#because i love that moment FAR too much to let it go

[traveler-at-heart]

Doctor's In - Part 12

Summary: Wanda deals with the aftermath of your breakup.

A/N: This chapter is focused on Wanda. Big thanks to @a-cat-on-titan for an idea that made it on a part of the fic :)

Aint no mountain high enough

Ain’t no valley low enough

“Ain’t no river wiiideee enoough” Wanda dances around the kitchen, singing.

It’s never quiet around the house. There’s always music, or drilling or hammering. Because she’s taken into making (badly built) furniture. And pottery. And yoga.

To anyone else, it may seem like Wanda’s living her best life.

But Pietro’s not just anyone.

His sister is running away from her feelings, keeping herself busy just so she doesn’t have time to miss you.

“Oh, morning. Want anything for breakfast?”

“I’ll make something later, thank you” he refuses the offer, feeling better and finding his movements to be more confident after another month in physical therapuy. “How did you sleep?”

“Children, we’re late for school!” Wanda ignores him. That’s the one thing she can’t do. Sleep. She’ll rest for a few hours, but as soon as everyone’s asleep, Wanda gets too anxious. Her only solution is to put on a pair of headphones and paint or do pottery or anything else until it’s 3 am and she’s too tired to think.

Or dream.

“Billy, where is your soccer bag? You boys have practice after school!” Wanda says, trying to look for it. Kids, always misplacing everything.

“I don’t wanna go to soccer anymore! I already told you” he protests. Pietro looks up, prepared for another argument.

It’s been happening since you left.

“Sweetheart, you love soccer!”

“No, I don’t! I only liked it because Y/N helped me practice during the weekends and it was fun. I’m not going anymore”

With that, he leaves the house and heads straight to the car, slamming the door. Wanda knows he’ll be crying on the way to school and will refuse to hug her goodbye, the same way he’s done every day for the past month.

“Tommy, grab your stuff” the woman says, trying to pretend everything’s fine.

Unfortunately for her, the twins don’t let her pretend, showing how hurt they are and how much they miss you.

It’s just a phase.

“I have a meeting with Laura, I’ll come back later” she says goodbye to Pietro, hoping the car ride can be a bit better.

“Ok” is all he says, frowning.

There’s only one way to fix this. He just hopes his sister will find a way to forgive him after finding out what he did.

—

Laura is waiting with coffee and some biscuits. She’s always looking at Wanda anxiously, waiting for the moment that everything will finally collapse and she’ll feel all the things she’s avoiding.

So far, nothing.

“Hey! Oh, the boys are being so difficult lately. How did you manage with Cooper?” Wanda always walks in with a monologue ready, which never gives Laura the chance to ask her how she’s doing.

“I don’t know. I mean I don’t think that was a difficult age for him” she grimaces, thinking whether or not to tell Wanda this has nothing to do with age, and everything to do with her breakup.

“Is this the book? Oh my God, it looks amazing!” she changes the topic, knowing where the conversation is headed. As she opens to read the first pages, her smile fades. “Well, we need to get rid of that”

That as in, the dedication. The words that were written for you. Because you helped with the book, with taking care of the kids, with encouraging Wanda.

This was supposed to be a gift for you. Like the first book Wanda ever wrote, and she dedicated to the twins. And so on with every one of her family members.

You were the last piece of the puzzle. And she had hoped that someday she’d dedicate the next one to a baby girl. A daughter that looked just like you.

“Wanda…” Laura says, noticing the cracks in her friend’s perfect facade.

“Anyway! I have to go do some grocery shopping. I’m making coq au vin tonight”

“Do the kids eat that?”

“Sure!”

Of course they don’t. But chicken is too fast and she needs to be distracted and have a lot of dishes to clean and keep her mind occupied.

“Well, this is a first prototype. Once I speak with the publishing company we’ll get a date for the release” Laura says. “Hey, are you sure you’re ok?”

“Never been better” Wanda lies. “See you later, Laura”

Of course, the trip to the grocery store is not enough to calm her, not when there’s a woman wearing scrubs, looking exhausted and trying to figure out which baking powder is better.

“This one’s good if you want to bake cookies” she says, finding it hard to look away. “Sorry, you didn’t ask”

“No, that’s fine. Appreciate it” the woman nods, grabbing the one Wanda suggested and walking to another woman that is also wearing scrubs. They chat as they walk to the register.

Now Wanda regrets talking to them. What if they used to work with you? What if they tell everyone they saw her and she was being a weirdo talking to them first?

Worried about running into someone else, she hurries up with the shopping, and practically sprints to her car.

It takes her a few minutes to calm down. She forgets about the radio, until it begins playing.

One of your songs.

Wanda doesn’t have time to change the station, getting a call. She doesn’t really notice who it’s from, wishing nothing more than to disappear.

“Miss Maximoff? This is Tommy’s teacher”

Ok, that will distract her for sure.

“Is he ok? Are he and Billy…?”

“We’re gonna need you to come to the principal’s office, please”

—

A fight.

His sweet, wonderful boy getting into a fight. Well, that was a lie. And no one was going to mess with Wanda’s children.

“Sweetheart?” she approaches her boy, sitting outside the Principal’s office. His clothes are dirty, and his hair is full of weeds. “Who did this to you?”

“Miss Maximoff” Principal Coleman says, ushering her inside. “Please, sit down. I know this is pretty much new to you. Your kids have good grades, the teachers love them… but I’m sorry to tell you Tommy got into a fight today”

“Oh, but… he is the sweetest kid. I just can’t imagine him hurting anyone”

“Well, according to Daniel, Tommy was the one who started it” the Principal says, leaning back in her chair.

“Ok, why don’t we ask Tommy about it? Hear his side of the story”

“I already did but if you’d like to, be my guest” the woman says, standing up to open the door for Tommy. “Go on, tell your mom what you told me”

“I started the fight” Tommy mutters, looking at his feet. “I’m sorry”

“Are you ok? And Daniel?”

“Daniel only got a scratch on his arm. Look, this is a first time incident and Daniel’s parents were very understanding, so I’ll let you take the kids home and figure this out. But if it happens again…”

“Yes, of course. Thank you, Principal Coleman. And you said, to take both kids?”

“Yeah, Billy’s pretty upset about it” the Principal says, opening the door for them. “He’s at the library waiting for you”

Wanda walks next to her son, her mind racing. This has never happened, there must a logical explanation. She tries to keep her cool, but when she sees Billy sitting at the library, pulling nervously at his hair, she feels like a girl again, lost and confused.

She doesn’t know what to do or how to make things better.

“Billy, let’s go home” she says, waiting for him to walk out. The boy avoids her eyes, rushing past them and running straight to the exit.

“Mom” Tommy says, but she’s too overwhelmed.

“Later, Tommy”

The ride home is silent. Wanda doesn’t even play music, holding on to the wheel until her knuckles turn white.

You’d know what to do to make it better.

But now you’re gone.

She barely has time to park before Billy runs out of the car, opening the door and going upstairs.

“Wanna tell me what happened?” Wanda says, still in the driver’s seat. Tommy looks away, shrugging his shoulders.

“Daniel was mean”

“That’s not an excuse to hit someone, you know better than that, Tommy” she scolds him. “You’re grounded, go to your room. We’ll talk about this later”

He steps out, his head down. Wanda is waiting for him to walk inside the house when she sees a woman with short, gray hair inspecting her garden.

“Hello. Can I help you?” Wanda says, clearly on edge. She’s not in the mood for any more surprises today.

And as the woman turns around, her jaw drops.

“Mom!”

“Hello, dear”

“Grandma!” Tommy runs back to her. “It’s you!”

“Oh, my! Look at you, it’s been forever since I’ve seen you! You’re so tall” the woman says, hugging her grandson. “Where’s your brother? Did you leave school early?”

“Uh… let’s all get inside. Tommy, tell your brother to come back down, please” Wanda interrupts, knowing she’ll get unwanted advice about parenting as soon as her mother knows what happened at school today. “So, how… I mean when…”

“Mama, I hope your flight was good” Pietro walks up to the door, wrapping his mother in a hug.

“You knew she was coming” Wanda says, feeling her blood boiling.

That little Mama’s boy.

“Don’t make a fuss, Wanda” their mother scolds. “I’m just here to help. And I won’t be staying in your house, your neighbor rents a room down the street. Mrs. Davies, you probably know her”

“Yeah, of course I do” she answers, but her mother is already walking inside, inspecting Pietro.

“Now, how’s recovery? You look so thin, bratan. Oh! You got a dog!” the woman exclaims, Sparky running around her.

This is so not how she expected her day to go at all.

—

Wanda’s not allowed in the kitchen while her mother cooks, and she can’t clean either because that was the first thing Ekaterina Maximoff did as soon as she set foot in the house.

The list of things she can do to get distracted is drastically reduced, so she locks herself in her study, pretending to sketch.

But all she can think about is you.

This is exactly why she doesn’t like to have free time. The memories of how you filled every part of the house with laughter and love are just waiting around the corner to remind Wanda how badly she messed up.

She decides to check on the twins, who should be done with their homework around this time.

But only Billy’s in his bed, playing with a Rubik’s cube you gave him.

“Hey” Wanda says, as she opens the door. “Mind if I sit?”

Billy just shrugs his shoulders, eyes focused on the different colors of the puzzle.

“Wanna tell me what happened in school? Did Tommy really start the fight?”

Billy sighs, and then looks up.

“Daniel said some mean things. Like…”

“Like… sweetheart, you can tell me anything, I promise. I just want to understand what happened” Wanda reassures him, squeezing his hand.

“Daniel said he heard his dad talking about you and Y/N. How it wasn’t right that you were with her and that he was happy she was gone. And then… he said maybe now that Y/N wasn’t around I…” Billy covers his eyes, trying to hide the fact he’s crying.

“Come here” Wanda comforts him, her heart breaking. She’s sorry to say this, but she doesn’t blame Tommy for getting into a fight with Daniel, not after he said all those horrible things.

“He said that now that Y/N’s gone I was going to stop being a weirdo”

“My sweet boy, I am so sorry” Wanda says, kissing the top of his head. “What Daniel said is not ok and his father should teach him better. I promise you I will talk to him about it”

“Don’t be mad at Tommy, he was just upset” Billy asks, wiping the tears. “He misses Y/N and so do I”

“It’s ok” Wanda hugs her baby boy, rubbing his back in a soothing motion. She feels Billy relax against her, hugging her like he used to do before you left.

Correction.

Before Wanda kicked you out.

“Do you miss her?” he asks, his voice small. He knows his mother doesn’t want to talk about you. It upsets her too much.

“Of course I do”

“It’s just… it feels like you don’t care, Mama. Like you don’t even remember her at all” Billy says, crying more.

“I know. I’m not the best at this, darling. I guess I just miss her so much it hurts, and I rather not think about it at all. It’s a silly thing grown ups do”

“Do you know if she’s ok?”

“I think so. I hope so”

“Do you think she misses us too?”

“I’m sure she misses you and Tommy and Sparky”

Truth is, Wanda isn’t sure you have any love left for her. Not enough to miss her, at least.

—

The food tastes like home. Like the summers in the country side, or the cold days of winter where Wanda played with Pietro until Mama called them home for a dinner of warm soup and bread.

“Delicious” Pietro comments after the first bite and Wanda nods.

“I can never get the sauce for the Chkmeruli right” Wanda says, trying to figure out the missing ingredient. “Your is so much better, just like grandma’s”

“I’ll teach you how to get it right” Ekaterina promises. “The secret is in the amount of ingredients. And something that we’re not telling anyone else”

“Alright” Wanda nods.

“Now, boys. Tell me all about school. And your hobbies. Do you play videogames?”

Wanda watches her family interact, laughing at certain things, and looking at her mother with fascination.

There’s a certain guilt that takes over when she understands she wasted three years of her life for something that could have been solved with an honest conversation.

One day, her mother will be gone and she’ll regret not having spent more time with her.

There’s also another regret in the back of her mind.

She wishes you had met her mother.

“Excuse me for a moment” she says, standing up from the table and walking to the bathroom. She covers her mouth to stop from sobbing, but there are tears in her eyes and a weight in her stomach that doesn’t let her sleep or eat or live.

Wanda fucked up so badly and now she’ll never see you again.

“Oh, God” she says, trying to breath, and fix her makeup. She can’t let the boys see her like this.

It’s been an overwhelming day, that’s all.

I’m fine.

“Is everyone done? I’m cleaning the kitchen” she says as soon as she comes back, picking up the plates and rushing past her family.

The cleaning keeps her hands busy and mind at ease, but she's still humming a song, just to focus on something that isn’t those awful thoughts she just had.

“I’m sorry” Pietro says, walking with the help of his cane. “I know it feels like an ambush, and I know you don’t wanna talk about it, but you’re not ok. The kids are always fighting with you, you do everything but talk about what happened and Y/N’s stuff are still in the garage. Maybe… fixing things with Mama can give you some perspective. I don’t know. I’m a burden most of the time, without being able to walk or do more around here. I just wanted to help”

Wanda keeps cleaning, never turning around to ackowledge her brother. He sighs, scratching the back of his head and turning to leave the kitchen.

“You’ll never be a burden, Pietro” is all Wanda says, finally turning to look at him. He smiles.

“Try to get some rest”

“You too”

“Oh, and Daniel definitely deserved to get his ass kicked”

“I agree” Wanda laughs. “Don’t tell the kids, though”

Pietro makes a motion, as if sealing his lips.

Their mom walks to hug him, saying goodbye for the day.

“You can sleep in my room, I can take the couch” Wanda offers.

“None of that. Mrs. Davies is excited over her very first guest and I won’t be the one to disappoint that sweet woman. Get some rest. Tomorrow I’m making borsch”

“You don’t have to cook, I can handle it”

“Of course I have to. Your brother needs to gain some weight!” the woman says, kissing her daughter in both cheeks. She says something in Sokovian about her children eating all that American food, walking out to Mrs. Davies house.

Wanda’s done with cleaning, and she goes upstairs to say goodnight to the kids.

“Hey. You’re not grounded. Ok?” Wanda says when Billy falls asleep, looking at Tommy. “Thank you for looking after your brother”

“I am older by ten minutes” he says, like Pietro always does. Wanda smiles, kissing his forehead.

“Sleep well, sweet boy”

And as she walks to her room, that feels so empty ever since that night one month ago, Wanda’s not sure how long she can handle pretending that one day, your abscence won’t hurt as much.

—

She could fix this.

You always fixed things.

Wanda had gotten the message. You disappeared, no calls or texts, not even to let her know where you were staying.

And when she tried to reach out, you never answered.

But now she was worried and scared, and most of all, sorry for the things she had said to you.

Wanda needed to apologize, to tell you how much she loved you.

But even if that was the only thing on her mind, she was standing outside the hospital, trying to gather the courage to come in.

“Wanda” a voice said behind her. Although it was familiar, Wanda was disappointed when she turned around and saw Carol Danvers.

“Hey… I was just… I was looking for Y/N”

“Oh. Uh… you haven’t heard?” Carol stumbled with her words, caught completely off guard.

“Heard what? Is Y/N ok?” Wanda’s heart began to race… maybe you were injured and it was exactly why you hadn’t replied to any of her messages, or answered the phone when she called.

“Yeah, uh… oh, crap” Carol looked over Wanda’s shoulder. “If I were you I’d run back to my car”

“What?” Wanda turned around, her eyes meeting Darcy’s.

“You!” the brunette barked, walking faster. “You’re about to find out why I got banned from lacrosse in college, Maximoff”

“Let’s calm down” Carol asked, stepping between the two of them.

“No! I will not calm down. I hope you’re proud of yourself, Wanda. You told Y/N everything she’s always been afraid of hearing. That you can’t trust her or the 'we’ll be better without you', fucking fantastic, really!”

“Darcy, come on, we should get back inside” Carol said, pleading with Maria to help her. But Darcy was not done.

“All this bullshit of making her move in with you and be a family for what? To kick her out just because you had a shitty day? Because she was saving a life?”

“I just… I know I screwed up, but if I could just talk to her…”

“Well, for that you’d have to get on a plane to Boston. Because Y/N quit” Darcy said, amused at Wanda’s shocked expression. “Yeah, my best friend left without a second thought because of you. Way to screw over everyone, Wanda”

“I didn’t want this to happen”

“That’s not good enough, unfortunately. You got lucky, because Danver’s here. But I’m being serious, if I see you again I’m gonna make an even bigger scene”

Maria went after Darcy, who was clearly pissed off, leaving Carol and Wanda outside of the hospital.

“Do you know if she’s ok?” Wanda asked, looking down.

“She doesn’t answer anyone’s calls or texts, Wanda. All I know is she quit one week ago and got on a plane to Boston”

“Right… Well, I better go” she said, biting her lip. “Thanks for keeping Darcy from killing me”

“Yeah, we’re understaffed with Y/N gone. So I can’t really let Darcy get arrested” Carol joked, though it was also one way of reminding Wanda her actions had impacted a whole group of people outside of her.

“See you” Wanda nodded, walking fast to her car. Chief Fury almost clashed against her, as Wanda was looking anywhere but the path in front of her.

“I’m sorry”

“Bet you are” the man grumbled, walking to the hospital.

Even another man in a motorcycle couldn’t keep from staring at Wanda, his blue eyes cold as ice.

So, Wanda got on her car, and left without lookig back.

She lost you. Forever.

—-

“Morning” a very upbeat voice speaks as Ekaterina walks down the stairs.

“Morning, Mrs. Davies” she says, smiling.

“Oh, please, call me Sharon. Would you like some coffee?”

“I’ll take some tea”

“Of course. Very healthy!” the woman says, getting everything ready. Ekaterina takes a moment to look around, admiring all the plants in the room and the flower wallpaper.

“Are you a gardener?”

“Only for fun” Sharon says, putting some biscuits in a plate. “Can I just say, I love your accent?”

Ekaterina smiles, but keeps from answering that. Though people were nice about it, she knew others had always been critical of her for not learning “proper” English when her family moved to America.

Which is why she was happy to return to Sokovia when things settled. The US was never her home, even if it was for her children.

“Was the family happy to see you?”

“Oh, yes. Especially my daughter” Ekaterina jokes, though it flies over Sharon’s head. Of course she doesn’t know that they have a complicated relationship. “I do hope she has been a good neighbor to you. I raised her to be kind”

“Oh, she’s great. Always baking stuff for everyone, the kids are very polite and well behaved too. She’s a great girl, just as Y/N. They were good together. I hope Y/N is doing ok” Sharon says, pouring every single detail that Ekaterina wanted to know.

Well, seems like it’s gonna be easier than she thought.

“Yes, this Y/N girl. Can you tell me more about her?” she says in a casual tone, and Sharon is happy to talk about you.

“Well, she moved to the neighborhood like two years ago. She’s a surgeon, always working. Honestly, very quiet but very nice. One time I fell in the sidewalk and she slept in the couch just to make sure someone was around in case I needed something”

Very impressive. It was the kind of thing that would make Ekaterina approve of anyone dating her children.

“And she was with Wanda?”

“Well… I’m not sure I should talk about this” Sharon hesitates for the first time.

“I’m just curious, as a mother…”

Ah, the mother card.

It works so well.

“Of course, you’re right! It’s not like I’ll tell you things you can’t figure out on your own” Sharon laughs, thinking of everything she remembers. “Well, Y/N lived across the street from Wanda, which is probably how they started talking. You know, young people understand each other better than us”

“So they were together?”

“Yes, I think Agatha saw them almost a year ago… on a date or something. And then, it was kinda nice to see Y/N around a bit more. Ya know, it was obvious she was spending more time at home, to help with the boys. They adore her. Always running around with her, playing. It was nice to see them all be a family” Sharon’s enthusiasm dies down.

“And then?”

“Humm” she says, sighing. “I honestly don’t know. The last time I saw Y/N she was walking out of the house and she got into her car. She didn’t have any bags or anything, so I just assumed she was going to the hospital… but then she never came back”

“And you have no idea what happened?” Ekaterina pushes forward, curious to check if the woman’s being honest.

“No, I’m sorry”

“Mudak”

“Oh, can I ask what that word means?” Sharon says, smiling. She loves learning new words.

“It means motherfucker” Ekaterina answers, her accent heavy.

“Wow, ok” Sharon giggles nervously. “You know who could have that information? Agatha. Yeah, her girlfriend works at the hospital. She’s kinda scary”

“Agatha or her girlfriend?”

“Both, definitely both”

“How can I speak to them?” Ekaterina says, trying to piece everything together.

She can manage scary. Especially when she’s looking for answers.

—

Billy’s in a mood again. He didn’t want to go to school, and he’s still refusing to go to soccer practice.

“Daniel’s gonna keep annoying me” he mutters.

“I will speak with his father today” Wanda says, driving them both to school. “I’m sure it’s gonna be fine, sweetheart”

“Y/N would kick his ass” Billy says in a low voice, but Wanda still hears.

“Don’t speak like that. And violence is not the answer”

“Yeah, well, Daniel’s a jerk, his dad too and I want to talk to Y/N. She’s the only one that can make everything right again”

“Enough!” Wanda shouts, pulling up to drop them off. “Y/N’s not coming back. You hear me? She’s gone. We don’t need her, we’ve been fine on our own our whole lives”

“You’re lying. I hate you” he says, running out of the car.

Wanda’s speechless.

This is the first time she’s had a fight with her sweet boys. The first time they’ve been mean or said something to hurt her.

She was expecting this as they got old, maybe 13. But now?

“Bye, Mom” Tommy says, walking after his brother. He’s nervous too. He knows he can’t get into any more trouble or he might get suspended, but Daniel’s not the nicest kid.

“Oh, damn it” she looks behind her to notice Billy left his lunch. “Kids!”

“Hey, Wanda” Richard calls for her. “Heard our guys had a little fight. I was hoping we could talk about it. Maybe over dinner?”

She resists the urge to roll her eyes. Is he really flirting right now?

“Yeah, I should actually…”

“No need to apologize, boys will be boys, right?”

“Apologize?” Wanda tilts her head, the way she always does when she’s pissed. “I wasn’t planning on doing that. And neither is Tommy”

“Well, he started the fight”

“No, Daniel was repeating the stupid things you say. Like how it’s wrong for two women to date. And he also insulted Billy” Wanda says, crossing her arms. “The way I see it, it’s the proverbial talk shit, get hit”

“Wow, ok, no need to get emotional”

“No, I’m not emotional. I’m just saying, if you ever say anything bad about Y/N or my kids and I get wind of it, I’m running you over with my car. See ya, Dick”

Fucking asshole.

Wanda can practically hear you say those words. Though you’d be a lot scarier, telling him all the ways in which he could get hurt using medical terms he wouldn’t even begin to understand.

You’d never let anything bad happen to your family.

Wanda decides to play the loudest music on the way back home. Yes, death metal from her emo phase -something you’d tease her for relentlessly before-.

As she pulls over in the driveway, her mother knocks on the window, making Wanda jump.

“Why are you still listening to that devil music? I thought that phase was over!”

“Mom!”

“Are you ok?”

“Fine”

“Yeah, I can tell”

“Ok, I don’t have time for this, I need to drive Pietro to rehab. Do you need anything from the store?”

“Yes, many things! Like actual paprikash. I can’t believe you buy US made. That’s why you can’t get the food right”

“Seriously?”

“Settle down, you two” Pietro asks, coming out of the house. It was a fun time, being a teenager and hearing his sister and mother argue over every single thing. They’re too much alike, that’s the only problem.

“Anyways, I will go to store, Sharon is letting me drive her car”

“Ok, does she know about the time you almost destroyed a McDonald’s with Papa’s car?”

“He said drive through, so I did!”

“Yeah, through the wall” Pietro laughs, earning a slap on the back of the head from his mother.

“You, go to your thing. And I’m picking up Billy from school today. He doesn’t want to go do soccer, so we’re going to get ice cream” Ekaterina says casually.

“It’s not optional for him! I’m the mom here”

“Just for a day. I hardly think it will affect him if he doesn’t run around like dog after a ball. Take Sparky instead” the woman says.

Wanda wants to scream into a pillow.

—

Ekaterina comes back from the store, but instead of parking outside of Wanda’s, she leaves the car right outside of Agatha’s home.

The investigation continues.

After a knock, a woman with dark, long hair and piercing blue eyes opens the door.

“You the OG Mrs. Maximoff” she greets, standing aside to let her in.

“I don’t know what those words mean. I’m Wanda and Pietro’s mother”

“Ooh, I love the accent. I love learning languages. My girlfriend is teaching me Spanish”

Before Ekaterina can answer, there’s a frantic knock, and Sharon walks inside the minute Agatha opens the door.

“I hope I’m not too late”

“I didn’t know we were having a party” Agatha says. She doesn’t really like visitors, and Mrs. Davies' enthusiasm and corny jokes are an acquired taste.

“Alright. What do you want to know?” Agatha leans back in her chair, intrigued by the woman.

Why not just ask her own daughter? Though, considering how Wanda’s been acting, she’ll probably refuse to answer any questions about it.

“Why did Y/N leave? Where did she go?”

“Ok, so… I need a minute because Rio was telling me everything in Spanish so I could learn. You know, using gossip as motivation” Agatha massages her temples, trying to remember everything. “Ok, there was a new doctor, something, something, cheating, slapping, break up”

“What?” Ekaterina says. “Are you saying that woman slapped my daughter?”

“No! Well, I don’t think so. Ah, screw it! Amor!” Agatha shouts, calling for Rio. “Ponte ropa y baja a contarles el chisme”

“Está bien” a voice says. A few minutes later, another woman joins them in the living room, wearing shorts and a t-shirt.

“You called?”

“Ok, so I kinda lied when I said I understood everything you said in Spanish. I do remember the name Natasha. And something about a kiss” Agatha smiles, and Rio can’t really stay mad when her girlfriend is looking all cute.

“So, a few months ago, Natasha Romanoff came to the hospital to teach a method developed by her mother. The Romanoffs are a very wealthy, very famous family of doctors. And everyone in the hospital kinda noticed that Natasha was flirting with Y/N”

“Did Y/N flirt back? Was she cheating on my daughter?”

“I meaaan, 50/50. The hospital was split. Some people believed that she was just being nice and others thought there were feelings involved”

“What do you think?” Ekaterina presses.

“I think Y/N was just being flirty but she never meant for anything else to happen. She’s just naturally personable. Even she can manage to make me laugh from time to time. So, I don’t know. There was a rumor that Natasha kissed her once or was trying to talk her into breaking up with Wanda… which, I guess has some truth to it, considering Y/N moved to Boston to work for the Romanoffs”

“I’m sorry, then who slapped who?” Mrs. Davies asks, confused.

“Oh, Y/N’s mother outside the hospital, but that's not related to Wanda. Darcy told me that woman is awful. Used to put Y/N through hell when she was a kid”

“Yeah, I know the feeling” Agatha mumbles and Rio places her hand on her shoulder, comforting her.

“I don’t like this Y/N” Ekaterina decides. “She was weak and got my family hurt”

“I don’t think that’s exactly accurate…” Agatha says, feeling the need to defend you. She knows you, and you’d never do anything to hurt Wanda. Not on purpose. “Look, I was looking for my bunny that night. Little shit likes to escape out of the blue. Wanda was the one who ended things. I heard that loud and clear. And yes, it seems messy, but I don’t think it’s fair to blame it all on someone”

“Yeah, Y/N really loved the kids and took care of Wanda” Sharon insists. Ekaterina sighs, crossing her arms.

“I don’t suppose anyone knows how to get in touch with Y/N”

Agatha, Rio and Sharon share a look.

“I could try” Rio offers, thinking Darcy might be in touch with you.

“Thank you. Now I go to pick up Billy from school. I appreciate your help”

“I actually need the car for a bit” Sharon asks, but the woman is already gone. “Oh, well”

—

True to her word, Ekaterina picked up Billy from school, while Tommy was supposed to ride with Sharon and her kid to soccer.

Wanda wasn’t really looking forward to practice today, in case Richard was there.

Thankfully, it seemed like Daniel was here with his mother, but Wanda’s stomach dropped when Susan walked up to her.

“Wanda, can we talk for a sec?”

“Yeah, sure”

They walked away from the rest of the parents.

“Look, I know what Daniel said and I already talked to him about it. He’ll apologize to Tommy and Billy, but I wanted to tell you personally how asahmed I am. Those awful things are all Richard and I really don’t want Daniel to be like his father”

“Oh… wow. I don’t know what to say” Wanda laughs, relieved. “Your ex had a very different approach to this whole situation”

“I know, he’s an asshole”

Both women laugh at that.

“I was going to say, he can speak to Tommy after practice, but I haven’t seen him today. Or Billy”

“Oh, Billy’s with my mother. But Sharon picked up Tommy…” though when Wanda looks around the field, she doesn’t see her son. Spotting Sharon, she runs up to her. “Hey, Tommy rode with you, right?”

“What? Wanda, he said he was feeling ill and that you were going to pick him up”

“No, that never… I-I don’t have any missed calls. No one from school told me anything. Shit!” she curses, her hands shaking. Her mother takes forever to pick up the phone. “Is Tommy with you? No, I know Billy’s there. What about Tommy? Ok, I don’t have time to explain, meet me at home now”

“I’m so sorry, I didn’t even think to call you” Sharon says.

“No, no. It’s fine. I’m sure it’s fine” Wanda repeats, trying to calm herself.

Her first instinct is to call you.

But then she has to think really hard on what to do, so she calls Pietro to make sure Tommy isn’t home by some weird miracle. Should she call the cops? The fire department?

Clint, he will know what to do.

“Ok, I’ll meet you at your house, it’s gonna be fine” Clint says.

“You good to drive?” Susan says, walking Wanda to the car.

“Yes. I’m sure it’s all a misunderstanding and Tommy’s in his room playing videogames”

“Well, ok, if you need anything here’s my number” the woman says.

Wanda goes over everything that could have happened. Tommy likes to visit the library, the park on Fullton street, the comic book store…

Clint’s already there when she gets home, and Ekaterina parks a second later.

“Billy, come here” Wanda kneels to look at her son. “Did Tommy tell you anything? Was he going somewhere?”

Billy shakes his head no, and Wanda insists.

“Sweetheart, are you sure? I promise I won’t be mad”

“I don’t know, I swear”

“Alright, I just spoke to my friend at the station. They’re gonna start looking for him. Pietro should stay here in case Tommy comes back or someone calls home. The rest of us could split and check places we know he frequents” Clint says.

“Billy, stay with uncle Pietro” Wanda asks. The boy nods, walking up the stairs to meet his uncle, who puts his arm around his shoulders.

“I’ll go to the arcade” Clint offers. “Ask if anyone’s seen him”

“We’ll go to the park” Wanda nods, waiting for her mother to join her in the car. She can’t even begin to understand what’s happening.

Wanda doesn’t know what to do, but she has to remain calm, because her son needs her.

—

Tommy’s begining to think this is a bad idea. He doesn’t have a lot of money and he doesn’t have a clue on what bus will take him to Boston.

He should be at soccer practice now.

He finds a cafeteria not far from school, and goes inside hoping he can get some free water.

“You alone, sweetheart?” the waitress says, concerned.

“No, my mom is in the bathroom” he lies and the woman doesn’t seem entirely convinced. Either way, she leaves him alone. Tommy takes the time to dig in his backpack for some extra coins that might be in there.

Instead he finds a letter and a couple of pins.

After reading it, he walks up to the waitress and finally tells the truth.

“I ran away. Can you help me find my mom?”

“Of course, sweetheart”

—-

“Where should we go?” her mother asks, and Wanda points in the direction of the lake.

“He liked to feed the ducks with Y/N”

“Ok, then”

They walk in silence, Wanda’s thoughts racing until her mother speaks.

“I lost you once. You were four or five, maybe, and we were at the market. While your brother picked out the apples, you decided to run after a chicken. And I was so scared, calling for you in the sea of people”

“Yeah. It’s an awful feeling” Wanda says, wiping away the tears.

They walk around the park for ten minutes before deciding he’s not here. Tommy’s nowhere to be found. He’s a ten year old, for God’s sake, where on Earth could he be?

Before she has time to think it twice, Wanda picks up the phone and dials your number.

“Hello?”

That’s not your voice.

It’s Natasha’s.

Wanda hangs up, and adds this to the list of shitty things that have happened to her in the span of two days.

“Mom, I can’t!” she finally breaks down. ���I don’t know how to fix this. I miss her so much and I ruined everything and she’s never coming back. And now my boys hate me and I have nothing. All because I was so stuck in the past. And I lost her”

“Breathe. Breathe for me” Ekaterina pulls her daughter into a hug, while Wanda’s body shakes with the strenght of her sobs. “It’s ok. It will be ok”

“It doesn’t feel like it”

“Trust me” she says, waiting until Wanda calms down. After a few minutes, she wipes her tears and looks at her mother. Wanda’s about to say something else when her phone rings again.

“Oh, it’s Clint. Hello? Yes, where? Ok, send me the address and I’ll be right there” she hangs up, sprinting to the car. “He’s at a cafeteria not far from school”

“Thank God”

It’s only a five minute drive but to Wanda it feels like an eternity. As soon as she parks, she spots Tommy sitting at the counter, drinking a milkshake while a waitress talks to him, trying to ease his nerves.

“Is that your mom?” the woman says when Wanda gets inside. Tommy’s eyes widen, and he runs towards her.

“Mama!”

“Oh, Tommy. I was so worried about you”

“I’m sorry”

“It’s ok. I’m just happy you’re safe. Let’s go home”

—

The kids are safely tucked in bed, and Wanda’s having a glass of wine in the kitchen. She’d drink something stronger if she had anything at all.

Her mind goes back to the fact Natasha picked up your phone.

It doesn’t mean you’re with her. And even if you were, Wanda was the one that broke up with you.

Then why did it hurt so much to think you’d already moved on?

With a sigh, she goes up the stairs. Wanda can’t help but go into her children’s room, just to make sure they’re both safe.

When she asked Tommy what happened, he just said he wanted to go and see you. But then he changed his mind when he found something in his backpack. Though he wouldn’t tell Wanda what it was.

As the woman walks up to her children, she notices a letter tucked under Tommy’s pillow.

Could this be the thing he found?

Billy and Tommy,

Hey kiddos. This isn’t something I’m happy about and I never really wanted to write a letter like this one.

You might not see me anymore. I know it sucks, because I promised I’d take you to the state fair and Universal Studios when the school year was over.

The thing is, sometimes grown ups have a lot of complicated things going on. Sometimes things don’t work out no matter how much we try.

Be good to your mom, ok? If you miss me and want me to be less worried about you, just promise me you’ll love her extra for me. You are her biggest treasure and she’s such a great mom. Don’t forget you’re all each other have.

PS - I’m leaving my lucky pins with you. Please take care of them for me.

Love you three,

Y/N

Of course.

Of course it was you.

Even if you were thousand of miles away, you had found a way to help Wanda and keep her family safe.

Now she won’t be able to sleep at all, so she goes downstairs to the garage, full of boxes with your clothes and books.

For the first time since you left, Wanda allows herself to look at everything you left behind, and everything you did. The smallest things, like how you always forget to wear glasses to read, and you end up with a frown. Sunday’s crossword puzzle, always discarded. It’s not that you don’t finish it, the opposite. You know the answers to everything so fast that writing them is a waste of time.

Wanda pulls out your college sweatshirt, hugging it tight against her chest.

She misses you, so much it hurts.

As she puts on the sweatshirt, Wanda folds the sleeves, slightly long for her shorter arms.

When she’s about to close the box, she sees it.

A small box. For a ring.

An engagement ring.

She let’s out a gasp as she opens it.

You were proposing.

And all Wanda did was question your committment and your love for her and the children.

I’m such an idiot.

She doesn’t have much time to wallow, though. Wanda’s phone rings, and her mouth goes dry when she reads the name on the screen.

You.

Looking between her phone and the ring, Wanda doesn’t know what to do.

Should she tell you she found the ring?

Would it make a difference at all?

[mameillieureennemie]

Vi being gentle is so agskdbspsnsks BUT my girl deserves some gentleness as well 😭 After all her fights, her traumas, everything, she deserves to lean into the reader, to be caught instead of being the one catching

PLEASE I BEG YOU

i just love her so much, i really do. 🥹 she does deserve to be caught, always!

you've noticed the weight on vi's shoulders—how heavy it is and how it drags her down. almost sinking her right into the ground, sinking and sinking until she's burned by the earth's hot core.

you've always noticed; it's nothing new, and you've tried to shoulder some, if not all, of it.

but vi's reluctant to give it away, especially to you who knows a little too much about pain. you're both tortured souls, torn apart and left to bleed by a life far too unkind. it's taken years of healing and will still take more, but that doesn't mean that weight should be carried alone.

it's late into the night when vi gets home, and the weight seems heavier than ever. she's exhausted, visibly so, and struggling to remove her work boots as she leans against the hallway wall for balance.

you watch her silently for a moment, knowing that she hasn't realised your presence yet. you wait until it's too much, seeing her struggle at something so simple a pain to your soul. so you walk over, go to your knees and begin to take off her boots with gentle hands.

vi doesn't react at first, her exhaustion so deep it halts her usual sharpness. it isn't until you've removed one boot and moved on to the next that stone-cold clarity hits her. she's suddenly fast, falling to her knees and taking your hands between hers.

"wha—?" she tries, confusion written all over her tired face. "what are you doing?"

"helping you," you say easily. your hands are already moving from hers, lifting up to cup her cheeks. "you're so tired, sweetheart. you look like you're about to fall asleep right here."

"even so, you don't have to remove my boots for me," vi replies—scolds, even. "i'd never ever expect that from you. please don't ever think that you'd have to do that and—"

you shush her softly, smoothing your thumbs over the apples of her cheeks. "baby, i know you'd never expect that from me," you assure her, wanting to soothe the anxious flames within her. "i'm doing it because i want to." you huff a small laugh. "since when have you known me to do anything i didn't want to do?"

vi's lips twitch in slight amusement, tension beginning to leave her body in small waves. "i know," she murmurs, leaning into your hands. "it's just...hard to let go, sometimes."

"i know, baby, i know," you say, just as soft. "but you can let go with me, okay?" you lean forward, pressing a tender kiss against her forehead. "you're safe with me."

vi goes tense for a second, as if arguing within herself. but then she goes loose, all her muscles softening, before she's falling into you.

you catch her willingly; forever willing.

[revelboo]

This is all your fault. 🤣 They have been so much fun to put together!

I am loving all your stories, especially Everything is Alright. The boys are such asshats! I'm looking forward to Reader putting them in their place.

The Blokees are adorable, especially the minis. I kind of want to just accrue them and let them ride on my dash. And reader is definitely not happy with any of them right now, but is beginning to realize they have leverage

Everything Is Alright Pt 124

IDW Starscream x Reader, Megatron x Reader, Soundwave x Reader

• Starscream expects you to yell some more. To get angrier. Instead you just offer them a flat, empty smile and make a show of looking over the edge of the berth. And a whisper of fear twists through his spark. Wings drawing tight to his frame, Starscream isn’t sure what that expression of yours is, but he doesn’t like it. Hadn’t meant to just say all that in front of you, but it’s out there now. Had meant to hurt Megatron, not you. And Soundwave is slowly approaching you, frame tense. What is he picking up from you?

• “It occurs to me that you two need me a lot more than I need you. And I’m just one little, helpless human, right? You can bully me into whatever you want and there’s nothing I can do.” Heart racing, you keep an eye on Soundwave. Because he’s clued in to your mindset and he’s edging closer in slow movements like you’re a stray he’s trying not to spook into running. Star’s wings flare out slightly with your words, but Megatron is just frowning at you. “But lots of things can happen to me. I could fall off of here. It’s a long way down, isn’t it?” Ignoring Star and Soundwave, you focus on Megatron. Watch those optics narrow. “I don’t think I’d cope very well if something happened to my world and my people, you know? But nothing’s going to happen, because you’re going to leave my world alone. As a wedding gift.”

• Wedding? A human thing? “You think you can make demands of me?” Megatron ask, fighting to keep from smiling as you stare him down. Why is your anger so appealing? Makes him want to provoke you just to see how far you’ll go, because he doesn’t believe for a moment that you’ll actually try anything. There’s your equally helpless sparkling you saddled him with to worry about. It’s an empty threat and maybe it bothers him that you’re scared enough to make it. Because you are right about one thing. Anything could happen to you and his life depends on you staying safe. And despite himself, he’d prefer you to be happy, so tired of fighting all the time and don’t want to fight you.

• “Not a demand. A present for your bonded mate,” you say, glancing at Soundwave as he stops short of you and holds out a hand. Asking you to come away from the edge, because he’s afraid you might accidentally fall. That Megatron might push you into something rash. “For our sparkling,” you add, look up at him, not Megatron. And it’s a relief when you place that little hand in his and let him pull you to him. Wishes you wouldn’t try to push Megatron, but understands why you’re doing it. “Because this is their home, too.” Understands the game you’re playing and doesn’t like it. And he’s the outsider here now, not bonded to you anymore because of Starscream. The first bond had been all need and desire. He hasn’t considered the consequences of his actions if you’d accepted him, but he still wants it. Still wants you. Even if it’s just this, trapped on the outside acting as mediator to keep you safe.

• Crossing the berth to you and Soundwave, his wings drop, flicking guiltily when you look at him. Knows you’re mad at him, too, but can’t stop reaching for you. And his spark aches when you take a slow breath and catch his hand, tugging him to you. “It’s a reasonable request,” he says, knowing it’s not his call to make, but he’d give you this if it would make you happy. Hadn’t really cared about this mudball beyond that you’re on it. Wants to ask what a wedding is, if it’s some kind of bonding ceremony, but he just looks at Megatron in challenge instead. Watches the warlord vent in exasperation at the three of you, optics fixed on you.

• Heart still racing as you lace your fingers with Starscream’s servos and glare defiantly up at Megatron. Still angry at all three of them, but Star and Soundwave are at least taking your side. Or they just don’t want you angry with them and are trying to get back in your good graces. It’s hard to tell with them sometimes. “You really are more trouble than you’re worth,” Megatron growls, shoving off the berth and striding to the door. “Mining and refining energon will continue as planned.” And your breath catches, fingers gripping Star’s servos as Megatron hesitates, back to all of you. “But I suppose this world could be declared a protected nature reserve. Since our species are compatible and I’d hate to wipe out any potential resources.” That’s sort of a victory, right? Why doesn’t it make you feel better, though? Because you might have saved your world but accidentally turned the Decepticons loose on your people to save their own declining race. Well, shit.

Previous

Next

[sayyestoheav3nn]

Nights Like This Short: Three Little Words

Roman x black!oc 

Warnings: fluff, suggestive content 

Word count: 1.2k

a/n: going to start working on part six of ‘nights like this’ tonight. but in the meantime, i lowkey had the urge to write a little fluff lol. why do i feel like y’all are lowkey going to hate this man even more now lmaoo 🙃 click here to be added to my tag list 🤍

Roman’s backyard was filled with his family’s laughter and chatter. There was no denying that he enjoyed when they came to visit, however, there was just so fucking many of them it didn’t take much to become a slightly overstimulating event. 

He took a deep breath, letting the warm sun along with the calm ocean breeze relax him. 

As his family mingled, he couldn’t help but to grin at the sight of his two five year old nieces latched on to Zoe as if they’d known her a lifetime. Since the moment she introduced herself to them, the tiny gremlins hadn't left her side. 

Roman’s mom seemingly came out of nowhere and stood beside him, she smiled as her gaze shifted to the scene her son’s eyes were very much glued to.  

Her heart beamed as she watched Zoe play tag with her granddaughters, “She’s a lovely girl, Roman. I’m looking forward to seeing your own little ones running around here one day…” she teased. 

Roman smiled to himself, staying quiet as he took a sip of his beer. Truth be told, it had been a subject in the back of his mind for a while now. There were so many nights he’d lay awake thinking about their future, while Zoe peacefully slept on his chest.

For years one of his biggest fears was getting one of his fuck buddies pregnant. 

This was the reason his rotation consisted mainly of women on the WWE roster, they made it clear the last thing they wanted was to get knocked up at the height of their careers. Which worked out for him perfectly, because the thought of having a kid with someone he felt absolutely nothing for, scared him shitless.

That was until Zoe came into his life.

From the moment he laid eyes on her, he knew she was different. And in getting to know her, seeing her for who she really was, Roman knew there was absolutely nothing in this world he wanted to experience without her.

Roman’s mom studied him, because as good as he thinks he is when it comes to hiding his emotions, she easily sees right through him. “You love her, don’t you son?”

He’d never been more sure of anything in his fucking life, “With all my heart.”

“Then what’s stopping you from telling her?”

Roman looked down, his gaze focused on the grass. “I just…just don’t want her to think it’s too soon.” 

“Sweetie, look at her.” His focus was now redirected back to Zoe, her beautiful smile radiating as she was immersed in a conversation with Naomi, and his sister Mariana. 

“Zoe has been surrounded by so many unfamiliar faces in the span of a day, I’m sure that must be an overwhelming experience for her. Yet, she’s selfless, giving each and every one of us a glimpse of who she is, while still wanting to learn more about our culture and who you are.”

“If that’s not love…I don’t know what is,” she continued.

Roman stayed silent, while giving his mom a hug. He started making his way towards Zoe, but unfortunately didn’t make it very far, due to Jey and Jimmy stopping him to help make a damn bonfire.

They spent over twenty minutes setting it up, the task was slightly more difficult considering it was brand new and Roman had never used it before.

Once he was finally left to himself he made his way back in the house after noticing Zoe was no longer outdoors. Mariana couldn’t help but to laugh seeing her brothers eyes dart around the room trying to find her.

“Look at ‘Mr no strings attached’, finally introducing us to a girl. I honestly never thought I’d see the day.”

Roman rolled his eyes, “Shut up. Where is she?”

“She’s in the office,” Mariana walked in front of him, blocking his path. “I know you aren’t used to actually being emotionally connected with someone, but please don’t fuck this up Ro. Women like her, can’t be replaced,” she muttered.

“I know,” he sighed. Although his sister tends to annoy the hell out of him, he knows she means well. Her words lingered on his mind for a moment, Zoe's past experience with her ex was something he was always mindful of. Hearing what he put her through, was something he never wanted her to go through again.

She stepped aside as he headed for the office. Roman reached for the door, and carefully twisted the doorknob, “Hey, was wondering where you were.”

Zoe looked back at him, a smile tugged the corner of her lips. “Sorry, I wanted to make the girls a cute little bow for their hair.”

“Damn, they already got you wrapped around their little fingers huh,” he smiled.

“Something like that,” she chuckled.

There was a small sense of nervousness gnawing at him, deep down he wondered if telling her would scare her off. He knew this was a big step, and wholeheartedly understood the weight that comes with those three words. 

But there was absolutely no denying what he feels for her, she means absolutely everything to him. And whether she feels the same or not, he needs her to know.

Roman walked behind her as she stood cutting small pieces of fabric. He wrapped his arms tightly around her waist pulling her closely to his chest, his head made his way into the crook of her neck, “I love you, Zoe.”

She paused slowly turning around to face him, tears brimmed in her eyes as she used both her hands to grab his face. There was a brief period of silence, as she looked into his eyes.

“I love you too baby.”

Roman smiled before pressing his lips into hers, Zoe stood on her tiptoes, attempting to slide her arms around his neck. He chuckled and picked her up, hoisting her on his waist. 

Their kiss deepened as Roman slowly began to inch up her dress.

“Roman not now.. your family is here,” she giggled.

“So what?” He sat her down on the table and slid his hands to the warm spot between her legs. Zoe’s mouth instantly parted as Roman’s fingers worked past the fabric of her underwear, teasing her already slick folds. “Let them entertain themselves for a bit, while daddy takes care of you.”

“Fuck...” Roman’s dick was rock hard as he watched her slide down her underwear and slowly spread her legs apart. Roman licked his lips, his mouth practically salivating at just the thought of tasting her sweet pussy. Just as he was about to get in position to feast on the woman he loved, a loud ass knock on the door interrupted them.

“One second,” Zoe scrambled to get off the desk and fix her dress, she was relieved Roman made the choice of locking the door.

“It’s Mariana, sorry the girls wanted me to ask if you wanted to join us for a swim?”

“Of course! I’ll meet you guys in a minute.”

Zoe turned to Roman as she slid her underwear back on. “You coming?”

His jaw clenched as he sighed, “I need a minute.” Zoe glanced down immediately understanding why. Roman’s huge bulge was damn near bursting at the seams.

“Shit, I’m sorry baby,” she kissed his cheek and discreetly stepped out of the room.

There was no doubt they were going to make up for it. 

All fucking night, that was for damn sure.

[softlypaintedseafoam]

🍓ー thank you for your patronage at the strawberry witch’s bakery! here’s your order!

requested by: a lovely anon 🍓 -> law + strawberry tart (making up after a fight)

It's 2am when you drag yourself out of the sleeping quarters and Law is already in the kitchen. A small ache of discomfort forms in your chest, the two of you watching one another warily.

Your mouth opens, lips dry and stiff, but not one sound comes. Not a single word. With a grimace, your mouth closes again. It isn't until Law raises it that you notice the coffee pot nestled in his hands, "want a cup?" In spite of the question, his voice is strained and his brown eyes seem black.

It's bait, hesitant as it may be, it's bait.

Knowing this fact, it's difficult to make yourself ignore it and turn around promptly. Maybe it's how his eyebags seem more prominent in the Polar Tang's lighting and how his hair is messy at all sides. Law's isn't one who tosses and turns in his sleep. No, he sleeps much like a log once he's surrendered himself to sleep. A quick breath escapes you before you step forward, gently nudging Law away from the cupboards.

"2am isn't the right time for making coffee," you murmur, reaching for your collection of chamomile tea. "Doctors are the worst patients; you never listen to your own advice."

There's a pout in his voice when he replies, "I'm not sick, so there's no advice I'm breaking right now."

Your response is a subdued snort of disbelief. "Regardless, you won't get to sleep with coffee. We don't even have decaf." Another bold-faced lie that Law doesn't have the desire to press. The crew never buys anything decaffeinated coffee beans; it'd be a nightmare if Bepo and Shachi got their hands on anything but. "So put that thing down. Let the real kitchen master do their thing here."

With your orders, it's as if you're roles have switched and you're the captain of the Heart Pirates. Law steers clear of your way, far enough you won't bump into one another, but close enough. You don't feel the desire to snip at him because of it, not even as you awkwardly wait by the stovetop watching the kettle.

Close enough to feel one another's presence, but not so close you're pressing against one another either. Like there's an invisible line preventing the two of you from fully indulging in one another's touch. It's an uncomfortable feeling that not even a warming pot water can fix.

You're a couple that seldom has arguments. Regardless of how many battles you conquer, however, you'll never get used to this energy. You'll never get used to the feeling of not knowing how to function properly in this odd period after a fight's taken place. You wish your mind would stop going over the 'I could have done this differently's. You didn't do those things differently and no amount of reflection will take you back to that moment in time before things escalated.

A sigh escapes your mouth. There's no time like the present, at least. "Law-"

"I'm sorry," the dark-haired man says before you're able to truly start. You look to your left, eyebrows knit and lips pursed. "You were trying to help. I was being stubborn."

"I shouldn't have called you bullheaded and insensitive," you reply, your voice feeling too loud for the quiet of the kitchen. Even if Law can be stubborn, you know better than anyone Law is sensitive. There's too much care of his in that tall body of his than he knows what to do with. "I just worry sometimes that… you might go overboard. Like when you were dealing with Joker."

Separating himself from the crew to deal with the Warlord on his own was gut-wrenching on its own. Now with Wano on the horizon and an Emperor of the Sea along with it, your anxieties only feel heighten. "I just want you to rely on us more. We all do. No more trying to make yourself the only casualty; just trust that we'll be able to rise to the challenge once it's here. Please."

You're not sure what thoughts are swimming in the doctor's mind, watching carefully how his face contorts with your every word. Law cares. Too much at times. "I'm not asking you to change overnight," you start again, brushing the back of your hand against his. "But some baby steps would be nice, don't you think?"

His smile is tired but it can't hide itself, "baby steps are doable."

[nibbelraz]

Lets add MORE angst to pregnant Qijiu(let's say they're both pregnant)

Due to SQQs whole entire life, he's constantly stressed, he rarely gets a moment of peace. And according to Mu Qingfangs check ups, his pregnancy is considered a high risk one and the baby might not survive childbirth. But when he found this out it was too late to have an abortion so he had to carry it to term.

While he was pregnant he also wondered if there were any chronic family illnesses that skipped him but his baby might inherit.

Eventually he had to go into seclusion so no outer stressor affected his pregnany.

Luckily when he gave birth Shen yuan survived, unfortunately he was quite ill because again, the stressful pregnancy.

YQY pregnancy was also stressful but probably not as much due his sect siblings looking up to him and respecting him alot, therefore they offered help whenever they could. NYY was born a healthy baby girl.

SQQ lowkey felt a bit mad cs did YQY just one-up him by having a less stressful pregnancy and also a healthy child???

YAY MORE ANGST!!!

Oh I love this, Shen Jiu struggling from the very beginning and having to double down his efforts to have this pregnancy to term successfully. Oh I can imagine how hard he must be on himself because how can his body be so weak he worked so hard to get this far and something like this shouldn't be so hard on him (Shen Jiu pregnancy is VERY HARD!!) But he's thinking that at the very least he has to try so he can have a healthy baby at the end and ohhh i can imagine the incredible self loathing he would be experiencing when he's in bed hearing Mu Qingfang saying how ill Shen Yuan is and of course he'll do everything he can but its a long road.

Shen Jiu thinking how unfortunate for himself to be so unwell that he had to effect his own child he's livid (at himself). The absolute anger he'd get at Yue Qingyuan too for having it be so effortless, his whole pregnancy going smoothly while the entire sect siblings doting and helping him.

I WOULD LIKE TO ADD ALSO!!! Yue Qingyuan not having as easy of a birth as he's leading on, i would like to think that his own problems that stemmed from Xuan Su so maybe yes his birth was easier compared to Shen Jiu but the toll it took AFTER has him bed ridden and weaker but refusing to make a big deal out of it especially when Mu Qingfang is busy with Shen Jiu and his baby.

[bedlam-barbie]

Out of control

Or Attention part 3

Pairing: In Ho x recruiter!reader ; slight salesman x recruiter!reader for the plot

Warnings: canon accurate violence; gun; fights; hurt and comfort,some suggestive language, VIPs being disgusting,  reader has BPD, mentions of mental illness

Word count: 4.2k

Author’s note: well, somehow what was meant to be a 2 part shot, became a small series, I hope max 5 parts. The more I write, the more I’m eating up this love triangle… Please let me know your thoughts and opinions, also please reblog if you enjoyed!

Part 1 Part 2

Silence draped over them like a heavy blanket, but for the first time in what felt like forever, it wasn't suffocating. There was no pressure to break it, no unsaid words clawing at the edges of their breath. Yet a stubborn part of her still burned—aching to scream at him, to demand that he care.

But she knew he did.

Maybe not as fiercely, not as openly as he once had, but the tenderness lingered in places he thought he'd hidden well. She saw it. Felt it. And that truth, fragile yet unspoken, was enough to still her restless heart.

When he finally turned to walk away, back toward the sea of masked strangers, she let him go. He hesitated for just a second, casting one last look her way before slipping the mask back onto his face.

Was that yearning in his eyes?

Her chest clenched at the thought. Did she dare believe he loved her?

Perhaps in another life, she thought bitterly, we could have been happy.

She let herself dream for a fleeting, reckless moment. 

In that imagined world, he was a celebrated detective, proud and upright, and she his beautiful, devoted wife. They had two children—a boy with curious eyes and a girl who laughed like sunshine. Their home was a charming white house on the outskirts of Seoul, with wide windows, a flourishing garden, and a bright red door.

Her days were filled with joy—cooking vibrant meals from cultures near and far, laughing as flour dusted her apron, guiding tiny hands through math problems. And when evening came, In Ho would return, his face lit with warmth, arms full of peonies just because he loved to see her smile.

After the children had been tucked into bed, they would sway together in the kitchen under the soft glow of the lights, the hum of the world fading away as they danced slowly, quietly, as though time itself belonged to them.

But dreams are fragile things. And hers shattered the moment the mask clicked back into place. Hwang In Ho was gone. What remained was only the Frontman—cold, impenetrable, and unreachable. She downed the last of her drink, forcing the bitter thought from her mind. She'd never been the kind of woman to dream of white picket fences, a loving husband, or children with wide, innocent eyes. In truth, she wasn’t even sure she wanted children at all.

And why would she?

To pass on her tangled mess of generational trauma? Her genetic curse of addiction? Her restless, fractured mind that teetered between darkness and ruin? No. It was better not to bring life into a world that already carried too much weight.

Even if some desperate part of her entertained the fantasy—who would she have them with?

The Frontman? Cold, hardened, and unreachable, carved out of stoicism like a statue of a forgotten god. The lives they lived were dangerous, unstable, always teetering on the brink of disaster. A family with him was impossible.

The Salesman?

She let out a sharp, humorless laugh at the absurdity of the thought. As if that manipulative charmer, who peddled temptations with a devilish grin, could ever love anyone beyond himself.

No, the truth was simple. Children were weaknesses, liabilities. And in their world, weaknesses got you killed.

Better to let the fantasy die before it took root. She glided back into the ballroom with practiced elegance, adjusting her mask until it sat perfectly on her face. Her sharp eyes scanned the room until they landed on Gong Yoo, effortlessly charming a small cluster of VIPs. Without missing a beat, she slipped beside him, her presence as deliberate as a choreographed step.

“There you are,” he said smoothly, his hand naturally settling on the small of her back. “Gentlemen, may I present my fellow recruiter.”

The woman offered a smile as radiant as it was dangerous. “A pleasure to meet you,” she said with a teasing lilt, “I’m the dancer—but you can call me the woman of your dreams.”

The innocence of her smile was betrayed by the spark of mischief in her eyes, a contrast that never failed to captivate. One of the men, hidden behind an ornate golden mask, took her hand with a flourish, pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles.

Her stomach twisted in revulsion, but her practiced mask remained intact. She was an expert at charming men who fancied themselves powerful, coaxing them into foolish investments—none more absurd than the deadly games they funded.

“The pleasure is all mine,” the man said, his gaze shamelessly lingering on her body, especially her chest. “My, my—you truly are a beauty.”

The Salesman's lips curled into an amused smirk. “Careful with this one,” he warned lightly. “She bites.”

“Good thing that’s how I like my women—feisty,” the man quipped, earning a chorus of laughter from the group. She laughed along, the sound as polished and disarming as glass champagne flutes clinking together. 

The question hung in the air, sharp and shameless:

“So tell us, Dancer. How exactly do you get those fools to join the games? Are you a stripper?”

Hunger dripped from his words, vile and brazen.

For a split second, she imagined slamming his face into the marble floor, painting it red with his arrogance. Her fingers itched to draw the dagger strapped against her thigh and gut him like a pig. But instead, she laughed—a sweet, melodic giggle that masked the storm beneath her composed exterior.

Little do you know, asshole.

Beside her, she felt Gong Yoo stiffen, his polished facade slipping just enough for her to notice the tension in his hand as it gripped her back firmly. The silent message was clear: Easy, darling. Not here. Wait until he’s leaving.

She tilted her head, her voice honeyed and playful. “Oh, Sir, you flatter me,” she teased, feigning embarrassment. “You’ve got me blushing.”

The men laughed, oblivious.

She leaned in slightly, keeping their attention hooked. “Unfortunately, no—I’m not a stripper,” she continued smoothly. “My job’s a little more... subtle. I usually find them in clubs or bars. Get them talking, loosen them up a bit.” She gestured toward Gong Yoo with a mischievous smile. “And then, as my associate here so brilliantly does, I lure them outside and invite them to a friendly game of ddakji.”

Her eyes sparkled with faux amusement as she leaned closer, dropping her voice conspiratorially. “Have you ever seen a drunk man stumbling to slap tiles in an alleyway? Truly—something for the books.”

The men roared with laughter, exactly as she knew they would. They were drunk on ego, money, and the illusion of control.Suddenly, the music faded, replaced by the delicate chiming of a champagne flute as Il Nam tapped it slowly, commanding the room’s attention.

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen,” he began, his voice smooth and confident. “Welcome. I trust tonight’s festivities have been to your liking.”

From his elevated position on the grand balcony, Il Nam surveyed the sea of masked guests below. Flanking him were the ever-imposing Frontman and the Officer, their dark figures contrasting against the elegance of the scene.

His words flowed with deliberate grace, each syllable resonating with authority. “As some of you are aware, this year marks my final year as host of the Squid Games. These past thirty-three years have been nothing short of extraordinary.” He paused, allowing a wave of applause to sweep through the room. “None of this would have been possible without each and every one of you.”

The crowd clapped, their masked faces turned toward the enigmatic figure above.

Il Nam lifted a hand, signaling for silence as he continued. “With that, I am honored to announce that I have chosen my successor.” He gestured subtly toward the stoic figure beside him. “Our Frontman, who has dedicated himself entirely to the Games for the past five years, will now take my place. For his unwavering commitment and loyalty, I am eternally grateful.”

He raised his champagne flute with a celebratory flourish. “Join me in honoring our new host.” His gaze softened as he turned toward the Frontman. “You have truly exceeded my expectations.” The ballroom echoed with the sound of clinking glasses and polite applause.

From below, the dancer's eyes remained fixed on In Ho. Despite herself, a warmth bloomed in her chest—pride, quiet and undeniable. She wanted to be indifferent, detached, to mask any trace of emotion.But she couldn’t. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught the Salesman watching her, his lips curled into a knowing smirk. Glass in hand, he acted as though the unfolding scene was some private performance meant for his amusement.

“Careful,” he murmured in her ear. “That heart of yours might start showing.”

Before she could respond, chaos erupted.

Gunshots shattered the air, sharp and deafening. Screams rippled through the ballroom as panic took hold. The scent of gunpowder mingled with the metallic tang of fear.

The woman’s eyes darted through the crowd, scanning for the source. A group of masked infiltrators surged forward, pulling weapons from concealed places beneath tuxedos and dresses. They moved with brutal efficiency, shoving some VIPs to the ground and holding others at gunpoint.

Pandemonium spread like wildfire. Guests in glittering masks tripped over one another in a desperate rush toward the exits. Blood splattered across marble floors, staining the opulence with horror.

The Salesman cursed under his breath, his carefree smirk gone. “Shit,” he hissed, stepping closer to her. “Stay down.”

But she didn’t listen.

A cold, determined calm washed over her as instinct took control. There was no time for fear—only action.

An infiltrator broke from the pack, rushing toward a frightened VIP who cowered behind an overturned table. Without hesitation, the dancer intercepted him, moving like liquid steel.

She pivoted sharply on her heel, her hand snapping out to disarm him in one swift motion. The gun clattered to the floor as she drove her knee into his stomach, doubling him over with a strangled gasp. She followed up with a brutal elbow to the side of his head, knocking him unconscious.

Gong Yoo watched, his usual bravado replaced by genuine concern. "You've gotta be kidding me," he muttered, eyes flicking between her and the armed assailants still swarming the room.

A second infiltrator lunged at her from behind, blade glinting under the flickering lights. She sensed him before he made contact, twisting just in time to catch his wrist. The knife hovered dangerously close to her throat, but she remained unyielding, twisting his arm until a sickening crack echoed through the room. He screamed as she drove him to the ground, kicking the blade out of reach.

Nearby, the Frontman stood rigid, his mask unreadable but his body tense. For years, he had seen countless brutal fights—but watching her now, there was something unsettling about the recklessness with which she fought.

She's going to get herself killed.

The thought gnawed at him as he moved toward the fray, signaling for security reinforcements.

Three more attackers circled her, weapons drawn. The Salesman swore loudly. “Damn it, woman, what are you doing?!”

She didn’t flinch. Instead, she smirked, blood smeared across her knuckles.

"Just having a little fun," she quipped before launching herself at the nearest assailant.

The ballroom became a blur of violence—the dancer ducking, striking, and twisting with brutal precision. One attacker swung wildly; she slipped beneath the blow and retaliated with a savage uppercut that sent teeth flying. Another charged with a gun, but she was faster, closing the distance and slamming his head into a pillar with a bone-crunching thud.

Behind her, the Salesman clenched his jaw. He hated admitting it, but he was worried. Not just impressed—worried.

In Ho, still commanding the scene, issued curt orders to secure the VIPs. Yet his eyes never fully left her.

The woman moved like a force of nature—unrelenting, fierce, and terrifyingly beautiful in her defiance. But no matter how skilled she was, the odds were shifting. More infiltrators were pushing into the ballroom.

The Salesman cursed again. "She's gonna get herself killed out there," he growled, shoving past the chaos toward her.

He moved—a shadow determined to protect the woman who seemed hell-bent on proving she didn’t need saving.A tall attacker rushed toward her with wild desperation, swinging a crowbar. She sidestepped with a dancer’s grace, her footwork precise as she spun behind him. With a fierce kick to the back of his knee, he crumpled, dropping the weapon. She finished him off with a brutal punch that cracked his jaw.

Before she could catch her breath, a voice called out smoothly from behind:

“Darling, I couldn’t let you have all the fun.”

Gong Yoo stepped into the fray, shedding his usual air of nonchalance for something sharper, deadlier. His burgundy tuxedo was immaculate despite the chaos, though his eyes gleamed with amusement and danger alike.

An attacker lunged at him, and Gong Yoo barely flinched, grabbing the man by the collar and delivering a calculated blow to his temple. The assailant crumpled instantly. He dusted off his sleeve with mock elegance, smirking.

“You make it look easy,” she quipped, her voice breathless but steady.

“That’s because it is, darling.” He winked before turning to face two more assailants charging their way.

Together, they moved like a deadly duet. She dodged a wild swing, landing a bone-crunching kick to one man’s ribs, while Gong Yoo disarmed the other with a disarmingly smooth twist of the wrist before delivering a vicious uppercut.

Blood painted the marble floor as the infiltrators realized they were outmatched—not just by guards or the infamous Frontman, but by these two relentless forces who fought with terrifying synergy.

The Frontman observed from a distance, his mask concealing the turmoil beneath. His orders had secured most of the VIPs, but his focus remained on her. She was fast, brutal, and fearless—but also reckless.

One of the last attackers aimed a gun directly at her back.

“No!” Gong Yoo shouted, his usual charm stripped away, replaced by raw panic.

But she had already sensed the danger. With uncanny precision, she twisted, grabbing a broken champagne bottle from the floor. The glass glinted under the flickering lights as she drove it straight into the gunman’s forearm. The weapon fired into the ceiling, plaster raining down as he howled in pain.

She followed up with a merciless elbow to his throat, dropping him like dead weight.

Breathing heavily, she wiped blood from her face, her eyes still sharp and alert. Gong Yoo stood beside her, his hand instinctively brushing her shoulder as if reassuring himself she was unharmed.

“You know,” he panted, half-laughing, “I really thought I’d have to save you.”

“Please.” She smirked. “I’ve got this.”

The Frontman finally approached, his authoritative presence cutting through the aftermath like a blade. Guards were restraining the last of the infiltrators, and silence began to settle over the ruined ballroom.

“You’re reckless,” the Frontman said coldly, his voice devoid of emotion.

“Effective,” she shot back defiantly, though exhaustion crept into her voice.

The masked figure didn’t respond, but his lingering gaze on the woman said enough.

She straightened, brushing glass shards from her dress as she surveyed the carnage. The ballroom, once pristine and elegant, now resembled a battlefield drenched in blood and destruction.

“Well,” the Salesman drawled, his smirk returning, “guess that’s what happens when you throw such a killer party.”

The dancer huffed a breathless laugh, but the weight of what had just transpired lingered between them all. 

“It’s been a blast boys, but I need to clean myself up now.” she said and without waiting for an answer from them, she made her way to the bathroom.

She stood at the marble sink, blood swirling down the drain as she scrubbed at her knuckles. Her breathing was shallow, heart still racing—not just from the chaos but from the exhilaration that thrummed in her veins.

She had felt alive.

The crack of fists meeting flesh, the sharp edge of survival cutting through every instinct—it ignited something deep inside her, something she didn’t want to admit she craved. Even now, her hands trembled not from fear but from the fading thrill of battle.

God help her, she’d enjoyed it.

The realization made her stomach churn with guilt. What kind of person savored violence? She had brushed so close to death tonight, yet all she could think about was how addictive it was—the rush, the power.

The door creaked open behind her.

She stiffened, half-expecting Gong Yoo’s smug grin. But no—it was him.

In Ho. Damn it, why was he always there, in the back of her mind? Ready to jump in to save her.

Mask removed, his dark eyes were sharp with concern as they locked onto her bloodied reflection in the mirror.

“You’re hurt,” he said quietly, stepping toward her.

“It’s nothing,” she muttered, forcing her voice to steady as she reached for a towel.

He was there before she could pull away, taking the towel from her hand without asking. The roughness of his palm contrasted with the gentle precision as he lifted her bruised knuckles into the light.

“You’re reckless,” he muttered, his voice low and strained.

“I know,” she admitted softly.

And she did. Reckless wasn’t new for her—but tonight, it had been different. Tonight, she hadn’t just fought to survive. She’d fought because part of her wanted to. The thought made her want to scream.

But In Ho said nothing more, focused instead on cleaning the streaks of dried crimson from her skin. The room was silent except for the soft trickle of water and the faint rustle of fabric.Her heart pounded—different now, softer, raw. Not from violence, but from the weight of his presence, the tenderness in his touch despite the wall he always kept between them.

“You didn’t have to come,” she said quietly, watching his profile in the mirror.

“Yes, I did,” he murmured, his voice rough.

His words hit harder than any blow she’d taken that night. He wasn’t just talking about tonight—he never was with her. His dark eyes were focused on every little scratch, carefully cleaning them up.

“I handled myself,” she insisted, though the tremor in her voice betrayed the war raging inside her.

“I know,” he admitted, guilt flickering in his eyes. “But seeing you like this...” He shook his head as if forcing the thought away.

Her throat tightened. Why did he care? Why did she want him to care?

"Who were they?" she asked abruptly, her voice sharp, demanding an answer.

"No one you need to concern yourself with," he said, his words cold, but his eyes flickered with something darker. "I’ve already sent the Officer to investigate. But... I did hear one of them shouting, something about doing this for their son." His jaw tightened as he spoke, the weight of his words lingering in the air. "It seems some family of a former player has managed to track us down, and they’ve gathered others, desperate for revenge."

He leaned in slightly, his gaze locking with hers, and for a moment, there was a chilling intensity in his voice. "But don’t trouble yourself, little dove. You won’t need to lift a finger. I’ll make sure they’re dealt with... permanently."

“You liked it, didn’t you?” he asked suddenly, his voice cutting through her defenses.

Her breath caught. “What?”

“The fight,” he said grimly. “You liked it.”

The truth hung between them, heavy and undeniable.She wanted to deny it, to tell him he was wrong, to make a snarky remark—but she couldn’t.

“I don’t know what's worse,” she whispered hoarsely. “That I did... or that I wanted it to keep going.”

His jaw clenched, but he didn’t flinch. Instead, he stepped closer, brushing his thumb across the cut along her jawline. The tenderness in the gesture made her ache, and for a moment, she wanted to collapse into the warmth of it, to forget the darkness clawing inside her. For just a second, she closed her eyes letting him caress her skin, her defenses fully down.

“You’re not a monster,” he said quietly, as if reading her thoughts.

She let out a bitter laugh. “Aren’t I?”

“No.” His voice was firm, certain. “I’ve seen monsters. You’re not one of them.”

Her breath hitched. “Then what am I?”

His hand lingered on her jaw, thumb tracing the faint bruise. “Someone I can’t stop thinking about,” he admitted softly. The raw honesty in his voice shattered what was left of her defenses. In a perfect world, this would have been the moment they would have kissed, where he would profess his undying love and they would have lived happily ever after.

But alas, this was not a perfect world.

“You have no right to care,” she whispered, her voice breaking trying to fight back against the feelings.

“I know.” He stepped back, the distance between them sudden and painful. “But I can’t help it. You’re all cleaned up,” he said gruffly, retreating to safer ground.

But neither of them moved. Their eyes lingered, heavy with unspoken words. In Ho’s hair remained perfectly styled, slicked back with precision, and his onyx tuxedo fit his frame like it had been tailored just for him. It was almost maddening how flawless he appeared while she stood there, disheveled and bloodied, her dress torn from the chaos.

In a way, it perfectly represented who they were: him, an image of unwavering control, and her, a whirlwind of chaos and recklessness.

The contrast between them stung—like a cruel reminder that they could never truly align. He was every inch the mask he wore: composed, untouchable. And she? She was a storm, a wild force of nature trying to fit into a world of structure.

For a moment, she hated him. Not for who he was, but for how effortlessly he embodied everything she could never be.

Her pulse quickened, the intensity of the moment feeding the restless, chaotic part of her. But she stayed still. Neither of them moved—too afraid, or too proud, to take the next step.

In Ho broke the silence, his voice as controlled as always. "You should leave," he said, but there was something unspoken in the way he said it. A vulnerability hiding behind the command, barely noticeable but undeniable.

She swallowed hard, trying to ignore the ache in her chest. "And leave you to play the perfect host?"

His jaw clenched slightly at the jab, but he said nothing, his gaze still locked on hers. The distance between them felt like miles, and yet she could feel the magnetic pull, as though the space was too small to contain the tension brewing between them.

There was a flicker in his eyes—a softness, quickly masked by the cold exterior he’d perfected. "You’re making this harder than it needs to be," he murmured, his tone quieter now, yet still holding that edge of finality.

She took a step closer, ignoring the war waging inside her. “Is it hard for you? Or is it hard for you to admit you don’t want me to go?”

The words hung in the air, too raw, too honest. She saw his eyes narrow, the slightest flicker of frustration passing through them. His body stiffened, but he didn’t move. He couldn’t.

"I don’t need you here," he said, his voice tight, but there was a pause before the last word—a hesitation that didn’t go unnoticed.

The dancer’s heart hammered in her chest, but she refused to let it show. "Then why do you keep looking at me like that?"

His lips parted as if he wanted to say something, but he held back, caught between something he couldn’t admit and the image he had built around himself. She saw it—the turmoil beneath the surface. He wasn’t as untouchable as he wanted her to believe.

"You should go," he repeated, but this time, it was softer. Almost... pleading.

It was too much. The fight, the connection, the tension—it all boiled over inside her, and she knew there was only one way to stop the storm in her chest. She closed the space between them.

Her breath caught as her hands came to rest on his chest, feeling the rapid beating of his heart beneath the fabric of his tuxedo. She looked up, meeting his eyes, so close now that she could feel the heat radiating from his body.

For a moment, neither of them moved, and in that instant, everything seemed to hang in the balance. Then, slowly, she leaned in. His eyes flickered to her lips, and the air between them thickened, charged with something far more intense than just the heat of the moment.

Just as she was about to close the distance, the briefest hint of hesitation stopped her.

What are you doing?

It was a question that hovered in her mind, but she didn’t have an answer for it. Instead, she pulled back, just enough to look at him, breathless, torn between the impulse to pull him closer and the need to protect herself from what this moment could mean.

His hand twitched, almost as if he wanted to reach for her but stopped himself. She could see it—the war between the man he was and the man she’d forced him to be.

"I can’t do this," he muttered, his voice almost a whisper, thick with frustration.

She tilted her head, meeting his gaze steadily. "You’re the one who won’t do this. But you want to."

He took a step back, exhaling sharply, his chest rising and falling with the weight of their proximity. He didn't answer—he didn’t need to.

And in that silence, the unspoken truth hung heavy: Neither of them was ready for what this could become, but neither of them could walk away, either.

Author's note: please let me know your opinions! should I make it more of a love triangle between the three or tame it down? How are you liking it so far?

[antinousletmehit]

More shitty brother antinous but make him shittier.

——

Y/n decided she’d make a sport out of embarrassing her brother. Every chance she got, she embarrassed him in front of the suitors—mocking his speeches, rolling her eyes when he acted like he ruled the palace, even stealing his cup of wine just to down it before he could. She wasn’t stupid. She knew the suitors found it hilarious. Even Eurymachus, who usually sided with Antinous, laughed when she got under his skin.

But this time, she had pushed too far.

It started with a harmless joke—calling him the most graceful man in Ithaca after he nearly tripped over a chair. The suitors had erupted in laughter, egging her on. Then she mimicked his posture, his pompous way of speaking, throwing in an exaggerated, “Oh, how I suffer under the weight of my own greatness!” The laughter had been deafening. Even Penelope , sulking in the corner, had cracked a smirk.

But when she looked at Antinous, his expression was deadly. The next thing she knew, he had grabbed her by the arm—hard. The room went quiet as he yanked her out of the hall, dragging her through the corridors. “Antinous—” she hissed, trying to pull away.

He said nothing.

Her stomach twisted. Oh, shit. He shoved open her bedroom door and threw her inside. She barely caught herself before falling onto the bed, scrambling up to glare at him. “What the hell is your—”

“Shut up.”

The door slammed behind him.

She stilled.

Antinous stood there, breathing heavily, his eyes dark with rage. “Do you think this is a game, y/m?” His voice was eerily calm, which was somehow worse than him yelling.

She swallowed. “I was just joking—”

“Joking?” He let out a sharp, humorless laugh. “No, you were making a fool of me.”

She crossed her arms, trying to look unfazed. “It’s not my fault you’re easy to mess with.”

His jaw clenched. In two quick strides, he was in front of her, gripping her chin and forcing her to look up at him. “You think you can humiliate me in front of the suitors? In front of Penelope?” His fingers tightened. “You think there won’t be consequences?”

She glared at him, despite the painful grip. “What are you gonna do? Hit me?” She scoffed. “Go ahead, see if I care.”

Antinous didn’t hit her.

Instead, he leaned in close and whispered, “Maybe I’ll just get rid of you.”

Her blood ran cold.

His lips curled into a smirk at her silence. “You think you’re untouchable because you’re my sister?” He let go of her chin and took a step back. “There are plenty of men in Ithaca who’d love a young bride. Older, wealthier men. Men who wouldn’t care how much of a little brat you are, so long as you do as you’re told.”

She felt her stomach lurch. “You wouldn’t.”

His expression was unreadable.

The room was silent. For the first time, Pandora had nothing to say. Antinous lingered for a moment, as if waiting for her to argue, to push back. But she didn’t. With a scoff, he turned and walked toward the door. “Stay in your room,” he said coldly. “Unless you’d rather start looking for a husband.” The door slammed shut behind him.

She sat frozen on the bed, her hands clenched into fists. For the first time, the game wasn’t fun anymore.

——

She didn’t believe it at first.

When Antinous grabbed her by the wrist and dragged her through the halls, she thought he was just being dramatic. That he was trying to scare her. That this was just another one of his cruel lessons in obedience. But then they stepped into the great hall, and she saw him. A man, one of the suitors, one of the older ones, broad shouldered and grinning, waiting for them. The feeling of dread sank in like a stone in her stomach. “No,” she whispered, planting her feet. “No, you’re not serious.”

Antinous yanked her forward without a word. She turned to him, panic rising in her chest. “Antinous, no—”

“I warned you, didn’t I?” His voice was calm, but there was no humor in it. “You don’t listen. You humiliate me. You act like a brat. I told you what would happen.”

She felt like she couldn’t breathe. The suitor stepped forward, looking her over. “She’s a bit feisty,” he said, amused. “But I can break that.”

Her heart slammed against her ribs.

No. No, no, no, no—

“I—I can be good,” she stammered, turning back to Antinous, grabbing at his tunic. “Please, Antinous. Don’t do this. I’ll stop, I swear, I won’t embarrass you, I won’t—”

“Too late,” he said coolly, prying her fingers off him.

Tears welled up in her eyes. She looked at the suitor again, his smug, expectant expression, and she felt it, felt what this meant. That she was going to be his. That she would have no choice. That she would have to do whatever he wanted. That she would belong to him.

That she would bear his children.

Her entire body trembled.

Antinous turned to the suitor. “She’s all yours.”

She broke.

She dropped to her knees, sobbing, clutching at Antinous’ arm like a child. “Please! I’ll do anything, just—just don’t make me do this, please, please—” She was gasping, shaking, her fingers clawing at his tunic, pressing her forehead against his side as she sobbed. She didn’t care how pathetic she looked. She would beg if she had to.

Antinous was quiet for a long moment. Then—

He laughed.

The suitor snickered.

Her breath hitched.

She slowly looked up at Antinous, confused and disoriented. He was grinning down at her, shaking his head. “You really believed it, didn’t you?” he mused.

Her stomach twisted.

He crouched down, smirking. “Gods, you should’ve seen your face.” He reached out and flicked her forehead. “Did you really think I’d sell you off that easily?”

The suitor let out a chuckle. “She’s got spirit. That was fun to watch.”

Her body felt cold. Her lips trembled, her breath still shuddering. Then she sobbed harder. She wailed, clutching at Antinous’ tunic again, burying her face into it. Antinous groaned. “Oh, come on—” She didn’t care. She was crying so hard her entire body shook, her nails digging into his sides, holding onto him like he’d disappear if she let go.

Antinous just sighed, running a hand down his face. “Gods, you’re dramatic.” But there was no real bite to his words. Antinous tried to pry her off him, but she refused to let go.

“I hate you,” she hiccupped into his chest, still clinging to him.

Antinous smirked. “Good.” He ruffled her hair, chuckling. “Maybe now you’ll behave.”

She only sobbed harder. Antinous waved lazily to the suitor, who was still chuckling at the spectacle. “Yeah, yeah, that’s enough entertainment for the night. I gotta get this one back to her room before she drowns me in her tears.”

The suitor smirked. “You sure you don’t wanna go through with it? She’d make a fine little wife.”

She let out a pitiful, muffled wail into Antinous’ chest, her hands still gripping his tunic like a lifeline. Antinous just rolled his eyes. “Yeah, yeah, real tempting. But I think I’d rather not deal with her haunting me from the afterlife when she inevitably throws herself off a cliff.”

With that, he bent down, scooped her up like a misbehaving child, and slung her over his arms with ease. She sniffled into his chest, her tiny fists still gripping at him, her whole body shaking from the lingering terror. Antinous grinned, looking down at her blotchy, teary face. “Awww, look at you,” he cooed mockingly. “All sad and pathetic. You poor little thing.”

She whimpered into his tunic. He swayed her a little in his grip, just to mess with her. “You really thought I’d marry you off?” he teased, smirking. “You really thought I’d let some greasy old suitor take you away? What, you think I don’t like having you around?”

She just let out another wet, hiccuping sob. Antinous smirked, shifting her weight in his arms as he carried her down the hall. “Gods, you’re a mess.” He glanced down at her, raising a brow. “You gonna cry yourself to sleep, or should I get you a warm cup of milk too?”

She let out a tiny, muffled grumble, her words completely lost in his chest. Antinous chuckled. “Thought so.”bHe adjusted his grip on her, carrying her effortlessly as she whimpered into him, still trembling slightly.

“Alright, brat,” he murmured, voice softer now. “Let’s get you to bed before you pass out in my arms.” And with that, he carried her off, still smirking to himself while she clung to him, utterly defeated.

——

Antinous laid her down on her bed, carefully untangling her grip from his tunic. Her face was still blotchy, eyes puffy from crying, and she hiccupped as he adjusted the blanket over her. “There,” he said, brushing off his hands. “Now stay put and stop being a little brat.”

He turned to leave, but before he could take a step, a small hand shot out and grabbed his wrist. Antinous blinked, then looked down. Pandora was staring at him, her lip wobbling, fresh tears brimming in her already red eyes. Then, in a small, broken voice, she whispered, “Don’t go.”

Antinous sighed, running a hand down his face. “Oh, for the love of the gods—” She tugged harder, her grip trembling. His smirk faltered. Antinous exhaled sharply through his nose, then sat back down at the edge of her bed, rubbing his temples.

“You are such an idiot,” he muttered. She sniffled, rubbing at her eyes with the sleeve of her tunic. Antinous tilted his head, giving her a dry look. “You really thought I was just gonna sell you off that quick?”

She nodded, bottom lip still trembling. He scoffed, shaking his head. “You’re even dumber than I thought.” She whimpered, curling in on herself. Antinous sighed again, this time softer. Then, after a beat, he reached out and ruffled her hair, gently this time. “Look, brat,” he murmured, his tone losing its usual edge. “Even if I do sell you off one day, it won’t be that easy. I’d make sure he was rich first.”

She whined at that, swatting at his arm weakly. Antinous chuckled, shaking his head. Then, in a quieter voice, he added, “I’m not getting rid of you that quick, alright?” She sniffled again, finally loosening her grip on his wrist. Antinous rolled his eyes, lying back on the bed beside her with a huff. “Gods, you’re exhausting.”

She curled into his side without hesitation.

Antinous sighed, glancing down at her. “Go to sleep, idiot.” And for once, she actually listened.

——

Telemachus hadn’t seen y/n in days. And while that usually meant peace for him, something about the silence felt… wrong.

So, begrudgingly, he decided to ask someone. Unfortunately, the only person he could find was Eurymachus, lounging around with a goblet of wine, looking as relaxed as ever.

“Hey,” Telemachus started, arms crossed. “Where’s y/n?”

Eurymachus barely looked up. “Hell if I know. I’m not her older brother.”

Telemachus scowled. “You practically are.”

“Yeah, well, I’d rather die than claim that title.” Eurymachus took a sip of his wine, then smirked. “For all I know, she’s gone and married by now.”

Telemachus froze.

Eurymachus just swirled his goblet. “Poor girl, probably off with some old man by now. You know how Antinous is.” That was all it took for Telemachus to spiral into sheer panic.

Married?! Was that why she had been gone? Had Antinous finally had enough of her antics and actually gotten rid of her? Was she out there, forced to be some old suitor’s wife, with a husband and—oh gods, children?! Without another word, Telemachus turned on his heel and started pacing up and down the palace halls, his stomach twisting.

Was she happy? No, of course not—it was y/n, she wouldn’t want to be married!

What if he never saw her again?! What if she actually liked her husband?! What if she had—

Before he could finish that thought, he turned a corner and slammed into someone. He stumbled back, startled. Then he looked up.

It was y/n.

Not in a wedding dress. Not crying. Not married.

Just y/n.

She blinked up at him, confused. “What the hell’s wrong with you?”

Telemachus opened his mouth, then closed it.

Then, still staring at her, he just collapsed against the nearest pillar in relief.

She raised a brow. “Are you sick or something?”

Telemachus groaned, burying his face in his hands. “I hate Eurymachus.”

——

@simpformoonkight blame them for this sad fic

[midnight--sadness]

So I've seen a number of anons bring up potential Gi-hun pregnant during the second games scenarios, but I think for maximum comedy he should have zero idea he is pregnant and randomly go into labor either during or in between one of the games.

Gi-hun, during the search for the Frontman, slept with "Young-il" nine months before, who claimed he was grieving the death of his wife and unborn child. Really, In-ho wanted to see Gi-hun, and one thing led to another. So when they "run into each other" at the second games, it seems like a massive coincidence.

Gi-hun has been displaying some strange symptoms like nausea and stomach pains and the occasional odd food craving that he has dismissed because of his stubbornness and determination to stop the games. Plus, the thought that he is pregnant just never even occurs to him because he is not showing because he has not eaten much or rested and simply because he believes he is far too old to worry about such things anymore. So when his waters break at the second games, it is a big "what the f*ck" moment for all parties.

I would love to imagine how In-ho reacts, but I have already taken up a lot of space 😂

this is soo gihun 😭😭😭😭 this would definitely happen to him vnienkgv

sometimes he feels some fluttering in his stomach but he just thinks it's something bad he ate, neverming that he never actually eats anything 🙄

i'm trying to think of the funniest moment he could go into labor and it's either as he is about to vote on the games or when they are playing mingle or the pentathlon.

let's say it's during mingle.

they have just crammed ten of themselves into the room and the shaman is yelling like a maniac and inho is staring creepily at gihun and gihun is bent over, clutching his stomach and watching the remaining players be gunned down outside.

his abdomen is cramping and his hips and lower back ache really back but he thinks it's the physical stress of the game and the result of not eating anything while being nauseous all the time. again, pregnancy flies right over his head because he. is. old.

the labour is one of those that is super quick!

gihun is still watching through the door slit when he feels something wet down his legs and he looks down to find his pants are wet.... daeho of course, would ask if he is okay and jungbae would chuckle that he peed his pants but gihun is just horrified and geumja is like "that doens't look like pee 🤨"

and gihun curls up in pain, holding his abdomen and inho is like "are u pregnant? 😟" and gihun says no, that's impossible... except that they had sex nine months. his contractions are worse and everyone is freaking out and the door won't open!!!! and inho feels like he is about to pass out bc what do u mean he's having another kid????

gihun has the baby right in that room, there isn't even time to get anyone out. junhee has a lovely preview of herself within the following month and daeho can't look gihun in the eye bc he's seen ALL of him. jungbae immediately claims to be the baby's fav uncle and geumja is admonishing gihun for not noticing that he is pregnant. of course, hyunju, our queen, held gihun's hand through the whole thing and let him yell at anyone he wanted, particularly inho 🥰

OR - he has the baby during the night while everyone is in the dormitory asleep

[canadaxed]

Lucy is an Ancient!.... theory.

you might like this if you: really like the idea of eldritch beings falling in love with some normal ass dude who is totally unaware.

I also posted this all on the Klei forums, which might be easier to read for some people. Click here for that version.

A while ago I posted: "someone remind me to make a post on my theory about Lucy being an Ancient" and I finally got around to it! Feel free to read. It's a long one, but the main timeline for the idea is in the last paragraphs if you want to skip ahead.

Here's the theory now:

Hey gang, I figured I'd post this theory I have. I dunno if anyone else has picked up on it, I didn't find anything myself. I'm gonna try my best to explain why I believe Lucy the Axe could be..... an Ancient!! Like the spirit of the Shadow Maul or Reaper. 

First things first, lets start with Woodie, the scraps of lore we have for him, and what Lucy means to him.

We know that the survivors entering the Constant (at least in the DS era) have a pattern of wanting something, or being emotionally vulnerable- and this is typically what Maxwell preyed on to get them into the Constant. 

In Walter's short, we get a glimpse of Woodie's cabin. He has references to his family being from Scotland in it, various stereotypical Canadian British Columbian Guy decor, two very conspicuous chairs in the main room.... and "Lucy's" outside.

That's right... Woodie never took the physical "Lucy" with him. I put Lucy in quotation marks because we don't know if Lucy was always his axe... or if she was the person that second chair in his home belonged to.

The guy went deep into an uninhabited forest to get away from people, why would he have two chairs in his home right next to each other? Pair this with with how he leaves his red "Lucy" axe outside, rather than having left her on the chair or something like one might if they were romantically invested in something.

Keep this in mind too when considering whether Lucy could’ve been a real person or was always an axe.

Now, putting the pieces we have so far together, one could follow this story pretty easily:  Woodie lost his wife and was reminiscing on memories of her while listening to the radio, which was the prime moment for Maxwell to swoop in with the promise of reuniting them.

Don't Starve fans might be skeptical for a few reasons: DS fans are split pretty evenly between wanting Woodie to be "just some funny guy" and also desperately wanting more information on this mysterious Lumberjack. When you put this theory into perspective, it all feels too easy; or it just feels wrong to completely blow open a huge point in Woodie's lore that is otherwise kept close to Klei's chest. 

Secondly, somewhat related to the first point: Klei's got plans in motion for their lore. The idea of even the gameplay of the world is that you start out knowing nothing, and slowly, SLOWLY, you gain more information. Even then, though, the game becomes more complex and deep. Essentially the team's been doing the same thing with their lore. Whether they only had a loose idea at the beginning and are now really hitting the road running with the direction they want to go in terms of lore, or if they always had an idea for it: they've been giving us glimpses of it over the past... 12 years? We've never gotten the full picture even after all this time, all these shorts and expansions. And each new bit of lore that gets revealed, there's another complexity added to it. Again, people might be thinking "this is just too easy a conclusion to come to, I could've thought of that." 

They might just really be banking on Woodie's general obscurity in relation to the main story as a way to give him a lot of interesting tidbits that people won't immediately dissect.

Thirdly: I'm just one person posting something on the internet. I could just be way too much of a fan of Woodie and reading too much into all this. And I could totally be wrong or be wrong about some things and right about others. Either way, I don't anticipate getting any answers from Klei for a long time if at all, which only adds to skepticism. 

(If you ask me, Don't Starve and its short animations/puzzles/lore drops are begging to be nitpicked.)

So lets back-track a little and talk about why Klei might've decided to drop so much potential, very vital Woodie lore in this one short. (AKA: the Woodie Tangent part of this theory thread, cus I love him)

If you've seen the short animations on Youtube, you might go to the comment sections here and there to get a general community consensus on them or the character. The comments are overwhelmingly positive and a lot praise how the lore is being handled. 

Then you get to Woodie's very own animated short.... 

If you've seen it, you know it's a silly animation where Woodie , in the Constant (unlike other shorts til then), is chopping trees and gets attacked by a tree guard. He uses his three wereforms to fight it, and overall its a pretty fun time. The comments are mostly positive, but a lot expressed disappointment in not getting any more lore about Woodie. He's a very mysterious character, even despite having one of the longer character bios in the game. 

So, eventually Walter comes along. A young boy from Canada, part of a boy scouts troop, really into monsters. If the developers didn't have Woodie in mind when making Walter, they ended up becoming very intertwined character and story-wise anyway. Klei being the cheeky devils they are, decided that if people wanted Woodie lore so bad, they'd get it.... via Walter's short. We only get a few glimpses at background things (we might've even got a hint that Woodie lives on vancouver island) but to Klei, that's enough. Clearly we've gotta do something with what we got. 

But even Walter's short didn't give us enough for full answers to anything.

Let's move on and get to the real stuff: Lucy, Maxwell, and the Ancients.

The Ancients in Don't Starve lore refers to a powerful society of bug people that existed in the Constant long, long ago. They went extinct because of their over-reliance on nightmare fuel, which brought them from famine and gave them great magic and technology that allowed them to live in a bustling utopia, for a while.

We see an ancient in the metaphysical "flesh" in Hamlet as the Ancient Herald. We also know that the spirits that embody such weapons as the Shadow Maul or Shadow Reaper were once ancients, and their souls were probably in the pure horror/dark tatters used to create those items. 

Anyway, the reason why they matter in this instance is because the only other living, talking tools we know about in the game are the Shadow Maul and Shadow Reaper, who both happen to have special dialogue for Woodie. They’re possessive over him, and jealous of and particularly spiteful towards Lucy. They’re also made with dark magic, unsurprisingly, and that’ll come into play later in terms of my theory for Lucy’s existence. I’m noting now that the Shadow Reaper/Maul and Lucy all have a nonchalance about them and are eager to be used. Also, that they all feature red prominently in their designs.

As fun as I find all these personality similarities though, we won’t talk about them much. Here are these comparisons for the hell of it:

Shadow Reaper quote:   "We make a good team, no matter how you ssssslice it." Lucy quote:   “We make a good team!"

Shadow Maul quote:   "Ch- cho- chop. CHOP!"   "Ch- chop tree... CHOP TREE!"   "CHOP! CHOP! CHOP!" Lucy quote:   "Chop chop chop. Heh."   "Chop, c-c-chop!"

Also on this point of Lucy being a magical item, remember how she will always disappear in the world if Woodie’s gone too long and be replaced by a normal axe. If Woodie tries to use any normal axe that isn’t her, she immediately disappears from where she was last dropped and poofs right into Woodie’s hands in place of that axe.

Alongside this, typically you can only carry/have one Lucy at a time, and she does have special dialogue if you can somehow hold another one.

So, we’ve established the similarity between the talking items. Keep in mind that its established now that inhabitants of the Constant can summon the souls of the Ancients to be used as objects with dark magic.

Moving on…

Its safe to say Maxwell couldn’t manipulate too much beyond the confines of the Constant and his portals and the radios, like we see with him needing Willow and Wilson’s help.

He also can’t seem to drag anyone into the Constant whose name doesnt start with W. Also, whenever Maxwell “fulfills a wish” in order to get a survivor into the Constant, it always comes with a twist. (If Woodie didnt want anything new or different from his current life, he wouldn’t have been lured in. If Woodie just wanted his axe to actually talk to him, he wouldn’t just be given that no strings attached. If Woodie wanted someone back and was promised they’d be in the Constant, why not turn them into his axe, which as a lumberjack he’s metaphorically married to?)

The possibility of Maxwell dragging Lucy’s spirit into the world alongside Woodie is feasible, considering Wendy and Abigail’s situation. But if that were the case, then why not let her stay as a spirit attached to Woodie, rather than having to construct an entirely new form of axe? Because remember, Woodie didn’t bring his real axe into the Constant with him.

You could argue: “because he’s bored. Lol.” and to that i say….. Yeah true lol. Work with me here! 

Here’s another potential point towards Lucy’s spirit being brought in with Woodie: Wendy’s quotes for Woodie often refer to Lucy, and how Abigail favours her. 

But keep in mind that this (Wendy/Abigail recognising a spirit in Lucy) only tells us that there IS a presence in Lucy. Also, considering Winona’s short, I think it’s safe to assume that Abigail might only be able to exist in the Constant because of her flower somehow being tethered to its magic. Lucy wouldn’t have had that.

Alongside that, Maxwell’s quote for examining Lucy:   "Ah. How have you been, Lucy?"

He knows there IS something in the axe and appears familiar with her

So…

Let’s rule out a few other ideas for Lucy’s existence real quick (just in terms of this theory… because i still love these interpretations): 

Lucy being purely in woodie’s mind: then other characters wouldn’t think much about her, Maxwell wouldn’t speak to her so familiarly or as a real person. Even if the magic going into the DST world made her able to speak, Maxwell would be more likely to show surprise at her sentience (its something new that happened after his reign) 

Lucy only existing because Woodie willed her into existence on arrival into the Constant: See above, Maxwell wouldn’t be so familiar with her. Plus, putting together the pieces of woodie having left his real-world fire axe outside his house while he was spending his down time inside, we can assume that woodie in the real world didnt have the same deep connection to his axe. If he could will something into existence, why not have it be the real person he was missing that he wouldve shared that chair with?

Lets start wrapping this up.. Cus I’m no good at writing coherently in long-form.

Here’s what I think could be the potential timeline of events for this theory, putting all the pieces together: 

Maxwell needs to lure a depressed, possibly mourning Woodie into the Constant and promises him he’ll reunite him with his partner, Lucy. Her spirit’s not tethered to the real world anymore (because unlike Abigail, she didn’t have that odd flower) and Maxwell can’t manipulate the world outside of the Constant to that degree- but he has a lot of power inside of the Constant. He calls upon the spirit of an Ancient, seemingly the only spirits that can be returned to a level of sapience, with dark magic of which he’s especially adept, and forges its spirit into that of a special axe.

Then, either he imbues the axe with Woodie’s memories or the axe/eldritch powers-that-be gain them in their own way (think Maria from Silent Hill,) and upon Woodie’s passage to The Constant, he receives her. 

As far as Woodie’s concerned, he’s gotten everything he needs, and takes his existence in The Constant without much disdain. As for Lucy, her old Ancient spirit is happy to be alive again and feeding off living beings (trees). It takes getting used-to to be an entirely new “person”, but she gets the hang of it. She’s clingy and codependent because he’s her source of fuel, but quickly forms a bond with him and ends up caring about his wellbeing, to the point of helping his survival in the DST era. Woodie is blissfully unaware and thriving.

....

Alright, thanks for reading! I know it was a lot. Feel free to discuss. I love Woodie and Lucy. I'm sure I missed a few things, like maybe how Lucy knows about Woodie's wereform cycle with the moons and when his beaverness gets low (the moon thing could be a reference to how the Ancients worshipped "Alter"/Them, and the beaverness thing could just be her dark magic picking up on his curse) ... or how Lucy is very picky with other survivors and very sure of herself/forward/brash like the other sentient items, but those are more of a stretch.

[flightnight]

I need help understanding Sunday.

I feel that there's a rift between how the game expects me to see him and how I actually see him. Would anybody be so kind as to help me clarify these two points?

1. What did he ever say or do that would indicate that he realizes that he ever did something wrong? Bonus points for addressing his core harmful misconception that led him to become a villain to begin with.

2. Which of his actions do you consider admirable?

Explanation of why exactly I have problems with these points below the cut:

1. His whole thing during the Penacony arc was that, in his opinion, people shouldn't be trusted to live their miserable lives by themself; they'll only hurt themself. Everybody (including Robin) is too weak, and he's the only one who's strong. So they should be forever imprisoned in the perfect boring dream their benevolent lord and savior Sunday created for them. From what I understand, he was going to start with Penacony and then imprison the whole universe under his absolute control. Okay, great, typical "morally grey" villain motivation, very well explained, no problem here.

Most of the characters, as well as, hopefully, the player, understand that it's the wrong thing to do. Nice motive, still evil.

My question is: what are the things he said or did since we defeated him that indicate that he's changed? Does he ever admit or imply that he did anything wrong? That human lives are precious no matter how miserable and flawed they are in his opinion? and how valuable freedom is? How strong can people be?

Because so far I only see the opposite: instead of indicating that he was wrong, he doubled down. He literally told us that he's going to do some research and try again.

I don't know, maybe I blinked and missed him getting in a situation where he has to confront his misconceptions.

I had very low expectations. I expected "I might have done something bad, but I might be persuaded to forgive myself," or "it wasn't me, it was my evil past self," or "it was somebody else's fault," or "I might have tried to take over the world, but look, I helped a grandma cross the road, so that's okay now.". All of these would be bad. And we kind of get a tiny bit of all of these, but only as vague vibes.

I saw people saying that he helped Tingyun for free, and it shows that he's changed. Are people implying that he was so morally repugnant that he wouldn't have helped somebody for free before? Even I don't think so. Is basic human decency an achievement for him now?

His problem wasn't that he didn't care about fixing other people's lives. It was exactly the opposite!

That's exactly the kind of thing he shouldn't be doing as a show of how much he changed.

A moment of growth for him would be if he realized that another person is strong enough to solve their problems by themselves, without his involvement.

Let's look at other antagonists turned playable characters.

Bronya's main motivation is to save her people. Her misconception—she has faith in her mother. She faces the fact that her mother isn't the person she came to love and respect.

Topaz's main motivation is to help Jarilo-VI survive. Her misconception—she thinks that being owned by the IPC is the only way for them to survive. She faces the fact that the people of Jarilo-VI are strong enough to survive by themselves.

Sunday's main motivation is to save people from suffering. His misconception—it's only possible if he imprisons them in a dream controlled by him. Does he ever face the realization that he was wrong? I don't care how many Tingyuns he helped, his problem wasn't that he was unwilling to help people. IT WAS KIND OF THE OPPOSITE!!!

And later on, when he kind of helps us, it does nothing to address his core misconception, the thing his whole personality is built around.

He's not a generic bad guy who can redeem himself by becoming a generic good guy! You can't write a complex character and then completely neuter him in his supposed "redemption arc!"

2. What did he do that's worth admiring?

And I think DH's "about Sunday" line indicates how we are supposed to see his return:

"Whether he can achieve his dream or not, being able to let go of everything and start again is already admirable enough."

(btw I'd like to remind you that his dream was to imprison the whole universe. And he wasn't "able" to bravely let go of everything. He was forced to. By being defeated by us. Hello!!!)

What did Sunday even do? Nearly turned Penacony back into a prison again. Got hit by a train. Lost a boss fight (as a boss). Got saved by Robin. Got what he deserved and what he tried to do to others—imprisonment. Threw a hissy fit, got immediately saved by Robin again, and was freed by Jade. Got accidentally split in two. Told Robin to touch the grass. Graciously allowed us to give him a lift.

DH, which of those do you find admirable???? How bravely did he overcome being a villain?

What would we expect a lesser, not so "admirable" person to do in his place? And he hardly even had any agency in most of these events.

Let's look at other characters again. Firefly apologized for lying to us. Topaz and Bronya admitted that they were wrong and backed off. They made a conscious decision to stop what they were doing after realizing they were wrong. They weren't forced to stop by just being defeated in a boss fight and imprisoned. That's admirable. What did Sunday do that's admirable?

And what about Welt's "about Sunday":

"Having an ideal and pursuing it is not rare, but being able to start anew after that ideal is shattered—this kind of willpower will carry him far."

Gramps, the last time we had to hit him with a train several times to stop his willpower from "carrying him far", wdym?

And I'm sure the game's writers are planning to give him more to do later, maybe dragging him through some long overdue character development (I mean, why else are we carrying this piece of cardboard they turned him into with us to Amphoreus?) Because 15 hours of monologue during Pencaony, plus 5 more hours during his triumphant return, clearly wasn't enough. All these new upcoming characters will move over to give Sunday 10 more hours of pretentious monologue.

But on the brighter side, things like this make me appreciate the previous instances of bad writing. At least Firefly apologized. At least Topaz admitted that she was wrong.

And there is one thing that tells me that I'm not the only one having problems with this. It's the fact that in most dialogues there are options to be mean and distrustful of him.

[swiftiethatlovesf1]

A race for love p.21

Hii guyss, I hope you enjoy this part. If you've missed part 20 or the other parts you can find them on my masterlist :)

Formula 1 is all about speed, but in this story, the real race isn't just on the track. Read on to find out who will win the ultimate race-for your heart

- Monza 2023 -

The race day unfolds in a blur of excitement, tension, and noise. You spend most of it in the McLaren motorhome, surrounded by the buzz of engineers, strategists, and mechanics. Lando and Oscar pass through occasionally, their moods fluctuating with the highs and lows of the day. You manage to laugh at their banter, but your mind keeps circling back to the message. Every time your phone vibrates, your heart skips a beat, half-expecting another cryptic text.

The hours drag on, and though you try to immerse yourself in the race, it's impossible to ignore the weight sitting heavily on your chest. The noise of the paddock fades into the background as you replay the events of the past two days—the call, the voice, the message. They're all connected. They have to be. And you're certain Franco knows something.

By the time the race is over and the motorhome starts to clear out, you know you can't avoid confronting him any longer. You leave the McLaren motorhome, weaving through the bustling paddock with determination. The evening air is cooler now, carrying with it the scent of tires and fuel. It does little to calm your nerves.

When you reach your hotel room, your hand hesitates on the doorknob. You take a deep breath and step inside, not sure what you'll find.

Franco is there, lounging on the bed like nothing is wrong. He's scrolling through his phone, his hair still slightly damp from a shower. When he sees you, his face lights up with a smile, but you can't return it.

"We need to talk," you say, closing the door behind you.

His smile falters as he sits up, the casualness in his demeanor fading. "What's wrong?"

You cross the room, setting your phone down on the desk before turning to face him. "It's about the messages. The ones I got before and I got a new one today. They're all connected, Franco. And I think they're tied to the call from last night."

His expression shifts, and for a moment, he looks away, as though searching for something in the air around him. "It's nothing, cariño," he says softly, standing to approach you. "You're worrying too much. Let's just forget about it—"

"No." Your voice is firmer than you expected, cutting him off. "I can't forget about it. Not when someone's texting me warnings, calling you in the middle of the night, and leaving threats. Franco, I need to know what's going on."

He hesitates, his hand reaching for yours, but you pull back, frustration bubbling beneath your calm exterior. "Please, don't try to brush this off. I deserve the truth."

Franco sighs, running a hand through his hair as he steps back. His face softens, and his shoulders slump slightly, as though he's carrying a weight he's been avoiding for far too long. "I didn't want to tell you because it's in the past," he starts quietly, his voice tinged with guilt. "I didn't think it mattered anymore. I didn't want it to affect what we have."

You cross your arms, your heart pounding. "What didn't matter, Franco?"

He looks at you, his eyes searching yours for understanding. "Before we started dating, there was this girl.... We were talking for a while, but it was never serious. Then I met you."

He pauses, stepping closer as though to reassure you. "When things got serious between us, I broke it off with her. Completely. I blocked her everywhere, stopped answering her calls—everything. I thought that was the end of it."

You blink, processing his words. "But she hasn't stopped trying to contact you?"

He shakes his head, guilt etched across his face. "No. She's been calling me from different numbers, sending messages. I didn't know how to make it stop. And I didn't want to tell you because I was afraid."

"Afraid of what?" you ask, your voice barely above a whisper.

"Of losing you," he says simply, his eyes pleading. "I didn't want you to think I was still involved with her, because I'm not. You're the only one I care about."

His words hang in the air, heavy with emotion, but they do little to ease the knot in your stomach. "Franco, I would have understood if you'd told me earlier. But now..." You trail off, taking a deep breath. "Now it feels like you've been keeping this from me. And she's dragging me into it, too. Do you know how terrifying it is to get messages like that? To hear her voice and not know what she means or what she might do?"

"I'm sorry," he says, his voice cracking. "I didn't know it had gone this far. I thought ignoring her would make it stop."

You stare at him, the mixture of fear and frustration churning inside you. But as much as you want to be angry, you can see the regret in his eyes, the vulnerability he's trying to hide.

After a long pause, you take a deep breath and close the distance between you, placing a hand on his arm. "We'll get through this," you say softly. "But we have to face it together. No more secrets, Franco."

He exhales shakily, his hand covering yours. "You're right. I'll handle this. I'll find a way to make it stop. But I need you to know, te amo, and I'd never let anyone come between us."

You nod, your chest tightening at his words. "I love you too, but this has to end. No more running from it."

He leans down, his lips brushing against yours, the kiss lingering longer than usual. It's sweet and filled with unspoken promises, but there's still a shadow hanging over you both.

As the kiss ends, he rests his forehead against yours. "Thank you for believing in me."

You manage a small smile, but your mind is already racing with thoughts of what comes next. Whatever this is, you'll face it together.

For now, that's enough.

Tag list: @hs2016, @a-beaverhausen

[callme-holly]

Hi, since you wanted more dally stuff can I get a dallas x reader where he's meeting reader's parents? or their siblings?

𝐟𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐮𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭

a/n: a little bit of a quick one. my inbox is shut again (sorry y'all) but i've got a lot going on atm and i need to work through everything slowly !!

The faint, rich aroma of dinner still lingered in the air as you stepped out onto the back porch, Dallas trailing close behind you as the screen door swung shut with a soft click. The evening air was cool, bringing a wave of relief over you as you inhaled deeply, glad to be out of the house for at least a few seconds. The sky was painted with faint shades of oranges and pinks, a dark blue fading into black in the horizon. 

Dallas sunk down onto the bottom step beside you, stretching out his legs with a suppressed groan and running a hand through his hair. He tugs uncomfortably at the collar of his shirt, popping the first button open and scoffing.

"This thing is choking me."  He grumbles, and you can't help but chuckle, shaking your head and pulling his wrist away gently.

"Don't be dramatic. You look fine." Your tone is soft and reassuring, and you reach up to adjust the shirt for him, smoothing down the fabric and dusting it off. 

Silence settles over the two of you for a few seconds, broken only by the clattering of pots inside and the faint grumble of passing traffic on the street out front. Its clear Dallas has something to say, a question hanging between the two of you, the words on the tip of his tongue.

"They hate me, don't they?" He looks down at you, and your   still, your body tensing up.

You're not all too sure how to even approach the question, not without being blunt and brutally honest; your family clearly isn't fond of Dallas, no matter how dressed up you'd gotten him, no matter how much he tried to work on his manners, to charm your parents... They knew that deep down, he wasn't good and that you could do much better.

"They... They'll warm up to you." You force a smile, but it's strained ; a lie. "Just give them time." And maybe if you weren't so damn nervous, you could manage to sound sincere. 

Dallas just huffs, sounding only partly amused, but there's a hint of hurt somewhere beneath the surface. "Yeah? How much time?"  He asks, looking towards the sunset, watching with an unreadable expression as the sky darkens more and more. 

"Dont be like that," you begin, leaning subconsciously into his side, hoping to give just a little bit of reassurance. "They will warm up to you. They have to."

Dallas scoffs at that, and you can practically hear the pessimism laced deep in his tone as he shakes his head, toying idly with the ring on his finger. "Sure they will. You saw how they were glarin' at me, doll. Your dad hates me." 

"dal--" You try to cut him off, but he stops you, carrying on, this time sounding far more determined.

"No. It's true, and you know it. I ain’t a perfect picture guy, alright? Everyone can see it. Your parents don't want you with me."  He shifts, turning to face you now, his features set and his eyes cold and hard. A flash of emotion flickered across his face, almost unnoticeable, before it was gone again.

He takes a breath, letting it out shakily before continuing. "Your parents just think I'm trouble."

"That's because you are trouble," you breathe, the words barely above a whisper as you reach to brush his hair back. "But that's why I love you. You're different." 

Dallas stares at you for a moment, and you can practically see the cogs turning in his head as he tries to process your words. "You love me?" he mumbles, and you nod slowly.

"Yes. I do. Even when you're being difficult, or rude, or a complete ass. I love you." You're not expecting him to say it back; he never does, but the look in his eyes tells you everything words don't, and he wraps a tentative arm around you, pulling you in closer.

"And you think they're going to be able to handle that? Their little girl hanging around with a greaser?" His voice is low and careful, trying to gauge your reaction. You can tell that, no matter how hard he tries to hide it, he's bothered by the situation, bothered by the fact that your family might not approve of him.

"They don't care about that, Dal. Just... be patient, okay? Talk to them; be you. They'll get used to it." 

By now the sun has completely sunk below the horizon, bathing the two of you in pale shadows, bringing out every single feature. You never really notice how beautiful the world is in the evenings, the softness of the colours, how they all blend together to form one carefully cultivated canvas. But now, sitting there on the porch with Dallas, the weight of the world on your shoulders and your family's expectations lingering heavily back inside, you take the moment to appreciate the smaller things. And yeah, maybe things will be okay after all. 

[aikoiya]

Huh! Maybe it's just an American version thing? Though, if so, booo! Not nice Nintendo!

Also, oh my gosh, THANK YOU!! YOU'RE A GODSEND!! I've been losing my ever-loving mind!

Like, the fruit still has some of the most creatively bankrupt names I've ever seen, but at least I have a frame of reference!

And thank you so much for the link!!

Also, yes. Psychonauts is very interesting & a little bit crazy. Though, it also has some really dark stuff, but it mostly only turns up if you explore & go out of your way to find everything & 100% the games (which, to me, is totally worth it). But what I love is that the subtext sort of gives you insight into how the trauma of the characters affected them as individuals. Though, you also get a bit of a similar environmental storytelling experience from games like Persona 4 (with Shadows) & 5 (with Palaces). Both feature this whole “getting a look at one's inner world” sort of thing & I eat that stuff up. Though, you're not always gonna get things told to you explicitly. It's more so something you have to look around the environment. Or, you can watch analyses on YouTube. Always fun to listen to someone else's interpretation of things. Like, it even goes so far as there being a power in the game that can let you literally see how other characters view Razputin & I just find it super cool because almost every single characters, plus numerous animals, each see him in a way that gives you a bit of a hint as to their relationship with him & I love that!

Also, don't listen to Sasha Nein. Those lamps are beautiful & it's just his childhood trauma getting the better of him.

But, I'm not going to go too deep into it because I fear spoilers.

Hmm… Sounds promising. Whatever helps with the worldbuilding.

To be fair, the Door of Time would likely only open the once in order to let Link out, then would shut & be unopenable without the other stones & the song. (I mean, why wouldn't it have an automatic lock mechanism without the keys to opening it present? Similarly, it has to open from the inside, otherwise that's just shit building code.) As such, so long as Ganondorf wasn't literally there at the exact moment that Link was sent back & left through the door, I don't really see too much issue. And, my guess is that the time was specifically chosen because Ganondorf wasn't looking then.

I will say that I do sort of view the Master Sword as being fairly important to how Link traveled in OoT, otherwise I don't think it'd be quite such a big deal of him utilizing the sword as a means of travel. This is part of why I hc the Master Sword's handle & the Ocarina of Time as both literally being made of the Timeshift Crystal from SS. Because then it gives a bit of “oh, I see!” To the whole thing. Otherwise, it wouldn't be so important for Link to pull the sword from the pedestal in order to go forward & for him to return it in order to go back. For all we know, it acts as a sort of anchor or even a lightning rod to bring his consciousness back to him.

So, yeah, I think you've figured out a cohesive means of explaining what went down in OoT that leaves as few wrinkles as I can see! 👍

Now, I can also sort of see the Triforce being somewhat unaffected by time too, but that's mostly because of its role as a representation of the literal creators of Hyrule's reality. So, to me, this means that it likely exists outside of time, at least to a degree.

Thank you! I really enjoy finding plausible explanations to things & I just really can't help but wonder who it was that built the qānat if that is, indeed, what allows that spring to flow?

Same! It would've been so neat to have a Farore centered game & I hope that, if they ever do remake the 2 Oracle games, that they take the chance to also make the third! Though, I think they should go with something like “Oracle of Mysteries” or “Oracle of Runes.” That way, there won't be any confusing it with Oracle of Seasons the way it would be with the commonly hc'd “Oracle of Secrets.”

Really? Hmm… I was thinking that it'd be the building itself, which would also include the restaurant inside of it, but I guess that the brasserie should have its own name, huh?

Let me give it a think… Maybe something with shells or pearls to represent being sort of the “jewel of Lanayru?” Maybe even have the food served in large, cleaned out clamshells? NO!! The shells of Shell Blades! With silver & nautilus shell wine glasses! Oh! I just found a picture of some that are near perfect!!

But I think that I'd need to give the stems some pretty designs to spruce them up a bit. Though, nothing too extravagant. Just something pretty, but stylish. Like… Maybe make it look like the shell is being balanced on a spray of water, like from a fountain? Simple, but elegant. Though, they also NEED to have shell wine baskets on a sort of polished coral branch base.

Also, a single chandalier made from sea glass, pearl, nacre, & shell.

Anyway, what about la Perle de la Lune Brasserie du Clos or la Perle de Conque Brasserie du Clos? I was looking for a good reason to use moon, but I couldn't find the right place to put clair de lune. But I think this is fine.

Either way, I really like it! Plus, it can also be a reference to the Moon Pearl of LttP.

Thank you! Much appreciated! Always grateful for the gentle linguistic guidance!

Also, I had zero idea, but I now completely refuse to change it from Marée-Chant, because I love that not only did I somehow manage to make a pun, but also one that's super fitting! So, yeah. It is now an intentional pun! :D

True, at the same time, you could possibly try to find ways of spinning the Zelda sightings in a less jocose way. Oooo! I do know of a comic that shows a great way to depict the sort of havoc that the Yiga taking on Zelda's guise probably had on Link! Especially involving their hideout on the Great Plateau!

She's Gone

Hmm… For the Hateno Village quests, maybe have Reede mentioning the increase in monster activity alongside the Gloom & the return of the Blood Moons & have him mention how he was keeping the election going in an attempt to try & help keep the citizen’s minds off of things. Possibly insert a bit of an undercurrent of unease that's most visible when no kids are nearby. But even the kids know that SOMETHING'S up, just not quite what, yet. Ya know? Possibly even have it so that Reede is sort of exaggerating his end of the Reede/Cece conflict for that reason. (Which, btw, I'd still keep the whole Cece Hat thing, but have it so Link absolutely roasts her regarding the hair & make-up choice. Like, shame her. Because, good grief Cece!)

Also, you may wanna consider having Reede set up a curfew, that way, you can maybe make the nighttime attack of the Stals on the Sun Pumpkins into a more serious issue. Like, it isn't just the pumpkin patches they're attacking, but the town itself. Possibly have some of the new militia set up at what's left of Fort Hateno to do what they can to curb the bulk of it? (Btw, why is there no Stalynel??? And, can you imagine actual elemental Lynels? And a Staltantula boss in the Depths? That'd not only be so flipping cool, but also complete nightmare fuel!!!)

But, regardless, if it was too peaceful for your tastes, try shifting the tone so that it's more of a strained, maybe even slightly delusional peace? Think about it this way, these people had been tormented by the Calamity for 100 years & only recently did that nightmare end.

It wouldn't be surprising if a lot of the civies tried to keep up a veneer of peace in a vain attempt to try & maintain hold on the fraying edges of that tranquility. (I think I've brought this up as a possibility already, just with Zelda...)

Now a dungeon in Necluda is an idea I can get behind! Love that idea!

Oh, heavens! Yes! Absolutely, same! Like, don't get me wrong. I don't mind strong women or tomboyish girls or maybe 1 or 2 strong women that aren't interested in relationships. But not the absolutely flipping wave of them that we've had lately! And, you know what? Yeah, I'm very similar. It's part of why I made my oc the way I did.

Actually, I'd like to bring up something that someone else mentioned a bit ago! Did you notice the hairstyles & designs of the Gerudo in TotK's past? If you notice, most of them weren't really very feminine. And, this suggests that they probably weren't dressing to “attract the male gaze.” But, (& this is me switching to canonical TotK game talk) if that's the case & the Gerudo had also been in a war with the other denizens of Hyrule before Rauru came like I theorize, then this makes you wonder how they were getting males.

Just something to think about. Like, I know what my theory is, but I'm not so sure how dark you wanna go with their portrayal. Because, trust me, I can go SUPER dark. 😈

I tend to think similar, personally. But, for me, I tend to look at examples where a singular old man defeats an entire professional women's soccer team IRL & think quietly to myself that, despite being much taller than most male Hylians, I actually think that a single well-trained Gerudo vai would only be around as strong as a single well-trained Hylian male. And, she'd likely need to utilize her greater height against him to win. But, once more, that's just me.

As for the Rito, I tend to think that the scales from Valoo was how the Zora were initially transformed & that this new design for them is just how they evolved afterwards. Not in that this is how they evolved after WW, as I know you're not going that route, but more so that maybe something similar happened that required some of the Zora to transform into Rito in your timeline. And then, after that initial transformation, generations pass with the Rito slowly gaining more & more bird-like features alongside the remaining Zora also further evolving.

And, I actually think it's a great opportunity to have the Ancient Sage of Wind, alongside the Ancient Rito being much closer in design to WW Rito, so as to showcase that there was a change. Same with the Ancient Sage of Water & the Ancient Zora being closer to either the OoT or TP designs. Or maybe even have Zelda discover that there were once 2 tribes of Zora with the Zora of the modern day being the descendants of both?

Remember that your gonna be sending the girl at least 10,000 years into the past. Also, something else to play with? The possibility of the Ancient Goron still learning Ancient Hylian, because they had only recently resurfaced from living in Gorondia. So, I’d like to think that they’d be learning the language.

Also, I totally see Zelda frantically creating a sort of underground study with a vault of specimens, including seeds, maybe even have a few smaller critters in containment cells? Ooo!!!

Oh, wait… I forget… You're not doing the Secret Stone thing, are you? If you were, I'd have suggested making it so the Stones just sort of enhance their powers & gives them a specific ability like the ones in the game, but that it doesn't prevent the owners from learning other abilities of a similar nature. So, I guess that what I'm saying is that Zelda could've learned how to use Stasis after lmastering Recall, ya know? Though, if you're having it so that the Sheikah Slate is still a thing, maybe you could make it so that she figures out a way to use the Stasis Rune to make those containment cells. That way, she can sort of… Oh, gosh! I think that I'm essentially creating an entire dungeon! One based on Noah’s Ark! But one that travels the sea of time! XD

What if that's the dungeon in Necluda?! What if it's this massive facility in the Necluda Depths that's essentially a massive museum, library, zoo, & botany vault! That's totally the sort of thing that Zelda would flippin' do!

Anyway, I get what you're getting at with not wanting to make the Gerudo outcasts, but eeeh… I dunno. I guess that I feel like they're outcasts anyway & that it's kinda because of their own choices. Like, just their culture as an all-female race that keeps their daughters seperated from their fathers is going to make them as such.

Though, for me, part of the reason for my depiction of them as being cursed is somewhat so I can have that curse broken eventually. Like, to me, it's really little more than an opportunity that I'm trying to use in order to highlight the fact that they once had even worse practices & that it resulted in karma coming to bite them. However, because of that & their humbling, there's supposed to be a slow progression of their depictions over the timelines being something like a case study in how all cultures, all societies, have black spots & things to be ashamed of. But that it doesn't have to be the end &, in fact, the Gerudo are much much improved. So, there's hope.

You know a sort of race wide redemption arc!

As such, my point in it is, I guess, using it as motivation for the Gerudo to improve as a people.

Also, & I know it was more of a joke on your part, but at the same time, if you do go with the idea that the Sand Goddess made Gerudo voe so that the vai only get something nice to look at every hundred years, then you should probably consider how that would affect the voe, as well as the overall perceptions of the vai towards males in-general because of it. Specifically, imagine it from the perspective of the voe. What if your creator made you to have no real purpose beyond looking nice? Imagine that your entire existence revolved around that alone.

Depressing.

And if this were how it was, then the default preconceptions of the vai would automatically be, "men only exist for the enjoyment/use of women." Like, not even for the sake of reproduction because, again, like you said, they didn't need men to reproduce. So, the voe wouldn't even really have that until after the Sand Goddess was killed. And then, well…

The concenssus would likely have become deeply rooted in their ideologies (case in point, that one OoT Gerudo who mentioned that she thought Ganondorf was the only man worth anything). Then, it might've eventually resulted in a culture of misandristic exploitation not unlike one particular depiction of the Amazons of Greek myth. Possibly even culminating in a few generations where the 1 voe sort of becomes what amounts to a slave king & the designated stud for that specific generation. Likely even acting as a kind of feminist reversal of the orientalist harem trope. (And yes, I am fully aware of how yeesh that sounds. Because it IS.)

Also, there's the question of if the Gerudo were made to never need men & the centennial voe was little more than eye candy, then why the legend saying that he was destined to be king? Why the worship in OoT? Literally, how did he get so bad in OoT, HW, & TotK???

Does the legend refer to a true king or more so a pretty figurehead in a pretty crown? Like, maybe he was instead meant to act as the Gerudo queen's handsome arm-candy? A trophy husband or a sort of proof of her legitimacy as queen? Maybe even it being said that a vehvi produced from 2 Gerudo was thought to be exceptional or usher in some sort of Golden Age for the Gerudo.

I'm not saying don't. Just... maybe be aware of the implications these sorts of choices have & prepare yourself accordingly?

And, this one is more out of personal curiosity than anything: What does this choice say about the Sand Goddess? What did the choice to create the Gerudo as nothing but women with only one male every century, where the vai, rather than mating with men, instead went to the Sand Goddess in order to reproduce: What does it say about her & her intentions?

Why did she decide this? Did she have bad experiences with males that led her to do this, possibly believing that she was sparing her creations from grief? Is she an example of a tragic biggot? In this case, a misandrist who legitimately hates males of any kind, believing that they were the source of all the ills in the world, & wanted to create a species where they were commodities & treated as lesser? (An example of Tragic Bigotry. A very interesting way to make the typical bigotry thing more complicated than just “bigots are just jerks, who cares why?”) Or did she do this so that the Gerudo would be forever reliant upon her?

While it may not seem important, you'd actually be very surprised how it can spawn new ideas to explore the underlying reasoning behind these sorts of decisions.

Heck, if you go the route of the second choice, that could easily end up being an underlying reason to why Ganondorf can almost never seem to escape from his role, because in this case (though she likely wouldn't have meant it as such), it could be due to the Sand Goddess' perception of men becoming the basis for Gerudo voes' nature. In such a situation, Gerudo voe would've been created to be subjugated. Otherwise, they risk becoming too ambitious & devolving into demons. Because it would literally be the subconscious belief of the Sand Goddess, which could’ve bled into her creations without her realizing it.

Now, again, I'm not trying to tell you what to do, but I think it's important to at least acknowledge the thought process.

And, one final thing. I don't know if you brought this up before, but I think it's something that you’ll likely need to keep in mind when characterizing your version of Ganondorf.

Namely, how much of the Calamity did he have control over?

And, I need to really bring this into perspective. This… it was absolutely horrific.

Judging by the population density map, the Calamity resulted in the deaths of upwards of thousands of people.

And that’s no small number. Castle Town was sundered. And 7 entire settlements were destroyed, leaving Central Hyrule completely unpopulated. And Deya was the largest of them, but according to what I’m seeing, literally no one survived Deya.

If that’s the case, then that doesn’t just mean soldiers. It means E.V.E.R.Y.O.N.E…

Like, just take a moment to meditate on exactly how utterly horrible that is.

That means men, women, the elderly, the infirm, children, infants, pregnant mothers. Yes, I know, it's horrible. But, it's also canon.

Like, & I'm really sorry for this, but I really do think that it very much encapsulates my thoughts on what happened in the Calamity. Guilty of Wrath

Warning, it's actually pretty graphic.

Like, for me, I just think that it's really important to really take in the full scope of what happened & to properly characterize the Ganondorf that caused all of it, to ask just how aware he was of it all.

Because, I'm seriously considering making this part of my official canon for Meeting One's Match. (Not the part where Link is dead, but most everything else? Yeah, though I'm thinking of letting Rauru take the place of Link in this. Let him be the petty one to deal the final blow to Ganondorf’s psyche. However, now that I'm thinking about it. I may make him backed up by Sonia & the other Sages, then just before they leave, the Sage of Lightning points behind Ganondorf & he snaps around… Only to be met with a veritable sea of spirits… And he's suddenly forced to acknowledge the sheer amount of death that he caused… Ooohoohoohoo! This reminds me of a REALLY amazing one-shot idea I had! But we can talk about that later!)

Like, in my interpretation of events, I'm sort of making it so that he doesn't really know. As in, he was sealed underground &, I guess, sort of allowed his Miasma to run wild with a mindset of “just break everything. Break all of their toys,” but he never really thought about the full concequences of that choice. Never thought of the implications of his own words in certain scenes or what their logical conclusion would be.

So, in my story, one of the final hurdles that he's going to need to face will, in a way, be himself.

As, I'm sort of going with the idea of how hatred is an insatiable beast that keeps demanding more & the more you feed it the bigger it gets until you suddenly realize that it's taken on a life of its own & you no longer have any control over it. And I guess that I feel like it's important to nail down whether your Ganondorf really knew what he was causing. Like, for me, if he knew & was aware of the full scope of his crimes & was… I dunno… unaffected by it, then I just don't think that having him care about the Gerudo will be realistic. Like, it takes a very specific level of psycho to knowingly commit that sort of just… Horror.

Like, the Calamity was outright a flipping genocide, man. The Guardians weren't stopping. They would've eradicated Hateno too, which would've, at the time, left only Shadow Hamlet, Lurelin, & Tabantha Village. And we don't even know if they would've stopped with Hateno. We don't know if they would've stopped until the only one left alive was Ganondorf himself.

So, I feel like it's kinda important to establish whether your Ganondorf was genocidal in a very literal way. If he was, then I just don't see much hope for him coming across as any degree of sympathetic.

@aikoiya The post was getting long again so here's a new one!

I knew you were going to answer that saying "this is unfair" isn't real life logic haha (and I agree that life hasn't been fair to Sky and Sun anyway). It's just that such an ending would probably leave me feeling unsatisfied and even a bit robbed, and I think it would require a lot of other changes to be made to the story in order for it to work properly. But anyway you're right, as things are now this would just be happening behind the scenes so what I'm saying doesn't really make sense. But just thinking about it changes my perception of SS in a way I don't really enjoy, so it's not a theory I favor.

Yes in that setting I'm pretty sure that the other Sun would not make herself known to Link and Zelda and would let them have their happy ending. But I think Zelda would likely suspect her existence and know that something is wrong. I guess even Link could notice that the Temple's doors are suddenly open and would ask Impa a few questions.

I had no idea Tingle called Farore the Goddess of Wind in WW, so I went on a little quest to see if I could find the same quote in the French version of the game. Apparently it's in Tingle's description of Outset Island and I never had the chance to play with the Tingle Tuner mode. I can't find the same quote in French anywhere and I don't even know if this was included in the HD remake (I guess I'll have to wait for a Switch version to find out… if they ever release one). This has me wondering if this quote isn't something exclusive to the English version, but I can't be sure and I'd like to know what the original Japanese text says. The French wikis mention that Farore is the Goddess of Wind in WW but don't provide any quote, it just looks like the pages were translated from English but that they couldn't find the same quote in French. It's really frustrating!!

Anyway that's a bit weird because WW already establishes Zephos as the God of Wind, and he seems to be a minor deity compared to Farore. The way I see it, wind is just the element that Farore tends to be associated with, and since a lot of myths might have been lost with Hyrule in WW this could just be a mistake on Tingle's part. I mean this is the game that gave us the Golden Triumph Forks haha.

I'm not limiting Nayru/the Golden Goddesses to a singular domain, quite the opposite ^^ To me Nayru being the Goddess of Wisdom includes different concepts such as order, law, science, magic, etc., and even time (since she's introduced as the creator of the world's fondamental laws), while calling her the Goddess of Time doesn't include all of that. That's why I wrote that I found it a bit restrictive. But sure she could have both titles, the same way Farore could be known most commonly as the Goddess of Courage and also called the Goddess of Wind in some situations.

Oh I didn't think of the blocks from OoT! I would say though that they don't really use any time powers, they're just random blocks that appear or disappear for some reason when Link plays the Song of Time (it's just as absurd as playing the Song of Storms to open holes in the ground haha). But yes they were blue and associated with time, and of course Nayru is too. The difference with Hylia in my theory is that Nayru created the rules of time (if that makes sense) among other fundamental laws, while Hylia's power specifically allows her to manipulate time and foresee the future. In a way I see Hylia as Nayru's spiritual daughter who inherited some of her powers over time (and that's why the color purple she's represented with is very close to blue).

The Master Sword has also been depicted as either blue or purple though, so that asks the question of the true color of all of these things! Nayru is definitely linked to time so it makes sense that the timeshift stones are in Lanayru (and Hylia also doesn't have a province named after her).

"From the edge of time" could definitely just be a poetic way to say that Hylia kind of recorded a message for Link before dying haha. But I find it interesting that she would phrase it like that, I like to see it as a clue.

Well if Zelda simply sent Link to a point further back in time, wouldn't there be two Links existing at the same time in the Child Timeline? But sure Zelda creating a brand new timeline also raises a few questions that kind of... make my head hurt. I'm not sure what happens exactly, I've always wondered! All we know is that Link finds himself in the Master Sword's chamber with the Door of Time already open, which hints at things happening in a different way this time (because he definitely doesn't have the three spiritual stones and the Ocarina of Time yet since this is before Ganon's coup, and the ending seems to imply that this timeline's Zelda doesn't know him yet). That's why I believe Zelda might have done something a bit more complex than sending him to a point further back in time, but there's no way to be sure. The Triforce of Courage is also visible on Link's hand during the ending, and we also know thanks to TP that the Triforce is still separated in the Child Timeline despite Link and Zelda preventing Ganon from entering the Sacred Realm this time. So maybe Zelda isn't able to change everything? It's complicated haha.

Anyway, whether OoT Zelda creates a new timeline or just sends Link further back in time, that's still huge time powers and that's not something Link is able to do by playing Zelda's Lullaby.

I also believe it is more likely that Talon inherited the ranch. True, Talon might not always have been so lazy, but maybe if that was the case the game could have hinted at hit. All we know is that he leaves his daughter alone with Ingo and only comes back after Link deals with the situation, which does not make him look so great. And he only promises to work harder after that.

I'm kind of bad with names so I'm impressed you're going through all of that trouble to rename the settlements!!

I haven't gotten to developping the technology that much yet, but I'm really interested in seeing what the different races could do with it! I love the idea of using the Sheikah to infiltrate the Yiga bases. I wish TotK had done something like that and shown the Sheikah helping Link that way.

Same, I was so excited when I heard about these pirates… and then so disappointed to find nothing more than a bunch of bokos with no backstory.

Vignoble is not related to noble (though I kind of make the association in my mind, especially since vignobles are sometimes called châteaux).

Yes I thought you could maybe use clos! Aquaticlos is funny, it can work! Though maybe you could use the same logic as for the raisins (I love this Raisins de Terre idea by the way, it makes sense!) and say that what the Zoras call a clos already refers to something that's underwater, since that's probably the case for most of what they cultivate.

I don't mind helping you with French, I'm glad to do so! You put so much effort and thought into this, it's really interesting.

[airenyah]

Hey so do you know where I could find this acting manifesto of yours?

I usually try and avoid publicly expressing my opinion on things like this but I recently saw some people commenting negatively on his acting again and I’m starting to doubt my own judgement.

I’ve truly never had a huge problem with his acting but I keep seeing people using really harsh words to describe his prior and current work. I genuinely think he’s doing a good job in THK but these comments sometimes make me think I’m missing something.

That conflicts with the fact I know at least three people he worked with on THK specifically had positive things to say about his acting too and I trust people who do this for a living to know what they’re talking about for the most part.

I guess I’m just looking for your post to have a more detailed perspective of the opposite viewpoint to “he’s a terrible actor” to help affirm some of my thinking so I’m more confident in my positive opinion of his acting.

Overall though I’m enjoying everyone in this show but for me I’m specifically enjoying the four mains the most. Kudos to them honestly.

(Disclaimer: Obviously everyone is entitled to their opinion but the harshness of some of the opinions took me off guard a little.)

fuck these people. they don't know shit.

(mind you. this manifesto was written based on his performance in just star in my mind and hidden agenda. his 2024 shows weren't even out at that point. in fact, thk hadn't even been publicly announced yet. you can see from the start there is talent in this boy if you actually know what to look out for)

bonus: i rant some more in the last reblog

[lilaccatholic]

how do i do it though. how do i let go of the bitterness and the hardness when they kept me "okay" for so long? does it come when i finally leave? can it ever?