#and people withhold important information from her

[ginsoakedgirl80]

Bai Yue gives us Wulin Heroes in a nutshell

[celestialtarot11]

Any thoughts on Scorpio rising women? Anyways i love your mindset and knowledges,keep going 🥨🥨

Scorpio rising women—

—Enigma. Complex. She carries a lot of baggage and wisdom on her shoulders, battling with the grief of knowing what she went through and why. And yet understands the importance of healing it all.

—She can be distant, appear cold, and private. She knows the importance of privacy and withholding information about herself to others. It’s not necessary for the flair of the dramatic, but she knows those who know too much can hurt her.

—Seeks to observe. She doesn’t like to throw herself in situations without knowing who’s involved what their role is. She’s cautious, and her confidence is quiet, because she knows insecurity is loud.

—Of course, there’s that side to her that is cautious, and there’s this side to her only those closest see. She can be funny, witty, and loving. She is fiercely protective over what she loves including people, loyal, and a ride or die. She expects the same in return from others, no less.

—Perspective taking. The things she can say will linger in your mind forever. She says all the things you wish you could say.

—Intuitive. She has deep nudges of what may happen next, or her intuition guides her on what to do in situations. It was easy to once ignore it, because other people deemed her incapable. But once she tapped into its true purpose, she listens to it.

—Better to listen to it now than to make a huge mistake, right?

—Sweet. As much as these natives appear indifferent, or introverted, they are capable of caring. They just are selective with who they show it to. This doesn’t make them odd, weird or strange. They just prefer those who prefer them. That’s all.

—Detail oriented. They think deeply. They may actually have an eye for art or music because of this. They can find a way to express how they feel—the shame, the distraught parts of them, guilty and repressed. This is why their art or music is so moving.

—Acknowledges the pain of her past and who she used to be, and where she wants to be. She knows it’s important to have visions and goals and dreams for herself. After all, it was once taken. Now she protects them and holds them close to her heart. This is why she hardly shares parts of herself to just anyone.

—These natives have such a big heart. A lot of people think they don’t, but I’d think of their heart as a bleeding heart. It’s open, it’s wide, but no one paid attention to the wound. And through out the years they learned to cover it up, but it’s there and it’s alive.

—So, even if they couldn’t have people to cry to, this is why they are so expressive in their arts or music, or dancing, etc. There is no one to talk to, but themselves, because they can see their own heart. And there is acceptance for all its stages of grief.

—Careful. They are careful with those around them, especially with those they care for because they know what it’s like to be mishandled before. This may make them appear as “slow” or “distant,” but they are taking their time in opening up. They are learning to embrace love and affection in ways they didn’t before.

—Her absence is felt like a deep cut. Even after a long time, the pain never truly goes away. There’s always a sting. A reminded of who she was and what she showed you. Scorpio women are intricately deep, imaginative, intuitive and intelligent. She understood you in a deeper way, in ways you didn’t see yourself before.

[itsnotmeep]

LOOSE THREADS

This is my first time writing sorry for the mistakes and it is unedited with that please enjoy:) Gojo x reader (angst) ARRANGED MARRIAGE

PROLOUGE Red strings of fate, it is funny how a string as thin as a loose thread of clothing can connect two individuals forever. People romanticize the idea of a soulmate, finding comfort that there is someone out there who is molded to fit them. Yet they forget that love is the worst curse of them all and fate is cruel. When both are in play and the strings are tied it is inevitable that tragedy will loom near.

“Hey Megumi, what's up with Gojo and (L/N) sensei?” the pink-haired boy asked. Immediately catching the attention of all the students who were taking a break from sparing with each other.

  Panda who was previously showing off his new hand bands then added “ Yeah, even I don’t know”, then with a mischievous grin on his face “ Is something sneaky going on between them? Surely you would know, you knew them the longest right”. His question would be answered with Maki wacking him on the head.

“Stop with the conspiracy theories!” Panda began rubbing his head and Maki continued rubbing her chin. “Their dynamic is interesting though, he is unusually cold to her.”

“Cold is one thing but imagine my surprise when I caught him secretly asking Shoko sensei to check her after she came back from her mission. Men are always so weird” Nobara shared, murmuring the last phase to herself. 

“Whoa you were withholding that precious information from us the whole time. Are you serious?” exclaimed Itadori, withholding information himself. 

He recalls meeting the (h/c) sorcerer the first time after his “death.” In which Gojo sensei had put her in charge of him but never acknowledged her in the process simply stating “they will watch you” without an introduction. Before continuing to explain the curse toy as if she was never there in the first place. Yet the observant boy also caught his albino teacher take a long glance at the (h/c) sorcerer as he was leaving and she was making herself comfortable on the couch.

Nobara comments would open up the floodgates and before long the two first-years and three second-years would pester Megumi non-stop. The boy could only sigh, realizing that it was a subject in which he wouldn't be able to escape.

“It’s complicated, they are married” and with that the whole field erupted. 

( FLASHBACK )

They would first meet on a spring day, when (y/n) was just a young girl at the age of 7 and Gojo at the age of 8. The albino boy was well known in the community, not only coming from one of the major clans but his birth had also shifted the plain of the cursed world, beginning the age of stronger sorcerers and curses.

(l/n) clan was relatively new, emerging as a formidable clan roughly 2-3 generations ago. While other clans prided themselves on their offensive abilities, the (l/n) clan specialized on binding and trapping curses. So when (y/n) started showing signs of a curse technique of being able to manipulate threads and traps like that of a spider, she immediately became the pride of the clan. With her cousins and older siblings falling behind, she was branded with the future.

Further emphasize when the Gojo clan reach out to orchestrate a meeting between their youngest and her. This was a key way in which the (l/n) clan could establish themselves and without a second thought agreed, sealing (y/n)’s and Gojo’s fate.

Enamored would be the word that (y/n) would describe her first meeting. She could recall it vividly. The morning was hectic with her mother and aunts festering her, making sure her hair was done and her clothes were proper. Followed by her uncles checking on her and her father watching over constantly. What dampened her mood the most was when the head of the family, her grandmother, would call her over, nagging her continuously about the importance of the meeting. What was so special about meeting a boy? She had made many male friends, so what was the problem?

The ride there only made her annoyance turn into anger.  The sunlight was hitting her face a little too much, not only making her feel hot but irritated as no shifting could prevent the sun from hitting her. Her half tied hair was too tight and she could feel the urge to itch her hair, but doing so would ruin it. There was also an itch right on the back of her neck, where the tag of her dress seemed to be.

The amount of grown ups in the car made the ride stuffy and her aunt was leaning too close for comfort. They could have taken another car but her grandma had insisted that everyone could fit. Instead the car consisted of her grandma and the direct blood line which included her dad, aunt, uncle, older brother and herself. Her mom, younger sibling, significant others of her aunt/uncles and cousin were left at home.

The moment her uncle had announced they were at the Gojo estate the little girl slammed the door open, wanting to feel the breeze hit her. Hoping that it could even help the itch on her scalp. It wasn’t so long before a maid came to greet them and they were slowly led around the estate. 

Before she knew it she was faced with a room filled with elders, following what had been instilled in her. She immediately greeted everyone with a bow and introduced herself after her family. “Hello, my name is (l/n) (y/n), second born to (fathers name) and first granddaughter of (grandmother's name) . It is a pleasure and honor to meet you”. 

“She is well-mannered and her cursed energy is good,” one remarked.

“Her face is a little chubby but hopefully she will grow into her looks” another added.

“A little short though and somewhat short legs don’t you think” continued the other.

The elders continued, some even came close to personally examining her themselves looking at her fingers, touching her hair, pulling her skin. It wasn’t long before the oldest spoke up “That's enough, maid please escort her to the garden. I think we made a decision. It is time for the grown ups to talk” The oldest one walked up to her and patted on her head telling her “Why don't you go have a snack?”  She bowed and followed the maid not before seeing the elders whispering into the ear of another maid.

The garden was stunning, filled with blooming flowers with a pavilion sitting in the middle. Within the pavilion was a floor table with 4 cushions to sit on, although the flowers were beautiful. What caught her eye was the traditional snacks decorated the counter. With the hell she went through she deserved a snack and instantly took a seat and started snacking.

“Aren’t you eating a little fast, the food isn't going to run away from you” before she could snort out a reply, she was faced with cerulean eyes seemingly inches from her face. His close proximity made her heart slightly race and a blush to creep on her cheeks but she couldn’t look away. His eyes were the prettiest thing she had ever seen in her life even today nothing had outshine them in her mind. His eyelashes were so long and framed so beautifully that it was as if Michelangelo himself had meticulously worked to place each one perfectly on him. 

Taking that moment of distraction the boy had flicked her forehead snapping her out of her trance. “ So you’re the girl they were talking about huh. All this talk but you are weak”. (y/n) was flabbergasted wanting to yell back but started choking on her food. The boy's laughter filled the air as the girl continued to cough, reaching her hands out for tea to smooth her throat.

As she finally settled herself the boy took a seat across from her. “You’re not so great yourself for the boy who changed the world, you ummm… look like a blind white rat.” The boy’s face shifted taking a dark turn, (y/n) felt her hands become sweaty fear and nerves slowly overtook her as she wished to have just ignored him.

All before his expression changed to one of teasing “ Your interesting, no one had the nerve, names is Gojo Satoru”

“(l/n) (y/n)”

“Whoa you have fat cheeks kind of like a hippo”

“WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU!”

The banter continued on for an hour, Satoru teasing the girl and the girl arguing back. Having grown up surrounded by those who feared him, the girl's openness had drawn her to him, giving him the breath of fresh air he had needed.

What the girl didn’t know was how his eyes had captured her, her whole being had captured him. He wasn’t sure if it was his need for some company or her pure beauty. He would never tell anyone but from the moment he first saw her in her dress, hair slightly messy from the breeze, stuffing her check with food he had felt the need to go towards her, like an invisible string railing him to her.

It wasn’t long before (y/n) noticed how Satoru didn't eat any of the snacks but just moving them around. “Why aren’t you eating any of these” Satoru would answer by throwing one of them at her “What is your problem” The boy laughter rang once more “You should have seen your face”

After calming down he replied “They always serve these treats, the elders like them so a variety is always served here” The little girl looked at the table noticing how the treats were not ones that were sweet, it made sense the elder preferred savory and delicate flavors. It made her recall all the times in which her dad or mother would tell her things were too sweet. For a 7 year old it made her feel bad for him because she could imagine living a life without ever tasting anything as sweet like cake or cookies.

Recalling how she had kept a piece of chocolate in the small pocket of her dress, she pulled it out. (y/n) had originally planned to eat it after they left the estate.Yet thinking about the possible sad life of the teasing boy made her give it to him.

Reluctantly reaching out her hand she said “Here try this”. Satoru looks at her hand curiously before reaching forward and taking the candy. Without sparing a second, he opened the wrapper, sniffed it and put it in his mouth. The sweetness coated his mouth and he was in love. With his mouth filled, he asked “Do you have anymore?Give them to me now!” 

The girl slightly giggled before saying “You should say please, and no, I don't have any more but next time I can bring some. I assume you haven't tried much sweet stuff huh. I can bring a bunch of new stuff next time we meet.” (y/n) had failed to notice the blush that her giggles had painted on Satoru’s face. 

In her naiveté, she noted “Wow you must have loved the sweet dearly because your ears are red”. It was met with a rice cracker hitting her forehead.

The conversation continues with her describing all the desserts she could think of and how he should try them. The boy listened longingly and told her to bring them next time she came. Fully aware that he could easily order a maid to get them for him. Yet he had wanted her to come back and the promise of sweets was just a plus. 

Before long (y/n) fathers voice rang out calling her. She hastily got up but not before promising to bring cookies next time she saw him.

“Don’t forget your promise alright?” he put his pinky out looking into her eyes.

( FLASHBACK END )

“WHAT HOW LONG WERE YOU GONNA KEEP THAT BOMB OF INFORMATION FROM US?” Itadori exploded

Panda followed, “I thought we were friends.” dramatically, putting his paw over his chest.

“MEN ARE TERRIBLE! Why would he treat her like that? my opinions on Gojo sensei are dirt now” Nobara added.

“Yeah, I knew that Sensei definitely had a problem but isn't this much” the pink-head exclaimed disappointed.

“Look guys I don’t know what happen for sure but it's complicated” Megumi said

“Yeah we shouldn’t speculate, plus being a sorcerer is already challenging in itself, we knew when we signed up.” Maki shared.

Although they all had much to say, Maki's voice resonated and they ended the topic. Speaking of the devil, not a minute later they heard the voice of (l/n) sensei. ”Are you guys done training? I brought some snacks to enjoy” All the students felt some pity for the older women but found some spirit and shouted at her thanks as they cleared their stuff and meeted her. As they walked to the snacks, Megumi walked in the back with the teacher. He had known her for 10 years now and couldn’t help but feel protective for the women who had shown up through the years to help him.

“You okay Megumi”

“Yeah let's go eat” the dark-haired boy mumbled. 

Thats the end i planned for this to be a series but im not sure yet. Once again sorry for the grammer mistakes it hasnt been edited

[anthurak]

Everything we Assume about Team STRQ (It's Everything)

So when it comes to theorizing about Ruby, Yang and their parents in Volume 10 and beyond, I feel like not enough people appreciate just how LITTLE we actually know or can be truly sure of regarding the backstory of Team STRQ or what was really going on during Ruby’s and Yang’s childhoods.

Simply because for much of the show, our primary source on such things was YANG, someone who couldn’t have been much older than FIVE when a lot of the important shit was going down and only seems to have gotten much of her information from her father and uncle after the fact.

In a show with a now LONG history of adults lying to or otherwise withholding important information from their children/students/charges.

And before anyone tries to claim that ‘Tai and Qrow wouldn’t hide important things from Yang and Ruby!’, let’s not forget that Yang didn’t find out that RAVEN was her birth-mother until after Summer ‘died’. Note also that Yang specifically states to Blake that she ‘learned why (Tai kinda shut down)’, not ‘Dad/Uncle Qrow told me’. Or the fact that Yang spent over ten years searching for any information on her mother, believing that she had cut herself out of her family completely, only for it to turn out that Qrow has been in on-and-off contact with his sister this whole time and even has a pretty good idea where she is, and was content to NEVER tell Yang ANY of this until Yang pressed him directly on it in Volume 3.

So basically EVERYTHING we’ve been assuming about Summer, Tai, Raven, Qrow and their dynamics and what they were doing 15+ years ago based on Yang’s conversation with Blake in Burning the Candle? Yeah I’d say we need to be calling just about ALL of that into question.

ESPECIALLY after Ruby’s tree vision gave us our first actual look back into Team STRQ’s past.

To give just ONE example: After Yang’s talk with Blake in Volume 2, telling her that Raven ‘left Yang with Tai just after she was born’, we all assumed that Raven disappeared right after Yang was born, vanishing into the night never to be seen or heard from again.

Now both we and Yang have known for a while now that the second part of this is patently untrue; that Raven was not only in occasional contact with Qrow all this time, but that she was even keeping an eye on Yang in bird-form.

But now Ruby’s tree vision has not only shown that Summer was apparently in even closer contact with Raven prior to her ‘death’, but even calls into question Raven ditching her team right after Yang was born as we have so long believed:

Not only does Raven show the kind of concern for Yang and even Ruby (“You’re just going to leave them?”) that you might not expect from a woman who just walked out on her family without a word, but when Summer retorts that “You’re one to talk,” Raven replies with; “You’re better at that life. Better than I was.”

Really think about that statement for a moment. Raven is insinuating that she has the experience to know that Summer is ‘better than her’, implying that she actually TRIED to settle down into ‘that life’ with her teammates. Given that she and Summer are specifically talking about Yang and Ruby, this could very well be indicating that Raven DIDN’T actually leave right after giving birth to Yang, but instead stuck around for long enough to actually TRY to be a mother to Yang. And that at least part of her reason for leaving was that Raven felt she wasn’t fit to be a mother. Or at least that Summer would be better for Yang (and Ruby) than her.

Meaning that at this point, everything we first assumed back in Volume 2 about Raven leaving Yang as soon as she was born has been either MASSIVELY called into question or disproven entirely.

So with that in mind, what else was Yang wrong about in this scene?

Or perhaps a shorter answer; what was she even RIGHT about?

Like when Yang stated “Summer was the first love (Tai) lost,” we first assumed Raven and Summer were both in serious, committed relationships with Tai, either one after the other with Summer and Tai getting together after Raven left, or all three were in a full-blown polycule.

But now in hindsight, just how well does that assumption really track?

We can at least assume from reading between the lines of the Warrior in the Woods short that Tai did indeed love both Raven and Summer. Yet let’s also remember that in that very story, while the boy (who is a clear stand-in for Tai) loves the titular Warrior, it is never made clear whether the warrior actually loved him back, or how she cares for him. And what is made clear is that the boy’s love for the warrior is ultimately a love that is not or cannot be returned by her.

So by that token, what if neither Summer OR Raven ‘loved’ Tai in the same way he loved either of them?

In all her appearances, Raven barely ever speaks of Tai, and the times she does indicate she doesn’t seem to think much of him. Indeed, we’ve yet to actually see ANY of Raven and Tai together. Which all begs the question of how Raven and Tai were together in the first place. Well, what if they weren’t together? What if Yang was an unplanned pregnancy? The unexpected result of what was supposed to be some drunken, one-night-stand? Which would certainly cast Raven’s decision that she wasn’t fit to be a mother and to leave the family in a particularly interesting light.

Then we have our one scene of Summer with Tai, which I’ve always found to be curiously lacking in overt romantic gestures. There’s no kiss, no ‘I love you’ or even any kind of flirting. Sure, there is that hug, but as I’ve noted in previous posts, RWBY has used that kind of close embrace just as, if not more often as a gesture of platonic or familial affection. Never mind the fact that Summer clearly didn’t trust Tai to tell him what she was REALLY doing that night. Summer and Tai are certainly quite close, I’m not arguing that. I’d even agree that Summer did ‘love’ Tai. But did she love him romantically? At this point, I’d call that rather ambiguous best.

So we’re left with a Raven who’s made it unclear if she ever cared that much for Tai, and a Summer who’s left it a bit ambiguous how she may have cared for Tai. Which if nothing else, doesn’t seem to line up very well with the assumption we got from Yang’s recounting.

Instead, I can’t help but think the image we’ve gotten and long believed about Summer’s, Raven’s and Tai’s relationships has been based far more on Tai’s nostalgia and grief-driven biases (and likely some petty resentment), and Ruby’s and Yang’s assumptions BASED on those. Let’s not forget that Yang almost certainly learned that ‘Summer wasn’t the first love he lost’ from Tai. And sure, maybe Qrow knows that Tai is looking a bit too hard through rose-tinted glasses, but maybe he’s decided to just let Tai have this, and more importantly is afraid to risk any conflict with the only teammate he really has LEFT.

This is what I mean when I say that much of the fandom is assuming FAR too much based on information we learned in the early days of the show. When we’ve seen so much of what our heroines believed in those early days either called into question or disproven entirely. Combined with a show that has made judicious use of ‘unreliable narrators’ and parents/teachers/leaders/adults with a bad habit of hiding important information from their kids ‘for their own good’, even when it turns out to not do them any actual good.

So to come back to that question: What else have Ruby and Yang been wrong about?

Or again, what have they even been RIGHT about?

This is why I think we may actually see a big reveal like ‘Raven is Ruby’s real dad’. With things like the building information of what really happened to Summer Rose, the growing implications hiding in the margins of just how big of a dysfunctional fuck-up parent Tai really was and especially lines like “Who knows why they kept the secrets they did,” and “Maybe we didn’t have the full picture…”, I’m feeling more and more confident that we are headed towards a major confrontation between our heroines and their parents wherein a WHOLE LOT is finally brought to light for Ruby and Yang.

Ever since Volume 3 ripped the status quo to pieces (along with Penny) and burned it to ashes along with Beacon (and Pyrrha), RWBY has been making reveal after reveal that things our heroines/the audience believed, assumed or were told at the start and early days of the show were WRONG.

So I’d say it’s only natural to think that the SAME will happen to those things that Ruby and Yang long believed about their parents.

[aniseya]

so qimir wasn’t responsible nor was he there (it was purely a jedi-witch ordeal) but it was sol who was the MOST responsible? yeah torbin and indara had some part by proxy but mainly everything aside from the witches pressuring mae to start a fire she realized she couldn’t control, it was SOL? wow. osha’s definitely not gonna forgive him after that, i don’t even see many fans forgiving him…

but this also provides context to how much qimir knows, and it’s all most likely from mae. she saw sol kill their mom, and though she doesn’t know he tried to kill HER, she still saw the biggest possible thing that could skew her against them forever. that’s why qimir says “after everything he did to you.”

whether he knows if osha knows is not known now, but probably that’s why he was so incredulous about her staying with sol after all that mae told him, he doesn’t know the extent of what osha DOESN’T know. which is probably why he’s unintentionally withholding the information, as he might think that osha already knows but has “forgiven” sol.

this explains why he has a much stronger bond with osha and not mae, though. he sees a girl who has been done so wrong by the jedi after they legit took one of her most important people to her, and yet she still sought their approval, to only be something they turned against (which i’m pretty sure he found out by looking into yord’s head to a degree by seeing he never hesitated to turn her in and the council didn’t either, not exactly mind-reading but peering moreso).

i’m still kinda shocked they went there with sol and i feel the backlash against it, even though because i liked dark characters i feel this makes him more interesting to me. i kinda like him even more because this is juicy

[bengiyo]

Sailom from Wedding Plan? 👀 ✨?

Ah, Sailom, my beloved. Thank you, bestie.

How I feel about this character

I think he's one of the best versions of a closeted rich man we've ever had in Thai BL. Sailom works so well because Namnuea isn't poor, and Wiwa Square isn't struggling. He's also got completely valid reasons for withholding information from Namnuea. The way this situation spiraled is so believable, and it's also believable how they got themselves out of it. This is my favorite MAME work because I completely get both Namnuea and Sailom. I will forever love this man for putting his own life on hold to protect his best friend's lesbian relationship.

All the people I ship romantically with this character

Namnuea, baby!! My man earned this moment!

But also...I know in my heart that he and Prapai fucked exactly twice in England.

My non-romantic OTP for this character

Yihwa is the only answer. The entire story revolves around how much Sailom is willing to sacrifice for her. The reason why they are one of the best platonic OTP's of all time is that Yihwa and Marine never took what Lom was doing for them for granted, and they were also unwilling to let him sacrifice something real with Namnuea for them. He and Yihwa protected each other for over a decade. He was genuinely sad when they couldn't go to England for their wedding. Their friendship is so important to me.

My unpopular opinion about this character

My unpopular opinion is that he's not a bad guy, and Namnuea isn't a damsel being abused by him. I find it a bit difficult to engage in romance stories if we're reading one person as an giver and another as a receiver. It feels a bit reductive, and the characters start to feel inhuman. What I love so much about Wedding Plan is how actively engaged all of the characters are in their stories, even down to the supporting cast. I think this show captured queer peril in a real way. I think I'd feel differently if the show didn't directly confront Lom's actions as he flirted with Namnuea and stressed him out. As it is, they are married, and I love that for them!

One thing I wish would happen / had happened with this character in canon.

I kinda wish we'd see Lom's dad. It feels pretty pointed that he's completely absent from everything that happened, and we know he's around. I'm a bit sad that we only ever saw Lom be flippant with his mom, when we saw Nuea's parents involve with the entire wedding.

For the Character Breakdown Ask Game

[itsabouttimex2]

ooo if your not busy maybe Mei or Azure a gn! Reader who’s a descendant of the lady bone demon but said friend tries to hide that fact from them

(Thank you for sending such an interesting request! I ended up liking this scenario so much that I wrote out a few characters for it!)

Descendant of the Lady Bone Demon: Part One

(Part One) (Part Two) (Part Three)

Maybe they should’ve seen this coming. Maybe there were a few warning signs they didn’t pick up on. Looking back on it now, it’s pretty obvious, isn’t it? All those little things should’ve added up a long time ago.

The way the room grew silent and tense when you walked in, no matter how how exuberant it had been prior. How you manage to sneak up on everyone without even trying, as though you had no presence. The wide berth that strangers give you, even though they can’t explain why. That last one had been particularly strange for your friends. They hadn’t understood why people would treat you so coldly, not back then.

They understand now.

Mei Dragon thinks of you as one of her best friends, right alongside MK. Even in childhood were the two of you close, your company providing a brief break from her parents expectations and the crushing weight of living up to her family name. She grows up to think of you as a sibling, really. She’s a ride or die, rise to the challenge, thrill junkie sort of girl. And above all else, she’s fiercely loyal to her friends.

So Mei doesn’t believe a word that LBD has to say. She doesn’t care about destiny, about fate, about these so-called “invisible strings that guide us all through life”.

She lives her life as she pleases, doing what makes her and her friends happy! And she’s not gonna listen to a word that some wannabe world-destroyer has to say about it!

Until the Lady Bone Demon mentions you.

“Y/N bears my very own blood, thin though it has grown. In time, they will follow the very same path I have, to cleanse this world of pain and suffering.”

Now she’s listening. Her control over the Samadhi Fire slips, scorching a ring of death into the earth around her. The heat alone wilts the any flora that was spared outright combustion. “How…” The fire flickers, fizzles.

And then promptly reignites, blazing hotter than ever before. Immediately, the Lady Bone Demon cringes away from Mei’s sweltering power as oppressive heat waves bear down on her. She can only watch in fear and awe as the Samadhi Fire grows hotter and brighter, fueled by rage.

“How DARE you say that about my friend! Y/N would never do anything like that!” A blazing arc of black and red fire slices into the blue crystal formations created by the demon, melting them into sizzling puddles. Her anger builds with each lash of multicolored fire, reducing each and every spiked crystal around her to a mess of glowing goo.

That anger doesn’t fade even after the fight is over, not even after she gets to see the Lady Bone Demon shred apart and drift away. It’s cathartic to watch, but doesn’t make her any less angry about what she heard.

No, that anger only fades once she has you in her arms, hugging you as tightly to herself as possible. You don’t know about your lineage. No one else does either. Just Mei. Which leaves her with the worst dilemma of her life.

Does she tell you? Does she tell anyone?

She doesn’t want to be like Sun Wukong, hiding important information from even the people who would be affected by it the most. She was a victim of that, and it had hurt. She doesn’t want to hurt you. That’s the last thing she wants. But she also doesn’t want to cast any doubt on you, doesn’t want anyone to think you might end up a destructive foe that would one day need to be struck down.

The fear of losing you somehow outweighs the fear of you being angry at her for withholding information from you.

So she keeps quiet.

Mei rationalizes her silence on the matter by telling herself that she’ll tell you later. Yes, everything will work out, she’s sure of it! She’ll just… wait. Just a little bit. When everything calms down and everyone starts to move on from this disaster, she’ll speak up. Once everyone is in a better, happier mood, they’ll definitely be more receptive to the bad news, right? So she isn’t doing anything wrong. She isn’t acting like the Monkey King. She’s… just keeping you safe.

And she really hopes you won’t hate her for it.

———————————————————————

Tang has long pondered your place in this little group. It’s not that he doesn’t like having you here, nothing of the sort! Really, he sees you as family, the same way he sees everyone else in this ragtag group of misfits.

But you stick out like a sore thumb. Everyone else has a direct tie to the original pilgrims who once undertook a legendary journey to retrieve sacred texts.

Tang Sanzang for Tang. Zhu Baije for Pigsy. Sha Wujing for Sandy. Ao Lie for Mei. Sun Wukong for MK. Everyone had someone who their skills, appearance, or even personality harkened back to.

Everyone except for you. Tang had made several guesses before, wondering if there was someone you yourself were standing in the place of. But no one truly seems to fit. Rather than distancing himself from you over this disparity, he makes an effort to grow closer. “It must be lonely”, he reasons to himself, “being the odd man out.” He’s struggled with his own insecurities of being useless or weak, so he can relate to you on a personal level. After making that connection between the two of you, he starts to look out for you, trying to help guide you as you grow.

Tang probably sees himself as your father figure, just the way he sees himself as MK’s.

But, since you don’t have the support system that MK has, he tries to take a more involved role in your life. He’ll sit down with you to chat about any troubles or struggles you have, offering you a kind ear and a welcoming shoulder. And if you ever are struggling with something so bad that it breaks you down and leaves you in tears, he happily takes you into his arms and stays with you through the meltdown. If you fall asleep in his embrace after wearing yourself out, he enjoys it all the more.

He cherishes moments like that, actually.

Sure, he’s sympathetic to your feelings of loneliness and isolation. It’s true that he wants you to be happy. Sometimes he hates the world for hurting you the way it has.

But he loves that you trust him enough to break down in front of him, that you trust him to console and protect you in your weakest moments.

Even at a moment like this, where one of the greatest threats to humanity is bearing down on the two of you. For once, he doesn’t hide or cower. Not when your life is on the life. His golden shield encapsulates both of you, a fierce glare painting his face as he holds you close. You breath raggedly against his shoulder, barely able to support yourself. You had been wounded in the fight, nearly passing out after taking several blows for him and the others. Now, he holds you close, standing tall as you lean on him for support. He watches as the Lady Bone Demon throws attack after attack at the two of you, each blast of crystal and bone shattering and fading against his aureate shield.

The ancient demon glares down at him, a sneer curling her face. “You would fight your destiny? The great monk, Tang Sanzang-”

“I don’t care! Even if I am his reincarnation or his descendant… the choices I make are mine and mine alone! And I will always choose to protect my friends!”

“Even Y/N? Even the very one who bears my blood within them? Are you truly willing to risk saving them now, that they might follow my ways later?”

All the little pieces click into place for him. The mystery he had pondered the most was finally solved, and now he had to live with learning the answer.

“That- that doesn’t matter! Y/N is a person all their own, who will make their own decisions! And I trust them to stay by our side and fight for good! I won’t let you corrupt them!”

And he doesn’t. His resplendent barrier holds fast, shining brightly until all that is left of the demon has been scattered to the wind. He holds you gently, mustering the strength to carry you on his when everyone makes the trip back to Pigsy’s noodle shop. Someone like Sandy or Wukong would definitely better suited to the physical labor he was performing, but Tang couldn’t bear to separate himself from you yet.

Nor is he willing to let go once everyone has taken a seat. He props you up against himself, rubbing your back to keep you awake. “The kids eat first,” Pigsy says, carrying three hearty bowls of noodles. MK, then Mei, then you. Once all of you have your noodles, the chef goes back to the kitchen to start on another batch. Tang holds the bowl and the chopsticks, lifting the noodles to your mouth. Occasionally, he tips the bowl to your mouth so you can sip at the nourishing broth. On any other day, he would’ve swiped a few bites for himself while feeding you. Now, you’re all he can think of. He feeds you bite by bite, then guides you to lay your head in his lap once you’ve finished.

“Hey, Tang.” Pigsy peers down at him, another bowl of noodles in his hands. He passes it to Tang. “What was that demon lady saying to ya anyways?”

Tang looks down at you, watching your chest rise and fall, looking more at peace than ever before. He can’t tell you. Not here. Not now. Maybe not ever. But he and Pigsy can both keep secrets, and more than that, you’ll have two targets to split your anger between, keeping Tang from catching the brunt of it if you ever do find out. So he asks:

“Do you think you can keep a secret, Pigsy?”

Red Son

He doesn’t know why he likes you. By all means, you’re just another peasant, another mortal working at the same noodle store that his arch-rival is. But there’s something different about you. Maybe it’s the way you never seem to flinch or cringe or even cower. Maybe it’s the cool head you keep. Maybe it’s the wide-eyed awe you stare at his creations with.

Even after you had been kidnapped.

“I thinks that it was very clever of you,” you softly admit, not fighting against your bonds. “The way you used the tri-toothed 1x2 plates. I don’t see many people use those.”

He shouldn’t be happy to hear you say that. He should scoff and huff and strike down your praise like it’s meaningless drivel. But it’s not. Not to him. He’s been waiting to hear something like that for a long time, actually. Now, if it only it had been from the mouth of his father…

He shakes himself from those thoughts. “Not that a PEASANT like you could ever comprehend just how truly clever my work is! In fact, the legs of this machine are held in place by a truly unique-” “Technic angular wheel,” you finish for him. “It was a smart choice. I bet finding one that could evenly bear the weight of four legs at once wasn’t easy.”

No… no, it hadn’t been. In fact, it had been very hard to source that component. But here you were… acknowledging him. Praising him. Giving weight to his accomplishments by recognizing them. Somewhere deep inside, he’s a little touched to have his efforts commended.

Not that your kindness inspires him to release you. The only thing that frees you is MK and Mei coming in and storming through, knocking him over the head and escaping with you in their clutch.

Still, he doesn’t… hate you, at least. Or maybe, he just hates you less now. It’s a surprisingly good start.

A start that you continue to build off of throughout your repeated interactions, to his surprise. Your praise wasn’t just a one-time thing, wasn’t a way to get him to drop his guard. It had been genuine, entirely sincere. You had truly thought of him as clever, and you still do.

His schemes become less destructive, but more frequent. MK starts sending you out to deal with him, and most of your “skirmishes” end without any true damage. The two of you talk tech, and then he “tactically retreats” from the fight. Eventually, he drops the act, just swinging by the noodle store to talk with you about mechs or vehicles or rare components and where to find them at reasonable prices.

It’s a strange sight for everyone, the two of you amicably chatting. Sometimes someone will try to butt in, usually MK, who tries to keep up with your conversations to no avail. Other times it’ll be Pigsy, making sure that one of his employees isn’t being threatened or endangered. If one of his new mechs has a Journey to the West inspiration, Tang will happily chime in on it.

But most often, it’s only the two of you, happily talking as equals. Not enemies. Not rivals. Just… actual friends, somehow.

Even if it meant fighting to defend them, these are the sorts of moments he doesn’t want to lose. He wants to protect these cherished hours he spends with you, sharing noodles and blueprints in the middle of a crowded but welcoming restaurant.

Even if it meant fighting a foe he had no chance of defeating. All he has to do is buy a little bit of time. Just enough for MK and his ragtag team of idiots and peasants to smash this osseous demon into pieces. He glares up at her, his hair and hands exploding into flame. It’s a mere display, a small threat to keep her occupied. If she focuses on him, then she can’t hurt you.

Not that she’s trying.

“Foolish child. Do you really think I can’t understand the game that you’re trying to play? You would stand in the way of a peaceful world, all in the name of protecting the heir of your enemy?”

He falls to the ground, clutching his head in pain as she taps into his mind to deliver her next words.

“But a meager resistance cannot hope to undo destiny. I will find Y/N, and add their power to my own. That is their destiny, and I will see it fulfilled.”

“You- you won’t! I wont allow it, you… you PEASANT! You can’t hope to beat all of us! The Demon Bull Family, Sun Wukong and his successor, and the Six-Eared Macaque! All of us will stand against you! If we stand together, there is no threat that can overcome us!”

It’s a little funny, almost. Once, he would’ve scoffed and mocked another for saying such a thing. They sound silly on his tongue, cheesy and overblown. It’s something more suited to MK and his band of goons, speeches of friendship and overcoming adversities together. But it’s true.

And her defeat is testament to the strength that loves brings.

He thinks he loves you. You’re what he imagines having a little sibling is like. He wonders if you could love yourself, if you knew the truth of your heritage. Maybe you could. Maybe you’d fall apart and refuse to trust yourself ever again.

He chats idly with MK as you rest your head on his lap. It brings a strange peace to his heart. You look almost happy, in spite of the bruises and cuts. You look happy, which is proof that you didn’t hear a word that the Lady Bone Demon said about your blood ties.

He doesn’t want to rob you of that happiness so quickly, not when you fought and bled for it.

He absentmindedly strokes your head, thinking of how he’d roast anyone who might try to harm so much as a single hair on it. He can’t let anyone hurt you. Not even himself.

So he keeps quiet, and prays that all will turn out well.

[ginnsbaker]

Bulletproof - Alternative Ending

Summary: Starts immediately after Chapter 5 where you unwittingly sacrificed yourself to keep Wanda alive.

Word count: 5k+ | Tags: Angst and character death(s) | Ship: Wanda Maximoff x Gender Neutral Reader

Author's Note: This was suggested by @dogsandlife, and I'm super glad for it because I was already toying with this idea. I just couldn't bring myself to hurt most of you so I went ahead with the other plot. But for my angst-loving readers, I hope you enjoy this alternative ending :)

Series Masterlist

-

The compound is anything but quiet. 

One can hear hushed whispers, the shuffling of feet, and the distant drones of machines. It's not loud, but there's a heavy feeling in the air. Grief. Everyone's dealing with the recent destruction—surgeries, reports, nights where sleep just didn’t come. Death. 

Today's supposed to help them find some closure, but it's obvious a lot of them aren't there yet.

Steve stands at Wanda's door, fist raised. He hesitates, almost knocking a few times, but eventually just taps softly with his knuckle on the wooden panel. “Wanda?” he asks, trying to sound as normal as possible.

Nothing.

She hasn't been seen since the first night they arrived at the other base, where Wanda went straight to the room she was assigned to. The only clue that she's still managing is that Vision leaves food outside her door every day, and when he returns later in the day, most of it remains untouched, but he can tell Wanda has taken at least a bite or two. 

It’s far from the ideal diet of an Avenger, which leaves Wanda being indisposed in the meantime; though the rest of the team was successful in neutralizing and the people who masterminded the attack on the compound two weeks ago. 

Out of concern for how she might react, especially given how deeply your loss affected her, the team has kept this news from Wanda. They want to ensure the prisoners are safely relocated to a hard-to-track location before she learns of it. There's a shared apprehension that if Wanda discovers this prematurely, she might take matters into her own hands.

Steve senses that Wanda might already be aware, and her chilling silence may not just be due to grief. Part of it could stem from her resentment towards the team for withholding the information, preventing her from seeking the second thing she desires most after having you back—revenge.

(What Wanda yearns for the most is your return, but that's a reality no longer possible in this universe.)

Despite this, Steve pushes on, “The ceremony's about to start. Everyone's waiting. We don’t want to start without you. They were important to all of us, but I get that they were even more to you.”

The stillness from the other side of the door is almost suffocating.

Steve’s voice becomes impossibly softer as he tries again, “Wanda, I can't imagine how you feel right now. But we're here for you. We're family, remember?”

Steve strains his ears, hoping to catch the faintest whisper from Wanda, but the only sound that meets him is the steady hum of the central air conditioning. Time drags on awkwardly, and just when Steve is about to leave, a faint, broken voice emerges from the room. 

“They're gone, Steve.”

Swallowing hard, Steve nods, voice thick. “I know, Wanda. I know.”

He does know. Perhaps more than anyone on the team, save for Natasha. He's experienced profound losses throughout his life: his best friend, the woman he loved, even time and an entire era.

He wants to impart all of these to Wanda, but he’s afraid of invalidating the pain that Wanda’s feeling right now. 

And so, a brief, quiet moment passes between them before Steve rejoins the others.

-

The scene is chaos—the aftermath of unimaginable power unchecked.

Dust fills the air, and broken debris is scattered everywhere. The once-familiar corridors of the team's quarters are now unrecognizable. Everything is obliterated. The structure has been reduced to fine dust, making it impossible to discern that the remnants were once beds or lamps. Not even sound escaped her wrath.

The others soon rush in, Steve, Natasha, and Sam at the forefront. The sight that greets them is unlike anything they’ve ever seen before. Everything is utterly pulverized, and at the epicenter is Wanda, holding your limp body close to her.

For a moment, the scene before them leaves them at a loss for words, until Steve's gaze locks onto you, covered in blood with your arms hanging lifelessly. Steve radios the others, quickly outlining the situation. He struggles to describe it without revealing the full extent of Wanda’s powers, of which they were previously unaware.

Sam surveys the area for potential threats. “All clear!” he announces, not realizing the hidden danger masked by the visage of a mourning ally. Steve, however, spots it immediately from a distance.

The situation isn't volatile due to enemies nearby.

It's volatile because of Wanda.

“Wanda, what happened?” Natasha ventures, attempting to cut through the escalating tension. Yet Wanda's eyes stay locked on you, murmuring unintelligibly under her breath.

“Wanda!” Natasha's voice sharpens with alarm. “Snap out of it!”

But Wanda refuses to budge, ensnared in her own maelstrom of anguish and remorse. As her hands begin to glow with a familiar red hue, she whispers, her lips curling in a crazed half-smile, “I can save you.” 

Recognizing the imminent danger of Wanda's erratic powers, Natasha lunges forward to intervene. “Wanda, no!”

Her plea is met with an almost tangible wave of force. The sheer power from Wanda's emotions sends Natasha hurtling backwards, taking her off her feet. Recognizing both the immediate peril and a fleeting chance, Steve reacts without hesitation. He gathers you into his arms, holding you close to shield you, and makes a break for the Quinjet's safety.

Sam, after a momentary stagger, hurries over to Natasha's side. He extends a hand, helping her to rise. Together, they turn their attention back to Wanda, eyes fixed as they witness the raw display of her struggle, the internal battle to regain control over her formidable powers. Eventually, as if a storm subsides, Wanda's energy recedes. She collapses, emotionally and physically spent. Her eyes glisten with tears that soon spill over. 

“I—I didn’t mean to, I’m sorry…” Wanda stammers, bringing a hand to her mouth in horror at her actions.

Natasha cautiously approaches, ignoring the lingering pain from her fall. She carefully wraps an arm around Wanda, offering what comfort she can. “It’s okay,” she whispers, trying to sound more confident than she feels.

Sam surveys the scene, taking in the devastation and recognizing that not all of it was the enemy's handiwork. “We can't stay here,” he warns urgently. “We'll have company soon, and not the kind we want.”

Emerging from the Quinjet, Steve's motions for them to hurry. “Let’s go. Y/N needs help. Now.”

Natasha quickly takes in Wanda's dazed state and knows she needs to act. “Come on, we need to move,” she says, gently guiding her friend by the arm toward the jet.

As they get closer, Natasha throws a glance over her shoulder at Sam. “You coming?”

He hesitates, scanning the area. “I'm staying. Someone's got to help out here.”

She looks like she wants to argue, but with everything going on, she just nods, helping Wanda up the ramp. As the jet's engines ignite and they ascend, Sam's focus shifts back to the ground, the sheer magnitude of Wanda's episode hitting him. A distance away, he spots a few incinerated bodies, possibly caught in the sphere of Wanda’s wrath. Walking cautiously among the fallen, a chilling realization dawns on him: he can't tell who was with them and who was against. Allies and enemies, all indistinguishably mixed in the wake of Wanda's powers.

He feels a knot in his stomach. “Oh, Wanda,” he murmurs to himself, “what happened here?”

-

Though the clear skies suggest fair weather, the ceremony feels grim, leaving behind an eerie atmosphere that steadfastly clings to the hallways and corners you once roamed. All attendees are dressed in their finest black attire, but the pristine garments can't hide the profound sadness of the occasion.

Everyone is present except for a seat in the first row. Every now and then, Steve's eyes would drift toward the entrance, half-hoping, half-dreading that Wanda might walk in. The funeral begins with a brief sermon from a priest, despite no one being certain of your religious beliefs. Yet, it's protocol. It has always been the manner in which they bid farewell to a comrade, so everyone quietly follows suit.

Each of the Avengers, save for Wanda, takes a turn at the podium, sharing humorous and touching stories about you. They all wear the same regret and guilt on their faces, wishing they could have done more, could have treated you better, could have gotten to know you more. The eulogies are largely light in tone, and it's unclear whether it's because they wish to remember you fondly or if their bond with you was merely superficial and insincere.

Except for Daisy, the last person to speak, who seems to be taking it particularly hard. She gets choked up talking about how you took her under your wing, always sharing what you knew and helping her train. And when she needed a place to sleep, you gave her your own bed. She returns to her seat, tears silently streaming, and there's a brief, uneasy moment when no one steps in to comfort her.

They all glance around, seeking out Wanda. Their eyes eventually land on Steve, who simply responds with a solemn shake of his head. 

The entire ceremony lasts just under an hour. As the last notes of the eulogy fade and people start to head out, everyone gradually returns to their routine. For many, it's the last time they'll reflect or speak about you.

That same night, as Steve is about to wind down in his office, lost in thought, Vision phases through the wall. There's a resigned expression on Vision's face, momentarily making Steve forget that he isn't human. Reflecting later, Steve appreciates how Vision's virtue and outlook are more human-like than many individuals he's encountered throughout his life.

“Captain Rogers,” he starts, “Wanda has…chosen to sequester herself in Y/N's former cell.”

Steve looks up sharply, a crease forming on his brow. “Why would she do that?” 

He had anticipated something like this might occur, but he's baffled as to why Wanda would choose your old cell over your bedroom, where all your belongings still remain.

“I can't say I fully grasp the intricacies of the human heart, but maybe she's looking for a connection or a spot to grieve. Y/N’s room, with all its memories, might just be too overwhelming for her,” Vision offers, seemingly reading Steve's thoughts.

Hearing this, Steve glances at the approval document he must sign, allowing the compound's admin office to begin clearing out your bedroom. He's been putting off signing it, thinking Wanda might need more time with your belongings around. But now he wonders if erasing traces of you might help her come to terms with the loss.

Steve considers Vision’s words for a moment before nodding slowly. “Thanks, Vision. I'll go see her.”

-

Wanda is glued to your side, her fingers so tightly interwoven with yours that it's hard to tell where one hand ends and the other begins. Every now and then, she gently squeezes, perhaps hoping to feel a reassuring squeeze back. Her face is contorted, every line etched deep with raw pain, her eyes wet and reddened from endless tears. She looks at your hand, pale and devoid of its usual warmth, resting lifelessly in her grip.

But it's the faint, almost timid pulsation under her touch that keeps her from completely breaking down. Each breath you take is slow and labored, barely noticeable. But the quiet beep of the monitors serves as a constant reminder that there's still life within you. From time to time, she leans in, pressing her ear close to your chest, cherishing the gentle thud of your heartbeat, willing you to hold on just a little longer.

A while later, a group of nurses and doctors rush in, ready to prep you for surgery. Their hands move with purpose, reaching for various instruments and adjusting the array of machines beside your bed. That’s when, as if propelled by an invisible force, equipment flies off tables, and a few of the medical staff are pushed back against the walls. A nurse, caught off-guard, drops a syringe, its contents spilling onto the pristine floor. 

Natasha, having been alerted by the commotion, slips into the room, swiftly placing herself between Wanda and the medical staff.

“Wanda,” she implores cautiously, her eyes seeking the sorceress's, “let them do their job. He needs them.”

For a moment, it seems like she might snap, but then her gaze drops to the floor, tears spilling. As soon as they feel it’s safe, the medical staff decide that they need to move you immediately. The wheels of your bed squeak in protest as they begin to shift it out of the room.

Wanda's grip tightens on your hand, her knuckles white. She tries to follow, as if an invisible cord binds her to you. She mutters, almost inaudibly, “I won't leave them.”

One of the nurses, recognizing the precarious situation and the potential for Wanda's powers to erupt again, glances around hesitantly. They're all clearly apprehensive about telling Wanda she can't accompany you. It’s just in time that Steve finally arrives, quickly taking in the scene before him.

“Kid, it’s okay,” he murmurs quietly.

She turns to him, her eyes a storm of emotion, as she pleads, “No, it’s not. I need to be with them.”

“It’s not,” he confirms, offering her a sympathetic look. “But right now, they need to do their job. We have to trust them.”

But her grip on your hand doesn't loosen.

With a deep breath, Steve gently pries her fingers away from yours. It's a slow, agonizing process, each finger unlocking a fresh wave of sobs from Wanda. She resists, but Steve’s reassuring grip gives her no choice. Finally, as your hand slips away from hers, the reality of the situation hits anew.

As the medical team wheels you out of the room, Wanda collapses into Steve's arms, her cries a haunting sound in the tenebrous hallways of the hospital.

The long hours of surgery find Wanda staring into the void, her eyes wavering yet alert, even as exhaustion begins to bear down on her. A few feet away, a wall clock ticks on, displaying the agonizingly slow passage of time. She's acutely aware of each second, each minute, as they stretch into what feels like eons. Occasionally, her fingers would twitch, itching to do something, anything, to change the course of events. But they remain clenched in her lap, her knuckles white from the pressure.

Wanda isn't accustomed to the drawn-out dread of potentially losing someone. Her parents were taken away in an instant. Pietro saved Clint in a split-second, paying with his life. So, when the surgeon finally emerges, the expression on his face already giving away the news, Wanda can't stand it. She bolts.

Outside, the cold night air hits her, but she hardly feels it. Her feet carry her to a secluded spot in the hospital's garden, where the shadows from the trees envelope her. She sinks to the ground, her hands digging into the grass, seeking some form of grounding.

The rest of the team, still in the waiting room, exchange worried glances. Steve takes a step forward, as if to follow, but Natasha places a gentle hand on his arm.

“She needs a minute,” Natasha says quietly.

While they give Wanda time to process, the surgeon starts explaining the details, the clinical terms merging with the reality of what happened. The Avengers might face world-ending threats on a daily basis, but this personal loss, this kind of pain, hits different.

Little do they know that in the distance, Wanda's grief is causing ripples that are about to change everything.

-

Making his way through the maze of hallways, Steve's steps slow as he approaches the familiar penitentiary. He nears the familiar cell door, taking a moment to brace himself before nudging it open just slightly.

Inside, the room is dim, with just a small lamp fighting off the darkness. It's chilly, the sort of cold that seems to seep into your bones. There, on the simple bed, is Wanda, curled up and looking so small and vulnerable. Pushing the door open just a touch more, Steve walks in silently and sits beside Wanda. He doesn't say anything, instead he allows Wanda to acclimatize to his presence, to give her space and time to figure out that she’s not alone in this, never was.

After what seems like an eternity, Wanda, without looking at Steve, simply murmurs, “It's cold here.”

Steve just nods, at a loss for words. He takes off his jacket, trying to wrap it around her shoulders for comfort. But Wanda pushes it away, letting it drop to the ground. Steve clenches his jaw, recognizing that right now, reasoning with Wanda might be impossible.

Several beats pass before Wanda finally speaks up. “It should have been me,” she says, her voice as steely as the temperature of the room. “I should be the one in that grave.”

“Don't say that,” Steve insists, carefully placing a hand on her tense shoulder. “You couldn't have known.”

Wanda's eyes blaze with anger and sorrow. “I allowed it, Steve. I allowed Y/N to help me, to heal me. I let them drain their life to give to me.” Her voice wavers, and she trembles visibly. Steve can feel warmth where he's holding her but trusts that she won't lose control. “If Y/N hadn't found me, I'd be as good as dead. But now... they're gone, and I'm here.”

“Wanda, look at me,” he mutters, placing another hand on her other shoulder and twisting her gently so she can properly face him. His blue eyes seek out hers but she refuses to meet his gaze, eyes transfixed on the floor, lost and empty. “We make choices everyday. Choices that we think are for the best. You couldn't have predicted this outcome. None of us could.”

She angles her head, strands of hair partially covering her face, but one eye peeks through with a dangerous glint. “I let them step into danger, more than once. So try and tell me it's not on me.”

Steve, visibly unsettled, takes a ragged breath. “Wanda, I know it’s hard to understand now, to accept that what happened to Y/N is beyond your control. But we're all here for you, and if you need—”

“I don't want or need your help, Steve,” she retorts with an icy edge. “What I need is to be alone.”

Seeing the resolute, almost manic determination in her eyes, Steve hesitates before nodding slowly. “Alright,” he says.

“But remember this, Wanda,” Steve says, pausing at the threshold of the cell, a deep sadness in his eyes. “Y/N wouldn't want you to be alone, especially not like this.”

Wanda's lips twitch into a bitter smile. “What Y/N wanted doesn't matter now, does it? They're gone.”

Steve doesn't say anything else. He gives Wanda a long look, then walks out.

-

The pain is worse when she dreams.

In one of them, she relives a reality from before. She's transported back to a familiar morning. She remembers waking up in your room, the warmth of the sheets reminding her of the night before. Trying to push away her burgeoning feelings for you, she recalls inviting a stranger into her room, sharing some wine. But as he got closer, she pushed him away, realizing he wasn't what she truly wanted.

In her dream, she does things differently. Instead of slipping away like she did in reality, she lingers. She takes the time to study every detail of your face as you sleep—the freckles on your nose, the subtle movement of your lips as you mumble incoherent dreams, the occasional twitch of your eyelids. She gives in to an urge she had suppressed for the longest time, wrapping her arms around your waist, drawing you close. 

After what feels like hours, you stir. When you open your eyes, there's a brief moment of surprise before your lips curve into a soft, genuine smile, happy to see she's still there. Your fingers reach up, gently caressing her cheek. She leans into it, eyes closing for a moment as she takes in the sensation. “You stayed,” you murmur, your voice soft and filled with wonder.

Just as she's on the verge of promising to always stay by your side, Wanda jolts awake. Her smile fades the instant she grasps that it was all an illusion, a fleeting could-have-been.

The knife in her chest buries itself a little deeper after that. It does so again the following morning when she dreams of another memory, and in every version, she doesn't turn away from you.

- 

One day, a woman approaches Wanda, offering to help her uncover the secret to inhabiting her dreams.

“Not merely dreams,” the woman clarifies, “but alternate realities.” Her name is Agatha, and she persuades Wanda that these realities are rightfully hers, waiting for her to claim them. Desperate for a way to be with you again, even if it's in another reality, Wanda listens intently.

“Each reality is like a page in a book. Some might be nearly identical to yours, with just a slight deviation. Others could be drastically different. The key is knowing how to navigate and control them,” Agatha explains.

"How?" Wanda questions, hands buried in the pockets of her jacket, walking alongside Agatha on a nondescript street in Westview, New Jersey. She'd made her way there upon discovering you'd purchased property, curious to envision the life you'd planned for yourself, had you lived.

“It's not as simple as snapping one's fingers,” Agatha says. “But with the right guidance and knowledge, you can access these realities, live in them, even mold them to your desires.”

Wanda hesitates, sensing the potential dangers of meddling with the fabric of existence. “What's the price?” she asks. 

Agatha doesn't look too pleased with Wanda's display of intelligence and her knack for spotting the early signs of manipulation. But she gets the feeling that Wanda might not care if she's being used, as long as she gets what she wants out of it.

“Every powerful spell comes with its costs,” Agatha replies cryptically. “But isn't a chance to be with Y/N, to have a life where grief doesn't consume you, worth any price?”

Living day to day, clutching onto moments of happiness in her dreams, only to be jerked back into a reality she can't stand—it's wearing on Wanda. The dreams are great, sure, but they're just that—dreams. And when they're over, it's back to the harsh light of day, and the reality that you’re gone. She's stuck in this loop, bouncing between what she wishes her life could be and the real world that just won't let her catch a break. Every dream feels like a tease, a brief escape before she's pulled back into the grind.

“So? I don’t have all day, dear.” Agatha's tone is dripping with impatience, her sharp eyes fixed on Wanda.

Wanda swallows hard, her gaze darting around the empty street, as if cautious to anyone who might be eavesdropping on the conversation, before settling back on the older witch. “What do you want in return?”

A slow, sly smile spreads across Agatha's face, making the air around her grow even colder. She takes a deliberate step closer to Wanda, their faces now mere inches apart. “You’re a sly witch than I made you out to be, aren’t you?”

Wanda holds her ground. “I need to know.”

Agatha chuckles softly, her breath caressing Wanda's face. “We'll get to that,” she purrs, drawing the moment out just to relish Wanda's discomfort. She then leans in even closer, her voice dropping to a hushed, almost seductive whisper. “First, let's talk about how we can make your dreams come true.”

Wanda hesitates, torn between the desperation of her desires and the voice in her head urging her to decline the offer, to grieve and move forward like anyone else would.

To forget you.

“And why would I trust you?” Wanda counters instead, buying herself more time.

Agatha straightens up, her smile unwavering as she finally takes a step back. “Oh, darling, you shouldn’t. But sometimes, our wants make strange bedfellows. And right now, I'm the best chance you've got.”

-

Wanda's footsteps are hesitant as she approaches the rubble-strewn site, each broken brick and twisted piece of metal echoing memories of that fateful day. The boundaries between realities have always been thin for Wanda, a mere whisper away. And on the 436th day since your sacrifice, she finally musters the courage to cross them.

Witnessing it all from this vantage point—that of an observer—feels utterly surreal.

She remembers the pain, the slow dimming of consciousness, and the sensation of life slipping away. But in this reality, it was her other self who had been impaled, left to bleed out beneath the rubble. And you, who she loved dearly in every universe, had been spared.

Or at least, that’s how she intends it to happen for this reality.

Wanda's fingers twitch, and with a fierce concentration of her magic, she lifts the heavy boulder trapping her other self. A bright crimson glow surrounds it as it's lifted and tossed aside, revealing the horrific sight beneath.

The other Wanda is a haunting reflection of what she might have been, pale with trails of blood smeared across her lips. The fabric of her clothes is stained with the vivid red of her own blood, which pools around her. It's a sight that should send a wave of nausea through Wanda, but truthfully she feels nothing.

Gently, Wanda cradles the injured version of herself, her hands shaking as they brush away the dirt and blood from the other's face. She can't stop herself from checking for a pulse, even though ironically, she’s there to make sure it stops beating.

“Hey,” she murmurs, patting the alternate Wanda's cheek softly, urging her to focus. “Look at me.”

Slowly, those familiar eyes flutter open, clouded with pain. The shock and fear in them are palpable when they take in the sight of her savior—especially the distinct headpiece that marked her transformation into the Scarlet Witch.

“Who... are you?”

“I'm you,” Wanda says, and without waiting for a reply, sparing her other self the pain of speaking, she continues, “Y/N sacrificed so much for you. For us. They became our greatest pain, and our love. And they will be here any minute now.”

“W-What are you talking about—”

“They will be here to save you and make themselves vulnerable in the process. And they will die,” Wanda's breath hitches at that, causing her to pause momentarily. “You don’t want that, do you?”

Her fading counterpart shakes her head, tears streaming down her face.

“Good,” Wanda says, offering a comforting smile. “Then let go, and I’ll take care of Y/N. Okay?”

Without waiting for a response, Wanda turns the body in her embrace into red wisps that dance around her in the air. 

Then, aware that it'll only be moments before you reach the scene, Wanda morphs into the likeness of her younger self. She looks just like the other version, but without any injuries that might spur you into action.

“Wanda!” she hears your voice from a distance and her eyes water at the sound.

She's done the unimaginable, claiming the identity of this universe's Wanda, seconds after she erased her very existence. She takes deep, shaky breaths, trying to get into character. She needs you to believe it’s her, even though she’s forgotten herself how she used to be.

Your steps quicken, shoes crunching on rubble, until you're right in front of her, surveying her from head to toe, searching for any signs of injury. “Wanda...how?” Your eyes are wide, filled with disbelief and relief. “I thought I'd lost you.”

“I managed to shield myself just in time when—” She doesn’t get to finish her practiced response when you pull her into a tight embrace, and she leans into it, her body shaking with genuine sobs. Her face buries into the crook of your neck, feeling the warmth and familiarity of your smell and touch. It's a grounding sensation amidst the madness she has just endured and inflicted.

“It's okay,” you murmur, your voice trembling. “You're here now, and that's all that matters.” You can feel the dampness on your shirt where her tears have soaked through, and you tighten your grip around her.

“We need to get out of here,” you say, casting a glance around the ruins. “Let's find safety first, then we'll figure everything out.”

She nods, taking a deep breath to steady herself, wiping away her tears. “I'm sorry,” Wanda says, her voice catching in her throat.

“For what?” you ask, confused.

“For making you worry,” she says, avoiding your eyes. The guilt she feels is so much deeper than what you perceive, but now isn’t the time to delve into it. 

She only recalls the next moments when the bullets are headed your way minutes later. But this time, they don't touch you. Wanda swiftly neutralizes the assailants, and you stare, a mix of shock and awe at the display of her powers that appear to have been amplified overnight.

You blink, trying to process what you just saw. “Wanda, what was that? I've never seen you...”

“We need to move. Now,” Wanda interrupts, a hint of panic in her voice. She grabs your hand, tugging you forward roughly.

You resist for a moment, glancing around. "Don't we need to wait for the others?"

She glances back at the devastation she caused, her face drawn. "There’s no time. They're not coming.”

“But—”

“Please," she pleads, her eyes darting to the oncoming imaginary threats in the distance. “We'll figure it out once we're safe.”

It’s your weakness, your inability to say no to her, that makes you yield to her wishes. With one last uneasy look around, you let Wanda pull you away, but a slew of questions bubble up in your mind, waiting for a safer moment to be asked.

Wanda leads you somewhere faraway. 

In time, you cease to question her actions.

Gradually, the dreams stop haunting her nights.

But she finds herself unable to stop hunting for them every now and then.

[rizzoreads88]

Acotar Unpopular Opinion/Rant.

You’ve been warned it’s going to be controversial

Rhysand, Nesta, Aelin, & Tamlin were all abusive by todays standards at different points. This isn’t even opinion. This is a facts. If they were in the real world their actions would be considered abusive at different points.

In my honest opinion I don’t think any of the characters other then the obvious villians are abusers. I don’t hold these characters to todays standards. Fae are not human. Prythian isn’t the real world. Trying to compare them to your exs or your mean older sibling is like trying to compare the Hybern war to ww2. Apples to oranges BUT I see the fandom likes to apply modern day morals and standards to certain characters only…

Why is Tamlin the only character people like refer to as an abuser? Why is he and Nesta the only ones who are “irredeemable”?why are him and Nesta the only ones this fandom holds to todays standards?

*Rhysand-forced feyre to get drunk to the point of vomiting, grabbed her broken bone causing her physical pain to force her into his bargain, made her expose herself even though she asked for more clothing and was ashamed and embarrassed, forced himself in her, kissing her and licking her when he knew she didn’t want him to touch her, withholding life threatening information about her own body and her baby from her ect… Rhysand also explodes a room because he’s angry at nesta in hofas

(Yes i know the Rhys stans will excuse everything he did UTM because he was helping feyre.. ok but no one made him help feyre in those ways. Amarantha was watching tamlin, rhysand didn’t have to help feyre in the ways he did he could have helped her in other ways. )

*Aelin- literally tried to murder her boyfriend and would have if Dorian didn’t magically restrain her,,, physically harms his face

You can’t say well whoever had good intentions and they have trauma so it’s different… besties they all have trauma…in canon text everything tamlin did in his head he was protecting feyre. He had good intentions too but went about them in terrible ways obviously. Abuse is abuse regardless of intent.

At the end of the day you can try to excuse the abuse for your fav characters however you want but it is STILL abuse by todays standards.

SJM herself has said tamlin is not a villian. She has also said there is more to Tamlin then what we see from feyres lense. She has also said he is on his own journey. SJM wrote a whole book of Nestas growth and she changes and literally saves feyres whole little family and still people act like she is the worst.

** I also think it’s important to remember when we in the fandom are talking about tamlin, nesta, rhysand, aelin or whoever we are talking about those characters specifically and their actions within the context of it s fantasy world. We are not talking about whoever they remind you of in real life. We are not talking about what you or I went through we are referring to the story and what’s going on within prythian. **

When people pick and choose which abusive actions they excuse and which abusive person is a abuser and who isn’t it kind seems like you don’t actually care about the abuse rather just who is doing it.

Be consistent. Either all characters who are abusive at times are abusers or their not. Either all abusive actions or wrong or it’s not.

To me I don’t consider any of these 4 characters abusers over all but we’re they abusive at points? Yes. Were all their abusive actions wrong? Yes. Intention does not matter when it comes to abuse. It’s all wrong.

[hrizantemy]

Rhysand’s Hypocrisy “A Court of Thorns and Roses”

It’s not okay for Rhysand to be angry at Nesta for giving the Mask to Bryce for several reasons:

Hypocrisy: Rhysand stole the Book of Breathings from the Summer Court without permission, justifying it as necessary for the greater good. In the same way, Nesta could have believed that giving Bryce the Mask was necessary, acting on instinct or a sense of urgency. Rhysand’s past actions make it unfair for him to criticize Nesta for doing something similar.

Respecting Autonomy: Nesta is a powerful individual who has grown and proven her capability. Rhysand being angry undermines her autonomy and decision-making. She is no longer the same person who makes rash choices out of fear or uncertainty, so his anger could be seen as dismissive of her judgment.

Double Standards: In the past, Rhysand made decisions on behalf of others (including his inner circle) without seeking full approval, expecting them to trust his judgment. Yet, he doesn’t extend the same trust to Nesta. His anger might reflect a double standard where his actions are always justified but hers are questioned.

Growth and Learning: Nesta has been on a journey of personal growth, learning to take responsibility and make difficult choices. For Rhysand to lash out instead of acknowledging her reasons is a step backward in supporting her development and maturity.

Context Matters: Nesta didn’t give the Mask away lightly. Bryce needed it for an important reason, Nesta assessed the situation and determined it was the right course of action. Rhysand getting angry ignores the potential necessity of the choice.

Rhysand has a history of making significant decisions on behalf of others without consulting them, believing that his choices are necessary for the greater good. This pattern of behavior can be seen in several key moments throughout the A Court of Thorns and Roses series, where he exercises his authority or judgment in ways that mirror what Nesta did with the Mask.

Feyre’s Bargain and Under-the-Mountain Scheme: One of the most notable instances is when Rhysand makes a deal with Feyre Under the Mountain, forcing her into a bargain without her fully understanding the long-term consequences. He offers her an escape from Amarantha’s torture, but in return, he ties her to him with the bond that requires her to spend one week every month in the Night Court. While this decision ultimately leads to their romantic bond and helps save her life, at the time, Rhysand didn’t consult anyone. He acted in his usual manner—manipulating situations for what he perceived as the greater good, without concern for how it might impact Feyre’s immediate future. Though his motivations were understandable, it was still a decision made without regard for Feyre’s full agency at that moment.

Keeping Feyre’s Pregnancy Secret: A more personal instance of Rhysand making decisions without consulting others comes when he and Feyre keep her life-threatening pregnancy a secret from their closest allies. The pregnancy itself was dangerous due to the anatomy of an Illyrian birth, but Rhysand didn’t consult anyone, even those in his inner circle who might have been able to offer help or advice. Feyre and Rhysand both chose to withhold this crucial information, believing they could handle it on their own. This decision had dire consequences, putting Feyre’s life at risk and ultimately causing a deep rift between Rhysand and his friends and family when the truth came out. In this case, Rhysand’s need for control and secrecy backfired.

The Court of Nightmares Deception: Rhysand also manipulates situations involving his own people, such as when he regularly visits the Court of Nightmares. He uses fear and intimidation to maintain control over Keir and the members of the court, pretending to be the cruel High Lord they believe him to be. He keeps this manipulation secret from people, believing that this deception is crucial for the safety of his court. This is yet another example of Rhysand making a strategic decision in isolation, believing that the ends justify the means, without considering the toll it might take on others who are kept in the dark.

Feyre’s Role as High Lady: Rhysand also made a significant decision when he named Feyre as High Lady of the Night Court. While this act was done out of love and respect for Feyre as an equal, it was not something he discussed with anyone else. He made the choice independently, and while it was later celebrated, it was still a major decision that affected the political landscape of Prythian. He made the decision unilaterally, even though it directly impacted those around him, especially his inner circle.

Each of these instances highlights Rhysand’s tendency to act on his own, often withholding information or making decisions that impact others without consulting them. He does this out of a sense of responsibility and protection, believing that he is the best person to make these choices. However, this behavior mirrors Nesta’s decision to give the Mask to Bryce. In both cases, the characters act from a place of urgency and perceived necessity, making decisions without consulting others because they believe it’s the best course of action. Rhysand’s anger toward Nesta for doing the same is therefore unjust, given his own pattern of taking similarly unilateral actions.

He pushed Bryce into Nesta’s life and, in doing so, handed Nesta the responsibility of dealing with whatever urgent matters Bryce brought with her.

Another crucial point that makes Rhysand’s anger toward Nesta unjustified is the fact that she is the only one currently linked to the Dread Trove, particularly the Mask. This bond between Nesta and the Trove is not just a casual connection—it is deep, magical, and significant. When Nesta gave Bryce the Mask, she wasn’t just handing over a powerful object; she was making a decision based on her unique understanding of and connection to the Trove, something that no one else in the Night Court, not even Rhysand, can claim.

Nesta’s link to the Trove is an intrinsic part of her power. She was the one who was able to find the Trove, sense its presence, and wield its items with ease. The Mask, in particular, responded to her in a way it wouldn’t for anyone else, which is what makes her decision to give it to Bryce even more meaningful. While others might see the Mask as a dangerous tool, for Nesta, it is more than that—it’s something that responds to her, that she has control over. Her unique connection with the Mask means that she understood its capabilities and potential better than anyone else, and her decision to give it to Bryce was likely made with that deeper understanding in mind.

Because of this bond, Nesta would have a clearer sense of when the Mask needed to be used or passed on. Her intuition and magical link to the Trove would guide her in ways that others wouldn’t be able to comprehend. If she sensed that the Mask needed to be given to Bryce, that decision wasn’t made lightly—it was influenced by her connection to the Trove, which might have been telling her that this was the right course of action. Rhysand’s anger ignores this critical fact. He doesn’t have the same link to the Trove and therefore can’t fully understand the pull or guidance that Nesta might have felt in that moment.

Moreover, Nesta’s role as the only one who can locate and wield the Trove places her in a unique position of responsibility. She is not a passive observer when it comes to these objects; she is actively tied to them, and they respond to her. Rhysand’s frustration overlooks the fact that, as the only person linked to the Mask, she is inherently more qualified than anyone else to decide how and when it should be used. Her decision to give the Mask to Bryce wasn’t a reckless act, but rather one born from her deep connection to the Trove and an understanding that no one else could possess.

Additionally, Nesta’s bond with the Trove places her in a position of unique authority when it comes to handling these powerful objects. If anyone should be making decisions about how to use or distribute the items, it should be Nesta. Her power, derived from the same source that created the Trove, means that she has an understanding of their magic that others, including Rhysand, do not. His anger overlooks her expertise and the fact that she is the rightful wielder of the Mask.

[luvevee]

So Carmine is honestly really sweet to watch develop! She seems like she's an older teenager, maybe a junior or senior, so her coping mechanisms for her instabilities like her anger are interesting to watch.

Hands clenching and being brought to her chest because they're shaking with anger. This seems to imply she's fighting to urge to hit whatever's making her angry.

Huge firework outbursts in response to slightest pushback. It's afterwards she explains what she really meant to get across by them.

She does not like change at all + is very vocal about how much she hates outsiders in her town.

Very very loud, and very vocal with her presence.

Incredibly remorseful and emotional when apologizing for mistakes she makes.

I think the most important thing to look at in the background is that Carmine understands she has a support system, and that's what makes the hugest difference in how she copes with everything.

When we get the mask, her first thought is "take it to grandpa" with no intention of withholding information. She's not scared she'll get in trouble or thinking of hiding things from them, she knows she has to be completely transparent and she can do that with her grandparents. She trusts them, she knows they'll help even if it's something so bizarre that most people would dismiss her experience.

Adding to that is when she learns the true story of the Loyal Three and Ogerpon. Her first impulse is to run into town to shout the truth. It isn't even a "we need to avenge our family lineage" thing, it's the misinformation that destroyed the lives of her ancestor, a man who wanted to live a new and quiet life, and a pokemon that was just reacting to the death of her trainer/parent. She's angry at the town for what they did to Ogerpon and she wants them to listen. Carmine's thinking of what she wants and what should happen. Her fiery personality paired with impulsivity leads to a lot of possibilities of problems.

But then her grandpa stops her. He doesn't scold her, he just asks "what would happen if they found out the truth after so long" and lets Carmine realize the answer is most likely "get angry" without putting down her impulsive, though valiant, urge to tell everyone the truth. He understands that Carmine just wants to make history right and that she's an honest young lady, but that she's very impulsive and very aggressive with how she goes about things. And the thing is Carmine listens to him, because she knows her grandpa is trying to help her understand the situation.

Her grandparents very obviously love her and understand that she needs some extra nudging/coaching with things. They understand she has problems regulating herself, and they work with her. Carmine doesn't feel the need to lash out against them because she understands they're trying to help her, and that's helped shape how a lot of her current coping mechanisms work.

Carmine can think of the practical sides of things if she's stopped for a moment. She can redirect her anger from physically lashing out, because even though her first instinct is to hit since it's a very simple and impulsive movement she knows it's bad. She can trust that she has people to catch her if she falls, namely her grandparents.

Then the whole other ballpark of how she's very protective of Kieran. It seems like that Carmine wants him not to be her, but to feel like her. She wants her little brother to feel confident, safe, strong, but her emotional instability and typical big sibling feelings really strain the gap between them.

When Kieran pushes back, she struggles with responding appropriately and gets furious because "I'm just trying to be a good big sister" and "I'm the big sister he should listen to me" clash in her head alongside her pride. She's trying really hard to make him feel the way she does, but it ends up just making him shrink down further because of how aggressive she is. It's a cycle she accidentally perpetuates without realizing what she's doing.

And Carmine loves him so much! She wants what's best for him, she wants to be the model big sister. She cares so much about his feelings that she convinces us to stay quiet about meeting Ogerpon because she knows he'll be crushed that he wasn't there. Even though she teases him, Carmine's clearly trying to be a good big sister/trusted figure in his life. That's what hurts the most, is that she's trying.

But in her excessive worrying and outbursts about his feelings, she ends up doing more damage. She ends up yelling things that she feels on the surface level and has to explain that what came out was completely different than what she meant, but she doesn't tell Kieran that because it's the "he should understand I'm doing what's best for him" mindreading aspect.

By the end of the arc, Carmine does the one things she really can: give him space. She doesn't force him out of his room before they go back to Blueberry Academy, she just tells everyone he isn't feeling well. She's trying to protect his privacy and processing, still trying to be the wall between the turbulent world and Kieran's need for time, and it's obvious she feels adrift in this situation. Usually she can just apologize and things calm down, but it's such a huge situation that changed so much that the usual routine won't work. It's something that obviously troubles her, but she ultimately realizes all she can do is wait for Kieran to reach out to her when he's ready.

She wants so badly to help Kieran, but she's on the other side of the same wall that's making it so hard for her to truly look at him and understand what she needs to shift to be the good big sister she strives to be in his life.

Carmine's character is so amazing to watch develop as she learns to trust someone other than the people around her and how she takes in everything that happens around her, she really deserves a big hug for how hard she tries 😭

[talas-first-lady]

So: Glinda and Oz things.

First of all, the first 3 trials were very brain, heart, courage. And this one was about Lilia going home in a way.

We also had the super obvious, very yellow road imagery that’s been there since Agatha’s trial ended.

But thinking about OG Glinda (because while I love the versions from various adaptations, the costuming was pretty clear about what the reference was): she’s the worst. Because all she does from the moment Dorothy lands in Oz is conceal vital info, put her in the line of danger, and provide only the most minimal help possible. Because she’s got no real power. She’s just a manipulator.

This fits really well with how Lilia sees herself: ineffective at anything real but good at putting on a show. It’s her whole business model (also Jen’s btw). She also knows from experience that just telling people what’s coming makes everything worse. So she withholds some really important info from the Dorothy of this story: Billy. She could potentially have saved William if she’d told him what she actually saw (because he very much seems like a believer), but instead she let him go off to his death with no warning. And she kind of put the bright red, sparkly shoes on him by giving him the sigil, which unintentionally drew the attention of a whole lot of witches.

But I think Agatha and Jen are also Glindas in this sense. They perform power without having any. They’ve caused a lot of harm by withholding information or actively misleading others. Agatha especially, but that’s also what Jen had been doing before the show started.

But they’re all more than original movie Glinda. They’re capable of becoming the other versions of her from other stories. Lilia already did.

[itsclydebitches]

Team RWBY's refusal to ask questions about the EA is even more frustrating when you contrast it with volume 6. Like these are the characters who were willing to violate Ozpin's privacy just because his secrets *might* have included info relevant to them (but they didn't know that for sure). But in V9, when faced with stuff that is *directly related* to the Gods and Magic, while Salem has most of the keys she needs to end the world, full worst-case scenario, NOW they're not demanding answers???

I think that difference really highlights how secrecy is what motivates the group in Volume 6, rather than self-preservation. Yang doesn't actually care about the danger carrying the Relic around may cause because, if she did, she would have been equally upset at Ruby choosing to carry it around Atlas. Rather, she's upset that Ozpin withheld that information from them. As you point out, they don't know going in whether understanding a) how the Lamp works and b) what Jinn has to say is truly relevant to their part (key words there) in the fight, but because Ozpin is, again, withholding that information, now they have to have it. Which on a purely human level I get because hell, who likes learning that they're out of the loop, particularly when it comes to apocalyptically relevant info?? But as has been pointed out extensively, that knee-jerk displeasure is undermined by considerations like how many secrets the girls have kept across the series, Ozpin's personal history/trauma, the danger that comes with more and more people having access to such information (as they just saw with Lionheart), and the maturity with which the girls want to be treated. Sometimes being an adult isn't having all the insider knowledge; sometimes it's learning the importance of accepting "No" as an answer.

In constrast, the girls are rarely shown to be intrinsically motivated in later Volumes. Volumes 1-3, and even Volume 4, are a different matter because back then they were asking basic questions (what's this White Fang group up to?) and taking action to discover things for themselves (something is going on at Mountain Glenn, let's figure out what!). Now, the girls not only demand the information that is explicitly positioned as a secret (they demand it BECAUSE it's secret), but otherwise do nothing to further their/others' understanding of important situations. Why would they politely bother to ask Ozpin anything now that everyone is getting along again (or wait until the very last second to learn something, i.e. how the Staff works)? Why would Ruby bother to have more than one conversation with Maria about her eyes? Why should Yang hear anything about their mother from Qrow? Why would they share the information with Ironwood when he's bending over backwards to be upfront with them? Why would they work to establish new allies rather than continually fighting them? Why bother to ask ANYTHING Salem related in the Ever After? Hell, I don't actually think this is a good idea because it would result in Jaune saving the day off screen, but it is wild to me that the girls not only spent all that time there, but he spent a lifetime in the EA and never took a few weeks to start hunting down Salem options on the off chance he got back...

[romione-trope-fest]

Hufflepuff Tea (Search)Party

Fic Title: Hufflepuff Tea (Search)Party

Author Name: CowahBull

Selected Trope: OotP Missing Moment

Brief Summary: Hufflepuffs are great advice-givers. They’re the best argument mediators. Find a Hufflepuff if you need to be told the brutally honest truth. A Hufflepuff will never purposely steer you wrong. Hufflepuffs are also excellent gossip-finders. It’s a well-known fact around Hogwarts that if you ever need to know what’s going on in the school, you find a Hufflepuff. This particular group of Hufflepuffs has their eyes set on the story around a certain pair of Gryffindor Prefects.

Word Count: 2859 Rating: G Trigger Warnings: None

_____________

Attempting to be as inconspicuous as possible, Hannah and Susan exited the Room of Requirements to make their way back to the Hufflepuff Common Room. Hannah ensured that her prefect badge was securely attached as they passed a small group of third-year Slytherins in the second-floor corridor. She watched them turn onto the staircase leading to the Great Hall.

“Did you see me hit Zacharias with that Stunner?” Susan was chatting happily as they passed the portrait of the bowl of fruit, which hid the entrance to the kitchen. “He didn’t even have a chance to Shield.” Susan gave a triumphant whoop, and Hannah hushed her while giggling herself.

“Ernie got me a couple times tonight,” Hannah admitted as they approached the entrance to the Common Room. “I’m going to need to practice my Shield Charm before the next meeting. Do you want to practice with me after we finish Snape’s Potions essay?”

“I have Flitwik’s essay after I’m finished with Potions,” said Susan, giving the second barrel to the right a hard knock, revealing the entrance to the nearly empty Hufflepuff Common Room. “We’ll have work on it later in the week.”

“Damn,” Hannah said, disappointed. “Yeah, we can do that.”

They found seats around the table in the corner and prepared to begin working on Snape’s Shrinking Solutions assignment; they were joined shortly after by Justin Finch-Fletchley and Ernie Macmillan.

“Guess who I just caught snogging behind that tapestry of the unicorn hunt,” whispered Ernie, relishing in the chance to share the latest gossip.

“Peeves and Sir Cadogen?” Susan teased, trying and failing to keep her focus on the schoolwork in front of her.

“Ginny Weasley and Michael Corner.” Ernie took his seat to Susan’s left and began pulling Snape’s essay from his bag. “Third couple I’ve caught back there this month.”

“People need to find another place to snog,” Hannah said, rolling her eyes. “I found Ancrum and Hurst back there yesterday.”

“Amatures,” scoffed Justin, “everyone knows about that spot. You’re guaranteed to be caught back there. Surprised Filch hasn’t permanently posted himself there overnight.”

Susan shared a mischievous look with Ernie before returning her attention to her parchment; she still needed to add another four inches on the importance of the full moon on ingredient harvesting.

Scratching quills and the rustle of papers filled the room, interrupted only by questions asked of neighbors and the occasional curses on Snape’s name.

“So, when did Weasley and Granger start dating?” mused Ernie as he flicked through the pages of his textbook.

"Wait!” Susan exclaimed, throwing down her quill, suddenly extremely invested in Ernie’s latest news. “I didn’t know they’re actually dating. Have you been withholding information from us?”

“Haven’t you seen them in the last few DA meetings?” continued Ernie. “They never stopped flirting that entire time.”

“I don’t think they even know they’re flirting,” Hannah argued.

“They were joking around a lot between their Stunning Spells,” Justin said disinterestedly. “I don’t think that means they’re dating, though.”

“I think Neville would have mentioned it if Ron and Hermione were together,” Hannah said, not looking up as she opened her copy of The Standard Book of Spells: Volume Five. “He shares a dorm with Ron, after all.”

“Maybe he doesn’t know,” argued Ernie.

“I really don’t think that’s enough evidence to prove that they’re together,” sighed Susan, returning her attention to the book in front of her.

“We can ask Longbottom tomorrow,” suggested Justin. “We have Herbology with Gryffindor in the afternoon. Hannah partners up with him whenever possible.” He gave Hannah a playful wink that she responded to with a rude gesture, her cheeks turning pink. Susan rolled her eyes and picked up her quill and a fresh piece of parchment. She had far too much homework tonight to debate the rumored love life between the two Gryffindor Prefects.

—

Greenhouse Six housed the tropical plants, making it the hottest classroom in the school. Susan and Hannah had already shed their outer robes and had pulled their hair into high buns on top of their heads when Professor Sprout charged the class to break into groups of three to take on the task of repotting Solanum melongena. Hannah was quick to claim Neville Longbottom as her and Susan’s partner.

Tucking into a station, Susan began prepping the new pot while Neville and Hannah set off on the task of calming the plant so it would allow them to uproot it without stinging them in the process. Susan eyed Weasley and Granger across the greenhouse as they began complimenting and stroking the plant sitting in front of them on the other end of the long work bench, with Potter to the left of them prepping a transfer pot.

"Wow, you have such beautiful leaves,” cooed Neville as he stroked the plumage. “Come on, dear, let’s have a look at those roots.” He gently lifted the leaves of their plant and extracted a small handful of dirt. The melongena twitched menacingly at his touch.

“Wonderful job,” Hannah said, reaching in to take a handful of dirt for herself. “So, Neville, we’ve been meaning to ask you about something.” She began to back away as a branch jerked at her.

“Now, now there’s no reason to be like that,” Neville scolded. “Hannah is just trying to help.” He didn’t take his eyes off the flower to which he was tending while addressing the girls, “What do you need to ask me?”

Susan leaned in close to him. “So what’s going on with them?” she gestured her head towards Weasley and Granger across the greenhouse, who were chatting happily with Potter.

Neville furrowed his brow. “Dean and Seamus?” he asked, barely lifting his eyes from the plant. “I’ve been wondering about them too…”

Susan stifled a laugh. “We all have.”

“Come on,” sighed Hannah, pulling a root from the pot. “You know exactly who we’re talking about.”

“Granger and Weasley,” Susan whispered. “When did they start dating?”

“I don’t think Hermione likes him like that,” Neville said, looking at them with mischief in his eyes. “Besides, isn’t Charlie a little old for her anyway?”

“Stop taking the piss, Longbottom,” added Susan, crossing her arms and glaring at Neville.

“Sorry, Susan.” Neville shrugged and returned his attention to the Solanum melongena, dodging to avoid being hit by one of its swinging vines. “I have no intelligence for you.”

–

That evening, Ernie was patrolling the west side of the castle, being sure to check behind every alcove and tapestry he passed. When he turned the corner to the third-floor staircase, he spotted a pair of Ravenclaws. Just who he was hoping to see.

“Michael, wait up,” he called, going up the stairs toward Michael Corner and Terry Boot.

The boys stopped as soon as Ernie reached them. “What’s up?” Michael asked.

“You’re still dating Ginny Weasley, right?”

Michael’s eyebrow cocked. “What’s it matter to you?“

“What’s the deal with her brother and Hermione Granger?”

“It’s not like we spend our time together talking about her brother’s love life.”

“So,” Ernie prodded further, “Ginny hasn’t said anything about their flirting during…” he looked over his shoulder. “–Er practice?”

“I’m not there to watch everyone else’s business,” Michael snapped. “I’m there to learn,” he added in a lowered voice.

“It did seem like Granger did hold his hand for a little longer than necessary when helping him up,” interjected Terry. “That’s hardly worth a fuss.”

“You could ask Lavender or Parvati,” shrugged Michael. “Do you think Hermione would have said anything to them?”

“I doubt it,” moaned Terry, appearing to be almost as interested in the rumors as Ernie. “Hermione doesn’t exactly seem like the ‘braiding each other’s hair and chatting’ type.”

Ernie considered their suggestions. “Hannah asked them before. No luck.” He turned to Michael. “His sister-”

“Yeah, I’ll ask Ginny what she knows.” He looked over Ernie’s shoulder suddenly and hitched his bag up his shoulder as Draco Malfoy and his usual posse came around the corner. “Better get out of here before he starts making trouble,” he added in a low tone.

They turned and walked away from each other before Malfoy could reach them. “No unauthorized meetings are allowed, Macmillan,” he sneered. “Ten points from Hufflepuff.”

Ernie scowled at the Slytherin gang and continued down the stairs. Making rude hand gestures when he was out of sight.

At the entrance to the Great Hall, Ernie found Hannah and Susan skipping toward him from the direction of the library, mischief in their eyes.

“Do you have any idea why Amanda Comstock would be in an empty classroom with Dexter Woodworth after curfew?”

“No way!”

“Yes way!”

–

Justin jogged past a group of third-year Ravenclaw students waiting outside the Arithmancy classroom.

“Sally-Anne, wait up!” Just who he wanted to see. As he caught up to her, he leaned to whisper, “What’s this I’m hearing about Comstock and Woodworth?” He matched pace with her as they made their way to double transfiguration.

“What is it that you’re hearing?”

“Something about the Prefects’ bathroom…”

”No, that was Cedric and Cho last year.”

“Oh right,” Justin waved for her to go on. “A classroom?”

“Yes, a classroom.” Sally-Anne nodded. “I heard that Miss Maisy Blackmon was out on patrol when she heard rustling in Binn’s classroom.”

“NO!” Justin’s shout startled a pair of first-year Gryffindors walking past. “Old Binnsey’s room? I wouldn’t consider that the most romantic place.”

“He’s got a thing for troll riots, I guess,” Sally-Anne shrugged. “Anyway,” she continued, ”Maisy goes into the room expecting to find Peeves-”

“Were they making that much of a ruckus?”

Sally-Anne only looked at him before continuing. “She goes in and sees the two of them all tangled up against the professor’s desk.”

“Here, I thought she liked girls.”

“She likes hot people,” Sally-Anne shrugged. “Hey, what’s the news on Ron and Hermione?”

“The rumor mill is all over the place.”

“You think Granger is still seeing Victor Krum?”

“She’d be crazy not to.” Justin jumped to tap his hands against a discolored brick above his head. “He is internationally famous, after all.”

“But we have no solid evidence?”

“I’m convinced they’re dating.”

“Granger and Weasley?” He had her full attention now. Justin had to pull her robe sleeve to help her avoid walking right through a passing ghost. “You have evidence to back up that claim?”

“Ron and Hermione have been seen in each other’s company more than Potter’s for the last few weeks.”

“They were doing an awful lot of laughing during dinner yesterday,” Sally-Anne added.

“The flirting really is getting out of hand.”

“That’s couple behavior, if I’ve ever seen it,” said Sally-Anne, shaking her head and smiling. “I wonder when it happened.“

“I’ll let you know when I find out,” sighed Justin as they reached McGonagall’s classroom door. “Troll riots, you say?”

–

Professor Binns droned on in front of them as Ernie spent his time scribbling on a scrap piece of parchment.

Don’t look now. What’s Weasley doing?

Hannah stretched in her seat, stealing a peek behind her. The Gryffindors were seated at the bench a few yards away. Hermione sat scribbling furiously in her notes, giving Binns her undivided attention. Harry was asleep with his face in his hands and his glasses propped on top of his head. Ron had his eyes closed and his head resting–

Oh Merlin! How long has he been resting on her shoulder?

A WHILE!

Does she even notice?

She was looking at him with total heart-eyes earlier.

Ernie drew a stick person with giant hearts for eyes and big curls coming from her head.

Hannah nudged her elbow into Susan’s side, jolting her out of the sleepy trance into which she was slipping. At her confused look, she passed the parchment in front of her and signaled for Justin’s attention as well. They both sat and read the note intently before they both found themselves with sudden cricks in their necks that simply needed to be stretched out immediately.

Susan gasped but covered it up with a cough. Justin stole the paper and his quill.

So they are dating!! We need to figure out when

A head on her shoulder does not equal dating. I do that to Hannah all the time.

Ernie craned his head to read the note sitting between Hannah and Susan. He shot them a look that meant one thing: ‘You’ve got to be kidding me’. Taking the paper, he scrawled.

You didn’t see the heart-eyes. If they’re not dating now, they will by the end of term. I guarantee it!!

He tossed the paper back to the group with a look of pride. The bell rang, rousing everyone in class from their stupor. Ernie watched as Ron jolted up from Hermione’s arm, both blushing and refusing to look at each other.

–

Prefect patrol duties were really cutting into their study schedule. Hannah complained to Ernie about their course load as they aimlessly roamed the halls for the last hour before curfew.

“She’s a sadist,” she cried. “Who assigns a four-foot assignment on Shield Charms without including class practice time?”

“Maybe Harry will be able to go over it with us again on Monday.” Ernie pulled his magic coin from his pocket to confirm the date. “I need to get Justin back for that Stunner he sent to my face.”

“I’m going to ask Hermione if I can look at her notes for Arithmancy. Mine just don’t feel complete enough. And you know how strict Professor Vector can be about thoroughness. I don’t know how I’m going to finish those problems for her by class tomorrow.”

Hannah talked non-stop for three floors while Ernie halfheartedly looked inside every classroom they passed.

“Shh,” he said to Hannah before calling into the long, unused classroom. “It’s almost curfew; you better get back to your Common Room.”

A mop of red hair appeared from behind the teacher’s desk, pulling up a very embarrassed-looking girl.

“Weasley, please,” Ernie started. “I’m much too tired to deal with this tonight.”

“Not a problem at all,, my friend,” laughed Fred (or was it George?) as he reached into his pocket and pulled out two small packages. “How about we part ways here and pretend it never happened?”

He put the bags of Weasley Wizard Wheezes products into Ernie and Hannah’s hands before pulling an apologizing Angelina Johnson down the hall toward the Gryffindor Common Room.

“No detours!” Hannah called after them, but they were already gone.

“That has got to stop happening,” said Hannah as she pocketed her bribe. “I’m going to be able to start my own joke shop with everything hiding in my trunk.”

“We could just report them.” Ernie shrugged. “But where’s the fun in that?”

Continuing their patrol, they peered into classrooms and behind statues periodically but found nothing but cobwebs and dust.

“We should head back to the Common Room,” Hannah yawned. “Double Potions with Slytherin first thing tomorrow.”

Ernie yawned his agreement and opened the door for the second-floor corridor. Before she could get through the door behind him, he froze. At the bottom of the stairs were Ron and Hermione, on their own patrol. Hermione was laughing animatedly at the impression Ron was making of Umbridge, their fingers interlocked.

Hannah shut the door, and the two leaped an arm’s length apart, realizing they were not alone. “Good evening, Ernie. Evening Hannah,“ Hermione said nervously, her cheeks pink. Ron nodded but refused to make eye contact with either of them.

"Hello, Hermione,” Hannah said, her voice a little too polite. “Good evening, Ron.”

“Evening,” Ron said as he and Hermione began ascending the stairs.

Ernie seemed to have found his legs again and continued to descend, passing them in the middle. Hannah followed close behind, her mind buzzing but her face remaining as neutral as possible.

As both parties met on the staircase, Ron cleared his throat and spoke in a low tone. “Er Harry hasn’t sent the notice yet, but -er- it moved to Thursday after dinner.”

“Right,” Ernie said, nodding. “Thanks.” He gave a weak thumbs up before he and Hannah passed through the space the Gryffindor students had created between each other.

The moment they were around the corner and out of earshot, Hannah turned to Ernie, her eyes alight. ‘Oh my god’ they mouthed to each other before hurrying toward the ground floor.

Ernie scratched his knuckle from pounding on the barrel blocking the Hufflepuff Common Room, but he gave it no notice as he and Hannah went running up to the table where Susan and Justin sat, absorbed in their homework.

“Oh my gods, you will never guess who we just saw!”

[oneshotnewbie]

What about a possible one-shot with Carina, Maya, Daughter

Maya has made it very clear to Lane that she doesn’t want (daughter) to know them. (Daughter) doesn’t know a single thing about Mayas Parents but really wants to get to know them. Maya shuts down every conversation that has to do with her father. (Daughter) take it into her own hands to find them. She eventually finds them and things are good but (daughter) tells Lane shes a competitive Gymnast so Lane starts to attend her gym practice and coaches her. (Daughter) starts to find out the real Lane but it’s too deep of a secret to casually bring it up to her moms. Injury’s set in and things start to take a terrible turn. Their daughter isn’t the same.

Maya and Carina promised they wouldn’t tell their daughter about the sprained ankle at the Olympics because they don’t want their daughter to have the same mentality Maya did especially at a young age. But Lane would tell their daughter all these stories which goes straight to her head.

(Could be any sport but I feel like gymnastics is an easy one for over seen injuries)

ᕚ---ᕘ

The smell of fresh coffee filled Maya's cozy kitchen on this sunny morning. She stood at the window, absentmindedly stirring her cup, while the birds chirped happily outside, welcoming the new day. But despite the apparent calm that surrounded her home, there was an uncertainty in the air that she could not shake.

Maya sighed and leaned her hips against the counter. Her eyes wandered to the family photo on the shelf opposite - a snapshot of happy times, smiling with her wife and their daughter. But her parents were missing in each of them. The memories of happy days suddenly mixed with the pain of what developed between her and her father and what it meant. You would never have grandparents.

A gentle knock on one of the room dividers interrupted her thoughts and she took a deep breath before turning her gaze to the figure stretching out in front of her. It was you, a lively teenager with curious eyes and a big smile on your face that you definitely inherited from Carina. "Good morning, mom. What are you doing?" you scurried into the kitchen and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. Maya forced herself to smile and appear happy, her mind still reeling. "Good morning, my darling. I am just drinking my coffee. Your mother made pancakes before she went to work. Would you like some too?"

You nodded enthusiastically and sat down at the table while Maya poured you a cup and served the prepared breakfast. When she sat down next to you, she could see the unspoken question in your eyes. "You want to try to find out about your grandparents again, don't you?" she tried to sound as calm as possible, while she was consumed with anxiety whenever the topic came up. You nodded shyly and sipped the hot broth while your gaze was fixed on her. "Yes, mom. I ask myself every day why I am not allowed to meet them. All my friends have grandparents, and so do I, but-„

Maya felt a lump in her throat and her heart began to burn like an inferno as she struggled with the words. "Dear, it's complicated. Drop that subject finally, please." Your eyes reflected disappointment and a slightly tingling anger, as if the hope of eventually having a complete family was fading in them "But I just want to understand, Mom. Why do you always block me when I ask about Grandma and Grandpa?"

Maya felt simultaneously touched and overwhelmed by your determination. A tornado was stirring in her heart, she didn't want to lie to you or withhold important information from you but the past between her and Lane was a minefield you should never enter. "Sweetheart, I know you're curious, but sometimes things happen between people that make it difficult to get along," she reaches for your hand, trying to keep her emotions under control as you pulled it back to you and looked at her with resignation. "But can't we try? Maybe if it's broken it can be repaired."

"Your grandfather and I are estranged in many ways. There are many things left unsaid and wounds that will never heal," small tears welled up in the blonde's eyes. She wanted nothing more than to give you a family, but she knew it wasn't that easy. "And sometimes it's better to leave things as they are. I just want you to be happy."

"Whatever you say. I'm not happy about your decision and my curiosity won't die." You said out loud, taking a few forkfuls of breakfast. Your young thoughts were clouded with a hint of defiance as you grabbed your school bag and put on your shoes before heading off to school. Saying a quick goodbye to your mother, you got dressed and walked out. You had had enough of the secrets and blocking conversations about your grandparents.

You took advantage of this moment and day to act. Your decision was made - you would get to know your grandfather, even though your mother vehemently refused and you would be in trouble if she found out about it. With big steps and a constant beating of your heart, you made your way to the bus stop. This time, however, your destination wasn't the school, but your grandfather's house, which you only knew from old photos. You were determined to find answers to your questions, even if it meant going into unknown territory.

The bus rattled through the city street as you wondered what awaited you. Your heart was pounding wildly as you imagined his appearance before the bus stopped. With a firm step and in silence, you crossed the streets and approached the house that looked so beautiful in the photos. The door to the old but well-maintained house creaked open as you hesitantly but firmly knocked on the hard wood.

An older woman who resembled your mother opened the door with kindness but also a sparkling sadness. "May I help you?" She spoke carefully and you swallowed hard, knowing who you had in front of you. "I'm y/n. I'm the daughter of Maya Bishop," You replied in a firm voice and the woman opened the door wide, obviously surprised as she looked at you for a moment. Without words, she stepped aside and let you enter.

The house was bare and cold - photos were missing from the walls, an old fireplace adorned the living room, but it was no longer used, while the sterile smell of cleaning products filled your nose. Katherine, she had imagined, led you further into the house, where your grandfather was sitting in a comfortable armchair, watching a sports show.

You stood in the doorway and stared at the back of your grandfather's head before he turned around briefly and looked at you with his tired eyes. "Who are you and what are you doing in my house?"

“I’m y/n, your granddaughter.” You replied firmly, even if your voice began to tremble slightly. He quickly dropped the remote and stared at you as if trying to confirm your identity. "Maya's daughter?" He asked with a hint of disbelief and when you nodded, he asked you to sit on the sofa.

The silence in the room was palpable as he looked at you, stunned. The woman who had let you in seemed uneasy around him and quietly left the room without a word. Lane, he imagined, sighed and stroked his face. He continued to be silent before you broke the silence. "I'm here because I want to know who you are and why mom doesn't want me to meet you." with a firm and dominant voice he began to tell you a story about misunderstandings that, unknowingly, were a true lie.

You listened intently as your grandfather's words opened up a world you had never known and it turned into a deep conversation in which you revealed to him who you were and what it was like growing up with two mothers. Including your love for sports and the fact that you have been doing gymnastics since childhood.

ᕚ---ᕘ

Over the next few weeks and months, Lane began training you in the concentrated atmosphere of the gym. The room was filled with the grace and energy of the athletes around you but also the sound of concentrated breathing and the quiet shuffling of bare feet across the mats.

Your grandfather, with a look of persistence and decades of experience on his face and a stoic stance and sharp gaze, watched you glide across the mats with an almost carefree elegance and ease. The pride you had built up in him in such a short amount of time was obvious, but his drive to perfect you and take you to an even higher level was just as strong.

The initial training started gently as he guided you through the drills and fundamentals of new tricks, correcting your movements and posture, and improving and refining your technique. But as time went on, the ongoing sessions intensified and you noticed him getting stricter every time you entered the gym. His demands on you were higher than you could imagine, his pace relentless. He had even changed your diet and extended your hours in the gym until the evening hours.

Lane pushed you beyond your limits, demanding more of your body than it could handle. "Come on, y/n. This is so easy! Just concentrate the hell out of it and tense your upper body properly!" The movements became more complex, the exercises more demanding, the demands on your muscles harder, and as you struggled to keep up, small injuries began to arise that the continued training would not allow to heal. With each successive session you felt your body groaning under the constant challenge, but you continued to fight so as not to disappoint him.

"I can't take it anymore, Grandfather. My entire body is on strike," you struggled with every step to live up to his expectations while feeling the exhaustion in every fiber of your being. But you persevered, driven by the desire to meet his expectations. "Oh don't talk nonsense, if your mother could ran an entire marathon with a sprained ankle then you can do a few simple gymnastics exercises, damn it!"

You slowly understood why Maya didn't want you to deal with him. He was strict, driven by a malevolent will to perfect everything that came into his hands. But now you were in the middle of chaos, unheard of your mother's words and you couldn't escape. You were trapped in a destructive battle with no way out or help. And the fact that your mother was strong enough to actually run and win an entire marathon with a bad foot spurred you on to keep going.

It started with a sore Achilles tendon and a bruise on your arms and legs, but with the continued rigor of training the injuries worsened. Every muscle group twitched with exhaustion, and you felt your joints aching and rubbing against each other. Your grandfather was merciless in his strictness. He pushed you beyond your limits, as if he knew you could do more than you gave yourself credit for, and so he demanded more, even if it meant your body shaking and your joints protesting every trick.

The small injuries turned into bigger problems as your muscles tired and your posture weakened, giving way to torn muscles, a sore foot, and a bruised ankle. Lane saw her struggle and his pride grew. But in a relentless way, he ignored the signals of your body collapsing and you fought against the uncertainty and the grueling physical and psychological exhaustion of whether you could ever live up to Lane's expectations without losing yourself.

When you got home that evening, you struggled to hide the injuries. Behind every smile, you hid the unspeakable pain of your probably sprained ankle and changed clothes to hide the bruises and muscle swelling. But the signs of your physical exhaustion became harder to hide, and your mothers began to notice your restlessness.

When Maya and Carina returned home, they found you in the kitchen not for the first time this week, with your head resting on your arms and sleeping on the kitchen table. Concerned, two pairs of eyes widened as they looked at your sleeping form and they slowly approached you to gently wake you up. You jumped, contorting your face to suppress the scream of pain so as not to arouse your parents' concern, but the pain and inability to hide your suffering became increasingly obvious. "Baby? Are you okay? You look so tired and exhausted,"

"Yes, I'm fine. Our trainer has increased our training a little and I just have to get used to it. Plus school, which is getting more strenuous at the moment because of the exams.." you lied straight to her face, juggling between determination, continuing your training with Lane in secret, and the fear that your parents would learn the truth about the physical hardships that your grandfather, with whom you were not supposed to have any contact, was putting you through.

"Are you sure? I think there's something else going on?" She asked carefully, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear. You wanted to collapse into her arms, the strain on your body was so heavy and it was even harder to withstand not telling Maya and Carina the truth. "Yes, I'm sure, Mom. I'm going to bed now, I'm tired."

They both just nodded and let you go, but a sinking feeling in your stomach remained. The challenge of keeping up with the lie and hiding your injuries became a painful double life, forcing you to choose between the need for perfection in training and the need to prevent her parents' growing concern. You had to be as good as your mother was when she was younger. If she could manage to run a full marathon with a sprained ankle, you could also manage to face and swallow the injuries. You were just as strong as her.

[aspoonofsugar]

Bumbleby VS Robyn

Blake and Yang's most important moment in volume 7 is their disagreement over Ironwood and Ruby, which is solved with their fight against Robyn and their choice to share the truth with her.

This is overall a minor moment, but it touches on several important themes and ideas, which are central to Blake and Yang's arcs.

ROBYN AS BUMBLEBY'S FOIL

Robyn herself is an interesting foil to both bees.

Just like Blake, she is a freedom fighter and she isn't afraid to break the law for her ideals:

Robyn: The law isn't perfect, you know. It's certainly not equal. My only goal is that all the citizens of Mantle and Atlas -- and Faunus -- have an equal shot at a good life.

Blake: There's too much wrong in this world to just stand by and do nothing. Inequality, corruption… Someone has to stop it.

Her political history even resembles Blake's. She is the leader of a movement, who hopes to change society peacefully. Still, when this chance is stolen, she resorts to strength.

Just like Yang, she is a person who gives much importance to honesty and trust:

Robyn: We can't fix the wall without the supplies on these trucks. I think Mantle deserves to know what they're being used for. It doesn't have to be difficult. Just tell me.

Yang: If we're going to help, if we're going to keep risking our lives, no more lies. No more half-truths.

She even resembles our Goldilock in personality. She is as quick to give names as Yang is to make puns. Morevoer, both are strong-willed and sometimes hot-headed. (Also, both are blond and with purple eyes)

So, Blake and Yang are really asked to face off against a part of themselves. Not only that, but they are forced to play parts they deep down dislike.

Blake is forced to arrest a Huntress, who is trying to help the poor and the oppressed:

Blake: I can tell you, ambushing a Huntress who's just trying to help isn't an option I'm thrilled about choosing.

Our Shadow Beast has spent the majority of her life fighting Atlas, but she is now allied with Ironwood who embodies the Kingdom and its classism.

Yang is forced to hide information from others. Both from Ironwood because of Ruby and from Robyn because of Ironwood:

Yang: Do you… Do you think we should've told Ironwood about Salem, before he put so much on the line for Amity? I trust Ruby, but I think he deserves to know what he's stepping into. We all did.

She was the angriest at Ozpin for keeping secrets, but she is now withholding information herself.

In short, Blake and Yang are in a new situation. Blake is with those in power. Yang is in the known. And yet things aren't easier:

Blake: I'm not sure there are many good options left for any of us anymore. Keeping secrets, taking lives? It makes you wonder how far we're gonna have to go to keep doing the right thing.

Now that they are stronger and wiser, the bees realize they might be becoming like those they resented. So, they decide to forge a new path:

Blake: It isn't an option I'm thrilled about choosing. Yang: Then, maybe we shouldn't.

They take a risk and share the truth with Robyn. What's the outcome?

SHADOW AND LIGHT

Out of the ashes a new flame ignite Rise up from shadows and into the light

Bumbleby vs Robyn is a fight, which makes full use of shadows and lights. This kind of symbolism is dear to Blake:

After all, she is linked to the twilight, when lights and shadows meet, because she is meant to become a bridge between different cultures and people. Here, she fulfills this role.

Throughout their battle, Bumbleby stay in the light. Robyn instead steps into the shadows:

This happens because our 2 girls can move in the light of Atlas society and know the truth. Meanwhile Robyn can only survive by escaping and hiding and is in the dark.

So, Blake tries to overcome the gap:

Blake: Amity Colosseum, all these supplies, they're for… They're for a new communications tower.

She leads Robyn towards the light:

This is Blake's call. She is supposed to bring people lost in darkness into the light. This is why symbolically she can see in darkness (like a cat). It is so she can notice people who are unseen and unheard and make them visible and heard. Here, she stays true to herself.

PLAY BOTH SIDES

Play both sides (play both sides) When truth you cannot recognize

Bumbleby vs Robyn is rooted in the themes of trust, lies and truth. All these ideas are central to Yang's character:

Raven: The truth is that "truth" is hard to come by. A story of victory for one person is a story of defeat for someone else. By now, your uncle has surely told Ruby and her friends plenty of stories.

This is Raven's teaching, after all. In order to understand the complexity of the world Yang should doubt others and ask questions:

Yang: Why should we believe any of this? Raven: Now you're catching on. So far you've done nothing but accept what others tell you, but you need to question everything.

This is the only way for her to see what is usually hidden:

Scathing eyes ask that we be symmetrical, one sided and easily processed. Yet every misshapen spark's unseen beauty is greater than its would be judgement.

So, this is what Yang does throughout the whole scene. She expresses doubts about Ruby's decision and comes up with her own strategy to deal with the current situation. Blake may be the heart of the operation, as she is the most determined to get through and is the one to step forward. Still, Yang is the mind, as she is the one to bring up the idea in the first place. Let's highlight this idea is in itself an ambiguous solution.

On the one hand Yang and Blake are telling Robyn the truth and trusting her. On the other hand they are adding new secrets and lies between them and Ironwood's group:

Ironwood: Are you with me? How did Robyn know about the Global Communications Project?

In short, Yang finds a solution to pursue trust and honesty, but she does so by accepting the necessity of a gray zone. Maybe this is why she is the one who looks straight into the shadows, after Blake leaves first:

And what she sees is disturbingly familiar:

Robyn: I won't stop until I know the whole truth.

Yang: That question… Why? I didn't know an answer, but I was determined to find out. It was all I thought about.

ADAM AND RAVEN'S GHOSTS

So, the bees come up together with a solution to their current predicament.

Blake is passionate about this idea and pursues it with faith. She leads Robyn into the light with no hesitation.

Yang comes up with the plan, but is wary of the situation. She looks at Robyn's shadows and has doubts.

These opposite approaches are complementary and clearly stem from Blake and Yang's different developments, which the scene references through the subtle presence of both Adam and Raven.

Adam is directly alluded to:

Yang: Blake. We did… what we had to do. Blake: I know. But next time, I wanna make sure we don't have to.

Blake regrets killing Adam. She knows she had no other choice, but is still not happy about it and does not want to go through something similar again. Even if she is now stronger and free, she still has some emotions to unpack. This is why Adam comes up here and in another moment of volume 7:

Blake: I just realized where we are. This mine was closed after an explosion. Weiss: I remember this disaster. Or rather, I remember how furious it made my father. I wish I could take back the years of pain my family has caused the Faunus and all of my complacency in it.

In the mine Blake remembers both Adam's SDC scar and Ilia's parents. They are two memories linked to Faunus discrimination, which is a problem she is still grappling with. Our Cat Girl is then still mulling over some unsolved feelings over:

Adam's death

The Faunus discrimination

It is then no surprising this comes up in 2 scenes linked to specifically Yang and Weiss, so the 2 characters set up to help with these 2 sides of Blake's story.

Raven isn't mentioned, but her presence is there, as Yang clearly follows her mother's advice. She is asking questions and thinking for herself. She even comes up with a plan where she and Blake go behind their allies' back for what they believe in.

Yang: You're right. I don't know you. I only know the Raven dad told me about. She was troubled, and complicated, but she fought for what she believed in, whether it was her team or her tribe!

In other words, Yang here takes after Raven. She plays the part of the Wise Woman who shares a part of her knowledge, but not all of it because it is dangerous:

Yang: Look, we are trusting you, so trust us when we say that Amity Tower needs to stay a secret until it's done. We just need a little more time.

Yang is clearly conflicted about this. As she is in general conflicted about Raven herself. This is shown also in another moment of volume 6:

Maria: Child, a Huntress is supposed to protect others to the bitter end. But after I lost my eyes, I only ever looked after myself. Even after my surgery, I was too afraid to fight. Afraid someone would find me again, finish what the others started. You shouldn't aspire to be like me, especially when some of you are clearly stronger already. Upon hearing this, Yang looks down sadly.

Once again it is the context and Yang's body language which drive the message home. Maria frames herself as an authority figure who fails the younger generation. She says she ran away and that the kids are clearly already stronger than her. This is bound to bring a very specific conversation to Yang's mind:

Yang: Oh, shut up!! You don't know the first thing about strength! You turn your back on people, you run away when things get too hard, you put others in harm's way instead of yourself!! You might be powerful, but that doesn't make you strong.

In short, Yang still can't fully process Raven. She can't reconcile the Wise Woman with the Terrible Mother. This is what these 2 brief moments suggest. And once again they seem lousely linked to 2 different teammates:

Blake > the girl Yang loves and with whom she wants to share a future with

Ruby > Yang's little sister she is determined to protect like their mother couldn't

Future and Past - 2 things Yang still has to fully deal with.

As you can see, these short scene is really full of motifs, themes and foreshadowing. Blake and Yang's arcs have been on break throughout Atlas, but the 2 girls still received moments which flesh them out and build their future storyarcs.