#but now he learned that was NEVER the case

[mariasont]

I know youre working on a fic right now but can you sometime make a fic where a new agent comes to work at the bau (the reader) and early seasons Spencer catches her interest, to which he's completely oblivious? Like just a cute little fluffy fic where two genius idiots can realise they like each other throughout their case together.

(also a lot of jokes from Morgan lol)

Reading Between the Lines - S.R

masterlist

pairings: spencer reid x reader

warnings: reader just being in love with dr. reid

wc: 1.2k

The two of you were alone in the police station break room, which had become something of unofficial workspace for the team during the case. You'd been sitting there for a while, mostly pretending to read through a file while Spencer, across the table, actually read his—flipping through pages faster than should be humanly possible.

You'd been watching him out of the corner of your eye for the last ten minutes, trying (and failing) to keep your focus on your own. You couldn't help it. He was enthralling to watch. His long fingers moved smoothly over the paper, turning each page with that ridiculous speed-reading technique of his. And when he tilted his head slightly, his eyes scanning the words so quickly it looked like he was barely reading at all, you were sure you'd never seen anyone more unfairly attractive in your entire life.

And you did mean unfairly in the purest sense. It was undeniably unfair—no, unnatural—for a man to possess such a perfect plethora of qualities, like Spencer Reid did.

You hated how obvious you were being. Every time Spencer glanced up at you, your face grew hot, and you had to fight the urge to duck your head like a nervous schoolgirl. It was absurd. You were a grown adult—a professional in the FBI, for gods' sake. You had no business mooning over someone this hard. But... it was Spencer. How could anyone not?

Eventually, you gave up trying to work and leaned forward on the table, resting your chin on your hand. "How do you do that?"

Spencer glanced up, blinking. "Do what?"

"Read that fast," you said, gesturing toward the file in his hands. "I mean, it's like you're just flipping through the pages for fun, but you're actually... reading them, right? You're not just pretending?"

Spencer tilted his head, his lips twitching into a smile. "No, I'm not pretending. I'm absorbing the information. It's called speed-reading."

You raised an eyebrow. "And you just... taught yourself how to do that?"

He nodded, setting the file down in front of him. "It's not as hard as it looks. Anyone can learn it with enough practice."

"Anyone?"

"Anyone," Spencer said, leaning back into his chair. "It's all about training your brain to recognize patterns in the text and absorb information in chunks rather than word by word. It's just a matter of rewiring how you process what you're reading."

You stared at him for a moment, then a grin spread across your face. "Teach me."

Spencer blinked, clearly caught off guard. "Teach you?"

"Yeah," you said, sitting up straighter. "If anyone can learn it, prove it. Teach me how to speed-read."

For a second, he just stared at you, like he wasn't sure if you were serious. But then his expression morphed into something that looked almost... excited. "Okay. I can teach you."

You tried not to look too pleased as he reached for a book sitting on the nearby counter and slid it across the table toward you. It was some dry academic text about linguistic patterns across extinct languages—typical Spencer reading material—but you figured it didn't really matter what the book was. You weren't here for the content.

"Alright," Spencer said, pulling his chair closer to yours so he could see what you were looking at. He leaned in, his shoulder brushing yours, and every single coherent thought you had ever had evaporated into thin air. You swallowed hard, staring at the page but unable to actually read anything. "The first thing you need to do is stop subvocalizing."

"Sub... what?" you asked, already lost.

"Subvocalizing," he repeated patiently. "It's when you say the words in your head as you're reading them. Most people do it without even realizing it, but it slows you down. If you can train yourself to read without subvocalizing, you'll process the text much faster."

You nodded slowly, though you weren't sure you entirely understood. "Okay. So... how do I stop?"

Spencer smiled. "It takes practice, but one way to start is by using your finger to guide your eyes. Like this."

He reached out and gently took your hand, guiding your index finger to the first line of the text.

Your brain short-circuited for a second. His hand was warm, touch light as he moved your finger along the page. Did he notice the way you tensed up? Did he feel how clammy your palm was? If he did, he didn’t mention it, his focus entirely on the page. Meanwhile, your focus was entirely on him.

"Try to keep your eyes moving with your finger," Spencer said. "Don't focus too much on each individual word—just let your brain take in the whole line."

Every time you inhaled, you caught the faintest hint of soap and coffee—clean, warm, him—and it was becoming impossible to think straight.

"Okay," you said softly, moving your finger along the line as he'd shown you. "Like this?"

"Exactly. Now, try to pick up the pace. Keep your eyes moving."

You tried, but your focus kept slipping—not because of the text, but because of the way Spencer was leaning so close, his shoulder almost brushing yours as he watched you. You could feel his breath, soft and even, against the side of your face, and you were suddenly very aware of the fact that this was probably the closest you'd ever been to him.

"Am I doing it right?"

"Mostly," Spencer said, his hair brushing his forehead as he leaned even closer to point at a section of the text. His long fingers hovered just above yours, and your heart stuttered at the proximity. "But try not to pause at punctuation. Just keep your eyes moving in one fluid motion."

"Okay," you said again, though honestly, you weren't sure how much you were actually absorbing. Your brain was too busy screaming Spencer Reid is touching me. Spencer Reid is this close to me.

For a few more minutes, Spencer guided you through the process, his hand occasionally brushing yours as he helped you adjust your pace. You couldn’t tell if you were actually improving or if you were just doing your best to survive the moment without completely embarrassing yourself.

"You're doing better already," he said. "It just takes time to get used to."

You smiled back at him, cheeks warm. "Thanks. You're a good teacher."

Spencer’s ears turned pink, and he glanced down, his fingers brushing idly at the edge of the book. "I don’t think I’ve ever been called that before. A good teacher, I mean."

You couldn't stop smiling.

"Maybe next time, you can teach me," he said suddenly.

You laughed. "I don’t think there’s anything I could teach you that you don’t already know, Spencer."

"I wouldn’t be so sure about that," Spencer said, his voice quieter now, almost teasing. A faint smile tugged at the corner of his mouth, and for a second, his eyes met yours, before flicking back to the book.

Correction, you wouldn't be able to stop smiling for the next 3-5 business days.

Morgan was leaning against the hallway wall just outside the break room, holding his phone and scrolling casually, when you finally stepped out of the room.

You didn't see him at first—you were too busy floating on a cloud, practically glowing as you replayed the last few minutes with Spencer over and over in your mind. You were smiling so much your cheeks hurt, and you could still feel Spencer's hands on yours.

"Well, well, well," Morgan voice cut through your daydream, startling you so badly you almost tripped. You snapped your head toward him, your heart jumping to your throat. He was grinning like a cat who'd just caught a mouse. "What's got you all smiley? Pretty boy say something sweet, or are you just thinking about those magic hands of his?"

You felt your face burst into flames. "What? No! It's not—"

Morgan held up a hand, shaking his head as he chuckled. "Save it, girl. I know the look of a lovesick rookie when I see one. Trust me—you've got it bad."

You sputtered, desperately trying to come up with a convincing rebuttal, but Morgan was already walking away. "Better make your move before he speed-reads right past you!"

You groaned, burying your burning face in your hands as Morgan’s laughter faded down the hall. Lovesick rookie? Was it really that obvious?

Yes. Yes, it was.

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[goyoluna]

Imagine a German director wants to make a movie about 911, and it's a musical. It is filmed in Germany or in sets, so you would see geographic errors, like the Twin Towers being surrounded by sakuras trees.

One of the terrorist wants to get the help of a lawyer. A lawyer (famous German singer and "actress", who happens to be black) that just won a case about police brutality! There was a bodycam footage of a police officer beating to death a 14 years old black kid who was coming back home, he thought he was trying you steal his own house, a totally a honest and not racist mistake! And she sangs about how people should forgive and let go, is not like sending the policeman to the jail is gonna change something! So the terrorists kidnaps her and she, WILLLINGLY, helps him get his green card because the implication is that all his bad actions were because he is from Saudi Arabia but like, once he obstains USA citenship, it will magically forgive all this actions and turn him into a good person.

The main cast is mostly german actors, with one Austrialian gay actor as the terrorist. Well of course , there's NO TALENT in Hollywood, so of course they have to hire other people. Oh but you have ONE American actress with a small appearance. She is the mother of a child who got murdered in a school shooting. She is HAPPY that her son died on the shooting, since he was a bad kid who sold drugs. See? Not all victims of gun violence are good people, stop feeling sorry for them! She will fall in love with the gay actor, who is now bisexual.

Everything is bad written, it literally sounds like they translated it with AI or directly with old Google translate, so will constantly see stuff like the lyrics of song saying "I deserve to be happiness, me deserve to be happinees!" and people saying "Welcome" instead of Good morning.

The german singer tríes her best to talk in English, but she just can't. And it doesn't make sense! Her grandparents were American who immigrated to Germany, she should be fluent in English by the magical powers of having american blood! English speakers keep saying it is very difficult to understand her, oh but we know for sure is just the americans who are complaining. Their education system is SO bad they can't even properly talk English, poor people 😭. There has been zero complaints when the movie debuted in China and Russia 👀 They are complaining about her English because they are racists! Good americans would never complain about a black women, be a good american! Good thing her fans are attacking all 911 survivors who said this movie is insensitive and innacurate, I mean, americans need an european to explain them their own problems, americans need to see this film to learn about 911! Oh but like, it will debut in USA last... so we can win some music awards first :3

The fact that absolutely no-one on tumblr is talking about the Emilia Perez movie is just.

It has everything this hellsite loves. The music. The queerness. The Selena Gomez. It has Goncharov vibes but make it Mexican. Wake up y'all.

EDIT : Not gonna delete the post because it's good to let people know of what's wrong with the movie. Look at the tags and notes to learn more about the issues surrounding the movie 👉

(and everyone chill and educate people before you attack them)

[whateversawesome]

Spy x Family Ch. 110: Is Donovan Desmond a Mind Reader and Most Importantly, Is Twilight Doomed?

Nah.

Twilight isn't doomed, this isn't the end. Calm down, there's no need to panic about that.

Think about it for a second, if Donovan Desmond could read minds, the SSS would have arrested Twilight the minute he said bye to Desmond on that first meeting.

A few months ago, when we saw a young Donovan Desmond appear, I did a poll/analysis about whether or not he could read minds.

Even after the most recent chapter, my opinion is still the same: No, he can't.

Some people think that maybe he can get a glimpse into people's past. Although that would be a super awesome power (and it would be one hell of a plot), I don't think it's the case, because that wouldn't really tell him much and I don't think it would have affected him to the point of forcing him to distance himself from everyone.

I do have a theory about him. I've mentioned it before but here it is again:

I think he can tell when someone is lying.

Yup. That's it. A human lie detector. It made sense a few months ago, it makes even more sense now.

It fits his personality, his fixation with liars as a child, it also fits the theme of the whole story (everyone is a liar in sxf, everyone has something to hide) and most importantly, it fits his behavior.

We know that Donovan Desmond did not initiate war with Westalis. Chapman was Prime Minister when the war started and Desmond followed after him. There's a big chance war ended while Desmond was in power. If I'm not mistaken, the war has been over for about 10 years. I have the feeling that Desmond may have launched Project Apple as a means to protect peace.

And how would someone who is obsessed with lies do that? Of course, by wanting to know how others really think at all times.

My guess is that he volunteered himself to participate in the experiments, that would also explain the scars he has on each side of his head (which he didn't have as a child). It's unlikely he was a war veteran, because politicians and people in office never go into a battlefield, so he didn't get those scars in battle.

I think he really tried to obtain mindreading abilities and he failed, but not completely.

Imagine how it would be to have that awareness of people lying ALL THE TIME. How awful it must have been for him to get this power and realize than even his family, the people he felt closest to were lying to him. I think that's the reason why he isolated from everyone. It also fits what Melinda describe in the last chapter:

Let's look at that Desmond family dinner from that perspective. He cannot read minds but he can tell his wife is lying (because she's scared of him and doesn't want to be there!). It also makes sense that Demetrius keeps his mind blank because he suspects his father knows what he's thinking, so he's train himself to not think in front of others.

His behavior shows a person who has completely lost faith in humanity. He pushed everyone away because he didn't want any more lies, and to protect himself but, by doing this, he also ended up hurting his wife to such an extent that she doesn't recognize him anymore.

Since another theme of sxf is getting closer to and relying on people while forming bonds despite their masks and lies, I can totally see this could be Donovan's story, also parallel to Twilight's by the way: You can distance yourself from others to protect yourself but it'll be a lonely life.

Yes, Donovan is safe, guarded from everyone's lies, but he's also missing out on his family's love and also on the possibility of changing the world for the best.

Twilight is going in exactly the opposite direction of him. He's becoming alive, tearing those walls down, learning to rely on others, and loving his family.

Another Important Thing to Consider...

Everyone is so worried about Donovan Desmond possible mindreading powers that no one has mentioned one very important thing: Twilight's purpose for Operation Strix!

THIS is what WISE and Twilight really want to do: to find information that would allow them to remove people who seek war from power.

It's one hell of a strategy and a tough one for sure. And I agree; scandal, especially in such a conservative society like Ostania could do a lot of damage to politicians like Desmond, parties like the National Unity Party, and institutions like the SSS.

It wouldn't surprise me if at some point in the story it actually works. However, I don't think Westalis is as clean as we think. Food for thought.

[pali-and-proud]

Finale Thoughts

This is a very special thank you to all the Fast Passers. Y'all did amazing, truly, because I actively read anything and everything without any attempt to shield my eyes from spoilers and I still knew nothing. This post is dedicated to you guys.

Alright guys. You know the drill. Get the hot coco and strap in.

Lets start with Deacon:

Deacon acknowledging that Chase is more likely to interact well with Buddy is actually so good to see. It's so nice to see Deacon prioritize Prunella's safety and to be more comfortable with being put in "lesser" positions, like babysitting! (Think back to sick! Chase, and look at how far Deacon's grown)

Deacon and Prunella's talk: Prunella calling out Deacon for always talking about being great instead of just being great. That's so good, genuinely--Prunella shrugging and being self-confident and Deacon finally really hearing it. He needs to just be what he wants.

Deacon's relationship with horses symbolizing his frustrations with his inability to control his life was NOT something I expected and I openly applauded. That's brilliant.

Don't be mistaken: Deacon sacrificed himself. He knew the risks of making the horse play bridge. He watched the horse fall victim to the spread of the pages. The horse was still neighing when it's legs started to turn--Deacon could have yelled, but he didn't, because he was too focused trying to make sure that Chase and Prunella, at least, could escape.

The speech Buddy gave him, which I will reference so many times, about there being a time to be the hero and a time to be the helper, is SO applicable. Deacon "is happy to help." He isn't trying to be the hero, and he isn't trying for glory, and he just wants his cousin and his friend-ish to be safe. And it's specifically when he's not trying to be the hero that he ends up being the hero, by taking control of the reigns and getting Prunella to Chase and risking his life. He follows Bronze and Prunella's advice, and listens to the speech, and listens to himself: He stops asking for permission. He steps up. He becomes the hero.

Cannot wait to see Deacon's reaction when Chase undoubtedly tells him how they escaped. I can't decide if Chase is immediately going to say "Buddy and I kissed" or if he's going to say "I figured out an escape and stop asking questions" but no matter what, Deacon's going to be squinting at his cousin and groaning.

ALSO can't wait to see how this arc impacts his relationship with his parents. Like I'm so excited. A Deacon that's more confident being able to step forward and say "No, I don't want to devote my life to something I'll actively hate. That's ridiculous." might be the end of me ngl, I love him.

Prunella!

Prunella my love

Prunella my LOVE

She has this confidence that we only see falter twice: when she struggles with the other kids, and right now. And in both situations, she didn't know what to do, and she was in over her head, and she reminded us that she's just a KID

Her arc has been the exact opposite of Deacon's, and it's so cool to watch them both experience opposite lessons in the same arc. Deacon learning how to step forward and lead while Prunella learns how to step back and follow.

Prunella hearing, constantly, about how dangerous the books are and finally SEEING the books as dangerous. Prunella finally understanding why Deacon was so strict about the books she could travel in, because most of their worst-case scenarios came true in a single swoop.

Prunella also has not met Buddy yet. She saw him, described him as the mean guy, and then perished. Truly an icon.

I am so convinced that Prunella and Buddy would be friends. Even if it starts rocky, I think they both enjoy humbling the Hollow boys too much to not grow to like the other's presence. I can't believe I have to wait for season 2 to get confirmation of this but I am going to be so smug when I am correct

Chase:

CHASE

CHASE EVERETT HOLLOW i have never in my life ever loved a character like I love Chase. I talk so much about Buddy but that is me being a wing-woman, Chase my love Chase, I love him so much

Fun fact I didn't even like Buddy until the first Cinderella story. I was so convinced I wouldn't like him, but I resigned myself to cheering for Stargoth anyway (I was part of the Canvas/Discover Squad, i had a LOT of hiss hiss Buddy) solely because if Buddy made Chase happy then sure I'll accept it, and now i adore Buddy, Punko is just that good

Every single moment of Chase in this arc stole my attention. every single panel. God I could do a dive longer and deeper than my Buddy analysis but exclusively on Chase during the finale arc. i could do it exclusively on Chase during the finale. I could do it on any singular panel.

Chase being guilty about lying to Buddy alone was heart-wrenching, but Chase literally only got more and more heartbreaking. Him constantly trying to help everyone--the keys, for example, with a resort for them to enjoy--only for things to go wrong--the resort, for example, drowning the book. He just wants to HELP

Buddy was 100% correct in calling out Chase for pinning the blame on Deacon, but what he didn't realize is Chase wasn't trying to do that. Chase truly felt terrible, and he truly wanted to apologize, and him bringing up Deacon was him being honest and factual because he did argue with Deacon about it, but he did end up listening to Deacon. And Buddy gets more frustrated because Chase is misunderstanding the problem--it isn't Chase hiding Prunella, it's Chase refusing to trust Buddy

And when you think about it. Chase absolutely has no reason to. Chase doesn't even know his name WHICH I WILL TALK ABOUT LATER bc kdjfherigh but! In Chase's eyes, yeah why would he. He's literally desperate to have Buddy prove that hes legit and good and kind and Buddy keeps shoving that away (Buddy saving Deacon's life and then pointedly not mentioning that, for example).

It's also the fact that Chase is trying so hard to stay optimistic despite such extreme levels of guilt. It's the fact that he stays clutching to that persona of optimism even after seeing paper! Deacon and Prunella, and it's only when he's staring at a bleeding Buddy that the full situation sinks in

Chase finally breaking. Oh my God you dont know how long I was waiting to see Chase splinter apart. This is a kid trying to do the impossible, and every single time something goes wrong, he feels like it's his fault. The book got destroyed? Buddy got betrayed? Admitting that he doesn't trust Buddy? Getting way less narratonin than Deacon or Prunella? He blames himself for all of it, first and foremost, and it's finally on full display

Chase even trying to send Buddy away? Pushing and pushing because he is so desperate to save someone, anyone, even though that's literally a death sentence for him. And he doesn't hesitate, either--it's practically instinct, even though Chase would never agree to leave if the roles had been reversed.

And like...augh Buddy hugging Chase, and Chase hugging him back? That was painful enough, but you add in Chase admitting that he doesn't want Buddy to leave?

This is not the post for me to point at Chase and accuse him of abandonment issues, but know that I am pointing at Chase and I am accusing him of abandonment issues. I am looking at him feeling hurt that Deacon left him in the Toffee arc, I am looking at him constantly repeating that he's not going anywhere, I am looking at him running to apologize to Buddy after spending so much time bitter about Buddy avoiding him, I am looking at his avoidance of talking about his mom in situations where "My mom is dying and this is important to me" would be really helpful, and I am thinking accusations

But anyway

Chase and his abandonment issues: literally all he wants is for someone to stay, safely and securely. His mom, Deacon, Silver, Buddy, even his dance partner. He's always at risk of losing someone, and he's about to lose everything, and all he can do is admit that he just wants Buddy to stay, because he's scared

Chase you are my sun you are my stars you are my whole solar system I will give you the world

Also, I absolutely knew the repeated comments about Chase being an idiot would get to him. Chase is SMART, guys. He's perceptive. He knows when he messes up, and he tries to look past the mistake and into how to rectify it, but that doesn't mean he isn't aware that he did something wrong. And people (Buddy) kept snapping that he was stupid, or an idiot, or ridiculous, bc Chase would make a mistake (or stick by a decision), and he would NOTICE that people thought it was ridiculous. He just didn't care, because he was either sticking with it, or trying to fix it.

And he DOES. He notices the words in the sky, realizes the solution, figures out the entire thread behind the stories (they want to be enjoyable and they want to have a good ending), and explains it all to Buddy. Chase figured it out, because he's so much smarter than everyone assumes.

Anyway Buddy hugging Chase and telling him he can stay a while longer (this is a scene burned into my heart) (more on that later) and telling him he's not stupid and that he's trying his best is SO important. This might be the first time in the entire story that someone finally sees Chase. Someone finally prioritizing Chase and putting Chase's wellbeing first and telling Chase yeah sure maybe you messed up but you're doing the impossible every single day and you're TRYING.

And for it to be Buddy? Like ignore the romance entirely--if someone who always insults you and is notoriously difficult to please tells you "No, you're not stupid. You're trying your best" while hugging you? thats the most sincere thing in the world. that's tears immediately.

Chase suggesting kissing is also askdjns because (again, ignore the romance part of it)--he always skips the kissing scenes. We know thats because he wanted to save his first kiss, and he's the one who offered. Yeah, okay, sure, it was life or death, but Chase didn't hesitate, and didn't weigh his options, and didn't even consider saying "a kiss on the forehead would probably suffice." guy went straight for "i need the mouth to mouth"

the grin. The bright eyes. the pressing fingers to his lips. He's so happy, so genuinely happy.

I truly, truly, TRULY cannot wait to see what this means for our idiots. I can't wait for someone to try to have a conversation and for someone else to not want a conversation, or for them to be so awkward with each other, or for Deacon to want to skin them both, or for WHATEVER turn this takes. And im SO happy for Chase.

Buddy:

I wrote this whole thing and it just deleted. i am furious

NOX

NOX I LOVE THAT NAME NOX NOX NOX

Punko i cant believe you were worried we wouldnt like it. nox nox nox nox nox i love that

okay first: the two theories for key Nox, as they are rn, are 1) that Nox has always been the villain key, or 2) that Nox was tricked/manipulated/experimented into becoming the villain key.

1) If he'd always been the villain key, it makes sense why he never told Chase his name. Chase would have immediately told Silver and company, who would have had to stare at Chase and ask them if he had a crush on their brother

1) if he'd always been the villain key, his distrust of Chase could be explained by him distrusting all humans. This would follow course with him also being frustrated by Deacon, which yes was partly because of jealousy but also partly because Deacon was a new key holder.

1) ALSO of course he was a nightmare about Chase with the key--he had no reason to believe Chase would treat the keys well. it's also possible that he knew Silver had a crack, and thats why he helped Chase in the first cinderella book--so that Chase could meet Silver.

2) if he BECAME the villain key, it makes sense why he never asked Chase details about his key. Why he never asked about Silver or Bronze, or if they were okay, or how they were settling, despite routinely trying to get details about other factors of Chase's life. He assumes Chase is selfish, true, but he doesn't ever accuse Chase of being cruel with them.

2) if he BECAME the villain key, the line of "Don't you want to be human again" holds a lot of power. Yes, it's possible that the keys were once people and Nox wants to go back to that, but its been CENTURIES.

2) if he was always the villain key, the line of "Don't you want to be human again" would be applicable to all the keys, bc it would assume they were all human once (obligatory Keys are People Too mention, it's an amazing ao3 fic by incomple shoo go read it). Silver, Bronze, AND Goldie never mentioned that, and Punko likely would have foreshadowed it earlier.

2) if he BECAME the villain key, it makes sense why he wasn't included in the dream Silver had! Where she dreamt about her family!

2) if he BECAME the villain key, his constant reference of Silver as "the key" or as "it" also makes sense. Earlier, like episode three or so, he mentions needing to get Silver back before the old man returns. It's Silver specifically, without mentioning trying to track down anyone else.

2) if he BECAME the villain key, his name being objectively different from the other keys makes sense. Silver, Bronze, and Goldie were all named after the metal they were made from! Violet is purple! Yes, Nox means night, and yes, Nox has a moon on his back, but if Goldie isn't called Sunny, then I would argue Nox's name should count as way more subtle than everyone else's.

anyway theres a lot of points on either aspect

I could do into the character growth of Buddy, but I'm actually going to focus on the hug. Not the kiss, even though it's nice to see the fixation on Chase's hair stays strong, but Buddy immediately recognizing a hug is needed and immediately giving him one.

Buddy love language is touch, or something

Chase says "I think we need to kiss" and there's not a single arguement from Nox's lips. He literally stares at the sky, turns slowly, and goes "Not a problem"

actually the whole "I've never been the hero. Not even in my own story" goes so strong when you remember the speech he gave Deacon about needing to act as the hero, the helper, and whatever other role when need be. Nox was given the chance to be the hero, and he took it. "I'd like to be your hero" isn't just a romantic one-liner to preface a kiss--it's Nox genuinely saying that he wants the happy ending that Chase always skips. And Chase, this time, doesn't skip it.

Nox, returning back to his space with Violet, immediately says he doesn't think he can keep doing this. But he wants to be a human, more than ever, which implies that "keep doing this" isn't just travelling into the stories, but doing something additional. Something that, we can infer, is hurting Chase.

i am wrapping this up its snowing outside and i cant feel my fingers, how do you snow people do this

if you read all of this! grab a treat <3 hope you enjoyed and love you all

[suzukiblu]

Thank-you sentences for Brumes behind the cut; "interdimensional whoring for Timkon". (( chrono || non-chrono ))

Tim’s other self bares his teeth; bites the back of his glove and digs his fingers into Kon’s shoulder again. Kon digs his fingers into his ass again and lifts him just enough to take him off his feet and really put all the other’s weight all behind his hips. Tim’s other self curses. He tries to brace himself with the hand on Kon’s shoulder, and Kon grinds his chest up against his cock, and also keeps working his mouth and throat just as determinedly around Tim’s cock. Doesn’t half-ass his attempts at learning how to suck him off or even slow down or do a single thing that’d make it any easier for him to get Tim to outlast his other self. 

Noticing that makes it very hard for Tim to outlast his other self. 

Though of course Kon would do that, because when did Kon ever half-ass anything he’s asked him to do since they got over their initial friction? 

“Jesus Christ,” Tim’s other self gasps, and Tim shoves his cock fully down Kon’s throat again, and Kon purrs around it. “Jesus Christ!” 

The purring vibrates through Kon’s chest the same way it does his throat, Tim knows very intimately. 

“Aw, there’s our cute little boytoy,” he hums lowly as he tightens his fingers under Kon’s jaw, and doesn’t even sound like he’s gotten hit in the gut with an I-beam. 

Two-by-four at worst. 

“You really need to shut the fuck up,” his other self grits out, and sounds like he's gotten hit in the gut with an H-beam. 

“When do we ever?” Tim asks him wryly, curling his fingers under Kon's jaw. “It's sweet of you to let us come on your tits, baby. Especially when you're all dressed up.” 

“Ngh,” Tim's other self chokes, so maybe he was a little too distracted to register what the obvious result of coming on Kon's chest while he's suited up would be until just now. “You–you're such a–” 

“Yeah, most people think we are,” Tim replies, still wry, and rubs his fingers down the length of Kon's throat. Kon swallows much more roughly underneath them. 

So cute. 

So yeah, he should definitely be a little merciless with himself, he thinks. Just give Kon a little bit of support, that’s all, because Kon has very obviously earned it. 

Well, when doesn’t he, really? 

“I’m going to fucking kick you through that portal in the morning,” his other self snaps breathlessly, his voice rough and half-shredded and face all flushed and just barely sweating. Honestly, Tim was probably even more flustered the first time he fucked Kon, but in his case his Kon had been the one who’d been coming onto him and there hadn’t been an alternate reality spotter who already knew everything they were both into, so really, he thinks his other self should be a little more grateful right now? At least for politeness’s sake, if nothing else. 

“Well, that’ll be in the morning,” Tim replies mildly, curling his fingers in lightly just under Kon’s jaw, and his other self glares at him, and Kon swallows tighter around his cock and grinds his chest up even more eagerly against his other self’s as he kneads the other’s ass in his hands. Tim’s other self curses sharply and grabs the underside of Kon’s jaw too, digging his splayed fingers into the bone where there’s so little give as to be basically nonexistent and in against Kon’s lower lip, which is nothing but give. 

Tim’s other self curses again, and Kon slides his tongue out past Tim’s cock just enough to lick the tips of his dug-in fingers. 

Tim’s other self curses. 

“You never half-ass anything, do you, sweetheart,” Tim says fondly. “You want our come on your shield that bad? Would that make you happy? Make you really feel ‘Super’ for a while?” 

Kon lets out a moan of a purr that rumbles like a damn engine, his whole throat and whole ribcage vibrating with it. Tim only doesn’t immediately come because he knew to expect the reaction and was already braced for both the sensation and the intensity of it. Or, more specifically, because he’s used to it. 

His other self, obviously, is not. 

“Fuck!” Tim’s other self gasps as his whole body seizes up, his cock spilling wet, messy stripes across Kon’s big broad engine of a chest and S, and Kon makes that one brainless, blissed-out sound that Tim will never get sick of hearing and croons adoringly around his cock, and also drools all over it. 

Tim sighs in soft, affectionate approval and buries his cock all the way back down his throat. 

“Good boy,” he murmurs, because that’ll make Kon purr again, and the moment the other does, Tim comes himself without even having to try. Kon keeps purring for him through his whole orgasm, because he’s just the sweetest like that. 

Coming in Kon’s mouth really is one of his favorite things, Tim reflects contentedly as he catches his breath in careful, measured inhalations and finally pulls back from the other. Kon whines in disappointment the moment he's not gagging on a dick anymore, and Tim’s other self makes a strangled noise about it and manages half a step back, but nothing else. Tim’s frankly impressed he even managed that, because he knows exactly how hard it is to even shift back from Kon when he’s like this. 

Though in this case, it does give them both a very nice view of his chest. The El crest is stretched as tight as it can go across Kon’s pecs, especially with his body bent backwards like this, and looks as good as it always does with a fresh comeshot smeared across it. 

Tim smiles down at Kon as he strips off his condom to toss out and tucks his cock away again, then trails his fingers along the drooling mess of the other’s well-fucked mouth. Kon gasps for air he doesn’t really need, his chest still rising and falling in erratic little stutters, and drunkenly leans back into the contact without even trying to talk, his spine bending back just a little farther and messed-up mouth reflexively opening farther itself under the light little brush of Tim’s trailing fingers. His eyes are half-open and completely glazed over, and he looks dazed and out of it and more fucked-up than any baseline human should ever be able to get anyone with even the slightest bit of Kryptonian DNA in them. 

Same as always, really. 

Tim’s smile widens. Kon just gets so sweet for a good dicking, every time. 

Then he lifts his head and smiles at his other self instead, pleasant and merciless, and mentions: “If you wanted to be the one to give him his kiss, I personally always think he's the sweetest about it after he's just had his mouth fucked.” 

His other self makes a choked sound. Kon lets out a whimper, tiny and breathless, and his head does the exact same reflexive please kiss me tilt that Tim’s own Kon’s always does, even with his spine bent backwards and his head hanging back on his neck like this. 

His other self makes another choked sound, but it’s not even fully out of his throat before he’s grabbing Kon’s face to yank up and lunging down towards him in turn. 

And then Tim’s other self actually does something that surprises him a little, because then the other–stops, just for a second, and stares down at Kon’s glazed eyes and flushed face and dazed and overwhelmed expression and the spit-soaked mess of his mouth, and then just–cups his face instead of gripping it–cups it very gently, in fact–and kisses him very, very softly. 

And even more surprisingly, Kon actually lets him. 

Huh, Tim thinks, just barely tilting his head. That’s different. 

Well . . . it is still an alternate reality, really. 

His other self kisses Kon long and slow and soft and lingering, very clearly taking the time to both savor it and to make sure Kon gets to savor it, and Kon kisses back all clumsy and messy and just a little bit out of sync, like he’s not really processing what the other’s mouth is doing ‘til a few moments after he does it. Tim’s felt Kon kiss like that before, but only seen it as an outsider observer a handful of times. 

It took a lot more and a lot longer to get him here those times, though, even the times with Bart or Cassie or even both of them involved. So–it’s different, yeah. 

Definitely not a difference that Tim’s complaining about, though it’s kind of a funny one to get from the repressed reality, all things considered. 

He pets Kon’s hair, for a little while. It makes Kon purr again, though this time the sound of it comes out stilted and breathy, and cracks around the scattered little whimpers that the kissing’s drawing out of him. Tim can feel Kon shuddering; can feel his TTK field shuddering, even, which is a very difficult sensation to describe but always an interesting one. 

He can feel Kon trembling, too.

[renardtrickster]

It makes it clear that the United States considers trans people to be an "enemy", framing the existence of trans women as an attack on cis women, much like how homophobes claimed the existence of gay people was an attack on straight marriage. Even without policy, labeling an entire section of the population as "the other" will increase violence and discrimination against them, though the policies do come later. And if you think the violence of the Holocaust only began the moment they turned the ovens on, I have some premium Rolex watches to sell you on the cheap.

But yeah, if you want examples of the policy effects.

Defining "gender" to just mean "sex" and then erasing any recognition of gender not only legally defines trans people out of existence, it also makes them exempt from things like Title IX or any other protections. You can still be trans, just good luck landing a job, buying a house, renting an apartment, or anything else if someone in charge doesn't approve of your deal. It isn't discrimination, because the category they're discriminating against you over technically doesn't exist!

In fact, Section 5 might imply that you could now argue that if a workplace allows trans women to use the women's restroom, you could sue over that being an act of discrimination against cis women.

The final part of the order is just rolling back any previous protections granted to trans people. Guidance to protecting trans people from workplace or educational discrimination, guidance to schools addressing anti-LGBT+ bullying, protection for intersex youths. Those were already instituted, but he just wants to remove them. If someone wants to treat you like shit or ruin your life for being trans, they can just do it. Your problem now. FYGM.

Speaking of, federal mandates on bathrooms based on biological sex. "Men disguising as women and sneaking into toilets to rape" was never happening in any significant manner, but don't worry! Now visibly feminine people can either wait until they go home to piss (subtly freezing them out of existing in public), or use the men's restroom where they're much more likely to be beaten or sexually assaulted (but it's happening to an undesirable so it's okay).

Federal documents have to ID you based on sex, meaning that not only does the government get to decide what your identity is on your paperwork, but anyone who got their gender marker changed could have their passports confiscated, driver's licenses cancelled, or just straight-up be charged with fraud. For the crime of putting an "X" or "F" or "M" on a little plastic card.

If you do shoplifting and end up in jail, those are now based on sex. Meaning trans women in men's prisons. Meaning they get denied access to medical transition (even ones they were doing before), are forced into wearing men's clothing, heads shaved against their will, and an increase of sexual harassment, assault, and sexual assault from the guards and other inmates. And in spite of the fact that "men disguising as women and sneaking into women's prisons to rape" is just as much fearmongering as the bathroom shit was.

I don't imagine that any of this is going to convince you. You'll either say it's fearmongering and it's not going to happen (until it already happens, in which case oh well), or nitpick the sources and say they're pro-trans and therefore biased (meanwhile your source is a gut feeling), or that none of this matters because sex and gender are self-evident biological truths (which you want the government to enforce with violence). But I'm not really interested in convincing you of anything. You're a 34 year old republican wife who still uses tumblr and your icon is *the* anime shota, you're a fairly ridiculous person. If you do realize how in the wrong you are and seek to learn more in the future that's great. I mostly just wanted to remind everyone what the current stakes are, and how incurious and unintelligent the people who want us dead are.

"You're overreacting, nothing will happen!"

Immediately upon his inauguration, Trump made an executive order that America will now only recognize two genders.

All of you that didn't vote or voted third party can go choke.

[bingbuang]

Random af Dallas Winston headcanons!!! (sad stuff included because I can't not ugh) ♡

Dallas doesn't smoke to look tuff, he's got it just as bad as ponyboy. After he told Johnny and Ponyboy to go to the abandoned church, he ends up smoking so much, pacing around his room until he has a coughing fit, and buck makes him stop.

(Movie dallas btw) He's insecure about how big his eyebrows are. He plucks at them unconsciously, until someone points it out. Along with this, he has this weird fear of getting a unibrow because his dad had one, and he constantly scratches between his eyebrows, just in case one is there. (There's not.)

He has ADHD, and can not stop moving ever. I imagine him and Johnny going to a diner, and he's just spacing out, bouncing his leg, and doesn't notice the violently shaking table until Johnny says his name.

After they found Johnny in the lot, Steve and Soda pop had to stop him from finding and (probably) killing the socs. He was so fucking angry.

Steve doesn't fuck with Dallas, and Dallas doesn't fuck with Steve. They once got into a fight and both got *real* fucked up, and now they're both kind of rivals.

Dallas is strong, we know that, but he has muscular legs. Because if he rides horses, ain't no way he's gonna have chicken legs.

He has HUGE hands. Sometimes, he just grabs Ponyboy's entire face. Why wouldn't he?

He doesn't actually like alcohol. Unlike with the smoking thing, he only does it to look tuff. Sometimes, he swaps it out with some soda. Even better, if he does it looks like he has a high tolerance = more tuff.

He really only has street smarts. He dropped out of school when he was 13 and moved to Tulsa, and his parents never bothered signing him back up. He didn't mind though. He stayed with the Curtis's during school hours, and he actually gained a little weight because Mrs. Curtis spoiled him with baked goods.

Once he grew up more, and the greaser vs soc conflict started getting more apparent in his life(and when he started getting an ass), he began losing weight by running.

Speaking of running, he can run for a VERY long time. He got used to running from cops, and he got hella stamina. I like to believe when cops see him doing some illegal shit like starting a fight, they don't bother getting out of the car, because that kid is going to sprint. (But Dallas is smarter, he waits for them to get out first.)

he can NOT grow facial hair. Even though he has light skin and dark hair, he can't grow one for shit. One time he got called 'Babyface' by a girl, and it destroyed his ego. So when he learned Johnny would occasionally shave (like once a week) he was kind of pissed.

He wants a piercing, but he's terrified of needles.

He's gotten used to sleeping on hard benches in prison cells, so he can sleep anywhere he wants, even in jeans.

He definitely prefers soc girls. He doesn't really know why, but he likes the contrast of his greaser personality and a soc in a relationship. He thinks it makes it more fun.

When he learned Sylvia was cheating on him when he was in prison, he was a lot more upset than he let on. He used to visit her every day, and now he just solemnly hung around with the Curtis's.

He chews on his necklace a lot. Darry tells him to quit, but he don't listen. One time, Darry just got pissed and grabbed Dallas by the jaw, and told him (very angrily) to spit it out.

He can eat stupid fast. He got good at it from when he was in prison and had to eat quickly (even if he hated the food) so nobody would take it. He does get sick from it occasionally, but he can hold it down.

One of my really obscure headcanons is that Dallas is half-korean from his mom. He doesn't speak a bunch of Korean because he doesn't live with his mom anymore, but he likes fucking with new officers by pretending he can't speak English. Also, he doesn't really like bringing up his ethnicity because it reminds him of his mom too much.

As I have reblogged before, he can not swim. Pass it on.

that's all I have for now!!!! Love y'all 😍

[k0nanharv3y]

OKAY I CANNOT LET THIS DIE

Part 1 of this bullshit

"Hero? Villain? or misunderstood mind?", "Has he done more good for Gotham than its own inhabitants? What Wayne has to say about it", "The reality of the situation; Statistics of the recent attacks on Wayne Enterprise and Gotham City"

Tim didn't read the newspaper, it was boring, he didn't like it and he didn't have time to read the latest gossip from Gotham when he was most likely there. And he didn't need a piece of paper for that, that was contamination, he could get all the information he needed with just one search. So, yeah, Tim didn't read the newspaper

But then Riddle was imprisoned without even knowing it thanks to the newspaper and so Tim set himself the task of checking every single newspaper that ever mentioned him. And damn... Reddit was a thing when it came to twisting things, but this? This is blatant show-telling

Some called him a villain who didn't know how to do his job (in the first cases, really understandable, Tim barely knew what he was doing), but he had never set out to harm Gotham and apparently some people got angry...? Because... because he didn't kill anyone? (Joker doesn't count, he wasn't anybody) ...???. Others dared to lump him in with the Bats (And God bless the spilled coffee he spat out while choking reading that) saying how come; Apparently Tim was seen as a good guy and the explosions and cyber attacks on Wayne Enterprises had not been him but another rogue who was defeated by Tim???. But the others called it "The Evolution of Batman" and refuted his statistics. Batman's way was to go out and beat them until they calmed down, Tim's way was to cut them off at the root (Joker exploding in a building was nothing more than poetry. But the trafficking networks were eradicated by giving legal and stable jobs to those who distributed it, Tim didn't take their lives, not the literal ones at least, Tim changed them)

He finished high school early and dedicated himself to helping Gotham. It wasn't even illegal (stealing from the rich isn't illegal, their mere existence is illegal and unjust) Tim wasn't a villain, the citizens of Gotham seemed to love him just like they loved Batman; and if some building had to be blown up, at least nobody lived there and it was only to piss off the Bats

Batman's attempts to stop him seemed to cease... But Tim was greedy once... just once, and that led him to mess with forces he couldn't control. And then there was a price on his head, and Shiva and Deathstroke were after him. Because Ra's doesn't find it funny that a 14-year-old kid hacks into his systems and steals money to give to the poor. Shiva ended up being kind of... weird? She didn't kill him, but she threatened him that she would sooner or later, when Tim is a real threat to her (Tim learned to fight, thanks Shiva, but fuck it, it hurt) and Slade let him live because...??? I mean, he slit his throat and gave him enough trauma to last a lifetime, but he let him live... Tim doesn't think he's that lucky, this was already playing god

And then Ra's killed his mother

///

The irony is that Tim didn't WANT his mother, of course, she was his mother and he loved her deeply, but... it was like, a love out of responsibility, Tim was a child who was presented with, look, these are your parents and you must love them and respect them because they are your parents. That Janet's death hurt him so much... it was more a matter of pride, Tim didn't want revenge because Ra's killed his mother, he wanted revenge because Ra's killed his mother

And now he wasn't going to stop Gotham from burning. He was going to create the fire for Ra's to burn with whatever it took

If Batman stopped him, he didn't care, Tim had nothing to lose. His mother was dead and Ra's would pay for it

///

This is... actually before Batman's death, but after Damian became Robin, I'm working on this as I write, I don't have anything planned so...

Someone: Oh! Plot Hole!

I throw a brick at them and make sure they don't move anymore

Me: You didn't see anything.

Part 3 because i forgot to mention it

[rookieoneil]

Controversial rant 🧍🏽‍♀️

Spoilers (7x03) (not John Nolan friendly)

JOHN NOLAN

Nolan is fucking reckless. He’s doing exactly what Tim did last season. Going after someone for a personal agenda. He’s supposed to be a teacher, how is Celina expected to make it as a cop when her teacher A isn’t teaching, and B is constantly making the job personal (something Celina, Angela, and Lucy got in trouble for) I wish for ONCE they treat him like they treat everyone else.

This episode alone let’s look at this. Seth and Miles got in trouble for saving a civilian successfully (as they should) and Nolan- instead of saving a civilian (that’s protocol) he went after a suspect and made a deal with said suspect (who got away) because it was in HIS best interest.

The man ended up losing over two pints of blood! Which could have been a lot less than it could have been. Idk if he died (probably not) but still this is crazy.

Not the point. My point is he didn’t get in trouble at all.

I know the difference being they are rookies and John’s not but still. John is constantly getting away with shit that anyone else would have been prosecuted for.

Not to mention him talking to a suspect and jeopardizing the case of two teenagers who lost their lives because it benefited him. Like how is any of what he did allowed?!? How is able to continue a personal investigation with consequences??? Tim got “demoted” (fired?) from metro because of his personal investigation. How is this different? Because John let a dangerous guy get away, and almost let someone else die.

“He was doing it for his wife” idc. Let other people deal with this. Not him. He’s too close to this,

As a husband, he’s protective and good for him, as a cop he’s reckless and will get someone killed

Ughhh I just hate John Nolan with everything I am. Never make me like him.

CHENFORD

Despite popular belief, I think that Rachel is here to get Chenford back together. I don’t think she’s here for alternative reasons.

Also I think that this friendship/ team work that they are creating will make their relationship in the future be 10x better. They need this time to reconnect let’s not get them back together for a good minute because they BOTH need to grow.

Lucy

Baby girl is finally getting a friend again. I feel like Celina and she still have a strained relationship and having gotten to a close friendship YET. But Rachel being back is good for her. Look at that trauma dump she needed to let out.

I hope my sunshine girl starts gaining her sunshine back

Jalya

James stf. I 100% agree with his stance cause those teens deserve justice. But that is not the time or place. I think he needs to learn how to leave his work at work. Wesley too.

I think Nyla needs to be more open to conversation and not just stopping James. They both need a lot of growth in communication as a COUPLE. Not communication just about work.

They need to create boundaries. Like please boundaries will save yallll

Wopez

Wesley needs to fucking let it go. Angela is not gonna cheat, and now he’s letting it affect his home life. Like bro I hate to break it to you but in the world she works in, so many of those men think about Angela like that. Like it sucks and those men suck, BUT Angela went into that career knowing that. It sucks that women have to even acknowledging this part of a job. But it’s reality and if Welsey thinks this is the only man who has those thoughts then hes really showing his privilege as man.

He’s acting like this one man has flipped his world over. Like dude. 😐 the detective -idk his name- is an asshole. And he’s not the only one in that police station who has that thought about fellow female officers. If Wesley truly believed that the first one then he’s naive. You can say oh it’s probably because the detective works so close with Angela but like Angela was in patrol, she worked with plenty of men like that. Welsey has to know this.

I don’t like that they’re leaning into this idea that if Angela knows about how this detective feels about her then she’ll cheat. Like I know that they’re not actually saying that but they’re insinuating it and I don’t like that at all. Because she loves Wesley. She wouldn’t cheat on him so I’m like why are we even playing with this plot line. It felt like they picked this plot out of a hat and was like yeah this works because they didn’t know what to do with Wopez this season.

Being a woman in a man’s field is horrible and it sucks, and as a rich white man married to a Columbia & Mexican Woman you shouldn’t be delusional enough to believe she’s respected in the same way you are. You should know about what she’s most likely facing everyday. You should not get jealous over slimes men, and instead educate yourself 👏🏼 it should take you 7+ years to figure that out buddy (btw I love Wesley I just don’t like his plot this season).

[bobmarleygetupstandup-blog]

hexonicthemediocre,

Doesn't mean they have to be a helicopter sister though. Sometimes I think people who obsess with this "sister" thing are just projecting their own grievances of life and/or have some weird sister-complex. It's like these people infantilize Ruby. She's 17 at this point and refused help. At this age, she needs to stop being coddled. Even Weiss and Taiyang (mostly in Ice Queendom pointed out).

Everytime Yang asked, Ruby deflected by changing the subject or brushing it off and staying silent. You can't force help upon someone. No one is at fault here. And even Ruby understood eventually that she needed to learn to ask for help. When you're distracted by numerous things in a strange world outside of Remnant, where the only thing you're worried about is getting the hell out of there and back to some semblance of normalcy, it's easy to get distracted. Yang doesn't even recognize these symptoms that Ruby is going through because Ruby has never displayed it before. As Yang had implied, Ruby's version of "upset" wasn't like that in the past.

Yang's new relationship, was something she never experienced before so yeah it's going to infiltrate most of her mind. She's in a happy place and the juxtaposition was that Ruby was in the opposite state of mind. I think I remember Lindsay pointing this out but it was like "How do you be happy when I'm miserable! You should be miserable like me..." or something to that degree. Which in hindsight sounds like some of the fandom LOL.

Yang gave her childhood up to be the emotional support for Ruby growing up the same way a mother does. But even mothers have to stop hovering at some point. It's unhealthy and it teaches the child to NOT be resiliant. Helicopter parenting teaches kids NOT to be strong enough to leave their comfort zone. And Yang does NOT owe Ruby a life of servitude. She did her part during their pre-adolescent years. It's time for independence and learning to let go.

Immediate family will ALWAYS be there for you (if they're still physically around) but it's coming to a point where Yang breaks away to eventually begin the path to starting her own family. It may be later down the line but she's not going to chain Ruby to her to get to that point. And she shouldn't have to. Again, Yang does NOT owe Ruby.

I'm waiting for Ruby, at some point to say, "Thank you" to Yang. It would be a great full circle moment. Because without Yang being her emotional backbone and nurturer growing up, She would have been a emotional basket-case in her early years because Taiyang wouldn't have been able to provide that. He provided the physical necessities (food, roof over their heads) and Yang provided the motherly love and support. And as a sister, she doesn't need to be at her constant beck and call. However, as per that Boba episode, both had their talk (because they continue to be the foil to Team STRQ whose main weakness include utter lack of communication). Both Yang and Ruby expressed their concerns and anxieties. So now both are aware and on the same page.

Another thing too is that both Ruby and Yang are different then their younger selves and just like regular family, I also find myself having to learn new things about my younger siblings even when they're already in their 40s. People change and I think the ones angry at Yang and/or the rest of the cast are afraid of change or the allusion to it.

Also, it's time Yang got her emotional support and backbone...and she's finally getting it through Blake. A million kudos to her.

I find it so weird that people are mad about Vi choosing herself for once and not Jinx.

Like I saw this in RWBY as well. People were MAD Yang got a girlfriend and wasn't taking care of the little sister she raised and who is an adult.

And we are seeing it now again. People are MAD at Vi for not taking care of her adult sister and getting a girlfriend.

Like... I don't understand it. I have so many questions for the people that are mad.

Do you just expect older sisters to sacrifice themselves for their family?

Are you the younger siblings?

Are you a man?

Do you have siblings at all?

Are you sexist?

Are you homophobic?

Like, I just don't get it. And yes, I understand in both cases Ruby was at a low moment, and so is Jinx. But let's not pretend Yang and Vi are not there for them. Ruby refused help and wouldn't ask for it. Jinx rejects it as well. What do we expect them to do?

[staygolden-and-chaotic]

You'll never guess who's requesting this cuz you've never met me 😈

Anyways CAN you do maybe the outsiders boys reaction to an albino greaser? It can be any gender and be reader I just wanna know what you think they'd do or say

Sincerely

A greaser named bug

Nice to meet you bug 😏 but ofccccccc I hope you like it bug💗 I’ll also try to make it gender neutral.

Sincerely

Someone who is winging it🫶🏻

Darrell Curtis

Darry first met you at the grocery store when you were struggling to reach a box of cereal on the top shelf. Being the gentleman he is, he stepped in to grab it for you, and that’s where your conversations started. He was instantly intrigued by your unique appearance.

At first, he was nervous about asking you out. Darry’s got that quiet, steady confidence, but something about you threw him off in the best way. Maybe it was the way your pale skin seemed to glow under the store lights or the sharp intelligence in your eyes.

He loved learning more about albinism and made it a priority to understand how to support you. He’s the type of guy who’d read up on the importance of sunglasses, sunscreen, and any health concerns, making sure you’re always protected. He’d carry a pair of your sunglasses in his truck just in case you forgot yours.

The gang noticed how protective he became of you. If they were hanging out in the sun, Darry made sure there was a shady spot for you to sit and wouldn’t hesitate to drag a chair over for you.

Ponyboy, being a little poetic, would occasionally compare you to the moon soft, glowing, and beautiful. You’d always laugh, but Darry would get this proud, quiet smile like, Yeah, that’s mine.

Darry loved running his hands through your hair. He was mesmerized by its silky white strands and would sometimes find himself just brushing it back while you sat beside him. It became one of his favorite ways to relax after work.

He’d often remind you that you’re beautiful, especially if you ever felt self-conscious about standing out. If someone dared to make a rude comment, Darry’s calm demeanor would snap. He wouldn’t cause a scene, but the steel in his voice when he told someone to back off made it clear they’d regret crossing him.

Date nights were always thoughtful but practical. Darry loved taking you to quieter places, like drive-in movies or picnics at the park during sunset when the sunlight wasn’t too harsh. He loved seeing you comfortable and happy.

The boys absolutely adored you. You brought a calmness to the Curtis house that even Darry appreciated. Whenever things got rowdy, you’d just smile and remind Darry to let loose every now and then.

One night, Soda teased Darry by calling him “lovesick” after he caught Darry staring at you while you talked with Ponyboy. Instead of denying it, Darry just grinned and said, “What can I say? There one of a kind.

Sodapop Curtis

Soda first noticed you while working at the DX. You came in to ask for directions, and the way the sunlight hit your pale skin and silvery hair made him freeze mid sentence. He’d always been a charmer, but with you, he couldn’t help but stutter.

He immediately turned on the charm after recovering, offering to help you with more than just directions. “Need your tires checked? Oil changed? A tour guide around town? I’m your guy.”

From that day, you started coming by the DX more often sometimes for gas, sometimes just to chat. Soda would always light up when he saw you pull in, running to your car before Steve even had the chance to look your way.

Soda loved how unique you were, always calling you his “snow angel” or “moonbeam.” He’d joke that you were so stunning, people had to wear sunglasses just to look at you.

He’d constantly find little ways to dote on you. If it was sunny, he’d remind you to put on sunscreen and even apply it for you if you let him. On cloudy days, he’d wrap his arm around you, saying, “Perfect weather for my perfect baby.”

Soda was fiercely protective. If anyone ever stared too long or made a rude comment about your albinism, he’d immediately jump in with his signature mix of charm and sass. “Yeah, they’re gorgeous, ain’t they? You want an autograph or something?”

He’d love showing you off to the gang. When he introduced you to them, he couldn’t stop grinning and kept saying, “aren’t they just the prettiest thing you’ve ever seen?”

Ponyboy would occasionally ask questions about your albinism, and you’d patiently explain it to him. Soda would listen intently too, wanting to understand everything he could about you.

He loved touching your hair. Whether it was brushing his fingers through it or playing with a strand absentmindedly, he was mesmerized by how soft and silky it was. He’d often joke, “How’d I get lucky enough to date someone straight out of a fairytale?”

Date nights with Soda were always fun and full of energy. He’d take you to the drive in, carnival, or the park for a late night walk when the sun wasn’t an issue. He’d always make you laugh, whether it was through goofy jokes or sneaking extra popcorn into the movies.

Soda would constantly remind you how beautiful you were, especially if you ever felt self conscious about standing out. “You’re one in a million, babe. Nobody else could even come close to you.”

One time, you caught Soda telling Steve, “they’re not just gorgeous, man. They’re everything. I don’t know what I’d do without them.” Steve teased him for being so sappy, but Soda just shrugged with a goofy grin.

One day when you felt out of place or overwhelmed by the stares, soda would wrap you in his arms, kiss the top of your head, and whisper “Your my moonbeam, babe. Nobody else shines like you do.”

Ponyboy Curtis

Pony first saw you at the library, tucked away in a corner with a book in your lap. He couldn’t help but stare your pale skin and snowy hair seemed almost unreal, like you’d stepped out of a storybook.

You caught him staring, and he quickly looked away, blushing furiously. When you smiled at him, though, it gave him enough courage to strike up a conversation.

He was captivated by how soft spoken and kind you were. You bonded over your shared love of books, and Ponyboy found himself seeking you out every time he went to the library.

Pony was curious about your albinism but was too polite to ask at first. When you brought it up yourself, he listened intently, asking thoughtful questions to understand you better. He admired how confident you were about explaining something so personal.

The first time he complimented you, it was so casual and genuine that it caught you off guard. “Your hair looks just like starlight,” he said while flipping through a book, as if it was the most obvious observation in the world.

Pony would write poems about you how your skin glowed in the moonlight or how your unique beauty reminded him of something ethereal. He’d never show them to you unless you stumbled upon one in his notebook, which would make him turn redder than a tomato.

He loved taking you to quiet places where you could talk and relax. His favorite spot was a secluded area by the riverbank where the sunlight wasn’t too harsh, and you could read together.

Pony was fiercely protective in his own quiet way. If anyone made a rude comment or stared too long, he wouldn’t yell or fight, but his sharp, icy glare was enough to make them regret it.

The gang absolutely adored you. They teased Pony about how smitten he was, but they genuinely appreciated the calm and warmth you brought to their rowdy group. Even Dallas, who wasn’t easily impressed, would crack a rare grin when you were around.

Pony loved running his fingers through your hair, fascinated by its silky texture. “It’s like clouds,” he’d murmur, almost in awe.

On tougher days, when you felt out of place or overwhelmed by how much you stood out, Pony would comfort you with his words. “You’re not different in a bad way, y’know? You’re different in the kind of way that makes people remember you. Like a rare flower or a shooting star.”

He’d sometimes read aloud to you, his voice soft and full of emotion. Whether it was poetry, Shakespeare, or something you’d picked, he always managed to make the words sound magical.

One time, Johnny caught Ponyboy staring at you with this dreamy expression, and when he teased him about it, Pony just shrugged and said, “Can you blame me? They’re like the main character in every story I’ve ever loved.”

Johnny Cade

The first time Johnny saw you was at the park. You were sitting alone, sketching in a notebook. He was too shy to approach you at first, but when he saw your drawing, he couldn’t help but compliment it. “That’s real nice,” he mumbled, his voice barely above a whisper.

You looked up at him with a smile, and Johnny was immediately struck by how unique and beautiful you were. He wasn’t used to talking to girls, especially not ones who looked like they belonged in a painting.

Over time, you and Johnny started spending more time together, often at the park or the lot. You’d draw while he watched, and he’d tell you about his life, feeling comfortable enough to open up in a way he rarely did with anyone else.

He was fascinated by your albinism. When you mentioned it casually one day, he listened intently, his dark eyes filled with curiosity and admiration. “You’re… real different. In a good way,” he said softly, trying not to sound awkward.

Johnny was always gentle and considerate, making sure you were comfortable. If the sun was too bright, he’d offer his jacket to shield you or suggest moving to a shady spot. He’d even remind you to put on sunscreen, though he’d blush while doing it.

He loved your hair and often found himself staring at it, amazed by how soft and light it looked. If you ever let him touch it, he’d do so tentatively, like it was the most delicate thing in the world.

The gang noticed how much happier Johnny seemed when he was around you. They teased him about it, but he didn’t mind too much he was just glad to have someone like you in his life.

You made Johnny feel seen and appreciated in a way he wasn’t used to. He’d always felt like a shadow, but with you, he felt like he mattered.

He’d get protective of you, especially if anyone made rude comments or stared too long. While he wasn’t the type to start fights, he’d stand his ground if he thought someone was being disrespectful.

One of Johnny’s favorite things was watching you draw. He’d sit beside you in quiet awe, occasionally asking about your process or offering ideas. Once, you surprised him by sketching a portrait of him, and he was so touched he couldn’t find the words to thank you.

Johnny wasn’t great with words, but he had his own way of showing how much he cared. He’d bring you little things he thought you’d like a pretty rock, a flower, or a book he borrowed from the library.

On days when you felt self conscious about your albinism, Johnny would do everything he could to comfort you. “You’re… special,” he’d say quietly, his voice full of sincerity. “Not just ‘cause of how you look. You’re just… you. And that’s more than enough.”

He loved quiet moments with you, like sitting under the stars and talking about your dreams. You’d reassure him that he was more than his tough life, and he’d start to believe it when he saw how much you cared.

One night, when you asked him why he always seemed so amazed by you, he looked at you with soft, honest eyes and said, “’Cause you’re the prettiest thing I’ve ever seen… and I’ve seen a lot of sunsets.”

Dallas Winston

Dally first noticed you when you walked into Buck’s for a drink. Your pale skin and bright hair stood out in the smoky, dimly lit bar, and he couldn’t help but stare. “Well, ain’t you a sight,” he said, flashing his trademark smirk.

At first, you weren’t sure if he was teasing or genuinely interested, but Dally didn’t waste any time making it clear he was intrigued. He’d swagger over, lean against the bar, and say, “What’s someone like you doing in a place like this? Lookin’ for trouble?”

Dally was fascinated by your appearance. He wasn’t used to seeing someone so unique, and he made it a point to tell you just how stunning you were sometimes in the bluntest, most Dally way possible. “You’re somethin’ else, doll. Never seen anyone like you, and I’ve been around.”

He loved the way people’s eyes lingered on you when you were together. It fed his ego to know he had someone as striking as you by his side. If anyone dared to say something rude, though, Dally wouldn’t hesitate to throw a punch. “Got somethin’ to say? Didn’t think so.”

Dally was surprisingly attentive when it came to your albinism. He’d tease you about being a “snow angel” or “ghost,” He’d casually hand you his jacket if you forgot to bring something to cover up. “Don’t need you fryin’ out here, babe.”

He wasn’t the type to outright say how much he cared, but his actions spoke louder than words. Whether it was making sure you stayed out of trouble or keeping people from bothering you, Dally always had your back.

He loved your hair. He’d run his fingers through it, tug it gently, or just brush it back while giving you that cocky grin. “Soft as hell,” he’d mutter, almost like he was talking to himself.

Despite his tough exterior, Dally had a soft spot for you. You brought out a gentler side of him that few people ever saw. He’d still act like a rebel, but around you, he’d lower his walls just enough to let you see the real him.

The gang noticed the change in him when you were around. He was still Dally rough, cocky, and wild but they could see how protective he was of you. Even TwoBit joked, “Looks like Dally’s finally gone soft,” earning a glare from him.

Dally loved taking you on reckless adventures. Whether it was sneaking into movies, speeding down empty roads, or getting into places you weren’t supposed to be, he made sure life with him was never boring.

When you felt self-conscious about standing out, Dally wouldn’t sugarcoat his response. “So what if people stare? Let ‘em. They’re just jealous they’ll never look as good as you do, doll.”

He loved showing you off, especially in public. Wrapping an arm around your shoulder, he’d smirk at anyone who dared to look your way. “Yeah, they’re with me. Got a problem with that?”

On rare, quiet nights, he’d open up to you about his rough life, surprised by how much comfort your presence gave him. He’d never admit it outright, but being with you made him feel like maybe he wasn’t so bad after all.

One night, after a particularly wild day, he turned to you with a serious look in his eyes and said, “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me, doll. Don’t let it go to your head, though.”

Steve Randle

Steve first noticed you at the DX when you came in to get your car checked out. He was working under the hood of a car, but when you walked in, he nearly dropped his wrench. “Holy smokes,” he muttered under his breath, barely able to keep his cool.

Unlike Soda, who was always smooth with compliments, Steve’s reaction to you was clumsy. “Uh, you need… uh… gas or somethin’? Wait, no, you’re here for the car. Obviously.” It was awkward but endearing.

He was fascinated by your looks but didn’t want to make you uncomfortable. Instead of outright saying something, he’d sneak little glances your way, trying to act casual. It was Soda who eventually teased him into actually asking you out.

Steve loved working on your car just so he had an excuse to see you. He’d take extra care to make sure everything was perfect, even throwing in a free tune up here and there. “Gotta keep your ride running smooth, just like you.”

He quickly learned about your albinism when you explained why you always wore sunglasses and avoided the sun. Steve didn’t know much about it but was eager to learn. “So, sunscreen’s, like, a must, huh? Don’t worry I’ll keep some in the car for you.”

He loved showing you off to people, especially when they stared. Wrapping an arm around you, he’d smirk and say, “Yeah, they’re with me. Bet you’ve never seen anyone like them, huh?”

Steve could get hot headed if anyone said something rude about you. He wouldn’t hesitate to throw hands if he thought someone was disrespecting you. “Got somethin’ to say? Say it to me.”

The gang teased Steve endlessly about how much he adored you, but he didn’t care. “Yeah, I’m whipped. So what?” he’d say, shrugging it off with a grin.

Steve loved taking you for rides in his car, especially at night when the sun wasn’t a problem. He’d crank up the radio, roll down the windows, and let you feel the wind in your hair as he drove around town.

He wasn’t great with words, but he’d always find little ways to show how much he cared like fixing things for you, bringing you your favorite snacks, or surprising you with a mixtape of songs that reminded him of you.

On days when you felt self conscious about your albinism, Steve wouldn’t let you dwell on it. “Babe, you’re a knockout. People don’t stare ‘cause you’re weird they stare ‘cause they’ve never seen anything as gorgeous as you.”

One time, he caught himself staring at you while you were talking to Ponyboy about books. When you asked what he was looking at, he just smirked and said, “My baby, that’s what. Can’t blame me, can ya?”

Two-Bit Mathews

Two-Bit first saw you at the movies when you were sitting in the row ahead of him. He couldn’t help but lean forward and crack a joke about the film, just to get your attention. When you laughed, he was hooked.

After the movie, he practically ran after you to introduce himself. “So, do I get the honor of knowing the name of the prettiest person in the theater?” he’d ask with his signature grin.

Two-Bit loved teasing you, but it was always playful and never mean-spirited. He’d call you things like “Snowflake” but the way he said it always made you laugh instead of cringe.

He was completely fascinated by your appearance. “You look like you belong on one of those fancy magazine covers,” he’d say with a smirk. “Maybe I should start carrying a camera around just to keep up with you.”

The first time he learned about your albinism, he made a big deal about how cool it was. “Wait, so you’re, like, one in a million? That’s wild. I always knew I had good taste.”

Two-Bit was incredibly protective in his own goofy way. If someone stared at you too long, he’d walk up to them and say, “Take a picture it’ll last longer.” If they kept it up, his tone would shift to something sharper. “You deaf, pal? Move it.”

He loved to joke about how pale you were, but he always followed it up with a compliment. “You’re so bright, you’re putting the sun to shame. No wonder I need sunglasses around you.”

The gang quickly noticed how smitten he was. They’d tease him relentlessly, but he’d just shrug and grin. “What can I say? I’m a lucky guy. Not everyone gets a snow angel for a partner .”

Two-Bit loved taking you on silly adventures, like sneaking into drive ins or pranking random people in the neighborhood. “Life’s too short to be boring, babe. Let’s make some memories.”

He was surprisingly sweet when it came to taking care of you. He’d always remind you to put on sunscreen or bring sunglasses, even jokingly offering to carry an umbrella for shade. “Gotta keep my snowflake from melting.”

If you ever felt self conscious about your albinism, Two-Bit would immediately shut it down with his humor and charm. “Babe, if everyone else doesn’t see how gorgeous you are, that’s their loss. Guess that means I get you all to myself.”

He loved showing you off in public. “Yep, that’s my mine,” he’d say with a cocky grin whenever someone glanced your way. “Go ahead and look, but don’t touch. They’re taken.”

One time, he surprised you with a snow globe he found at a thrift shop. “Look! It reminded me of you tiny, perfect, and way outta my league.”

Late at night, when the two of you were alone, his goofy side would fade, and he’d get more serious. “You know I’m crazy about you, right? Don’t need to change a thing about yourself, doll. You’re perfect as is.”

Tim Shepard

Tim first saw you hanging around the neighborhood, and while he didn’t usually stop to notice people, you caught his eye immediately. Your pale skin, white hair, and quiet confidence stood out in a world of chaos.

He wasn’t the type to stumble over his words, so he walked right up to you, smirking. “You lost, or do you just like hangin’ out in rough neighborhoods?” When you fired back a sassy response, he knew you were someone he wanted to know better.

Tim was intrigued by your albinism, though he didn’t make a big deal out of it. He’d ask a few questions here and there, always casual, but it was clear he found your uniqueness fascinating.

He loved the way you stood out from everyone else. “You’re not like the other people around here,” he’d say, his voice low and sincere. “And that’s a good thing.”

Tim wasn’t big on public displays of affection, but he was fiercely protective of you. If anyone stared too long or made a rude comment, they’d get a cold glare or worse.

Despite his tough exterior, Tim had a soft spot for you. He’d go out of his way to make sure you were safe and comfortable, even if it meant slowing down his usually chaotic lifestyle.

The Shepard gang respected you immediately because of how much Tim cared about you. Nobody dared to mess with you, knowing full well Tim would make them regret it.

Tim wasn’t much for words, but his actions spoke volumes. He’d walk you home after dark, make sure you ate when you were too busy to remember, and even fix things around your house without being asked.

You brought out a softer side of him that few people ever saw. While he was still tough and intimidating to everyone else, with you, he was patient and gentle.

On tough days, when you felt self conscious about standing out, Tim would sit beside you, his hand resting on your knee. “Look, you’re not just different you’re better. They don’t like it? Screw ‘em. You’re mine, and that’s all that matters.”

He wasn’t big on romantic gestures, but he had his moments. Once, he carved your initials into a tree in the lot where his gang hung out, grinning as he showed you. “Figured I’d make it official.”

Tim loved taking you for rides in his car , especially at night when the world felt quiet. He’d let you wrap your arms around him as he sped through the streets, the wind in your hair. “Ain’t nobody out here but us, doll. Feels nice, don’t it?”

Despite his rough and tumble lifestyle, Tim was incredibly careful with you. He made sure you never felt like you had to change who you were to fit into his world. “You’re already perfect,” he’d say, his voice soft but firm. “Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”

Curly Shepard

Curly first noticed you at a party when one of his friends pointed you out, saying, “Look at that angel over there.” At first, he rolled his eyes, but when he turned and saw you, his cocky smirk faltered. He wasn’t expecting someone who looked so… different and stunning.

He sauntered over to you with that signature swagger, crossing his arms and flashing you a grin. “So, what’s someone like you doin’ at a party like this? Slummin’ it with us hoods?” He meant it as a joke, but he couldn’t help the genuine curiosity in his tone.

Curly was the type to tease you relentlessly, calling you “Snow White” or “Frostbite,” but there was never any malice behind his words. If anything, it was his way of flirting and he loved how flustered you’d get.

He was fascinated by your albinism but didn’t ask a million questions like most people did. Instead, he’d make casual observations, like, “Your hair’s brighter than the streetlights, babe,” or, “You’re the first person I’ve met who can outshine the moon.”

Curly was protective to the extreme. If anyone stared at you too long or said something stupid, he’d immediately step in, cracking his knuckles and smirking dangerously. “ you got 3 seconds to apologize or I’m going to knock your face in’.”

He loved showing you off, especially to his gang. “Yeah, they’re with me,” he’d say proudly, throwing an arm around your shoulders. “Ain’t they somethin’?”

Curly had no problem stealing things for you. If you mentioned wanting something, he’d show up with it the next day, shrugging nonchalantly when you asked how he got it. “Don’t worry ‘bout it, babe. Just call it a gift.”

He was always playful, constantly messing with you in the cutest ways. He’d steal your sunglasses, hold them above your head, and laugh as you tried to grab them back. “C’mon, you don’t need these. You’re already too cool.”

If you ever felt self conscious about standing out, Curly would be quick to shut it down. “Who cares what anyone else thinks? They’re just jealous they ain’t half as good lookin’ as you.”

He had a wild side and loved dragging you along on his adventures, whether it was sneaking into drive-ins, racing through town on a stolen bike, or just causing trouble in the neighborhood. “Stick with me, doll. Life’s never boring when you’re rollin’ with Curly Shepard.”

Despite his tough exterior, Curly had a soft side that he only showed to you. When it was just the two of you, he’d let his guard down, resting his head in your lap or holding your hand while you talked about everything and nothing.

He wasn’t great with romantic words, but he’d show his affection through his actions. Whether it was giving you his jacket on a chilly night or showing up to your house at midnight just to see you, he always found a way to remind you how much he cared.

One night, as the two of you sat on the hood of his car, staring at the stars, Curly turned to you and said, “You know, you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I mean it.”

[weministertomonsters]

The Alien Emissary - 2

➤ Wordcount - 1.2k

You wake up startled because you fall out your bed. Well, not your bed. This isn't The Collective's mothership. You're in a cramped space, lying on a cramped cot. You recognize the interior to be the inside of the Vathri shuttle.

Right, I passed out.

You sit up slowly, rubbing your temple in an attempt to get the room to stop spinning. Your hand brushes against electric cuffs hanging loose on the wall. That must have been the restraints used on the Vathri you saved. You lift one and grimace at the thin metal prong on the cuff. For electricity to be effective on a Vathri it has to get to their skin, which is under a protective layer of armor-like scales. The prongs are designed to be forced underneath. You've always wondered if it feels like getting needles shoved under your nails, in which case it would hurt badly. When you stand up, you bump your head on the ceiling. Frowning you rub your sore head.

"This room is practically pocket-sized," you mutter. "How'd they even stuff him down here?"

"You are awake." The Vathri's voice floats into the room through the open hatch. "Come up, we are reaching our destination."

You climb up into the cockpit. The Vathri is seated at the controls, looking far more familiar with it than you did.

"How long was I out?" You ask, folding your arms and watching him work.

"A quarter of an hour. Not long." His voice still has that mysterious buzz in it. Rather than being eerie, you find it sort of soothing.

"Is that normal? It was like I was on a bad trip."

"I have never seen a human use the cloaking, but I am not surprised. Even Vathri young find it difficult on their first try."

You step closer and surreptitiously look him over. Thanks to their biological armor, the Vathri appear fully covered and often go around wearing loose pants and some jewelry, and not much else. He doesn't have either. When your gaze dips between his thick, muscular thighs, he snorts.

"Looking for the princess destroyer, I assume?"

The startled sound you make is hardly elegant before you burst out laughing.

"The what now?" You snicker. "I had no idea your kind could be funny."

"This is all a bid to lure you in," he replies, busy fiddling with the controls.

"I was just curious. Sorry." You clear your throat. "Have you… Heard about me?"

"You are certainly a blip on the gossip radar."

"Shit. Attracting attention is a surefire way to get killed," you grumble.

"Perhaps you should not have slept with the Emissary of Luscen then?"

You scoff. "The rumors are exaggerated. We didn't get that far. We got caught, as apparently, all of the galaxy knows. It was my first time in space and I was excited and optimistic and horny about everything."

The shuttle's engine grumbles and the Vathri croons to it. While his native tongue sounds harsh to your ears, you can pick out the intention behind it.

Come on, just a little further. You can do it, you little hunk of metal, you think.

"Csami? What does that mean?" You ask, picking out one distinctive word.

"Lady."

"Cute." You grab a hold of the armrest of the pilot's seat as the engine begins to stall.

Not a big issue. You can see the planet you're heading for up ahead and you're pretty sure you're going to make it, even if the landing is rough.

"That is the shuttle's name. Csami-kïy."

"Lady-8," you muse.

"You are taking Vathri lessons?"

"Yes, I love learning languages. Luscen was pretty easy and I'd say I'm conversational with it now. Vathri has some sounds I don't think I can produce, though, so my speaking probably won't ever be good."

"Tell me, are you not even a little afraid of me?" He suddenly asks, turning eyes that burn like small orange suns in your direction.

"Of what you are? No. That's what made me a good fit as an Emissary. I'm more curious than anything. As for your jailbreak, I feel like we're in this together. For now, anyway. Besides, I tend to trust my gut."

"And what is it telling you?"

"That we're cool. You might be trouble, but not for me."

The Vathri makes a noncommittal sound. "I see."

You look down at his wrists, searching for the abrasion from the handcuffs. It's right there. The smaller delicate scales on his wrist aren't sitting quite right, having been rudely shoved aside by the prongs on the cuffs. He doesn't turn away from what he's doing but he can tell you're looking because he angles the injury away from you.

"Does it hurt?"

"It's unpleasant. You might want to sit down," the Vathri says.

But there's only one seat, and in the sleek design of the interior, there's nothing much to hold on to. As he starts to nose the shuttle down, you grab a hold of his shoulder to anchor yourself and the warmth of his scales seeps into your fingertips. Brazen, maybe, but you like being in one piece. When you nearly fly off balance, he takes one hand off the controls for a second to perch you on the arm of the chair.

"Lean into me," he says. "The landing might be rough."

You do. The shuttle shakes so violently that you're surprised nothing falls off as you land in a puff of dust. Once the shuttle comes to a screeching halt you lift your head and unclench your jaw. There's an arm looped around your side and holding you in place, except both his arms are in front, so that's not possible. You look down to see that it's his tail. The tip of it ends in a stinger that looks like a cross between a blade and a barbed arrow. It looks deadly and your little animal brain immediately wants to touch it.

"Can that kill me?"

He pulls his tails away and it flicks lightly against his calf. "Not unless I intend so. Poison is manually generated, much like spitting on someone."

You file that information away for later. He unclips the seatbelt and stands. When he reaches for something over your head, you flinch a little. He looks down at you, his hand still raised over your head.

"I'm not afraid," you say quickly.

His mandibles twitch. Vathri faces don't really make expressions, but you can practically feel his amusement.

"Humans are easy to read," He replies.

And what's that supposed to mean? You think, but he's already ducking out of the exit hatch.

You realize he's bigger than the Vathri who first exited the shuttle. None of them had to duck. You're busy wondering if they were all small and he's just big when you walk right into his back.

"Oh, sorry-"

He's frozen, his tail flicking in an uneasy way that immediately affects you too. If something larger than you is scared, you're dead meat.

"What's wrong?" You peer around him to see a huge angry-looking alien storming down the landing towards you.

"Another of your enemies? You killed his family or something?" You squeak.

"I fucked his boyfriend."

"What!"

"Get back inside," the Vathri says without turning to you. "I am about to take a beating."

You don't need to be told twice.

──────────────────

If you're wondering why I'm posting much slower right now it's because I've been busy on Patreon. You can read free stories on there that I haven't posted anywhere else, like Contents Under Pressure, Soft Heart, Bad Things and Vile And Vulgar (my favorite).

[therapardalis]

From a technical perspective, Courage is pretty good. It has the pacing and the beats, even if Thera's likely to find the 'comedy' characters annoying after a while; the way Courage is actually right but they keep brushing him off and never listening to him ...

And if that thought fully registers she's going to look at Steven. Even if it's a similarity way too deep to go delving into without a psychologist license. And probably not one he'd welcome if she did!

But for right now ... the cartoon is a roller-coaster, for sure! She chuckles, throwing Steven a glance that she's pretty sure won't be returned, at least not more than fleetingly. Sometimes she'd like a little more of that, eye contact while they speak, but she's come to learn that that's just how he is. Doesn't matter, it's just become part of their routine.

"Yeah," Another laugh as in spite of everything a kid's cartoon makes her startle again, "This is better than some horror movies I've seen." Not that she watches a lot of those, really - they remind her too much of work, and not the easy-going museum kind. The ads come on and she glances at the clock, just in case she's missed the kitchen timer alarm, but they're still good.

"I'm glad you told me about this one, I'll have to watch some more!"

She isn't too much. He doesn't think she is, anyway. Maybe she can be a bit extroverted for his taste, willing to take leaps and bounds where Steven himself would rather not, but she's always been careful, has always been aware of him. Maybe even that stresses him out, sometimes, as a man who is so used to being invisible, but he does like it. He likes that she sees him. He likes being seen. Maybe they balance each other out, her too much, him not enough, until they're both perfectly as they should be.

He's looking at the TV, if only because he doesn't know where else to look. He wants to watch, of course, and he will, but it's also easier to look there than at her when they talk. He hopes it doesn't offend her, but he doesn't think it does. "Perfect," he says, though, really, he's a little nervous. It has to lose something now that he's older, right?

Right?

Maybe.

He watches, and, while it isn't exactly as terrible as he remembers, not the sort of thing that he wants to shut off and run under the covers for, but it isn't...not. It's actually impressive just how frightening it still is. He does jump, flinching lightly. It make him smile. "Yeah," he answers her. "When I felt like I could handle it."

[fluffypotatey]

Hello hello, S5 ep 9 let's-a-go! Warning, this one is BRUTAL. QXT: Macaque, what are you doing! M: Xiaotian, stop! You don’t need to do this. QXT: I do need to do this! M: I did tell you before to make your own choices, but this isn’t the way Xiaotian! QXT: You don’t understand. If I don’t do this, everyone will be done for! Everything will be destroyed! M: It doesn’t always have to be you! There’s always another way! QXT: But this is the only way! M: That’s not true. You don’t get it! Nines: Who says…*interrupts/traps* ...he doesn’t get it? Not bad. Who taught you that trick? Who did you make a deal with? M: What deal? Nines: Well, that’s not important. Everything’s ending soon anyways. The Harbinger of Chaos knows his mission. Only by sacrificing himself will you all be able to live. Nines is a real piece of work, making it seem like MK has a choice. That he doesn't care what he does, okay bud. Says that he's tired of being controlled by others LOL. Oh, the irony is enough to make this EP taste metallic. Tired of humans locking themselves in cages, ignoring chaos and destiny, etc. The quiet, seething way Macky asks "what deal?" almost seems guarded. Haha, perhaps he knows. MK saying "not this time" feels like a parallel to another episode, but I can't put my finger on it. Maybe something Wukong said? Yeah, that sounds right. "Sorry bud. Not this time." Yeah, S3 no? Wasn't there something like that?SWK: Xiaotian, no! Macky, watching this: *sighs* Even if this doesn’t work, I still gotta give it a shot. HELLO SIR YOU TOTALLY KNOW WHAT IS UP WITH YOUR WEIRD POWERS HUH? I'm skipping some parts, mostly the gang and Nine bc this ep is loaded, but note the way Mac's shadows infiltrate and surround the midsection where the power core usually is. SWK: Huh? What? My boi just turned himself into a shadowy nuclear bomb. I don’t like his prospects for the next season. Nines: You- what did you do? Why have I been separated from the chaos? I- I can’t feel it anymore! What did you do?! *screams lungs out as Macky gasps for breath on the ground.* HELLO MACKY IS MY POWER STEALING HC TRUE???? AYOOOOO Nine's is really flipping here, voice going all glitchy, robotic and echo-y. SWK: Macaque, you good? M: What are you waiting for? Stop Xiaotian! It's all about the tentative way Wukong steps forward and asks and Macky is clearly unwell...Is it worse or better than he was down for longer after fighting possessed!Wukong so we couldn't see his half-lidded eyes/struggle for air. He got himself up in the background of the SunBurst hug in a way that could be memed, but this? Nope. I brought it up bc I wanted to see if possessed!Wukong was holding back bc someone said he was re: laser eyes, maybe they meant him not using it until that fight, or the slow way(?) it charged up bc some part of him didn't want to kill Macky, idk. SWK: I won’t let you sacrifice yourself! QXT: Don’t stand in my way, Monkey King. Please. SWK: Not a chance, Xiaotian. You never abandoned me, and I won’t ever abandon you. QXT: Don’t force my hand, Monkey King. EVILLLLLL. JUST LIKE WUKONG SAID TO MACAQUE- don’t make me do this, Liu’er! SWK: No, Xiaotian. Don’t force mine. DOUBLE EVIL OH MY GOSH HE SAID THE THING AND HIS EYES WENT BRIGHT GOLD HE MEANS BUSINESS. They gave us serious scary Wukong FR.

I’m starting to see how things so easily went wrong for Macky. Wukong does NOT play around, even if you’re MK. Seeing him use the same spell LBD used to trap Macky on top of all this is making me LOSE IT.

QXT: No! No! SWK: There is still a lot I haven't taught you yet. QXT: Monkey King, please! This is my destiny! This is the only way! Let me just say I HATE the expressions Wukong has been making this entire episode. They're ruining me. This one too. SWK: Yes. You're right. It seems like this really is the only way to save everyone. QXT: Then- Then let me go! SWK: Nuwa, or destiny. No matter how you look at it, as long as we came from the same stone... QXT: What? SWK: You don't have to bear this destiny. Let me bear it. QXT: No! Monkey King! SWK: This world needs you, Xiaotian. Thanks...for everything. QXT: Monkey King! Stop, please! THE DRAMA FLUFFY THE DRAMA-! AND WUKONG IS CRYING AS HE FLIES AWAY- and then MK USES THE FREAKING SPELL. I swear everybody is trying to hurt each other and squabbling for the right of who gets to sacrifice themselves first and I'm FLIPPING. WHAT IS THIS?!?!?! This is what happens when you put two sacrificial morons with personal issues in a room together. SWK: No! Xiaotian! No! No! Stop Xiaotian! QXT: I'm sorry. I will be the one to bear my destiny. SWK: Stop! Don't Xiaotian! So anyways, Fluffs. We had all this angsty audio about Wukong crying/yelling if MK got hurt taken from Goku...and now we have to HEAR IT FOR REAL. And like, his VA is seriously good and I think I'll be crying for months if I heard that. I'm going to be crying to YOU about it and that is a threat. We'll cry together. I can kind of see Buddhist influence here since the cycle of reincarnation, while normal here for the characters, is actually the goal to "escape from." So to MK, it's not a good thing. Asides from how much angst Wukong gets from it. You would think it'd be like "oh I get to meet my friends in the next life" but nada, MK here is shook by it. Tho maybe it's because it's not natural, letting them live out to the end, but forcing it early?

OH MY GOD EPISODE 9

I TOOK ALL THE SUNBURST DUO SCREENSHOTS THAT MADE ME FERAL

like…..HELLO?????? 911?????? THERE’S BEEN A MURDER

AND THE FUCKING EXPRESSION BEFORE THE FIGHT🫠🫠🫠🫠 I AM SOBBING

[forgive me for the bad quality 🤧]

AND SWK SO READY TO TAKE MK’S OLAXE BECAUSE “hey, we’re from the same stone, so this destiny of yours should also be tied to me” AND WHAT IF I DIED???? WHAT IF THIS DIALOGUE STABBED ME???? LMK ANSWER FOR YOUR CRIMES

and the way Macky mourned Wukong privately while everyone else cried for MK (bc they assumed the Pillar repairing itsel meant swk failed) since he knew the Monkey King would try to take MK’s place i— 🫠

also Pigsy trying to change MK’s mind and when that didn’t work:

SOMEBODY SEDATE ME 😭

THATS HIS SON!!!! THATS HIS LITTLE BOY WHO LOVES NOODLES AND SUCKS AT DELIVERING THEM AND SPENDS MOST IF HIS WORK HOURS LISTENING TI TABG’S STORIES BUT PIGSY WOULDNT HAVE IT ANY OTHER WAY

🫠

also i think @/lunarwandering mentioned this in a post of theirs but Nines is so confusing lmaooooo like bro 🤨 do you or do you not want MK to sacrifice himself???? “i am giving you the choice he free!!! but i will also make sure to stop your friends from stopping me and you from operation Commit Die!”

the way he snaps at being called a monster 👀 Nines please share in a way that isn’t the Allegory of the Cave (like sir, that is Greek Philosophy come on) (tho interesting that the borders of the “cave” from ep8 looked like Nuwa 👀

ans Nines clearly has some beef with Nuwa 👀 so. what’s up with that)

i have so many questions about Nines

[nomlioart]

🥀 when touch averse becomes touch starved 🥀

[softdrabbles]

"maybe i am trying to corrupt you. i like that one," they chucked before raising their eyebrows with curiosity, "sneaking out, huh? that's bad, i would have loved to be the one waiting for you." it made them wish they'd met earlier, experience the thrill of her sneaking out to meet them like a bad boy waiting in the getaway car where they'd spend all night making out on the hood. even with their relationship being against his wishes now, he couldn't stop them from being together. the grin on their fast widened as julia's words filtered into their head, only making them grab onto her ass a little tighter, making them want to groan, "you can bet on that."

ashton couldn't stop the smile that crossed their face as they nodded, "i do, that's my job, as your life partner and fuck it, i'm going to claim husband." every day was a new chance for them to learn something new about the woman they loved so much. ashton never wanted to stop learning about her, finding more things to love about her, what made her who she was. "yeah, you are, rings and all." seeing julia's reaction to the idea of engraving the rings, ashton's heart was just about to burst out of their chest, as it had been for most of the day.

they knew she'd love it and was surprised neither of them had thought of it earlier when in discussion over rings. with the woman's arms moving around their neck, ashton's fell so easily around her waist, holding her, "crazy has never felt this right," they spoke softly between them before their lips connected for another kiss. "lets do it, i have important business to attend to at this celebration." ashton's hands that were at her waist held her a little firmer upon hearing her words, "take is putting it nicely. i'd say more rip." they caught her lips again for a feverish kiss, at least until they heard the attendant clear their throat, leaving ashton to explain what they wanted done to the wedding rings and grabbed their card to pay while the rings were engraved. they refused to look at the total cost and just swiped their card, something that would become a later ashton problem. right now, all they could focus on was their beautiful new wife. "just in case i haven't told you enough today, you are so fucking beautiful."

julia wished so deeply she'd been given the space to develop a different kind of bond with her mom. of course, she knew she couldn't change the past and could only hope for a better future now that things were falling better into place. "i can't wait for you meet to her either." julia responded softly, before letting out a chuckle. then, she let out a sigh at ashton's question. "well for starters, he'd probably say you're trying to corrupt me. but jokes on him, i was corrupted long before you came into the picture with the kind of stunts i'd pull sneaking out in the middle of the night." a playful smirk crossed her features. she'd always found her own loopholes to getting around her father's strict rules. as ashton's hands fell to her ass, she too, thought about how she couldn't wait to get out of here and back home. they had the whole night ahead of them. "you can show me just how naughty you are when we get back home." she whispered in their ear.

"you just know me to well at this point." julia teased, but she knew that was the best part about all of this. to finally have someone who knew her like the back of their hand. every trial and tribulation had ultimately led them to this very moment and she was going to embrace every second of it. "let them break 'cause they'll see i'm all yours. wait, yes. that sounds so perfect actually." a giddy smile broke out across her face, cheeks starting to hurt with just how much she'd been smiling today. as the rest of the rings were placed back on her finger, she turned to ashton and wrapped her arms around their neck again. "we did just got married, kinda crazy isn't it?" she leaned into the kiss happily, wishing to just get lost in the moment. "and i'll give you the best life you could possibly have. so - let's get these rings engraved so we can head home and celebrate." she pressed kisses to their cheek softly, before leaning up to whisper in their ear again. "as beautiful as this dress is, i can't wait for you to take it off of me."