#but was also a bit further away from Margs

[not-poignant]

I'm a reader and from Western Australia. The description of the UTB facility always kinda reminded me of Woodman Point Recreational Camp. Like that kind of set up. More space between the cottages. Being close to the beach. But with Margaret River bushland...... if that makes sense.....lol

Hello fellow Western Australian! :D

I had to look up the Woodman Point Recreational Camp because I'd never heard of it and kind of cringed at how spartan and jail-like it looked. (I'm sure it's very different and a lot more fun to experience! But the photos aren't kind).

I actually imagine for example that Gary's cottage looks actually way more like this, just kind of without the white fencing around the verandah:

Literally like giant forest behind it, garden around it, kangaroos, and the grass is greener and better maintained and there's also just in general on the grounds, way, way more greenery to create a sense of things being screened off from each other.

There's a reason Efnisien's not mentioning all the other chalets on the property, and it's not just because they're very far apart (because many aren't, they all have to be reasonably reachable by staff).

The standalone chalets I imagine a bit more like this, but more modern, and a lot more glass / curtains to fully open the house (to air out pheromones). And while they're less likely to have forest behind them, there are just a lot of trees etc. and gardens and benches etc. on the property.

This is probably a better idea re: an aerial view:

(Though yeah as you say, more space between the cottages, and more grass. There's also a central cluster of buildings where Gary's office/s, the medical suite/s, caterers and all the professional/corporate meeting rooms are!)

It's more of a radial design. Some cottages are clustered closer together, some are duplexes, and some are quite far away due to the possessiveness of the omega (so Caleb and Lucien are very close to the beach and quite 'separate' so they're not likely to catch any pheromones from anyone else).

I'd say there is more grass, and more like...lush maintained gardens with a mix of native and exotic plants from the aerial view. Because it actually used to be a very kind of 5 star self-contained chalet experience, it's got botanical garden level of greenery around the place, that's very well-maintained by gardeners etc. on staff. It's not the kind of place where they get a lawnmower person out once every few weeks, they have full-time gardeners who come in every day and leave every day because there's just so much to do / maintain in the garden/s and on the grounds!

I hope that helps some! I mean it still might remind you of the Recreational Camp, the photos that came up for me in an image search were pretty bare.

[wwasted]

on this Halloween i bring u this thought: figure skater gale au 🧎🏼‍♀️

Rich, pair figure skater Gale whose family moved to Wisconsin to further his skating career. Marge is his partner. He’s a bit of an ice princess (stoic, bitchy, very blunt) and dating his equally rich quarterback boyfriend. The boyfriend is a total self obsessed douche but they’re both dedicated to their sports so he never gets mad at Gale when Gale has to cancel or doesn’t text. He also makes his parents happy, because of his equal status and they’ve always been weird about him being gay so he figures why the fuck not. He keeps him around, even if the sex is shit.

Enter John. He’s a troublemaking burn out who has absolutely no interest in college, which is funny because he’s constantly hanging around their local college. And that’s only because his best friend Curt attends and someone has to save his ass from the rich pricks and nerds. they’re always at parties and hotboxing Curt’s dormroom (is Curt fucking the RA so he looks the other way? Probably) It’s hard not to be bitter when the whole town wrote him off before he even had the chance because of who his old man is, so he takes a special kind of pleasure in fucking with them and showing that he can be even worse.

They are absolute opposites in every way, and yet they can’t stay away from each other. They love arguing despite the fact that they shouldn’t even talk to each other because they’re in such different circles. Gale is constantly playing the “I’m better than you and you should be thankful I even look at you” card which backfires because it just makes John wanna hold him down and fuck him until he’s begging. Eventually the arguing becomes foreplay and the foreplay turns into them actually hatefucking. And he’s still definitely dating the douche quarterback, but honestly that just makes it hotter for both of them. The sneaking around, the fights in public where everyone thinks they hate each other, but secretly they’ll meet up in the some bedroom or bathroom of whatever house party they’re at and John will fuck Gale until he cries with a hand over his mouth because it turns out you never learn volume control when you don’t typically have a reason to moan or be loud.

(When Gale would have sex with his boyfriend, he would just lay there and get lost in his head, he’d go over the routines with Marge he wanted to improve, what assignments he had for class, he viewed it as his down time where he could get some mental housekeeping done. At least then they both got something out of it. Either way, he never got the urge to moan or make a single sound. And he often had the excuse of needing to be quiet so it worked anyway. The first time Bucky fucks Gale, he’s honestly expecting the same situation but thank fuck their first time manages to be somewhere they have time and is fairly private bc Gale is LOUD. At first Bucky thinks that he’s just faking it, and honestly gets kind of pissed, so he starts going deeper, harder, handling him rougher. But that just makes the noises and moans coming out of Gale even louder, more unhinged, his nails embedding themselves in John’s back and ass and he’s definitely going to end up with scars if they keep doing this. And he really fucking hopes they do. Gale sounds like he’s dying for John’s cock when he comes. He hasn’t even heard some of those noises in porn. Bucky never shuts up about it. Gale gets even bitchier when he’s embarrassed. It’s an endless feedback loop that leads to a lot of rough dirty sex.)

They get off on talking shit about each other to other people and seeing if it ends up getting to the other person. And if it does, repeating what was said during sex. “I wonder what everyone will think when they find out that you love being on your knees for me, since ya know, I’m such worthless trash” “begging for me? But I thought you wouldn’t touch me with a 10 foot pole since the frost would make your dick fall off” It becomes a thing. Until it doesn’t. Because at some point the hate fucking turns into deep emotional fucking where it’s pretty obvious they’re in love with each other. Instead of it being hot to sneak around on Gale’s idiot boyfriend, John wants to beat the shit out of him every time he sees him. Wants to tell him that he’ll never have Gale like John does. And when some guy or girl inevitably talks about how hot John is while Gale is within hearing distance, he wants to brag about how John would never touch them when he has Gale. So something has to give. Gale’s rich friends are shocked and appalled when they find out he’s dating Bucky. It’s honestly kind of a mini scandal at the college. Gale Cleven and John Egan? Unheard of.

But even when they’re in love and they’re dating, Gale is so bitchy. All the time. Constantly threatening Bucky that he won’t put out ever again bc Bucky didn’t respond to a text fast enough (the irony is not lost him) constantly smacking his hand away and turning his head when John tries to kiss him. Total brat. And John loves it. Is obsessed with it. The meaner Gale is to him, the harder he gets. And while Gale may be bitchy, all it takes is a few “princess” or “c’mon doll” in that voice and a hand sliding up under his shirt for Gale to cave and allow Bucky to touch him again.

They do have their sweet moments, especially after sex. if John fucks him just right, it’s like his brain reboots itself and he forgets that he’s supposed to be prickly. He’ll lay his head on John’s chest and shove his face into his neck and nuzzle. He’ll place soft kisses anywhere he can reach. He’ll say I love you while his fingers are tangled in John’s hair.

John loves that version of him just as much as the bitchy one. In fact, John would happily spend the rest of his life thawing his ice princess, just to let him refreeze and start all over.

Thots?

[booboodaddysblog]

I want to touch you again…

Part one

Warnings: kissing, talking, doubts, a bit sad and emotional

Words: 3312

It was after 1 pm when Marg waited for Colin at the exit door of the police station. Annoyed, she glanced at her watch. He was late, and she disliked it very much. She went to his office. She wanted to enter without knocking, but saw that the door to his office was open.

- Where can he be? - thought Marg.

She noticed that the door to the men's bathroom was also open. She went there to see if Colin was there. She entered and saw Colin washing his face with cool water. She quickly approached him concerned.

- Oh, Colin, is something wrong? You are pale.

Colin looked quite tired, especially his eyes looked extremely dark, which was probably not a good sign. He knew it was hard to hide anything from Marg.

- Eh... I... I don't know... - he answered quietly.

- Is everything okay? Colin? - she touched his forehead and cheeks to check for a fever - you don't have a fever. What's going on? Be honest with me.

He was slightly surprised by her behavior. The way she touched him and looked at him with tenderness made him feel even worse now than before.

- I am...

He found it difficult to formulate the words he really wanted to use to describe everything. He didn't want to lie to her. He wanted to be more open.

- Please tell me what is going on? If you care about me coming back to you, you have to talk to me. You can't be so closed off - she looked into his eyes.

She was right. She was here with him and she knew something was wrong. If he wanted things to be the same again he had to start talking to her.

- I... - he fell silent for a moment looking into her eyes, but suddenly looked away - I... I just feel pretty depressed right now - he sighed.

- I understand. It's not surprising, more than a month ago we separated - she touched his arm - we need to work on each other, on our relationship. I care about you, Colin.

- I know... I know we have to do it... I... I'm just not sure how to start...

- Why don't we just go to that lunch? I'm hungry, and I'm not the only one - she laughed and stroked her belly.

She grabbed his hand and led him to the exit of the police station.

It was a nice feeling to feel the warmth of her hand again. She squeezed his hand tightly as if she was afraid he would escape her. He followed her slightly smiling. He didn't try to protest, he just let her take him where she wanted him to go.

They left the police station and went to a restaurant across the street. They went inside and sat down at a table. A waitress immediately approached them and handed them menu.

- What would you like to eat, Colin? - Marg looked at him from over the menu.

He stared at the menu for a moment then looked at her and smiled slightly.

- I'll let you decide.

She sighed.

- Well, okay, how about something light then? Chicken salad? - she looked at him questioningly.

- That... that sounds like a good idea - he said with a slight nod.

He was grateful that she had chosen something light for him to eat, since his stomach was not in a good state right now to eat something too heavy.

- Fine, and water to drink - she waved to the waitress to come over. She ordered their food and looked at Colin again - So? How are you doing after our breakup? Skipping the alcohol.

She noticed that Colin flinched.

- I... still feel really awful...

He was frankly, he felt like being brutally honest when it came to this topic. He had to talk about it before it consumed him further. He had to get it out of his chest.

She looked at him sadly.

- Colin, I want you to know that I still love you. It's not so easy to stop loving someone, you know? - she smiled at him - I really understand you, that you feel awful. Believe me, I do too...

The waitress brought them water. Marg immediately took a sip.

He started drinking his glass of water after she did as well. He felt a little uncomfortable now, as he realized she was starting to talk about it a little more openly. He felt he should do the same.

- I know... I know all this. I just... - he paused for a moment, as if he wasn't quite sure what he wanted to say - I just really regret everything I said... all those things I told you... I really regret it...

- It's true, your words were really hurtful. From now on I want you to be honest with me and tell me everything that bothers you. I am here to talk to you and help you whenever you need it. Don't close your thoughts to me, please.

- I will... I promise... I know I said a lot of things I shouldn't have. I just felt so anxious and stressed and scared… didn't know what to do with myself, so I just threw out everything I was thinking. It was the stupidest thing I could have ever done.

- I understand. I'm glad you're opening up to me. I hope it won't change.

- No, it's not going to change. I really want to fix this. I know I'm not the best at talking about how I feel, but I'm going to do everything I can to try to fix myself - he sighed loudly - but at this point I know I wouldn't be the best husband or partner right now...

- I'm really not forcing you with this marriage. It's not on fire anywhere. We can stay engaged and get married when you are ready for it. Even in a few years, or even not at all, we don't have to get married. It's important for us to be together and raise our child in happiness.

The waitress brought their salads.

- Oh, but I'm so hungry!

Marg grabbed a fork and shoved a large piece of chicken into her mouth.

Colin mused for a moment. If he had to spend a few more years to fix all his problems before marrying her, he absolutely would.

He looked at Marg again. He watched with a smile as she absorbed the food. She must have been really hungry.

- It seems really delicious - he laughed quietly.

- It is, oh my gosh, it's so good! - she said with her mouth full and smiled at him.

- Yes, I agree - he decided, also shoving a piece of chicken into his mouth. It was really nice to see her enjoying her food like this.

She patted her belly.

- I hope our baby likes it too - she laughed and continued eating.

- Could I also do it?

Marg looked at him and nodded.

He stroked her belly and smiled gently, looking into her eyes. He was happy to see her laugh. He missed it.

Marg smiled when Colin touched her belly. She touched his hand that rested on her belly. The moment touched her. She leaned over and lightly kissed him on the cheek.

- I love you, remember that - she whispered and went back to eating.

The few simple words she just spoke made all the negative emotions he felt inside disappear in an instant. He also smiled and looked down at his plate before he started eating again.

- Tell me what are you thinking about? - she said with her mouth full.

At first, he was a bit surprised that she asked such a simple and uncomplicated, yet so important question at the moment. It forced him to think for a moment before responding, as he took a moment to chew first.

- Just... I think about how nice it is to have someone like you - he said, still continuing to eat, but stopped now to look at her and smile.

- Oh you’re so sweet - she smiled at him too.

- No, not really... - he said humbly, it was hard for him to take kind words, but she really was kind to him - I'm just happy to have someone who cares about me so much. Even if... even if I recently acted like an absolute idiot.

He felt he had to be honest with her, he had to let her know how ashamed he was of his past actions.

- I would like to trust you again. Please try to make it so - she grabbed his hand and squeezed it lightly.

- I... I want that too. I feel that I have been such a terrible partner to you - he said, squeezing her hand for a moment.

His behavior has been unacceptable over the past days and even weeks.... months... He had to fix it, and he was going to start now.

- Well, let's eat and get back to work. I've been away from work for over a month. I have a lot of catching up to do. I think you too - she smiled and kissed him on the cheek again.

- It's true, I have a lot of work.

He simply had so many things on his mind that work was not at the top of his list most of the time. But she was right, it was time to pull himself together.

- How has Mare been treating you lately? I heard she's really mean to everyone. Is that true? - she changed the subject and shoved a piece of lettuce into her mouth.

- Yeah, that's actually true... I just don't understand this sudden change in her behavior - he said, shaking his head from side to side, recalling the last conversation with his colleague, which was not a pleasant one.

- Or maybe she has worse days or some problems at home? And that's why she's like this? - Marg shrugged her shoulders.

- Maybe... - also shrugged his shoulders.

- Okay I finished the salad. Do we feel like having some more dessert? I feel like something sweet - she laughed - ah these pregnancy cravings - she reached for the menu and looked at the desserts.

He smiled at her enthusiasm for dessert, it was quite cute to see her like this.

- I agree. I need some sugar right now.

- Oh my goodness, look, they have a brownie warm with vanilla ice cream! I want one! - she showed him an item on the menu. Her eyes sparkled at the thought of this dessert.

- Oh, that sounds quite delicious - he said, looking at the dessert with quite a bit of enthusiasm. He had always been a fan of sweets, and this sounded like a really good option. He immediately smiled at her because she looked so beautiful when she was smiling, and he wanted to make sure she got what she wanted and needed - sure, let's do it!

- Ah can't wait for that taste on my tongue! - she waved at the waitress, to beckon her to their table and order dessert.

- I also can't wait to try it too - he said, smiling at her and taking her hand as they waited for the waitress to arrive with their dessert.

Marg looked at their joined hands. She leaned over and without hesitation kissed Colin on the lips. It was a long kiss. They could feel the longing in it.

He felt quite surprised by this sudden kiss, but didn't think too long about it and allowed himself to return the kiss. He kissed her as long as she wanted, and didn't really think about anything else at the moment. It was just the two of them and it was so nice.

They didn't break their kiss until they heard the grunt of the waitress standing at their table. They quickly pulled away from each other and broke the kiss when they realized that the dessert they had ordered was already on their table.

Colin had to catch his breath because he was so lost in the heat of the moment. The presence of the waitress brought him back to reality. Although he did not complain about what had just happened. He himself didn't know what he wanted right now. On the one hand, he wanted to kiss Marg, and on the other, he craved this dessert.

- You taste really sweet, dear - said Marg as soon as the waitress left their table. She licked her lips - okay then, now it's time for that brownie - she laughed and stuck her fork into the cake.

These words made him blush. He was glad that she was now focused on eating the cake and did not see his blushes.

- Yes, let's eat - he said slightly embarrassed.

- I missed your lips - she winked at him and put another piece of cake in her mouth.

The blush on his face began to grow, now she had to notice that he was blushing.

- Uhm... I better not say what that comment made me think...

It's not that he didn't want to say some other things himself. But at the moment he felt he couldn't.

- Oh yes I know, we are in a public place, a restaurant. It's not appropriate to talk about obscene topics - she laughed and showed him her tongue.

- Yes... definitely not a good place for this kind of conversation... so I guess I'll just keep quiet - he said, laughing slightly nervously, unsure if he should bring up these topics just yet.

He felt he needed to get it off his chest. This could get them kicked out. So he'll just have to be careful, that's the only solution. So he decided to take another bite of dessert while he spoke.

- But there is something else I would like to talk about...

- Oh really? What is that? - Marg looked at him curiously.

- Well... I think... - he took another bite of dessert before speaking again. He didn't want to rush things. He felt that he wanted to choose his words carefully now - Well, you know... I know that sometimes I have not been the nicest partner for you in recent times... in fact... - he paused for a moment, unsure how to say the last part.

- Keep talking. I want you to be open and honest - Marg took another bite of cake into her mouth.

- Well, sometimes I think... I've been jealous of you lately - he said with some difficulty.

He wasn't sure how she would react, but he knew it was something he needed to tell her so she could understand him a little better. He really hoped she wouldn't react in a negative way, though. He felt that he was already entering dangerously sensitive territory, so he was as cautious as possible.

- Oh? Jealous? Why? - she raised her eyebrows in surprise - you really have no reason to be jealous of me. You know very well that I am a person who can be trusted.

- I... - he felt uncomfortable talking about it - I really don't know... I just felt jealousy lately... like I have no control over anything... - he sighed - lack of control is not the right word... - he mumbled, feeling really embarrassed about it.

- Honey, I know we've had some worse days lately, but that's no reason for you to be jealous of me.

- I know... I should be more understanding in your current state. But I can't help myself... just... don't laugh at me, but... I was and still am jealous...

He seemed to apologize for the way he reacted and behaved now. He would like to be normal and stop worrying about so many things. He would have liked to let her live without any interference from him. But it was difficult for him to do so. She certainly understood what he meant now. He was just a bit apodictic.

- Do you mean that I was too close with my girlfriends? You yourself participated in a threesome with Roby and me. Then with Nour and me. You really didn't complain. You were even delighted. Don't pretend to be innocent now. But given my current state, because I've been pregnant for more than a month now, I really don't even think about such games - she took a big piece of cake into her mouth and sighed loudly.

- I know, I know I was also involved in... all this... but I just feel that my emotions have been out of control lately. I just feel that maybe... It was a bit too much for me... - he sighed deeply - I was and am just a little confused about what my feelings are now... just... it's so complicated... and seeing you and girls together disgust me a bit, I mean I was involved too... but it is still quite strange... which is not to say that I didn't like it...

- But now you are feigning innocence. You're so cute. I hope you remember that after the threesome with Nour and me, you asked me to be your girlfriend - she laughed.

- I remember, yes... and I don't regret it in the slightest... - he said, feeling a little more relieved now, hearing her laughter instead of anger - I don't pretend to be innocent... it's just... I feel that I wish I could talk to you sometimes... just to talk about how I feel and what seems strange and bizarre to me... Marg, do you understand?

- Colin, of course I understand. And I'm very happy that you finally want to talk to me about your feelings and what ails you. It's very important in a relationship - she kissed him on the cheek.

- Yes... - Colin felt more and more like he had gotten out of the dangerous situation he was in before. But he was going to just enjoy this moment and try to take more steps forward to better understand everything - I'll try to do this more often... it's just... sometimes difficult. But I'll do my best.

- I'm very pleased with what you say - she got up from the table - let's go pay for our food and dessert and get back to work.

- Yeah, sounds good... - he said, still taking small bites of his dessert. He, too, stood up and was quite pleased with how they had managed to get the conversation back on track and hoped that everything would remain normal for the rest of the afternoon. And that it would get even better. But for now, they were just going to pay the bills and get back to work.

Marg looked at Colin with a smile as he paid their food bill. He was relaxed now and seemed as if he had completely sobered up. The alcohol really wasn't doing him any good. Marg decided that she would try to help him with his addiction. He couldn't drink alcohol whenever something bad happened, whenever he couldn't cope with his emotions and his mistakes. This was not good for him. They were about to become parents. It was important for their relationship to be devoid of understatement and bad behavior. They had to give the child good role models.

———

@robnovetre

Part two

[phantom-le6]

Ramble of the month February 2024: 90’s MCU phase 5 – transitioning from Secret Wars to Infinity Wars

Having spent much of last month and a fair bit of this one working on submissions to literary agencies for my autism book, this month’s ramble and the one for next month took a bit of a back seat, and as such I’ve still not been able to vary myself away from delving further into my hypothetical Marvel and DC film universes.  Apologies to anyone who, like me, were hoping to vary things more.  However, hopefully what we cover in this ramble and the next will make up for it, and as April will be Autism Awareness time, I can guarantee something different for then.

By this point, I’m sure readers don’t need as much of a recap on what these posts to do with my 90’s-based MCU are about.  Long story short, I’ve done what the meme makers don’t; looked at the comic book and real-world history of Marvel from that era to create an actual 90’s based MCU instead of putting 90’s actors into a present-day MCU.  However, as we’re into a fifth phase and well past the 1990’s, we should at least quickly review phases 1-4 first.

Phase 1:

1992: Fantastic Four, Hulk, Iron Man

1993: Thor, Spider-Man, Ant-Man & The Wasp

1994: Captain America: Fantastic Four 2, Iron Man 2

1995: X-Men, Avengers, Daredevil

Phase 2:

1996: Spider-Man 2, Thor: Land of Enchantment, Silver Surfer

1997: Hulk vs Wolverine, Fantastic Four: Doomsday, Iron Man 3

1998: Captain America: Society of Serpents, Daredevil 2, X-Men 2

1999: Avenger 2, Spider-Man 3, Doctor Strange

Phase 3:

2000: Fantastic Four: World War III, Thor: Ragnarök, Daredevil 3

2001: Hulk: Rise of the Leader, X-Men: Fall of the Mutants, Avengers: Under Siege

2002: Doctor Strange 2, The Captain, Spider-Man 4

2003: Captain Britain, Fantastic Four: Enter the Negative Zone, Ghost Rider

Phase 4:

2004: Black Panther, Captain Marvel, Secret Wars: Part I

2005: Excalibur, Defenders, Ghost Rider 2

2006: X-Factor, Secret Wars: Part II, Heroes For Hire

2007: Namor the Submariner, Doctor Strange 3, Iron Man: Enter The Mandarin

As discussed in previous rambles, phase 1 was all about establishing the MCU and its characters, phase 2 was about the expansion and development of the continuity, while phase 3 was mostly about many characters and teams losing, being put on the back foot and so on.  Phase 4 then covered Secret Wars, which temporarily deprived Earth of some major MCU heroes to put them through a real alien war, and in the process also allowed some other heroes to come to the fore.  Phase 5 then becomes about following on from some of those plot threads while beginning the set-up for this MCU’s version of the Infinity War.  So, let’s quickly show you the phase 5 slate and then get right into the details of these would-be films.

Phase 5:

2008: Spider-Man 5, Fantastic Four: Unthinkable, Ms Marvel

2009: Elektra, Black Panther 2, Defenders 2

2010: X-Men: Proteus, Spider-Man 6, Ant-Man 2

2011: Silver Surfer 2, Avengers vs X-Men, Ghost Rider 3

Spider-Man 5 (2008) Directed by Matthew Vaughan

Peter Parker/Spider-Man = Wil Weaton

May Parker = Marg Helgenberger

Flash Thompson = Ben Affleck

J. Jonah Jameson = J.K. Simmons

Joseph "Robbie" Robertson = Denzel Washington

Betty Brant = Parker Posey

Ned Leeds = John Barrowman

Eddie Brock = Wentworth Miller

Randy Robertson = Taye Diggs

Harry Osborn = Ryan Phillipe

Mary-Jane Watson = Alison Hannigan

Herman Schultz/Shocker = Patrick Muldoon

Felicia Hardy/The Black Cat = Elisha Cuthbert

Roderick Kingsley/Hobgoblin = Michael Keaton

Quentin Beck/Mysterio = Nathan Fillion

Captain Jean DeWolff = Jessica Biel

Detective Stanley Carter/”Sin Eater” = James Marsden

In the first three Spider-Man films, we built up to Peter befriending the Osborns and dating Gwen, only for the Green Goblin/Death of Gwen story arcs to play out in Spider-Man 3.  The fourth film then gave Peter a clash with the Sinister Six as he struggles to come to terms with Gwen’s death.  Following Secret Wars, Peter now has the alien costume, and so film 5 is basically the alien costume story arc.  Sounding a little too much like the Raimi/Maguire Spider-Man 3?  Trust me, it’s not like that and for two key reasons.  Firstly, I’m not trying to shoe-horn Venom in for the third act, just set him up for another film.  Second, I’ve chosen Wentworth Miller of Prison Break and The Flash fame to play Eddie Brock, and that’s far from being our only change.

In this film, Peter’s occupied trying to stop a series of illusion thefts being committed on behalf of a new “kingpin”, who turns out to be the Hobgoblin, while also having to track down a notorious serial killer called the “Sin Eater”.  As the alien costume influences Peter ever more, the question becomes less will he stop all the criminals, but rather will he become one.  Matters are further complicated when costume thief Black Cat begins seducing Spider-Man and the alien costume pushes Peter to accept this despite his relationship with Mary-Jane.  The film culminates with a chance clash with the Shocker revealing the alien nature of Peter’s costume, forcing him to finally fight it off.  Eddie Brock gaining the symbiote is then handled in a credit’s scene.

Direction-wise, I picked Matthew Vaughan as he’s a proven superhero film director due to his work on X-Men: First Class.  He’s the fourth director to take a hand on Spider-Man solo film in this hypothetical MCU, with John Hughes having directed the first two, and 3 and 4 being handled by Frank Darabont and Martin Campbell, respectively.

Fantastic Four: Unthinkable (2008) Directed by Roland Emmerich

Reed Richards/Mr Fantastic = Tom Hanks

Susan Storm (Richards)/Invisible Woman = Meg Ryan

Johnny Storm/Human Torch = David Spade

Ben Grimm/Thing = Bryan Cranston

Alicia Masters = Heather Graham

Agatha Harkness = Angela Lansbury

Victor Von Doom/Doctor Doom = Goran Višnjić

Hauptmann = Ronald Guttman

Nick Fury = Tommy Lee Jones

Black Bolt = Pierce Brosnan

Medusa = Elizabeth Hurley

Crystal = Dina Meyer

Gorgon = J.G. Hertzler

Karnak = Alexander Siddig

Triton = Orlando Bloom

T'Challa/Black Panther = Chadwick Boseman

Namor McKenzie/The Submariner = Christian Bale

Barbara "Bobbi" Morse/Mockingbird = Rebecca Romijn-Stamos

Jericho Drumm/Brother Voodoo = Doug E. Doug

Having had the Fantastic Four directed by Leonard Nemoy (films 1-2), Steven Spielberg (films 3-4) and Ridley Scott (film 5), this MCU closes out their share of films under the stewardship of Roland Emmerich, notable for such films as Independence Day, White House Down and Midway.  This film adapts the events of the storylines ‘Unthinkable’ and ‘Authoritative Action’, but leaves the events of ‘Hereafter’ to the comics and begins introducing the Infinity Stones.  Since non-comics fans and fans who haven’t read those stories won’t get those references, let’s do a quick summary.

In the comics, Doctor Doom turned to magic for an attack on the Fantastic Four, which resulted in Reed and Sue’s son Franklin being taken to hell, and the team having to storm Latveria to get him back.  During the incident, Doom scarred Reed before being dragged into hell.  Afterwards, Reed seized control of Latveria to dismantle Doom’s arsenal and craft a permanent prison for Doom, one in which Reed would serve as warden.  However, when the rest of the team tried to stop Reed, Doom somehow began to possess each in turn, ultimately forcing Reed to kill Ben Grimm just to stop Doom.  The events of the Hereafter arc involved a trip into the afterlife to bring Ben back, in the process healing Reed’s scars.

In this film, Franklin is kidnapped and taken to a demon dimension, and Sue leads a rescue team comprised of her, Ben Grimm, Brother Voodoo and the Black Panther to save Franklin while Reed and Johnny attack Doom, aided by the Inhumans and Namor the Submariner.  The attack seemingly defeats Doom, after which Reed leads the F4 to Latveria, seizing control of the nation.  Fearing Doom is somehow influencing Reed, Nick Fury of SHIELD intervenes along with Mockingbird, Voodoo, Namor and T’Challa, only for the seemingly captured Doom to begin telepathically controlling the other F4 members.  Ultimately, Reed manages to force a feedback that wipes Doom’s mind, but in the process, Ben Grimm dies as he does in the comics.  With Ben’s death, the Fantastic Four decide to step back from hero work, becoming a think tank called the Future Foundation.

The bulk of the film’s cast is from past films, with the only new addition being mystical nanny Agatha Harkness, played by Angela Lansbury in better keeping with the comics version of the character.  As for the Infinity Stone I mentioned, that would be the mind stone, which Doom uses to control the various F4 members until Reed works out Doom is channelling the stone’s power and creates the feedback.

Ms Marvel (2008) Directed by Gates McFadden

Carol Danvers/Ms Marvel = Melissa Joan Hart

Michael Barnett = Brian Krause

J. Jonah Jameson = J.K. Simmons

Frank Gianelli = Rory Cochrane

Tracey Burke = Kate Mulgrew

Tabitha Townsend = Kyla Pratt

Lynn Andersen = Amanda Seyfried

Mystique/Raven Darkholme = Connie Nielsen

Rogue = Anna Paquin

Avalanche = Alessandro Gassmann

Fred J Dukes/Blob = Vince Vaughan

Pyro = Hugh Jackman

Irene Adler/Destiny = Sally Field

When it comes to trying to tackle Carol Danvers in films, one story that’s yet to hit the big screen is the story of her downfall against the X-Man Rogue back when Rogue was part of Mystique’s Brotherhood of Evil Mutants.  Indeed, the 90’s animated series of the X-Men is the only adaptation to handle this, and they did it by neatly sidestepping some disturbing backstory.  Long story short, there was a story arc in the Avengers comics around the late 70’s/early 80’s where Carol (then codenamed Ms Marvel) was mind-controlled and raped by an extra-dimensional being so he could be reborn in a body compatible with Earth, then after fast-growing to adulthood, his presence caused a bunch of time disruptions.  When Carol then agreed to go with this being, the Avengers made no effort to prevent this.

When Chris Claremont wrote Rogue into Avengers Annual 10 and showed Rogue rocking Carol’s powers, the question that came to be asked was why Carol hadn’t sought out the Avengers upon returning to Earth, and the answer was made clear.  The team hadn’t shown any real concern for Carol during her strange accelerated pregnancy, and then let her go off with a blatantly mind-controlling rapist from another dimension.  As such, telling the story of Carol clashing with Rogue and the Brotherhood should never be an exact re-telling.  Claremont’s story in Avengers Annual 10 was as much about correcting what the writer of the main comics at that time had written, and with film adaptations, you’re better off just taking a different path entirely.

In this case, we’re showing Carol working as an investigative journalist for a Daily Bugle-owned women’s magazine, who uses the Ms Marvel identity to tackle crime where needed.  This is based on her original run in the comics, so we have Jameson borrowed from the Spider-Man films while using the magazine staff from the comics for supporting roles.  As for the villains, roles from past films like Mystique and Pyro are combined with newly cast actors to give us our second MCU Brotherhood.  The film draws in a mix of acting talent, with Melissa Joan Hart reprising the role of Carol Danvers, and Trek alumni Gates McFadden directing the film.  McFadden has played the mutant Plague/Pestilence for three X-films before this and has some directing experience, making her a good choice for this project.

Elektra (2009) Directed by Roxann Dawson

Elektra Natchios = Leonor Varela

Stick = Scott Glenn

Stone = Sigourney Weaver

Kirigi = Daniel Henney

Frank Simpson/Nuke = John Cena

Matsu'o Tsurayaba = Hiroyuki Sanada

Kwannon = Kelly Hu

Turk Barrett = Gary Dourdan

The story of Elektra following her death in Daredevil is one Fox didn’t quite get right, in large part because they tried to incorporate plot elements and tropes that didn’t tonally fit with the character.  Having used two Daredevil films to set her up before giving the character a one-shot solo film, I think the best thing is taking those bits out.  Instead, we get the Hand going after the Chaste with Elektra in the middle, and when Elektra proves more than they can handle, they bring in the pill-popping assassin known as Nuke.  It’s a straight-up martial arts action film initially, but then becomes a more Punisher-like action film when Nuke comes on the scene.

Trek alumni Roxann Dawson takes the helm because she’s one of the few women I know of that would be directing anything back around this time.  Considering that films with female leads are often better handled by female directors, it makes sense to try and make this the case wherever possible.  The cast is either retained from past films of picked to be more comic-accurate.  Case-in-point, picking American actor Scott Glenn to play Stick rather than English actor Terrence Stamp.

Black Panther 2 (2009) Directed by Tim Burton

T'Challa/Black Panther = Chadwick Boseman

Shuri = Tatyana Ali

Ramonda = Alfre Woodard

T'Chaka = Courtney B. Vance

W'Kabi = Chiwetel Ejiofor

Okoye = Nia Long

Zuri = Joseph Marcell

M'Baku = Idris Elba

Nakia = Lupita Nyong'o

Monica Lynne = Kerry Washington

Baron Macabre = Sterling K Brown

Jerome Beechman/Mandrill = Joaquin Phoenix

Nekra Sinclair = Toks Olagundoye

Kevin Plundarr/Ka-Zar = Chris Hemsworth

Shanna O'Hara = Scarlett Johansson

Zaladane = Jolene Blalock

Everett Ross = Martin Freeman

In Black Panther 2, T’Challa becomes allied with Ka-Zar of the Savage Land when it turns out his hidden jungle in Antarctica houses a cache of Vibranium to rival Wakanda’s.  Most would-be Vibranium hunters baulk at trying to gain the Antarctic variety due to the dinosaurs, but soon both nations are threatened when the woman-controlling mutant Mandrill, his adoptive sister Nekra, the Savage Land priestess Zaladane and Wakandan criminal Baron Macabre team up.  Due to the inclusion of some of these villains, I opted to switch from Tim Story to Tim Burton from a directing stand-point.  This film also features a change of role for a couple of real-world MCU alumni.

Defenders 2 (2009) Directed by Stephen Sommers

Dr Stephen Strange = Johnny Depp

Namor McKenzie/The Submariner = Christian Bale

Bruce Banner/Hulk = John Cusack

Silver Surfer = David Wenham

Valkyrie = Diane Kruger

Kyle Richmond/Nighthawk = Josh Duhamel

Patsy Walker/Hellcat = Mena Suvari

Wong = Will Yun Lee

Clea = Keira Knightley

Jericho Drumm/Brother Voodoo = Doug E. Doug

Dr Anthony Druid = Mark Strong

Daimon Hellstrom = James Van Der Beek

Dr Tania Belinsky (Belinskaya)/Red Guardian = Beatrice Rosen

Dr Arthur Nagan = Julian McMahon

Dr Jerold "Jerry" Morgan = Stellan Skarsgård

Ruby Thursday = Alyssa Milano

Harvey Schlemerman/Chondu the Mystic = Stanley Tucci

Shuma-Gorath = Geoffrey Rush

The Defenders, Marvel’s superhero non-team, return for a second instalment at this point, and I’ve picked Stephen Sommers as director based on him directing a live-action GI Joe film around the same time.  In this film, the few routinely active Defenders learn via immigrant Russian doctor and superhero Red Guardian that a team of scientists called the Headmen have stolen the Reality Stone from AIM in an effort to seize world power for themselves.  Allying with Namor the Sub-Mariner, the Defenders seek to stop the Headmen while Clea joins with Brother Voodoo, Dr Druid and Daimon Hellstrom to try and bring back Doctor Strange from the extra-dimensional limbo he sacrificed himself to in Doctor Strange 3.  At the same time, the Silver Surfer seeks the Hulk.  The whole team then comes together when the Headmen open a portal for Shuma-Gorath, in the process transforming into their strange comic-style appearances.

Everyone from Dr Druid on down in the cast list is new.  As for why we’re skipping over the original male Red Guardian and focusing on the second female iteration for this MCU, there’s two reasons.  First, the second female iteration served as a Defender in the original comics, and second, these MCU rambles are focused on the main film continuity, which in this version of the MCU is strictly cinematic.  TV shows, while allowed as tie-ins, are optional content, and while I’d happily allow a TV show to dive in on Black Widow and some other characters, I think a film was and is a bit much for a character with so little solo comics content.

X-Men: Proteus (2010) Directed by LeVar Burton

Storm/Ororo Monroe = Halle Berry

Polaris/Lorna Dane = Jeri Ryan

Wolverine/Logan = Tom Cruise

Peter Rasputin/Colossus = Henry Cavill

Remi LeBeau/Gambit = Zachary Levi

Cyclops/Scott Summers = Patrick Swayze

Jean Grey = Milla Jovovich

Warren Worthington III/Archangel = Neil Patrick Harris

Beast/Hank McCoy = Alec Baldwin

Robert Drake/Iceman = Michael Weatherley

Banshee/Sean Cassidy = Liam Neeson

Dr Moira Mactaggert = Olivia Williams

Mystique/Raven Darkholme = Connie Nielsen

Rogue = Anna Paquin

Avalanche = Alessandro Gassmann

Fred J Dukes/Blob = Vince Vaughan

Pyro = Hugh Jackman

Irene Adler/Destiny = Sally Field

Professor Charles Xavier = Patrick Stewart

Kevin Mactaggert/Proteus = Iain De Caestecker

Joseph Mactaggert = John Hannah

Rahne Sinclair/Wolfsbane = Bonnie Wright

Danielle Moonstar = Selena Gomez

Jubilee = Chloe Bennett

Everett Thomas/Synch = Christopher Massey

Douglas Ramsey/Cypher = Devon Bostick

With the third X-Men film Fall of the Mutants having split the X-Men up, and a combination of the Secret Wars duology, Excalibur and X-Factor films following events for the divided team, this fourth X-Men film is intended to reunite some of the scattered team into a new whole.  It also gives Rogue her defection from the Brotherhood following the events of Ms Marvel.  In this film, Moira Mactaggert’s son Proteus emerges as a dangerous mutant and begins a rampage across to Scotland.  With Excalibur unavailable, X-Factor is summoned while the X-Men pursue Mystique’s Brotherhood to Scotland.  The two teams meet up and reunite when they find Professor X is also with Moira, having been recuperating on Muir Island since being released from a SHIELD hospital (this is set-up over end-credit scenes for Fall of the Mutants and X-Factor).

Direction-wise, the X-Men have been handled initially by Jonathan Demme and then Jonathan Frakes in films bearing their team’s name, while Excalibur was helmed by Christopher Nolan and X-Factor by LeVar Burton.  For this film, I’ve put Burton back in the director’s chair.  Casting-wise, I imagine same fans will be perplexed by my choice of Chloe Bennett for Jubilee.  This is because Bennett is of a mixed ancestry that includes having a Chinese mother, and while the ideal is always to try for exact representation from the comics, there aren’t many actresses active in Hollywood around the time of this film with even one parent of Chinese descent, let alone two.

As such, the question becomes which do you compromise; Jubilee’s racial background or her nationality?  My choice, compromise slightly on racial background and bring in some plot threads relating to prejudice against people of mixed race.  Quite honestly, characters of mixed race are among those groups under-represented in film and TV, so if I have to compromise, let me at least try and do so in a positive way.

Spider-Man 6 (2010) Directed by Matthew Vaughan

Peter Parker/Spider-Man = Wil Weaton

May Parker = Marg Helgenberger

J. Jonah Jameson = J.K. Simmons

Joseph "Robbie" Robertson = Denzel Washington

Betty Brant = Parker Posey

Ned Leeds = John Barrowman

Eddie Brock/Venom = Wentworth Miller

Randy Robertson = Taye Diggs

Mary-Jane Watson-Parker = Alison Hannigan

Flash Thompson = Ben Affleck

Felicia Hardy/The Black Cat = Elisha Cuthbert

Sha Shan Nguyen = Grace Park

Captain Jean DeWolff = Jessica Biel

Anne Weying = Michelle Williams

Principal Harrington = Viggo Mortensen

Lance Bannon = Hayden Christensen

Gloria "Glory" Grant = Candice Patton

In the sixth of our Spider-Man films, and the last to both start and end with Peter Parker wearing the webs, we showcase Peter and MJ preparing for their upcoming wedding, but the pair are stalked by Eddie Brock, who has now joined with the Venom symbiote and seeks to make Peter’s life hell.  He attempts to manipulate the Black Cat into being his co-conspirator as well, preying on her jealousy after the symbiote-free Spider-Man resists her seduction.  The story ultimately culminates in Venom trying to force Peter into a no-win situation where he has to choose who to save; Mary-Jane or Felicia.  Matthew Vaughan returns to direct, and we get a few extra supporting cast members in lieu of the various villains of Spider-Man 5.

Ant-Man 2 (2010) Directed by Peyton Reed

Hank Pym/Ant-Man = Michael Douglas

Scott Lang/Ant-Man II = Paul Rudd

Maggie Lang = Judy Greer

Cassie Lang = Joey King

William Cross/Crossfire = Ethan Hawke

Taskmaster = Jeffrey Dean Morgan

Alex Gentry/Porcupine = Nick Offerman

Janice Lincoln/Beetle = Naya Rivera

Having left Ant-Man alone in terms of solo films since phase 1, phase 2 marks a return for Hank Pym, who by this point has been out of action since a mental break-down forced him to retire.  Now of sound mind again, he tries to deal with tech thief Crossfire, who steals the prototype for a new, more aggressive variant of the Ant-Man suit, the Yellowjacket.  However, Hank’s old suit is not safe to use as it clashes with his neuro-chemistry, risking more mental break-down.  Even worse, it’s been stolen.  In tracking down the Ant-Man suit, Hank encounters desperate divorced father Scott Lang, who stole the suit to get money to cover his daughter’s medical treatment.

With this film, the aim is to pass the mantle of Ant-Man to Scott Lang in a more comics-accurate manner, while at the same time preserving certain casting that the MCU got right, hence why Pym, Scott and Maggie are all retained from the real MCU.  In terms of Cassie, I switched to Joey King as she’s had a remarkably steady record of employment for a non-Disney child actress, and I think she’s a great choice to take up this role for the remainder of this hypothetical MCU.  Direction-wise, I figured it best to stick with the choices of the real MCU and go for Peyton Reed, having had to go with Sam Raimi on the 90’s-made first Ant-Man of this MCU.

Silver Surfer 2 (2011) Directed by JJ Abrams

Silver Surfer = David Wenham

Thanos = Josh Brolin

Mentor = Michael McKean

Eros/Starfox = Joel McHale

Gamora = Zoe Saldana

Drax the Destroyer = Dean Cain

Adam Warlock = Chris Pine

Pip the Troll = Peter Dinklage

Nebula = Emma Stone

Mar-Vell/Captain Marvel = Jude Law

Following the events of Defenders 2, the Silver Surfer finds himself drawn into yet more Infinity Stone adventures when Kree hero Captain Marvel and the android Drax the Destroyer come to Earth with Adam Warlock, keeper of the Soul Gem.  Hot on their heels are Thanos and Nebula, each of whom has begun to seek the Infinity Stones.  Worse still, Mar-Vell is dying of cancer.  The film is meant to advance the Infinity Stones plot while also adapting the death of Mar-Vell from the comics, not to mention setting up for the Guardians of the Galaxy to appear in the next phase.

For direction, I’ve picked JJ Abrams based on his Star Trek and Star Wars work making him a decent choice for a space-based hero like the Silver Surfer.  In terms of casting, we have a few reprises from past films in this 90’s MCU and from the real MCU.  However, some shifts have also occurred, most notably with Drax due to wanting to use his original comics origins over the revised MCU/later comics version.  The would-be autistic representation of Bautista and Gunn’s Drax quickly become so much farce, so as an autistic person, I’d just as soon avoid that and go down the android route, thanks very much.

Avengers vs X-Men (2011) Directed by Jonathan Frakes

Cyclops/Scott Summers = Patrick Swayze

Jean Grey = Milla Jovovich

Storm/Ororo Monroe = Halle Berry

Wolverine/Logan = Tom Cruise

Peter Rasputin/Colossus = Henry Cavill

Remi LeBeau/Gambit = Zachary Levi

Warren Worthington III/Archangel = Neil Patrick Harris

Rogue = Anna Paquin

Steve Rogers/Captain America = Brad Pitt

Thor = Dolph Lundgren

Janet Van Dyne/Wasp = Catherine Zeta Jones

Iron Man/Tony Stark = Tom Selleck

Jennifer Walters/She-Hulk = Lucy Lawless

T'Challa/Black Panther = Chadwick Boseman

Sam Wilson/Falcon = Will Smith

Peter Parker/Spider-Man = Wil Weaton

Professor Charles Xavier = Patrick Stewart

Carol Danvers = Melissa Joan Hart

Mystique/Raven Darkholme = Connie Nielsen

Avalanche = Alessandro Gassmann

Fred J Dukes/Blob = Vince Vaughan

Pyro = Hugh Jackman

Irene Adler/Destiny = Sally Field

Frank Bohannan/Crimson Commando = Harrison Ford

Louis Hamilton/Stonewall = James Brolin

Martin Fletcher/Super-Sabre = Peter Fonda

Dr Valerie Cooper = Malin Åkerman

Sebastian Gilbreti/Bastion = Bruce Greenwood

Congressman Rev. William Stryker = Eric Roberts

Forge = Jimmy Smits

There have been two occasions in Marvel comics where the X-Men and Avengers have been drawn into direct conflict, at least using multiple issues of a comic and to my knowledge.  The first is the 1980’s mini-series X-Men versus Avengers, where the Avengers attempted to arrest Magneto to resume his trial before the world court, while the Soviet Super-Soldiers sought to arrest Magneto for his actions in X-Men #150.  As Magneto was part of the X-Men at the time, this naturally put all three teams at odds with each other.  The second occasion was the AvX storyline in which Cyclops, Emma Frost, Namor, Colossus and Magik became possessed by the Phoenix Force, something the Avengers tried to prevent and later combat.

While this film draws on the basic concept of both series, that something sets the Avengers and the X-Men at odds with each other, it’s not about arresting Magneto or issues with the Phoenix force.  Instead, the issue is Rogue; her status as a mutant terrorist is used to convince the Avengers to apprehend the X-Men.  This is bad timing, as the X-Men are working with Rogue to help restore the mind of Carol Danvers.  The masterminds of the plot are rabid anti-mutant politician William Stryker and government advisor Sebastian, who in reality is a new form of sentinel in disguise.  Luckily, government advisor and secret mutant Forge is suspicious of Bastion and convinces NSA director Dr Valerie Cooper to set up a contingency plan.

As a result, the film builds to a climax where, after the intervention of Spider-Man ends a major fight between the two teams, Bastion unleashes his prime sentinels.  Enter Mystique’s expanded Brotherhood in their guise as community service government heroes Freedom Force, and the stage is set for a truly epic battle.  Direction-wise, I opted for Jonathan Frakes to helm this entry, and while many actors are reprising roles from past films, everyone from Crimson Commando on down is new to the MCU as of this film.

Ghost Rider 3 (2011) Directed by Mark Steven Johnson

Johnny Blaze/Ghost Rider = Connor Trinneer

Roxanne Simpson = Jessica Alba

Eric Brooks/Blade = Jamie Foxx

Rachel Van Helsing = Cote De Pablo

Daimon Hellstrom = James Van Der Beek

Vlad Tepish/Dracula = Mads Mikkelsen

Lilith = Felicity Jones

Mephistopheles = Jeffery Combs

Phase 5 of our 90’s MCU closes out by bringing Johnny Blaze’s time as Ghost Rider to its conclusion, in a story where Johnny teams up with Blade, Rachel Van Helsing and Daimon Hellstrom against Dracula and his daughter Lilith, who are secretly in league with Mephistopheles.  The film is partly an original plot and partly an adaptation of the end of the original Ghost Rider run of comics, though it’s far from being the last Ghost Rider film of this MCU.  Just as the comics would have others take up the Ghost Rider curse after Blaze, so too will this MCU move onto those later riders in turn.  Having used Tim Burton on the first two Ghost Rider films in this MCU, I’ve picked Mark Steven Johnson who handled the 2007 Nicholas Cage Ghost Rider film to take on this third instalment of 90’s MCU Ghost Rider.

This wraps up our look into phase 5 of this 90’s-based MCU; next month, we’ll cover phase 5 of our alternate DC movie universe.  Until then, ta-ta for now.

[denizenhardwick]

let's. let's just recap a bit of what we just read.

the boys were kept in vamfield house for a hundred years as children, completely isolated, with everything they knew heavily controlled by marge, who also seemed more than willing to gaslight them if she felt it necessary. when they get curious or start exhibiting their vampire "symptoms" they are punished harshly. they start developing their powers and end up hurting themselves, each other, and their caretakers because they don't know what's happening and can't control it.

eventually they are allowed to physically and mentally mature a bit, still never given any explanations for anything going on. the woods around the house are invested with wolves and vampires that the staff (who are also vampires) have to go out and fight on full moons, and it frequently kills them. the boys find a man injured in the woods one night during an aborted escape attempt (it failed due to happening on the full moon, so solon, who is part werewolf, was missing because he doesn't want the others to know), and this man tells the boys about vampires for the first time, specifically that they're monsters, but also convinces them that the outside world is a wonderful place full of nice people. the boys, who have no frame of reference for anything, accept that and do a complete 180 on their worldview, deciding the adults around them are all evil and they can only ever trust each other.

it turns out the man is evil and is on a mission to turn them over to the evil vampires who are hunting them. he sends up a flare to alert them, the staff catch him and lock him in a shed for a few days to just. torture him i guess? the boys are worried and go looking for him, they find the torture shed, and are in succession betrayed by both the people that raised them and the person who represented the outside world for them, further driving them to the conclusion that they can't trust anyone other than themselves.

they are finally able to flee vamfield house, having never received an explanation of what's going on.

time skip. they have started living in an abandoned mansion outside a xenophobic prohibition-era american town, and things are rough. shion stops smiling. jino becomes depressed. solon takes to running off at random times so it's less suspicious when he does it on full moons. heli fully just stops speaking without realizing it and starts communicating only with telepathy. everyone is distant and cold and sad and lonely, and they are all so psychologically fucked up from vamfield house, still with a poor understanding of how everything works.

that's not all, that's just the first part. the second part is about them experiencing joy and connection and then having it all brutally ripped away from them and jino and shion deciding that humans are the real monsters and shion forcing the whole town to kill each other with his telekinesis.

[shagunrana2244]

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[endversewinchester]

Let’s gooo

Proof that Snape always hated muggles from the start. I can spec it was over his father, as a bit further on we know his parents fight a lot. It would also mirror Voldemort perfectly. All that is valid, but he always did.

Bit of an interesting exchange tbh. Does his mother bash muggleborns to him? She shouldn’t, she married one (even if he sucks) and had a half blood kid.

People spec Snape was abused over this and… I don’t know? It seems it’s more like he had to watch things children shouldn’t have to watch. Fair play, but I can’t put my finger on the fanon spec. But people can certainly stretch it in that sense if they feel comfortable.

I don’t think he did it intentionally, for what’s worth. It’s like Harry blowing up aunt marge. But I can see why Lily would be upset.

Lots to unpack here heh. Snape’s mum was definitely a slytherin, and as Hogwarts is seen as a safe space by him I can imagine wanting to retrace her steps.

The same applies to James over Gryffindor, and Ron said the exact same thing to Harry when they met. It is a rivalry that exists and seemingly passes down through the generations. Not much that can be done about it.

I do feel bad for Sirius. He and James clearly clicked right away, and he’s afraid of losing his friend should he follow family tradition and be sorted as a snake. He also doesn’t want to be like the rest of his family for himself.

Sad that Peter and Remus didn’t do that first ride with prongsfoot but oh well. New place. New friends. Childish behavior but they are 11-12 years old so.

Lmao RIP Sirius. Hc that they were never that close, but Lily respected his relationship to James.

Lucius and Snape being friends is basically canon.

Fifth year jump! We can see that Lily is now worried about Snape’s anti muggle tendencies, as they are teenagers and the war progresses.

We don’t know what Mulciber did. Marauders fandom specs SA, I don’t necessarily agree. No “Dark Magic” involved in that. At least not in the literal sense Lily is applying. But he is a bad influence regardless.

And here we have the other side of the prank. Severus knew already. He investigated, put two and two together over the full moon (and probably Remus missing classes afterwards). So he wasn’t completely clueless as to what he would find in the shack when Sirius told him.

I don’t really see the correlation here, Snape. They are evil because they… go with their friend so he can transform safely in the full? You had better examples to pick than that. It just highlights his growing prejudice with non purebloods (Remus in this case).

And yes, Snape. James saved you. Thankfully before you got to the shack and confirmed your theories. I’m not comfortable with you knowing what Remus is, considering your hatred and your current beliefs.

[vidilpoge]

2023-04-04 Training Log

The instructor was a bit late so we didn't do as much legwork as usual after the warm- up. We then went for a quick drill on Zornhau into dupliern. I love dupliern as a concept, "attack the same opening twice", but I seldom find my mind clear enough to use the proper tecnique of running the lenght of the blade along the neck while the partner is parrying. Remember all of the drei wunder, schnitte, too often forgotten. The drill also involved changing the edge against the neck at the very end of the run of the blade, to make way further and with an extra step completely trample the partner, bringing them to the ground. We stopped before and nobody went down.

Then we did the so called Kreig Play, a sequence of windens from Zorhaw. The whole thing was sooo much difficult to drill. And a headache to read and elaborate from the original texts I've been told, I'm happy I don't do that. Let me tell you going slow-mo with the fisher-price swords with what it's supposed to be a lighting fast chain of stitch-parry is agony. And the thing is, in sparring that stuff never happens in my hall, everybody tries to go the "I'll just chop" road, for different reasons.

Here are some of them in no particular order:

Absolutely awful fuhleng of the simulacra

Beginner's panic

Not being really punished when they leave the bind

Being a self-taught, from the book Fiore wannabe

Having the upper hand in reach and strenght (just powering thru)

Just... forgetting there is anything else other than oberhau from vom tag recht

(What has this to do with this log I have absolutely no idea lol)

Then!! Finally!! Krumphau my beloved! We did an intro to krumphau. Love the stuff. Probably the meisterhau I feel most confident in using in sparring. Last night we were told that in Flos a very similar tecnique is under the broader Romper de punta concept, "to break the stab". The old meister tell us that krumphau breaks ochse but the instructors just plain told us that it'just as good agaist pflug and langort, any guards in which the lenght of the blade is forward (?). I love blocking stitches with it, when the damn thing works. I love stepping sideway to windshield wipe away the extended lenght of my opponent blade. Imagine me as Marge Simpson with the potato in hand, telling " I just think they're neat".

Also imagine me referring to it as krumpirhau.

[thedogsleg]

There have been times when ive walked somewhere in my town using the dream version of going there (compleat diffrent direction) so now i compleatly rely on mucle memory like for some reason thinking about it gets me more lost

[simplee-dreaming]

The Situation

A/N: Thank you to the anon who requested this! Hopefully I've got a better outlook on Sam and Dean now that I'm further into the show.

Word count: 1056

Summary: The reader thinks they're too old to be looked after, so Sam and Dean prove them wrong.

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

“Hey come on now, why are you in such a grump?” Sam asked. You sat on the opposite sofa with your arms folded.

“I’m 15, I don’t need babysitting. I can look after myself,” you grumbled.

“Oh come off of it. We know you’re not a child so stop acting like it” Dean said, eating another spoonful of ice cream from the tub.

“What Dean means is that we know you’re not a little kid anymore, but by law you still need looking after. Besides, who better than your favourite cousins, eh? I bet you’d rather be with us than Great Aunt Marge,” Sam said. You scoffed.

“Anyone’s better than her. I still don’t need looking after,”

“Oh is that so? What if a demon suddenly appeared and tried to attack you? How would you deal with that situation?” Dean asked, now leaning on the wall.

“I’d grab Ruby’s knife and slice them with it. Or knock them out, tie them up and exorcise them,” you said, confidently.

“Okay, and what if you found yourself in a situation where a vampire was attacking you - what would you do then?” Dean asked.

“Grab the axe off the wall, sweep its leg and behead it.” You said, more smug.

“Hm,” Dean mumbled.

“I can get myself out of any situation just fine,” you said, bluntly.

“Alright…” Dean said, putting his ice cream down. “If you’re so confident, then get out of this.” He pushed you onto your stomach and sat on your back.

“Hey! Get your fat arse off of me!” You yelled.

“If you can get out of any situation, get out of this,” he said, winking at Sam who just sat and sighed. You kicked your legs and tried to buck your hips but Dean was too heavy.

“Move, you big lump!” You said, bucking again but it was no use. You hardly managed to lift him into the air.

“Now this is fun,” Dean said. Then an idea struck him.

“Let’s make this situation a little worse for you…” he said. Dean then started squeezing your sides and spider tickled your back and shoulder blades. You shrieked loudly and kicked.

“DEAN!” You screamed through fits of laughter.

“Yes?” He asked, casually...like he wasn’t wrecking you to pieces.

“DOHOHOHON’T!”

“Don’t what?”

“TIHICKLE ME!”

“Tickle you? Of course, your wish is my command!” Dean teased. He shoved his hands under your armpits and you tried to slam your arms down, but it was more difficult lying on your stomach.

The tickling was driving you insane and you started to kick violently. You accidentally kicked Dean in the back.

“Oi! What was that for?” He asked, still tickling your armpits.

“YOU’RE A DIHIHIHICK!” You screamed.

“Oh I’m so gonna get you for that,” he threatened. He removed his hands from your armpits and shoved them into your neck instead. You screamed louder.

“Sammy, get over here and teach this brat a lesson,” Dean ordered. Sam scoffed but approached you.

“SAHAHAM NOHOHO!”

“Quiet you,” Dean said, speeding up his fingers.

Sam pushed your legs back down and sat on them so you couldn’t move. He wasted no time in scraping all 10 fingers up and down your soles.

“SAHAHAHAMMY PLEHEHEASE!” You begged.

“What’s wrong darling? Little ticklish?” Sam teased. Dean turned to him and smiled, Sam winked.

“Cootchie cootchie coo,” he added. Your laughter shot up an octave from the teasing.

“Oh? Does a little someone like the tickle talk?” Dean cooed, noticing the increased volume of your laughter.

“NO!” You screamed. Dean removed his hands from your neck and continuously switched between tickling your sides, underarms and even reaching under to get your tummy.

“Cootchie cootchie coo, Y/N,” Dean teased.

“PLHEHEHEASE NO!”

“What’s wrong Y/N/N? Are you too ticklish to handle a bit of teasing?” Sam asked. He had pinned your feet to the sofa and was mercilessly torturing your soles.

“The tickle monster likes to tease its victims,” Dean added. You screamed louder and fell into silent laughter.

“Alright Dean, let’s not kill her,” Sam said, getting off you. Dean nodded and followed. You turned yourself over on the sofa and caught your breath.

“You evil sods,” you said. They both laughed.

“I thought you said you could get yourself out of any situation?” Dean teased. You sat up on the sofa and eyed the door.

“I can…” you said. You took off from the sofa and tried to make a run for it….but Sam was too quick for you. He picked you up and spun you round, you let out a few giggles.

“Nuh-uh, no one gets away from the tickle monster until he’s done…” Sam said. Holding you in his grip, he used one hand to claw gently at your stomach. You screeched and doubled over.

“Aww look at Y/N. So cute thinking they could escape us,” Dean said. He walked over and started running his fingers up and down your sides.

“NOHOT AGAIN!” You cried.

“Sorry Y/N, but the tickle monster needs to hear your laughter...cootchie coo,” Dean teased. Your laughter shot up an octave again as you screamed and squealed in Sam’s arms.

“STOHOP PLEASE!” You cried, desperately.

“Only if you admit you were wrong about taking care of yourself,” Dean said. His side squeezing was absolute torture, especially when coupled with Sam’s slender fingers tickling your tummy.

“OHOHOKAY I WAS WRONG!” You yelled.

“Good,” Dean said, stopping his attack. Sam also stopped tickling but held you close, hugging you from behind.

“We’re only like this because we love you and want to protect you,” Sam said, squeezing you tighter. You let out residue giggles.

“I know, and I’m sorry. I just want to be treated like an adult,” you said.

“Don’t grow up too fast, adulting sucks,” Dean chuckled. “But at least you get to spend your time with us cool kids.”

You smirked.

“I’d rather be with Great Aunt Marge,” you bravely looked Dean in the eye, biting back a giggle.

Dean looked at you, then locked eyes with Sam, who also smirked.

“Oh we’re so going to get you for that,” Dean said.

Your laughter filled the room as the boys continued to torture you with their tickling skills. But you refused to take back what you said...it was too much fun.

[duuhrayliegh]

watch your six - part two

pairing: eventual bucky x reader

warnings: some violence, trigger warning of sedation (it isn’t in there for a long time and the description of it isn’t super good BUT it’s still there), mentions of kidnapping, i think that’s it. 

word count: just a bit over 3k 

a/n: okay! here’s part two, i’m experimenting with the longer parts, so let me know what y’all think of it. bucky does make an appearance soon, i swear y’all :) just be patience with me babes. also, i know this isn’t like the typical fan fic because it isn’t in the second person but we’re powering through together. i hope y’all enjoy babes <3

p.s.: if y’all want to be added to a tag list for this series, shoot me a message and we’ll get it worked out 

series m.list

ray’s m.list

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

I shot up from my bed, eyes wild and frantic searching for anything to ground me to my current surroundings. It was just a dream, just a dream. It was just a dream. Except it didn’t feel like a dream. Everything was too detailed, too crisp for it to have really been just a dream. I swung my legs off my bed and grabbed a hold of the fluffy white comforter. Groaning, I pushed my feet to touch the cold hardwood of my apartment. I made my way towards my kitchen and my coffee maker. I popped a breakfast blend K-cup into the slot and dumped a mug full of water into the side of the machine. Pressing the button, I turned while listening to the coffee machine force the water through the coffee grounds and filter and into my cup.

Looking out into my living room, I eyed my couch. It was intact with no bullet holes riddling the cushions. It was still the pristine white that I’ve spent many nights curled on watching movies. The dark stained wood coffee table in front of it brought memories of long study sessions with books and loose papers strewn across it. A faint smile graced my lips as I was reminiscing. The black coffee maker spit the last of the dark substance into my mug, so I reached into my cabinets and pulled out the essentials. I’ve never been one for pure black coffee, tastes like tar in my opinion. The aftertaste isn’t something that I want to deal with for as long as it’ll last.

I dumped two spoonfuls of sugar into the cup and then poured a dash of liquid creamer in along with it. Stirring the now light brown liquid, I raised the mug to my mouth and took a much needed sip. Sighing as I swallowed, I walked around to the couch in the living. Plopping down, I kicked my feet to rest on top of the coffee table. Leaning back against the cushions, I tried to process what my dream was about.

It was just too real to be a dream, right? It was awfully specific to be a dream. Squinting my eyes, I nodded my head and set my mug on the table. Reaching for my laptop and opening the first browser I could, I searched ‘dream analysis.’ Maybe they’ll have something that can give me an answer as to why it was so clear. Scrolling down the first website, my eyes scanning the bolded letters. Nine Common Dreams and What They Could Mean, oh perfect. Flying, being naked in public, teeth falling out, cheating, none of these are like my dream. I shook my head and swiped out of the website and back to the search engine.

It was late in the morning and the sun was rising to its peak when I finally gave up. It’s obvious what happened though, I’ve gone mental. Absolutely insane, just plain certifiable. No, no, that’s not what it is. My coffee now gone cold, I placed my closed laptop on the coffee table next to the discarded coffee mug. I stood and my head started throbbing. Deciding I would have a better outlook on things without a pounding head, I took a shower. The water was a pleasant, scalding temperature. Leaving the bathroom with my hair in a towel and another wrapped around my body, I changed into a simple pair of ripped mom jeans and an oversized t-shirt. Hanging my towels on the rack in the bathroom, I brushed my teeth and then turned out the light as I left.

Today was my one day off of work this week and I was going to savor it. Slipping on a pair of ratty sneakers and grabbing my purse from the hook next to the door, I left my cozy apartment. I locked the door and shoved my keys all the way to the bottom of my purse. I left my building with the intention of trying to shake off the nightmare that I had. To do so, I went into the coffee shop at the end of the block. I pushed the doors open and was greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere. Dark floors gave way to twinkling lights illuminating the charcoal gray walls. Behind the counter, I make eye contact with the barista and receive a tight-lipped smile from him. “Hi, welcome to Beniot’s Beans. What can I get started for you today?”

I glanced at the chalkboard menu and ran my eyes over it quickly. I already knew what I wanted, but I needed to prepare myself to say it out loud. “Hello, can I get a medium caramel iced coffee to go, please?” I rocked back and forth on the balls of my feet as he scribbled my order onto the clear plastic cup. He told me my total as I looted in my wallet for my bills. After placing the money in the register, he explained that they would call my order when it was ready. I nodded and walked off to find somewhere to sit that was out of the way. After situating myself on one of the comfortable armchairs, I pulled my phone out in an effort to discourage human interaction. After retrieving my order from the counter, I sat back down in the armchair, trying to decide what to do next. The hour was just rolling over to being almost lunchtime, which made me realize that I hadn’t eaten anything yet. Shrugging my purse back onto my shoulder and shoving my phone into it, I left the store throwing a small wave to the barista behind the counter.

Sighing contentedly, I made the trek back to my apartment while steadily drinking the iced coffee. Some people say coffee shouldn’t be cold, and then there’s people who have sense. Giggling to myself, I took in my surroundings. Brick buildings lined the small two-way road. The donut shop on the opposite side of the street had two cop cruisers sitting in front of it. The contrasting black and white paint with black lettering outlined in yellow was intimidating. There was no reason for it to be, but there was just an aura of discomfort encapsulating the cars. By this time, I had stopped, slurping on my almost empty iced coffee. Breaking out of my trance with a ring of a bell, four officers exited the donut shop. Two of the officers held off-white cardboard boxes, they were all laughing at something. I tilted my head and scrunched my brows, guess the stereotype about cops is true, they love their donuts. Sensing a stare, one of the officers looked around for the source. Eventually, our gazes locked and he winked. Uh, ew. Making a face, I shook my head and went about my way back to my apartment.

Despite that experience, it was nice to be able to have no specific agenda, just relaxing and going with the flow. My inner monologue stopped when I got to my kitchen and started deciding what to prepare for lunch. Finally landing on a box of macaroni and cheese to satisfy my hunger, I set to work. The pot of water now on the stove, I tossed my empty plastic cup from the coffee shop into the garbage bin. I went around to my living room and grabbed my coffee mug from earlier and placed it in the sink, after rinsing it out. I’ll wash that and the stuff I use for lunch after I finish eating. I dumped the box of uncooked noodles into the now boiling water. Soon, the macaroni was ready to be eaten, so I poured the cheesy noodles into a bowl. Hoisting myself onto the granite countertop, I began to inhale the food. Wow, okay I was hungrier than I thought. It didn’t take long to finish off the noodles. As I was washing the dirty dishes, the intercom system of the apartment went off. Weird, I wasn’t expecting anyone. “Who is it?” I inquired into the speaker box. “Hi, I’m looking for the inhabitant of this flat.”

My brows furrowing, I asked again, “Who is this?”

“Ma’am, please don’t waste my time or yours. Is this the woman who lives in this apartment, yes or no?” They sounded exhausted. “I need to speak with the woman who lives here.” I was shocked, this didn’t seem right. Alright, I’m a woman living alone in an apartment building. Some stranger comes to my building, asking to speak to me, so what do I do?

“Uh, yeah they’re not here. You’ll have to come back later.” The lie was easy. Safety first and all, right? There was no reply after waiting a few minutes, so I went back to doing my dishes. After drying and putting them away, I kicked my shoes off and settled into my couch with a fluffy blue throw. Flicking the TV on, I picked the home improvement channel. I stretched out on the couch while wondering how realtor Bessie May was going to find this couple the perfect home. Snuggling further into the pillows, I was able to drift off into a dreamless slumber.

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

It was loud banging that eventually roused me. Untangling myself from the fluff that wrapped around my legs, I toppled onto the floor. “I’m coming, hold your horses!” I shouted at the door. Who the hell? I swear if it’s my crazy neighbor again. “Marge! If this is you, we are going to have a problem!” I huffed my way to the door and yanked it open to reveal a group of men in what looked like dark tactical gear. Confusion overtook my facial features. I took a step back and tightened my grip on my door knob.

“Um… hi? Can I help you?” I questioned the group at large.

“Ma’am, we’re looking for the permanent resident of this apartment.” The man to my left said. He was short and stocky, he was also the only man wearing a dark gray suit. “Are you the permanent resident of this unit?” He continued while trying to see over my shoulders and into the living room.

“No, they’re not here right now.” I repeated the lie from earlier. I had an inkling this had to do with that, what else could it be?

“Well, do you know when she’ll be back?” He pressed, still stealing glances into my abode.

“No, she didn’t say. You’ll have to come back later. Goodbye.” I stated while closing the door. I was almost home free until a combat boot clad foot was stuck into the door frame.

“You see ma’am, this really isn’t the time to be lying to me.” The suited man explained. I took a deep breath and continued trying to close the door.

“Well, I’ve already told you all I know. The person who owns this place isn’t here right now.” The door was stopped yet again by the same foot.

“Ma’am, you need to invite us inside. We have things to discuss.” Suits ordered.

My brows raised, “Or what?” I scoffed, “Look you need to leave before I call the police. Good day to you gentlemen.” Another attempt to close the door was once again defeated, but this time the door swung in. Allowing entrance into my apartment. My eyes widened and I rushed away from the door, putting as much distance between the group of men and myself.

“What the hell are you doing! I’m calling the police.” I reached for my phone that was laying on the coffee table. It was snatched away from me by a man in tactical gear. His hair was cropped and dark, he slipped my phone into one of the many pockets of his vest. I raised my eyebrows at the man, and began demanding my phone from him.

“Listen ma’am, we’re going to need you to come with us.” Suits insisted. My gaze darted to him, if looks could kill man. “We’re allowing you the privilege of getting a bag of your necessities.” I took a deep breath, trying to calm my ever rising nerves. I brought the heels of my palms to my eyes, trying to clear the fogginess of sleep to process what Suits was saying. “We don’t have all day. Get your stuff now.” I shook my head and started refusing.

“Yeah, that won’t be happening. I’m asking you one last time to leave my apartment before I start screaming.” I crossed my arms over my chest in a protective stance. They’ve got five seconds before I raise hell. Suits made a face that looked like he was disappointed.

“Grab her.” The man who took my phone advanced at me. His whole hand covered my upper arm, lifting it and beginning to drag me to the door. I started kicking out, clawing, trying to make contact with anything that I could hurt. Damage, don’t stop fighting. Don’t give in. Whipping my upper body around, I managed to scratch the man's cheek. He cried out in pain and his grip loosened for just a moment. Long enough for me to wrench my arm away from him and run towards the front door. My path was interrupted by a wall of a man. Towering over me, he wrapped both of his arms around my torso. Effectively stopping all of my movement while he turned me in his grasp to face Suits once again.

“Help! Someone help me! Help me!” This was a quiet enough building, shouts like that would surely gain someone’s attention, right? “Help! Someone help me, please!” I was screaming my throat sore. Not stopping until there was a large hand placed over my mouth. Even then, there were muffled cries that could be heard throughout my otherwise silent apartment unit. Stifled sobs were leaving my lungs in heaves. Suits approached me and shook his head,

“It really didn’t have to be like this but, of course.” He turned to one of his goons and nodded his head towards me. I began screaming again as the final goon stepped forward. His hair was slicked back and I could smell the hair gel that he must have just dipped his head into. Hair Gel reached into his pocket and brought out a small white case.

He unzipped the case and gestured to the mass of a man behind me. My head was moved to expose my neck, I struggled against Mass while Hair Gel approached. Screaming and thrashing trying to disrupt what I thought was about to happen. Hair Gel assembled a syringe, outfitting it with a blue capped needle. Hair Gel extracted a clear liquid into the syringe, he got closer to my jolting body, glaring at Mass.

“Hold her still, you buffoon.” He grunted at Mass. The grip around me began cutting off my circulation to the lower half of my body. Not deterring me in any way, I still made it as hard as I could for Hair Gel. There was a pinch on the side of my neck, and then a warm feeling passed through my body. Mass’s hand was still covering my mouth and his arms around my torso, if it weren’t for that I probably would’ve fallen straight to the ground. Oh hell man, what am I going to do now?

My body went limp in Mass’s hold, and my mind was starting to become fuzzy. Looking around at the three men in front of me, I worried what was going to happen. I’ve seen Taken. I know what happens to girls who travel alone. That kind of stuff doesn’t happen to people like me. Suits sighed yet again, looking disinterested in the whole affair. Suits looked to the man who I scratched and shook his head at him.

“You seriously let her get her hands on you?” Suits mocked, “That’s pathetic, Gomez.”

“Pathetic? She was clawing me, man!” The man, Gomez, defended.

“It doesn’t matter, you idiot. You still aren’t supposed to let it happen.” Suits berated Gomez and then waved him off, “Go get the stuff. And don’t mess it up this time, ya got that?” Gomez rolled his eyes at Suits, but nodded anyway. He left the room towards my bedroom. My eyelids started drooping, I willed them to stay open a bit longer.

“How long’s it gonna take that stuff to kick in?” Suits asked Hair Gel.

“Oh, it starts working immediately.” Hair Gel finished replacing everything in his white case, turning to me, he continued, “The body reacts to the compound right away, inducing temporary paralysis. It’s really quite remarkable to watch it in action.”

Suits glanced at Hair Gel, “You mean to tell me it doesn’t make them unconscious? What the hell did I bring you along for?”

“Of course it makes the victim unconscious, what do you think I’m stupid or something? It just takes a couple of minutes for the enzyme to break down for the brain.” Hair Gel tilted his head while looking at me. He gave me a once over and if I had any kind of control over my body, there would’ve been an unmistakable shiver that passed through my body. Gomez emerged with a duffle in tow and dumped the closed bag on the couch.

“Don’t forget the laptop, Gomez.” Suits reminded him while his attention was on the kitchen of my apartment. “Alright, let’s go.” With the effort it takes to lift a feather, Mass carried me bridal style out of my unit. My eyelids were becoming even more heavy and I screamed and shouted in my head, but my mouth just wouldn’t move. The four men made their way out, passing my crazy neighbor Marge.

“Can I help you boys with something?” Marge’s door was open, and she leaned up against the frame, watching this scene go down.

“Nothing to be worried about ma’am. This is official government business.” Suits reported, simply shrugging off Marge.

“Government business?” Marge shrieked, and a glimmer of hope flashed in my head. Marge won’t fall for your bullshit Suits. She’s going to save me. “I always knew there was something off about that one.” What the hell, Marge?

“Like I said ma’am, nothing to worry about. Now if you would, just go back inside. We’re done here.” Suits advised. Marge, who was none the wiser, bounced her shoulders and turned back into her own unit. She could be heard through the door explaining to her guests that her next door neighbor was always strange and never really sat right with her.

“Doesn’t surprise me they’re taking her away. I always knew something was off about that girl. I told you so.” Marge howled with laughter after her statement. My last hope dashed by my crazy neighbor’s complete ignorance and lack of acknowledgement for her surroundings. Mass began his descent of the stairs with a steady pace. The constant rocking back and forth of his body weight served to lull my eyelids the rest of the way closed.

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

tapestry 👑 XXI

Warnings: eventual dark elements (tags to be added as fic continues)

This is dark!(king)Steve and explicit. 18+ only.

Summary: King Steven had a wandering eye but you never thought it would fall upon you.

This Chapter: The reader panics.

Note: Lol, y’all are gonna hate the reader bc you only seem to get more and more annoyed by her decisions but also, I’m just going with it so here’s to winging it. Enjoy the adventure.

<3 Let me know what you think with a like or reblog or reply! Love ya!

masterlist

You couldn't recall leaving the Fort. A fog fell over you as you watched the guards wrap up the corpse of the dead queen and load her onto a cart. It only began to clear as you rushed through the halls of the castle; your guard and maid just behind you. A deathly pall filled your lungs and made it hard to breathe.

You shook so much you could not grasp the door handle. Marge unlatched your doors and pushed them open for you. You turned to Dolan as he hovered behind you. You fidgeted with your cuffs as you struggled to find words.

"Stay," You breathed to him. "Please."

He nodded and turned to take his place against the stone wall as you entered your chamber and Marge closed the doors. You stopped just inside and stared at the grey windows. Your legs wobbled and crumpled beneath you. You fell into a heap and covered your face as you began to sob.

Marge tiptoed around you and knelt at your side. She touched your shoulder as you were wracked with tears. Your hood drooped forward and you tore it from your head to toss it aside. You wept upon the floor until you laid across it, your head buried beneath your arm.

"My lady," Marge stayed close, her hand still upon your arm. "Is there anything I can do?"

You sniffed and wiped your face on your sleeve before you lifted your head. Your temples pounded and your eyes felt swollen. You sat up, barely able to keep from keeling over again.

"Marge, my jewelry box," You croaked. "Empty it into a purse. As much as you can fit." 

"My lady?" She frowned.

"Just do as I say." You pushed yourself to your knees and lifted yourself entirely from the floor. "Now."

Her eyes rounded but she quickly turned and scurried into your bedchamber. You went to the window and leaned upon the ledge as you looked down at the pale grass peeking out from beneath the melting snow.

"My lady," She returned but you did not turn to face her. "It is done."

"Very good." Your mind whirred as the clouds began to shift. "Now you shall fetch my food for me. Fetch enough for yourself as well."

"My lady. Shall I fetch wine?" She asked.

"Water or milk," You turned at last from the window. "I shall need a clear mind."

👑

The window was black. It was late and the castle was asleep. All but you. Marge had eaten both meals on her own as you paced. You couldn't stay still. Couldn't shutter the erratic pulse which had overcome you.

You looked up at the moon, a blurry halo through the clouds. You turned back and watched Marge as she dozed on the couch. You crossed to her and knelt, gently waking her with a whisper and pat on her arm.

"My lady?" Her eyes snapped open and she sat up.

"Shhh." You brought a finger to your lips. "Marge… I need your clothes."

"Pardon?" She asked.

"Please. We must hurry. You must do everything I say."

"My lady, what are you--"

"Please, please, don't ask any questions for if you knew the answers you'd surely be guilty in kind." You kept quite as you stood. "Now help me out of this gown."

Marge was reluctant and confused. She helped you out of you dress and shyly undressed herself. You took her plain brown wool and slipped into it swiftly. It was too tight around the middle and the sleeves were too long. You pulled her cap over your hair and checked yourself in the mirror.

You tucked the purse of jewels down your bodice and slung a cloak under your arm. You tucked the handful of coin you had into the gowns only pocket hidden along the seam.

"It's dark, Dolan will have a tired eye." You spoke in a low whisper. "When I begin to open the door, bid me a loud farewell. I shall slip out in your guise and you will remain."

"My lady, where are you going?" She followed you across the room.

"It's better you do not know." You assured her as you stopped just inside the door. You leaned close and spoke in her ear. "When they ask, you will tell them I threatened you. And in a way, I do for if you think to betray me now, I shall find a way to return the favour most grievously."

"You can't--"

"I must." You hissed and reached for the door. " Now, make sure he can hear you."

She stared at you a moment and swallowed. "Good night, my lady," She chimed loudly as you opened the door slowly. "I will return in the morning." 

You flitted out into the hall and kept your chin down. The guard barely acknowledged you as you kept your face away from him. The shadows shrouded you and aided in your deception. Dolan grunted as if he had been awoken but said nothing else. 

You turned and walked away from him with measured steps. You expected him to call after you at any moment but he did not. You turned the corner and willed yourself not to run. You took the cloak from under your arm and threw it over your shoulders.

You pushed into the staircase, careful to close the door softly behind you. You could not restrain yourself further and rushed down the stairs until you were dizzy. You stopped at the bottom and listened for signs of life in the grand foyer.

Guards stood at the front doors and you stepped out into the dim light of the lanterns that hung above them. You neared calmly and they watched you dully.

"Where are you off to?" The first guard asked.

"My master does send me on an errand," You answered plainly.

"This late?" The second intoned.

"I did think the same but did not relish the back of his hand," You stated. "But so is the lot of a castle servant."

"Mmp, a pity," The first grumbled. "Best be on your way. The longer you wait, the more treacherous the city grows."

"I do not venture fare thankfully," You lied. For a moment, you were impressed by yourself. 

They let you pass without further concern and the guards without barely seemed to notice the servant sweeping across the yard. At the castle gate, you were stopped again. 

"You should tell your master to wait until the dawn." The gristly words rose in the night as the guard motioned for the other to the winch. Both of them worked to turn the large gear until the gate shifted. "Can't say you'll find your way back in before then."

You slipped through the small crack between the doors and the chain began to wind up and the doors shifted back into place. You looked out across the bridge to the dark capital. The sky was black and cloudy and the air crisp and biting. 

You pulled your cloak around you and set off across the cobbled crossing. You touched the bundle hidden beneath your dress; the king's garish gifts. You hoped they could buy you a horse fast enough to see you far away from the capital.

👑

You took off your cap as you approached the tavern. Voices leaked out from inside the slummy drinking hole. You crept around the side of the building and unclasped your cloak. You dragged it through the mud and across the wooden wall. You messed the fabric until it looked worn.

You replaced it around your shoulders and pulled at your hair until it hung loosely in its plait. You dug inside your bodice and pulled a ruby necklace forth. You hid it in your fist and went around to the front door.

You stepped inside to the hazy glow of lanterns and the rabble of drunken patrons. A few looked up from their mugs as women in poorly fitting gowns slung themselves over several of the men. No doubt they sought to fill their purses.

You went to the bar and the man behind it greeted you with a side eye. You crossed your arms against the wooden counter as you glanced along it. You'd never been to a place like this; your father always acted like a king rather than an earl.

"I need to buy a horse," You said to the barkeep. He shrugged and filled a stein for a man on the other side of the bar.

"I sell ale, not horses," He grunted.

"And you haven't any customers who would?" You insisted. "Surely, you must have a man who might trade a horse for a price."

"You don't look like you've a price to pay," He growled.

"I might barter," You returned. "Can you not point me towards one who might hear me?" 

You reached to the small pocket sewn into the dress and pulled forth a golden coin. You placed it on the bar and slid it across. 

"A name isn't worth so much, is it?" You said.

"I've a horse," A man two stools down turned and stood. "If you don't mind a nip or two."

You looked to the man as the barkeep eyed the coin. You flicked the gold to him anyway and turned away.

"Is it here?" You asked.

"Just outside. No doubt stomping down the shit." The bald man answered. "Skinny but fast."

"And you're willing to part with him?"

"If you pay me enough to buy a better mount, gladly," He grinned. "So…"

"If you humour me," You countered, "I think we should sit and figure out what a better steed would cost."

"Surely," He nodded to a table between a group of men gambling and another man with a whore in his lap.

You followed him and sat across from him. "Do you have a knife?" You asked.

"Several." He squinted.

"May I see one. For a second." You ventured. "I've a loose thread upon my sleeve." 

He leaned on the table as he reached to his belt and tossed a sheathed knife onto the table. You picked it up and weighed it in your hand. 

"Right, I'll keep the knife and take the horse." You brought your other hand up and set the ruby on the table. You bared the blade as he reached to cover it. "Where's the horse then?"

"He is unsaddled." He warned.

"But he must have a bit. Is he not at a post?"

"He does." He held up the ruby then quickly tucked it away. "He's outside. To the south corner. Colour of hay with a white mark over his brow." He smirked and patted his pocket. "He'll toss you."

"I'll hold on tight." You stood and tapped the blade against the leather sheath. "If you can't find a horse worth the necklace, I'm certain you'll afford yourself a pretty pint."

You turned and swept away from the man. You gripped the knife as you pressed through the door into the street. You went to the post along the far end of the building. There were only three horses.

You found the pale one with the mark above its brow as it chewed on the wooden post. He looked up as you neared and stomped with a snort. You slowed and reached out cautiously to the beast. He lifted his head to sniff your hand and blew again, a glob of spit splattered against your palm.

You sheathed the knife and tucked it into the cloak. You carefully untied the reins as the horse watched you. You clicked at it as you tried to lead it away from its post. It didn't move. You tugged and it planted its hooves.

You huffed and hung your shoulders. You dropped the reins and crossed your arms. "Fine then. Go on. I'll walk." 

You shook your head and turned your back. If you set off now you could sneak out of the city in a farmer's cart. The clop of hooves crunched through the traces of snow and frozen dirt. The horse's hot breath glossed over your hair. 

You spun to look at it as it pushed its nose to your cheek. It sniffed again and raised its head. You stared up at him and reached for the leather straps. He didn't flinch as you took them again.

He didn't move as you rounded him and ran your hand over his back. You went to its other side and kicked yourself off the post to swing your leg over his high back. You barely managed to cling to him and lift yourself into place before he began to move. 

You bent over its neck as your heart beat frantically and you steadied yourself. You sat up and squeezed it with your thighs as your lack of saddle made you feel perilous upon its back. He picked up his pace as you steered him to the street and it huffed again in the night. You echoed him and pet his tangled mane. 

"Let's go'" You said and gripped the reins firmly. "As far as we can."

👑

When you reached the next village, you bought a saddle bag and filled it with dried meat and stale bread. You had a skin of water to replenish at the rivers and followed the water from town to town, farmstead to farmstead. Three days and you felt a world away from the capital. Away from your life.

You slept in ill-kept barns or cheap rooms let by inns for too much coin. You were ragged and exhausted. You smelled like your horse and shared its demeanour. Anxious and temperamental. 

It was past noon as you reached Shell's Harth. The maritime city a few miles from port. You hoped to find a shop to rid yourself of the wares hidden in your bodice. You would try to find a jeweler to sell the last of your baubles and at the port after that, buy your passage across the water.

Your horse's hooves kicked up the frozen dirt as you came upon the cobbled streets. You rode with ease, sore and worn out. The air was damp with the nearby waterway and bit at your raw cheeks.

You reined in your horse as you came in sight of another. Its golden brown coat was familiar and its its saddle suggested a wealthy rider. The mount lifted its head and its bold brown eyes met yours in a moment of recognition. Marigold.

Your horse reared as you yanked on the reins a bit too roughly. You turned and tried to steady the beast beneath you as a wooden door loudly clattered against its frame. You glanced over and found the horse's owner staring up at you from the step of the shop.

"Oh lord," You swore as you pressed your legs to the horse's sides and veered him all the way around.

You bent over the horse's long neck and urged it to run with your voice and the leather straps in your hands. Lord Barnes called after you then to his men. You dashed down the next street and for a moment, you were back in the forest. Out of control and lost.

Your horse raced over the cobbles and you heard the stampede after you. You glanced over your shoulder and spotted Barnes and his three men on their mounts. They charged after you.

You turned off the streets and dodged between some leaning buildings. You hurtled along the next street and the next. You held on tightly as the horse sped up with each step.

You darted down another alley but your horse slid to a sudden stop as a wall appeared before you. You cursed and turned back only to find yourself cornered by another.

Lord Barnes kept his horse across the alley way as he watched you. You were out of breath as you heard his men pass and continue down the street. 

"Why?" You gasped as your horse jerked you back and forth.

"I should ask you the same. Why did you run?"

"I can't-- I saw her die. How could I stay?" You hissed. "Just let me go."

"Where?"

"Anywhere. Damn it, are you really going to drag me back to him?"

"I have to." He said grimly.

"You have to? Why must you do everything he tells you?"

"Because he can take everything he gave me," He shook his head. "Do you know how we became friends? Hmm? I was the stable master's son and I tended the prince's horse. Not really a traditional manner of gaining a duchy. Those who remember my father are certain to whisper as much."

"And is a title worth your humanity?"

"It is all I have. Don't make this harder than it needs to be."

"It doesn't need to be like this." You pleaded.

"I have let to bound you and drag you back." He said quietly.

"Please…" You gasped as tears pricked at your eyes.

"Come and say you were afraid of the throne but do not mention Eleanor." He warned. "Say you were panicked at the thought of a crown. Afraid of your own love. Perhaps he will show mercy." 

"Do you think he should kill me?" You asked.

"No, worse," His blue eyes shone with pity. "You're useless to him dead."

You closed your eyes and exhaled. Your shoulders drooped and you groaned. "Damn you, James."

"I'm already damned," He grumbled. "Come on. I'd rather not use the rope."

[pascalls]

Hi! I'd love to learn more about Charlie 😊 I've seen you mention that he was an employee of Burns' - what happened to him for him to become a hybrid? I'm also really interested to know how that affected his personality, and his outlook on things, and whether the way people interact with him has changed since. And has he always lived in Springfield? Apologies if that's too many questions (I really love learning about people's OCs 😊)!

You’ve presented me with an opportunity to go into the lore of my OC and now you have NO ESCAPE. WATCH OUT THIS IS GONNA BE LONG.

Charlie has always lived in Springfield, most likely, and is the result of wealthy parents having absolutely no interest in their own child beyond using him as a bargaining chip, attempting to marry him off to another marginally wealthy family so that they can combine wealth and continue to be rich bitches. He was arranged to marry the daughter of the other family, but unfortunately, he’s primarily gay (he has some women exceptions to the rule, but they’re few and far in between). So an arranged marriage would’ve been miserable and terrible. In an attempt to prepare himself for married life, he has a one-night stand with a woman named Carla who accidentally births a little boy, affectionately named Connor. 

Charlie wants to be present for the boy, but urges Carla to keep his parenthood a secret. Their general incompatibility, Charlie’s pre-arranged commitment, and Carla’s eventual disgust for Charlie’s homosexual tendencies keep her from allowing Charlie to truly act as a parent, though she doesn’t waste time in dropping the child off for days at a time for him to look after. Connor grows up knowing his father, but he isn’t very empowered by his mother. As a result, Connor is a bit of a fearful and quiet kid and both Charlie and Carla are at odds. Charlie considered fighting for custody, but did not, for fear that it would throw his whole arranged marriage deal into chaos. Connor remained a secret from Charlie’s parents throughout his childhood.

He got a job at the plant in his thirties so he could at least attempt to learn some sort of independence before being married off (and perhaps learn how to be a provider for Connor without relying on his own parents’ wealth), but with a penchant for numbers, he just ended up being another pencil pushing accountant. Faced with depression, lack of guidance in his own life, his inability to see his son on the regular, and being enormously closeted, he sort of just lived day by day. (Of course, there were some experiments, like his VERY brief one night stand with a particular lawyer, but that ended in a bitter, catty rivalry that carries on to the day.) 

Anyway, my guess is that Burns had it in mind to use some of the plant workers as an attempt to harness the radioactivity that just kind of FLOATS around there to combine animal DNA with human DNA and create super-workers that would be much more efficient and trainable, but would complain less about health benefits. Charlie was just the unlucky first pick for guinea pig. He disappeared at the plant for several weeks while his genetic code got all sorts of messed up and only escaped with the help of the other idiot plant workers that didn’t do their due diligence at locking up the section of the plant that Burns had him tucked away in. But now he looked like a horrible mutant - in his opinion - and he holed up in somewhere in the woods until nightfall. 

Once night came around - it was raining too, which didn’t help - he made a break for it to try and hide out somewhere in the town. Unfortunately, a certain reverend decided to accidentally plow into Charlie with his car and had to drag him home to his basement because 1) he couldn’t tell the cops that he’d just killed someone, if Charlie ended up dead 2) this thing isn’t human. When Charlie eventually came to in Lovejoy’s basement, he decided that this was the opportunity he had to live a new life. Be someone entirely different (though why he didn’t change his name is his own particular brand of stupidity, but luckily, Burns’ little pet project was soon forgotten by the man himself and Smithers is reluctant to give Charlie away because he’s not that invested). 

So he let his hair grow, let himself be more open about his sexuality, and took up smoking and drinking (and a number of drugs to cope with the trauma of having your entire body changed without your consent), and now is the over-the-top, sometimes wildly inappropriate gay lizard you now see today, though he still does his best for his son, whose mother is only marginally aware of anything that happens in town. His parents were told that he had died in a tragic accident and seem to be just fine with that. They’ve not made any attempts to find him themselves and his previously arranged fiance found another man to wed.

BUT HIS NEW LIFE IS STILL NOT WITHOUT ITS STRUGGLES. He falls in love with the stupid sardonic nature of Reverend Lovejoy and constantly works to undermine the man’s religion (though he’s marginally careful about boundaries, i.e.: he would never disparage Helen, nor would he take it upon himself to sabotage their marriage), but he’s relatively unsuccessful. He falls deeper and deeper, further complicating things when he dons a hokey Halloween costume so he can go out and live a life free of persecution because of his non-human nature. He takes on the role of a new-age plague doctor (despite knowing next to nothing about medicine), and gets a job at Springfield Elementary as the school nurse (despite not having any credentials, but who does). 

He regularly attends church - just for the sake of being present in town - and finds an enemy in Ned Flanders who takes up far too much of Lovejoy’s time for Charlie’s envious nature to be satisfied with - and bounces wildly between pining for a man he can’t have and trying to keep himself from constantly throwing hands with Flanders (who has a suspicion that Charlie is some kind of demon presence put on Earth to turn the reverend away from God, which incidentally, might not be that inaccurate). 

Most people in Springfield never knew his name before, and thus don’t make the connection between who he is now and who he was before, but he is careful with divulging too much personal information to anyone. Despite that, he regularly explores intimacy with other men because of his desire to be appreciated, loved, and doted on (which he is most certainly not getting from Lovejoy), including several nights spent with Smithers who becomes a bit of a confidante. On that note, while he does his best to maintain his secret, there are a number of people who know that he is not human, including Marge (a mother-figure to him, despite them being the same age, but she gives him good advice), Lisa (because she isn’t dumb), Superintendent Chalmers and Principal Skinner (both involved in some shenanigans that need a lot more context to get into lmaoo), and eventually, Sam the barfly. 

As he is now, Charlie is constantly looking for some kind of reassurance in the form of affection, but is increasingly frustrated by Lovejoy’s insistence that there is nothing between them, despite evidence to the contrary and heavily influenced by the man’s (and his own internalized) apparent homophobia. (I made an animatic with them several weeks ago and it very much embodies their dynamic.) He buries himself in drinking and drugs to chase away his feeling of inadequacy and his fears of being a good parent, as well as his realization that his parents never truly cared, how he is slated to be relatively alone for the rest of his life, and the fear that he will never be normal again. But he combats this deep depression with his over-the-top personality, at times, and his smarmy, self-absorbed facade of confidence that would shatter if anyone poked a little too hard at it.

AND THAT’S WHERE HE IS NOW.

Thanks for coming to my TED Talk.

[etherealwaifgoddess]

One In A Million - Chpt.2

Summary: Rose navigates her first few hours in 1941 and makes an unexpected discovery in an alley way.

Word Count: 3.6k

Author’s Note: Hello lovelies! We’re back in 1941 now and the plot set up is rolling! I did a lot of research on the 1940′s when I was writing this fic because I wanted it to be as authentic as possible. So I hope that comes through as the fic progresses. Also, can anyone guess who Rose stumbles across in an alley? Hehe... I just can’t image who... XOXO - Ash

Chapter Two

Your eyes struggle to adjust in darkness after the blinding light and you hope for a minute that you didn’t blow the electricity in the lab. The faint smell of dampness and dust gives you hope though. You take a tentative step forward and collide with a piece of furniture, a desk you realize as you run your hands along it. You fumble around finding a lamp and switching it on, thankful for the gentle illumination. The basement is filled with shelves of boxes and two desks. The manila envelope on the desk bears the SSR logo and you realize you’ve actually done it. You check the watch in your pocket and mark down the time on your notepad, subtracting ten seconds for your fumbling around. The devices to set up are barely visible tacks which you quickly place in spots not easily seen. Now you just need the date and to find Agent Wilson. 

The first floor of the SSR office is buzzing with people. It’s four thirty and everyone is scrambling to finish their work before the office closes at five. The late day sun shines through the large glass windows that line the far side of the room and you feel like you’ve stepped onto a movie set. The room around you feels surreal, even as it dawns on you that you’ve done it. You actually time traveled. 

“Can I help you, ma’am?” a young man in a pale blue suit asks you. 

“Yes, have you seen Agent Wilson around?” you ask, hoping your search for him doesn’t take too long. You have a few bills in your pocket just in case you don’t find him right away but not enough to get by for more than a week on. 

The man nods and points back to a closed wooden office door, “He just got back this morning, should still be in his office.” 

You thank the man and weave your way through the room to the office. Knocking twice firmly, you wait until a gruff voice calls out, “Come in.”  You let out a breath you didn’t realize you were holding and open the door. 

Agent Wilson is a tall older gentleman with salt and pepper hair and a lithe build accentuated by his neatly tailored suit. He’s hunched behind his desk, squinting at a file and only looks up once you’re right in front of his desk. “How can I help you, Ms….?”

You extend your hand politely but shake your head, “I was told to give you this.” you tell him and hand over the card. 

Wilson appraises you for a moment with a quirked brow, “I haven’t had any Sparrows show up here in quite some time.” 

You nod but don’t give him any further information.

“We’ll get you set up then. I’m assuming you need a permanent placement?” 

You nod again, “Yes, please.”

“Give me a few minutes and I’ll be right back.” 

“Thank you.” you call after him. The heavy door swings shut and you’re left sitting in the quiet office. 

True to his word, Wilson returns less than five minutes later with a file in hand. It had been just enough time for you to locate his day calendar and write down the date, November 6th, 1941. You’ll have to make a few adjustments to narrow down the window of time for jumps when you get back. You’re about eighteen months off of the intended target date. “You’re all set Miss Miller.” 

You look down to the file and see your new name for the first time. “Please, Agent Wilson, call me Rose.” 

Wilson chuckles and returns your cheeky smile. “Your apartment is four blocks from here. You’ll have all weekend to settle in and then you’re due in at 8am on Monday for work. I trust you have some skills that we can utilize here at SSR?” 

“I’m great with data entry.” you offer, knowing a lifetime of using computers will put you at a distinct advantage. 

“Excellent. Talk to Marge when you get in and we’ll find something for you.” 

“Thank you.” you say earnestly, so grateful that the plans you laid in place are going smoothly.

“Of course, Rose.”  He gives you a kind, sympathetic smile, “We’ll see you Monday.”

You nod and bid him goodbye, leaving the SSR office and heading out into the brisk November air. The streets are busy with people heading home for the weekend and you find it easy to lose yourself in the crowd. The accents around you sound thicker, more authentically Brooklyn if that’s possible, and the clothes people are wearing in varying pastels and neutrals are fascinating in how different they are from what you expected. You’ll have to go shopping over the weekend and get a few things. First things first though, you need a winter coat and to find your bank to withdraw some money. 

You trade a dime for a cup of hot coffee and a Hershey’s bar from a news stand and realize the twenty dollars in your pocket will go a bit further than you had expected. You’re strolling down a block of shops looking in the windows trying to find one that sells coats when you hear a scuffle coming from an alleyway. You hurry over to see a broad shouldered man looming over what looks like a boy, pummeling him and tearing at the worn leather bag he’s clinging to. You know you should keep moving, it’s not a lady’s place in this time and you don’t want to risk causing a scene or getting yourself seriously injured. But you never did follow rules very well. “Hey!” you yell down the alley as you stalk towards the man with more confidence than you feel. “Knock it off you asshole!”

The man whips around, fury plain on his face, “You got quite a mouth on you, girlie.” 

“Yeah and I got quite a fist too. You wanna stop beating up kids and try your luck with a woman instead?” you glare, challenging him.

“How about I teach you some manners instead?” The man comes towards you with a slow predatory gait and you breathe through the fear rising up in your throat, remembering your self defense training. The man’s hand reaches out to grab your hair and you use your speed and momentum to twist his hand back sharply and force him down to his knees, howling in pain. 

“What the fuck lady?” the man screams, clutching his wrist. He stares at you for a moment before hurrying out of the alley, still holding his injured hand close. 

“You okay?” you ask, turning around to check on the boy who was being attacked. He pushes his flop of golden blonde hair back from his face and you realize he’s not a boy at all. “Oh shit.” you murmur. 

“I had him on the ropes.” Steve Rogers tells you as he pulls himself up from the dirty asphalt. 

“Well, I apologize for intervening then. I’ll just leave you be.” 

He’s bleeding and unsteady on his feet and you want to help him but you can’t risk altering timelines. Of all the alleys in Brooklyn, you had to stumble across Steve freaking Rogers himself. You curse yourself mentally as you go to leave, stopping only when you hear Steve call out “Wait!” 

You turn back, unable to refuse the plea in his deep, smooth voice. 

“I should be the one apologizing, not you. I appreciate you stopping. No one else ever does.” he tells you while wiping the blood off his hand onto his threadbare jacket. He extends the cleaned hand towards you, “Steve Rogers.” 

“Rose Miller.” you tell him and shake his hand briefly. 

“Thank you, Rose. That was quite the trick you pulled on Jimmy.”

“Oh it was nothing, really. I should be going.” you force yourself to turn away from those piercing blue eyes and head towards the opening of the alley. You’re less than a dozen steps away from freedom when a dark haired man comes barreling into the alley almost knocking you over. He looks terrified and runs over to Steve, assessing his cuts and bruises while tutting like a mother hen. “Jesus, Stevie. I saw Jimmy going past and I thought he’d finally done you in. He was furious.” 

“I’m fine, Buck.” Steve says pushing him off, “There was an angel nearby who intervened.” 

Bucky looks over at you, studying you for the first time and you’re frozen in place. You should be running away as fast as your legs can carry you, going back to following through on your mission and not making any more waves in the past than you already have. But Bucky gives you the most charming smile you’ve ever been on the receiving end of and you know you’re a goner. 

“I didn’t know we had any angels left in Brooklyn.” he says smoothly, taking a few steps forward to shake your hand. “James Barnes, but you can call me Bucky.” he winks at the last bit and you are pretty sure your ovaries have exploded. You had seen footage of the illustrious super soldiers before but nothing could ever compare to being on the receiving end of Bucky Barnes’ flirtations. 

“Rose Miller” you tell him, shaking his hand firmly. The new name flows with ease the more you use it and you find you actually like it. 

“Thanks for saving my buddy here. He forgets he’s all bark and no bite sometimes.” 

Steve huffs and shoves at Bucky, “I’ll bite you, jerk.” 

“Yeah, yeah. I’m real afraid.” Bucky shoves him back but then tucks him under his arm affectionately. They share a long look and you wonder for a second if there really was any truth to the speculation that the pair were more than just best friends. “So what can I do to thank you for saving my friend?” Bucky asks you.

You shake your head, you need to stop this before it gets out of hand. “Nothing, really. I’ll just be on my way.” your shiver despite yourself and both men pick up on it immediately. 

“Well least I can do is lend you a warm coat.” Bucky shucks off his dark wool coat and drapes it over your shoulders. It smells like man and sea, an oddly exhilarating mix. “Now, what do you say to dinner? Our place is only a block over and I’m sure Stevie has something delicious planned.” 

“I put ham, potatoes, and green beans on the stove this morning to simmer. It should be done about now.” Steve tells you quietly. 

“What do you say, doll? That’s one of Steve’s specialties; best dinner in the city by a mile.” 

They both look so hopeful it tugs on your heart strings. You are a modern, twenty first century woman, you remind yourself. You have a masters degree and are halfway to a doctorate. You don’t fawn over men like a teenage girl. You have more self restraint than this.  “Sounds great.” you find yourself saying. 

Both men break into blindingly bright smiles and Bucky throws his free arm around your shoulders, leading you down the street with them. So much for self restraint. 

Bucky and Steve’s home is a quaint two bedroom apartment over top of a garage. It’s chilly but Bucky is quick to throw on the heat once you’re inside. “Make yourself at home.” he tells you and Steve retreats quietly to the kitchen to check on dinner. Bucky reemerges a few minutes later having changed out of his worn work clothes into a simple button up shirt and slacks. His hair is shiny and slicked back and you’re once again stunned by how much more attractive he is in person. You set down the sketch you were looking at, a little embarrassed to have been caught looking around. “This is beautiful.” you say, motioning to the rough outline of a city skyline. 

Bucky crosses the room to see what you were looking at, “Oh yeah, Stevie did this one last week. He’s talented, that’s for sure.” 

“Talking about me?” Steve asks, poking his head out of the kitchen.

“Rose here was just admiring one of your drawings. I was telling her how you’re gonna be a famous artist pretty soon and we’ll be living all the way uptown and going to fancy parties at the MET.” 

Steve rolls his eyes and retreats back into the kitchen. 

“He really is brilliant.” Bucky insists, “He just needs to catch a break instead of a cold for once.” 

“You’re a good friend.” you say with a warm smile. It’s hard not to get swept up in his charm. 

Steve pokes his head out again announcing it’s time for dinner and Bucky leads you to their table which is sitting at the far end of the kitchen with two chairs and a stack of crates around it. “We don’t have company much.” Steve explains motioning at the stack of crates. 

“It’s okay.” you assure him, “Dinner smells wonderful.” 

“You two take a chair. I’m fine on the crates and I can serve.” Bucky busies himself dishing out the food and setting tall thin glasses of water by each place. 

You settle into your seat facing Steve across the table and take a moment to really study him. He’s all angles and pale skin with bright blue eyes shining out from beneath his mop of blonde hair. You knew he was short before the serum and had seen the pictures, but seeing him up close he isn’t quite as frail as they made him out to be. Sure, he looks like a strong wind could knock him over, but there is a quiet strength beneath his exterior. It’s no wonder that Erskine chose him for Project Rebirth. 

“Rose?” Steve prompts, breaking you from your thoughts.

You realize you’ve been caught staring, Steve is looking at you curiously while Bucky just smirks from his makeshift seat.

“Sorry, don’t know where my mind went for a minute.” you demure. 

Bucky huffs a suppressed chuckle and moves on, asking Steve how his day was. 

You learn Steve has been looking for work as an illustrator at various papers and magazines around the city. He works a few days a week at the neighborhood grocery store stocking shelves but they just don’t have enough hours for him anymore. He’d been out for a month with the flu last spring and the owner had hired more help to cover while he was sick. They let him come back but with half the hours he had before. Bucky caught a lucky break down at the docks around that time and picked up extra shifts, eventually earning himself a promotion over the summer. He wants Steve to pursue his art more and is willing to work 24/7 to make that happen if need be. His fierce devotion to Steve pursuing his dream is sweet but he brushes it off as nothing when you call him on. You give the guys vague details about your life when they ask. You try to stick to as much truth as you can but it’s difficult. You share that your parents died shortly after your eighteenth birthday and that you’re new to the city. You tell them you have a new apartment nearby and that you are starting a job on Monday at the SSR as a typist. 

The night wears on and you move from the dining room to the living room so you can listen to the radio with Steve. Bucky insists on cleaning up after dinner since Steve had cooked, brushing off his kindness as “only fair” when you compliment him. It’s blissfully easy spending time with the guys. They are obviously close but make an effort to make you feel included in whatever they’re talking about. There are also little signs that you would have missed if you hadn’t been studying them so intently. A shared knowing smile, the “accidental” brush of a hand, the way they orbit around each other closer than most people would be comfortable with. When you wander down the hall looking for the bathroom you notice only one of the bedrooms looks lived in and it doesn’t surprise you in the least. Oh, what the historians would say if they knew.

You’re headed back down the hall when you hear fierce whispering. You pause a few feet from the end of the hall, wanting to give them their privacy. The apartment is small though and you can hear everything.

“Ask her out, Stevie.” Bucky demands in a hushed voice.

“She’s more your speed, Buck. She’s stunning.” Steve whispers back.

“And she’s been makin’ eyes at you all night.”

“Come on, you know I don’t need anybody but you.”

“I know but one day you’re gonna have to settle down with somebody. Somebody you can take out to a movie without getting arrested. Do the whole wife, kids, and a desk job thing. You deserve a good life, Stevie.” 

“I have a good life now. And what about you, huh? What happens when I go off and settle down?”

“Then I’ll settle down too. Probably with one of your wife’s friends. We’ll still spend all the holidays together, get houses next door, vacation with each other every summer at the beach, our kids will grow up together.” Bucky says this with all the confidence he can muster. In reality, he thinks, Steve will go settle down with some wonderful woman and pop out a brood of perfect little blonde babies to whom he will be Uncle Bucky; eternally single and hanging around on holidays because he’s got nowhere else to go. Steve Rogers is it for him, he’s known that since he was fourteen and he doubts anything will ever change it. 

“You paint a nice picture, Buck. You left out a few things though.”

“Oh yeah, what’s that?” 

“How I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night without the sound of you snoring away next to me. How it would never really feel like Christmas without getting to watch you unwrap presents in your stupid ratty robe. How vacations would be unbearable having to do all the cheesy romantic tourist things with someone that isn’t you.” 

Bucky swallows past the lump in his throat. “You always were a maudlin little punk.” 

Steve knows he’s won and gives Bucky’s hand a quick squeeze. It’s an old argument but it doesn’t stop them from rehashing it from time to time. They both just want what’s best for each other.

You take that moment to rejoin them in the living room, making sure your clicking heels on the hardwood announces your arrival. The tips of Steve’s ears are tinged pink and both his and Bucky’s hands are stuffed into their pockets. They had jolted apart quickly when they heard you coming. 

“Well boys,” you tell them, “You sure know how to show a girl a good time but I’ve got to get going.” 

“We appreciate you joining us. Maybe you can stop by another time if you’re free?” Steve asks.

You know it’s a bad idea but your mouth is saying yes before your brain catches up.

Steve smiles broadly at your agreement, “Great. I know you’re close but it’s late. Let Bucky walk you home, okay?” 

Bucky nods, on board with the suggestion. “I can get my coat back once you’re home then. You don’t want my work coat stinkin’ up your nice apartment.” 

“Alright, thank you Bucky.” you agree, knowing it’s only proper in this time period. 

Bucky collects his coat and wraps it around your shoulders with practiced ease. 

Steve takes your hand for a moment before thinking better of it and dropping it. “Thank you.” he says softly, “For stopping today.” 

“I’m glad I could help.” you shoot him a small smile. 

Bucky motions to the door and you follow him out into the early November chill. 

You give Bucky your address and he leads the way. You’re thankful to not have to pretend to be familiar with the area. You’re only one block down and one block over from their place but the cold night air has you shivering even under Bucky’s coat. You mentally add a hat, gloves, and a scarf to the list of things you’ll need. “Thank you for walking me home.” you say from your apartment stoop. 

“Any time, doll. I’m real glad you helped Steve out today.” he drawls.  

“Of course. I couldn’t just walk past and do nothing.” 

“Most people do. You share that with him though.” 

“Share what?” you asked, confused.

“Not being able to stay out of it when you see something wrong going on.” he explains.

You smile at him, blushing a little despite yourself. “Guilty as charged.” you admit. 

“Come over and see us again sometime, okay doll? I know Stevie would appreciate the company. He’s a great guy and I think you two would really get along.”

It’s blatant what he’s trying to do and your heart melts a little at the devotion he has for his friend, even at his own expense. “I’ll come over again soon.” you assure him. 

You shrug off Bucky’s jacket, handing it back to him, and he bids you a goodnight as you close the apartment door behind you. Resting on the inside of the door for a moment you can’t decide if you want your words to him to be the truth or a lie. One thing is certain though; whether or not you go see them again you’re never going to forget those sweet Brooklyn boys.

[madamebaggio]

Notes: I DID IT!!!

YES!

Anyway...

Previously.

Guys, this is serious SMUT. Like I went ALL OUT, PULLED ALL THE STOPS, MADE THEM GET DOWN AND DIRTY!

So fair warning, this gets intense.

BTW I literally just finished this and I didn’t even re-read it. So it’s probably full of mistakes. Let me know if something is really bad.

***

Sansa was not okay. She’d never be okay again.

She was NOT BEING DRAMATIC!

Oh lord!

She’d let her boss finger her at a wedding!

She was pretty sure this was going to count against her when the higher powers were deciding if she should go to heaven or hell.

She was going to hell for it. She was convinced.

The biggest problem was that Sansa didn’t know who she could talk to about this. She needed to talk to someone but... 

Normally she’d go to Marge, but now that she knew that Vortigern knew the Baratheons she felt awkward. Not that she thought Margaery would go around telling the whole family about it, but…

God, this was terrible.

But she could do this. She’d pretend nothing ever happened; it was the mature thing to do.

“Miss Stark.” Mr. Pendragon stopped by her desk as soon as he arrived.

She gave him her most polite smile. “Good morning, Mr. Pendragon. How can I help?”

He was looking at her, trying to see something… “I need to talk to you. My office.”

Oh god. That was it.

She followed him in silence, proud of herself for not tripping and managing to act as if everything was normal.

The door closing behind her felt like a sentence.

She sat on the chair across from him, the desk -that damned desk -separating them. Mr. Pendragon was watching her intently, but he was in silence.

“Mr. Pendragon?” She prodded gently, as if this was just another work meeting.

He sighed. “I have to apologize, Miss Stark.”

Oh shit.

“Mr. Pendragon…”

He raised his hand and she shut up. “I don’t go around seducing my -very young -secretaries. What I’ve done is unforgivable, and I do apologize for that.”

She didn’t say anything, waiting for what he’d say after.

“I understand if you feel uncomfortable working for me.” He continued when she didn’t say anything. “I can transfer you to another sector, or even find you a job in another place…”

“Mr. Pendragon!” Sansa protested, when she couldn’t help herself anymore. “There’s no need for that. It was…”

He waited in silence while she tried to find a word that wouldn’t make this all worse.

“It was something that happened…” She continued, trying to keep a semblance of control. “I don’t want to be transferred, and I believe in you.”

Vortigern sighed. “I don’t want to transfer you, or fire you, Miss Stark.” He finally said. “However, I can’t ignore what happened. Despite of what you might say, my conduct was highly inappropriate, for a vast number of reasons.”

Sansa swallowed nervously.

“If you say this won’t affect your work, I’ll take your word for it.” He assured her. “However, you don’t need to force yourself to stay if it’ll make you uncomfortable.”

Having this conversation was making her uncomfortable, but she couldn’t say that. Not when he was being mature and discussing it with her.

“Mr. Pendragon, I’m fine. I want to get back to work.” She assured him. “I assure you I have no problems with working with you from here on.”

Vortigern stared at her in silence for a long time, and Sansa could imagine him weighing his options. Should he believe her?

Or should he send her away?

She reacted too fast, but… Would it actually be better if she stopped working directly with him?

“Fine.” He decided at last. “I’ll believe you, Miss Stark. We’ll push past this… Incident.”

“Thank you, Mr. Pendragon.”

***

Sansa couldn’t lie: the first few days after the wedding were uncomfortable and charged, but soon things went back to normal.

When two weeks had passed, she hardly thought about it.

Fine, she still thought about it a lot. But only when she was alone in her apartment, far from him.

In those moments, her thoughts would go crazy and she’d wonder and wonder…

Why had he done it? He didn’t seem drunk.

Did he think it was a mistake because she worked for him or because of her age?

What did he think of her now?

Would she ever feel the same thing again?

Because this was the scariest part of it all; in that stolen moment at the wedding, with just his fingers in her, Sansa felt pleasure like she’d never felt before. Sex had never been that intense to her -ever! What if she never felt the same thing again?

This was a depressing thought, but Sansa couldn’t linger on it.

Mr. Pendragon -for his part -was still the same boss as he was before. If one were to look at him, they’d never imagine something had transpired at all.

Sansa figured she was managing to keep her cool well, considering no one had said a thing to her.

On a Friday night -almost three weeks after the wedding -she was working over hours with Mr. Pendragon. They’d have a big event in two months, and they were going over the list of guests together.

It was night already and the office was silent, as only the two of them remained there. Mr. Pendragon had told Sansa to order food a while ago, and they ate and continued working.

It was almost 9 when he stopped and checked his watch. “You should go, Miss Stark. I hadn’t meant to keep you this long.”

“It’s fine.” Sansa assured him. “I actually prefer working overtime to finish this sooner.”

The corner of his mouth ticked up. “You’re always so dedicated, Miss Stark.”

Oh shit…

“Thank you, Mr. Pendragon.” She told him, her voice overly bright. “Should we finish this…”

“No. I don’t want to go home too late.” He decided getting up. “And you’re young, Miss Stark. You should be getting ready to go out on a Friday night, not working.”

Sansa scoffed before she could stop herself. “I’m sorry, Mr. Pendragon, but you must be confusing me with someone who actually has a social life.” 

They started putting laptops and papers away, but Vortigern was clearly interested in the subject.

“Not possible. You have friends in London, don’t you?”

“I do.” She assured him, also standing up. “But I don’t have the energy to go to clubs or pubs anymore.”

He arched an eyebrow. “Have I been making you work that hard?”

“No.” She denied quickly. “It’s the place. Loud music, people talking at the same time, idiots that don’t understand what ‘no’ means.”

“Sounds exhausting.” He agreed, but Sansa couldn’t tell if he was teasing her or not. “Then I recommend a book and tea.”

“Already in my schedule, Mr. Pendragon.” She affirmed, making Vortigern chuckle.

“So I won’t keep you from it any longer, Miss Stark.”

Just then his phone rang and Sansa reflexively reached for it, but Vortigern put his hand on top of hers, stopping her from actually answering it.

“It’s late. Catia would call my mobile if she needed me.” He said. “Whoever is calling can wait until Monday now.”

“If you say so, sir.” She replied, her voice a bit breathless.

He must have heard something in her voice -exactly what she wished he wouldn’t hear. The phone stopped ringing, but he didn’t let go of her hand. Actually his fingers closed around her wrist. “Miss Stark, you really should go home.”

His voice felt like a caress, and Sansa knew -she really did -that she had to take a step back and break this spell, but...

If he wasn’t doing his part, why should she?

“I… I’m not sure I want to.” She confessed in a whisper.

He brought her wrist to his mouth, and she could feel his breath hitting her skin. “Last chance.” He warned, dropping a kiss to the delicate skin.

Sansa swallowed dryly. “I’m staying.” She decided.

Vortigern let her feel his teeth on her wrist. “You’re staying?” He prodded.

“I’m staying, Mr. Pendragon.” She amended, her eyes burning with desire.

“Yes, you are.”

He pulled her to him, kissing her hard.

Sansa thought her inebriated imagination had made her remember the whole thing better than it had actually been. Now she realised it had actually been that good.

His mouth was demanding, but he wasn’t rough. Sansa melted on his arms, her lips opening to him all too eager.

Vortigern’s hands travelled down her hips, passing her arse and thighs, to pull her pencil skirt up, bunching it around her waist.

Sansa never wished more that she actually wore sexy lingerie.

Vortigern pushed her gently, and her legs bumped on that damned desk. She didn’t need further encouragement to sit on it.

Vortigern was running his hands over her practical pantyhose, a smirk on his lips. He pulled it and her panties down her legs and Sansa was only happy to help him along, kicking off her shoes, raising her hips.

She felt completely reckless, sitting there with most of her clothes, but with her cunt exposed like this.

Vortigern ran teasing fingers up her inner thighs. “If I remember it correctly…” He murmured, leaning closer to her. “This is what you like.”

His finger found her clit, caressed it in a tease. “Mr. Pendragon…” Sansa sighed softly.

“Yes, Miss Stark?” He bit her chin gently.

“Please…” She asked as his fingers kept just lightly touching her where she craved his attention. “Please, I need more.”

“More of what?” He pressed. “This?” His thumb circled her clit, this time firmer.

“Yes, sir, please.” She mewled.

“So polite, Miss Stark.” He kissed the corner of her mouth. “So sweet. You do deserve your reward.”

He put more pressure on her clit, rubbing it in circles, as he dropped kisses to her neck.

When he finally let a finger sink into her cunt, Sansa was already a mass of needy whimpers, legs spread shamelessly so he could have all the access he needed.

Once he put a second thing in her, Sansa had a hard time keeping her eyes open. She didn’t want to stop looking -she was fascinated by his face as he watched her -but her mind was getting foggy as her body climbed higher and higher.

Her thighs were trembling and she could feel sweat all over her body, but she didn’t care, because this was happening again and it felt even better than the last time…

Her orgasm hit her like a freight train, and Sansa would’ve probably screamed her lungs out with Vortigern hadn’t covered her mouth with his, drinking her sounds of pleasure.

He kept fucking her with his fingers, causing little explosions inside her. Sansa whined when he pulled his fingers out.

“Good girl, Miss Stark.” He praised, making her glow.

Vortigern offered her the fingers he’d used to make her come. Sansa opened her mouth obediently and sucked his fingers clean. She’d never tasted herself before, but she found out she didn’t mind it, if it was on Vortigern’s fingers.

“You’re a work of art.” Vortigern cupped her face and brought her in for a kiss.

Sansa felt pampered by the way he did it, so attentive and powerful.

Vortigern pulled her blouse off, letting her in the boring practical blue bra she’d put on that morning. Sansa didn't have much time to be forlorn about her bad underwear choices, because he quickly got rid of it too.

His bigs hands cupped her tits, his fingers rolling her nipples. Harry -her last boyfriend -had always treated her breasts as his personal pillows, squeezing them painfully, even when Sansa complained about it.

But not Vortigern. His touch was assured, but it wasn’t painful. She felt revered by his touch, aroused beyond reason. He dropped a gentle kiss to her nipple.

“Lay back.” He ordered.

Sansa shivered as she did as told. Vortigern opened a drawer and grabbed a condom. (Apparently her boss was really ready for anything.)

“Are you still fine, Sansa?” He asked seriously.

“Yes, sir.” She told him.

“Good.” Vortigern opened his pants, freeing his cock.

It was the first time Sansa saw it and his cock was as impressive as she’d always hoped it would be. Long and thick enough she knew it’d feel good when he pushed into her.

Vortigern pumped himself a few times, before rolling the condom down his cock. He pushed Sansa’s legs wide open, then pushed his cock against her cunt, not inside her yet, just gathering her wetness, teasing her with what she was about to feel.

“Mr. Pendragon.” Sansa whined. “Please, sir, please.”

“Tell me what you want, Miss Stark, and it’s yours.” He promised her.

“I want you inside me.” She asked, no shame or reservations left at this point.

“Since you asked so nicely…”

He pushed into her, painfully slow. It was like he was savoring every inch of the way, letting her feel him taking her body.

Sansa squirmed and he held her by the hips, making it quite clear she had to wait. When he was finally fully inside her, Sansa felt breathless with anticipation.

Vortigern pulled back almost all the way out, before pressing in her again. Sansa’s breathing grew labored as he slowly fucked her.

Her legs were trembling from being spread over, but she realised he was enjoying the sight of his cock fucking her, so she wasn’t about to move.

“Miss Stark.” He pushed into her a bit harder than before. “Suck your fingers, then touch yourself.”

Sansa hurried to comply, making her fingers wet, before using them to play with her clit.

That was about the time that Vortigern started fucking her for real.

His thrusts became harder and faster, his hands would probably leave bruises on Sansa’s pale skin, but she didn’t care. His name fell from her lips in a litany, mixed with her begging for more.

She’d never been like this, she’d never felt this way; as if her soul was about to leave her body.

“Be a good girl, Miss Stark.” Vortigern ordered breathless -and Sansa was pleased to see he was also losing his cool. “Come for me. Now.”

He should not have this kind of power over her, but he did anyway. It was like his voice had a grip on her and it made her tip over the edge, fall into the orgasm that had been growing inside her.

It was his name she called when she came, and he returned the favor when he came a few moments later.

Sansa was spent.

Vortigern caressed her thighs as he pulled away, then took care of the condom. Sansa wondered if she had the strength to sit up, but it seemed unlikely.

(She didn’t even want to consider the mess and they’d have to…”

“Miss Stark.” He sounded so serious again.

“Yes?”

Vortigern offered her a hand and helped her sit up, then pulled her against his chest.

He was taking care of ehr after, and it just showed how shitty Sansa’s past boyfriends were that she thought this was beyond incredible.

He cuddled her to his chest, his chin resting on the top of her head. His hand caressed her back, and Sansa had to fight to stay awake.

“Sansa, don’t sleep.” He ordered. “You need to pay attention.”

That definitely woke her up. Oh God, was this the moment he was going to say this was a mistake and call her a…

Vortigern cupped her face. “I can see you’re panicking. Stop.” It was ridiculous how one word from him and she was calmer. “Tomorrow you’ll come to my house -let’s say at 3 -then we’ll discuss this.”

“Yes, Mr. Pendragon.” She replied automatically.

He smirked at her again. “Good girl, Miss Stark.”

He was going to be the death of her.

[therotatingvillain]

Whiskey Business and an acurate portrayal of depression

So, I’m back with a bit of a controversial topic, modern Simpsons. Now, let’s make something clear here, I agree with all the people saying modern Simpsons is not as good as old Simpsons, especially the humor, which always made the Simpsons so special. Yet I have to admit that in my opinion modern Simpsons has some hidden gems, mainly in the way they portray certain topics. The episode I want to talk about here is season 24, episode 19 „Whisky Business“ and it’s portrayal of depression.

Why do I want to talk about this episode specifically? Why not season 29, episode 3 „Whistler’s father“ and it’s portrayal of child stars or season 19, episode 4 „I don’t wanna know why the caged bird sings“ and the portrayal of obsessive behavior after trauma? Well, „Whisky Business“ has always been close to my heart simply for the fact that I could identify myself in a lot of the things happening to Moe in not just this episode, but also a lot of the other episodes regarding Moe like season 14, episode 22 „Moe baby blues“ or season 3, episode 9 „Flaming Moes“.

Let’s start then. Disclaimer and trigger warning I guess, since I will interpret a lot into simple one liners or off side comments that the writers most probably meant nothing with but making a joke of the entire situation. I will also talk about abuse, depression, suicidal tendencies and a lot more in that direction, so if anything like that triggers you, you should stop reading or proceed with caution. It’s gonna get personal guys.

 So, I’m obviously only gonna talk about Moes storyline in this one and his first appearance already hit me close. Moe tries to talk to his friends, telling them he needs to talk about something important, but Homer, Lenny and Carl don’t even acknowledge his exsistence in any way, even when Moe literally calls out for help, saying things like „I’m begging you, please, please show me some love“, yelling it into the bar without any sort of response. This shows perfectly what it feels like for me when I’m asking for help. There are moments where I know I will do something to myself or have a panic attack or simply break down and I don’t want that to happen, so I reach out, may it be in subtle ways or full on approaching the situation as it is. I once had a really fucking terrible day, in fact a completely shit week and everything I wanted was for someone to show me some love, just to feel like my world isn’t breaking apart and like I’m okay, like things are going to turn out okay, so I asked my father if I could have a hug, nothing unusual to ask your dad I think. He just laughed at me and refused, jokingly asking why I’d need that and then going on about his day as normal. I felt completely invisible. I felt like I wasn’t even deserving of his attention and like he didn’t take me serious nor even listen to me at all. It really felt like yelling at someone that you need help and they don’t even realize you’re there. Like you don’t exist.

After Moe ties the noose around his neck, he sees the suicide hotline number on the wall and decides to call, giving „the new kid a chance to talk to the legend“. It’s like he’s glorifying his depression, like his reputation at that hotline is the only real thing he has ever achieved in his life and this feeling is even further enhanced when you see the pillow and blanket on the couch, almost seeming like Moe has been sleeping at his bar again, not even having an apartment. This feeling of worthlessness, having achieved nothing in your life is I think something we all have felt to a certain degree at some point.

But something that almost brought me to tears, as stupid as it sounds, was when Moe was going to go through with it, but then his phone rings and Moes face instantly lights up as he quickly picks up, answering after hesitating with a quiet and hopeful „Hello?“.

Now it’s going to get really personal because I’m going to tell you guys about something very few people know about me. I tried to kill myself on a class trip in eight grade. I’m not gonna get too into the details, but I was very agitated and stressed and I went to the only person who I trusted and asked if we could talk, but they just shoved me away, which was the last straw and pushed me over the edge. I passed out in the bathroom after a particularly bad panic attack, woke up around 45 minutes later, went into our room and was fully ready to take an entire bottle of painkillers I had packed because I’m stupid and break shit easily. In the end I snapped out of it, but I was fully ready to die in that moment. I had tried to cling to the last thing I thought could be help and it turned out to be shit. It was, similiar to Moe, the thing that inevertibly led to me almost dying and watching how Moes face lid up when he thought there was someone who cared brought me right back to when I tried to talk to that person. It was a moment I believe so many people who have gone through similiar things can relate to.

Turns out it’s just a prank call from Bart and Moe in his rage ends up falling off the chair and actually almost suffocating to death, but a bar broke and he crashed to the ground which alerted his friends, who then come running in and Homer applied CPR, saving Moes life. Moe seems happy afterwards, saying how thankful he is for another chance at life, although his „post suicide happiness“ doesn’t last very long and he goes right back to realizing how shitty the world is and how little he matters. Again something I saw myself in. On that trip after I almost od, my teacher with some classmates put on a little play and it was the funniest shit that entire trip. I was happy, I laughed, I forgot all about what had happened until afterwards. The person I trusted realized what happened, they berated me for it, took away any access to meds I had and left me alone. It wasn’t long after that I called my parents, who basically told me how they hated me for trying to be who I am and I was stuck in a house with people who hated me with a burning passion, so life wasn’t good. I felt like shit again and if I had had the oppertunity, I’d have tried again. It was again so good portrayed that it took me back and made me feel with Moe.

Marge barges in, asking Homer where the fuck he has been, Homer telling her Moe had an accident and Moe very casually says how he tried „to end it all“ but shortly after starts to cry after turning away from everyone. This very much shows how many of us, at least many of fhe people with depression I know, behave. We see it as almost normal, something that, although it impacts our lifes in the worst way possible, is just another part of us, almost like a character trait. But it’s not that, it’s hate and painful memories, feelings that shouldn’t exist, hopelessness, sadness, emptyness, it’s so much no person should feel, yet we tend to act very casually about it in public. Yet once we’re alone, it crashes, so much at once that most of the time I come home from school, the moment I close my rooms door, I start crying. It’s nothing to take casually.

Marge then decides to take Moe on a roadtrip and Moe starts joking, asking if Noosy can come too. Again, something I see in a lot of us. We joke about our depression, our lifes, things we simply shouldn’t joke about because they’re not funny, but it’s a way for many of us to deal with those intrusive thoughts, those feeling of worthlessness.

On the trip Moe is not enjoying himself because all he sees „are 2 million people happier than me“. Sometimes, even the things you love the most will seem extremely dull and pointless to you, because no matter what you do, there will always be countless people who are happier than you and suddenly you feel like you don’t deserve happiness or anything for that matter. Just like Moe feels like he doesn’t deserve the suit his friends want to buy for him, but after some encouraging Moe accepts it.

Moes new suit can be read as you changing to a „new you“, a you that is more acceptable in the eyes of society. You’re sick of society hating you, so you try to appeal to it and it works, suddenly people are nice to you, opportunities show themselves that you just have to take and for a while life seems perfect. Yes, this may not be the real you, but who cares, everything is what you always wanted and as long as you keep up the facade, it will stay this way. But facades break, or in Moes case, suits can rip. Now what is there isn’t the one everyone loved, but the one everyone hated or thought was a freak.

Moe desperately asks Marge for help and she tells him to just be himself, so he actually takes the advice, but everything just breaks apart. Moes partnership he had built with two businessmen over his self-brewed whiskey gets completely ruined since everyone seems to hate or be disgusted by suitless-Moe. It shows amazingly how it feels to have so called „friends“ turn their backs on you once you start to act more like yourself and even though you try your best to show them it’s still you, they leave.

The episode ends on a bittersweet ending with Moe returning to his normal life, only this time a bit more hopeful. He knows it’s not going to last forever, but for now life is okay, he can deal with it.

And that’s just a powerful message. No matter what happens, you will be able to take it and in the end you will emerge alive, fine. You’re going to be okay and even if everything crumbles, it’s okay, because you can rebuild it. Baby steps.

Of course the episode is trying to be comedic with all this, like a string of Moes suit getting stuck in the elevator door going down 98 floors, but to me it still presented depression in a very understandable way and managed to visually show what it sometimes feels like to have depression and to try and deal with it. In my opinion this was one of the better modern Simpsons episodes and I will always hold it dear to my heart just because of how accurately it portrays parts of depression once you scraped through the surface of bad jokes and lame punchlines.

I hope you enjoyed reading this, I hope it was understandable and please don’t cancel me just because I said I enjoyed some modern Simpsons episodes. As always, English isn’t my first language, it’s late at night, I’m dead on the inside, so please excuse any mistakes.

Stay squeaky.