#and like he prolly beats women

[v1rtu4l-s1n]

my irl said that me unironically enjoying eminems earlier music makes me look like a school shooter and i have no idea why THAT is what makes me look like a school shooter. not this account, not my interest in guns or my steadily increasin aggression and antisocial tendencies. nope! enjoyin eminems early music.

[cptnghoulowl]

Okokok

Last chapter scared the fuck out of me but THIS?

LITERALLY THE FUNNIEST OUTCOME. TAKE THAT YORU YOU DUMB BITCH (affectionate).

Nayuta is a child. Like seriously. Thank God. No aging early bullshit or whatever. She's like, idk, 10-12. And she can seem to sense that Yoru is around? At least she's aware that something is off about Asa. She's smart too, pointing out Denjis unfortunate luck with women.

I have a hunch that Denji has told her about Makima. I have no idea how that conversation would have gone but, well. She doesn't seem oblivious to it, at least that's what I think.

Also YOOOOOO

Yoshida lore next chapter??? Are we FINALLY going to learn a little bit about this sussy man????

[lemoniiiiiii]

SOME RANDOM THOUGHTS / HEADCANONS ABOUT MAX COOPERMAN

just realized that aside from jake, most of max's relationships with people were either superficial or transactional which he probably just thought was normal growing up as a rich kid who was a "loser" learning that ppl only liked him when he had something to give them.

of course, when he was younger everyone loved to go to his birthday parties b/c his parents were loaded and they always planned something extravagant to try and make up for the fact they were never really around but, as he got older his parents stopped really caring to put on those parties. after that, no one bothered to give max any attention or befriend him unless they saw his wealth as something useful, or just brought him around so he could be the butt of the joke. and the second they got what they wanted from him they discarded him. being the kind-hearted and naive boy he is, he doesn't really fully grasp it until after ryan beats him to a pulp. he brushes off what happens but it honestly profoundly affects him from then on.

he thought ryan was a friend but turns out he was just being taken advantage of, his parents didn't care to come see him in the hospital despite how serious his condition was, and jake, the only genuine friend he ever had, ends up leaving (prolly bc college) and max later refers to him in passing as "a guy i brought up back in the day" which hints that they likely don't talk anymore.

so college starts. a fresh slate. max guards himself with this macho (with a very small hint of being an asshole) persona. he's got a leadership position as the RA of his floor, got two nerdy "friends" that are very reminiscent of ryan and his guys (remember when they snicker along with him at mike?), and a semi-famous reputation online. he loses weight the summer before college and decides to stop fighting (probably caused by the trauma from ryan) but we see he uses hand grips so even he definitely wants to keep himself strong for his physique and to protect himself. though max is still fairly lean which is likely an insecurity for him. the last thing he ever wants to be seen as is a dork.

let's not even talk about how being conditioned like this affects his views on women and relationships. first off in highschool he only gets attention from baja's friends b/c of his association with jake, then in college he gets all this attention because he's "attractive" now and has this cool car, dorm and fame due to the fighting videos + promotions. he's (mostly) only ever made out with drunk women at parties or events that just throw themselves at him but it never goes further than that.

he likely has made himself believe that he should think of women as prizes (again as awful as ryan was max kind of molds his new self with his influences subconsciously. he had the kind of attention, the girls, the intimidation factor max aspires to have), but if a girl were to ever genuinely like him it would fry his brain. he wouldn't understand the idea of someone wanting to spend time with him, even if he wasn't really doing anything. to intently listen to him and partake in his interests. or how much happier you'd look after just going on a walk around campus with him vs. when he bought you jewelry or flowers.

it left him with a feeling he only experienced once before when jake saved him, and went after ryan.

it just clicks for him like-

oh. this is how it feels to be genuinely cared for.

it's not soon after he realizes that you tell him you love him for the first time, while cuddling in bed (he's sure his mother used to say it to him when he was younger but he honestly can't really remember anymore-- the most communication he has with his parents now is the deposits into his bank account).

once the door closes, and you've left for your classes.. he feels the lingering heat of your lips, your words echoing in his head and the way you looked at him...

and he cries.

[mystic-orb88]

Love how she’s betting on her sister just to watch her suffer from afar. Soooo THAT’S how Jinx is affording stuff for Sevika and the small child. Also @scisetforever mentioned the cursive on the paper looks like it has the first four letters of ‘Violet’ written on it.

She pushed him away and he left. Prolly lecturing her like Vander used to. He was just trying to help. :( Don’t drink and get angry, kids.

Love the running gag of Vi beating that one huge thug. And the gag of people’s jaws falling off due to buff women being kickass.

Bet these are followers (That prolly become The Inx we know of from League’s Lore). Maybe just the blue haired one. There’s a few in the clip. I wonder if Vi’s sober enough to notice them.

How ain’t this chick stepping on glass when she’s training with zero space and a pile-up of bottles the size of Valoran??

That same zoom effect of her giving the finger to a person in the ‘Guns For Hire’ sequence is used here. And of course someone has to be there to hold her back.

Booooooo, Noxian-Piltovian Alliance Ewwww.

Jinx is just watching out for her in place of the other guy. She’ll be the one who pulls Vi outta this cycle now that there’s nothing left.t. Interesting how Jinx is just living the high life but staying in the shadows. She really do be watching it all burn.

[reddeaddamnation]

Hello! Your blog is great and I love it! But if I could ask, do you take AC yandere requests? If not, that's ok! If yes, can I have some headcannons for the assasin's?

Basim: Would act like he is chill at first and let you do whatever you want until you get comfortable. Then he would pout and nag you when you want to go without him or talk to someone until you give up doing something without him at all.

Yandere meter: 7/10

Eivor: Is not subtle at all. Demands you go with him everywhere otherwise there would be problems. If you refuse, he would just pick you up and take you anyways. Even if you don't talk or do anything together, he still wants you around him because he wants to know where you are.

Yandere meter: 8/10

Alexios: I imagine he is kind of the person who would kill anyone you go in contact with, watching closely,his rage slowly building up until ge goes in a fit and after he comes down from the rage he would act like nothing happened.

Yandere meter: 10/10

Bayek: In no world can I imagine Bayek being a yandere. He is just too sweet.

Yandere meter: 0/10

Altair: He would secretly watch you from far away and keep track of who you're speaking to. Women are safe but any man you speak to, even if it's he is asking for directions, he would be assasdinated shortly after. Altair would act innocent in front of you

Yandere meter: 9/10 (a hidden threat)

Ezio: He wouldn't necessarily kill for you, but would threaten and beat anyone who looks at you even in front of you and if you get angry he would use the puppy dog eyes to make you forgive him.

Yandere meter: 6/10

Connor: Would go into a rage at the thought of you leaving him. Even if you do some day, he will hunt you down to the ends of the world and bring you back.

Yandere meter: 9/10

Haytham: Would prolly just lock you in his basement and tell everyone you died tragically.

Yandere meter: 10/10

Edward: Would keep you on his ship at all times. No leaving without him. No leaving at all actually. He will bring you whatever you need but the whole time you will stay locked in his cabin with people guarding the door so you don't escape

Yandere meter: 10/10

Arno: After Elise left him, his abandonment issues skyrocketed and he will do everything to keep you. He is livid. Would be alright with becoming your slave even. Bringing you everything you want or don't want, be attached to you 24/7, insecure af and scared of doing mistakes for which he will always apologize and cry. Absolutely obsessed. Meanwhile he will be hunting down everyone you know.

Yandere meter: 10/10

Jacob: Is the type to say "Look who I ran into today" with an evil grin and throw the head of your high school crush or colleague at your feet.

Yandere meter: 10/10

[danmeiconfession]

My thoughts/rants aren't very coherent so just take it as me rambling instead lol .

 Although sj's treatment of lbh was awful, lbh is still sj's direct disciple and the matter of his discipline rests on sj, so it's awkward for outsiders to interfere. it's not right but hey neither is slavery or child marriage so them's the works.

LBH was free to leave Qing Jing Peak at any time - but perhaps not in his own mind. This is interesting bc imo him and sj never had a relationship where sj was gaslighting lbh into staying. in fact i'd say sj made it plenty clear he found lbh to be an eyesore but maybe in those years sj had some intermittent spots of mercy lbh latched onto and then just never gave up hope.

Unless, Well looking at SV canon and how the system didn't penalize sy for the medicine + carriage ride after sy explained his thought process, it wouldn't surprise me if those types of events happened with sj and lbg. if sj had to bring lbh out on a night hunt he prolly made sure lbh was patched up + looked presentable so he didn't ruin the cohesive aesthetic of his peak haha and well NYY is always a weak point. these things definitely wasn't usual but likely happened often -enough- for lbh to get his hopes up over and over .

As modern people, we of course abhor the way that LBH was treated and SQQ comes off as abusive and a slimy lecher. But by the standards of his own age, everything he's done is perfectly acceptable. In traditional Chinese philosophy, the teacher is like a father, and a father and a teacher can do whatever they want to their child / pupil. Even in modern China, teachers have been known to get away with beating their pupils. In the UK (where I'm from), it wasn't so long ago that teachers could cane their students and no one blinked an eye about parents beating their kids. Slavery, child marriage, selling your wife or daughter into prostitution, all of that was totally legal in ancient China.

I always thought it was strange that OG LBH fixated so much on SQQ that he tortured him so horribly, but there's no mention of him doing the same to everyone else who ever wronged him, no matter how small. I think being pushed into the Abyss the last straw but I also think the reason he so hard-wired to think of his Shizun as this unfeeling man and tortured him limbless is because He got rejected so many women like him but the one man he chased relentlessly for years for his eyes to even graze him he look the other way which is why I think his eye got taken out ?

After the loss of his mother, lbh expected to find a new family in qjp and a new parental figure in sj. The greater the expectation the greater the disappointment. obv jiumei is not in the right condition to play mother hen to anybody. | ಠ ∧ ಠ | but lil bingbing didn't know that and arguably maybe he understood his foster mother was treated bad bc she was a servant but he couldn't understand why sqq, an immortal cultivator, is so hellbent on bullying some unknown kid.

Also, why does it bug Binghe that much? Why was it brought up against SJ during his trial in Proud Immortal Demon Way? Maybe it's just critical research failure on Airplane's part, but in ancient China, visiting prostitutes was completely normal. Men could have multiples wives and concubines and sleep with their servants and go around to the local brothel. Visiting a prostitute was just a leisure activity.Like, t says something about Binghe's obsession with SQQ in PIDW that he's fixated on SQQ's alleged bedroom habits?

Of course we modern people and Luo Binghe have a right to be mad, but justice in ancient xianxia China is... putting it lightly, biased... This is a world that shrugs off almost any crime if your position is high enough.

100% LBH is right to be upset, but the problems run much deeper than SQQ, their whole world is rotten. Him being mad about SQQ yeeting him is kind of confusing, he's legit to be hurt about it but any Cultivator would have killed LBH on sight when he was revealed to be a demon, and a heavenly one at that.

Which is why i'm forgiving with Shen Jiu because why judge him from a lens from the modern viewpoint because on top of the shitty things that happened to his life him being an abusive teacher isn't really so damning when the entire Cultivation worls is corrupt??? In a way the original PIDW was a hypocritical abuse apologism story with the mentality that any abuse against the protag was unjust and wrong and any abuse he committed whether disproportionate or targeted at people who never did anything to him was righteous or deserved was a criticism of the stallion protags and that it was never equal to begin with Shen jiu never deserved such torture they were never on equal footings to begin with. Yeah, he was vicious but it hypocritical. I never took Shen Yuan being with Binghe as a reward but a punishment for being such a troll and idol-obsessed that he ended up with Bingmei dude. Sorry if ending up with a mentally ill man and one who sa him and only cared for his own needs during the act with no regard for their partner and i'm breaking yall illusion with this toxic ship.

Considering what went down with LQG and SJ when they where disciples it does seem like there is a lot of bullying. If PIDW is like other Xianxia novels, or even historical dramas then there is probably a lot of underhanded sabotage by students against one another. Many cultivation novels with sects have kids fight over food and resources and if you can't cut it then you leave or you languish. A peak like SQQs may well have such things as part of their education because it's a strategist and scholarly peak, any student who couldn't figure out how to sabotage rivals, curry favor with the right people, manipulate, info gather, and navigate dangerous political situations on top of doing well in normal studies wouldn't fair well in such a place. - I doubt this to be the case in canon as SQQ is supposed to be a scum villain but its fascinating to speculate.

In a way Binghe is weird he thinks more in terms of a modern person I guess in a meta way? Because... He isn't special .It always strikes me as funny that LBH apparently like, idk, despite also being native to the culture is upset by it? as if he wanted more from specifically from SQQ? bc he wanted SQQ to find him special? meta hand-of-god type stuff where LBH accidentally has a more modern attitude bc of the way he was written?

Hell, his 300 wives scream self-enforced heterosexuality. like some DEEP repression and distraction.Ur telling me this guy fought more powerful sect masters, demon lords, survived assassinations but the mean teacher deserved prolonged torment.

If only Shen jiu played up the role as a mother things wouldn't have escalated lol. Freud should study Binghe though cause damn his mother issues run deep. His father though he doesnt give a damn and is detached from him but when it comes about the jade pendant youre basically finished. feeling the hots for ssq was part of the mommy issues lbh had lmao

.

[nerves-nebula]

Nigerian living in Nigeria here and I really really don't think you should come over. We are currently in a very very anti trans and anti lgbtq period. If anybody were to find out you were trans you'll be super unsafe. I know this advice is unsolicited and you didn't particularly say you were coming here but as a queer trans person who's unable to transition and is currently stuck in this country, I feel increasingly unsafe and things are getting worse.

If you were to come, you probably would have to make sure you pass as a woman really really well and have backup plans to leave the country quick if you were found out.

I've noticed ppl have started to pay more attention to how I dress and noticing me binding my chest and dressing masculine, no one paid that much attention to that a few years ago but now ppl can't seem to shut the fuck up about it

We have a thriving queer community here, we are small yes but we know how to find each other. The problem is they are no laws to protect us and the average person thinks we are devil worshippers. Ppl who get caught by the police have to bribe their way out of prison and it isn't even the police you have to worry about, it's the ppl around you.

The beard thing can be passed of as genetics if it isn't a full one, we have a lot of women with facial hair, but if you give of any hint that you aren't cis you'll be in trouble.

And it also depends on the area you would be visiting too. Gated communities tend to mind their business and it easier to be a moderately rich queer person than a poor one. The rich can choose where they can go and who they can interact with while poorer queer ppl have to interact with ppl who are more likely to hurt them

If you're sure you can pass as a cis woman then come if you can't and you don't have any support systems that would protect your best interest in the country then I advice you stay in America. Nigerians barely ever protest(at least ppl outside unions) yet average ppl were protesting the legalisation of gay ppl just this year

The climate here is complicated, we have very popular trans and queer influencers that have millions of followers but it isn't that hard to find a video of a transwoman getting beat up. If you're rich with parents that'll turn the other way you're must likely good if not sorry for you 🤷🏿

If you do think you'll be able to manage I don't mind helping in any way I can

thanks for giving me the general vibe, it's definitely something i was wondering about so i genuinely appreciate it. i think i can still pass for a woman (one with a slightly deep voice but tbh it's no that deep. I've still got breasts and everything so at most they'll think I'm like. a masculine looking cis woman, idk)

I dont have like a full BEARD beard i think i'd have to shave what i do have cuz my sister, who has already visited with my dad, says i prolly got too much facial hair to pass it off as genetics.

the issue i'm worried about is my dad telling people i'm trans. i don't even know if he knows that i'm transgender or what, but he knows i'm on testosterone.

I wouldn't come over if I didn't think I was safe. and that's the issue that i'm grappling with cuz I'm not entirely sure what my dad will say/do. i don't think he'll beat me or anything since he hasn't done that with his other, way more volatile and argumentative children. that's like, not a fear i have about him. but i'm not sure if he'll tell the people around us about me or endanger me in some way.

my inclination is to say no, but he and my mom have done equally awful stuff when i thought "surely they wouldn't do that" so I'm not sure. I don't think my dad is rich, but i don't know exactly. he has a lot of connections and has worked in the government and when my oldest sister visited, she said he had armed guards that escorted them everywhere. so that's probably a good sign? but that was a few years ago.

i wouldn't go by my real name or pronouns there, that's for damn sure, but I'm worried I'd forget the little things about me that show I'm trans. for example, my favorite jacket has a trans flag painted on it and my backpack has a pronoun pin. those are easy to side step obviously, just remove the pin and don't bring the jacket- but I'm worried about little things like that slipping through the cracks because i'm not used to hiding them.

[http-caedis]

-Kazutora Hanemiya Thoughts/Ramblings-

TW- mentions of physical abuse, prostitution

I haven’t seen season 2 of TR yet, and I know that he shows up more in season 2 and even show him in a timeskip and such so I’m definitely missing out on a bit more lore,,,, but I’m just gonna talk with only the knowledge of season 1 in mind lmao

Anyways.. I think like Draken could’ve definitely helped Kazutora more. Like.. his wiki literally says that he’s good at counseling and Kazutora was literally there since day 1 so he totally could’ve helped and talked Kazutora through all his issues. I know that Draken prolly couldn’t do much about his home life since he himself lives in like a brothel lmaO but Draken can at least help Kazutora dissect his mind a bit. Because at least to me, Kazutora is literally the only character in the show with a fukkin thousand yard stare 😭 it looks like he’s in a constant state of dissociating or some shit.

This maybe falls into the headcanon territory since the show doesn’t say it, but I think Kazutora was also hit when growing up. Like the backstory ‘shows’ and says that his mom was definitely abused and I just thought that what would’ve stopped his dad from doing it to him as well, especially if Kazutora looked like his mom (which he does in my eyes). And there’s that manga panel where like the house was trashed and it showed his dad catching his breath and putting his glasses back on and Kazutora looked fukkin scared as hell.

Then there’s like the trauma that comes with what I assume is a messy divorce. Kazutora while he’s like 10 has to choose which parent to go with and his mom is like pleading with him like that’s a lot of shit for a kid. And I just… I feel that Draken would’ve really been the best person he could’ve talked to about this stuff (besides an actual therapist lmao) as I’m sure he’s dealt with it in one way or another. Like I said, Draken lived (and still does) in a brothel and sex workers come from all sorts of backgrounds. They all treat him well and he knows them and their situations pretty well since he’s like their unassigned counselor lmao so I’m sure some women have talked about situations at least relatively similar to what Kazutora is dealing with.

And I know for sure that Draken can keep something like that a secret, and wouldn’t even bring up Kazutora’s situation against him even when he left Toman and joined Valhalla and fukkin beat Mikey with a metal pipe lmao. Bc I just know Kazutora kept all that in but I know that Draken could’ve really helped. I dunno… I feel like there could’ve been a great relationship between Kazutora and Draken but it didn’t happen :/ ahah luckily I’m and artist and I occasionally write so I can just come up with content myself 😏‼️

TL;DR: Draken really could’ve been Kazutora’s close friend/‘therapist’ and they should’ve interacted more 🗣️‼️

[spongebobafettywap]

Thanks to all the anons who sent asks to you here we can accurately describe what the characters have become with the xmen blue origins retcon :

Destiny = Abusive pimp

Mystique = Willing victim succubus incubus

Nightcrawler = Ultimate mommy issues mutant Messiah + The main shipper and cheerleader for the abusive pimp and her willing succubus incubus

Rogue = Fakely loved second rate replacement child

Margali = Old abusive and evil child kidnapper witch + The worst possible caricature of her ethnic group

Baron = Abusive and violent husband willing to beat two pregnant women with a whip

Azazel = OP demon/mutant/who-the-f-knows-at-this-point main that prolly got a power boost after a tough breakup and can one-shot Doom Jean Grey and the Scarlet Witch but just draws the line if player 2 is a pallet swap of himself

Looool truly the genius works of Marvel it's like if M Night Shaymalam worked on all the twists alongside the writers of Empire, with heavy edits done by Rian Johnson.

One tangent I'm gonna go on here. I always found it strange how in almost every other media barring the live action movies, Rogue is always depicted as older than Nightcrawler but apparently in 616 he's always been older? Personally I prefer Rogue being older but given his origins have now put a permanent stamp as him being born in the 40s, unless Rogue also doesnt age like her adoptive family yeah that makes no sense.

I'm only okay with this origin as it now confirms Kurt doesn't age after a certain point which is something that should have been canon given that both Mystique and Azazel don't age at all.

Also cracking up at how Azazel is just able to one shot everyone like he's got all the highest stats, cheat codes enabled, all the armour, all the health potions, all the equitables, all the items, did all the extra missions to unlock secret items and now no one can stop him other than a younger, palette swapped version of him who has less fingers and toes.

[blueiight]

I get your point about Claudia living on her own being not ideal but I just don't think its the view of the show is that she NEEDS Louis in that way. She wants him to go with her cause she loves him but when he says no she's perfectly fine leaving by herself. Truly the only reason they're able to live in luxury in NOLA is because of Lestat otherwise the great depression has pretty much put everyone else in squalor. I think we'll see when they're traversing Europe that they will be living on the fringes in a society and in shit conditions unlike their book counterparts.

Now of course other vampires are a danger to her but any vampire older than her and Louis would be a danger to them both. They are both weak relatively young vampires. Lestat beats them both with ease without a scratch on him. Like what's Louis gonna do against Armand's motorcycle gang? lmao

claudia may not need or especially even want to be provided for in that way but really what means of independence could she actually have as an immortal creature who looks like a young girl in that era without being tethered to a man? im not talking economics i mean even being allowed to migrate to another country as a 40+ year old vampire that looks like a black teenage girl. Alone. independence for women was still very very recent in history, much less for girlchildren. marriage was ur only option, or being a daughter. Thats It. these are things to consider when horror has shown itself to be intimately tied with the world at play around it. she’ll prolly have to take louis’s last name & play off as something to him in the eyes of humanity... and like u said, the reason why they were so well off in new orleans is bc of their ties to lestat. without lestat… the possibilities are endless

[sagemoderocklee]

3,7,8

<3

3. screenshot or description of the worst take you've seen on tumblr

startin out rlly swingin' ok... well lotta rlly shit takes out there so it's hard to pick just one. i def dont have any screenshots of anything... pickin' one at random is just like anyone callin Neji horrible or abusive for kickin the crap outta Hinata in their match in the prelims of the Chuunins. like 1. designated match; 2. she was literally goading him about his literally enslavement????????? like anyone who wanna cop for hinata is already someone imma side eye cause for all that she goes through from her dad she never actually suffers from the caste system itself and being 12 doesnt excuse her goading him when she knows damn well what shes doin; 3. the girl would not stop cause of stupid ass naruto, so like yeah she got her ass beat and then everyone and their mother jumped in to protect her but only Gai stepped in to keep Gaara from straight up killing Lee like the double standards. like pls tell me you have no concept of slavery without telling me you got no concept of it... prolly watch movies about white women in the south during the civil war and empathize with them too cause their husband or dad beat them

7. what character did you begin to hate not because of canon but because how how the fandom acts about them?

i dont know if there is a character i started to hate causa fandom? like i keep to myself and to my focus, and i generally like what i like and dislike what i dislike on its own merit. genuinely i cant think of a single character where im like yeah the fandom has made me despise them. like if i hated a character, i already hated them.

i think if there was anything i could say i developed a hatred for because of the fandom itd be like n*r*gaa but i still like hate that ship on my own too.

8. common fandom opinion that everyone is wrong about

rlly swingin' a bat i havent swung in a minute but or*ch*m*r* is not a trans icon. he's a homophobic and transmisogynistic caricature and tme ppl are quick to disregard that and deny whats textual about this character's preying on children because it doesnt impact them. lack of critical engagement from fandoms has rlly done a number on the way ppl view this character because back in the day we all knew what was up with him re sasuke and didnt need our hands held to know he a predator in multiple ways and that is rooted in the aforemented -phobic caricature-ness. ppl do the same shit with like bugs bunny where it's like no this character was not a queer icon, this character was doin this shit as a joke and ppl need to learn how to differentiate harmful shit from the shit that's in good fun/genuine

and lord if someone tries to send me anon hate about this like they used to just kno you wastin your breath cause i aint gonna give you the time of day

[achilleslastwar]

WWE: Battleground 2016

I have decided to watch one of the PPVs that got me back into wrestling fully and still my favorite wrestling PPV ever: Battleground 2016. Here's some thoughts, I won't spoil any real results in case someone wants to follow along. Just because I kept some of my reactions doesn't mean a match was good or bad, I just have more thoughts about certain matches than others.

Pre-Show: Breezango vs The Usos Fun match. Hilarity, great tag team action and some fun spots.

Charlotte and Dana vs Sasha Banks and her Mystery Partner Put Emma and Dana back together and have them go after the Women's tag team titles. Do it you cowards! This was all just a big set up for Sasha vs. Charlotte at Summerslam and the mystery partner made it for me. But damn, Charlotte got booed. Dana Brooke and Charlotte were a fun team for a bit but they never really capitalized on it.

One of my favorite debuts ever. And Sasha was so proud of the reaction.

The New Days vs. The Wyatt Family God, I miss the New Day. And I hope Bray's ok, cause his absence is really starting to worry me. And I hope Big E and Kofi are recovering and come back. And I hope Erick Rowan is still doing well and adding to his collection of excellent music t-shirts. This match was kind of weird but Woods being frozen kind of was dumb. This was the final match before Braun actually became truly a monster amongst men, James Ellsworth came and went and Bray and Erick went to Smackdown. The overall RAW versus Smackdown commentary on this entire event including the main event kind of distracted from some of the matches, honestly. Still though, this match is free on Youtube: https://youtu.be/R6CrMJs90qI

Rusev vs. Zack Ryder (US Championship) Rusev smash and Zack Ryder babyface.

Sami Zayn vs. Kevin Owens The match that fully got me invested and back into wrestling. Sami vs. Nakamura actually lured me back into wrestling, but this is what actually sold me on the storylines, the work, the fun. It's probably my all time favorite match because it got me back into a lost hobby. The Underdog from the Underground versus the Prize Fighter. I had been lapsed so I didn't know about their previous history in ROH. Owens mocked the crowd and he does need to turn back heel so he can do more mocking of the crowd. Zayn did a brainbuster on Owens on the ring apron, which proved how much WWE already trusted both of these guys in their decision making. The finish. "Why won't you stay down? Don't make me do this."

Becky Lynch vs. Natalya This match should have gotten more time. Becky had such a good babyface performance here. This was still solid, especially Pre-The Man. Still though, the full match is free: https://youtu.be/lMNC86wjl9w

The Miz vs. Darren Young (IC Match) Weird match, it had Marsye, Bob Backlund, Darren Young going into a hulk like rage. Very odd and prolly the dud of the night.

The Club vs. John Cena, Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady It's kind of ironic I want Big Bill to join the Bullet Club Gold in AEW now because my favorite performance by him is still in this match. Enzo and Cass were so, so over and the inclusion of John Cena just made it all the better. I can't really stand Gallows or Anderson but AJ Styles is insane talent and just makes them worth it.

Chris Jericho, Randy Orton in the Highlight reel that just should have been on RAW This was also pre-Brock Lesnar beats the absolute tar out of Orton, which is still outside of chairshots to the head and stuff like that one of the times I've ever felt truly uncomfortable watching wrestling in. Just the biggest of OOFS now with hindsight. Still, Orton and Jericho had some back and forth lines. I hope Randy comes back soon.

Dean Ambrose vs. Seth Rollins vs. Roman Reigns (WWE Championship) If the Sami Zayn vs Kevin Owens match hadn't happened on this PPV, this match would have still gotten me back into wrestling. The Lunatic Fringe vs. the Architect versus Roman Reigns still in his Shield gear. Moxley and Seth are on the top of my list of favorite wrestlers and Roman has great to amazing level matches with just about anyone and any style. I'm not gonna get into the Tribal Chief thoughts here, but he's still a top level wrestling talent and also probably one of the safest workers in the business. Seth and Ambrose had to team up to overcome Vince McMahons booking at one point in a temporary alliance. They all traded shots amongst each other until they were all rocked. Seth Rollins tried to get them to do the Shield pose and Roman Reigns destroyed him. And I had missed all the Shield stuff during my lapse in wrestling fandom and this match still sold me on it with the promos WWE did for. The intro video to this PPV is also one of my absolute favorites. The trope RAW Is 3 hours long and needs Recaps is absolutely true with WWE sometimes, but they did this perfect.

Oh, I will say to close: Thank god JBL is no longer on commentary.

[voidselfshipp]

Space Sisters

Cw: injury,alcohol, intoxication/being drunk, hints at sexist families. Mentions of decapiation

Summary: Nastya and Jerico realize just how deep their sisterhood lies.

->started Writing this during Nationals womens day, im happy to celebrate my sister Nastya (Whom I think cannonically is a trans woman). And show my love for this character ive empathized so much with.

->only mutuals allowed to reblog.

--Really?--Asked Nastya with the tone of a concerned sister as she wraps up a bandage around her sisters bicep-- Third time already

Jer huffed,Rolling her eyes-- well what do you want me to do? Let some dude just hack up my Man?

--Its not like hes going to die-- She ties off the ends of the bandages in a small bow-- survived getting his head chopped

Merchant smirked-- true

--You just really like being the center of his attention-- The engieneer added with a chuckle-- I'd rather you dont get hurt though

--but im inmortal too?

--Yeah but i do not like seeing you hurt,dumbass-- Nastya concluded,putting away all the supplies of the first aid kit.

Jeri laughed,nodding along to her words-- fair,fair. --She took her sisters hands and smiled-- thanks

The other woman gave her friend a nodd of acknowledgement and said-- Anythin for you,sister. Now, do you want to get something to eat and drink?

--Sounds wonderfull-- she said as her companion helps her up from the crate she was sitting on.

Both walk to the kitchen in quiet smalltalk, their steps on the metal grated floor echo across the Hall. The coppery wall glimmers with the array of cold and warm lights above on the ceiling,theres the whirring of machinery and pipes.

When they reach the kitchen,the crew is there relaxing after a mission. Jhonny smiles as his eyes settle on his lover, he has a beer in his hand and says--There you are,ladies. Happy international womens day -- he hands a beer to his girl and Ashes hands Nastya a cocktail.

Jer feels her boyfriend wrapping his arm around her shoulders-- For our lovely women, leaders,Queens,warriors, important part of our crew. Cheers!

--Cheers!--The crew parroted,raising their drinks up and mingling amongst themselves and laughing,dancing and making merry.

Nastya is dancing with her sister, smiling and laughing.

--Do you think you'd marry Jhonny?-- She asked with a warm smile,spinning her dance partner.

--Hopefully,dunno if he wants to-- jer answered with a shy grin-- Ah, honestly, id love to.

--Seems good husband material,Da?--She asked, dancing along to the lively music.

Jeri laughed-- Yes, he does.

Meanwhile, Jhonny watches his lover dance and gossip with her friend. His eyes are warm with love and adoration, his heart skips a beat when their gazes meet and she smiles at him.

He bows at her,making a soft hand gesture, and then winks at her. He can see her blush and Giggle.

--Whens the wedding-- Teased Gunpowder Tim,leaning Next to his friend.

--As soon as I get a proper,good,ring. Something that shows how much I love her,a ring she deserves

His friend chuckles-- We'll have to make a stop on one of those richie planets...

--Will she get mad if I steal it?

--If you make it part of your proposal? Prolly not

--For once,youre full of wisdom-- Jhonny teased-- might have to Keep you drunk then

Tim rolled his eyes-- Wanker

--Love you too, Tim.

When the party ends, Jhonny leans on his lover as they walk towards his room. Hes pretty tipsy and is happy to flirt with his girlfriend with a grin.

Jer is mildly drunk too, but she rolls her eyes and simply shuffles away with her hand around her boyfriends waist.

Once in their room, She collapses on the bed with a loud yawn. Her boyfriend lays on her, nuzzling her neck with the tip of his nose, kissing her skin.

--'m growing out my hair,ive decided-- He slurred with a grin.

--Neat-- she answered,stroking his shaven side of the head down to the nape of his neck. He almost purrs under her touch with a content smile.-- Sweet dreams,love

--Nighty night,hun

To no-ones surprise,the crew wakes up with a horrible hang over. Jer has a mild headache but she takes one painkiller and leaves the bottle and a glass of water by the nightstand.

She finds herself in the kitchen afterwards, humming under her breath,tapping her foot along.

Aside from the whirring of machinery, she can hear the mild rattle of pipes, metal sounds distant. This was her home,and shes all the more happy for it.

Jer feels a set of slender arms hug her from behind, a chin setting ontop of her head.-- Доброе утро,сестра -- Greeted Nastya with her raspy morning voice.

--Buenos dias,Tya. -- She answered-- Howd you slept?

--it was....fine?--her sister replied a bit of a hangover still aflicting her, pressing a kiss to her hair and going to Grab a few mugs--Making breakfast for Jhonny?

--And you-- She confirmed.

Nastya smiled as her chest warms up-- Youre so sweet. Thanks -- she grabs the pot and starts making some coffee. -- Tea or hot chocolate?

--Choccy-- the other woman answered.

--Alright-- The engieneer goes to Grab the ingredients to make some hot chocolate for her sweet sister. They talk softly about last nights party, about how Jhonny almost breaks a few cups and how Tim ended up passing out in the armory rather than in his room.

Soon the sizzling of oil and food on a pan fills the room, the coffee and hot chocolate are quickly whipped up and Jerico sets down a Plate with some pancakes for jhonny,theyre fluffy and soft when eaten.

Jhonny would wake up to a good breakfast in a few minutes,but until then the sisters cleaned up and went to what could be considered a Garden of sorts with a large windowpane to the dark expanse all around them.

Nastya settles on the mossy floor that is an array of deep ceruelan blues to olive greens, a Plate of cottage cheese pancakes and a cup of coffee on her lap. Her sister sits beside her with her breakfast and both look on to the void.

--This is really good-- the engieneer said,eating one of the pancakes-- thanks

Jeri smiled-- Always,im glad you like em-- she pats her knee, to then take a long sip of her drink.--I got you something for National womens day

Her sister looks at her,eyes softening-- ah,you didnt have to...

--Still,youre my sister,let me spoil you-- She pulls out from her pouch a small square velvety box.

The engieneer takes the box,inspecting it-- whats in there? -- then a brief pause-- right, its a surprise -- she hears her sister Snicker.

Within the gift there is a dainty gold necklace, in the shape of a cog, it glimmers with a thousand small diamonds like stars.

--I- this...wow. -- she mutters,looking at the pendant-- how much did it cost -- jer snorted-- wait...you stole it? Damn-- she breathes out,surprised-- jhonny is leaving a Mark on you,huh?

Jeri laughed, nodding along-- they dont call me merchant for nothing

--I absolutely adore the gift, thank you-- Nastya answered softly-- help me put it on?

Her sister grabs the necklace,fastening it around her neck and fixing it so it sits neatly on her clothes.

--Yknow, after everything that happened with my family-- Says Nastya, taking a sip from jer coffee to get her thoughts straight-- I havent grown accostumed to our...sisterhood, we're- We're equals, and its...a breath of fresh air

Jer chuckles-- Well, when you grow up in a house where men have all the good things in life and youre merely a tool, left behind. having peers is a nice feeling. Especially fellow women -- she looks at her and her big grin.

The engieneer sniffs a little, tracing over the small striped heart in her sleeping shirt. Blue,Pink and white horizontal stripes run across said patch-- We're family-- she concludes, voice firm-- youre my sister, and im yours...and we'll be together always

Merchant nodded along,feeling her best friend and sister lay her head on her shoulder. She does the same and under the quiet starlit black expanse, they eat breakfast.

--Now that I remember,I Also got you something--Nastya added,rummaging the pockets of her pijama pants.

Jer remains quiet, biting down the small mocking she thought of. She thought it was hilarious that Nastya said she didnt need to get her a gift when she had done the same thing

But she understood,she wasnt used to normal,heartfelt and genuine gifts,so the joke dies on her throat.

--Here-- says the engieneer, handing her companion a medium sized pouch of a beautiful deep forest green.

Curiously,Merchant opens the pouch to find a choker, the black stripe of black leather was decorated with beautiful gold chains,dainty with hanging gems that refracted light like the Windows of a cathedral.

--I know you love sun catchers,so I got you that one on our last stop-- her sister explains with a mildly shy smile.

--Well, I absolutely adore it-- jer answered,aware she parroted her sisters words--  thank you

As it is tradition now, Nastya helps her put on the choker. Admiring how it glimmers against her Friends skin.

Both sit there Reveling in eachothers company as they eat their breakfast. Talking in hushed tones about their duties of the day.

Theres one thought in their minds at that very moment.

"Sisters,no matter what, always"

Jhonny would walk in on this moment a few minutes later,his words die on his tongue as he realizes this moment is not his to presence. He closes the door to the garden to give them privacy, and leaves with warmth in his chest and the certainty that as far as anyone was concerned...

Nastya and Jerico were sisters,and always have been.

[andromedadramada]

Episode 10 of Princess Silver

This man, Wu You, literally treats Man Yao as a brothel worker while trying to be high and mighty that he doesn't go to brothels (because he would prolly beat up the women lbr). I wish she had more of a backbone around him??? Anyways I continue to hate this man. He is just a selfish entitled jerk to me.

I think it's funny Prince Chen saying the princess and Man Yao are different people. Lmao, y'all never genuinely talk to the princess, how can you even know?

General Fu is way more interesting than Wu You, like by a lot. You can actually see who he is as a person. Wild. I really like his air of mysteriousness. I also like how he seems to be not a fan of politics but still knows how to play the game. This is the guy the show wants us to believe that Wu You is. Sun YaLi is crushing on the right man, ok ok.

Can't believe the Yu family were taken down so fast. That cut that man's arm off! Omg xD

Not to be an idiot but I want to believe in Lian Xin. Maybe she just wanted to spin the thingy on the lock box. Maybe Ling Yue planted that letter. Maybe maybe maybe......I'm just thinking ok.

Luo Yunxi is barely in this so far and I'm crying.

[call-sign-shark]

Alright I’m super late and my head is still in a recovery process for three days of partying so, I’m sorry if my comment is chaotic but gosh I couldn’t wait more and HAD to read this second chapter asap.

I am awe-struck by your talent at building a sense of tension each time Aurora and Luca are together. The whole scene with Luca being soft with her, softly stroking her hair but also applying a balm on her bruise he did while she is zoning out, terrified, is claustrophobic. Each time she touches is a source of anxiety you perfectly describe. In truth, I am glad she did not fall for his words about changing when the Vendetta is over. That man loves to listen to himself talk tho 🙄 However IAM delighted to know where the title of the story comes from. The jewel is magnificent, and I love the meaning of each stone for a child they wanted to have together. It could have been a wonderful gift if Luca hadn’t been such a bastard. The following scene when Luca suspects something about being tricked got me shivering. I must say that Enzo is the real mvp and I really like him. He immediately jumped in a lie to help poor Aurora even if he was terrified. Moreover, the relationship you’ve built between her and her bodyguard is heartwarming. When he asked her to forgive her… 🥺🥺 At least she had someone who remained loyal to her in this hellish place and hellish wedding.

In truth, the anxiety you’ve instilled in her escape was not only efficient but literally made my heart rate increased. From the moment she’s waiting to board, pestering at the elderly in front of her, to the one she takes advantage of the distraction to run away your prose flows wonderfully well. I could see it in front of me, Aurora running, weaving between people, until the final bang. You really got me worried, at first I thought maybe a Peaky Blinders shot her, unknowing of Tommy’s desire to protect her, but God… Knowing her own “side” attempted to murder her is awful. Also I screamed when Luca found her, and played the role of the caring and loving husband, only embodying the quiet before the storm. My favorite quote is “She feared his sweetness more than the beating that came after”. This is poorly quotes because I’m on my phone but … What a powerful sentence. It made me think of what bombs survivors said about the silence before a bomb explode and before the screams echo are the real traumatizing moments.

Regarding the role of Rose and Alfie in this, I think you nailed both characters. Whether it is Alfie in his manners and his speech about his glasses, or Rose being a fierce women immediately looking for explanations when Tommy arrives… it was perfect. I particularly appreciated when Alfie looked at Tommy and told him that his wife would prolly “got his balls” if something happened to Aurora. Her concern for the girl is so accurate and adorable at the same time. 🖤 also about Tommy… I must admit that not only your portrayal of him is absolutely gold (and it’s a really complex character to master) but also… The scene when he holds dear Aurora against his chest and feels a slight soft spot made me weak. This scene was rendered even more beautiful by the references to her bandages being at the same place in which Grace got shot, this is such a poetic and sad parallel you’re drawing here. Just insanely clever. Now I can only hope for Aurora to be protected by the Peaky Blinders properly because if Luca finds her it’s over. He’s gonna murder her… 😭

Finally the last scene was hilarious as well as intriguing despite its short length. In fact, I particularly enjoyed your portrayal of Arthur. Not only it is true to the character, but it was deeply entertaining to imagine him panicking when he tries to handle Aurora, whose awakening had been troublesome. Probably due to a combination of anxiety, confusion and vanishing effect of her painkillers. The lines “speaking in bloody tongues” got me chuckling and, trust me, I had such a bad day that I really needed that.

As the length of my comment can indicate, I genuinely loved this brilliant second chapter. In truth, I have been hooked to your series since day one and cannot wait for the rest of the ride. Thank you so much for sharing this masterpiece with us, Lee.

My Sun, My Moon and All My Stars-Part 2

Luca Changretta x OC (Aurora Changretta) x Tommy Shelby

Summary: Aurora and Tommy put their plan into motion. When things go wrong in Artillery Square, she’s the one who must deal with Luca.

Author’s Note: Rose Solomons is an OC belonging to @raincoffeeandfandoms.

Warnings: language, drinking, ethnic slurs, mention of death, fighting, injury, blood, mention of domestic abuse

☀️🌙✨MASTERLIST

Part 1

The last of the letters sat addressed and ready to mail home in the morning, It was important to Aurora that she tell the families about their brave sons and husbands who had given their lives for her family. She pledged continued income and protection on behalf of the Sabini family for their sacrifice, but the promise felt as weightless as the cheap hotel stationary she held in her hand. Rubbing an ink stain from her finger, she hadn’t noticed Luca enter, furrowing his brow at her.

“You’re still awake?” he asked, leaning against the doorframe.

“I couldn’t sleep until I finished my condolence letters,” she said, motioning toward the neat stack at the corner of the desk. 

“Come to bed,” he said, extending a hand for her and she rose to meet him without resistance. “You’re a good woman, Aurora,” he commented, urging her to lean into him.

“Is that what we should tell their children?” she asked into the darkness of the hallway, limbs feeling heavy with exhaustion.

“The Shelbys will answer for this, hmm? They did this,” he stressed, rubbing his palm along her upper back. She winced slightly from her healing injuries, murmuring about the nightly regimen she needed to complete and he guided her into the bedroom.

Aurora sat at the edge of the bed, dark hair cascading over one shoulder as Luca’s long fingers massaged a soothing balm into her bruised shoulder. The moonlight reflected against her glossy locks, drawing Luca forward to kiss the top of her head. Breathing in the hint of spice in her perfume, he mused, “You remember the first Christmas we were married? All the promises we made?”

Aurora nodded as she glanced down at the bauble on her right hand, a gift from their first holiday together as a married couple. The large princess cut emerald nestled amongst smaller brilliant diamonds, one for every child they hoped to be blessed with in the future. “My sun, my moon and all my stars,” she whispered. It was true they’d made plans for a dynasty of their own in the early days, but this was no longer the dream as all her hopes had turned to fear, joy drowning in sorrow and every kiss from Luca sinking her deeper into death.

Luca rested his cheek against her momentarily as he continued, “This vendetta has made me realize how short life is. When we get back home a new life begins for us. Things are gonna be different.”

Aurora’s breath caught in her chest as she listened to his words, eyes slipping closed at the memory of Tommy Shelby’s icy stare as she agreed to the unthinkable.

“When all this is done, I think it’s time to talk about having a family,” he said, caressing her arm. “We have to find a way to move on after Angel and Papa,” he said, a sadness tinging his voice that made her whole body ache even more as guilt permeated her soul.

After a few moments of silence, she looked up to find her husband staring at her in the mirror and she could hardly meet his gaze.

“Did you hear what I said, Aurora?” he asked, pulling her into him. 

“Mmm-hm,” she acknowledged numbly.

Satisfied he had her attention, Luca continued, brushing her hair with his fingers absently as he spoke. “You can stop working for your father and let go of all the worry. Have my children and let me spoil you for the rest of your life, vita mia,” he promised with a squeeze. “God, you’ll make the most beautiful mother,” he praised, kissing the side of her face. When she remained still, Luca pulled away to look at her, finding a tear in the corner of her eye. “You alright?” he asked tenderly.

Aurora’s hand came to rest at his cheek as her mind whirred, unable to answer him until she finally heard herself say, “Luca, I’m so tired. Can we go to sleep?”

“Of course,” he replied with another peck to her shoulder, moving backward on the bed and tossing the covers aside. She slipped beneath the duvet, silk night gown sliding against the smooth cotton and sighed at the relief of the cool material against her face. She watched intently as Luca turned out the light, hoping he hadn’t noticed the turmoil behind her eyes.

————————————-

Two days later, Aurora entered the dining room to find Luca with his head in his hands. 

“What’s wrong?” she asked, taking a seat beside him at the table.

Luca tossed a telegram before her and she grasped it between her fingers, eyes flying across the page. She tried to hide the small intake of breath as she realized it came from Camden Town, realizing the plan was in motion.

“The jew says he can lead me to Shelby,” Luca said, leaning back in his chair as he drummed his fingers on the tabletop. 

“That’s good, isn’t it?” Aurora asked encouragingly, reaching for his hand.

Luca pulled back with a shake of his head. “Something isn’t right. I can feel it,” he said stroking his cheek thoughtfully.

“Wh-why do you say that? I thought you had a productive meeting at the distillery. You promised him distribution for his rum in New York in exchange for Tommy Shelby’s whereabouts,” she said, reiterating the terms of the agreement. 

Luca stood and crossed to the window looking down to the street. “I don’t trust him, baby,” he eventually replied.

“I admit he’s a bit eccentric, but Darby said we can trust him. Papa said,” Aurora stressed, attempting not to raise her voice and show her hand. 

“It’s not just him. It’s that wife of his. She’s got opinions on everything, always in his ear,” he said with a disapproving sneer. Luca spun around to look at Aurora as he asked intently, “What was it she said to you that day when you were alone? You never told me.”

Aurora’s eyes dropped to the patterned tablecloth, tracing it slowly as she thought of a believable lie. The clock in the corner ticked away the seconds forcefully, urging her on until she landed on the telegram once more. Placing a manicured finger over a few words she pronounced, “Look, the Solomons mention Artillery Square.”

“And?” Luca asked with clenched jaw.

“Tommy Shelby hides his youngest brother there. Goes to visit him one day a week to give him his orders in person and check on him,” she said confidently.

Luca was listening intently now, studying his wife with suspicion. “And how do you know this, principessa?” he asked. 

“You asked what Rose said. She told me they’ve had a girl from the bakery who was sweet on him. She tried to warn her off and couldn’t. She said she followed her there a few times,” Aurora continued as naturally as possible. 

“And why wouldn’t you have told me this before?” Luca asked with raised eyebrow, pacing back to the breakfast table with a dangerous look in his eye.

Aurora went to him, stroking a hand down his shirt front to calm him. “I had to be sure,” she said, faltering slightly in her delivery before dipping her head under his chin. When Luca accepted her, lacing an arm around her waist, her body relaxed against his. However, she quickly noticed the tension did not leave his grip as he tightened his hold on her.

“Sure of what, amore?” he whispered in a low growl, fingers pressing against her flesh painfully. One hand slipped away to find her chin, pulling her eyes up to meet his in a challenging stare.

Aurora eyes darted momentarily as she forced the lump back down her throat with the note of panic desperate to escape. “I couldn’t risk her giving us false information. Putting you in danger,” she purred.

Luca’s head tilted slightly as his brow softened, “So how do you know she’s not lying?” he implored, wanting to believe.

At that moment, Enzo entered the room and Aurora turned to him with a desperate look in her eye. With her back to her husband she silently pleaded through her gaze as she spoke. “Enzo followed him there,” she said, heart thundering in her chest as she waited for her father’s man to give confirmation.

“Have you been watching Artillery Square?” Luca asked the young man before him.

Aurora gave an almost imperceptible nod of her head toward Enzo and his eyes went wide for a moment, glancing between husband and wife. He knew what needed to be done though fear coursed through his veins. “Yes, boss,” he quickly replied.

“And Tommy Shelby’s brother lives there? You’re certain of it?” he asked.

“Yes, I’m sure,” Enzo confirmed, feeling a trickle of sweat run down his back.

Luca sighed heavily, running his tongue along the inside of his cheek as he thought.

“You see, Luca, we can trust the intelligence,” Aurora spoke up. Seeing his resolve was weakening at the thought of a victory over the Shelbys, Aurora delivered one last impassioned speech. “Let’s end this so we can go home. You take him today, Luca. You must,” she urged her husband, stroking his cheek gently.

She could see from the glint in his eye that he was ready, having waited too long for vengeance for his family. “Today,” he repeated with a firm nod, assured in his decision. 

———————————————

Tommy waited patiently from a second story balcony late into the afternoon with a machine gun covered by a thick swath of muslin. Residents had been evacuated from the buildings in Artillery Square, though he suspected some still remained as noises could be heard occasionally with the rustle of the breeze. If it were rats or curious tenants, he couldn’t quite be sure. It was of no concern now though, the only thought on his mind was waiting for Luca and his men.

Tommy closed his eyes, taking in one last deep breath and exhaling into the heavens. This would be the end to it all, the black hand and the blood in the kitchen had been nothing compared to this moment when he would finally be victorious. And if he wasn't, that would be the end of everything extra and he could be at peace with Grace. “In the bleak midwinter…” he began before the roar of a car engine could be heard in the distance.

Readying himself for battle, Tommy withdrew the cloth from his weapon and hid beyond the shadows, listening to the distant footsteps of at least four men, recalling all the places he’d stored guns and ammunition around the compound. He steadied his breathing as he’d done years ago in the war, taking in the stream of oxygen as he might the opium or whisky afterward to stop the shakes. He took one last look at his pocket watch, the soldier's minute had begun.

—————————————-

Aurora watched the last of the vehicles Darby provided pull away from the curb and she felt a rush of adrenaline course through her whole body. She packed quickly knowing time was not a luxury today and gathered the tickets Rose had left for her under an assumed name. Everything was falling into place almost too well when she felt a hand on her shoulder as she waited for a taxi. 

She startled at the touch, dropping her case to the pavement as she glanced over her shoulder nervously. This was the moment she was found out. She was certain of it and she nearly fainted as she glimpsed the fedora in her peripheral vision. 

In a blessed moment of relief, the voice that issued forth was not that of her husband, but a warm, soothing tone of her bodyguard. Shoulders slumping forward in instant relief she managed, “Enzo! It’s only you.”

“Yes, Mr. Changretta said I should stay behind and watch over you,” he explained, a note of apology in his voice.

“I won't be needing you today. Go back to the hotel,” Aurora instructed.

Enzo looked confused as Aurora straightened her dress and picked her case up from where it had fallen at her feet. He dipped quickly to pick it up for her, but she grabbed the handle first with a shake of her head. Her hazel eyes turned dark with warning, the same look she’d given him that morning in the dining room and he understood she was fleeing. 

“I’m sorry, I can’t stay,” she said as a taxi pulled up to the curb. 

“No, it’s I who must apologize, Mrs. Changretta,” he replied as he opened the door for her. "Potrai mai perdonarmi?"

She paused as her hand fell upon the door. “Why do you say that?” she asked, eyes snapping up to meet his.

Enzo looked away as he fixed his eyes on something across the road answering honestly, “I never protected you from him. It was my one job and I failed you,” he confessed.

Aurora’s swallowed harshly as she was confronted by the truth no one had dared speak into existence in her presence. She placed a gloved hand over his and gave a gentle squeeze as she tried to fortify him with a look of reassurance. “You've done enough. Be satisfied with that and don't worry. I'm my father's daughter. No one strikes a Sabini without bearing a scar of their own.” Then she ducked inside the cab without looking back.

——————————-

“Dear Lord, vengeance is yours. My father, look upon me. Vengeance is yours too.” Luca whispered before making the sign of the cross and kissing the St. Christopher medal that hung from his neck. As Matteo drove a bread truck deep into Shelby territory, he searched for signs of life in the smoggy streets. However, the neighborhood appeared cold and desolate, gray clouds hanging like a burial shroud over the decaying buildings.

Luca leaned forward to give his final instructions to his men. “He may try to surrender, but remember, I’ll fire the final shot,” he warned them, flexing his gloved hands until the leather cracked breaking the tension in the air. They nodded in silent understanding, exchanging glances as they all recognized the blood lust in Luca’s eyes. He wouldn’t be contained a moment longer.

As soon as the car stopped, Luca jumped from the back, surveying the empty car left by the alley. By all accounts this was Shelby’s car and he smirked with pleasure knowing his enemy was nearby. 

In the distance Tommy watched through the iron bars of the balcony railing as Luca marched through the courtyard, a lion prowling unfamiliar territory with his nose high in the air. He had an unsettling sense of superiority Tommy found nauseating, a reminder of the cavalry who rode past him without a single glance. That was the secret to his plan, however. Hiding in plain sight where Luca would never think to look. Taking one last view through the sights, Tommy’s finger curled over the trigger in anticipation of just the right moment.

No sooner had Luca begun thinking of his plans to ambush Tommy, gunfire reigned down from above. The sharp echoes around him bit at his nerves and the wind opened his coat, exposing him to the elements in a sudden reversal of fortune he hadn’t been expecting. His men poured from the back doors of the bread truck, machine guns in hand, but two were struck down instantly by his side, blood pooling at his feet. “Fuck!” he shouted, returning fire to the balcony above, grimacing as he held his gun against his shoulder tightly and fired several rounds in quick succession.

As the specter of a man in a flat cap disappeared beyond undulating waves of hanging bed sheets, Luca motioned the others forward. “Come on!” he said with a wave of his arm, unwilling to give up the chance now that it had begun. His earlier certainty had been robbed, however, and he now stood motionless despite his command, flattening himself against a wall as he collected his thoughts. His face twisted with rage as he hissed, “I was lied to.”

———————————

Aurora fidgeted with the buttons on her gloves anxiously, willing the couple in front of her to move more quickly. She'd already waited at the docks for hours for her boat and the churning in her stomach was worsening with every passing second. Her nerves were not helped by the elderly pair before her having a lengthy discussion about securing their dog on board, along with endless questions about their voyage. She attempted to take long, slow breaths through her nose, but nothing seemed to calm her.

Finally it seemed she would be next and she readied her papers in hand with a warm smile. As she stretched her hand out to offer them, a clerk approached her. “Ma’am, a word please,” he said in a stern voice.

With a dry throat, Aurora attempted to swallow and hesitantly turned to face him. “Yes, can I help you?” She was certain it was a mistake. Women traveling alone were often questioned and she was confident she could talk her way out of it.

“I need you to follow me, please,” he said with a wave of his hand. "There's been a problem with your paperwork, ma'am." 

"Surely you'll find everything in order if you take a look," she demurred, offering her papers. They shook in her hand as she pleaded, "Please, I’ll miss the boat and my family is waiting in America."

“Now, ma’am, or I'll be forced to call a policeman,” he commanded.

Seeing no other option, Aurora complied, gathering the small case at her side. The row of waiting travelers parted for her, pointing and staring at the elegant woman being led away. Although she kept her head held high, her legs nearly collapsed when she made it to the end of the dock to see Luca towering above her. He smiled at her with a predatory glimmer in his dark brown eyes. “Amore, I was so worried when you weren’t at the hotel,” he greeted her with open arms, pulling her into him like a long lost lover. 

Aurora’s heart raced, beating wildly against her chest. She knew each and every one of his moods. This was his best impression of a loving husband, an act he would discard later in favor of the cruelest forms of punishment. The soft, even tone of his voice terrified her more than the beatings that followed. 

She tried not to react as he pushed the scarf from her head and stroked her hair, fingers tracing along the column of her neck. A prickle of goosebumps developed beneath the wake of his touch as he whispered in her ear, “We could have had everything.” His nose nudged the shell of her ear tenderly as he did when they made love, but his next words came out even more breathlessly as he struggled to temper his emotions. “Mi hai spezzato il cuore…now I’m gonna break you, sweetheart.” Then he placed a rough kiss to her temple, hand clutching at the back of her neck possessively as though he might crush her skull and she whimpered involuntarily.

As he attempted to drag her from view of the remaining passengers waiting to board, Aurora began to feel nauseous. If she went with him, she wouldn’t return home. He had warned her once. Spotting the waiting car at the curb, she began to kick against his hold.

She wrenched herself from him in a moment of panic, his hand clutching at her necklace. It stopped her for a brief moment, a small choking sound emitting from her throat as it held her to him. Then the clasp gave way and she stumbled, watching a shimmering row of pearls fall to the walkway. Her hand flew to her throat as she saw Luca’s eyes widen in shock at the shower of jewels bounce along the ground at their feet.

Seeing her moment to flee, Aurora ran in the opposite direction as quickly as her legs would carry her. The shouted curses began as the sound of Aurora’s heels beat against the pavement, sounding a war drum in Luca’s ears as the blood pumped through his veins provoking him to chase after her. 

She cut a path back through the crowd, weaving between bodies to disguise herself. The murmurs from the crowd intensified as she ducked low to avoid the men in dark coats and her position was given away when a woman screamed out in surprise. “Over there!” Luca called to Matteo who rushed to find her, pushing a man out of his way as he reached for the handle of his pistol.

In an instant Aurora’s brown curls had disppeared once more and the men stopped to watch and listen. They hadn’t seen her remove her shoes and scamper down a ramp, concealing herself beneath a set of stairs. Although soon one of the men discovered the passageway and motioned for Luca. “Here, boss!” he called out. 

The men stalked through the shadowed area slowly, weapons drawn now that they were out of sight of any bystanders. Aurora closed her eyes tightly as she heard the sound of a gun cock, chest heaving and silently praying they wouldn’t discover her position. When she heard their footsteps move on, she took one last gulp of air and ran toward freedom, but the sound of a single shot echoing along the corridor immobilized her with a shock of lightning through her entire body. She dropped to the ground as the sound of police whistles rang out and her vision blurred.

———————————- 

**The Changretta Calls-3 happens here **

Margate, One week later…

As the heavy front door swung open, Tommy’s voice rumbled lowly, “Is she still alive?” Expression unreadable below his flat cap, only his tightly clasped hands and rigid posture gave away his anxiety.

“And good morning to you, Tom,” Alfie said, stepping aside to allow his business associate inside. “Would like some tea, I think Edna’s got some brewing.” Observing Tommy’s pacing, he stroked his beard, adding, “bit of something stronger?”

Removing his cap swiftly, Tommy’s bloodshot eyes came into view and he stepped closer to Alfie as he hissed, “I need answers, Alfie. Right fucking now.”

“Yeah, suppose you do, mate. Come on, then,” he said, shuffling toward the back of the house to find Rose.

As they came into view of the sitting room, Rose’s head shot up. “Mr. Shelby, there are a few things we need to discuss,” she said with arms crossed against her chest. “First, I’d like to know why you left Mrs. Changretta to die when we agreed it was her husband you wanted.”

“Now wait a minute,” Tommy interjected. “I’ve already told your husband, I had nothing to do with that.”

“Of course you’d deny it,” she huffed. “She delivered him to you on a silver platter and it still wasn’t enough for your ego,” she let out a bitter laugh as she marched toward him. Pointing a finger at Tommy accusingly she continued, “If that bullet had been three inches to the left, she’d be dead. She risked her life to save yours, you arrogant prick!” Her words were pitched with emotion, a bit high for her usual register as the emotional distress from watching Aurora suffer spilled forth all at once. 

“It was only Luca and his men in Artillery Square,” Tommy said with conviction.

“Then how did she end up in hospital?” Rose asked.

As the waves crashed outside the open balcony door, Aurora’s words echoed in Tommy’s ear, ��I just want out.” She’d been desperate that afternoon in the basement room, clawing her way out of the pit Luca had dug for them. Tommy recognized it in her, the will to live despite being buried. Then all the pieces clicked into place. His throat felt dry and the room far too warm suddenly. Alfie had been right about one thing, the unexpected guilt that arose. He hadn’t meant for any of this to happen when he arranged the meeting in Artillery Square. It was his battle to fight, not Aurora Changretta’s.

The harsh cry of a lone seagull dipping low in the sky brought Tommy back to himself as he choked out, “I proposed an alliance in good faith and I haven’t broken it. The only other person in this country who wants her dead is her own husband. Have you asked her about him?”

The tightness in his jaw and the strained look in his eye told Rose Tommy was concerned for Aurora. Perhaps he even cared what happened to her after this, but he was definitely telling the truth about the events of the past days. Even if she wanted to hold a grudge, she had no choice but to work with him because a war was still raging outside her doorstep.

“She lost a great deal of blood and fell unconsciousness before I could speak with her further,” Rose admitted. “I just know she needed protection and asked to come here.”

“Well let’s settle this, shall we? I’d like to know where the fuck Luca is for a start, wouldn’t you?” Tommy asked with raised eyebrows.

“I told you, she needs rest,” Rose cautioned, still feeling protective over her guest.

“We don’t have time, Rose,” Tommy countered. Rose opened her mouth to argue, fury ready to fly from her until he added more gently, “I can’t protect her or any of us if I don’t have information.”

She couldn’t deny his logic and closed her mouth. Pursing her lips for a moment before beginning, “I’ll check on her, but I don’t want that woman upset. If you speak, you’ll watch your bloody tone with her. She’s been through enough, do you understand?” Rose gave him a stern look and without waiting for a reply, she whisked away to Aurora’s room to see if she might be able to speak.

Alfie let out a low whistle. “Ready for that drink now?” he asked.

“Yeah,” Tommy agreed with a quick nod, watching Alfie push himself up from his chair with a low grunt.

Alfie lumbered to the bar cart in the corner, pouring two fingers of Irish whisky and passed it to his friend with a grumble. As he stood considering the bright morning sun over the water, he reached for the chain around his neck and produced a pair of half moon shaped glasses. Their size was unremarkable in comparison to their owner who held them in his enormous hand with great awe and wonder.

“The man who made this pair of spectacles for me is a fucking magician, Tommy. You wouldn’t believe it,” he said with a satisfied nod. “A fucking magician!” his voice boomed. “Ain’t they lovely though?” he asked, pulling the chain out from his body and offering them toward Tommy for inspection.

Tommy took a swig of his drink, tilting his chin to the ceiling as he allowed the burn of the alcohol to reach his brain. It was too early for Alfie’s theatrics, especially with the weight on his mind. He licked his lips and nodded thoughtfully. “They’re quite nice, Alfie.”

“They tell me things as well. All that’s about to happen," he gestured with an open palm. "I’ve seen into the future with these,” he said in a hushed voice full of reverence. 

“Is that right? Perhaps I need a pair then,” Tommy dead panned, reaching into his coat pocket for a badly needed cigarette.

“Ah, but you already know, dontcha?” Alfie hummed, pacing toward the balcony once more. “It was you who said they was coming for us all one day. That was you, weren’t it?” he asked,  glancing over his shoulder as Tommy lit his smoke, looking more interested than before.

Nodding to himself, Alfie clutched the spectacles in his large fingers and turned his back to Tommy saying, “Hmm, didn’t need a pair of these after all, did ya?” Tugging at the hem of his shirt to polish a spot, he held them to the light for inspection as he continued, “The way I see it, the wops know she’s a traitor.” Alfie stopped, one ringed hand resting over his mouth, stroking his beard momentarily, before he dared speak the rest. “Worse they’ll know by now my Rosie’s one cause they’ve been seen together.”

“What would you have me do, Alfie?” Tommy asked, taking a long drag as he awaited an answer.

“I can’t keep the Changretta woman here another day, mate,” Alfie proclaimed, a veiled request rolled into his statement.

“Rose won’t agree to it,” Tommy warned.

“She might not like it, but she knows what’s best for everyone, don’t she?” Alfie countered.

“Aurora can’t possibly travel,” Tommy argued, pointing his cigarette at Alfie for emphasis.

“She got here,” Alfie reasoned, tucking the glasses back into his shirt front. "She can make it to yours," he said decisively.

Tommy bit the inside of his cheek before slamming his glass on the nearest table, accepting his inevitable defeat in this argument. “I’ll need blankets and a medical kit, plus two cars to accompany us on the drive.”

Alfie nodded thoughtfully to accept the proposal, but his pacing continued as though some other issue still plagued his mind. “You do realize my wife will have your balls if you don’t do right by this woman,” Alfie proclaimed, chewing his bottom lip with worry. 

Tommy looked down the hall where Rose had disappeared as he nodded, “Yes, I do.”

—————————————

Rose helped Tommy bundle Aurora into warm blankets, carrying her down to the car as gingerly as possible. Aurora was still quite delirious from the pain medicine, making a proper goodbye difficult, but she managed to thank Rose, giving her hand a weak squeeze. Rose wiped a tear away as she placed a basket on the bench seat by Tommy. “Be sure she eats the bread I sent,” she instructed. It was the only bit of care she could give now that they would be separated.

“And Tommy…this time you must succeed. This man has to be killed,” Rose implored with fierce determination.

“There's no other option,” Tommy replied before driving off. 

It was close to midnight before they reached Arrow House, rows of men welcoming them back to what had become a heavily guarded fortress. Frances swept from the house the moment the car arrived with questions about room preparations which Tommy answered in short, half sentences, too tired to address properly. He was thinking of the calls still to be made that evening to a doctor, his brothers and Pol. There would be a lot of explaining to do and he could only hope they would trust him. 

As he carried Aurora to her room, the full moon broke through the parting clouds and Tommy looked down at her sleeping form, wondering when he’d gone soft. Hadn’t she been the same woman who tried to have him killed mere weeks ago? Now she rested against his chest, the weight of her in his arms a promise to be fulfilled. He couldn't say if it was Rose's influence or the bandages that lay in the same place against her chest as the red stain upon Grace's dress the night of her murder, but something was driving him to protect her.

————————-

The next day…

“Thanks be to Mary and Joseph," Johnny Dogs exhaled at the sight of Tommy entering the foyer of Arrow House. With Arthur in tow, they followed at Tommy's heels until they'd reached the office. With a heavy sigh, Johnny closed the office door behind him. “You didn't say she was gonna wake up, Tom! We had to barricade the fucking door,” he huffed, shoving his hands into his pockets angrily.

“What’s happened?” Tommy asked, quickly removing his jacket and placing it on the closest chair. 

“I don’t know. She’s up there smashing up the room, speaking in bloody tongues,” Arthur said in disgust, pouring himself a whisky as he shook his head, ears still ringing.

“It’s Italian, Arthur,” Tommy retorted. “And I didn’t tell you to fucking lock her in. She’s not a prisoner, she’s a guest in my home. This is a delicate business which must be conducted accordingly, you understand?” he scolded.

“Yeah, well you’d think she’d act a little more grateful for what you did for her, eh?” he said, tossing back his drink as another loud crash came from the upstairs bedroom. “See what I mean?” he gestured above his head. “Fucking madwoman!”

“Alright, you get Polly for the family meeting later and I’ll deal with this,” Tommy replied with a sigh. Rubbing a hand over his face, he climbed the grand staircase. Despite the lack of sleep and the obvious displeasure of his guest, it was time to discuss strategy.

Potrai mai perdonarmi?=Can you ever forgive me?

Mi hai spezzato il cuore=You broke my heart

---------------

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