#despite it's still unclear who were all these clapping people

[unhonestlymirror]

Gojo Satoru is an awesome person, and people clearly don't value him enough

[forgivenpunishment]

"Hey, can't a man get startled without being judged?!" Wolfwood bemoans, over-dramatic as he recalls the sheer panic he experienced from a simple touch. "She still stood by me after that, so I guess I made it up to her somehow. I hope I did. We didn't have too long together before everything... went wrong."

He knows that, just like with Meryl the first time, this Meryl seems to be comparing him to someone he's not. Thankfully, he's more prepared to handle it this time. He's not going to break her fucking arm—instead, he holds her hand as she holds his. It's the small comforts that can put others at ease, and if this is something that will help, he doesn't mind at all.

"We got stuck in a typhoon in some middle-of-nowhere shell of a ghost town with a warehouse. The damn place was the only building even remotely stable—or you know, so we thought," despite the horror of it all, Nick seems more confident sharing this part of the story. Perhaps it's easier to share now that he has both of them back and more. "Vash and Meryl got stuck under some rubble, and I couldn't get them out without putting them in even more danger, so I guess the Cube intervened. Or Vash activated the Cube? It was pretty unclear to me."

All of them ended up in pretty shitty places, now that he thinks about it. If he could offer his encubed counterpart a sarcastic golf clap, he would.

"I ended up back in the Eye of Michael's headquarters, under Conrad's knife. Guess they were fascinated with the whole... inter-dimensional travel thing and wanted a piece of it. They tried interrogating me, testing me, torturing me," Wolfwood pauses solemnly, fighting off the demons that come with the territory of remembering those times, "Eventually, I guess, they used something from me to hijack a Cube teleport attempt, and they got Meryl. Thankfully, she found Nicholas before that, and he managed to break both of us out."

His eyes rest fondly on the shelter below them as he thinks for a moment, "Not sure what would've happened to me if it weren't for him. Probably would've died... eventually. The Eye doesn't... they don't like letting their lab rats go easily. Not unless their purpose is to die. S'why I mentioned there being a bit of hope for your partners."

Wolfwood hums, wanting to shift the topic to something more... uplifting, "So, for a while it was just the three of us. Never minded Nicholas linking up with her—hell, I still think he oughta propose to her too. All of this is a weird situation, may as well say a few words, give her a piece of jewelry, and make a promise. Who the hell is anyone to judge us if we meet other versions of ourselves and end up falling for 'em again? S'not like we're finding new people to hook up with, it's just... just... us."

The tangent causes him to furrow his brow in confusion as he struggles to find the right words to describe alternate versions of the same relationship. Some sort of polycube, he supposes.

"Uh. Anyway..."

Nick mentally shuffles away from that topic, returning to the more present dilemma. He smiles softly down at the Meryl next to him, thinking of broader horizons, distant places that she wouldn't believe. "I can't say that traveling between worlds is pleasant. I don't think I'll ever get used to it," he grumbles, "Sometimes we find another Gunsmoke, sometimes it's a new place altogether. There's a world out there with magic and swords and dragons and shit—guns too, but they don't outclass the guys with swords. There're oceans, deserts, forests, mountains... I still have so much to explore over there. Have you ever been fishing?"

He remembers the desolate world that has always surrounded him since birth.

"Er, I guess you wouldn't have... huh...?"

There is more he is not telling her as she listens to him telling her the story of how they all came to meet and came to be together. Normally, Meryl would have pried for more information, seeking out the odds and ends he’s kept hidden from her, but she lets it be for now.

Exhaustion tugs at her in a way she has never felt before, despite feeling a bit invigorated at climbing the dune just moments before he had snuck up on her. The approaching sunrise does little to lift her spirits and she looks down at the tent they have shared throughout the night and wishes she had stayed asleep.

Except, sleep is not entirely restful. 

To spare them waking up because her nightmares proved to be too powerful to trudge through, she’d gotten up and decided climbing a dune was the next best course of action. Perhaps some physical activity would be enough to tire her out so that the next time she fell asleep, it would be dreamless.

At the mention of him breaking the other Meryl’s arm, regardless of his reasons, she looks at him with a look of surprise and shock, standing in almost a defensive position, with her hands on her hips. “You broke her arm?!” Despite explaining himself, she levels him with a stare that would send some people running. “I hope you made it up to her after all that,” she says with a hint of warning in her voice, but judging by the way they had acted around each other, it seems like they had.

Julai remains a topic that requires delving into memories that are often wanting to be left well enough alone, and there is a sense of a deeper understanding when it concerns the giant metropolis. She thinks about how she and her Wolfwood and Vash had not had the chance to really meet Knives face-to-face after Julai. If he had planned something beyond Julai, then it must be true in her world as well. 

It leaves her dealing with a pit of anxiety, wondering what could be going on where she was unable to follow. Legato made sure that the exchange between the Eye of Michael and the Bernardelli’s was handled personally.

“You sorta remind me of him, a bit,” she says after a little while. It still hurts to think of her Wolfwood and Vash, but it’s the kind of hurt that makes her feel something else. Something she can’t quite name, or maybe is too afraid to call it what it could be.

She reaches for his hands, unclasping them and holding one with her own. His hand, just like she knew it would be, covers her own, but Meryl continues to hold on. He’s warm where she had always run a bit cooler, but she manages to wrap her fingers around his index, middle and ring finger of his right hand, tugging him a bit towards her. 

So, it seems that, as far as she knows, what happened at Julai was something unavoidable. “Our Julai wasn’t as lucky either,” she says, her eyes now downcast as she remembers that night and how she and her Wolfwood had watched in horror as an entire city was razed to the ground. 

Rather than dig up more from her past, she focuses on him, needing a change. “I know there is more you don’t want to tell me—or can’t tell me, yet—and I understand,” she says, still clasping his hand. She glances down at the tents below the dune and wonders if any of the others have begun to notice the absence of two from their cuddle-sleep pile. 

As someone who seemed to always have all her cards on the table, she would not deny, if asked, how comfortable she had been sleeping among them. 

Meryl makes a decision that she wants to know this Wolfwood a little better. Perhaps there might be time to get to know each of them, as they will come to know her in turn. She looks back and offers him a slight smile.

“I wanna know what it’s like—to visit another place, but on purpose.” Being snapped away from the jaws—or rope—of death at the last possible second is not something she is likely to forget.

[j4gm]

TOGETHER AGAIN SPOILERS

A thread of lore, Easter eggs, episode connections, and background details from Adventure Time: Distant Lands: Together Again! Let me know if I missed anything! This is adapted from my original Twitter thread.

Keep reading ⬇️⬇️⬇️

1. I was expecting them to perhaps do a classic style title sequence for this episode, but I wasn't expecting them to straight up use the original title sequence. The only difference is this final screen saying "Distant Lands".

2. The background of the title cards is also the hill from the title sequence.

3. The ice cream having "50 flavours" and having an image of an enlightened soul is an obvious reference to the 50th Dead World as we see it later in the episode.

4. Continuing with the metaphor, the dirt in the ice cream could be a parallel to the fact that Jake's Nirvana actually wasn't perfect, because his inaction was allowing for injustice to perpetuate.

5. This whole scene feels immediately slightly off. Finn has his Scarlet sword and is out on a classic Ice King adventure, but he speaks in his grown voice and all the slang feels much more forced than it did in the real season one. Turns out this was deliberate.

6. The snow golem speaks with a baby voice like it did in the pilot episode, even though in canon it has a deeper voice. This further hints that something is not quite right.

7. The first major break in continuity is these snow golems resembling Uncle Gumbald and Peace Master, who Finn didn't meet until later in his life.

8. LSP sitting on Finn's head like this is reminiscent of Pen Ward's piece for the 2018 Ble crew zine.

9. Finn being given the choice of helping somebody but ending up helping everybody reminds me of "Memories of Boom Boom Mountain". It's the kind of resolution that wouldn't happen so much in the late seasons of the show, which helps make this scene feel even further out of place.

10. Jake is half frozen by Ice King in pretty much the exact same way as he was in "Prisoners of Love", and even has a very similar line.

11. The Snail is seen here. The crew have said that the Snail has been deliberately left out of previous Distant Lands specials, so its placement here is another very deliberate hint that this whole sequence is "trying too hard" to be like the early seasons.

12. The book "Mind Games" appears a couple of times, as seen in several previous episodes of Adventure Time. The first is as Finn is approaching the library in his dream. It also appears as one of the items in Finn's backpack later.

13. Jake is hurt when Finn fist bumps him with his metal arm, revealing that this scene is not real. This is also a callback to the title sequences of "Islands" and "Elements".

14. A whole bunch of familiar skeletons are seen in the bird's nest: Dirt Beer Guy, Abracadaniel, Me-Mow, Lemongrab, Mr. Pig, and the Snail again. This doesn't necessarily mean that all these characters are dead, since this scene is just a hallucination.

15. Old Man Finn! He's still got the chest tattoo of Jake, and this time we know that Jake is dead, so the theory that Jake died before "Obsidian" seems pretty likely. He looks similar to his old man design from "Puhoy", with the same facial hair.

16. There are several cameos of familiar characters who apparently died at the same time as Finn. The first is this duck, who previously appeared in "Ocarina".

17. The second is Donny, from the episode... uh, "Donny".

18. This goblin guy is an unnamed background character from “The Silent King”.

19. This old lady first appeared in "The Enchiridion", way back in season one. Old ladies are a species in the Land of Ooo, so I guess she wasn't actually very old back then, given she just about outlived Finn.

20. This is the cobbler who first appears in "His Hero". Amazing that he lived so long given all the trouble he got into in that episode.

21. Land of the Dead! This place was first seen in season two's "Death in Bloom", and now we are finally learning its actual purpose. It's a sort of gateway and hub to all of the other dead worlds.

22. There are some more minor cameos at the gates: a house person from "Donny", a soft person from "Gut Grinder", and a wood person from "When Wedding Bells Thaw". And, of course, the gate guardian himself from “Death in Bloom”.

23. Finn completely ignores the gate guardian in the same way he did in Death in Bloom. This also has the convenient effect of not having to reveal how Finn died, leaving it up to the audience's imagination.

24. Mr. Fox! We already knew he would die at some point because BMO had his skull in the finale.

25. Finn has his design from the first Distant Lands poster in this scene. Turns out it's young Finn in old Finn's clothes. But they gave him a shirt in the poster so you wouldn't be able to see the tattoo.

26. The clapping that Finn does while he's looking for Jake is a callback to "James Baxter the Horse", when Jake tells Finn to listen for that same rhythm if they are killed and need to find each other in the afterlife.

27. Mr. Fox talks about a "past life quotient", suggesting that there might be some kind of limit to how many times somebody can reincarnate. Finn's reincarnations are also seen in this scene; a callback to "The Vault", and confirmation that reincarnations share the same soul.

28. Boobafina, the goose who Mr. Fox was in love with in his debut episode “Storytelling”, apparently reincarnated into a tugboat. We've already seen that objects can have souls in the episode "Ghost Fly".

29. Finn is initially assigned to the 37th Dead World, which is the same one that Jake went to when he died in "Sons of Mars". We can only guess at what the other numbers on the ticket mean ;)

30. Tiffany! Despite several lucky escapes throughout his life, Tiffany has finally died. I like the use of this imagery to express Finn's conflicted feelings about him.

31. The 50th Dead World has long been established as the "highest" dead world, and the one synonymous with Heaven within Adventure Time's universe. It was first mentioned in "Ghost Princess" back in season three.

32. It's unclear what happens to souls which are destroyed within the dead worlds. It is a similar question to asking what happened to the ghosts that were killed in "Ghost Fly".

33. Death doesn't speak at all in Together Again because his voice actor, Miguel Ferrer, passed away in 2017 long before production began.

34. Finn phases through New Death when he tries to attack him, just like what happened way back in "Death in Bloom".

35. The 30th Dead World contains Tree Trunks as well as many of her love interests; Mr. Pig, her alien husband from "High Strangeness", Danny and Randy who first appeared in "Apple Wedding", and several more who we don't recognise, including at least one who presents as a woman.

36. Literally yelled when these two showed up. Joshua calls Finn a crybaby, which is a callback to "Dad's Dungeon".

37. The wall of weapons in Joshua and Margaret's house includes the iconic Demon Blood Sword, which was broken in "Play Date", as well as Margaret's auto-loading crossbow from "Joshua & Margaret Investigations".

38. Jermaine is sidelined a few times through the episode, in reference to his attitude in "Jermaine" where he feels that Finn and Jake were always their parents' favourites. I would have hoped things would be a bit better by now.

39. Fern gets name dropped while Finn and Jake are reuniting. A shame he doesn't actually show up in the episode.

40. In this scene, Finn says "What time is it?" This is a very subtle reference to the 2010 cartoon "Adventure Time".

41. In a couple of shots during this fight scene it looks like Jake might have a tattoo. It seems like it only becomes visible when he stretches out his arm.

42. New Death's amulet in this scene resembles parts of the Lich's cape, foreshadowing his influence on New Death.

43. There are several more cameos in the 50th Dead World: Booshy from "High Strangeness", one of the Marshmallow Kids from "Scamps", and Ghost Princess and Clarence, who were seen ascending to the 50th Dead World in "Ghost Princess".

44. Finn didn't interact with Booshy in "High Strangeness", but it seems they must have met at some point before they both died because Finn knows his name.

45. It seems like people in the 1st Dead World are slowly melted away until they become part of the landscape. Nasty.

46. Lots more cameos in this scene: a gnome from "Power Animal", a gnome from "The Enchiridion", a Bath Boy from "The Vault", Blagertha from "Love Games", Maja the Sky Witch, a troll from "Dungeon", Chocoberry, Choose Goose, Wyatt, a spiky person from "Gut Grinder", and possibly more.

47. Tiffany's insults are consistently nonsensical and amazing, as they were in the original series.

48. The Candy Kingdom looks extremely different. Peppermint Butler is wearing the crown so he might be in charge now, which is supported by the kingdom's very magical-looking augmentations. It’s not clear whether Finn and Jake were expecting to find Princess Bubblegum or Peppermint Butler, since both have the initials “PB” and both could be going by the title of “Princess”. Perhaps Peps and Bubblegum share the princess duties now that PB is living with Marceline more of the time.

49. Peppermint Butler has a "Boss" mug, although it's not the same colour as the one from "Obsidian".

50. Jake's ghost has the same design as he did when BMO killed him in "Ghost Fly". I also absolutely love Finn's ghost. This scene establishes that ghosts are just visitors to the mortal plane from the dead worlds.

51. Life has only appeared in animated shorts before now. Namely, "The Gift That Reaps Giving" which establishes her relationship with Death, and "Frog Seasons: Winter". This episode gives her a concrete place within Adventure Time's pantheon: she is in charge of reincarnation.

52. A translation of Life’s angry French dialogue by Shado: “After all I did for that boy. After all I did for him. No, it's not possible. It's not possible no, that... that makes me so mad but it's not possible.”

53. We finally have in-universe confirmation that Shoko's tiger is a previous life of Jake. This was previously confirmed by one of the writers, but wasn't canon until now.

54. I feel like Finn pulled off Shoko's look even better than Shoko did. I wonder whether Finn has gained the memories of his past lives now that he’s dead.

55. No Easter egg here, just want to appreciate this image.

56. There is an elemental symbol on the wall here, as seen in "Jelly Beans Have Power".

57. Tiffany's dramatic internal monologue is a recurring gag, as is his habit of nearly dying from falling into holes.

58. The Jake suit makes a cameo in the fight against New Death. It was last seen in the episode "Reboot”.

59. Finn's backpack contains a few familiar items: the t-shirt with the pocket from "It Came from the Nightosphere", Finn's underwear from "Little Dude" and other episodes, and a copy of Mind Games as I've already mentioned.

60. The Lich's Hand is present in the background of Death's... death scene. This is probably the unseen "friend" who New Death keeps talking about.

61. The Lich's menacing monologues often begin with a single command. Previously they have included "Fall" and "Stop". This time, the command is "Burn".

62. Jake uses the word "boingloings", which is a callback all the way to "Hitman" in the third season.

63. Jake's blue shape-shifter form from "Abstract" appears very briefly during his fight with Finn.

64. Finn's lumpy space person form also makes an appearance. This design was last seen all the way back in the second episode of the entire show, "Trouble in Lumpy Space".

65. Jake steps on the Lich's hand in a very similar way to how he stepped on Ash in "Memory of a Memory", which is itself a Monty Python reference.

66. The credits include a dedication to a few AT cast and crew who have passed away. Polly Lou Livingston was the voice of Tree Trunks. Miguel Ferrer was the voice of Death. Michel Lyman and Maureen Mlynarczyk were both sheet timers on the original series. Rest in peace.

67. The message that Finn and Jake write out on the ouija board is "BUTT", which Peppermint Butler takes as a distress signal. This message is also used as a distress signal by the Hot Dog Knights in "The Limit".

68. Peppermint Butler's reversed dialogue from the scene where he makes contact with Finn and Jake is "Kee-Oth Rama Pancake", the spell from “Dad's Dungeon” for banishing demons.

69. That appears to be President Porpoise with all of Tree Trunks’ other lovers.

70. In this scene, Life is humming part of "Lonely Bones", the song which Death tried to record for her in her debut short "The Gift That Reaps Giving". It's hard to notice because it's so brief.

71. Finn and Jake's cover is blown while in the Land of the Dead because Jake loudly farts, which also happened in "Death in Bloom".

72. The place where Mr. Fox explains the perception mechanics of the afterlife is the exact same location as the River of Forgetfulness from "Death in Bloom", which, as it turns out, was imaginary.

These are sort of out of order at the end because I was adding stuff to the Twitter thread as it got discovered. That’s all for now!

[wannabe-fic-writer]

Lena Luthor x Reader : Truth

This is my first quote request and my first time writing for Lena. It’s likely that this sucks and if it does please let me know(nicely). I love Lena but it’s possible I shouldn’t be writing for her😅

Quote: "Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there." - Rumi

Warning: Violence, Language

Word Count: 1,406

* * * * * *

Despite being awake, you cuddle closer to the woman in your arms, breathing deeply and trying to ease back into sleep.

Only for her alarm to go off, effectively pulling you from that sleepy state.

When she starts to move you tighten your hold and press a kiss to her neck,“ shhhh. If we don’t move time just might freeze.”

Lena laughs softly,” I don’t think that’s how it works.”

“Well I think your next invention should make that possible. I hate leaving you.”

The woman turns in your hold, green eyes boring into yours, searching your soul in a way she always had. You raise your hand, cupping her cheek, and leaning in.

Her eyes shut, expecting a kiss, and you give her one. On her cheek. Effectively making her giggle.

“Well that’s not what I was expecting.” She speaks honestly, resting her face in the crook of your neck as she snuggles closer.

As you shut your eyes you have the full intent to go back to sleep. It’s incredibly rare that Lena agrees to sleep in even if it’s a few minutes. But that doesn’t pan out.

The second you hear your phone buzz you know you have to get up. It could’ve been ignored but the triple buzz is a custom notification, from the DEO.

So reluctantly, you pull yourself away from Lena who laughs at you and gets up as well.

“What happened to sleeping in?” She teases, stepping from the shower as you brush your teeth.

You roll your eyes,“ I didn’t want to get up but duty calls Miss Luthor. As I’m sure your familiar with.” You place a gentle swat to her ass that makes the CEO blush furiously.

The worst part of your day comes when you and Lena part ways. A slow passionate kiss all that you have to hang on to until later tonight.

Stepping into the DEO gives you the same feeling it always does. You feel proud to be apart of an organization that saves lives(human and otherwise). And you also feel happy, especially seeing your friends.

“Hey hey.” You smile as you approach the people surrounding the table.

“Y/n!” Kara’s own bright smile meets your eyes and she’s quick to hug you, more than happy to not hold back her super strength to do so. Your daxamite genes take it with gusto and you return the hug with almost the same amount of strength.

“Super hug!” Winn exclaims, joining the hug, and groaning when you playfully squeeze just a tad bit harder.

“Glad you’re in a good mood Agent Y/Ln,” J’onn says with a nod,“ cause we’ve got a big one.”

By big one, he meant big one. None of you are sure who’s inside the lead lined metal suit but you have to assume it’s someone familiar with yours and Karas weaknesses.

A loud frustrated groan leaves your lips when you enter your apartment. Fighting a lead suited man makes you ache in places you hadn’t ached in before.

Of course the one fatal weakness you have is exploited by the enemy.

On top of having your ass handed to you today you come home to an empty apartment, the absence of your girlfriend making you groan again.

It’s not unusual for you to be home before Lena, but that doesn’t make it any better. So you use this time to try and feel better.

Ice works for humans right? Might as well try it.

As you’re resting on the couch, bags of ice on your abdomen and leg, a burst of wind flies past you. H/c strands of hair tousle at the rush and you smirk.

“Always a pleasure Miss Danvers.” You glance at the open balcony doors and over to the front door where Kara stands in her Supergirl uniform.“ What’s the reason for this visit?”

She smiles brightly,“ I know tonight’s fight was tougher on you,” she holds her hands up to reveal two bags, one from your favorite bakery and the other from a Thai place,“ so I picked this up on my way home.”

The blonde walks over and starts opening the bags and the second you smell the sweetness of your favorite dessert you sigh.

Eyes closed, you clap your hands together, and look to the sky,“ Kara thank the gods for you!”

Just as quickly as your moment of happy had come it vanishes at the hurt and shocked voice of your girlfriend.

“Kara?”

Both you and your super friend snap your gazes to Lena and you quickly realize your fuck up.

How had neither of you heard her come in? How could you have slipped up like that?

“Lena-“ you both go to move toward her but she steps back, the hurt clear in her green eyes.

“Kara, you’re Supergirl?” The blonde can just nods at her question. And her gaze turns to you,” and you knew?”

You can only imagine how finding this out must feel. Her best friend and girlfriend have been lying to her.

“How did you know? How long?” She asks you, your lying to her seemingly worse than Kara’s.

Opening and closing your mouth, you struggle to figure out how to tell her that you’ve known your whole relationship.

She knows you’re a Daxamite, having met you when you saved her from being hit by a car. The woman was distracted by her phone conversation and stepped straight in front of a speeding car.

At the time you were working. A superhero “in training” as Winn put it. Kara having recruited you from the DEO’s list of registered aliens because you are a Daxamite and she had yet to reconnect with Mon Ël.

“I-“ you know better than to lie.“ I knew long before we met. I work with her.”

It seems that’s the epitome of hurt for her, a single tear trailing down her cheek.

“Lena love I’m sorry I-”

Her hand raises, stopping you mid sentence,“ I can’t. Not now, just-”

You nod in understanding, moving to just a foot in front of her,“ I’ll go. And I’m sorry. Please know that.”

Lena says nothing and so you leave. Kara helping you since your body is still in pain, your heart now in the mix.

The blonde silently flies you to her apartment and the instant you land she apologizes. Kara knows you didn’t tell Lena for her.

“Hey, it’s fine. Um- I’m sure we’ll figure things out after everything cools down.”

Knowing that you’re also hurt by this situation, and that it’s partly her fault, Kara sticks by your side the whole night.

In the morning she advises you to take a day but you need the distraction. Only it doesn’t work out that way.

Instead of letting your work distract you from the situation, you let the situation distract you from your work. Which leads to your downfall.

While thinking of Lena, admittedly when you shouldn’t have been, you took a fairly nasty stab to the abdomen, by lead.

You feel yourself drifting in and out of consciousness as the lead takes a toll on your body.

“Y/n you’re going to be okay.” Alex’s calm and collected voice meets your ears and you nod exhaustedly.

As you’re being moved to medical you faintly hear Kara telling Alex what happened. That is before you go out for real this time.

How long you’re out for is unclear. You just know when you come to that one: you feel a hundred times better and two: there’s a person holding on to you.

Lena you quickly understand.

The woman’s lithe fingers trace circles on your side, just under your stab wound.

“If I say ‘hi’ would that be awkward?” You ask jokingly, pulling a soft chuckle from her that dies quickly.

A heavy sigh wracks her body,“ I’m glad you’re okay.”

You tighten your hold on her and say,“ and I’m glad you’re here, even though I fucked up.”

“Lying to me is not okay. But I do understand that it wasn’t you’re secret to tell.” She rises up to look you in the eyes.“ Admittedly I would’ve did the same thing.”

Brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear, you smile softly,“ does that mean I can come home?”

“Of course.” She leans down to press a kiss to your lips which effectively makes you smile.

Even though you definitely lied, which was wrong, both of you know your decision in keeping a secret that wasn’t yours to tell was right. And Lena wouldn’t hold that over you, she loves you far too much for that.

* * * * * *

[sonicringnoise]

Have a Jak 3 rant

Okay, I need to talk about Jak 3 and just...how absolutely janky the plot is. 

This rant is extremely long, so I put it under the cut.

First of all, I just want to point out, I love this game. I love it so much, and it’s my favorite out of the trilogy. But it just...it could have been so much better, guh.

And I know that development of this game was rushed (hell, it only came out a year after Jak 2), but I’m still going to rant about it!

It starts out just fine, with the Wasteland and Spargus and the arena, but it gets so weird as it goes on. Just...really disjointed.

We never really find out why Jak keeps going after eco crystals. Seriously, he gets a dark eco crystal from the Dark Maker at the beginning of the game, a light eco crystal from Seem, and just...starts collecting them, for some reason? Like, was he going to make a necklace? Start a rock collection? It’s never explained.

But whatever, it turns out those are needed later in the game to save the world. Fine.

After some Spargus-y missions, we then go...to the Monk Temple. You know, the temple. That’s never been mentioned before, and we didn’t even know existed, but we just went up there to explore and stuff and...

Like, how hard would it have been to have a line where Seem says, “We monks live far to the north, in a temple in the mountains.”

Then we’d at least have a reason to go there. But no, instead we just show up there and start poking around. 

This is one of my biggest issues with the game. In Jak 2, there are cutscenes that set up these missions, or even communications in gameplay that tell us where to go. In Jak 3, there’s just...a lot of that missing.

But, fine. Whatever, Jak has, like, ESPN or something.

At the volcano, Jak gets a dark power of invisibility, I guess. But only when he touches certain statues, and it’s only ever really used to get past a few traps and then never again.

Oddly enough, this was something that...made sense? I mean, invisibility is actually a power that dark eco has. Remember in Jak 2, there were metal heads who could turn invisible. 

But it’s never used! And that complaint holds true for almost every power Jak gets. You basically use the powers when a prompt comes on screen to get through a one-time obstacle, and then never again. 

Then we find out Veger is talking to the monks, but no one ever really expands on why? Or how? Like, for a city hidden in the Wasteland and forgotten, a lot of fucking people know it exists! 

Speaking of which...

We meet Ashelin in the desert and she begs us to come back to Haven City. Jak asks her how she knows Damas and she answers, “It doesn’t matter now.”

Excuse me??

It totally does matter! If Ashelin knows Damas, it begs the question: does she know that Jak is his son? Does she know the Kid is his son? Does she even know about the Kid? 

I mean, Ashelin would almost have to know that Jak is Damas’ son: during this scene, she gives him his seal back and says, “Don’t you remember who you are?”

Whatever. Add that to the list of things that are never mentioned again.

Jak says he’s not coming back to the city, because he’s an angry teenager and he likes hanging around with his Sand Dad. 

This is immediately followed by Jak returning to Haven City.

We head to the Monk Temple, again for no reason. This time, we open up some doors and Pecker leads us back to the city. 

There is no explanation as to why Jak has a change of heart. I actually think that the scene where Damas and Jak had a heart-to-heart and he mentions his lost son should be here: it leads perfectly into Jak deciding that the Greater Good is more important than his feelings.

Instead, we get nothing. Nada. Zilch. Just Jak heading back to Haven City because it’s The Thing To Do.

We reach Haven City after a boss battle and meet with Samos and Keira. Samos sucks, but that’s in character. Keira has no lines in this scene, and only makes goofy faces. Seriously, look: 

That’s it, that’s the character. 

Like, what’s happening in this scene? What’s going on with you, Keira? Are you okay? Are you making bedroom eyes at Jak? Are you confused? Did you smoke some of your father’s funny herbs again?

(Again, I know Keira’s role got cut down a lot because they changed voice actors, but it’s...so...jarring for a normally prominent character to suddenly get shoved into the background.)

We do some missions for Torn and eventually find out that Erol is the bad guy. Never explained how Erol survived slamming his Zoomer into dark eco and exploding in front of a huge crowd, but at this point, it’s whatever. 

We continue on our journey: Tess is a furry, Samos is useless, Torn is...Torn. 

We get a scene with Sig where Jak and Daxter ask him about Damas and his job as a spy and all that stuff. Fine, well and good, except the following exchange happens:

Jak: You’re playing with people’s lives!

Sig: Why not? They played with mine.

I’m sorry??

There’s a story there, and I’d like to know! What the hell happened to Sig? Why is nothing ever explained??!!

We get some Dadmas feelings, then we head over to have a chat with Kleiver. And this happens:

Jak: Kleiver, I need to find some very special Precursor artifacts, but I’m running out of time.

...Are you?? Has that been established?

So, in one of the previous missions, Samos mentions over the communicator (during gameplay, not in a cutscene) that to activate some ruins in Haven Forest, you’ll need some artifacts. But all he says is this:

Samos: Mar wrote that there was some ancient ruins to the west that were activated by five special artifacts and revealed wondrous truths. I'll see what I can find out.

That’s it! There’s never a cutscene where Samos says you need to find the Holo Cube, the Quantum Reflector, the Beam Generator, the Prism, and...by the way, there is no 5th artifact. Samos, you’re full of shit.

(Unless the Eco Sphere you get from Seem towards the end counts, but it’s very unclear.)

And, by the way, I had to Google those artifact names. The artifacts are never actually named until you acquired them in-game. Jak just finds random artifacts and is like, “Welp, this’ll do it! How convenient!”

Sigh.

Once we get all these artifacts no one told us about, we’re told to go take a cab down to the center of the earth. We don’t do that, and instead blow some shit up to visit our friends in person again. 

(Quarantine mood, really.)

And, again, I can’t get over how much of a non-character Keira is. Seriously, she just stands there and claps like a 3-year-old.

And we also come to my own personal pet peeve: the scene where Ashelin strips Veger of his title.

I can’t with this shit.

The biggest issue I have with this game, from a story standpoint, is how quickly the inciting incident is resolved. Like, Jak being banished is the whole reason we have a Jak 3. The city turned against him; his anti-hero choices in Jak 2 led to him being blamed for the war in Jak 3. It made sense.

But Ashelin decides, 75% through the game, to just be like, “Naw, Veger, fuck you. Get out of my face, buh bye.”

It just pisses me off, because if Ashelin had that power, why didn’t she use it before Jak was banished??

And why is Jak okay with this? Why is Moody McAngerface not even a little annoyed that she didn’t care enough to do this when he was dying of heatstroke in the desert?

Uuuuuuggggghhhhh guys I don’t understand.

So we see Vin again, blow some more stuff up, fight Erol, and get some tentacle wings. Seem acts all nice to us and gives us a present we didn’t know we needed. More Dadmas ensues, we see the Dark Maker ship for some reason, blow even more stuff up.

Finally, it’s time to head to the catacombs. We get into some trouble with Dark Makers (even though there’s only, like, three of them), and Damas busts through the goddamn wall in a car.

No idea how he got here, considering the Wasteland appears to be an island, but whatever, it’s a badass scene.

Then, because Jak can’t have anything nice, they get hit and crash the car all over Damas’ legs.

Seriously, dude, I get that you might be dying from blood loss, but why are you coughing, your lungs are fine.

So Damas dies, Jak is his long-lost son, it’s very sad, and Veger you piece of shit.

I will forever be salty that Veger, who was an overall excellent villain, was sidelined for Erol of all people. Admittedly, Jak 2 did the same thing with Praxis, but Kor was a much better Big Bad than Erol.

Regardless, we then get the Worst Plot Twist Ever, when we find out the Precursors are ottsels.

k.

Moving on from that tragedy, we then get to fight Erol. The fight sucks, it’s boring and I hate driving the stupid Wasteland buggies.

And then the end comes, and my blood pressure skyrockets. Somewhere, my PCP senses a disturbance.

The Precursors being ottsels is stupid, but Jak telling them to call him “Mar” is even stupider. First of all, Jak does not seem like the kind of person to get sentimental over his birth name. It’s weird, and I don’t like it.

Second of all, the ottsel leader calls him Mar once, directly after that. And then never again. 

Seriously, 90 seconds after Jak says he wants to be known as Mar, this happens:

I’m sorry, what’s that?

Why would you add that line in about Jak wanting to be called by his birth name, and then ignore it a minute and half later??!!

It just infuriates me. There’s a lot of stuff in Jak 3 that does this: it’s touched on once, then it’s gone forever.

And let’s talk about Daxter’s wish. I actually find this particular decision - where Daxter chooses to wish for pants instead of being human again - totally believable. 

Despite how much Daxter is regarded as the comic relief idiot of the duo, he’s actually shown to be pretty sharp. He’s definitely observant. And at this point, remember that he’s already seen the Precursors at work: he saw them turn Veger into an ottsel.

So Daxter probably realized that these guys were on some monkey paw, be-careful-what-you-wish-for bullshit and decided to wish for the most innocuous thing he could. Who knows what would happen if he actually asked to become human again? Might come out lookin’ like Samos.

And he’s right, by the way! Look at what those assholes did to my baby Tess. They could’ve just got her a size 6 pair of Levi’s and been like, “Here, boom, pants.” 

But nooo, they turned her into an ottsel, too, because why not why the fuck not nothing matters ahhhhHHHHHHHHH

...

...

Anyway, like I said, Jak 3 is my favorite in the series. It had such potential. It’s like a puzzle that’s missing pieces. I like it more for what it could have been, rather than the absolute mess it actually is.

[i-like-plan-m]

About your LWJ can hear lies AU- I can’t help but wonder how he would react to Nie Huaisang and Jin Guangyao since they are both known for being expert manipulators, especially since it’s hinted at that Nie Huaisang had a lot to do with the WW and MX thing. So I wondered if Huaisang would find a way around LWJ’s lie detecting or if he even knows about it? Also, I can just imagine the PAIN LWJ would be in if he had to talk to Jin Guangyao

Oops, I forgot to link this on tumblr! My bad! This is chapter 3 of the lies au

The trip to Qinghe was familiar by now. 

Years of flight between the sects meant Lan Zhan could make the trip with his eyes closed. He kept them open, because the sight of the Qinghe mountain range always brought a sense of relief that was as sharp as the cold air.  

The sight at the gates was becoming a familiar one, too. Nie Huiyin waited for him with all the patience she was capable of, her constant restless energy directed into a small but impeccably crafted blade that she was sharpening like it had done something to offend her. 

It was just her way, Lan Zhan had learned. Nie Mingjue’s cousin was as brusque as he was, infinitely more cheerful and possibly the loudest person Lan Zhan had ever met in his life. She was also, however, the most refreshingly honest person in all five of the great sects, save for perhaps Nie Mingjue himself. 

“Ah!” She said brightly as he landed before her, stepping gracefully from his sword and sweeping it back into the sheath on his back. “It’s our little Lan Zhan, back again!” 

He refused to acknowledge the blush heating his ears and instead nodded in greeting. His composed response did not deter her from tossing a friendly arm around his shoulders and hauling him through the open gates, past the grinning guards and into the towering grasp of the Unclean Realm walls. 

“How have you been, shidi?” She asked. The Nie Sect, Lan Zhan had quickly discovered, lived up to their imposing reputation of strength and honor. They were also the friendliest people in the world, once they’d decided you were theirs. 

Once Lan Zhan's was unofficially acknowledged as a member of the sect leader’s family-- or at least someone held in high regard by Nie-zongzhu himself, the floodgates had opened. He couldn’t decide whether their open affection was embarrassing or not, but it did fill him with a warmth he was unfamiliar with, one that felt like unconditional acceptance. As though they wanted him here. As though they liked him.

He had never had friends before. 

Well. He wasn’t entirely positive that he had any now. But regardless, the Nie Sect disciples treated him with regard. They smiled when they saw him. They welcomed him in their training exercise despite the differences in their sects’ fighting styles. 

Some, like Nie Huiyin, treated him as though he was a part of their sect. Another of Nie Mingjue’s little brothers to look out for, to keep tabs on like he was incapable of taking care of himself. 

It would be insulting if it hadn’t felt so much like acceptance. 

“I have been progressing,” Lan Zhan reported dutifully. “My control has improved further since my last visit.” He didn’t react to lies like someone had stabbed him in the ear the way he once had. With age came control, and a higher pain tolerance, apparently. 

Nie Huiyin made a sound of exasperation. “You Lans, I swear. I meant how have you been? Done anything fun lately?” She jostled him to punctuate her questions. He was slightly cheered by the fact that she had to reach higher than usual to rest an arm over his shoulders; he’d finally hit his growth spurt this summer and was nearing his brother’s height. 

“I mastered Inquiry,” he offered. 

She squinted at him suspiciously. “Is that what you do for fun?” 

“I enjoy it, yes.” 

“Hm. Acceptable. Though my rock climbing offer still stands if you want real fun. There’s nothing more exhilarating than free-falling from a thousand feet, shidi!” Lan Zhan gave a doubtful noise in response that made her laugh. “We catch ourselves before the bottom and take the rest of the fall on our sabers. And then!”

And then they raced through the most dangerous mountain pass in Qinghe on their sabers, chasing adrenaline with as many death-defying stunts they could manage until the pass ended in a dead-drop of a hundred feet. Most of them followed the waterfall straight into the large lake at the bottom. Most of the Nie disciples were reckless enough to try it at least once.

“Scorpion Alley,” he said, familiar with the sect’s unofficial rite of passage. 

“You got it,” she agreed cheerfully. “We still haven’t gotten you out there, have we?” 

“You will not,” he assured her, and bit back a smile when her laugh echoed across the training grounds. It was so different here than in his sect. There was little composure in Qinghe, no reason to stifle laughter or keep words hushed. 

Composure, he’d learned, was another word for concealment. Disguising one’s truthful feelings to reflect serenity instead. A mask that hid the turmoil beneath for the sake of propriety.

It was a lie all the same. 

“I hear your sect is hosting guest disciples next year,” Nie Huiyin said, steering him towards the main hall. 

“Yes.” He made a halfhearted attempt to sound neutral. He must have failed, because she snorted a laugh as she shoved open the doors of the main hall where Nie Mingjue sat, sorting through a stack of reports with a cranky expression. A slender, unfamiliar man with a dimpled smile stood beside the desk, holding a massive accounting book and waiting patiently for Nie Mingjue to stop muttering under his breath. 

Nie Mingjue looked up as the doors swung open. He brightened almost immediately, standing to welcome Lan Zhan with such genuine delight that Lan Zhan ducked his head, pleased. 

“Welcome back,” he said, clapping a hand on his shoulder and leading him to one of the nearby tables, gesturing for a servant to bring tea. He sat across from Lan Zhan while Nie Huiyin leaned against a column behind him. “How was the trip?”

“Fine,” Lan Zhan said, and tried not to sound petulant. He was almost sixteen, perfectly capable of making the trip from Gusu to Qinghe without trouble. 

“It’s the da-ge instinct, little Lan,” Nie Huiyin said with a laugh, nudging Nie Mingjue with her knee when he scowled up at her. “He can’t help himself.” 

The unfamiliar man hovered in the background as though unsure what to do without Nie MIngjue’s attention. Lan Zhan blinked at him, still unclear on who this newcomer was or how he’d climbed to Nie Mingjue’s side so quickly. Lan Zhan visited often enough that he would have noticed a new person in Nie Mingjue’s inner circle before today, surely. 

Nie Mingjue noticed his distraction and turned to wave the man over. “Ah. Apologies, you two have not met.” The stranger obediently crossed the room and bowed low to Lan Zhan. “This is Lan Wangji, the Second Jade of Lan. And this is Meng Yao, my new deputy.” 

“It is an honor to finally meet you, Lan-er-gongzi.” 

Lan Zhan nodded politely in response and wondered at the faint whisper of a slipped note that accompanied his words. Not quite a lie, but there was something underlying that sounded… off. 

“Da-ge,” Nie Huisang complained, sweeping into the room with a sulking expression. “I already did my saber training today as promised, and Nie Zonghui is trying to make me do more. This is cruel and unjust and-- oh, hi Lan Wangji.” 

“Nie Huaisang,” Lan Zhan murmured. 

“Lan Wangji,” Nie Huiasang said brightly, throwing himself down beside them. “Tell me, doesn’t your clan have a rule or twelve about keeping promises?” 

“A-Sang,” Nie Mingjue said tiredly, pinching the bridge of his nose. Behind him, Meng Yao hid a smile like he’d witnessed many similar discussions like this one. 

Then again, so had Lan Zhan. The Nie’s bickering was as constant as stars in the sky. It had taken some getting used to, but now Lan Zhan let it pass over him as background noise. It was all born from a place of love, and even the small lies (like Nie Huaisang’s mistruth about the duration of his promised saber practice) were easily ignored. 

Meng Yao, though. He was odd. 

Lan Zhan kept his face carefully neutral whenever Meng Yao’s smiles rang false, which was… often. He smiled like he knew it was expected of him, not because he wanted to. Like he was playing a role, either for the sect leader’s benefit or his own. 

It had been a few years since his lessons with Lan Xichen on the reasons why people lie, but most of it was… still hard to understand. So when Meng Yao responded to direction throughout the rest of Lan Zhan’s visit with a demure, “I would be honored, Sect Leader” and it rang discordant every time, Lan Zhan thought it was perhaps time to ask for help. 

Only a few years ago, Lan Zhan had accidentally exposed an advisor in Qinghe who had been bought off by merchants in the city. Every bit of his advice and own influence had been manipulated to support the merchants. 

Of course, when Lan Zhan was in the room and realized the advisor’s input sounded like a drunkard playing a dizi, he’d signaled to Nie Mingjue, who then rooted out the reason for his lies. Lan Zhan was not capable of doing so himself-- he only knew when people lied, never their reason for it. 

Shortly after Nie Mingjue had personally tossed the advisor out of the Unclean Realm’s gates, Lan Zhan had discovered a shadow wandering around on his heels. 

“How’d you know he was lying?” Nie Huaisang asked curiously. He continued when Lan Zhan stood frozen in place, unsure how to respond. “I saw your cue to da-ge. The hand signal?”

“I…” He had no idea what to do. Brush him off? Explain his mother’s gift? Deny it entirely? 

No. That was dishonest. 

He swallowed hard and admitted, “I can hear lies.” 

“Really?” Nie Huaisang’s eyes brightened. “So you knew the advisor was corrupt?” 

“No. Just that he lied.” 

“Hm. Interesting. So just the lie, not the intention?” The ever-present fan fluttered as Nie Huaisang stared thoughtfully at him. He nodded once in agreement. “You hear it?”

Lan Zhan realized he’d been absently following Nie Huaisang’s meandering pace along one of the walls. They were alone, so he reluctantly shared, “It was a gift from my mother, before she died. I hear conversations like music, and lies are…”

“Horrible, mangled sounds?” Nie Huaisang asked dryly. “My music tutors tell me that’s what I sound like when I play, anyway.” 

His face did not show the flicker of humor he felt. “Yes.”

“Is there anything other than the curse that tells you when they lie? Like, if their voice sounds nervous or their breathing is too fast?” 

Lan Zhan paused. He’d never thought of that, of looking past the sound of the curse to identify the physiological aspects of the liars. Why would he? There was irrefutable proof from the curse. 

But not looking further felt… lazy. Like willful ignorance. That he could not abide. 

“I will observe from now on,” he decided. 

“Me too!” Nie Huaisang caught his skeptical side-eye, because he sighed like he alone bore the weight of the universe and said, “I’m just saying, it seems like a useful skill. That advisor got past me, too, you know, and I spend a lot of time listening to their incredibly boring conversations.” 

“Boring conversations about running the sect.” If the disapproval wasn’t clear on his face, it was evident in his tone. 

“Exactly,” Nie Huaisang agreed. “But I learned my lesson, Lan-er-gongzi, all thanks to you! We should practice together, don’t you think? How about just before lunch every day?” 

“That is the time of your saber training,” Lan Zhan, who was not an idiot, said. 

“Is it?” Nie Huaisang asked, blinking innocently at him. “Ah, well, da-ge can’t complain if I’m busy making our favorite guest feel welcome!” 

“We will spar together before lunch,” Lan Zhan decided, ignoring Nie Huaisang’s horrified expression. “And then study during lunch.” 

“No,” Nie Huaisang wailed. “How can I learn to read people if I’ve been pummeled into the dirt by the Second Jade of Lan?”

“I would not,” Lan Zhan said, offended. “You are not capable of a legitimate spar--” 

“No shit!” 

“--so instead I will help with your training.” 

“Somehow this turned out very badly for me,” Nie Huaisang muttered, but he was at the training grounds mostly on time later that day all the same. 

That was two years ago. 

After two years of shared study, they had something that was not quite a friendship. Lan Zhan had never lost the sense of awkwardness around Nie Huaisang-- he was never quite sure how to interact, wasn’t sure what his role was in this relationship. 

Nie Huaisang mostly just complained to him about everything under the sun. But every time Lan Zhan visited, he showed up to the training grounds with an expression of utmost suffering. He only remembered his saber half the time, and he tripped over his own feet often enough Lan Zhan feared for his life, but he showed up. 

So Lan Zhan knew his concerns would be heard if he took them to Nie Huaisang. Maybe he would have more insight into Meng Yao’s oddities-- Nie Huaisang understood people the way Lan Zhan didn’t. He couldn’t hear lies, but he could see them. 

Most of the time, anyway. He’d learned to read faces where Lan Zhan heard the mistruths. It was a training method with guaranteed reliability, and Nie Huaisang’s success had surprised him. Apparently he was highly capable when he actually applied himself. Too bad he didn’t want to. 

Still. He would listen to Lan Zhan, and he would help. That much was certain.

[sage-nebula]

Neo: The World Ends With You - Thoughts So Far

I’m on Day 6 of Week 1 and I want to compile my thoughts so far — not in a formal post, but at least all in one place, especially since I feel that jotting down what I think / feel as I go through will help me write my review when I’m done. Spoilers under the cut, obviously — and while it should go without saying, do NOT comment on this post with spoilers from later in the game, so help me. Even if I pose a question that gets answered later on — hell, especially if I do — don’t tell me. I don’t want to know. I will find out in my own time.

With that said . . .

So obviously, I’m really enjoying it so far. You can tell that the writers / devs haven’t lost their touch despite it being thirteen years since the first game was made. You can also tell that a lot of love went into this; this isn’t something they churned out just to make money (if they thought this was a moneymaker we wouldn’t have had to wait 13 freaking years for the sequel), but rather something they really, really wanted to make. Not a total passion project, because those aren’t allowed in the world of capitalism, but there is still a lot of love there. 

That said, more specific thoughts:

THE MUSIC. It doesn’t really come as a surprise given that TWEWY’s soundtrack was phenomenal, but god, they brought it right back for this game. The remixes (“Someday”, “Three Minutes Clapping”, “Transformation”, “The One Star” etc) are all excellent, but the new tracks are phenomenal too. Tbh I’m not sure how any of the Players get any fighting done when the music makes you want to just bust a move right there in the scramble. It’s so good.

Most of the characters are great too. Of the Wicked Twisters, I think Fret is my favorite; he is pure of heart, dumb of ass, and I love that for him. I do like Rindo too, of course, and his habit of overthinking everything (since Fret has zero brain cells, Rindo has to make up for it), but him being standoffish / socially anxious and snarky makes him feel a bit like a toned down Neku, so he doesn’t catch my interest quite as much. And while I do like Nagi, the way she speaks in like . . . medieval-esque language is a bit off-putting. In particular it’s weird that Rindo didn’t tell her to knock it off with the “Lord Rindo” stuff since using such an honorific would be considered awkward / embarrassing in Japanese. I guess he’s just too socially anxious / awkward to tell her to stop, but it’s still a bit distracting.  Other than that, I’m really not a fan of Kubo (one of the Reapers) or . . . Susukichi, I think his name is? The leader of the Ruinbringers. I find them both to be pretty annoying, haha. But I love Shoka, as well as Kanon, and Motoi is a good bean, too. As for the Deep River Society . . . those nerds have issues lmao. Especially their leader. Although I can’t fault him for breaking down sobbing when he realizes that he now stands a very good chance of getting erased, which reminds me . . .

HOW ARE WE ON DAY SIX AND THE WICKED TWISTERS STILL HAVE NO IDEA WHAT BEING ERASED IS?? We have kind of an inverse situation where where Neku knew right away that he would get erased if he failed the missions / didn’t win the Game, but didn’t find out until later that he was dead. Here, the Wicked Twisters learn that they’re dead fairly quickly (and Fret has some realistic denial going on about it at first, though he gets over it pretty quickly), but they’re still completely in the dark about the fact that their souls will get wiped from existence if they lose despite erasure being mentioned at least a handful of times. Like I guess it was never spelled out for them, but especially as someone who played the first game about a million times, it’s a bit maddening to see them be like, “Why is he crying like his life is on the line? lol whatevs no big deal la di da!” Since the Wicked Twisters aren’t aware of the stakes, a new player wouldn’t be either, and so it rather tones down the urgency that was felt in the original game where everyone was very much aware that they were fighting for their right to exist.

Since I brought up Motoi, I want to say that I just played past the part where he reveals that he was An0ther, who is apparently Rindo’s favorite blogger / poet. I feel like this is meant to be similar to how Hanekoma was CAT, Neku’s favorite artist, but it doesn’t carry the same impact because a.) as far as we know An0ther didn’t have anything to do with how Rindo died; b.) we haven’t seen Rindo bring An0ther or his poetry up that much, much less have anything An0ther said be his entire life’s mantra; c.) we haven’t gotten to know Motoi that well either. Like we met him once before this revelation. That said I’m not sure it was supposed to have the same impact as the Hanekoma = CAT reveal, but if it was then it did fall short. (Also I saw it coming the second Motoi quoted An0ther lmao.)

Speaking of Hanekoma, WHERE IS MY MANS??? I know he has to show up at some point because if I’m not mistaken we saw him in the trailers. And if I am mistaken then he still has to show up at some point because he played a central role in the “A New Day” epilogue chapter of Final Remix, what with Coco being unable to control him and him knowing what was going on, plus he was testing Neku for something in “Another Day” and that has to be whatever is going on in this game. I’m sure he’ll come in for some big reveal later, but like, we have a new street artist in this game (MKN) with no mention of CAT as of yet, and I’m just like . . . where is he. Where is my mans. What is he doing. Bring him to me.

That said, we already got to see my #2 mans (Kariya♥) so I am happy about that at least. 

Back to my mans for a hot second: I actually erased my demo save data and started fresh to remind myself of everything when I got the game, and idk if it was in the demo or not, but regardless—at the end of the demo portion there’s this shot of the sky and then this nameless voice is like, “It’s finally starting. I hope you wake up soon. I don’t want you to miss all the action.” My current guess is that the speaker was Hanekoma, speaking to Joshua. Joshua being “asleep” would explain why the Game is as screwed up as it is right now, what with it having been going on for a year and people able to choose to play again and again and again while the rest of the Players—who tbh should also be counted as winners if they survive the week!—are trapped in limbo.

Because that’s the thing: I know that it was partially a lie to cover for the fact that Joshua’s game with Megumi was set to last three weeks, but at the end of the third week Megumi told Neku that a new rule was being put in place that wouldn’t allow repeats of the Game anymore. But even setting that aside, in the original Shibuya UG rules, anyone who survived the Game could get a wish at the end, whether that was to be brought back to life or made into a Reaper. This is why at the end of Week 1, the three winners were Neku, Shiki, and Beat. However, here the Ruinbringers are able to keep everyone trapped and they have been trapped for at least a year, given what Motoi said. It’s completely different rules and I’m sure that this has something to do with the fact that the majority of the Reapers we’ve seen so far are from Shinjuku (at least going by the spoilery trailer, and iirc it was confirmed in “A New Day” that Coco was from Shinjuku actually, but it’s been a while so I could be wrong about that).

Speaking of, has anyone noticed that the possibly-Shinjuku Reapers don’t have wings? No?

ALSO speaking of Coco, at least tangentially: Coco was the one who revived Minamimoto at the end of “A New Day”. However, he’s definitely not how I would have expected. Like despite Coco using the Taboo Noise sigil to bring him back, he’s clearly not in his Taboo form. He’s using psychs as a Player would, rather than a Reaper. And while it’s clear he’s up to some form of nonsense, it’s unclear exactly what form of nonsense he’s up to. I know that he’s here for fanservice and that him looking like Nagi’s bias from Elegant Strategy is a tongue-in-cheek nod to that, but I have too much faith in this series to think that’s all this is. I’m wondering if being revived for a second time fixed whatever screws were loose in his head before? Or if he was revived as a human Player by like, Joshua or something? (Although why Joshua would do that I have no idea. Maybe Hanekoma instead?) Hmmm . . .

Small aside, but we all know that Nagi has put herself into hundreds of thousands of yen in debt for Tomonami merch lolol RIP Nagi. (I’m also interpreting that she’s not actually older than Rindo or Fret, but she just skipped a bunch of grades. Like I feel like this might have been lost in translation a bit, and that she’s a senpai to them because she’s in uni but she’s not actually older than them. I could be wrong but that’s how I’m interpreting it right now. She just doesn’t look or act older than them.)

Oh another minor annoyance, but whether it’s due to the partial 3D environment or something else, I’m SO ANNOYED that some of the streets aren’t connecting as they should now. Like, how going in the direction of Molco spits you out at Spain Hill or 104 or whatever? I don’t remember exactly what area it was, but it wasn’t Molco!! I’m sure if I hadn’t played the original a million times like a loser this wouldn’t be such a big deal to me, but I have and it is lmao. Also, they’ve had the Shibuya Underpass / Cat Street blocked off this whole time and I’m like :( let me go to Cat Street :( let me see my mans

I’m relieved that Ken Doi is still making delicious food and I look forward to his ramen curry fusion. I was really upset about RamenDon being gone at first but as long as Ken Doi is still around I am happy.

My dinner just arrived so this is all I have to say for now, but I will update more as I play more. I love this game and I’m so happy to be back in Shibuya, even if the characters pronounce it wrong sometimes (saying “ShiBOOya” like pls . . . you are supposed to be Japanese . . . get it right . . .)

[mimssides]

Life on Crow Avenue: Part 18

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___

Warning: Arguing, a scratch mark from a cat, and capslock!

___

For once Logan was not very focused on the music which was playing. His mind was stuck on Remus. On how tired he looked most of the time. Even in the moments when they had had a good time, like last weekend where they bought and assembled furniture together or when he jokes around at lunch, Logan could never quite blend out the deep dark rings under his eyes.

He knew that in those moments Remus did not fake his smile, that he did enjoy himself but now Logan recognized all the moments when Remus’s smile wasn’t genuine, when he spaced out, when a thought he had startled him. There were so many negative and destructive things going on in Remus’s head and Logan found himself being concerned over every last one of it, despite not even knowing what was going on.

But ultimately Logan could not nothing else. Remus had to make the step himself. He could only offer help so many times and Logan got the sense that he had done all he could. Silently Logan took a sip from his drink and glanced over to Janus. The band’s set would soon be finished and Janus had texted Patton and Logan that he wanted to talk to them.

About what? While Janus did not clarify, both Logan and Patton knew that it was about the twins. They did not have many opportunities to talk privately without them being around and today was their chance as both Roman and Remus had told them they’d stay at home for the night.

The song ended and the people in the bar clapped for a moment. Patton gave Logan a wary look and scooted around in the booth for a bit, as Janus eventually approached with a drink in his hand and settled down next to the pair.

“I hope my performance did raise the spirits?” Janus said nonchalantly and slowly rotated the glass in his hand.

Trying to sound convincingly happy Patton said: “It was great as always!”

“You don’t look so chipper though, dearest Patton.”

Logan clicked his tongue. He had a dislike for mind games. He had a dislike for manipulation. He had a dislike for Janus’s way of talking seemingly carelessly when he knew very well that it was perfectly constructed to get what he wanted. And right now, Logan had no nerves for this.

“Of course, he doesn’t! You called us here to talk about Remus’s predicament, which is by no means a “chipper” topic to discuss.”

“Don’t you say?” Janus said with a smirk that was clearly too bitter. “And I was under the impression that talking about a suicidal man was a fun matter.”

Logan shot Janus a viscous glare and took a sip from his drink.

“But,” Janus continued, “now in all seriousness; Do you think that Remus is going to go to therapy?”

Patton cleared his throat and folded his hands on the table. Quickly he looked from one man to the other before settling his eyes on his hands when he answered: “I wanna hope so. There’s nothing else we can do anyway.”

“Hope is rather unreliable in this case. And I have to agree that we really are unable to help Remus in any way. He is certainly in dire need for professional help.”

Logan nodded at Janus’s statement and said: “Agreed. Let me add that he was rather inquisitive when I talked with him about it. I do think that he is considering it. But what he will end up doing is still undecided.”

“Good. Well, not so good but it’s more than could have been expected at the beginning. Now let’s focus on Roman-”

“Why focus on Roman? He does not need our help,” Logan interrupted Janus.

With a huff Janus threw Logan a look and then said with a bitter smirk: “No, not at all! It’s not like he has chronically overworked himself for the past nine years, is in constant fear because of his brother who could spontaneously decide to kill himself, which would also result in him losing all the family he has left. And that leaves out the obvious show of self-neglect concerning the way he dresses and how he slept on the on a mattress on the floor. No, he doesn’t need our help at all.”

Logan rolled his eyes and crossed his arms in front of his chest.

“While I agree that Roman is not in a great mental state, Remus is in immediate danger and keeping an eye on him should be our first priority. If we do not do that it will only cause to worsen Roman’s state.”

“And putting Roman on hold even longer? Making him feel like his problems are not as important as Remus’s? You do understand that it will make it even more difficult for him to reach out for help, don’t you? He has a right to be cared for just as much as Remus! He needs to feel important, not like the second-hand friend! He has a right of our compassion as well, not only Remus!” Janus voice got heated but not loud and the veins on Logan’s forehead popped up.

“Guys...” Patton mumbled for naught trying to stop this from escalating.

“I beg your pardon? When exactly did I treat Roman like a second-hand friend?!” Logan asked clenching his jaw.

“Let me recall... Did Roman not almost flee from his own flat so you could talk to Remus? Did I misremember that?”

“Hold on! You are twisting the facts! He left on his own accord and neither you or me could stop him from doing so. And you weren’t protesting either to be alone with Roman! You are biased by him and I will not accept you talking down to me just because you figuratively cannot get into Roman’s pants!”

“You-”

“Okay, time out for both of you! Please! This is getting us nowhere!”

Finally, Patton had enough and grabbed both men’s wrists before they could talk any further. Both reluctantly stopped and Patton let go of them again. Slowly, he looked from one to the other, giving both disappointed looks before he took a breath and nodded to himself.

“Thank you,” Patton said calmly still watching both of them. “Now, uh, I think both of you actually have a point... Remus and Roman are very co-dependent and we need to be aware of that. Like – I think they both need support. Just. Differently. Roman definitely needs attention. Needs to be seen and praised, I think. He was so happy dancing and performing for us, so we probably could encourage him a little more to do that? And for Remus... While we can’t really do more and shouldn’t pressure him, I think, we should show him that we stand behind him. That we want him to get better.”

Neither Janus nor Logan spoke for a moment. Patton took a nervous sip from his beer, a little unclear of why nobody spoke and tried to calm himself. He didn’t think that the others were silent because he had made a good point. Because he was right and more objective in his opinion than they had been.

Janus sighed and was about to give in when he felt his phone buzz and took it out of his pocket. He furrowed his brows as he saw Virgil’s name on the screen and opened the text message.

Favourite Nephew: need your help at the twins come over asap

In his life after the accident Janus had run very few times. Once after getting Latona away from her boyfriend. Once when Orcus’s wife needed the ride to the hospital when she got in premature labour with their first baby. Once when he rushed to Virgil’s high school when he had his worst panic attack.

Now he could add one more time. Panicked he stood up, grabbed his cane to carry it by his side and called to the bartender over his shoulder: “Put it on my tab!”

And with that Janus began to run as well as he could. The clear voice in the back of his mind said he was overreacting and that his running was inefficient and would most likely hurt him more than help. But the heart pounding in his chest cried and told him to go faster. And so, he went faster, until he finally got to the door of the twins’ apartment and tried to open the door. It was unlocked and for the first time in 23 years he ran up the stairs.

With little thought Janus got to the apartment door and opened it quickly, already having mentally prepared for the worst.

He had prepared wrong.

Virgil was snorting with laughter as he steadied himself against the couch, Roman was cursing facing one corner of the room while gesticulating aggressively. And in approximately the middle of the two men Remus stood cradling something white and furry in his arms.

There were a few things rushing through Janus’s mind in that moment. None of them were how much his leg was hurting or how strange it was that neither Logan nor Patton had out run him despite them obviously having followed him, since he heard their quickened breathing behind him. One of them was why on earth Roman was cursing against the wall and why Remus held this fluffy thing like one would hold a baby and why Virgil was laughing like a maniac.

But most presently there was the sense of giant relief settling in Janus’s head. Laxly he set his cane on the ground and took the weight of his left leg. With his shivering hand he massaged the bridge of his nose, hiding the weak smile on his lips, as he sighed loudly enough for Virgil to hear it and turn towards him.

“What the fuck have I been called into?” Janus asked with a mockingly annoyed tone and Virgil tried to calm himself as Remus gasped offendedly.

“Do not curse in front of my child!” Remus exclaimed as he put his hand over the fluffy something’s ears, which Janus now realised was a white cat.

“This BEAST IS NOT YOUR CHILD!” Roman snapped and was about to turn when Remus barked something in Spanish back and effectively kept him from turning around.

Virgil began laughing even more and bend over holding his stomach with his right hand. Janus quirked up one eyebrow and made a few steps inside, so to give Logan and Patton more space to enter as well, while Virgil looked over to them and gave a faint wave before he tried to catch himself again.

Then after a solid minute Virgil got up a bit and wheezed towards Remus: “Please, cut – cut this out! You’re killing me! I – I oh my god, you’re comedy gold!”

“I BEG YOUR PARDON!? COMEDY?!”

“For fuck’s sake, Roman! Keep in your damn corner! He’s still bleeding and I ain’t picking you up!”

“Bleeding?” Janus chimed in worriedly.

Quickly he gave his nephew a once over again, and found that the hoodie sleeve on his left arm was pulled up and a paper towel was pressed over the inside of it, red bleeding through.

“Yeah,” Virgil said out of breath but pretty relaxed and held his arm up a little for Janus to see, “the cat got me good. She’s a real rascal that one, which is why Remus has to hold her and apparently your Romeo can’t see blood, which is why I called you over, ‘cause I cannot for the life of me bandage this arm with my right hand. Didn’t think you’d bring a whole army though.”

“Oh, I didn’t bring them, they followed me. Now, Remus, where do I find bandages and how long of a cut are we talking?” Janus asked as he walked towards Virgil.

Remus didn’t look to Janus at first but turned to Patton and Logan behind him: “Can you close the door? I don’t want her to escape. She might get startled.”

“Ah, yeah of course!” Patton stammered and closed the door.

Remus shot him a smile and then told Janus he’d get the bandages out of the bathroom in a second. And just like that he disappeared for a moment. Janus shook his head and told Virgil to sit down on the couch. He settled next to his left and took a first look at the arm. To his surprise the scratch the white cat had left was three inches long and pretty deep.

“I’ve told him to wash it out and wanted to disinfect it already, but Mrs. Snuffles here was acting all cranky when I tried to go to the bathroom before,” Remus announced from the hallway and set the bandages, a disinfectant spray and Bepanthen on the coffee table.

Janus shot him a confused look as he pressed a little kiss on top of the cats head and readjusted the little creature in his arms.

“Mrs. Snuffles?” Patton asked with a small and watery voice looking at the white cat in question.

Before Remus could answer, Roman pressed his head against the wall with a soul crushing groan.

In dramatic agony he complained: “Why did you have to name her? Oh, why are you doing this to me? We will not take in this most horrendous and foul fiend! She broke into our store and into our flat! She’s a delinquent! She assaulted the man we got to help her! She’s dangerous!”

“How can chu say dis about dis wittwe cutie! She is adowabwe and puwe!” Remus said in a silly voice which made Roman groan even louder.

Meanwhile Janus started to fix Virgil up. Carefully, he disinfected the wound and put some ointment on it. He told Virgil to let the ointment absorb a little and watched Patton and Logan awkwardly walk inside. They were watching Remus sitting down on the floor and cuddle the cat in his arms.

Watching Remus holding the animal, hearing her purr loudly while Remus pressed some little, soft kisses on her head, Janus had a hard time to imagine how she could possibly have caused such a huge ruckus before. But somehow Janus forgot to wonder as he realized how happy and silly Remus looked doting over this animal and gave Virgil a little curious look. Virgil shrugged with a grin and Janus shook his head. And just then he glimpsed over to Logan and Patton.

Oh boy. Oh boy, oh boy.

Perplexed both men stared at Remus cooing over the cat, very obviously and strongly smitten. Patton was blushing furiously and Logan’s eyes were big as plates.

Janus had to hold back a barking laugher. How quickly the table could turn.

Who was it, who wanted to get into one of the Segura Reyes twin's pants now?

___

@varthandi

@sickeningly-deceitful

@sammy-is-obsessed / @exhaustedfander

@unoriginalgayboyalex

@alexisrealgay

@softie-sushi

@wolfs-feder

@just-a-neoclassical-painting

@winter-jay-official

@a-ghostlight-for-roman

Tagged for this fic:

@frawkeye

@arodynamic-enby

@espepspes

@bullet-tothefeels

@fukindork

@shadeofadye

@magic-but-its-green

@croftersjam15

[yaffles-world]

Jealousy - Jonathon Joestar X Dio Brando

Jonathon and Dio’s childhood was fueled by rivalry. A constant competition resulted, although from different motivations. Jonathon was self driven, wanted to be the best version of himself that he could be and merely wanted love and acknowledgement. Dio, on the other hand, was constantly driven by a high ambition to be the best and most powerful person there ever was. Although driven by opposite forces their world’s did collide – quite spectacularly.

If Jonathon got higher marks in his classes, Dio would scorn him and insult him in other ways to try and drag him down, to discredit him. If Dio got higher score in sports, Jonathon would be there, politely congratulating him, but inside it would add to a burning desire to improve himself.

As the boys got older, things began to change.

One day, after school, Jonathon and Mr Joestar were in the dining room. The door creaked open and Dio stepped inside the house. Beside him was a girl. A girl with long, wavy hair and sparkling, amber eyes. Her hand was lingering slightly away from his waist, not seeming to know what to do with it. Her pale cheeks had a faint blush to them as Dio spoke.

“Mr Joestar, JoJo,” as Dio looked at Jonathon, Jonathon felt a pit form in his stomach  for some reason. “This is Genevieve, we are in the same legal class and she has come so we can study together.”

“Well, isn’t that wonderful?” Mr Joestar replied.

“Nice to meet you, Genevieve,” JoJo rose from his chair, putting his book aside and bowing slightly to the lady.

Over the coming months, Jonathon felt really quite odd. He spent all his time thinking about Dio and Genevieve – he couldn’t focus on anything.

His grades were slipping, his sport scores, all despite his best efforts. He criticised himself constantly, about how he couldn’t do it – Dio had a girlfriend and he still kept up exceptionally in school. Dio’s taunts took on a new feeling for JoJo that he couldn’t put his finger on.

JoJo felt trapped. He couldn’t win this. There was no way. Dio was with Genevieve. And everything was different. He’d always felt competitive before, and it sometimes reached the point of obsession, but this just didn’t make sense. Dio was with Genevieve. That was an entirely solo commitment. It wasn’t something Dio could be bested at, like grades or sport, but he still felt fueled by a similar type of passion.

One night, JoJo was studying for an archeology exam. He was trying so hard to focus, his door was closed and he was hitting the books. Every time he thought about Dio and Genevieve, he slapped his hand. It was a strategy he’d thought of a month ago – it hadn’t worked yet but he was out of ideas.

Dio opened the door. JoJo looked over to see Dio being framed by the light glowing from the hall, his amber eyes twinkling with God knows what – mischief, sadism, genuine joy, there was no way to tell.

“Studying hard again, I see?” Dio laughed, “Wonder if it will actually pay off.”

“Leave me alone, Dio,” Jonathon replied, firmly, returning to look at his books.

“What has been going on with you lately?” Dio mused, wandering into the room, “You’ve really been failing, haven’t you? What’s getting you down?”

Dio sat down on the bed, chin in his hands looking up at the window, with mock seriousness.

“For the last time, Dio, leave me alone.” By now JoJo knew what Dio was trying to do – he’d lived with him long enough that it was one of his favourite things was to get a rise out of people, especially JoJo.

“Hmm, I don’t think I will,” Jonathon started to blush slightly, “Is it a girl?”

JoJo tried to cover his face and stared furiously at the book, willing this nightmare to end.

“Ah, it is a girl,” Dio teased, “who is it? Probably some lame girl in one of your classes.”

Jonathon’s throat began to tighten and his heart rate picked up. He continued to ignore him, trying desperately to study. He needed to pass this exam, why wasn’t he able to focus? It was infuriating.

“Oooh, or is it Genevieve? Very naughty, gentlemen JoJo going after a taken lady. Well, she’s too good to go out with you anyway.”

Just. Ignore. Jonathon pleaded with himself.

“Or, naughty Jonathon Joestar,” Dio had gotten closer, it sounded like he was about a meter or so behind him but he still didn’t acknowledge him. His face continued to heat up despite his silent protestations – for some reason, Dio saying his name like that made him furious. The light was on, and if Dio saw JoJo's reaction, JoJo would never hear the end of it.

“Is it me?” Dio whispered directly into JoJo’s ear. His face flushed intensely and he began to sweat more, and he could feel Dio's smirk continue to curl more menacingly as he noticed JoJo's embarrassment.

“We all want what we can’t have,” Dio whispered, and then rose again to walk out the door. “Figure it out. It’s been too easy to win lately.”

JoJo’s one love in his life, the only thing keeping him somewhat sane, was his gorgeous horse. The horses name was Teresa. She had a dark brown body with lighter coloured tail, mane and socks.

One day, months after the incident with Dio, JoJo went down to the stables. He gave Remi a pat, Dio’s surprisingly gentle horse, and went to Teresa.

“Why can’t I focus, Teresa?” JoJo muttered out loud. Teresa just neighed sympathetically.

“Why do I keep fixating on this stuff? I’m at a loss for describing my own feelings...” JoJo said, “Do I like Genevieve? I keep thinking about her and...” Jonathon shut off his thought immediately. No, he scolded, either you like Genevieve or your jealous. Don’t let him into your head.

“And who, naughty Jonathon Joestar?” Jonathon turned around with a start. Dio had appeared in the doorway of the barn.

“Can you stop calling me that? I haven’t done anything wrong.”

“Haven’t you?” Dio wandered over to Remi and stroked her nose, “Listen, I’m so bored. I can’t believe I’m saying this but I miss the competition. Why don’t we just have a race with these horses, okay? Shouldn’t be that difficult,right?”

“No, I’ll pass, I’m going to go back inside,” Jonathon started to move towards the door but Dio blocked his way. They were the same height, but Jonathon couldn’t help but be embarrassed by Dio’s commanding presence. “Just go and hang out with Genevieve.” Jonathon looked down and he couldn’t help but blush when he said her name. Maybe I do like her, he thought.

“Genevieve can wait. I dare you to race me and try and win.”

And with that... they saddled up their horses and lead them out of the stable.

What's the harm? Thought Jonathon,  I might even win.

They set the parameters of the course and then they were off. Dio started out in the lead, guiding Remi with ease down this course like they'd done it millions of times before. It was a relatively open track but there was still heavy trees blocking the way, and many hazardous roots. Slowly, JoJo began to catch up.

Was this... fun? Jonathon thought. It had been such a long time since they had done something together. They did get along in their own weird way.

As the end of the track neared both boys encouraged their horses and pushed them through that last bit. Right at the end, as they approached the barn again, Jonathon pulled out in front and won. As they slowed, Dio clapped, possibly sarcastically but it was unclear.

“Well,  I suppose you completed the dare. You can go back inside now or we could have some more fun.”

“I dare you to race me again,” Jonathon said.

Dio laughed. “Nope,” he said as he lead Remi back into her part of the stable.

They both sat on the hay up against the wall. “Dare you to... eat this piece of hay.”

“Lame,” chided Dio.

“Okay,  cut off this bunch of hair.” JoJo grabbed at a bunch of Dio's hair that was pulled back for riding.

Dio sighed. Jonathon knew his pride wouldn’t let him refuse.

So Dio cut his hair.

“So, what is up with you anyway?”

“Oh God, not this again,” groaned JoJo.

Dio continued to look at him, intensely. “Well, it’s just girl troubles.... I guess...” Jonathon said, looking at Dio as he sadly cradled his hair in his hands

“I felt the same,” Dio replied, startling JoJo with his genuine tone, “I was crazy about Genevieve... I just acted on it quicker and didn't,  you know, “ Dio gestured vaguely at JoJo,  “lose it. Who’s the girl?”

Dio’s soft expression made JoJo’s heart twist unexpectedly – blushing, he turned away, waving his hand dismissively. “It’s no one important. Anyway, it’s your turn.”

“I dare you to kiss Remi,” Dio said.

“Lame,” JoJo retorted, mockingly.

“Teresa would get pretty jealous but if you insist,” Dio laughed, “I can give you another dare.”

JoJo nodded and Dio finally parted with his few locks of hair that were now missing. His hair looked mostly the same but you could tell that it had been cut.

Dio smiled. “I dare you to kiss me.”

JoJo blushed heavier then he had ever done before. His hands began to shake, and the light warning up the barn seemed to become dense,  suffocating... judgemental.

Do I... like Dio? Jonathon thought, perplexed.

“Uhh,” JoJo stammered, “what? We can't do that. That's...”

“You've been a very naughty boy, Jonathon Joestar.”

JoJo scanned Dio’s face desperately to see if he was joking or manipulating JoJo but to JoJo's surprise and confusion, he really wasn’t.

Dio smiled. “Do it. I'm serious.”

JoJo hesitantly leaned in to Dio, waiting for him to pull away but he didn't. They're lips made contact and JoJo, finally, after months and months of agony, felt at peace. He pulled away.

“But that was just a dare, right? It didn't mean anything?” JoJo asked.

Dio leaned in and kissed JoJo.

“That wasn't,” Dio said.

“But... what about Genevieve?”

“Honestly, you were the ‘girl’ I was crazy about Jonathon. I didn't understand my feelings and I assumed it must've been for Genevieve. She did help distract me but... we broke up a month ago. Don't worry,  I actually did let her down easy.”

“But... what does this mean? For the future?” JoJo asked.

“For God’s sakes, JoJo, just shut up.”

“Make me.”

And he did.

[enbyleighlines]

Wangji Week

Day 5: Bearer of Light

—

The news said there would be a huge thunderstorm headed their way. But Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian both underestimated it, it seems.

The cracks of thunder and howling winds are keeping A-Yuan awake. He flat out refuses to go to bed, to separate from his Xian-gege and Ji-gege. And so, with all his infinite wisdom, Wei Wuxian had built a large fort in the living room with couch cushions and blankets.

It’s somewhat of a tight fit, for two grown men and a four-year-old. And Cabbage and Carrot, the family bunny rabbits, are in there with them, too.

But there are no complaints. A-Yuan is sitting in the center of it all, playing out a scene with his various plastic toys. He loves making them talk to each other. The toys are currently putting on a little play. Their stage is Cabbage’s fluffy rounded back.

After a year of sharing the same roof, the rabbit is well acclimated to the toddler’s shenanigans. Cabbage remains still, aside from the occasional twitch of the nose.

Carrot, on the other hand, is utilizing whatever little free space there is to hop around in circles.

Wei Wuxian is tucked under Lan Wangji’s arm, and despite the tight quarters, they have found a position that is comfortable for the both of them. They watch the impromptu performance of A-Yuan’s toys in respectful silence.

“We can’t go to the park,” one of A-Yuan’s toys says to another, “It’s night out.”

It’s amusing, really, to see how much A-Yuan soaks up from his surroundings. Lan Wangji smiles, but does not laugh. He has learned that A-Yuan takes it personally when people laugh at him.

Wei Wuxian, on the other hand, has to muffle his snicker into Lan Wangji’s neck. His warm breath tickles.

“But you said we could!” A-Yuan’s other toy protests in an identical voice.

“Oh, fine. We can go.”

The toys walk up Cabbage’s neck. Presumably, Cabbage’s forehead is the park.

“Here we are! Let’s play!”

Wei Wuxian giggles some more. “I can’t,” he whispers into Lan Wangji’s ear, “I can’t handle this.”

“Don’t laugh,” Lan Wangji tells him.

That, of course, only makes Wei Wuxian laugh all the harder. He curls up, holding his stomach with one hand, and muffling himself with the other.

A-Yuan looks up at them. His face is all scrunched up. It’s unclear to Lan Wangji if this means he’s angry or confused.

Just to play it safe, Lan Wangji apologizes. “We’re sorry. Go on.”

But A-Yuan tosses his hands into the air with dramatic exasperation. “You’re supposed to clap,” he tells them, in a dead serious tone.

“Oh? Is the play over?” Lan Wangji asks.

But Wei Wuxian doesn’t wait for an answer. He pulls himself together and begins to applaud, loudly.

A-Yuan smiles.

And then all the lights go out.

For just a moment, the world is still. Frozen in time. Devoid of light or sound.

But then A-Yuan shrieks.

Everything erupts into chaos. Lan Wangji gets entangled with Wei Wuxian’s flailing limbs as they both instinctively move to comfort A-Yuan. Both rabbits take off in opposing directions, uncaring of who they step over to make their escape. The shriek has morphed into wet sobs and garbled gibberish.

Lan Wangji tries to reorient himself. He finds A-Yuan in the darkness, and pulls the child into his lap. Wei Wuxian, who grabbed A-Yuan at the same time, ends up being pulled along with him.

“It’s okay,” both of them are saying, “It’s okay, you’re okay.”

Their touch seems to soothe A-Yuan’s anxiety. His crying quiets, and he ends up just trembling in their awkward mutual embrace. His breaths are still sniffly, but they’re evening out.

“The power just went out,” Lan Wangji explains, once he feels like A-Yuan has recovered enough to hear it.

“Must be the storm,” Wei Wuxian says, “Do you have a flashlight?”

“Mn.”

But Lan Wangji is reluctant to leave his boyfriend and foster child alone, even if it’s only for a minute. Now that the initial shock has worn off, there’s something comforting about being bundled up together in the dark. Lan Wangji wants to savor the feeling.

Wei Wuxian doesn’t rush him. Instead, he just fumbles around until he can take Lan Wangji’s hand.

It’s A-Yuan who loses patience. “Ji-gege, flashlight?” He asks.

“Of course.” Lan Wangji blinks, trying to make out the outline of A-Yuan’s head. But it’s not use. Everything is the same shade of black. So he makes his best estimate, and presses a tender kiss to where he assumes A-Yuan’s forehead would be. He misses and kisses hair. Close enough.

Then Lan Wangji detangles himself from the comfy family huddle, and heads off to find the flashlight.

It’s a little easier to see outside the fort, though the windows don’t cast much light. The rain is so thick, it completely obscures the sky.

Lan Wangji remembers the layout of his apartment well, though. He navigates around the furniture without much of an issue, and makes his way to the kitchen, where the flashlight lies.

Finding the flashlight is easy, but it’s only half of the battle. When Lan Wangji flips the switch, nothing happens. The batteries are dead.

And so Lan Wangji has to shift around his drawers for replacement batteries. This is a far more arduous task, because he has to find the right size, based on what he thinks will fit in the flashlight. Then he has to insert them all both ways, not knowing which side is positive and which is negative.

As Lan Wangji fiddles with the batteries, he can hear Wei Wuxian’s voice in the other room.

Wei Wuxian is singing a silly little song to A-Yuan. It doesn’t rhyme, and the melody isn’t particularly consistent, either. Which means Wei Wuxian is making it up as he goes, which is even more endearing, somehow.

After a minute, A-Yuan starts chiming in during the chorus, which thankfully stays the same each time.

Lan Wangji’s heart clenches. Wei Wuxian and Wen Yuan— he loves them with a depth that is unfathomable, even to himself. But that’s fine. To try to describe it would flatten it. He just wants to ruminate in it, relish the heavy weight of it in his heart.

It takes some time, but finally Lan Wangji solves the flashlight puzzle. This time, when he flips the switch, it immediately emits a powerful beam of light that momentarily hurts to look at.

Triumphant, Lan Wangji returns. He shines the light on the blanket wall of the fort. Wei Wuxian and A-Yuan’s shadows dance and rejoice.

“There he is! Lan Zhan, bringer of light!”

A-Yuan bursts out of the fort and rushes to cling to Lan Wangji’s legs.

Laughing, Wei Wuxian follows after. He doesn’t quite tackle Lan Wangji with the same enthusiasm as A-Yuan, but then again, that would knock them all to the floor. But he does join the group hug.

“I was wondering what was taking you so long,” Wei Wuxian says, between gifting Lan Wangji with light kisses up the side of his jaw.

“Had to change the batteries.”

“Ahhh.” Wei Wuxian gives Lan Wangji a few more playful pecks. “That must have been a pain, in the dark.”

Lan Wangji shrugs.

Wei Wuxian laughs. “Always so modest, my Lan Zhan. Too modest, if you ask me. If it were me who managed to change batteries in a pitch black room, I’d be gloating so much.”

Lan Wangji can’t help but smile at the thought. Wei Wuxian is right. He would have gloated. And Lan Wangji would have happily praised him.

“Oh!” Wei Wuxian takes the flashlight from Lan Wangji. “You know what we should do, now that we have a flashlight?” He positions the light underneath his chin, to make spooky shadows grow across his face. “Ghost stories!”

“No!” A-Yuan screeches, and buries his face into Lan Wangji’s pant leg.

“Wei Ying,” Lan Wangji says.

Wei Wuxian lowers the flashlight. “Ahh, okay, no ghost stories. Then... how about shadow puppets? A-Yuan, I can show you how to make a bunny rabbit!”

That gets A-Yuan’s attention. He glances up at Wei Wuxian. “How?”

“Let me show you!” Wei Wuxian takes A-Yuan’s hand in his, though he has to walk with his back slightly bent to do so. “Lan Zhan, you can hold the flashlight for us.”

“Mn.” Lan Wangji follows, with a smile on his face and a pleasant fullness in his chest.

[mystery-deer]

Nuclear (b99 kevin/holt)

The phone call from Debbie came deep into the afternoon. It was a dismal day and rained for the better portion of it, the kind of rain that didn’t dissipate only waxed and waned.

“I’m pregnant Raymond!” She exclaimed happily. He could hear her pacing around her house, picking things up and putting them down again like she always did when talking on the phone. He remembered she almost choked him with the cord doing that. “My senses are so strong I threw up because I saw someone ELSE eating relish on a hotdog!” She continued.

Raymond shuddered. RELISH on a hotdog? It was one of the only preferences they had in common. He could recall (though he didn’t at that moment) a great many family barbeques and picnics where they’d be offered the accursed condiment and both pulled faces their mother chastised them for. “Is senses heightening a part of pregnancy?”

“Hell yeah it is!” She declared.

“Ah, I see.” He nodded, sure she must be an expert in the matter. “Well, I’m very happy for you. Please keep me updated.”

As he hung up he heard the door open and his fiancee step in. The moment they'd gotten the house it was decided that they were fiancees. “There’s no legal way to prevent us from being engaged to be married.” Kevin had stated simply, ever the romantic.

“Who was that?” He asked, shrugging off his soaked coat and slipping his shoes off at the door. He looked like a drowned rat when he was wet, his thin hair sticking to his paler-than-average forehead. He would often bemoan how 'perfect' Raymond could look even after being in the rain or having just taken a shower.

Raymond smiled, feeling fond of him. As an afterthought he said, “My sister, she’s pregnant.”

How wonderful!” Kevin said, voice lilting slightly. Raymond honestly couldn’t understand why people said it was monotonous. It had so many soft depths to it, the slight upturn when he was especially pleased by a piece of news never failed to warm his heart.

“Every pregnancy is not good news.” He said suddenly, surprised as he had not planned to say it. “People often default to saying that but there are plenty of instances in which a pregnancy is cause for alarm and panic.”

Kevin nodded and shook out his umbrella. “I see. Good news for her and not for you?” He asked, hitting the nail on the head.

Raymond looked at the nail and did not recognize it as his own. “I’m not- I am perfectly...fine. With the information.” Kevin silently communicated his doubt at this, setting his umbrella out to dry. “It’s not that I’m upset, I just feel...odd.”

Kevin kissed his fiancee’s temple and placed an extremely cold and wet hand on the back of his neck, making him jump. “Please feel free to collect your thoughts while I make us tea, it’s pouring and I know you neglected to take your umbrella.”

“The weatherman did not indicate it would rain.” Raymond protested. He had had to throw his entire outfit in the dryer and change into pajamas despite it not being nighttime. He deserved it, it was his day off.

“I told you it would.”

“You are not the weatherman. Speaking of which, the deli counter clerk referred to me as ‘the rain man’ today when I went in.”

“Which one, Rodrigo?” Kevin asked. He did not like Rodrigo the deli counter clerk. Rodrigo had once, when Kevin ordered a sausage, winked at him and chuckled a notably slurred "right on man!”

“Yes.” Raymond had had no such interactions with Rodrigo.

“I see.”

“It’s a movie.” Raymond clarified for him, thinking that the source of Kevin’s frustration. “I believe the main character has the same name as me.”

“I’m aware.” Kevin remarked, opening the cabinets and taking out their favorite mugs. He was certain Raymond would deny having a favorite mug in front of company but Kevin had noted that he would only use other mugs if that particular one was not available. It was a beautiful piece of craftsmanship, a bluish gray. “Oh, I got your text and I bought more honey.”

“Bought more what?” “More-” Kevin turned to see his fiancee raising an eyebrow slyly and smiled, that was his Raymond. Always playing jokes on him.

“Very funny.” He said, meaning it. Raymond smiled as well and went to retrieve the bear-shaped bottle along with several other items he had realized he’d forgotten after coming home from his errands. And he certainly had no intention of going back out in that veritable storm, he had on his pajamas for chrissake.

“I don’t understand why you buy this brand and not the honey with the normal container.” He said, putting the bear down on the counter as Kevin filled the kettle.

“It’s cute.” He replied. “If you think it’s cute why would you purchase it? You’re meant to drain the honey from it. It is morbid and the same reason why I am against latte art.” “I know your stance on latte art intimately.”

(Flashback: The two of them in a Parisian inspired cafe of Kevin’s choosing, both of them in suits, Raymond’s sleeves rolled up because of the rant he’s worked himself into though he’s not yelling. It's a private quasi argument between the two of them. Kevin is drinking from his cup and Raymond's lays untouched on the table.

“I’m just saying it’s fiendish! It’s undrinkable!” “Because of Mr.Cuddlesworth?” “Don’t give it a name for chrissake!” “He’s delicious Raymond try him.” “You’re a monster.”

Flashback ends.)

“I still can’t believe you drank him.” “You’re adorable.” _______________

They had tea a few minutes later, sitting in their living room and watching the fire. Kevin had prepared it and Raymond had remarked that it made the home feel rustic.

“Rustic?” Kevin asked in disbelief, smiling for a moment. “City boy.” “You’re a city boy too now.” He pointed out. Kevin stood and clapped his hands off. “I’ll carry the scars of suburbia in my heart always.”

They sat in silence for the time it took to finish their drinks and they savored the time spent together more than the taste of honey.

“Kevin, do you want children?”

Kevin turned to look at his fiancee, startled by the question. He was staring down into his mug at the leaves left over. “Children?” He asked. “As in having children of our own?”

“Yes.” Raymond said, narrowing his eyes slightly to express his extreme confusion. “Was I unclear?”

Kevin turned to look at the fire and then up at the art hanging above it that was evocative of a starry sky. They'd bought it to christen the house and he remembered the moment vividly. “We can’t have children Raymond.” He paused. “I know some couples adopt - but not AS a couple and even then It’s difficult to adopt as a single parent.”

“I do not have any particular want to have a child.” Raymond admitted. For a brief moment he pictured his mother- looking stoic but clutching her purse so tightly her knuckles paled as the doctor spoke to her in a low consoling tone. “I am far too focused on my job and have never had a want to raise one.”

He pictured Kevin in the hospital when he got shot a few years back. Kevin waiting, hands in his lap, looking stoic except for how they shook there. He told him later that he’d asked at the front desk if Raymond Holt had been admitted and the receptionist peered up at him through horn-rimmed glasses. “Are you family?” She asked.

“I’m-” He’d paused. Thinking of the man he’d seen sitting in a chair near the entrance with a bulls hat and an American flag t-shirt. Hearing a woman by the coffee vending machine talking loudly on her phone, phrases like ‘alternative lifestyle’ and ‘not around my children.’ buzzing in his ears. The room seemed spring-loaded with violence.

“-No. We’re very close friends." He hesitated, voice cracking softly. "We’ve known each other since childhood just...please let me know if there’s any news.” He said and the woman nodded sympathetically because he looked like a wreck. He looked brokenhearted.

Raymond had woken up in his hospital bed alone. Had had to buzz the nurse in four times before she finally got around to fetching him. She kept "forgetting."

He pictured a funeral with not only Kevin but a smaller them- though they couldn’t procreate his imagination supplied a child which was composed of their halves. A mixed boy, brown skin and red hair, crying for his father.

A black boy, brown skin and black hair, holding his baby sister in his arms. Their mother bent at an odd angle, body shaking. It was sunny the day of the funeral and he remembered feeling wrong about it. Debbie couldn’t even talk then - could only babble and repeat if prompted.

Kevin looked relieved. “I must confess I also don’t have any particular want of children.” He said. “They’re fascinating and can be quite adorable but I do not have it in me to raise one.” They were both people who worked long nights. Kevin imagined taking a child to work, leaving them at the daycare (a child could not be trusted to stay quiet in class, even one that was theirs). He would either worry ceaselessly about them or they would grow distant because of the time apart.

He pictured his father- the back of him. He was sitting at his desk at home shifting through medical journals and loose papers. “He’s not to be disturbed.” Said his mother, ushering him away. “Come now.”

He pictured himself, sitting in the study, surrounded by books and grading papers. Saw himself not even noticing his son- an adopted boy who miraculously looked like them, perhaps not in his physical features but in the way he walked and talked and looked at things - lingering at the half open door.

“Come now.” Raymond would say gently, leading him away by the hand. “You will see him when he’s finished.”

“I was thinking of Debbie.” Raymond admitted, though Kevin had already guessed this was the source of their conversation. “I remember when she used to be so...small. It surprised me that she could be pregnant. That she is at the age where being pregnant is a natural thing.”

He remembered her as a child. Both of them in their father’s study. He sat in the middle of the room and watched her run around spinning all of the globes and listing fake facts about wherever they landed. The joy on her face made him want to cry and he hoped she would happy forever. Dust flew around them. He was sure that as she grew she would dim into normalcy but she only grew brighter and brighter.

He remembered her bringing home her future husband, a teacher at that time. He remembered how she shone that day and when she asked "Isn't he just the cutest?" He'd responded "Yes, he has eyelashes." He went into their father's study that day to escape the noise and spun one of the globes lazily with his finger.

“If I were heterosexual would I be married by now? Would I have children?” Raymond and a faceless woman were sitting in the same house - same fire in front of them. A smaller version of him and Debbie were running the background. A child who looked like Kevin sat with his back to them, singing. He felt a weighted sadness settle on him for a moment.

“I don’t want you to feel that you are missing out on some wonderful part of life because you’re with me.” He finished, setting his mug down. The sound transported him back to a night years and years ago. Raymond and Kevin on one end of a dining table and Kevin’s parents on the other. Classical music seeped in through the corners of the memory.

“You’ve done this.” Kevin's father growled, one eye blue with oncoming cataracts. Raymond remembered feeling sorry for him- he was a surgeon after all. “You’ve done this to our son.” And he felt like he’d murdered someone.

("Do not stand at my grave and weep." Kevin's voice read that night, raw with rage and sorrow. "I am not there, I do not sleep.")

He’d told this to Debbie on the phone and she’d succinctly said. “Fuck that old bastard! But I bet you WISH you were good enough to turn a man gay.” And just like that he was innocent again.

“Raymond I don’t feel that I’m sacrificing anything by being with you.” Kevin said. “Even if I was with a woman - and somehow enjoying it - I don’t believe I would want children. I’m perfectly happy with spoiling various nieces and nephews as they pop up.”

They both pictured themselves, older and grayer, in the middle of an intimate but large family. The image was comforting and felt right. They were complete with just the two of them, they didn't need or want anything other than to spend the rest of their lives together.

Raymond smiled, content with this answer and feeling very much the same. He relaxed against his fiancee and hummed in thought.

“What do you think she’ll name the baby?” “Perhaps Dan?” “Yes.” Raymond said, apparently enjoying the thought. “Perhaps.” "Maybe we should get a dog." Kevin suggested and smiled slightly at his fiancee's dismissive snort. "Heaven forbid."

[emybain]

Renegades Titanic AU Part 7

much shorter than the last update (and written on 4 hours of sleep at midnight), but I felt like the ending was a good stopping point for the part. the next update (which will hopefully be out by the end of the weekend!) should be a lot more interesting;). also the part title is a direct quote from the movie, and its only there because I couldn't find a spot for it here:(((

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6

Part 7: “We’re Women. Our choices are never easy.”

Nova leaned over the tiny sink in her cabin and splashed water onto her face. Judging from the light streaming into the window over the sink, she guessed it was mid morning. She had just woken up after a sleepless night, and found the room to be empty; she guessed the others were still at breakfast. 

Her head was pounding, throat on fire. When she had returned to the cabin the night before, exhausted and cold, she all but tore her dress off (with difficulty, of course) and fell into bed. While she was asleep nearly instantly, she woke up in the middle of the night drenched in sweat after dreaming of her family again. This was nothing new; she had been having nightmares about them and their deaths since the night she witnessed their murders over ten years ago. She had hated sleeping since, and rarely got any to begin with. It was a miracle that she hadn’t dropped dead yet of exhaustion, but she had gotten used to a two-to-four-hour-at-most sleep schedule, and was more than fine with it. Anything to keep from seeing her mother and father and sister being shot again. 

Her dress from the night before, which she vaguely remember throwing onto the floor before passing out, was now neatly laid out and smoothed over on Honey’s well made bed. Nova rolled her eyes. She was sure Honey had gushed over it upon waking up and seeing it at the foot of her bed. Adrian had said the night before that Ruby would probably let Nova keep the dress, but Nova had a feeling that Honey wouldn’t let her return it anyway. Nevermind that Honey wouldn’t be able to fit into the same small frame that both Nova and Ruby had. 

Nova was about to head out to find the others when the door opened, revealing Ingrid. She did a once over of Nova before reaching for her coat that rested on top of her bed, which was above Leroy’s. 

“Good. You’re up. Honey wants to take a walk around the deck and I’m not going alone. She should be back in a minute with Leroy so get your things.” 

Nova ran a hand through her hair, blinking. “Actually, I had other plans.” She didn’t, but she would rather not be around Honey or Ingrid, especially Ingrid, at the moment. 

Ingrid raised an eyebrow. “Like what? Go meet up with your little boyfriend? Didn’t you two get enough of one another last night at the party?” Upon seeing Nova’s confused face, Ingrid rolled her eyes. “I’m not an idiot, little Nightmare. I know you where you were last night, and it certainly wasn’t just the dinner in first class. How was that, by the way? I was expecting a bread roll when you returned, but you got back so late.” There was an uncomforting edge to Ingrid’s tone, close to a snap, yet disguised as attempting cheerful. 

Nova crossed her arms. “You followed me, is that what I’m hearing?” She let out a huff. “Can’t say I’m surprised.”

“You will not behave that way again, Nova. Do you understand?” Ingrid dropped her façade, lowering her voice and becoming serious. “We have one job, and we can’t have you willingly jumping into the beds of our enemies unless it is for information. Although I think it’s pretty obvious last night was a waste, correct?”

    “I’m not one of your explosives that you create and control, Ingrid.” Nova tilted her chin up, despite feeling her cheeks warm. She had not been in anyone’s bed last night other than her own, but she wasn’t about to tell Ingrid this; Ingrid was just trying to goad her into breaking. “I’m Ace Anarchy’s niece, and you can’t tell me what I can and cannot do.”

    “Ace Anarchy’s niece?” Ingrid huffed, then raised her voice, stepping closer to Nova. “Ace Anarchy’s niece? Yes you are, Nova Artino, and your job is to get him out of prison and put us in power again!” She pushed Nova back, causing her to stumble and fall over Leroy’s suitcase that was laying on the floor and wide open. Pain immediately erupted in her ankle, although Nova was too frozen to recognize it. Ingrid kicked the suitcase aside and got up in Nova’s face. “You may be his niece but I have followed him for a lot longer than you have, and I at least know where my loyalties lie!” She lowered her voice, although the anger didn’t leave her eyes. “I will not be made a fool, Nova. Is this in any way unclear?” When Nova shook her head quickly, unable to form a coherent word, Ingrid nodded and stepped away. “Good.”

    At that moment, Honey and Leroy walked in. Nova scurried up, ignoring the pain that shot through her ankle. Honey gasped in excitement and clapped her hands together. 

    “Oh, Nova, darling, you’re awake! Good, good! Come, tell us all about your handsome boy toy on our walk!” Nova took one glance at Honey, readjusted her button down, and glared at Ingrid. 

    “Actually, I was just heading out. Alone.” She pushed past the three of them, eyes trained on the ground. Ingrid’s cold hand closed around her wrist before she could open the door. 

    “You are not to see that boy again, unless we know of it. Do you understand?” When Nova didn’t respond, the grip on her wrist tightened. “Nova. I forbid it.”

    “Oh, stop it, Ingrid, before you give yourself a nosebleed.” Nova sneered up at the older woman. Not a second later, Nova’s hand was holding her cheek, tears brimming in her eyes. She barely registered that Ingrid had just slapped her. 

    “Ingrid Thompson!” Leroy snapped, reaching out to pull the woman back, but she pushed him away. Soft hands wrapped around Nova’s face and pried Nova’s hand away to examine the blow. Honey. 

    Only half aware of what she was doing, and how she was doing it, Nova managed to open the door and rush out into the hall. She took long strides, not daring to look back, even as Ingrid yelled at her. People sidestepped her, backing up against the wall to avoid being hit. 

    “This is not a game, Artino! Stop being so selfish!”

__________

Adrian wasn’t sure how he managed to slip away.

They had been given a private tour of the ship that morning by none other than Thomas Andrews, the architect in charge of the design of the Titanic, himself. They had even held a conversation with the captain of the ship, who had been in good spirits and held pride in commanding such a vessel. 

After the gym, however, Adrian was thoroughly bored. He could tell Oscar, Danna, and Ruby were as well, based on their expressions. 

His thoughts wandered to Nova, who he had undoubtedly tried to kiss not twenty-four hours ago and was undoubtedly rejected by her. He had been sure, so sure, in fact, that she felt the same hammering in her chest as he did whenever they were around one another. That perhaps being near him sent chills up her arms like it did with him. This attraction, especially to her, of all people, was foreign to Adrian. He was certain he had never felt so drawn to another person before in his life. It was unsettling yet comforting at the same time. If only she felt the same as he did. 

“You want to see her, don’t you.” Adrian looked over at Oscar at his side, who had his relaxed, crooked smile on his face. 

“It’s obvious he does,” Ruby said from in front of them. She and Danna were in front of the two boys, arm in arm. They slowed down to walk with the boys, but still stayed in front of them. They were on the deck of the ship beside the lifeboats, which took up the majority of the deck space on that part of the ship, forcing the touring group to walk no more than two wide. “He’s been distracted ever since breakfast.”

Oscar snorted. “Try since waking up. He’s been practically ignoring me all morning.” 

“I’m right here, you guys.” Adrian rolled his eyes, brushing off their teasing. “And no, Ruby. Would I want to see her? That’s ridiculous.”

“She never said a name,” Danna deadpanned, side-eyeing Adrian with the tiniest of smiles. “You’re hopeless, really. If you wanted to go smooch-up your new lover, you should’ve just said something.” With that she unwrapped her arm from Ruby’s and sped up. “Mr. Andrews!” she called out, in what she liked to refer to as her ‘I’m not up to anything’ voice. 

Adrian reached out to stop her, but she was too quick. Mr. Andrews turned, breaking off whatever topic he had been discussing with Evander Wade. The rest of the group turned to her as well. 

“Forgive me,” Danna smiled apologetically, “but I did the sum in my head, and with the number of lifeboats times the capacity you mentioned earlier,” she paused, pursing her lips, “forgive me, but it seems that there are not enough for everyone aboard.” Even Hugh, a nearly unimpressible man, blinked.

“About half, actually.” Mr. Andrews chuckled. It hadn’t been the first time that Danna had interrupted the tour to ask questions, and Adrian could tell Mr. Andrews was thrilled by her curiosity, seeing as she was the only person displaying any interest in his realm of expertise. “You miss nothing, do you, Miss Danna?” He then went into a long explanation as to why there were so little lifeboats on such a massive ship, Danna listening intently to every word. 

Adrian would have just stood there, watching the pair until Danna was satisfied with an answer and returned to her friends, but Oscar nudged him and nodded behind them, as if beckoning him to leave. Adrian shook his head, frowning. He couldn’t just disappear and not have someone ask of his whereabouts. 

“For all that is good in this world, just go!” Ruby hissed, huffing dramatically and using all of her strength to push Adrian. “We’ll cover for you, say you weren’t feeling well or something but didn’t want to interrupt.”

Adrian opened his mouth to protest, but she silenced him. Truthfully, he wanted to speak to Nova, at least clear things up between them so that they wouldn’t have to part with her thinking poorly of his character; he had to at least apologize for his actions the night before. 

Surely his parents wouldn’t suspect too much.

[bechloeislegit]

THE HEART WANTS WHAT IT WANTS

CHAPTER 5

Beca had been back in L.A. for a little over four months now. Her first single, The Heart Wants What It Wants, was released a few days before she returned; it was still getting a lot of attention. Her debut album was put on a fast track and was ready for release. She was going to sing two songs from it live on Ellen, just two days before the epic release party the studio was holding on Friday night. Amy managed to get all the Bellas to agree to come to L.A. to surprise Beca at the party.

It was Wednesday, and Beca was nervous. This was the day she was going on Ellen. It was officially her first talk show appearance. And it was live.

"Welcome to the show. We're live and coming at you from Disneyland," Ellen said, and the audience clapped and cheered. "Today we have a special treat for all of you. Beca Mitchell will be performing not one, but two songs from her debut album titled, The Heart Wants What It Wants." The audience clapped and cheered again. "Many of you may remember how Beca Mitchell was introduced to us by DJ Khaled during his USO Show for the troops back in December." More cheers from the audience. "Here's a clip of Beca's performance." A clip is shown with Beca and the Bellas singing Freedom.

"Pretty good," Ellen said. "Beca released her first single, The Heart What It Wants, just four months ago and it has been climbing up the Billboard music chart and is holding steady at number ten for the second week in a row." The audience erupts in applause. "Not too shabby for a first-timer, huh?" Ellen asked, and the audience cheered some more. "And now, here to perform The Heart Wants What It Wants, is Beca Mitchell."

The crowd cheered as the curtain opened to show Beca standing in front of the mic. The band started playing behind her; the crowd quieted down, and Beca began to sing.

You got me sippin' on something I can't compare to nothing I've ever known, I'm hoping That after this fever I'll survive

I know I'm acting a bit crazy Strung out, a little bit hazy Hand over heart, I'm praying That I'm gonna make it out alive

The bed's getting cold and you're not here The future that we hold is so unclear But I'm not alive until you call And I'll bet the odds against it all

Beca put everything she had into singing the song. She looked directly into the camera and stared as if she could see through the lens of the camera to the people at home listening.

Save your advice 'cause I won't hear You might be right but I don't care There's a million reasons why I should give you up But the heart wants what it wants The heart wants what it wants

You got me scattered in pieces Shining like stars and screaming Lighting me up like Venus But then you disappear and make me wait

And every second's like torture Heroin drip, no more so Finding a way to let go Baby, baby, no I can't escape

The bed's getting cold and you're not here The future that we hold is so unclear But I'm not alive until you call And I'll bet the odds against it all

Chloe is sitting in Tampa with her mother as she listened to Beca sing. Hearing the song on the radio is nothing compared to hearing Beca sing it live. You could not only hear the emotions behind the song; you could see them on Beca's face and in her eyes.

Chloe had tears in her eyes and a sad smile on her face as she kept her eyes glued to the television screen. She knew the song stemmed from the pain she caused Beca. She was so glad they were friends again. It didn't stop the ache in her heart from causing pain to the one she loved.

Charlotte could see the song was effecting Chloe. Despite all that had happened, she believed Beca and Chloe were destined to be more than friends. She sent up a silent prayer that the two would find their way to becoming something more.

Save your advice 'cause I won't hear You might be right but I don't care There's a million reasons why I should give you up But the heart wants what it wants The heart wants what it wants The heart wants what it wants The heart wants what it wants

In Atlanta, Aubrey and Stacie are watching as well. "I knew the first time we heard this that she wrote it about Chloe," Stacie said.

Aubrey smiled at her and nodded her head. "I have a feeling Beca will be writing a lot of songs about Chloe."

This is a modern fairy tale No happy endings No wind in our sails But I can't imagine a life without Breathless moments Breaking me down, down, down, down

The bed's getting cold and you're not here The future that we hold is so unclear But I'm not alive until you call And I'll bet the odds against it all

Save your advice 'cause I won't hear You might be right but I don't care There's a million reasons why I should give you up But the heart wants what it wants The heart wants what it wants The heart wants what it wants The heart wants what it wants The heart wants what it wants, baby

It wants what it wants, baby It wants what it wants It wants what it wants The heart wants what it wants, baby It wants what it wants

The song ends, and the crowd gives Beca a standing ovation. Beca smiled and mouthed 'thank you' as she took a bow. Ellen walked over to her and mentioned Beca's debut album again.

"We'll talk to Beca Mitchell right after this," Ellen said.

~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~

The Bellas group chat was blowing up with how much everyone was blown away by hearing Beca sing her first single live. Amy smiled as she read the messages that were coming in fast and furious.

The messages slowly stopped as the show came back on with Beca sitting in the chair opposite Ellen. "We're back with Beca Mitchell. I have to say I really like that song. You put a lot of emotion into it."

"Thank you," Beca said shyly as the audience clapped to show their approval.

"So, I understand that you wrote that song, as well as a couple of others on the album," Ellen said.

"Yes, I did," Beca said. "That song is the first song I ever wrote on my own."

"Did you write it for someone in particular?" Ellen asked. "A special someone? Someone your heart can't stop wanting?"

"Oh no," Beca said, wagging a finger at Ellen. "I know how you operate. You're not going to get me to say it's for someone and then keep poking and prodding until I give up the name. I'm onto you, missy."

Ellen smiled and looked out over the audience who are laughing. Ellen turned back to Beca.

"So, it is about someone," Ellen said.

"What? No. That's not. I-," Beca said flustered. "Shut up."

The audience laughed, and Ellen smiled at Beca. "Okay, let's talk about your album."

"I can do that," Beca said.

"What's your favorite song from the album?" Ellen asked.

"Wow, um," Beca said and thinks for a minute. "I don't have just one favorite. I would have to say it's a tie between the one I just sang, plus Tell Me You Love Me, and Madly Truly Deeply. Mainly because I had a hand in writing them. The Heart Wants What It Wants is the first song to be released. It will be followed by Tell Me You Love Me on Friday when the album is released."

"Does the album title have any special meaning?" Ellen asked.

"The song came first, and it seemed fitting to name the album after it," Beca replied. "I think the meaning speaks for itself. I think most people will agree that when it comes to love the heart wants what it wants. It doesn't matter if it's right for you or wrong for you. It doesn't matter if it's good for you or bad for you. It just wants what it wants."

The audience cheered and clapped. "I think the audience agrees with you," Ellen said with a smile. "You got your start as part of a college acapella group. The group from the clip where you were singing Freedom. Right?"

"Right," Beca said.

"And, as their Captain, you helped lead the group, the Barden Bellas, to three National Championships," Ellen said.

"Right," Beca said again, looking a little concerned at where Ellen was going with this.

"You even performed at President Obama's birthday celebration at the Kennedy Center a few years back," Ellen said and smiled.

"Oh, God," Beca said and covered her face. "Please don't show it."

"I'm sorry, but my producers insist," Ellen said with a laugh. "Here's a clip from that Kennedy Center performance."

The clip showed Fat Amy's wardrobe malfunction. The audience laughed and a few "oh, mys" are heard.

Beca sat there, red-faced and looking chagrined. Ellen laughed and said, "But, you helped the Barden Bellas redeem themselves by being the first U.S. team to win the World Acapella Championships. Here's a clip from that performance."

The clip showed, and the audience clapped and cheered. Beca just smiled and looked at Ellen.

"I thought I was here to talk about my new album," Beca said.

"People want to learn about the woman behind the album," Ellen said.

"I'm just Beca Mitchell. A girl who was fortunate enough to be discovered by a music producer and asked to sing some songs on an album. Not much else to tell."

The audience applauded and Ellen waited for them to quiet before asking, "Are you ready to perform another song for us before you go?"

"Absolutely!"

"Okay," Ellen said and looked into the camera. "Beca Mitchell will sing when we come back."

The show goes to a commercial break, and Beca goes over to the mic and chats with Ellen until they come back from the commercial break. Ellen was standing next to Beca and welcomed the audience back and introduced Beca.

"Ladies and gentlemen, here is Beca Mitchell singing Tell Me You Love Me."

Beca started singing.

Oh no, here we go again Fighting over what I said I'm sorry, yeah I'm sorry Bad at love, no, I'm not good at this But I can't say I'm innocent Not hardly, but I'm sorry

And all my friends, they know and it's true I don't know who I am without you I got it bad, baby Got it bad

Oh, tell me you love me I need someone on days like this, I do

Charlotte watched as a myriad of emotions flitted across Chloe's face. Chloe gave her a teary-eyed smile. Chloe knew that she was ready to go after Beca; she just hoped that Beca was ready for her. The only way to find out was to do something about it while she was in L.A.

On days like this Oh, tell me you love me I need someone On days like this, I do On days like this

Oh, can you hear my heart say No, you ain't nobody 'til you got somebody You ain't nobody 'til you got somebody And I hope I never see the day That you move on and be happy without me Without me

What's my hand without your heart to hold? I don't know what I'm living for If I'm living without you

All my friends, they know and it's true I don't know who I am without you I've got it bad, baby I got it bad

Oh, tell me you love me I need someone on days like this, I do On days like this Oh, tell me you love me I need someone On days like this, I do On days like this

Oh, can you hear my heart say You ain't nobody 'til you got somebody You ain't nobody 'til you got somebody My heart's like No, you ain't nobody 'til you got somebody You ain't nobody 'til you got somebody

Everything I need Is standing in front of me I know that we will be alright, alright, yeah Through the ups and downs Baby, I'ma stick around I promise we will be alright, alright

Oh, tell me you love me I need someone on days like this, I do On days like this Oh, tell me you love me I need someone On days like this, I do On days like this

Oh, can you hear my heart say You ain't nobody 'til you got somebody You ain't nobody 'til you got somebody Everything I need Is standing right in front of me I know that we will be alright, alright, yeah

The audience gave Beca another standing ovation. Ellen came back over and hugged Beca.

"Well, I loved the songs and the album," Ellen told Beca. "And I predict great success for you. Thank you for being such a good sport today." She then looked out at the audience. "The album is The Heart Wants What It Wants and will be released on Friday. But, we're giving you a sneak peek and everyone in our studio audience will get to take one home with them today."

The audience cheered and clapped as Beca smiled. She hugged Ellen again. Ellen looked back at the audience.

"When we come back we'll be talking with John Krasinski about his new movie," Ellen said.

The camera goes off, and Ellen thanked Beca again. Beca thanked Ellen for having her and walked off the stage, waving at the audience. Once she was out of sight of the audience, she took a deep breath and let it out.

~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~

Meanwhile, Amy is chatting with the Bellas via a group text about Beca's performance on Ellen when her phone rings. She sees the name that showed up on her caller ID and smiled.

"What's up, Red?" Amy asked as she took the call.

"Is there some time on the schedule while we're in L.A. for me to have some alone time with Beca?" she heard Chloe ask.

"I believe there is," Amy said. "She's being given the whole week off, and I'm sure there's space for you to have some time with her."

"Thanks, Amy," Chloe said. She paused for a moment, and said, "Can I ask you something? And I want you to be totally honest with me when you answer."

"I'm an open book, Chloe," Amy said. "Hit me with it."

"I've heard some things," Chloe started and stopped. "Is Beca-? Does she like-? Is she dating Theo?"

"She's not dating anyone, Chloe," Amy told her softly. "We'd both know if she was."

"Right, right," Chloe said and softly cleared her throat. "Of course. I know she said she loved me, but she needed us to be friends for a 'while.' We text every day, but it's been four months. Her feelings for me could have changed, and I wasn't sure she'd tell me she was dating, you know?"

"Chloe, you're Beca's best friend," Amy said. "You're like number two on her list of best friends. Me being number one of course. She'd tell you if she was seeing anyone. After everything you two went through in the past six months, I'm sure she would tell you if her feelings changed. Especially since she said that maybe you guys could be something more later."

"Thanks, Amy." Chloe couldn't help the smile that stretched across her face. "Can I tell you something? But you can't tell anyone else."

"Sure, Chloe," Amy said. "I promise to keep it between us."

"I'm going to try and convince Beca to give us a chance to become something more now rather than later," Chloe said quickly. "I, um, I just need you or someone to tell me I'm not making a mistake. That Beca really does still have feelings for me and wants to be with me as much as I want to be with her. Baby and all."

"I'm telling you," Amy said grinning. "And everyone else you ask will tell you. You are not making a mistake. I truly think she's ready for you two to become something more. I also think she's waiting for you to make the first move."

"Thanks, Amy." Chloe let out a small laugh. "I really needed to hear that."

"Come get your girl, Red," Amy said excitedly.

"I'm going to do my best," Chloe said. "I'll see you tomorrow. And, Amy?"

"Yeah?"

"Thanks, again," Chloe said. "I don't know what we, what I'd do without you."

"See you tomorrow, Chloe," Amy said as she ended the call.

Amy smiled and gave a fist pump as she yelled to the empty room, "Bhloe is a go!"

~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~

Beca gathered her stuff and started walking down the hall toward the exit.

"I think they liked the songs," Theo said from behind Beca just as she got to the door.

"Jesus, dude," Beca said, her hand to her chest. "Are you trying to give me a heart attack?"

"Sorry," Theo said and held the door open for her. "I just wanted to get to you before you headed out."

"Why?" Beca asked.

Before Theo could respond, a group of young girls squealed and ran over to Beca. She smiled and gave them autographs. She also let them take a few selfies before Theo guided her to her car. Theo opened the door for Beca, and they got in. Once they were settled, the driver pulled away from the curb.

"You didn't answer my question," Beca said. "Why did you want to see me before I went home?"

"I wanted to let you know that starting after the release party, DJ Khaled is giving you a week off," Theo said.

"Why?" Beca asked. "I didn't ask for it. I'd rather be working."

"Beca, you've been working nonstop for the past four months," Theo said. "You've been pushing yourself, and you deserve a break. Take time off; you'll need it."

Beca squinted her eyes at him. "What does that mean?"

"I can't say now," Theo said. "What I can say is, that it will all be revealed on Friday night."

"Ooo, how mysterious," Beca said. "Anything else I should know about?"

"Conan wants you on his show tomorrow night," Theo said. "We've already confirmed your appearance."

"Nothing like giving a girl some notice," Beca said as she ran a hand through her hair.

"He actually wanted you for tonight," Theo said. "Conan is asking that, in addition to the usual interview, you sing a song from the album. Khaled wants you to do Truly Madly Deeply. We want to get as much hype going as we can before the album comes out, and we release it as your third single."

"Is it normal to have an album together and released in four months AND have three songs released from an album so close together?" Beca asked.

"Not for a newcomer," Theo said. "But, Khaled believes in the album and these songs. He thinks you'll have a few number one hits on your hands. He sees several music awards lining your shelves."

"Don't you think I might burn out after just one album?" Beca asked.

"No, we don't," Theo said. "There's a reason Khaled picked you, Beca. He saw something special in you; so do I. You're going to be on the charts for many years. Trust us on this."

"I do," Beca said.

"Oh, and try to get some rest next week," Theo said. "We'll be talking about a concert tour when you get back to the studio."

Beca didn't say anything; she sat back and stared out at the passing scenery.

~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~

Early Thursday morning found Charlotte dropping Chloe off at the airport. Chloe hugged her mother, and Charlotte said, "Give Beca our best and tell her how proud we are of her."

"I will," Chloe said before releasing Charlotte and grabbing her bag.

Chloe gave a last wave to her mom, and before she knew it, she was sitting on Amy's private jet as it taxied up to the runway for takeoff. She was the only one on board for this part of the trip. She knew that it would be about a 90-minute flight to Atlanta where she knew they were picking up the Bellas who stayed in and around Barden and Atlanta. She was excited to see everyone since the last time they saw each other was such a somber occasion. Plus, she was taking better care of herself, and the baby was thriving. She was looking forward to sharing Beca's big night not only with Beca but with her Bellas family.

They were in the air, and Chloe was feeling a bit nauseous. She wasn't sure if it was morning sickness, flying anxiety, or being scared to death about seeing Beca. She asked the stewardess for some ginger ale and crackers to try and settle her stomach.

The crackers helped, and Chloe was feeling a bit calmer. Before too long, they were landing in Atlanta, and she was excited to see the Bellas. The first to arrive were Cynthia Rose, Emily, and Flo. Chloe hugged them all before they went to their seats. Next came Aubrey and Stacie.

"I'm glad to see you," Aubrey said as she pulled Chloe into a hug. "I was worried you were going to change your mind. Especially with your continued bouts of morning sickness."

"It comes and goes," Chloe said and lowered her voice. "I really want to go so I can talk to Beca, face-to-face. I want to see if she'll be willing to try and be something more than friends. I just hope she doesn't reject me because it's too soon."

"She's not going to reject you, Chlo," Stacie told her having heard what Chloe said. "And, if she does, you just try again later."

"I think she'll be surprised to see us, especially you," Aubrey said. "And I'm sure she'll be happiest to see you. Just don't mess it up this time around."

"Quit hogging the pregnant lady," Jessica said from behind Stacie. The girls moved out of the way, and Chloe hugged Jessica and Ashley before they found a seat.

Chloe looked around the cabin and was surprised to see Lily sitting next to Flo. "How did I miss her coming on board?" Chloe thought, and then smiled and shook her head.

The girls were all chatting amongst themselves as the plane started moving.

~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~

Amy met the jet, and when the girls exited the plane, they saw her leaning against a stretch limo.

"Oh, my God," Ashley said. "Amy's doing it up, isn't she?"

"Just Amy being Amy," Aubrey remarked with a smile.

"What's up, pitches?" Amy yelled as she opened her arms, and everyone joined in for a group hug. "Whoa, careful there, Chloe. Don't want to hurt the newest baby Bella." Amy pulled back and looked down at Chloe's stomach. "You look good, Red. I know Beca is going to flip when she sees you and the girls."

"Are you talking about her boobs?" Stacie asked. "Cause pregnancy boobs are amazing."

"Oh, my God, Stacie," Chloe said as she slapped Stacie's arm and laughed.

The other girls laughed and started piling into the limo. Amy sat back and started pouring champagne for everyone. She handed each girl, except Chloe, a champagne flute. Amy reached into a cooler next to her and pulled out a bottle of ginger ale and poured some into a champagne flute and handed it to Chloe. Chloe took it and smiled at Amy.

"Here's to the Bellas!" Amy toasted and downed a large gulp of champagne. The rest of the Bellas follow suit.

"This is really exciting," Jessica said. "I can't believe Beca's first album is done already."

"Hey, Amy," Cynthia Rose said. "Have you heard the rest of the album? The songs she sang on Ellen are really good."

"Nope," Amy responded. "I've only heard what you guys have heard. Beca can't let me hear anything until the album is released. She did say that Tell Me You Love Me is being released as a single tomorrow morning, and that the whole album will be played at the release party."

"So, what's the plan for tonight?" Emily asked.

"I thought we could get everyone checked in to the hotel and then we could have an early dinner," Amy responded. "We're going to have a late night tomorrow so I thought we could take it easy tonight. Plus, we got all week to hit some clubs and do some dancing L.A. style. Maybe even hit a karaoke bar."

"I hear Beca's name a lot," Flo said. "She's really hit the ground running, and according to TMZ, she's the one to watch. They've already got stories out there about her and that Theo guy hooking up or sneaking around."

"You mean, Mr. Eye Contact?" Cynthia Rose asked. Flo nodded. "We know better. Beca's got way better taste than him."

Chloe tried not to let the topic of Beca being with someone, especially Theo, bother her. She continued to sip her ginger ale and chatted quietly with Aubrey. She hadn't realized she had been bouncing her leg up and down nervously until she felt a hand on her knee. She looked up to see Stacie give her a small smile and a squeeze to the knee. Chloe smiled back and tried to relax.

"Are we almost there, Amy?" Chloe asked. "I have to pee."

"We're like five minutes away," Amy said. "Can you wait?"

"Maybe we can stop somewhere," Stacie suggested. "When I was pregnant and had to pee, it was now, not whenever."

"I can wait," Chloe said with a laugh. She turned to Stacie. "You're going to have to tell me all the things I can expect to happen over the next three months."

"I can," Stacie said. "But even knowing what's coming, you will not be ready. Let's see; I remember at around five months, I started feeling this sort of fluttery feeling in my stomach. It was kind of weird but also kind of cool because it was the baby starting to take up more space, and it felt like she was touching my insides."

"Ew, gross," Amy said.

"No, it's not," Stacie said. "It's beautiful. The ew part is the constipation, bloating, flatulence, and heartburn that came with it." The girls all laughed when Amy scrunched her face. "It got worse at six months. I was constantly hungry, and when I was hungry, I ate. Which then caused the flatulence, heartburn, and all that. Add backaches, constant heartburn, and dizziness to all that, and it wasn't really a fun time." Stacie smiled and added, "But, it was the best time of my life."

"I can't believe I'm already at six months," Chloe said.

"But, you don't look pregnant," Ashley said. "It just looks like you gained some weight. No offense, Chloe."

"None taken," Chloe said. She looked at Stacie. "What did you look like when you were at six months?"

"Like I swallowed a whole grapefruit," Stacie said. "People would look at me like, is she pregnant or gaining weight? I really popped out at about the six and a half month mark. That's when you could tell I was pregnant."

Chloe had instinctively put her hand on her stomach and was looking down at it with a smile. She hadn't realized Stacie had stopped talking until she looked up to see all the Bellas smiling at her as they watched her absentmindedly rub her stomach.

"You're glowing, Chlo," Aubrey said.

Chloe's smile grew bigger. "I admit that when I first found out I was pregnant, I was scared to death and didn't know what I was going to do, hence, why I acted so crazy. But now? God, I can't wait for the baby to be born; to be a mom. I've been holding off buying a bunch of stuff, but I could spend hours in the baby department in every store I walk into."

The girls all chuckled, and Stacie smiled and nodded her head in understanding.

~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~

The girls got settled in their rooms and unpacked before meeting for dinner. After dinner, they decided to get comfortable and settle in for the night. Which, in Bellas speak, means everyone changed into their pajamas and met in Chloe's room.

The girls were laughing and chatting. Jessica and Ashley collected dollar bills from everyone and made a run to the snack and soda machines. They came rushing back into the room; both loaded down with everything they could carry.

Everyone grabbed for their favorites and settled down a bit. They were quietly talking in small groups now.

"Hey, Stacie," Emily called grabbing Stacie's attention. "Who's taking care of Bella?"

"My mom," Stacie said. "As soon as I told her we were planning this trip, she had her bags packed and put in to be off from work."

"She loves being a grandma," Aubrey said with a laugh.

"So, when are you two going to take the plunge?" CR asked. "I highly recommend it."

"We're in the thinking about it stage," Stacie said.

"How is Denise, Cynthia?" Chloe asked from her place on her bed. She covered a yawn and said, "I wish she could have come. She's still a Bella even if she was only At Barden for one year."

"She wanted to," CR said. "But, she couldn't get out of work."

"We'll have to see if we can Skype her," Chloe said and yawned.

"That sounds like a good idea," CR said.

"I'm tired already, and it's only 9:30," Stacie said and yawned.

"Your body is still on East Coast time," Aubrey said. "If we were home in Atlanta, it would be 12:30 a.m. and way past our bedtime."

"I was hoping to stay up and watch Beca on Conan," Stacie said. "But I think I'm going to miss it."

As if on cue, Stacie yawned again. The other Bellas soon followed suit and started laughing at themselves.

"We're getting old," Cynthia Rose said and laughed. "I can remember quite a few times when we'd stay up for thirty-six hours straight."

"That only happened when there was drinking and a Bellas party involved," Flo added with a chuckle.

"That was also when we were all barely of legal drinking age," Jessica said. "It's not as much fun as it used to be."

"Well, I'm going to call it a night," Amy said. "Beca will expect me to be home to watch Conan with her since it was taped earlier."

"Guys, maybe we should all call it a night," Emily said with a nod of her head toward the bed.

The girls all looked over to the bed and smiled; a few awws are softly thrown out. Chloe laid on the bed with her hand gently over her baby bump. She was sound asleep and oblivious to the company in her room.

Without a word, the Bellas quietly left Chloe's room. Aubrey placed a blanket over Chloe and walked to the door. She took one last look back at Chloe with a smile on her face. She flipped the light switch off and softly pulled the door closed.

~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~

Chloe woke up around three in the morning, feeling warm and having to use the bathroom. She used the bathroom and decided to brush her teeth before she went back to bed. She got in bed and pushed the covers away from her. The last thought she had was that she hoped she'd be able to get back to sleep. Seconds later, she got what she hoped for.

Chloe slept for a few more hours, waking up just after eight. She had a smile on her face because tonight was the night of the release party for Beca's first solo album. And, hopefully, tonight would be the first night of the rest of her life with Beca. She rolled out of bed and sent a group text to the Bellas, asking about breakfast. She tossed her phone on the bed and went to take a shower.

Chloe stood in the shower, thinking about what she would say to Beca. They had talked before Chloe left for Tampa, and managed to rekindle their friendship to the point they were before the USO Tour. She smiled when she thought of the daily texts Beca sent asking her how she and the baby were doing. Even though Beca had been busy, she still took the time to check up on Chloe, and that meant the world to her.

Chloe kicks herself every day for the way she kept pushing Beca away each time Beca stepped up and tried to renew their friendship. Chloe hated to hurt or disappoint Beca, and yet she managed to do both over and over again. God, she was such an idiot sometimes.

Chloe thought when Beca found out she was pregnant that she would run. And, she did, but she also came back, bringing Chloe prenatal vitamins and healthy food for her and her baby.

Chloe smiled, and her hand went to her baby bump. She found herself doing this often as a way of calming herself. She didn't look as pregnant as she thought she would at six months, and Stacie was right about her boobs. They were bigger and fuller, and she found men and women checking out her chest more than before. Stacie was also right about the fluttering in her tummy. She had started feeling the flutters about a month ago, and it did feel like the baby was touching her insides.

Chloe finished her shower and got dressed. She dried her hair and went light on the makeup. The finishing touch was a light swipe of lipstick.

She felt a small twinge, and put her hand to her side and pressed in to ease the ache before resting her hand on her stomach. She was feeling a bit nauseous. "Must be nerves," she thought. "Or maybe it's the Braxton Hicks contractions I read about."

Chloe finished getting dressed and checked her phone. She smiled when she saw that Aubrey had texted they should meet at 9:30 in the hotel's restaurant for breakfast. Chloe checked the time and smiled as she left her room.

~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~

Amy joined the girls just as they were finishing their breakfast. They decided to do a little sightseeing since most of them hadn't been to L.A. before.

"Chloe, you haven't eaten much," Stacie whispered. "Are you okay?"

"I'm hungry, but I'm also nauseous," Chloe said and swallowed. "I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'll be right back."

Chloe got up, and Stacie was going to follow her, but Chloe told her she'd rather go alone. Chloe hurried toward the restroom. Stacie kept an eye on her as she ran off.

"What's the plan for tonight?" Aubrey asked Amy.

"Theo is sending a limo to the hotel for us," Amy said. "We need to be ready by seven fifteen."

"And Beca has no idea we're coming?" Stacie asked.

"Nope," Amy responded. "Theo has kept the guest list from her, and you know Beca, she probably didn't even ask who was on it."

The girls chatted about what the release party was going to be like. Chloe returned to the table and said she needed to go back to her room to brush her teeth after throwing up.

"I'll go with you," Aubrey said. "We'll meet you girls in the lobby in about fifteen minutes."

Aubrey and Chloe go to Chloe's room, and she brushed her teeth. They are about to leave when Chloe rushed back into the bathroom. She came back out a few minutes later, and Aubrey asked if she was okay.

"I'm sorry," Chloe said, holding her side. "I'm just really nervous about tonight."

"Relax," Aubrey said. "Beca's going to love that fact that we are all here for her."

"I guess," Chloe said nervously.

"Are you up for sightseeing?" Aubrey asked. "I can tell the girls you're not feeling well and stay with you if you want. They'll understand."

"No, I'll be fine," Chloe said. "I do feel much better after that last round. Let's go."

Chloe and Aubrey met the girls, and they went off on their sightseeing adventure. About two hours into their sightseeing, Chloe started feeling sick again.

"I think I'm going to grab a taxi and go back to the hotel," Chloe told the girls. "I don't know if it's morning sickness, the heat or what, but I'm not feeling so great."

"I'll go back with you," Aubrey said.

"No, Brey," Chloe told her. "You stay and sightsee with Stacie. You've never been to L.A before, and I want you two to see it together. I'll be fine."

"I don't want you going back alone," Aubrey said.

"Brey, I'll be fine," Chloe said again.

"I'll go back with her," Jessica said. "I've been to L.A. before and have seen most of the touristy stuff; I won't be missing much."

"I'll call for a car to take you back," Amy said already on the phone.

It was only a few minutes later when the car pulled up.

"You take care, Chloe," Stacie said as she hugged the redhead. "Get some rest, so you're ready for tonight."

"Take lots of pictures," Chloe said as she and Jessica got into the car.

"Call us if you need us for anything," Cynthia Rose called out.

Chloe smiled and waved as the car pulled away. Aubrey watched with a worried expression as the car drove off.

"Relax, babe," Stacie said. "It's probably a combination of nerves and morning sickness. We'll call and check on her in a little while. Okay?"

Aubrey smiled and nodded her head. She and Stacie joined the other girls as they continued their sightseeing.

~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~

"I can't wait to see Beca's expression when she sees us," Jessica said as they drove through the streets of L.A.

"Mm-hmm," Chloe said and swallowed.

"Do other singers come to these release parties?" Jessica asked as she looked out the window. "It would be so cool to see some celebrities."

"Yeah," Chloe said and leaned her head back and closed her eyes.

Something in Chloe's voice caused Jessica to turn back and look at her.

"Are you sure you're okay, Chloe?" Jessica asked her brows furrowed in concern. "You look really pale."

"I think I'm going to throw up again," Chloe said and asked the driver to pull over. She barely had time to open the door before she was throwing up.

Jessica pulled Chloe's hair back and held it. She rubbed her hand up and down Chloe's back. When Chloe was done, she looked at Jessica; Jessica noticed she looked paler and her eyes were wide with fright.

Chloe was holding her side, and with tears in her eyes, said, "Jess, I think something's wrong!"

Songs Used:

The Heart Wants What It Wants by Selena Gomez Tell Me You Love Me by Demi Lovato

[lostbutterflyutau]

Sunset Carla (Part 3)

With the premiere of Not Without My Magic and Naomi Knows Best we’ve learned a lot about Carla, her parents, their dynamic and the effect that this dynamic has on Carla.

In Not Without My Magic it’s revealed that Ash had been gone at least seven years, meaning that she’s been absent from Carla’s life since she was about nine or ten-years-old -- possibly earlier since in Naomi Knows Best she said she studied dark magic for ten years. And this depends on when Carla’s birthday is. I personally headcanon Carla as being 17 at this point with a November birthday. (She’s a Scorpio.) But, I digress.

Shifting back to canon, since even their first appearance in King of the Carnaval, Victor and Carla are shown to have a really close relationship, which is to be expected after he raised her alone for so long. It’s very subtle at first, but as time goes on, we can see more and more of just how much he really cares for his daughter.

 Yes, they do clash sometimes because they’re both strong personalities. And, of course, he does get frustrated with and scold her from time to time – after all, he is her father – but even with the little hiccups they’re shown to genuinely care for one another. They look after each other and never leave the other behind. Ever.

 Until recently…

 Ever since Ash came into the picture in Not Without My Magic, there’s been a lot of tension within the Delgado family that was only recently confirmed. Victor, understandably, holds some resentment against Ash for leaving them and not saying a word for years. As he says, they waited five years and searched for two more. They believed she was dead until Snow Place Like Home. He’s aggravated that she has the nerve to be annoyed with him and rightfully so. Ash snaps that, “I didn’t get to see my little girl grow up. You took that from me!” Despite the fact that she is the one who left for years without sending so much as a letter.

On top of that, she seems to not respect Victor as an equal in general. When she defends the amount of time she spent away training, she tells him that, “Unlike some people I never gave up!” And insists that he should have waited for her to teach him dark magic. This tells us two things. One is that she wants to have the control. She wanted to be the one to have control over his (and by proxy, Carla’s) magical development. Wants them to know what she wants them to know and be able to do things her way. The second, is that along with control, she wants all the power for herself, something that is confirmed by her claims that Jewel of Night will make her, “The most powerful Malvago who ever lived.” When she says this, Victor cuts in, saying in Not Without My Magic, “You mean, ‘we?’” And later pointing out in Naomi Knows Best, “What about us?’

Both times he is brushed aside – kind of. The first time, she gives him a look and hesitates before answering. In that look, it can be seen that she is simply appeasing him. She doesn’t actually intend to share any of the power with him and whether or not she intends to share with Carla is another question. Because when Victor asks about “us” – as in him and Carla, Ash simply replies, “Yes, yes. All of us” in a dismissive tone.

 Speaking of the Precious Smol, Carla clearly looks up to and idolizes her mother, something that was suspected since her comment in The Race for the Realm when, after first being turned into a Malvaga, she says, “If only Mama could see us now!” Knowing what we do now, it can be inferred that Victor and Carla wanted to become Malvagos because of Ash. And, now that she’s back with them, Carla strives to please her. She wants so much for her mother to be proud of and praise her. Any time Ash acknowledges her skills and compliments her, her face lights up and her voice gets this happy, eager tone.

 However, while her mother’s praise is important to Carla, so is her Papa. She’s a total Daddy’s Girl, something that was only subtly hinted at until Snow Place Like Home. In that episode, both Victor and Carla gave the most obvious show of love and affection for each other up until that point. There’d always been a bond between them, it had just been presented through small hints before, mainly in the way Victor and Carla display physical affection. She grasps his arm, he sets hands on her shoulders, even once pulls her into him when they’re talking with Shuriki. When she reaches for the Jewel of Maru in the episode of the same name, he calls out to her when he thinks she’s in danger due to the spell Amalay cast to protect it. He doesn’t want to lose her, especially since, at that point, he believed Ash to be dead. He already lost his wife. He didn’t want to lose his daughter too.

As for Carla, she’s often terrible with her feelings and doesn’t appear to have a lot of trust for other people. She covers up a lot of her emotions with anger or annoyance – which is blatantly shown when she shifts from being upset to being annoyed when Ash confirms that, no, they’re not going back for Victor who is the one person Carla does seem to trust fully. The look of adoration and trust she gives him when he’s carrying her through the blizzard says everything. She loves him more than anything, in part because he’s the one who’s always been there for her.

Now, I’m not saying that Ash was ever a bad mother. It’s not known how things were before she left all those years ago. But, I will say that as much as Carla idolizes her, there also seems to be some tension growing between them. Carla is no dummy. And she appears to be picking up on the underlying tension between her parents. It’s subtle, but the confused look and awkward smile she gives after Ash comments about Victor holding Carla back and him saying that, of course he wouldn’t do that, followed by an awkwardly forced show of affection, says that she’s maybe…not so sure about everything. She’s thrilled to have her mother back. To be learning powerful magic and be told that she’s the “more powerful Malvago” with natural talent, but at the same time, she doesn’t like seeing her mother put her father down. Especially not when he’s done so much in raising her as a single parent. Granted, he doesn’t win the award for “Best Dad Ever.” He is raising a criminal, after all. But he does take care of her and it’s clear that they have a strong bond between them. One that Ash is trying to break apart, which leads me into how this fits in with and changes the Sunset Carla narrative.

I still believe that at her core, Carla isn’t evil. Something she’s shown more recently in the latest episodes as different sides of her personality are displayed. She clearly loves her family and revels in the attention she’s getting from her parents. More than anything, she has always wanted to be loved and wanted and respected.

Now, there’s no doubt in my mind that Ash loves and cares for Carla. Why else would she be upset over missing her daughter grow up? But, she doesn’t seem to be very good at expressing it and doesn’t like the idea of being second to Victor in anything. Her ego is the reason she won’t apologise for being gone for so long without so much as a word or acknowledge the fact that Victor did a decent job of taking care of their daughter alone for years. And it’s this attitude that has her purposefully driving a wedge between father and daughter by putting Victor down, pointing out his flaws and trying to make him look incompetent in front of Carla. When he dares acknowledge that she is, in fact, his wife, she cuts her eyes at him. She declares Carla the more powerful one, (which, in her defense, is true. Carla does have more of a natural affinity for magic) and wants her help in casting the spell with the Jewel of Night. To get rid of him, she orders Victor to take Gabe to the dungeon – “If you can handle that.”

She wants to be the favoured parent and show her superiority any way she can, even if doing so means that she has to manipulate her own daughter. In this case, she’s manipulating her against Victor. And possibly to use her in order to gain more power for herself. Like I stated above, it’s unclear if Ash intends to share any sort of power with Carla, considering the dismissive way she brushes them off when Victor asks. And if that turns out to be the case, Carla is not going to be pleased. She’s a master manipulator herself, but, as pointed out by one of my fandom friends, she knows where the line is. She doesn’t manipulate people she actually likes, and especially not her family.

 Carla has always been genuinely herself around both of her parents. Venting and whining her feelings to Victor in private, squealing and acting like a happy little girl when her parents are finally together again (seriously, that happy clap is everything!), showing pure excitement whenever her mother praises her…She’s not afraid to show them her true feelings. Finding out that her mother is possibly manipulating her and very likely keeping secrets would devastate her.

She’s already picking up on and showing displeasure the tension between her parents – the face she makes when Ash says that they’ll come back for Victor later says a lot. She doesn’t want to leave him behind. She’s never left him behind and he’s never left her. The idea of doing so confuses and upsets her. And she’s annoyed with her mother for not listening to her feelings. Their relationship is already likely strained from Ash being gone for so long and therefore, knowing virtually nothing about her daughter. This, I feel, is only going to worsen and is likely being set up as the catalyst needed to make Sunset Carla happen, just in a different way from how I initially predicted. While I still believe that Carla could benefit from friends her own age and being shown a better way to live, I also think that this isn’t going to be the path the canon story will take. Not completely. And I’m here for it.

 I’m starting to think that someway, somehow, she’s going to be put in a place where she’s going to be forced to choose between her parents. Because Victor isn’t going to stand to be pushed around for long, especially with Carla in the middle of it all. He cares too much for her to let her be caught in whatever problems he and his wife have with each other. In fact, I doubt that he opposes them having or reforming a relationship. He wants his daughter to be happy and if it makes Carla happy to bond with her mother, I don’t think he would mind them spending time together. His attitude comes from the fact that Ash is trying to put a wedge between his and Carla’s own relationship in order to form that bond.

 Though we’ve seen hints of it already, she’s going to realise that her mother is not who she always thought she was and is likely to end up heartbroken as a result. I can’t say when this will happen, but if the prediction that Ash is going to bring the ultimate darkness is true, it’s likely to be in the midst of her making plans and perhaps even being corrupted by dark magic herself. Carla will be put in a position where she’ll have to make a major decision about her future, her family and who she wants to be. She’s always been directed to one path by both of her parents, and I still hold to the idea that she doesn’t know there’s another way, but I also think that, rather than her breaking off on her own like I initially predicted, she’s instead going to be privy to the way power can corrupt and overtake people, which while already seen with Shruki, is going to hit harder when it’s someone she actually cares about being subject to it.

[didanawisgi]

Tribalism is terrorizing America

by Libby Emmons and Barrett Wilson

“On one of the bloodiest weekends in recent American history, a reported white supremacist gunman took 20 lives in an El Paso Wal-Mart. Only 13 hours later, a reported Antifa sympathizer in Dayton, Ohio killed his sister and her boyfriend as well as seven others at a popular nightspot, though his personal motivation is still unclear. These two young men who seemingly followed opposing ideologies both saw mass violence and death as the solution.

This kind of violence doesn’t stem from either an exclusively left or right perspective, but from an undercurrent of tribalism in our society that can cause young people to feel worthless and hopeless. When people feel isolated, they reach out desperately for somewhere to belong.

Over the same weekend as this numbing violence, the young socialists of America gathered in Atlanta for an annual convention. They bickerered about the gendered use of the word “guys” and how clapping is too triggering and must be replaced by jazz hands. The live streams for the four-day event are a tragicomic, yet stunningly accurate depiction of the self-parody that has become the American left. These ideologues are eating themselves alive, while completely ignoring the effect their divisive language is having on society at large.

A look into what happened during one part of the national convention of the Democratic Socialists of America in Atlanta this weekend.

However, divisive language is not the sole purview of the left. The right has its fair share of alienating talking points. Fox News anchors miss the mark when they spout off about the dangerous video games pose in radicalizing those like the young El Paso gunman. Xenophobic, identitarian, anti-immigration language doesn’t help either. It’s almost as if there are bad actors on both sides.

Af El Paso mass shooting, Fox News anchor tries to link video games to mass shootings.

While the left blames “white supremacy” for the problem, and the right thinks that a permissive culture that advocates for violence is at fault, often refusing to acknowledge the problem of white supremacists, neither is looking at the issues that are truly tearing us apart. At the root of both the vile scourge of actual white supremacists and the fevered Antifa activist’s dream that everyone who disagrees with them is a white supremacist is the desire to categoize and group people. To put it more simply—identity politics.

Tribalism is a substantial threat to the peaceful fabric of North American life. It leads to censorship, panic, and conspiratorial thinking. We have abandoned our commonality in favour of elucidating and entrenching our differences. We point fingers and otherize, telling those different from us exactly why those differences make whatever our group is better than whatever their group is. When we box and package ourselves, we make it easier to be divided. We assemble according to shared characteristics, and bond over how different our group is from other groups. It isn’t long before groups take pride in those aspects of self that they all share, and it isn’t long after that pride in shared characteristics within the group morph into feelings of group superiority over others.

White supremacists subscribe to identity politics. They use the prevalence of cultural tribalism to be culturally tribal themselves. The left uses identity politics to unify the members of a group, and then to ascertain, identify, or invent commonalities among groups of groups. This is why the left has the appearance of being comprised of groups of groups, while the right appears to be a solid voting block. Media ideologues vie for control of the narrative, pitting labels of white supremacy against armchair diagnoses of mental illness while real life bodies pile up.

People who murder innocents do it for the same purpose: to terrorize a community and instill fear. That’s what these men were doing. Despite reasons given, whether the manifesto of the El Paso shooter, or whatever reasons we may never know from the Dayton shooter, they picked up weapons with the intent of mass murder because they felt this was the only way to assert power. It goes without saying that these were horrible, terrorist acts. But the fact is that they keep happening, with young people radicalizing on both the right and the left.

Is it likely that a boorish, politically incorrect president or hyper-realistic video games or heavy metal music (to invoke a previous social panic) are to blame for the violence of young rebels without a legitimate cause? It seems more likely that the identity politics that dictates ideological safety and group identity as more important than individual freedom and equality under the law has played a major factor.

Identity politics on the left and the right has become so insidious that people of all races, genders, orientations, and religions are afraid to find commonality. We know culture is polarized, but doesn’t have to be that way between individuals.

When people receive the message from culture at large that they’re worthless, whether for reasons of race, immigration status, or gender, how do we expect them to react? Are they just supposed to take it?

While pundits and pontificators have been quick to blame the recent violence on everything from gun laws to Trump to video games, the lowest of the low have used the recent tragedies as cudgels in order to score cheap political points. Violent tragedies like this predate any of the supposed causes that the talking heads put forward.

Every time this happens the response is the same. Calls for things to change, for gun control, more mental health education or access to care, impeaching Trump, twirl on, media. At the memorial for the victims in Dayton, the crowd chanted “do something!” That is a desperate call. What no one says is that this is definitely going to happen again.

We could clamp down on everything, but until young people feel valued by a society that seems more willing to throw them under the bus, this problem of radicalized, ostracized youth will keep getting worse.

We need to face facts. Mass violence has been around longer than Donald Trump, video games, rock music, guns, and all of the other purported causes. But the one thing that’s been around as long as mass violence is tribalism. And let’s be loud and clear about it: identity politics is tribalism. We need to understand that our differences do not make us better or worse than anyone else. If we want to live in a safer and more civil society, tribalism, on the left and right, needs to end.”

[ijustreallylovezebras]

Stand By You

Pairing: Loki x Reader

Summary: Based off of Stand By You by Rachel Platten

Requested: yeah @hiddlestoner3059 (Hey if u take request then can u pls do a lokixreader on song 'stand by u' by rachel platten ..may be a little fluff on avengers tower a little shock,cuteness,and yeah pls try them with ice skating..i love' welcome')

Hands, put your empty hands in mine

And scars—show me all the scars you hide

And hey, if your wings are broken

Please take mine so yours can open, too

'Cause I'm gonna stand by you

The Avengers had yet to find out about Loki and I. The two of us had been dating for a couple of months and, while we hadn’t intended for it to be a secret, I also knew that Loki was grateful that we had had some time to ourselves before everyone found out.

The tower was quiet, everyone off doing their own separate things. Bucky and Steve were almost certainly training, Tony and Bruce would be in the labs. As for the rest of them, they were not as easy to tell. They were not as stuck to a schedule. 

Loki and I were watching a film in his quarters. He had not been as keen on the idea at first but I had told him that it was one that I had wanted to see for a while and so he grudgingly agreed to it. My head was on his lap and I was curled up into a ball with my eyes fixed on the screen, completely invested in the film. Loki’s hands were playing with my hair and I got the impression that, despite all of his words of protest, he, too, was enjoying the film.

“Brother, I don’t suppose you have seen-” Thor’s voice stops as he walks into the room and sees the position that myself and his brother are in. I tear my gaze away from the screen and look at the blonde God, feeling my face flush in embarrassment.

“Most people knock, brother,” Loki’s voice is mild and he doesn’t stop his hands from playing with my hair.

“I... didn’t realise you had company,” Thor responds, clearly working out how to talk again. 

“Well I do. I was trying to watch a film with my girlfriend before you interrupted. What was it you wanted?” Loki was clearly impatient.

“Girlfriend?” Thor echoes the word looking mildly stunned. 

“Well?” Loki presses, not even being discreet about his annoyance over Thor’s presence. I scowl at the God of Mischief.

“Don’t be mean,” I tell him and then look at Thor. “Who were you looking for?” I question. Thor seems to recover slightly.

“I was looking for you, actually,” there’s still a slight frown on his face but it seems to be slowly disappearing to be replaced with a slight smirk. I go to move off of Loki’s lap but he doesn’t let me.

“Loki, let me up,” I laugh, looking up at him. The God sighs and removes his hands from my hair, allowing me to sit up. I peck his lips quickly and follow Thor out of the room.

“I was told to tell you that you have a debrief at nine tomorrow,” Thor says and I nod.

“I’ll set an alarm. Thanks, Thor,” I smile and he nods but puts a hand on my shoulder to stop me from turning back into the room.

“How long has that been going on?” He questions and I shrug.

“Couple of months,” Thor nods slowly but doesn’t remove his hands from my shoulder.

“Be careful, Lady Y/N. I know my brother better than anyone. As much as I want to trust him, he is not known for loyalty,” I just shake my head, a small smile on my face.

“You said it yourself, Thor. He’s changed and I trust him, even if no one else does,” 

“Be careful, alright?” Thor questions and his gaze moves to over my shoulder and he seems to freeze a little.

“Brother,” Loki’s voice is cold and I don’t need to turn around to know the cold, relentless glare that he’s giving the God of Thunder.

“I don’t need to be careful, Thor,” I tell him and turn around, taking Loki’s hand and leading him back into his room.

Oh, tears make kaleidoscopes in your eyes

And hurt, I know you're hurting, but so am I

And, love, if your wings are broken

Borrow mine 'til yours can open, too

'Cause I'm gonna stand by you

“Loki?” I question quietly. I knew that Thor’s words had struck a nerve inside of the God, even if he would never admit to it. 

Loki doesn’t respond other than by pulling me into a hug, burying his face into the crook of my neck. 

“It’s okay, love,” I murmur and Loki lets out a shaky breath, pulling away but keeping my trapped in his arms as he watched me. I could see the tears in his eyes. He would never allow them to fall around me or anyone else. “He’s just wary of you and wants to look out for me,” I brush a strand of his long black hair out of his face and smile. “I don’t need him too, though. I’ve beaten Captain fucking America in a fight,” Loki lets out a low chuckle.

“You sound proud,”

“Not everyone can say that they’ve punched a super solider in the face. I’ve punched two of them,” Loki rolls his eyes and my smile softens, pulling his face down gently so that his lips meet mine.

“I love you,” he murmurs as we break away. Loki was not normally one for affectionate words unless he was tired or drunk and so that was how I knew just how much Thor’s harsh words really had hit him. 

“I love you too,” I say, just as the door bursts open to reveal some of my best friends. Wanda, Bucky and Sam laugh in delight at it and Peter and Steve look away uncomfortably. I groan, placing my head on Loki’s chest who seems to stiffen under the eyes of the other Avengers.

“So it is true!” Sam exclaims, coming into the room and pulling the two of us apart. He stands in front of Loki. There’s a smile on his face but anyone could see the underlying distrust in it. “You better not fuck up, Laufeyson,” he says, clapping Loki on the shoulder. I roll my eyes and shove Sam.

“Fuck off, Sam,” I say, “you’re not my brother,”

“Sure I am,” he says, putting me in a headlock. I laugh and struggle, trying to get out of it but he holds me in it. “Look, man, I want to trust you. I do,” he says to Loki and I manage to look up and see Loki looking at the floor, jaw clenched. “And I tend to trust whoever Y/N says is good and you haven’t done anything wrong in the past half a year since you got here so I’m going to assume you’re good,” I push Sam’s side, wanting to get out of the headlock. He lets go and I stumble away from him, scowling.

“I hate you,” I say but he doesn’t even spare me a look.

“But Y/N is like a sister to me, alright. If you fuck up or hurt her in any way, you won’t be leaving this compound alive,” for the first time in my life, I feel mildly intimidated by my best friend.

“I’m not scared of your bird costume, Wilson,” Loki responds, looking at my best friend who lets out a wry chuckle, taking a step forwards. Steve puts his hand on Sam’s shoulder, stopping him from getting any closer to the God of Mischief. 

Bucky puts his metal hand on mine too, trying to ensure that I’d stay out of it.

“For the record, Y/L/N, I think you’re right,” Bucky murmurs to me and I grin, putting an arm around Bucky’s waist and giving him a side hug. “Though, I am with Wilson. I won’t hesitate to hurt him if he hurts you,” I roll my eyes at my best friends protective tone.

Bucky, Sam and Steve had been like this ever since they had rescued me from a Hydra base about a year ago. They seemed to look upon me as their responsibility and insisted on teaching me self-defence and making sure that I never went on a mission without at least one of them.

“Maybe you could take me, Loki, but could you take me, two super soldiers, a witch and some spider dude?” Sam asks. I step forwards and stand next to Loki.

“He’s not going to hurt me, Sam,” I say, locking my fingers in with Loki’s. Loki squeezes my hand in recognition and I smile at the action, feeling my face blush. Sam studies us for a couple more seconds before nodding, leaving the room. I turn to Loki with a smile.

“Your friends are too protective,” he states, looking unimpressed. I shrug.

“Probably something to do with being Avengers,” Loki just nods, resting his chin on my head. “You know I’m not going to leave you right?” He gives a minute nod and I can tell that, even if he doesn’t let on, he appreciates the confirmation. “Come on, lets go out,”

Yeah, you're all I never knew I needed

And the heart—sometimes it's unclear why it's beating

And, love, if your wings are broken

We can brave through those emotions, too

'Cause I'm gonna stand by you

“Ice skating?” He questions, gloved fingers still laced in mine. I grin and nod.

“Come on, Loki, it’ll be fun!” I insist. Loki sighs and nods. Despite his outward irritation, I can see his lips curling into a smile.

I lace up my skates and watch as Loki does the same before I hold my hand out again. When I was younger, my family and I would go ice skating every weekend. That was until my mum died then the trips to the rink would become less frequent. My sister still went every weekend, wanting to fulfil her dream of becoming a professional ice skater. She would take me with her every now and then but I rarely got to go on the ice.

I relay the story to Loki excitedly as I drag him towards the rink and the God of Mischief chuckles adoringly. After hearing my love for ice skating he seemed to become less reluctant to come on with me.

“Did she ever make it?” He questions as I take a step on. I raise my eyebrows at him in question. “Your sister. Did she ever become a professional?” Loki clarifies. 

“Applied for the Winter Olympics once. Got in, almost won but then got knocked out right at the last second and broke her ankle. She hasn’t been the same since,” I tell him and I can’t help the swell of pride in my chest that always came when I thought about her.

The two of us skated and it mostly consisted of me pulling Loki around.

“You know, for a frost giant you’re surprisingly bad at ice skating,” I grin, my comment makes Loki laugh and pull me towards him on the ice, pressing a cold kiss against my lips.

“I’m so glad I have you,” he says and I try to bite back my grin.

“You’re so cheesy sometimes,” I murmur, kissing him again.

“Only for you. The rest of the time I’m planning to take over the world,” he jokes.

“I hope you’re not. Not after assuring Sam, Bucky and Steve that you’ve changed,” I chuckle. His grip around me tightens as we continue to skate slowly around the almost-empty rink. 

“I have changed and I love you for seeing that I have,” his voice is low in my ear and the warmth of his breath causes goosebumps to form on my skin. 

“I love you for letting me help,”

Oh, truth—I guess truth is what you believe in

And faith—I think faith is having a reason

And I know now, love, if your wings are broken

Borrow mine 'til yours can open, too

'Cause I'm gonna stand by you

Dinner at the tower on a Sunday was always a social occasion. We’d take turns each week cooking and every week we would gather together in the dining room to eat it. This week was Sam’s week and he was everyone’s favourite chef, as a result of him being one of the few of us who could actually cook.

So, naturally, the second that Sam called us for dinner, everyone was immediately found racing towards the dining room. Loki and I walked in and took seats next to each other and the room fell silent watching us.

I could feel myself becoming nervous at the feel of their intrusive looks. The only people who didn’t have their eyes on us were the two super soldiers, Sam, Thor and Wanda, having already had the conversation about us with them.

Loki could clearly see my worry and placed his hand on my thigh, palm up in the air. I slid my hand into his, feeling myself relax as he squeezed it.

“So you guys are fucking,” Tony finally breaks the uncomfortable silence. Everyone’s gaze shifts to him with mildly disgusted expressions on their face.

“Dude,”

“What? I’m just asking what everyone’s thinking,” he shrugs, defending himself. 

“You could, like, not?” Wanda suggests and with that, the tension around the table is broken and things seem to return to normal, Loki and I only receiving the occasional glance during breaks in conversation.

As dinner comes to a close, I begin to clear the table, it being my week to clean the dishes. Steve was on duty with me. I washed them and he dried.

“You really trust him then?” He finally asks and I nod.

“Of course I do, Steve. He’s telling the truth about changing,” I sigh, tired of repeating the same thing over and over again.

“Y/N... truth is just what you believe in, alright? Just because you believe in him doesn’t mean that it’s the truth,” Steve tells me gently, taking another plate from my hands.

“Well maybe you don’t need to believe in him,” I say, “maybe you can just believe in me? You always have before,” I suggest to my best friend. Steve looks at me for a moment, putting the plate away.

“I have faith in you because you’ve given me reasons to and that’s why I believe in you and always have. Loki... he’s never given me a reason,”

“Maybe that’s because you’ve never let him,” I offer and Steve gives a humourless laugh. “Look, Steve, you’re one of the closest things I have ever had to a brother and, the thing is, as much as I value your opinion and want your acceptance, I know you’re wrong here and I’m going to stand by Loki no matter what because I love him,” Steve watches me as I wash up the final pan, leaving it to drip dry. “And if you love me then you’ll give him a chance,” 

I'll be your eyes 'til yours can shine

And I'll be your arms, I'll be your steady satellite

And when you can't rise, well, I'll crawl with you on hands and knees

'Cause I... I'm gonna stand by you

“I heard what you said to Steve,” Loki appears in my room just as I finished getting changed. 

“Give a girl some warning,” I smile, going over and kissing him. He kisses back, hugging me tight to his chest.

“Thank you for that,” he murmurs and I shrug.

“I’ll make them accept you, Loki,” I assure him, “and, until they do, I’ll make you feel welcome on behalf of them all,” He laughs at my promise and kisses me lightly in what feels like thanks

“The metal arm one-”

“Bucky, I think you mean. You know, if you want to be accepted, learning their names may help with that,” I tease Loki, taking a drink from the glass of water that’s on my night stand.

“Right. Bucky. He invited me to go out for drink with him, Thor and the other two tomorrow,”

“That’s good, Loki!” I assure him. “You said yes right?”

“I asked whether Steve and Sam wanted me there,”

“What did he say?”

“He said that you would,” I smile at that.

“You should go,” Loki furrows his eyebrows, unsure. “You’ll like Bucky. He’s funny. And Steve promised to give you a chance, too,” 

“Okay, I’ll go,” he concedes, pulling me by the arm and kissing me again. “Thank you for everything, Y/N,” he murmurs quietly, our lips only a couple of centimetres apart. I wind my arms around his neck, smiling.

“I’ll always stand by you,”

I hope that this was kind of what you wanted? Sorry, I haven’t written much for Loki before :)