#and she decides she wants to be an actual watcher so she goes back to them. but knows she'll has to be in their prison for years before she

[slut4celebs]

Jersey Swap

Sabrina Carpenter x Reader

Word Count: 1,056 words

Trigger Warnings: nothing but a lot of cute fluff imo, I know nothing about soccer so I left that part kind of short and looked up random players.

Request/Synopsis: "i was thinking like the reader is a really good and famous soccer/football player. Maybe like her a sabrina are in a secret relationship and havent told the public yet so sabrina comes to one of her games wearing her jersey. Then maybe reader goes to her concert and like comes on stage or something idk." - A fic in which Sabrina wears R's to a game and (Y/n) wears a custom made Sabrina jersey to her show.

Requests are open. < Please guys, I'm begging.

Sabrina Carpenter and (Y/n) (L/n) had decided to keep their relationship private over the course of a year due to the backlash over Sabrina's last few relationships and (Y/n) being a much private relationship. However, this was proving to be harder as time has gone on, and they've been wanting to actually go out on dates together or hold hands in public. It was something they had to discuss, but they finally figured out how they would come out as a couple to the fans without giving up their full privacy or hardlaunching on social media. They chose a more demure way to get their point across without giving too many details away or letting the media comment on their posts.

It started with (Y/n)'s soccer game. Sabrina attended with her best friend, Joey King. She wore a custom made jersey with (Y/n)'s last name on it. At one point, during the game, (Y/n) even blew Sabrina a kiss. It was in the little moments, if someone was paying close enough attention, they'd catch it. And saying as women's soccer had a majority of gay watchers, someone was bound to catch up on it pretty soon. Sabrina blew a kiss back, making (Y/n) grin before the coach yelled for her to get her head in the game. Lucky for her, her face was too red from running for it to be too obvious she was blushing from being reprimanded. After the game, (Y/n), Sabrina, and Joey (as well as a few teammates) were pictured at a restaurant.

The next night, there wasn't incredibly commotion on Sabrina and (Y/n). Only a few people caught onto their charade, but their posts weren't reaching anyone yet. (Y/n) pulled on her custom Sabrina Carpenter jersey, lying on her girlfriend's bed. When Sabrina got out of the restroom, having just put on some make-up for soundcheck, she grinned. "I love that on you," she commented happily, leaning down to kiss her girlfriend, who reciprocated the kiss happily. (Y/n) was, admittedly, a sucker for her girlfriend's kisses. She was enamored by everything Sabrina was. She was incredible on stage and off. (Y/n) couldn't help the way she simply admired her girlfriend to the fullest.

At the show, (Y/n) was in a special section alongside her teammate, Naomi Girma. While Girma had some merch on, it was (Y/n) who adorned the custom jersey and had a big kiss mark on her cheek, put there by Sabrina. It was the transition from Dumb & Poetic where Sabrina is pretending to arrest someone from the crowd. That someone happened to be (Y/n). "Um, excuse me, everyone, but do you see that girl in my jersey? Next to that soccer player. Her name is (Y/n)…" She said coyly, being extra flirty on stage. "Girls, girls… See that girl? She's under arrest for being too hot and sexy." She said with a fake pout to her dancers. One holding up pink, fluffy handcuffs. (Y/n) laughed and blushed as Girma shoved her shoulders playfully.

"Oh, my gosh… Ladies, I just… She's so gorgeous that I'm thinking so many inappropriate thoughts right now and- oh my gosh my clothes. My clothes are falling off just with her looking at me." She said, the bottom half of her skirt falling off, leaving her in a shorter skirt. "Jeez, that's so embarrassing… It just falls off when my girlfriend looks at me, guys. Like I'm just so in love, you know? I'll hold onto these for later, baby." She took the handcuffs, smirking slightly when she announced that they were girlfriend's, the agreed upon approach that left (Y/n)'s cheeks burning. She didn't realize it would make her blush so much.

As Juno played, (Y/n) couldn't take her eyes off Sabrina, knowing full well many cameras were on her. Once the show was over, she and Girma were escorted backstage to meet with Sabrina. She hugged her girlfriend, kissing her. "When you said you were going to call me your girlfriend on stage, I wasn't expecting that." She flicked her shoulder playfully, a huge grin decorating her lips as she looked over her mischievous girlfriend.

Sabrina had an impish smile on her face, holding up the handcuffs playfully. (Y/n) blushed darker as Girma snorted at the scene in front of her. "That's your own fault. I told you to I was going to do it in a very 'me' way." She responded, earning two hands up in surrender from (Y/n) because, after all, she was right. She did say she was going to do in her way. And. knowing Sabrina, she was going to make it comedic. She just didn't expect to actually be a part of the show. It was funny though, and she liked it. She especially didn't mind Sabrina telling the world that she was "so in love" either.

"Right, right. Well, come on. We have to get Naomi home on time. She has a curfew." She teased her friend, Girma rolling her eyes. As the three walked out, they made their way through a special exit. That didn't mean that they weren't bombarded with a few fans regardless. The fans who waited wanted several pictures of Sabrina and (Y/n) together, and Naomi was happy to not be as in the spotlight, as it was overwhelming just as an onlooker.

The next morning, the 'Jersey Swap,' as it was deemed was being reported everyone. Those who captured Sabrina and Joey at (Y/n)'s game (and the two of them blowing kisses) might now be experiencing newfound TikTok fame having witnessed the beginning of Sabrina and (Y/n) going public. The two laughed as they went through the TikToks, ignoring any negative ones. "Looks like we're out in the world, now." (Y/n) said before they shared a kiss. They decided not to make a post about each other, agreeing to only share pictures on special occasions, such as, their birthdays and anniversaries. They still wanted to remain private. Only now, if they wanted to go out, it wouldn't be a secret that they were together. It was just them going out. It was a new feeling that flooded the two as they basked in each other's presence.

[newfallstrangeleaves]

Yandere in the apocalypse

Strawberries

M!Yandere X GN!reader Warning: stalking, mentions of killing. Summary: Continuation of the nightly visit story. The world has ended but that doesn't stop your yandere to prove (to nobody other than himself) that he can give you anything. He goes out of his way to get you something you want but things don't go as planned. Author's note: It was really nice to see the first part (and my first post) being so well received. Really thank you!!

Never will he be far behind. Always in the shadows watching over you. He truly is your guardian angel, undefeated protector, perfect boyfriend…

Though in a perfect world he would be close to you, show you how good he is to you.  But because of the friends of yours most of the time Aaron has to go unnoticed. But the times he does get close, he cherishes. 

The weather is nice and Aaron has spent the last 4 hours in a tree. Your group has made the decision to leave the city and head out into the wild. A decision he doesn't exactly agree with, for many reasons. Though your group has decided upon two night watchers now he dont believe for a second they could do a better job than him. 

Half of the group has split up from camp and gone out to look for food. You sit together with a girl with dark braids and a blond girl, who looks to be in need of a shower soon. The boy is there too, blissfully unaware of his surroundings and listening in on the conversation. 

“I LOVED to eat Moules frits, I could eat a whole bucket of those things.” The blond girl says. 

"Oh, you snob!” The braided girl exclaims. “Can you say something normal like a burger?” 

“But what is so weird about Moules frits? It's just Oysters and Fries! The blond pouts. 

“Wrong! It's Clams not Oysters, you idiot.” 

"You seem to know an awful lot about Moles frits, huh? Y/N, who do you think the real posh one is?” The blond looks over at you who throughout this whole conversation has just been smiling at the bickering. 

“Donno, seems like a tie, or what do you think Max?” You turn over to the boy who nods eagerly. You and Max exchange a look as the blond one rolls her eyes over dramatically, but the action prones a laugh out of the three of you. 

“What foods do you miss, Y/N?” Max asks when the laughing has died down. You think for a moment. 

“Well, not the canned potatoes that's for sure, or any other canned foods for that matter. I miss fresh ones, oh I know, I miss Strawberries!” You say. “And actually at this point I would be happy to have any shape, dried or fresh doesn't matter.” 

“Me too.” A voice from the bushes makes everyone jump.

Even Aaron is about to fall out of the tree. But when the other half of the group returns he swears over himself over the lack of awareness. But the conversation had made him think. If his love wants strawberries then she shall have strawberries. 

When night comes he sneaks down from his hideout. A week ago they passed a small community, odd people and overly religious. They had only really gotten a picture of them though three men who were out looking for a friend of theirs. The men had invited them back to their community but luckily your group had declined the offer. Good thing your group had caught their off vibes too and decided not to risk it. But when the both of your groups had parted ways and one of the men decided to turn back to you,  Aaron felt nothing good would come with a second encounter. So the man was killed and buried before sunrise. By then the group was up and away. 

But the men at the time had mentioned a garden filled with vegetables and fruits. Perhaps a tactic to lure you into their claws. But right now it's his best bet in finding Strawberries. 

Traveling alone ment moving at a much quicker pace. Perhaps he will be back to you in less than a week!

When he arrives he realizes the men weren't lying. If something they were playing it down by a lot.  Aaron could see “the garden” from a mile away by the size of it. The only problem he is facing now is getting in. It is surrounded by a huge fence, barbed wires, then on top of that they have built six hunting towers to guard from any intruders. 

He decides to wait until night time and while doing so he can feel his eyes grow heavier.

He wakes up (all stiff from sleeping in a tree) to the luck of a lifetime. Rockets are firing from the other side of the garden, somebody else is planning to break in too. He brings his handy pocket knife and while the guard's attention is elsewhere he takes the opportunity to run straight for one of the hunting towers. 

He just needs a little bit of luck to not be spotted now. Despite having two hunting towers at each side of him that could easily spot him he hopes their attention stays on the forest for intruders. 

The darkness hides him long enough to cut through the fence. His pocket knife pliers are weak, it takes time to cut through the fence. But not impossible. 

As he works up a hole big enough for him to fit through he can hear the guards discussing, the weak attack was quickly disarmed. But Aaron can sense them being on edge for anything else to happen. 

When he is through it's in and out. Their attention is not on the plantation but he still tries to hide amongst the greenery. It doesn't take long before he finds the red little berries. There are rows upon rows of them. They won't miss a few. When he is done collecting and placing the container back in his backpack, he turns to make his way out again. 

Just as he feels confident he is going to make it without getting spotted he gets just that. Spotted. He crawls through his hole as bullets start raining around him. His only option is to run and find shelter amongst the trees. He sprints as fast as he can, the trees approaching quickly. Just a few more steps. 

Then he feels one of the bullets hitting its target, a sharp pain shoots through his thigh. He lets out a cry of pain but with the adrenaline pumping his veins he doesn't stop. 

He pushes further and further through the forest even though he is not as fast as he would have liked, the people deciding to go after him seems to have given up the chase. Their voices grow more and more distant by the second. 

The following days are hard. He has to stop multiple times to not strain his wound too much. Worry starts to grow more and more each day. As he is slowing down you are walking further and further away. The fear something would have happened to you  while he was away grows stronger by the day. 

When the pain in his leg is unbearable as he is fighting to keep up a good pace he wishes he never left you. What if something has happened to you while he was gone? Why didn't he consider this before he left? How stupid he feels. 

He lets out a sigh of relief when he reaches a small lake and in the distance he can see your figure walking out in the water with your pants rolled up. So peaceful. Finally he can allow himself to rest and to heal. 

Mission accomplished too. He feels pride grow in his chest as he watches you. He can give you something nobody else can. He can't wait for your reaction. A smile only he could give you.

The next morning you wake up and the first thing you see is a small package with a note attached to it. 

“Whatcha got there?” Ginny asks as she frantically tries to brush through her blond curls with her fingers. 

“I don't know. Was here when I woke up.” You turn over the note and read what it says out loud. 

‘Got these for you. 

Until we meet, A.’

“A? There is no one here who starts with A.” Ginny says loudly. A ruckus begins amongst the ones that are awake. Their discussion is loud enough to wake up the rest.  

“What do I do with these?” You ask. 

“Leave them, it's not worth the risk.” Felice says and pulls her braids out from the shirt she just put on. “Come, you go with me from now on.” 

Aaron limps over to the spot you sat at as he is fighting tears. The anger and disappointment bubbling up in his chest. He wishes he could kill them, hurt them as they have hurt him. 

But all he does is pick up the berries. 

He knows revenge will come in due time.

[shiro-s2e2-erukinzu]

Anime only watchers and people who aren't caught up with the Manga, BEWARE... Cuz I'm about to discuss Spy X Family Mission 103... You have been warned...! 👌

[SPOILERS AHEAD FROM THIS POINT ON]

This was such a cute little chapter to return to after the month long break...!! 💗😊💗

Mission 103 was a short, but fun little chapter staring the Forger family, so let's talk about it shall we...? 😄

We start this chapter with an EXTREMELY bored Anya on break from school...!!

Anya always be lookin' so dang goofy when she's bored, I LOVE IT!! 😂

After Twilight comes home and makes Anya do her homework, Anya sees a news report about a seal named Belle and decides that she wants to go see her...!! 😆

...But, Loid quickly declines Anya's offer because he isn't letting her go anywhere until she finishes her homework...! Then Twilight goes to change the channel and is annoyed to see that other channels are also talking about Belle the seal, when brings up a good point to the frustrated Loid:

I COULDN'T AGREE MORE YOR!! 😊 I can't even watch the news sometimes because of how sad and depressing it can get, so it's always nice to wholesome stuff like Belle the seal for change...!! 💗

So the Forgers decide to go see Belle and guess who they run into...:

BECKY AND MARTHA!! 💗😆💗

(Also I love this panel with Beck...!! 😂😂😂):

Anyway, it turns out that Becky is also here to see Belle and even asks Anya if she would like head over to the news crew and possibly get on TV, but because Anya read Twilight's mind about how that would be a bad idea (i.e. he's a spy and must not draw attention to himself and she's originally from an orphanage), Anya must decline Becky's offer...!! 😌

After waiting awhile (and even wanting to throw hands with the seal for not showing up 🤣), Becky decides to head home while the Forgers stick around...!! Anya starts getting bored of waiting and goes to play for a bit while Yor sit and talk in my probably favorite part in this entire chapter...!! 😁:

I adore that Yor is doing her very best to get Loid to relax for a bit, it truly warms my heart...!! 💗🤗💗 Also, the two page spread in this chapter is just SO BEAUTIFUL!! 🥹

After that beautiful moment, as Bod and Anya are playing, they stumble across the elusive seal Belle...!! 😲:

It turns out (after Anya read her mind) that Belle was hiding because the humans kept following her around, which is totally understandable for Belle to do because usually when some people see a cute animal, they don't really consider how that animal might be feel about all this new found attention they're getting... 😔 So, the Forgers decide to sit quietly near her and after a while of watching her, Belle decides to leave and get them a crawfish as a parting gift!! 🤗 After that exchange, Twilight has a thought:

He thinks back to what Handler said all the way back in Mission 78 and wonders if Belle could be another animal experiment... But before he could think any further on that, Bond gets bit on the nose by the crawfish that Belle left and decides that he might be over thinking this and so, the Forgers finally decide to head home after their little adventure with Belle the seal...!! 😄

And that was Mission 103, a really fun and sweet chapter to return with after the month long break...!! 💗😊💗 I just loved everything Yor did throughout this chapter (though I love Yor all of the time), she was most definitely the best part this chapter...!! 😍 Loid was quite grumpy this chapter (he even called Anya a brat at one point) and though I understand where he's coming from, I hope that he'll fully take Yor's advice to heart one of these days...!! 🤗 Also, Belle was SOOO ADORABLE, I love her!! 💗😍💗

Anyway, that's pretty much all I wanna say, so until the next Mission; take care, be safe out there and be kind to one another...!! 😄SEE YA!! 👋😁

Actually... THIS was my TRUE favorite part of the entire chapter:

NEVER CHANGE YOR!! 👏🤣

Okay, now I'm done...!! BYE! 👌😎

[trealtox]

I hate season 7 of "Buffy the vampire slayer"

Let's get this straight, I like these series. They are fun and entertaining (and I only started watching it because of Spuffy). But I HATE season 7.

First of all, what is the deal with those guys? Out of the blue all characters (Spike excluded. Love him❤️) start doubting Buffy and her leadership. This girl saved all of you hundreds of times, and when the world is on the edge of collapsing, you turn your backs on her?! If she's such a bad leader, then why did you put all the responsibility on her shoulders? Why did you bring her back from heaven? To tell her, that she's not better than you? I'm sorry guys, but your crew is: a whining bitch-boy, magic (read as 'drug') addicted witch, a blorb of energy, a former vengeance demon and a killer watcher. With your list of deeds, I have bad news for you: none of you goes to heaven. NONE. She IS better than you.

Second of all, what is their sudden problem with Spike? In the last season all Scoobies want to kill Spike and say that it's because he's dangerous. Well, he is. Just like all of you. Your killer count talks louder than you (he killed because he was souless and he feeds on blood. You killed because you could. There is difference). They keep saying that he should be taken out because he is dangerous, and yet remind me, who held him by their side while he was useful? And did Scoobies thank him even once? (I actually don't remember. Tell me, if they did) Buffy is the only person who actually tries to be reasonable and accept that Spike has changed. In return she gets a potential slayer,a school headmaster and her own father figure being all mad at her, saying that she is the problem. If you want to kill him so badly, just do it already and stop making Buffy responsible for your own wishes (not like I would forgive them if they did)

Point number 3. Again with the hypocrisy of Scoobies. Faith comes back, sees that girls can't stop complaining and decides to take them out clubbing. Buffy sees that and gets mad (logically). Later on everyone decides that Faith should be the new leader. Why? Why would a former killer and a traitor be a good leader? Because she took a bunch of teens drinking, when you should all be ready to fight? If I recall, it was almost considered a crime for Buffy to rest, when there were better times. Now, when Buffy is tired and stressed from constant responsibility, all the potential slayers say that she's "not cool". Scoobies just can't be more hypocritical. Faith killed people out if her own free will. She teamed up with a villain, and she enjoyed it. Buffy made one mistake of attacking one villain. What do Scoobies get out of that? "Buffy is not better than us. Faith is. 🎶Let's put this guy infront of the crowd🎶". And let's be honest with that: Giles acts petty in here. The only reason he stands against Buffy, is because she got sick of him lying to her and telling her to kill Spike, so she honestly told him that she can't trust any of them. He got offended by her disobedience so much, that he decided to get rid of her. That's not a nice thing to do to a girl who is like a daughter to you.

Btw, Faith deserves a second chance and Spike doesn't? Spike was SOULESS. He wasn't supposed to be good and yet he almost died just to be the better version of himself. At the same time Faith was supposed to be the protector of people, yet she decided to join the homicide. She was creepy enough to SMELL THE KNIFE. And yet we get a whole storyline about "bad Buffy still thinking of her as a killer." The hero we deserve, I suppose? Btw, Faith IS a killer. She enjoyed it. I don't know why Scoobies want to forgive her so badly and give her a bunch of teens, taken away from Buffy, but they don't trust Spike.

And my favourite. The cherry on top. THEY KICKED HER OUT OF HER OWN HOUSE. Giles had his own place. Xander has his own place. Willow wasn't homeless before she moved into the Summers's house. And yet, when they needed a place to put all the potential slayers, they took them into Buffy's house. And then they kick her out. The "good guys".

Buffy needs no enemies with friends like that.

[solargeist]

I may have just tried to find as much evoau and xelqua content as I could find. All very lovely, took me a few hours to get through. I wanted to ask, in your au what caused the moon to fall? I think in canon there isn't really an explanation so wanted to know if the watchers caused it when they found Grian or if it just fell because. (Your au is so cool!!! Thank you for all the lovely art and stories my brain has been fed wonderfully)

oh man oh man, thank u ! Glad ur enjoying it ^_^ 🫶

Uhmmmm that’s actually something I ask myself a bit !!!! I’m not exactly sure what’s the best way to go abt the moon, I think (adult, regular) Xelqua doing it would make the most sense…

He possesses Grian after taunting him through the void/Boatem hole for awhile, making him distressed and a little bit crazy. Xelqua breaks the server code, and then pulls the moon, perhaps ? That’d get the attention of the Watchers, such chaos. (Plus the imagery mimics Majora and Ocarina, I like that.)

Back when that Moon episode first went up, I remember a lot of non-hermitcraft fans watching it like wtf is happening in hermitcraft ?? I imagine the Watchers are like that Lol.

Usuallyyyy Xelqua would help a distressed Grian out, but it doesn’t take much for him to figure out this is the one that started everything. Xelqua can see his player code and see he’s a Watcher, and can figure out the rest by context clues, so he’s just gotta mess with him. He’s still a Watcher after all, that divine sense of justice… But he does also rationalize that he IS helping Grian, these players don’t even know what he is ! Mumbo and Pearl confront Xelqua the most I think, both knowing exactly what Watchers are.

This does lead to the Watchers finding out where Grian is, and I don’t know all the details but Xelqua does fight with them and the Hermits. Aether and Flora end up there as well, since Grian was their responsibility, it’s only fair they’re alerted and asked what they want to do with him. If it were only Flora, she would’ve taken his eyes, other Watchers agree, it’s a pretty common thing to do to Listeners, but Aether gets final calls with Grian and she’s not gonna do that 😭

Otherrr stuff…. They (hermits or watchers or both) get Xelqua expelled from Grian (I have no details here), and then he escapes through the Boatem hole, a few Watchers probably go after him but it’s rly not a good idea. I think Grian and Aether get to talk. The moon is still going to fall and destroy their server, they still have to leave, Grian still has to have some sort of consequences for what happened, and he’s still exiled. They talk for a long time, Grian drags it on, almost afraid to go back and explain himself to the Hermits, he can see it clearly in his head, they’ll want to exile him too, then he really won’t have anywhere to go-

The Hermits do not exile him, he was just panicking a little bit. He’s genuinely surprised when they include him in their server escape plan. The rest goes how it goes. Tho Grian has to explain himself to them later.

The Hermits are however also banned and exiled from Watcher domaines by extension.

Xelqua follows them to s9, staying undercover for awhile just watching, they really are interesting to him. He scares the shit out of Grian when he finally decides to show himself, but ! No possession this time ! Promise !

I don’t know if any of that is lame or disappointing or not, I haven’t seen s8 in a long time and it’s something I’d like to rewatch and check other POVs, so this is just what I imagine right now, it’s probably the most difficult part of the AU for me AUGH

[mistywitcher]

So, I have just come home from Alton Towers (a theme park) and of course my autistic brain went a bit nuts in the queues so here is my take on what stormlight characters would do at a theme park lol:

Adolin: absolutely loves everything about the place, gets stupidly excited and practically runs from ride to ride, gets pissed off when the others don’t move fast enough and THERES ONLY A 15 MIN QUEUE SO COME ON LETS GO! he screams and whoops on rides and eats too many donuts and candy floss. yes he is sick at the end of it but so fuckin worth it.

Shallan: enjoys the vibes of the park, absolutely fascinated with how each area is themed and sketches in the queues. she’s more reserved on the rides than Adolin, but does laugh hysterically on them instead of screaming.

Navani: yes she enjoys the park, but is more interested how the rides work. Dalinar has to restrain her from asking a million questions to the ride staff. she goes on the odd ride but is usually quite quiet, focusing on the feeling of the mechanics. she has a secret love of shitty churros lol.

Renarin: fuck the theme park, only goes to please everyone else. it’s too loud, too many colours and there’s people everywhere. NO, ADOLIN, I WILL NOT GO ON THAT DEATH TRAP. he is the personal bag watcher while everyone else goes on. The only thing he does enjoy is the carnival games and is a weirdly good shot, so wins shit tons of stuffed toys.

Kaladin: tolerates the group holiday. went on one big ride, felt terrified and mildly sick and decided to only go on small ones after. weirdly loves water rides, gets fuckin so hyped on the river boat rapids. he wants to enjoy the day more, but can’t help worrying a bit every time the others are on a ride in case it goes wrong.

Jasnah: weirdly enjoys the park and actually lets loose a little. she appreciates the idea of creating false reality for entertainment, mixed with the cleverness and thrill of the rides. absolute control freak tho, and has a detailed map and schedule for the day.

Dalinar: activates full on Dad mode. has everyone drank enough? there’s a lot of walking, has everyone brought appropriate footwear? SHALLAN PUT SOME SUNCREAM ON OR SO HERALDS HELP ME. actually loves the rides tho, and follows all the rules of the park to the letter. sits next to Adolin on a ride once and ends up going nuts and screaming with him.

Hoid: disappears for periods of time and refinds the the group now and then. he hacks the arcade games and keeps coming back with more coins. no one questions it when one minute he’s sat on a ride next to them and the next he’s suddenly not there…

Thats all I’ve got, but please feel free to reblog/tag with more characters lol, or to add to this ahahahhaha!

[changingplumbob]

Villareal: Chapter 6, Part 4

Devin and Luna finish their date while Joey has a night on the town.

CW: Moderate sim spice. Content Warning Guide

Luna and Devin use some German and Italian. Amore (Italian) Love Schatz (German) Treasure

Devin: I love seeing you happy

Luna: Me to schatz. Now, do we need to do anything about the dollhouse

Devin: I fixed it

Luna: Yes but Rilian lied to me about it and Alfred smashed it in the first place

Devin: I guess we’ll need to talk to them about lying eventually but I don’t want to be too hard, after all he was only trying to cover for his brother. The destructive toddler is more tricky

Luna: Lies and cheating are normal for kids their age I suppose. And if I think, it’s unlikely Alfred means the destruction maliciously

Devin: We can afford to replace whatever he breaks but I don’t think that’s a good way to raise him long term. When will they be able to understand consequences

Luna: They’re old enough to start noticing cause and effect but consequences don’t make sense unless they immediately follow the action so… not yet

Devin: I’m so glad I got a smart wife

Luna: It’s basic developmental psychology

Devin: Amore mio, nothing about you is basic

Luna: *laughs* Thank you

The waiter returns, placing their ordered food and drinks in front of them.

Devin: This looks good! Not as good as your placemat but still

Luna: I guess it’s time to see if they are any good here

Devin: I don’t know, that host could use some practice at her role

Luna: Maybe she’s just nervous talking to all the celebrities

Devin: Maybe. She could take some acting classes though, I mean this is Del Sol Valley. There’s so many actors here, how did one of them not get hired

Luna: Not sure, maybe they were afraid of the indoor pools

Devin: What, the fountains?

Luna: They’re too deep for fountains I think. Plus over there some patrons are actually jumping in

Devin: *raises glass* To those brave enough to pack swimwear under formal wear

Luna bursts into a fit of giggles and the pair take turns having a bite off each other’s plates.

Devin: This is not as great as it looks. It looks so good but the flavour is just… not here

Luna: You sure that’s not just your refined palate talking

Devin: Amore, far more than my palate is refined

Luna: It’s your own fault really for making excellent pasta

Devin: And you and Joey for making excellent baking

Luna: Oh, that reminds me, when you were out on your run the twins were playing with their food truck stuff, it was adorable

Devin: Aww! Did you take a photo

Luna: Better, I got a video

Devin: Yes! Show it to me when we’re home okay? I don’t see any of my friends with cameras but you can never be too sure

Luna: Are the paparazzi our friends

Devin: They agree not to post any photos of the kids so I’d say so. You know some places there are no social norms against it

Luna: Really?

Devin: Yeah. Some paparazzi will battle it out for shots of babies and toddlers to put in magazines. Some places have had to make it illegal to take photos of a minor. Thank the watcher Del Sol Valley is not that kind of place

The pair finish up their meal, pay their bill and get set to head home. Technically they still have Joey on babysitting for another half hour. They decide to sneak to their bedroom for some alone time before Joey hands back the twins to enjoy his Saturday night.

Having browsed the profiles in the area Joey has found one he’s intrigued by. As normal he only goes for profiles of women that indicate they don’t want anything serious or long term. This one is a bit older than the average women he’s with, but something about her makes him accept the match and agree to meet at the local nightclub.

Joey: Marianna?

Marianna: Joey? I didn’t think you’d be as young as your profile picture. Most people on here use an older photo. I once had a “35 year old” who turned out to be 50!

Joey: I hope I’m an improvement. You look every bit as good as your picture

Marianna: Flattery will get you everywhere. Although I am surprised you accepted my match, I figured I’d be too old for you

Joey: Age is just a number, normally one not too tied to experience

Marianna: *laughs* Well I’ve certainly had experience

Joey: I’ll do my best to keep up

Marianna laughs as a blush spreads across her cheeks. For a moment Joey wonders if it’s all of her that has blushed as she almost looks like she’s in a pink haze. That idea seems to be pushed from his mind as soon as he thinks it though. He shakes his head to try get his bearings back.

Joey: Marianna, we are at a nightclub. Would you care to dance?

Marianna: I’d love to

The pair head inside and Joey feels himself relax. He’s a bro, places like this are a second home for him. Initially the two dance around each other but following a few drinks Marianna pulls Joey over to one of the small loveseats surrounding the floor to give him a dance of his own. Joey thinks she’s glowing in these lights, and again that though disappears as quickly as it appeared.

Marianna: Forget small talk, let’s find somewhere quieter

Joey: Are you sure? We could go back to my place

Marianna: No, I don’t want to wait that long

There’s plenty of small pockets of space snaking off the dancefloor and Joey and Marianna find one that’s quiet but where they can still hear the beat of the DJ booth. Marianna pulls her top off and Joey stares at her chest in delight. Before he can make a move however she jerks his chin up and looks him in the eyes. He feels his mind sharpen.

Marianna: Are you okay with us doing this

Joey finds himself thinking back on his past hook ups, few of which could be called conventional. Yeah, he wants to do this. He’s just about to start explaining that he’s aromantic and absolutely consents when Marianna smiles and leans in to kiss him deeply and passionately. Almost like she’s read his mind. The focus goes away and again he’s swept up in his desire.

Joey is glad of the chance to feel her properly. Despite the age starting to show on her face she obviously kept herself fit.

Joey: You are beautiful

Marianna: And you are hard

She presses down firmly causing him to jerk up in response. Watcher he wants her so bad. As if in a dream he watches her undress fully and finds himself wondering if they’ll be seen, but again that thought vanishes. Marianna removes his pants and Joey is glad to find himself unconstricted as she turns and slides on to him. Joey thinks all kinds of words that his parents would scold him for using as she moves herself back and forth. All he can utter however are moans, getting more and more lost in the moment. He opens his eyes at the change in pressure only to see Marianna smiling between his legs. When she’s finished Joey pulls her in for a kiss. Before he can thank her he feels his senses dull and his vision go black.

Hi friends! You may be confused but since it's a semi cliff hanger I'd just like to assure you Joey consented to that woohoo and he is not going to get assaulted in the next part so... try not to freak out even though he's unconscious.

Previous ... Next

[buffy-targaryen]

My issue with Willows arc in season 6 being framed as her use of magic was an addiction and not a quest for power all along is that it fundamentally ignores what made Willow start to actively use magic in the first place, and that was her feeling helpless.

It’s shown throughout s1 and s2 that Willow is incredibly smart, she’s shown as being relied on, trusted, and respected by the smart and accomplished adults surrounding her; Giles, Jenny and Angel which clearly means a lot to her and feeds the growing ego she undoubtedly has. Feeling smart and respected helps build up Willow's confidence in season two, you can see it in the way she can now not only hold a conversation with someone like Cordelia, but can also speak firmly to her like a teacher (The Dark Age).

Up until Becoming Part 1, we only ever see Willow use knowledge to help her friends, she learns quickly and finds it very easy to adapt what she knows the best way to help save the day, but it's not until Willow and Buffy find the floppy disk that Willow reveals she has been actively learning about magic, and she believes she has the ability to use it. This is not easy magic, in fact it has been lost for generations, and Willow clearly feels a lot of pride in her ability to do a spell that would help her best friend, and impress Giles who she looks up to.

Except it all goes wrong. Willow learning all that magic, having all those brains don't really mean anything when Drusilla and her henchmen attack. Having a Slayer and a Watcher there didn't mean anything. Willow didn't get to use her spell, and almost died because she became cornered and couldn't fight the vampire off on her own. Now I believe that at the point when Willow wakes up and is determined to complete the spell (in spite of Buffy telling her not to worry about it, but that's another topic for another day), she genuinely wants to help, but I agree with Giles as well. Completing that spell, especially after being so incredibly helpless against a vampire, opened a door that Willow couldn't close. Power was the only way to avoid feeling that helpless again.

You see this further develop in season 3. Willow is now able to actively help on patrol with Buffy and Faith (The Zeppo), she no longer needs to feel helpless against a vampire, which gives her the confidence to both read and steal (parts of) The Books of Ascension and tells Faith what she really thinks of her (Choices). When Willow begins to feel helpless in Graduation Day Part 1, she immediately decides to find a spell to stop The Mayor. At this point Willow is relying on Magic in a way that entirely feels like a perfect mix of wanting to help, and needing the ability to feel more powerful than the bad guys.

In season 4 Willow again turns to magic again and again when she feels helpless (Fear, Itself. Wild at Heart, Something Blue, Hush) with nearly all examples going wrong in some way, which in turn seem to make her even more determined to master magic and bring it under her control, no matter what anyone who cares about her says (Oz, Buffy, Giles).

In season 5 we immediately see an example of Willow using magic in a way that she doesn't need to - when she creates a fire for Xander on the beach in Buffy vs Dracula, but for the most part in this season (apart from Triangle), Willow has a much calmer use of magic, and I do think that this is because of Tara's influence. Tara grounds her, and helps her learn a lot more slowly, gives her abilities time to breathe and grow.

But then Tara gets hurt by Glory, and Willow immediatly turns to magic to hurt Glory back, and Willow actually succeeds for a time. Glory overpowers her, and Buffy has to save her, and Tara is still gone. Willow is helpless again. It's not until everyone starts falling apart around her, especially Buffy, that Willow finds her control and uses her magic flawlessly to both bring Buffy out of her catatonic state, and bring Tara back from what Glory did to her... but Buffy still dies.

Willow is helpless again. Willow turns to magic again.

I personally grew up with an addict, so I can see in season 6 where they were going with the storyline, but from the moment Willow decided that she would do the spell that would bring Buffy back from the dead it was clear it was all about her being able to complete a spell that no one else could do, and yes, no longer feeling helpless. Willow was now the defacto leader - as voted for by her friends, and for all her power, Willow couldn't take that responsibility. She wanted to be powerful enough to bring her friend back, but not take the responsibilty that came with it, and turning all that development into an addiction fell incredibly flat, especially with how they treated the ‘addiction’ in season seven.

After all Willow’s trauma and development, a shy and downtrodden brainiac with an unrequited crush, turned all powerful witch who can successfully support The Slayer and lead her group of Scoobies and you’re going to take all that power from her and make her an addict with no self control? Who was consciously and unconsciously making decisions to meddle with powers she knew were incredibly dangerous since season two?? Come on.

[jaimeslanisters]

the pawn in every lover's game (part two)

Aemond Targaryen x Lannister!Reader

when you’re ten, your father sends you to king’s landing to befriend a princess and woo a prince. a lioness growing up amongst dragons is a dangerous thing indeed.

crossposted on ao3 masterlist word count: 3.7k notes: this fic is blending show and book canon btw! just really picking and choosing what i want! also this goes out to everyone else who is stressed about taylor swift tickets going on presale tomorrow. wishing everyone luck! (also let me know if you'd like to be added to the tag list)

At Casterly Rock, your younger sister Jeyne fancied herself something of a playwright. She would write little skits, based on songs and fairy tales, and she would beg and beg for you and your older sisters to participate. Cerelle usually begged off - she was always so busy with your lady mother, always focused on the possibility that she could be her father’s heir if a son didn’t come soon - but you and Tyshara always caved into Jeyne’s wishes. Tyshara was awkward acting, forever fearful of looking silly, but you always threw yourself wholeheartedly into your roles, acting your heart out with a passion that rivaled actual actors. Your youngest sister, Joy, would clap and cheer as she watched though you were never certain that she actually understood what was happening.

Joy would certainly be clapping your performance now.

With a practiced step, you turn the corner in the library and let out a small gasp, looking to all the world as if you are utterly stunned to see another person hidden behind stacks and stacks of books. Aemond looks up at the sound, quill slowing in his hand, and you quickly drop into a curtsey. 

“My apologies, my prince,” you say, embuing fluster into your words. “I did not expect to find anyone else here.”

Aemond rises to his feet, bowing his head slightly. “It’s no problem,” he replies, eyes flitting down to the book in your arms. “Are you reading Watchers on the Wall?”

You nod, moving closer. “After you mentioned it last week, I decided to try it.”

“And? What did you think?”

“Fascinating,” you breathe out, not faking your enthusiasm. Whenever you weren’t with Helaena, you were absolutely neck-deep in the thick tome. “To be honest, I’m only well versed in Westerlands history. I’ve never really studied the stories of the wall and I didn’t really know much, if anything, of the Nightfort.” 

Aemond looks cautiously pleased. “It’s fascinating, isn’t it?”

You smile, nodding your head and moving to stand next to the prince’s table. “It seems impossible that something could be so old, so filled with magic. I sometimes doubt the Others ever existed or that the Long Night ever happened.”

He raises a brow. “You’re a Lannister of Casterly Rock. Your bloodline traces back to the Age of Heroes and the Rock is even older than that. Is it really so surprising that things can be ancient?”

“You’re not wrong, my prince, but reading Watchers on the Wall, you can swear that the Wall is older than my family’s seat of power even though they were both established around roughly the same time. It certainly seems that way with all the magic.” You slide into a seat and note with pleasure that Aemond leans closer. “Casterly Rock isn’t known for being magical, after all, and whatever magic is in the wall has to be older than even the First Men.”

Aemond nods, reaching for the book in your hands, and tugging it his way, flipping it open. “What part did you get to?”

“The story of the Night’s King. I admittedly got caught up in it and bothered Maester Rodrik about it. He’s from the North, you know, so I figured he would have more information about the Night’s King and his corpse queen.”

He looks at you, a glimmer in his eyes telling you that he’s excited about new knowledge. You glow with pride. “And what did Maester Rodrik say?”

“He said that there are loads of theories about who the Night’s King actually is. Some say he was a Bolton or an Umber. Maester Rodrik told me that there are even claims that he was a Stark, the very brother of Brandon the Breaker who would ally with Joramun, the King Beyond the Wall, to save the North from his magic. After his defeat, the two Kings found evidence of some dark magic with the Others, and his name was erased from history for the shame of it.”

Aemond tilts his head. “Interesting. Wouldn’t that make it more likely that the Night’s King was a Stark?”

“Why would that be, my prince?” You ask.

“If the Night’s King was King Brandon’s brother, and Brandon was the one to strike him down, that would make Brandon the Breaker a kinslayer - even if it was for a good cause - and no one is as accursed as the kinslayer.”

“So you think that they erased the Night’s King's name to protect King Brandon from the shame?”

He nods, slowly as if he’s still thinking through his analysis. “It would make sense. If it was any other house, it might have done them some good to expose who it was, to solidify the strength of House Stark in the North.”

You shrug. “The Starks are the oldest Great House in Westeros. Their line has never been broken. They didn’t need to solidify their position in the North. They had held it for thousands of years prior and they continue to hold it even now.”

“Wherever there’s strength, others will always seek to steal it,” Aemond says, clearly parroting someone. “Maybe this great lie is what they needed to ensure their line would not break. Who would marry into a kinslaying family otherwise?”

You laugh at that. “I imagine there are a great deal more kinslayers in the history of the Seven Kingdom than anyone would like to believe. I’m sure there are kinslayers in every line.” You want to bring up the rumors of Queen Visenya and how people whispered that she murdered her own nephew to elevate her son to the throne but you hold back. Critiquing a founding member of his family might not endear you to him. 

Aemond hums in response. “Did Maester Rodrik say anything about the corpse queen?”

“Nothing really. Some people think she was an Other but Maester Rodrik says she was probably the daughter of a Barrow King and people simply exaggerated her pale skin and blue eyes.”

He taps his fingers on the table. “Makes sense. It would tie in with the idea that the Night’s King was magic. His bride was magic and so he did magic and cursed the North. Doesn’t mean it’s true.”

“It makes sense but it’s not nearly as interesting.”

It disappears in a flash but Aemond grins at you and you straighten up, impossibly pleased. “You’re right. It isn’t.” With a hum, he pushes the book back to you and turns to look at his own books and notes splayed out in front of him.

As you move to get up, feeling dismissed, he glances back at you. “If you’re not busy, you can stay and read some more. There are other stories in the book that I’d be interested in hearing your thoughts on.”

You smile, sliding back in your seat.

——————————–

After you and Helaena finish your lessons and the septa, a pious and strict woman, sweeps out of the room, the princess turns to you with a smile that you can only classify as mischievous.

“Would you like to come to the Dragonpit with me?” She asks, fiddling with the ends of her hair. “I haven’t flown Dreamfyre in a while.”

You pause, midway through putting up your lesson books. “You flew with her yesterday, my princess.”

Helaena laughs, the sound soft and tinkling. “And it’s been a while since then. Dreamfyre and I are bonded. I can feel her even now.”

“Are all bonds like that?” You ask, thinking of the glimpses of dragons you’ve seen from a distance. Every time you saw them, you always had to fight the urge to hide, paranoid of the massive beasts that had conquered and bent Westeros to the will of their masters. 

She shakes her head. “Some. Not all. Aegon has the strongest bond I’ve ever seen with Sunfyre while there are stories of some members of my family not being too attached to their dragons. Even still, they’re a part of us.”

You nod slowly, finishing up your task as you think to yourself. In the past few weeks of meeting Aemond in the library, you had never once dared to bring up his lack of dragon though you knew it had to bother him greatly. Sometimes your meetings would line up with his training sessions at the Dragonpit and he would always return, sullen and angry and snappish. The first time it happened, you had asked him to clarify some part of the story of how House Baratheon was founded and he had rolled his eyes, muttering some obscenity you couldn’t fully make out under his breath in lieu of responding. You had stormed off, knowing if you had stayed, you would have fought back in rage and said something that could damage your tentative friendship.

To your surprise, the next time you had gone to see him in the library, prepared to swallow your pride and apologize just to land back in his good graces, he had actually apologized to you. You had sat stunned as he somehow stumbled his way through an apology, giving the distinct impression that he had never found a need to apologize to anyone outside of his family before. It had been a supremely awkward affair but you had accepted his apology and the rest of your time together went without a hitch.

The incident had taught you two things; that Aemond might genuinely consider you something resembling a friend since even if he was in a foul mood after the Dragonpit, he never again took it out on you and that you shouldn’t ever discuss anything remotely resembling his lack of a dragon. 

As it stood, you had yet to venture with Helaena to the Dragonpit. You usually spent that time reading or observing Uncle Tyland at work. He was always willing to let you read whatever you were allowed to from his duties as Master of Ships. Back at Casterly Rock, you were hardly ever permitted to follow your father the few times he managed to get around to performing his duties. Your mother usually managed the work Lord Jason never did but Cerelle typically accompanied her and you always felt like you were getting in the way next to your sister with her intense drive to be the perfect heir if the duty fell to her.

“Dreamfyre is more than large enough to seat you with me if you’d like,” Helaena teases and you wince.

“Forgive me, princess, but I fear I’d make a rather embarrassing display if I were on top of a dragon.” 

Helaena tilts her head, eyes unnaturally bright. “Lions will ride dragons someday.”

You snort. “Perhaps but that day will not be today. I will go with you but I will not be getting on a dragon with you.”

She smiles brightly at you. 

——————————–

You fight down the urge to run as you trail behind Helaena who is practically bouncing into the Dragonpit. At the massive gates, a pair of dragonkeepers wait for the pair of you, forcing a smile on your face as you nod your head at them. Helaena greets them in High Valyrian and you stare up at the Dragonpit, tuning them out. It is truly a massive structure, looming so far up in front of you it hurts your neck to crane it back. Inside you can hear the occasional thundering roar and it sends shivers down your back.

Logically, you know you need to get over this fear. Your future seems tightly woven in with the Targaryens at this point. If you succeed in securing a marriage with Aemond, your own children will be dragonriders. Even if you fail, it’s hard to imagine a future where you aren’t by Helaena’s side in the Red Keep. Still, a small, treasonous voice in the back of your head whispers that dragons weren’t meant to be here, that no single person should hold that much power.

“Are you ready?” Helaena cheerfully calls and you jolt back to attention. She’s beaming at you, looking more alive than you’ve ever seen her. 

You nod, clearing your throat. “Of course, Helaena.”

You’re a lioness of the Rock. You will not cower before the dragons. 

Helaena and the dragonkeepers lead you in. You walk with your head high, pushing down your nerves as far as you can. The interior is practically cavernous but that only means that the rumblings of the dragons echo even more, surrounding you completely. Inside the massive domed pit, you can see that you’re not alone. Across the Pit, you can spot the princes, all of them, grouped together near a few dragonkeepers. Aegon is laughing with the Velaryon princes Jacaerys and Lucerys. Aemond stands alone, face serious as he stares down even deeper into the Dragonpit. 

The noise your entrance makes draws all of their attention and Aegon, Jacaerys, and Lucerys wave, making an absolute spectacle of themselves. You nod your head back, saving a smile for when Aemond tips his head at you and Helaena. 

“Come now,” Helaena calls to you, her hand brushing your arm gently. You do your best not to gasp in shock at the surprise touch. “Dreamfyre awaits.”

Bowing your head, you follow behind as she heads into the Dragonpit, away from the main floor. Below the dome, the Dragonpit is little more than passages carved in stone, close and claustrophobic. 

“Stay by my side, my lady,” a dragonkeeper says to you, bowing his head when you glance over at him. “Dreamfyre may not be pleased with your presence.”

“She won’t hurt you,” Helaena reassures you, not even looking back as she determinedly heads deeper and deeper into the twisting tunnels. “She wouldn’t hurt anyone I care about.”

You manage a smile at that. “ I’m glad to be one of those cherished few then, my princess.”

Eventually, you reach an area where the cave opens up. The opening is lit by a few torches but the cave is so massive that you can’t even see to the back. Dauntless, Helaena walks deeper in, her silver hair a beacon in the dark. You stay back, half-hidden behind the dragonkeepers, poised to bolt back into the relative safety of the tunnels if something were to go wrong. 

“Dreamfyre!” The princess shouts before continuing in High Valyrian. There’s a moment of silence, where you hold your breath and steel your nerves before it feels like the very air vibrates around you, the low growl of a dragon responding shaking you down to your very bones. Deep in the dark, there’s a low red glow before the temperature skyrockets and a dragon, massive and shining a brilliant blue even in this dank cave, breathes out fire to the ceiling, the flames spreading.

Helaena laughs, absolutely delighted, and walks even closer to Dreamfyre. Your mind tells you that she’ll be fine, that her dragon would never harm her, but you’re so sorely tempted to dart forward and yank her back to safety. She touches a hand to Dreamfyre’s massive side as she passes and together, the two disappear into the back.

“She is exiting through the back entrance, my lady,” one dragonkeeper explains to you as the other walks into the darkness, trailing far beyond Helaena and Dreamfyre. “Do you wish to wait here or do you wish to go back up?”

You don’t respond immediately, too struck dumb still. You had seen dragons in the distance, swooping over the Blackwater or flying above the Red Keep, but you had never been so close. You had felt the excruciating heat of the flames when Dreamfyre had breathed out flames. You felt the very air shift as she moved. 

No, you think to yourself. No single man should have that. 

Quietly, you nod your assent and the dragonkeeper leads you back. When you reach the main floor, the princes are all facing a small (if it can even be called that) dragon, watching as it feasts on a shrieking lamb. Your stomach turns and you quickly turn away, walking away as fast as you can, resisting the urge to cover your ears to drown out the cries.

Outside the Dragonpit, you feel like you can breathe again and you raise a hand to your beating heart, taking deep breaths. Your cheeks flame with embarrassment and you head to the wheelhouse, standing outside of it. The thought of hiding away in the wheelhouse seems like an ever bigger humiliation so you stay outside, swinging your hands as you look up at the sky. Eventually, you see a blue flash that can only be Dreamfyre and your eyes widen with awe you track her flight, imagining sweet and caring Helaena on her back, laughing as she sours above King’s Landing. 

You watch until she flies out of sight, your eyes straining to try and track her so far in the distance. You can’t even imagine being that high off the ground. Casterly Rock was almost impossibly tall, soaring into the sky, and sometimes you and Tyshara would visit the battlements at the very top to stare out at the Sunset Sea. You two would always stand close to each other, hands holding the other’s, as the wind was so fiercely strong that high up in the air that, at times, it felt like it could carry you right off. Sometimes, if you made the mistake of staring down the cliffs, the ground felt like it was shifting out from under you. Dragons could fly even higher than that and you can’t imagine feeling more secure on a dragon than on top of the mountain your home was carved into.

Your stomach churns at the thought and you look back down, reminding yourself that you’re standing steady on the ground.  

You’re not alone for much longer when the gates of the Dragonpit open up and the princes all spill out. 

“My shining lady of Lannister,” Aegon calls, his voice carrying far, and you suppress your wince at his name for you even as you walk closer, curtseying deep when you reach him and his companions. “How did you like the Dragonpit?”

“It was glorious, your highness,” you reply, smiling up at him. Behind him, you can see Aemond’s carefully blank face. “Truly a marvel.”

Aegon laughs as he moves closer, Jacearys and Lucerys practically at his elbow. “Did you like Dreamfyre?”

You nod your head, eying him. “Yes, my prince, she was beautiful. Princess Helaena’s control seems exceptional.”

“Arrax listens to me just as well,” Lucerys cuts in with all the bluster and confidence of an eight-year-old. You give him a smile, looking him up and down. You had never spent any significant time with the Velaryons, only brief greetings in the halls or during banquets, but try as you might, you could not find a single whisper of Ser Laenor’s features in his sons - either of them. 

“Of course, my prince,” you reply, hiding your treasonous thoughts carefully. “I have no doubt you have the utmost control over your dragon.”

Aegon grins, something mean and mocking creeping into his pretty features, and you stiffen slightly. “Targaryens are bonded with their dragons for life, my lady. They’re a sign of our strength and… vitality. Without them, we’re just like anyone else.” He turns to grin at Aemond, laughing as if he had said a brilliant joke, before turning back to face you. 

You don’t dare look to Aemond. You can only imagine his expression right now. “Is that true, my prince?” You trill instead. “What a grand blessing for Princess Helaena and Lady Laena.”

Aegon blinks at that. 

You widen your eyes, looking up at the prince as innocently as you can manage. “Lady Laena claimed Vhagar, correct? She is the most massive dragon in the world. Princess Helaena has Dreamfyre, the next largest. I’ve never met Lady Laena so I cannot testify to her character but I am dear friends with Princess Helaena. She is strong and positively full of life. I’m so glad that you can give the female members of your family such high praise!”

The prince doesn’t respond, simply giving you a cool glance over, and your smile grows. With the smallest of scoffs, he turns away, heading to his own wheelhouse beyond yours and Helaena’s. The Velaryon boys follow behind.  

Aemond stays, however, looking at you with a glint in his eyes. “A blessing?”

Your smile turns genuine. “I’m just happy that he’s giving your sister the praise she so rightfully deserves.”

He hums, moving closer to stand by your side. “A rare thing from him to be sure.”

That brings a frown to your face. Aegon didn’t spend much time with Helaena so by virtue, you didn’t spend much time with him. The rare times he did show up, he seemed wholly uninterested in spending time with her. He wouldn’t be openly rude to her face or overtly mean but he always seemed as if he wanted to be anywhere else than there with Helaena. In contrast, Aemond would ask her questions about her bugs, reading whatever book she wanted, genuinely enjoying his time spent with his sister. 

You turn to Aemond. “If Prince Aegon is right,” you say quietly to him, not daring to look up. “Then I dare say you’ll have the fiercest and strongest dragon there is.”

“Don’t mock m-”

Your hand flies out and you grip his tightly. Swallowing down your nerves, you look up. His purple eyes are watching you carefully, vulnerable and soft. “They’re cruel and mean because they know the only thing they have over you is your lack of dragon. You’re smarter than all of them combined. I’ve seen you in the training yard - you put them all to shame. You actually care about doing your duties and protecting your family. You… You’re the trueborn son of King Viserys. There are none who would question that. You are a true Targaryen.”

With the way Aemond’s eyes darken, you can tell he understands what you’re implying. There were no whispers about his legitimacy. 

You take a deep breath, squeezing his hand. “You’ll claim a dragon. You’ll claim one and you’ll show them what ‘Fire and Blood’ really means.”

Dropping his hand, you turn to face the Dragonpit. Aemond doesn’t say a word, remaining close enough to your side that you can feel the heat radiating from him. Together, you quietly stare up at the crystal blue sky. 

[splish--splash--minecraft]

So...I've reached 100 followers now (wowie, thanks guys <3) so I've decided to do a little poll to figure out what AU I work on next!

I'm working on a fic for the tiny apartment AU at the moment, but I'm close to finishing it. My plan was to take a little break from that AU once the fic is posted and work on something else (pizza AU?) but I've decided instead that I'll let my followers decide what they want to see from me!

I have...a lot of options. Including tiny apartment AU, since I'm certainly not opposed to working more on it! I've just been kinda focused on it a lot lately, and I have other AUs. But if enough people want me to keep working on it, well...I won't say no.

I have...a lot of options. I'll give brief summaries of each one to help you decide what you want the most! Some also have more written for them than others, while others still are much longer than others (one AU I have dubbed the "longfic" since...well, it's going to be long).

Below the poll is a summary of the AUs, in the order that they appear in the poll.

Pizza AU

The AU in which Grian works at a pizza place and Scar comes in every week at a ridiculous hour to get a pizza. Found here. This fic is fully outlined, though I've not written much for chapter 2.

Tiny Apartment AU

The one you all know and love. No? Just me? Oh well. I still have a LOT planned for this AU. So many WIPs I've started and still other fics for the series I have planned but haven't actually started. If this wins, I might do another poll with some of the WIPs and let y'all decide which one to work on from there. Maybe.

Lifeguard AU

This one's a fun one! Scar works as a lifeguard. Pearl does, too, and one day she drags her brother (Grian) out of the house and convinces (bribes) him to go with her. He complains the whole way there...until he gets a look at Scar. And when Scar's shift ends and he goes to talk to Grian, he decides that maybe going out of the house to the pool isn't the worst idea. I don't have much for this AU yet. I've started it, but it's not a lot, and I only have some ideas for some scenes. This one also has t4t scarian. just 'cause. Both are transmasc

Longfic

Called such because...well, it's gonna be long. It's currently at about 7k words. Technically it's the long series - it'll be a series of fics that span over the entirety of the life series. Each fic is a season, and it also features some stuff back on Hermitcraft in between each. For now, I'll just work on 3rd life. Oh, also, it's mainly from Scar's POV (though there will likely also be a fic with some scenes from Grian's POV). Basically a deep dive into 3rd life, with canon scenes and some of the...in between.

Royalty AU

Scar is a prince, and Grian the knight assigned to be his bodyguard. Except it's really more to keep him in line, because Scar has the tendency to go off and do his own thing, so his parents assign Grian -someone known to take no shit and takes his duty very seriously - as his bodyguard. At the start, they don't really like each other that much. Over time, though, they get closer. Much closer.

Fallen Watcher AU

You guys remember that guardian angel AU? This is that but I've reworked it a bit. Rather than being a guardian angel, Grian is a Watcher. He's put in charge of Watching Scar. The Watchers have some sort of plan I haven't quite figured out yet, but it involves Scar dying. But Grian...has grown attached to him. He doesn't want Scar to die. But as a Watcher, he's not allowed to do more than just Watch. But he interferes anyway, saving Scar's life, and the Watchers are furious so they cast him out. So now he has to deal with being mortal all while the guy he saved the life of keeps flirting with him.

Ranchers fic

Something that's...not scarian! Wow. Nobody tell them but this is mainly for Grace. It's a double life ranchers fic with (poorly) hidden injury. Since...well, kind of hard to hide an injury when the other can feel your pain.

So...yeah! There's the AUs for this poll. I have more, of course, but these are sorta the main ones. Whichever wins I'll work on after I finish a tiny apartment AU fic. Depending on which AU wins, I may also work on the second place winner alongside it. We'll see.

You're also free to reblog to try and rig it! Bribe people. Try to convince others to vote. do whatever idc have fun

[phantomsolotour]

thinking about stephanie the vampire slayer!!!

steph's father led a group of warlocks who were trying to open gotham's hellmouth, but their plans were thoroughly foiled when steph was called to be a slayer.

after that, steph decides to hunt batman, bc that guy's definitely a vampire, right? that's when barbara finds her.

barbara gordon comes from a long line of watchers. she spent her life studying and preparing to guide the slayer someday, once the council deemed her ready. what can she say? she got tired of waiting, and decided to fight evil on her own.

jim tried to step in when the watchers council wanted to kick barbara out for her extracurricular ass-kicking, but ultimately the council wasn't really her cup of tea anyway, so she's kind of doing her own thing now.

her world is slightly rocked when she realizes a slayer has been called right here in gotham. she finds steph, trains her, teaches her everything she can. turns out she's a pretty damn good watcher, and steph is quick to burn her bridges with the watchers council bc she's set, actually, she's got babs.

one day a fight goes badly and steph dies--technically! for just a few minutes. she's resuscitated and gets back to slaying. no big deal. but unbeknownst to her, when she died, another slayer was called. enter: cassandra, also the vampire slayer!

[helpallthenamesaretaken]

As an Elder Fan, it's so awesome to see teens getting into PJO!!! Here are some Qs for you to A:

How did you get into it?

How far through the books are you, or are you just a show watcher?

Fav character and why?

What cabin are you in?

Fav ship (if any) and why?

What weapon would you fight with if you were in PJO?

Ok das all, have a good day 🥰

Hi Gabby 👋 thank you for the wonderful questions 😁 and nice to meet an elder fan too!

When I was 11ish years old and I was getting into books for the first time, my older sister recommended pjo for me since she liked it when she was that age. I was in a real annoying Harry potter phase and I hated greek mythology and expected the books to be some random dude talking to Greek gods and being boring and heroey. I gave it a chance and I got OBSESSED cuz it was anything but boring haha.

I've read the pjo series, all the accompanying short story books and the hoo series. I haven't read toa and tsats but I know the main spoilers so I can navigate the fandom without getting majorly confused . same goes with the other riordanverse series.

ooh this is really basic but percy 🙈 he's the icon legend and moment and I could talk about the complexities of his writing for years and years. unlike most other fantasy middle school American books, he is actually tolerable to read and I find myself rooting for him even when he's in the wrong.

also very basic but percabeth 🥹 I've always been repulsed by romance and "icky icky eww kissing eww" as long as I can remember. But percabeth was the first one where I was like "....maybe I want them to be icky and kiss?" if that makes sense haha. also it ties back into rick Riordan writing which makes you want to root for his characters and want the best for them, and in this case the best for percy and annabeth were each other 🫶

I've done so many quizzes and gotten so many answers i couldnt decide based on my personality, so I decided to go with my interests and that's why I'm a hecate kid!

im not a physically active person haha I CANNOT see myself training for hours a day with a sword or something, so I would just depend on my magic powers hehe

I hope you have a good day too Gabby 🥰

[thebibliomancer]

Earth X #11

We’re getting really close to the end. Let’s wrap up some subplots while we can.

Before this series began, Black Bolt blinded Uatu the Watcher to conceal his actions and then set off a Terrigen Bomb that mutated all humanity into Inhumanity. He had his reasons.

Uatu recruited Aaron Stack, Machine Man, to be his seeing eye robot. Aaron discovered that Uatu was hiding a dark secret - that inside Earth there is a Celestial egg which will one day hatch and destroy the world.

Humanity has long been manipulated by the Celestials to serve as guardians for the egg. In fact, Uatu claims that everything that makes humans human was just a beneficial trait to make humans evolve the power to protect the world from outsiders and themselves.

A terrible psychic teen known as the Skull has risen up and brought thousands under his control. He shoved President Osborn out a window and plans to take control of everything.

The Skull, too, was part of the Celestial plan. Not that he knew it. Meant to bring the chaotic mutated population under control so in-fighting wouldn’t threaten the planet and the Celestial egg.

Cap raised an army to fight the Skull but failed because he tried a full frontal assault on the guy with mind control powers.

Now the world is basically the Skull’s.

Aaron has flipped Uatu the bird and gone to recruit Reed Richards, telling him all the horrible cosmic egg stuff.

Reed asked Black Bolt for a favor and then went to confront Uatu on the Moon.

He has a lot to talk to him about. Like how Alicia Masters is so cool that she proves humanity would still have worth even if they hadn’t been altered by the Celestial seeds.

Then, Reed realizes that Galactus was the natural balance against the Celestials but whoops, Reed turned him into a star.

It seemed like a good idea at the time.

Add a tally to the counter. Other stuff would borrow Earth X’s idea that Galactus’ role was to balance out the Celestials.

Peter Parker has suited back up as Peter Parker Spider-Man after seeing his daughter May/Venom in the Skull’s creepy clutches.

Fat Spider-Man is one of the things most known about Earth X.

In all honesty, Peter just has the middle-aged out of shape look. But deciding to wear a Halloween costume that’s many sizes too small isn’t a great look for him.

I don’t even know why he did it. His identity is public. A Halloween costume doesn’t offer any more protection than his civilian clothes they actually fit him do. I feel like this is in here because it was one of the concept sketches. So whether it makes sense or not, Peter has to wear a costume that doesn’t fit.

Honestly, maybe it was to psyche himself up. Let’s just say that’s the case.

Between issues, he has rescued Captain America from the Skull’s forces.

Now that he got his ass kicked again, Steve has an actual plan and goes to visit Thing to borrow Alicia’s living clay sculptures.

The Skull can’t control something that doesn’t have a mind.

And it’s not going to be several issues of globe-trotting to gather forces for a counterattack. Steve already burned through those resources!

On the Moon, Black Bolt attacks the Celestials.

Fruitlessly.

They blow him the hell up.

But his real goal, the favor Reed asked of him, was to use the most powerful voice in the universe to send an SOS from the Moon. Shouted into space.

To who? Dunno. Another mystery for later.

But we learned what favor Reed wanted and that Black Bolt’s face is kinda messed up from his body adapting to the rigors of space so that’s why he started wearing a mask.

Hope that SOS plot thread also gets a prompt resolution. We only have so many issues to go.

And there’s still dangling plot stuff like Mar-Vell or why Loki decided to help Aaron.

Cap vs the Skull gets a round three. The clay sculptures work great since the Skull can’t control them.

But they work best as camouflage.

Disguised as one of the clay statues, Captain America sneaks up on the Skull and breaks his neck.

Bye, the Skull. You were horrible but you were funny.

His particular brand of bratty menace has been stopped but the day is not saved. Actually, the day got worse.

When the Skull dies, the Celestials head towards Earth.

As Uatu explains in the appendix, the Skull was a fail safe to keep the people of Earth from threatening the planet. With him dead, the Celestials are going to wipe out all life on Earth so nobody down there causes more trouble.

(The appendices in this issue are particularly good. Uatu desperately wants to know what’s happening and Reed agrees to tell him if they trade questions and answers. Uatu reveals that the Celestial seed germination comes in different stages. Earth is mostly at stage 1 - just a chaos of different powers being triggered. Mutants, Hulks, Spider-Men, Fantastic Four. And so on. Stage 2 is where the Skrulls are. Homogenization of people and power. Interestingly, Uatu claims Reed himself represents what a stage 2 human would be. Given time, all of humanity would become Mr Fantastics. There’s a stage 3 but Uatu tells Reed to ask Aaron about it.)

Anyway, the Celestials are coming to wipe out all life because Cap broke a kid’s neck.

Luckily, Iron Man has a giant robot he got from Osborn and has been building an army of Iron Men for years to usurp the dude.

He never did it because Tony didn’t want to be in charge but it’s sure handy now that Tony has continued to be Tony. Ridiculously prepared.

Tony fighting Celestials in a giant robot? Another tally for Earth X.

[tarisilmarwen]

Rebels Rewatch: "The Future of the Force"

Adventures in babysitting, Rebels edition!

You already know what I'm going to say, I never get tired of the pretty planets in this show.

This baby is named Alora, a bit of a Shout Out to Lucasfilm's underground cult classic Willow. No I have not watched the new show I have... not heard good things.

That it's Alora's grandmother that's the one traveling with her brings up some ah... disturbing Fridge Horror regarding her parents.

My theory: They 100% dead, Inquisitors already shanked them.

Ohhhhh you can tell from the horror in grandma's eyes she knows exactly why they want the baby.

Well nice to know Seventh Sister is equal opportunity Bad Touch.

Aaaaaaand there goes Fifth, murdering all the witnesses.

Zero fanfare, just to punctuate the horror of that moment.

After five episodes of doing other stuff offscreen, Ahsoka finally decides to pay the main narrative a visit. I did and do still appreciate that the writers kept Ahsoka to a minimum, like Vader, knowing full well her presence would overshadow and overpower the others. Despite how easy it would have been to fanservice TCW carryover watchers by giving her tons of screentime, she stays mostly as a tertiary character throughout.

Which is why cramming what is essentially the Rebels sequel material into a show where she's the headliner annoys me.

Ahsoka and Kanan quipping about how neither of them are technically real Jedi is both cute and sad.

Ahsoka still deeply in denial about what she sensed when scanning Vader.

Lol this whole moment. Love Ahsoka's fond little headshake.

Love this city design, got a very St. Basil's Cathedral in Russia aesthetic to it.

Some of that influence in the music here too.

Oh wow, Zeb jumps out of the Phantom before it's even finished landing, lolol what a drama queen.

Bit sloppy to leave the transport hanging in that planet's airspace, unless the Empire plans to blow it up later.

Even without showing any of the bodies you know everyone on that transport is pretty much dead. It's really only the limits of the rating that prevent us from actually seeing them.

Grandma looks a lot paler here, I don't think she survives much longer past this point.

I talked about it before in "Always Two There Are" but I love subtle little bits of continuity like this, Zeb learning binary in order to understand Chopper, since he had such a hard time before.

THIS HITS A BIT DIFFERENT WHEN YOU'RE A PARENT.

All I'm thinking is, "How long have they left that poor baby there?! Oh gosh she must be so hungry. Is there AC in there? Did they change her? I bet they didn't even change her, the bastards."

This whole episode reminds me SO strongly of the arc in TCW when Sidious contracted Cad Bane to steal Force Sensitive children for him. Would not be surprised if they were being used for the exact same purpose.

Is it me or do a LOT of Force Sensitive children seem to be born to impoverished single mothers? I wonder if it's a deliberate narrative choice sometimes, to lean into the adoption metaphor that being given up to and raised by the Jedi Order often is.

He's so empathetic Imma cry.

Chopper's actually doing a decent job of keeping Alora happy lol.

Lol, Zeb being grossed out by the Ithorian baby.

I think he's adorable, personally.

Maybe it's the mom in me but Zeb holding Pypey is just... super cute.

He's actually holding him mostly right, giving him plenty of support.

Pypey is just sensitive enough to recognize the danger the Inquisitors pose to him. :(((((((((

A very fragmented "Shenanigans" cue here, barely more than a few notes. Almost as if the danger is stifling the fun and whimsy that leitmotif usually signifies.

It's Ezra that recognizes the ID9 Seeker and makes Kanan stop, and they move in a very nice synchronized way to hide from it here.

Underrated Papa Wolf Kanan moment: Kanan yanking Ezra back from the hallway junction just before the Inquisitors get within eyeline.

I shouldn't laugh but this whole scene with Zeb and Kanan and Ezra having no clue how to calm Pypey is so relatable.

(Babies be temperamental and sometimes you just gotta hold 'em.)

There are so many little cute background moments of Ezra snuggling Pypey or making faces at Pypey aaaah they're so cute.

The detonator Zeb dropped gets flung back at them, Fifth's doing no doubt.

Kanan keeps putting his hand on Ezra's back on the stairs, it's sweet.

Fifth and Seventh sniping at each other lol.

Here's one of the moments of background Ezra being adorable with the baby.

<333333

Ezra gets agitated when Kanan suggests he's going to be luring the Inquisitors away, ouch, poor boy's still not over the thing in "Call To Action".

Friiiiiick Ezra sensing Pypey's fear and Pypey sensing Ezra's and them stuck in a cyclical loop. :((((((

I too ramble at my infants like this. Lol.

Ezra unlocks the secret to calming babies: Being calm yourself. <3

Obligatory "Seventh's voice actress is married to Kanan's voice actor" mention.

The smoke effects on this show continue to be excellent.

Someone, I think it was @pep-no, theorized that Pypey's special ability in the Force might be compelling honesty. That or connecting with Pypey made Ezra more emotionally open, because he normally would be smarter than to blurt out where the Rebellion is hiding in a spot where he suspects Seventh's seekers might be listening.

(Then again, Ezra tends not to have any kind of filter around people he trusts.)

I definitely think there's room for that interpretation, given Ezra's floating, distracted gaze.

Kanan does really well in his brief clash with Seventh.

Zeb hauling him like a piece of luggage is still funny tho.

I love this environment. Feels very downtown LA.

A very heroic muted trumpet version of Ezra's theme as he steps forward bravely here.

<333333

Protective little badass.

Also love Pypey being entranced with the lightsaber and trying to touch it. Baby no.

I love this cue. I haven't watched enough Clone Wars to discern if it's a carryover theme but it's awesome.

Ezra's confidence in Aunt Ahsoka. <333

*grumbles* Stupid auto anti-epilepsy features, it makes it so hard to see properly here.

I do like how effortlessly Ahsoka deals with the Inquisitors here.

<33333

Chopper spinning the babies, awww.

Love how the ID9 comes to perch on Seventh's palm, it's so weird and animal-like. Like she's holding a jellyfish.

Ciffhanger reveal DUN DUN DUN.

This episode is so cute. It doesn't really effect much, besides emphasizing how dangerous a world it is that new Force Senstives are being born into (even moreseo than when there was a Jedi Order to take them in and shelter and protect them) and leading into the next episode's plot but it's a fun little romp with our characters and I just find it sweet and heartwarming.

Which we needed before the next episode's plot-heavy-ness.

[cult-bull]

The Fear of Death AU - Flock Lore Pt.2

A bit of a continuation of the previous Flock Lore post, this time about some specific members that I should eventually make some visuals for if all goes well!

Part 1 is over here, and more under the cut

The Flock had 2 very important members that shaped The Lamb's Upbringing.

One was already somewhat touched upon in Part 1, which is Julia the Ewe.

Julia was the flock's leader/protector, holding a sherrif/cowboy like visual theme with her blunderbuss and star since in this AU the Flock and parts of Amura in general have a more western theme (it will show up in more parts too, watch out anchordeep, I'm coming for you >:D)

She had a long white wool tied into 2 braids, a broad rimmed cowboy hat, and in general was a very motherly influence on the entire flock. Despite this, she was actually Fear AU Lamb's sister! Their parents were found and taken by the bishops early in their ongoing searches for sheep and lambs, so she named and raised him (though Lamb's real name is forgotten by themself)

Julia wanted to teach Lamb about justice, about balance and how to decide on right or wrong, a lesson ingrained, if somewhat twisted, into the lamb when he goes onto his eventual godly crusades and deems the death of the bishops justice. When it came to Narinder, however, the teachings of another flock member took priority.

The second important member was a black ram called Jamie. Antisocial and somewhat mean, he wasn't the most liked among the flock, but still a confidant to Julia and an occasional watcher for a young Lamb. However, Jamie would tend to go behind Julia's back when it came to teaching Lamb the use of a blunderbuss and more. While Julia wanted lamb to grow up strong, she was hesitant to teach him direct fighting or violence, she didn't want to admit to herself it was needed in their current predicament. Jamie did not have such reservations.

He taught Lamb the use of a gun, the feel of a kill, and how to handle it afterwards. The lamb should keep himself the highest priority. Because the greatest Fear Jamie possessed was that of death. No matter if slow or quick, it was better to go out fighting.

That Fear got passed down. So when Lamb earned godhood to a concept he did not want, he wouldn't give Narinder a way to not face this too. Maybe to let Narinder experience death like mortals do, before Lamb noticed the immortality. Maybe because he was still scared.

Dethroned or not. That cat was death. So best to keep that death around. Controlled. Observed. For the worst fate was death itself.

But what does it say if you are the worst fate?

Just general musings, hopefully i can expand on these two more, and actually manage to write down Lamb's mindset in a less speculative, "oooh spooky vaguee" way XD

[bunbeeplays]

The Lemon Legacy: Generation 1, Chapter 121 - Fretting and Regretting

It's been a few days and Ophelia has had time to process what happened between her and Drew and Moses.

Xander has been great at listening and offering reassurance, but also not allowing herself to feel as though they're trying to abandon her. Deep down, she knows he's right.

Ophelia: I guess it felt so sudden, and like they were ganging up on me… but now that I'm thinking straight, I know they'd never do that. I acted like such a brat, though, I don't think they'll forgive me.

Xander: I've done dumber shit to both of them. Trust me, they will.

Ophelia decides to give Moses a call to apologize… but it goes straight to voicemail.

Ophelia: He always picks up…

Xander: Maybe he's busy with the baby.

Ophelia: Maybe…

She's about to call Drew when she gets a call from Anna Huff of all people. Despite how much she wants to ghost her, she picks up.

Anna: Ophelia, hello!

Ophelia: Hi. What's up?

Anna: I hate to bother you but I have a favor to ask.

Anna: Our church is going on a mission trip to build homes for the needy in Selvadorada.

Ophelia: Isn't that a destination world? People don't actually live there.

Anna: Regardless, we just found out toddlers can't come for liability reasons. Could Jaden stay with your family?

After checking with Xander, Ophelia goes back to her call.

Ophelia: Sure. Jaden's always welcome here.

Anna: Bless you! Are you doing alright? You sound a little down.

Anna is the last person Ophelia wants to talk to about her life, but she isolated her two closest friends.

Ophelia: Oh, it's just some personal stuff I'm going through. I'll be fine.

Anna: Ah. I'll pray for you.

She can tell Anna doesn't mean it in a judgmental way for once.

Ophelia: Thanks. I appreciate it.

She gets the details of the day Jaden will be dropped off and hangs up.

When Xander goes to check on Lulu, Ophelia gives herself a pep talk.

Ophelia: Okay, we let our insecurities get the best of us. Your friends are allowed to pursue what they want, even if it means you're not together all the time anymore. Time to woman up and apologize.

She goes outside to clear her head, only to find-

Ophelia: Drew?

Ophelia: Hey. Look, I know it's been a few days. Moses said you might need some space but I can't take it anymore. I'm sorry about how we handled bringing the topic up. We kind of just sprung it on you.

Drew: Before you joined, playing in Hector's band was just a gig Moses got me, but then you came along and we really made something magical. I've loved every second of being in The Main Squeeze, but there's a lot of other stuff I want to do too, y'know?

Ophelia: Yeah, I get it.

Ophelia: I'm sorry for how I reacted. You're totally allowed to go after what you want. Maybe I need to shake things up too. You guys mean the world to me, and I don't know, I think I took you both wanting to leave the band as wanting to leave… me.

Drew: No way, kid. You're stuck with us for life. Instead of band practice, we can just meet up for coffee and you two can talk about your babies and what color their poop is while I do cool childless shit, like skateboard and say forbidden words.

Ophelia: Sounds like a plan.

As glad as Ophelia is to have made up with Drew, there's still someone she needs to apologize to.

Ophelia: I have to talk to Moses. I tried calling him this morning, but he didn't answer.

Drew: Weird, I couldn't reach him either. Maybe Shea drooled on his phone and it broke.

They arrive at Moses' house, hoping they've caught him at a good time. They can hear wailing all the way down by the front door, so probably not.

Drew: Moses? This a bad time? Ophelia and I-

Moses shouts at them over the screaming baby.

Moses: Thank Watcher, help me!

Ophelia's the first to reach the nursery. Moses is still in his pajamas and looks like he's gotten maybe an hour of sleep in the past 24 hours. She asks Drew to make a pot of coffee while she talks to their friend.

Ophelia: Hard day?

Moses: I'm the worst father ever.

Shea continues to sob in her crib.

Moses: I can't get her to stop crying! I've tried bloody everything! She's not hungry, she's doesn't need a change, she doesn't want to cuddle. She's going to get taken away because I can't do my damn job!

Ophelia: Moses! Breathe!

Ophelia: You're exhausted and you're at your wit's end. I get it. Let me try something while you take a minute to collect yourself.

Moses: O-Okay.

He has so much he wants to tell her but it's hard to have a serious conversation when your baby's screaming her head off.

Ophelia thinks she knows what that cry means. She takes the wailing infant in her arms.

Ophelia: Hello there, sweetie. Let's give this a shot.

She gives Shea a few firm pats on the back, and the cries cease, followed by a big burp.

Shea sighs in relief, and so do the adults in the room.

Ophelia: There we go. I bet all that gas was hurting your tummy, hmm?

Moses has never loved the sound of silence more!

Ophelia: Did all that crying wear you out? I know your papa probably needs a nap too, but let's get you settled in first.

She spins Shea into her pajamas and settles her in her crib to rest.

Moses: You're amazing! Thank you.

Ophelia: I'm level 6 parenting. You pick up on this kind of stuff.

Moses: Listen, I'm sorry about the other day. I was trying to explain and misspoke. You're a great mum. Clearly I can't talk on anyone's parenting since I'm failing at it.

Ophelia: Moses, you're not failing, you're new. You think I knew everything there was to know when Gemma was born? No way. There's still plenty I don't know… Like how to properly react to your bandmates wanting to go different directions in life.

Moses: I shouldn't have just blurted it out at a social setting. We should have had some kind of band meeting or something so you'd be in the right mindset.

Ophelia: I still shouldn't have snapped at you like I did. Can we just put this behind us?

Moses: I'd love that.

Even though all is forgiven, there's one thing they have to acknowledge.

Ophelia: So, the band… it's really over, isn't it?

Moses: Maybe not forever… But I really want to give this a fair shake… Even if it means giving up one of the best things to ever happen to me.

Ophelia tearfully embraces Moses.

Ophelia: We're not allowed to not be in each other's lives, though, okay? Drew promised, you have to too.

Moses: Of course. Don't you start crying, you'll get me crying!

Ophelia pulls away, sniffling.

Ophelia: Okay, no tears. This isn't an end, just a new beginning. Who knows what wacky hijinks I'll get up to!

Moses: I'm sure the Watcher has something amazing planned for you.

Drew has some tacos planned, from the smell of it. Dig in, gang!

And so, on their last official day as a band, Ophelia, Drew and Moses sit down and talk about their futures. Ophelia's not quite sure what hers will look like just yet, but whether they're a band or a group of friends, she knows that wherever life leads her, she won't be alone.