#and then the cycle begins

[lnsania]

ah heck

[benevolenterrancy]

("Always. Continuously. With increasing apprehension, and decreasing hope. I will love you if I never see you again, and I will love you if I see you every Tuesday. I will love you as a corpse loves the beak of the vulture. I will love you no matter what happens to you, and no matter how I discover what happens to you, and no matter what happens to me as I discover this." -- paraphrased from The Beatrice Letters, Lemony Snicket)

[your-local-asylum-escapee]

ok so i've been trying to read a bunch of 'arthur returns' fic and i belatedly realized that Merlin probably suffered from 𝘴𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘦 ptsd and now im crying cuz i just visualized Merlin going through his ptsd like i did and now it just makes the fics 10× sadder

(spoiler: a lot of yapping)

like i can see Merlin watching Arthur sleep, checking if he's still breathing, checking his pulse and everything but then Arthur doesn't breath for 15 seconds and now Merlin's panicking, overthinking if he should nudge Arthur to stir him a bit to check if he's alive still then Arthur inhales and then Merlin breathes in sinc with Arthur. and then Arthur doesn't breath in what Merlin feels like a long minute (but in reality its probably just been less than 30 seconds) and decides to check his pulse to see if its still there but he's too impatient so he couldn't even wait 5 more seconds to find his pulse and just wakes Arthur up, this happens very often (every day) and Arthur's confused at first but when it keeps on happening he becomes irritated. he gets annoyed one night and was about to get mad but then he sees Merlin in the brink of tears looking straight at him, Arthur's hand is being held by Merlin like it's the only thing keeping him alive. Arthur tries to make Merlin sleep (he's seen the state Merlin was in and even a blind man can see that he wasn't healthy) but Merlin refuses to. Arthur decides to not sleep at all and stay up with Merlin.

they don't sleep the entire night and Arthur thinks this was just a one time thing but then he realizes that he's never seen Merlin sleep ever since he came back. he decides to stay awake and pretend to sleep until Merlin sleeps. when Arthur realizes that Merlin wasn't going to even lay down and 𝘵𝘳𝘺 to sleep he starts to get worried. hours past by and Merlin's fingers check for Arthur's pulse every now and then. Arthur's awake with Merlin the entire night and until dawn.

he still denies the thought that this was how Merlin spends his night ever since Arthur arrived but he still wanna check so he pretends to sleep that night again. the same thing happens again and Merlin doesn't sleep. when a few moments go by and Merlin doesn't check his pulse again Arthur thinks that Merlin finally slept out of exhaustion. but he could still feel Merlin's eyes on him so he decides to hold his breath for one minute.

not even 30 seconds go by and now he can feel Merlin's trembling hands on his wrists. Arthur still holds his breath and then Merlin tries to nudge his shoulder to stir him a little bit. Arthur 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 holds his breath until he feels Merlin nudging him a bit more aggressively than before. Arthur takes pity on him so tries to act as if he just got woken up. Merlin apologizes for waking him up. Arthur was about to insult him to make it seem natural but then he sees Merlin's teary eyes and he suddenly hugs Merlin. both he and Merlin are a little shocked by this but none of them move. Arthur 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘶𝘢𝘥𝘦s Merlin to sleep by telling him that he wont sleep until he does. Merlin's stubborn at first but the days of not being asleep finally catches up to him and he 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 sleeps. Arthur decides not to sleep until Merlin does and he does this every night since.

ok wow, that was a lot of monloguing, even for me. anyways see you later after I finished reading 'and like the cycle of the year, we begin again'

[circesoracle]

after years of misuse of the word queerbaiting I'm glad Wicked (2024) is coming out so everyone can see a real-time demonstration of what it actually is

[th3e-m4ng0]

happy thursday

[maskedteatime]

leaking my favorite part of the animatic because i thought it would make a good gif. i think it's very cutesy

[bleeding-ambrosia]

and like the cycle of the year, we begin again ~ @katherynefromphilly

AAAAA i’ve been having merlin on my timeline again we’re so back! reread this fic again sobbing crying and now you can too 💪🥲⚔️

[respectthepetty]

Putting the "peace" in Peaceful Property

It's the simple fact that Home is fine with his biological family being destroyed because he has seen several times the ways his family's businesses and their money deceived and destroyed people.

I still can't figure out the uncle, but I think it's important that Peaceful Property has shown us several times that Somkid is a good guy, yet we still don't trust him which is exactly how his nephew Home has been treated.

Because since the very beginning, the series has reiterated that people who do bad things are not bad.

And that forgiveness is between the people who have harmed and the people they have harmed.

No one else.

But more importantly, the show has harped on the need for communication.

Rak did not steal a wig, but her boss immediately thought she did without asking questions. Vicha and Phoom never got to speak to each other. Chef Hong wanted Peach to know he wasn't to blame for her death. Ride didn't say much to Thansai, but he wanted to make sure she knew she was loved. And now Kan's father wants her to enjoy her life, without him.

All the social media accounts and the public opinions showcase how quickly the audience is to hate someone even though we have been on this journey with those characters and have been shown multiple times that they are good people.

The show has been clear from the beginning.

There are no bad guys.

There are only people who want to be seen.

And people who want to be heard.

Nothing changes if we only blame one other. Nothing is fixed if we don't listen to each other. Nothing is solved if we don't see the human in each other.

This would have been a great story of revenge, but Peaceful Property was never going to be that story. The show wants peace. For the dead, and the living.

So Kan called the ambulance, and Home gave Kan's dad CPR because they are not bad people. They are a family.

This was never going to be about revenge.

Because that's never been what the show wanted.

It wants connection. It wants community. It wants peace.

Peaceful Property, a show about seeing and listening to the dead, a show about putting the ghosts who haunt us to rest, a show about moving past the pain that ties us to one spot, that show has told us all along that we must try to make peace with ourselves, the wrongs that have been done to us, and the harm we have caused others.

And we cannot do that alone.

[moonyplatt]

And like the cycle of the year, we begin again ~ Mini comic (part 1)

Hi !! I finally come with the promised comic 😁 I started it several months ago, and although there have been days when I haven't known how to move forward, I have had a lot of support from @ineffablesbooks GRACIAS AMIGA!! We are both big fans of Merlin and especially of the INCREDIBLE fanfic that @katherynefromphilly wrote. I don't know what I would have done after finishing s5 without this story, so thank you so much, I love how you write Merlin and Arthur. Anyway, I hope you like this comic as much as I liked doing it. Stay tone, because this is only the first part!! So in a few days there will be part 2, I also don't rule out making more mini comics of other scenes in the future, so wait for it, I hope you like it and enjoy it!!

[tiredandoptimistic]

Don't worry about me, I'm just thinking about how, in season seven, Delta is so determined to prevent Epsilon from remembering Tex because (as Alpha's logic) Delta knows that the only logical thing for Church to do, once he's aware that Tex exists, is to pursue her to the ends of the earth.

[that1notetaker]

Mha chapter 429 Spoilers! Deku hugging ochaku mirrors exactly ochako's hug when Deku's 'heart' went out of control back all those chapters ago. In both cases, both their hearts were out of control because of someone else. Izuku because of Katsuki and Ochako because of Toga. Again, they're mirrors. They've been mirroring each other for a long time. Izuku knew exactly what to say, because he literally understands. He really does. Now, I absolutely loved the tenderness of the scene. The 'hey, you can let the ugliness out, I'm here, it's okay. You can let it out." Izuku has been dealing with his own closed-off heart for a long time, and we still haven't seen HIM open up properly. I'm not sure how the manga will handle it, IF it will. But it feels like there's something missing, for Izuku's character to round up. I vote for Deku vs Kacchan 3, a reversed of 'The only one that can accept Kacchan's feelings is me'

[daeyumi]

Starfall 🌠💫🌟

[Cycle of the Stars au]

[eldragon-x]

[ACT 1]

{On your way to the Favor Tree, you walk into Odile and ask if she wants to come along. She considers for a moment before agreeing, and following you.}

{You approach the Favor Tree.}

Odile 👓 The Favor Tree, huh… Isabeau showed me how to ask them for a favor a while ago. I take it that’s what you’re here for?

Mirabelle 🎀 That’s right! I know a lot of people already asked for Vaugarde to be saved, but I thought I’d ask too, since…

Odile 👓 Are you worried about tomorrow? 

Mirabelle 🎀 Hmrgh… 

{You nervously clasp your hands together. Odile looks up at the tree.}

Odile 👓 The Favor Trees aren’t really part of the Change belief, right?

Mirabelle 🎀 No… The Change God doesn’t grant favors. It’s more of a myth here in Vaugarde, but lately people have taken it more seriously because of the King…

{You take a breath.}

Mirabelle 🎀 Are you going to ask for a favor, Madame?

Odile 👓 Probably not… Forgive my pessimism, but I don’t see the point in relying on a mere myth.

Mirabelle 🎀 Oh…

{You both remain silent for a moment}

Mirabelle 🎀 Is there something you believe in?

Odile 👓 Religiously you mean? Well, in Ka Bue, we don’t really have Gods. They’re more like… Expressions? You’d pray to the ones you need the most currently in your life. I have been reaching out to the Expression of Battle and the Expression of Victory among others, for example.

Mirabelle 🎀 …Do you believe we will beat the King tomorrow?

Odile 👓 …Do you want my honest answer?

{You bite your lip. Odile looks to the ground. You don’t want to dwell on this.}

Mirabelle 🎀 Um, you know, Siffrin actually showed me how to wish on a tree once!

Odile 👓 Is that any different than asking for a favor?

Mirabelle 🎀 I think? You do it differently and he seems to believe in it more than most people…

Odile 👓 And how would that work?

{You smile, relieved that Odile goes along with the change in subject. You look around, pick up a leaf from the floor, and hold it up to show it to her.}

Mirabelle 🎀 First, you have to pick a leaf that represents yourself!

{Odile listens curiously.}

Mirabelle 🎀 Then you have to breathe your wish into the leaf three times and fold the leaf.

{To demonstrate, you hold the leaf close to your mouth and whisper.}

{You wish for the King to be defeated. You wish for all of you to make it. You wish for Vaugarde to be saved.}

{You fold the leaf, holding it like this for several moments, before letting it be carried away by a breeze.}

Odile 👓 Hm… I take it this isn’t a Vaugardian practice. Has Siffrin ever told you where they learned this ritual?

Mirabelle 🎀 They haven’t. But I thought it might be worth trying, seeing as he puts more faith into it, and I… I shouldn’t be saying this, I know it’s on me to bring about change, but I don’t think I can do this alone. 

{Odile gave you a look and for a moment, you were worried she was judging you. Instead, her expression shifted into a smirk.}

Odile 👓 You’re not planning to go to the House alone, are you?

Mirabelle 🎀 HUH?!?

Odile 👓 Because unless you are, you aren’t alone.

Mirabelle 🎀 MADAME!!

{Odile laughs, and you sigh.}

Mirabelle 🎀 Don’t scare me like this again!

Odile 👓 I didn’t mean to. But it snapped you out of something, no?

Mirabelle 🎀 I suppose…

{She isn’t wrong. You feel… not calmer, but not as anxious either.}

Odile 👓 Now then,

{To your surprise, Odile picks up a leaf.}

Mirabelle 🎀 Are you going to make a wish?

Odile 👓 As you said, Siffrin puts more faith into it than Vaugardians have for the Favor Trees. No harm in trying.

{You watch as Odile repeats the ritual you showed her. You are a little curious about what she whispers into the leaf, but decide not to ask. After folding it, Odile lets go of the leaf, letting it fly off.}

Odile 👓 Now, I still have to stock up in the shop for tomorrow. I’d like to rely on more than a wish for us to make it to the King. I’ll be seeing you in the clocktower, Mirabelle.

{You nod with a smile.}

Mirabelle 🎀 I’ll see you then!

[infoglitch]

Goodbye

"when one joy, one love, one source of happiness ends, a new one begins."

(a formal apology to any nuts n dolts fans who did not want to see a 3-pair of their favorite ship and Jaune.)

@spahhzy, @epic-arc. This war has been on pause for a long while. And I hope you've got your rest, because it's season two now. And I'm the god damn BBEG.

October 31st. modern day.

Ruby: Jaune, it's been five years.

Jaune: I know, I just.. I need to do this Ruby.

Ruby released a sigh from her side of the scroll call.

Ruby: alright. Just don't be late for my birthday Vomit boy.

Jaune: wouldn't miss it for the world Crater face.

Jaune hung up as he got in his car. He inserted the keys with the engine roaring to life.

~~~~

Seven years ago. Beacon.

Penny: friend Ruby, may I inquire who this friend is?

Ruby: ah sure, Penny this Jaune. Aka vomit boy

Jaune: t-that was one time!

Penny: understood friend Ruby. Salutations friend Jaune. I am Penny Pollendina. It is a pleasure to meet one of Ruby's friends!

Penny stuck out her hand. Jaune looked at it before grasping.

Jaune: it's nice to meet you too uh.. friend Penny? Nice to see Ruby isn't just stuck with my team and hers- OW!

jaune yelped as penny grabbed his hands with an almost BONE CRUSHING strength as she began to shake his hand. When she let go jaune yanked back his hand and began blowing on it.

Jaune: ah, ah, AH, ah-ha that's a lot of strength for young lady.

Penny: "a lot of strength for a young lady" is that a problem friend Ruby?

Ruby: no of course not.

Jaune: I just meant for your p-physique you got a lot of strength... Then again I was surprised too when I saw Ruby carrying her weapon.. until I saw she had a good bit of muscle. Your clothes are really good at hiding how strong you are you know that Ruby?

Ruby: well what can I say? I like surprising my enemies.. and sometimes my friends.

Jaune: well it works!

Penny: it is extremely beneficial. when an enemy underestimates you they tend to not take you seriously which can be very dangerous if they find out their opponent is far more strong than they thought

Ruby: why thank you Penny.

Penny: anytime friend Ruby.

~~~~

Five years ago. Atlas.

Jaune found himself awake one night as he heard a knocking at his door. He yawned as he got up.he walked towards his door and opened it to see Penny standing in front of him. Her face red.

Penny: friend Jaune.. I require advice on friend Ruby.

Jaune raised an eyebrow before moving aside and motioning her inside.

After a few seconds.

Jaune: so.. you're asking me advice on Ruby and how to ask her out? Why?

Penny: friend Weiss and the rest of team Rwby were already busy. Specialist Schnee was in a meeting so.. I figured I'd go to you friend Jaune. You've known friend Ruby longer than I have.. not to mention certain feelings you've had about friend Ruby.

Jaune blushed deeply as he looked at Penny.

Jaune: who told you I wanted to date Ruby?

Penny: you did friend Jaune. Just now.

Jaunes blush intensified as he face palmed.

Jaune: w-well.. from my experience with Ruby shes pretty dense. If you want to be with her I'd say be direct.

Penny: ah, that makes sense.. now if I may inquire friend Jaune. Why have you not taken your own advice?

Jaune: well.. it's complicated

Penny: it doesn't seem complex to me, you like friend Ruby romantically yet you have chosen not to pursue those feelings.

Jaune: well yeah but, think about it, I've known Ruby since Beacon, we hung out, we traveled together after the fall, we fought side by side, and I've seen a part of that has almost died before you returned. Seeing her happy when she's with you.. I can't just step in and tell her, that's just a piece of shit behavior.. plus, lets be honest I never had a chance to begin with.

Penny: ah, so what you are saying is you are defeated, friend Jaune.

Jaune: defeated?

Penny: you have convinced yourself that there is no conceivable possibility of you and friend Ruby becoming a pair. You have in a sense defeated your hopes.

Jaune:.. that, that definitely makes sense. But Even if I did try she'd say no.

Penny: even if friend Ruby did, what matters is that you tried, friend Jaune. And it is not as if it would ruin anything between you. You two are friends, nothing can shatter that.

Jaune: huh.. you sure about that?

Penny: affirmative. I do not need to run a diagnostic. For I am certain.

Jaune: huh.. thanks Penny.

Penny: anytime friend Jaune. And thank you for your advice. I am glad we could have this talk.

Jaune: same here Penny, same here.

~~~~

Ruby was pacing back and forth as penny watched.

Penny: Ruby I guarantee you this will go well.

Ruby: how are we sure, I mean me and you are dating and jaunes 100% ok with that, what if he's already made peace with that and moved on. What if-

Penny stood up and grasped Ruby's hand.

Penny: Ruby, you know friend Jaune, we both know Jaune. There is nothing you could say or do that would ruin what you and him have. If he has come to terms then he is still your friend. Nothing will change that.

Ruby: Right.. right. Thank you Pen.

Penny simply smiled at her before kissing her forehead. Causing Ruby to blush a little.

The door soon opened as jaune stepped in, he nervously waved at the two.

Jaune: sorry I'm late. Nora needed help with something.. what did you wanna talk about?

Ruby: well uh.. it's.. you might want to sit down for this jaune.

Jaune simply nodded as he sat down. With Penny and Ruby taking a seat beside each other.

~~~~

Jaune stopped his car once he arrived. He got out and looked at the massive cemetery. Made for those who passed during the silent war. Jaune began walking past each of them. Seeing the names of those who fell.

Arslan Altan.

Mercury Black.

Ghira Belladonna.

Raven Branwen.

Qrow Branwen

Maria Calavera

Athena Nikos.

Oscar Pine.

Pietro Pollendina.

Whitley Schnee.

Emerald Sustrai.

Winter Schnee.

Neptune Vasilias.

Taiyang Xiao long.

Many more names, some jaune recognized and some he didn't. But he stopped one he saw one in specific.

Penny Pollendina.

Jaune knelt down and looked at it.

Jaune: heya pen. How uh, how you been? Ruby is doing alright, she and Yang finally got to grieve together. You should have seen us all, we were letting out the water works.. especially Ruby. I'm amazed I cried the least.. maybe I just got to because hey, I haven't lost anything.. I'm the only one who didn't lose anyone.. but you probably don't wanna hear that so I'll just get to the point.. we miss you Penny. Ruby misses you.. I miss you.. everyone does. You didn't deserve what happened to you, you didn't deserve to die like that, not when you were finally able to be human. Not when you finally had everything you wanted.. you didn't deserve any of what happened, you were just a girl.

Jaune takes a breath as he felt tears beginning to well.

Jaune: I love you Penny, Ruby loves you. We miss you and.. we wish you were here. Ruby may have grieved but.. but I can't, not when you died by my hands, not when your blood stains my blade, not when I'm the reason your gone.. I can never grieve.

Not when you're gone because of my incompetence

[ancientbygone]

i didn’t do it, i didn’t do it for love; what did i do it for?

[sequel piece to kill the sparrow]

[ravennhearted]

Me (whispering to myself as I hit play on Merlin s1ep1 once again): And like the cycle of the year, we begin again