#and that's it for now! we'll return to episode 6 next time!

[leakyspaceblob]

okay so once again, spoilers for arcane s1 and act 1 & 2 of s2

also nsfw theories ahead so you know, you’ve been warned (edit: okay so it’s not really nsfw cause i decided to save most of my theories for my fic)

also this is about to be a long fuckin post cause why tf not [there are many tangents]

so we’re breaking this down into characters / plots this time and i'm doing it fast so we'll see how coherent this ends up

lets start with mel / ambessa / black rose:

okay so we know that the black rose is either in search of or is the powerful child of ambessa, right? so if you combine the knowledge we have so far from s2 and the blood, sweat and tears music video (mv) we know the following:

ambessa fell in love once and had a child (one that the black rose is seemingly afraid of)

ambessa was pregnant on a battle field and was saved by a wolf (kindred? idk lol) however when she's transported[?] it appears to be similar to the pit that mel is transported to. in act 1 we watch a confrontation where amara says "i've come here to settle a debt [...] what you've stolen is more precious than any gold" this is also where we learn that the black rose (possibly) killed mel's brother

episode 6 ambessa lectures cait about her three core principles, she ends this lecture with an importance on sacrifice. in the mv we see young ambessa carrying a golden lamb (a symbol? a "sacrificial lamb"). i also believe the fact that it's gold to be of importance. the lamb is also seen in stone, being held by a child, to which ambessa sheds a tear (possibly because that's the deal she made)

mel's "armor" is gold, and seems to be an instinctual response that is now becoming something she can control? in the council room, you can see a circle of pristine condition within the destruction with jayce's seat at the center (mel saved him with her armor).

now my theory for mel's armor is that it's what the black rose is afraid of, what they gave to ambessa in return for a sacrifice [possibly mel herself]. i think she was born with it, cause you can see in a frame of the mv (towards the end) a gold flash moves across the skin of a fetus and when the fetus's eyes open they're gold

we also see the golden lamb be broken up and put into a "seed"? which could also be a reference to a god's seed for a child to be born and how it is presented to ambessa for her to take. when she graps it, a design appears to move along her skin and she dons the gold armor. after she makes the deal, she's transported back to the battle field with i think a now magical child [aka mel]

we also know that family is everything to ambessa, so she'd probably never give up a child, hence the debt unsettled

another theory is that the other character in gold armor in the mv is mel's father, a god[?] possibly. which would make mel a demi-god and explain her armor / abilities. this would also possibly explain why ambessa survived the warwick attack, after carrying a demi-god child she absorbed some of her abilites?

mel's brother is not the child they were looking for, but mel might be

mel seemingly knows how to escape the pit they put her in, almost instinctively

i do think this plot line won’t be fully completed and will continue in the next show

my theories on victor / ekko / jayce / heimerdinger:

victor isn't truly dead, he's gonna come back as more of a machine, possibly due to singed intervention. some sort of “rapture” shit happens with the followers when he’s brought back

jayce is fuckin out of his mind, who knows what that idealistic fuck up is up to [look, i'm sorry but your boy is essentially jinx but he got bailed out at every opportunity for a lesson and never learned] like i know he’s probably being controlled but seriously bro has fucked up many a times

ekko, my guy, please for the love of fucking everything i hold dear, turn back time and save isha and vander [i doubt vander is gonna get saved by him but i have other theories for him]

time slows at the end of ep6 after the explosion and i think ekko used his power [z-drive?] to turn back time. tbh i don't know much about how his power works so i'm just hoping the boy savior lives up to his name.

the gear[? spigot? idk] that victor carries around is probably the same one from s1 when jayce and victor first figure out how to turn on the arcane and pass the metal piece through the center of the arcane [it gets shinier].

that same gear, victor has kept as a souvenir of his partnership [gayyyyyy] with jayce. and when it rolls at the beginning of ep6 and the end, it acts differently (possibly because different timelines [please ekko])

i think ep7 will be about ekko and heimerdinger, starting off where we left, but with ekko trying to save his old family (including isha please)

heimerdinger, idk man he's gonna help ekko tho cause their dynamic is so good

oh yeah and mr.fuckup is going back to the council

theories on jinx / isha / sevika / vander:

jinx is gonna be seriously depressed guys, it's not gonna be good. i'm hoping ekko will save isha but if not, her will to live is 100% gone now, just after getting it back too. it's gonna be rough to watch. GIVE HER GLASSES BACK

if isha is dead [PLEASE DON'T BE] i think she'll be laid to rest in jinx's hideout. with jinx "burning it all down".

jinx will "use her explosive potential for good" and join the fight. she'll pull an isha and sacrifice herself to save her family [guys i really hope this doesn't happen, i love jinx so much and DO NOT want to see this]

vi and jinx fight together once again, but this time it’s jinx who protects vi [it’d be heartbreaking but what is arcane without it]

sevika, god i just hope we get her being sexy. with that poster? damn. also knowing her, her mechanical arm will probably once again get fucked.

vander is gonna reconstitute after the explosion (meaning isha's sacrifice was in vain which is... painful). he's gonna be captured by singed and ambessa and be turned full warwick, going full destructive mode.

AND FINALLY THE GIRLS WE'VE BEEN WAITING FOR: CAIT AND VI

these lesbians are gonna fuck, just try to tell me they won't. i dare you. i think it'll happen ep8, and it better be good cause they've been practically edging us with caitvi.

okay so i have my own headcannons on how it should go but i'll save those for my fic. for now here's some plot points i hope they touch on:

it starts with the argument where vi says the fuckin ridiculous "she oinked poison in your ear and you just ate it" [side note: who tf wrote that 😂 ]

they start making out aggressively before caitlyn feels the scar on vi's abdomen and steps back (it gets really emotional and she apologizes [AS SHE SHOULD])

cait starts to get all gentle and loving, and while they're switches, cait tops first [fight me, deep down we all know it].

it's vi's first time [we know she's cocky but be for real, she's gonna immediately fold when caitlyn gets close. i mean have y'all seen how uncertain she is when cait gets close enough to kiss her? she never is the one who closes the distance]

caitlyn removes vi's wraps and we get a story behind it? either way please let her take them off all slow and gentle

cait calls vi "violet"

vi: "you even taste like a cupcake" cait: "shut up" [but british]

they both say "i love you"

also (this is in my fic so honorable mention but) i think cait should say to vi “i’m here. i’m right here” cause it’s a line from s1 and i think it’d be really sweet and comforting to vi

bonus: there's kinky shit involved (we all saw them in ep6, cause i mean COME ON), vi gives off "sit on my face" energy, caitlyn 100% should give vi the space to let go / take charge

okay so those are my theories / tangents. if you made it this far, thank you for indulging in my delusions. this shit has been fun and i don't want it to end. i'll be feral over this for awhile and might make some memes (and i'm working on my first ever fanfic [with help so it hopefully won't be absolute shit 😂 ] so i'll let y'all know when that gets posted.

good luck y'all, i got my tissues ready [ya know, just in case]. LESS THAN ONE HOUR LEFT

[ladyloveandjustice]

Again, what exactly are we protecting this city from, I have not seen a single goshdang monster or villain in this show yet.

[daydreamofrevi]

𝗘𝗣𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗗𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗘𝗘 - 𝗥𝗔𝗦𝗖𝗔𝗟 𝗗𝗢𝗘𝗦 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗗𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗢𝗙 𝗔𝗕𝗡𝗢𝗥𝗠𝗔𝗟 𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗔𝗖𝗧

► ACT ONE: rascal does not dream of purple hat guy

─ episode three: without you in another world

previous episode, masterlist, next episode

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You stared up at the ceiling as you noticed the time on the clock: 6:31 AM, realizing it was now morning.

Even though you were sleeping next to him, you didn't really get any sleep. You had stayed awake for the entire night, not doing anything but stare up at the ceiling or blinking your eyes a lot.

Speaking of him, you gazed down on him, watching his gorgeous sleeping face. Such a shame as you remembered that you didn't get your guys' first kiss.

Suddenly, Scaramouche groaned, waking up as he rubbed his eyes.

He looks down, noticing your stare at him and seeing you already awake. "Morning."

You hummed. "Good morning."

"You already woke up earlier?"

"No, I didn't sleep at all last night."

"Is this meant to be my fault then?"

"When you sleep next to Scara, how can you even fall asleep?"

He chuckled, sitting up. "Well, I had no problem with you sleeping with me."

You followed, being in the same position beside him. "Hmm, that's good. But it's a shame we didn't kiss, though."

"Whose fault is that?"

"Dang it. I should've kissed you when you were asleep."

"I doubt you even have the guts to do that."

He then opened up the curtains, looking at the rising sun. "We'll go back home and then return to school in the afternoon, right?"

"Right." You got up, fixing yourself.

"Step outside then because I'll change." Scaramouche said, already unbuttoning his shirt before glaring at you. "Or at the very least look away."

"But I want to see your abs." You pouted. "And everything about you."

Suddenly, you yelped as he pinched your cheek again. "Drop it and go to the bathroom. Don't peek."

"Ngh! Ow! Fine!" You rubbed it, wincing before going inside, reluctantly.

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You both walked out of the small hotel back onto the streets.

You were still pretty tired, stretching your arms as you yawned. Scaramouche looked around and waved in people's faces but received no reaction.

He even crouched down to stray dogs and cats and offered his hand to most of them, but they all didn't acknowledge him, but he didn't seem fazed like he expected this.

You watched all of this silently as you frowned sadly for him.

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'It's the next day now. And I'm still the only person who can see and remember Scara.'

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MAY 25TH, 2014

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You glanced around, seeing the crowded hallway with Scaramouche following behind you. He went out of the way for some students, showing his disappointment and slight fear when they didn't notice him.

You two were finally back at Hoyoshin High, and the school was just filled with chatter as usual. It seems you both arrived during lunchtime since everyone was eating while talking to their friends.

However, you both were concerned about one thing.

"Is it still the same?" You frowned. "Are they simply not noticing you or can they really not see you?"

He hummed with his neutral expression. "Hmm, I'll confirm something." He said, waving off as he walked up the nearby stairs.

Your eyes followed him. "Hey, where are you going?"

"To my classroom. I'll be back." He said, disappearing too the floor above.

Just as you were about to ask everyone around, a familiar green haired girl approached you with a troubled face.

You sighed in relief. "Sucrose."

"Hey, [Name]." She then spoke up with confusion and seriousness. "So, bad news... everyone seems to have forgotten about Raiden-senpai. I also asked Albedo and Kaeya, and they said they didn't know him."

Your eyes widen in shock. "Seriously? I called them yesterday and they said they still remember him."

"It's so strange, right?" She then went into deep thought as if she was trying to decipher anything.

Frowning, you approached someone random, asking just to confirm. "Ah, excuse me. Do you know Scaramouche Raiden?"

"Hm, Scaramouche Raiden, who is that?" They said, confused.

"The third-year actor in our school."

"Uhm, I'm sorry, but I don't know who that is..."

You sighed, concerned before nodding. "Oh, it's okay... Thank you, though."

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You followed Sucrose to her small science clubroom, seeing it the same the last time you've been here when you've asked for her advice.

As Sucrose fixed up a few items on her table, she asked curiously. "Hey, [Name]. Did you sleep last night?"

You titled your head in confusion but answered anyway. "Actually, I didn't at all."

"Hm, me neither." She turned back to you. "This is my theory, but this might be the reason why we can still remember him."

"Because we didn't sleep?" You furrowed your eyebrows.

"Remember the observation theory I showed you?"

"Mhm, I couldn't forget that cat."

"I'm a little bit freaked out that this is all happening." Sucrose frowned, looking out of the window.

"By that, you mean Adolescence Syndrome?" You asked.

"Close, but no…" Trailing off, she thought for a moment before continuing.

"I only just realized that Raiden-senpai was treated invisible even before all of this. I, along with everyone else unconsciously ignored his existence."

"Hmm, not going to lie... I'm guilty about that too." You commented.

You thought. 'I never really acknowledged him at all, even after hearing that he did transfer to our school. I never knew him before meeting him in the library...'

"All of this is lies on the school atmosphere. Raiden-senpai isn't being observed by anyone at school, so his existence hasn't been confirmed."

Sucrose paced around, explaining it further. "To him, this entire school is the Schrödinger's cat box... If recognition and observations are the keys, then sleep, where consciousness is inoperative, acts as the catalyst for memory loss. At least, that's what I think."

You processed all of this information before your eyes widen in realization. "Wait, then that means…"

She turned to you, nodding with firm a gaze.

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"…If I'd fallen asleep last night, I would've forgotten about him too?"

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Unbeknownst to you two, he was listening in, leaning against the wall outside of the clubroom in the hallway.

He was twirling a bit of his indigo hair, but his expression was filled with mixed emotions of sadness, frustration, and sorrow.

After hearing enough, he sighed conflicted before turning away.

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After school ended, you and Scaramouche accompanied each other out of the train station. You two were silent the entire time, although it wasn't awkward at all.

But you were still thinking about what Sucrose shared with you. Even though that was only her theory, you felt like it was absolutely true.

Earlier, you even asked Albedo and Kaeya to confirm yourselves and you got the expected response that still made you disappointed.

They forgot about him. All because they fell asleep last night just right after you called them.

'...I can't believe I didn't sleep at all last night. I could never forgive myself if I did forget about him.' You frowned, thinking.

'If I did get sleep that night, I wouldn't have known how I got into that hotel and in another city...'

'I would've left Scara all alone.'

"What's wrong with you?"

Snapping out of your thoughts just by his voice, you turned to him before shaking your head. "Nothing."

He stared down at you before stating. "Why are you following me? Don't you have work today? Go."

"But…"

You stared back in worry before he cut you off with a chuckle.

"Focus on your responsibilities. No need to worry about me. I'll see you tomorrow. Bye." He gave you his usual grin before walking away as you stare at the back of his head, frowning.

You knew he was aware at how much his situation became because only you and Sucrose seem to only remember him.

But soon enough, you two might also forget about him if you both slept.

'Nobody sees Scara.'

'He's not being observed by anyone, which is destabilizing his state of existence.'

'That's why he's disappearing. If no one recognizes you, you may as well not exist at all.'

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"But if our school is the cause, how come people outside of the school aren't able to see him?" You asked Sucrose.

She hummed, replying. "Perhaps he took the atmosphere of school to the outside, as well. Even if that wasn't the case, atmospheres can easily spread."

"Everybody nowadays easily goes with the flow."

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'The flow is obviously invisible, but nobody can deny it's existence. It's something entirely pointless to fight.'

After a few hours of your work, you walked back home alone. Your thoughts hadn't changed at all ever since.

It took a while for you to fully understand the information you received from your friend, but you were also concerned at what would happen from now on.

Suddenly, you stopped as you noticed that you passed by a nearby convenient store.

You didn't hesitate to walk over inside, intending to buy what you needed.

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Sucrose looked out of the window as she muttered. "You can't be conscious of other people while you're sleeping, after all. At the time you lose consciousness, you become engulfed by the atmosphere's phenomenon."

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After making sure and tucking Qiqi to bed, you went to your room and placed down the plastic bag that contained everything you bought that you could possibly find from the convenient store.

You bought an unhealthy amount of energy drinks, pills, caffeine, medicine, etc.

If you had seen someone with this, you'd genuinely be concerned for them.

But you knew what you had to do.

You mumbled, imagining him in your mind. "I'll forget him if I sleep..."

Grabbing and opening one of the energy drinks, you drank a small amount before placing it beside you on your desk.

You grabbed your notebook and pen, taking a deep breath as you wrote down.

“What is written hereafter is truly something unbelievable, but everything is the truth, so make sure to read until the very end. You have to."

"May 6th. I met a wild hat guy, Scaramouche Raiden."

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You walked out of your apartment complex, letting out a yawn as you did not get a single sleep. The past hours of the night as everyone was practically sleeping, you had been writing down your experience with Scaramouche, just in case before studying as midterms was also approaching.

Because you haven't slept for two nights, your eyebags already slightly formed.

You stopped when you noticed a certain indigo-haired was already waiting for you, crossing his arms.

He looked up and down at you. "Well, you look shitty."

You blinked tiredly before smiling as you approached him. "And you're still handsome as ever."

Noticing your clothes, he started fixing it for you, muttering. "Your uniform is messy."

"I feel honored that we are acting like a newly wedded couple."

"Shut up and stop with your stupidity."

You both walked together to go to school, occupying the empty sidewalk. You held back a yawn before looking at the actor beside you, admiring his features for a bit before your mind went somewhere.

"Are you taking the exams too, Scara? You can cheat all you want."

Chuckling, he responded with a hint of smugness. "I don't need to. I'm already smart. Besides, I can't anyway if they won't give me the test paper."

"So why are you still attending school?" You titled your head at him.

"I have nothing to do at home." He let out a small grin, turning to you. "Besides, some people might still see me today."

You smiled back, although it looked very tired with your eyebags present.

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MAY 27TH, 2014 - FIRST DAY OF MIDTERMS

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You stared down at your test paper, your vision becoming a bit blurry as your eyes were closing themselves. But you quickly snapped out of it as you wrote, thinking repeatedly to yourself.

'Don't fall asleep. Don't fall asleep. Don't fall asleep.'

Your eyes were about to close with your body about to rest on your table, but you sat up abruptly, lightly slapping yourself on the cheek.

'Don't! Focus!'

Ignoring your small desire for sleep, you focused on answering your paper.

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After the test, you sat down on the ground, kneeling in the hallway as you stare up at the ceiling in a daze.

You were wondering how you managed to stay awake when you haven't slept for so long and managed to complete the test.

"[Name]? Are you okay?"

You look up and gasped to notice your familiar green-haired friend, staring down back at you in concern.

You frowned, sitting up. "Sucrose, do you remember?"

She titled her head in confusion. "Hm? Remember what?"

"…Nevermind, it's nothing." You give her a small sad smile before walking away.

"It looks like your hypothesis was right…" You muttered to yourself. "Well, that just gets me even more fired up."

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'Is there really no other way?'

Back at home, you were flipping the pages of a Quantum Physics For Dummies book to understand any concept that might apply to the situation.

'There's gotta be something!"

You thought to yourself as you grab a bottle of pill and gulp many of them to keep you up tonight once again.

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MAY 28TH, 2014 - SECOND DAY OF MIDTERMS

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As you were on the train with many students, including your friends, you were slumping down as you hold onto the handle ontop of the train with your eyebags being more noticable and worse.

"[Name]?" Albedo frowned. "Have you not been sleeping well?"

"Yeah, you look like a zombie." Kaeya teased but there was a hint of worriness.

You didn't respond since you were too tired to even hear them or reply properly.

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After finishing up your test and basically waiting for the exam time to be over, you had been stabbing your hand with a pen harshly in order for you to feel pain so that you can stay awake.

Even so, there wasn't a moment where you accidentally closed your eyes and quickly snapped out of it.

'Idiot, stay awake!' You grumbled to yourself before resuming your previous actions. You had to keep being awake, no matter what.

But you were too tired to realize that Scaramouche was just outside of your classroom, watching you through the glass of the sliding door.

He knew you had been staying awake just for his sake that you wouldn't forget about him. While he appreciated the effort, he can see just how much it was mentally affecting your health badly.

He wouldn't admit it to you, but he genuinely feels bad.

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During nighttime, you walked out of the convenient store, buying more energy drinks and bottle of pills.

You shuffled the stuff inside the bag to make sure you got everything. You pulled out one of the energy drink, about to open it and drink it right now.

"What did you buy?"

A voice stopped you making you shocked to see the indigo-haired actor in his casual clothes with his arms crossed, staring at you with his usual annoyed expression.

"Uh…" You looked away, unable to respond.

He sighed, his face softening. "I knew it. You aren't sleeping."

Suddenly, he grabbed your wrist and walked to the direction of your apartment complex. "Come on, let's go."

Your eyes widen but you let him drag you.

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"Come on, sit down." Scaramouche said, placing a small table as he kneeled, sitting on the floor of your bedroom.

"Since tomorrow is the last day of midterms, I'll tutor you."

You stared at him. "Well, if you teach me with your fancy outfit, I can be motivated even more."

"If I did wear it, your head would be too filled with lewd thoughts to even study."

"I didn't think about that, but I figured that would help me stay awake."

You sat down, yawning as you looked down at your textbook tiredly and bored.

Scaramouche crossed his arms, sighing. "If you work hard and get a perfect score, I'll give you a reward."

You looked up, curiously. "Is this one of those "I'll do anything for you" deals?"

"Even if I say "anything", I wouldn't really do anything for you."

"Then I request my reward is to having a bath time together."

"That's even worse."

You then suggested. "Then how about we go on that date that we couldn't do the other day?"

"Hmm, that's fine, but are you really okay with that?" He raised an eyebrow at you.

"I don't mind if you would like something more extreme, Scara." You said, slightly excited with your neutral face.

The said boy glared as he leaned forward to pinch your cheek. "I didn't say such a thing."

Despite wincing, you let out a small blush. "Oh, this wakes me up!"

"You're cheeky for someone younger than me." He said as he pulled out another textbook. "Well, let's start with some modern Teyvat languange for Inazuman."

"Write the 'guarantee' in these sentences of "Nobody is here to guarantee a future for [Name]," and "There is no guarantee [Name] will lead a happy life in their final years."

"Sir, I sense malice in these examples."

"Don't care, write them down. Now."

Without another comment, you wrote down the sentence, using the alphabets of the said script you were writing for.

"Is it like this?" You showed them to Scaramouche.

He hums, examines it before saying. "Close, but you just only got the 'a' and 'e' wrong."

He takes your pen, writing it down before showing it as he compared. "See? These letters are meant to look like this. Remember how you write them."

"I see, then I can now write this…" You smiled, grabbing your pen. "I'll guarantee Scara's happy future and We are guaranteed to have a wonderful married life."

He deadpanned, rolling up his textbook to bonk your head with it softly. "Who said you can change the sentences?"

"Please hit me again."

"Start studying, moron."

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As midnight was approaching, you both decided to take a break from studying a lot.

You sighed as you placed down your empty mug after drinking down coffee.

"How's your little sister?" Scaramouche asked, also sipping on his own coffee.

"She's good, she's probably asleep right now." You look up from your textbook. "Hm, Scara, are you an only child?"

He shrugged, replying. "Kind of. I have a half-sister. Apparently, my father had her when he married another woman."

"Hm, is she cute?"

"No, not at all. She's not even hot as me."

"Wow, you're petty."

"Do you like someone who praise other people despite knowing they are hotter?"

"No, I hate those types."

"Then why did you ask?"

You didn't respond as your eyes felt heavier than ever. Your eyes widen slightly, panicked as you felt more tired. You tried to force yourself and tried to blink but it felt like your body was shutting down on it's on, making you confused and terrified.

Your head landed onto the table softly and you barely hear Scaramouche's voice as he spoke to himself.

"Good thing they worked."

He muttered, looking down at the small pack of sleeping pills, two of them missing from all four.

You realized what he just did as you shook your head desperately and scared, your voice becoming tired. "No… I can't… go to sleep yet…"

His eyes softened as he leaned forward and gently patted your head. "You did great, [Name]. You tried so hard for my sake."

"No… I'm not… done yet…" You let out a shaky breath as your eyes closed themselves. "This can't be how…"

"You've done more than enough. You can rest now." Scaramouche muttered, still keeping his head on your head.

"No… I can't…"

"I've always been alone, anyway, so I'll be all right."

He smiled sadly. "It won't bother me if you forget about me. But, still, thanks for everything."

"And I'm sorry."

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His voice was starting to fade as you were slowly losing consciousness, no matter how much you wanted to stay awake for him.

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"…Good night, [Name]. Goodbye."

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Then the pen you were holding fell down to the table as your entire body went limp.

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MAY 29TH, 2014

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"[N…"

"[Nam…"

"[Name]..."

You blinked, opening your eyes as you groaned, shuffling in your comfy bed. You rubbed your eyes as your vision returned to find the small head of light purple hair.

Qiqi stared at you, mumbling softly. "[Name]... isn't today your last day of midterms...?"

"Mmm, it is... I'll be right up." You muttered, gently ruffling her hair.

The little girl nodded and quietly walked out as she gently closed the door.

It took quite a while before you finally got up yourself.

You yawned stretching your arms as you opened the curtains of your window. When you went over to leave your bedroom, you noticed a notebook laying there open in your desk.

You look at it confused but picked it up to read the contents inside:

“What is written hereafter is truly something unbelievable, but everything is the truth, so make sure to read until the very end. You have to."

"What the hell is this?" You muttered, but reluctantly read more.

"May 6th. I met a wild hat guy, It was a senior of mine, a third-year in Hoyoshin High, the famous ___________ ______."

You titled your head. 'Huh? It's blank? I wrote this while I was young and stupid, huh?'

Your eyes trailed down even more to what was written here making you even more confused than ever. 'Yeah, I did go to Sumeru... but didn't I do there alone?'

As you kept reading that you knew you did alone such as that time when you went to the library, the trip, coming back to school this afternoon, etc. But there was always this blank space that seemed to be in every sentence in you wrote.

You compared it to the first entry in here and you realized it could be long enough to fit a person's full name.

"Am I supposed to fill in the blanks once I get a lover or something?" You chuckled, amused before throwing down the notebook on your desk and leaving your bedroom.

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"Well, you look better today, [Name]." Kaeya smirked at you.

You boarded the train with your friends like usual, holding onto the handles.

"Huh?" You looked up at him.

"Did you finally get sleep, [Name]?"

"I always sleep. I'm not the type to pull an all-nighter just for stupid exams."

Your friends chuckled softly but are glad that you seem to be doing better than the past few days.

Suddenly, you gasped and looked around warily as chills went down your spine. It felt like an unknown presence was haunting you right now.

"Hm? What's wrong?" Albedo asked.

"Uh, nothing…" You frowned. "I felt like someone was staring at me…"

.

You passsed through the hallways filled with students as usual to your classroom.

But you were stopped when you see Sucrose, leaning against the wall. You waved at her and she waved back before silently giving you a folded piece of paper.

"A love letter?"

"No?"

You unfolded it, raising an eyebrow as you read it. "All things and states cannot exist unless they've been observed… What is this?"

"I don't know, either. I found it in my textbook this morning." She replied. "…Along with this."

Sucrosed showed you the sticky note that said: 'Don't think about it. Just hand it over to [Last Name].'

The girl pushed her glasses as she waved you. "I'll see you later, [Name]." She smiled before walking off.

You blinked before looking back down at the paper, continuing to read the contents.

"If his disappearance is caused by unconscious ignorance of the students in this school, all you need to do is create a reason for an existence that overrides it. In other words, you need to force them to acknowledge him in order for him to exist to them."

"Who is this referring to, anyway?" You muttered to yourself, scratching your head to ease your confusion.

.

.

.

You stare at the sky through the window, sitting there whilst your classmates were busy chattering and talking.

You were spinning and playing with your pen to pass some time but your mind drifted to this morning.

Something felt wrong today, like you were missing or forgetting something.

When you woke up, you felt like you fell asleep at a table for some reason, you don't know how you ended up in your bed.

That notebook you found in your desk felt more strange, you remembered writing it but you couldn't figure out why exactly.

And the note that Sucrose gave you was even stranger. You barely remember the concepts, but you knew you just did your science exam, so why are those strange concepts relevant to you anyway right now?

Ignoring your confusion, you snapped out of it when your teacher finally arrived in the classroom with your new tests for everyone in which your classmates stopped talking and went back to their seats.

.

There was about five minutes left to finish the exam and you doubled-checked your work.

Luckily, you saw that you missed one question that you didn't answer yet.

Scratching your head, you leaned down to get a better look at the question:

"Write down 'guarantee' in a sentence using Teyvat's Inazuman alphabet."

You stared at the question before writing down your sentence, trying to remember how to spell guarantee with the alphabet.

As soon as you did, you checked it again and your eyes landed on how you wrote down the word guarantee. It looked accurate to what you seem to remember writing it.

But… it's been a while since you've actually looked into this specific alphabet.

How did you remember this?

You thought, frowning.

'Guarantee…'

You put down your pen and brought your paper close to your face to stare down at the word. You don't know why but there was something in the back of your head that you did encounter this while you were studying.

But what was it?

.

.

.

.

.

.

"Write the 'guarantee' in these sentences of "Nobody is here to guarantee a future for [Name]," and "There is no guarantee [Name] will lead a happy life in their final years."

"Sir, I sense malice in these examples."

"Don't care, write them down. Now."

.

Your eyes slowly widen as something that you didn't seem to recall flashed through your mind when you looked down at the word.

.

"See? These letters are meant to look like this. Remember how you write them."

"I see, then I can now write this… I'll guarantee Scara's happy future and We are guaranteed to have a wonderful married life."

"Who said you can change the sentences?"

"Please hit me again."

"Start studying, moron."

.

"…Good night, [Name]. Goodbye."

.

"Hey, do you want a kiss?"

"Are you horny, Scara?"

"I would die than wanting you to be my first time, idiot."

.

"…Thank you for not giving up on me, [Name]."

.

"Senpai, your foot…"

"Is something wrong with my foot?"

"No, I’m ecstatic that you’re stepping me."

"How thoughtful. Anyway, I quickly left the cafe and went home, but after returning to back, everyone saw me normally. So I went around, seeing if something similar would happen in other places."

"So that’s why you were dressed like that."

"Looking like this, people would stare if they saw me, right?"

"True, I did gawk at your outfit, especially your hat."

"And not my face?"

"Well, your face was the best part."

.

"Don't tell me you started to get erotic thoughts about me in that outfit."

"And if I was?"

"Well, I'm totally fine with it."

"Really?"

"Only if they are younger people."

"What if I was an old geezer?"

"Then die."

"Gladly."

.

.

.

.

.

.

"I'm [Name] [Last Name], a second year."

"I'm Scaramouche Raiden, a third year."

.

.

.

.

.

.

"Alright, everyone. Time's up. Hand in your test papers." Your teacher said, causing some to stand up quickly and some to reluctantly following.

You quickly snapped out of your thoughts, your mind still processing everything that flashed within you. But you immediately follwed your classmates, giving your paper to your teacher.

"That's all. Congratulations on your last day of midterms. Enjoy your break until the day ends." Your teacher waved everyone off as all students quickly left the classroom with chatter filling in the quiet and empty hallways.

As you went out of your classroom, you desperately looked around for the said indigo-haired boy that you knew and liked.

'Someone important came back to mind... The memories of someone I cherished have returned.'

You thought as you sped walked along the hallways to find him, making sure not to bump anyone as you did.

You glanced around at every classroom but find can't find him. You knew him that you can easily identify him and yet you haven't passed by him in the hallway.

'I remember... I remember him. But where is he?'

You panted, frowning as you leaned back against a pillar.

'No... I need to fix this. I have to.'

.

'From here on, I must face the atmosphere.'

'The atmosphere that I can't physically change, even if I push, pull or slap it around.'

'The atmosphere around the school.'

'It's easy to go along with the flow.'

'Deciding if everyone is right of wrong for you, and you can get hurt if you're views are rejected.'

'That's why following the flow makes you feel safe.'

'You don't have to see what you don't want to. You don't have to think what you don't want to. You can leave it to someone else.'

'But… there's no reason to hurt someone because everyone else is doing it.'

'Because everyone is doing it, because everyone says so…'

'He always teased me, no matter what. And he isn't afraid to express his annoyance to me.'

'And he's stubborn, trying to hide how he's feeling.'

'He's selfish, bossy, and crazy.'

'But I won't let people ignore him anymore.'

'I'll engrave him into everyone's memory so much that they won't ever forget this moment.'

.

.

.

.

.

.

You gulped, looking at the school building in its entirety. You stand in the middle of the courtyard behind the school.

Your heart was racing but you knew it was for a good cause.

You bring out the cute mask of what's basically a kitsune but it was a gift you received from someone in your old middle school, it was labeled as 'Mask of Memories.'

When you saw this still kept in your locket, you were grateful that you immediately came up with a plan with this mask.

As you take a deep breath, you placed the mask on your face and tying it behind to secure it properly.

Normally, you would never do this. But this was a special exception. Kind of because you were currently anonymous.

"You need to force them to acknowledge him in order for him to exist to them."

Based on that, you can only hope that what you now plan to do will actually work because this is what it meant.

Finally, gathering up the courage, you shouted with all of your might. "This is for Scaramouche Raiden!"

"I want to tell you this!"

…

"I'm in love with you!"

You noticed that no students were looking out of the windows after you yelling so loud.

You sighed, exasperated. 'Damn it, I hate yelling and I'm here embarrassing myself for nothing.'

'This is why I didn't want to fight against the flow!'

You took in another deep breath and shouted louder than ever.

"Raiden-senpai, I love you!"

"I love, love, love, love, love you!"

"Raiden-senpai, I love you!"

You were yelling your lungs out and barely noticed that some students were finally looking out of the window.

Their expressions being filled with confusion, shock, cringe, and amusement.

It was such a good thing you were wearing a mask to hide your identity as you continued to yell your heart out.

"I want to hold hands with you!"

"I want to hug you tight!"

"I want to kiss you so badly!"

"I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!"

"I LOVE YOU SO SO SO SO SO MUCH!!!"

You grabbed your knees, panting as all students, and some teachers, watched you through the windows. Basically, the entire school was watching this live confession of someone anonymous with a fox mask.

Some students giggled at what just happened, some cringed because they were embarrased for someone doing this and some were just shocked that someone even had the guts to do so.

As you still tried to catch your breath, you ran out of the courtyard, sweating inside of your mask, leaving everyone to process the scene.

…

Once you were far enough from the school, you leaned against the railings, still hiding somewhere in the premise.

You couldn't believe you just did that.

And hopefully, that would also catch his attention to make him realize that you remembered him and that everyone student can finally remember him.

You were too busy catching your breath and didn't register footsteps approaching you until his voice spoke.

"You didn't have to yell like a madman, I can hear you, y'know?"

You gasped, startled and abruptly turn to see the person you were hoping to see.

There he was, standing quite far away for you with a solemn expression. He was still hot and gorgeous as ever with his lovely indigo hair and his blue eyes.

"You were being a nuisance." He said, annoyed. "Were you mentally okay when you thought of doing that in front of the entire school?"

You took a while to respond, letting out a small smile filled with relief from finally seeing him. "I think so. I managed to save myself from humiliation by wearing a mask. Smart, right?"

Scaramouche blinked before walking closer to you. "…You are an idiot."

"It's better than pretending to be smart, right?" You chuckled.

He stared down at you before suddenly pinching your cheek harshly making you shout in pain.

"Ow! Ngh, it's so good it hurts… I missed this."

"This is what you get for being a liar. You said you wouldn't forget me."

As he let go of his cheek and you rubbed to soothe it, you raised an eyebrow at him. "What are you talking about? You were the one who put the sleeping pill in my coffee."

"Even if I didn't, I knew you would fall asleep that time."

"How do you know?"

He frowned, taking a while to respond before muttering. "I just knew."

You watched him silently before sighing. "Alright, I'll take the blame this time because I do feel guilty… I'm sorry."

His eyes softened, seeing the genuine regret but looked away to hide it. "I won't ever forgive you."

"I'm sorry."

"I'll never forgive you."

"Then I won't let go of you until you do." You said, stepping forward to grab both of his hands, making him look at you again.

"Then I won't ever forgive you."

"Eh?"

"What? You don't want that? After making me say all of this…" He stepped forward to you, still letting you grip his wrists.

You stiffened, blinking when you felt something pressing against your shoe. "Um… your foot…"

Despite giving you a glare, Scaramouche let out a snicker. "Aren't you happy I'm stepping on you?"

Feeling him stepping on your foot harder, you winced. "Sorry, sorry."

He looked down at you before saying. "Anything else?"

"I'm happy to have you step on me."

"That's not what I want to hear." He waited impatiently, pressing his foot harsher than before.

You cringed at the sound, closing your eyes in slight pain but you didn't mention it as you muttered. "…I like you."

"Are you sure?"

"I lied. I love you."

He narrowed his eyes at you but stepped back, releasing your foot. You let out a sigh of relief but you secretly enjoyed the feeling of him stepping on you so hard.

"…Hey, [Name]."

"Hm?"

"I demand that you tell me this again in a month from now."

"Why?"

He sighed, looking away. "I just feel like if we got together right here and right now, it wouldn't feel right at all."

"But I personally would like to kiss you right here on the spot." You pouted.

"Considering the situation you put yourself just now will take a while for me to forget, it was so embarrasing that I wished I'd actually disappeared." He teased.

You smiled, leaning forward. "Well, I can't wait a month so can I just say it every day?"

"That can work, but you'll have to do it for a whole month." He placed his finger on your forehead, flicking it. "If you don't, then I'll assume you changed your mind."

"Yes, sir." You saluted.

He sighed before letting out an amused smirk. "Fine. As a reward for remembering me and making everyone else remember me as well..."

You gasped when he stepped forward and took you in his arms, making you very shocked, considering this is the second time he let you touch him or rather made you feel him.

But the feeling of his arms around you made you let out a small blush as you happily accepted the hug back.

And you couldn't resist the urge to tease him.

"This is the best day of my life. How are we not a couple?"

"Hm, we just aren't... yet."

"Yet?"

"Nothing, shut up."

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

'And so, Scaramouche Raiden once again became a part of our world.'

'All because of a mere confession.'

'By a mysterious fox student.'

─ episode three: without you in another world

previous episode, masterlist, next episode

taglist: @solitary-traveler @shyentsmissingink @vi0let-writes @sl-vega @scaraenthusiast

[sundrop-writes]

Your First Kiss With Dick Grayson

Dick Grayson x Gender Neutral Reader

Summary:

The Titans have faced a lot together, but never something quite as troubling as the possible return of an inter-dimensional demon that shreds apart worlds and leaves nothing standing in its wake.

You hate to admit it, but even standing with your team - you're afraid. Dick tries his best to comfort you, but for once during his career as noble, selfless team leader - he takes a moment to be selfish, and does something that he has been avoiding doing for years.

Dick Grayson x Gender Neutral Reader. Childhood Friends to Lovers. Angst and Fluff. Set during Season 4, Episode 6.

Word Count: 2,900

DC Titans Masterlist | AO3 Link

Detailed warnings and author's notes below the cut.

Warnings: this one is a bit more on the angsty side; this fic features major spoilers for season 4 (and for the majority of the show) - so if you're watching it for the first time or you haven't seen it yet and you want to watch it spoiler free, then avoid this fic for now; the reader character is completely gender neutral - the only pronouns used for the reader are you/yours; the reader is one of the original Titans; the reader and Dick are childhood friends through the Justice League - the reader is the adoptive child of Oliver Queen/Green Arrow (the reader is a talented marksman and trained in combat); the reader is mentioned to be an orphan (again, aren't all good superheroes); major pining from Dick - he has had a crush on the reader since they were kids (most of this is from his POV, so it's not specified if the reader has returned his feelings for just as long); mentions of canon character deaths; a lot of this is from Dick's POV so - warnings for Dick being emotionally constipated and referring to romantic feelings as a 'disease'; this is an AU where Dickkory never happened; mentions of canon violence - not described in graphic detail; mentions of the apocalypse/the world ending (and the anxiety this can cause); the reader is feeling extreme fear/anxiety due to the possible end of the world; technically - unresolved pining. I believe that's it.

A/N: The second part of the First Kiss series! I had a lot of fun with this one. This is the first really romantic fic I have written for Dick, and I enjoyed it so much omg. I was so tempted to write an enemies to lovers version with him, because he annoys me so much in the canon, and I feel like 'kissing in the middle of a heated argument' would work so well with his character - but maybe we'll save that one for Jason (or Hank, idk). instead, I went with emotionally constipated Dick Grayson, because that is sooo canon. he would not admit his feelings for someone if he had a gun to his head. and I had a lot of fun writing this mostly from his POV. I feel like he is such an interesting POV character to work with, so I might do more from him in the future. anyway, please enjoy!!

...

Stress. 

There were few other words to describe the horrible feeling that was dense in the air around them. 

Everyone was looking to Dick for answers, and unfortunately, he had none. Sebastian was missing, likely kidnapped by Mother Mayhem in order to complete a ritual that would likely mean the end of the world. Rachel had lost her powers and the Titans needed her unique form of magic now more than ever. Tim was impatient, annoyed because Dick wasn’t letting him use the minimal training that he had. But of course, Dick was hesitant to let the next would-be Robin off the bench after what had happened to Jason. 

(Dick could barely bring himself to think about Jason these days.) 

Kory was having difficulty controlling her newfound powers, and so was Gar. Which left the team weakened on all sides. Jinx was helpful on the magic front, but she was far from easy to control when it came to executing plans and corralling her rather wild personality. 

And Dick didn’t even want to think about what was happening with Conner. He just had to pray that this whole shaved-head, Lex Luthor impression was part of his mourning for his would-be father, and hopefully - it would be temporary. 

All of the chaos among the team left Dick leaning on you. As usual, you were likely the only person on the team who wasn’t experiencing any extreme drama. You were the only Titan with some true stability. 

And you were the person on the team with the most experience. Even more than Dick himself. Beyond being part of the original Titans team that had helped to found The Tower, you had been trained under Oliver Queen, who was part of the Justice League as Green Arrow. Ollie had taken you on as his own child when your parents died and left him as your carer in their will. Naturally, early into your childhood, he had started training you in the art of combat and marksmanship - so you grew up with intense skill. 

You and Dick met soon after he was adopted by Bruce. And much like Donna, you were a kind face and a wise voice that kept him mentally grounded well into adulthood. But you were also someone mischievous that made him smile; someone he could always turn to for a well timed laugh. 

You always kept him sane. 

And very much unlike Donna - soon after he met you, Dick started to develop feelings for you. 

Of course, back then, it was just a silly crush. When he told Donna about it at the time, she laughed. And when he had hidden his face in embarrassment, she then told him that it was ‘cute’. She told him that you two would be good together when you got older. So naturally, Dick took her words as biblically concrete advice. 

He decided that he should wait for you. That the two of you would be good together when you got older. 

So he waited. 

And he waited. And eventually - life got in the way. 

He had a huge falling out with Bruce, things at the Tower went south. It was never the right time to tell you. How the hell could he tell his best friend that he had those big, terrifying feelings mounting inside of him, worsening each year like a disease? 

It was never the right time to tell you because he was dodging disasters left and right and he needed you more as a friend than as a lover. He needed you as a brick wall to lean on. He needed you as that voice of common sense in his ear - the leader’s loyal first mate, giving him advice behind the curtain and keeping his head on straight. 

He didn’t need to tell you about his awful, festering feelings and have you gone from his life too. 

When Garth died, and then Jericho died and the Tower shuddered, it still didn't feel like the right time. Wounds were tender and even if you were never downright angry at him like everyone else was - you needed your space. Dick respected that. 

That day, you stood at the mouth of the elevator, about to leave for Star City to go and lick your emotional wounds at Ollie’s for a while, and you looked at Dick with tears in your eyes - looked at him like you were waiting for him to say it. But it wasn’t the right time. 

He still thought about you every single day when he was in Detroit. And then - he showed up at your door with a scared little girl, needing more advice, needing that brick wall again. It was only natural that when chaos found him, he needed your help. 

He hated that your advice was to call in Dawn and Hank. He relied on you, and you relied on family. And he hated that they were waiting at your apartment, called against his will once he had left to do some more sleuthing. 

But he found that you were right when he saw how Dawn bonded with Rachel, when Hank put up a vicious fight against those strangers who came to collect her in the name of her father. 

Watching you get thrown off that roof sent Dick’s heart through his stomach. As he clung onto the rooftop with his fingers and the muscles of his arm burned, all he could think about was you. As you sputtered out blood and he cradled your head, unsure of how to help you, terror gripped him in a way that it never had before in his life, because he realized that he might actually lose the most important person in his life. 

As you lay in the hospital, a set of machines barely keeping you alive, with Dawn loyally holding your hand in comfort and Hank seething to get revenge on the people who had hurt you - Dick ached with regret and not having told you. 

Still, when you showed up at that house in Ohio, somehow magically awakened from your near death by Rachel's powers - Dick felt that it just wasn't the right time. He swallowed his regrets like ash in his mouth when he reunited with you, hugged you tight. He didn’t even consider telling you about his feelings to be on the radar of possibility. 

When you came back to the Tower to help bring in Doctor Light - it just wasn't the right time. When you showed up in Gotham to help bring down Red Hood - it just wasn't the right time. 

Even when Dick died and was brought back to life by some strange magical pit, a pool of waters that brought him dreams of a far off life with you - it still wasn’t the right time. 

You were there to Dick's call, loyal and waiting, every single time. You looked at him with as much love and longing in your eyes as he needed (at least, according to Dawn and Donna you did) - but still, it never felt like the right time. 

It never felt like the right time to destabilize his entire life by uprooting the one good friendship he had. It never felt like the right time to truly fuck things up with you. 

Now, because of some cult that Dick believed to be long gone and a stupid blood ritual, the world was ending, and it still didn't feel like the right time. 

He wasn't the son of a demon from another dimension, but he still felt cursed. 

When Dick saw you slip out of the room, clearly trying to sneak away from the group, his stomach twisted with nerves. It was rare that you of all people cracked under the pressure. It was rare that you needed to escape from the madness for a breath. He mumbled an excuse to Kory and then chased after you, knowing that it wouldn't be hard to tell where he was truly going - but truthfully, he didn’t care. 

He easily caught you in one of the late night deserted halls of STAR Labs. 

The many glass walls overlooked the city - a collection of bright lights that made up Metropolis. Thousands of people that you never knew, that you had never met before. People that all seemed too important now as you contemplated their lives; thought about the fact that you might not be able to save them. 

Dick saw the sickly look on your face, the glassy sheen of guilt in your eyes even from far off as you leaned on the polished titanium railing that separated the upper floors from the atrium. His footsteps echoed in the empty hall and you heard him approaching from far off. He made no effort to sneak up on you or conceal himself, not wanting to startle you when you were already in such a distressed state. 

The minute you looked over your shoulder and saw him, your face broke from that dark, doomed frown into a haste smile, and you reached up to wipe away your tears, attempting to be subtle with that motion. You were trying to hide yourself from him. 

Dick came to stand beside you, resisting the urge to pull you into his arms. He desperately wanted to shelter you away from any fear you might be feeling. Maybe it was selfish; wanting to hold you, wanting to protect you from anything in the world that could possibly harm you. Maybe it was downright idiotic - because realistically, he knew that couldn't protect you from this kind of harm. He couldn’t protect you from the world ending. 

“Y/N-” Dick murmured your name gently, clutching a fist tightly by his side to resist the urge to reach out and soothe a hand over the trembling muscles of your jaw. 

You were holding in a sob, and it came out as a harsh, sarcastic laugh instead. 

“I know.” You said. “I know. You're doing that Team Leader Guy Thing.” 

You tried to make it sound playful and joking, but with your voice wet and soaked with worry and fear, it came off as a pathetic bid to deflect. 

Dick wasn’t sure how to reply. Because yes, he was doing that ‘Team Leader Guy Thing’. He was trying his best to, anyway. 

“You're gonna ask ‘are you okay?’ and I'm gonna lie and say ‘I'm fine, boss. All good.’” You continued. 

At least you were being straightforward about it being a lie. 

Dick wished that he had something genuinely helpful to say, but his throat stalled with dryness and his chest ached at seeing you so distraught. It really wasn’t something that he was used to. 

“I mean, it's not like it's the end of the world.” You let out another dry, sarcastic laugh. 

Then, there was a moment of silence - a beat of realization as your chin quivered and more thick tears rimmed your eyes. 

“It's - it's only the end of the world.” You spoke these words heavier, dropping any false laughter in your tone - it truly hit you. Any further jokes you could make left you. 

Dick choked on his own tears when he heard the aborted sob in your chest - something that came out as a whimper when you reached up to clutch at your heart. 

You were genuinely terrified. Terrified that the Titans wouldn’t be able to find a solution in time. Terrified that everyone was going to die. Not just the people you loved, but - everyone. 

“Hey, come on.” Dick said, his leader instincts, his natural caring for you kicking in. “We've been through worse.” 

Working with the Titans, you had been through a lot. Drug busts, battling against costumed psychopaths, the loss of a dear friend to a dangerous assassin. But you weren’t sure that you had been through something worse than this. Everything the Titans had been through had never affected the world on such a large scale. 

“Have we?” You argued gently. 

Perhaps not. Maybe the only time the team had been in such dire straits was the first time Trigon attempted to come to earth. But that had been when Rachel had been armed with her powers and had been prepared to take him down. But Dick wasn't going to voice those thoughts to you. 

You waited in agony for him to say something, and your tears finally breached - rolling down your face in hot tracks, laying marks of the true fear you were feeling, laying it all bare for the first time. Dick knew that his own eyes reflected that same glossy hurt now, if only for the pain he felt in seeing you cry - something that was so incredibly rare over the time he had known you. 

Dick reached out and gently cupped the side of your cheek, running his thumb across your face and wiping some of those tears away. You were so startled by the tenderness of the touch that you couldn't help but to let out a whimper, and you felt frozen as Dick spoke his next words. 

“It's gonna be okay.” He told you, trying his hardest to sound confident in the words. “We're gonna get through this. I know we will.” 

This time, unlike many before, you couldn't be inspired by his confidence. 

“Have you - have you considered what happens if we don't?” Your voice barely reached above a whisper, barely daring to tempt fate with this possibility. 

Honestly, Dick had not. In these kinds of situations, he didn't allow himself to focus too much on the negative. As the team leader, he did have to take all the possibilities into account. It was something he had to do in order to keep everyone safe. But if he focused too much on death and darkness, much like Bruce did, then he knew that paranoia would overtake him and his team would get caught in the crossfire. 

He had to spend his time coming up with solutions to fix the problem rather than spending his time caught up in knots, worrying about what would happen if he fumbled and didn't actually fix things after all. 

The literal end of the world? It just wasn't a possibility in this mind. 

But right now, standing there, staring into your big eyes, glossed over with fear as you looked to him for answers - there was only one thing that Dick could think of. 

And it was so incredibly selfish. It didn’t have anything to do with the team or being a good leader. It didn’t have anything to do with helping the others. 

Dick brushed his thumb over your cheek again, an incredibly tentative touch that had your skin tingling. You let out a small sigh, and the world froze around you when he leaned in - slowly, moving toward you at a pace that more than gave you time to escape if you wanted to. But you found that you didn’t want to. You found his closeness to be an incredible comfort in these moments of mental chaos. 

And so, he gently planted his lips on yours. 

It should have come as a shock - your childhood best friend kissing you. But in that moment, it just felt right. All you could do was shut your eyes and lean into the kiss, reaching up to grip his wrist, keeping him close to you as you leaned into his smothering heat. His lips were surprisingly soft, and he tasted like coffee - using caffeine to keep himself awake for days, trying to marathon a solution against the impending doom. 

His kiss was firm but so giving - a touch that easily swallowed you up with heat from the top of your head all the way down to your toes. It was a sensation that pushed out the rest of the world, smothered any worries about who or what might bring an end to it. 

It was the most tender, but most wonderfully passionate kiss that you had ever experienced in your life. 

When he pulled away, you sucked in a sharp breath, suddenly feeling incomplete without his lips on yours. The shock then began to set in, like pulling the knife from a stab wound and feeling the blood rush out of you freely. It created a dizzying mixture with the heat that was now boiling under your skin. 

Why? Your brain screamed out as you stared at him. When? How long had he wanted to kiss you? How long had you been missing out on Dick Grayson? 

Dick could see all those questions bubbling beneath your surface as the fear in your eyes shifted to confusion, and he finally decided to speak. 

“I'm sorry.” He said quietly. “But if the world does end, I couldn't die without knowing what kissing you is like.” 

“Dick-” You sighed, about to go on a long rant about how he could have done that years ago, about how he should have - and the end of the world was a shitty excuse. 

But you abruptly cut off your own words when more footsteps squeaked down the hall - the rubber soles of sneakers scuffing against the polished floor. 

Dick jumped away from you as though he had been burned, clearly wanting to keep the interaction private. Both of you tuned to see Gar approaching. 

“Dick?” He posed. Gar had a look of confusion, clearly wondering if he should question what was going on between the two of you but swallowing it. 

“Yeah?” Dick replied. 

“Um - Conner's missing.” He announced this in a nervous, meek tone, not wanting to bring the team leader any more bad news. 

“What?” Dick gaped. 

There was no time to further discuss what Dick had said to you. With the end of the world in your hands, it easily fell to the back of your mind. 

...

If you enjoyed this fic, check out my DC Titans Masterlist for more of my other fics!! And please consider reblogging and commenting on this fic to tell me what you liked about it.

[the-ninjago-historian]

New Dragons Rising Article!

(EDIT: I blurred out the episode title last minute. I was feeling paranoid about it. Lol. And I made some last minute grammer fixes. Enjoy!)

The episode titles and descriptions for Season 2 Part 2 just dropped today! There's TONS of new info and lore to unpack. So let's get started! *SPOILERS BELOW THE THE CUT!*

1: So first off we have The Shape of Motion. (This title is clearly parodying The Shape of Water. Lol.) It seems they will be picking up a new baby dragon! Riyu is gonna be a big brother! How cute!💖 I hope Arin finds his parents too. Poor guy.😔

2: Now we have Enter the City of Temples. The Ninja must have found out about the tournament and decided to go there. But why? We're not sure yet. I would think they would want to stay away from the tournament, considering what happened in the last one.😅 Also, Kai and Bonzle are attempting to escape. So that's cool! You guys will get to see them too!

3: Next is Gathering for The Feast. Some how I get an ominous feeling about that title for some reason. Lol. Also, looks like the Ninja's earned their invites somehow and are now in the tournament! And it looks this is the episode where we'll see the return of some old Elemental Masters!

4: Now we have Inside the Maze. This episode is VERY interesting. So much to unpack! Because it's the first mention of some new artifacts. The Horns. Specifically, The Dragon Horns. Arin and the others must have heard about them in the last episode. What are these horns exactly? Are they like instrument type horns? Or literal dragon horns? We'll have to wait and see. We also have a new character called Frak! And finally, something ALL you Jaya shippers have been waiting for...

JAYA TOURNAMENT BATTLE WITH AMNESIA JAY!!!⚡🌊⚡🌊⚡🌊⚡🌊⚡🌊⚡🌊

This is gonna break y'all hearts, I know it.🤣

5: Next is United We Fall. Oh boy! It's named after one of my favorite TSFH songs! Haha! Just kidding! Anyways, poor Wyldefyre is pitted against CINDER?!?! The guy who broke her leg?! Yikes! Looks like it didn't go well either. And the Ninja will have to win they way back into the tournament through a race!

6: Now we have Truth and Lies. Finally a Wu mention! But it doesn't look good. I have a feeling Ras is lying though. Or not. And we'll get some racing action from the rest of the ninjas!

7: Next is The Shattering Sword. Sounds like something from Lloyd's vision, huh? And we get to see the new character Roby giving Arin a museum tour and some new info on the source dragons! (It would be hilarious if Roby was working for Ras the entire time.😂) And here's how to pronounce Roby's name, if you're curious.

8: Next is Clues and Suspects! Tons of cool stuff in this episode! Roby has a way bigger role then I thought! There's a new character mentioned named Bleckt? (I wonder if that's a typo?) Also, FINALLY A ZEATRIX MENTION! And they're transferring her powers for some reason? The how and why are unclear. Also, this new character Bleckt is somehow connected to Arin's investigation. And possibly part of The Administration, since they mention he has an office. My guess is that these Dragon Horn thingies were confiscated by the Administration or something.

9: And here we have The Final Game. That doesn't sound good. Arin learns a "Devastating Secret about the Merge" Uh oh. Cole stays behind to protect the Dragon horns! What??? Oh no! Sora faces off against Nokt and Wyldefyre is too late to stop the "Manipulation of the Games!" OH NO. Yeah, this one is gonna be pretty chaotic. Yikes.

10: Finally, we have Elements of Betrayal. THAT'S AN EVEN WORSE TITLE! It's making me more nervous than the last one!

There's a new location called The Monastery of Gates. That I guess these Dragon Horns are at? Arin, Zane, and Cole seems like a fun combination. Should be a cool fight! And it looks like the elemental masters have lost their powers once again are going to be fighting Ras and his wolf warrior army. NoBoDy SaW tHaT cOmInG. Pfft.

Aaaaaaand, that's it for now. Wow! So much stuff! Sounds like it will be a very exciting collection of episodes! Hope you had fun reading this!

Bye for now!

[lee-laurent]

The Past - John Marino

Summary: The timeline of John and Tori's relationship

notes: This is like a prequel to 'Done Trying!' You don't have to read this part, but it gives background on John and Tori's relationship. How they got to where they are in the fic now. The part after this will be a continuation of 'Done Trying' so look for that in the next few days. Also, I do not want to hear any negative criticism about how I've written her depression. I have depression myself and this is how it manifests for me. It's different for everyone, so I don't want to see any hate. Your experience may be different than mine, but every mental health experience is valid.

content: angst, fluff, unplanned pregnancy, break ups, anxiety issues, arguments, birth (not super graphic), mentions of sex but no actual smut, depressive episode, body image issues, mentions of abortion

2019

Tori wasn't drunk by any means, just a bit tipsy. Her fake ID had worked and she was enjoying her night out with her friends. The bar wasn't particularly busy, but the girls were managing to make it feel like a party.

The group of girls all turned to look at the door as a group of rowdy men entered. They were all cheering loudly and patting each other on the back.

"Was there a hockey game tonight?" one of Tori's friends asked.

"I think so," she shrugged, downing the rest of her rum and coke. "I'm going to get another one."

"We'll be here!" one of the other girls giggled.

"Hi, could I have another rum and coke, please?" she grinned at the bartender.

"Sure thing," the man returned with the drink a few minutes later, placing it in front of her, "That'll be 6 dollars."

She reached into her back pocket, when a voice beside her stopped her, "I've got it."

She turned, looking at the man next to her. He was significantly taller than her five foot frame, with tan skin and unruly, dark curls he brushed from his eyes.

"Oh! Thank you," she grinned, taking her drink from the counter.

"I'm John."

"Tori."

"You come here often? Sorry, I know that's cliche as fuck."

"Ha! No worries, my friends and I come here some weeks. It seems your group of friends is making it a bit more lively."

"Hope we're not interrupting your night."

"Not at all. We were the only ones making noise before you guys showed up. You from around here?"

"I'm from Massachusetts. But I moved here for work. You?"

"Pittsburgh born and raised," she smiled, raising her glass up before taking a sip.

The couple continued talking for the rest of the night. Tori wasn't the hookup type though, so instead of going home with him, she gave him her number. Leading to a long line of dates, until he finally asked her out officially.

2020

The world had locked down. No more hockey. No more school. No more work. Tori had subsequently moved into John's apartment so that they would be able to spend time together during the pandemic.

"What're you making?" John asked, wrapping his arms around Tori's waist, tucking his face in the crook of her neck.

"Oatmeal cookies."

"Smells good, baby."

"How was your nap?"

"Relaxing. Would've been better if you were there."

"You know naps make me feel like shit."

"I know... but the bed feels so empty without you."

"God, you're cheesy," she grinned, lifting her hand up to run through his mop of curls. "You want me to trim these?"

"Mmm, not today. I like them long. Why? Do you not like them?"

"I love your curls, Johnny. So sexy."

He grinned, pressing a kiss to her neck.

"I'm going to play 'chel with the boys. Call if you need anything."

She nodded, turning back to rolling the cookie dough into perfect balls. She'd taken up baking during the lockdown. John kept telling her he was going to be out of shape for the next season if she kept it up, but he continued to taste test everything for her nonetheless.

Another month into the lockdown and Tori wasn't herself. She wouldn't leave bed, she was taking naps, and John could barely get her to eat. She claimed she was fine, but he didn't believe her in the slightest.

"Come on, baby. I made mac and cheese, your favourite," he tempted, sitting on the bed and running a hand through her matted hair.

"Not hungry."

"You've gotta be hungry. You haven't eaten since yesterday morning. And all you had then was a couple crackers."

"I'm not hungry. Let me sleep."

"You've been sleeping all day. Can you get up and take a shower for me?"

"Too tired."

"Tori, baby..."

She just rolled over, hiding her face in the duvet. He sighed, leaving the bedroom and going to eat the food he'd made... why let it go to waste.

"How's Victoria doing, love?" John's mom asked through the phone, worry lacing her voice.

"I can't get her to do anything except sleep. I'm trying, Mom. She just..."

"Do you know if she has a history of depressive episodes?"

"Yeah, one when she was in high school. But she said she learned skills to cope."

"Just be there for her, John. That's all I can suggest."

"Thanks, Mom."

Two hours later, Tori emerged from the bedroom. She was wearing the same clothes she had been for days and her hair desperately needed a wash to rid it of grease.

"Hi, baby," John smiled softly.

"Hi. Will you come take a shower with me?" she whispered.

"Sure, but first can you just eat a few bites of the food I made?"

"I... I don't know."

"Please, Tori. Just so I know you're eating."

"Okay."

She sat on his lap, picking at the bowl of pasta in front of them.

"Five bites and we can take a shower."

"Okay."

It took her 20 minutes to take those five bites, but she did it. The couple stood under the hot water of the shower, embracing the time together outside of their room. John helped her wash her hair and brush out all the knots. She forgot how nice it felt to feel clean. She turned in his arms, squishing her face into his torso.

"I've got you, baby. I've always got you. I love you so much."

"I'm sorry, John," she sobbed, "I've been a terrible girlfriend."

"Shh, no you haven't. You're just struggling right now. It's okay. We'll get through his together."

"I love you. I'm sorry."

"No need to be sorry. I just want what's best for you. And rotting in bed isn't."

She leaned up and pressed a soft, loving kiss against his lips. When she went in for another one, he turned his head, her lips landing on his cheek.

"Did I do something wrong? I'm sorry," she cried again.

"No, no. I just... I'd feel like I was taking advantage of you. I love you so much, but I can't... do anything until you're yourself again. Okay?"

"Okay."

The next day, John helped Tori find a therapist online. Even going as far as to join sessions to learn how he could help her to help herself.

2021

Now that lockdown restrictions had been lifted slightly, Tori was thriving. She was going on daily walks and working on new coping skills to use when she felt that numbness creeping back in.

John was back to playing hockey and finally their lives had back some normalcy. A normalcy that had formed itself into a very... intimate love life for the two. There didn't seem to be a day that the two weren't having sex. Tori was pretty sure roadies were the only days they weren't falling asleep naked.

It was amazing, until it all came crashing down at the end of December. Tori had been feeling like shit for almost a week now. She felt sluggish and the sent of John before he showered after practice had her sick to her stomach. The idea of being pregnant though wasn't even a thought that crossed her mind. She had an IUD. They were safe. Surely it couldn't be...

"Do you want me to pick up a test, just in case? I know you said it's like almost impossible," John asked as he walked to his car at the arena.

"Sure, if it'll make you feel better. Pick up two, just in case one is faulty."

"Sounds good, babe. Be home in 20. Love you."

"Love you too, Johnny."

The couple stood in the bathroom, re-reading the instructions for the tests.

"I think it's self explanatory, John."

"I just want to make sure you're doing it right!" he swatted her hand away as she tried to grab the paper from him.

"Whatever," she rolled her eyes, sitting on the toilet with the stick.

"Yeah, just piss on it. Then we've gotta wait 5 minutes."

"Sounds good. You stayin' in here while I pee?" she giggled.

"I'll be right outside."

Peeing on the test was harder than she thought. It was like she couldn't get herself to pee, she was so nervous. After a couple minutes though, she'd put the caps back on and placed them on the counter.

"Come in, John. But I'm telling you, I'm not pregnant. Trusty old IUD keeps your sperm outta there."

"Maybe I've got really persistant sperm."

"I-" the timer rang. "You ready?"

"Yep."

At the same time, they flipped the tests, the plastic clattering against the sink as Tori dropped it.

"They- They must be faulty. False positive, right? Right, John?"

"I- is that a common occurance? I'll google it," he typed on his phone quickly, spelling half the words wrong, "There's less than a 1% chance of that, Tori."

"So? Maybe we're in that percentage. Did you even get good ones?"

"They were the most expensive ones! I just grabbed them!"

"They're wrong."

"Victoria..."

"Don't 'Victoria' me! They're wrong! I'm not pregnant! It's just a cold."

John rolled his eyes, "Can you at least go to the doctor? Get meds for your cold then."

"Fine! I'll make an appointment right now!"

"Perfect. I'm going to make dinner."

"I'm not pregnant," she whispered to herself as she typed in the number for her doctor.

"Is there any chance you're pregnant?" the doctor asked, staring into Tori's eyes.

"I have an IUD."

"I've seen it happen. Would you mind giving us a urine sample?"

Yay. Peeing into more things.

It didn't take long for the results to come back. The doctor entered the room holding a stack of paperwork.

"So, the urine sample came back positive for high levels of hCG. Which means you are pregnant."

"That's not possible."

"I know this is probably a lot to take in right now. I've written down some suggestions for a few OBs I reccomend. As well as some supplements we reccomend for the early stages of pregnancy. From the test, I'd say you're about three weeks."

"Shit. Um, sorry. Thank you. I'll, uh, call these numbers," Tori forced a smile, rushing off to get home.

"So? You are pregnant?" John asked, his eyebrow quirked.

"Yes. I just-"

"Okay."

"Okay? That's all you have to say?"

"What do you want me to say, Tori? 'Yay! I'm so excited to be a dad at 24!' Cause that'd be a lie."

"Stop acting like this is all my fault!"

"I never said that! I just... we've never even talked about having kids! This is all very sudden."

"How do you think I feel?! I'm the pregnant one! Now I have to tell all my friends and family that I got knocked up at 22!" she threw her purse down on the counter.

"You told me the IUD would work fine."

"Why are you blaming me? God, John! Grow up!"

"I should grow up?! You're the one yelling at me!"

"You're fucking infuriating!" she shouted, stomping off to their room. The door shut with a harsh slam, making the pictures on the wall swing.

"Fuck me," John muttered, grasping at his hair.

John slept on the couch that night, not wanting to deal with being yelled at again.

"We should talk about this, Tori," he offered at breakfast.

"Why? I'll just get the pregnancy terminated. You don't it."

"Tori... can we think about this? Make a rational decision."

"Why? Is getting an abortion not rational?"

"Not what I said. I just think you're still angry about yesterday, so you're not think rationally. We need to make a decision together here."

She rolled her eyes, "You made it clear how you feel."

"Did I?"

"Yeah, I think your words were 'I'm not excited to be a dad at 24!' So, there's our answer. You won't have to be," she sassed.

"Victoria, sit down."

"You're not my fucking dad."

"Stop acting like a child! Sit down!"

John rarely yelled at Tori, so the tone of his voice had her sitting right back down.

"Thank you. Listen, I'm not thrilled to be a dad right now, but I'm not telling you to end the pregnancy. I- we can make this work. I want you to make the final decision, but I won't be leaving if you decide this is what we're doing. I love you. And I support whatever decision you make. I will love that baby unconditionally."

"I... I need time to think about everything," she nodded, her lips pursed.

"I understand. But I really don't want to continue this arguing. I want us to enjoy our trip to Massachusetts. Not dwell on this and see our family."

"Okay, I have another appointment in January. You can come... if you'd like. I don't want to tell our families yet."

"Of course... I love you."

She sighed, "I love you too. No more fighting?"

"No more fighting," he nodded.

2022

Tori knew that nobody in the waiting area was judging her, but she felt judged. Her leg was bouncing, her nerves getting the best of her. She was filling out the paperwork that they'd given her. John placed a comforting hand on her thigh, trying to calm her.

"They're removing the IUD today. I don't know if you wanna be in there when they do it."

"I'll stay for moral support."

"Are you sure?"

"Why not," he shrugged.

Tori opened her mouth to respond when her name was called.

"Is your boyfriend coming with us today?" the nurse smiled.

"Yes, if that's okay."

"No problem! The doctor will be right in. We're going to start with the IUD removal. So if you could just strip from the waist down, she can get started."

"Do you want me to turn around?" John asked, taking a seat on the chair in the corner.

"No? Nothing you haven't seen before."

She sat down, throwing the sheet they'd.given her over her legs.

"Nervous?"

"A bit. It hurt to get in. People say it's worse coming out."

"Really?"

"Yeah."

"Want me to hold your hand?"

"That'd be nice," she smiled.

There was a knock at the door, "We all ready in here?"

"Yep. Come in."

"Hi, Victoria! I'm Dr. Reese. It's nice to meet you!"

"Hi. This is my boyfriend, John."

"Nice to meet you as well! We're going to start with the IUD removal, then we can start chatting about baby. Sound good?"

"Yeah. Is it okay if John holds my hand?"

"Of course! Alright, scooch, scooch. Perfect. Take a deep breath for me."

Tori inhaled, squeezing John's hand. Her eyes screwed shut. A pained breath escaped her mouth. Even John squinted, watching as the doctor pulled on the little strings.

"And done!"

"Thank God," Tori whispered.

"I'll step out! You can throw your clothes back on and I'll be back in a minute with the ultrasound machine."

"You ready?" Tori asked John, buttoning up her jeans.

"Yeah," he shrugged, sitting back down.

John and Tori had discussed things the day before. They were keeping the baby. It was an emotional discussion. Talking about the logisitcs of the whole thing. Especially with her still in school and John playing hockey.

"Ready to see baby?" the doctor smiled brightly.

"Yeah."

"Mhm."

"Alright. I warmed up the gel, it shouldn't be too bad," Dr. Reese moved the wand over Tori's lower abdomen. "And here is baby."

It looked like a little blob, but it still made John's eyes water.

"So, you're about 6 weeks. Measurements look good. I'll want to see you again around 18-20 weeks. You can schedule that on your way out. Congratulations, again."

"You alright, babe?" Tori asked, noticing how quiet John had gotten.

"Hm, yeah. I just... I didn't think I'd be this emotional. Especially over what looks like an alien."

Tori laughed, "Don't call our baby an alien!"

"I'm sorry," he giggled, wiping his eyes, "But it does look a little like an alien."

"Okay... maybe just a little."

The couple left the doctors' office laughing quietly to themselves, their hands intertwined.

Six Months Pregnant - May 2022

It was three in the morning and Tori was sobbing, "You don't understand, John. We're out of pickles."

"I heard you. I just... I don't understand why you're crying."

"I need pickles, John," she cried.

"I- I don't know where to get you pickles at 3am. Everything is closed."

Tori pulled herself out of bed, storming into the kitchen. She dug through the fridge and freezer, trying to find anything that would help her cravings. She pulled a bowl of watermelon out of the fridge, digging in.

John sluggishly joined her in the kitchen, wiping the sleep from his eyes.

"I'm sorry, baby. I'll get you pickles in the morning."

She just nodded, taking another forkful of melon. It wasn't as fulfilling was a jar of mini dill pickles, but it was helping. She couldn't even count how many jars of pickles she'd gone through during her pregnancy, but this was the first time they'd been out. It felt like the end of the world to her pregnancy hormones.

John loved Tori to bits, but the emotional rollercoaster of pregnancy was beginning to make him tired. He knew it wasn't fair and that she was going through much more, but lord was he exhausted.

"Do you want me to stay here? Or should I go back to bed?"

She shrugged, shovelling more food into her mouth. John sighed, coming around the counter. He placed a hand on her waist and one on her growing stomach.

"I love you."

"I love you too."

"Do you want to go back to bed?"

She hummed, taking one last bite. They shuffled back to the bedroom, Tori hugging onto her pregnancy pillow. John fucking hated the thing, but Tori couldn't sleep without it, so... he'd deal with it for the next three months.

August 2022

John had just been traded from Pittsburgh to New Jersey and now... it was time for their baby to enter the world.

"Ah!" Tori gripped her stomach. She was walking around the hospital room, waiting to be fully dilated. John was being supportive as possible, getting her more ice chips when requested and holding her hand when ever she felt a contraction. "Is it time yet?"

"The nurse said it could be a while, because it's your first."

"It's going to be our only. Holy shit! Why did you do this to me?"

John laughed, "I'm sorry, baby. You're the strongest woman I know. You've got this. Do you want to use the yoga ball again?"

"No! I just want the baby out of me!"

"And they said that the yoga ball will help that."

"Fine," she groaned, squatting down on the blue yoga ball. John smiled, watching as she bounced up and down, her cup of ice chips in her hand.

"They'll be back with the epidural soon. Then it'll be smooth sailing," he comforted.

10 hours later and she was finally pushing. She was squeezing John's hand so tight he thought it might break. But he tried to be supportive nonetheless.

"One more big push, Mama," the doctor smiled.

"I can't do it."

"You've got this, Tori," John whispered.

"I can't do it."

"Just one more push and our baby is here, love."

She braced, feeling the pressure one last time. She pushed and a wail filled the room.

"And here's baby boy."

"It's a boy?" John was smiling so wide, it hurt his cheeks.

"It is. Want to come cut the cord, Dad?"

He nodded excitedly, watching as they gave his son his first bath.

"Here you go, Mama," they placed the baby on her chest.

"Hi, baby," she was too tired to cry, but her son was so beautiful. He had a head of dark hair which explained the heartburn she'd had during the pregnancy.

"We'll be back in a bit to help you get him to latch. And then they'll be in with the name paperwork."

"Here," John smiled, unbuttoning part of her gown so she could do skin to skin.

"Riley."

"Hm?"

"Riley Alexander Marino."

"It's perfect, baby. Here, I'll hold him. You get some rest."

December 2022

Things were falling apart. The couple was arguing almost every day. Tori was struggling. She hated the way she looked and that feeling of numbness was starting to creep back in. But she wouldn't allow it, she needed to be there for Riley.

John was going through the hockey season and adjusting to a new team. He was barely home. And when he was, he was beyond tired. Not being much help at all. Night shifts were nonexisitant. It was always Tori getting up to get their son. John either "slept through it" or "was too tired from hockey."

Everything came crumbling down a week before Christmas.

"You're not any fucking help! Ever!" Tori yelled, throwing the burp cloth down on the counter. "I haven't left the apartment in days! I haven't been able to take a shower in days! All I do is take care of Riley!"

"Your his mom! Did you think you wouldn't have to take care of him?!"

"God! That's not what I meant and you KNOW it! Your his dad! When are you going to step up and actually do some fucking work?"

"I'm providing for us, Victoria! Would you rather I quit and we have no income?!"

"That's it. I'm leaving!"

"You're leaving?! Where are you going?"

"Anywhere that you aren't, John. I can't fucking deal with you right now. Call me when you've grown the fuck up and decide you actually want anything to do with your son," she stormed off to the bedroom, throwing things into a duffle bag.

"Victoria! You can't just leave! Talk to me!"

"I can leave! I can do whatever the fuck I want!"

"You- you can't just leave with Riley!"

"Sure, I can! Not like you parent him at all!"

"Victoria!"

"No! Fuck off!"

The screaming woke Riley from his nap and his wails soon filled the apartment as well.

"Great! Look what you've done!" John threw his hands up in frustration.

"What I did? You're so fucking immature. Stop acting like you're 12 and start acting like the 25-year-old you are!" Tori went to the nursery, grabbing some of Riley's things and putting them in the bag as well. She picked up her son, strapping him into his carrier. John was standing in the door, shell-shocked.

"Please, Tori. Just think about this. Please."

"No. I'll be back for more of our things in a couple days," she shook her head, leaving John all alone in the apartment.

March 2023

It was official. John and Victoria were done. Tori had gotten her own place and Riley went to see John every weekend. Slowly but surely, John and Tori were forming a friendship. They wanted things between them to be good for Riley.

And this friendship leads us to where we are now...

[feministsouthpark]

South Park Filler Guide - Season 26

Link for Seasons  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  11  12  13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

S26E1 Cupid Ye is FILLER

I don't buy the relevancy. Kyle is now best friends with Tolkien and Stan is jealous, even though for the past season we had Stan and Tolkien bond and even in this season they will continue to be a duo. This really seems like a filler. S26E2 The Worldwide Privacy Tour is FILLER

I really like the part when the prince and his wife move into Liane's old house, as they make use of the house being empty for the duration of the Hot Dog home story arc, but as they move out by the next time the house will be used, the impact is nonexistent. S26E3 Japanese Toiler is FILLER

How I would have liked if the shooting turned out to be a season-long mystery of who shot Randy, I was looking at the characters of the crowd for way too long guessing, before I realized everything is pointless in this one. Well, not the real world message, but the in-universe events. S26E4 Deep Learning is CANON

The easiest type of episode to recognize as canon is a relationship centered one. We get our confirmation that Stan's attempts - from S20E7 The Very First Gentlemen Oh, Jeez - to change and win Wendy over worked out. Bebe/Clyde are together as well, as are Herbert/Rick. S26E5 DikinBaus Hot Dogs is CANON

While this is the end of the Hot Dog era, it ends in a way, that counts as loss for Eric, still feeding into the idea of how easily he can lose everything and end up being homeless. S26E6 Spring Break is CANON

For Herbert is falling back into his old ways of campaigning, and depending on what happens in real life, this could have a ton of unwanted consequences... S26E7 Joining the Panderverse is FILLER

It's mostly parallel universe stuff, while Randy fixes an oven. S26E8 (Not Suitable For Children) is CANON

Roger Donovan finds a new partner by the name of Janice, and it seems like she's here to stay. Snow Day is FILLER

Yeah, no... This is the latest season anyway, but I don't believe Mr. Hankey would ever return on the show, end of story. If he does, and thus this video game becomes canon, I will change this post to include that. S26E9 The End of Obesity is FILLER

I have a feeling, that the "never mention Eric's weight again" idea will be forgotten like the numerous times Eric promised not to rip on jewish people anymore.

SPOILER-FREE RUNDOWN

S26E1 Cupid Ye is FILLER S26E2 The Worldwide Privacy Tour is FILLER S26E3 Japanese Toiler is FILLER S26E4 Deep Learning is CANON S26E5 DikinBaus Hot Dogs is CANON S26E6 Spring Break is CANON S26E7 Joining the Panderverse is FILLER S26E8 (Not Suitable For Children) is CANON S26E9 The End of Obesity is FILLER

CANON counter:

S1: 9 out of 13   S2: 3 out of 18   S3: 6 out of 18   S4: 10 out of 17   S5: 8 out of 14   S6: 11 out of 17  S7: 6 out of 15  S8: 4 out of 14  S9: 8 out of 14  S10: 4 out of 14  S11: 4 out of 14  S12: 8 out of 14  S13: 3 out of 14  S14: 7 out of 14  S15: 6 out of 14  S16: 2 out of 14  S17: 4 out of 10 + a highly lore based game  S18: 8 out of 10  S19: 9 out of 10  S20: 10 out of 10 S21: 7 out of 10 + a highly lore based game + 2 DLCs S22: 9 out of 10 S23: 8 out of 10 S24: 4 out of 4 S25: 5 out of 8 S26: 4 out of 9

Overall: 167 out of 329 Personal Note: I'm almost certain we'll have another special that I'll add to this season and I'm almost certain it'll be election-based and therefor canon. When it happens, I'll be back to edit this post. This one is basically just me predicting the future, but to be fair, they are pretty safe bets.

[mynameisvarian]

Prediction Bingo!

Let's see if we score a bingo!

(I have not seen the first episode leak thing)

Spoilers ahead!

.

EPISODE 1 & 2 - August 31 | September 2

• Cake runs Away

• Fionna gets Fired

• Lumpy Space Prince helps alot

• Traumatized simon (cuz why not?)

We may not have gotten a Bingo yet but this party is only getting started!

Episode 3, 4, 5 and 6 - | September 16

• Ice King Makes a Minor Return

• Tumblr Sexyman Simon

• Fionna Meets Finn

• Cake Punches Someone

Wowzers! I wasn't expecting such a showdown! I can already smell the bingo from here!

(Due to me being busy I mixed 3,4 5,6)

Episode 7 & 9 - | September 23

• The Lich Comes Back

• Major Character(s) Death

• Somebody Gets Kidnapped (Late Addition)

We are so close yet so far! With 2 more episodes on the line, What will happen now?! Guess we'll just have to wait till next week!

Episode 9 & 10 - | September 28

• Betty is shown to be alive

• Peppermint Butler Cameo (Late Addition)

And there we have it folks! A Bingo that doesn't entirely make sense but yes.

Considered Spots:

• Simon & Marcy extra stories

• Ice Queen doesn't exist (yet!)

• Wish Gone Wrong

• Major Character Death

• World Starts to Glitch

• Character Mental Breakdown

• Fionna Sings

----

It has been an honor being able to enjoy this series with you all. I loved how the fanbase as a whole were so excited and had alot of theories and speculation (I personally love it as a highlight to after watching the episodes) But... until next time...

...

Wait.. What time is it-?

...

Adventure time!

[marcussour]

Me the other day: I probably won't be able to keep watching CR live, gonna switch to the VOD's from now on

Me last night: Well, we had an hour change and the episodes are starting an hour earlier, let's try and see if I can still do it...

AND BOY OH BOY AM I GRATEFUL I DID WATCH IT LIVE LAST NIGHT

It's been like 6-7 hours since it ended, and all I could think about was the episode, and that ending.

I've been watching CR since campaign 1, and I'm not exaggerating when I say that was one of the most stressful and brutal episodes of any campaign I've seen, I think I can only compare it to the most stressful parts of EXU: Calamity, and we even went there knowing it was gonna have a "bad" ending. I know we've been close enough to a TPK before, but I never felt that risk so tangible and real as in last night episode. I was legitimately angry at Matt some times, like, nah, he overdid it, he went to far, Otohan's far too OP. And, besides the luck of the rolls, both for and against, I kept thinking like, Otohan's not even using the backpack, imagine what could've happened and how much worse it might've been if Imogen hadn't remove that from the equation. Of course everyone there has their full support and confidence in Matt, and he has the years of experience of being an incredible DM, but that was so stressful.

And of course, there's the ending. SAM MOTHERFUCKIN' RIEGEL. I can't stress enough how many flashbacks I had of Vox Machina and Scanlan's most iconic decisions (both the one in A Bard's Lament and, of course, the clutch one in the final fight). He's just that good, as a player and a performer. Just, coming out of the left field with that choice, understanding perfectly the consequences of what he was doing, and like, the slow realization in everyone else faces as they came to their senses regarding what Sam was doing, the disbelief, the sadness, the anger. It was all too real and powerful. I was watching, 02:24 am here, just, sobbing in my couch watching everything unfold as FCG final sacrifice ended up saving the party and taking out one of their biggest threats. It was just, so poweful.

It was a moment and an episode we'll be talking about for years to come. And it's amazing to think that we'll be so focused on the fight and it's finale, that you might overlook what happened in the first half, especially the fact that Imogen, against all odds, apparently managed to turn Liliana away from Ludinus and the Ruby Vanguard, which is gonna be huge, because I, for one, was fully convinced that they weren't gonna be able to do that (thank the gods for that 31 that Laura rolled).

This episode was an all timer, can't wait to see how things are gonna unravel next week. If there's a way to bring back FCG without his core (and if they replace it or rebuild it, is it the same FCG?), how is everyone's reactions going to be when they have more time to process, what's gonna happen now with Liliana, how and when will they return to Exandria, and of course, in what way Sam's gonna surprise us with a new character (already having flashbacks from Taryon Darrington introduction)

[bengiyo]

Unknown Ep 6 Stray Thoughts

Last time, everyone clued in on Yuan's crush on Wei Qian. We spent enough time with Yuan to get a strong sense of how old and assured his feelings are for Wei Qian. The gaming company faced a financial shortfall, which they covered with a partnership with the company of a wealthy woman who admires Yuan. Yuan expressed frustration with others suggesting she and Qian would be a good pair. We left at San Pang confronting Yuan about his feelings.

I'm not sure what San Pang hoped to get out of that conversation with Yuan. Yuan is aware of his feelings, and there's little to be gained from chiding him. His best use so far is to ask the questions the audience needs answered.

Besties, I thought those were going to be rings, too, and I almost screened.

I like the way the story has written Wei Qian to care so much about the well-being of his siblings. His concern for Yuan's heartache feels genuine, and adds tension to the dynamic.

Episode 6: If I forget to say goodbye, does that mean we'll meet again?

That is definitely a high fever.

Throwing the pen away is so petty. I love it.

This boy should not be drinking like this with a fever.

San Peng's face when Yuan started grilling Feng Ning immediately.

Nice save, San Pang.

Oh no. The drunk, ill, lovesick boy is following them upstairs. This won't end well.

I still like Feng Ning. She's being very classy about this rejection.

San Pang is in such a complicated place here. I think he genuinely wants Wei Qian to have companionship, to also secure an alliance with a wealthy benefactor, and also deter a brothers romance. I just don't think he can have all of these things with Wei Qian also being happy about it.

Oh no! The cold open of the series!

Yep, there's no way Wei Qian wasn't going to punch him.

The "I'm suffering" line got me.

No, not the stairs where they first met!

"Don't take pills." Pettily takes the pills.

Moving out is probably necessary for one of them for them to sort this.

I feel for San Pang here. There's no reasonable argument or debate to be bad with Yuan here, and he's preparing to deliver devastating news that Wei Qian wants Yuan to go far away for a significant amount of time.

Poor Xiao Bao. She has no idea what's going on. This is so alarming for her. Wei Qian can't even look at Yuan.

As sad as everyone may be, I think this is probably the best choice for all of them for now.

Oof, estrangement next episode.

This was a really solid episode. I didn't have to linger in any secondhand embarrassment, and we got to have the necessary confrontation over this. Even if we accept that Yuan could be with Wei Qian, there's no way Wei Qian could return those feelings right now. I think there's no way to avoid a major separation.

[my-rose-tinted-glasses]

My memory is terrible so I wanted to do a breakdown of my stuff every once in a while. Might be monthly, might be whenever I feel like it. Also there are too many shows on and something is always finishing or starting so a month is a lot.

BL - Currently Watching

1000 Years Old [2/12] - It's silly, and entertaining and makes me laugh. The friend group is delightful and I'm having a good time watching them. Was excited for a minute when Yo suggested a haircut for Pun because I cannot handle that wig. 🤞

Anti Reset [5/10] - This is one of the most frustrating shows I've watched in a while. The show doesn't seem to settle on what is actually trying to say about the AI of it all, and when it says something I'm not crazy about it. Why is it so frustrating? Because they are so fucking endearing when they're together on screen. I wanna love this show so much.

Cherry Magic Th [11/12]– I love them so much. I'm fascinated by the choices that the show is making. As a big fan of the manga and the jbl I came into this with reservations and this show is just blowing my mind. This was the best episode 11 of all time and Tay/New are delivering. My heart is so full with this.

Cherry Magic Anime [7/12]– Another helicopter ride! Yay. The date song was hilarious. We're now getting to the point where they are dating and Adachi is feeling guilty for lying so I'm curious how the show will adapt the next phase of the relationship.

Dead Friend Forever [10/12]– Glad to see we are all on board with Tan's murderous impulses. It's been so much fun having more people join in on the fun. As for me, I NEED White to stay alive. That's really all I want. Getting curious about how Perth factors in to all of this.

My Strawberry Film[2/8] - I feel it coming. I see sadness in my future. But I'm bracing because I'm loving the look of this show. And pining boys are my favourite type of boys. I'm ready.

Ossan's Love Returns [8/9] - The videos messages destroyed me but then that ending made me annoyed. I don't know what to expect in terms of Kurosawa but I hope he's not actually dying and there's a really good reason for all this. Medical mal practice might be the thing. Although as @twig-tea pointed out to me, since it was said in show it might not actually happen. I want happy for the ending anyway.

Perfect Propose [5/6] . Why must I only have them for 6 episodes??? I need more. Kai is everything to me, and that back hug followed by that smile melted by cold heart. Hiro's boss needs something heavy to fall on him from a great height. And please Hiro,sweetie, I need you to eat better and sleep.

Although I Love You, and You? [7/10]- Sakae is letting me down. And by that I mean, the show is letting me down. Sakae needs to put his foot down with Mizuki and go back to being a fool in love with Soga.

To Be Continued [1/8] - It's not amazing. but I'm a sucker for second chance romance and there are two couples so there's a 50% chance I will like this. We'll see. Also, they need to start hiring younger actors for the high school flashbacks. This goes for A Secretly Love too. Having 27 year olds and up playing ten years younger just won't do. It's terrible.

Unknown [2/12] - I'm intrigued. Not completely sold yet but I'm liking it so far. Also nothing would keep me away from watching Sam Lin again.

Also watched the first episode of A Secretly Love and caught up with City of Stars but it's on the 'I need to shut of my brain' schedule so I'm not necessarily watching to weekly.

BL - Finished

Cooking Crush - I will miss all of them. I loved it so much. The whole cut/uncut version thing was annoying and the editing was weird at times but overall this was wonderful. Communication done right. Relationships and character growth was stellar and both couples won my heart. Aungpao really surprised me, considering he was surrounded my pros on all sides. Dynamite was a joy to watch. And OffGun delivering with all the kissing. Everyone should watch this.

The Sign - I mean, what they did to this show is absolutely insane. Not airing the finale like the rest of the show. Having to pay extra for happy ending is ridiculous (although I kinda predicted this and @lurkingshan is my witness. I said as a joke and it turns out reality is a joke.) Then waiting 2 whole weeks for whatever that was. Just the most unsatisfying experience. Go read this from Shan because I agree with everything said there. Also @bengiyo final thoughts here really echo how I felt about this show overall.

Happy Ending - 20 minutes split in 3. Why? No idea. Was it a happy ending? I think so. Was it cute? Sure. Was it great to watch Seong Hyuk again? You betcha. But I didn't love it. I need Choco Milk Shake S2, like, TODAY.

Playboyy - It ended.

Rose Watches OJBL - I feel bad about this. I didn't watch any of the ones I planned to. This might seem like whatever but I've been trying to catch up with awards season films, because since uni, me and a couple of friends always do it and finish it by watching the oscars together and so ojbl was were I dropped the ball. Gonna restart soon though.

Not BL - Watched this month

Night Has Come Death's Game Shop for Killers

That's it for right now. As usual my ask box is open for gif requests and any other questions. All my gifs are under #rosygifs.

Have a good week💜

[bird-inacage]

Only Friends: Episode 7 Preview (What would Ray do without Sand?)

Oh thank god, we're returning to Ray/Sand harmony and fluff next week. How many times has Ray thanked Sand for saving his life now? At least three: (1. Stopping him from drunk-driving 2. Preventing him from having his head bashed in 3. Chasing after him to ensure he didn't end up in worse shape after a car accident). Like literally Ray, you owe this man your life on multiple accounts. Marry him already.

So predictions were correct, Ray ends up with his arm in a sling due to a car accident after the events of Episode 6. Sand says, "I'm your emergency staff anyway" which is a nice call back to Ray referring to Mew as his emergency contact.

We'll also be getting Sand taking care of Ray whilst his arm is out of action, which will no doubt deliver some sweetness. I know Sand joked about this a few episodes ago, but is there anything this man hasn't done for Ray yet? He really is becoming Ray's designated caretaker through and through.

We get this line "you're more addicted to me than alcohol now." I wrote a previous meta on precisely this very premise if you fancy a read HERE.

But truly, Ray is increasingly learning to rely on Sand (like a crutch). Sand is there for him when he has no one else. The things Sand does aren't particularly remarkable but they come from a place of genuine care. Little by little, that impact is going to add up. Ray will wake up one day and suddenly realise how he can no longer function or operate without Sand in his life. How quickly Sand has become a permanent fixture that Ray can't do without.

(I have a feeling this will not happen) but my hope is Ray addresses the things he said to Sand at the bar. "You don't want to be a singer. You just want to make money." "Or I need to pay you, whore?"

From Episode 3 onwards, Sand declared that he would no longer take Ray's money as he now considers him a friend. For Ray to phrase it in this way, as if Sand has only spent time with him for this reason is completely untrue - and Ray knows it. Though Sand is amazingly patient and forgiving as per usual, I'm sure those comments stung. Ray needs to be really careful he doesn't get into a habit of saying things in a moment of anger and not realising the impact of his words.

[quartings]

Thoughts on fan backlash: The Good and the Evil.

With the recent massive Pokemon leak bringing a lot of internal Gamefreak correspondance to light, I wanted to just give a stream of consciousness on my thoughts about people's reaction to fan backlash, and how it can have both really good and completely evil impacts.

I think the Pokemon fanbase has speculated for a long time that low Gen 5 sales caused Gamefreak to begin their excessive Kanto pandering in Gen 6, 7, and early Gen 8 in an attempt to increase profit.

And while I understand the apprehension about fans being unhappy with the Unova dex restriction, I think a sales dip was only inevitable as Pokemon's initial overseas fanbase entered their cringy teen years. Blaming it on foreigners and the entire Unova dex was a gross overreaction. And as someone who was in their early teens when BW launched and only had good things to say about it, it baffles me that the controversy even existed in the first place.

But later controversies had even kid me upset with Gamefreak- the low difficulty of the games (which comes and goes nowadays), games coming out with missing/underdeveloped features, severe performance errors, and of course, Dexit (when I was an adult). BW only having Unova Pokemon in their regional dex was fine, since all the older Pokemon were still in the postgame and game data ready for transfer. So when is fan outrage justified, and when isn't it?

I guess the main problem here is making a series for children, wanting to keep it for children (nothing wrong with that), but trying to get all your feedback from teenagers and adults online, since most kids (at least back in the 2010s) can't access social media as easily to enunciate their thoughts. Because meaningful feedback (Make the stories better paced, make the games at least as tough as they were in Gens 3-5, improve competitive custom games, improve continuity between games, bring back the Battle Frontier, etc) conflict with Gamefreak's backwards mindset of "kids are stupid and want easy games, boring characters, and flashy features we'll scrap next gen". Which leaves the only criticism they can respond to being "Let's appeal to the shallow Genwunners by focusing way too much on Kanto Pokemon."

A part of me worries for the dark potential future where Gamefreak listens to fan backlash about Gen 8's Dexit, and makes a game with all 1100+ Pokemon available. But due to internal pressures and overworking their employees on a poorly planned schedule, the game runs awfully and has next to no postgame. As a result, reception to this game is naturally negative, but both dimwitted Gamefreak executives and a small handful of especially stupid fans think "Oh, this happened because we had all the Pokemon in the game- we should never do this again, and blame fans who want basic features in the games from now on!" instead of the obvious lesson "We shouldn't overwork our employees and instead take our time to make a functioning and fun game."

And for anyone who has followed my blog since its early days, you'd know I am (was?) a huge amourshipping fan, partly because I love the XY anime, partly because I really enjoy Serena as a character, and partly because I had a foolish hope that the anime would try to properly progress Ash as a character instead of what they wound up doing in Gens 7-8. And apparently The Pokemon Company limited Serena's screentime in Journeys because they were too scared of fan backlash at the risk of handling her wrong, with the former XY director getting threats over such issues (I won't comment on what kind of fans were making the threats as they weren't specified in the leak) in her only return episode. And I know this may come across as naiive or insensitve, but... who cares? There's always going to be a handful of crazy fans trying to stan or hate a certain character- what do YOU as a creator think is best for YOUR character and YOUR story? And as long as the overall public is fine with your story, who cares what the few psycho fans think one way or the other? Why sabotage your own story not to appease the majority, not even to please a minority, but to silence a minority? I think more fans both casual and hardcore would be happy to see Ash and Serena get together than the amount who would be upset by it. It just feels like cowardice.

But when it comes for stories made for older audiences, listening to feedback becomes a more complex story. On the opposite end, a lot of fanbases like to bootlick for big companies when they make blatantly discriminatory decisions. For a non-Pokemon example, I'll cite The Mandarin in Iron Man 3. Marvel changed the character from an offensive Chinese sterotype to a self-aware vague Middle Eastern stereotype played by a goofy British man in-universe in order to avoid hate from Chinese audiences.

And there was a lot of fandom drama from this choice naturally, between fans who wanted a real villainous and Chinese Mandarin, and fans who enjoyed the twist and appreciated Marvel's choice to not risk an offensive Chinese stereotype. I was a bit too young to participate in any of this drama at the time, but I generally enjoyed the twist Marvel did, while also sympathising with fans who liked the comic storylines.

Well apparently, the fan backlash to Iron Man 3 was enough to compel Marvel to make a short film called "All Hail the King" in the same year, where they confirmed there was indeed a real East Asian villainous Mandarin somewhere in the MCU. And eventually in Shang Chi (8 years later), the real Mandarin did appear as Xu WenWu, an incredibly cool and compelling villain who wasn't harmfully stereotypical at all! I know the extremely racist Marvel executive Ike Perlmutter getting fired after Iron Man 3 and before Shang Chi probably contributed, but I can't help but wonder if fan backlash was the main cause for us getting WenWu eventually? In the alternate universe where everyone agreed to shut up and happily accept the Iron Man 3 version of the Mandarin, would there be no WenWu? Would that universe be all the worse as a result?

And then, there's the difference between "fans" and "fandoms". Sometimes I think both creators and fans forget that the main audience for a show does indeed love it, but rarely do they "obsess" over it. I've always said that children love good stories, while adults find excuses to love bad stories. Take my brother for example- he loves many cartoons, and has a lot of valid points to say about their storytelling, but I would never at all say he's a "fandom" kind of guy. Meanwhile, myself and all my animation colleagues are very much in fandoms, or at least aware of them. So one of my fellow animator friends was very surprised when they found out my brother and his friends had no idea what a "tumblr sexyman" even was, but still enjoyed cartoons and their stories nonetheless. You mean you can enjoy a cartoon for the actual content it has, without obsessively thirsting over characters or getting attached to completely fictitious ships and headcanons? No way!!

It's important to remember that when making stories for kids, the shipping/thirst/drama opinions of fandoms never really matter as long as you've put genuine thought and care into your characters and story. You don't have to deliberately insult, offend, or repel fandoms (though with enough skill and tact it could be funny I guess), just pay them no mind as you try and make the best show you can. Which is a lesson I'd like to take in making my own stories. As I make content on Youtube and beyond, I keep reminding myself that the most important viewers I have are the ones I'll hear from the least- kids with very little social media presence. And if I barely hear from that audience, the best I can do isn't to pander to my adult fans (though I still hope they like what I do if it suits them), but to keep having faith in my own content, and to be open to constructive criticism when it arrives (obviously different from insults and threats, which I've thankfully never gotten anyways)

[userautumn]

why do you think that tommy is leaving?

i don't, not really. or, well, i'll put it this way, i'm not 100% sold on the idea. it'll depend on what happens the next two episodes, but from where i'm standing... actually i'm so glad you asked this because i need a platform upon which to ramble.

so, okay.

my first thought: i'm always analyzing the story for signs of tommy's longevity. one of the first "indicators" i thought there'd be was if he played some sort of role in the 118/gerrard story. not even really an integral role, just some kind of scene that would establish him as a fixture, this time on the right side of history, in the story of 118 vs. gerrard. but that didn't happen. we got a little moment, a callback to tommy's history with the 118 in 8x1, and then nothing else. now, that scene in 8x1 isn't really indicative of anything because, like, gerrard's role this season did not unfold how i expected it to AT ALL. it was very unserious and, as such, there weren't very many places tommy's character could have been written in in a way that would have felt natural except for that scene in 8x1. but. the arc could have been written differently to include him, so that has me 👀 but THEN acknowledging that the arc could have been written differently to include him would also mean foundationally changing the arc itself to be more serious, and 9-1-1 seems very committed to returning to its drama/comedy grassroots. so that wouldn't have been an option anyway.

so. i'm very much waiting and seeing but they failed my first Tommy Longterm Love Interest test. we'll see how 8x5 and 8x6 unfold. second of all, i mentioned some weeks ago that i'm pretty certain he's going to be in between 6-10 episodes this season, considering the average episodes per season other non-main love interests (karen) clock in at. so, if they do break up, i don't think it'll be in 8a. i think we're going to get at least three more episodes out of him/them, which will be lovely. and it'll really just depend on the content of those episodes going into the second half of the season. but i was saying to someone literally two-ish weeks ago that 8b will be the, like... the make or break. you know? that'll be the part of the season where a lot of questions (buddie vs bucktommy, longterm tommy vs. temporary tommy) will be answered. and i'm looking forward to that because honestly not knowing everything all the time makes me so cranky.

but yeah, that's where my current thoughts regarding this topic specifically are.

[pencil-peach]

GWitch Onscreen Text: Episode 17 PART 1: PRE-DUEL

It is time. This is part 18 of my series where I attempt to transcribe and discuss all the text that appears on text and screens in G Witch. We have reached The Big One. Episode 17: "Precious Things."

HOWEVER....

This episode will be handled slightly differently. There is a lot to say about it, and a majority of it does not actually have to do with text.

AND SO. For the sake of keeping things organized, this episode shall be SPLIT INTO PARTS.

This first part covers the PRE-DUEL, primarily going over the parallels and symbolism to scenes in Season 1.

The next part will cover much the same, but during the DUEL itself. It will most likely be much smaller, but it doesn't hurt to keep things separate.

With all that said, the conclusion draws near.

<;< If you aren't ready, you can click here to return to Episode 15. Or, if you'd like, the Masterpost's loving arms can be found here.

But if you are truly ready, then let us begin.

PREFACE

(That's right this shit is STRUCTURED.) Episode 17 is probably one of my favorite episodes of the show (even if it's difficult to sit through) because of how utterly dense it is with its parallels to Season 1. For Miorine, Suletta, and Guel, it feels like nearly every scene is stacked with comparisons to past events, to highlight where the characters are now versus where they were back then.

The bulk of the parallels are contained to events that occurred within the first 6 episodes, which makes sense, as those 6 episodes are when the characters were living their most "normal" school lives. So we'll go through the episode piece by piece and I'll highlight comparisons I've found and what they mean as we go along. I might miss some, or maybe I'm reading too deep for others, but if you're this far in, I'm going to assume you have at least a LITTLE faith in my judgment, even if it's not always super clean.

With all that said, let us begin.

PRE-DUEL

Episode 17 opens with Miorine confronting Prospera (Left). This parallels Episode 2, where Miorine confronts Delling (Right). In both cases, Miorine is confronting an adult regarding Suletta's fate. But unlike in Episode 2, where she's the one making a demand (to allow Suletta to duel for the right to be her fiancée), in Episode 17, a demand is being made of her. (To become President and take over Quiet Zero, and to facilitate a final duel for Suletta.)

Whereas Delling admonished Miorine for daring to speak without power, "I am vested with power. You have none." Prospera is demanding that Miorine accumulate power. "Make me a promise. That you'll become the next president."

The parallel of Miorine making a promise with Prospera in this Episode as opposed to the one she made with Suletta in Episode 3 is obvious, but did you notice that the hallway they're in (top left) is structured almost identically to the room Prospera was waiting in on Plant Quetta in Episode 11 (Bottom left), and where she convinces Suletta it's okay to take other's lives in Episode 12? (Top and Bottom Right)

In the next scene, after the opening, we see Miorine waking up in her room (Left). Season 1 also had a scene of Miorine waking up from sleep in Episode 4 (Right), but it's a lot different.

In Episode 4, Miorine is woken up by Suletta staying up late to study, and asks her why she's working so hard. When Suletta responds that she's doing it for the sake of the Mercurians, Miorine responds that that's "a drag," saying that she shouldn't have to carry that kind of burden and should only live for herself. Suletta responds that it's what she wants to do, and Miorine sardonically responds, "How noble of you," before silently heading back to sleep.

Compare that with this small, silent scene of Miorine slowly dragging herself out of bed, clutching her head because she clearly spent hours yesterday and long into the night trying to figure out how to free Suletta from her mothers clutches AND fulfill all of Prospera's demands. She's running herself ragged all for the sake of someone else, going against her philosophy in Episode 4.

There's also the fact that Suletta isn't with her in 17's scene. We see in Episode 4 that Miorine and Suletta are comfortable sleeping with each other, but she's chosen to sleep alone, with Suletta waiting patiently outside the door. (Oh, and also, did you notice that Miorine's room is clean?)

Following that is a scene where Miorine and Suletta discuss Miorine's Birthday, Suletta's wish list, and their marriage. This is reminiscent of a similar scene in Episode 3 where they discuss much the same thing. Both scenes open up the discussion with Suletta denying a proposition from Miorine:

In Episode 3, Miorine is telling Suletta that she must win the rematch against Guel, to which she shyly mutters that she doesn't want to (Top Right) causing Miorine to react in shock. In Episode 17, Miorine asks Suletta what she would do if she asked her to get rid of Aerial, to which Suletta confidently responds that she wouldn't do it, (Top Left) to this, Miorine silently continues walking up the stairs.

The major difference is that in Episode 3, Miorine continues trying to convince Suletta to agree to the duel, explaining to her why it will be fine, but in Episode 17, she is silent. She doesn't explain or discuss anything. She just moves ahead.

When discussing their marriage, the roles have shifted. In Episode 3, (Bottom Right) Miorine is explaining that they won't actually be married until her birthday comes, in order to calm Suletta's fears about them being actually married.

In Episode 17, (Bottom Left) Suletta brings up Miorine's birthday, specifically because she's decided that she actually wants to marry her. It's now Miorine who is reluctant, due to the burdens she's carrying.

Next is a scene with Shaddiq attempting to enlist the Peil Witches into his bid for President. It's similar to Episode 7's opening scene, where Sarius is enlisting the Peil Witches for his plan to expose Aerial as a Gundam. The Parallel comes from the contrasting intentions of each Zenelli.

Sarius is enlisting the Witches in order to expose Aerial as a Gundam and get it scrapped, re-burying Gundams forever. He is staunchly against the existence of Gundams, and this will never change. Whereas Shaddiq is enlisting the witches with the explicit promise of making Gundams core to the Group's business. They are at opposite ends of the political spectrum in this regard.

But in both cases, Peil agrees, making use of the plan for their own ends. Also, in Shaddiq's meeting, a Jeturk is not present.

Okay time for the first Biggun. This scene starts off with parallels to episode 5, in that Suletta is upset by Elan in both scenes. In 17 (Left), she's accosted by 5lan, demanding that she give him Aerial. In 3 (Right), she's upset by El4n when he calls her annoying.

Unlike in Episode 3 though, where Suletta cries in response to El4n's harsh words, she responds to 5lan by shoving him away, showing how she's grown more confident in herself and her faithfulness to Miorine.

Following this, Guel Jeturk shows up and asks Elan what he's doing to her. In Episode 3 (Right) he showed up mostly for his own pride, but switched to a more protective tone when he saw that El4n had made Suletta cry. But in this scene, (Left) he showed up because he saw she was in trouble.

Guel and Elan's roles are completely reversed here. Whereas before (Right), Guel was flippant and emotional in response to El4n's calm demeanor, the opposite is true for Guel with 5lan. Guel (Left) maintains his composure, and 5lan loses his cool when Guel asks him what he's so afraid of.

It might seem like the Episode 5 parallels end here, but did you notice what kind of weapon 5lan is using in this scene? It's a taser.

An electrical weapon that causes paralysis.

Unlike before, Guel keeps a steady head, and he wins this duel against 5lan, pinning him to the ground. At the end of the battle, Elan isn't holding his hand up in victory (Right) but in defeat (Left).

Guel also says, "Cut it out. If you ruin this place, no apology will get you off the hook." Paralleling his behavior in Episode 1. Instead of being the one destroying the greenhouse, he's the one protecting it this time.

Following this, Suletta and Guel have a 1 on 1 conversation. This is the 3rd time they have one in the series. They have one in Episode 3, (Left) when Suletta tells him her mother's motto. They have a second one in Episode 9 (Middle) where they talk about how Guel's father has forbidden him to duel, and finally they have this one in Episode 17 (Right) where Guel discusses his desire to rebuild the Jeturk company, and protect the things precious to him.

The parallel is obvious in the sense that in both prior discussions, Guel is learning something from Suletta, and now he's finally putting those lessons to use, but did you notice that all 3 conversations have a shot of Guel's hand?

In Episode 3, when Suletta is talking about her mother, Guel holds his hand up to his cheek before closing it into a fist. In Episode 9, he brings his hand from his pocket, but doesn't close it. He holds it out limply. And in Episode 17, he once again brings his hand up and closes it. Each scene is representative of his current conviction.

Episode 3 is titled "Guel's Pride." He brings his hand up to the cheek his father slaps him across before closing it. It represents his current conviction: His pride. Proving himself as worthy in the eyes of his father. Episode 9 is titled "If I Could Take One More Step Towards You." The obvious allusion is to Miorine and Shaddiq's relationship, but it's also about Guel's relationship to Suletta. Their conversation ends with Suletta running down a lighted path, with Guel watching her go. He brings his hand out to his side, but DOESN'T close it, because he no longer has a sense of purpose: He's lost his conviction. He's scared of facing his father, and thus can't follow Suletta. Episode 17 is titled "Precious Things." After everything that's happened, Guel has returned to Asticassia with a new conviction: To protect the things precious to him. After losing his way, he's found the path forward, and once again closes his fist, confident in himself and his sense of purpose.

There's also the parallels between both confessions scenes. When Guel confesses and is rejected the first time (Left), he becomes spiteful and mean, but now (Right), he's understanding, and even happy for her love with Miorine. He's truly changed.

Miorine then comes out from behind the greenhouse, and demands a duel between Suletta and Guel. (Left) This is an obvious inversion of the scene from Episode 1 (Right). Where she demands Suletta NOT duel Guel.

The following scene, where Miorine requests Guel's help (Left) is also an inversion of the scene from Episode 4 (Right) where she offers to help Suletta with the Threat Detection Makeup exam.

Both scenes take place in her room, and both scenes see her kneeling over her plants, gently pushing upon the leaves as she speaks. The fact that she's talking to Guel and Suletta respectively is an obvious inversion, but in Episode 4, she's telling Suletta that she can take care of both the Mechanic and Spotter positions herself, saying she doesn't need help, but in 17's scene, she's specifically ASKING Guel for his help, because this is something she can't do on her own.

The next scene in the Dueling Comittee Lounge (Left) is, obviously, paralleling the similar scene in Episode 3 (Right). Down to this shot of Secelia seemingly being reused from that episode. In both scenes, Secelia taunts Guel, but as opposed to Episode 3, where he becomes enraged and fickle, in Episode 17 he confidently disregards her, saying, "The Jeturk emblem is the lion. So call me a lion, not a dog," much to her surprise.

But there's actually some more interesting parallels here.

Firstly, Episode 3's Oath is officiated by El4n (Top Right), whereas Episode 17's Oath is officiated by Rouji's HARO (Top Left), two characters that are considered to be robotic and emotionless.

In both duels, Suletta requests something of Guel for the sake of others. In Episode 3, she asks him to apologize to Miorine (Bottom Right), and in Episode 17, she asks him to help stop the harassment of Earth House (Bottom Left).

Ah, and did you notice? Episode 3's duel takes place in the 7th tactical testing sector, a lucky number. Episode 17's duel takes place in the 13th tactical testing sector. It looks like Suletta's luck has run out.

In both episodes, there's a scene following the oath with Guel speaking to Miorine and Suletta respectively. Both scenes even share multiple shots. Both scenes are also conversations involving, to some extent, Prospera. And both scenes, interestingly enough, has Guel end the conversation with a statement that calls into question the respective girl's belief (intentionally or otherwise).

In Episode 3 (Right) Suletta says, "My mother is always strong and kind," to which Guel asks, "A good parent, huh?" In Episode 17 (Left) Miorine says, "I want that girl to be happy. She needs a world where she can be free from Gundams or anything else," to which Guel mutters, "There are no worlds like that."

In both cases, he doesn't elaborate on what he means, but in both cases, his intuition is right.

Perhaps some of this is a pushing it, but prior to the duel, both Episode 3 and 17 share two similar scenes. Both episodes have a scene in which Miorine has installed something on Suletta's phone in reference to the duel, and both scenes also have a scene where two characters discuss their intent to interfere with the upcoming duel.

In Episode 3 (Right) This entails Miorine installing her contact info onto Suletta's phone without her permission, and Vim and Lauda discussing the arrangement of the sprinklers to go off.

In Episode 17 (Left) This entails Miorine installing the "Victory Charm" on Suletta's phone, and Miorine and Prospera discussing when to deactivate Aerial during the duel. It's yet another inversion in that now, it's Jeturk house who's playing fairly, and it's Miorine who's working to ensure Suletta will lose.

When Guel is asked by Kamil about the decision making AI, in Episode 17 (Left) he says he doesn't care about it, and to leave it in. Stating that "Pride alone won't defeat Suletta Mercury." This parallels the scene from Episode 3 (Right), where he gets incredibly mad about it, yelling, "Am I not skilled enough to win?!" Only to be slapped by Vim once more, telling him that "There's no room here for childish pride."

Guel also cuts his hair. The Jeturk family's hair are all based on lion manes, and Guel cutting his mane short is emblematic of discarding his prideful nature. It's also to show how he's brought himself closer to his father, who's hair was also cut short.

The following scene, where Guel apologizes to Lauda in front of the Darilbalde (Left), parallels the scene in Episode 4 where Lauda apologized to him under similar circumstances (Right).

In Episode 4, the Darilbalde was destroyed, emblematic of the strained relationship between the two, but now it has been repaired. Even still, will it be maintained?

As the MS suit containers roll into position, we get this shot of the Dueling Committee, both in Episode 17 (Right) and Episode 3 (Left) It's much emptier now, huh? GRAAAAAGH And that's all the parallels I can find for the Pre-Duel segment of the episode. Houuaauhhh there was a lot here and it was a lot of work, but it was also a lot of fun, and it really goes to show how tight this season's script is. Every scene feels intentional.

Anyhow, that's all for this part. Next time in part 2, we'll be discussing the Duel's parallels. If you've made it this far, thank you so very much, I truly appreciate it. I'll see you next time!

Click here to go to Part 2 >> Click here to go to the Masterpost.

[simmancy]

Happy Spooky Season, pumpkaboos! 

Here’s what’s happening this month / going forward on simmancy-dot-tumblr-dot-com.

𝙷𝚎𝚕𝚕𝚘 𝚗𝚎𝚠 𝚏𝚘𝚕𝚕𝚘𝚠𝚎𝚛𝚜! 👋

Hi there if you’re new! My name is Kit, I am 32 now, this is my simblr, I am active on and off. If any of that bothers you, unfollow, it's okay! If you're here because I posted a mod list or a random piece of CC you like, then I have good news - I do those things occasionally! When I am actively posting, I usually dabble in gameplay. I don't do much storytelling anymore because... well, I don't have the time!

𝚂𝚒𝚖𝚋𝚕𝚛𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝚂𝚌𝚑𝚎𝚍𝚞𝚕𝚎 🍬

I have SOME stuff I've been poking at in my ~spare time~. I love Simblreen, it's the best time of the year imo and it's just... a tradition. It's a tradition. So I'm going to try 🤞

I have been writing out a mod list centered around occults/spooky gameplay at least. So that's seasonally appropriate????? If you have a mod list request hit my inbox because I still fucking LOVE WCIFs and that's a sort of WCIF.

𝙾𝚌𝚝𝚘𝚋𝚎𝚛 𝙲𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚗𝚝 🎃

This year (and likely going forward), I'm going to try to use my blog to showcase the community. There's SO many cool things in the ts4 tag!! So I've been scouring it at the dead of night to refill my queue 👻 That's what you can mainly expect this month. No CAS challenges, no CC challenges, just some creepies and kookies from others around simblr.

𝚁𝚎𝚐𝚞𝚕𝚊𝚛 𝙲𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚗𝚝 🌕

Hi regular followers!! I’m so sorry if you've been here a long time, because I don't have much updates on my ~classic~ gameplays and saves and they just...... won't be. For a while.

Not So Perry... I have a bit of Gen 4 but I haven't played in a whiiiiile so. I might revisit that/redo/we'll see.

Star x Crossed is indefinitely on hold - I will probably revise how that was posting because the full episodes just aren't possible right now. I might do it more as like... an edit type thing, where the edits tell the stories or whatever. It SUCKS because I had really big hopes and dreams for that save and instead I... had a child.

The Nobel ABCs will return because I have 10 generations done in game. I just need to queue.

Maggie's Wonderful Life WILL eventually be done LMAO. I'm hoping to get back into that save soonish. I LOVE farming gameplay! So I want to play/finish it. I had about half of the introductions shot before I got distracted with other things and then... well. yeah.

New saves? When I manage to play, I play a lot of newer saves LMAO. Mostly because when I have time right now I need... something easy.

𝙻𝚒𝚏𝚎 𝚄𝚙𝚍𝚊𝚝𝚎 🔮

I decided I like doing this once a year Simmancy Newsletter during my favorite time of the year. Halloween remains the BEST season, and there's also no guarantee I won't drop off the face of the planet again.

Obv the main thing is that, as previously stated, I had a baby. A whole ass baby. She's now 3 months old, and she is so much in the best way. We're currently teething and if you're like "Kit that seems a bit early," you're absolutely right but this is the lot I've drawn in life. She likes to be sat up, and stood up, and to talk to the Baby in the Mirror. She also is obsessed with trees and the cat. I know new moms are annoying and I'm absolutely that annoying new mom, I literally cannot shut up about her and therefore make my sims blog also about her.

I go back to work next month and I'm absolutely dreading it. Can I just be a sim and have someone press motherlode for me? Please?

Otherwise, there's very little in Kit World. The past 6 simblr years remain wonderful, and I've met some of my best friends on here. I go between BG3 and Sims when I have game time (which isn't a lot because Baby Simmancy is increasingly awake and mobile). I WISH I had more time to hang around here but maybe in a year or so.

Anyway, that’s my update of the year. Happy spooky season everybody! I hope it’s a good one!

Stay safe & spooky out there!