#because we both know we're interlinked

[starryarles]

he broke up with me

[mariclerc]

Meant to be (pt.3) | cl16

Summary: where you dream about a life with a guy you don't know yet.

Warning: fluff, soulmates!au, interlinked dreams.

Part 1, part 2

Things with Charles couldn't be more special than they already were, it's like you two are connected all the time and it really is something very incredible. He is quite an angel, well, at least for you, of course.

So one night, specifically at midnight, you wake up with a start, your heart is pounding and you're thirsting like crazy, you've just had the dream again, the one you had before meeting Charles... But this time, it was different... Because, instead of living in Monaco as usual, you were living in a beautiful house in Napa Valley, California...

-

The sun was shining through the floor to ceiling windows, and the air was filled with the scent of freshly baked bread, Charles was asleep on the couch, he was shirtless and his face was so peaceful, while Luna and Leo slept at his feet... And the feeling of warmth and contentment was overwhelming, but good. You sat down on the couch next to him and he shifted a little to place his head on your lap and he opened his eyes a little bit.

He smiles sleepily. “Oh, hi there douceur!” (sweetness)

You smile at him. “Hi there baby!” you caressed his hair while sighing. “It's so calm here isn't it?”

He nodded. “Yeah, it’s so peaceful here!” he closes his eyes again. “I love being here with you... And our fur babies, of course.” he giggled softly and you just smiled at him.

You just sighed contently as you stroke his silky and soft hair, you enjoy the breeze coming through the floor to ceiling windows and the sweet smell of grapes from the vineyard and you just love the warm and comforting feeling this place has... Your very own cozy home in the Californian countryside. Just then, both Leo and Luna began to play around with each other in the living room and by the fireplace, and that's when you realize that you're where you two should always have been...

-

You sat on the bed for a moment, trying to shake off the feeling of the dream. It felt so real, so incredibly real. You were convinced you could almost smell the grapes and feel the warmth of the sun on your skin... Suddenly, you feel super thirsty once again and you get out of bed and walk to the kitchen to get a glass of water, as you're pouring the water, you hear the floorboards creak behind you...

“Can't sleep, babe?” Charles' asked sleepily.

You turned around. “No, I just woke up with a start...” you sighed. “I had such a strange dream...”

Charles walks towards you. “A dream about Napa Valley?” he asked softly. “Am I right?” he giggled softly.

“How... How did you know?” you say surprised.

He smiles. “Well, I've been having them too... And lately, they've been getting more and more vivid.” he looks at you. “It's so crazy, I know.”

You take a sip of water. “It was so real Charlie, I swear... We were living in a house in the countryside, with vineyards all around. The sun was shining, and we were so happy.” you smiled shyly.

He pulled you close. “I know exactly what you mean amour... Last night I dreamed of us having a picnic in the vineyard, surrounded by wildflowers while Luna and Leo were running around, chasing butterflies.” he smiles too.

“It was perfect...” you smiled.

He kisses your forehead. “Maybe it's a sign...” he whispers softly.

“A sign of what?” you look into his eyes.

Charles takes your hand. “A sign that we're meant for something more... Something bigger than just this apartment in Monaco and F1 races.”

“You... You think we should move to Napa?” you asked hesitantly. “Are you sure?”

He nodded and smile. “I know it's far from here, but I've been thinking about it a lot... I've always wanted to live in a place like that.”

You looked at him. “But what about your racing career?”

He shuggered. “I could always slow down a bit, you know? Maybe focus on endurance racing in the US.”

You smile a little. “I could see myself living there. Growing grapes, maybe even starting our own winery.”

He laughed. “We could call it "Leclerc Vineyards." Our very own family wine.”

You giggled. “I like it.”

You and Charles spend the next few minutes discussing the possibility of moving to Napa. The more you talk about it, the more excited you become about the idea.

You looked at him. “What if we went there for a vacation? Just to see what it's like.”

He smiles. “I think that's a fantastic idea! We could go next month because it's the summer break.”

“Yes! We could rent a cabin in the woods and spend a week exploring the area.” you say a little excited.

“I can't wait for this adventure.” he says while pulling you closer.

You and Charles spend the rest of the night talking about your future in Napa. As you drift off to sleep, you feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. Maybe your dreams were trying to tell you something after all...

***

The summer sun beats down on the vineyards as you and Charles arrive in Napa Valley. You've rented a charming cabin nestled amongst the rolling hills, and the first thing you notice is the peace and tranquility that envelops you.

You stepped out of the car. “Wow, Charles. It's even more beautiful than I imagined!”

He smiles. “I know, right?”

You take a deep breath, inhaling the fresh air: The scent of grapes hangs heavy in the air, and you can hear the distant chirping of birds.

You look around. “It feels... so familiar.”

“Familiar, hm?” he looks at you smiling while taking Leo and Luna out of their pet travel bags.

“Yeah, I don't know, it's like we've been here before.” you say while shrugging.

He kisses your cheek. “Maybe it's the magic of the place.”

Over the next few days, you explore the region. You visit vineyards, sample wines, and enjoy delicious meals at local restaurants. You even take a hot air balloon ride, enjoying breathtaking views of the valley below.

“Look baby! This one reminds me of the vineyard in my dream!” says Charles enthusiastically, pointing to a vineyard.

“It’s the same one that appeared in my dream!” you giggled.

You both laugh, feeling a strange sense of déjà vu. It's as if the valley itself is whispering secrets to you, confirming the feelings you've both been experiencing.

One afternoon, you decide to go for a hike in the nearby hills. As you walk along the trail with your pets, you come across a small clearing with a breathtaking view of the valley.

Charles stopped. “Look honey!” he says softly.

You stop and gaze at the view: the sun is setting, casting a golden glow over the vineyards. It's a picture-perfect scene. “Oh god! It's perfect.” you smile.

He takes your hand. “It's like we're in a dream.”

You giggled. “Oh, I know. Such a magical dream.”

You sit down on a rock and enjoy the view in silence. You feel a deep connection to this place, a sense of belonging that you've never felt before.

During your trip, you also explore other parts of California. You spend a day in San Francisco, marveling at the Golden Gate Bridge and exploring Chinatown. You visit Los Angeles, experiencing the glitz and glamour of Hollywood and you spend a few days in Orange County, enjoying the beaches and the laid-back atmosphere.

But no matter where you go, you keep coming back to Napa. It's like a magnet, drawing you back to its embrace.

“I don't want to leave this place.” you whispered to him, as you're driving back to the cabin.

He smiles. “Me neither... But I know we'll be back soon!”

Back at the cabin, you spend your last evening enjoying a romantic dinner. You talk about your dreams, your hopes, and your future together. As you look into Charles' eyes, you know that this is just the beginning of a new chapter in your lives...

And as you leave Napa Valley, you carry a piece of the magic with you. The memories of the beautiful scenery, the delicious food, and the feeling of belonging will stay with you forever.

You know that moving to Napa might not be easy. There will be challenges to overcome and sacrifices to make, but you also know that with Charles by your side, you can face anything.

And you know that somewhere, deep down, you both believe that this is where you're meant to be...

***

The crisp winter air of Napa Valley nips at your cheeks as you step out of the moving truck... A lot of boxes are piled high on the driveway of your new home, a charming cottage nestled amongst the vineyards.

You take a deep breath. “Oh god! We did it, Charlie. We actually did it!” you smile brightly.

Charles smiles at you, showing off his dimples. “We really did it.”

He pulls you close and kisses you softly and tenderly, the taste of winter air mingling with the scent of pine needles.

You look around. “It's even more beautiful than I imagined.” you whispered softly.

He just smiled contently. “I know, it's perfect!”

You and Charles spend the next few days unpacking boxes and making the cottage feel like home. You hang pictures on the walls, unpack your books and decorate the living room with cozy throws and blankets... And, of course, some racing memorabilia.

Charles smiles as he holds a painting. “Where should we hang this, sweetheart?” he asked sweetly.

“Hmm... How about we put it above the fireplace.” you smiled and he nodded.

As he hangs the painting, you notice Luna and Leo curled up on the rug by the fire. They seem to be settling in nicely.

You crouch down and gently pet Luna's fur. “They seem happy here! Oww, look at them!” you smiled.

Charles' smiled while he watched Leo play. “Yeah, I know!They're already exploring the garden.” he giggled.

Over the next few weeks, you begin to settle into your new life: you explore the local farmers' markets, visit the wineries, and go for long walks in the vineyards with Luna and Leo. You even start taking cooking classes, learning to make delicious dishes with locally sourced ingredients.

Charles' giggled as you two cook in the kitchen. “Oh my, I think I'm starting to get the hang of this!” he smiled.

You smile and grab a spoon to taste the sauce. “Mhm!” you sighed. “It's delicious, Charles!” you giggled.

One weekend, you decide to visit your family in Monaco and it's a bittersweet experience because you miss your old life, but you also feel a sense of excitement for the future.

“You look so happy, y/n! Napa is working miracles on you!” says your mother smiling.

“I am, Mama. We feel so happy there!” you say while hugging your mother.

Charles spends time with your family, charming them with his easygoing manner. They can see how happy you are, and they wholeheartedly approve of your decision to move to Napa.

Back in Napa, you start to think about your next steps and you decide to start a small business, and although it is difficult at first, little by little you manage to have a livelihood for yourself... Charles, meanwhile, begins to focus on endurance racing in the US, competing in local events and slowly transitioning away from Formula 1.

Charles smiles “I'm actually enjoying this more than I thought I would.” he sighed. “And I know it was difficult to leave Formula 1 behind and all that... But I like this, I don't know”

You kiss him softly. “I know you are, darling!” you smiled. “I'm proud of you, I know it's not easy, but here, perhaps, time passes more slowly.” you say softly and he nodded.

The life in Napa Valley is everything you dreamed of and more. You spend your days surrounded by beauty, enjoying the simple pleasures of life. You grow your own vegetables, make homemade wine, and spend your evenings watching the sunset over the vineyards.

One night you and Charles are sitting on the terrace of the master bedroom, while Luna and Leo sleep at the foot of the chairs.

“Do you remember those dreams we used to have?” you asked while looking at him.

“How could I forget about them baby? If it was thanks to those dreams that I met you.” he smiled softly.

You smiled. “I can't believe they came true Charles. They really did!” you kissed his cheek gently.

As you lie in bed that night, listening to the sound of the wind rustling through the trees, you feel a sense of peace and contentment that you've never experienced before.

This is your life now: A life filled with love, laughter, and the sweet smell of success.

And as you drift off to sleep in his arms, you know that this is just the beginning of a beautiful adventure.

[zshiftsrealities]

QUANTUM IMMORTALITY

to the anon who asked about immortality in regards to shifting from a religious pov, this post is specifically for you.

we know that one can shift to infinite realities out there to be explored, and live many different lives — for as long as desired, which translates to the idea that one can be immortal in the realities of their choice.

now the question was, "since we can shift we're basically immortal, but then from a religious perspective we know we'll die eventually, so it doesn't make sense". i'll try to explain myself better so bear with me pls.

when we say that we're "immortal" in regards to shifting, that means we're literally immortal in any other reality we shift to. incase that we unfortunately pass away in any of our drs, we will wake up here. but if we were to pass away here, then from a religious perspective, that's the end of our worldly life — was what my answer was (along the lines of).

to which another (not sure if it was the same person or not) anon asked, "what's special about this reality?". let me answer this better too. in no way is this reality"realer" than any other reality out there — as i've said before.

take this example; say you shift from this reality to some other one (1dr), then from that reality to another one (2dr), and from that one to another one (3dr). now, if you pass away in 3dr, you'll wake up in 2dr since that's where you shifted from. then when you pass away in 2dr, you'll wake up in 1dr, and then from there back to this one. do you see where this is going? you're going back the same way you came from. now, no ones to say you can't shift from 3dr to your this reality without going through the trouble of going to rest of the drs. and yes, you can. but, that's when you WANT that to happen. if maybe it's a sudden death, you'll wake up in the reality you shifted from (as I see it, atleast). so now, if you pass away in your current reality, where do you go? back where you came from. to God. so what's "special" is that you're not immortal here, since your soul that was put into this vessel will be taken from this very vessel.

to explain my pov in terms of quantum immortality — "quantum immortality" is a theory that suggests that a person's consciousness can continue to exist in a parallel universe after they die in the current one. we know that there's infinite versions of us out there, and to be them, we simply have to shift our awareness to the specific "us" we want to be. awareness is the key factor here. now, in the case that in this reality you pass away, your awareness would simply go back to God. does that mean you don't exist anymore? in this reality; yes, you don't. in any other reality, no. parts of your consciousness will continue to exist on as they did before you were even aware of shifting, but, since you can't transfer your awareness to any other you anymore, you'll be considered deceased.

i'm not saying it's impossible to be immortal though (if that's what you believe), because there are many posts where people have said they've manifested not dying, or choosing when to die. do I think they're lying? definitely not (even if I don't believe in something like that). so everything stated above is only in the case that you don't manifest something like that.

again, we can always agree to disagree, and this is only what I believe in. if you believe differently, that's totally valid. and I hope I atleast got my point across (and I deleted my replies to both the anons, as I wanted to address this topic in one post since they're interlinked, so hopefully the two anons won't mind).

[melit0n]

So, last night I was having a chat to some of my friends about space n' stuff because I live further out in the countryside, meaning I can actually see the stars, and, finally, I had a clear night.

I was showing off the different constellations I could spot, the star clusters etc. so, of course, we ended up talking about how big space is. My friend talked about how thousands of light years away, Earth doesn't even exist yet. And then, there could also be a planet with sentient life light years away that we won't know until ages into the future (which we all agreed was kinda sad that we wouldn't get to see aliens but oh well).

And then. And then the one friend who had just been looming in the conversation the whole time says:

"Well, we can wish, can't we? I'm sure our souls will stick around in the stardust long enough for us to catch a glimpse of what might be."

It just made me think, y'know? How tiny we are to the universe yet being so utterly different from eachother. The guy driving past me on my way to work has got a home, probably a pet, maybe an s/o to get to. The girl who bumped into me in the hallway was late to a class and, by how tired she looked, probably works two different jobs to keep up with student debt. They've both got lives, maybe ones similar to mine (that makes me sound really self centred I'm sorry 😭).

Either way, we're all so different yet so interlinked. I can only hope that, when I die, I get to go up to one of those stars, maybe become apart of a constellation that will have some wacky story that symbolises love or mourning or something, and get to look with wonder (and probably a bit of horror considering the current state of everything) at humanity.

I hope my soul does stick around in the stardust so I can catch a glimpse of events and people far past my time. I think that's a human thing, though, wanting to stick around long after we shouldn't. Oh well.

[crowlixcx]

Hi Lily!! hope you're having a nice day! ✨

I have a quick request for the Brainrot series if you're still taking them, and - bear with me - Rick Astley's "Never gonna give you up"?

"We've known each other for so long

Your heart's been aching, but you're too shy to say it (to say it)

Inside, we both know what's been going on (going on)

We know the game and we're gonna play it"

((please tell me I'm not going insane))

Hello Marcela love!!

Well, well ,well, you'll be interested to know this is the second call for our dear Mr Astley!! (@bildads-shoes is rattling her cage rn) Afraid to say u are going insane, but it's okay because you, me and loz are skipping around with our straight jacket's interlinked like a daisy chain having the time of our lives 💙

(brainrot series requests)

[firespirited]

In other news my Dune fixation caused by some amazing tumblr meta writing has not been sated by watching the DUNCs.

I had a long pretty good post typed out after the first one and tumblr ate it:

here goes:

I considered it an alternate timeline (by the time we get the non-Alia and Chani choices of DUNC 2, we're definitely in a different version of this story - I like not knowing if Messiah will be much like the book, I like it if there's no escaping the plots set in motion). I had to repeat Alternate Timeline as a litany when there was no diplomatic party, no tweaking methhead bitchy Piter and Kynes didn't get That Moment with nature.

Was disappointed by the fact Paul isn't already tormented by potential futures at his first major fight wondering if dying might be the best way to avoid mass death and escape the machinations. To me, in that fight, he's chosen a path to the suffering of billions and justifies it and refines it later.

Lynch Dune remains fun because it's bonkers, this is fun too but definitely alternate timeline and neither are at all how I imagine it. Lynch seemed to nail the spirit of some of the characters better despite massive creative liberties with the plot details. It's its own weird and wonderful artefact.

Villeneuve remains the king of ovoid spaceships, mega landscapes and letting the fashion and sound designers get a great budget. I love the Chani additions, not canon and I don't care, it works!

The lack of Arabic complex concepts and more references to eastern religions was sorely lacking: flow has to be more than just a picture of moving sand, i wanted that cells interlinked within cells interlinked: galaxies and molecules and populations easter egg.

I also had a hope for DUNC 2 that it would show the whole universe as deeply religious, as in hardwired to give themselves over to a higher power even if that belief is atheism or eugenics. It didn't and I think that's really important context to properly understand what the story is saying. We've got political devotion bad and religious zealotry bad with both being culturally groomed into people but not the larger context of other "cults" that aren't explicitly about power but self-improvement or belonging or even service.

----------------------

My silly pet theory is that the font is like that because we're probably never getting the two other "ones who bridge everything" of the trinity: sad worm god emperor and our man DUNC potadaho the ultimate renaissance man with a thousand lives. (As much as I'd love DUNC 8 2039: we're putting silver fox Momoa in situations again)

The dream will always be the cartoon/anime adaptation:

52 x 50-minute episodes that teeter wildly between dense political machinations, ecological exposition, that Bakshi LOTR trippy violence and even trippier visions interrupting action scenes, but most of all, near blasphemous levels of religious symbolism top to bottom, the Abramic sure, but the Buddhist, Hindu and Taoist. If they could add Paul getting a big dose of gender WTF: trill-style after being exposed to the water of life that would be amazing.

But yeah I need to get my hands on large print books - yeah yeah, the migraines will murder me regardless. I missed being in everyone's head. Like, the films are great a conveying scale but not how much it's an interpersonal drama first and foremost... for many of the side characters too.

[fetabathwater]

🖊️ + Ganieda🌱 or Llonvyne🦇 or Catiel🚀

okay so like

🌱 ganieda 🌱 is literally the grossest fucking plant like kind of interlinking with how i think that sylvari honestly do have some inherent poison resistance due to plants, and the whole golden liquid gut thing going on, so she definitely tests it on everything. i know the commander eats anything in canon for those points but ganieda cranks it up to eleven. like probably an outlier even amongst sylvari. i dont rly see her as my canon commander bc its fun playing barbie dolls with her (and myrnah) and just having gan walk around and her having gross lil priory girlie moments wherever. i cant write anything serious for her because all she does is lust over myrnah, argue about history, and lick rocks. not always in that order.

🦇 llonie 🦇 is an oc i always come back to she never rly changes like she's always existed as she is and i think one of my fave things about her is that she rly was randomly generated with me mashing the randomise button and like esp being thrown in with the greymoor dlc opening it just kinda clicked? like also i love how eso rly is like yeah ok u can do whatever u want like ur a dunmer but like. get OUTTA vvardenfell we dont want you which is the funniest reaction. reminds me of morrowind. but yeah. the lil blood sucking, super soul charged, divorced, daedric loving weirdo is MY weirdo.

🚀 catiel 🚀 is like. okay i LOVE how like the bounty hunter's story is there? like i know a lot of the stories overlap and the timeframe is worked out by people but the bh is so fucking funny in being the random group who gets in some sweet revenge, participates in a bloody competition and may or may not become the mando's adoptive killing machine (honourary child), may become part of a royal alderaanian family, shows up right at the end, kills both sith and jedi, and then is like. okay bye we're gonna go fishing. and also like i know that the ages are all vague and stuff but with the older voice and the implied experience behind dialogue options its like. i love how the bh can be like. older. so naturally i made catiel a milf. she's in her 50s by the time kotfe rolls around. i definitely channelled a lil of desperate housewives into her, so we love to see a cougar winning.

[ughwhateveridek]

Blog 2

Karma

"A boomerang returns back to the person that throws it."

-Vera Nazarian

In today's world, this word gets thrown around a lot. Does anyone even know what it truly means?

Karma is the sum of a person's actions in this and previous states of existence, viewed as deciding their fate in future existences. In simple words, it's good or bad luck, viewed as resulting from one's actions.

But people don't get this. Most people just use this word when their own sadistic desires get fulfilled.

People who use this word way too often are definitely a lot, but the people who actually understand its meaning and believe in it are very few.

It is also often confused with 'destiny'. Karma isn't necessarily the same as destiny; but it can be seen as a part of it.

Karma is also defined as 'the law of cause and effect', in the sense that every action brings about a corresponding reaction.

The ENDLESS KNOT is a famous symbol that represents 'Karma'. They symbolize the interlinking of cause and effect, a Karmic cycle that continues eternally.

But, all this leads to one major question arising, IS KARMA REAL OR JUST A MYTH?

I feel the answer to this question is subjective. A lot of people believe in Karma because they have experienced instances where, when they'd lost all hope, "Karma" came through for them. While on the other hand, people could just as easily argue that the concept is stupid and all the things that happen are mere coincidences because it makes people feel, for even just one second, that the world isn't all unfair; there is still some sense of justice.

I personally believe in it, maybe because it reinforces that there is still fairness in this unjust world, or maybe because something like this has happened to me, or maybe for some reason I just do.

A few years ago, my then best friend and I had a major fight because of a guy she brought into our life. The guy wasn't even someone she was romantically interested in, he was just a little more than an acquaintance. Yet she distanced herself from me for him. All our other friends saw this; asked both of us to make amends. I was ready to forgive her, she just never apologized. The fight was never resolved. She later ended up dating the guy. At that point it had been more than 6 months since we last talked. Their relationship went on for a good 2-3 years. A few months ago I found out the guy dumped her for someone else and for old times sake I reached out to her, asking her if she was okay or not. She ended up apologizing and we're on talking terms now.

What was that? Karma? Coincidence? Something else? I don't know. I only know that my faith in some God-ly things was restored that day and suddenly I was a believer.

Karma is also said to have linkages to past lives. A lot of people don't believe in past lives or rebirth, but I do.

I know someone who's scared of bobby pins, yes the not-at-all-dangerous pins people put in their hair. She'd been scared of them for as long as I can remember. A while back she got really into meditation and I don't know how true the next part is, but apparently in meditation when you reach a certain level, you can see visions of your past/future life (past life regression). She ended up seeing one such vision where she was killed in her previous life by nails being nailed into her head. Awful, right? But suddenly her fear of bobby pins started making a lot of sense…

"Why does this always happen to me?", "Why do I always suffer?", are some questions that a lot of us wonder about quite often. You're this wonderful person and who always thinks about others yet you still get tested so much, yet things always seem to go wrong. Why is it so? Maybe it's your past life? Maybe you're paying for the sins you committed in that life? Nobody knows for sure. But still, why not be good? Why not help people around you? Why not always be kind? Because no matter whether you believe in Karma or not, there's absolutely nothing wrong with being altruistic (to a limit, of course) and personally the smile you get afterwards is bigger than any reward you can possibly imagine.

[beckyh2112]

Transformers Scribblebit

Just as a warning, "scribblebit" does mean "basically unedited, whatever I jotted down between work to keep me entertained when not doing my actual job". Starting with the one I've already typed up...

It's not described in the scribblebit itself, but Octane and Onslaught are at the Decepticon holdings in Libya*, while Scrapper and Mixmaster are back on the Nemesis.

*We don't do Carbombya around here, kthx.

Somewhat odd, since I'd been reading smut with Transformers going into heat, so you are getting not even a little bit smut about Transformers going into heat.

---

Onslaught eyed Scrapper and Mixmaster through the screen. "I assume there is a reason you don't drug Motormaster into submission and take care of the Stunticons."

"Yes," Scrapper said flatly. "Megatron would kill us."

"Tr-triple kill us! Drugging and raping his Stunticons?"

"If they're as deep in heat as you say, I'm really curious how you're going to handle this without rape." Octane had his arms folded, looking increasingly unhappy.

"We made them sign heat-partnership agreements years ago, actually," Scrapper said. "The problem is the ones for Motormaster are in space with Megatron right now."

Osnlaught mentally reviewed the mission roster. Ah, the triple-changers. Good choices. But the mission was slated to last another few Earth weeks.

You could not leave someone in heat that long.

"His brothers?" He wondered aloud, knowing the Constructicons would already know why that wouldn't work.

"We wish it was what simple." Scrapper sighed. "We had to pull their code, but…"

"Apparently, Vector Sigma has opinions about mechs from the same batch interlinking. They can't satisfy each other for heat or rut."

"That sucks." Octane sounded genuinely commisserate. "But why are you calling me?"

"Because there's no point contacting Shockwave if we can't even run the space bridge."

Hnh, yes. Shockwave would also have the armor to handle Motormaster.

"He actually signed-?" Octane asked incredulously.

"Our next call is Megatron," Mixmaster said brightly. "If he says yes-"

"He can order Shockwave to cooperate," Onslaught finished.

Scrapper waved a hand dismissively. "Shockwave will do it because it needs doing. No, we want Megatron fully informed and agreeable to whatever we do with the Stunticons."

Mixmaster nodded rapidly in agreement.

Onslaught knew he was missing something. Certainly, the Stunticons and Menasor were useful when they could be pointed in the right direction. But he'd never heard of the Constructicons asking before treating someone. In fact, Onslaught distinctly remembered being coerced into formally granting them medical authority over him and his team when the Combaticons properly joined the Decepticons.

"You have medical authority over every Decepticon on Earth. Surely, Lord Megatron will be satisfied with a summary of your decisions." Onslaught was making an educated guess about the medical authority part, but it seemed reasonable.

Scrapper and Mixmaster exchanged a look.

"You weren't around for this-"

"You were the enemy!" Mixmaster interrupted cheerfully.

"But Megatron ordered the Stunticons to report to him once, in front of the entire rest of the Decepticons, and they said-"

"Sh-shove it up your afterburners, we're having a demolition derby!" Mixmaster said in a passable imitations of Drag Strip's voice.

"They weren't punished for this," Scrapper concluded.

If Onslaught had a mouth, he would be gaping. As it was, Octane was doing enough for both of them.

"They weren't punished?" Onslaught repeated incredulously. "Soundwave would be punished for doing something like that."

That amount of tolerance for blatant, public insubordination… Well, Onslaught suddenly understood why the Constructicons wanted Megatron aware and approving of anything they did with Motormaster.

On the other hand, Swindle liked to "double-check" Octane's numbers for the energon refinery. It would dig deep into Octane's reserve to bring Shockwave from Cybertron then send him right back.

But there was already a Decepticon here on Earth who could survive Motormaster in heat.

Onslaught cycled air through his vents. "Comm Lord Megatron. I will return to the Nemesis and handle the situation."

[uhdrienne]

𓇢𓆸 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬

"someday when you leave me / i bet these memories follow you around"

💌 summary: once a dream relationship with the love of your life, now doomed to fail because of the media, you can only hope that minghao will think of you again -- even if it's in your wildest dreams.

💌 pairing: idol!minghao x non-celebrity!reader (angst, i almost cried planning this oneshot)

💌 genre(s): angst 😭

💌 word count: 3.25k words

even if you're not meant to be, you don't always have to end things on a bad note. inspired by taylor swift's 'wildest dreams', bolded and italicised words signify the lyrics.

"He said let's get out of this town, drive out of the city, away from the crowds..."

You sing the lyrics softly, looking out of the car window.

"Ironic," Your boyfriend chuckles from next to you, eyes trained ahead as he drives on the never-ending road, winding into evermore. "Exactly what we're doing now."

You let out a laugh, leaning your head on the window as he raises your interlinked hands to press a kiss on the back of your hand. "That we are, dear."

The sunset winds into the distance and shines, just the way you like it, and you pull out your camera, letting go of Minghao's hand to snap photos, much to his dismay.

"Hey," He nudges you after you're done admiring the way the oranges and yellows twist and intertwine in all the right places, and holds his hand out again. "Hold."

You pat his cheek affectionately and take his hand.

Thirty minutes later, the same man offers you his arm to hoist you up onto the roof of the van, where he insisted was the most beautiful place on earth.

You lay your head on his shoulder and sigh in content.

The sunset could shine all it wanted, and be the largest and prettiest thing in the sky, but nothing would beat the man who was currently nestled into your side, arms snug around you and smiling with the awe and love of a lifetime.

The photo you take of you two is now framed in your shared house, and your phone next to the photo frame buzzes and lights up.

"Happy two years dear, I love you to the moon and back. Sorry I had to go back to the city, but I promise I'll make it up to you."

"Nothing lasts forever... but this is gonna take me down..."

"What did you say?"

"I'm sorry."

"No, no, Hao, don't be sorry," you cajole. "We'll be okay. What did the company say?"

"They'll be releasing a statement." Minghao sounds half-frustrated, half sad as he paces around, you can hear his footsteps scuffing the floor. "They're trying to do damage control, but the media is already eating it up. People are spreading the photos and I just-- I'm sorry you have to go through this. I know we wanted to keep us private."

"It was going to come out at some point," You sigh. "We both knew that."

"But it shouldn't have happened this way." Minghao counters.

"I know," You murmur, "But don't think too much and worry. We'll be fine. I love you, and I'll see you tonight, okay?"

With the promise of seeing him and spending the night together, you hang up.

Two years is a lot, you tell yourself. He'll stick by you and you'll have the ending you always dreamed of with him.

But along with the consolation came a sense of dread. Were you convincing him or yourself?

"I can see the end, as it begins, my one..condition..is…"

"Minghao?" Your voice is meek, so scared, soft and vulnerable.

Minghao hates the way the happiness in your voice has disappeared.

"Darling?"

"Th-there's reporters shouting outside," You say, clutching the phone tight as if you could gain comfort from it. "Lots of them with cameras. They... I think you might have been followed home last night. They probably waited for you to leave."

"Shit," he curses. "Wait for me, I'll be right there."

"No!" Your voice cuts through. "You can't. Y-you'll be ambushed. I know how scary the paparazzi can get. I just--"

"Baby," He says, tears welling up in his eyes, because you’re right. He would be torn to shreds. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, a million times over. You don't deserve any of this, I-"

"No more of that," You whisper, and he goes quiet. "I love you. All I need is you. If this is what we must go through for me to be with you... so be it."

"I love you," he chokes out through a haze of tears and anguish. "I love you so, so, much, you have no idea."

"I love you too, Hao," You reply, and say that you'll hide out for a while so they'll leave before hanging up.

Minghao slumps down and cries like he's never cried before.

"I said, "No one has to know what we do", his hands are in my hair, his clothes are in my room...And his voice is a familiar sound..."

"Baby!" He races to you, sitting in the living room, still slightly shaken. He engulfs you in a hug. "I'm so sorry, I'll be sorry for the rest of my life..."

"It wasn't your fault," You reply softly, pulling back to cup his face, drawn and blotchy with tears. "Love you lots."

He wipes at your eyes, slightly swollen with your tears, ears still ringing with the shouts and camera clicks, eyes still seeing stars with the flashes as you stepped out to threaten calling the police.

"I love you," He weeps, clutching at the material of your clothes. "Why can't I just love you without other people getting involved?"

And you don't have an answer to that, so you just pull him in and press your mouth to his. It's salty with his tears, and he's shaking, but he hugs you tight, grip firm and unwavering.

He whispers promises into your skin, swears to every higher being that he'll keep you safe, promises that he'll love you for the rest of his life, and no one could keep him away from you, you both were too strong together for that. He tells you things will get better, they have to.

You believe him as you come undone, the tears staining the sheets beneath you.

"And when we've had our very last kiss...my last request...is.."

From that day on, everything changes, as much as you both vow to prevent it from happening.

Kisses are still shared, and movies are watched. His arms wind around you as you go to sleep, but those events are few and far between as he shuttles between you and the city, fulfilling his career.

When he comes home, he's either too tired to do anything, and you're not exactly inclined to ruin the one moment of peace he finally has for him.

What used to be a sanctuary of love and laughter and life, is now just an empty shell. Two people cohabiting in a desperate attempt to keep the flame kindled, huddling together for warmth.

You can feel it, and you know he can, too.

Things haven't gotten easier like he claimed. Your love hasn't dwindled one bit, but the media has only gotten more ferocious, even now hounding your workplace and regular haunts. You're practically confined within the walls of your home, either alone or with Minghao.

No more sunset dates. No more shared giggles under a blanket fort, no more pillow fights as he tackles you. No more late-afternoon cuddles as thin sunlight slants into the room. No more midnight instant noodle sessions. No more of anything. Silence overtakes, and the days drag by.

You know it's bubbling, the frustration, the anger at the media and at the world for being absolute busybodies, at Minghao (you don't know why), and at yourself.

And it's only a matter of time before it boils over.

You explode in the worst way possible.

It starts when Minghao comes home, looking even more tired than usual. You don’t even look up to greet him anymore as he trudges into the room, simply humming in acknowledgement. The spark in your eyes long gone, your smile feigned.

Perhaps those were the tell-tale signs of a relationship long gone. The spark wasn’t there. None of the previous joy you felt when he came home was there.

Were you falling out of love with him? ..No, that couldn’t be it. You knew you loved him for years, ever since you set eyes on him at an art museum, and you would always love him. Now, you just felt nothing but sadness when you saw him. If it wasn’t love, you would have only felt indifference.

None of you spoke about the reporters. It was like they didn't exist, only you knew it was the opposite, with them clamouring outside, with no reprieve. It was to the point where you had to lock every door and window for fear they would break in. Yet, both of you avoided the topic like a taboo, while it loomed over your bond like a dark cloud.

You came to the conclusion that it wasn’t that you wanted this relationship to end, it was more like… you just knew it would.

What you had with Minghao would not end well. It would only end.

“Hey,” He speaks for the first time since coming home. “How was your day?”

“Nothing much,” You reply, and the kitchen goes silent.

He knew your day was nothing much. He knew why it was nothing much too. You couldn’t even go out without being mobbed by shouting reporters and blinding cameras. How well could your day have went?

“Dinner?” You ask, and he shrugs. “Sure.”

It was sad, really, you note, how quickly a conversation could end. So pitiful that a couple of over two years, who always never had enough to say to each other, had nothing to say now.

You finish dinner in silence, only the clinking of cutlery to fill in the vacancy of your voices.

After dinner he walks to the living room and you to your phone. You open up the three messages that have appeared to view them, but let out a shriek and throw your phone on the couch next to Minghao.

He raises his eyebrows at you in confusion and picks your phone up when you look back at him, eyes wide in panic.

His eyes widen the same way when he sees the graphic content of the message, the threat of the malicious sender reverberating through his mind.

“This— you…” He trails off.

“Is-is that a knife?!” You yelp. “This person just sent me a photo of a knife and threatened to kill me!”

“Baby, wait—” Minghao gets up and reaches for you, but you shrink back. “D-don’t.”

His jaw tightens as he registers the fact that you’re afraid of him. That a devil hiding behind a screen was enough to scare you away from him, the person who loved you to the ends of the earth.

“Okay.” He steps back. “Please…don’t be scared of me. I’m not going to hurt you.”

“Not you,” was your only whisper.

He furrows his eyebrows. “What?”

“Not you,” You speak up, slightly louder than before. “Just… the fact that the rumour is out, the media at our door… we no longer have anything to say to each other… it hurts me beyond what you know.”

“I’m trying, love,” Minghao says, quietly.

“I know you are,” You reply. “Like I said, it’s not your fault.”

“But you’re hurt,” Minghao protests. “I’m hurt too, you know? I can’t even bring you out, let you live a normal life and be with you as I want. It’s not fair to me, either.”

“Nothing was fair from the moment the articles broke,” You reply softly, tears coming to your eyes. “That what we have is seen like…a mistake. A sin. That you, just loving someone, is the greatest wrongdoing. That reporters found the need to stay at our door just for pictures of us. That someone found the need to threaten to kill me.”

“That’s not fair,” Minghao protests again, tears welling up too. “You’re not the only one suffering here. I am too! My career, my relationship, all of that shoved into the limelight. Do you know what that feels like?”

“I don’t,” You answer. “I know I will never fully understand your situation. All I’m asking is…can’t we just—”

“Pretend nothing happened? Go on with this?” Minghao’s voice cracks. “You don’t want that. You do not. We can’t.”

“Why not?” You ask.

“Because nothing will ever be the same! Nothing we do can let us go back to before. You are hurt and stuck here, I am done for, we are now shackled here—”

“Shackled?” You ask quietly. “Is this what it is?”

“No, I—”

“I think I’ve known for a while,” You say. “That it’s not ‘if’ we will end, it’s when we will.”

“W-What?”

“There isn’t anything there anymore, Hao,” You throw your hands up. “Hell, we don’t even have anything to say to each other!”

“What can I say?! That my career is half ruined, my relationship dying away, my fans threatening to end us both?!”

You turn away, wiping the tears off your cheeks. “You should go, Minghao. I...I don’t want to keep you here if you don’t want to be. I'm so sorry...”

"Why won't you fight for us?" His voice is a deathly whisper.

"What?"

"Why... I know it's hard but... why-why are you giving up?"

"Giving up...?"

"You gave up on us." He breaks into a sob. "We don't talk because every time I look at you, I can't help but keep thinking about how much better your life could have been. You could go on sunset drives whenever you want. You could have spent night after night in blanket forts without a care in the damn world, without worrying that one day someone's going to break the door down and do something to you. You-"

"Thinking like that was always meaningless without you, Hao," You let out a humourless laugh. "All I wanted to do those things with was you."

"We can still do it all," He says, striding towards you. "I told you. I won't leave you."

"But you have to." You murmur back. "I've seen the reports. You're one of the highest-rising stars now. You're worlds away from where I am. And just being me, being bombarded with attention like this, attention I don't want, day in and day out, it... it suffocates me."

"So that's it?" He asks dejectedly. "You don't want me anymore?"

"I do want you, it's all I want," You try to gesture, try to tell him what you mean, but he shakes his head.

"You used to say that with so much life. Now... it's like a stranger telling me that." You look at him, eyes pleading, tears spilling over.

He takes a step back, eyes scanning you like it's the last time he'll see you. "I'm so, so sorry I put you through this. I-I'll go. I'll go now."

He comes forward and cups your face. He leans in, and kisses your forehead. The delicate action and gentleness of it all, combined with the salty tang of his tears, makes you tear up again.

“Say you remember me, standing in a nice dress, staring at the sunset, babe…”

You register the front door closing behind him. He’s gone, and God knows if he’ll ever return.

That night, you turn off the lights, make sure the windows are closed, but you leave the wooden door unlocked. You never locked it when he hadn’t come back.

You tuck yourself in, the way you like it, the way Minghao does it, and fall into a fitful sleep, the last words you uttered to each other ringing in your head.

When you wake up the next morning, Minghao hasn’t come back.

Something just tells you he won’t return this time.

“Red lips and rosy cheeks, say you’ll see me again…” The tinny sound from the aged record player plays, prompting you to hum along to the tune.

“XU MINGHAO, singer, makes record-breaking return to the stage, set to perform...”

“Three years on — where is XU MINGHAO’s mysterious ex-partner now?”

“Woman spotted outside his apartment — liar or lover?”

You close the papers.

You smile. He’s on top of the world, just like he dreamed.

And you… you were just here. Alone, but moderately content, and at peace.

The media had left you alone from the third week that Minghao didn’t return. They probably deemed you less newsworthy, you muse, as you pour yourself another cup of coffee.

You sip coffee as you sift through your mail. You pick up an envelope, and smile at your friend’s invitation to an awards ceremony. Knowing that you were a fan of one of the performing ballad singers, she, as part of the management team, had taken it upon herself to secure you a ticket.

You get up and stretch. It was time to go to the city.

"And now, winning the most prestigious award of the night, the Artist of the Year..." The announcer smiles, stage makeup bold and sparkling against the lights. She steals a look at the card in her hand, takes a deep breath.

"Xu Minghao!"

Your hand flies to your mouth as the big screen shows his face, smiling as he waves, bows, and walks to the stage. You don't look out of place, as just about every fangirl is doing the same. Tears come to your eyes and you blink them away.

He's just as dashing as ever. Decked in a smart suit and jacket to match, with small, sleek hoops in his ears, and lips curved in a charming smile, he accepts the award and addresses the crowd.

"I...I'm beyond honoured to stand here today," His eyes dart about, trying to capture every pair of eyes from his vision. "You know I owe just about everything to my fans, new and old, my family, and my friends who've been with me through everything."

He visibly swallows. "And there's one more person, one really, really special person I want to thank."

He stretches out his hand and smiles as if beckoning to someone, and a beautiful lady hesitantly steps up, dressed in a gorgeous champagne-coloured gown, soft curls in her hair, a bounce in her step.

"She saw me through the darkest period of my life," He says, clutching onto the lady's hand like a lifeline. "From strangers to friends, from friends to lovers, I want her to know she's my day one."

The cameras and fans go wild, everyone clamouring to get a better glimpse as the woman smiles at him, full of adoration like he once used to look at you, and they share an embrace on the stage, the host cutting in to sing praises of the newly hard-launched couple.

Meanwhile, you sit, rooted to your place, as you watch them. But it isn't overwhelming sadness that engulfs you. It isn't any form of bitterness or resentment. The sweet tang of pride, that he can now freely love, and gratitude, that his new love was doing what you failed to, rests on your tongue.

You rise to your feet. As you're in a row closer to the front, it isn't hard to get out. As you walk towards the exit, you glance back one last time, only to have shock rain down on you as he locks eyes with you from the stage.

The shock dies away swiftly, only to be replaced by soft joy. You smile slightly and nod at him once, with nothing but sincerity in your eyes, and watch the relief sag on his shoulders as he smiles and nods back. Even with no words shared, he knows you've both found your ending.

"Even if it's just in your wildest dreams, ah, huh..."

writer's note: first ever oneshot and this was...sad? but also i wrote this in one day and almost decided not to publish it because it was so rough lol

but please enjoy! any feedback and interactions are welcome :> thank you for reading!!

[wack-ashimself]

Three words I think describe why we're stuck in a rut. Critical thinking. Fear. Responsibility. Because people cannot critically think, because our system is intentionally made to make sure they can't, they fear the things they don't understand, including taking responsibility for themselves. I mean right now if you asked any average USA citizen if they would know how to grow their own food, clean their own water, heat their own home in the winter cool it in the summer, deal with feces and piss, do you know how many people could actually do that right now with what they have available? Because they're most likely missing one of two if not both things. The knowledge how to do so, or the resources to do so. Both of those are intentionally due to the government. Stupid people make dependent people. Mind slaves. And it falls back to the fucking critical thinking. Because if everybody in America could critically think, they would take responsibility, and lose a lot of their fear. They're all interlinked. If you lose the fear, more people are likely to critically think. They'll have the time. If people take responsibility, than they're definitely going to start critically thinking. We can do this. Not like we have another Choice otherwise....

[writing-for-life]

You and me both, @poobtato

I think once you get that “change or die” is, while a clever tagline, really not a face value thing and so interlinked with the themes of love, loss and grief, you can’t ever come back from that.

We talked about how Calliope and Morpheus managed to have a child in the first place many times on here (sometimes seriously, sometimes not so seriously and bordering precariously on “contraceptive sparkles” territory 🙈). But I think once you look deeper at the fact that two immortal beings who both stand for dreams and inspiration (essentially the unreal) make something real (and hence mortal), it really hits you where it hurts.

They had to pull at the strings of reality to make it happen in the first place (which also reminds me of Overture tbh). How exactly, we'll never know, but I think suffice it to say: If you have a dream that is strong enough to make it real, you will always pay a price for it. And then we're also right in the middle of A Midsummer Night's Dream again, because “the price of getting what you want is getting what once you wanted.” Reality always hits differently.

And then you have Fiddler’s Green, who is based on G.K. Chesterton. And one of his most famous quotes is:

“The way to love anything is to realise that it might be lost.”

And that’s not trite bullshit. Life is temporary. Everyone will be touched by loss and grief at some point in their lives. And to willingly say, “And yet, I make myself vulnerable enough to love fully,” is probably one of the profoundest truths of humanity. And to let ourselves experience that love and cherish it and make it worthwhile while we have it, that’s also part of that story. Because while Calliope and Morpheus made the decision to love fully, he definitely struggled with allowing himself the vulnerability that comes with cherishing it and not making it somewhat conditional because he couldn’t get over his own hurt and pride, and that’s why the loss hits him so deeply—regret hurts like a bitch. It truly was the final nail in the coffin, although I think he would have always gone anyway because it’s not just grief for him, it’s also existential dread (and hello, that’s when we’re right in the middle of Dream Hunters).

I mean, I have a whole chapter of Morpheus and Gilbert sitting under a tree and talking about this in my fic, and it’s not for nothing. I would love to read more fics with Gilbert in it that go beyond a passing comment for comic relief. He truly is the embodiment of that sentiment, and he is important. He’s not a side character. Write Gilbert into your fics, people!

It's just all so devastatingly beautifully interwoven that I just want to slap Neil Gaiman in the face and go: "Why are you out to destroy me? Why can you write like this, that’s pure evil!”

came across the poem “time” by danusha laméris and this stanza slapped me in the face with dream and calliope and orpheus feelings

[inkskinned]

kids remind me, often, of the things i've taught myself out of.

i have a big dog. he looks like a deer. he is taller than most young children. while we were on a trail the other day, a boy coming our direction saw us and froze. he took a step back and said: "i'm feeling nervous. your - your dog is kind of big."

goblin and i both stopped walking immediately. "he is kind of a big dog," i admitted. "he's called a greyhound. they are gentle but they are pretty tall, which is kind of scary, you're right. their legs are so long because they are made for running fast. i am sorry we scared you. would you like us to stand still while you move past us, or would you feel more safe in your body if we move and you stay still?'

"oh. i didn't know that about - greyhounds. i think i ... i want to stay still," he said. at this point, his adult had caught up to us. "i'm nervous about the dog," he told her, "so i'm - i'm gonna stay still." she didn't argue. she didn't make fun of him. she just smiled at him and at me and held his hand while goblin and i, with as wide of a berth as we could make, crept our way through.

behind us, i heard him exhale a deep breath and kind of laugh - "he was really big, huh? she said it's because greyhounds have to go fast."

"he was big," she said. "i understand why that could have made you a little scared."

"yeah. next time i - next time do you think i could maybe ask to touch him? when - i mean, next time, maybe, if i'm not nervous."

later, going to a work event, in the big city, i stood outside, trembling. my social anxiety as a caught bird in my chest. i took a deep breath and turned to my coworker. she's not even really my friend yet. i told her: "i feel nervous about this. i am not used to meeting new people, ever since covid."

she laughed, but not in a mean way. she said she was nervous too. she reached her hand out and held mine, and we both took another deep breath and walked in like that, interlinked. a few people asked us - together? - and i told the truth: i feel nervous, and she's helping. over and over i watched people relax too, admitting i feel really kind of shy lately actually, thank you for saying that.

the next time i go to an event, and i feel a little scared, i ask right away: wanna hold hands? this feels a little dangerous. i hesitate less. i don't hide it as much. i watch for other people who are also nervous and say - it's kinda hard, huh?

i know, logically, i'm not good at asking for help. but i am also not good at noticing when i need help. i've trained myself out of asking completely, but i've also trained myself to never accept my own fears or excuses. i have trained myself to tamp down every anxiety and just-push-through. i don't know what i'm protecting myself from - just that i never think to admit it to anyone.

but every person on earth occasionally needs comfort. every person on earth occasionally needs connection. many of us were taught independence is the same thing as never needing anything.

each of us should have had an adult who heard - i feel nervous and held our hand and asked us how we could be helped to feel safe. no judgement, and no chiding. many of us did not. many of us were punished for the ways that we seemed "weak".

but here is something: i am an adult now. and i get nervous a lot, actually. and if you are an adult and you are feeling a little nervous - come talk to me. we can hold hands and figure out what will help us feel safe in our bodies. and maybe, next time, if we're brave, we can pet the dog that's passing.

[hatchetfieldtheories]

Timelines, PEIP and Spiders. Oh my!

Ok, @blueskiesandstarrynights - as I said, its not the most well thought out theory, just something sat at the back of my head but let's see if I can make it make sense.

So, as we now know, its now confirmed that we're dealing with split timelines rather than time loops. Which is awesome. But the question is how it was split.

There are a number of possibilities as to the cause, the main two talked about being:

1 - PEIPs portal

2 - Hannah's birth

These are raised most often as we learnt in Time Bastard that the timelines split after the point Ted goes back in time to (2004) - as this is the only way he can be Homeless Guy in every timeline. Both events above happen in 2005. So would fit the required time slot.

However, I propose an alternative:

Both events are involved in the split - and Webby had a helping hand.

The Web I Spin

In NMT1, Webby gets an epic song in the form of The Web I Spin For You, however as well as being a bop, it also contains some interesting points, namely:

What’s the point of giving love and trust for

I thought it something that was worth the fight for

And now I wonder what I worked so hard for

I even thought that I could give my life for you

Webby was working towards something with someone, who stabbed her in the back.

Additionally while we know the timelines are split, in my head they are split in a very particular way. Threads of each stemming into each other. Certain events being constant through the streams (such as Jane's death). Certain themes interlinking over more than one timeline (Paul and Emma).

Timelines weaving.

Like a web.

Now, I want to make clear, I am 100% behind the Hatchetfield timeline created by @abiimaryy : x

I am definitely not disputing it and its the thing I fall back on when trying to put certain events in order. But what I am saying is I see that timeline a bit more like this:

Bear in mind this is an old pic from mid-NMT1 but the gist is still relevant.

I think this is the web Webby has spun.

Ok, but what about PEIP?

So how do PEIP fit in?

We see throughout the Hatchetfield shows that its not easy for a LiB to physically leave the Black and White. Wiggly needs a portal. Nibbly has a whole ritual. Blinky has a mascot at Watcher World. Tinky's form is of a man in a naff onesie. And Pokey has to send his Ivan Ooze goo down in a meteor.

So I would imagine when they saw PEIP trying to build a Portal they were thrilled. And wanted to make sure it was a success. So Webby helped make sure it was successful somehow. She was able to ensure the portal succeeded, maybe with the help of a human with powers, who could hear her.

But then Wilbur appeared in the Black and White, and it became clear that the LiB had plans for humanity. So Webby spun her web. Fractured and spun the timelines so that whatever they did didn't cause the de facto end of humanity.

The web I spin for you

Got you in the spell I cast,

The iris of my eye is black,

If I’ma trust I’m gonna trust in me

You may have taught me but I’m now learning

All this time I’ve been untangling

In 2005, she fractured the timelines to stop her brothers, and now she is working to stop them bit by bit. Eventually untangling her web and restoring a single timeline without their influence.

And Hannah?

If Hannah was born in Hatchetfield at the time of the timelines being split, its more than reasonable to assume she can see all the timelines because part of her is in each one too. She's intrinsically tied to the split, maybe as an accident. Maybe on purpose. I don't know.

But I imagine if that's the case, she's going to be important should the timelines ever converge at any point.

[inspiteallthedanger]

Re: GB reception in mainstream storytelling...agreed, it's so so fascinating how people come to such vastly different conclusions from that one scene. I was talking to my (boomer) mum about this the other day and she also merely saw it as Paul being uncomfy bc he couldn't relate to George's spiritual enlightenment or whatever and I was just sat there like??? Have we been watching the same documentary???

But I'm quite convinced that a lot of the way the general public talks about JP has to do with the with the mythologisation of both John and Paul as people, and the Beatles as a whole. Bc my mum has NO qualms whatsoever speculating about Mick and Keith shagging or how she thinks Joni Mitchell is obviously queer, but as soon as anyone tries to talk about JP it's all "Not *them*😱😱😱" it's very interesting imo, how people don't really perceive them as real people anymore but as Symbols or whatever (I wonder if that shift occurred around Anthology and I can't help but think about what the JP conversation would like if the Beatles hadn't become such a Myth TM)

I agree that we're heading towards the whole "poor John pining for his straight bestie for 10 years" theme, though, and I personally think that's even worse than what we've had until now (bc I've seen it being used as a way to shut down any further conversation)

Thanks for this really interesting ask, I love hearing what people think about all of this.

Weirdly your mum isn’t wrong, but neither are we, I don’t think. The issue is how they presented themselves and also people coming at J&P from the wrong angle. I’ll cut it for length, but essentially, i agree.

I do think that why that scene goes from, “Oh, why Paul” to “God you can cut this tension with a knife” is a lot to do with George and the spiritual thing. Partly because Paul’s trying to deal with two separate tensions (and he’s not capable of handling even one). Which John knows, and I think that’s why he’s amused rather than anything else. Note that John sort of vacillates between helping Paul out to dropping him in it. But when it gets really bad he starts a sing along and Paul does a sort of relieved little nod in John’s direction. It’s telling that Paul is a little blindsided by George suddenly piping up. Paul seems to feel he’s on pretty safe territory joking with John about the spiritual learning stuff. But then John is like… “I don’t like the way you’re dismissing it all because it suggests that everything that happened there was invalid”.

So, anyway, your mum’s reading isn’t a non-valid reading of the scene. I just don’t think it explains why John’s reacting like he is. The things he brings up are what make Paul really squirm. And what he brings up kind of isn’t related to spiritual stuff.

I think you’re probably right about why people are so… uncomfortable. But. Also. The Stones especially (and I think Joni too, although I know less about her) did deliberately portray themselves as ambiguously queer. The Beatles did not. That was never their imagine. So, it does feel like you’re putting something on them that they didn’t want people to know. John obviously less so, but the majority of that comes after the split.

Totally agree with the new narrative being worse somehow. Although I’d love if you could expand on the it being used to shut down conversation point.

From my perspective this is coming from the way society views sex and power as totally interlinked. While everyone was convinced that John was the leader of the band creatively and personally, it was fine to say Paul pined over him. Because who wouldn’t? Now because of the last 40 years of extra Macca content, topped off with GB, people are switching that up. People think Macca’s the genius and gorgeous and cool. So, like, who wouldn’t love him? Add to that, the hit John’s reputation has taken recently it’s easy to see how you end up with: John was a liar and unfairly took all the credit, and he just couldn’t handle that Paul didn’t want him and quit the band.

Like. For whatever reason, people can’t seem to realise that the problem (and the magic) is that these weirdos were both obsessed with each other. They both thought the other was centre and controller of the universe. Partly because, for whatever reason, those stories aren’t told. We don’t have loads of focus of how often they were close. I’m not sure if that was because there was some sense that telling it like it was, was too revealing? Or if it was more that Paul and John instinctively didn’t want to talk about it? Especially when setting up the narratives post-Beatles (in Lennon Remembers and the Anthology).

It’s why I’m looking forward to the new book that focuses on just their relationship. It feels like we’ve always started with the perspective of the break up and applied that to the whole relationship that went before. While I think it would make more sense to look at why they fell in love and see how that explains the break up.

Using the break up narratives as a framing devise also just leads to loads of really annoying takes. Because the narrative isn’t they loved each other equally and actually that’s what made the band work as often as it was the problem, everything gets warped. John and Paul can’t just help George on a song, it’s actually a secret power play. Everything gets this weird overlay of confusion that makes both of them look bad, when actually the answer is they were weird about each other in a very specific way that’s about love and not disrespect or dislike.

Anyway. Any and all other thoughts so welcome.

[dragon-kazansky]

Made with love | Helmut Zemo

Chef Zemo AU! 👨‍🍳

Gender neutral reader

Collage by @realremyd

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Part 4

Helmut wiped down the last of the tables. It was just him and Bucky left at the moment. It was closing time. Bucky counted up the money in the till as Zemo made sure every aspect of his restaurant was clean and tidy for tomorrow.

Once everything was accounted for Bucky went home and Zemo locked up. He tugged his coat around him a little tighter and and began the small journey to his home. However, something caught his eye and he stopped to take it in.

Across the square there was a man standing there, looking in his direction. He couldn't quite tell who it was, but he could take a pretty good guess. There had been rumours of the infamous Tony Stark arriving in Sokovia.

Helmut watched him for a moment before turning and leaving. He had no reason to dwell on it right now.

Zemo went home.

When he opens shop again in the morning, he doesn't see the man again. However, he does see you and Wanda walking, arms interlinked, the pair of you laughing and chatting.

He can't stop himself from looking at you.

Yesterday when he brought up how well you would fit in with Sokovia, he was hoping to maybe spark a slight idea into your head. The fact you were only visiting his country made him feel rather sad. To see you every day, chat with you at the bar, to see you smile, he wanted more of that.

Never before had someone been on his mind this much before.

You and Wanda walk out of sight.

Sam and Bucky enter to start their work day. Zemo goes into the kitchen to prepare for the day.

Wanda takes you to her favourite place, surprised it was even still open. A bowling alley. You chuckle as she drags you through the door and over to the desk.

"Pietro and I would come here all the time," she told you.

"Sounds like you two had a lot of fun."

"Oh, we did. Pietro used to work at Escorpión Morado. I would meet him outside and we would come here."

"Pietro used to work at the restaurant?"

You both are given a pair of bowling shoes each and you go sit down to out them on.

"Yeah, he used to tend the bar. It was his first job. He loved it."

"That explains why he's so good with drinks," you chuckle. Pietro had his own bar back home, often he would make you, Wanda and Natasha drinks on your nights out.

"He learned from the best."

You both stand up and go to your designated alley, thanking the staff for guiding you. Wanda puts your names into the system.

Wing woman

Y/N Zemo

"Wanda!"

She laughs as she confirms the names and stands up. You glare up at the monitor and then glare at her.

"You can scold me all you like, but in going to have you fall in love with that man of it's the last thing I do."

"Wanda, please be realistic about this."

Wanda picks up her preferred ball and steps up to the lane.

"I am," she says, pulling her arm back and lining up her ball.

"No you're not. You want to set me up with a man who lives in a completely different country to me. This is mean."

Wanda throws her ball.

"It's not mean. It's helping. Ever since you came back, I know he has been on your mind. I can tell by the way you talk about him that you like him. I know because it's the same way I talk about Vision. I know love when I see it, Y/N."

She takes another turn.

You sit there, watching her second ball glide down the lane and take out a few more pins, three still standing. The lane resets the pins for you as you swap places with Wanda.

"It's just a silly crush. It will go away."

Wanda resists rolling her eyes at you.

"Do you really think the only reason I came here with you is because I wanted to see my home? Don't get me wrong, I am over the moon to see Sokovia again, but I cane here for you."

You throw the ball and watch it go.

"Why is this so important to you?" You look at her as you grab a second ball.

"Because you never show interest in anyone and suddenly you do. I've been telling you from the start, you'll marry this man one day and you'll be happy with him. You'll be running Escorpión Morado together, you'll see."

You throw your second ball and say nothing to her. You only take down four pins in total. You go sit back down.

"He likes you too, you know. I've seen the way he looks at you. He wants to spend time with you, talk to you, be around you. He likes having you in his restaurant."

Wands stands to take her next turn.

"I like being there," you say, softly.

"Good, we shall go there after we're done here."

You don't even argue with her. You want to go. You want to see him. Wands knows this. You can see the way she looks at you that she knows.

Wanda ends up winning in the end, which does not surprise you if she and her brother spent so much time here when they were younger.

You walk arm in arm to the restaurant. There's a few people about, but it's not crazy busy.

Sam sees you enter and smoothly glides into the kitchen. Zemo is finishing up a dish as he enters. He looks up when sees Sam come over.

"What is it?" He asks, assuming another order.

"Y/N is here with their friend. Thought you might like to take this one," Sam grins.

Normally Zemo would just tell Sam to go back to work and stop messing about, but he knows he wants to see you. He had been thinking of you all morning. He wipes his hands and presents the dish to Sam, who takes it and goes out to serve it.

For a brief moment Zemo pauses and quickly fixes his hair and straightens his shirt. He steps out of the kitchen. Wanda and yourself were sitting at a table near the window.

He smiles when his eyes land on you.

Helmut holds his head high and walks over to your table. Your eyes catch his and you smile softly at him. Wanda is looking at you with a grin on her lips, but he isn't really paying attention to her. He can only look at you.

"How are you today?" He asks, lips curled into a handsome smile, dark eyes glistening with happiness.

"We're good, how are you today?"

"Doing better now my favourite customer is here. What can I get for you both?"

"Coffee?" You ask, nibbling at your lower lip shyly.

His smile was making you feel things.

"Coming up."

He leaves the table and you bury your face in your hands. Wands laughs from across the table.

"You are so in love with him!"

"I am," you admit.

The fact you admitted it makes Wanda smile. She was proud of you for confessing how you felt.

"Maybe there is a life for you out here," she says, deep in thought.

"You really think I should just up and move to another country, leaving you all behind and starting over here?" You look at her.

"Yes. Back home, sure, you have all your friends and your job. Out here, there's him. This man you can't stop thinking about."

You glance over to the bar. Zemo has poured you each a cup of coffee and is coming over. He smiles when he sees you looking at him. You thank him softly when he places the coffee down in front of you.

Before he can say anything, a customer entering the restaurant cat has his attention. Both Wanda and yourself turn to see who had come in.

This man felt like he demanded attention. His suit looked expensive and tailored. There was a presence about him that made him stand out among the other people in the restaurant.

"Who is that?" You hear Wanda ask.

Helmut gives an apologetic smile and excuses himself from you, approaching the man.

You watch him curiously.

"He seems important," Wanda whispers.

"Yeah."

You watch as they shake hands and talk. The stranger gestures to a table and Zemo leads him over to it. They sit down and they chat.

There is something about Helmut's expression that concerns you.

The stranger looks around the room, his eyes hidden by his sunglasses, but you can see the way his lips a pulled into a thing grimace.

You feel offended by his distaste in the establishment. Poor Helmut.

They sit there and chat for several minutes before he gets up and leaves. Helmut looks a little defeated as he stands up and looks over at your table. Upon seeing you looking at him, he smiles and makes his way back over.

"I'm sorry about that."

"Don't be. Who was that?" You ask, too curious not to know.

"His name is Tony Stark. Remember that new restaurant I was telling you about?" You nod at his question. "Well, he owns it. He was checking out his competition in the area."

"I don't like him," you say, not really intending to say that out loud.

Helmut chuckles softly.

"Neither do I."

"What did he say?" Wanda asks.

"That he wasn't worried if this place is considered the best in Novi Grad. My restaurant isn't a threat to his business."

You unconsciously clench your fists.

"Your restaurant is the nicest place here. He has no idea what he's talking about. He didn't even try your food."

Helmut grins at your comments.

"No he didn't. Though he intends to come back. I need to cook up something magnificent for his return."

"You can do it. Everything you cook is amazing, Helmut. A lot of care goes into your cooking."

His smile makes you giddy.

"Food tastes best when it's made for enjoyment and not just to satisfy hunger," you tell him, meaning every word of that.

Zemo swears his heart would beat out of his chest if it could. If he wasn't already swooned by you, he would have been now. You had no idea what kind of power you had over him.

"I am always glad to hear it."

Wanda looks between the pair of you and smiles. She quietly excuses herself to go use the bathroom. Neither one of you glance at her as she slips away.

Helmut sits at the table.

"How long do we have?" He asks.

"Wanda and I have a few days left yet. We're not leaving too soon."

"Good," he nods his head. "I'd like to see more of you."

"Really?" You ask, shocked by his words.

"Yes, really."

You smile. Your smile makes him smile. Oh, what he would do to see it every single day of his life. This man was utterly in love with you, but he would be fool to just blurt that out.

Plus, you weren't staying. He would have to say goodbye to you again.

"Maybe Wanda and I could pop back every day. When the coffee is this good, we would be silly not to come back," you drink the last drop from your cup.

"Ah, so it's my coffee you like?"

"The owner isn't so bad either," you say, unable to hold eye contact much longer.

The chuckle that escapes past his lips makes you tingle all over. It's so deep, yet so joyful and pure. A sense of pride washes over you for making him laugh.

"Sokovia will feel so empty when you're gone," he says, softly.

"I will miss it. I have missed it."

"I missed you, you know," he admits.

Your heart stutters. You don't get a chance to say anything as Wanda returns. Zemo is quick to change the topic of conversation, smoothly too.

"Can you cook?"

"Uh, I can cook to feed myself. Wanda is more of a chef than I am, but even she can't compare to your culinary skills."

Wanda was caught off-guard by your statement and Zemo was full of pride again. The more you complimented his cooking, the bigger his ego was inflating.

"Would you like to assist me for Stark's visit tomorrow?"

You stare at him, lips parted, mind whirling in confusion.

"You want my help?"

"Yes. I could teach you."

You glance at Wanda. She nods enthusiastically at you, winking.

"Alright, but please don't let me get in the way. I'd hate to be the reason things go wrong."

He leans forward, lips tugged into a grin.

"I trust you."

You smile softly, finding the table suddenly more interesting than before.

Wanda chuckles softly.

"While you do that I'll go see if my old family home is still there," she says, smiling.

"Are you sure?" You ask her.

"Of course I am."

You smile and turn back to Helmut.

"Then it's settled. We'll show Stark what he's up against."

Zemo smiled brightly.

Just you and him in the kitchen tomorrow. He was going to make every moment count. This might be the most amount of time he will get to spend with you while you're here.

Zemo gets up from his seat and grabs the two empty cups from the table.

"Another?"

Both of you nod.

Zemo goes to get more coffee. While he's gone, Wanda leans across the table and takes your hands into hers.

"Woo that man!"

You laugh.

"I mean it! One day you'll marry him and be the happiest person alive. Maybe you should seriously consider moving out here. I could help you. Maybe I'll find some places for you tomorrow."

"You don't have to do that."

"You're not saying no, though," she grins.

"You're right, I'm not." You glance over to the bar. "I really like him Wanda."

"I know, so let's do something about it."

You nod softly.

Zemo returns, this time with an extra cup. He sits down with you both and asks you to be at the restaurant first thing in the morning. You agree.

From tomorrow onward, you knew things would take a turn. Your life would literally be flipped upside down.

And you were happy to let it happen.

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