated to an LGBT storyline. (Even Reunited from Steven Universe wasn’t completely focused on Garnet). Love Victor was jam packed with side stories and I think even Real O’Neals always had side stories to it. If another show has done this, I’d love to hear, but if Jamie Johnson really has the whole episode dedicated solely to Dillon, I think it’s huge. I only hope it doesn’t mean that the storyline will be forgotten about in the last 4 episodes, but since the head writer of Jamie Johnson is LGBT, I have no doubt they’ll do it justice. Does Jamie Johnson Have the Best LGBT Representation in Kids’ Media? No, I don’t think it does. Andi Mack has 2 seasons where we follow Cyrus on his coming out journey and Steven Universe has a lot more LGBT people, including a non-binary character. But in the aspects Jamie Johnson does well, it excels at. The homophobia storyline(s), and Jamie Johnson’s instagram presence. And having the best developed and best defined character be the one to show kids how to treat gay people. Thursday could be a historic moment for Kids’ television if they do this right, and I think they will. So I hope that everyone enjoys the episode! No, I swear this wasn’t a long promo for the next episode. No, I am not sponsored. Yes, this post was extremely long, I’m really sorry about that. I hope it’s worth the read. If not, don’t worry, this will almost definitely be my longest post. No, I don’t know how to have a “continue reading” button. Does anyone happen to know how? Thanks! Edit: Apparently 4 O Clock club had a gay main character first, so I got that wrong, but I still hold that Jamie Johnson is groundbreaking.

[cartoonfangirl1218]

Moments of Lightness

This is just for prosterity from Ff.net, written way back during season 1 of EoA so lots of things in here have been debunked. Long time since then. Just four "scenes" of Paloma and Esteban of things I imagined of Shuriki's reign, connecting to present like why they have a rivalry, how Paloma got her fan, why she dresses so conservatively, that yellow neck thing Esteban has, how she got greedy etc. A lot of this headcanon was inspired by daydreamingobsessed.

Esteban tried to avoid flinching at the ear piercing volume Shuriki was emitting as she heard the latest report of the trade deal between Satu and Avalor.

"I want him in!" Shruiki shrieked, "How could Satu have duped us. I said we should be the ones getting more money out of the deal." "Uhh, The Magister of the Guild is a she." A guard piped up to Shruiki's glare.

"What?" She hissed. "You killed Master Mascarenas and his associates last week because you suspected him of rebelling."

"Oh, right" Skruiki smiled, "So who do we have in charge now?" "His ward, your Grace. His daughter." Higgins put in.

"She better have a good explanation." Shruiki looked at the mirror once more, admiring her reflection and preening. "Bring her in."

Esteban's eyes turned toward the door where Paloma Mascarenas walked in. He had seen her around when he was younger, whenever her father came to talk to King Ronaldo. She had been so vain and cocky, what with her father as a very important man in Avalor. She and he would get in the most petty fights.

Paloma looked be in her twenties now. Still pretty with her brown eyes, and slender frame accented by a silk teal gown. Her hair in tendrils to frame her face as the rest flowed down her back. But she looked like she lost most of her arrogance for now. She looked terrified as she stood in front of Shuriki's throne. As one should. Esteban shuddered as he remembered Shuriki ruthlessly taking over Avalon, killing anyone in her way.

"Explain yourself." Shuriki demanded with a tone of steel, "What were you doing? Making a fool out of Avalor? Letting Saturday gain the upper hand. You signed a contract that gave them a quarter of our exports for only a 4th of theirs! What were you thinking? YOU are the one who is suppose to lead the Guild, do you know anything about fine print?" Shuriki sneered.

"I..I thought..I mean in the long run, the trade will work in our favor. By exporting our goods at slightly higher prices than their imports, eventually we.." Paloma tried to gather her thoughts into an explanation but Esteban could see that Shuriki had no patience to hear. She never did. She only cared that things got done.

"Eventually." Shuriki cut her off, "What does that have to do with now?"

"Your Grace, I thought.."

"You are a failure. Avalor is the best trade city in the world, the height of sophiscation and your mistake could ruin our reputation. It would let other countries think they can deal whatever they want with us. Are you trying to make a fool out of Avalor, Mascarenas? Hmm? You are working like your father. Slowly ruining us from within.." "No! No, no your grace I wasn't trying to do anything against Avalor or you I swear" Paloma cried.

"Silence." Shuriki got up from her throne, taking a knife that the Captain of the guard handed her.

Shuriki came up in front of Paloma, and surveyed her wth a critical eye, "Honestly, I don't know why I allowed you in my service. You should be a prostitute. It would be more fitting considering to your clothing choices." She dismissively waved a hand over Paloma's partially covered shoulder. "That way you can actually make money."

Shuriki grabbed her firmly by the chin, "I won't fire you for now. It's too much work finding people. But if you dare mess the next trade deal and you do not get me the 12 pounds of diamonds I requested. Well..." she made a small slice on the girl's cheek.

Shuriki turned away, handing the blood specked knife to Esteban. "Till next time" she smirked.

Paloma stiffened and walked backwards out the door.

It wasn't until much later in the day when Shuriki was having her daily routine of looking at herself, and Esteban finished any miscllaneous duties, he decided to pay a visit to the guild.

Esteban quietly knocked the office door of the Trade's Guild before he entered.

"Señora Mascarnes, I would like to discuss today's meeting with you." He entered to see Paloma frantically looking through papers, almost on the verge of tears. Her cheek faintly red from the scar. The room was a mess with piles of paper, boxes of trinkets and unorganized seats of furniture compared to the tidiness of the warehouse.

She jumped up with a start, "What? Has she changed her mind? Are you..Are you going to kill me?"

"No" Esteban held up his hands, showing his lack of weaponry.

"I just wanted to know what happened? Your father was very good at his job, I thought he would have taught you the same skills. You have been for the last 4 years."

"Yes" Paloma muttered in agreement, her head down in reverence. Esteban remembered he was in his official uniform of a Chancellor. He sometimes forgot that in the few times he walked in Avalor. He was so used to being in the town, but now everyone looked at him differently due to his position. As Shuriki's right hand man.

"Well? What made you make the deal?"

Paloma slowly looked up at him, "I..I did think it was a good contract. I mean we didn't get as much money but the imports would have been very useful for Avalorian resources and workers so I signed. I really wasn't trying to do anything against Shuriki."

"Isn't there a way you could have gotten more money from it?"

"I'm sure there was." Paloma nodded. "And you didn't?"

"I don't know how." Paloma admitted, "She's right. I don't know what I'm doing. I mean, you see, I was suppose to be in training for 3 more years. Then gradually take over the job. I was suppose to be Master at 30, not now! And..and I can't find anything around here. The guards ransacked my house and the office. They took all my father's belongings. I can't find any contracts, I can't find his will. I couldn't ask for help because all the other officials would love to see me fail and take my position."

Esteban pitied the girl in front of him. Truly she did look younger than she was right then. Vulnerable, scared.

"I have a solution for that though." He said, "I have some experience in financial matters since being in Shuriki's court." He pulled out a fan he had Ben hiding in his inner coat pocket. He had plucked most of the jewels from it's cover so it showed its actual light blue design of flowers rather than the bejeweled design of a rose. "This, you can use to cover your scar if you wish."

He picked out a small pile of rubies buried within the pocket as well. "And this you can use as bribes when you need to."

"Bribes?" Paloma stared at him dubiously.

"Money makes the world go round. And with Shuriki in control, I really don't think we could afford to have too much of a moral compass. Believe me." Esteban thought to when he let Victor get banished. To allowing his family to be trapped in a painting and an amulet respectively. Letting Shuriki kill the king and queen as he stood by meekly.

Paloma looked at him to continue. "I don't know how far along you got to in training but right now as Master of the Guild, what matters is that you make money. That way we can keep Avalor prosperous and keep everyone in standard comfort than poverty."

"Yes" Paloma leaned forward eagerly, greatful that someone was giving her advice.

"We need more taxes. Just for a little bit. Put a price on everything. At this time, everyone wants to decorate to have some cheer in their house. So they are more than willing to pay in decorations, candles, food. But what else, we need a bigger revenue, more of a reason to buy this stuff. So that is why we need to organize sales, competitions. In which you must play the people off one another."

Paloma nodded, calculating the numbers in her head, "A harvesting contest would be good. You need to hire workers to plow and of course, materials which could cost extra since they have to be built.." Paloma continued happily, employing more people was necessary. "That's it" Esteban encouraged

"Good, really good. Everyone is dismissed." Shuriki called to the officials, waving them out the door, "Ah Paloma, you look less whorish. But still quiet vulgar for my court. A slut among nobles." Shuriki smiled at her.

Esteban resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Paloma had been dressing less "slutty” lately. Her dresses covered her shoulders, and any other skin that could be shown, from her ankles to her collarbone. An hour later as they were walking to the docks for a impromptu meeting with sailors, Paloma asked him.

"Esteban, what is it? Do I really look like a prostitute?"

"You never looked like a prostitute. Her Grace, is just...Her Grace. Look, you're young and she isn't, that's all."

"There is a part of Shuriki that is insecure of her looks?" Paloma said dubiously with a look of disbelief.

"Yeah that's probably not it." Esteban admitted, "But if you want to make her stop trying copying her dress. Put your hair up like a married women. Fancier jewelry, I'm sure you could get it."

"So like real jewels instead of plain smith shop work. But what about the blacksmith? He needs the money I pay him for his work..." Esteban gave her a look.

"Right, no moral compasses here. I forgot." She fingered her gold tinted chain that had PXPM carved into the stone in the middle.

"You use your mother's maiden name?" Esteban asked pointing to it. "Oh no, I have two middle names actually." Paloma said, "My parents wanted to name me Paloma Prospera Mascarnes but then my mom died so my father wanted to name me Xiomara after her as well." "How?" Esteban asked softly. He never knew his parents, no matter how much he begged Francisco and Luisa and his aunt and uncle to tell him, he never got the answer. He sometimes would dream of the day they would return from some long journey and come to him and they would spend the days like a family, and he could say "My Mom and Dad" instead of "My Abuelo and Abuela."

"I came three weeks early and there were complications...and my mom's body couldn't.." she took a pause to recollect herself "She died almost half an hour after I was born. I wasn't suppose to live either. I was all small and pale, like a paloma. So..yeah."

"I used to wonder if that is what happened to my mom." Esteban whispered, "But death by childbirth is somewhat a normal occurrence so I thought Francisco and Luisa would tell me. I just wonder..”

Paloma put a hand on his shoulder, "I'm sure they didn't abandon you because it had anything to do with you. After all you were left with your grandparents and they are so..I mean were so kind."

"Well they would definitely abandon me now" Esteban thought to himself, "And my grandparents wouldn't be so kind if they knew what I had helped do."

Esteban mustered a small smile at the girl beside him and tried to push the thoughts away.

Months later, Esteban was walking down the royal palace when he saw Paloma walking ahead. Behind her a guard was obviously trying to look like he was walking casually behind her but Esteban could see him leering at the women's long skirt. Esteban shook his head in disgust. There was nothing to see! She wasn't doing anything and they all looked at her like some sort of sex toy.

Esteban quickly strode up, and shoved past the guard. "Señora Mascarnes, I must have a word isn't you in my study. Right now." He whisked her off to his study and firmly closed the door. "I don't like that man." He growled.

"Why Esteba," Paloma smirked with a mocking tone, "Don't tell me you're jealous?"

"Jealous!" Esteban thought. No, he wasn't. Yes, he didn't like it when other men stared at her. But that only was because they were not gentlemen!

They all saw her as "the prostitute" the pretty girl who had nothing in her brain. He wished they could see what he did. Over the months he worked with her to keep Avalor, prosperous he saw her as educated, and sly and witty, and very well-cultured. She was fiercely protective and determined in doing her job as Magister of the Guild.

He never could have thought of the many ways to squeeze money out of people as she did. And how to outmaneuver the trade deals to Avalor's favor.

But jealous...no he wouldn't let himself. It was something he could never do. He couldn't afford to make that kind of liaison in Shurki's court, no matter the women.

"No" Esteban answered. He thought he saw her smile falter a little but dismissed it as his imagination.

"I was keeping your virtue" Esteban let the sentence speak for himself.

Paloma grew solemn, "Thank you, I appreciate it very much." "I think it's wrong. You are more than that. You are a valuable member in court."

"Thank you again." She blushed, then she straightened like she remembered something.

"I got you this." She pulled out a yellow handkerchief, "I never thanked you for the fan. I got it from Córdoba"

"It is very fine. Thank you for your gift..and your company." Esteban smiled

————————————————————————————————

"Did you not hear that Esteban!" Paloma beamed pulling him into her office, "She didn't say anything about my appearance. She didn't call me a prostitute! I'm finally doing something right!"

Esteban tried to match her feelings but felt like he couldn't. He didn't like Paloma's appearance. It was too..it was like Shuriki's. Formal, somewhat regal but didn't hold a candle to the colors and vibrancy of Avalorian dress. Her long brown hair had been pulled into a bun mimicking how Shuriki wouldn't let one thing out of place. Large, heavy-looking emeralds laid at her neck. A hat with an absurd feather poking out, just announcing her presence. No, it wasn't...

"She didn't call you anything." he pointed out.

"That's music to my ears." She smiled, "This is just the beginning. She'll have to start calling me something. An actual title like yours. Señora or Doña."

"I don't like this." Esteban blurted out. "What?"

"I don't like this" Esteban gestured to her body "It's not you. Neither is this title thing."

"Excuse me. Do I not deserve a title? After all I have done. I have brought more money the past two years than my father has ever done in his two."

"Yes, yes. That is good. But this sucking up to Shuriki." "And you don't?" Paloma argued.

"I have to!" Esteban amended vehemently, "I'm her right hand. I'm the one doing all the royal duties here. If I'm gone, Shuriki would neglect it and let some poor, unefficant soul run Avalor to the ground. I am helping Avalor."

"I'm helping Avalor too!" Paloma retorted "I'm the one that is keeping the economy going, keeping jobs for the people. I'm not letting the other countries take advantage of us."

"You are making the people buy buy buy to run the economy. You tax the lower villages too much." Esteban said.

"What I'm doing is helping them in the long run. Yes, they have to pay taxes but those taxes provide them with food and shelter. You can't get things if you don't give a little." Paloma crossed her arms.

"But you are using some of the inventory to buy that." He pointed to her necklace.

"Just this." Paloma hissed "For my own sake. Do you know how hard it is to be taken seriously when you're called a prostitute by the queen? She calls me that in public everyday in front of officials, in front of guests! Do you know how many have treated me like one. Seven offered to pay for my services. Three didn't even bother with the pretense of paying they just tried to force.." Paloma took a shuddery breath before continuing, "I have to look like I'm a part of the court to do my job, Esteban. I have to suck up and do what Shuriki wants and get the amount of money she wants. I don't know why you think that is different from you. You are so close to her. You might as well helped her to.."

Esteban took a sharp intake of breath, "Because it doesn't matter that you look better now. You are still a lower person even you don't look the part. You only made it because I helped you. You wouldn't make it at all."

"I would." Paloma's eyes flashed with fury "I know just as much. Even more than you."

"I'm the royal here." Esteban said coldly.

"You've been overthrown." Paloma answered icily "I can make it just fine without you. So get out of my office."

Esteban hesitated but with a defiant glare he left. He was the one in the right. He wasn't turning to Shuriki's pet. Right...

So from then on, I imagined it developed into the rivalry they have in the present. Who is the one who knows court life/formalities more? Who is the one who could always come out on top. I also imagine Shuriki could see their tension and helped to pit them against each other so there is that as well.

[talesofealdancynedom]

Feon Seabryd in fairy robes, with storm staph.

Tale 19: Meriam Craweleoth: Mage Queen of The Grand West (chapter 4.1 -  Time Stands Still: Feon 4/10) part 4. Stories of Old

Maps

none

In spring, Meriam received a letter from the Northlands. The lord of Isfisceard, caught word of Meriam and her men wandering in and out of Celticia, to speak with Helrem in Algonquia. With Francia being hostile towards all three lands, Meriam had trespassed into Celticia to avoid death. However, The Northlands of Celticia had tightened its boarders, and was sending rangers and setting up outposts; The land was strained from battles from both Algonquia and Francia. The lord requested Meriam’s presence, to deal with a specific matter, in exchange for alliance with Anglia. Meriam was eager to accept, and make another ally at Francia’s boarders; and not get punished for trespassing. The courts would not let her leave however. They had a matter of special importance for her as well. Meriam was carrying their only heir to the throne, after Eatheltwein, making her even more valuable. They had forgotten Meriam didn’t take kindly to being treated like a fragile tool. She was being a royal brood mare for them against her wishes, and they still weren’t satisfied. Meriam left with her five loyal men, a doctor, and the Celtician lord’s letter on her pillow for the king to find.

           Celticia was temperate and wet. It smelled of rain, and upon its odd rock formation and cliffs, was the hum of the soothing low pressure. The scent of the sea embraced them, as Meriam and her party approached the docks. Crossing up the north isles was the last leg of the journey. Meriam was pampered by everyone; to her appreciation and disgust. It almost tarnished the wondrous experience of the Northland kingdom. The island of Isfisceard, was radiant. It was strewn with storm wildings, rain nymphs, ridge back drakes, hydra, and more. The most intriguing and enchanting things, aside from the beaches, sea walls, ferns and sequoia, was the voices that welled up from the depths; Fish children. There are no mermaids, sirens or selkies in Anglia, but there are many in Celticia. For there are many mariners and fishers, of whom a sixth would gladly wed a questionable, thirsty, hungry, and irresistible, maidens of the sea. While Meriam’s men were bewitched by lust, Meriam was overcome with awe and wonder. As a seer, her heart was a flutter with all fey before her. Meriam, as a mage, was drawn to magic. Thus, it was more fascination than lust, that seduced her to get a closer look. Not that the Fish King’s children weren’t to Meriam’s liking as well. As they docked at their destination village, the captain said they were lucky Anglian folk don’t sing. Cheerful tunes tend to attract less lovely daughters from the deep.

           Eager for a proper sleep, Meriam went directly to the lord’s house. But he would not let her rest; he held both her hands and bowed.

“Greeting Mage Queen Meriam. I am honoured you have accepted my invitation. I can tell you are weary, but a lady as precious and fine as you, needs to be kept safe; your men will remain with me, while you retire with Lady Feon Seabryd.” The lord smiled. His accent was both chipper and confusing. Like a thick Irish dialect. Meriam stepped back; what threat would be anticipated that would require her to sleep in a lighthouse, while her trusted knights became drunk lustful decoys.

“I am here to settle my debt, and forge alliances. Tell me your bargain; I am most short these days.” Meriam snapped. Then the lord, still bowing, noticed she was with child, and looked up at her grimace. The lord shivered in fear. Her khol, drawn like a hawk’s face, emphasizing her yellow eyes.

“My apologies your majesty. Let us make haste in signing the papers. You and your men must hear why I am so desperate to protect you, and improve our lands relations.” He said, leading them into a circular hall decorated in tapestries of fish fey and knots. The greens, teal, blues and bronzes complimenting the elaborately carved wooden stools and table.

“Sit, sit.” The lord prompted. Meriam’s men looked calmer then usual; they could handle a court room, after riding dragons. Magic, and their queen’s missions to make peace, was no longer confusing or dramatic.

“Alright, were all settled down now. So, what I need from this alliance, is an army to help this town. A messenger came from the east with a warning: In one season’s time, we will have the army of the Far North at our wall. Meanwhile, Francia is stalled by our land’s rangers and fey. Algonquia is slowly advancing, and occupying Celticia; We are weak. They come to finish their take over, by coming to Isfisceard for our lands only mage; the aforementioned Lady Feon. She sing’s storms and spells, and keeps balance between us and the magic of the sea. Each kingdom has a mage these days, and killing each other’s mages seems to be a common political strategy.” The lord explained.

“You want an army to protect your nations mage?” a knight asked.

“Aye. She is a kind charmer, with four beautiful children. Isfisceard would not be the same without her. But more then her death, I fear the mages of Algonquia. For the reason they are immune to our soldiers and fey, is because their prince and princess, the nephew and niece of the king, are both mages. Edmond Monabellen: The Wolf Prince of The North. He has walked through arrows, and cut cities in half. Him and his siter can control fey in battle, and their men and women are fearless in war. He is a paladin clad in violet and gold, with the eyes of a wolf, and riding his bear familiar. His sister, Luthid Geagwulf, is a witch that works from the camps, to manipulate the battle field. Their army has yet to lose a warrior. If they come for Feon, they will kill all of Celticia’s remaining armies, and take us before Francia does.” The Lord rambled. “I hear your power over time is great Meriam Craweleoth; between you and your kingdoms cavalry, I believe prince Edmond can be stopped. The Northland’s may be in your favour against Francia, if their wolf prince is defeated.” He concluded.

Meriam absorbed the information. Helrem had said nothing about the paladin prince in the Algonquian courts. Wolf kingdom mages, who could be advocating for magic, were being used like pawns in war. This is not how magic is supposed to be used. Their king is a coward for sending his only heir into battle, and a disappointment for abusing magic. Or worse, Edmond and Luthid were skirting their natures out of familial or patriotic obligation, and were in so deep, they can not escape war, despite their better judgment. If Meriam could resolve this, everyone would win.

“I agree to your terms. We will see who is willing to come to your aid by mid harvest. Hopefully my magic will prevent us from being tardy. May I rest now? Lord of Isfisceard?” Meriam said, signing the papers.

“Yes, you may; Feon will be waiting by the beach. There is a white stone of quartz she likes to sing from. Can’t miss it.”

           Merriam approached the fogged bay, that echoed of song, along with a closer voice. Upon a random tall stone of white quarts, was a freckled woman in teal fish kingdom fairy robes, holding a wooden staff set with a large emerald. Her long hair was red as blood, and her eyes like blue pine. She sang sweetly into the water, and its flat surface sang back. Her colours were unnatural; as if changed by magic from her going dark from tragedy. She looked like she was having so much fun, that she didn’t notice Merriam watching.

“Are you Feon Seabryd? I am Queen Meriam of Anglia; your lord said I was to stay with you and your family for safety.” Meriam said.

“Aye. Wait till you meet my family-” Feon said, gazing at Meriam. She looked like a ghost dressed in her black feather and crushed velvet fairy robes. “You’re going to have a baby! That’s so exciting! I know just the way to treat you; as a mother myself!” Feon chimed. She took Meriam’s hand and gently led her to a house at the bottom of a light tower, that was carved into the sea wall of the bay.

“I hate children. I don’t want to have a baby; that could kill a woman.”

“I love my children! All four of them! They were a pain, but they are like precious jewels. I smile everyday when I see them. Speaking of children, I have a son who is also a mage, though he don’t know it yet. Lyra is his name; a charmer just like me. Possibly even a storm breaker like me too! I have many notes about mages, and magic workings. You are a seer, right? Maybe reading or copying them would be restful for you?” Feon suggested. With magic on the table, Merriam was warming up to the idea of being in a peasant’s bungalow, surrounded by wild children. The only child she ever liked was Eatheltwein; and she was not responsible for his care.

           In the cabin, Feon had her children bring her and Meriam food to study. Feon was excited to pick the brain of a seer, and Meriam was happy to finally be sitting. Feon had many books and journals in her room; it was crowded in a hurricane of organized chaos, around the two beds she shared with her husband and children. Meriam was brought back to her childhood in Francia, sharing a bed with her friend Felin.

“What type of mage are you?” Feon asked, placing a teal leather journal on the table. “For example, I am a Storm breaker; we summon and control weather when magic moves through us, from being really happy. But if we don’t have a storm staph, we will lose control and go gray dark; causing natural disasters. I got my storm staph sent to me from a warlock in Sinonia, of the Grand East, who is also a storm breaker. In fact, the lad sent me many, requesting I place them in the Fish Kingdom in the shadow veil, because The Fish Gate is down the cliff of the lighthouse…” Feon said, handing the journal to Meriam and showing off her wood and emerald staph. Meriam examined it carefully, it was wonderfully crafted. She wondered how the parcel arrived through Francia, and then recalled that they took postage seriously there; you could mail one hundred mice to a foreign land and no one would stop you. A good package, is a delivered package. Feon knocked on the table Infront of Meriam to get her attention.

“Oh sorry, you reminded me of something… I guess I’m a Memoirium de Morte; a mage who can manipulate time. I didn’t realize we had types.” Meriam laughed, melting into the reclined chair covered in plaids.

“Do share! I want to complete that teal compodium, with details about all the mages for our ancestors!”

“Why do you write texts instead of poetry? I thought you were a charmer?”

“I am. But I am also a mother and avid hobbyist. Oh, thank you Lyra” Feon said, taking the kettle and pouring tea. An older boy with ginger hair and green eyes brought it. His long-curled hair was twisted in various strands and weaved into a knot; and he seemed to almost glow with joy while he hummed.

“Ah, one of your children. The Lyra of which you mentioned…” Meriam said.

“Aye, your majesty. I hope you enjoy the tea!” Lyra bowed before dashing off. Meriam gave a cough and returned her attention to Feon.

“You hate children? Why?”

“Hate is a strong word. I prefer the phrase: ‘I am opposed to.’ As too why, maybe it’s I don’t want a dependant human to keep me away from my adventures, or worry me. Or perhaps I don’t wish to put my life at risk to appease a court of men. The reason is irrelevant, and it is no one’s business what I choose to do with my life and body.” Meriam snarled, tossing back the staph. “Give me some of your journals to copy for my records, and tell me what you want to know about my abilities; or more why I don’t just use them to resurrect people or manipulate their memories.”

“I’m sorry. Just don’t understand is all. But as for your special magic, the question in these times isn’t why you don’t use your powers, but why Anglia doesn’t make you.” Feon said.

NEXT--->

<---PREVIOUS

[captain-k-jones]

Top 10 Ships

I have been wanted to do a post like this for the 2019 decade thing or Valentines day -- but I have been super lazy recovering from surgery. I guess late is better than never, right?!?!

1. Kastle: Frank Castle/Karen Page - The Punisher/Daredevil

What can I say about these two that has not already been said?! I remember how much I loved Matt Murdock in DD1. I raved about the show for months. Then DD2 happened and from the moment Frank Castle stepped into that hospital I was a goner. Then, Karen Page shoved a photo in his face and down the rabbit whole I went. This ship took over my life and still has not let go. I will die loving these two. The are one of those ships that will last a lifetime. Lets hope Disney/Marvel comes to their senses and puts the show on Hulu ASAP.

2. Bangel: Buffy Summers/Angel - Buffy the Vampire Slayer/Angel

These two were my first ship, ever. They will always be special to me -- even if they are not my top ship anymore. I recently started rewatching BtVS with my daughter for the first time and these two still make my heart melt. 

3. Captain Swan: Emma Swan/Killian Jones - Once Upon a Time

The ship that got me writing again. These two hit me like a hurricane. I had been silent in fandom for years, just lurking really. These two inspired me to make a blog and start writing. Because of these two I made lifelong friends who, even though we don’t speak as much anymore, I know will always be there. 

4. Gannibyl: Gannicus/Sibyl - Spartacus (Starz)

From a little known -- but amazing -- show called Spartacus on Starz. This ship didn’t happen until the last season but it was so nice to see my favorite character so settled despite the war raging around them. 

5. Charles Vane/Eleanor Guthrie - Black Sails

I loved these two so much. He would have given up everything for her and, in a way he did. From the moment he told Max he did want to know how to forget her, I was hooked. 

6. PB&J: Pam/Jim Halpert - The Office

I mean, do I really have to say anything about these two?!?! From the moment I started watching The Office it was Pam/Jim, it was always Pam/Jim.

7. Pepperony: Pepper/Tony Stark - MCU

I don’t normally ship so hardcore in movies but, I mean, it was Tony and Pepper. When you love Tony Stark/Ironman as much as I do, you love the woman that takes care of him.

8. SethKate: Kate Fuller/Seth Gecko

These two were so unexpected. I loved the From Dusk till Dawn movie series and when I found out there was a show, I immediately searched it out to watch it. The chemistry between these two was off the charts in season 1, then season 2 happened and I was hooked. Enemies to friends to love(ers) will always be one of my favorite tropes and these two played that trope to the tee!

9. Polar: Michael Guerin/Liz Parker - (The Original) Roswell

I remember watching Roswell back in the day. As with 99% of the audience, I shipped the canon couples for the first season. But, as the show went on, I got so annoyed with how Max treated Liz (who was my favorite female character)  and how Maria treated Michael (who was my favorite male character). By the end of season 2, I’d jumped ship on both of those ships and found I wanted Michael and Liz to get together. Even though it never happened in the show... I still ship these two something fierce. 

10. Sam and Dean Winchester (non-romantically) - Supernatural

I love these two brothers, they are the reason I still watch this show. The lengths they will go for each others is part unhealthy and part #siblinggoals. When this show ends this year, I will be left with a void that I don’t know how I will fill it. 

[thetvmoviefan]

Nabrina FanFics Part 7 (Friday 13th Update)

Sabrina Spellman & Nicholas Scratch (Nick Scratch) FanFics MASTERLIST

Updated: December 13, 2019 (12/13/2019) also Friday 13th

FINALLY!! We got the release date for Part 3 of CAOS and it’s going to come on January 24, 2020!! While Netflix still has yet to release a official trailer even though today (12/13) was good to release it, thought it would be a good day to release a newly updated list of Current and NEW Nabrina FanFictions for anyone waiting for our favorite Power Couple Sabrina Spellman and Nicholas Scrath to come back. So If you’re in need a Nabrina fix or a general CAOS fix here’s a lst of fics that are worth the reads and re-reads till Part 3 comes out.

As always have a Wicked or Hell-ish time with these fics and ENJOY!!!

Fics in Order by Last Update 12/13/2019

[Key: AU=Alternate Universe - AH=All Human - * = New Fic to List]

1. “Just a Little Obsessed”*

Author: eyerys

Summary: Nicholas has developed a tinie-tiny crush on Sabrina. Nothing like major or whatever. It's not like he thinks about her all the time or daydreams about what it would be like to be with her or how cool she is. No, not at all.Sabrina doesn't have a crush on Nick. No, not at all. Uh-uh. She has Harvey. Sweet and loving Harvey Kinkle. But for some reason, she can't help but find her mind wandering. Rated Teen - Chapters 1/1 - Last Update 12/13/2019

2. “Lessons in the Unseen”

Author: bunivy

Summary: Academy Teachers AU. Sabrina Spellman lives as simple a life as a half-mortal half-witch can. Despite her dislike for the headmaster, she enjoys spending her time teaching Ritual Magic at the Academy of Unseen Arts, hoping to positively shape the minds of young witches and warlocks. However, with the sudden dreadful announcement of her aunt Zelda's engagement and the appearance of one mysterious - and strikingly handsome - Nicholas Scratch, Sabrina finds that her life is not so simple anymore. Or all that safe. AU - Rated Mature - Chapters 31/? - Last Update 12/12/2019

3. “Off The Record - One Shots”*

Author: sarahkwut

Summary: Missing scenes from my completed piece, 'Off The Record.'AU/AH - Not Rated - Chapters 3/? - Last Update 12/12/2019

4. “Ocean”*

Author: sarahkwut

Summary: AU, M-Rated. Nicholas Scratch has everything working in his favor. He's got a decent job as a history teacher, his roommate Melvin is always up for video games and getting high, and Sabrina Spellman lets him mess up her sheets frequently. Sabrina knows Nick isn't good for her, but she can't stay away, no matter how hard it is to pretend she's completely okay with their casual arrangement. But when life takes an unexpected curve, Nick is forced to face a new normal he doesn't know how to navigate. And Sabrina may or may not be there to help him through it. AU/AH - Rated Mature - Chapters 8/? - Last Update 12/09/2019

5. “I knew you were trouble”*

Author: Miss_Kath90

Summary: Sabrina didn’t know that being away from home for the first time could be so hard.Away from her aunts, friends and her-lifelong-boyfriend, Sabrina have to deal with the nostalgia but also with the new challenges College's life mean: get used to share a room with a not-so-nice roommate, put up with long hours of study and very few of sleep, learn to live from pre-cooked meals instead of her aunt Hilda’s homemade ones, find balance between her studies and her new social life… And resist the temptation a certain Nicholas Scratch mean for her. AU/AH - Rated Mature - Chapters 4/? - Last Update 12/07/2019

6. “As The Moon Rises”*

Author: venzaren

Summary: Sabrina Spellman is tired.Tired of living a double life. Tired of facing discrimination at the hands of her pack. Tired of dealing with her status as an Omega. And most of all, she's tired of people hounding her about finding her mate.Then Nick Scratch returns to Greendale. AU - Rated General - Chapters 1/? - Last Update 12/07/2019

7. “Thirteen Memories”

Author: tempestbreak

Summary: (Set at the end of Season 2) Sabrina and her friends go to Hell and rescue Nick -- but what happens when that's the easy part?It turns out, having the Dark Lord inside your mind for months can do some damage, and Nick comes back different. His memories of the events leading up to his sacrifice, including his relationship with Sabrina, are gone. How can Sabrina help him regain his memories of their time together when she's not even sure she trusts her own? Rated Mature - Chapters 6/? - Last Update 11/02/2019

8. “But The Greatest Is Love” 

Author: sarahkwut

Summary: The acheron captured Lucifer Morningstar, but their problems are far from over. The coven is decimated, the Church of Night is no more, Father Blackwood is on the run, and Nick and Sabrina's relationship is in ruins. How do they pick up the pieces and move on? There are more questions than answers and the consequences could be of biblical proportions. Rated Mature - Chapters 25/25 - COMPLETED 10/28/2019

9. ”Ground Beneath Her Feet”

Author: mindlesshappy

Summary: Sabrina is born out of a miracle - one that she wishes would repeat for her, but when she is destined for someone else, how much can she resist before her heart decides to give in. Alternatively, Nick is Sabrina's soulmate, but she really just wants Harvey to be it. Also, in the backseat are all the other possible ships, getting their own soulmate glories. Rated Teen - Chapters 15/? - Last Update 10/22/2019

10. “Back to You”

Author: nadiaselite

Summary: Sabrina brings Nick back from hell. Rated Teen - Chapters 1/1 - Last Update 10/11/2019

11. “The Open Road”

Author: paradiamond

Summary: Nick wants her back, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes. In fact, he insists on it. Rated Teen - Chapters 1/1 - Last Update 9/22/2019

12. “The words “I love you” aren’t enough”*

Author: Miss_Kath90

Summary: “Look at me, Nick” he was reluctant but when he finally looked up she took his face in her hands making him unable to look away “What you did that day… Nick, you sacrificed yourself for my sake, even when I mistreated you and told you all those horrible things. You did it for me, because you love me… Don’t you see? You’re incapable of being evil.”Or... Sabrina gets her boyfriend back but things don’t go as smoothly as she thinks they will. Rated Mature - Chapters 1/1 - Last Update 9/22/2019

13. “Be True to Your School”

Author: rayo aka @its-nabrina-bitch​

Summary: Nicholas Scratch is the Golden Boy™ of Baxter High; star athlete, top of his class academically, and devastatingly handsome. Sabrina Spellman sees Sophomore year as an opportunity to expand her horizons; joining the cheerleading squad, running for student council, and making new friends along the way while working to maintain her relationships with her old friends. What Sabrina Spellman doesn't know: sophomore year is about to turn her world upside-down. AU - Rated General - Chapters 4/? - Last Update 9/12/2019

14. “Mission: Let’s get my boyfriend back”

Author: My_Evak_Heart

Summary: Sabrina and the Fright Club ventures on their first mission: getting Nick back from Hell Not Rated - Chapters 1/1 - Last Update 9/7/2019

15. “Jealousy is a killer”

Author: Melissa1226

Summary: Will Sabrina and Nick Start something new? and who is watching them from the shadow full of jealousy? Rated Mature - Chapters 8/? - Last Update 8/28/2019

16. “The Institute for Divine Craft”

Author: rayo aka @its-nabrina-bitch​

Summary: After a humiliating spat with Father Blackwood pushes Sabrina away from her witching life and the Academy, Madam Satan crafts an alternative solution to move Sabrina Spellman further down the path of night. Ultimately leading her to the Institute for the Divine Craft. A handsome Headmaster with mysterious ties to her father, convinces Sabrina to abandon her mortal life, and cultivate her abilities as a child of the Church of Lucifer. AU - Rated Mature - Chapters 16/? - Last Update 8/21/2019

17. “The Jock”

Author: mikaila_ealum

Summary: An Alternate Universe where Nicholas Scratch is Baxter High’s quarterback along with one of the most popular boys at school. With few knowing the truth, Scratch is living a double life as a warlock at the Academy of Unseen Arts. Sabrina takes a hiatus from the Academy to get more in touch with her mortal side. When Sabrina gets back she becomes partners with Nicholas for a project in theatre class. AU - Chapters 8/? - Last Update 8/07/2019

18. “act 5, scene 2 (thou and i are too wise to woo peaceably)”

Author: ghostemo aka @wickedscratch​

Summary: When Sabrina Spellman rose to a challenge issued by Prudence Night, she never imagined she’d actually make the varsity cheer squad - or that doing so would upend life as she knew it. Now she has to navigate her new role within the social hierarchy of hell -er Baxter High as well as trying to get her boyfriend to actually communicate. It certainly doesn’t help that she’s been paired up with the annoyingly handsome Nicholas Scratch, captain of Greendale’s beloved football team, for a project in her theater class. It’s exactly as, if not more so, cliche as it sounds. AU/AH - Rated Teen - Chapters 3/? - 7/25/2019

19. “Off the Record”

Author: sarahkwut

Summary: AU. Detective Nicholas Scratch left New York for Greendale in desperate need of a change of scenery. The small town takes some getting used to, but local reporter Sabrina Spellman quickly grabs his attention. It's the fresh start he needed until Greendale's residents start turning up dead. With a murderer on the loose, no one is innocent - and anyone might be next. AU/AH - Rated Mature - Chapters 29/29 - COMPLETED 7/22/2019

20. “Bring You Close To Me”

Author: BridgetMcKennitt

Summary: Sabrina and her friends managed to bring Nicholas back from Hell. There was a lot the two of them needed to discuss, but tonight, they had this. Rated E Mature - Chapters 1/1 - One Shot - Last Update 7/13/2019

21. “A Brief Moment”

Author: bunivy

Summary: Ever since he's returned from Hell, Nicholas Scratch has been having nightmares. With help from Aunt Hilda, Sabrina unknowingly shows him a light and for a moment, Nicholas knows everything will be okay. Rated General - Chapters 1/1 - One Shot - Last Update 6/24/2019

22. “To Hell and Back”

Author: swtnerdgirl

Summary: A year has passed since Sabrina and her friends rescued Nick from Hell. No one came back the same. They all had their scars. Some emotionally. Some physically. In the days leading to Hilda's wedding, they all prepare for their lives to change and heal their wounds. Rated Mature - Chapters 16/? - Last Update 6/06/2019

23. “Dead Witch Walking”

Author: rayo aka @its-nabrina-bitch​

Summary: Faced with the possibility of being harrowed to death by her classmates, Sabrina finds an escape. Rated E Mature - Chapters 1/1 - One Shot - Last Update 5/26/2019

24. “Moonlight Beneath Rough Lips”

Author: ivylikeveins

Summary: After the encounter with the thirteen witches of Greendale, Sabrina enters the dining hall with moonlight locks bathed in soft blue hues, and Nick does not know what to do. He ends up with a soft and small Sabrina pressed into his chest, sleeping, and wrapped around his very much over-sized jacket with Nick's lips pressed into the soft, pearly strands he wants his soul to get entangled within. Rated Mature - Chapters 1/1 - One Shot - Last Update 5/19/2019

25. “The Hunt”

Author: OnlyInAutumn

Summary: Nick howled into the night, up at the stars to signify that he was ready on the eve of Lupercalia, the darkness of midnight around them. The first sound of the horn sent them into the forest. The hunt had begun. Rated E Mature - Chapters 1/1 - One Shot - Last Update 5/11/2019

26. “Secrets, Secrets are no Fun”

Author: filmharlot

Summary: Sabrina is the new kid for the first time in her life. Choosing to go to the Academy full-time seems to be a hard transition than she was expecting. With the Weird Sisters harassment at an all-time high, dealing with leaving her mortal friend's and condescending teachers, Sabrina is suffering. She's not even allowed to have Salem for comfort. It's not all bad though. She is finally free to do magic whenever she wants, and there's a charming warlock who is being particularly nice to her. Plus, someone is leaving kind gifts on her bed at the end of the night. She just wishes she knew who it was. Not Rated - Chapters 1/? - Last Update 5/06/2019

27. “My only love sprung from my only hate”

Author: filmharlot

Summary: High School AU where Nick is based on the version of him that Sabrina creates in her dream during the Batibat episode. Harvey and Sabrina have broken up and don't want to work together on the Romeo and Juliet assignment in Drama class, so she ends up being partners with Nick AU - Not Rated - Chapters 7/? - Last Update 5/04/2019

28. “Unsettled Nighttime Creatures”

Author: mindlesshappy

Summary: We all know Sabrina is going to save Nick. This is how Nick reacts to being saved - which, spoilers alert - is like a very stupid warlock. Rated Teen - Chapters 5/5 - Completed 4/25/2019

29. “Selfless”

Author: sarahwut

Summary: Sabrina Spellman dragged Nicholas Scratch back from Hell. But Hell might be better than a world in which they aren't together. Rated General - Chapters 1/1 - One Shot - Completed 4/23/2019

30. “Homecoming”

Author: cherrystems

Summary: After several months Sabrina is able to get Nick back from Hell with the help of her family and friends. However, Nick has to adjust to Earth again while dealing with PTSD and anxiety. This tells the story of the growth of Sabrina and Nick's relationship over the recovery time. Not Rated - Chapters 3/? - Last Update 4/20/2019

31. “Under Your Spell”

Author: londonmarie

Summary: Sabrina doesn't hesitate to have her Dark Baptism and things go differently. Rated Teen - Chapters 10/? - Last Update 4/18/2019

32. “Photographs”

Author: Greyowl9831

Summary: It's been at least 150 years since Sabrina signed her name in the Book of the Beast. One day she finds an old photo album. Will the memories it contains be a great walk down memory lane or will it be more than she can bare? Not Rated - Chapters 4/? - Last Update 4/14/2019

33. “An itch That Needed Scratching”

Author: umbrellacorp

Summary: What if Nick slayed his familiar and Sabrina and Nick got to experience the last night of the Lupercalia festival alone. Tonight, Sabrina would be transformed. Nick was going to show her power that she never knew she had, an innate carnal power. They were about to become the most powerful union of the Church of Night. Rated E Mature - Chapters 1/1 - One Shot - Last Update 4/13/2019

34. “and I keep waiting (but I won’t say I’m waiting)”

Author: lost_n_stereo @lost-n-stereo​

Summary: You would think that it would hurt less as the days go by, since it’s been nearly two years since Nick sacrificed himself for the greater good and Lilith took him to hell. Except, he didn’t sacrifice himself for the greater good, he sacrificed himself for her. And that makes it a hell of a lot tougher to let go. Rated General - Chapters 1/1 - One Shot - Last Update 4/10/2019

35. “The Four Pictures”

Author: Copper_16

Summary: It’s been 10 years. Nick and Sabrina are teachers at the Academy along with some familiar faces. It’s been a decade there can’t be that much chaos anymore, right? Wrong. Rated Teen - Chapters 3/? - Last Update 4/09/2019

36. “Fire”

Author: OnlyInAutumn

Summary: Their power—together—was overwhelming. It was something that she had not felt either, the consuming feeling of expanding power. It was entirely addicting. Rated Mature - Chapters 2/2 - Completed 3/24/2019

37. “something I can believe”

Author: Anry

Summary: Missing scene after Sabrina's baptism. I wouldn't say that it's really a relationship here, just conversation. Rated General - Chapters 1/1 - One Shot - Last Update 1/25/2019

AND THERE YOU GO AGAIN!!!

Everyone please make sure to leave love through the comments and giving kudos to all these amazing writers who have worked so hard on giving on Nabrina fics, because of course without them the wait for Part 3 would be so much harder. 

But honestly these writers work so hard on these stories they truly deserve the encouragement and love for the hard work in writing they do. Giving a simple “I love the chapter, can’t wait for more” will keep them going.

So make sure to say how much you love their writing or even what you liked about the story/chapter or just by passing their stories to other fellow Nabrina Shippers or just CAOS fans. 

If anyone has any other suggestions for the list feel free to message me anytime :).

Again! ENJOY

[new-to-this123]

River Love

As Per Requested

could you please do a imagine where the reader and Bryce have been best friends since they were little and the reader sees Bryce in the river and saves him? maybe they end up dating at the end or something? thank you :)

Bryce Walker X Reader 

Warning: swearing, fluff, season 3 spoilers

Word Count: 1642

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

Text: 

Bryce: Hey after the game meet me at the pier

Y/N: ok. I miss you brycey!! 

Bryce: :) i miss you too. That's why I wanna see you. 

Y/N: ill be there :P 

Y/N was sitting in the crowd waiting to watch the Liberty/Hillcrest football game. It had been a very anticipated game, since this would be the first game all the boys from Liberty would play against their former captain and friend, bryce walker. 

Y/N had been friends with bryce since kindergarten and nothing could come between them. Y/N knew that Bryce had done some questionable things but Bryce had always been good to her. In freshman year, he even stopped a senior from raping her. 

Jessica and her HO buddies ran onto the field cheering “Hey hey ho ho Rape Culture has to go”, then Carter from HIllcrest grabbed her boobs and the riot started. All the boys from liberty and hillcrest were fighting each other. The coaches and the police tried to break the boys up. Y/N ran onto the sidelines trying to see if she could see Bryce. By then the police and staff had managed to break up the fighting and she decided to head to the parking lot. Bryce wasn't there either. 

Y/N drove down near the pier and parked. She never saw Bryce drive by nor did she see zach come and go. But she did notice ALex and Jessica drive by her. She got out her car and followed. She arrived at the pier and saw Bryce on the ground with alex in front of him and jessica not far behind. She tried to listen to their conversation but she was too far away and didn't want to get caught. She was slowly moving closer to the three when bryce's voice got louder and she heard 

“For fuck sake you guys. Please”  jessica and alex exchanged a few words that Y/N couldn't hear and JEssica walked away and Y/N heard Bryce say to alex

“Please, i don't want to die out here. Alex! Alex, please” and bryce's voice got quieter and Y/N couldn't hear but Alex walked towards him and helped him up. As he helped Bryce up, Bryce screamed in pain, causing Y/N to start crying quietly. Suddenly bryce was yelling again. 

“FUUCK! Fucking Zach! Im gonna fuck up his other knee and wreck his fucking life” 

Alex answered “you're not going to do anything to zach.” 

“Im gonna fucking destroy him” bryce yelled in pain. Then he looked at jessica and said angrily 

“You! You set me up” 

Alex yelled back “ She did not set you up” to which bryce yelled back 

“She fucking set me up!” 

Y/N stood up from where she was and saw bryce and alex stumbling around. When they stopped alex said something to bryce and started pushing him over the edge of the pier. Bryce tried to fight back but with his legs broken he couldn't do much. As Alex pushed Bryce over the edge Y/N ran up to Alex and jessica, looked at alex and yelled 

“WHAT THE FUCK ALEX”  before jumping into the cold river after her best fried. 

Bryce couldn't keep his head above water with both his legs broken and was panicking. Y/N had a hard time reaching him because of his panicked state but when she did she swam  to shore with bryce in tow and called 911. 

The ambulance arrived and brought both teenagers to the hospital. Y/N was brought to a room and made to wait to be taken by police while bryce was rushed into surgery.

Once the sheriff arrived at the hospital they took Y/N to the station to be questioned. 

“Y/N please don't lie to us, i know you know what happened so tell me” officer standall told Y/N. 

“I told you I didn't see who it was, all i know is that alex and jessica got there and bryce was already beaten up, alex helped bryce up, bryce got defensive alex got mad and pushed him in the river, I jumped in to save him. I swear it's the truth.” 

“Alex pushed him in?” officer standall asked again. 

“Yes!” 

“OK you can go” officer standall told Y/N 

Y/N rushed back to the hospital, ran in and talked to the desk clerk in the emergency room. 

“My friend was brought in by ambulance all beat up and thrown into the river, i need to know if he's ok” 

“He’s still in surgery, you'll have to wait in the waiting room.” the clerk told Y/N. 

Y/N walked towards the waiting room and saw bryce's mom. 

“Oh Y/N the doctors told me that you saved him”

“Ya i jumped in after him and pulled him out. You know I never understood why they made waterproof phones till now” Y/N told Nora Walker with a half smile. 

Nora started crying and hugged Y/N and said 

“Thank you so much Y/N! Thank you! I know he's done bad things but i swear he's getting better. I know he's trying.” 

“He is getting better Nora. he's been doing so well!! He knows he messed up and he knows he needs help. And porter is really helping him!” 

Y/N and Nora sat in the waiting room for a few hours before the doctor came out. 

“Well i got some good news for you, he's going to be ok.  It's a good thing you were there to pull him out because he wouldn't have been able to save himself. He's got a severe concussion, a dislocated shoulder blade, and in both of his legs his tibia, fibula and patella are broken . With lots of patience and physiotherapy he’ll be able to walk again, and maybe even play sports again.” 

“I don't care about sports as long as he's ok.” Nora said crying happy tears

“Yes he’ll be alright. You guys can come see him if you want” the doctor said leading the way to bryce's room. 

As soon as Nora and Y/N walked into the room they started crying seeing bryce all bandaged up and with both legs in casts. About an hour of being in the room he was slowly waking up from the anesthesia. 

“Mom” bryce whispered 

“I'm here honey. And so is Y/N” Nora answered. 

“Y/N” bryce whispered. 

Y/N held onto his hand. Bryce patted the bed beside him, signinling Y/N to come lay beside him. 

“I'm so happy your ok brycey” Y/N said hugging bryce, tears falling down her eyes. 

Everyday day after school Y/N would go see bryce and on weekends she was there from morning till night time. She never left his side. 

It was saturday morning and Bryce had been in the hospital for two weeks now. Y/N was sitting in bryce's bed with him just talking and helping Y/N with some of her homework, when the physiotherapist walked in. 

“Good morning bryce. Good morning Y/N. How are we this morning?” she asked 

“Y/N is giving me my daily dose of gossip and were catching up on some school work.” bryce laughed 

“Alright well now it's time for me to give you your daily dose of arm physio” the physiotherapist laughed. 

Bryce had just recently started doing physio for his dislocated shoulder. The doctors had told him that he could take the sling off as of two weeks and that it would be 4-12 weeks before he was 100% better. His tibia, fibula and patella fracture would probably take another 6-8 months to heal completely. None of that stopped Y/N from being there everyday and being by Bryce's side to support his recovery. 

Three months in the hospital and Bryce was finally being released. He was wheelchair bound until his legs could support his weight. Y/N Drive to the hospital to pick up her best friend. 

"Y/N you're here!!" Bryce said as the nurse pushed him outside. 

"Of course I am silly" 

Bryce got into the car and Y/N Drive off. 

"So you remember what I told you about a month in to the hospital?" Bryce asked grabbing Y/N hand

Y/N smiled looked over at Bryce and replied 

"Of course I do! You told me you were taking me on a date the day you were released!" 

"Good you remembered!!" Bryce smiled " since I can't drive, I was hoping you wouldn't mind driving, maybe we can do Rosie's or Monet's or wherever you wanted?" Bryce said shyly.

"Is Bryce walker blushing?" Y/N laughed as she saw her best friend blushing.

"I choose Rosie's!" Y/N said driving towards Rosie's. 

Y/N parked and helped Bryce out of car and they sat at Rosie's. 

They enjoyed their night. They talked and reminisced about all the things they've done together and all the boys and girls they've dated over the years. 

By the time they left Rosie's it was almost 2 am. 

"I've missed the outside world so much" Bryce said to Y/N as she pushed his wheelchair outside. 

"Ya I'm happy I finally get you outside the hospital" 

Y/N helped Bryce into her car and drove him home. The whole car ride the teens held hands. As Y/N pulled up to Bryce's house Bryce looked over at the young girl and smiled. 

"You know Y/N, You're the most beautiful girl I've ever laid my eyes on. And, I really like you, actually I love you. Do you maybe want to be my girlfriend?" 

"Awwwe bryyyyyyce. I love you too!! And yes yes I do!" 

Y/N leaned over her the middle console in her car and kissed bryce.

[natsumi-no-hotaru]

Chihayafuru #40:  Perfect whiteness laid on Mount Fuji's lofty peak

AKA. So the verse in the episode’s title refers to the Fujisaki t-shirt? Lmao.

[Previously: In which Kana-chan and Tsutomu were totally kick-ass!]

I can’t believe it - it’s already the 40th episode of Chihayafuru!!! Obviously i’m still a long way from the end of season 2 and starting season 3, but still, the 40th episode! This is not the 40th natsumi-watches post for Chihayafuru. yet it kinda felt like it? Probably because I often took forever to get one post out so to even just get to this milestone seemed a little far-fetched. Nonetheless, here I am, miles behind everyone else and against all odds, steadily moving forward.

*crickets*

Well... more than 2 weeks have passed since I wrote the first paragraph, lmao. It’s really silly that I’m taking so much more time to finish up one post and this speed is goddamn slow, considering the lessened work load due to COVID-19 (yes, there is mention of the pandemic right in the middle of an anime watching post). But there are actual worthwhile reasons for my slowpoke-pace of posting! I got hooked by this novel by Kawabata Yasunari - Beauty and Sadness, and spent nearly 2 weeks on writing about chapter 2 in my reading diary, and that is so amazing because a. I was doing some serious literary thinking (it seems wrong to use the word analysis cos the writing itself was still quite messy and done without any research) and b. I initially didn’t enjoy the novel much after the first chapter and skim reading it till the end was not a good idea (but did have its silver lining!) so it is a big deal to revise my opinion so drastically after the 2nd chapter! Besides this lovely return to my more erudite roots, the last few days have been wholly occupied by the 4th season of Boku no Hero Academia (look forward to my upcoming tribute post to this super duper awesome life-saving series!!!). It’s been a much better and funner ride than I expected, in spite of the lessened screen time for my babies Kacchan and Shou-kun (but what a spectacular return though!). 

*rant over* 

Those reading this (wait, plural those, really?) probably didn’t come for the random rant on what slowed me down for the last few weeks. So, I should get back to the program, huh? 

Chihayafuru #40 is an episode that both winds you down (a little too much) and winds you up in a somewhat bizarre manner. The aftermath of Hokuo’s defeat is hilarious and touching to watch (Sudo-san giving the gang a piece of his mind lmao). The episode also slows down a bit as we get a closer look at the dynamics of Fujisaki karuta club, run by the formidable coach Sakurazawa. As soon as the tempo picks up with the match-ups, the brake is hit again with 4 out of 5 Fujisaki players walking out of the room during memorization for some needed relaxation. The following conversation between Arata and Shi-chan raises the stakes a bit, what with Arata actually succeeding in convincing Shi-chan to go watch the final on his stead, but it is the promising face-off between Taichi and “Eromu” aka. the captains that finally kicks up the heat. Will Taichi once again lose to the pressure he built up internally or rise above his (frankly distasteful) opponent? Tough call, this one. 

Kana-chan’s decision

“We should consider ourselves lucky! It wasn’t our ace who got hurt. We have first years to sub in! Mizusawa is set up to win.”

The tension over Kana-chan’s withdrawal and injury from the final match is allayed by the rousing encouragement given to her teammates by the injured person herself. The strength of Kana-chan’s conviction can be felt by all and it speaks volumes to her leadership capacity as the mental backbone of the team.

It is regrettable to see Kana-chan sitting on the sideline but just like she said, Mizusawa is lucky to have new blood to take over when needed. Tsukuba-kun is certainly not of Kana-chan’s caliber but his enthusiasm, when correctly placed, is invigorating. I’d like to think that for all his desire to hoard attention and show off for his younger brothers, Tsukuba actually has a real caring bone, all the more so considering that he is a big brother. He didn’t notice Kana-chan’s injury but that does not invalidate his concern for her. 

Sudo-san’s pep talk

The poor things lol. I love that Sudo-san’s sadistic tendency is not just played for laugh but is also written as a kind of tough love. He freely admitted that he didn’t watch Hokuo’s last match carefully because of his over-confident assumption in Hokuo’s place at the final and took to remedy the team’s low morale with a good dose of cheer. It’s hilarious and dorky how wearing the Hokuo’s good-riddance bright red shirts is a huge sacrifice on the part of the alumni and should serve as sufficient motivation for their adorkable kouhai.

“This time i will watch the match. Hokuo must end the tournament with a win.“

The Mount Fuji banner

under which we are disunited

The dynamics of a large school club with manpower to spare are a world of difference from that of small clubs with barely enough members like Mizusawa and even the veteran Hokuo. This gives Fujisaki the advantage of never having to play till you drop, which does not come without a fair share of drama of hierarchy and pettiness. 

This reminds me so much of a certain Igo club from Hikaru no Go (yup, Touya Akira’s middle school nightmare), what with the upperclassmen giving lowerclassmen grief over taking the position of one of their own and the overall unsupportive attitude. Like seriously, even going so far as to demand Rion to refuse the coach’s assignment of playing in the final? And how about wishing the girl good luck instead of crying in the closet over a decision you can’t overturn anyway?

She seems like a sharp and observant person back when she was watching Chi-chan’s match against Ousaka. Given her familial connection to the reader, she should make for a challenging and interesting opponent to Chi-chan. She’s definitely got my interest piqued so far. 

Tsutomu the prophet

It’s crazy how accurate Tsutomu’s predictions are, from who would be replaced down to the players’ positions. His notes make me think of Deku’s hero notes and they both have a brain for strategic thinking. Shame that it’s unlikely for him to score a win this time, playing against a Sudo-san level player. 

The anguish of Kana-chan

“... or do the tears come from the feeling it invokes”

Lawd, this girl. She’s so after my own heart. 

And how ardent the love we share for great voices.

To each their own challenge

Fighting spirit ignited by Chi-chan aside, it’s evident that each of them would be facing a challenge entirely his or her own. 

Lmao, the avengers. 

No surprise that Tsukuba is shaking here..... 

Don’t lose that spirit!!

As always, Tsutomu is awesome - it’s not gonna be so easy for anyone to walk all over him now.

Take that, Mr. Curled-lashes.

I love that there’s a tentative bond between the two Tokyo schools. There are well-wishers like Amakusa in the room.

And it’s not like Tsutomu the prophet hadn’t warned them of the Fujisaki’s habit to get some extra relaxation during memorization time. 

This is Chi-chan’s last match and looking to be her toughest by the minute. Memorizing takes a toll on her and likely so does forgetting. Most of the cards are 3-syllable and none of them Chi-something cards. 

“If I don’t forget everything, I won’t be able to defeat a fresh player in her first match.”

The baton of leadership was retaken by Taichi, after passing through Tsutomu-kun and Kana-chan, in the most surprising of moves. It’s a little out of the blue for Taichi to be so fixated with beating this Arata-look-alike guy. I mean, sure, he does have an inferiority complex when it comes to Arata and can be just as preoccupied by Arata as Chi-chan but I still ... don’t quite get why this guy? 

“I chose to play against him. If I beat him, maybe things will change.”

I’m quite worried for Taichi. From past experience, it’s the internal pressure that he stoked up that often proved his undoing. And his opponent is a crafty and experienced one, poking right where it hurt as he brought up seeing Taichi losing to one of the Fujisaka players in a past tournament (which prevented him from ascending to class A). He was also relaxed enough to indulge in a sexual fantasy involving his coach (after lamenting the withdrawal of Kana-chan and her boobs), which is urgh disgusting, but it goes to show how confident he is. 

Yup, real worried for Taichi. 

On a side note, I’m really looking forward to seeing Shi-chan being a spectator to the Mizusawa match. How would Chi-chan react to this much-awaited presence? Will she be more motivated to play to the best of her ability? I sure hope Chi-chan’s passion will reach Shi-chan, who is about showing the proper respect to the cards and the game. 

Chihayafuru #40 is frankly not much to write home about but it does its job of promising a good game coming up next. Here’s to Mizusawa’s best game ever!

Until the next time then, folks! Stay safe and AT HOME!!!!