#and when he found the new timeline with a new ava he just. moved into there. and then proceeded to do batshit crazy things | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

zipzin · 1 year ago

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Boomerang Ch 36 - Act Two: Fall 2017, Part II (Also on Ao3)

This chapter puts this story over 100k! I can't really believe it, thank you to everyone who has stuck with it this far and read this behemoth!

There’s a lot of things Sara was prepared for when breaking into Rip’s fancy new time police. A gun immediately pointed at them was expected.

The woman striding over is not.

It takes every ounce of League training Sara has to do nothing more than let her eyes widen, because it can’t be. There’s no fucking way.

She goes to her knees, the cold sting of marble reminding her that this is not a dream. She hasn’t dreamed about Ava in years.

Ava, because it has to be Ava, still hasn’t looked at her, is instead pressing her knee into Ray’s back and calling them losers. With twenty guns aimed at her, Sara can only watch.

What is happening?

Was Ava time traveling this entire time? Did she know Sara was a Legend? Know Sara was alive?

Ray snapped her out of her staring, “Lady, why are you so mean?”

Sara spit out, “Maybe it’s that polyblend pantsuit that got her so grumpy.”

Ava finally looks over at her and Sara barely keeps her breath as her eyes trace over Ava’s face. It’s been 13 years since she’d seen it. Seen her. Ava doesn’t betray anything, still frowning at the three of them as if cursing them to hell for deigning to walk into the lobby, but Sara can see an uneasy swallowing of her throat.

If Sara thought time travel would lead her to this moment, she never would have believed it. It seems more absurd than time travel itself. Being reunited at gunpoint with her high school ex who ghosted her after she moved?

“I didn’t know men’s warehouse gave group discounts.” Nate’s voice dragged Ava’s face away.

They all point their guns at him, but at least he can turn to steel. Sara could probably get the gun from Ava and take out the other guy, but there’s no way she’d be able to get Ray to safety with thirty other agents. Hell, she’d probably not make it to safety.

“Hold your fire!”

Sara let out a breath at the sight of Rip. Surprisingly, she’s happy to see him. She’d thought all she’d feel was blind anger. Apparently having a gun aimed at her team lowers her expectations. They stand up and then Nate is shoving Rip into a pillar.

Well, one of their team wasn’t bought over by facing the end of a barrel.

Of course, it’s the bulletproof one.

Sara snatched the gun from Ava’s hands and pointed it back at her, her fingers trembling minutely. Small enough that she’s the only one that could notice.

“You told Amaya to go back to 1942.” Nate growled out.

“Amaya went back to 1942?” Sara frowned. Of course that’s why Nate was still mad, not because they’d been barred from time traveling. But because he was completely single. She fought the urge to roll her eyes.

“It was her idea.” Rip gritted out. “She wanted to go back home to Zambesi.”

Sara wasn’t even surprised. Without time traveling and saving the world, what was Amaya doing in the present? Tempting the timeline? Hanging with Nate? Nate peeled off, and Sara studied Ava again, who's just staring at her like she’s disappointed.

Sara wants to stick her tongue out at her. Ava doesn’t get to be disappointed. She kept it a secret that she was a time traveling drone for Rip! And she’s the one who used completely excessive force! Sara just walked in!

She realized that everyone else has their weapon down, and Sara relaxed, “Alright. This is just awkward.” She handed the gun back to Ava, being careful to not let their hands touch.

They are here for a reason, not to have weird reunions with ex-best friends. They are getting the Waverider back, because Mick found an anachronism.

“Agent Sharpe, have we seen any activity that would match such a massive historical displacement?” The words make something burn in Sara’s throat.

“Absolutely not, sir.”

Of course she calls him sir.

So Rip has them blow up the Time Masters just to make his own version?

“Well, I guess you must have missed one then.” Sara gave her a fake smile.

Ava turned to her, “I find that very hard to believe, and you know what-” Sara’s heart thrummed with anticipation.

“Ready a go-team and we will meet you at the Op Center.”

Okay, she still has a lot of anger for Rip. But at least they’re getting a tour.

Her heart pounded as they trailed Rip through the Bureau, nodding at the agents as they passed and stared. She wasn’t used to being a celebrity. At least Rip seemed to quell the trigger happy desires of his agents.

It also meant that she couldn’t storm after Ava and demand to know what the hell was going on.

She knew Rip was a bastard, but these kinds of mind games were a lot, even for him.

Sara could barely focus on Rip’s explanations, her mind just replaying seeing Ava over and over again. It was a dream, except she would never imagine Ava in that suit and pointing a gun at her. Or with her hair in such a tight bun. Or, well, she hadn’t dreamed about Ava in years. Why would she ever dream about her being Rip’s lapdog?

Even as Rip blamed them, as if he hadn’t been there himself, and was all smarmy about how important he was, Sara stepped forward, “Yeah, and we get that,” Sara tried to smile, because the mission was getting the Waverider back. Which meant sucking up to Rip. “But all we’re saying is if you wanted to give us the old Waverider back, we would be happy to go down there and take care of it for you.”

Ex girlfriends could wait.

Rip huffed and led them through some hallways until they reached a huge hangar, smug like he hadn’t just led them to the reason they were here. Sara grinned as she looked over the ship. At least one thing went right today.

“I’m sorry but our old ship has been put to a new use.”

Sara frowned at him, what other use could there be besides time travel?

They’d barely left the Waverider before they entered what Sara assumed was the Op Center.

“Do we have a location on Mr. Rory?”

Sara wanted to snort at the title, they acted as if Mick was Professor Stein. But there was Ava Sharpe again, with perfect posture and hair that Sara wanted to take down and finally ask her why the hell she was here.

“We followed a trail of petty larceny reports. He’s been holed up on the beach, running up a room service tab and a serious collection of STDs.” Ava answered primly and Sara clenched her fists. Why was she acting like they were the biggest inconvenience in the world? They’d found an anachronism. Ava wouldn’t even look at them as she instructed the room, what Sara could assume was her team, and then holding up her arm with a dorky, bulky watch on it.

Or maybe not a watch.

Sara blinked as one of the portals she recognized from when they first broke time shimmered into existence and tried to mask her surprise. Where had those been? Rip had miniaturized time travel technology this whole time and never told them? They could of had a bunch of these laying around instead of relying on the Jumpship?

Four people tumbled out of a new portal and Sara could only sigh when she saw Mick’s supposed Caesar.

“Rip, look I’m sorry. I thought that this-”

“The Legends would change?” Rip scoffed at her.

“Since when do we need to change?” Sara frowned, “When you left our team, you said you had nothing left to teach me.”

“Yes well unfortunately all of history suddenly came unglued moments after I’d uttered those words.” He said, “Look I miss the good old days too, Sara. But times have changed.”

“Yeah, and you don’t think you need us anymore. Look, Rip this is our mess. You have to let us fix it.” She pleaded, too aware that the other agents in the room were poorly pretending they weren’t eavesdropping. At least Ava had already left.

“Using your team to fix anything is like doing brain surgery with a chainsaw.”

Sara just stared at him, barely resisting the urge to flip him over. Her team? The one he created and then left in the dust with no indication about his grand plan? She wanted to yell, scream at him that he had been there, right alongside them. She supposed that five years had battered his memory.

She clenched her fists and strode out. Time for plan B.

It felt really, really good to beat up Julius Caesar. Better than whatever villain of the day Oliver had them tracking down. Maybe it was because the team, the full team now, which Sara was still adjusting to Amaya not being a part of the team, was behind her supporting her. Ray and Nate were making stupid jokes and Stein was calling things astonishing again.

She had to focus on getting them back to the Time Bureau. Or well, stay out of Jax’s way as he made the repairs. The decision pounded in her head, the disappointed faces of the others, and the twist in her gut that she was electing to ignore.

If they could show Rip they could play ball, then maybe “All will be forgiven” meant a lot more than not being arrested for stealing a time ship.

And maybe, no, she wasn’t going to dwell on that. Ava fucking Sharpe wasn’t important right now. Whatever Sara’s thoughts on that, and there weren’t any, she reminded herself, they didn’t matter.

They’d get this anachronism to Rip and they’d be on their merry way, solving anachronisms. Not working for Sink, Shower, and Stuff.

“Have you come to gloat?”

She stared up at Caesar, not even realizing that her feet had led her there.

“Or to grant me the mercy of taking my own life?”

Her eyes narrowed, “Getting beaten by a woman bothers you that much?”

“Yes.”

At least he was honest.

“If your intention is neither boasting nor mercy, to what do I owe the honor of this visit?”

It couldn’t hurt, Sara figured, he was one of the greatest tactical minds of the, whatever century Nate had said. She waved her hand over the brig’s door. It wasn’t like he could hurt her, she’d handily destroyed him and took all his weapons.

He stood up, “You doubt your present course of action and seem to believe that Caesar holds the key to resolving it.”

“There’s nothing to resolve.” She said evenly. And there wasn’t, if they returned him to the Time Bureau, then, Sara’s hands clenched. “My course of action isn’t up to me.”

“So you believe your future lies in the hands of the Three Fates?”

Sara rolled her eyes, she always forgot with these ancient types. “No. It lies in the hands of a group called the Time Bureau.” Notably Rip and her old best friend who she never thought she’d see again. “And if I go against them now, they’ll take my ship. And if I screw this up, then I lose everything.” She couldn’t go back to Sink, Shower, and Stuff.

Not just because she was pretty sure her ex manager would rehire her.

“And that’s all you’re willing to wager for greatness? Pompey said he would have my head for going against the Senate, but when I lead my army across the Rubicon, Rome will welcome me as a god.”

“Well, I wish I shared your confidence.” Probably not the right time to mention that the Senate decides to stab him.

He grabbed her arms, “It cost me eight years and countless centurions to conquer Gaul. But with an Amazonian queen like you by my side, I could make short work of the rest of the world.”

Sara stared at him for a second. Was he serious? Jesus, men were so easy. “Conquering the world does sound nice. But I don’t need you to do it.” Hell, he’d probably die of the plague within five months. She pushed him back into the cell and closed the door.

“Ship’s fixed Cap.” Jax leaned against the wall.

“Fixed enough to get us back to the Time Bureau?”

“Mm-hmm,” Jax looked to the ground.

Sara looked back to the cell, where Caesar was sitting back down. He really thought they could conquer the world. Well, he probably thought that he could conquer the world on his own, but he wanted her at his side. “How about ancient Rome?”

Jax looked way too excited, “Only one way to find out.”

She wasn’t going to regret this, Sara determined. They would drop him off and everything would go smoothly, and Rip would have no choice but to let them keep the Waverider. There was no point walking in and handing him the keys.

I can take care of myself. The words rolled in Sara’s head and Sara actually stuck her tongue out at her. Apparently, taking care of herself meant getting kidnapped by Julius Caesar. How’s that going for you, Sara wanted to scream.

Unfortunately fighting with Ava was fun, Sara thought absentmindedly as she swung around on a chain. Easy, seamless, and annoyingly nice when all Ava had done today was give her petty stares like she had personally offended her.

Which wasn’t fair.

Ava was the one who left. Never called. She couldn’t stand here like Sara was the issue. Like everything Sara knew was suddenly up in the air because Ava knew about time travel and her and hadn’t even tried to reach out.

Let alone the fact that Sara had just saved her ass because these suits didn’t know anything but flashing people’s memory and putting them back where they should be.

Sara grinned back at her after Mick knocked Caesar out, “See, problem solved.”

“I’ve got to say, Ms. Lance,” Sara held back a scoff, Ms. Lance? Was she a fucking grade school teacher now? What the hell? “Now that I’ve seen your team in action with my own eyes,” Sara smirked back at Mick. “You are even worse than I imagined.”

Sara turned back to her and spit out, “You’re welcome.”

She was done with her.

All she wanted was to talk. To say, hey I knew you years ago and a lot of shit has happened you wanna sit for a second? But no, Ava was acting like this instead, as if Sara’s existence was a threat to everyone’s personal safety.

Sara clenched her fists as she marched back to the Waverider, Mick hot on her heels. She’d kill Rip if he tried to take the ship back.

“Can you believe her?” Sara huffed to Mick once Rip and Ava left. At least they were able to keep their ship.

Mick grunted.

“She’s acting like we ruined everything. And the anachronism’s fixed! Right, Gideon?”

“Correct, Captain.”

“Thanks,” Sara mumbled, “Like sorry Ava Sharpe, what’s your issue? You can’t even have a conversation with me before deciding I’m terrible?” Sara felt something in her chest sour. Would it kill her to pretend that Sara wasn’t the worst person on Earth? “Sorry I haven’t seen you for fucking years.”

“Hmm.” Mick hummed as he grabbed himself a beer and gave her one.

Sara took a swig. Normally, she’d want whiskey, but the beer was right there. And drinking with Mick, even if she knew he wasn’t really paying attention, was less pathetic than alone.

She really thought she was done drinking about Ava.

“Fuck the Time Bureau.” Mick toasted.

“Fuck em.” Sara responded and they clanged bottles together.

She frowned at the window showing the swirling green of the temporal zone. There was no point on spending more time or energy, on trying to figure out what Ava’s problem was or why it felt like she’d been replaced with an utter stranger. They had anachronisms to fix.

#avalance #lot #my writing: avalance #my writing: lot #my writing #mine #boomerang au

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singledarkshade · 2 years ago

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The Path Not Taken

The boy who would become Rip Hunter is moved to another time and place, so the Time Masters won't find him, and grows up with a completely different life. Moving to Central City to work at Star Labs, he makes some new friends and finds a life there. But echoes of who he might have been remain.

Author’s Note: Thanks to ams75 who after I told a very basic idea to encouraged me to flesh it out then write the story. And gave me the title. A lot of this is based around season one and season two of The Flash.

Hope you enjoy.

Prologue

Gideon walked into the medical bay and stared at the boy lying unconscious on the medical couch. He was thin and pale under the dirt; his clothes were rags and the small dagger he had kept in his left boot was on the shelf under a forcefield. He had snuck onto the ship sometime during their last mission and had been found because he was trying to force the doors open to get away.

“You must return him,” Gideon stated to Sara who was reading the scans on the boy readying the system to heal him.

Confused the blonde turned to her, “Why?”

Grimacing, Gideon wished the other woman would, for once, just do as she was told by someone who knew more than she did without asking pointless questions.

“Please just trust me,” Gideon pleaded, “The boy must be returned to his place in history or everything you know will unravel.”

Sara folded her arms stubbornly, “Gideon, he is ten years old and so sick that he’ll not survive long unless we do something.”

“I know,” Gideon stated softly, “But he has a place in history that cannot be tampered with. It is imperative that you return him.”

Sara shook her head, “I’m sorry, Gideon but until you can give me a real reason then I won’t abandon this kid to the streets.”

Sighing Gideon gave in, “That little boy will one day become Rip Hunter. He is intrinsically connected to your and everyone on this ship’s timeline. You must return him.”

Nate frowned as he looked down at the boy, Sara had called the team down to discuss the information Gideon had given on the child’s identity.

“It’s hard to believe that this is Hunter as a kid,” Nate mused, “Part of me always thought he just emerged fully grown and irritating.”

“Well, we saw him when we went to the Refuge,” Ray noted, “And now I’m looking properly, I recognise it is him as a kid.”

Sara rolled her eyes at him, “The reason I wanted to talk to you is because I thought we should discuss what we do with him.”

“What do you mean?” Ava asked.

Sara turned to her girlfriend, “Gideon wants us to return him to where he came from where the Time Masters will pick him up. But I think we should give him another chance. Place him somewhere safe so he can grow up to have a better life than the one he had.”

“Sounds like the best thing,” Zari mused, before turning to Gideon confused, “Why would you not want that for him? I thought you two were close.”

Gideon shook her head, “Of course I want that for him. Rip deserved so much better in his life than he got, but if you change the fate of this child, then everything changes. Not just for him but every one of you. You have to understand that.”

“Zari has hacked history before,” Sara reminded her, “We can work it so that putting him somewhere safe won’t harm us.”

Sighing as Zari and the others all nodded in agreement, Gideon grimaced, “I will not help with this.”

“We don’t need your help,” Ava told her.

“This will not end well for you,” Gideon stated, “Trust me on that.”

She looked down at the child lying on the couch, stroking his hair affectionately before walking out leaving the rest of the Legends watching her.

*********************************************

Sara checked the scans making sure that all the damage to the little boy’s lungs had been reversed and he was completely healthy, gave him a dose of the amnesia pill before she nodded to Ray. Ray gently lifted the little boy into his arms, and they walked off the camouflaged ship into the children’s home. Zari had contacted the home pretending to be the police and telling them they’d found a child with nowhere to go. It was decided that the 1980s was the best place to place him, the systems allowed them to insert him without too much background required.

Gideon had disappeared, refusing to help them at all. Sara had ensured that the former AI couldn’t remove the boy from the medical bay by having one of the team there at all times as a guard. She could access the Waverider systems as if she was still connected to them but wouldn’t be able to take any of them on physically. In fact this was the first time she’d gone against Sara’s orders since she’d become human.

Despite not talking to any of them Sara had spotted Gideon sitting with the boy every so often, comforting him the few times he’d been sleeping and not under sedation with stories or singing to him.

They handed the boy over to the woman in charge of the home who assured them that the little boy would be looked after and left the child, who would no longer become Rip Hunter, in a safe place.

Stepping back onto the Waverider, Sara frowned when she came face to face with Gideon.

“I beg you to reconsider,” Gideon said softly, “You are about to change things in ways you cannot even comprehend. And the moment you enter the time stream, it will be too late to change it.”

“We’ve considered everything,” Sara replied, “I know you’re nervous about this, but Zari and Ava know what they’re doing.”

Gideon shook her head and sighed, “You are a fool followed by fools.”

Without another word Gideon walked away.

Sara grimaced calling after her, “We’re about to leave. You’ll need to strap in.”

Gideon ignored her and disappeared along the corridor. Shaking her head, Sara headed up to the bridge where the rest of the team were waiting.

“Okay,” Sara said, “Time to go.”

“Where’s Gideon?” Zari asked concerned.

Sara shrugged, “Sulking. She knows we’re about to go into the time stream, so she’ll be fine.”

Sliding into the pilot’s chair, Sara lifted the Waverider off the ground. Aiming to enter the time stream, the ship never made it as it was erased from history along with everyone onboard the moment it crossed the threshold from normal space.

Chapter One

#ripfic #legends of tomorrow #rip hunter #gideon #alternate universe

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pandoras-princess · 4 years ago

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Next Best Thing (Tommy Shelby x fem!reader, John Shelby x fem!reader)

*gif not mine//credit to owner

A/N: Hello my lovelies! 🌸 Welcome to my first ever Peaky Blinders fic, I wrote it ages ago and have just edited it slightly so my apologies if the quality isn’t greaaat but the other parts will be better I promise! 😅 This is an AU fanfic where John never married Martha or had kids before he married Esme and there is no Grace for Tommy andddd the timeline is absolutely wack, I know it’s a lot so if you’re in the market for a traditional by the book Peaky Blinders fic this one is not for you I’m afraid 🤗 also if you’re finding it a bit slow I advise you to hang in there until after the time skip because that’s the better half of this part in my opinion, nevertheless I seriously enjoyed writing this so Happy Reading Peoples! 🥳🥳 as ever I appreciate every like, reblog and follow, feedback is forever welcome 😌

Summary: Being the bestfriend of Jonathan Shelby meant that you’d grown up attached at the hip. And considering you were hopelessly in love with him, life was eventful to say the least. With John marrying Esme you decide it’s high time you got over him. And as they say the best way to get over someone is to get under someone else...

Pairing: (OOC) Thomas Shelby x fem!reader, John Shelby x fem!reader

Warnings: Swearing, violence, smoking and drinking, mentions of addiction, mentions of sex but no smut I’m afraid

PART TWO PART THREE PART FOUR

━◦ ♡ ◦━◦ ♡ ◦━◦━◦ ♡ ◦━◦ ♡ ◦━

Being John Shelby's best friend was definitely not an easy job.

You and John were the exact same age, born on the same day of the same month of the same year, precisely one hour and eleven minutes apart, and since your family only lived one house away from the Shelby's it was a given that you and John would grow up to be best friends.

You were as good as family to them, so when your father was killed in the war and your mother unable to cope turned to the drink and drugs, you were left officially orphaned at age 10 and Polly arranged for you to live with them, raising you as her own.

Growing up with the Shelby's came with it's challenges. They were all fiercely protective of you but no one more so than John. When you were kids he'd beat up anyone that dare made you cry, or sad or angry or anything other than happy really, and as you grew older and began to date he'd scare away anyone deemed not up to scratch, which seemed to be pretty much all of them, threatening violence known around Small Heath as common behaviour for the Peaky Blinders. This meant that you never really had a boyfriend, or many boys interested in you at all for that matter, and any who were rarely had the balls to act on it for fear of the Peaky Blinders wrath. However this didn't bother you much as there was only ever one boy you truly wanted interested in you, the one boy who never would be interested in you.

Of course being a teenage girl you'd had your silly crushes, Tommy being one of them. But they all paled in comparison to what you felt for John.

Being best friends meant that the two of you spent practically all of your time together, did everything together, went through and dealt with everything together. He had always been your shoulder to cry on, your ear to bend, your hugs and smiles and laughs, your safe place. It was inevitable that you'd fall for him. And fall for him you did, painfully obvious to everyone except John himself.

Shortly after your 16th birthday, you were reading a book by the fire, a woven blanket strewn across your legs and a steaming mug of hot chocolate warming your hands when John bursts into the house loud, drunk and jolly. He often snuck out to join his brothers in their shenanigans - whether it be business or pleasure - and you were all too happy to listen to his stories when he came home.

You watched John intently as he regaled to you his latest night out. You watched the corners of his mouth twitch ever so slightly as he spoke, a smug smile tracing his lips every so often. His eyes glistened from the whiskey and his lips were wet. A cigarette clasped lazily between his fingers, his eyes closed for a split second whenever he took a drag. Deep in admiration of the boy sitting in front of you, you didn't quite notice the change of events in the story.

"-and then she walked right up to me and kissed me!"

It was at that point that your attention snapped back, ears pricking up and heart racing as you go over what he'd just said. But too excited to wait, John didn't give you the chance to work out if you had misheard him.

"Well before I know it she's got me in the back alley dress hiked up going at me like a feral she was. Can ya believe it after all this time I'm finally a man aha!" John exclaims, a goofy, ear-splitting grin plastered on his face.

He spares any explicit details, knowing it was no way to talk with a lady no matter how close they are to you or how drunk you may happen to be. Nevertheless, upon hearing those final words coupled with the look of pure elation on his face, your heart shatters into millions of ice cold shards right before your eyes. The pain that was rapidly building in your chest and the image of John with some tart, skirt bunched around her waist fucking like dogs in the alley was too much for you to bear. A wave of nausea washes over you and you stand abruptly, dashing to the loo before the contents of your stomach emptied onto the carpet.

A few minutes later you hear faint knocks on the door.

“Ye alright in there love?” John asks, concern lacing his words.

“All good” you reply quickly, willing your voice to steady itself.

Wiping the sheen of sweat from your forehead you collapse into a heap against the wall, and a sigh escapes your lips as you wrack your brain for the exact moment you had lost him. While John had never shown any signs of liking you, you were always able to draw hope from the relationship you two had, no matter how blind it may have been. Now though, he had dashed that hope, blind or otherwise, as he had given himself to someone else. He had openly chosen not to be with you.

Not to be yours.

Fobbing John off with some excuse about a dodgy dinner you quickly retreat to bed, going without giving him a hug, unable to bring yourself to touch him. And from that day onwards you lived with the knowledge that your love was unrequited. You lived with loving him, and him not loving you.

For the most part it was rather easy. John wasn't the kind for serious relationships - preferring causal sex to the committed kind - so you never really had to deal with any girlfriends or the lark, just the occasional tart interested in him on the rare nights out you tagged along. Even then, you soon learned not to go on any nights out without Ava or Polly present and so the issue of John and his women quickly became dormant. That was, however, until John agreed to marry Esme Lee.

Tommy came to you before asking John, asking for your help in convincing him. He knew John would come to you with it asking for advice before deciding. Tommy explained his plan, marry John off to the Lee girl forcing them to squash the war and join forces to overthrow Billy Kimber. It was simple enough and since you'd already accepted there was never to be a you and John, you agreed.

The time came and sure enough John came to you, confused and somewhat annoyed at Tommy's rough handed approach, and sure enough you stayed true to your word, telling him it was nothing new, people had arranged marriages all the time.

So on he went to marry her, your true feelings unknown to the man.

[2 years later]

"You shouldn't be working here you know. John certainly wouldn't like it" Tommy said, a smile tugging at his lips as he watched you carefully wipe down the bar surface. He was referring to your new job as barmaid in the Garrison and having just finished your first shift you were cleaning up. Last orders had been and gone and every punter had now left the pub, drunk and merry on their ways.

After John married Esme you spent the next two years much to yourself. You embraced the spinster lifestyle and faded away into the passing days. However it was the turn of a new year and to everyone's joy you'd come to your senses, deciding it was high time you stopped wasting your life moping after John. He didn't love you - that much was clear - but somebody out there must and so it was time for you to move on, you thought. Reinvent yourself. This 'new you' started with marching into Tommy's office and demanding the new barmaid job. Surprisingly he offered no resistance, merely a quizzical look at your sudden determination before giving you the job. So here you were, your first shift done and nobody left in the place but you and your new boss.

"Well it might surprise you to know, Mr Shelby, but I don't abide my decisions by what John would or would not like me doing" you reply. Finishing up you leave the cloth on the bar and make your way over to the table, taking the chair adjacent to his.

"Is that so?" He asks, his piercing blue eyes meeting yours as he offers you a cigarette. You accept, bending down slightly to the offered flame and without breaking eye contact, you light the cigarette and take a drag, exhaling as you sit back up.

"Yes, Thomas, that is so" you reply, the use of his name making clear your exasperation with the questioning.

"Very well then, a toast-" he picks up the bottle of whiskey and pours some into each glass, placing one in front of you and taking one himself "-to your new job, and to your new found freedom" he says, locking eyes with you on his last words and clinking your glass before you both down it. If growing up with the Shelby's had taught you one thing it was how to hold your liquor.

Soon you and Tommy were halfway through the bottle and quite drunk, too caught up in the fun to notice. It was now something past 3 in the morning; you and Tommy had been talking, drinking and laughing for nigh on 3 hours now, going through old stories of your childhoods, stories from before you were born and from afterwards, stories of your parents and stories of his.

"So tell me, what is the meaning behind this sudden change in you then?" Tommy inquired, only too happy to see your old self back again.

Before you knew it the whiskey had gotten the better of you and you found yourself telling him the reason. You told him about John, about your love for him, about that night and about how you'd come to terms with it and decided to move on.

"Besides, it's not like he was the first boy I ever liked, so I'm quite sure he won't be the last" you state matter of factly, unaware of the storm you had just brewed.

See, unbeknown to you, Tommy was fully aware of everything you had just poured out to him. He knew about your love for John. He knew the deepest parts of your heart, your mind, your soul. Every crush and fling you'd ever experienced Tommy knew all about it, thanks to a little book you liked to keep hidden under your mattress. You had been detailing all matters of yourself in that little black journal for as long as you could write. Polly happily replacing it when you found your current one full, it was much easier than finding a shoulder to cry on every time you needed one. When Tommy came across it he had no idea what it was, merely out of curiosity did he open it and start reading.

"Oh, who was?" Tommy asked, lighting another cigarette. Following suit you decide to take a minute to weigh up your options, drinking in the smoke as you did.

"You” your voice remains deceptively steady, not wanting the man watching you so closely, so attentively, to become aware of the raging swarm of butterflies occupying your stomach.

"Is that so?" Tommy pulls on his own cigarette, the smoke rising from his lips as his eyes lock onto yours. "So what changed then?" His eyebrow arches perfectly, a smirk gracing his lips.

"You're 4 years older than me! There was no way you'd ever look at me as anything other than an annoying little sister!” You say in a chuckle, the fiery whiskey encompassing all of your thoughts in a humorous glow.

"And if I told you I do look at you as something other than an annoying little sister?" His eyes flick to your lips for a millisecond before returning to your own (E/C) orbs. If you’d have blinked you would’ve missed it, but your full attention being fixed on the man before you meant that you hadn’t.

"Well... that would certainly change things." The possibility of one of your fantasy's coming true ignited you to your very core.

Silently, Tom rises from his seat and offers his hand to you. You take it, and he leads you to his office with the worst of intentions in mind.

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bluerosesburnblue · 4 years ago

Note

I hope you don't mind this ask, but... Any theories / speculations about the most recent story update for KHUX?

Oh, I don’t mind at all! I’m glad you asked, actually, because I’ve had some thoughts, though not many new theories of my own, unfortunately. That being said, I can definitely go over how some of my old theories and some of the fandom’s hold up and my thoughts on a few of the new theories I’ve seen floating around

One thing that I’m consistently proud of is how my old guesses about Darkness’s true nature just keep ending up almost right barring some slight details. I made the claim back when Re:Mind first came out that Darkness could be a hive mind of entities that plant bits of themselves in others, and then refined that back in July of 2020 by likening it to a parasite that worms its way into people’s hearts and incorporates itself into them to control them. This past update confirmed that the Darkness we’re fighting is one part of the hive mind that wormed its way into Ven to force him to act out, and that by doing so it detached itself from that hive mind and became incorporated into Ven’s being (which Ven can then shape). So I gotta say I’m pretty pleased about that part

All that’s left to be seen from the July post is if Darkness has a connection to Verum Rex/Quadratum, but I doubt that that will be touched on by the KHUx finale. Though I will say that it’s pretty interesting that the Master of Masters tells Darkness about “a world [he] can’t even conceive,” which seems like it could easily be referring to Quadratum, which also means that Darkness knows about it

That’s pretty much all I have to say on the Ventus/Darkness/Vanitas connection, but there’s still more to cover in this update

One thing that I’ve been trying to figure out is who the cloaked figure right at the start of the update is, Luxu or the MoM. Measuring the sizes and my old guess based on the KH3 Secret Reports both say Luxu, but this brings into question “when,” exactly, the True Dandelion scene takes place as it doesn’t have the dark haze around the edges that they give flashbacks, but is clearly the real-world set of pods as they’re not destroyed AND it’s missing the pod that Maleficent already used. The True Dandelion scene has a lot to unpack, but this scene at the start does make me wonder if Luxu and/or the Master have a way in and out of the datascape that doesn’t involve the pods, otherwise the numbers don’t add up

Also related to the post of mine I just linked is the idea that the Black Box is the datascape. I believe that this might still hold true. It’s interesting to note that they show the scene from Back Cover where Luxu is given the box in the first place just prior to the reveal that using the lifeboats to escape starts the process to seal it off and have the real Daybreak Town fall to darkness, and the Master’s “hint” to Luxu involves this very process. Why would Luxu be forbidden to open the box? Quite possibly because it contains the infected datascape meant to seal off the vast majority of the Darkness hive mind. And several Dandelions. It is both the “hope” mentioned in KH3 through those Dandelions, as well as a trap to keep Darkness out of being able to interfere for quite a long time

Now, the questions that I’m sure are on everyone’s minds are “who is the True Dandelion,” and “who are the ones who use the lifeboats?” Let’s start with the True Dandelion, as there’s far less moving pieces involved in that one

I won’t take credit for coming up with any of these options, I’m just going to discuss the logistics of them. So the candidates for the True Dandelion in, what is in my opinion, the least likely option to the most likely option, are:

Kairi: I’ve seen this one floating around and... honestly don’t believe it at all due to the sheer amount of logical contortions that you have to do to make it work. To wit:

Where the hell would she even come from if it was Kairi? As can be clearly seen with Ven, is stated to be true with Subject X, and is implied to be true of Lauriam/Elrena, those who travel to the future using the pods will regenerate their bodies at the age they were when they used the pods. Which would make Kairi at the oldest a four-year-old. Four years prior to KHUx was when Brain was told that he was a Union Leader. So she either would have been just born immediately prior to the war and was just... stolen or something? And we never saw? Or just after the war, where she would probably have to be the child of a Dandelion that got teen pregnant because they’re supposed to be both kids and the only survivors? Or Luxu and Ava’s kid somehow? Like, what? The timeline is just insane with that

If she was born before the war... you would assume that the True Dandelion would be, you know, a Dandelion. Which would mean that Ava handed a Keyblade to and recruited a literal toddler. This would also retcon Aqua being the one to accidentally pass the ability to wield a Keyblade down to Kairi and I refuse to make theories predicated on “the author will retcon this.” You just open up a huge can of worms doing that

The body wrapped in white looked a hell of a lot bigger than a four-year-old to me

I am sick to death of “this character was secretly from the Age of Fairytales~” being employed by the narrative. It’s happened at least three times already (four if you count Luxu). Enough already

Ventus: Ven has some hints, though some notable contradictions to it being him

On the one had, the sheet that the True Dandelion is wrapped in is extremely similar to the one that Xehanort wrapped him in when planning to leave him on Destiny Islands in BBS and there’s a possibility that Xehanort may have found him in that very sheet if he regenerated wearing it

On the other hand: Ventus might not have even been a Dandelion in the first place (he definitely wasn’t a Union Leader, but I don’t know if it was ever said whether he was selected as a regular Dandelion or not), and there’s the timing of the scene that I mentioned above. It’s definitely after Maleficent used her lifeboat but before anyone else used theirs (when you would expect Ven to remain with his friends) and, since the scene doesn’t have the flashback effect, it’s implied to be happening concurrently with everything else, so Ven should still be fighting Darkness in the datascape while it’s happening and eliminating him from being this particular person

Strelitzia: Oh, boy, have we got some nice old hints to Strelitzia, but still a few logical contortions, just like Ven

The white sheet is coming back up again. Namely, the fact that we still have an unexplained scene where Strelitzia appears to Lauriam in a dream wrapped in a white cloak, though it’s of a different style than the one that the True Dandelion is in. That scene also featured flower petals being blown into the wind, much like a dandelion seed (though, notably, the petals that are blown aren’t Dandelion seeds)

The question is, yet again, one of timing. How would Luxu get her body? While she was only introduced in KHUx, her scenes are all flashbacks to before the war, so we know that she was struck down in the real world, not the datascape. We see her body dissolve into light and her heart be released. Now, technically you only need a heart to time travel (actually, a heart is the only thing that can time travel), but Luxu is clearly seen putting a body into the machine. A machine that only allows for time travel because it destroys the body. If he had her heart, he wouldn’t need to use the lifeboat because she’s already in a state to time-travel on her own and this eliminates the possibility of him putting her Nobody into the machine, because without a heart it would just evaporate her body leaving... absolutely no heart to go to the future with

Now, Luxu theoretically could have grabbed her heart. We know that he was hanging around Daybreak Town at the time while observing thanks to his fight with Ava, but Strelitzia is struck down just after the fight with Ava starts so it’s very likely that Luxu was too preoccupied to retrieve her heart before it was gone. Speaking of Luxu’s fight with Ava...

Ava is my current top pick for the True Dandelion candidate due to the sheer number of questions it answers and how few it raises

Ever since KH3 came out, the question of “where the heck is Ava?” has been buzzing around as a major mystery. Her last chronological point of appearance is the same as the other Foretellers: the Keyblade War itself, where she’s shown leading her Union to battle. Notably, she seems resigned to her part in this, and this is the first and only time we see her after her battle with Luxu where he reveals to her the Master’s true plans. Melody of Memory seems to imply that the other Foretellers managed to skip to the future by going to another world, Quadratum (or at least this is the most likely explanation as there’s not enough pods to send all four of the other Foretellers AND the characters that we know end up in the future to their destination). However, Ava isn’t with them and Luxu knows what happened to her

It would be easy to write this off as them trying to drop Ava from the narrative or her not being important, but her chess piece is included in the “Eraqus and Xehanort foreshadow the next saga” chess game on the far right of the board and Nomura confirms that they represent the Master’s six apprentices, i.e. the five Foretellers + Luxu. So, Ava is necessary in the upcoming saga and yet, she didn’t get to the future the same way as any of the Master’s other apprentices leaving her open to get there via a lifeboat

Ava is the very founder of the Dandelions, who all of the others look up to and defer to and was spoken of heavily in the scene just prior to the True Dandelion reveal. That’s grounds for being called the True Dandelion if I’ve ever seen one

Luxu would very easily be able to ensure that Ava would be able to make it to the future. Just like with the Master of Masters, he already has the memories necessary for her to use to regenerate a body, and either her Keyblade or her mask would make for effective mediums that wouldn’t be too difficult for Luxu to take. If he put her in the white cloth, he probably took her mask off already

Ava hasn’t been around for the events of KHUx, so there’s no timeline discrepancies if it’s her

So, now that we have an idea of who the True Dandelion could be, let’s talk about the rest of the lifeboats and how they might fit together. For the purposes of this discussion, let’s assume that the True Dandelion can’t be one of the Union Leaders and that their battle with Darkness is taking place at the same time as Luxu is sending off the True Dandelion. I’ll be referencing an old theory of mine, while making additions now that it’s clear that there’s two sets of lifeboats: the Data Set and the Real Set

Right now, there’s an equal number of Real Pods and Data Pods: 5 each. For the Data Pods, of the seven that we started with, one was used by Maleficent and one was damaged in the battle between Maleficent and Lauriam. As for the Real Pods, one has been used by Maleficent, and one has been used by the True Dandelion. This leaves us with five each.

We can narrow this down further by eliminating people that we know end up in the future. These are:

Ventus

Subject X, who is most likely Skuld based on her description

Lauriam

Elrena* (of note with Elrena is that we actually have no idea where the hell she is at the moment or how she’s going to get into the pods. Furthermore, while every other lifeboat user sans Maleficent has been shown to have amnesia upon waking and Lauriam/Marluxia directly indicates as such applies to him, too, in KH3, Elrena/Larxene’s KH3 scene and character file short story both indicate that she recalls Lauriam and possibly Strelitzia, though she also seems surprised at the idea that she’s part of an ancient Keyblade legacy. I won’t deny that there’s a possibility that she doesn’t use a lifeboat and ends up in the future by other means based on the discrepancies)

So with three confirmed cases, we’re left with one ambiguous case in Elrena and three more possible candidates: Ephemer, Brain, and Player. Four people, and two pods

I want to make it clear that despite what I brought up against Elrena, I do think that she’ll be using one of the lifeboats if only so that KHUx has narrative consistency. They introduced Elrena, they made her part of the investigation on Strelitzia’s whereabouts, so it only makes sense that they need to show us where she ended up for a satisfying conclusion. So let’s slot Elrena in for one of the lifeboats. That leaves one between Player, Ephemer, and Brain

My best guess is that Player won’t be using a lifeboat at all. Not only are they a create-a-character that would be a HUGE pain to try and incorporate into future entries in the series without making a “canon” version and thus ruining their appeal as an avatar, but we haven’t seen or heard mention of them at all in the games set in the present-day. There’s zero indication that they made it, which makes them the most easily eliminated as a lifeboat user

That leaves Ephemer and Brain, and I still believe that Ephemer will be the final lifeboat user, and for the same reasons as stated in the theory I linked at the start of this section. Not only does Brain have the same facial sprite as Eraqus, but he wields the Master’s Defender which will be later passed down to Eraqus and I believe that this eliminates him as a time traveler, despite the fandom’s popular opinion that it confirms it

Because I don’t believe that Brain is Eraqus’s grandfather, but rather his distant ancestor who inherited the No Name and passed down both Keyblades through the ages

So let’s resolve some plot threads taking everything I’ve stated and linked to above into account

My Big Guess for the KHUx Finale

Ventus will use the fact that Darkness is tied to his heart now to give it a physical, but still mostly amorphous form that he, the Union Leaders, and Player can finally take down. Darkness will be sealed inside Ven’s heart, where it will lie dormant until he reaches the future. Eventually, Xehanort will extract it in the form of Vanitas and it will follow Vanitas’s life cycle, ending in him being reabsorbed into Ven at the end of BBS. Darkness, now back in Ven’s heart, will make brief contact with Sora during the events of Re:Mind

Lauriam, upon learning that the world will be sealed with the use of the lifeboats, will attempt to rescue his partner, Elrena. Both will take lifeboats out of the datascape and into the future, whereupon they will be recruited into Organization XIII by Luxu’s current incarnation, Xigbar, likely to keep an eye on them. I believe there might be a squabble among Ephemer, Skuld, Brain, and Player among who will use the final lifeboats (each person nominating others besides themselves), but ultimately they will settle on Ephemer and Skuld

Skuld will wind up amnesiac in the future Radiant Garden and is discovered by Ansem the Wise and his apprentices and dubbed Subject X. She becomes Xehanort’s favorite test subject due to the similarities in their amnesia and possibly some lingering memories that he has that don’t quite belong to him (KHDR Xehanort certainly seems to want to meet his “old friends” very badly)

Ephemer’s heart will wind up in the Keyblade Graveyard as I mentioned in an old theory, unable to manifest a body due to the lack of a medium present. Through this state of being just a heart (and possibly related to those old talks about him being “unchained”), he will be able to enact the Light of the Past moment from KH3, and may very well be revived for future events in the series

This leaves Brain and Player behind in the datascape. However, you may remember one detail that I brought up, but neglected to fully expand on until now. There is a difference between the Data Pods and the Real Pods. While all of the Real Pods have been used up at the time of my proposed sequence of events, the Data Pods have not been. One was never used, only damaged. This leaves open the possibility that it can also be repaired (Also, I’m just gonna say it. Player’s met someone recently who has a magic hammer that can repair anything... might not come back but also totally could). Brain and Player could then repair the final pod and, in a callback to when Player was sent to Game Central Station, have them both agree once again that Player is the more expendable person in the scenario. Brain will take the repaired pod, leaving no way out of the datascape for anyone else, while Player stays behind to be sealed away for the time being (this could also be a callback to the original KHx, where Player also stayed behind to take part in the war instead of fleeing with the Dandelions, as they refused to leave their party behind)

When Brain escapes, however, he will be met with a Daybreak Town with no Real Pods left, as Luxu used one on the True Dandelion. Now that the seven pods have all been used up and the real Daybreak Town is falling to darkness, Luxu will take a corridor out as the Master instructed, but bring the newly appeared Brain along with him (either that or Brain emerges after Daybreak Town falls, either is possible) and bequeaths the No Name onto him. Brain, stranded in the past while all of his friends have been sent to the future, will be Luxu’s new apprentice and rebuild the fallen Daybreak Town as Scala ad Caelum, then pass down both of his Keyblades: Master’s Defender to his biological descendants, and No Name to his apprentices

As for the Master of Masters? I think he’s already taken an eighth lifeboat (you’ll note that there’s space right in the center of the cluster where one more could theoretically fit) and had done so before the start of the original KHx. He’ll be revived at some point in Xehanort’s young adult life to goad him into his insane plans as seen in Re:Mind, then duck into Quadratum to hang out until the next arc in the franchise, as hinted at with his appearance in the KH3 Secret Movie

(He is most definitely not Sora. He’s clearly bound to the same rules of time travel as everyone else which means that Sora couldn’t go back in time to become him as that would be long before the point in time where Sora was born and that breaks KH time travel rules. Not to mention that the Master talks about Quadratum in this update like he’s never seen it before until it came up in the No Name’s range of vision. Sora is literally in Quadratum right now, he’d definitely know what it was already if he was the Master)

And I do believe that should cover everyone’s whereabouts by the end of the game and into the next arc of Kingdom Hearts with minimal plot holes

This is just my best guess, putting together details that I’ve been accumulating for the past year and a half or so into what sounds like a coherent sequence of events that bridge the gap between KHUx and KH3 and beyond. There may be some details I get wrong, obviously. Nomura has been known to be... unpredictable. But I think, based on the evidence we have at hand, that this is the most logical series of events to end the game on and I’m really interested to see how close this gets to the actual finale we see

#anon asks #liz answers #kingdom hearts #khux #i hope that my big guidelines post didn't intimidate you anon #asking me my thoughts on things or if i can do a lore explanation are totally fine!#those guidelines only exist because people were shoving their own theories and opinions AT me without it actually being a discussion #felt like i was being talked over #but something like this is actually encouraged so thank you!#i hope you uh... enjoy because this is a LONG one #about 3500 words and that's not including my old posts that i linked to

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page-doctor-bekker · 3 years ago

Text

transfemme!sarah au

thinking about transfemme!sarah

literally coming up with this au on the fly but here you go

this is literally so long but whatever i like it

there are a couple trigger warnings in this (suicide, hate crimes), they’re listed in bold italicized writing before and after the trigger so you can easily skip them. this is in bullet point format.

anyways i love this and i'm obsessed with it so enjoy! first chicago med au. it doesn't really have a name yet but i'm tagging it transfemme!sarah for now

from the minute sarah was born she was definitely different, and her parents actually had her tested for autism

then got her tested again when the first one was negative. and then again when the second one was negative.

her parents were actually so positive that she was autistic that finally one of the psychologists ended up giving her a PDDNOS (pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified) diagnosis until a therapist suggested gender dysphoria

i mean back then kids weren’t trans they were just Troubled(tm)

so up until she was about nine or so they figured she just didn’t have enough care for social cues that she didn’t understand gender enough to act like a boy instead of acting like a girl. she refused to wear “boy’s” clothes which was mistaken for sensory issues, had anger issues and outbursts that were mistaken for meltdowns, they really thought she was autistic

i mean. she pretended to breastfeed baby dolls for christ’s sake.

anyways once her therapist figured this out, she was discharged and transferred to a gender specialist psychologist who revoked the pddnos diagnosis and switched it to a gender dysphoria diagnosis

sarah’s mom was completely on board and had quietly suspected it herself but her dad

hooo boy her dad

her dad hated the idea so much that he basically walked out and never came back

sarah started going by sarah because she loved sarah from hocus pocus

anyways she was 9 when she changed her name and she moved schools because she was getting bullied

when she was 10 all her girl friends at her new school started growing boobs and getting their periods and sarah started getting really depressed

which ultimately lead her mom to take her to an endocrinologist that specialized in gender diverse care

and she started puberty blockers

sudden new issue: sarah is terrified of needles. her childhood vaccines caused full-blown panic attacks and the blockers were no different.

she is horrifically stubborn and determined to make this work though

so she kept going. and every week she had a panic attack and had to skip her injections a couple times because she just couldn’t handle it

but eventually, her panic attacks got less and less overwhelming with the help of being prescribed a benzo to take fifteen minutes before her injection. eventually once she could handle the injections with the help of the benzo, they tapered it off until she could 100% handle needles sober. this took close to two years, but she did it.

(side note - this positive experience with exposure therapy was why she was so keen on trying it during s3 with dr charles)

so at this point she’s about twelve and still feels left out from her peers. she’s going into middle school, her friends are all growing up physically and she just feels left behind

her mom tries to convince her that some girls are just late bloomers, she can still fit in even if she waits to go on estrogen, nobody is going to suspect a thing, etc etc etc

but it gets really bad. her dysphoria gets terrible and she starts having panic attacks so severe that she had to leave school and be homeschooled.

SUICIDE TW UNDER HERE

then sarah attempts suicide

she spends about a month in the psych ward to recover, and ultimately the doctors advised starting low dose hormone replacement to alleviate her dysphoria

SUICIDE TW OVER

sarah cried when she had her first estradiol injection, but this time it was happy tears, not tears of panic

she had injections weekly, and as she started to see changes she got so, so much happier

fat redistributed, her skin got softer, she even started to grow breasts. lots of fun stuff.

they later added progesterone for more effects when she was in highschool

also in highschool she found out she was a lesbian. not important rn but that did happened

her graduation gift from her mom was breast augmentation surgery <3 congratulations sarah ily

after all that, she finally decided she wanted to go into medicine.

so she started college and moved to chicago

the first year of college, she was out and proud and even had an officer position at the gsa on campus

HATE CRIME TW

in her second year she was the victim of a pretty bad hate crime committed by a group of frat boys on campus. she was attacked walking home from a party at night.

HATE CRIME TW OVER

while she recovered from that experience, both mentally and physically, she had to take a gap year from college and move back home with her mother

her mother persuaded her to finish her degree closer to home, so sarah stayed home for the last two and a half years of college, and upon graduating college, she decides to move back to chicago for med school

this time she stays closeted because she has ptsd from college

first three years are uneventful but she does quietly get a bottom surgery consult, but she decides not to move forward for awhile

and that brings us to season one

alrighty season one

as we know there’s a lil mild homophobia and whatnot in the hospital and as a result of that, sarah deals with some lovely compulsive heterosexuality and is still extremely closeted

so she dates joey even though she is most definitely a lesbian in denial but she doesn’t tell him she’s trans out of fear

then things with joey get even more serious and he wants to get intimate with her, so he makes an advance one night when they’re home watching a movie

so she lies her way out of it, says she’s waiting for marriage and not ready and blah blah blah

total lies

she’s a lesbian and she knows this

so anyways she breaks up with him right after she graduates med school, quits pathology to avoid him, and mourns the loss for a bit before she realizes

she wants to move forward with bottom surgery

so she schedules an orchiectomy and has that done during the time before she was hired by dr. charles

for laymen, an orchiectomy is the removal of the the testicles :) typically the first step in multi-stage bottom surgery, which is where you do each stage of bottom surgery at different times

anyways it fits into the timeline because recovery from that procedure takes less than a week

then dr charles hires her for s2, events of s2 go as written

then the sexy ava bekker moves to chicago med from south africa and sarah is SMITTEN

anyways i should probably stop here and avoid spoilers

well whatever i'm open to asks abt this <3

#chicago med world #special interest world #chicago med au #reesker #sarah reese #ava bekker #transfemme!sarah #what do y'all tag your writing as #chicago med #sarah reese x ava bekker #ava bekker x sarah reese #crockettstiddies #i hope you don't mind i tag that #i feel like you'd maybe be into this though? idk #or at least i love your work and would love for you to see mine :)

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shewritestheblues · 4 years ago

Text

The Elevator Bae x Chapter 1

Welp, I was hoping to recover chapters 1-8 but Tumblr is a hot ass mess with curls. So I’m reposting all of them. Here ya’ go my loves.

Chapter ONE

Erik x Black OC (Phoenix)

*NO WARNINGS*

Phoenix nods her head to the beat as Nipsey Hussle’s, Hussle & Motivate blast through her speakers. She’s learned to accept LA and all of its traffic. She’s officially been a Los Angeles resident for about a year now. She moved out here from Detroit. Phoenix packed all that she could fit in her small Chevy Cruz and drove the whole way. Life back home in Detroit was getting way too out of hand for her. Her friends didn’t really seem to support her dreams of being a DJ/Music Producer. Her family wanted her to go back to school and be something normal, like a nurse.

Phoenix worked her ass off with two jobs to fund her dream. Big Sean had heard one of her beats on her Soundcloud and reached out to her. That same beat was soon one of the top charting songs in the country. Artist were hitting Phoenix up left and right, wanting to work with her. Hustling her way into the industry, she was asked to DJ a huge party for Roc Nation in LA and the rest is history. After networking and making connections, she decided that staying in Detroit would hold her back. She didn’t even tell anyone that she was leaving… except her Mom.

She woke up one day and just left. She hasn’t looked back yet. Being in LA, she’s actually made a few genuine friends that not only supports her, but ride for her through thick and thin. They even staged a 4 day sleepover one time when Phoenix had an anxiety attack so bad, she couldn’t leave her apartment.

All in all, Phoenix could really say that she was happy.

-----

Phoenix sings along to every song has she moves her way through traffic. After an afternoon full of meetings, she finally reaches her apartment and turns down into the underground parking garage. Her favorite parking spot is open. As she steps out, she adjust her black leggings and cropped Harvard crewneck. She still sings along to the last song that played, Ari Lennox x BMO, now stuck in her head as she heads for the elevator‍.

A man ahead of steps into the elevator first. When he turns and notices her coming behind him, he holds the door for her.

When she looked up to say thank you, she wasn’t prepared for the man standing in front of her. This man… tall, the sweetest brown skin. His arms were definitely trying to break out of the sleeves of his burgundy fitted tee. His short dreads hung over his face, almost covering his eyes. She’s seen some fine guys since being in LA, but this one...he takes the cake.

“Thank...you”

“No problem.”

His voice… his fucking voice. It hit her like thunder. Has she ever heard a voice so damn sexy?

Then it hit Phoenix… jelly legs. She does her best to lean against the elevator door. The man pulls out a keycard and scans it. He must live in a penthouse. Only penthouse tenants had keycards.

“Which floor?”

“Uhh… Seven.”

The man hit the button for the 7th floor for her. As the doors shut, his cologne took the cabin hostage. It was a mix of Shea butter, cedar wood and vanilla. Phoenix hadn’t realized she closed her eyes as she took in his scent. But, he did. He released a low chuckle that took her from her trance. Her eyes shot open. She cleared her throat and tried to focus on a speck of dirt on her Chanel Slides.

The man opened his mouth to say something but before his words slipped, the elevator doors open. FLOOR 7. Phoenix internally panics, not sure if her legs would fail her. This really wasn’t the time nor place for this shit. She goes for it, rushing out. She made it but once she turned to walk to her door, barely out of site from the gorgeous man in the elevator, her knee buckles. She catches herself on the wall.

“Shit!” She slowly picks herself up, walking slowly to her door. The walk to the other end of the hall felt like 100 damn miles. She made it into her apartment. She drops her keys on the kitchen counter. She flops down on the couch. Dragging her sweaty hands over her face.

“Did I really just sniff this man? Did I really get caught sniffing this nigga?”

——-

The incident ran through her mind probably hundred times throughout the rest of her day. She managed to cook herself some dinner, shower and do a few loads of laundry. With each task, she would stop herself.

“I sniffed this nigga! What is wrong with me? I’m a creep.”

Her brain getting the best of her. She curls up on her couch. She had every intent to catch up on Steven Universe. Her schedule had been so busy that she has weeks of episodes to watch. But she couldn’t focus. All she could think about was this fine man. Why hadn’t she seen him before? And of course that just led back to her thinking about him catching her. She needed a distraction.

Instagram. She picked up her phone and scrolled down her timeline. Her homegirl, Ava, was all over the gram with her new photo shoot. Phoenix left a few comments.

YASSSS BITCH! GO OFF!

REAL HOT GIRL SHIT!

Phoenix continued scrolling. She found her way to her explore page. Liking a few pics of decor and food. And that’s when she saw it. Her ex, Justin, posted with his baby mama. Phoenix broke up with Justin the day before she moved to LA. That same day, she found out he had a baby on the way. That was the extra push she needed to just leave. Justin was her first everything. Her only real boyfriend and he did her dirty. She hadn’t really dated since then. She’d entertain a few of the industry guys that approached her but nothing ever happened. Her feelings were hurt instantly. Even though she had moved on and far away, that shit still stung like it was fresh. She locked her phone. When she needed a distraction, she ain’t mean that. Maybe making a beat would help.

She set up her mini, bootleg studio she created and got to work. It was so easy for her. This was her passion. She even wrote a few lyrics. Time was passing by and before she knew it, it was almost 2am.. she wasn’t surprised at all. She always worked best at night. She was in her zone so she didn’t wanna stop to go to sleep anytime soon.

Phoenix headed to the kitchen. She was going to need some good snacks to match this good creation session she was having. Opening her snack cabinet, she was met with a half eaten bag of plain chips and a pack of Oreos with ONE left.

“Ava is never staying here again. Eating up all my shit.” she says to herself.

She sent her friend a text, not caring that it’s late.

Phoenix: You owe me some snacks you hungry heffa.

Phoenix was determined to finish this night out strong by any means. Even if that means going to the store at 2am. She slid on her FENTY Slides. She refused to put on a bra so she threw on a Nike hoodie and headed out.

——-

The elevator seems to be taking forever. Who in the hell is holding it up this late? Phoenix starts to weigh her options. Tired of waiting, she debates whether she should just go back into her apartment.

DING

Letting out a deep sigh, “Finally!”

Looking up, she freezes. It’s him, sporting a black tank, basketball shorts, Nike socks and slides. He had small scars all over his upper torso and trailing down his arms. She is completely stuck, staring at him.

‘How far down did these scars go?’

The doors begin to close and the gorgeous man stops them with his hand.

“Are you gonna get in or just stand there?” he smiles.

‘HO MY GAWD! Is that gold in his mouth?

Phoenix slowly walks into the cabin. Arms folded over her chest, she stands in the front right corner. Ground Level already highlighted as their stop.

“It’s a little late for you to be out here by yourself ain’t it?” He asks.

Peaking over her shoulder, “I’m good.”

He doesn’t respond. Instead, Phoenix could feel him burning a hole in her back with his eyes. She turns to make sure she’s right.

Of course! He’s staring right at her ass. She wants to say something but her words are trapped in her throat. He smiles at her, making her swallow them down and she just looks down at her feet.

“I’m Erik.”

her head snaps back. “Huh?”

“My name. It’s Erik.”

“Oh…Phoenix.”

The elevator doors open. Phoenix waste no time stepping out. Erik is right behind her. He taps her arm, making her jump. Erik was used to women being nervous and awkward around him. He knew he was fine and enjoyed watching women fold before him. He showed his pearly whites, dimples pooling deep,

“Get back here safe, Phoenix.”

Making sure to say her name slowly.

LORDT! The way he said her name made her stomach flip. This man was dangerous. She could tell.

“Uh, you too, Erik.”

She tried to match his tone saying his name. Not wanting to stick around for his response she turns immediately to go to her car. Getting in, she sits. She’s looking out between the rows of cars to see where he went. Some lights flash and soon after, a blacked out Acura NSX with red detailing along the sides, slowly drives by, in front of her. She pretends to not notice, acting as though she’s looking down. She starts her car and pulled out of her parking spot. There’s no traffic but Erik made sure to sit at the parking garage’s entrance until her car pulled up behind him before revving his engine and taking off.

Phoenix rolls her eyes, playfully. “This nigga extra as hell.”

But she knew she liked it. The butterflies in her stomach wouldn’t let her lie to herself. The short drive to the 7/11 up the street consisted of her wondering where he was going this late and curious to know he’ll be there when she got back.

#the elevator bae #erik x black OC #erik x phoenix #black panther fic #Erik Killmonger

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royallyprincesslilly · 5 years ago

Text

Title: Going Through Motions {10}

Steve Rogers X Reader OFC Korral “Korri” Evans

Warning: Plot, Cursing, Angst, Violence, Slow Burn

Word Count: 2.5K

Summary: You and Steve had a hot, passionate, and wild romance seven years ago when you worked with the Avengers. It was the best year of your life; you’d never felt the things you’d felt in all your life. Then out of nowhere, Steve just ended things—in a letter. A heartbreaking letter, then the world deemed him a criminal, and he disappeared. Now, you’ve moved on and have gotten engaged to rich man Marc Spector. Tony brings you back to work with the newly rebuilt Avengers that is still led by Captain America who is definitely done asking for permission and not looking for forgiveness. Or is he?

Note: So, for this fic, we are going to alter the MCU timeline a bit. This takes place after Civil War, but Infinity War has not happened yet. Steve is off the grid for seven years before he comes back. {I know that’s a long time, but let me rock please} Also, I’m going to be introing/adding in Moon Knight (Marc Spector) in just because I feel like it and I want to start exploring other Marvel characters and of course I will twist him to serve my purposes.

**Loosely Edited/Proofread

~~~~~~~~~~~~

-Steve-

Eight hours. It had been eight hours since you were unconscious. Eight hours since you’d injected yourself with the Hydrolomed. Eight hours since you’d subsequently signed your death certificate. He was still in shock, still fuming, but even though he was shocked and angry, he didn’t expect any less from you. You always wanted to save people; it was one of the reasons he fell in love with you. You were selfless—now to a fault. He’d been working hard to stave away the emotion that wanted attention—terror. He was terrified of what this meant.

Tony and Bruce jumped right into action to get you through every scan that still worked at the compound. When that wasn’t enough, the quinjet was fired up, and you were brought to Stark Towers where they’d been working for the last six hours trying to assess the situation and get their hands on every piece of research from Zemo and anyone who ever came in contact with this virus. While they worked, he never left your side. How could he?

“Have you slept?”

The sound of Buck’s voice made him look away from you for the first time in hours. Stretching his muscles, he sighed out.

“Of course not, that was a stupid question.” Bucky sat on the other side of your bed in the empty chair and looked at you.

“I thought you were going to lay low and rest,” he said. Bucky smiled, shrugged, then rubbed his stubbled jaw.

“I’ve rested long enough. Plus, I got wind of something I thought you should know,” Bucky explained.

His eyes went right back to you. After seven years, he knew he’d never get over you. He didn’t know what he’d do if he lost you now—again.

“We’re gonna figure this out, Steve,” Bucky assured. He wasn’t so sure. From his encounters with Zemo back in his early Captain America days, he knew just what to expect, knew the types of sinister weapons he and his counterparts had the power to cook up. He knew the destruction that they always left behind. Pinching his nose bridge, he felt the pressure and tension from the added stress of worrying about you. He knew he couldn’t let anything happen to you.

“Damn it! I should have taken it from her and injected myself.”

“You know she would have never let you take it. You two are just so disgustingly protective of each other. She took it because she knew you would have. She didn’t give you the opportunity.”

“She’s so rash all the time. She doesn’t ever stop and think before she does something. God damn it!” He bolted up and paced the floor of the medical room.

“Calm down.”

“Calm down? Buck, it’s Korri! My Korri—my—world! How do I calm down?”

He was possibly one of the strongest if not the strongest man in the world, and right now, he felt the like weakest. He felt defeated. Bucky crossed the room to him and rested his metal arm on his shoulder.

“I know buddy. I know just what she means to you. I know how much you gave up for me, and if I could go back and change things, I would. I would have never let you leave her. I can’t imagine the world of hurt you’re in right now, but we gotta be strong for her. Remember what we used to say when we were kids?”

He scoffed because he did remember. They were two boys running around Brooklyn, causing trouble and eating hard candies. “It ain’t over till it’s over,” he said. Bucky patted his back and nodded then pulled him in for a hug.

“It sure ain’t over Steve.”

He looked at the watch on his wrist that he’d started after you passed out. It was now nine hours. They were slowly running out of time.

Another hour found him alone with you before he was called out over a development Tony and Bruce wanted him to see. Reluctantly he hurried down to the briefing room to hear what they had to say. Everyone was crowded in the room.

“What’s so important?”

“Is she awake?”

“No, still out.”

“Well, all the preliminary scans and screens are back,” Tony informed.

“And?”

Neither of the men spoke. They just looked between each other, neither wanting to speak. He was quickly getting annoyed with them. He was already at the end of his patience.

“Someone speak!”

Well, Zemo’s research looks to be correct--the pieces we have. Her blood shows no sign of being infected, she is not infected. Right now, the virus seems to be in an incubation period. Her body is assessing the new substance and is working its own defense. This defense will eventually break down and allow the virus to travel throughout her body. Slowly it will take hold of her organs and turn her into a—walking, talking death chamber. Anything or anyone she touches or breathes on will contract it, Bruce theorized.”

“How long?”

“It’s difficult to say, but we’re going to guess and say six days just like the research says,” Tony finished.

“So, she’s going to die.”

Again, everyone was quiet.

“I’m not giving up Steve,” Nat stepped forward to put her hand on his shoulder.

“None of us are giving up,” Tony confirmed.

He looked around the room at the faces of everyone he’d spent the last several years with. They all looked saddened but also determined. When his eyes landed on Ava, even she looked remorseful.

“What’d I miss?” The sound of your voice at the door brought everyone’s eyes.

“You shouldn’t be up,” he began as he took steps to you. You held your hands out.

“Stay back. None of you come any closer. You heard Zemo’s research. I don’t want to hurt any of you.”

“Korri, it’s fine. You’re fine. We have a few days before we’re there,” Sam informed.

“He’s right. Plus, I don’t give a shit anyway,” he said. After a few seconds, your eyes left him and moved to where he knew Ava was.

“Who’re you?”

They all looked to Ava, who gave a lackluster wave. “Name’s Ava.”

“Where you from Ava?”

“Not important.”

Wanda and Nat stepped to her, no doubt ready to beat an answer out of her.

“Like hell it isn’t. We just watched a man we were supposed to trust, betray us, and beat the shit out of us. We don’t know you from a hole in the wall. What’s to say you won’t do the same?” Wanda’s hands were glowing, ready to strike. Ava went on guard and began phasing in and out of solidity and glitching like a video game, making the lights flicker.

“Everyone cool it. Relax. She’s cool,” he vouched.

“How do you know, Steve?”

He sighed and decided to go the cautious route. “Ava has helped me, Sam and Buck, out with a few rouge missions before.”

“Not to mention, I swooped in here and saved your asses,” Ava shouted.

Wanda stood down as Nat put her batons back into place. “Look, I know we’re all reeling from what just happened, but it’s not the time to attack each other.” He looked back to the doorway, but you were gone. He sighed again.

“Cap is right. We have bigger problems. We need to find the rest of Zemo’s research ASAP and find a way to slow the virus in Korri. Needless to say, now that the virus is in human play, Johnson and Marc will come for her,” Tony announced.

“Let them try, they’ll have to get through me,” he said before he walked out the door to find you.

~~~~~~~~~~~

-Korral-

As you walked along the ledge of the roof, you closed your eyes and used your senses. Everywhere there was noise. Manhattan was the noisiest place you’d ever been. There was constant honking, talking, shouting, the hum of electricity was everywhere, not to mention the sounds of water. The place was downright sensory overload, but you loved it. Often times being at the upstate compound felt disconcerting because of how quiet it was—well, it did without Steve.

You opened your eyes and looked down at the city you’d lived for the last seven years. You’d walked those streets hundreds of times, taken the yellow taxis, done so many things there considered New Yorker. You grew up here, and it showed in your attitude and resilience. Resilience you had to tap into now.

You were nothing but an assignment, a means to an end—this end.

Closing your eyes, you went over the events of the last few hours. Slowly you went over the chaos at the compound. Words mumbled and jumbled together as they echoed in your head. You were probably still feeling the after-effects of Marc’s powers. He’d actually used his powers on you. You began to wonder how many times he’d done it. Then you recollected the truth.

“It was all a lie. I never meant anything. He played me.”

You didn’t know how to feel or what to think. Your instincts were shit. You’d misread him this entire time. You were so lost in your thoughts and distress you didn’t realize anyone coming behind you.

“Thinking of jumping?”

When you looked back, there he was, Captain fucking America.

“You’ve been fucking good ol’ Captain America—behind my back.”

You almost laughed out loud. You must have been going crazy because none of this was funny.

“I probably should. Eliminate myself from the equation before I really do irreparable damage.”

You stuck your foot off of the ledge tempted to do it. If you killed yourself before the virus in you became lethal, then you could have foiled whatever Marc and Tilda were planning by making the virus unusable. It was a small price to pay for the safety of humankind. Right?

Steve must have sensed your thought because before you knew it, you were in his arms as he moved you from the ledge. Anger rose in you, and you fought against him, making him put you down. When he did, you walked across the roof away from him.

“God, Korri, why would you do something so stupid!?”

You spun to him and looked at him with all the anger you felt. “Excuse me?!”

“Injecting yourself with a virus that is meant to kill. A virus that has not been studied by anyone but a psychopath from Hydra. My god, this has to go down as the dumbest thing you’ve ever done,” Steve ranted. Every word he spoke, you found yourself getting angrier and angrier. How dare he call you stupid and dumb?

“Listen you blonde asshole don’t call me stupid!”

“Really, name calling?”

“When you act like an asshole, you get called an asshole. Don’t wanna be called an asshole, well don’t act like an asshole, Steve!”

He looked angry as he turned his back to you. He paced back and forth, an action you mirrored.

“Plus, if I’m so dumb and stupid, why were you thinking of doing the same thing. The only thing is I beat you to it.”

Steve stopped and looked at you. You knew he would have done the same damn thing. If he’d gotten the canister instead, he would have done it in a heartbeat. He knew you knew it. Steve closed his eyes, pinched his nose bridge, and sighed out as he walked to the ledge to stare at the blue sky.

When he began, his voice was soft, raw. “God, Korri, do you have any idea what you’ve done?”

You didn’t bother answering, you knew it was rhetorical. Instead, you walked to the ledge as well and stood beside him, but not too close.

“I took the virus off the table for them.”

“And pulled my heart from my chest in the same breath.” Again, Steve sighed. You chanced a look at him and saw the worry on his face.

“I did what had to be done, the same thing you would have done, the same thing Nat, Wanda, or Sam would have done. Whatever it takes. Right?”

“You should have let me do it.”

“The world needs Captain America; it doesn’t need me.”

Steve was to you, pulling you to look at him in the blink of an eye. Your body pressed to his, and that was all it took for your heart to thud against your chest like you’d just run a marathon. Marc never had that effect.

“I need you Korri--me. Fuck what the world needs. What about what I need? I’m tired of giving them and everyone what they need, I want to take what I need. I need you.”

The emotion in his voice broke your heart, and the tears in his eyes ruined you.

“You’re the one who told me sacrifice the needs of the few for the many.”

“Fuck the many. Seven years Korri. Seven. I missed seven years and now--.” The words strangled in his throat, and he dropped his head. You’d only seen him discouraged once before when he spoke about Bucky and losing him.

“Now you have six days to say goodbye.” Steve roughly pulled away from you and walked across the roof.

Your words sunk in. He would have to say goodbye. You were going to die. You were going to die.

“This whole time Marc was lying to me. He preyed on me, used me, and I didn’t see it at all. I was blind, but I don’t know how. It wasn’t by love or a sense of passion, or the sex. He was gorgeous but, it wasn’t beauty, I was blinded by my sheer stupidity.”

“You’re not stupid Korri.”

“You just called me dumb and stupid.”

“With injecting yourself with an old lethal virus, yes, but with that, you’re not.”

You stared down over the ledge and tried to piece together just how you’d been duped. Several minutes passed in silence.

“Was what he said—true?” His words were hesitant, reluctant even.

“What, that he’d had his fingers between my thighs?” You looked at him, but he couldn’t look at you. You thought it was funny, he had no problem looking at you before, or touching you, making love to you, tasting you. Now he was struggling. “Yes. It’s true.”

You thought to explain the context of it but decided against it. If he wanted to believe you were some slut, then fine. Steve didn’t speak again, and neither did you. After almost five minutes, you turned from the skyline and walked back to the door leading inside.

“Goodbye, Steve.”

You touched the doorknob but stopped when you heard his voice.

“Korri, I’m not going to let you die. I promise it, and I never break my promises to you. I’ve only made one before, and I still love you, forever until time and space collide.”

You actually felt your heart shake, and you were thankful your back was turned because he would have seen the effect his words had. As you walked in, you tried to shake it and remind yourself. Six days.

~~~~~~~~~~

***If you want to be tagged please SEND AN ASK SO IT WILL BE EASIER FOR ME TO KEEP TRACK OF. Thank you for reading!!! ❤️❤️

~~~~~~~~~~

TagList:

@quitepointless @yourwonderbelle @caramara3 @kaetastic @toniilaney @cltex84 @wildmindedbeauty32 @bellaamor88 @periodtcevans @peach-acid @queennanayaa @alyxkbrl @disneysdarlingdiva @useless-mork @vannahvannahhh @ areubeingserved @academic-glowup @patzammit @pennywisesmistress @ noramushroom @evemej @noramushroom @missyperle @coldmuffinbanditshoe @asguardianslut @killmongersbaby @laketaj24 @flawlessglamazon @thatrandomhetaliachick @missdeerstalker15

#going through motions fic #Steve Rogers #Steve Rogers fanfiction #steve rogers smut #steve rogers x reader #steve rogers x you #steve rogers x black reader #angst fanfic

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letterboxd · 4 years ago

Photo

Empathy Machine: The Value of Film.

Kambole Campbell surveys the rapid rise in films our members are watching to deepen their understanding of racism, and recommends some deeper cuts once you’ve finished with the ‘first five’: 13th, Do The Right Thing, I Am Not Your Negro, Malcolm X and Selma.

As worldwide action against police violence (as well as a normalization of state-sponsored racism and armed-citizen violence) continues in the wake of George Floyd’s murder, it can feel strange and perhaps inappropriate to be talking about film, or even considering it.

But although the act of engaging with film is far from activism, there is still value to be found. These events are cyclical, and painful, and exhausting; you shouldn’t insist that your Black friends help you understand, you should be doing the work yourself. One easy way to start: with the many creative and galvanizing works by Black filmmakers. The likes of Spike Lee, Ava DuVernay, Cheryl Dunye and so many others have already done the job, all you have to do is watch.*

And, as clichéd as it feels to invoke, the simplest reasoning comes from Roger Ebert, who said: “Movies are the most powerful empathy machine in all the arts. When I go to a great movie I can live somebody else’s life for a while. I can walk in somebody else’s shoes.”

A lot of Letterboxd members feel the same way. Just as cinephiles flocked to Steven Soderbergh’s Contagion as the coronavirus pandemic began to spread, viewings of the likes of Ava DuVernary’s documentary 13th, Spike Lee’s magnum opus Do the Right Thing and Raoul Peck’s elegiac James Baldwin essay film I Am Not Your Negro—along with more films focused on Black experience, history and protest—have spiked in viewing and review numbers in the past fortnight.

Malcolm X, Selma, Daughters of the Dust, The Hate U Give, If Beale Street Could Talk, Just Mercy, Fruitvale Station, and more are all enjoying an undeniable surge of viewership—in some cases, an increase of a thousand percent over their historical viewership numbers. And a matching rise in the number of reviews gives us insight into the feelings, or sense of catharsis, people are seeking from these films. Here, we take a survey of recent reactions to the top five—followed by suggestions for digging deeper.

Activist and scholar Angela Davis in ‘13th’.

13th (2016) Directed by Ava DuVernay

At the time of writing, 13th was the current most popular film by volume of activity on Letterboxd. (Within 24 hours of its release, Spike Lee’s Da 5 Bloods jumped into the top spot, with 13th now in second place.) It’s easy to see why Letterboxd members gravitated to the film—Ava DuVernay’s 2016 documentary on the loophole of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, which effectively allows slavery in the modern day, is comprehensive and convincing.

Built around interviews with a number of Black academics and a thorough history of Jim Crow laws through to modern-day mass incarceration in the US, it’s an important and effective primer for anyone looking for a basic comprehension of new methods of oppression from the state. Part of the film’s power comes from, as member and film critic Josh Lewis puts it, “the way DuVernay sequences this, the way she moves us through the major events, records and timelines with passion and anger, allowing Black voices and art to naturally narrate”.

As with a number of films from the last decade that examine Black protest, there’s a juxtaposition between modern imagery and rhetoric, and systemic racism from a history that America too often insists it has left behind. It makes clear the repetition of this history of oppression for Black Americans with powerful editing, as DuVernay organizes archive footage from the past through to the present day to emphasise this point.

Spike Lee on the set of ‘Do the Right Thing’ (1989).

Do The Right Thing (1989) Directed by Spike Lee

It could be said that the recognition of this repetition is part of why these particular films have proven so popular in recent weeks. Perhaps the most significant part of the engagement with older work like Spike Lee’s (arguably best) film Do The Right Thing, is that the imagery hasn’t aged. As Ashley Clark says in a recent piece for Time on films about Black history and protest, “…it’s amazing to see those patterns repeat now, specifically in the discourse of people focusing more on the destruction of property than on lives that are lost”. Do The Right Thing’s palpable anger and unending relevance make it one of the best fictional films to watch right now, if not for understanding and empathy (“I have a lot of empathizing to do,” Letterboxd member Ted agrees), then for some kind of catharsis.

Denzel Washington as Malcolm X in Spike Lee’s 1992 biopic.

Malcolm X (1992) Directed by Spike Lee

It’s not just Do The Right Thing either—even just going off the numbers, Spike Lee is a go-to name when it comes to engaging with Black people’s history in America and in American film. He’s been engaging with these subjects of protest and anguish for the longest time, and there are few such prolific directors in the way he broaches the subject, crossing the line back and forth between fiction and non-fiction, readily blending the two together in many cases.

That status feels evident in the corresponding surges of popularity for Malcolm X, one of his most acclaimed works, and BlacKkKlansman, one of his most recent. His latest work, the excellent, galvanizing war drama Da 5 Bloods (streaming on Netflix now), acts as a reminder that institutional racism is not just a symptom of the current establishment, but something deeply embedded in American ideology. It’s a multimedia examination of the overlap of racism and imperialism, its arguments backed up by clips of Angela Davis, Kwame Ture, Muhammad Ali and of course Malcolm X.

Malcolm X is a valuable watch in that it provides a loving and complex portrait of a man often vilified by white liberals as much as white conservatives, an example of the ‘wrong’ way to protest or take action. It’s a counterpoint to the reductive and often-held perspective of the man, who is often presumed to have stood in opposition to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It’s a humanist portrait of a man constantly changing, one brought to life by, as Jaime Rebenal writes, “one of cinema’s very finest performances” from Denzel Washington (whom, I must reinforce, was truly robbed of that Oscar). A long film, but not a minute wasted.

David Oyelowo is Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Ava DuVernay’s ‘Selma’ (2014).

Selma (2014) Directed by Ava DuVernay

On the flip-side of this is Ava DuVernay’s Selma, which paints an equally complicated portrait of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., focusing on the organized action that lead to the Voting Rights Act of 1965. “As sobering as it is galvanizing” writes Letterboxd member and correspondent Ella Kemp. Selma’s vision of MLK was of a complicated man, one steadfast in his commitment to peaceful resistance and protest for civil rights, but still a man as opposed to a saint.

I could talk at length about that supposed saintliness being thrown back in the faces of Black people, as well as the gossip compounded by American institutions to discredit the man’s work—DuVernay and David Oyelowo’s interpretation of MLK saves me that time.

All beautifully lensed by the—at that point—upcoming cinematographer Bradford Young (whose subsequent credits include Arrival and Solo: A Star Wars Story), and with typically gorgeous costume design from Black Panther Oscar-winner Ruth E. Carter (a long-time associate of Spike Lee), it’s a visual treat as well.

Novelist, poet, playwright, essayist and activist James Baldwin.

I Am Not Your Negro (2016) Directed by Raoul Peck

I Am Not Your Negro, Raoul Peck’s documentary-slash-adaptation of the unpublished James Baldwin memoir, provides a similar juxtaposition between America’s past racism and its present. Narrated by Samuel L. Jackson, words from Baldwin’s unfinished manuscript ‘Remember This House’ explore American anti-Blackness through a mixture of archival footage and anecdotes from Baldwin, as he recounts the lives of his civil rights leader friends Malcolm X, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Medgar Evers and others.

As with many other Letterboxd reviews, Daisoujou reflects on the persistence of state-sponsored racism, writing that it’s “a movie that feels like it was made yesterday, based on writings from roughly the 80s, which also feel written yesterday, in the most depressing way”. A lot of identifying with films detailing Black protest is to recognize this cycle, the seeming neverending-ness of it all; that engagement with racism is not just something occurring in the present moment but something that carries the weight of history, at all times.

A scene from Cheryl Dunye’s ‘The Watermelon Woman’ (1996).

These are all strong starting points for the beginning of an empathy with Black protest, struggle, history and art on film. But it’s just scratching the surface. The five films above mostly skew towards the recent, when there’s a long and exceptional history of Black cinema.

It’s important to consider the expansiveness of Black art, that not all of it is about our tragedies, there’s more to witness than our pain, and this deserves attention after crisis as well. K. Austin Collins’ introduction for his Vanity Fair list says it best: “Black defiance on-screen is bigger than Do the Right Thing, however. Black defiance (including but not limited to outright protest), Black anger, Black art: These are vast territories.” As Collins’ excellent two-part list states, the history of our representation and the self-determination of our on-screen legacies of course goes far beyond just the work of Spike Lee and Ava DuVernay.

You could watch Cheryl Dunye’s The Watermelon Woman for a film examining just that: how the narrow idea of ‘representation’ has failed so many, that their own histories have to be invented, and how Black people often have to deal with art’s frequent rejection of their own image.

You could watch the work of Kathleen Collins, you could watch Paris is Burning for a history of New York City ballrooms and drag culture (and here’s K. Austin Collins again with a recent re-reading of that film, in conversation with its white director). The history of Black Britishness also often gets left at the wayside—both Collins and Clark recommend Handsworth Songs and Blacks Britannica for pictures of Black thought and struggle in the context of Thatcher’s Britain (and many more in their aforementioned lists, both well worth checking out).

The protests have also, naturally, lead to conversations around representation of Black people across media, in front of and behind the camera. Such discovery is both vital and easier than ever, as the protests have inspired artists and streaming sites to make their library of work more accessible—among those, the Criterion Channel, having dropped the paywall for much of its collection focusing on Black lives.

Related content

Black Life on Film: a master list, and broken down into sub-genres, by Adam Davie (he discussed the list, a three-year labor of love, on episode 6 of The Letterboxd Show podcast).

Black Saint’s list of Films by Black Directors You Should Watch.

Queer, Black, 21st Century: a list of 21st-century films featuring queer, Black experiences, by Black filmmakers (directors and/or writers), for Pride 2020.

Letterboxd’s official top 100 narrative feature films by Black directors

*It’s important to remember amongst all this that just watching these films isn’t activism; action is also required. Educating yourself is just the first step. Ways you can help, tangibly.

#kambole campbell #black lives matter #ava duvernay #13th #13th amendment #spike lee #da 5 bloods #do the right thing #black life on film #black directors #letterboxd

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afaimsarrowverse · 4 years ago

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Ten Favorite Ships from the four main Arrowverse Shows:

Rules: For this list Crossover Pairings were excluded if one partner is confined to their own show. However if the character changes show later he or she is on the list. This is my blog, this is my list, it is in no way objective, everyone is entiled to their own opinion, so please don’t reblog or answer just to tell me how much you disagree with me. You can’t quantify love, well except with stupid lists like this, just because a ship is not on this list does not mean I don’t like it - except when it does - so…. yeah, here we go

10 besten Ships „Arrow“:

10. Merlance (Tommy Merlyn/Laurel Lance)

I always liked the unlikely story of Tommy Merlyn actually conquering Laurel Lances heart.

9. Overarcher (KaraX/Oliver QueenX)

While I don’t think our Kara would ever really give Oliver a shot, this one was undoubtly True Love, well at least for Oliver X, Kara X did love him, yes, but she was much more in line with duty than he ever was. Which is what actually makes this dynamic this interesting.

8. GreenAtom (Oliver Queen/Ray Palmer)

A very underapprecaited Ship that I love dearly. Ray und Oliver together have so much potential.

7. SmoakDetective (Donna Smoak/Quentin Lance)

Quentin needs love, and while Donna is not the first person you would think of when you would think of a potential partner for him, she is the best fit for the role. She challenges him and makes his day brighter. And he treats her well.

6. Olivarry (Oliver Queen/Barry Allen)

As unlucky as Olivers Love Live is, maybe that’s the case because the actual love of his live happens to be a man which he is not willing to admit to himself.

5. Raylicity (Ray Palmer/Felicity Smoak)

Cute and entertraining those two are actually a much better fit than Oliver and Felcitiy, maybe only a little bit too simelar as Oliver has pointed out.

4. Nysara (Nyssa al Ghul/Sara Lance)

We love Sara and we love Nyssa, why shouldn’t we love them together?

3. Throy (Thea Queen/Roy Harper)

This is the one ship that everyone agreed on was to be endgame.

2. Lauriver (Laurel Lance/Oliver Queen)

This was supposed to be endgame, and the fact that it wasn’t is frankly just an insult to anyone who knows anything about Green Arrow in the comics.

1. Cannarow (Sara Lance/Oliver Queen)

So here it is my Arrow OTP.

Die 10 besten Ships „The Flash“:

10 Elongsue (Ralp Dibnyh/Sue) Dearborn

This was supposed to be an epic love story with endgame potential.

9. Eobarry (Eobard Thawne/Barry Allen)

Fanboy Eobard might have come to hate Barry, but a part of him never stopped loving the scarlet speedster as we all know.

8. Elongflash (Ralph Dibny/Barry Allen)

I frankly never understood why people did not ship them more and there are so little fanfics about those two, I mean it’s a classic love story really.

7. Allenbert (Barry Allen/Julian Albert)

For a long time I thought that that would be the reveal about Julians problem with Barry. Appearantly so did the actors.

6. Jocile (Joe West/Cecile Horton)

They are cute and sexy together, have a mature realtionship that presents new obstacles the navigate around together, and it’s an eternal shame that their planned Season 5 sub-plot was cut short

5. Coldflash (Leoanrd Snart/Barry Allen)

Leonard flirts with everything that moves, but Barry has a special place in his heart.

4. Westhawne (Iris West/Eddie Thawne)

And he was ready to fight destiny itself. For Iris. And she did love him. A lot.

3. Thallen (Eddie Thawne/Barry Allen)

Barry und Eddie were crushing hard on each other, there is no denying that.

2. Westallen (Iris West/Barry Allen)

Westallen ist destiny in every timeline, in every universe, it’s a as simple as that.

1. Westhallen (Iris West/Eddie Thawne/Barry Allen)

This is how you solve a love triangle, that does not need to be one, when all three parties have certain feelings for all the other members of the triangle.

Die 10 besten Ships „Supergirl“:

10. Lanvers (Alex Danvers/Maxwell Lord)

Yes, I know Alex is lesbian, but this ship ist just too yummy.

8. Killiam (Kara Danvers/William Dey)

Frozen burn realtionship that deserves to pick up speed. Kara deserves a love life, please!

9. Karolsen (Kara Danvers/James Olsen)

Back in Season 1 of Supergirl I actually shipped this. I loved Kara and genuinly wanted her to get the guy of her dreams. I mean she got heart eyes, ever time James walked in the room, but she also was adult enough to stettle for „just friends“.

7. Dolsen (Alex Danvers/Kelly Olsen)

Kelly is a much better fit for Alex than Maggie ever was, because she is less selfcentered and much more willing to compromise and they are more simelar. And in the end all the obstacles those two faced they were willing to overcome together.

6. Overarcher (KaraX/Oliver QueenX)

5.Brainia (Brainiac-5/Nia Nal)

Brainy and Nia and their relationship were the only genuine good things about the first half of Season 4.

4.Winniac-5 (Winn Schott/Brainiac-5)

I am one out of two persons in the world who ships this, but I ship it hard.

3. Clois (Clark Kent/Lois Lane)

Clois has been done very compelling by many other actors before, but the Arrowverse-Version still managed to get their own spin on it and to come across super sweet.

2. Sanvers (Maggie Sawyer/Alex Danvers)

Ah, Sanvers, they took the world in storm and didn’t we love them.

1. Karamel (Kara Danvers/Mon-El)

Their chemistry jumped from the screen right into our hearts.

Die 10 besten Ships „Legends of Tomorrow“:

10. Saramaya (Sara Lance/Amaya Jiwe)

I really don’t know why everyone is going on about Kendra and Sara, when they could be going on about this ship were there is actual tension and actual chemistry there.

11. Coldray (Leo SnartX/Ray Terrill)

Those two are just two cute and sadly were wiped out of existence by Crisis, but I still love them.

8. Atomsteelwavevixen (Ray Palmer/Nate Heywood/Mick Roey/Amaya Jiwe)

I prefere Steelatom and Vixenwave as bros, but as a foursome those four rock the libido and the Waverider.

7. Captains3 (Sara Lance/Rip Hunter/Leonard Snart)

Given that Sara and Rip, Sara and Leonard und Leonard and Rip would not last together, my solution to this would be to get together as a threesome.

6. Constangreen (John Constantine/Gary Green)

We love Gary, and Gary loves John, and John does actually love Gary.

5.Avalance (Ava Sharpe/Sara Lance)

At this point Avalance is cleary planned to be endgame and rightly so.

4.Hellcanary (John Constantine/Sara Lance)

Two broken souls, two players who played which each other and found solace in each others arms – two bi-sexual icons together

3.Vixensteel (Amaya Jiwe/Nate Heywood)

I loved the star crossed romance between Nate and Amaya, and the fact that they defied history and was heart broken when they gave up after all.

2. Timecanary (Rip Hunter/Sara Lance)

Out of all her many suitors Rip is the one I would want to see her ending up with.

1. Atomwave (Ray Palmer/Mick Rory)

This is my Legends-OTP and I am still not over the fact that Ray is out of the show and so is this ship!

#Blog #Arrowverse #Favorite Ships #Arrow #The Flash #Supergirl #Legends of Tomorrow #everyone is entitled to their opinion #please respect mine #and don't hate on my because of it

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dreamgirl4certain · 5 years ago

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The Elevator Bae

Chapter ONE.

Erik x Black OC (Phoenix)

A/N: I am so nervous about putting this out. I’ve been struggling for weeks to actually sit and write it but the idea just won’t leave my head. So, I figured why the hell not. Next chapter will pick up for sure.

Phoenix worked her ass off with two jobs to fund her dream. Big Sean had heard one of her beats on her Soundcloud and reached out to her. That same beat was soon one of the top charting songs in the country. Artist were hitting Phoenix up left and right, wanting to work with her. Hustling her way into the industry, she was asked to DJ a huge party for Roc Nation in LA and the rest is history. After networking and making some connections, she decided that staying in Detroit would hold her back. She didn’t even tell anyone that she was leaving… except her Mom.

All in all, Phoenix could really say that she was happy.

A man ahead of steps into the elevator first. When he turns and notices her coming behind him, he holds the door for her.

“Thank...you”

“No problem.”

His voice… his fucking voice. It hit her like thunder. Has she ever heard a voice so damn sexy?

Then it hit Phoenix… jelly legs. She does her best to lean against the elevator door. The man pulls out a keycard and scans it. He must live in a penthouse. Only penthouse tenants had keycards.

“Which floor?”

“Uhh… Seven.”

“Did I really just sniff this man? Did I really get caught sniffing this nigga?”

——-

“I sniffed this nigga! What is wrong with me? I’m a creep.”

Instagram. She picked up her phone and scrolled down her timeline. Her homegirl, Ava, was all over the gram with her new photo shoot. Phoenix left a few comments.

YASSSS BITCH! GO OFF! REAL HOT GIRL SHIT!

“Ava is never staying here again. Eating up all my shit.” she says to herself.

She sent her friend a text, not caring that it’s late.

Phoenix: You owe me some snacks you hungry heffa.

——-

The elevator seems to be taking forever. Who in the hell is holding it up this late? Phoenix starts to weigh her options. Tired of waiting, she debates if she should just go back into her apartment.

DING

Letting out a deep sigh, “Finally!”

How far down did these scars go?

The doors begin to close and the gorgeous man stops them with his hand.

“Are you gonna get in or just stand there?” he smiles.

‘HO MY GAWD! Is that gold in his mouth?

Phoenix slowly walks into the cabin. Arms folded over her chest, she stands in the front, right corner. Ground Level already highlighted as their stop.

“It’s a little late for you to be out here by yourself ain’t it?” He asks.

Peaking over her shoulder, “I’m good.”

He doesn’t respond. Instead, Phoenix could feel him burning a hole in her back with his eyes. She turns to make sure she’s right.

Of course! He’s staring right at her ass. She wants to say something but her words are trapped in her throat. He smiles at her, making her swallow them down and she just looks down at her feet.

“I’m Erik.”

her head snaps back. “Huh?”

“My name. It’s Erik.”

“Oh…Phoenix.”

“Get back here safe, Phoenix.”

Making sure to said her name slowly.

LORDT! The way he said her name made her stomach flip. This man was dangerous. She could tell.

“Uh, you too, Erik.”

She tried to match his tone saying his name. Not wanting to stick around for his response she turns immediately to go to her car. Getting in, she sits. She’s looking out between the rows of cars to see where he went. Some lights flash and soon after, a blacked out Acura NSX with red detailing along the sides, slowly drives by, in front of her. She pretends to not notice, acting as though she’s looking down. She starts her car and pulls out of her parking spot. There’s no traffic but Erik made sure to sit at the parking garage’s entrance until her car pulled up behind him before revving his engine and taking off.

Phoenix rolls her eyes, playfully. “This nigga extra as hell.”

Tags: @purple-apricots @abeautifulmindexposed **If anyone likes this and wants to be tagged in the next chapter, let me know.

#black panther #erik stevens #erik killmonger #erik killmonger x OC #black oc #shaebewritinrg #erik x phoenix

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mcalhenwrites · 5 years ago

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I typed up a huge google doc about who I thought might be the traitor, who I suspect is Strelitzia’s killer, and who is the imposter. (And if the imposter or the traitor is responsible for the murder.) Every new update or reread of the KH3 secret reports has forced me to rewrite huge sections. Anyway, thanks to the update yesterday, we can narrow down the imposter between one of two people. I tagged this, but another caution: THERE WILL BE SPOILERS FOR JP KHUX BELOW

A Swedish friend who (as far as I know) isn’t into the series mentioned off-hand to me when I was posting screenshots, “Did you know Skuld means ‘guilt’ in Swedish?” I’d been spending all my time assuming her name came from being a Norn. It opened up a new possibility for me. This is a list of things I discovered and possibly connected. 1. There’s a dark figure that approaches Ephemer when he first stands up Player and goes back into the passageways alone. He first asks who they are and then says, “You..?!” The figure looks like “Darkness”, but I mean... He would’ve recognized a Foreteller! But part of me doesn’t wonder if the hint is about Skuld. The scene itself is painted to us, the players, as hostile. The music, the dark form... I’m not sure if this was meant as a distraction since later, since iirc, Ephemer and Ava hold a conversation here? But most theories about Ava being Darkness have it happening much later in the story... But it also crossed my mind that Ephemer would also recognize Skuld. (Still, I’m pretty iffy that this isn’t Ava.) If anyone is curious about rewatching the scene, I’ll link to Everglow’s timeline, specifically this video at 16:18! 2. I realized Ava recruited Skuld as a Dandelion, but not as a Union leader. I have no idea if that came after, ofc, somewhere in the background. Just that it didn’t happen on-screen. I started seeing more people say this online in the last month or so, which has been validating. Doesn’t mean she’s truly guilty as her name claims, so... moving on. 3. The next one ties heavily into whether or not Skuld is Subject X. Specifically, Secret Report 5 from Saix in KH3, that has had me curious for a while: On the day we finally secured our entry, we descended the long spiral stair at the heart of the castle to find a dark space below it, lined with cages. There wasn't light enough to see if they were inhabited, and we were in no position to call out to any occupants within. Yet we could feel it. A definite presence, there in the black. Terror washed over us, and we immediately regretted coming. But just as we turned to flee, we heard the faintest of voices. The urge to run was nigh overpowering, but someone or something beckoned us on. There, framed by a tenuous sliver of light, we found her. While she has light, there’s also a dark presence. Part of me wondered if it might not be Braig lingering around (and admittedly that’s what I mostly believe), but maybe it’s not dissimilar to Ven, where she actually has a lot of darkness and very little (”tenuous”) light? 4. And Skuld’s name already came up once in Lauriam’s investigation, but it didn’t seem to turn up much. 5. This one is a huuuuge reach, but it’s KH so I’ll list it anyway. Isa and Lea both became nobodies and did some less-than-great things in their futures... perhaps the “Celestial Trio” (I keep calling them that in my head, bc of the Sun/Moon/Star motifs) are perhaps going to be a group of good people who don’t have great pasts. This is more “we’ll find out in a future game” I think, tho, and it might be total coincidence or entirely inapplicable. :’D ...It’s kind of a thin theory, and this doesn’t mean I think Skuld is the imposter and Ven isn’t. It’s just stuff that made me wonder about her over the past few months.

Anyway, I have gone over this so often, so I can’t wait for the next bits of story to ENTIRELY TOSS EVERYTHING OUT THE WINDOW AND MAKE ME REWRITE AGAIN :D I welcome any new revelations from various interviews, novels, and more accurate translations from Japanese. It’s always good to have new information or even gentle corrections to keep this all on the right path.

#cal plays khux #khux spoilers #this includes JP khux spoilers!#if you play global read at your own risk

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singledarkshade · 4 years ago

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Nightmare Scenario

Summary: How do you live in a world you don't belong to? Rip does his best to survive while running the Time Bureau, while Sara does her best to make sure he doesn't disappear into his work. Danger however is on the horizon and Rip's life is about to be torn apart once more. A Season 3 rewrite. Author’s Note: Rip Week Day 2: Perfect Episode – Rip left the show too soon, so give us the ideal episode that we never got. Alternatively, you can fix something to make it better, or give us that perfect scene that we never had. Canon compliance optional. I chose to rewrite the beginning of Season 3, this may be continued but until then, enjoy. ********************************************* Sara stared at the man who appeared through the portal before them. He was wearing the same blue suit as all the people who suddenly surrounded them, his hair was shorter than she’d ever seen it and he was clean shaven, which frankly Sara thought just looked odd on him.

“Well,” he stated as he removed his sunglasses, “You really buggered things up this time.”

“Rip?” was all she could manage to say as she stared at the scene around her.

Ray however demanded, “What’s going on?”

“Crossing our timeline fractured time forming anachronisms,” Rip stated, “I created The Time Bureau to deal with them.”

“Time Bureau,” several voices echoed in confusion.

Sara frowned, “You left the ship fifteen minutes ago.”

Rip shrugged, “To you maybe but building the Bureau has been the focus of the last five years of my life.”

Not sure how to reply, Sara worried because knowing the man before her the fact he had been alone without the team, but especially without Gideon, for that long was not a good thing for him.

“I suppose it’s only fitting, since I created the team,” Rip continued, “That I dissolve it. Your services are no longer required.”

“What?” several voices around her yelled while Sara stared at him.

With that said Rip turned to leave. He paused, turned back and added, “That means you’ll all be looking for jobs. Can I interest you in positions within a time travel organisation?”

Sara rolled her eyes, “How long did you work on that for?”

Rip shrugged, “Longer than I care to admit.”

Six Months Later

Sara walked through the Bureau’s main building towards the offices, it had been a long day and she wanted something to eat but had to do one thing first. Reaching the office, Sara walked in without knocking.

“Gideon,” Rip said, not looking up as Sara entered, “I thought we agreed no one has access to my office without my say so?”

“Miss Lance has an appointment to meet you for dinner,” Gideon replied, with that smugness she got at times which Sara loved, when it wasn’t directed at her.

Rip frowned and looked at Sara, “Since when?”

Sara shrugged, “Since Gideon feels you’re not eating properly or taking time off work. So, put whatever you’re doing down for two hours and come have pizza with me.”

He continued to stare at her.

“I’ll tell you all the gossip,” Sara grinned before adding, “And if you don’t you know Gideon will start doing the passive aggressive thing you hate.”

“Director,” Gideon spoke up, “You have not eaten anything substantial since early this morning.”

Rip rolled his eyes, “I’m not going to get any peace if I don’t join you for dinner, am I?”

“You are smart,” Sara teased.

With a long sigh, Rip rubbed his eyes and stood, motioning Sara to lead the way knowing Gideon would lock down his office while he wasn’t there. Sara watched Rip as they walked through the corridors to the carpark. He looked tired but these days he always did. His decision to create a replacement for the Time Masters, one that was better than his former masters, put a lot of pressure on his shoulders.

Sara did her best, along with Jax and Ray to get him out of his office every so often, just to remind him there was a world outside of it.

Officially he lived in one of the apartments at the top of the Bureau’s main building but, in reality, was living on the Waverider again which was berthed in the lower levels. Gideon did her best to look after him in their new circumstances. Ensuring that Rip was forced out of his office every so often for dinner with one of them and on occasion persuaded him to take the ship out on a mission.

Rip sat on the armchair in Sara’s living room stretching his legs out and closing his eyes. He knew he fought against it but, it was nice to get out of the office for a while.

Gideon worried about him, he knew this. She was concerned that he was isolating himself from the world, but Rip couldn’t get too involved or he could accidentally change time more than he already had.

He didn’t belong in this century.

He didn’t belong anywhere.

Other than on the Waverider or at the Vanishing Point.

“Pizza is on its way,” Sara announced as she appeared and handed him a bottle of beer.

Taking the bottle, Rip nodded.

“You know,” Sara said, dropping onto her couch and curling her legs beneath her, “Friends talk to one another, tell each other how they’re doing, how their day has been and other things.”

Rip took a quick drink before replying, “I’m doing fine, and my day has been busy.”

“Master conversationalist as always,” Sara rolled her eyes.

He shrugged, taking a long drink before asking, “And you?”

She chuckled, “Mission went well, but I’m sure once Agent ‘Dull and Boring’ gets through with the report she’ll give you the lowlights.”

“I really wish this feud you have going with Ava would fizzle out,” Rip sighed, “It is…” he paused before settling on, “Irritating.”

“Sharpe is the one who started it,” Sara said innocently, “I believe she took offence to my style of training agents.”

Rip sighed again, he’d had this discussion with them both far too many times in the past few months, “Well you were trying to train them for the League of Assassins.”

Sara laughed, “Just wanted them to know how hard their job will be.”

Shaking his head Rip finished his beer, “Did anything happen today that I should know about?”

“No, it was pretty standard,” she assured him before changing the subject, “You know Martin has invited us all to Lily’s baby shower on Saturday.”

“Gideon told me,” Rip replied, becoming very interested in the bottle he was still holding, “I don’t know if I’ll be able to go.”

Sara didn’t say anything for a minute before sighing, “It’s a get together with your friends, Rip. Time away from work which will be good for you.”

“Sara…”

“I know,” she interrupted him, “That the whole baby thing is hard for you but, it’s going to happen more and more. Especially since you ensured the Bureau didn’t follow the Time Master’s policy on agents not marrying.”

Sadness filled him, the pain tugging against his heart reminding him of the hole that would always be there.

“You can’t avoid it forever,” Sara continued softly, “And Martin has been asking after you. This is just an excuse he’s found to get you there for a few hours. You have to start living in the world at some point.”

“Sara,” he sighed, “This isn’t my world. I survive here because I must. My home is gone, along with my family.”

“But you have friends,” she reminded him, “We’re here for you. You need to remember that. You’re not alone.”

Rip bade Sara goodnight, accepting the cookies she handed him and opened the portal to the Waverider. Stepping through he felt relief fill him to be back on board.

“Did you have a good night, Captain?” Gideon asked as he made his way to the galley and stored the cookies in the cupboard.

She had taken to calling him Director within the Bureau but here on the Waverider, he was always Captain.

He shrugged dropping into a chair, “It was nice to spend time with Sara, but could you stop scheduling things without talking to me first?”

“Since you continue to ignore everyone’s attempt to socialise with you,” Gideon noted, “Then in order to follow my directive to protect, and keep you healthy, I sometimes need to push.”

Rip couldn’t stop the smile that touched his lips, “Is that what you call it?”

“You require sleep, Captain,” Gideon reminded him, “You have an early meeting tomorrow morning.”

Nodding Rip headed to his room, he knew he would have to take the ship out soon, it wasn’t fair on Gideon to be trapped down here but he needed her to be with him. Gideon was all he had left and losing her was something he could never contemplate.

Readying himself for bed, Rip slid under the covers and closed his eyes. He fell asleep becoming aware of another presence at his side. Gideon wrapped her arm around his waist and rested her head against his shoulder.

“Sara is right,” she said after a few minutes, “You should spend more time with the others, you shouldn’t be alone.”

“I’m not alone,” Rip sighed, his fingers tangling with her hair, “I have you.”

“Rip,” she reminded gently, “I’m not human, I can’t be with you physically outside your dreams.”

He hugged her tighter, “I don’t need that. I just need your support.”

“You always have it, my dear Captain,” she told him, “But you also need people you can interact with in the real world. Going to Lily Stein’s baby shower will be a good thing.”

Rip nodded, “And I’m betting you already ordered a gift from us?”

“It is a lovely gift with all the necessities Lily will require,” Gideon replied, making him smile.

Pressing a kiss to her forehead, Rip sighed and closed his eyes, “I need to sleep properly.”

“I know,” Gideon murmured, “Rest, Captain I am watching over you. Always.”

*********************************************

“Well, this is a sight I did not expect,” Martin laughed as Rip stood in the doorway, “Welcome to my home, Captain Hunter. Sorry, Director Hunter.”

Rolling his eyes, he suggested, “How about just Rip?”

Martin nodded, “Come on in, Rip.”

Walking into the house Martin had moved to in Star City only a few months before so he could consult with the Bureau, Rip smiled to see Sara, Ray and Jax were already there.

“I’m guessing Gideon has something to do with you being here?” Sara asked as she handed him a glass filled with what appeared to be fresh orange juice.

Rip shrugged, “She bought a gift. I had to deliver it.”

Jax and Ray began to chuckle while Sara grinned, “Of course you did.”

Shaking his head Rip sipped his drink as he looked around the cheerfully decorated room, suddenly realising there was no one else there.

“Am I early?” he asked.

“I thought we could all have an hour to catch up before the rest of the guests arrived,” Martin told him.

Rip enjoyed catching up with his former team. He knew what Ray, Jax and Sara were doing within the Bureau but rarely got the chance to talk to them. Even when they dragged him out his office for dinner, they mostly talked about work.

Martin looked happy, being at home with his wife and seeing his daughter engaged with a baby on the way. Jax was working part-time within the Bureau’s engineering department while taking college courses. Ray was looking for a way to separate them from the Firestorm matrix, so they didn’t have to meet up so frequently while also helping in the Bureau’s labs.

He sat and listened to the others talking, joining in the laughter as he caught up on his friend’s lives.

The guests for the baby shower began to arrive and as the others mixed with the guests Rip took the tea Clarissa had made for him, sliding out the back door into the garden.

“You know the party is inside,” Lily’s voice made him turn.

Quickly moving to help her to the nearest seat, Rip shrugged, “I’m not a party person.”

“Me neither,” Lily confessed, “But my mom wanted to do this. She’s so excited about the baby. Personally, I just can’t wait to not get kicked in the kidneys every time I lie down.”

Rip smiled slightly, “As long as you put the baby in the crib. Because trust me, babies tend to know instinctively where to hit you.”

“It was nice that you came today,” Lily said, “My dad misses talking to you. He says you have an interesting way of looking at problems.”

Rip shrugged, “Your father is a brilliant man. And from what I hear you are making waves in the scientific community as well.”

Lily smiled, “I had a great teacher.”

They sat in silence for a few moments before Lily sighed, “I suppose I should go back inside since this is my party. Help me up?”

Rip offered his hand to pull her to her feet before letting her take his arm escorting her back inside.

“And tell Gideon thank you for the present,” Lily told him, “It was beautiful.”

“She’ll be pleased you liked it, but I warn you now, she will want you to visit with the baby.”

Ray and Jax intercepted Rip as he was about to leave escorting him back to the living room after the other guests had left.

“You’re not going back to work,” Ray told him, “Sara has already called Gideon who won’t let you into your office until tomorrow morning.”

With a sigh, knowing he was defeated before he even tried, Rip accepted the bottle of beer Sara handed him and took a seat. He listened to them chatting, speaking every so often so they didn’t try to entice him into a full conversation.

About an hour later, Martin was in the middle of a story about some of his new students when the doorbell rang, Clarissa slipped away to answer it.

“Martin,” Clarissa called, making them all turn to see several cops following her inside along with a familiar man.

“Dad?” Sara jumped to her feet, “What are you doing here?”

Quentin Lance gave her a quick frown before turning, “Rip Hunter?”

Rip stood confused and nodded, surprised when he was seized and handcuffed.

“What the hell are you doing, Dad?” Sara demanded.

Her father shook his head before he looked at Rip again, “You’re under arrest, Mr Hunter.”

“On what charge?” Rip demanded coldly.

“The murder of Miranda Coburn and Jonas Hunter.”

#RipWeek #RipWeek2020 #Day 2 #RipFic #legends of tomorrow #rip hunter #sara lance #gideon #martin stein #lily stein #season 3 rewrite

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avasharpe · 5 years ago

Text

Sugar and Salt

Chapter: Three, of ?

Chapter Title: And Put it in the Oven for Baby and Me

Chapter Summary: When Ava goes with Mona and Nora to Jiwe’s Bakery so that the latter can make a move on Ray Palmer she finds a familiar face behind the counter. Sara and Ava put aside their differences and actually talk for once, and Nora and Ray are not the only ones with a blossoming relationship.

Fandom: DC’s Legends of Tomorrow.

Relationship: Sara Lance/Ava Sharpe, (Side-pairing) Nora Darhk/Ray Palmer and Amaya Jiwe/Zari Tomaz.

Characters: Sara Lance, Ava Sharpe, Sin, Gary Green, Amaya Jiwe, Zari Tomaz, Mona Wu, Nora Darhk, Nate Heywood, and Ray Palmer

Chapter Rating: General Audiences.

Additional Tags: Bakery and Coffee Shop, Teacher AU, Mutual Pining, Parent-Teacher AU, Non-binary character, Trans Character, Smut, Fluff and Smut.

Read at AO3

Read at FFN

So the chapters were supposed to alternate between couples, but I need to put this chapter here to maintain the timeline in a way that will soon become apparent.

Also, this is the chapter with smut and if that’s not your thing just skip to the end and read the second to last paragraph break.

Thanks to @canaryatlaw and @transspidermannn for editing and beta reading this for me.

……………………………………………………………………

Ava reluctantly followed Nora and Mona as they led her up the street to Jiwe’s Bakery and Cafe that Saturday afternoon. She held onto her coat as she walked, surveying the old building. It looked to be mid-19th century but, in excellent condition, with all the classic features, a big front window, and a yellow and white awning. Although it wasn’t the most popular place, Ava had heard it talked about throughout the city since she moved there five years ago.

“Remind me why we’re doing this again,” Ava asked, as they paused at the door.

“Oh come on Ava, you know why,” Mona said, tugging on her arm. “Besides, I thought you’d love this place. They’ve got the best danishes!”

Ava sighed, but let Mona and Nora drag her through the door. She had to pause again, as she gasped and took the place in. It looked like it could have been her grandmother’s kitchen, if Ava had a grandmother. While it was a small shop, it was decorated with comfy furniture and dark brown tables and chairs. There was soft jazz coming from a player piano near the back and classic paintings on yellow walls decorated the room. Ava looked around, even the display counter was classy and felt natural. It was classic and homey and definitely her style.

“Okay, it’s not that bad,” Ava admitted.

“Told ya,” Nora said, as she walked over to get in line at the counter.

Ava scanned the room, catching the real reason why they were here. Ray Palmer sat in one of the chairs with Nate as they both talked with Amaya, the owner.

“Okay so this is the plan,” Mona said, getting right into it, only to be interrupted by the line moving forward as it became their turn at the register.

“Hello and welcome to Jiwe’s Bakery and Cafe. What can I get you started with?”

Ava recognized Zari Tomaz behind the counter, as she had Behrad in her class. They exchanged pleasantries and let Zari get on with her work as they all ordered coffee and pastries. Ava was surprised when she took a bite of the warm danish, closing her eyes to savor the delicious taste.

“Okay,” Mona continued, once they were seated at one of the tables. “Nora and I will go up to them and talk about how we just happened to run into Nate and Ray. I’ll pull Nate away with a conversation about the Star City Rockets and how they’re doing this year.”

“Are you sure you’ll be able to do this?” Ava asked, trying to steal a glance at Nate and Ray. “Maybe we should just tell him about our plan.”

“No, I did all the research beforehand, I’ll definitely be able to distract him long enough for Nora and Ray to start a conversation and ask him out. I only need you to swoop in with the sister stuff in case I can’t keep Nate distracted, which will ensure that Nora has long enough to talk with Ray and fall in love,” Mona replied, flirting her eyelashes for effect.

“Are you sure about this?” Nora asked, looking over at Ray nervously.

“Of course,” Mona insisted. “My plan is foolproof!”

……………………………………………………………………

Mona’s plan was foolproof. Ava watched from her spot in line for another danish as Nora and Ray giggled and held hands, gazing into each other’s eyes. It was pretty easy to get Nate away from them, even if he quickly figured out what was going on. Nate admitted that he knew Ray had a crush on Nora as well and agreed to help them. He was now over at the piano, playing a couple of tunes while Mona sang, leaving the sweethearts alone. Ava just smiled as she watched them. Nora’s smile was so bright and genuine as she laughed at something Ray said.

“They’re cute, aren’t they?” Sara Lance’s voice startled her, as she looked up to see her standing there with a towel over her shoulder at the register, nodding to Zari as she went on break.

“What are you doing here?” Ava asked, still staring at her.

“I work here,” Sara said, casually gesturing to the shop around them.

“Oh,” Ava said, remembering all of the things she had heard about the bakery and cafe over the past couple of years. “When Sin said for you were a business woman, I thought they meant you worked for a corporation or something.”

Sara laughed. “Yeah, I can see how you’d think that. Sin grew up playing in my office in the back, as they and the other kids are mostly barred from the kitchen. I usually just handle the business side of things, but I help out where it’s needed, and since Kendra’s babysitting for everyone else, I get to play barista.”

“Oh,” Ava said, with a little nod still staring at her. “So Sin’s here with the other kids?”

“No, Laurel’s spending time with them today and the other kids are at Kendra’s place. We only have them here when necessary. It just makes it easier for everyone. Do you want me to take that?” Sara asked, gesturing to her empty plate.

“Thanks,” Ava said, remembering what she was there for and handing her the plate. “It was one of the best danishes I’ve ever had.”

“I’ll give Kendra your compliment,” Sara easily smiled at her. “So do you want some tea or coffee?”

“Coffee would be nice, whatever’s in the pot, and another danish please,” Ava said, nodding her head too fast.

Sara smiled as she reached under the counter and pulled out a mug, then turned around to grab the pot of drip coffee to fill it up.

Ava found herself easily smiling back, all of the petty rudeness they had exchanged over the past few weeks somehow faded away.

“So do you, Nora, and Mona do this often then? Going out together, I mean,” Sara said, giving Ava her coffee and danish, then putting her elbows on the counter and leaning over to talk to her. The shop was a bit busy, but everyone seemed settled in, and no one else came up to the counter, leaving Sara free to stand and talk with her.

“Yeah, we usually just stay in and have book club, but Nora has got the biggest crush on Ray and finally decided to do something about it.”

“Yeah, I know. Ray likes her too and I’m glad everything worked out for them, they really like each other.”

They both looked over to see Nora and Ray talking, and Ray rubbing his thumb over the back of Nora’s hand.

“I bet they’re married by the end of summer,” Sara said, still staring at them.

“No way,” Ava guffawed. “Nora’s always wanted a December wedding. I give them at least until next year.”

“At this rate, they’re going to make it this year,” Sara chuckled as they watched them start to make out.

They looked away and giggled like a pair of schoolgirls, and Ava began to wonder if she had Sara painted all wrong.

“I wanted to apologize for the things I said at the meeting we had earlier this month,” Sara began, looking her in the eye. “Ray’s been coming over and helping me and Sin with their homework. He thinks they might have that thing you were talking about.”

“Dyscalculia.”

“Yeah,” Sara nodded, looking somber. “We’re meeting with a specialist next Monday.”

“I’m glad you’re doing that,” Ava said, taking a softer tone.

“Thank you,” Sara said, quite genuinely soft in a way that surprised Ava.

Ava suddenly looked at Sara in a new light, and she took in the woman standing before her. Maybe it was the lighting, or the romantic atmosphere around them created by their friends, but Ava couldn’t help but think that Sara was beautiful. There were freckles painted across her cheeks that were accented against her pink blush. Maybe it was the good food or how cute Sara looked when she smiled, but Ava found herself developing a crush, and blushing alongside her.

Before Ava knew what it, Sara had pulled up a chair next to her with a bit of paperwork she never got the chance to do, as they had talked the afternoon away. They also talked with Mona and Nate. They came by and sat with them for a while, but were now back at the piano. They had played Piano Man more than a dozen times, but were now playing simple tunes. Apparently, Sara had already met her brother, as they had been friends in college, and Ava was surprised she and Sara had never met before, with the many mutual friends they had.

It was still early evening, but Nora had come over and said she was leaving with Ray. As they watch them go, Sara said “I still say it’s gonna happen this summer. I don’t think they’ll want to wait that long.”

“No way, they’ll definitely wait at least a year. This is literally their first date, no one gets married within a few months of dating,” Ava said, having set her mind on it.

“I don’t know,” Sara said. “They’ve been friends for nearly two years, they know each other well enough that it could happen.”

“No, no, no,” Ava shook her head. “They’re both way too smart for that.”

“You want to bet on it?”

“Yes.”

Seeing that Ava was sure, Sara nodded her head and set down the rag on the counter. “Just so you know, I’ve never lost a bet.”

“I find that hard to believe,” Ava said, with an eye roll.

“Okay,” Sara said, crossing her arms. “I’ll prove it, I bet my boss Amaya and coworker Zari are making out in the back right now.”

“No way, they said they were going into the back to take stock,” Ava said. Zari and Amaya had both come over a few minutes ago and told Sara that was what they were doing. “I would know, I’m a great lie detector. I do it all the time with the kids in my classroom.”

“Kids lying and adults lying are two very different types of lying, and Amaya and Zari were both definitely lying,” Sara said, sure of her words.

“Fine, I’ll take that action,” Ava said, determined to prove her wrong.

“Okay so first off, terms and conditions. What do you want if you win?”

Ava thought it over, trying to think of something reasonable. She could always go with money, but there was something else that interested her just as much. “Two free danishes for next time I come in.”

“Great, if I win you pay double next time,” Sara said with a smile.

“Sounds good,” Ava said, shaking Sara’s hand over it.

They both got up, and Sara led her down the hall. They passed a door that Ava assumed was her office. They continued past the bathrooms, to a door and a staircase that led down to the stockroom.

The light was off, and they got halfway down the stairs when Sara reached out and pulled a string, illuminating the stock shelves of flour and other baking materials. Lo and behold, there were Zari and Amaya aggressively making out against the stocks shelves.

As hard as they were going at it, Ava was thankful that they both had their hands over each other’s clothes. It took Zari and Amaya a second to realize that they had been caught, and they both looked up at them in shock, then jumped three feet apart.

“Are you two going to go upstairs and help me close, or just stay down here and defile our stockroom?”

“We were just leaving,” Amaya said, while blushing and looking anywhere but their eyes, while Zari tried and failed to hide a smirk, not looking bashful at all.

Sara gave them one hard look before they scampered up the stairs. As soon as they closed the door, back in the hall Sara and Ava just looked at each other and burst out laughing. Ava handed her the twenty dollar bill, which would more than cover the double plate of danishes. She didn’t have to pay until she came back, but she wanted Sara to know she was good for it.

Sara took the money, and they continued laughing as they walked upstairs.

“Why don’t I grab my keys and wallet, and I’ll walk you and Mona to your car.”

“Actually we took an uber here.”

“All the more reason for me to drive you home,” Sara said.

……………………………………………………………………

Sara opened the door to her office and walked in. It was a good sized room, with space for Sara’s desk and two chairs in front of it, set up for client meetings as well as space for Zari’s desk. Against the other wall, there was a table for kids next to a two person couch, set up across from a TV they kept tucked away in the cabinet. It was professional, but with four kids, and the fact that neither she nor Zari were particularly clean, it was always messy and unorganized. Sara usually didn’t mind, but for some reason, she felt the need to move a few things around as she showed Ava in. Ava followed her and looked around, as Sara grabbed her things from the top drawer of her desk.

“You don’t have to do that. You’ve had a long shift and I’m sure you’ll want to get home and get Sin from Kendra’s.”

“Since Laurel is watching them today, and she won’t mind if I’m late,” Sara said, waving her off. “After we moved in together, Laurel said she’d happily watch Sin for the few hours here and there, and Sin loves their Auntie-Nibblet time together, so it all works out. Since it’s a Saturday, they’re probably both snuggling on the couch with bowls of ice cream, playing some video game.”

Ava laughed at the thought, “Yeah, my son and his babysitter are probably watching Magic documentaries, or still at the magic shop. He loves going there and seeing all the stuff. I don’t really get it, but he loves it, so I try and learn too.”

“That’s sweet,” Sara said. “I didn’t know you had a son.”

“Gary, yeah,” Ava said, looking down at the bracelet he made her. “He’s Sin’s age actually. He’s in Nate’s class and is obsessed with magic.”

“Sin had a brief magic stage, inspired by our friend Constantine.”

“Yeah, Gary loves him, we’re at his shop at least once a week, which is as much as I can stand,” Ava insisted, making a face.

“Not a fan.”

“No.”

Sara laughed and looked into the kitchen, waving to Amaya before she shut the blinds.

“Is it tough? working Saturdays I mean?” Ava asked.

“Kind of, I miss spending time with Sin and doing other things, but it’s been worth it financially, and it’s brought in new business. I know Amaya, Zari, and Kendra feel the same, but I don’t think we’ll continue it after school gets out. I just feel lucky that Amaya is so understanding, now that she’s got Kuasa all four of us have a kid so we all take turns leaving early to pick up and watch the kids until closing. Although I’m a single parent, it doesn’t feel like it, because we all raise the kids together and are so involved in each other’s lives. Not to mention the fact that I don’t have to worry about the financial burden of having a nanny or doing daycare,” Sara said, then looked down at her hands and blushed. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to go on and on.”

“No, it’s okay,” Ava said, reaching out and taking her hand. “I’m a single parent too. My mom, well my unofficial adopted mom, Dot, you might know her, she’s Nate’s mom. Well, she came to visit when my ex left and later moved closer so she could watch Gary after my parental leave was up. I don’t think I could have raised him without her. Nowadays, she sometimes picks him up after school, or he just hangs out in one of our classrooms and sometimes helps out with little things. It’s not for very long, so it all works out.”

“Yeah, Sin’s Dad died when they were four, and if it wasn’t for my friends and family I wouldn’t have been able to do it either. These guys, my parents, my sister, his sister, and our friends were always around to help out too, and I did get into a new relationship pretty quickly. My ex-girlfriend was kinda like a second mom to Sin. So I felt pretty lucky.”

Ava nodded somberly, having heard some of it from the child themselves. “Sin told me their Dad was an engineer.”

“Yeah Len, he um, he died in a car crash along the coast. He was taking me on a trip for our anniversary. It was the first trip we had been on since Sin was born.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. My ex-wife decided she didn’t want to be a parent after we had Gary and took off. It was tough, as I’m sure you know. I’m glad that I had a family that was there for me as well, even if at the end of the day it was just the two of us.”

“Yeah I get that,” Sara said, smiling.

It had been like this all day. They just talked and talked, about anything and everything. Being Sin’s teacher, it felt like she had already partially known Sara through Sin. Perhaps it was just that, but Ava was open with her throughout their conversations, and Sara found herself opening up as well. She talked about things with Ava that she would have never opened up about with anyone else unless she had already known them for a long time.

“Is that a Rembrandt?” Ava asked, looking over at the painting behind her.

“It’s a copy, but yes. The old building owner gifted it to me before he left. He’s now the superintendent of the school district here in the Glades.”

“Rip used to own this place?” Ava asked, looking back at her. “He recruited me from my old teaching job in Fresno to be a teacher here after Gary was born.”

“Small world,” Sara said, surprised at the number of mutual friends they had. “We started out as partners with him, but he sold everything to Amaya years ago after the business took off.”

“No kidding,” Ava said, with a smile that made Sara sigh.

Sara looked at Ava standing there in her office. Rather than the usual suit and white button up she had worn every time Sara had seen her in the school, Ava wore a blue, fitted sweater and casual, but dressy plaid grey pants. The sweater outlined the muscles of Ava’s arm and was pulled tightly over her breast. Sara looked down at the muscles of her abdomen and absentmindedly licked her lips.

Ava must have been thinking something similar because she took a step forward, looking Sara up and down. Sara looked down at her regular old white button up, black pants and the waitress’s apron she wore today with her notebook, and the sparkly pen Sin had given her for Mother’s Day.

Sara looked up and met Ava’s eyes, taking a step forward until they were just inches apart. She really shouldn’t be doing this. Ava was Sin’s teacher, but all Sara could think about was finding out what Ava looked like underneath the blue sweater she wore. Ava tested the waters with her, closing her eyes and leaned in to touch her lips to Sara’s. Ava’s lips were sweet and soft, and Sara melted against her, running her fingers into the hair at the base of Ava’s head and wrapping her other arm around Ava’s waist.

Ava moaned and kissed her harder, slipping her tongue into Sara’s mouth, pressing up against her and pushing her back to the desk. Sara let her take the lead, but pushed Ava’s tongue back so she could explore Ava’s mouth. Sara was sure she wanted this. Wanted Ava. Besides, chances were nothing would come of it. Sara could get Ava out of her system, and they could get out all that tension that had built up over the past month with a good fuck.

Sara reached back and pushed the papers off of her messy desk, as Ava lifted her up and sat her on it. There was a moment where they stopped kissing and stared at each other. They could stop now and leave it at that, but Ava didn’t remove her hands from Sara’s waist.

Ava leaned in and whispered in her ear, “Do you want me, baby?”

“Yes,” Sara breathed out, kissing Ava’s neck.

Sara reached down to the hem of her shirt, not bothering to unbutton it, just pulling it over her head and revealing herself to Ava. Ava took her in with wide eyes. Sara had forgone a bra that day, and the arousal of their kiss made her nipples stand up.

Sara smirked at Ava’s expression. Her breasts had changed a lot since she got pregnant with Sin, and although she expected it, it was hard to watch them shrink when Sin was old enough to stop breastfeeding, and when she started working out again. Now, she was happy with her body, and the fact that she could still make anyone swoon by taking off her top was a bonus. Especially as she usually stuck to one night stands these days.

Ava let her hands run up Sara’s sides to cup her breast, her fingers running along Sara’s stretch marks, Ava moved to hold them and ran her thumbs over Sara’s nipples. Sara pushed her chest out further and moaned, signaling Ava to continue. She let her own hands find their way to Ava’s belt. Ava’s sweater was tucked into her pants, and Sara let her fingers find her belt buckle and undo it.

“Wait,” Ava said suddenly, letting go of Sara’s breasts. “There’s something you should know.”

Sara paused, and Ava took a step back, looking nervous, but Sara waited patiently for her to make a decision about what she wanted to do next.

“I don’t usually do this, so it hasn’t really been an issue, but, um, well, do you have any condoms?”

“Yeah plenty, dams and stuff too,” Sara said nonchalantly; she figured they would use protection and didn’t care if Ava had anything, so long as she told her and was willing to use protection.

“Good, because we’re going to need them.” Ava took a deep breath. “I’m trans. I have a penis, and I just switched from hormone pills to the patch, and I’ve had trouble with the dosage so I’ve started to produce semen, and I’d like to be safe.”

“Okay,” Sara said softly, with a smile, trying to put Ava at ease. Sara reached back over to her desk, pulled open the drawer on the left, and grabbed a pack of condoms before handing them over to Ava.

“Okay,” Ava said. She let out of breath and seemed more at ease, she smiled and kissed Sara again.

“And just so we’re clear, I’m clean,” Sara said.

“I’m clean too,” Ava replied, before pulling off her sweater.

Sara smiled at what she found underneath. Ava’s breasts were perfect, and they heaved with her chest as she breathed. Sara reached behind Ava to undo her bra, setting her breast free. The blue bra slipped off her shoulders, and then it was Sara’s turn to be in awe of Ava. She leaned forward and looked up at Ava from between her breasts.

“Can I taste them?”

Ava just nodded, and Sara looked back to the pink areolas and wrapped her lips around the left one. Ava’s breasts were more pointed, and of course her nipples and areolas were smaller, but that didn’t make Sara enjoy them any less. She licked her way from the left to the right. When she was satisfied that she had paid attention enough to each breast, Sara pulled back.

Sara reached behind herself and undid the strings of her apron, pulling it off and setting it aside. Ava got the hint and reached for the button of Sara’s jeans. Sara put both of her hands on her desk behind her and lifted her hips so that Ava could drag her pants and underwear down her legs. She was thankful that she had worn the black sports panties, rather than the off-pink pair that had one too many holes and bloodstains, but were insanely comfortable. Not that Ava paid much attention to it, just leaving both items in a pile on the floor.

Sara quickly kicked off her boots and Ava took a step back, then reached for her own pants. At first, she took off her belt and placed it on the chair Sara had for guests and clients, as they often met with couples for wedding cakes in here, then toed off both of her boots and placed them next to the chair as well. She picked up her sweater and gently folded it, before finally taking off her pants and folding them as well. The action made Sara smile.

When Ava turned around, she was just wearing a pair of tighty whities, and Sara could see her penis press out against the front of her underwear. Sara took a moment to take Ava in. She was tall and lengthy, and thin but muscular. Her arms and legs seem to never end. Her face was oval and slim, like her body with her soft features. Sara thought she was breathtaking.

Sara reached for her, but Ava stood just past her fingertips. Ava took a step forward, and Sara placed her hands on Ava’s hips and stuck her thumbs in the waistband of Ava’s underwear. Sara looked up at her and waited for Ava to give her the okay to continue. Ava nodded, and Sara slowly pulled the underwear down. Ava’s penis stood half hard, uncircumcised, long and thin like the rest of her body.

“It’s not much,” Ava said, looking down at her.

“Are you kidding me?” Sara said not taking her eyes off of it. “Whoever made you believe that is an idiot.”

“Well, when I started estrogen and t-blockers my doctor told me it could shrink and it did a little bit, and it’s a use it or lose it kinda thing, and I’ve never really minded having a penis, so I’ve tried to keep using it. That’s kinda why I switched dosages on the patch, so that I can have more sexual function…” Ava trailed off as Sara ran her fingers over her shaft with a feather touch.

Ava closed her eyes, thrusted forward and moaned. Sara smiled at how sensitive she was and grasped her hips, pushing her back, and Sara got down and dropped to her knees. She took the pack of condoms from Ava’s hand and ripped open the first one, unrolling over Ava’s shaft, before leaning in.

“Sara.”

“Humm?” Sara murmured and hesitated, but was unable to take her eyes off of her.

“You don’t have to do this.”

“I want to do this,” Sara said, looking back up at her. “Do you want me to do this?”

All Ava could do was nod, and with that Sara stuck out her tongue and licked her way up Ava’s shaft.

Sara swirled her tongue around Ava’s head and licked down her length, then she held Ava’s shaft up so she could suck on Ava’s balls. Ava held still for most of the time, but when Sara wrapped her lips around her length, taking Ava fully in her mouth, Ava’s hips jumped forward. Ava poked the back of Sara’s throat and caused her to choke.

“Oh my god, I’m so sorry,” Ava said, pulling out of Sara’s mouth.

Sara laughed, “No it’s okay, it’s not the first time it’s accidentally happened. I just wasn’t expecting it.”

Ava nodded and held still, as Sara tried again and sucked Ava into her mouth. Ava let out a shaky breath, and Sara took her further down, letting herself get used to the feeling. Sara opened her throat and took Ava in all the way down, then Sara looked up at Ava. It was hard to see her from this angle, but Sara could see her head thrown back.

Sara moved back, letting Ava’s length slide most of the way out of her mouth, and then took her back down again. Ava moaned and threaded her fingers into Sara’s hair, but she just held her, not pushing her head forward or back. Sara continued to bob her head up and down, sucking Ava in every time. Sara reaches down and cupped Ava’s balls, massaging them. Ava moaned and panted.

“Sara,” Ava pleaded.

Sara continued her actions, sucking and moving. Ava’s hips rolled, and Sara moved with her. Then, Ava pulled back and Sara was forced to let her go.

“Come here,” Ava said, pulling her up and kissing her again. Ava held Sara’s hips and guided her back to sit on the desk.

Ava lifted her up and set her on the desk, and Sara spread her legs wide, bringing both of her feet up on the desk, next to her hips. Ava ran her hands down from Sara’s knees to her inner thigh. When she got to the mop of blonde curls between Sara’s legs, she gently ran her fingers through the hair before parting Sara’s labia and running a finger over her clit.

Ava gently took two fingers and explored Sara’s vulva. Ava ran them up and down in between Sara’s pink lips. Sara was completely soaking Ava’s fingers, as Ava collected her wetness. Soon, Ava’s fingers zeroed in on Sara’s clit, running over it in quick hard circles.

“Fuck, Ava,” Sara moans out, letting her head drop back.

It just felt so good, and Sara was more worked up than she realized. Ava definitely knew her way around and worked Sara so good that before she knew it, she was cumming and gushing all over Ava’s fingers.

Ava pulled away, but Sara pulled her back, grabbing her hips and pulling her forward. She grabbed ahold of Ava’s penis and pulled it towards her center. Sara wrapped her legs around Ava and looked down to guide her in.

Ava went slow at first, letting Sara adjust to the feeling of Ava filling her, slowly inching forward until she was completely inside of Sara.

“God, it feels so good to be full,” Sara said, the words slipping off her tongue.

Ava immediately got to work and set a good pace, as she started moving back and forth. Sara let herself go and got caught up in the pleasure, as Ava hit that spot in her that made her go wild.

Sara threw her head back and couldn’t help the loud moan that she let loose. Ava’s movements have her on cloud nine, as Ava moved her hips, thrusting back and forth. Sara clenched around Ava, causing her to gasp and move wildly. Ava held both sides of her hips as she rocked back and forth. Ava moaned as she moved forward to capture Sara in a kiss, though they had to part as they both started to breathe heavily.

Ava leaned forward, letting go of Sara’s hips as she snaked her arm around to hold Sara’s back, and slammed her other hand on Sara’s desk to hold herself up. Sara wrapped one arm around Ava and leaned into her shoulder, letting her lips linger against her skin.

Ava started to pant and Sara could tell she was close by the way her hips rolled erratically. Ava moved her hand from Sara’s hip to sneak between their bodies. Ava adjusted her angle and pressed two fingers to Sara’s clit. Sara would swear if she could talk. Ava rubbed her fingers across her clit at just the right force and consistency.

“I’m gonna cum,” Sara breathed out.

“Me too.”

Ava just went faster, thrusting her hips and rubbing Sara’s clit. It was too much. Sara came, hard. She almost screamed Ava’s name and buried her head in Ava’s shoulder to muffle her cry. Sara’s walls contracted as her orgasm ran over her, and she felt Ava cum as well.

Ava’s thrusts slowed, losing speed and strength. Ava removed her hand from Sara’s oversensitive clit and held her. Ava tried to remove her hand from the desk, but it stuck to the leather folder Sara kept the wedding cake pictures in. It slowly came off of Ava’s hand, pulling at her skin as she ripped it off. Once she removed her hand, she just held Sara, rubbing her back and letting Sara rest her head on her shoulder.

“That was great, thank you,” Sara whispered. She buried her nose in Ava’s hair, enjoying her soft and sweet scent.

“Thank you, too,” Ava said with a laugh.

Sara chuckled and Ava pulled back a little bit. She looked at Sara, both in that soft afterglow. Their smiles came easy and lazy across their lips. Ava pulled out and Sara sighed at the loss.

……………………………………………………………………

By the time they got their clothes back on, grabbed Sara’s things, cleaned up her desk, and locked up her office, the shop was completely shut down. The only lights on were those behind the counter and the setting sun streaming in through the front windows. Everyone else had left, except for Mona who sat at one of the tables alongside Kendra.

“Ava, there you are,” Mona said in a soft sweet voice, clearly indicating that she knew what had gone on.

“Sorry to keep you, Kendra,” Sara said as she approached their table, placing her hand on Kendra’s shoulders.

“I would have locked up but this woman said she was waiting for her friend,” Kendra said with a knowing smile.

“I knew you were around here somewhere, and I saw you wander off with Sara a while ago,” Mona said with an over enthusiastic wink.

“No, that’s not what happened,” Ava stammered, wanting to keep her sex life to herself.

“I was just giving her the full tour,” Sara said, in an equally unbelievable tone.

“Then why is Ava’s sweater on backwards?” Kendra asked.

Ava quickly looked down at her sweater, pulling at the collar to reveal the tag, indicating that it was indeed on backward.

“Okay, time to go,” Sara said, ushering them up.

All four of them walked out of the bakery, and Sara locked up behind them. Kendra walked with Sara over to her car, as Sara opened the door for Ava and Mona, whom Sara had agreed to drive home.

“Goodnight Sara, I hope you had fun today,” Kendra sang, as she got in her car.

Sara shook her head and got in her car. She pulled out of the alleyway, heading in the direction Ava had given her. Things were quiet as Sara quickly made it over to Ava’s place. She tried to hide her surprise as they pulled into one of the nicest neighborhoods in Star City. It was a few more turns around the streets, before they pulled up to a modern two story home.

“Thanks for driving us here,” Ava said, as Mona got out ahead of her, leaving them alone. “I know it’s kind of out of your way.”

“No problem,” Sara said, waving her off.

“I had fun today,” Ava said, smiling softly.

“Me too,” Sara said, before casually adding. “You should come by more often.”

“If things work out between Ray and Nora, I’m sure I’ll be seeing you, Ms. Lance.”

“Oh, you can count on it, Ms. Sharpe.”

Sara nervously drummed her fingers against her steering wheel, like she was dropping her date off after the first time, which she supposed she was.

“Goodnight, Sara.”

“Goodnight, Ava.”

With that, Ava closed Sara’s door and walked up the steps to her house. Ava waved to Mona as she got in her own car and drove off. Sara made sure she got inside, and Ava waved to her before shutting her front door. Sara found herself smiling on the drive home and all the way up to her apartment. She quietly let herself in like she always did. Sure enough, Sin and Laurel were on the couch, playing video games and yelling at the TV.

Sin jumped up when they finally heard Sara and wrapped their arms around her waist. Sara knew one day her kid wouldn’t jump for joy when she came home. So for now, Sara just hugged them back and enjoyed this moment.

……………………………………………………………………

Ava would never admit it, but this had become a routine. Going to Jiwe’s with Nora and Mona on Saturdays, and sometimes stopping in with Gary after school, where they would sit and talk with the group. Sara would come over and talk as well, although she occasionally got pulled away to her duties. Ava, Nora, and Mona were becoming regulars. Ava got to know Ray more so than she did at work, in fact, Ava got to know all of the staff, and she watched as Zari and Amaya tried and failed to hide their relationship.

Although, she would never admit that her thing with Sara had also become routine. The talking and occasionally flirting with her was how it always started out. With Sara across from her at the counter, with that sweet smile Sara had just for her. They would talk until the day ended, then go back to Sara’s office or car, they even got a hotel once, and had sex. However, it wasn’t just sex.

They weren’t dating, per se, moreso friends with benefits was what Ava chose to call it, because there was something there. Something that certainly could turn into a relationship if they gave it a chance, but they danced around that line because neither one was willing to cross it. Ava wanted to remain professional, Sin was still her student and she wasn’t going to jeopardize that just so she could continue to see Sara. So this is where they were at. With Ava coming over to the bakery and them flirting and sleeping together, and she’d be lying if she said she wasn’t there just to see Sara.

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tml9115 · 6 years ago

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Would you consider writing the story where Laurel is sent to the future that you mentioned in that ask? i'd love read it. There are not enough Avalance fics with Laurel.

Well Anon, I have lost so much sleep over this because once the thought popped into my head, it would not leave. I may have gotten carried away, this was meant to be a short piece….

Damien takes Laurel back in time in hopes of distracting Sara. Laurel and Ava meet and the trio spend some time together.

You can read it here or on AO3

Bittersweet Distraction

“Captain Lance.” Gideon’s voice came over the intercom in her bedroom.

Both occupants in Sara’s bed groaned.

“She seriously has the worst timing.” Ava let out a frustrated sigh. “I was so close.” She pouted.

Sara chuckled, leaning down to kiss her disappointed girlfriend. “Can it wait Gideon,” she asked.

“It can Captain, but I believe you’ll want to see this.”

“I promise we can finish later.” She ran her hand up Ava’s bare side. She was just as annoyed at the interruption, but Gideon wouldn’t have bothered them unless it was important. “Alright Gideon give us a minute.”

***...***

“Bout time you got here.”

Sara rolled her eyes. “Shut it Mick.” She swore he went out of his way to make Ava uncomfortable when she was around. “What’s going on Gideon,” she asked the AI, ignoring the creepy smirk on Mick’s face that said, ‘I know what you were up to’.

“A level 4 anachronism.”

“You got us out of.” She stopped herself from completing that sentence. She’d been ready to say bed.

“Out of what, Captain.” Nate’s grin told her he knew exactly what Gideon had interrupted.

“What’s so important about this anachronism Gideon.” She both loved and hated her team sometimes. They’d all been forgiving of Ava’s past hunt for them. They accepted her as their Captain’s girlfriend but that didn’t stop them from teasing and making things extremely awkward for her.

“It’s not the level that alerted me Captain, it is the anachronism it self. Since the incident with Dr. Palmer, Professor Stein and Mr. Rory, I have put alerts in place in case any of you or your family members are affected by time travelers.” Gideon displayed a photo on the computer for the team to see.

“Laurel,” Sara whispered, running her fingers across the photo of her sister. “How,” she asked.

“I do not know Captain, I believe this may be the work of the Darhks. A level two anachronism jumped to a level ten moments after I received the alert for Laurel Lance.”

Sara nodded. “He’s trying to distract me.”

“Is it working,” Ava asked. Sara’s guilt for not being able to go back and save her sister always ate at her, so if Damien’s plan was to distract her then he succeeded.

“Not if I can help it. Amaya, you, Nate, Mick and Ray handle the level ten. Zari, Ava and I will get Laurel.” She trusted Amaya to lead the team and was relieved when no one argued.

“Captain.” Gideon interrupted. “Another anachronism has upgraded from a level three to a level eleven.”

Sara sighed, she couldn’t risk the safety of her team. “Okay new plan.” She pinched the bridge of her nose trying to think of a better plan.

“Mick and I will get Laurel. You lead one team, Ava the other to handle the anachronisms.” Ray offered a solution to an almost impossible situation. “We know her, she trusts me.”

Sara debated her options. She couldn’t risk anything happening to her sister, nor could she risk something happening to her team, her family. “Keep her safe Ray.” She was trusting him with her sister.

“Will do Captain.” He placed a hand over his heart, promising to keep Laurel safe.

***...***

“What is going on Ray, and don’t tell me you’ll explain later. I want to know now.” One minute she’d been fighting with Damien Darhk and the next, she’d found herself in late 1600’s Massachusetts being accused of witchcraft.

“Ms. Lance,” Ava greeted. “My name is Ava Sharpe and I work for the Time Bureau.” She extended her hand out to Laurel.

“Are you going to tell me what the hell is going on here,” she asked, refusing to shake the agent’s hand.

“Look Laurel, I promise when Sara gets back she will explain everything.” Ray jumped in. He hoped Laurel’s trust in him would buy them a little bit more time.

“Dr. Palmer is correct. Sara can answer your questions when she gets back from her mission.” They hadn’t had a lot of time to discuss how they’d treat the whole situation once Laurel was rescued. They could’ve taken Laurel back to her time without Sara ever seeing her but that didn’t feel right.

“What mission,” Laurel snapped, losing her patience. “Sara left a week ago to better cope with her blood lust, there is no way she’d go on a mission knowing how dangerous she is.” She turned away from the members in the med bay and started to walk out. “You’re lying, I’m going to find my own way back.” She glared at Mick when he blocked her path. “Move before I move you,” she threatened.

Mick stepped aside when Ava gave a nod telling him to let her go. She wasn’t worried about her getting too far.

“Laurel,” Sara gasped as her sister bumped into her. She needed more time to prepare herself for her reunion with her sister so she’d been on her way to her room to change, she had not expected to literally run into her.

“Sara, thank god you’re here. Ray won’t tell me anything.” She hugged her sister, relieved to have her there. She had so many unanswered questions.

“I promise I’ll answer your questions soon, but I need a minute.” She withdrew herself from her sister and turned into the med bay. “Mick, Ray, thank you for getting my sister.” She smiled at the pair.

“She’s family Sara.” Ray would do anything for any of his makeshift family members.

“Besides,” Mick drawled. “She’s hot.” He winked at Laurel who smiled in return.

“Mick, I swear, if you so much as have another thought along those lines, I will kill you. And you.” She pointed to Laurel. “He’s not your type.”

Mick just shrugged.

“Sara calm down, you know what happens when you get angry.” Laurel’s smile was gone, she was too worried about Sara losing control to think about teasing her.

Sara frowned, she didn’t lose control, not anymore.

“You just left Star City to cope with your blood lust.” Ava supplied.

“Oh.” That felt like a lifetime ago to Sara.

“Sara.” Ava placed a hand around her bicep. Sara looked so conflicted and that broke her heart. She hated herself for what she was about to say. “Guys will you give us a minute.”

Ray nodded and walked out with Mick following. “We’ll take her to your office.”

“I know what you’re about to say.” Sara started. “I know what I need to do, but I don’t want to, not yet.” She wanted more time with her sister. “Ava please.”

“Sara, I’m just worried about you.” She tucked a loose strand of hair behind Sara’s ear, leaving her hand to cup her cheek. “Sending her back won’t be easy but the longer she stays, the harder it will become.”

“I know, I just miss her so much.” A tear slipped down her cheek.

Ava wiped the tear with her thumb. “I know you do. So how about this, she stays, for a few hours. When the time comes, I’ll wipe her memory and take her back.” If it wouldn’t disrupt the timeline, she had no issue keeping Laurel on the ship.

“Okay.” Sara nodded. She stood up on her tiptoes, giving Ava a kiss. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Now go to your sister before Mick hits on her.” She shuddered at the thought.

“I will kill him.” Sara threatened. “You’re not leaving are you,” she asked.

She wanted to give Sara time alone with Laurel. “I need to submit my report with the bureau and inform Director Bennett of what the Darkhs are up to.”

“Don’t be gone too long. I want you to get to know Laurel.”

“I won’t.” She promised, tilting her head down for a kiss. “I’ll see you soon.” She pulled back and opened a portal to the Time Bureau. “Enjoy your time with your sister.”

Sara smiled at Ava’s retreating back. She couldn’t believe this was the same Ava that not long ago, was hellbent on following the rules. She returned to the bridge to fetch her sister. “Laurel,” Sara called out to her. Her heart skipped a beat every time she saw her. “Come on, I need to change.” She led her sister to her room.

“Change would be great.” She pointed at her leather suit.

Sara laughed, remembering how uncomfortable the suit could get when worn for an extended period of time. “I might have something you can borrow.” She led Laurel to her quarters and dug out a pair of sweats and T-shirt for herself and moved to a separate dresser to grab Laurel a change of clothes.

Laurel eyed the garments for a brief second wanting to question their ownership but decided she’d leave it be for the time being. She had more important questions she wanted answers to.

Once they were changed, Sara led Laurel to the kitchen where Gideon fabricated a bottle of sparking cider for them.

“Now can I ask my questions,” Laurel asked, once they settled down on the couch in what she assumed was a rec room.

Sara finished off her first glass of cider, poured another, before nodding. She wished she’d grabbed something stronger for herself. “One at a time.” She reminded her sister.

“Okay.” Laurel had so many questions, she couldn’t figure out which one she wanted to ask first. “Um, I guess let’s start with, where are we.”

“That’s kind of complicated, we’re on a time ship. We’re currently floating through time.”

“Why did Damien bring me back to the sixteen hundreds.” She didn’t miss Sara’s tensing at the mention of the villain. “You okay,” she asked.

“I’m fine, Damien’s been a thorn in my side. He’s been messing with time, making major changes to the timeline, he was trying to distract me.”

“I’m sure he’s gonna be sorry to realize it didn’t work.” Laurel laughed.

Sara smiled but did not join in her joy of winning this one. While she and the team had managed to stop Damien and the three anachronisms, he’d still distracted her. She was sure this visit and the pain it would leave her with would stay with her for a long time.

“Sara,” Laurel said worriedly. “Last time I saw you, you’d just left Star City.” Laurel missed her sister. She’d just come back from the dead and said she’d needed to leave, to figure things out. It had been hard to let her go but seeing how she turned out, she was glad she had.

“It’s been a few years for me. A lot has changed, time travel is a complicated thing.”

“Change like your suit.” She’d wanted to make a comment about the all white leather suit her sister had arrived in.

“That was actually your doing. You had Cisco make it for me, you told me I didn’t need to wear a mask anymore.”

“It’s no wonder I like it.” Laurel smiled. She was happy her sister was doing well.

“Captain Lance, Agent Sharpe has returned.”

“Thanks Gideon, send her our way.”

“Agent Sharpe, she’s the one that was in the med bay right,” Laurel asked. She’d been curious about her and where she stood with her sister.

“That would be her.”

“I hope I’m not intruding,” Ava said walking in, a glass of whisky in hand. She eyed Laurel’s outfit for a brief second before giving Sara a knowing smile.

“Is that whiskey,” Sara asked in envy.

“It is.” Ava nodded, taking a sip, humming.

Laurel laughed, her sister was practically drooling beside her but she wasn’t sure if it was for the whiskey or the woman that was now dressed in jeans and a T-shirt holding the glass. Something told her it was mostly the latter.

“Ava.” Sara pouted.

Ava grinned. She’d been prepared for Sara wanting to steal her drink, especially after Gideon had informed her that she and Laurel had taken a bottle of cider to share. She produced a bottle of Whiskey and a spare glass from behind her back.

“You know me so well.” She grabbed the extra glass and the bottle from her.

Laurel smiled at the pair, Ava seemed not only to know her sister well enough to bring her hard liquor, she knew enough about her not to offer her any. “So, do you work for the Time Bureau too,” she asked Sara who burst out laughing almost spitting out the sip of alcohol she’d just taken.

Ava rolled her eyes.

“So that’s a no.” She directed the question towards Ava since her sister appeared to be incapacitated.

“No, up until a few months ago, I was actually trying to bring your sister and her team of misfits in.” Ava thought about those days, thankful she hadn’t succeeded.

“That somehow does not surprise me.” Laurel smiled, Ava seemed to be the responsible one in the group. “Sara always surrounds herself with questionable people.”

“Hey,” Sara whined. “You two are not allowed to hang up on me. It’s not nice.”

“We’re not ganging up on you Sara. Laurel was just stating a fact, one I happen to agree with.” Ava winked at Laurel which only caused Sara to groan.

The three spent the next few hours with Laurel and Ava getting to know each other and Sara spending some much needed quality time with her sister.

“Captain Lance,” Gideon interrupted the trio. “I believe the Darkhs are at it again.”

“Okay Gideon, have everyone meet on the bridge, I’ll be there in a minute.” Sara sighed, she knew her time with Laurel would have to come to an end. “Sorry sis, duty calls.” She stood up. “Ava’s going to take you back, she’s gonna have to wipe your memories of the future, Time Bureau rules.” She did her best not cry, saying goodbye was just just as hard as she imagined it would be.

Laurel nodded, hugging her sister, holding her extra tight. She wished she could stay longer. “I figured, I love you Sara, so much. I’m proud of you.” She stayed strong for her sister. She knew if she cried, her sister would too. She didn’t want her distracted on her upcoming mission.

“I love you too.” She released Laurel with a sad smile.

“I’ll be here when you get back.” Ava placed a hand on Sara’s shoulder in an attempt comfort her.

Sara nodded. “Bye Laurel.” She took her sister’s hand in hers briefly before leaving to meet with the rest of the team.

Laurel’s shoulders slumped once Sara was out of the room. “I’m not around anymore, am I,” she asked. “It’s okay, I knew it the moment I bumped into her. I could see it in her face.”

“I’m sorry Laurel.” And she really was. She wished things were different. Sara deserves some happiness after everything she’d been through.

Laurel nodded sadly. “I guess we should go. I need to change.” She let Ava lead her to Sara’s quarters, not surprised with how familiar she was with the ship, and Sara’s room. “So, how long have you and my sister been dating,” she asked once she’d finished changing.

Ava was about to deny it when Laurel stopped her.

“Please don’t start lying to me now. I know my sister and I know when she likes someone. I may have just met you but something tells me you’re not the type to go around comforting people with gentle touches and bringing them whiskey because you know how hard it will be for them seeing their dead sister.” She held up the clothes she’d taken off. “And something tells me these are yours.”

She’d tried to be less noticeable but she hadn’t been able to resist comforting Sara, even if it had been a subtle touch of the arm or soft smile when their eyes met. “Not long. She’s special.”

Laurel smiled, tears filling her eyes. “I’m glad to know she’s happy and taken care of.” She wanted to say loved but something told her Ava wasn’t ready for that word yet. “Ava,” Laurel said her name hesitantly.

“What is it,” Ava asked. Leading them out of the room and into the corridor.

“I don’t want you to take my memories of this time away.” Ava was a rule follower that was one thing she’d learned while spending time with her so she knew this was a long shot but she needed to try.

“Laurel it’s against regulation. Your knowledge of the future could alter it. It’s not safe.”

“I won’t say anything to anyone, I swear. I know I’m going to die but I don’t know how or when so I couldn’t change that. Seeing as Sara hasn’t gone back in time to save me, I know that she can’t. I’ve accepted that. I know it’s against the rules but I just want to remember my sister like this. The last time I saw her, she was in so much pain,she’d just come back from the dead and the blood lust ruled her. I want to remember this Sara. I want to know that everything will be okay for her, I want to remember her smiling and looking at you like you’re the most important thing in the world.” Laurel was openly crying now. Her heart was breaking at the thought of losing this precious time she’d been given with her sister.

Ava let out a heavy sigh. “If your teams asks about where you were.”

“I’ll tell them I don’t remember, my memory was wiped to keep the future safe and that’s all I was allowed to remember.” She answered quickly. “Please Ava.”

“Alright.” She conceded, breaking protocol.

Laurel hugged her tightly, thanking her.

“It’s time,” Ava said after a minute. She opened a portal inside the elevator that led to team Arrows hideout.

Laurel stepped towards the open portal. “Take care of my sister.” With that she stepped through to the other side. She turned around and waved at Ava. “I’m glad I got to meet you.”

“Me too.” Ava smiled sadly as the portal closed. She wished that things could be different, that Laurel could be saved, that she could get to know her better. In the little time she’d gotten to know the elder Lance, she’d come to like her.

***...***

“I couldn’t do it,” Ava tells Sara later that night as they laid curled up together in bed.

Sara lifted her head from Ava’s chest. “Couldn’t do what,” she asked.

Ava lifted her head to place a kiss on Sara’s forehead. “Erase her memory.”

“You didn’t,” she asked, tears filling her already red and swollen eyes.

Ava shook her head. “She asked me not to, she wanted to remember you happy after everything you’ve been through.” She cupped Sara’s face with her hand. “And knowing what’s to come, I want her to have peace knowing you’re okay.”

In that moment, Sara forgot all the sadness she’d felt when she’d stepped away from her sister. “You violated protocol for me,” she asked, overwhelmed that Ava would do that for her. This wasn’t disobeying an order that would result in a slap on the wrist if found out, she could get in serious trouble.

“I would do it again.” She had meant it when she’d told Laurel, Sara was special. She would do anything for her.

#anon ask #anon response #Avalance #lot #sara lance #laurel lance #ava sharpe #avalance prompt

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ghostie-hoe · 6 years ago

Text

PLL THE PERFECTIONISTS 1x01 RECAP & THEORIES

So the episode opens with Sofia Carson’s monologue introducing the theme of the show - perfectionism and how the desperation for perfection has lead someone to snap under pressure and kill.

The monologue is talking about prestigious students at the University, so we can be lead to believe that the person who killed Nolan is amongst them - a student. I’d say, let’s keep an open mind and not rule out Dylan, Caitlin and Ava just yet.

In the next scene, Alison is in a Uber on her way to Beacon Heights, claiming that she doesn’t know anyone in town. We then see Alison entering her new home - there’s a sound and suddenly she’s a character in a horror film calling out “Hello?” And of course she checks the basement. It’s easy to fall back into old fears after two years of a safe, AD-free life. Mona then appears out of nowhere holding a knife and box of pie. Classic Mona. Creepy. Alison doesn’t seem to surprised to see Mona, they make small talk. Alison asks Mona “What are you doing here?” and She explains lightly that Mary and Alex escaped her dungeon (without confirming those words) and then moves onto say that she does GAME DESIGN for Hotchkiss. GAME DESIGN.

Let’s just throw back to the original show where Mona was addicted to the game - she became a master at the game and even admired Alex’s board game. In other words she was unhealthily fascinated by it. Why is nobody bringing up Mona doing Game design when we know now that she may have been communicating with someone through mirrors and is in the house where this state of the art security system is located? Link? Coincidence? There are no coincidences in Rosewood therefore no coincidences in Oregon. Mona talking to Alison about fresh starts and trust and Alison expresses wanting to leave the old mean girl behind her and help the kids and Mona replies “You will. I know it.” Mona already knows something. She brought Alison here for a reason knowing that she’d be able to help. “Allison’s determined as she ever was, don’t you think?” I’m not gonna be surprised if Mona is talking to her other personality (more on that later).

Alison and Mona walking to campus together and Alison brings up Taylor Hotchkiss to which Mona says “lovely girl” and Alison gets a little suspicious about the timeline of Mona being in Beacon Heights after Taylor committed suicide and not during. Mona always has an answer for everything “I read up on her” she claimed. From this, I believe that Mona knows Taylor is alive. Mona just knows everything.

Alison begins her first day at Beacon Heights by signing her name on a digital board and this full scene has How to get away with murder vibes. We first meet the mains in this scene. Alison launches into conversation about one of her favourite books by Agatha Christie ‘And then there were none’

Ten strangers, apparently with little in common, are lured to an island mansion off the coast of Devon by the mysterious U.N.Owen. Over dinner, a record begins to play, and the voice of an unseen host accuses each person of hiding a guilty secret. That evening, former reckless driver Tony Marston is found murdered by a deadly dose of cyanide.

The tension escalates as the survivors realise the killer is not only among them but is preparing to strike again… and again...

Marlene always chooses literature that has significance to the story - to her characters. So, let’s say our island mansion is Beacon Heights, who has been lured to Beacon Heights? Alison. As far we can tell as we’re only one episode into the story, nobody has been accused of having guilty secrets - however, Nolan was blackmailing Caitlin. Our Tony Marston is Nolan Hotchkiss, the first and one of many people to be murdered and the killer is amongst them, meaning the killer must be one of the main characters we were introduced to, Dylan, Caitlin , Ava, Dylan’s boyfriend, Caitlin’s secret boyfriend or someone we haven’t yet been introduced to in Alison’s class. At this point, Taylor could’ve murdered her own brother.

Dylan is called on to talk about a theme in the book and he chooses isolation. “The author deliberately picks this remote location so the characters can escape themselves. It’s part of their punishment.” Let’s take note of the significance of the mains answers. Dylan talking about isolation may have significance to his role in the story or his own secrets. Is Dylan out? Does he feel isolated?

We then have Ava who claims that Dylan is always right to avoid answering the answer because she didn’t have an answer. She then goes onto say “Well it’s about dichotomy of something and nothing.” A reflection of how Ava feels about herself knowing that she’s a real person but nothing connotes her self esteem? Or even the whole Nolan - Ava - Caitlin - situation. She then admits that she didn’t read the book because she was too busy focusing on growing her YouTube channel, her outlet for paying her tuition.

And then we have Caitlin. “The author wasn’t subtle. She named a character justice. It comes down to, well, is it okay to murder a murderer?” Caitlin isn’t a subtle person as we can see from the later scenes where she speaks of being inspired by her fantasy to get rid of someone to Alison and then describing how the core 3 could murder Nolan, and it happened in the exact way she said. Caitlin goes on to to say that she would hurt someone that hurt someone she loves. Nolan then says “Don’t worry babe, nobody would mess with me.” Now, Caitlin turns to look at Nolan before he reassures her that nobody would hurt him. We find out later in the episode that Nolan is blackmailing Caitlin with information about an affair between one of her mothers and another person. Little hint that Caitlin wouldn’t hesitate to hurt Nolan for destroying her family - and their perfectionism dynamics?

And finally, Nolan. “Paybacks a bitch. Characters got what they deserved. They did terrible things, they got terrible things done to them. Thought you’d appreciate that world view, Miss Dilaurentis.”

So first of all, Nolan obviously has information on Alison’s history because ‘missing dead girl turns up alive’ would make serious headlines but it seems a little deeper than that. I’d say his insider is Mona. It’s possible that this has significance to the other girls for partaking in bullying ‘Loser Mona’ the Jenna Thing etc. Possibly hinting at Alison coming back and being tormented by Alex and “Elliot”, the insemination. And we all know that seeing a dead body in PLL doesn’t always mean that character is always dead, this could be Nolan’s plan. Fake his death, Make it look extremely convincing ie. a body. One of my followers suggested that Nolan could’ve had a Nolan mask made (not shocking in the PLL universe) and this statement is him talking about his plan to kill people who deserve it in his mind because “people did terrible things and had terrible things done to them.” After saying that the camera pans to Alison, Dylan and Ava. Interesting. His victims maybe?

After the class ends, Alison pulls Nolan to the side and asks Why he thinks she knows about payback and he answers with “My mother is gonna tell you that you’re here because you remind her of my sister. It’s more than that.” Weird answer to bring the Taylor and Alison comparison into it. Rather, Nolan knows that Taylor is alive, faked her death. An early hint that Taylor isn’t dead. You can’t recruit someone because they’re blonde and remind you of your blonde daughter, there’s more to Taylor in Claire’s eyes that reminds her of Taylor. Was Taylor a mean girl?

The group are walking out of the main building whilst Nolan is trying to confirm Caitlin’s attendance at Claire’s dinner party and Caitlin claims that she has plans to which Nolan replies with “Can’t imagine what would be more important than you showing up for me” Showing up for me? That’s not something you normally say to your girlfriend (But Caitlin isn’t Nolan’s girlfriend, she’s being blackmailed into it so that he can date Ava without his mother knowing) Then Nolan talks about the papers that Dylan has to write for Nolan and Ava because he’s the smartest. Nolan has something on him for him to say “I’ll do yours but I can’t do Ava’s” then talks about another academic interest of his. So, Ava is our Hanna equivalent, possibly secretly very smart, interested in her social media presence and was doing fashion design during the monologue. Dylan is our Spencer, academically focussed. Ava and Nolan leave and Caitlin expresses to Dylan how she thought things would be different this year and Dylan asks “Because of Taylor? He didn’t even cry at her funeral” Nolan didn’t cry because he knew that his sister wasn’t dead. She’s alive. That’s why he didn’t cry. Also, it’s socially acceptable not to be crying at a funeral because everyone grieves differently. Caitlin then goes on to ask if she can help him with anything that Nolan has on him and Dylan claims that they’re all his fake friends and they hang out with him to make it look like he has “the perfect posse” Caitlin seems to want to make a real friendship out of the fake friendship, with Dylan anyways. We then get the scene of Dylan walking away, a pan to the camera ontop of the building and a birds eye view shot of Caitlin on her own and people walking in different directions around her. I LOVE THE WAY THIS IS FILMED. Camera cuts to Mona walking through campus and Alison sneaking up on her and startling her.

Alison mentions Nolan’s name and then about how her and Alison were talking all “Summer camp” about fresh starts and Mona doesn’t look surprised but asks “What did Nolan say” instead of giving her a straight forward answer. Mona claims that she didn’t tell anyone information about Alison and that Nolan doesn’t belong because he’s extremely smart. Nolan is now the Mona equivalent. She then says that by her calculations, Nolan could be dangerous.

Alison grading plagiarised papers against the plagiarism policy, at this point we need Spencer Hastings. The song in the background playing about wanting to be out of the familiar, can you help me please? I want to know. Significant? Why is the word ‘meticulous’ being highlighted for us to see. We could see Alison grading papers against that polity and talking to her students about it and we’d understand what’s happened but instead we are shown the scene of highlighting the word ‘meticulous’.. the shot of Alison’s glasses on the page gave me the PLL The Great Gatsby poster vibes (The one with the glasses and the eyes, saying ‘someone’s watching you’ )

Nolan has something on Dylan, his boyfriend questions him on writing papers for Ava and Nolan and he changes the subject to ‘I promised myself I wouldn’t get serious about anyone when I came to college, but the day I met you that changed.”

So then we have Caitlin, naked, laying on her bed doing her homework and her boyfriend comes over to her and they start making out. He strangely looks like Toby from his side profile and he has a British accent. Again, the partners asking why they associate with Nolan and we are given an answer. Nolan appears and starts talking about how even though Caitlin is seeing someone, to the outside world she and Nolan are still a happy couple. He then proceeds to blackmail her with a photo of one of her mothers having an affair with a man and Nolan says that he doesn’t want to have to ruin her political career. “Guess two moms don’t always make a right.” Wow. Emison? I love Emison. Caitlin feels comfortable enough to confide in her boyfriend about Nolan’s blackmailing and suggests that he talk to Nolan and find away to keep Caitlin’s family out of it and not ruin her political career. If this guy loves Caitlin, could he be the one for this very reason to murder Nolan?

Ava working hard on her YouTube channel. Nolan suggests that she takes the easy route and hire someone else to do the hard work. When you come from privilege, this is a common thing to say. He seems to downplay Ava’s ability, getting Dylan to write her paper and now saying that she should get someone else to do the hard work. Ava is a strong character, she stands up for herself and claims that she wants to take care of her own branding. She wants to reclaim her surname Jalali, and have people think of her not her father. Nolan constantly talks about his perfect family image, or at least how it looks to outsiders and claims that Ava will be somebody just by being herself.

We finally met Claire Hotchkiss, as Thebestplltheories pointed out the way she’s filmed to be looking down at Nolan, promoting her power. Claire opens with how she saw Ava and that she doesn’t want him involved with the Jalali family. He’s on the right track with Caitlin. Claire wanted Nolan to lead an extra practice and Nolan objects claiming that he wants time to himself. A healthy thing but his mother says that he can handle it because he always does.

Claire takes a phone call. “I want active surveillance of BH5.” “That’s your son.” BH5? Is Nolan under some kind of brand name or is BH5 the name for the group Ava, Caitlin, Dylan, Nolan And...? Why would Claire want to watch her son? That’s a little strange. I have a feeling that it has nothing to do with Ava.

We then have Alison telling Ava that this “extremely thoughtful and layered “ essay wasn’t written about Ava, and asks if Nolan or Dylan wrote it. The conversation then turns to Ava’s absent father and mother. Ava tells Alison that “My dad had to run, my mum chose to bail.” Which we are then taken to a flashback of an FBI agent interrogating Ava about her parents leaving and Ava claiming that they left her with everything - They did leave money though. Ava then tells Alison that if she wants to help, she should leave her and her friends alone and let it go. And again, Mona is watching. Mona is always watching. I wouldn’t be surprised if Mona has some device that allowed her to hear that conversation.

The party scene. Alison is standing by the window looking down at the party below - Caitlin and Nolan look heated with Caitlin attempting to storm off and Nolan grabbing her arm to pull her back. The camera then pans to Claire joining Alison by the window, “it’s quite the view isn’t it. When my daughter was little she loved to sit up here and watch our parties.” Then Claire starts talking about why she was impressed by Alison and wanted to recruit her. Her academic record? - Wait, girl goes missing and misses most of high school, to my knowledge doesn’t go to college.. pretty impressive academic record. Her essay, and her mean girl to mentor journey. So, Claire sees a comparison between Taylor and Alison and mentions, mean girl to mentor journey. This says to me that Taylor was probably a mean girl. Alison undermining her teen years as nothing to the pressure that the BHU students are under? Umm Alison you literally bullied many students; one of which had a personal vendetta against you and drove you to fake your death for years whilst she proceeded to torture the other girls and then when they thought that was over, your sister took over and built a real life dollhouse where she tortured your friends whilst you were behind bars. Not to mention that this again persisted with your ex husband who was under a fake identity and inseminated you with your fiancé?? Wife??? eggs. Yes, these people so have it harder than you and the other girls. So, then Claire proceeds to talk about just how similar Taylor is to Alison and how the death of her daughter motivated her to keep her students safe. I.e the security system, but suicide usually indicates a mental health problem and I’ve not yet seen any posters up about mental health or even talk of mental so far.. Mona and Claire really keep reassuring that Alison is safe at BHU.

The whole Dylan - Nolan situation. Dylan sees Andrew and Nolan socialising and asks Nolan why he’s talking to Andrew to which Nolan says that he hasn’t told him anything and that Dylan is hot when he’s angry. Dylan then says that he doesn’t want to see him angry. Question raised that I answered one of my followers last night, Am I under the impression that Nolan is biesexual? Honestly, I believe that Nolan is a manipulator, a toxic one who stops at nothing to get what he wants. He could very well be a closet bisexual (I’m a bisexual myself) but I think that he’s using Dylan’s sexuality against him if anything. Claire wanting Caitlin and Nolan to be next to each other in the perfectionism photo. Ava then subtly reaches for Nolan’s hand which he pulls away as his mother makes eye contact with Ava. She knows.

Alison joins Caitlin on the (bridge?) and compliments her on her provocative insight paper and says that it encouraged to take a look into her file. Alison brings up her opposition to capital punishment and that Caitlin almost made her believe that murder could be justified. Then shady Caitlin jokes that her paper was a little too inspired by her fantasy to get rid of someone - Nolan. Who ends up murdered at the end of the episode. We know by now that Alison DiLaurentis doesn’t take lies and bullshit. She saw right through Caitlin and Nolan’s happy couple image and offers her help. Caitlin then tells her that her asking questions will complicate things. Alison tells her that she knows about manipulation and compares her past self to Nolan. Caitlin tells Alison that Nolan will do whatever it takes to ensure that his mother knows she has the perfect son.

Mona leaves a couple that she’s touring to watch Nolan trek into the woods whilst she sips her wine. We see Nolan check for a BHU connection? There isn’t one and he proceeds to take a phone call. This means that there’s a system on the smartphones, possibly just Nolan’s that notifies someone - Miss Hotchkiss? Whoever Mona is working for? about what he’s doing on his phone - recording calls and messages. There’s no connection in the woods. He’s talking to Taylor, and we can’t hear her side of the conversation but this is how imagine it

Nolan: I need to see you

Taylor: Nolan, we’ve talked about this. It’s too dangerous. Mum’s close to knowing

Nolan: Yesh I was afraid of that. She’s ordered surveillance on me and she’ll be watching Ava too

Taylor: Break up with your girlfriend I’m bored.. (Kidding)

Taylor: She never gives it a break, this is exactly I did what I did.. You need to leave Ava. You need to protect her from our mother

Nolan: We need to meet

After this, Alison is talking to Dylan about his talent with words and Dylan says that that’s what it takes to be here. Alison then proceeds to bring up Nolan, how she knows about him and Ava. Asking why he’s manipulating Dylan into doing their papers. We get a flashback of Dylan and Nolan talking about how Nolan took a subject he wasn’t interested in to make conversation with his mother at family dinners. He constantly strives to impress her. Dylan gets envious and brings up how his family are far away therefore he doesn’t share that luxury and Nolan brings up Andrew. And then Nolan manipulates Dylan into cheating on Andrew. Alison knows that game “I know this is important to you, so you can tell me that you wrote those papers or goodbye to music hunny.” Wasnt quite like that but they share a moment when Dylan explains that he came from a small town and he wasn’t accepted for being “different” AKA gay and that music was his escape. It gives him a purpose.

Ava deserves so much better. We know that scene was staged but, I still feel for her because he died with her not knowing that he was protecting her.

Alison researching the Hotchkiss family. That clever and beautifully shot scene where we see her reflection in the laptop screen next to Taylor. This is like all the mirror scenes on PLL such as when the girls search Mona’s room for clues and we see half of Spencer’s face through the crack of the mirror - representing Alex. I genuinely hope there’s no more secret siblings.

Who followed Nolan to Taylor’s hideout? As Nolan enters the gateway, a white car parks up in the drive. Who is in that car?

Taylor is alive. That much was obvious. Nolan and Taylor are talking about how Nolan broke up with her to protect her. Taylor has a system where she monitors the BHU security system and Taylor claims that it can be proved that they’re using Beacon Guard to spy on a select few students. Nolan claims to know someone that they can trust - Alison ? Mona? .

Ava calls a meeting between herself, Dylan and Caitlin about putting a stop to Nolan’s manipulation. Going to Alison’s faculty - with Alison to take him down. Then comes the conversion of Killing Nolan

Caitlin: “I have fantasised about him drying in lots of different ways.”

Dylan: “Agatha Christie wasn’t wrong you guys. Murder can be justified.”

Ava: “Yeah But that’s just fantasy.”

Dylan: Drowning in that pool of his

Ava: “Heart arrack whilst he’s hooking up with some dumb ass bitch.”

Caitlin: “That’s inspired.”

Ava: Yuh, by recent events.”

Caitlin: “We push him off the roof. And it gives him a second or two to think about dying before he’s empaled on the spikes at the bottom.” Then there’s a rustle. Someone heard that conversation.

Mona in her car saying to the mirror. Who is she talking to by the way? “I think I’m doing a really good job, don’t you?” And then Alison fully parallels Hanna by smacking her car bonnet. “WHY AM I REALLY HERE?” Damn Ali D chill out. And then Alison is in Mona’s car talking about how it’s not just Nolan and his mother and Taylor could be her doppelgänger? You aren’t Elena sweetie. The physical similarities? Selected before Mona knew what she looked like. That’s not true though is it Mona? Alison saying what we’re all thinking and a little hint from Marlene here “Did you learn nothing from Rosewood, there are no coincidences.” Mona launches into this story of how Taylor cracked under the pressure and that’s why Alison is here, to help people like her and that’s all we get from that conversation

Another birds eye view. Somebody Is watching the three amigos walk together. “Maybe if there wasn’t a Nolan we’d be friends.” Taking a moment to refer back to the Agatha Christie novel “One amongst them is the killer.” All three want to him to disappear. The song as they all leave and turn back “Always said I was a good kid.” “Always said I had a way with words.” Significantly the camera focuses on Dylan at this point. He is the smartest one. Nolan is on the roof, watching them walk away. Nolan on the roof, “Sorry I’ve been an asshole to you.” Okay personally, I can’t rule out Caitlin yet. Whose to say that the scene where she walks away happens around like 5 minutes before or 10? Giving her time to get up to the roof. We have no timeline here. It could’ even be Mona. It’s unclear. He confirms that it’s not only about him, Taylor’s alive and they need help. Who would they need help from? It’s someone who’s Nolan has been horrible to but he needs their help. Alison lives in Taylor’s house so it’s plausible that Taylor wrote that “They’re watching you” message and covered it in wallpaper or Claire covered it. So we don’t actually see Nolan fall. We don’t see the timeline. Whose to know that someone didn’t just stumble across this and didn’t see it physically happen in front of them. Ava has the most emotional reaction, Mona is extremely casual and Caitlin appears and looks at Jeremy. Jeremy. Hmm. Okay, so Ava and Dylan are gonna suspect Caitlin. The death happened in the exact way, Caitlin imagined after all. There’s a few ways this can go. A few different theories.

1. I saw a post on here yesterday where someone was comparing the bell tower deaths to Nolan falling off the roof. Marion also was pushed off the roof by Bethany. It’s an occurring theme to be pushed off a roof in this show. Marion, Ian off the bell tower and Charlotte. Mona was involved in two of these. This can be enough to suspect Mona. It’s in her character after all. Plus, Mona could’ve done it on orders of whoever she’s communicating with through mirrors

2. The conversation on the roof didn’t actually happen. Nolan lured someone up to the roof, somehow got them to agree to wear a Nolan mask and shoved them off the roof. He was the one that overheard Caitlin’s fantasy and recreated it to make the other two suspect her. He will now spend his days in hiding with his sister, cracking the mystery of the security system and such

3. The timeline isn’t clear. Caitlin had many shady moments in the first episode. She was loud about her fantasy to make Nolan disappear and expressed it on multiple occasions i.e “if someone hurt someone I love then yeah, I’d hurt them back.” telling Alison was a little too inspired by her fantasy to get rid of someone, Nolan and saying that she imagines Nolan dying in many ways, and the way that she described actually happened. Now, just because it seems a little obvious doesn’t mean it couldn’t happen. Nolan watches them all depart whilst he’s standing on the roof. Caitlin could’ve met him on the roof around 10 minutes later where she then pushed him because she believes that murder CAN be justified. She was one of the last people to turn up outside the university to see Nolan’s body after all.

The Mona theory may not add up, if she is communicating with someone through the mirrors as she’s asking “What the hell just happened. Was this our fault?” A person in a big room full of security things answers her telling her to go to her safe place. See, this can be interpreted in various ways - Mona has a personality disorder - This has never been said OUT LOUD. But she could really be talking to her other personality asking if this is our fault then being told to go to her a safe place, something therapists promote. But if she is communicating then, it can’t really make sense for that to Mona killing Nolan.

#ava jalali #Caitlin lewis #pll the perfectionists #pll tp #plltp #the perfectionists 1x01 #the perfectionists #pll: the perfectionists #the perfectionists theories #tp theories #plltp 1x01 #alison dilaurentis #nolan hotchkiss #Taylor hotchkiss

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