#because i really treasure the brief time i shared with you here

[tackykachowch]

So, this is finally the time to say goodbye.

My history on this blog is pretty long, about 10 years, but I started being an active blogger fairly recently. I was originally active in the Portal fandom and while I did quite enjoy my time there, I still felt very out of place and hated everything I did, from text posts, to memes, to drawings. And only 3 weeks ago did I finally felt that I truly belonged.

You, wonderful people from Arcane fandom and critical tag specifically, had given me an awesome opportunity to express myself how I wanted to, and discuss the topics that interested me without a fear of being shunned or insulted. I don't exaggerate when I say that this means a world to me. Because it truly, really does. I couldn't be more thankful for gaining so many new wonderful acquaintances. You really made me feel like I belong and my opinions truly matter, and I'll never forget that.

But then, why am I leaving? There's a lot of personal reasons that I'm not going to disclose, but I'll just say that I'm currently at the point in my life when I leave a lot of past things behind and start things anew. This blog included. So, it was all kinda inevitable anyway lol, but I'm very glad that I managed to spend the time that's left with all of you.

Although I am saying goodbye, I still wish you all happiness, hope and strength to overcome any difficulties you have in your life. Even if the difficulty is just being really, REALLY pissed off at a season of a TV show lol. Even though it's important and very enjoyable to be angry at stuff, don't also forget the things you truly enjoy and what brings you happiness. Because ultimately these are the things that will help us to carry on.

This is why even when I'm immensely upset by my departure from this blog and this community, I'll try my best to focus on how we all had a great time kicking s2 with our legs *insert my favorite Silco gif here*.

To tip this all of I would want to quote my favorite character of all time, as I think this suits very well to this situation:

"Don't cry. You're perfect"

[jq37]

Your sister who you love so much (even though you’ve never shown it) asks you to be her sister again, her true sister, in deed not just in name. And yes, of course that’s what you want. That’s what you’ve always wanted and now that she’s shattered your defenses and destroyed the ones who would pit you against each other and died right before your eyes, how could you refuse? How could your answer be anything but yes?

So you go home with her, not the ruins of your perfectly posh prison, but a new home which provides love and care and bunk beds and it’s so so nice. Ridiculously nice. Sickeningly nice. And a small, sick part of you almost misses your old home (if you can even call it a home) because yes, it was cruel and awful and you hated every second of it but you knew where you fit. You knew what your role was. You don’t fit in here. Everyone accepts you because they’re all so nice, but they don’t know how to volley back your sharp words or find a hidden, “I love you” within an offhanded insult. 

And then your sister leaves to save the world again because that’s who she is. She’s the kind of person who goes out to save the world with her friends when she’s needed and you’re not. You’re not, not, not. Not on any count. You don’t save things, you destroy them. And friends? You have to allow yourself to be vulnerable for friends so of course that’s out. Your sister is 16 and she’s out saving the world for the third time and you, fully grown at 18, are a wanted criminal who hasn’t even properly graduated from high school. You can’t stop thinking about it and, without your sister and her friends occupying the house as a buffer, the ones who are left try to get you to talk about it so you make a rash decision, as you are wont to do. You leave, like a thief in the night. You can make your own way. You can. You’ll prove it.

You find a shitty apartment and pay for it with the ill-gotten spoils from one of your many exploits. You could probably pawn some treasure for more luxurious  accommodations–there is that chest of rubies just lying around–but you don’t. That’s not what you deserve. And what if your sister needs help later? You don’t have access to your parental funds anymore which means she doesn’t either. You know she won’t ask anyone for help–you wouldn’t. But someone has to look after her. You’re an abjuration wizard. You protect people. You protect her. No, that’s a lie. But you want to make it not a lie. You want to start now.

If you’re saving the rubies then you need a source of income. You narrow down your least villainous talents to try and find a suitable job and hit on teacher. You’re good at magic, right? So how hard can teaching it be? Hopefully not as hard as securing the job, which proves trickier than expected because, oh right, you’re a wanted criminal who hasn’t graduated high school. But you dip into your villainous talents once more and tell yourself it’s for a good cause. You secure the job. You’re doing it. You’re making your own way. 

You want to text your sister to see if she’s doing alright but you don’t want to intrude and you don’t want to answer any questions about what you’ve been doing because then either you’ll have to lie or explain that you’ve left again, right after you promised you’d be there. Both options make your heart ache, especially since it’s her birthday. So you wait until the house is empty (mostly empty–you’re never really alone in a haunted house) and enter the room you and your sister shared for too brief a time. You paint her walls with carefully rendered runes, filled with all your abjuration magic and stamped with your arcane mark. It’s a possessive bit of spellcraft. A selfish claiming of a climactic kill. You mean to make a different kind of claim. You are claiming your sister, as she asked you to months ago. You are telling the world that she will not be fucked with while you live. Your rooms were so close before. You could hear her. You knew every night she went to bed in the grips of a panic attack with no one to console her. She won’t have to feel unsafe in her own room again. You can make sure of that at least. 

The sun rises one morning and you know that means your sister is alive and well and coming home. You teleport to Falinel to make sure she returns to her favorite dessert. It’s worth the spell slot and the chance of being recognized. The tower where they kept you is long destroyed and you know that this time, if you were ever captured or even killed, rescue wouldn’t be measured in a matter of months. It would be days. Hours even if your clever sister and her powerful divination magic put things together faster. The thought fills you with more emotion than you know what to do with. You leave a note. “I love you,” you think. “Enjoy the nemesis ward,” you write. 

Practicing magic, as it turns out, is a very different skill than teaching magic. The children are loud and obnoxious and you don’t quite realize that maybe your expectations are too high between the hothouse you grew up in and your sister being the world’s greatest diviner, fullstop. You know you can always go back to the manor, but that somehow makes it easier to stick it out. You’ve always been taught that pressure provides the best results but there’s something about the security of a safety net that makes everything a bit more bearable. And so what if you have to take a second job involving a light criminal element. You’re only smuggling–that’s barely even a real crime.

Your sister who has saved the world thrice now, texts you and she wants help. She is looking to you for help. And you do your best to oblige. You offer your knowledge, you offer your rubies, you invite her over again and again. She sends you a text and deletes it. You’re not the diviner in the family but you drain your spell slots scrying for information you already know. Information that you'll hear from her own lips in just a few hours. “I love you.”

She finally visits and you’re not unaware of the state of your apartment. You know you’ve been too exhausted for an Unseen Servant or even a round of Prestidigitations but you know that your sister has seen your mind and there’s nothing messier about you than that. She teases you and you tease her back. She’s the only one who understands how to deliver a complement with a backhand so you can receive it without your skin crawling. The only one who knows how much tartness you need with your sweetness. 

Later, she visits again. She sits in your filthy apartment and you watch trash TV and it’s the highlight of your week. Your month even. That should feel pathetic but, somehow it doesn’t. You want to tell her. She deserves to hear it from time to time without having to filter out the layers of prickliness that you add as second nature, a layer of armor as ever present as your abjurer’s ward. You may not be able to handle naked sentiment but she can. You’ve seen her with her friends. How affectionate they are. You’ve always been taught that loose lips sink ships but you have experience with ship sinking and this prospect fills you with much less dread. You tell her and it’s awkward and fumbling but you manage. Maybe loving people isn’t so different from loving cats.

You have a new job which is perfect because the school year is almost over and, blackmail or no, you aren’t sure how many times you’ll be able to get away with casting Sleep on your class to give yourself a break. Honestly, you should have applied for jobs in Leviathan from the start. Why would pirates care about your sketchy history and lack of credentials? You could teleport yourself to Leviathan every day but that would be a waste of a spell slot when the door to the Compass Points is right there in the manor (and if your sister happens to be there too then hey, happy coincidence). While you’re there, you might as well do your laundry. And stay for dinner from time to time. And spend time with your sister in your her room where your runes stand sentinel and your old bunk lays untouched. You don’t think you’re staring but later, as you go to grab a snack from the kitchen your sister throws you a casual, over the shoulder glance. 

“You can just move back in, if you want.”

And would it really be that easy? Just like that? After a year of trying to make a point or a plan or a better version of yourself or whatever? Just like that? 

You remember a year ago. You and your sister and words that will be burned into your mind forever. 

“Despite the fact that you have not earned it, I do love you.”

Just like that. 

You say yes. You stay. 

[penultimatefan02]

Pen's Missed Proposal - A Theory

SPOILERS AHEAD!

@chimerapartyhouse wrote an insightful post regarding Pen’s motivations for having the diamond ring he dropped after his defeat at the Starship ruins. Was it Pen’s intention to propose to the builder before leaving with the Duvos army? On its own, it does hint that Pen wanted the builder to join him. Moreso, the hint was strengthened by the event that took place in the mission, “Pen’s Last Words.”

After Pen was taken away, he mailed a goodbye letter to the builder where he directed them to a cave so they could obtain a treasure. For those who did not romance Pen, the cave was essentially a trap with many beasts inside.

The treasure included Gold (5), Diamond (1), and Gols (400). Here is the symbolism:

5 (五 wǔ) sounds like 呜 (wū), which is onomatopoeia for whimpering and crying. Therefore, it is generally considered an unlucky number.

1. Searching took me in several directions, but the closest match found was that its pronunciations in Chinese sounds similar to the phrase 一生一世 (lifetime or forever).

4 (四 sì) sounds like 死 (sǐ; to die). Because of its negative association with death, most people consider this number to be so unlucky that many buildings in China do not even have a “fourth” floor.

Basically, Pen wanted the builder to experience a very unpleasant death.

However, if the builder romanced Pen, it was a different story.

The romance goodbye letter read:

Having some time to think on things here in the maximum-security prison, I do sometimes regret not finding a way to bring you with me. Ah, well. My bad. Anyway, since you were easily one of the top three lovers I've ever known, and the only one I still have the address for, I've decided to offer a symbol of my forgiveness. That’s right, I forgive you. I don't think we can ever be together again, but at the end of the day, you were just doing your lame goodie-two-shoes thing that you do. I should have recruited you as soon as I started to have suspicions. So, I won't hold it against you. In fact, I have one last thing give you. A challenge! Deep in the core of the ruins, I've tucked away one of the most powerful possessions in existence! And it's yours for the taking! All you have to do is get past the waves and waves of ravenous beasts that guard it, but... that should be no problem for you, Skinny. Remember your training. We will not meet again, Pen.

Here, Pen was all over the place. He offered backhanded compliments. Regretted not “recruiting” them. He forgave them for fighting against him. Then, he warned the builder of the beasts waiting at the cave but assured them they would win.

He was really fucked up.

For this post, I’m not going to dissect his psyche (much). My focus is on his offered mission and what it represents to those who romance him.

When entering the cave, my first thought was, when did Pen set this up? It must have been before the first arrest because there would be no time after the invasion. It only made sense that it was after the builder fell from the cliff but before Pen caught Haru. That’s because once Haru was captured the chain of events was set into motion.

That fall from the cliff must have thrown Pen for a loop. After the builder returned Pen said he searched for them relentlessly but couldn’t find them. His personality shifted in that conversation because from then on, he suspected Logan got to the builder due to the cliff’s location.

[The dialogue is from memory as I couldn’t find a screenshot. On the wiki, Pen says the builder crawled back to him, but I think the dialogue was changed. If someone has a screenshot, please share. It’s been a while since I played that part of the game, but I remember the builder had options to respond. such as they hit a tree on the way down.]

At that point, Pen’s mission was in hyperdrive, and Logan was breathing down his neck. He only had a brief window to plan on how to “recruit” the builder. It was within that window that Pen bought the ring and set up the cave for the proposal. For Pen, I’d imagine the ravenous beasts were there as a challenge to deem the builder worthy of his hand in marriage. If the builder won, Pen would kneel in the blood, guts, and glory of battle to put a ring on it. The treasure was as follows: Gold (5), Diamond (2), The Protector (1), Gols (600).

Here is the symbolism:

2. According to Chinese numerology, pairs are auspicious. This helps explain why it's common to see 双喜 (shuāngxǐ “double happiness”) on wedding couplets.

(Using separate definitions, 5, 2, and 1 combined may mean something like crying in happiness at being together forever?)

6. Chinese culture views number six as auspicious since it resembles the words for "smooth" and "well-off." It is linked to prosperity, happiness, and good fortune. It is also thought that number six has fascinating meaning when it comes to relationships and love. It's a popular option for romantic occasions like wedding dates because it connotes the idea of a smooth and harmonious relationship.

521. Following the recognition of 520 as a symbol of romance, the number 521 also gradually became associated with love. Lovers in China have now bestowed the number 521 with the meaning "I am willing", and both May 20 and May 21 are celebrated as Online Valentine's Days in China every year.

600 (general meaning, not language specific). In Love and Relationships, 600 is a sign of balance, harmony, and stability. When this number appears to you it can indicate that your relationship is about to enter a new stage of growth. 

Pen surely had a plan to propose.

My headcanon is that when Pen saw the Builder, Logan, and Justice come to interrupt the excavation, he knew that not only was his mission in jeopardy but so was his proposal.

That is why I believe the builder’s involvement was one of the reasons Pen went super feral on Logan. We know that Howlett almost wrecked his mission, but now Logan was trying to wreck everything for him. It’s also why I think he was overly spiteful toward the builder at the jail. In Pen’s eyes, the builder betrayed him by taking Logan’s side.

After Pen had time to stew on it though he forgave the builder but then put all the blame on Logan.

[bottombaron]

it’s a small thing, but while I was working on the Transmogrification Explained Part 2 I caught something that I thought was interesting enough to share.

At this point (see below) at the end of the finale, after the ceremony, all the housemates go into the fancy room and Nandor says something about playing Parcheesi right before he takes a brief moment to comfort Guillermo the tiniest bit.

Right afterwards however, instead of doing as he said he would and follow everyone else into the fancy room, he heads right, down the hallway, most likely going straight to his room.

All the nonchalance and dismissal and ‘hey, let's pretend everything is fine and back to normal now!’ talk is a feint. Nandor doesn’t go into the fancy room to take comfort with the group and deny that anything important happened, and since he told Guillermo to clean up Derek before sunrise (something I thought was odd at the time because why would it matter if Guillermo left it until sunrise when everyone would be asleep anyways), he knows Guillermo won’t follow him.

Nandor is choosing to be alone after all this. It’s a very neat little character bit that is easily overlooked within the noise of the episode. While the tone at the end of the ceremony looks like everyone is moving back to square one and blatantly ignoring the seriousness of the situation to do something as banal as a board game, the actual actions of the characters show that there really is devastation amongst them. Guillermo’s obvious, but Nandor’s is hidden with a line that distracts us from noticing that he actually retreats from everyone and hides away.

It really makes me wonder what Nandor did after everything. Used the time to get himself ready for bed so Guillermo couldn’t wouldn’t have to do it when he got back? Sulked? Had a tantrum? Went into his treasure room to read Guillermo’s thank you card again and again?

oh and another little thing: Guillermo and Nandor are the only ones who still have their robes on after the ceremony, and actually end the scene still in them. All the other characters almost immediately took them off after the lights went on.

having them the only two that still wear the robes feels so significant to me. like they’re still in this ritual between them. Or, if the bondage rope part of it comes into play, they are still tied to each other. There’s definitely something to be read here, with both Nandor keeping the rope-cape on and pretending like he was going to follow the others but going to his room instead. Whatever it is, one thing’s for certain to me: Nandor is Not Okay after the ceremony.

[xxsycamore]

@gilbertvonobsidian asked: hi mo ^_^ can i ask for 7 with gil (ikepri) ? 🙏

AHHH YOU'RE HERE! 🥹 One gil coming right up for you <3

cw: we're having an eyepatchless gilbert here but without any mentions of what's underneath!

[💝] 𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚏𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍 𝚊𝚗𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚘𝚙𝚙𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚞𝚗𝚒𝚝𝚢 𝚝𝚘 𝚗𝚘𝚗-𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚋𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚢 𝚝𝚎𝚕𝚕 𝙶𝚒𝚕𝚋𝚎𝚛𝚝 "𝙸 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞" …

GILBERT:

It's a rarity that Gilbert's smothering morning love hasn't lulled you back to the land of dreams, with the cozily entangled limbs and the sweet nothings whispered in your ear. It's a good tactic for dousing any fit you might throw, complaining that he exits the bed way too early for your liking.

Today you're persistent, not granting him the pleasure of watching you pliantly fall asleep in his arms, a sight he usually takes as a souvenir for the duration of the tiring day stretching ahead. It's not like you're doing it on purpose! Perhaps your body just got its full of rest. Either way, right now it's you who's in for a sight.

Gilbert is sitting on the bed facing away from you as he retrieves something from the nightstand - you instantly recognize the small piece of fabric in his hand to be his eyepatch. It was you who removed it for him last night. In fact, that happens on many occasions now, every night you lay down in bed together really; frequently enough to think of it as some sort of sacred ritual you have. And you treasure this brief moment of your shared daily life. Getting to do something like this for him, albeit small, is just another opportunity for you to tell him I love you.

But it's never been the other way around, now that you think about it! Of course, a big part of the reason why is that you're simply not awake to witness him putting his eyepatch on, and when you are, you're too sleepy to do anything but admire. Today it will be different.

"Hmm? Aren't you sleeping, little rabbit? You looked so peaceful just a second ago, why are you hopping out of the covers so briskly?"

Gilbert pauses with his hands mid-air, the eyepatch already put in place over the left side of his face, head turning briefly to look at you with curiosity. You take the opportunity and cover his hands with your own, kneeling on the bed behind him with your front grazing against his backside.

Gilbert's hands give in and loosen their hold of the eyepatch's strap, instantaneously knowing what you're up to and ready to see it happen. You're silent, determined as much as your freshly awoken senses allow, as you secure the strap around his head. The black locks of his hair tickle your fingers as you tie it off on the back mimicking what he usually does. And you're proud of your handiwork, as a first try. Your chest glows with a brand-new warmth.

"Does it make you wish to cover up more? To obscure my vision completely?"

Your fingers give you away with a little twitch. You wish he could simply accept the gesture and move on with his day... because now that he said that, time would only go on slower until the moment you find your hands on his eyepatch again.

∎ (REQUESTS CLOSED) Steal My Heart!! - xxsycamore’s 1500 followers celebration event | 💌 event masterlist

[thebrainrotsreal]

Invincible Fic Recs

Also bored as hell so here's Invincible fic recommendations because I can, in no particular order. This fandom's weirdly small (from what I can see) but there are people making fics and I will treasure and cherish them until the sun explodes. Thank you fanfic writers, I love you fanfic writers, doing incredible work, fanfic writers <3 Maybe you've read all these already, or hopefully you can find a fic to adore! TBH a lot of Mark-centic fics because I am biased <3 Feel free to add on!!!

 something better, pushed right back by umanta | Word Count: 13k | Tags to Note: PTSD, Homophobia, Racism, Child Abuse | Oneshot

Being invincible has less to do with the body and more to do with the soul. Mark's friends use the power of teenage shenanigans to help him find his feet again.

Notes: Literally one of my fav Invincible fics of all time. They're just teens and I love all of them so much.

me and myself by avisisisisisissss (joyfuldreamlandcheesecake) | Word Count: 4.6k | Tags to Note: AU, Torture, Evil Mark, Dimensional Travel | WIP!

Mark is dealing with Angstrom's death and the stains of blood on his hands. Meanwhile, Mark has been captured by Cecil, who is torturing him to get him to answer to him. ...It's complicated. Or, when his evil version from another universe ends up in this dimension, Mark starts to feel like someone threw gasoline in his dumpster fire of a life.

Notes: Me biased? Pshhh, not at all. But AU based on a post of mine, please read it, it's really incredible already :)

in the end, you're all i have by orphan_account | Word Count: 1.4k | Tags to Note: Post-Season 1, Hugging, Emotional Hurt/Comfort | Oneshot

Amber’s incredulous look is only brief before she reaches over and grabs the book, opening it to the last page that she was reading. Mark’s eyes are fluttering before she even makes it through the first page; his body goes slack against her, breathing lulls, attention wavers. But she keeps reading the words on the pages, brushing her hand through his hair until she hears soft snores whistling through his nostrils and he finally succumbs to his exhaustion.

Notes: I love Amber and Mark and this is such so soft and good. Truly lovely.

Architect of Your Own Demise by Marzi | Word count: 7k | Tags to Note: AU, Role Reversal, Canon levels of violence, | Oneshot

A lot of his dad's stories were about a beautiful wizard saving a prince from a tall, lonely tower. His dad had a whole series of adventures they went on once the prince was rescued. Though he still seemed to get into plenty of trouble, the wizard always helped him escape. Finding out the stories were true had been thrilling. His mother did save his father when they first met, but she hadn't used spells. She was an alien. She was a superhero. And one day, Mark would be too.

Notes: In all honesty, Marzi writes so many epic Invincible fics, it's had not to list them all, please check them out if you somehow havent' already??? I am weak for Role Swaps though and this is does it so well.

Cold Snap by Marzi (series) | Word Count: 11.9k total | Tags to Note: what if debbie was also allowed to make bad choices, possession, potentially disturbing mutilation based impulses | WIP!

The edge of her mouth twitched again, like it was caught on some hook. She was smiling. She was laughing at him. That wasn't his wife. He moved forward, hand outstretched and on her throat. He had her pinned against the counter before he finished blinking. "What are you?" She leaned into him, unconcerned with the threat against her. It also clearly didn’t care about hiding anymore. "Think you have time to find out?"

Notes: Another Marzi fic because I love Debbie. POSSESSED DEBBIE LIKE HELLO??? I had to share.

Spill the tea boy by mandaree1 | Word Count: 1k | Tags to Note: Set After "It's Been A While", | Oneshot

Mark is visited by friends on Thraxa.

Notes: Crying sobbing begging for more GoG & Mark interactions like these. They heal me ok, thank you, op.

all the things left behind by cadastre | Word Count: 28K | Tags to Note: AU, Captivity, Forced Cohabitation, Aftermath of Torture, Survivor's Guilt, Nolan Grayson's A+ Parenting | WIP!

Mark is invincible. When the world ends, that becomes William's problem.

Notes: Omg fucked up Mark and William interactions??? HELLO? Yes PLEASE? No one is having a good time <3 I haven't seen a fic quite like this so please read!

from a body that used to be yours by thislittlebagofdreams | Word Count: 30K | Tags to Note: Angst, Self Hatred, Alien Biology, Binge Eating, | WIP!

After his dad reveals the truth, Mark returns home to find half the silverware missing. Or: After his dad reveals the truth, Mark reminds his mom too much of his dad.

Notes: I haven't seen an alien bio fic either for this fandom and this is STELLAR! I love the change that Viltramites can't cry, that's such a epic idea???

All Alone Now by YingYangKay | Word Count: 2k | Tags to Note: Solitary Confinement, Dissociation, | Oneshot

Imprisoned and alone, (Evil) Mark has plenty of time to self-reflect and think about his life choices.

Notes: ILY EVIL MARK! I just adore his POV as he reflects, entrapped, and alone. Angst my beloved.

Again, feel free to add on! :D I hope someone finds a new fic to read and adore!!!

[bronx-bomber87]

Happy Wednesday wonderful readers :) Holy hell can’t believe we're at the finale already. Granted only ten eps but still haha They really made these ten eps count. Can only wonder what a full season would’ve been like. But we can’t live in that realm. This finale minus the Monica crap didn’t care about was real good for our ship.

Also SO excited I got to mainly use pretty gifs from our wonderful gif makers in this one. They create them for us to use and I'm forever grateful. I love that I have the option to use my own if I need it. But much rather use these beautiful gifs if I can help it. First one in awhile been able to. Also proud of myself for getting this out right before my road trip. Moving to another state is a struggle. You hate all your belongings towards the end lol Also with Tumblr being a dick and erasing my edits twice.... But here it is despite all that . Let’s get started.

6x10 Escape Plan

For the sake of GIF space, and wanting to focus on the Chenford in this ep, I'm not going to do GIFs of her UC mission. I will do a quick rundown of what went down. Lucy’s priority is to get evidence linking Blair to Monica. They end up getting that link through Blair herself because of Nolan. Lucy finds out about the hit at the laundromat Monica is paying Batista for though. She is offing a former ally cause she's the absolute worst. Lucy is no longer needed as a Nanny after this with the family taking off.

They've decided to go to ground after this. Lucy is convinced it'll be easy to collar them though. Which leads us to this fantastic little moment. Lucy folds into the OP since she isn’t needed as a UC anymore. Tim does not take his eyes off her from the moment she enters the scene. It’s unreal. Be more in love with her Timothy I dare you. Look at that man above. This mini moment is so soft. The wording, the heart eyes, and how Angela is looking between them.

She knows they’re still in love with each other. Anyone with eyes can see that. It literally pours out of these two without them even noticing. Angela sure notices hehe She is the fandom in this moment watching this exchange. Melissa and Eric are damn treasure to make such a mini moment so soft and perfect. Got me squeeing to death over here. You can see he’s much happier with her apart of this OP. It’s so lovely. Brief but beautiful. Love our ship.

This scene is the second best of the episode. It’s the first time they’ve really had alone time together since the breakup. Now this isn’t the adult convo they need to have here. BUT this is a HUGE development in terms of communication. Especially from Tim. He’s the one to start and share. He’s grown so much I could cry. This conversation just shows how far he’s come and he is respecting Lucy’s boundaries in the process of this convo.

He’s opening up to her but also doing it on her terms. He doesn’t want to dump his feelings all over her. Because he lost that right when he broke them up. What he is doing is being vulnerable so Lucy knows what an impact she’s made on him. It’s a massive massive growth scene for Tim. It starts out with him sharing he took her advice about therapy. Lucy looks closed off as she should be at first. Saying and?

Tim makes a crack about her being a blackmailing psychopath. Because the jokes help him be vulnerable with her. We all know how much he hates to be that even with Lucy. So this is such good progress for him. Lucy lets him know that’s not normal what happened to him lol I've had two and that most definitely has not happened to me haha You can tell she’s excited he’s gone and doesn’t want him to sour on it cause of Blair. This convo alone proves how much it’s done for him so she wants him to know that. Always watching out for him, no matter what I love it. *happy sigh*

It's fascinating to watch Lucy soften the more he speaks about it. She remains cautious, and rightfully so. But she is intently listening and absorbing everything he’s saying. Tim letting her know the irony was she was a good therapist. And she was there was no doubt about that. She got him to go and I’ll be forever grateful to her for that. After being in therapy and having it continually make my life better I so relate with his replies.

How she opened doors to things he didn’t even know was there. You can see he is pensive but lighter as he says this. When you unearth stuff and give it room to breathe. Process what it is. You feel so much better. For me always starts out with this uneasy pressure and fire in my belly. The anxiety and uncomfortableness of it.

Then by the time we’re done dissecting it that feeling is gone and I feel noticeably lighter. Guarantee you was the same for him. You can tell by how he talks about it. Look at how Lucy is looking at him as he speaks. She can sense it too. Gah it’s so good. She is so impressed and proud of him. Look at her face in the first two gifs. It says it all to me. Melissa, like Eric, has a remarkable ability to convey so much emotion through her eyes. Why we have a super couple everyone. Our actors who portray them are superb.

Tim goes on to say now those confessions are being dissected. Up in the cloud for some FBI IT guy to come un-encrypt them. I hate that so much for him. No doubt the confessions he had were very raw and vulnerable. To have them exposed has to be so violating. I know I would be feeling incredibly violated if mine were leaked. It’s supposed to be a safe space to work your crap out. Be emotional, vulnerable, and talk your feelings out. Which is so hard for our boy.

Wish we could've seen his sessions. But they didn't have time with ten eps. Maybe S7? Tim continuing on to say how they’re going to be analyzed for evidentiary value. I hate that so much. Tim is putting a light spin on it. But we know deep down how much that bothers him. If they were in a better spot or even together he would voice that. But they’re not there yet. Lucy looks at him with a soft smile though. One betraying her feelings for this man. Telling him she’s sorry. Because she really is. Last thing she'd ever want for him.

Lucy then asks if he said anything revealing about her? Because of course he did. There’s no way in hell that man didn’t talk about her. She was one of the main reasons he sought out therapy. But there’s nothing to be done about what he revealed at this point. What’s done is done as they say. His joke had me cracking up so very much. I know it was misinterpreted by some. Wondering if he was deflecting.

He was not. He clearly said intimate and personal things in his sessions. Like I said earlier supposed to be a safe space to do so. But given where they are right now. The fact that this is their first real convo in almost four episodes he keeps it light. Maybe someday when they’re back together they can dip their toe back in but that time is not now. As I said in the very beginning of this scene. He is respecting her boundaries in this moment.

Doing this for couple reasons. One making light of it because he’s feeling vulnerable in this moment. Two he wants to lighten the mood because this is a serious subject. I wanna cry at how much he’s grown to even be vulnerable enough to share this with her. Her reply reminded me of 5x21 when she asked Tim if he missed her? It’s so cute and such a light hearted way to end this scene. This scene represents significant growth for him and for their relationship. They’re on the road to slowly healing and I’m here for it.

The hit was pops off. Tim sees one of the guys taking a truck to escape. He pursues him alone and jumps in back. Luckily his wife sees this and takes off after her man. Doesn’t waste anytime going after him. I love it sfm. When the chips are down they are just there for each other. I’ll forever love how fiercely protective they are of one another. Makes my heart swell with shippy happiness. Angela joins Lucy in the pursuit of Tim.

We watch as Lucy is having a panic attack watching Tim struggle. He is losing the battle quickly and she cannot just sit there and let him get hurt or worse. The love of her life is being demolished in this fight. She physically can’t stand it and tells Angela to take the wheel. Angela is floored by her determination to get to him. If you weren’t already impressed with the BAMF Lucy Chen has become. You will be now. Look at how she jumps onto that truck.

The music once again perfection as the scene unfolds. She is fueled by the need to protect her person and some adrenaline to go along with it. I love Tim’s face when she appears. So thankful she is there because he was NOT I repeat not winning. He was upside down so quickly. It’s why Lucy is there saving him. They immediately fall back into the well oiled machine they are in the field. Taking down this guy together. Always say they look like poetry in motion at work this scene is continual proof of that.

I love the looks they share in the cab. Tim’s far more telling than hers. Looks like he’s falling in love with her all over again For the second episode in a row. Floored by the cop she’s become. How amazing she was to make that jump and save his ass. He is forever in awe of this woman in front of him. Saying so much with just a look there Timothy. You are at work put those heart eyes away haha Actually don’t I love it so much. You can see the utter reverence in his eyes for her. Does my shippy soul good to see it.

The look Tim gives her outside the truck is EVERYTHING. She just risked her life to save him. That man is in shock. After everything he did. The fact that she would risk her life for him like that.... He can't believe it. That’s the face of a man astonished by the woman standing before him. She did it because she still loves you my silly goober of a man. But we will get there I’m sure of it. Like I said earlier this is a slow healing and I’m ready for the ride. I really am.

So much is being said with these looks and no words are even spoken. That’s the beauty of our ship right here. That silent communication only they have. How they can convey so much with just a look. God I love this ship. There’s a reason they’ve had a stranglehold on me for years. Tim cannot take his eyes off the woman in front of him. I love it so much.

T.O. Tim would’ve lost his mind at her action. In love Tim can’t stop being in awe of her for it. I can’t get over how he is looking at her. It’s so telling. Lucy is reciprocating will a look of her own. Their instinct to reach out to each other but they hold back. *sigh*. Such a an incredible fight scene. Our ship got back to back finales with bad ass fight scenes. I love watching them in the field. That’s where their roots begin. Why I love it so much.

We start off the glorious elevator scene. (And fantastic song in the background. Can't praise the music department enough.)We get back to back goodies in this space too. The scene we’re about to embark on is beautifully done. Eric and Melissa doing what they do best. Knocking it out of the park with their skills and chemistry. I love Tim’s 'Lucy smile' being in full force as she walks up to him. *happy sigh* That man could not be more in love with her if he tried. Lucy isn’t holding back with the heart eyes when he’s not looking either. Her being the one to crack the joke is precious. Lightening the vibe instantly.

Making a crack about his injury. Her way of showing she cares without it getting too personal. Because they just aren’t there yet and ya know that’s ok. This is going to be a slow burn to reconciliation. I’m actually pretty excited about it. Tim returns her affections with a joke of his own. Saying slacker is his middle name haha Ever the gentlemen let’s Lucy go on first. They settle into the elevator with some charged energy. Lucy retreats into the back of it. Not ready to be standing that close to him yet.

Wanting to keep whatever this interaction may be brief. She’s still hurting and it shows. Also, knowing the magnetic pull of theirs too strong for her to tempt fate by being closer to him. Tim feels this too as he settles in. Doesn’t push it. His spatial awareness around her remains considerate. Stays out of her bubble for the most part. The growth train with Tim continues. I’m floored by this scene everyone. Just floored. Also proud and astonished by this man. Opening up to not once but TWICE in the same episode.

Let us delve into this wonderful scene with how Tim opens it up. His back to her still. Respecting this physical boundary she has set up. I wanna start by saying watch Lucy in the background as he speaks. He only slightly turns his body so he can’t fully see it. The look of apprehension present? Yes. She is like a wounded animal, not sure if she can trust the man in front of her fully. But she cannot for the life of her keep the love and reverence out of her eyes. She does it the entire scene.

Just because she can’t trust him yet doesn’t mean she isn’t still madly in love this man. Her actions in the OP proving as much. Tim leads off with her saving his life. Blatantly stating she saved his life. Who are you and what have you done with Tim Bradford? Lucy deflects because she doesn’t know how to handle this new Tim. One who is graciously giving her credit. Lucy is feeling vulnerable herself and pushing it away. Telling Tim he had him. Honey, you don’t jump onto a moving truck out another vehicle in motion if he had him lol

Tim refuses to take ANY credit for this. Telling her basically how fucked he was in that moment. Reminding her of his predicament. Letting her know how much he DID NOT have him. He knows he screwed up in his approach and she saved him from his mistake. The growth here makes me wanna cry. They are happy tears don’t worry. The more I go through this season the more I’m glad we had this all happen. I know you must think I’m crazy for saying that. But it’s true.

Can you imagine S1 Tim acknowledging his mistake and showing gratitude to Lucy for saving him? Hell, even S5 Tim, who is madly in love with her, couldn’t share the credit in 5x05 for her saving his life in the pilot. This is a much different Tim Bradford we are looking at folks. Despite all the crap with Dr. London he has grown. Their fallout brought him to a place where he could. To the point where he is thanking her for saving him. No bravado. No tough Tim. Just vulnerability plain and simple. Not only that but sincere gratitude.

Lucy can see the vulnerability he is displaying to her. She can feel how sincere his words are because she knows this man. Back in 6x09 she asked John how he sounded. Because she can determine everything about where is by the tone of his voice. Lucy can’t even see his face really but can tell how sincere he is being by his voice.

That’s why we get this incredibly soft look from her. Heart eyes galore as she tells him ‘You’re welcome.’ As I stated earlier she may not trust him right now. But god is she is so in love with this man. It’s written all over how she is staring at him as she replies above.

Getting me all in my shippy feels and igniting my excitement. I have no doubt Tim feels she doesn’t love him anymore. If he turned around and saw her revealing look of love he would know. But he doesn’t. Being respectful of her space in this moment he keeps his back turned.

It’s here we see Tim internalizing everything. Gathering up the courage to turn around and tell her what’s been on his heart. Something I’m sure has been rattling around in his head since he started therapy. Their hug in this very elevator likely intensified these feelings even more. The kindness and empathy she showed him. Even though he felt unworthy of it. It stirred something up in him. Realizing again what he once had that he so hastily threw away. Once again Eric be killing me with his expressiveness. Tim finds the courage to turn around and speak his peace.

We watch him be vulnerable and open up to her for the third time in this ep. Second time just in this moment. Once I was shocked and proud enough. But three all together? I’m damn right giddy at this point. He starts off STRONG. Admitting he knows he ruined everything. This is HUGE. Finally admitting fault to her. The fact that he knows this and is acknowledging it. *screams into a pillow* It's everything we've waited for. It’s an incredible start to this part. So many were mad at him in 6x07. It wasn’t fair or just to Tim. He needed time to get here. Lucy may need her own therapy and growth. But is little more evolved in the emotional game than Tim.

Also it's WHY he needed therapy in the first place. Wasn’t fair to expect that out the gate for him pre-therapy. You don’t get his character if that’s what you expected IMO. Sorry if that’s harsh but it’s true. It’s what makes this scene even more satisfying. To watch him make the journey to this moment with her. To let her know he screwed up royally. That he wouldn’t have blamed her for turning on him. He made it easy to. This second line showing he still has growth to do. To get to the place where he knows Lucy love him through anything. But he’s a WIP as we all are lol

Lucy isn’t sure she is ready for this conversation. We can see that she struggles to even make eye contact with him. Like I said earlier, she’s having a hard time trusting him, let alone accepting this newer side of Tim. It’s a lot for her to take in post OP. She’s also still harboring a lot of anger towards him. You can see it percolating all over her expression. Tears forming in her eyes. Threatening to fall at any second. Melissa out here trying kill me with her amazing acting.

That anger is ever present and hasn't really had a chance to breathe or surface at all. I mentioned in 6x09 that she hadn't really dealt with the trauma of their breakup fully. Her reaction above is proof of that. This is why she’s letting him know he doesn’t have to do this. Because, deep down, this is what she’s wanted, but she isn’t sure she is actually ready for it. She hasn't sorted through her own feelings and anger fully about all this. Fingers crossed s7 does that or she is there by then. Also Lucy is trying to give Tim an out he is REFUSING to take with her reply.

Tim isn’t going to let this moment pass by without saying this. He is trying to repair them with something he should’ve done long ago. Communication. Honest communication with her. It’s on his heart to do this and nothing is stopping him. It’s here he says a line that makes us all swoon. Makes us all wanna kiss him for. Also, it's making me incredibly emotional in the process. He’s just so god damn sincere it’s making my heart ache in the best way. Letting her know she will never know how much he appreciates her kindness.

Because to Tim he felt so unworthy of it. He felt that way before they broke up. Her continuing to be the same caring empathetic person to him afterwards? Blowing his mind. Also reminding him of this incredible person he let slip through his fingers. It’s an epiphany he’s having here in this moment. What he’s really thanking her for is far more than just the truck and their elevator hug.

She’s shown him her kindness and big heart since the start of their relationship. When he was a dumpster fire and all she could see was his good heart. The man that was beneath all the damage. Lucy has been a constant source of joy, positivity and love in his life. He would be remiss not to thank her for all that she has done for him. This is extending for their whole relationship IMO. His words holding extra meaning in that regard. Thanking her for their entire relationship.

This next part is friggin EVERYTHING. This is Tim acknowledging he took her choice and voice away in 6x06. He is giving her all the say in this moment. Letting her know he will spend the rest of his life trying to pay her back. Which makes my heart happy on so many levels. Wanting to EARN his spot back at her side. Not just waltzing back in. He wants to demonstrate his commitment and win back his place in her life. Gah it’s so good.

I can't wait to see what does for his small doses in s7. Also, there’s something so beautiful about Lucy just being Lucy that reminds him why he fell in love with her in the first place. About what he has lost as well. Knowing this incredible person needs to be earned back. He then follows it up with whatever small doses she allows. Which is now on HER terms. He’s giving Lucy her voice and choice back.

Things he robbed her of in their breakup. Took away her agency when he did these things. Beautiful thing is he recognizes this and is letting her know. Not only does he have a lot to make up for, but if she allows him to, it’ll be fully on her terms and say. You’re dead inside if you weren’t tearing up in this moment. I was a mess. Also If you can’t see the enormous amount of growth this moment represents I can’t help you lol

Lucy’s guarded but softened look says everything. How she is longing to let him back in but can’t just yet. Almost like how a rescue animal would react. The need to want to trust is there. But it hasn’t been rebuilt yet. She is hesitant to truly trust in it. Lucy is floored by the man standing in front of her though. The myriad of emotions coursing through her is reflected above. Just look at her eyes alone. It’s here we can see her soften a little. Defrost a bit. She’s not there yet but she will be. We all love Lucy for her loving and forgiving heart. I don’t see why she wouldn’t let him back in if he continues this growth. This desire to make things right between them.

Working on himself to be better. Regaining his place in her life. Something he wants so badly but realizes he needs to earn back. There is a great quote from Ted Lasso that fits perfectly here. "I hope that either all of us or none of us are judged by the actions of our weakest moments. But rather by the strength we show when and if we're ever given a second chance." I remember there being a small faction of people being nasty about Tim still. How they never wanted Lucy to forgive him. It was those same people who were terrible about his mental health crisis too. Showing their emotional immaturity once again. Made my blood boil.

I avoided the Chenford tag because couldn't take the outrageous takes they were spewing. Here is what I have to say to those people. One. I hope you never make a mistake in your life then. Because the way you want this man to be treated is with zero empathy or compassion. I highly doubt you'd want that for yourself. Second refer to the quote above. No one should be defined by the actions of their weakest moments. That's not who Lucy Chen is. There is no way she would hold this against someone she loves forever. Tim is going to earn her back I guarantee you that. He is going to show strength when given that second chance. Mark my words.

Tim gives her the sweetest Lucy smile before he turns back around. Feeling better having shared a piece of himself with her. Proud of himself for being vulnerable with her even though scared him to death. Written all over his face in the second gif. But he couldn't let her leave that elevator without letting her know he was going to put the work in. Going to try and fix what he so hastily broke.

It’s once again how Lucy is looking at him when he turns back around that gets me. That longing to reach out to him but keeping herself from doing as such. Keeping herself rooted to that wall in an effort to stop herself from reaching out like she longs to. If you were wondering if she was still in love with him look at her. That is the face of a woman who is still so in love with the man before her.

Tim tops it off with bidding her good night. Nothing more nothing less. He said what he needed to say. It’s up to Lucy to accept it or ignore it completely. It’s her prerogative either way. Which is the impression he wanted to leave her with. Lucy keeping that longing but questioning look up as she follows him out below. We can see her starting to see the change in him as she does. First he tells her he's gone to therapy and now this. I saw a something the other day it said 'An apology isn't one if there isn't changed behavior.' Tim is exhibiting changed behavior here.

Lucy is feeling torn between staying mad or starting to heal. Wanting desperately to believe in his words. That is written all over her face as she exits the elevator. We see her face change into a small smile at the end. It's not in this gif but she does. This was the start to healing everyone. Also was the perfect way to end the season for them IMO. Why you ask? Because it didn’t need to more than this. Anything more would be been a disservice to this SL they created. Would’ve made breaking them up pointless. It had to have a purpose and this was it. Growth. Also this scene is a promise for s7.

I know some wanted a frantic hook up but it wasn't right to do so. They are not ready to be back together yet. Both have a lot of work to do before we get there. How they ended them for the season was *chefs kiss* It ended with Tim acknowledging the wrong he had done and what he’s going to do to make it up. That’s what makes s7 so exciting. I think he will continue therapy. I really do. I also think we’re about to see a determined Tim driven in his quest to make amends. Get to see a side of him we haven’t seen before and that excites me to no end.

Because Lucy Chen brings out the best in this man. And s7 is going to reflect that. As much as this season ripped my heart out. Truly I haven’t been this devastated by a couple in half a decade at least. If not a little more tbh. But rewatching this and having a better insight to it. I’m glad they did this. We all love Lucy rebuilding him and loving him into a better version of himself. Don’t get me wrong I love that. She changed his life dramatically for the better. Thing is she was his safety blanket emotionally.

I said this back in 6x07 that it was Tim’s journey to go on not Lucy’s. It was his problem to fix. She couldn’t fix what was wrong inside him. Only therapy and putting in the work was going to get that done. Their breakup was an eventuality without Tim growing. When they get back together (which they will) we will be grateful for the painful growth this season gave them. Said this before. Rather have them evolve snd grow as characters than be puddle deep like Bailian.

We’re going to get a stronger and even better version of Chenford in s7. Better version of them as characters as well. I cannot wait for the slow burn of their reconciliation. Going to make all the hurt worth it. Because it wouldn’t be right or realistic to rush them back together. I’m ready for the slow burn of s7. I really am. It's going to make when they get back together all the more sweet. I’ll be excited when we lose our minds collectively when it does. Also enjoying the journey it’ll take to get us there. I might do minis for s7 too. I’ll post something when we get closer to that if that’s someone people want.

Until then remember our ship is the best ship on this show. They’ll find their way back to each other. When they do it’s going to make it all worth it ❤️ Also the link above is for the song in the elevator. Whoever is in charge if music is truly gifted at what they do. Every song was lyrically perfect or just musically apt for the moment it was in. Thank you to everyone once again for the likes, comments (please leave comments haha I love them sfm) Reblogs they make all The effort so worth it. Shall see you all in s7 :)

~~~~

Side notes-Non Chenford

More creepy waking up with Bailian. I don’t get get them as a couple. I really don’t. Like watching paint dry.

Loved Aaron's mic drop of a moment with Dr. London. Well done sir. Shall miss you. Come and visit eh? Maybe for a wedding...

[fangirl-writes]

Pop the Question

John B. Routledge x Fem!Reader; Topper Thornton x Ex!Reader

Also featured: Kiesarah and Cleopope

Warning(s): Swearing, underage drinking, jealous Topper

Request: Hey, can I please have a request John B x Reader, where your on the docks with the pogues, just sitting by the water. You and John B are flirting, while Kiara, Pope and JJ are teasing you guys. Then Your ex Topper comes along being an asshole because he’s jealous.. on his boat. He asked you why your with John B and not with him.. because he hasn’t accepted the fact that you don’t like him anymore. Then John B blurts out your something more than just dating.. you said your husband and wife. Toppers reaction is too good not to laugh at! Thank you so much, love your writing because it’s amazing 🥰

Notes: This is waaaaay overdue. I'm so sorry. I had the hardest time writing it for some reason.

Anyway, I went back and forth between wanting this to take place before the seasons began or after and ended up going with after because it made more sense in my head.

It had been exactly one year since the pogues returned to the Outer Banks after getting the gold.

Alongside being hired by various high-status people to be essentially treasure hunters, they were getting used to living the good life.

John B. had a house built on the ruins of the old chateau, which JJ, Sarah, and you immediately moved into. Pope took his share into a college fund and Kiara donated to conservation efforts, with plenty leftover because come on it was actual gold. 

Historic actual gold.

Of course, Rafe Cameron was still a pain in the ass and Topper was more of dick every time they saw him.

But none of that mattered today.

Because today they were boating and drinking some cold ones in celebration of a year on.

A year since John B. and Sarah said goodbye to their fathers.

For the second time. For the last time.

John B. was laying on the dock, feet dangling above the water, waiting for Pope and JJ to get back from filling up the HMS with gas. Kiara and Sarah were cuddled up behind him, Kie whispering sweet nothings into Sarah’s ear.

It was a bittersweet day. Such that if the weather were to match his emotions, it would be raining.

But the sky was blue, the water was clear, it was a perfect day.

The sound of footsteps coming down the dock drew John B. from his thoughts and he sat up to see you coming towards him.

You were holding a cooler, swinging it alongside you as you walked, flip-flops smacking all the while.

The sight brought him back to the beach, where you were walking towards him all dressed in white, barefoot on the sand.

A bright smile came across your lips when you met his eyes and he couldn’t help but smile back.

And suddenly his gray skies became sunny.

It had been a long road for the two of you, but your relationship was finally on a steady path.

After all the drama with his dad, the gold, his brief fling with Sarah, and all that time stuck on a deserted island, sometimes he couldn't believe he still had you.

“Hey, beautiful,” John B. greeted, wrapping an arm around your shoulders and kissing your temple.

“Hey,” you replied, a small blush dusting your cheeks. “Hey guys.”

“Hey,” the girls replied, Sarah still lying in Kiara’s lap.

"Here, let me get that for you," John B. said, taking the cooler from your grip.

"Thanks, handsome."

"No problem, babe."

"Uh-oh, are JB and Y/N smothering us with their flirting again?" JJ said as Pope drove the HMS up to the dock.

"No, thankfully, you interrupted before they could get started," Kiara said, standing up with Sarah.

"Come on, you act like you weren't just showering Sarah with compliments," John B. retorted.

"At least I have the decency to keep it between us."

"You're all just jealous of how perfect our relationship is."

"Whatever you have to tell yourself," Kiara said, allowing JJ to help her step into the boat before doing the same with Sarah.

"You two really are insufferable sometimes," Pope piped up.

"Oh, you really wanna start this, Pope? Cause I can bring up exactly what I saw you and Cleo doing yesterday," John B. replied.

Pope blushed and JJ wolf-whistled.

"Okay, let's not bring Pope's exploits into this," You said, patting him on the shoulder. "We've got a celebration to be having."

"Now there's some sense," JJ said, grabbing for the cooler in John B.'s hand. "Let's get this party started."

But, as usual, something had to spoil the fun before it even began.

The noise of Topper's boat engine caught everyone's attention as he stalked over, the usual pissed-off look resting on his face as he glowered at you all.

You could feel John B. tense next to you and you grabbed his hand.

No, you wouldn’t let this lead to a fight. Not again, not today.

“Hi, Topper,” You said, painting on a smile.

“I see you big fish pogues still like to hang out around the bottom of the pond,” he said. “Good to see nothing’s changed.”

“Topper, go home,” Sarah spoke up, completely over his holier-than-thou attitude.

“Sorry, Sarah, but I’m actually not here for you. I want to talk to Y/N.”

You frowned.

“You ready to tell me why you’re with Routledge here and not me? Because if it’s the money you’re after, I’ll say I have plenty of it.”

You rolled your eyes. “You ready to accept that I’m over you and that your money is actually your parents’?”

You and Topper dated for a while after John B. and Sarah went missing. At the time, you both needed a shoulder to cry on and, unfortunately, found each other.

JJ, Pope, and Kiara still haven’t forgiven you for abandoning them for Topper during that time. But it didn’t stop them from telling you when your friends turned up alive, and you'd all moved passed it by now.

Except, it seemed, for Topper. “You didn’t answer me.”

“I shouldn’t have to," You snapped. "Topper, you and I have been over for so long. Please let this go.”

“No, Y/N, I won’t let this go because you-”

“Topper, man, seriously, we’re just trying to have a nice day. Can we not do this?” John B. asked, trying with every bone in his body to stay calm.

"I wasn't talking to you, Routledge, butt out."

"Anything that involves Y/N involves me too."

"Oh yeah? You're that kind of boyfriend? Surprised she lets you control her that much."

"Fuck off, Topper, he doesn't control me!" You shouted.

"You know, just because you're his girlfriend doesn't mean you have to follow his orders."

You were fuming. Your mouth opened to say something else, but John B. beat you to it.

“She’s not actually my girlfriend,” he said, a smirk tugging at his mouth.

Topper seemed caught off guard by this response. “Wh-what? She’s not?”

You smiled, reaching into your bag.

“No, didn’t you hear?”

The group around you began to snicker and grin.

Topper’s face flushed, embarrassed and no doubt feeling like he was missing something.

“Yeah, I’m not his girlfriend,” you said before holding up your left hand where a glittering ring now sat on your finger. “I’m his wife.”

You wished you'd have been thinking enough to get a picture of his reaction.

He looked like a fish the way his mouth opened and closed with nothing coming out of it.

John B. put an arm around your shoulders, his own wedding ring now on and sparkling in the sun. "Husband and wife, that's us. Had a nice little wedding on the beach and everything."

If looks could kill, your husband would be dead where he stood.

"Whatever. I'm done with all of you pogues. Have a nice life."

Topper put his boat in gear and started driving away while the rest of you waved sarcastically.

"Au Revoir!"

"Hasta Lavista!"

"Bon Voy-agee!"

"Hey!" Cleo came running down the dock. "Sorry 'm late! Got caught up at da market...did I miss somethin'?"

The group of you laughed.

"Nah," you said. "Nothing important."

"If you say so," Cleo replied with a shrug, taking Pope's hand as she jumped into the boat.

You nuzzled further into John B., playing with his wedding band. "That felt good."

"Good? That was fantastic? Did you see his face?" JJ said. "I want it framed."

The others animatedly dove into the story of what just happened to catch Cleo up while John B. settled for pressing light kisses to your neck.

"Feeling a little possessive there, Mr. Routledge?" You asked with a grin.

He hummed. "What do I need to be possessive for, Mrs. Routledge? I don't think I need to worry about him anymore."

[looking-to-rattle-the-stars]

So I'm reading The Hobbit right--been going a bit slow because of travel and being suddenly called into work--and I just finished Chapter 9.

I cannot stop thinking about the friendship disparity between Bilbo and the dwarves. It's driving me up a wall in all honesty. Cause like, even if Bilbo didn't fully see them as friends in the beginning, he always refers to them as his friends or the dwarves. And he always seems, despite their complaining and his brief moments of "God I wish I wasn't here with them and their ruckus", to hold a high level of respect for them. But the dwarves don't return such a favor. They don't even start to like him until Chapter 8! It was always "Oh they forgot about him." and complaints about how he shouldn't be accompanying them.

Like, just to provide some quote examples (mainly for myself lol):

"Yes, lots,” said Bilbo, before he remembered not to give his friends away. “No none at all, not one,” he said immediately afterwards. (Pg. 35)

“What’s all this trouble? Who has been knocking my people about?” “It’s trolls!” said Bilbo from behind a tree. They had forgotten all about him. (Pg. 38)

“He wondered whether he ought not, now he had the magic ring, to go back into the horrible, horrible, tunnels and look for his friends. He had made up his mind that it was his duty, that he must turn back—and very miserable he felt about it—when he heard voices.” (Pg. 85)

The dwarves wanted to know why he had ever been brought at all, why he could not stick to his friends and come along with them, and why the wizard had not chosen someone with more sense. (Pg. 86)

“From which you can see that they had changed their opinion of Mr. Baggins very much, and had begun to have a great respect for him (as Gandalf said they would).” (Pg. 152)

“They all thought their own shares in the treasure would suffer seriously if the Wood-elves claimed part of it, and they all trusted Bilbo. Just as Gandalf had said would happen, you see.” (Pg. 162)

Like when they refer to themselves as Bilbo's friends it feels, at least to me, that they don't really see him as one. That they simply call him a friend because Gandalf is there and thinks highly of Bilbo. Or in like the way where they don't really see him as a friend they intend to keep, more of an acquaintance but saying "friend" is more polite/formal to do. Friend in the way where they are forced to be friends with each other but one thinks low of the other and therefore finds every opportunity to complain about it.

And then in Chapter 9 Thorin says to Bilbo, “A pretty fine burglar you make, it seems, when the time comes. I am sure we are all for ever at your service, whatever happens after this.” (Pg. 165) and I just crumple and fall over because I know how this story ends and what is to become of, at the very least, Thorin and his nephews. (I have been told that more of them die by LOTR, but I am unsure who!) And like perhaps you can argue that Balin had a bit more respect for him than the others, Bilbo does note how they get along a few times, but that is still 1/13. I am just head in hands.

And, since I already have a decent length post going, I cannot stop thinking about these quotes:

“There is nothing like looking, if you want to find something (or so Thorin said to the young dwarves). You certainly usually find something, if you look, but it is not always quite the something you were after.” (Pg. 55)

“But all night he dreamed of his own house and wandered in his sleep into all his different rooms looking for something that he could not find nor remember what it looked like.” (Pg. 104)

LIKE JUST OH MY GOD. KNOWING ABOUT THE RING AND HOW THE STORY ENDS AND I JUST THE THORIN QUOTE AND APPLYING IT TO BILBO AND THE ADVENTURE!!! Like I don't know how to express the words right now but... the idea that Bilbo wasn't looking for an adventure but he found one and it offered him a sense of connection unlike anything in the Shire and embraced the "Tookness" inside of him which inherently reconnects him with his mother. And the second quote, I just- I don't know a lot about the ring. But my best friend has lightly explained some of the implications as they appear in LOTR, and I just... Bilbo searching for the ring in his dreams. Although I do also think that the quote would more relate to my previous sentiments with the first quote, but I just wonder if his dream was like that because of being in possession of the ring I suppose. Anyways it's 3am so time to go get some sleep!

[asimplearchivist]

𝓒𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓪𝓻𝓲𝓼𝓸𝓷 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓒𝓸𝓷𝓽𝓻𝓪𝓼𝓽

𝐂𝐇. 𝐕 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐏𝐎𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐍, 𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐂𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍. 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐕 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓.

[𝓪𝓼𝓲𝓶𝓹𝓵𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓬𝓱𝓲𝓿𝓲𝓼𝓽'𝓼 𝓶𝓪𝓼𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓵𝓲𝓼𝓽] [ 𝐏𝐎𝐊𝐄𝐌𝐎𝐍 𝐌𝐘𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐘 𝐃𝐔𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐎𝐍 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓] [ AO3 | SPOTIFY | PINTEREST ] summary ✨ ⤏ in which lucario and grovyle attempt to assuage eliana's concerns. pairing(s) ✨ [tba] word count ✨ 2.3k a/n ✨ [header credit] | [divider credit] ⤏ this is a shorter chapter, but be patient—there's more to come! :) ✨ MASTERPOST ✨ ✨ PREVIOUS CHAPTER ⤎ ✨ ⤏ NEXT CHAPTER ✨

Eliana found the entire idea incredibly difficult to believe.

“Grovyle…” she began incredulously, “…you’re openly admitting that Dusknoir deceived you when you brought him back to the future..even if he, supposedly, had a sincere change of heart at the last second, after trying to murder you—to steal and possess your body in order to trick us again, no less…you still trust him?”

“He helped Celebi and I to stop Primal Dialga from destroying the Passage of Time on top of Vast Ice Mountain, which would have destabilized the paralyzed future all over again and would have completely undone your work in restoring Temporal Tower with the Time Gears,” Grovyle confirmed. “I don’t claim to truly know what ultimately caused him to change his mind, as he’s yet to share that information with me, but he rescued me and was almost killed as a result for revolting against Primal Dialga. Although grievously wounded, he battled with us to the very end, and he disappeared alongside us until we were restored.”

Eliana frowned at him, chewing on the inside of her cheek. Grovyle was being truthful, of that she hadn’t even the foggiest of doubts—he was virtually incapable of lying to her. Mental manipulation was out of the question, because Lu would have long since solved any issues with that since he was able to read Pokémon’s auras…her eyes narrowed as she looked at him. “And you’re vouching for him, too?”

“He hasn’t had a malicious thought since he’s lived here with Grovyle and Celebi,” Lu confirmed, sharing a brief glance with the wood gecko Pokémon. “Believe me, Eliana, I was just as suspicious and as skeptical as you are. It took a long time for Grovyle and Celebi to talk me down from chasing him right on out of Treasure Town. It took even longer for Dusknoir to rebuild my trust and faith in him, and longer still for me to even allow him to make reparations for what he’d done, but…we’ve made peace, and I’ve forgiven him.”

Eliana scowled. “Even though he’s tried to kill all of us on multiple occasions to save his own skin.”

“You recall how he treated us when he first arrived to Treasure Town?” Lu pressed, brow rising. “With kindness and generosity and compassion? How he rescued us expecting nothing in return? All the time he spent teaching us and allowing us to pester him?”

The painful memories that surfaced in the back of her mind caused Eliana’s throat to tighten—she remembered all too clearly her untainted and wholehearted conviction that Dusknoir had truly been great, and more than worthy of the title. She swallowed and cleared her throat, shaking the frissons from her pelt. “While he was leading us on so we wouldn’t expect him to drag us to execution posts?”

“That was before he realized who you really were, Eliana.” Lu tilted his head forward to peer deeply into her eyes. “Every second of that devotion was real. He sincerely cared about us. He had—and still has—a good heart. His fear drove him to do terrible things, yes—he’ll be the first to admit how much of a coward he was, and will just as quickly assume that responsibility as well as the guilt that overwhelms him in retrospect—but, for what it’s worth, that true side of him has emerged, and he’s a completely different Pokémon now.”

Lu was also a terrible liar—it had been a dead giveaway, the very few times he’d ever tried to fib to her, when he’d fail to meet her eyes as he spoke in a demure and shaky voice. Now he met her gaze head-on, completely assured of what he said. (Eliana almost wanted to pinch herself just to make sure she wasn’t trapped in another illusory nightmare.)

“You can’t honestly expect me to just drop everything and let bygones be bygones after he spent so long being the most rotten Pokémon alive,” she told them flatly. “There’s no telling everything he did under Primal Dialga’s orders.”

“Eliana,” Grovyle said gently, “we understand. I couldn’t sleep in the same room as him for months. Even now I’ll wake and startle when I see him, strictly on instinct. He knows, and he’s doing his best to make amends—almost to a fault, in my opinion. I can’t tell you all the good he’s done since we’ve returned to the mainland. We can’t walk through Treasure Town without running into someone he’s helped personally who wants to stop and thank him.”

“You don’t think he’s playing the long game this time?” she growled. “Waiting for all of you to truly relax so he can come in and betray you all over again with the lowest chances of failure? Why wouldn’t he want to finish the job?”

“No one can ever know things like that for certain,” Lu acknowledged, “but based on the last few years, he’s given no indication of reverting back to his old ways. You don’t have to forgive him, and you don’t have to trust him—but please believe us that he’s earnest, at least.”

Eliana sighed, glared out of the window to her right—the sun had long since slipped under the horizon, plunging the sky into pitch darkness save the full moon spilling mercurial light upon the landscape and the stars sprinkling the farthest reaches—and tried to resolve the tumult in her mind. Her time running from him in the future as a human combined with her time as an Eevee once he’d revealed his true colors could not be ignored. But, for the sakes of Lu, Grovyle, and Celebi (who she had no doubts would have eradicated Dusknoir on the spot had he shown any further signs of ill intent and wouldn’t have hesitated to do so given the prolific bounds of her abilities), she—reluctantly—decided to tolerate the ghost-type’s presence…for the time being.

“…All right,” she acquiesced, “if you’re both certain, I’ll…be patient. But I will take care of him if he takes one step out of line.”

“We know. We would do the same.” Grovyle, too, glanced outside, as though to assess the time. “…I should probably head back to the bluff. We’ve an early start tomorrow since we took some jobs to the north of here a good ways.”

“Go get some rest, old friend,” bade Lu, “and take that basket with you. I had Chimecho provide extra for all three of you.”

“You needn’t keep feeding us, you know,” said the wood gecko Pokémon wryly, although his eyes shone with gratitude. “We are perfectly capable of keeping our own larder stocked.”

“Just bring the basket back for a refill,” Lu dismissed with a toothy grin. “Best of luck to you.”

Eliana’s heart rose to her throat as Grovyle stood. He stopped to give her another tight and long hug, which she returned wholeheartedly. She blinked away the burning in her eyes as he pulled away.

“I will see you once we return,” he promised her softly, lithe form lingering close—he didn’t want to leave, either. “We can discuss your situation going forward then. Rest well.”

“You, too. Be careful,” she murmured. “Don’t get lost.”

“I won’t.” His eyes crinkled in a smile. Then he grasped the basket, hefted the handle over his lithe shoulder, and slipped out of Lu’s office. The door shut with a punctual thud in his wake and the silence that followed was hollow.

Lu set his basket, emptied by himself and Eliana once he and Grovyle had convinced her to eat, to the side and rose to his feet. “You can stay in the Guild’s guest wing for now,” he said, “until you decide what to do. We’ve refurbished it a bit, so it should be more comfortable.”

Eliana nodded and followed him silently through the dimmed, sleepy Guild. The somewhat hidden stairwell that led to the basement containing the larder and the aforementioned accommodations for privileged guests within the sentry tunnel was cool and damp, as it always was after a recent rain, but once Lu stopped at the end of the tunnel and opened the door leading into the extra room, a flush of warm, dry air swept over her.

True to Lu’s word, the room had indeed been altered. Updated furniture kept the place from feeling too sparse, but the same hearth merrily crackling in the end of the room illuminated the floors and walls enough that it didn’t quite feel like the buried burrow it was. A new, vivid, plush, woven mat covered the packed dirt floor, and a fresh straw bed had been fashioned in the furthest corner in the warmest spot. The narrow bracket of shelves next to the respective spring-fed wash and drinking basins nearest the door had been fully stocked not only with food, but also basic items and more personal ones that Eliana quickly recognized—her Treasure Bag and Wonder Map, a hefty sack of her own money, as well as a small locked chest within which she had kept her belongings while they’d lived at Sharpedo Bluff. Lu had obviously anticipated her arrival well in advance to go to such lengths to have the place prepared thusly.

“You’re spoiling me,” Eliana whispered, smiling shakily. She’d about had it with the tears that day, as exhausting as it had been.

“I’m making sure you have everything you need,” he told her, shaking his head fondly and slipping an arm over her shoulder to tug her into his flank. “This room could be yours, if you wanted. I’d considered taking you on as an official consultant and assistant, if you wanted to. Chatot handles the administration, but it would be helpful to have someone with more hands-on experience. The apprentices can be quite a handful sometimes.” He huffed softly. “But don’t make a decision right now. I really shouldn’t have even brought it up, but I’m just so excited that you’re finally home, I…”

“It’s all right,” Eliana told him, tilting her head up to gaze at him warmly. “I’m glad you considered me for the position. I’ll start thinking about it.”

“That’s all I ask—there’s no pressure, of course.” He chuckled. “You may want to retire from all this nonsense, after all.”

“We’ll see.” Eliana hesitated, then dropped her chin and scuffed her foot along the weave of the rug. “I’m…sorry, you know…about getting carried away earlier. I didn’t mean to cause a scene and embarrass you.”

“I almost attacked him on first sight, too,” he said mildly, “and you didn’t embarrass me. I had hoped to warn you before he got there, since I thought Magnezone would keep him occupied for longer, but…I don’t think the others will hold it against you. It was a big adjustment for them, too. You reacted in a way for which no one could possibly fault you—including Dusknoir himself.”

Eliana frowned with a flat, low hum at that and slipped away from Lu’s grasp, stepping over to the drinking fountain to relieve her thirst.

“That’s why he didn’t fight back, you know.”

She glanced at her partner from out of the corner of her eye while she lapped from the cold, fresh water.

Lu’s face was creased with empathy as he grasped the silver bow tied around his neck with both paws, his blunted claws wringing the thinned fabric—the first indication of his old anxiety she’d seen all evening. “He didn’t try to stop you, I hope you realize that. He just acted in self-defense to keep you from hurting yourself.”

The recent impression of his unnaturally cool and massive hand coiling around her middle and nearly engulfing her whole torso all the way to her spine made her stiffen. Her entire body didn’t quite fit into his palm anymore, but he could still crush her if he wanted to.

…Yet he hadn’t. She’d bitten him before he could have, but…

“Don’t entirely reject the idea that he’s capable of redeeming himself just yet, Eliana,” Lu murmured pleadingly. “Please.”

“…I won’t,” she caved, turning and watching the flicker of amber firelight play over the lines in Lu’s face. He looked simultaneously younger and older than she remembered. “For you. And for Grovyle.”

Some of the fretful tension drained from his rigid form at her admission. “Thank you. I can’t demand that you give him a second chance, but…I’d ask that you at least try.”

Unable to give him any further verbal confirmation, she nodded instead.

He returned the gesture, smiled, and stepped back into the doorway. “Don’t hesitate to come get me if you need anything,” he said, “anything at all.”

“I will,” she replied.

He stopped, the edge of his mouth tightening.

“I won’t hesitate,” she amended with an irresistible chuckle, “and I will come get you.”

“All right,” he accepted, curling his paw around the door latch. “Good night, Eliana.”

“Good night,” she returned with a smile.

He replicated the gesture, then the door shut with a soft click as the latch lurched into place and secured her inside. The earth muffled any noises Lu would have made climbing back up into the next level, and the only company Eliana now had was the fire rasping at her back and the gentle trickle of water passing through its natural course towards the town’s reservoir.

It struck her suddenly, then, that this would be the first night she would spend alone in nearly a half a decade.

Eliana swallowed roughly, walked over to curl up onto the warm, soft bed that still smelled as though it had been bathed in sunshine, and squeezed her eyes shut to avoid their stinging.

She dreamed of perpetual darkness so dense it could be felt, and of pale, outstretched hands.

[animeyanderetalker]

So you finished enies lobby eh? How’s ur one piece journey so far, and do you have any brief thoughts on the straw hats (so far)?

I’m giving you my honest review here because as much as I like the series so far, I also have my fair share of stuff I don’t enjoy.

I adore the world in One Piece. I’ve been a big fan of Pirates of the Caribbean as a child and I have always wished back then that I would see Jack Sparrow exploring all mysterious islands and finding all treasures. I got that with One Piece but even better. Each island feels unique and whilst there are definitely pacing problems at times even this early for me, I do love the aspects of exploring each individual island and learning about the rules, the environment and the life of the people calling it their home. I know that the Skypiea Arc isn’t that beloved amongst Anime fans but I really loved the arc due to the unique and interesting setting the island in the sky had. From its past to the inventions to the way people live in the sky, everything has so much personality and that has been the case with every major island so far. The sense of adventure and curiosity I always get whilst getting to know a new island is really addictive and I love the foreshadowing. The fact that the end of the Going Merry had already been hinted during the Skypiea Arc but was only revealed during the Water 7 Arc is insane and from what I have heard, Oda is great in foreshadowing and I’m looking forward to that.

What I find myself struggling with, and I don’t know if the Anime is partially exaggerating this sometimes, are the characters itself at times and the, in my opinion, lukewarm comedy that gets very repetitive and boring after a while.

Luffy:

I am actively struggling with the main character at times. Luffy is quite carefree, impulsive and does whatever he wants and it is not even that this is what I dislike about him. He has such heartfelt moments such as giving Nami his straw hat during the Arlong Park Arc despite the hat being a treasure for him or him defending the pirate flag of Chopper during the Drum Island Arc. It’s just that he sometimes is portrayed as so amazingly incompetent and stupid that I am agonizing over it. How can you get stuck twice within the same arc in between two walls and then spend episodes there whilst your friends are trying to save Robin?? Him being a glutton is expected, older Shounen protagonists just seem to have a habit of having a black hole instead of a stomach. I also still don’t understand how he learnt Gear 2 and 3 in such a short time considering that I cannot recall a time where he had time to properly train.

Roronoa Zoro:

I have very little to criticize about Zoro. Luckily his character gag of always getting lost isn’t something that is thrown into my face every episode so I can tolerate it. He’s a man of honor and I like seeing him on screen, but I’m still waiting for that one moment of him where I go from liking him to loving him. I also feel like he suffered in the Enies Lobby Arc from being paired with uninteresting opponents to fight against (Kaku and Jabra).

Nami:

I love and hate Nami at the same time. But the reason why I hate her isn’t even her own fault. As a character I love how she isn’t someone who is actively fighting and has admittedly not the most interesting fights but without her literally nothing would work. As a navigator she is irreplaceable and without her skills the Straw Hats would go nowhere. Her backstory was also heartbreaking but Oda seems quite skillful when it comes to writing a good and tragic backstory. The reason why I hate her though is because she has become more and more a victim of sexualization the further the story has progressed and I just know that it’ll get even worse. I have seen the pictures of her after the timeskip and it is so infuriating because she didn’t look like this at the beginning of the story. The freaking scene in the Arabasta Arc where she was sexualized from a camel and a crab was a different low for me because it’s the first time I have seen animals thirsting over a female character.

Usopp:

Usopp is a character I also find myself struggling with. On the one hand his creativity and his craftsmanship are to be admired. This is a man who invented Nami’s Clima-Tact and was the shipwright before Franky joined. On the other hand his character gags of being the big coward can get a little bit tiring after a while for me. I really loved the Water 7 Arc because it showed him in a much more serious light which was a nice change for once. And I am going to be quite honest here with you, I did not enjoy the whole Sogeking sequence. I understand that he was too ashamed to face his friends after he had left the crew but it got a tad bit annoying to me after a while. I was also not surprised that Luffy and Chopper were the only ones who didn’t recognize him in his disguise.

Vinsmoke Sanji:

I actually really enjoyed Sanji’s character when he was first introduced. I admired his ideology of not letting anyone starve due to his own experience of being stranded on an island without much food and the relationship he had going on with Zeff and the other chefs was heartwarming. However, his simp character has significantly increased since then to the point where it has gotten frustrating and annoying. I remember that scene in the Skypiea Arc where the Going Merry was kidnapped with a few crew members still onboard. And the first thing that left Sanji’s mouth then was that he was disappointed that Nami wasn’t in bikini anymore. I think that is the moment where I started not liking his character as much anymore and from what I have heard, it’ll become a lot more worse. It’s really disappointing in my opinion because he could be such a cool character but around women he is always reduced to a simp with heart eyes.

Tony Tony Chopper:

Chopper is adorable and I love his versatile forms he can use with his Rumble Ball. But I just wish that the show would actually give him more recognition because the 50 Berries he has on his head as of now and the fact that he was called a pet on those wanted posters is saddening. Because not only can he actually fight because he took down one of the CP9 members but he is the doctor of the ship and fulfills such an important role because of it. He is more than just a cute little animal and I hope that will be more recognized.

Nico Robin:

Robin is as of now my favorite character and I have literally nothing I can criticize about her. She is intelligent, her backstory is my favorite as of now and I love how her character also shows that it isn’t only pure strength alone that can be dangerous in the eyes of others but also intelligence. She was wanted for simply knowing how to read Poneglyphs. I’m also happy that she hasn’t been sexualized in the Anime so far and I pray to god that she won’t get the Nami treatment later on. I also love her dark and blunt sense of humor.

Franky:

Franky is incredibly likable. He is as of now the newest member of the Straw Hats so I have not as much to say about him but he is also a well built character with a nice introduction. The relationship he had going on with Iceberg and his past with Tom were well written and despite his rowdy experience he has a heart made out of gold. The fact that he took all outsiders in Water 7 under his wings and gave them a new home and purpose says really all you need to know about him and I’m looking forward to seeing more of him.

[hey-that-hurt]

Dr. Stone Whump Fic Recs

Per the request of @cloudyinvasion, and @thesuffererrrr might appreciate this list too.

This list will focus on bookmarks I've saved that are particularly whumpy or angsty, but as with the One Piece list DM me if you want to get all my AO3 bookmarks or any items I didn't feel comfortable sharing here.

I won't hide anime spoilers, but I'll hide manga spoilers.

Senku is one of my favorite whumpees. He has all the spunk and confidence of a shonen protaganist while physically being about as weak as a twig. And he's aroace! Not technically canon, but canon to me. I find him super relatable. And I want to see him hurt.

My Favorites

Death Sentence by Lieyantosh (@lieyanro on tumblr! they have some great whumpy art for this story on their blog) 68K words and ongoing. I am OBSESSED with this fic. Senku is captured during a devastating attack on the village, and brutally tortured by Hyouga. Senku struggles with his injuries and severe trauma, and his imprisonment under Tsukasa isn't helping things. Meanwhile, Tsukasa gradually realizes the extent that He Is The Bad Guy. Amazing plot and tension and suspense and whump and recovery that is only sort of recovery because the trauma is ongoing! Updates about every month and I read every new chapter almost immediately. One of my all-time favorite fanfics.

Eight Weeks by Luna_Moon22 Senku wakes up Hyouga instead of Tsukasa. When Hyouga realizes the power Senku holds and Senku realizes the danger Hyouga poses, Senku sends Taiju and Yuzuriha away to bide time for a rescue while he stalls under Hyouga, who wants him to make more revival fluid for him and is quite willing to resort to torture as "motivation".

Counting the Seconds by Sky_King Hyouga and those loyal to him kidnap Senku in the night, and it takes a bit for the village to realize he did not vanish willingly. Senku counts to try and keep his sanity as Hyouga tries to torture him into submitting to him. About 50% before rescue and 50% after. The recovery period is very very difficult, just as I like it.

One Mistake by Luna_Moon22 Senku is captured during a battle during the period where Gen had become loyal to the Kingdom of Science but was still acting as a spy. With a limited time before Senku is brought back to Tsukasa and likely killed, Gen bides his time as a double agent and waits for an opportunity to save Senku. Things quickly become complicated as Gen is asked to supplement torturing Senku with psychological torment. Some mild SenGen.

Inklings of Doubt by kiokukara Alright, side tangent for a moment. You know the season 1 episode The Treasure? The one where it's Senku's birthday and Gen and the village surprise him with an observatory and telescope, but the way they do it seems in every way like they are betraying him and handing him over to be killed by Tsukasa? I'm obsessed with it. Those few moments where we see Senku's inner emotional state as he puts on a brave face, showing bravado even as his heart breaks as he realizes that all these people he trusted, that he cares about, are about to send him to his death? AND THEN EVERYTHING IS IMMEDIATELY FINE? I'm obsessed. Anyway this is a brief what-if fic where instead of calmly waiting to die Senku attacks and runs away. I have a WIP continuation of this fic that I REALLY need to keep working on where Senku manages to escape before anyone can communicate the misunderstanding, leading to Senku struggling to survive by himself in the winter while the village desperately tries to track him down and explain that they aren't actually trying to kill him. Anyway yeah this fic is good.

The World Rests on My Shoulders (I Can't See The Stars Above) by RubyDragonQueen Another fic about the The Treasure episode. This one is canon compliant, focusing on Senku's mental state from the moment he is grabbed and blindfolded for his birthday surprise, to him secretly breaking down out of sight once the celebrations have ended.

Crossed Your Mind by Luki (KelpieCodyne) Not whumpy and not super angsty but really good so I'm including it anyway. Gen is actually psychic, and the stone world is like a breath of fresh air. Covers the ways that canon events change and stay the same up until a bit after Gen formally joins the Kingdom of Science.

Unseen Essentials by Justdumbfics Another one that honestly isn't all that angsty but I love. When Gen notices a lot of women going in and out of Senku's tent, seeming embarrassed, and getting reduced workloads, he worries that he's misjudged his friend's character.

Unseen Enemy by Justdumbfics Love a sickfic with a threat of death! When Senku realizes that Ryuusui has seemingly caught some sort of disease, the Kingdom of Science quickly takes action to prevent the spread and be prepared for the worst of the symptoms. But before development of treatment methods can be fully completed, Senku falls ill-- and his lack of natural immunity combined with his weak constitution means he takes it harder than anyone else.

Like Judith and Holofernes by divisiblebyfour Senku does not come back to life after Tsukasa strikes his neck and kills him. With no choice but to live under Tsukasa to survive, Yuzuriha and Taiju grieve. And Yuzuriha plans.

platinum rings for the end of the world by prikachuu (elenafizz) SenGen, ongoing. Gen and Senkuu are stuck in a time loop that restarts if either of them dies, sending them back to the day of the petrification. The two of them struggle to stay motivated as they relive the thousands of years of petrification over and over, in addition to the trauma of their deaths.

This Too Shall Pass by ArtMunNotebook Manga spoilers. The chase through the wilderness is a lot longer and more perilous. Senku is injured and doing very poorly. Not gonna say much more to avoid said manga spoilers, just read the tags and summary.

Whumpy

Territory by Luna_Moon22 Tsukasa intervenes when Senku is tortured by members of the Empire of Might. Senku's relief fades when he realizes that Tsukasa's behavior is not because Tsukasa is being merciful, but because he is being territorial. No noncon, but Tsukasa is yandere in this.

What They See by Luna_Moon22 As Tsukasa allows the Empire of Might's members to beat him, Senku desperately hopes Taiju and Yuzuriha are not there to see it happen.

Stealing My Breath Away by Jaggedwing Senku has an undiagnosed chronic respiratory problem from before the petrification occurred. Anxious that it could make him be seen as a liability, he does his best to hide it. This becomes no longer possible when he has a severe attack in the middle of traveling with a group.

Blindsided by Dragoniangirl An explosion burns Senku's eyes. Senku struggles with sleep and sensory overload as he waits to heal enough for the bandages to be removed, not knowing if he will still be able to see.

You didn't fail, and I'm hear with you now by AliceAlyss Post-Treasure Island, Gen helps Senku when he is injured by a lab accident, and learns that Senku has been dealing with the urge to self-harm due to anxiety and guilt over past failures and near-failures.

Fix Me; Fix Who? by Widow_Spyder As the Treasure Island ficaso is concluding, it is discovered that a piece is missing from the head of Gen's statue. As the search for the missing piece begins, Senku tries to hide how terrified he is from his friends. Sengen.

Scarlet Painted Sleep by Birbliophile A couple alternative turns of events leading to character deaths, presented as nightmares.

conversations with a house of cards by stagbody Moz is even more brutal and cruel than in canon. Before the entirety of Treasure Island is petrified, Moz stabs Gen with a spear, leaving him to painfully bleed out. After Gen is de-petrified, Gen lives with the trauma and Senku struggles with guilt.

Hope by anonymous_dragon In a version of events where Tsukasa was far, far worse, the Kingdom of Science explores the camp of the Kingdom of Might after Tsukasa's death and finds Ukyo, who has been kept prisoner for far too long.

stood beneath the burning tree (and hoped to rescue leaves) by yelp When Senku's promise that no one will die is unable to be fulfilled, Ukyo hands him over to Tsukasa, believing that this is the best way to minimize bloodshed.

Consequent by Hamii (Ham_ham) In a post-canon world, Senku is captured and tortured by a cult that worships the eternal life granted by the petrification devices, furious at him for ruining their immortality.

we're so blue, my neptune by breathethepurple (bleedpurple) Manga spoilers. Gen is used as a hostage to force Senku to reveal himself.

Ain't Dead Yet by Blade_Wielding_Ace Manga spoilers. A brief expansion on that whumpy thing that happens.

Shattering a Stony Mask by Blade_Wielding_Ace Manga spoilers. The enemy catches up to Senku. He is shot right before he is petrified, and his friends find his statue with his fear of his impending death frozen upon his face.

And I Hold On by RubyDragonQueen During the first six months, an albino Senku gets severely sunburned. What would have been a minor concern in the modern world poses a severe risk as Senku worries what will happen if the blisters become infected.

Angsty

I'll Bear This Burden (We'll Do it together) by RubyDragonQueen During the building of the Perseus, the responsibilities and trauma weighing on Senku cause him to spend multiple days without sleeping. His friends intervene.

"Sorry, that's not enough for you" by al_the_arsonist No petrification AU. Senku is aroace and doesn't realize it, and has self-esteem issues due to not knowing why he is how he is. Gen accidentally accuses Senku of not loving anyone, hurting his feelings. I personally don't see Senku as someone who would care much about what other people think about his behavior, but I don't care it's a fic about one of my favorite characters experiencing the joy that comes from finally realizing there's nothing wrong with him, he's just aroace. I'm fine. I'm okay.

Unseen Scars by WriterzBlock Gen is there as Senku wakes up from a nightmare after Treasure Island. Senku opens up about the many things that have been weighing on him since he first emerged from petrification.

Red-Eyed Ghost by Birbliophile A continuation of Like Judith and Holofernes, mentioned above. Yuzuriha and Taiju move forward, and Yuzuriha hallucinates Senku's ghost.

Second by Second by RubyDragonQueen Manga spoilers. [spoiler character] is the only one there to help when sudden darkness causes Senku to have a panic attack.

Ashes, ashes by cherrycotton Manga spoilers. Senku witnesses what happens in chapter 189.

one second at a time by Anonymous Senku struggles with isolation at night. Ukyo finds him having a panic attack, and offers to sleep with him. Like, literally sleep with him. Though this fic is a little bit shippy.

Winged Rät by StormStreaks Manga spoilers. Senku gets to do some much deserved yelling.

through the cold dark night by Fathomless_Crazy Senku is afraid of sleeping. Gen helps.

we've ridden the stars (from saturn to mars) by jumpinginmuddypuddles Manga spoilers. Gen goes around and helps people with whatever is troubling them.

memorial by discorale The reality of the stone world finally hits Ukyou. Comforting may not be Senku's forte, but he does his best.

Last Message by calmingchick_en Byakuya left Senku a second, more heartfelt record.

Waiting Once More by RubyDragonQueen Manga spoilers! Senku waits again, uncertain what the fate of the world and himself will be.

Counting Fics

I felt like these needed their own category. If you are looking into these fics without having watched/read Dr. Stone-- first of all fix that, but secondly you'll need to know that Senku spent something like three thousand years petrified, but mentally awake, perfectly counting every passing second. This is not treated as horrifying by canon. Much of the fandom disagrees.

And The World Moves On by EvilGenius Moments of Senku's time under petrification, and the ways he quietly struggles to cope after.

It's been a long day (without you my friend) by DecimalSheep Senku can't stop counting, and after the isolation and sensory deprivation of the petrification there are some things that are difficult.

Always Counting by That_Tired_Girl Gen talks to Senku about the counting.

An Eternity in a Night by A_Thousand_Skies (cywscross) Senku counts in his sleep. Gen and Ryuusui help his mind calm down. Gen/Senku/Ryuusui.

Heartbeat by Hadrian_Pendragons Ukyo overhears Senku having a nightmare, and helps him calm down after waking him up. Ukyo learns about the counting.

[ohmotherwhereartthou-if]

I have a question for mother! What was her own mother like?

Ooh a toughie! So this does have some dialogue that I was writing for the end of the prologue before we get into chapter one but the whole point of this is to improve my dialogue skills so, what the heck. I'll just share it here so you all can give me some feedback if you think it sounds unnatural to read. (I also changed a few words so it sounds like the conversation is directed at you, specifically.)

Minor story spoilers ahead!

-

Miss June's face drops a little, and her eyes lose sight focus of only a moment before she restrains them on you.

"Oh, well I am afraid I don't know her very well; my little one. We only met a few brief times when I was a child, the reason for which I sadly don't know." She lets out a small huff of air, mustering a forced, sad smile as she continues on.

"But what I do know, is that she was a very lovely woman who would sometimes on rare nights, visit me and my father in our home near the sea." Her voice begins to sound more nostalgic, her fake smile slowly becoming a real one. Her eyes seem to be looking right through you; as if staring at something far, far, away.

"She was beautiful; in her own rugged way, I suppose. I remember her being quite tall and her arms being very strong when she held me. She would lift me up as if I weighed nothing at all and would spin me around effortlessly despite my father's chastising!" She giggles slightly at the memory.

"She would never stay long though, always coming right around my bedtime. She would hold me close as I would beg her to stay with us, never really giving me an answer to why she would always leave. She would just comb her calloused fingers through my hair and sing me old lullabies that came from our people but were mostly forgotten."

A moment of silence falls over the two of you, her eyes look sad again and she now rests a hand over her chest.

"She had the most lovely singing voice..." She whispers.

"Her voice was so angelic, it really didn't quite match her face if i'm honest. It would always put me right to sleep, no matter how hard I fought to stay awake. I would often wake up crying, because she would always gone come morning light. I would sometimes ask my father if I had dreamed her up, even though he often refused to talk about her when she wasn't there; he did one time tell me I would understand one day."

She suddenly snaps her azure blue gaze right back on me, with a very sad look in her eyes.

"Sadly, to this day I don't understand a thing. I don't know who or where she is, I don't even know her name. And my father isn't exactly still around for me to ask..."

She politely clears her throat, just as her eyes were starting to become misty; she lets out a nervous smile as she moves to stand.

"I'm sorry, my treasure. I didn't mean to get so blue! How about we start on dinner huh? Anything you want!"

She swiftly ends the conversation and turns away from her pain to focus on something else, something you'll soon come to know; is very typical of her.

-

Thank you for the ask! 💙

[simsontherope]

Thank you to the EA Creator Network for providing the kits!

Hey, long time no see !

It's been a while since I've posted, but don't worry, I'm still here, and working on builds! Right now, I'm mostly focusing on renovations of old lots, either because they're a bit outdated and I don't build the same way today, or because I've decided to move them to new locations in my save, so I need to adapt them to their new environment.

I'll talk more about it soon I hope, I've already finished many lots, but I need to find the motivation to update the posts here!

But in the meantime, I also realize that I haven't really talked about the last two kits released here, the Basement Treasures Kit, and the Greenhouse Haven Kit.

I'll be quite brief,I am still not convinced by the concept of the kits (considering the price of an EP or a GP, I think that more content could be included in them, rather than releasing kits on the side), but I must admit that most of them add objects and clutters that was missing from the game, and that I can't see myself building without now.

And it's the same for these last kits: I like them, still find it expensive considering the amount of items added. New planter boxes or more plants could have been included in the greenhouse kit, same with the other one, I would have liked even more damaged furniture (a bed, chairs, a table, or better, a functional vinyl turntable, as they added a record box). Also, while I appreciate the nod to the Sims 1, I would have liked a version of the mattress without the bedframe (at a more reasonable price, many pieces of furniture in this kit are too expensive by the way, given their condition), to make it easier to use.

And that’s all. I will obviously use these kits il my builds (quick reminder, even if I’m happy to share my work, I build for myself first), but they are not really essential.

See you soon!

[clickoly]

Found this little lost piece that never made it into Starboys. It was originally meant to be part of Chapter 3, as a brief introduction to Kasey and Alex’s shared history

Characters belong to @lumosinlove

• • •

The call screen was too bright in the dim bedroom.

The two men in the contact picture were smiling wildly, mindlessly. They were laughing at something incredibly stupid one of them had said during the umpteenth attempt at a photo in the bathroom mirror of some random club.

Stubbled cheeks impossibly close to each other. Red hair against dark blond. Two sets of soft brown eyes.

Kasey remembered the moment all too well.

"Are you really posing?"

"I'm not posing, Winter."

"Sure. Natural and spontaneous."

"C'mon. Noelle’s gonna think we passed out."

Now four rings felt like an insurmountable distance, the fifth made him question his decision.

Why was he so desperate to hear his voice?

Kasey moved a slightly trembling finger over the red phone receiver icon. One more ring and he would've hung up.

But just then, the call connected, and his heart skipped a beat. "Hello?"

"Ah," a deep voice echoed across the room. "If it isn't the one and only Blizzard."

Kasey shook his head fondly. "You know, for such a brilliant mind, you should try a little harder with nicknames."

"Isn't that what everyone calls you? The heir to the throne of the legendary Iceman."

"Yes," Kasey bit his lower lip, fighting back a smile that no one could see. "But you're not everyone."

"You’re ridiculous."

"Hey! This one's actually decent."

"Yeah, whatever, Mr. Perfection."

"Actually..."

"O'Hara."

"Are you really that drunk?”

In the deepest silence, a faint, unsteady breath came from the other line.

"Alex?" Kasey tried.

"I'm here, I'm here," he repeated. "Sorry. Is everything okay?"

"All good. I just..." Kasey took a deep breath. "You know, haven't seen you in a while."

Behind a thick thread of voice, Alex managed to joke, "Lucky I get to see your pretty face on TV every now and then, huh?"

"I guess," Kasey laughed, the knot in his stomach loosening just a little. "But I wouldn't mind seeing yours, too."

"Well," Alex's long sigh made a crackling sound over the phone. "I had a very nostalgic chat with Noelle last week. You know, reminiscing about the good ol' days."

Kasey smiled. Those memories were priceless treasures, of times when he had brushed with his fingertips everything he ever wanted and didn't even know. Couldn't keep.

"I suppose I could ask for a few days off soon," Alex offered.

"Singapore is in a week," Kasey pointed out, heart in his throat. "I know you love a good night race."

"I do," Alex said so quietly that Kasey almost didn't catch it. There was a smile behind those two whispered syllables. "I'll see what I can do, though, no promises."

"Whenever it is, I can't wait."

I miss you, Kasey wanted to say. I miss you so much it's driving me insane.

A few awkward moments passed, then Alex spoke again, hesitant.

"So..." he began—a breath that sounded achingly vulnerable. "Am I finally going to meet this girl?"

"I'm not drunk. Why? Are you?"

"No."

"Then what?"

"You said ‘natural and spontaneous’."

"So what?"

"I want to kiss you."

"Alex..."

"Finn says she's amazing. And that you seem happy with her."

Kasey felt a deep, familiar ache. This wasn't the way he wanted to handle this conversation.

"She is," he said. "Natalie is... incredible. Fuck, Al, I..." he heard his own voice falter. He loved Natalie. "I wanted to tell you. Because I am happy, but—"

"This is the only thing that matters to me," Alex cut in.

This. This was the reason he couldn't get this man out of his head.

Kasey closed his eyes, hoping his next words wouldn't make things worse. "You're gonna like her. I know it."

He wasn't lying. Alex and Natalie had that same wit, that same wild spark that Kasey... loved.

"Yeah," Alex breathed. "Okay. I—I'd better go now. Dinner's almost ready."

"Okay," Kasey glanced at the alarm clock on the nightstand. It read 11:45pm. "Always forget about time zones."

Those moments, some uncertain, unspoken words, reminded him that the long distance was more than real. In the end, it would always be New York and Monaco, or wherever else in the world they'd have to travel throughout the year.

Those thousands of miles hardly felt only physical.

"Good night, Kase."

And their time together would never be enough.

"See you soon, Al."

The line went dead, and Kasey had to wonder, dreamily and guiltily, if Alex knew.

A picture. Tucked away in an old planner, between flimsy, yellowing pages. Red hair and dark blond, warm hands and soft lips.

One kiss, held on thin, fading paper.

Forever etched in Kasey’s heart.

[coffeecat1983]

Mario Bros: Date Night (finale)

Part one here

Part two here

(contains suggestive humor and dialogue)

   Reaching the apartment building, the party split with everyone eager to get out of their fancy clothes and into something more comfortable. Tony dug in his dresser and pulled out a white shirt with red trim, the faded text still read 'Vote for Pedro'. Changing into this along with his grey sweats, he exited his room where he bumped into Arthur in the hall.      "What you up to, lil bro?" Arthur grinned. "Bria's staying at Nell's tonight."    Marie called out to them from the bedroom. "Art, you coming?"      "How can I?!" he called back. "You haven't ripped my clothes off yet!"    Tony groaned and rolled his eyes as Marie broke into laughter. "Go get em." he teased. "I'm gonna go check on kiddo."

   A soft knock at the front door drew Mario out of the kitchen, his bare feet pattering on the wood floor as he went to answer it.      "Hey Uncle Tony." he stepped aside and Tony entered, snatching a few pieces of popcorn from the bowl Mario was holding.      "Movie night?"      "Yeah, showing Peach Princess Bride."    Tony smirked, nudging him. "Long as that's all you show her." He laughed as Mario blushed.      "Just teasin'. Where're your folks?"    A click caught their attention as Giovanni exited the bathroom down the hall. He was dressed in his house slippers and dark blue bathrobe. The look of mischief on Mario's face was one Tony knew well, having seen it on his twin's many times.      "Oh you know Dad," Mario said somewhat loudly, "he can't resist Ma in that dress. They gotta have private time after date night."      "I heard that!" Giovanni called to them.      "And we can hear you!" Tony called back with a grin. "Quit mentally traumatizing the kids!"    There was a sharp laugh as Giovanni went back to the bedroom.    Sliding his hands in his jean pockets, Tony hummed softly. "How's your bro?" A brief look of sadness. "Knees are hurtin' him, he's in the guest room."    Giving a nod with a 'thanks', Tony headed for the bros old room. Peering in, he softly tapped on the door. Luigi looked up from his book, his smile bright as he greeted his uncle. Tony came over and sat on the edge of the bed.      "How you holdin' up, kiddo?"      "Too much dancing." Luigi admitted shyly. Tony noted the outline of knees braces beneath the sheet that covered his nephew's legs.      "Was worried about that." he said. He then placed a hand over Luigi's. "What about what happened?" Luigi instantly recoiled, arms around himself as he tensed. "Never been attacked before." he said with a whimper. "Bullied, yeah, but they never tried to hurt me." He looked up, blue eyes filled with fear. "Have you ever had that?"    Memories danced through Tony's mind, painful ones. "A few times." he confessed. "Heh," he pushed up on his glasses. "Your Uncle Art was around the second time it happened, knocked the guy out and spent a night in jail for it. Nell bailed him out the next morning and Art still feels he owes her." he finished.

   Luigi cringed, curling up tighter. "I was scared they'd arrest dad. I don't want anybody getting arrested because of me."      "Oh, kiddo." Tony carefully pulled him into a hug. "Trust me, anybody in this family woulda gladly spend a night in jail if it meant keepin' you safe." A kiss to his nephew's forehead, a gesture in the family that was as treasured as the shared forehead touch, and far more sacred. To Tony's dismay, Luigi still held a look of sadness.      "Uncle Tony, do you really think I'll find a boyfriend someday?"    Meanwhile, in the living room...      "It was amazing, seeing everyone willing to help Luigi like that." Peach said. She and Mario had begun talking and had forgotten to start the movie.      "Yeah," Mario replied softly, "my family can drive me crazy sometimes, but they do care about me and Lu."      "The toads that raised me were there for me but growing up I knew I'd become their princess, their protector. I've never really had anyone there for me like you and your brother have." Peach's eyes gave away the pain in her words.    His heart pounding, Mario dared to put his hand over Peach's, his breath catching as he felt her hand turn so her fingers could intertwine with his.      "I could be there for you." he offered softly. Her smile made his heart flutter, a feeling that spread as she drew closer.

     "C'mon," Tony was gentle as he playfully shook Luigi's shoulder. "I know you will. Hey, what about that prince Peach mentioned, huh? Get you a royal of your own."    Wincing from the discomfort as he drew up his legs, Luigi shrugged. "I donno. He's probably not into guys anyway." His tone was so despondent it made Tony's heart ache. "Who's gonna wanna date me? Feels like I'll never find anyone."      "Hey, don't think like that." he urged. "You'll meet somebody. And if not romantically, well," he pushed on his glasses again. "I mean look at me an' April, we got our own thing."    Luigi was startled. "You and Miz Cavetti?" He turned a bright pink. "You've... ya know?"      "More than once, yeah." Tony confessed. "Not exactly the traditional way since I don't swing that way, but we make it work and give each other a good time." He chuckled, a tinge of pink in his own cheeks. "Just sayin', don't give up okay?"      "I won't." Luigi agreed. He then blushed again. "Miz Cavetti said I inherited your dancer's hips."    This sent Tony into a burst of cheerful laughter, tears gathering in his eyes. Wishing Luigi goodnight, he left and was about to pop into the living room to wish the other two goodnight but the soft moan and giggle he overheard stopped him. Shaking his head with a grin, he quietly left and returned across the hall. Ignoring the noises from his twin's room he went to his own and closing the door, fell back on the bed and sighed as he stared up at the ceiling.    Digging in his pocket he pulled out his phone and began typing.

   Hey Prill, ya awake?

   You know it, hips. Just having some wine and relaxing. What's up?

   Tony paused before typing again.

   Was thinkin' about a date night. Been a while and let's face it, everyone's gettin' lucky tonight 'cept us. You up for tomorrow? Your place?

   I'll be there with bells on, sexy hips. Bells and nothing else.

   You're somethin' else, Prill.

   You know it!

   Letting the phone fall onto his chest he grew thoughtful. Picking the phone back up, he began tapping. A minute later there was a soft buzz and he smiled as he read the screen.

   The following Saturday at The Blind Tiger...

   Tony picked up his whiskey and held it up. "To us," he started. Two glasses clinked his.      "Against the world." Luigi and April chimed in. Tony put his arm around Luigi's shoulders. "Welcome to the club, kiddo. Ya might not have a boyfriend yet, but you can always hang out with us on family date nights. I don't want you to think you ever have to hang out here alone."     April leaned in with a glint in her eye. "So, Luigi, what's your type? I'll keep an eye out to find you someone."    Blushing faintly, Luigi shook his head. "That's okay Miz- er April," he corrected himself. "I think I'd just like to hang out with you guys." His blush increased. "And I'm thinkin' I'll ask Peach about that guy she knows."    Tony and April cheered at this. "Ayyy that's my kiddo!" Tony grinned. "Said it before and I'll say it again, you deserve a prince."    April leaned in. "And if he's not into guys, send em my way would ya?"    The trio's laughter traveled around the bar, cheering all who heard it.

END

By "CC"