#dam watch prime

[scalproie]

S1:E3

Raf can actually understand Bee via autism communication

Ok so the dark energon creature from last ep's ending just immediately reveals itself okay

Big fan of the visual of this being Ratchet against a huge spider

"I needed that" counter: 2

I love you Optimus counter: idk i might be at 6

LET ME HOTBOX THIS SHIP IN PEACE, STARSCREAM

Takes a single blunt, refuse to ellaborate and leave

Oh I know Soundwave is already trying to blow up Starscream with his mind

I love how Optimus just immediately guess that Meg is doing necromancy drugs as we speak

Ok it took three eps but the animation is catching up, i like the little character animations

Aaah Ratchet securing his place as the second best bot in this show I see

Handing my feminist card back in advance bc I KNOW i will not warm up to Miko anytime soon. Im so sorry i know shes a teenage girl and shes supposed to be annoying bc its funny or whatever but I cannnt im sorry

Put my "Im that kind of annoying tf fan that has yet to like a human character in a tf show" card in the space my feminist card used to be

Oh thank god were back to the bots

"And I fear Megatron's memory is as long as history" is that why you liked him mr. archivist

LASERBEAK

Alright Fowler gets a human pass #adultprivileges

WTF WAS THAT SHOT OF STARSCREAM

I need that plane annihilated

God and im only on ep3.

Vehicons💜

PLEASE PUT THE FEAR OF DEATH IN THIS GIRL I BEG OF THEE

Putting a little pin in my heart on the fact that Bulkhead was once struggling with one (1) vehicon

oh fuck yeah robo-gore

Actually kinda funny how quickly it all fell appart how did these guys survived for that long

Haha "metal to the pedal" <- Wants To Rewatch Tfone So Bad

YOURE ALL SO STUPID

oh thank fuck we now return to OP and Ratchet

AND MEGATRON

HES HIGH

Screw everything else just let Ratchet and Megatron throw down please please please

We get it Meg you and OP have history yadda yadda

THREW THE BLUNT TO THE GROUND

Megatron is so incredibly funny to me so far, been on vacations for three years and just start doing whatever upon arrival, minimum context, god bless

[rickssugarplum]

The Rick is Over

MAJOR SPOILERS FOR 7x05! Watch it first before reading this! Thanks and enjoy! ❤

(Rick Sanchez x Reader) Spoilers for 7x05, Angst, Hurt/Comfort

You help Rick process it all.

With the pull of the lever, all the lights in the sub-basement go out, finalizing the end of the decades-long show that's been ongoing most of his life.

It's all finally over.

Rick Prime is dead.

Still coated head to toe in blood, Rick stands in the darkness in the now useless lair, where he'd spent countless days and nights searching, tracking, and looking for any signs of his lifelong enemy. The one who caused him all his pain, destroyed all of his dreams he had when he was young. All he ever wanted, was to live as a husband and father to the two most precious girls in his life.

That life had been ripped away from him so many years ago.

Now, he has killed the man who was responsible. His ultimate goal had been achieved.

So, why does he still feel so empty?

He didn't say a word while flying back home. The voice of his grandson right beside him felt like miles away. It was as if his entire world had gone mute. He could not just go to sleep in his room. Not tonight.

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

You were in your living room, reading a book in complete silence, until it was broken by the familiar whirling sound of the portal. You were clearly expecting Rick to emerge from it, but you nearly screamed when you saw him soaked in crimson blood.

"Oh my God! Rick?!!" you shrieked as you stepped towards him. He stood there, emotionless.

"Rick! What the fuck happened!? You look like you came through a slaughter!"

The old man just looked at you; still silent. It caused even more panic in your veins.

"Rick, please. You're scaring me! What is going on!? Say something!" you begged. He was never one to be quiet, even more alarming when he's drenched in blood. Did an adventure go awry or...

"W-where's Morty!? Is he okay?" You asked in fear that something might have happened to him. Your heart rate slightly lowered when he nodded, assuring his grandson was alright.

Looking more closely at him, you saw more damage inflicted on his face. "Jesus Christ, Rick. Your nose is broken!"

Rick finally spoke in a hoarse but defiant voice. "I got him."

His bloodshot eyes stared directly into yours. You saw the anger he's shown in them only when he's described his past, his stolen life; his darkest demons.

Immediately, you knew who he was talking about.

"You-you got...him?" You couldn't speak the name, despite sharing it with the man in front of you. Rick simply nodded again. Not knowing what exactly happened, the blood covering him made one thing clear.

Rick had finally killed his enemy.

Slowly, you took his hands, searching in his eyes for any ounce of how he was feeling, knowing he had avenged his wife and daughter.

"Are-are you okay?"

Morty had asked him that exact same question after it was all said and done. He said that he was. But now seeing the concern in your face and repeating his grandson's words just mere hours before caused the final crack in the dam.

Suddenly you felt two long arms around you, grasping your frame tightly, and Rick let out the loudest, broken wail you'd ever hear. His anguish was bigger than his body, causing him to collapse, dragging you both to your floor. You simply held him as he cried into you, letting out decades of repressed grief and trauma that'd haunted him.

"Shhhh... It's okay, Rick..." you murmured, placing his head on your chest and stroking his slightly damp hair. "It's over..." you whispered. "I'm here... I've got you..."

The man was trembling like a newborn fawn. He looked so fragile. You couldn't possibly know exactly what was going through his tormented mind as he screamed into your chest. His cries sounded so animalistic, it almost scared you. But your heart was breaking hearing him suffer inside. He had cried for the life he lost, his wife he had promised forever to, and his little girl, whom he swore to protect. All Rick wanted was to have his beloved Diane by his side and to see his baby Beth grow up. He wanted them to grow old together. All of his plans. His dreams. Their future, will never come.

Tears welled up in your own eyes, but you stayed and gently rocked him, whispering words of comfort.

"It's alright, baby," you said softly.

Baby. Diane used to call him that. He let out another sob at that memory. Leaning down, you press soft kisses on his forehead.

"I'm so proud of you, Rick..." you confessed. It was the truth. You wanted him to know that. How lucky you were to have the most passionate Rick throughout infinity. He squeezed you a bit tighter at your affirmation.

Time didn't matter to either of you. You could hold him forever if he needed it. That would be how long it would take to heal this broken heart.

After awhile, his sobs started to fade into soft weeping.

"Rick? Can you look at me?" You asked softly. There was no command in your voice. It was mainly to make sure he knew his surroundings. Slowly, he lifts his head up to look at you. The blood of his enemy was slightly rinsed underneath his eyes from tears. You cupped his face in your hands so tenderly, giving him a faint smile.

"You did it."

Rick's expression had become nearly blank. After all the crying, he almost felt numb. "What do you need right now?" you asked him, stroking his cheek.

He wrapped his arms around you again. This time, not in desperation, but in comfort and gratitude. In his hold, he simply whispered,

"Just you..."

It relieved you to hear his answer. You both stayed in your embrace, with no plans on letting each other go. Rick could feel a slight relief as you assured him you were not going anywhere. He closed his eyes and let everything sink in. Through all the changes he's made, he's achieved the biggest change of all. The hunt for his nemesis was over.

So.

What now?

He's going to find out.

❤

[in1-nutshell]

I wonder what would the Maxima being a prime stuff but with the other scenario

Where instead of Smokescreen saving Optimus, it was Maxima

I got to start making more comfort for our girl here...

Anyways!

Hope you enjoy!

Maxima becoming Maximum Prime (Altern. Version)

SFW, Platonic, Familial, Angst, Mention of character death (its Prime but he always comes back) Cybertronian reader

TFP

Everything was happening too fast.

Too sudden.

It seemed as if Maxima had just returned from a peaceful patrol and was now told to evacuate the only other home on this planet.

But it was happening and there wasn’t anything she could do to stop it.

The only thing she could really do now was help ease the process for the younger members of the team and try and keep morale up.

Maxima gently placing Miko into Bulkhead’s alt mode. She was the last of the children to go. Miko: “You guys will be okay, right?” Maxima forcing a sad smile: “We’ll be fine Miko.” Miko: “…Okay, you better be. If not I’ll punch your lights out!” Maxima: “I don’t doubt it.” Maxima taking a shaky vent and holds out her digit so Miko could shake it. With that Bulkhead drives away. Maxima catching Smokescreen sneaking off and grabs his doorwing: “Your next Smokes.” Smokescreen grumbles a bit after getting caught. Maxima pats his shoulder and watches him go off through the groundbridge.

As soon as it was Ratchet’s turn though, the tears started escaping as she embraced the older medic tightly.

No one knew what was going to happen…

If this was her last time seeing him... she was going to make the most out of it.

Soon enough it was just her and Optimus.

Once the coordinates were set and the groundbridge whirled to life for one last go, the dam broke.

She clung onto her father so tightly, she was sure she had created new dents in both their armors.

Optimus immediately responded and hugged her back with almost the same tightness.

Maxima wanted to say something, anything to change his mind about going with her.

But she had gotten her stubbornness from somewhere and it wasn’t just Ratchet or Megatron.

With one last squeeze, she quickly transformed and sped into the bridge.

She had to do it quickly, if not she would have turned back.

Once through Maxima began to look around at her surroundings.

It took a couple of minutes to realize that this had been one of her patrol routes near the base.

She could still make it!

…All those happy thoughts however died the moment she saw a great explosion in the direction of the base.

Maxima didn’t remember screaming for him.

Nor when she transformed and drove straight into the wreckage of her home.

She did remember the moment she saw her father’s battered frame in the rubble of the base.

Maxima with wide optics and tears: “DAD!” She scurries over to him getting as much debris as she can and pulls him to a ‘cleaner area of the wreckage. She looks over at his wounds. Maxima forcing a smile: “It looks bad… but I can fix it! Just wait, I’m sure there’s some tools around!” Optimus: “…Maxima…” Maxima holding his servo: “Don’t talk, save your energy. Now if I can just remember where I put the spare tools—” Optimus: “Maxima…” Maxima holding the servo tighter as more tears start escaping: “I know I can-can find ‘em! Just hold on for a second—” POP! Optimus had opened his chassis presenting the Matrix of Leadership. Maxima is in shock. Optimus: “I… know how you feel about the Matrix… but now the team needs a leader.” Maxima: “That’s why I’m going to fix you!” Optimus coughing roughly: “My time with the Allspark is almost here… Maxima…” Optimus tries to raise his servo to her faceplate. She grabs it and presses it on her. He gently strokes one of his digits to wipe a tear. Optimus: “Do not cry for me… be our light in our… darkest… hour…” The servo started going limp. Maxima: “Optimus? Optimus!” She starts shaking his shoulders, panic settling in faster seeing his frame starting to turn grey. Maxima: “Dad! DAD! PLEASE DON’T GO! DAD PLEASE!... please… don’t leave me…”

Maxima hurriedly turns to the Matrix seeing it floating closer and closer to her chassis.

She grabs at the limp servo and quietly opens her chassis and closed her optics one last time as Maxima.

Maximum Prime opened her optics for the first time and saw the greying frame of the former Prime before her.

She began to stand up when she noticed the Forge of Solus Prime in the wreckage.

An idea popped in her helm.

Orion Pax opened his optics groaning. He looks up to see a tall bot that eerily looked like his sparkling. Orion: “Where am I? What is going on? Where is Maxima?” Maximum Prime gently places a servo on his shoulders giving him a kind smile. Maximum: “It has been a long time Orion Pax. I promise to tell you everything in time, but we must find our missing comrades before Megatron does.” Orion: “Megatron? Like Megatronus?” Maximum holding out her servo: “It is a long story Pax.” Orion grabbing her servo as they maneuver their way through the wreckage and finally to the desert. Orion: “I am rather fond of stories.” Maximum: “…This story starts with an abandoned sparkling and a friendly archivist…”

[ketrindoll]

List of russian lies in the UN or during diplomatic speeches:

1. In January-February of 2022 russia claimed in the UN that they will not invade Ukraine, that they have no plans to invade Ukraine, and evidence of upcoming invasion are lies made by the US or others.

End of the same month russia launched a full-scale invasion.

2. Russia claimed in the UN that the reason they attacked Ukraine was to fight some "local nazis" and that they are indeed good guys fighting Ukrainian hatred. That, however, does not explain why: a) russia opposed the grain deal until Turkey threatened to make it work one way or the other, showing their intention to starve hundreds of millions of people in neutral countries for no reason whatsoever, b) russia refused to allow UN or Red Cross etc to observe the conditions of POWs or to open humanitarian corridors for people to escape from Mariupol or other conflict zones, with thousands of witnesses reporting abductions, filtration camps, and shelling of retreating civilians, c) russia claimed to only want to protect local russian population, yet completely destroyed whole cities in majorly-russian-speaking Eastern Ukraine, like Mariupol (satellites showing mass graves), and bombing mainly civilian targets - schools, hospitals, theatres, a shopping mall during peak hours, a train station where people waited for evacuation, apartment buildings, etc. Currently we can see that there is no effort on the russian-controlled side of Dnipro river to help people in flooded areas, with videos and citizen testimonies reporting shelling of all disaster aid attempts, d) russia claimed that they only hate the "nazi" Ukrainian government, yet they openly shelled Ukrainian power grids during winter, for no other reason than to leave innocent civilians with no gas or electricity.

3. Russian state TV, public figures like Solovyov, former President and Prime Minister as well as head of security council of russia Medvedev openly stated either on national TV or in their social media pages that they want to "exterminate" Ukrainians. That the whole country should not exist, that Ukrainian language is fake, etc etc. This is genocidal speech and it is not limited to Ukraine either. The Baltic States, Poland, etc also received such claims - that they "do not exist" that they "belong to russia" or that they "should be invaded". Makes it very obvious who the imperialistic, colonist aggressor actually is. Medvedev also repeatedly threatened Western European countries with missile or even nuclear attack, yet they claim to only be "defending themselves".

4. Lavrov got laughed at during a summit in India for claiming that "russia was invaded by Ukraine". Do I even need to explain why this is a lie? If I do, check 1st point again. Or just turn on your brain.

5. Then there's more sci-fi nutjobby official russian claims (or lies) about - bioweapons in Ukraine, pidgeons carrying disease or weapons to russia, Ukraine having some super-soldiers, or even dark magic, as indicated by russian Ministry of Defense changing the goal of their "special military operation" from "denazification" to "desatanization".

And that's just a few of the main ones. More is discussed in the latest UN meeting, you can watch the video on their official website.

So, knowing all of this, why the fuck would you believe ANYTHING they say? Especially about the destruction of dam?

Russia has repeatedly shown aggressive attitude towards neighbouring countries, claimed their wish to occupy them, russian officials called for extermination of whole nationalities, and both President putin and Belova have enough evidence against them for ICC to issue a warrant for them for GENOCIDE AND WAR CRIMES.

If you still believe in russia, despite anything they themselves say, you're either a genocide-supporter or unbelievably stupid.

[thefoxtherapist]

Nest

Arthur didn’t want to call it an embarrassment exactly, but it was something akin to it as he draped another pelt along the floor of the living room. An old broken down mansion of some kind, maybe. But it was good enough for now. And it was stable and safe enough he could set up a nest of some sort, closer to a den with the size. 

Settling down for long places wasn’t the easiest in the gang, but this place would do for now. And so Arthur dealt with the slight embarrassment of setting up his nest. Some of the pelts were old ones he’d kept, some were newer. Either way they lined the room, made it as comfortable as it could be with the addition of his small mattress.

The room originally provided to him would have been suitable. But an offhand comment from Mrs.Grimshaw about morale had him here. Maybe that was where his embarrassment stemmed from, the idea of being the gang's prime omega. Arthur brought his hand up to the back of his neck, rubbing his dry sunburnt skin.

A sheet used as a curtain was the final touch to his nest, closing it off to the rest of the house, the rest of the gang. It provided Arthur with much needed rest and privacy, whilst also allowing him to quickly be within reach should anybody require his services.

Arthur sat on the soft bundled ground, letting his hands roam over the soft pelts. He'd worked hard on getting the highest quality, and it paid off as he allowed himself to lay back. He let out a deep sigh, filled his lungs with fresh oxygen, that he then exhaled once more.

But as quickly as his relaxation started, it came to an end. The familiar young boy pushed his way past the curtain and into the room, all but diving on some of the soft wolf pelt on the ground. It wasn't his current obsession of spaghetti or Mr. Bronte, but it seemed to please the young lad who rolled around in the soft fur.

“Can I help ya, Jack?”

The bounty hunter watched as the young pup stopped, now laying on his stomach he grinned up at Arthur with a toothy, albeit bashful, smile. “I was hopin’ ya’d read to me?” The boy sat up, bringing his legs to his chest. Jack was always a bit reserved, shy considering who his father happened to be.

Arthur supposed the comfortable nest brought the allure of domesticity and despite wanting to say no, Jack’s pleading eyes convinced him otherwise. He really was more of a dam than he wanted to admit. Another embarrassment as he searched for the book Abigail had given him for whenever Jack had this particular request of his.

It wasn’t long before Jack was tucked against Arthur’s side, bundled up in a blanket, his face buried against the man’s shoulder. It was comfortable and warm, the child inhaled the safe scent. Arthur opened the children’s book, calloused fingers trailing down the pages as he attempted to find where they’d been.

“Remember where we were?”

“Uhuh! The princess had just fallen under the curse!”

Arthur nodded, finding the page, he then began to read. It was with sensitive ears he heard Jack’s breathing slowly get more subtle, softer. It took the boy only thirty minutes before he was out like a light, snoring softly into Arthur’s arm.

The man looked around the den he’d created. Sure, he’d been embarrassed. But now he was somewhat pleased with himself. He gave Jack a good nest to burrow in, one he found safe and comfortable too. There was little more the omega could ask for in terms of praise and notice.

[mychlapci]

Optimus anon

When he does get sparked up again 100% it's not entirely planned, I mean sure his husband plowed into his valve but it wasn't entirely planned

However he isn't complaining, dude does still try to get some work in while he can before he's too big to do anything but lay in bed, although 100% one day he is working his waste tank is overfill, and when realizing what it is he's probably going to the wash racks, to which there full, and before he can go he's forced into a scolding from Ratchet because wtf? Why haven't you refueled yet Optimus?

Optimus can't get a word in before he's dragged to med bay, he refueled, and eventually winds up taken to the back of the med bay and his valve pounded into, he can't warn the medic before his waste tank gives and he winds up passing himself in overload, the more he tries to stop the more piss and lubricant comes out of him

Ratchet is scolding but it's in a teasing manner, and Optimus is a mess before being pounded back into

mhmmm it's not their first kid, they definitely know the drill already, though this time it had been accidental, unplanned, but they can handle spontaneous.

i think Ratchet can tell well when Optimus is ignoring his needs, no scans needed, he sees him shifting his weight from one leg to the other, watches him struggle between focusing on his work and on the pressure below his growing baby-bump. Ratchet purposefully doesn't let him go to the washracks, only makes him drink his energon and before Optimus knows it, he's getting fucked from behind, baby-bump pressing into the soft foam sheets. when his waste tank starts leaking, he doesn't notice at first, attributing the strange feeling below his waist to the pleasure of getting lovingly pounded into... but Ratchet notices, engine revving as a puddle of their shared lubricate and waste builds up below them, staining the sheets. when Optimus overloads and the dam breaks, Ratchet's probably not surprised when he sees piss streaming down the Prime's thighs- it's not the first time this has happened, and even Optimus' bashfulness is feigned at this point. the relief is just too great for him to really care, and he can tell what it does to his husband

[the-marxist-mash]

My "I think the fallout show is bad" post spoilers included

I watched the fallout show with low hopes and mostly for the purpose of annoying my friend whom I love and I'll be honest it was bad 👎

Gonna split this into 1: issues with writing 2: lore bs that i hated cuz im a new vegas girl 3: things i will begrudgingly admit that i liked

1: bad writing

For me the show confirmed for me that it was not going to be writen for me and my tastes was in the second episode when the enclave scientist gives the vault dweller an ominous speech about how the world is too dangerous to set a fire to camp on the road side at night whichbis something very inlone with the Bethesda style of writing the falloit universe. This show really has no interest in talking about how humanity overcomes the suffering of the post apocalypse it is focused on the power fantasy of being the strongest and most competent person who is capable of navigating a wasteland overflowing with mutants raiders and robots, community doesn't save you from the wasteland only big guns and strong walls (and even then the walls dont help as much as the guns)

Then of course there is the shows general failure in world building. For a show that is allegedly not for the long time fans of the series and instead for casual fans or new comers to the franchise just looking for a new scifi series it has a lot of things brought into the show and left entirely unexplained. The enclave a major faction of the series with a lot going on gets a montage of life in their base where we learn they have scientists doing research, use an offbrand american flag, and seem to be somewhat vaguely nefarious. Then there's moldaver a prewar human leading a cult in the post post apocalypse and the only surviver of the great war in the show who is not given a clear explination for living this long. And speaking of the post post apocalypse the new california republic being introduced as already having collapsed as a result of a second nuclear attack on California which while this does get explained is a wildly unnecessary amount of information to give in the first season of a show thats allegedly for new fans.

2 lore shit i hated

So as a new vegas girly i can only describe this show as feeling like if todd howard broke your toys infront of you so nobody could play with them anymore. From the addition of vault tech nuking the ncr in a wild attempt to have the exact same plan as the enclave in both fallout 2 and 3 but with much worse execution to ghouls now having a specific anti feral drug the lore changes are bad. And plenty of people have already pointed out the way the new timeline does not just make it so the ncr is destroyed but it is destroyed before the plot of new vegas is set with fall of shady sands occurring the same year as the 1st battle of the hoover dam which just feels like this was included for the express purpose of decannonizing new vegas because it honestly only makes the story more confusing and harder for new fans to navigate by looking up information about the existing games. Then there is the way in which the enclave is seemingly retconned out of being the shadow government (where it held effective control over vault tech as a way to experiment with human subjects for various reasons) and instead vault tech goes on to start the great war for effectively the same reason the eclave had for trying to exterminate everyone living in the wasteland. And i think the worst part is that most of these issues could have been avoided if the story was just set in a different time (between 1 and 2 or even before 1) or location (literally anywhere a major faction has not already been established existing in cannon) and the story would have benefited so much from that

3: okay i liked some of it

The prewar flashbacks did actually have good bits

The writers didn't go full liberty prime and understood the anticommunism in the series was satire

They made the brotherhood look like a facist techno cult and i had fun with the explicit religious ritual stuff going on in their base

The snake oil salesman who can heal you but also might mutate you was fun and feels very much like classic fallout

The axolotl abomination that i thought had sloghtly too human hands turning out to be a vault experiment was fun for me

4 secret section where i complain more

Yeah i know its already green lit for like 2 more seasons and has way more time to explain shit i dont care i dont think they are either capanle or interested in making this any better

Anyway the show was bad thanks for reading my rambling complaints or sorry for inflicting this on you if you actually liked it? But i put a cut on this one so thats on you. Im gonna go write my own fallout stoeies for ttrpg campaigns with my friends now since todd wont give me a story i like

[yourbestpalpercy]

“That’s literally impossible, Tartar. They’re all dead! Are you absolutely sure it’s not an Inkling, Octarian or some other creature?” Mr. Grizz started to get up from his seat, placing on a coat and getting ready to head down to the metro.

“Extremely sure. They sleep like a rock so I was able to check for anything suspicious. It’s a human for sure. I-I don’t know whether to think I’m going crazy or to be extremely excited!” Mr. Grizz could already tell Tartar was bouncing up and down on the other side.

“...Fine, I’ll be down in 15 minutes, don’t forget to be careful. Remember, humans are just as dangerous as anyone else. My wolves almost went extinct at their hands. ..Though I guess it doesn’t matter nowadays…” Mr. Grizz grumbled before realizing that Tartar had already hung up. “Oh for the love of Cod…Tartar, please tell me you understand the risks…” Mr. Grizz grumbled as he left his office.

Tartar turned towards the human as they mumbled something in their sleep. ‘Stop bouncing! You look ridiculous!’ Shouted his thoughts before he grabbed the human’s hand and checked for a pulse. “Ooo, yes! You are still alive,” Tartar pulled away and readjusted his bowtie as he did. He had to look his best.

His slime covered hands were covered, right? He couldn’t imagine how this little human would feel if they saw the primordial slime all over his hands. Wished he could remove it but oh well!

OH, she’s waking up!!!

Tartar brushed his outfit off and watched them stir and stretch. “god…I’m an idiot..falling asleep in the middle of a…dark metro??” She started to slowly stand up, rubbing her eye. “Did I not learn a thing from Fern- Mother?” The human slowly looked up, seeing Tartar.

“Ah! You’re awake, gre-!” Tartar cut off when a sharp pain exploded on the side of his head. It hit the ground rather hard. Great, now it was dazed.

“Who are you!?” The pain in Tartar’s head was taking forever to ebb away. It slowly looked up at the human, she was wielding a golf club. Wh-When in the world did she get that!?

“I SAID WHO ARE YOU!? Don’t make me strike you again!” She pointed the end of the golf club at him. “C-Calm down! H-Hold your horses! Take a dam chill pill!” Tartar held up his hands. The human raised the golf club again, aiming for Tartar’s horn. “I-It’s– I’m just a t-telephone! Th-That’s m-my name actually! Telephone! Just calm down!” Tartar scooted away quickly from the human, a little more angry that the first human in forever attacked him.

“...” The human glared at Tartar before lowering her club. “Good enough, I guess. Why were you watching me sleep?” She growled.

“W-Well, you probably already know but all of humanity is extinct! I haven’t seen a human in the last 12,000 years! ..Which intrigues me..” Tartar stood up and leaned over the human, getting a curious look in his eyes. “Where did you even come from…?”

The human jabbed her club under Tartar’s head upon it getting a little too close. “And tell me why I should tell you ANYTHING!”

“I’ve been trying to bring back humanity? It’s what I was made for.”

“Ha! You’re made for transmitting calls. You’re a phone for a reason,” The human glared at Tartar. “I don’t see why I have to lie to you. I can sanitize you if I want. Human or not!” Tartar slipped off one of his gloves, revealing the slime underneath. The human looked uncomfortable upon seeing it.

“Let’s see…I have that dam monologue prerecorded somewhere…” Tartar started to crack his handle and make strange noises trying to find it. “Monol-?” Tartar held up a finger in a ‘one moment’ motion. The human crossed her arms with a huff.

“[DISABLING CONTEMPORARY SPEECH MODE]”

“I am TARTAR, an AI construct created 12,000 years ago by a brilliant professor. My prime directive is to pass on humanity’s vast knowledge on to the next worthy lifeform. When your kind became self-aware,” Tartar cracked his lever again, stopping the recording. “I don’t believe anything else is really important in that recording.”

“...Oh, well then,” The human now messed with their golf club. “Don’t expect me to tell you my name. You haven’t earned it yet…”

“Oh, I already know it! You’re Everest. Or 10,009,” Tartar folded his hands. “Having scan tools and being an AI is rather helpful.” Tartar put his glove back on, feeling confident that the human wouldn’t attack him again.

“...Don’t you ever do that again…” Everest growled and pointed the golf club at Tartar again. “I don’t think you understand that I don’t wish to hurt you, kid. I’m the Messenger of Humanity, not the Mass Murderer of Humanity,” He poked Everest’s nose. “Boop! As the kids say nowadays.”

“Oh back off, you invasive thing!”

“My point is, I want to help bring humanity back. I’m not here to harm anyone besides the scum, bile and seafood that have evolved to conquer the world left behind by the humans,” He adjusted his bowtie.

“...” Everest still didn’t seem to trust Tartar as she asked, “I should’ve stayed in the mountains…”

“The mountains! That’s where you’ve all been hiding, hm?”

“They wouldn’t take too kindly to a weird, telephone man..”

“Oh it won’t matter! I-I can change my form! I take on this form though because it looks most like an Octarian. Shocked you haven’t seen one yet, they’re everywhere underground..”

Everest started to back away at this point. Tartar made her feel a little overwhelmed with how excited he seemed to be. Humans were nothing special, so why the bouncing and cheer talk?”

“I haven’t seen a human in YEARS, centuries, decem millenniums!” Tartar exclaimed. “You’ll have to excuse how excited I am!” Tartar grabbed Everest’s hand with his own, freezing cold hands. “Hey-! Let go!” Everest yanked back, glancing at her club. “Take a chill pill, I’m not going to hurt you! How many times do I have to tell you that?”

“If you’re trying to trick me into taking you to my village, the answer is no.”

“What??? No! I- ha! I wouldn’t do that. Totes wouldn’t. You’re crazy my dude. Absolutely bonkers, home skillet!”

“Oh please, you started using way more slang, I know a trick when I hear one. You’re not going to the village.”

“Not even for a second?? Please!”

“I ran away from that place for a damn reason! I’m not going to listen to their culty BS about bowing down and offering mercy to those- those–! Those stupid waterblobs!” Everest shouted at Tartar, slightly calming him down. “They stole this planet from us and I’m not going back so I can hear more of ‘If we keep sacrificing sheep to The Leviathan, it will allow us to leave this cliffside’. I’ve grown tired of that CULT!!” Everest grabbed her hair and pulled some of it out.

“I-...I’m not going back…” Everest’s arms dropped to her side.

“A cult, hm?” Tartar picked up on Everest’s worry.

“Yes! A cult based around the bile here! I don’t want to go back, it would be better if they were all wiped out! The amount of people I’ve seen sacrificed to ‘The Leviathan’ is something else!!” Everest grabbed her head again.

“Hmm…” Tartar watched the slime run down his hand from under the glove. “Y’know, maybe you don’t have to go back. I’m willing to give you a sneak peak on my plans. I won’t even lay a finger on you if that’s what you’re scared of…” Tartar gestured Everest over.

Everest watched wearily before approaching Tartar slowly, grabbing her golf club tightly as she did. “None of the sanitized octarians should harm you. They follow my orders exactly. If I tell them not to harm you, they won’t.”

“What do you mean by sanitized?” Everest quickly asked as Tartar opened a small door in the ground. “Simple, I’m creating a primordial goop that will create the ultimate lifeform! I thought too small last time…I should’ve let 8 go. I acted in panic and anger. But this time, it’ll be proper. No one will find out until it’s too late. Especially with Mr. Grizz on my side, we’ll restore Earth to its former glory together!”

The inside of the lab was rather bright and the buzz of talking echoed through the hallways. There were a few signs of struggling, making it clear that not everyone here came here willingly. There were also dried bits of pink ink dotting the walls. When Tartar saw it, he looked disgusted and quickly ordered a nearby Sanitized Octarian to please get rid of it.

“What’s wrong with it? I thought the shade was…rather nice honestly,” Everest told Tartar, watching the octarian splat different ink over it. “No I-...” Tartar trailed off, seeing the octarian smile back at him and wander off. “...I’ll just leave it. Don’t want to hurt their feelings…” Tartar turned away to keep guiding Everest down the hallway. ‘I think mother would find me even more disappointing than she first thought. I thought that interaction was rather cute!’

Tartar soon guided Everest to a room with a large blender in the middle, full of…strange, bluegreen slime. A wave of illness and worry came over Everest. “...You don’t do what I now think you do…right?” Everest glanced at Tartar with clear sickness on her face.

“Well, tell me what you think I do first,” Tartar replied in a rather smug tone, climbing up and sitting on the top of the blender. Everest felt a little more sick as she responded.

“Uhm..well- there’s a blender for one…uh..” The idea of sacrifices fill her head. “...Please don’t tell me you pick off the octarians around you and…sacrifice them to..” Everest pointed a hand at the blender.

“Nope! Well- eh, close. The octarians around you are ones that have failed their tests. All or most of them. I select carefully. What you see here,” Tartar stood up, “Is a blend of everyone who’s succeeded in their tests! Only the most brilliant and greatest octarians end up here. It’s a blend of the most superior is what I’m saying. No one gets sacrificed. I’m not doing this for some false god. I’m doing this to create a lifeform on the level of humans!”

“...Will I end up in there some day…?”

“It’s a great-...what?” Tartar looked over the edge, down at Everest. She looked terrified. The soft glow of the sludge in the blender reflected in her eyes.“...N-No! Never! Absolutely not! I wouldn’t do that to a human!” Tartar leapt down from the blender, carefully holding Everest’s hands again, “I was actually wondering if you’d like to join me! Take back Earth from those slimy freaks above!”

Everest drew back from Tartar quickly. Luckily, he wasn't grabbing her that tightly. “I-I’m not sure I can trust you yet. …What’s in it for me?” Tartar seemed…way to ready for a reply like this. “Well, I doubt you wanna stay sleeping on that cold platform so I’ll make sure there’s a comfy place down here to rest. I’ll make sure you never have to return to your mountain cult, hm…”

Everest started to think. “I can’t let you leave after seeing this…? No, that’s too threatening and besides, you have way too much confidence. You’re the first person in years to strike me and land a good hit!” Tartar extended his hand a little.

“...I mean, all you really needed to mention was getting a nice place to sleep. The mountain is freezing. I’m shocked no one has gotten frostbite at all,” Everest slowly accepted his hand. “PERFECT! We’re in business, my home skillet!” Tartar suddenly scooped up Everest and gave her a tight hug.

“Mr. Grizz should be here so we can hopefully discuss more! Don’t worry, he might be a little intimidating at first but the bear’s a big softie! A total pushover at times even! He won’t hurt ya..” Tartar’s hug eased and it set down Everest.

“O-Oh…r-really??” Everest stumbled as Tartar left the room. “G-...Goodie..”

‘Oh Leviathan what have I gotten myself into…?’

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

Signe Wilkinson

* * * *

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

April 20, 2024

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

APR 21, 2024

Cheering broke out in the gallery and among Democrats on the floor of the House of Representatives this afternoon when the House passed the $60.8 billion aid bill for Ukraine. The vote was 311–112, with all Democrats and 101 Republicans voting in favor and 112 Republicans voting against. One Republican voted present. 

The House also voted on the three other bills that will be packaged with the Ukraine bill as a single measure to go in front of the Senate. The House voted in favor of providing $8.1 billion in support for Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific by a vote of 385–34. It approved more than $26 billion for Israel, including $9.2 billion in humanitarian aid not specifically for Gaza but for populations in crisis, by a vote of 366–58. And it voted 360–58 to place additional sanctions on Iran, seize Russian assets, and require the Chinese owners of TikTok to sell the company within nine months if they want it to continue to be available on U.S. app stores.  

The total price tag of the measures is about $95.3 billion. About $50 billion of it will be used here in the U.S. to replenish the supplies that will go abroad. 

Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) says the Senate will take up the measure on Tuesday. Senators had gone home for recess but will come back to vote. The Department of Defense says it is ready to rush crucial supplies as soon as it gets the go-ahead. "We have a very robust logistics network that enables us to move material very quickly; as we've done in the past, we can move within days," Pentagon press secretary Air Force Major General Pat Ryder said Thursday.  

Aid to Ukraine has been stalled since Biden first asked for it in October 2023. First, MAGA Republicans said they would never pass such a national security supplemental bill until the U.S. addressed the need for better security at the country’s southern border. Senators, including Republican James Lankford (R-OK) took them at their word and hammered out a strong border security measure, only to have Republicans reject it when Trump demanded they preserve border security as a campaign issue. The Senate then passed the national security supplemental bill without a border measure, but that was back in February. Although it was clear the measure would pass the House, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has steadfastly refused to take it up. 

Meanwhile, countries around the globe have been stepping into the breach, providing funds and weapons for Ukraine as Ukraine’s war effort has faltered without U.S. war matériel.

Suddenly, the dam has broken. 

The MAGA extremists who oppose aid to Ukraine expressed anger over the measure’s passage, but outside of that group, there was bipartisan relief and mutual congratulations. The chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Representative Michael McCaul (R-TX), who has been vocal in his belief that Republicans have fallen prey to Russian propaganda, compared today’s vote to the period before World War II, when British prime minister Neville Chamberlain tried to appease dictator Adolf Hitler in 1938 by agreeing to Germany’s annexation of the Sudetenland. To Chamberlain’s successor, Winston Churchill, fell the task of fighting World War II. 

“Our adversaries are watching us here today, and history will judge us on our actions here today,” McCaul said. “So as we deliberate on this vote, you have to ask yourself: Am I Chamberlain or am I Churchill?”

House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) said: “For months, the national security priorities of the American people have been obstructed by pro-Putin extremists determined to let Russia win. A bipartisan coalition of Democrats and Republicans has risen up to work together and ensure that we are getting the national security legislation important to the American people over the finish line.”

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin also released a statement welcoming the passage of the measure. “This bipartisan legislation will allow the Department to surge lifesaving security assistance to help Ukraine defend itself from Russia’s aggression, support Israel’s defense from Iran and its proxies, and increase the flow of urgently needed humanitarian aid to suffering Palestinians in Gaza.” It is also, he wrote, “an important investment in America's future.”  

President Joe Biden said that “members of both parties in the House voted to advance our national security interests and send a clear message about the power of American leadership on the world stage. At this critical inflection point, they came together to answer history’s call, passing urgently-needed national security legislation that I have fought for months to secure.” 

The reiteration of the bipartisan nature of the vote suggests support for the idea that the breaking dam refers not just to the national security supplemental bill but also to the power of MAGA Republicans more generally. Representative Tom Cole (R-OK) suggested this interpretation in an interview today with Ryan Lizza of Politico. 

MAGAs are Trump loyalists, counting on his return to power, and Trump is visibly diminished. For the last week, he has been sitting in a courtroom with no choice but to do as he is told by the judge while potential jurors have expressed their dislike of him to his face. This is novel for him, and it is clearly taking a toll. 

Trump’s financial troubles have not gone away, either. Yesterday, New York attorney general Letitia James asked a judge to void the $175 million appeals bond Trump posted to secure the $454 million judgment against him in the business fraud case. She says that the defendants have failed to show that there is enough collateral behind the bond to secure it. She has asked for a replacement bond within a week. Without a bond, James can begin to seize Trump’s property. 

Since Republicans took control of the House, Republican leaders have had to turn to Democrats to find the votes to pass crucial legislation like the national security supplemental bill, preventing a U.S. default, and funding the government. Republicans interested in governing and eager to protect the institutions of democracy appear to be getting fed up with the attention-seeking and bomb-throwing MAGA faction that refuses to do the work of governing. 

That frustration might have been on display when the House also voted on a fifth measure: a border bill the extremist Republicans demanded. Because it was considered under a suspension of the rules, it needed a two-thirds majority to pass. The measure failed with a vote of 215–211. Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, a lawyer with the American Immigration Council advocacy group, noted that the last time the House voted on a similar measure, it got 219 votes. This time it got fewer votes, even with an added $9.5 billion for Texas, Florida, and other states that are restricting immigrants’ rights. 

In The Atlantic today, David Frum noted the changing U.S. political dynamic and, referring  to the Ukraine vote, wrote: “On something that mattered intensely to [Trump]—that had become a badge of pro-Trump identity—Trump’s own party worked with Democrats in the House and Senate to hand him a stinging defeat. This example could become contagious.” In other words, he said: “Ukraine won. Trump lost.”

For his part, leading Russian politician Dmitry Medvedev had his own reaction to the House’s passage of the national security supplemental bill with aid for Ukraine. He vowed that Russia would win the war anyway and added: “[C]onsidering the russophobic decision that took place I can't help but wish the USA with all sincerity to dive into a new civil war themselves as quickly as possible. Which, I hope, will be very different from the war between North and South in the 19th century and will be waged using aircraft, tanks, artillery, MLRS, all types of missiles and other weapons. And which will finally lead to the inglorious collapse of the vile evil empire of the 21st century—the United States of America.”

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

[scalproie]

S1:E6

Steve Blum mustve had rent due in 2011 because DAMN he is acting his heart out for that fucking plane

VEHICON MVPS ALWAYS AND FOREVER💜

Soundwave looks cool as fuck, changed the game and everything, the silent mysterious type is iconic I know I know but god I do wish he was a more... active player with a bit of attitude yknow? Anyway Im making my own fun by still pretending he is trying to blow up Starscream with his mind 24/7

I know this was during the period where they were figuring the rules but fuck you mean Skyquake doesnt have an alt mode before he scanned the plane? What about his cybertronian one? Im nitpicking I know

Megastar bait used to be done with a love for the game

Thank god for Dreadwing bc Skyquake's model being a one-off wouldve been such a waste

Ok the human parts are good when theyre bize size👍

MEGATRON COMA ARC LETS GO

[astraariel]

rosas

pairing: fili x fem!reader

summary: a recount of your life with fili through flashbacks. based on "rosas" by la oreja de van gogh

word count: 6.2K

warnings: fluffy...and angst :(

tags: fluff; tooth-rotting fluff; love confessions; pining; angst; canonical character death; post-botfa

author’s note: I was listening to my music when this song came on and I realized the lyrics were perfect for a fic idea so I paired it with Fili so here we are :)

surprise, another predominantly angsty fic! are we honestly shocked though? I do love angst and my hyperfixation on lotr/the hobbit has returned (yet again) so obvi that equals angsty fic

I have been writing this fic since July…and finally I have completed it!! gosh I don’t know why I struggled so hard writing this TT...please ignore any grammar mistakes and enjoy♡

˚₊‧꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚

The light Spring breeze wisped along your face as you walked in the square. You could hear the bustling market buzzing in the air as you got closer. 

Your eyes scanned for the familiar stall you had become fast acquainted with since you all reclaimed Erebor. The town was slowly coming into what you imagined it looked like in its prime. You felt pride in your chest knowing you helped fight and reclaim your homeland. 

Squinting from the sun’s rays, you spotted Draza’s stall, a plump, brunette dwarrowdam who had the magic green thumb of a wizard and was the owner of the flower stall you had visited weekly.

The owner was nice enough to offer advice and provide meaning for the flowers, but also kept to her own business when needed. She’s been a helpful and constant dam in your life since living in Erebor.

“Hello, deary! How are you this morning?” Draza’s voice rang through the air.

“I’m good. Yeah, how about you?” You answered.

“Oh quite well, Durik’s healing rather well, too. I thank you again for recommending that herb of yours.” You only nodded your head in reply as you began looking around at the flowers displayed.

“Oh!” Draza’s exclamation caught your attention. “I just picked these out of my own garden for you, lass.” 

Turning your eyesight to the dwarrowdam, you watched her scurry around her shop for a moment before seemingly remembering where she had left those special flowers.

“My roses just bloomed recently and I wanted to give these to you today,” Draza said as she handed you a bouquet of beautiful red roses. 

“Oh, they’re wonderful, and they smell amazing. Thank you, these will be perfect.” You reached over to retrieve your coin pouch before Draza stopped you.

“No, no, deary, this is a gift. For the two of you.” She smiled. “May Mahal bless you,” she said as she shooed you away.

Nodding your head, you smiled and walked out of the shop.

Lifting the roses toward your nose, you inhaled the fragrant aroma of the flowers. The perfume of the bouquet reminded you of when you first met Fili. Who knew the awkward run-in with the crown prince would result in finding the love of your life. 

Smiling softly at the memory, you carefully shifted the roses into your arms as you continued your journey through the market.

The lively marketplace of Ered Luin was always an interesting one to visit. The mixture of humans and dwarves gave you access to explore the culture of man, which made up for the hectic energy that the market came with. 

Weaving your way around the crowds, you were on a mission to get out of there. After all, you have gotten what you came here for. 

Obtaining Master Borim’s lucrative cherry tarts.

Treating yourself was truly a great pastime after a long hard day at work.

Successfully dodging stray limbs in the crowd, your victory was cut short by a strong body.

“Oh, sorry! I didn’t see you there.” Strong arms grabbed yours in response to the sudden collison.

After balancing yourself from the stumble, you looked up and were met with the most vibrant blue eyes you had ever seen. 

The owner of the voice belonged to the most gorgeous dwarf you had ever laid your eyes on. His blonde, wavy hair framed his face perfectly even after being slightly windswept from the tumble the both of you had almost taken. Two short braids secured with beads swayed against his mouth. He wore a green tunic that had the top button undone, displaying a preview of the strong chest you had previously walked into.

Your eyes flicked back to the dwarf’s eyes which were now looking at you in worry. The stranger’s intense gaze brought your attention to the situation at hand again, causing you to step away from his embrace quickly.  

“Are you alright, lass?” Mahal, you were embarrassing yourself.

You cleared your throat, “Yes, I’m,” you straightened your clothes, “I’m okay, thank you. I should have been paying attention to where I was walking.” 

“No, it was completely my fault, here I made you drop your basket.” Before you could process what he had said, he had already extended his hand out waiting for you to grab your forgotten tarts. 

Seemingly, still out of your mind, you hadn’t noticed he had picked it up when you were unceremoniously ogling at the stranger.

Snap out of it. 

“Oh, right, thank you.” You closed your eyes for a second to collect yourself, before offering the dwarf your name. 

A smile filled his face, “Fili, at your service. What a beautiful name for a beautiful dwarrowdam such as yourself.”

Mahal, could he be any more charming? 

If your face hadn’t already been flushed from the embarrassment, it definitely was now.

After a quick moment of silence between the two of you, Fili glanced in your basket. “Are those pastries from Master Borim?”

“What?” Blinking your eyes in confusion you followed his gaze at the basket in your hand. “Oh, yes. He makes the best tarts... but it seems like they’ve been ruined now.” Both your eyes panned down to the floor where the cherry filling had met its unfortunate demise.

Fili quirked his mouth, “Well, I happen to know that Master Borim makes a new batch right around,” he glanced at the sky, “...now.”

You raised a brow, “Is that so?” 

Fili nodded his head quickly. “How about I pay you back for your lost dessert?”

Your heart was beating in your chest, you weren’t sure why but you felt your heart gravitating toward this newfound stranger; you were aching to get to know him more. 

His blue eyes looked at you expectantly, his eyebrows raised slightly, bated breath waiting for your answer. 

And in that moment, you knew you’d love him for the rest of your life.

“Lead the way.”

Rousing back from your thoughts, you peered over the passing stalls. Various vendors came out on Fridays to sell their fresh and new items for the weekend sales. Customers from Dale usually set out today to begin their perusing for the weekend as well so the market was extra busy than it typically was.

Leaning over carefully, you analyzed the collection of tea leaves, the aroma distracting you from your surroundings, beckoning you to reach over to grab a bundle. Stretching over, you picked the pink hibiscus tea bags and walked over to the owner to purchase them.

Thanking the merchant, you placed the dry flowers in your bag as you continued to explore the market. You’d have to bring a teapot next Friday so you can have tea with Fili at the hilltop.

Glancing around the stalls, you continued browsing the vast selections, a couple of things catching your eye or reminding you of Fili had you buying a few more items for the next hour.

You were chatting with a kind dwarf who was selling his selection of knives and daggers when you heard your name from behind.

The familiar voice rang in the air catching your attention, you excused yourself from the dwarf with a smile and a quick “thank you, will you excuse me?” before turning around to find the source of the voice.

Your eyes found Kili’s form waving his hand at you along with Tauriel beside him. 

“Ah, namad! Fancy seeing you here.” Kili’s peppy voice was paired with a broad smile on his face.

You ignored his antics and offered a simple, “Hello, Kili,” before turning to the elf, offering her a smile. “Tauriel, I haven’t seen you in a while, did you just get back?

“Yes, I just got back from Mirkwood last night.” Tauriel nodded in confirmation.

“How wonderful.” Your eyes met Kili’s as he glanced at the items in your hands. “Roses for Fili?” You hummed in confirmation. “He’ll love ‘em.” He nodded his head in approval.

Kili clicks his tongue, “you know, I told Fili multiple times to just court you.” Sighing dramatically he continues, “he was smitten, namad, I mean it was crazy how in love he was after just meeting you!” Kili’s arms were waving around as he attempted to count the amount of times he claimed to have told Fili to just ask you out. 

Noticing that neither you nor Tauriel seemed to give him the benefit of the doubt, he continued. “You know if it wasn’t for me, Fili would have never asked you out!” Kili points an accusatory finger in your direction, nodding his head vigorously, agreeing with himself. 

You simply raised an eyebrow at him.

Chuckling, Tauriel reaches over at Kili’s arm to lower it back to his side. “Okay, Kee, I think she gets it. I doubt you were the deciding factor anyways, Fili is far braver than you.” 

“Ah, I’ll have you know-” Kili’s attention was on Tauriel now as he attempted to defend himself in whatever non-existent argument he was battling in. 

Your eyes moved over to Tauriel as she gazed at him while Kili rattled off all the reasons why he was the superior and braver brother out of the two to her. The obvious joking tone in Tauriel’s resounding “oh really?”made you smile. Despite Kili’s waving hands, Tauriel simply watched his antics with love and admiration. The look in her gaze reminded you of yours whenever Fili acted a little too similar to his younger brother. 

A quiet thud drifted your attention from the novel you were currently invested in. Staying still for a second you waited to see if you’d hear the noise again or if you were imagining things. 

Thump. Thump.

Definitely not imagining things. 

You gently lifted your blankets off, before slowly making your way toward your window. 

The cold twilight breeze hit your face as you pulled the window open, making eye contact with the perpetrator of the noise. 

“Fili,” you scoffed, “What are you doing throwing rocks at my window? What if I was sleeping?  The sun hasn’t even risen yet.”

“Oh please, I knew you were awake because I saw the oil lamp on.” His mouth was slowly curving into a grin. “Come on, give me some credit, I care.” You glared at him. “Now, grab your coat and get out here.” 

“Wait, Fili!” You whisper-yelled, suddenly conscientious of the time. “Where are we going?” 

“You’ll see.”

You sighed and closed your window before quickly slipping on your boots. You looked in your mirror hastily attempting to make yourself look presentable before meeting Fili.

Since that day of running into him, you’ve hung out with Fili almost daily. The quickly growing friendship became one of your most cherished relationships with any other dwarf in the mountains. It was nice having a close friendship that forced you to socialize with others who weren't your family.

You knew deep down that it wasn’t simply because Fili made great for random adventures or telling you about a random story that he and his brother, Kili, had embarked on when they were children; no, it was because you were starting to develop feelings for the dwarf. Ones you weren’t sure were even reciprocated. 

Even though you hadn't known Fili for long, you could tell everyone loved him. He seemed to know anyone and everyone while making others fawn at him easily. Since he was the crowned prince, people had high affections for him and his brother. 

You honestly did not want to become just another person in the vast ocean of people in love with him. You were sure these feelings would go away soon enough.

Quietly opening your bedroom door, you tiptoed out the back, holding your breath in hopes of not waking anyone up. 

You heard the muffled close of the door, allowing you to relax. Looking up, the moon still shined bright, illuminating the scenery around you. 

“There you are, you really took your time.” Fili chided.

Ignoring his comment you replied, “Why did you call me out here?”

“I figured we could take a walk.” Fili’s tone was light. You could tell he wasn’t telling the full truth but disregarded it. 

“You couldn’t wait to go on a walk in the daytime?” You questioned, “You know, like when it’s bright out?”

Fili only hummed in reply. 

Glancing over at him you admired his profile. The moonlight accentuated his strong features, giving attention to his handsome visage. His hair was disheveled from the long day he probably had, but it didn't make him any less attractive. His golden hair looked as vibrant as ever, you held yourself back from reaching out and running your fingers through it.

Noting how long you were probably staring, you averted your eyes to your feet. You still weren't sure where you were going but Fili seemed to so you didn't question it. 

The silence was quickly broken by him. “I wanted to see you.”

“What?” You turned your head toward Fili.

“Why I couldn't wait,” he looked over at you, “I had to see you.” 

Fili’s eyes were soft, his tone delicate as if he hadn’t seen you the day before; like he was truly capturing every second of this moment as if you had been gone for centuries.

Feeling your skin blushing, you cleared your throat and looked forward again. Your eyes scanned the view before you, there was a hill up ahead with a lone tree standing at the top. The gravelly path the two of you were following had long turned to dirt and grass. You truly had no clue where Fili had taken you.

“Come, you’ll love this.” Fili grabbed your hand suddenly, pulling you toward the hill. The sudden rush of his hand securely holding yours had your head spinning. The beat of your heart thumping loudly enough to alert anyone in the vicinity. 

Fili picks up his pace and begins to run toward the top. Screaming you yell, “Wait, Fee, hold on!” Fili only laughs before continuing his sprint with you in tow.

The warmth of Fili’s hand vanishes, making you shiver slightly and pull your hand toward your chest. Turning your attention to the scenery, you take in the vast forest that lay ahead, the moon only illuminated a small portion of the town the two of you had just come from.

“You like it?” Fili’s voice breaks you out of the spell you were in. Nodding, you look over at him and smile. 

Fili’s face breaks out in a soft smile, one enough for his dimples to make an appearance. His hair was disheveled from his impromptu run up the hill and his fur jacket was tousled up slightly, exposing his undershirt he must have been sleeping in before coming to find you. 

Realizing the two of you were just looking at each other, you blush and turn away from him. 

Being at the top of the hill had brought a slightly cooler wind causing you to shiver. Your hands subconsciously began to rub your arms in hopes of creating some form of warmth.

Damn, you forgot your coat, and Fili had reminded you. 

Scolding yourself internally, you rolled your eyes at yourself. 

Great.

A new weight surrounded your shoulders pulling you from your thoughts. Turning, you made eye contact with Fili placing his jacket on you. “Told you to bring a coat, silly.” 

Your mind wasn't able to come up with anything witty so you reply with a lame, “thank you” and break eye contact with him. 

The familiar nerves and butterflies swarm your body. Attempting to distract yourself, you walked over to the tree noticing a bush behind it. Nearing it, you observed the blooming flowers. 

The pleasant sight of red roses greets your eyes as you lean over to smell them. The calming yet familiar aromatic scent of roses embraces you in their notes. 

Closing your eyes you welcome the quiet night landscape Fili brought you to. You could hear Fili’s footsteps walk away before returning back to your form, prompting you to open your eyes. 

You're greeted by the sight of Fili’s hand tightly holding onto a single rose, extended toward you. His face was neautral but you could see his hand wavering slightly, his nerves worried you weren’t going to accept the flower from him.

Laughing quietly, you take the rose from his hand and bring it to your nose. 

“You know,” Fili takes a deep breath, “I have come up with multiple scenarios and ways to tell you this-” He glances at you. “But I can never seem to say anything to you once you're in front of me, amrâlimê.” 

Shifting your attention to him, your eyes widen at the name. 

Did he just-?

“I had this whole thing prepared and I have been trying to memorize it but Kili told me to just go for it and so that’s why I wanted to see you tonight because I had the guts to do it at the moment.” Fili’s eyes analyzed your face, his brows were slightly scrunched in anxiety.

“I’m in love with you. I’ve been in love with you I think since I bumped into you at the market.” 

Smiling softly, you walk closer to him. “Are you going to keep talking or are you going to kiss me?” With a sigh of relief, Fili reaches over and pulls you into a kiss. 

Your tentative bodies meet with the long awaited confessions the both of you have been itching to spill to the other. His hand gently laid on your cheek as yours held onto the precious rose he had gifted you. 

Parting from each other, you smile shyly. “I love you too.” You look to the side, “Obviously, I mean who else would go out in the middle of the night with a random dwarf.” 

Rolling his eyes he holds your free hand before shouting an, “oh, wait!” His hands reach over to the pockets of his coat that still lay on top of your shoulders. 

“I almost forgot.” He lets out a nervous laugh before clasping his fingers around whatever he pulled out. “Will you do me the honor and accept my courting bead?”  

You're sure your cheeks will be sore in the morning due to the amount of times you’ve smiled at the dwarf in front of you tonight. 

Nodding your head you turn around and fiddle with your rose in your hand as Fili puts a new braid in your hair.

That familiar smile appeared on your lips as you returned to the present. 

Noticing your silence, Kili finishes his debate with himself and glances over at you.

“What are you smiling at, namad?” Kili’s face softens. 

Shaking your head, you look at Kili. “Nothing, I’m just remembering and,” you roll your eyes, “Kili’s right, you did in fact push Fili into finally asking him to court me.”

“Aha! See, I told you, Tauriel.” Kili’s triumph win brings a laugh to your lips as you shake your head at his antics once again. 

“I should probably continue with my journey, I need to get to the hilltop before it begins to gets too late.”

“You're going to see Fili, right?” Tauriel asks. Nodding you say nothing. “Give him my regards.” She says before turning to continue their way to wherever they were heading.

“I’ll see you later, namad!” Waving, you wait to see them walk away before turning back around to exit the market.

Your hands played with the stems of the roses in your arms, allowing for your mind to wander as your feet continued on the familiar path toward the hilltop.

After Fili and you had finally decided to court, the two of you were inseparable even more than you had already been. Your heart had felt whole, like your other half had finally come home. 

Because he had. Fili was finally home with you. 

Your One.

You knew Fili was your One. You probably knew since the day you set eyes on him. He completed you, he was able to know if you were upset before you yourself could even tell. The slightest sign and he was on you, at your beck and call offering to run and grab anything you might potentially need. 

Your heart burst with love any moment he looked at you. He didn't have to say or do anything, just his presence alone brought you joy. 

The bustling marketplace had long disappeared as you walked farther away. Bending down you removed your shoes and rolled up your pants before swiftly threading through a shallow stream. You knew you were getting close to the hill, the small water source indicating you were getting farther from town and closer to your destination. The cool water rushed around your ankles as you held onto your items tightly so as to not drop them in the water below. 

A giggle sounded from your mouth as your mind replayed a memory of the time Fili had fallen into a river by accident on a task that Dis has entrusted the three of you. 

Fili had tried to prove to Kili that he could in fact jump onto the rock that had sat in the middle of the river. The long distance had made you weary, warning you with a “it's slippery, please don't do it.” Only for him to wink at you as he went into a fullsprint toward the river that resulted in him ass first in the bottom of the river. 

Unfortunately for Dis, her package that the three of you were supposed to deliver had gotten soaked since Fili had forgotten to remove it off his back before pulling his stunt.

Let’s just say, Dis didn't ask the three of you to go on another task for a couple weeks. 

Shaking your head at the memory, you smile at the sky as you looked at the clouds. The random shapes formed together as they whispered along and played with each other. 

Your eyes scanned the trees on your left, the sparse woodsy area provided a view of the pond that sat in the middle of it.

The leaves on the trees swayed in the wind, the quiet whistle it made filled your senses as you continued your hike. 

Shifting the roses into the other arm, a groan escaped your mouth after a sharp pain shot through your left shoulder. Pausing slightly, you gently relaxed your arm so as to not trigger another pang. You still weren’t used to being conscious of your shoulder blade even after all these months. The new addition from the quest was a result of being shoved into a rock during the final battle.

You had honestly forgotten about your injury since you hadn’t set it off all day so far. 

You hummed and began walking again, you mind on the quest now.

There had been talks of reclaiming Erebor but you didn’t actually think it’d happen. You were quickly proven wrong when Fili immediately sought you after talking to his Uncle.

“Uncle has asked me to join his quest. I agreed.”

“What? Why can’t you just tell him no, Fili.”

“You know I can’t.”

“I just don't want to lose you.”

“And you won’t, come with me, ghivashel.”

His quick decision of adding you to the company had been an easy solution for you. There was no way you’d be separated from Fili for however long the quest would take.

Not knowing if he’d return back to you? No, you couldn’t do it. 

So naturally you accepted his offer.

Thorin was hesitant on allowing you to join at first, but after suffering from a day of short responses from you everytime he tried to talk to you, he eventually gave in. 

Your quiet and regular life was quite a harsh lifestyle to get used to once the quest had ended. The constant life on the road, being weary of any and every move the company made until you all were able to find shelter was a life you had gotten used to.

While the journey did bring hardships, you and Fili had both created a new personal goal to achieve once the quest finished.

The quiet stream of the lake lulled you in a relaxing daze you hadn’t been able to get with the already exhausting journey the quest was becoming. 

Stopping in Rivendell was a gift and a must needed stop that Gandalf had granted you all even if Thorin didn’t agree with it. 

You for one, did agree.

The distant music the elves were creating further soothed you as you leaned on the smooth rocks behind you with your eyes closed, giving into the relaxing environment. 

A snap of a branch followed by a quiet “shit” prompts you to open your eyes in order to find the perpetrator who was currently disrupting your alone time.

“What are you doing?”

“What do you think I’m doing, I’m joining my lovely One in a relaxing bath she did not invite me to.”

You watched as Fili began to remove his clothes, blushing slightly at the wink he sent you when he caught you peeking at him. 

Before you could process anything, Fili catches you off guard by unceremoniously jumping into the water.

Attempting to shield yourself from the water he splashed at you, your arms scramble to block the waves of the disturbed lake. 

“I swear sometimes I think you act more like the younger brother than Kili does.”

Emerging from the water, he grins at you and shakes his hair in response.

Shielding yourself again, you groan at his antics.

The moonlight highlighted Fili’s blond hair, the waves already losing a bit of shape due to the water, but not making him any less ethereal at the moment. Your gaze wandered down, watching the water cascade down his strong chest, emphasizing his toned body. 

You were grateful that his eyes were currently closed because if he had caught you ogling at his naked torso (again), you’d never hear the last of it.

You eyed a droplet that had fallen from his hair onto his chest, the bead slowly making its descent into the water, becoming whole with the lake once again.

Your heart swelled with being with your One, he made you feel whole. 

Your attention returned to Fili’s face, his eyes meeting yours with a knowing smile on his lips. Rolling your eyes in silent response, you watch as he wades over toward you. 

His face softens as he just observes you. Even after so many years together, Fili’s gaze always seemed to make you nervous and create butterflies in your stomach.

“You look beautiful.” Fili whispers. 

Laughing quietly, you look over at him. “Yeah, now I do after finally being able to bathe myself.” 

Shaking his head, he smiles. “You always look beautiful, amrâlimê.”

“Well, it’s a gift.” You joked back. 

Fili doesn’t laugh but instead continues to gaze at you. “I still can’t believe you’re with me.” 

“If not me, who else?” Fili rolls his eyes, “Kidding.” You smile at yourself before moving closer to his body.

“You know, you still make me nervous.” You confess. 

Fili grins, you continued, “I still freak out over if I should hold your hand,” you laugh at yourself, “I just always freeze whenever you're near, even after these years. You’d think I’d get over it.” You huffed finally. 

Laughing, Fili takes your hands and intertwines his, pulling you toward him more. He doesn't say anything for a bit, simply admiring your face. You wondered how you must’ve looked, your hair was most likely flat on your head pinned against your face. Your tired eyes drooped slightly from the relaxing moment the two of you were having. You’d most likely say you looked ugly but you knew he’d replied with a “never.”

“Marry me.”

“What?”

“Marry me, amrâlimê. Let us spend eternity with each other.” He grabs your hands. “Once we reclaim Erebor, will you stand by me and be my future wife?”

“Fili,” you felt your head nodding, “of course.” 

Smiling, he pulls you gently into a soft kiss. His lips were soft against your own, the hint of wine still on his lips from dinner earlier mingled with your own. 

Pulling away quickly he rushes out the water to retrieve something from his pile of belongings. Carefully returning to you, he extends his arm out to give you a rose. 

“Ah, yes my rose.” Bringing the flower to your nose, you asked. “Where did you get it?”

“Elrond may or may not be one rose less in his flower garden.” He answered truthfully.

Laughing, he pulls you toward him again to kiss your cheek, “I promise you, once Erebor is reclaimed. You will be my wife, ghivashel.”

“Well, I can’t wait.” Your voice whispers as the two of you seal your promise with a kiss.

Your hand subconsciously finds itself playing with your braid as your eyes gazed at the tree in the horizon. 

Almost there.

Your fingers fiddled at the bead that held your marriage braid, the cool metal that held the Durin emblem had been neatly carved by Fili upon your wedding day. In addition to your original courting bead, both of them sat in their adjoining spots in the same braid in your hair. It was a habit of yours to trace the carvings with your fingers. He’d always smile at you when you’d zone out and he would notice you fiddling with them.

You pulled the braid in front of your face to inspect it. There were a few stray pieces of hair that had fallen out of place. 

You’d have to rebraid it when you get back to your chambers. 

Clearing your throat, you hummed to yourself as you began your trek up the hill. 

After the battle, you had walked around the nearby area and found this hilltop that was eerily similar to the one where you and Fili had your first kiss on back in Ered Luin. Finding comfort in the almost identical layout, you decided to make this your spot where you and Fili could meet every Friday.

The satisfying feeling of deja vu washed over you as you watched the lone pine tree gently sway in the wind, reminding you of your younger selves, totally infatuated with each other standing there on that hill waiting for the other to finally confess their love for the other.

You stood still for a second, catching your breath from the steep hill you just walked up. 

Your eyes admired the view that the hilltop offered. The sun’s rays beamed down, showcasing the scenery before you. The quiet birds calling out to each other along with the wind running through the tree’s leaves gave you a nice break from the bustling market from earlier.  

Sighing, you peer down as you finally kneeled. 

“Hello, Fili,” you whispered. “I got you your roses, amrâlimê.”

You smiled as you placed the bouquet of roses down before wiping stray leaves that had fallen on the gravestone. Your fingers traced the familiar engravings of Fili’s name, you sighed softly and sat down fully. 

“Ran into Kili and Tauriel on the way here, she says hi by the way.” Your voice rang in the quiet air. 

You sat in silence for a bit as you busied yourself by replacing the old bouquet of roses from last week that were currently sitting in the vase at the base of the gravestone. The delicate petals fell as you gently removed them from the clear glass, dumping the water as well. 

You stood up and walked over to a bucket that you had placed to catch any rain water. Dipping the vase into the bucket, you lifted the glass and made sure the water level was to your liking. 

Satisfied, you walked back to the grave and sat back down to continue your quiet task of arranging the roses. 

Leaning over to place the vase back in its spot, your hand lingered over the gravestone, your fingers hovered over the words“Warrior, Prince, Son, and Fiancé” before dropping your hands in your lap. 

You met Fili every Friday to give him his roses. Some days you’re able to have a calm visit where you just clean around the grave and replace the flowers and leave. 

Other days you absolutely lose your mind.

It looked to be like the latter day.

The feeling of wetness appears on your skin, the familiar streaks of tears make their appearance on your face. 

“I’m sorry.” You say as you wipe your tears roughly. “I’m trying.”

“I really am, Fili.” 

“But it's so hard.”

“Everywhere I look I just-,” a gasp released from your throat as you attempted to regain your breath.

“Everything reminds me of you.”

And everything truly did. 

It didn't help that wherever you went there were sad looks from people. At first, you didn't notice them. Not caring what others thought, you were too busy mourning the loss of your One to care. But as time went on, and the months came one by one, everyone began to move on.

But not you, you’d always stay. 

Soon those sad stares turned into pity, whispers of “she visits him every Friday” and “she still speaks of him as if he’s still alive.” 

They moved on. They’ve returned back to their daily lives. But you hadn’t.

How could you?

The tears were constant. Droplets falling onto your hands and the ground where you faced. Your vision was blurry and you were beginning to develop a headache. “Why wasn’t I there?” You heaved. 

Clamping your mouth shut, you attempted to prevent yourself from screaming. Too many Fridays have gone by where you go back with your voice gone and your head pounding in the morning.

“I’m so sorry.”

Your throat was so tight.

You felt like there wasn’t any air in your lungs, slicing orcs that lay in your path was the result of pure adrenaline. 

You needed to find him.

The icy wind bit at your exposed skin, your hands were starting to get a bit numb from the frantic rushed fighting you were doing in an attempt to get to him faster.

Scanning the area, you continued your way toward where Fili was. 

The white snow blinded you slightly as your feet carried you around the corner. You sucked your breath as you were met with Fili on the ground. 

Dropping your sword in your hand, you rushed toward him to kneel beside him. “Fili.”

“Amrâlimê.” His face widened as he noticed your presence. 

Frantically, you opened his coat before pressing your hand on the stab wound. “Hey, hey-you’re going to be okay. I’m here.” Your head turned around looking for anyone but found no luck.

A cough brought your attention back to Fili, his blue eyes meeting yours. “Stay.”

Reaching over you brought his hand to your lips.“Of course. Of course, I’ll stay.” You knew it wasn’t going to be possible to get Fili out of here without catching any orcs’ attention. The wound was too deep anyways.

And that fall.

“I’m here, I’m not going anywhere.”

“Good.” He breathed.

Despite all that was happening, Fili’s face was filled with a smile. Directed toward you and only you.

Tears spilled from your face, as you looked at his body. Your mouth began to tremble as you remembered-

“Hey, don’t cry. I want to see your beautiful face happy. Please.”

Closing your eyes you smiled slowly before meeting Fili’s again. You bent over to kiss him on his lips. 

Fili’s eyes never left yours. “Remember how nervous I was when we first kissed?”

Laughing slightly, you nodded, “You’re so cute when you're nervous. I had to tell you to just kiss me. ”

It was quiet for a moment.

“Kili.” Fili’s voice was light. 

“He’s fine,” Your mind rushed to when you last saw Kili, you weren't entirely sure where he was. “And your uncle.” 

Fili blinked slowly as you swallowed. Silence falls on the two of you again. The muffled noise from fighting nearby could be heard.

“We need to have roses.”

Not processing what he said, you tilted your head. “What?”

“For the wedding. We need to have roses. It’s kinda-,” he breathed, “kinda our thing.”

You smiled as you brought your hand to his cheek and caressed his face. Wiping stray blood off, you delicately traced his face. 

“Of course…of course, we’ll have roses, my love.” 

“I’ll have to find,” he caught his breath, “the freshest ones just for you.” 

Nodding silently, you closed your eyes attempting to not begin sobbing. 

“I love you.” You opened your eyes again. Fili was still smiling up at you like he always was. 

“I love you, too.” You breathed out.

You bent down to kiss him again, noticing that he was beginning to get cold but you tried to ignore it.

His eyes glazed over for a second before letting out a small breath of air. 

Sobbing you pulled him closer to you. “I’m here, my love. I’m here.” Your chest shook as you attempted to muffle your cries.

With one last breath, Fili closed his eyes and you felt his body relax. 

Shutting your eyes, you wailed.

[caxycreations]

House and Home

NOTE: Spoilers for Tylvinian Tales: The Wolf's Den below. If you haven't read Chapters 11, 12, and 13, do not read below the cut.

I'll never forget it.

It was the 27th of Fina, year 4,014, 2:08am in Tylvin.

I had just said goodnight to Ryder, seen my wife Teresa off to bed. I was only up and about rather than with her because I'd forgotten to turn off the porch light.

Looking back, I'm glad I forgot. Glad I remembered to check later on, rather than before trying to lay down. I don't want to know what would have happened had I turned it off earlier. I was by the bar counter between the den and the kitchen when I heard a weak, timid knock at the door.

I remembered narrowing my eyes, reaching for the Bolt P.S. 9 I kept near the door. That early, that late, there weren't many who could be at my door with good intentions. I hit the charge tab on the gun, priming it. The tell-tale high-pitched whirr filled the hallway, quiet but clear.

I remember my heart racing, wondering what I was about to see. I looked through the viewport on the door. I remember panicking when I saw nobody there. I thought of getting Ryder, my son was far stronger than I was and if it came to a fight, I'd prefer he be at my side than not.

I opened the door, only slightly, and I heard a soft gasp. I looked down, burning the sight that met me into my mind.

A small, familiar caxy, grey fur and brown hair, sitting with his back to the door and his knees tucked up to his chest. His unnaturally long tail was curled tight around his waist and he was hugging his knees and trembling. A blue bomber jacket and a pair of tan khaki pants were all he had with him.

I clicked the primer down, the whirr of the Bolt dying out as I quickly put it back in it's place, opening the door as David Seltz, my son's best friend, turned his head to face me. The fur of his cheeks and around his eyes were matted flat, wet with tears, and his eyes were bloodshot and dim, the typical glow in them completely dark.

I knelt down and helped him to his paws. The little caxy, standing at 4'8", barely came up to my stomach. He hugged me, a grip surprisingly tight for such a lithe frame, and buried his face against me. He didn't cry, didn't shake, didn't whine or whimper. He just looked up to me and in a voice that shattered my heart and killed any resolve I might have had, spoke.

"Mr. Trayson...My parents are gone..."

I remember feeling my chest squeeze, tightening like a heart attack. I remember wondering if they passed away, and how it had happened.

"They left a note, they're...They're never coming back..."

I did everything I could not to growl, to snarl, to bare my teeth in rage. His parents had never been worth a damn, never deserved an ounce of the respect and adoration this kid offered them. He'd spent more time here than at his own house. He'd practically grown up alongside Ryder, and we raised him more than I'd ever give his own parents credit for.

I wrapped my arms around him, closing my eyes so he couldn't see how much hate was in them over his parents. I held him against me and shook my head.

"Your parents ain't gone nowhere, bud. We ain't goin' anywhere. Glad ya came home when things went south, I'm proud'a ya. Ya hear me? I'm proud of you." I said, keeping my voice as even as possible.

I looked down at him, and he looked up at me, eyes wet with tears again. He stared at me with wide eyes and open mouth for a long time before he closed his muzzle, lip trembling for but a second before the dam broke. He stood there in my arms, crying like an infant and clinging to me.

A few minutes later, I heard both bedroom doors open and the soft padding of paws coming towards us. I opened my eyes and saw my wife standing in the hallway, my son standing a few feet away. Both were looking at us, but Ryder's eyes were firmly locked on David while Teresa's were on the pair of us.

I saw her start to speak, and shook my head. She closed her mouth, nodding a little and watching. I gave David a couple of pats on the back and took hold of his shoulders.

"Listen'ere son, you go on with Ryder an' you do what you gotta do t'feel better. Talk it out, sit quiet, play some games, whatever y'need. If'n y'need anythin', jus' come down th'hall an' knock, we wanna be here for ya. Food, water, anythin' at all. I jus' need t'talk t'Teresa 'bout somethin', so give us a lil time, 'kay?"

He nodded, turning and seeing Ryder and Teresa, freezing for a second before walking over to Ryder and hugging him. I watched, proud, as my son hugged him back and led him to his bedroom.

Teresa and I had spent the rest of that night talking between intermittent interruptions from Ryder and David asking questions about food or staying up late. With a long talk and a little venting over our anger at David's parents, we came to the decision together.

After a talk with David, and learning his parents had left him the family home in the process of abandoning him, we made it known that our home was his, and he was welcome to stay if he'd like.

We made it clear. His mother and father had left town, yes.

But his Mom and Dad were right there, ready to give him the home that kid had always deserved.

Sitting at the edge of the bed in the hotel room in Andronia, Teresa sleeping soundly next to me, I stared at the text I'd gotten. David's sister, Davina, the damned girl that had abandoned him first, left him with those awful people...She of all people texted me.

Worse than that was what she texted. 'Davey and Rye in hospital, stable and alive, but you need to call asap' was the entirety of the message. No explanation, no elaboration. My boys were hurt and all she could manage was that?

I growled low and quiet, trying not to wake Teresa. I looked at the clock. 4:08pm, the 28th of Fina. With a little math to account for being fourteen hours ahead of them, I almost crushed my phone.

Malor, you sadistic bastard...

It was the 27th of Fina, year 4,019. 2:08am in Tylvin.

And I'll never forget it.

I wanted to write something regarding The Wolf's Den, but from outside of it. Hope you all enjoyed seeing things from Ian Trayson's perspective~

(ignore any naming inconsistencies with past work, Teresa and Ian are the canon names, it's just taken me a long time to settle on them)

If you want to read more like this, you can find Tylvinian Tales: The Wolf's Den on AO3 or Wattpad, or if you'd prefer to read it here, you can find the entire chapter masterlist as well as links to the first and latest chapter in my pinned post on my blog~!

[captainnameless]

Thinking about Little Charles coming to Carlos for comfort saying it’s not his fault and that he didn’t mean to block Lando

Poor baby and his Monaco curse 💔

no stop because i’m actually gonna cry for him, and it wasn’t his fault. as usual his engineer did not give him the information he needed to :(

i’m just gonna feed into my own delusion and pretend Seb’s still there, cause he didn’t want this to happen, but he did kind of worry it would. stupid curse.

so like:

Carlos tries to do some damage control, it’s not the Saturday either of them had hoped for but Charles’ has just exploded into way worse. He looks absolutely defeated coming out of the stewards and Carlos is glad he stayed just so he can;

“Come.” He hums, opening his arms for Charles to step into, the younger doing so effortlessly, fitting his face into the Carlos’ neck.

“I didn’t mean to.” He mumbles, voice dangerously close to a whimper.

“I know.” Carlos sighed, closing his arms around Charles, he choses not to say anything else, voice his thoughts or opinions, they won’t help Charles anyway.

They stand in silence for a while, hugging each other tight before Carlos realizes Charles is crying, he just holds him tighter, pressing a kiss to the top of Charles’ head and murmuring his most encouraging Italian.

They’re in a private enough spot to not have to worry about the media or personnel disrupting them, so Carlos lets Charles get out some of his frustrations. It’s a minute or two before Charles pushes himself out of Carlos’ arms, hands coming up to scrub at his face as he takes in a shaky breath.

“..Désolé”

“Do not apologize.” Carlos frowns, thumbing at a stray tear on Charles cheek. “It’s gonna be alright.”

Charles shrugs, unbelieving, but manages something that sort of resembles a smile to thank Carlos.

“Go home, get some rest.” Carlos says, pulling Charles in for a shorter hug. “Let today be today. Tomorrow can be tomorrow.”

Charles nods, at least he gets to go home tonight.

- -

The lights are on in the hall of the apartment and Charles frowns, because he’s pretty sure this morning he flicked them off. He doesn’t notice the shoes tucked away in the corner but there’s some noise coming from deeper in the apartment.

There’s a sudden uncomfortable feeling of an intruder but before it can sink in Sebastian’s head pokes around the corner of the wall. “You’re home.”

There’s a noise that comes out of Charles that he can’t really identify, and he kinda feels like melting into a pool on to the ground at the sight of Sebastian, of Seb, of Daddy.

Daddy.

He can’t quite get his words to work and trips over his own feet to get to Seb who catches him with a soft smile.

“Calm, Caro.”

“Daddy.” Charles finally manages as he clings to Seb, a fresh set of tears stinging at his eyes.

“I know.” Sebastian soothes, wrapping Charles up as tight as he can. Charles melts into Sebastian, dam breaking and a flurry of frustration coming out in rants mixed in English, French in Italian, mostly tears and vague gestures. Sebastian’s gets them moved to Charles couch somewhere in between and it’s a while before Charles realizes he’s stopped speaking, is safely tucked against Sebastian chest, his hairs being played with and his eyes sting fiercely but he’s no longer crying.

“Sweet boy,” Sebastian sighs, pressing a kiss to Charles’ forehead. “That sucked, huh?”

And Charles nods, heaves out a sigh. Because it did, it does, no need to sugar coat it.

“I wish I could fix it.” Sebastian whispers so quietly Charles isn’t sure he was meant to hear, but he wishes so too. They sit for a bit more before Sebastian offers a shower, Charles protests, unwilling to give up his prime cuddling position.

“Mio,” Sebastian soothes, poking at the pout on Charles’ lips. “A shower will make you feel infinitely better, and Daddy’ll make us a nice dinner.”

Charles seems unimpressed still, but Sebastian isn’t giving in.

“The quicker you go the quicker you’ll be back, and we can watch a movie during dinner. I’m not going anywhere, Schatz.”

Charles forces out the biggest sigh to show his displeasure, but obeys anyway, moved along by the “Good boy” send his way.

He’s back out of the shower later than he’d wanted to, but Seb had been nice. The hot water on his shoulders had eased the tension and it’d been hard to step out from under it, the apartment had filled with good smell during his shower though so eventually Charles had forced himself to move.

He’s attached to Sebastian the second he steps into the kitchen and the elder wraps his free arm around Charles while the other pulls out whatever is in the oven.

“Nice shower?” Sebastian asks and Charles nods into Sebastian’s shoulder, peeking over to see what’s cooking.

Sebastian presses a kiss to Charles’ damp hair. “It’s lasagna.”

As if on cue Charles’ stomach growls and Sebastian chuckles. “It’s done, Amor. We can eat.”

Sebastian pulls back the arm that was holding Charles and is earned a whine. “Daddy.”

“Gotta use both hands.” Sebastian soothes. “Just- a second.”

“You can hold me and do the food.” Charles gestures vaguely before reattaching himself to Sebastian.

Sebastian doesn’t stop his smile. “I can’t hold you both.”

“Have you gone weak that quick?” Charles quips, squeals when Sebastian swats at him.

“The cheek!” He accuses. “Even in misery you do not lose your tongue.” The lasagna gets abandoned in favor of getting both hands on the younger.

“Daddy’ll hold you alright.”

It’s easy to get Charles close with how near he was still standing and Sebastian seizes the opportunity to dig his fingers into Charles’ sides.

Charles shrieks, fails to escape quick enough and bursts into a fit of giggles at the tickling. “No! No, no no! Daddy!”

Sebastian relents, helps Charles back upright from where he’d almost collapsed onto the floor and hooks a finger under his chin. “Go sit on the couch, trouble.” He hums, pressing a kiss to Charles’ nose.

Charles nods, still out of breath before dashing for the couch.

They spend the night watching a new Netflix show and eating lasagna, Charles cuddled up and loved on the entire night.

[deoxitheeclipsewolf]

I have a prime dammed dentist appointment on Friday and then my parents are making me talk to an old friend after that AND THEN the freaking CARNIVAL is coming this weekend T0T

GUYS I CAN’T WATCH CHAOS THEORY UNTIL MONDAY

[jow99]

A new week

Monday morning was not cold but very misty. The morning was spent for me doing the clothes washing and Jose finally managed to get some train tickets booked. He’s been trying for about 5 days, it turned out Renfe was having work done to the website. He finally admitted defeat and rang them.

Unfortunately the rain came back in the afternoon when I had a washing line full of washing 😫 That was not on the forecast. I consoled myself by watching the Giro.

We’ve joined Amazon Prime and so this evening after running a few errands we settled in to watch a series I’d been hoping to see but could never get, Good Omens. Meanwhile the rain continued.

Tuesday morning dawned sunny and dry. Given it’s been a month since either of us went out in our road bikes we decided to go out together rather than Jose joining the group.

It was a lovely morning and an enjoyable, relaxed ride (not too relaxed, my legs were hammered by the end). Back in L’Escala we enjoyed a drink in the sun.

In the afternoon I braved doing some more washing as thankfully most of yesterday’s washing had dried. There’s been a bit of rain over the last few days in the Giro and I know there’s been wind and rain back in Oz.

Watching tv Tuesday night we heard that the dams in Spain are now 67% full. However the dams in Catalunya are only 23% full, up from 17%. I really shouldn’t moan about the rain 🤐 We did get the most amazing rainbow tonight 🌈

On another brighter note it seems the preliminary rounds of Eurovision are underway. Definitely an eclectic mix of performances and that includes Australia’s 🤨

[im-just-a-dumb-gay]

Bayverse timeline: Earth edition Part 1

Basically I summarize the wiki with some additions

4.54 billion years: Earth forms around Unicron

65 million years ago: Quintessa sent her people to activate a Seed leading to the extinction of dinosaurs

17,000 BC: The 7 Primes land on Earth. 6 of the 7 sacrifice themselves to protect Earth from The Fallen.

10,000 BC: Allspark crashes on Earth

2560 BC: Great Pyramid of Giza is built around the Star Harvester

1200 BC: El Deir in Petra built to hide Tomb of the Primes

After 1200 BC: Seekers sent to find the Tomb of Primes. Only a riddle is discovered. 

Before 1000 BC: Sentinel’s ship is shot down and is floatingly endlessly in space. Optimus becomes the new leader of the Autobots

1000 BC: Megatron crash lands on Earth when searching for the Allspark. As he didn’t inform anyone where he went, no one knew where to search for him. Starscream led with his absence. Megatron had left as he believed the war was won and thought it was time to search for the Allspark to help fix their planet. The war, however, continued as the Autobots were not going down. Some Decepticons became disillusioned with the Decepticons and became Autobots. This included Drift, Trench, and Crosshairs. This helped the Autobots get an advantage and this made the war last even longer. 

Before 484 AD: The war killed Cybertron. Near the end of the war, Bumblebee lost his voice to Shockwave.The Knights discovered that Quintessa did not care for them or Cybertron. They took her staff and decided to hide on Earth. They assumed Quintessa would believe they went as far away from Unicron to keep the staff away. They assumed right and Quintessa did not immediately find them. Quintessa sent Lockdown to find the Lower Knights. The Dinobots, who also left Cybertron after being convinced from the Knights, went to other planets. Merlin discovers The Knights. They tell him of their destroyed planet and tell him to keep them a secret.

484 AD: Merlin asks The Knights of assistance against the Saxon hordes. Merlin is given The Staff.

After 484 AD: Merlin dies and most of the Knights protect his tomb. One decides to search for other Cybertronians to give refuge. The Cybertronians brought to Earth get in contact with the Order of the Witwiccans. Some of these Cybertronians include Bulldog, Hound, and Drift. Optimus and his main team, however, did not go to Earth due to them splitting up to try to find the Allspark. Bumblebee was the one who volunteered to go to Earth and search for the Allspark. After losing his voice, Bumblebee became withdrawn and way more violent, barely interacting with the humans on Earth and deciding not to interact with the Order of the Witwiccans unlike Hot Rod. (Hound came to earth around the 1700s. Bulldog and Drift came around the 1800s maybe? Hot Rod and Bumblebee came around the 1900s. Crosshairs might have come around the 1800s too?) 

1897: Captain Archibald Witwicky discovers Megatron

1910s: Bulldog takes part in World War 1

1913: First Seven discover Allspark. The Allspark was dormant at that time so the signature couldn’t be reached to Bumblebee. 

1927: Section Seven formed

1931: Hoover Dam bult around Allspark

After 1931: Megatron was brought over to Hoover Dam. Project Black Knife at some point is dismissed.

1940s: Bumblebee and Hot Rod fight with the Allies in the Devil’s Brigade. Bumblebee is still extremely violent at this time. He barely interacted with humans before this point in time. 

1945: Watch that Killed Hitler…well killed Hitler. 

After 1945: Hot Rod stays in Britain. Bumblebee continues his search for the Allspark. At some point Soundwave makes his way to earth as he learns that some Autobots were there and thought there might be something important there.

1960s: The Ark (Sentinel’s ship) lands on the moon. While this was no Allspark, Soundwave saw an opportunity with this discovery and sent some Decepticons there as well as informing Starscream of the situation. USSR finds Pillars being taken by Decepticons. The US has their astronauts investigate the ship. Starscream and some Decepticons start to make their way to Earth so see if the Pillars can be used to save Cybertron. They realize, however, that Sentinel is needed to make them work and that he was in stasis. They stay on earth to see if there is a way to use the Pillars without him and to make earth a somewhat base as well as kill any Autobots hiding on earth.

1970s: Soundwave and Laserbeak manipulate humans to stop further moon missions. 

1980s: Chernobyl disaster caused by fuel cell extracted from the Ark

2003: Beagle 2 Rover reveals alien activity on Mars. This was most likely a Decepticon.

Before 2007: Soundwave gets some information about Sector Seven(perhaps one of his human companions learned about Sector Seven and it’s potential knowledge)