#does tucker resent what you did

[sabotourist]

y'know it really does feel like epsilon sacrificed two people when he fragmented himself. Kinda. Kinda threw tucker to the wolves there. Well, two of them might have just been dogs. One was a golden retriever puppy. But the others were definitely wolves.

The fragments wanted epsilon back. Tucker wanted church back. Both of them missing something...

[prophecydungeon]

ok i'm watching the first half of S12 and doing the same as for 11. here we go:

the sniper rifle gag still hits

felix playing tucker like a fiddle (chefkiss)

hoo hoo wow tucker really did just watch one of his subordinates die directly in front of him

felix playing tucker like a fiddle (again) (chefkiss) and i made a Poast about it already but it's a special slap to the face that felix immediately starts laughing about it after seeing that it's really eating at tucker

"my naps take longer than five days" beerus and grif have this in common

man i love the way that 12 (and 13) started to play with halo canon. it's such a clever way to integrate a bunch of different assets without alienating non-halo-fans

f: ah, mm, okay, so you want me to help you rescue your friends because...? what? it's the right thing to do? t: yeah, it's called not being a dick. f: you know, if i recall, the first time these people ever asked you for help, you turned them down. figured this whole civil war thing wasn't your problem. in fact, i bet, if your friends had never been captured, you'd still refuse to lend them a hand. even if it was the "right thing to do." everyone has their price. i learned that a long time ago. and you're no exception.

whew, what a monologue. hitting them all (and tucker especially) right where it hurts and showing a teeeeensy-tiny bit of his hand in the process. felix's Baddie Moment monologue and the one at the end of this season are both really good too but this one's got to be my favorite. it's the "and you're no exception" that really seals it, tbh.

grif's sarge arc is also fantastic

tucker jumping over the crate and directly into the hole is exactly what happened to me during a spire of the watcher run a while back and blueregard was like "you hit that hole like nobody's business"

"i don't [care about losing people]. you do." (CHEFKISS)

"just sayin', guy does stuff for money" is unironically THE funniest read on felix possible and i th[TRUCK PASSES BY, HORN BLARING]

"i never wanted to be a soldier, tucker. none of us did. but felix? he chose this lifestyle. and he chose it because he's good at it."

i love kimball, A Lot, and i love how much this says about chorus. no one wanted this conflict to happen. no one wanted it to get as bad as it got. and as much as she leans on felix i feel like kimball also resents him for choosing to be what he is, even before everything comes to light. she would never have chosen this. it is unthinkable that he did.

i really like that the felix-and-locus backstory doesn't come right when we meet felix, or even at the very start of 12. it's at about moment that we're thinking "is there something else going on with the way that felix always zeroes in on locus as a threat?" after the battle at the end of 11 and the sortie at the start of 12, and it's also - even as The Lie he's selling - very tasty.

(my only regret with how i watched this season originally is that i wish i'd had more time to percolate in this lovers-to-enemies scenario for felix and locus because wowee if that ain't right up my alley... and to get The Reveal after weeks would've been Something. alas.)

grif's sarge arc.

felix's and locus's story, as kimball knows and tells it, is also really interesting for how different it is from any other antagonistic relationship we've seen in this show so far. there's really no one else i can think of who had a similar relationship. i guess wash and the meta, if you're really reaching, but the thing about felix and locus is that they chose to be on opposing sides, and rivalry bloomed into something uglier (at least in this version of the story). it makes for a GREAT yarn and it clearly strikes tucker very deeply when kimball tells him.

i loooove that the conclusion tucker draws from his conversations with both felix and kimball is "we should stop trying to be something we're not" and that it really was kimball who (inadvertently) pushed tucker to round of everyone else and leave

nearly 45 minutes into S12 and we get the first little crumbs that something bigger might be happening than just the civil war. again, love the way the chorus arc uses other H4 assets and the hardlight weapons especially

"they didn't take us to get shot, but they sure as hell left us to die."

"well, orders only work on soldiers. i am a mercenary." ooohoohoohoo. delightful crumb.

Team New Republic running face-first into Team Federal Army is so good. legitimately SO good.

honestly it would also have been really fascinating to see both sets of captives really buy into each side's motives and start fighting against each other in earnest. and THAT is a whole 'nother post

w: i did what i had to do. l: don't we all?

i love Bitch Mode wash, he should be allowed to do this more often

love the way this all starts to fray at the seams :)c

it's interesting that locus's portion of The Lie isn't actually much of a lie at all, and from what we see of felix in the second half of 12 and then in 13, i think felix would have been entirely capable of playing it like locus did: brutal and matter-of-fact, no frills. but he chose to become a (checks notes) charismatic mercenary with a heart of gold (or whatever it was), which, you know, speaks volumes

the shot focusing on the pistol wash is carrying when he faces locus in person again :)

locus really said "the mercenary (derogatory)"

"holy shit he's bilingual" ppl at work when they realize i'm not just smiling and nodding (joyful in this case not derogatory)

"the only people who aren't wearing armor these days are dead!" is still one of the bleakest things in this whole trilogy. man. i know it's a justification for machinima, but man.

wash moving to diplomacy immediately is so good. love that for him.

i've watched The Reveal a few times over in the past couple of weeks for reasons but it's especially good in context. man.

i love the way that locus tries to curb felix's monologue but lets him go on -- he's probably frustrated with hapless-as-fuck doyle and the others, too, and they're about to just slaughter all the reds and blues so whatever, toss felix this bone, right?

"does it hurt? knowing just how much death you've brought to this planet?"

see, okay, this. this is a GOOD way to use the medium for what it is. chorus is the first time that the reds and blues (minus wash lol) have ever racked up a considerable body count. and with machinima, the whole point is that you interact with the game world in a way that's different from the gameplay itself, so this lands really well as the reds and blues making the choice to kill, rather than a video game chiding you for being violent when the only thing you can do is click button to shoot gun.

"faster than you" : )

"miss me, assholes?" no. not in the slightest.

[plotwholls]

JL: is this a supervillain?

Tucker: I’m fourteen

JL: I’m not understanding the problem

In other words/thoughts: can you imagine the bonding/chaos potential??

-

Tucker: FUCK the Justice League

Waller: YEAH FUCK THE— wait you’re tiny you’re supposed to like them fuckers—

Tucker: and FUCK the Government

Waller: wwwhoaahh there that was a LLOT of resentment there you are a YOUNGIN’ where’d you get all that hate?? Steal it off a ‘Nam vet or something???

-

Sam: did you sa—

Tucker: yes I said ‘fuck the government’ in the oval office Sam

Sam: I raised you right

Tucker: it was a double-dog dare, you dumbass, you didn’t raise sh—

-

Danny: ssooo how’s… your mom.

Tucker: I am learning a lot about why I am the way I am. Lets. Lets put it like that.

Danny: coolcoolcool so when are you gonna ask about the Guanos in White?

Tucker: *glances behind him where Waller is yelling at underlings*

Tucker: *turns back to his phone* I think she’s about to find out about them on her own

-

Waller, trying very hard to be a Mom: hheeyyyyyy buddyyyyy—

Tucker, horrified: OH MY ANCIENTS, STOP

Waller, breathing a sigh of relief: thank fuck that was awful

Waller: I’m going to order pizza and when it arrives and we’ve each had at least one slice, you are going to explain why you hate the Justice League

Tucker: oh. is that all you want to know??

Waller: no but something tells me I’m going to have simple questions that are going to have complicated answers and I’m not stupid enough to think that complicated answers don’t take all night. Do you drink coffee?

Tucker: no, but I drink monster

Waller: absolutely not that shit does not come under my roof after the Incident of ‘09, no you cannot ask, it’s classified. you can have a triple expresso and that’s final. …jesus is this parenting?

Tucker: I think? You’re weirdly good at it. And kinda nice about it to.

Waller: *gags* never say that EVER again. you have thirty minutes, starting now, regardless of how quickly food arrives, and you better have a DAMN good explanation for being so out of demographic.

Tucker: k

Waller, shutting his door: jfc

-

Tucker: oh that’s fucked up mom

Waller, looking up from a really fucked up project, per usual: and what’re you gonna do about it punk

Tucker: the first thing I learned last summer was that you never speak to the pigs

Waller, sitting up straight: we really need to talk where this hatred of the government comes from because this goes deeper than being a black kid—

Tucker: 🫵🏾🫵🏾🫵🏾 YOU’LL NEVER BREAK ME

Waller: I’M NOT— he’s… he’s gone. I am literally a trained interrogator. How is this harder? jesus. fuck parenting. fuck it so much. up the ass. with feeling. jesus.

-

Tucker: what’s Task Force X

Waller: how the fuck do you know ab—

Tucker: what’s Task Force X

Waller: worst of the worst with bombs in their necks in exchange for lowered prison sentences. I usually pick the fuckers with multiple consecutive life sentences. Why.

Tucker: mmhm mmhm and… how… how do these bombs work…

Tucker, later, on call with Danny and Sam: hey guys so CRAZY idea—

Danny: Tucker we discussed this last call

Sam: Tucker, you’re getting your ideas from your mom, who has multiple arrest warrants out for her in 47 countries, and has been convicted of war crimes.

Tucker: it’s a really good idea

Danny: did it come from you mom? If yes, then no, it is not.

Tucker: …it’s a really good idea.

Danny: what would it make my rogues stop bugging me lol

Tucker:

Danny: would it actu—

Tucker: proba—!

Sam: NO! NO WAR CRIMES!

Danny: one couldn’t h—

Sam: DAN! NO WAR CRIMES! OR I CALL JAZZ!

Tucker: damn!!

Danny: jesus!! put away the nuclear option!

Sam: I’M nuclear???? nvm I’m calling Jazz anyway

Danny: nonono wait I’m sorry—

-

Waller, feeling petty: hey kid remember what you said about my parenting

Tucker: I thought we weren’t talking about that

Waller: *gestures at JL*

Tucker: ah. ☝🏾

Tucker: ahem.

Tucker, loudly: WOW MOM YOU’RE WEIRDLY GOOD AT THIS PARENTING THING AND PRETTY NICE TOO—

JL: *scatter like spooked pigeons*

Tucker & Waller: heh

Waller: maybe this ‘good parent’ thing has its uses

Tucker: it just might

-

Just them getting along weirdly well and Walker trying to pry answers out of Tucker without him realizing but her kid is WEIRDLY perceptive of that shit and he just seems amused by it. Why is he acting like this is parental bonding. It is not. Oh— oh he is— bergh he’s hugging her. oh. ok. uh. wow this is pretty tight. uh. hm. maybe… if she hugs back— “don’t get your hopes up. It’s just a hug.”

…She really needs to hire him. He’s being wasted on assfuck iowa. What do you mean you’re from Illinois? Oh, this explains so much. She needs to get her min— ahem. employees— “you can say minions, mom.”— to redo the parameters and redo the search into Tucker’s life. “Bee-Tee-Dubs: good luck getting anything past my firewalls.” Goddamn this kid and his being a minor. She wants to hire him so bad!

Tucker’s starting to think hiring him is her love language.

(it probably is)

Tucker's mom invites him to Take Your Son to Work Day

So! Tucker hasn't talked to his mom in a little while, he usually stays with his Dad and Step-Mom in Amity, but every once in a while he'll go over to Washington DC to visit his Bio Mom.

And she recently just called him to ask if he wanted to visit the White House on Bring your Child to Work Day. She works there as the Secretary of Defense, and he is actually really interested in what she does for work.

So, he get picked up and taken to Washington, where he meets up with his Mom.

Amanda Waller.

...

For the record, Amanda Waller knows she's not a good person, and Definitely not a Good Mom. But she thinks she is at least semi-decent, look, she even invited her son to Bring Your Child To Work Day!

And look how much fun he is having running around the Argus Labs! She knew he was a Tech Geek, but he is really getting into it.

Right now he's looking at their Confiscated Alien Tech, and the smile on his face is actually making Amanda feel a little happy. Oh, what's he doing now? What's he doing with the Coffee Maker? Why is he taking that Screwdriver from that Toolbo-

What is he doing with the Alien Tech?!

She rushes over to stop him, but stops dead in her tracks when she sees what he did. Somehow, he had just taken a Busted Alien Cooling Unit, took some parts from the Coffee Maker, and turned it into a Freeze Ray.

"Oh, sorry Mom. Do you want me to put it back the way it was?"

"...do you want a Job?"

"...I'm 14."

[tenaciouspostfun]

In" Arcadia," like Tom Stoppard's "Travesties", you really need to pay attention to what is being said. When I first saw the play back in the 1990's at Lincoln Center I walked away not to sure what I just saw ( a lot of audience members felt the same as I did). In this "Arcadia" at the Upper West Side Theatre, however, Eric Tucker as director gives us a clearer picture of the story. The plot spans from early 19th century on an English countryside estate and two centuries later at the same site.

 For three hours we see the tale of sexual liaisons, jealousy, resentment, the bantering of mathematics, physics, writing and music. In the early time period a Cambridge graduate, Septimus Hodge (Shaun Taylor- Corbett) teaches a precocious Thomasina (Caroline Grogan) about math, literature, the sciences and to some degree, life. As her frustrated mother (Lisa Birnbaum) looks after her, she is never content with her life. Birnbaum does a wonderful job in her role, particularly the "business" that she gives in her complex role. Just the right amount of resentment towards her environment and an even measure of sultriness, she gets the job done indeed.

 As the centuries go by we get three scholars who try to unravel the mysteries that have been unsolved. Lord Byron is at the forefront of much of the debate and anguish. While Zuzanna Szadkowski is excellent as Hannah, it is the modern side of the cast that falters a little. Not as deep or as solid as the core of the older actors: Caroline Grogan, Mike Labbadia, Jamie Smithson and Shaun Taylor Corbett are more interesting to watch. In the unraveling of what took place in the past; the scholars don't have us as engaged in the play. BEDLAM which usually has a very talented pool was less so in this play. There was a great deal of disparity amongst many of the actors.

 "Arcadia" had some very deft costuming by Charlotte Palmer-Lane; she captures each period well, she made the show that much more interesting with her well appointed costumes. Les Dickert too added a lot to the performance with the lighting; "Arcadia" needs to be bright and bold as it was last evening. Dickert keeps the characters front and center brilliantly.

 The play runs till December 31st. I was mostly impressed with this rendition. Even though it does not have the big names in it like the show I saw at Lincoln Center, but the cast blends well, it does the little things that make it a bigger production. Back in 1995 I thought Victor Garber, Billy Crudup and Lisa Banes did not mix well making it unpleasant to watch. Here the direction keeps the show tight and always grinding. It was very creative that we see the play from one angel in the first act, only to be turned around in the second act where we look at the actors from the seating area. Eric Tucker clearly had the vision of books, clothing and babbles passing from one century to another. Even though the seating was uncomfortable in the second act, kudos to the director for a novel way to see a play!

[five-rivers]

Brief Season

A Kingdoms of Fish fic!

.

“Mom, Dad, is it alright if I invite Sam and Tucker over for their Spring Break?” asked Danny, leaning over the railing of the lab staircase.

Sam and Tucker were away at college.  The same college.  Actually, they had gone in together on an apartment, although they had different majors.

Danny missed them terribly.  He talked to them on the phone, and online, but it wasn’t the same, especially when they were so busy.

Jack and Maddie exchanged glances across the workbench.  Danny knew what they were thinking.  They were worried that seeing Sam and Tucker would upset him, because they got to move on and Danny…

Danny looked fourteen.  None of them knew if he was stuck that way permanently, or if he’d eventually grow.  He’d barely passed high school.  Normal jobs, jobs where he couldn’t drop everything to go fight a ghost, just weren’t an option.  Also, weird things just happened around him.  His parents’ tools suggested that when he was away from a thin spot like Amity Park, he’d wear away at the fabric of reality just by being around.

The only thing he could do with his life right now – beyond protect Amity, and big attacks were getting less common – was help at Fentonworks.  At times it was frustratingly limiting.  It was nice that he didn’t have to lie anymore.  He liked the work well enough.  He loved exploring the Ghost Zone and sharing it with his parents.  But the parts of human life he could experience were going to get smaller and smaller as what he did look like and what he should look like got further and further apart.

But Sam and Tucker could have lives that were, while not completely normal after all they had been through, at least more open.

His parents thought that he’d resent them for it, Danny knew.  Which was silly and a ghost stereotype he hadn’t yet gotten them to let go.

“Sure, honey,” said Maddie.  “But don’t be too disappointed if they can’t come, okay?  It can be hard to get back home in the middle of the school year.”

Danny suppressed an eyeroll.  They weren’t that far away from Amity Park.  “Thanks, Mom!” he said, running back into the kitchen to make the call.

“Hey, Sam,” he said, when she picked up.

“Danny!  It’s been a while.  How are you doing?”

“I’m okay,” said Danny.  “Doing a lot of exploring.  Some errands for Clockwork now and then.  What about you and Tucker?”

“Keeping up with classes,” said Sam.  “Tucker’s actually in programming right now.  Can’t wait until we get a break.”

“About that,” said Danny.  “I was wondering, if you guys are coming home for Spring Break, would you like to visit?  Um, the other day, I saw Mallongaflorinsulo getting closer, and it’ll probably be less than an hour away during your break, and I know you thought it was cool, so…”

“We were planning for that anyway,” said Sam.  “I mean, not the island, but hanging out with you.  Maybe not the whole break, my mom’s already ‘made plans,’ you know how she is, but we weren’t going to, like… abandon you, or anything.  You know that, right?”

“I know!” protested Danny.  “I just… wasn’t sure if you were coming home.”

“We’re only a few hours away.  We’ve had way worse road trips.  But you have told your parents what Mallongaflorinsulo does, right?”

“I’m going to,” said Danny.

“You sure?  It’s just, I don’t want to have to keep your parents from freaking out like we did the first time we ran into it.”

“I am going to tell them.  I just wanted to check in with you guys first.  Like, I don’t know, if you didn’t want to do anything ghost related and just wanted to see movies or something…”

“No, you’re right that it was a pretty cool thing to see, once we knew it wasn’t going to kill you or anything.”

“Hey, at this point I’ve died so many times I’m practically immortal.  Filled in my punch card.”

“Sure, Danny.  But, yeah, I’d like to see it again, especially now that I know more about botany.  But you have to talk to your parents before we get there, okay?”

“I will, I will,” said Danny.  “You don’t have to worry about that.”  He paused.  “So… how are your classes going?”

.

“You want to do what on an island that does what?” asked Maddie, having abandoned her food.

Maybe Danny should have waited until Sam and Tucker were here.  They could have backed him up.

“It’s completely safe,” said Danny.  “Like, we even asked around to make sure it was safe.”

“Who did you ask?”

“A bunch of people.”

“Specifically, Danny.”

“Well,” he said, trying to remember.  “I asked at least Frostbite and Clockwork, but there were a few others, too.  Frostbite and Clockwork were the most trustworthy, though.  Plus, I’ve done it a couple times before, and I was fine.”

“Why, though?” asked Jack.  “Isn’t that something you would prefer to avoid?”

Danny shrugged.  “It isn’t like it hurts.  It’s just a little tiring, and it’s really cool to watch.”

“What if you’re attacked?”

“The island has a decent threshold barrier, and when it’s active, it can throw its vines pretty far.  No one is going to attack me.”  He shrugged.  “Even if they did, I can just go human and phase through everything.  The plants the island makes are pure ectoplasm.  Like I said, it’s not dangerous.  Didn’t you want to know more about ghost plants, anyway?”

“Well, sure, kiddo,” said Jack, “but not to the point where we’re going to feed you to a cannibal plant island.”

“You’re being overdramatic.  A plant eating me doesn’t count as cannibalism anyway.  Come on, it’ll be fine.  You all will be able to be lookouts, anyway.”

Maddie sighed.  “Are you sure you want to do this for your visit with Sam and Tucker?”

“This’ll take at most a few hours, and they’ll be here all week.

.

“Sam!  Tucker!”  Danny didn’t, quite, fly out of the house, but that was mostly because he had too much practice keeping his feet on the ground when other people could see.

There was some hugging.

“Hey, dude,” said Tucker, gallantly refraining from patting Danny on the head, even though Danny did catch that aborted motion before Tucker shoved his hands in his pockets.  “How’s it going?”

“Pretty good,” said Danny, leaning back to look up at his friends’ faces.  “It’s been slow, lately.  Not too many attacks.”

“You’re getting more sleep, then?” asked Sam.

“Yeah,” said Danny, leading the way back up the steps.  “But that’s more because I don’t have to wake up early anymore.”

“Hey, kids,” said Maddie when they walked through the door.  “We’re getting the Speeder prepped.  You can just hang out up here until we do our mission briefing.”  She disappeared into the lab.

“Mission briefing?” repeated Tucker.

“It can be useful,” said Danny.  “It’s their thing.  Like, what to do during emergencies and stuff.”

“They know we’ve been in the Ghost Zone before, right?”

“Eh, yeah.  I think they’re still sort of in denial about a lot of stuff.  So… Sprawl out on the couch, or up to my room?”

“I don’t trust your couch,” said Sam.

“Good call,” said Danny.  “Half the time, I think it might actually eat keys and stuff.”

“Why only half the time?”

“As you well know, I only think half the time.”

“You’re hilarious.”

“I try.”

The exchange was relaxed, but Danny could see some underlying tension between Sam and Tucker.  They were keeping a careful distance between each other.  Had they had a fight on the way here?

They got to Danny’s room.  At first, it seemed like they might pick the seats closest to each other, then they stopped and reversed direction, instead picking seats that were far away.

“Are you guys okay?” asked Danny.

“We’re fine,” they said at the same time.

Danny blinked, several pieces of information slotting together in his head.  “Oh.  Are you dating?”

“Uh,” said Tucker.

“Yes,” said Sam, looking pained even as she put a hand over her eyes.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” asked Danny, rather hurt.  “Did you think I was going to pull a Vlad or something?”

“You have to admit it’s a similar situation,” said Tucker.

“No, it isn’t,” said Danny.

“You did have a thing for Sam, in high school.  That wasn’t all that long ago.”

“I had a ‘thing’ for both of you,” corrected Danny.  “Jeez, Tucker.  Don’t give me that look, I know it wouldn’t work out now.  I can be realistic.”  He gestured at his body.  “I still look like I belong in middle school.  Ugh.”  He let himself drop face first onto his bed.  “I’ll be happy for you in a bit, but you could have told me instead of thinking I’d act like Vlad.  You guys are my best friends.  You’re supposed to know me better than that.”

“Both of us?”

“I meant what I said.”  Danny rolled over.  “Don’t make this weird.”

“Are you sure you aren’t mad about us?”

“Yeah,” said Danny.

Danny had actually thought about this a lot.  Or, at least, this kind of situation.  If his body never decided to grow up, then really his only chance with Sam or Tucker was if they became ghosts when they died, but the odds of any given person becoming a ghost were low and keeping Sam and Tucker from being happy in the meantime was just… bad.  It was bad.  And stupid.  And he wasn’t going to do it.  Long before he was interested, they were friends, and that’s the way it was going to stay.

He pulled himself into a sitting position.  “So, Samantha,” he said, rubbing his chin.  “Are you interested in a career in ectobotany?”

“Oh, no.  Don’t give your parents that idea.  I’ll never hear the end of it.”

.

The direct translation of Mallongaflorinsulo was something like ‘the Island of Brief Flowers,’ which was extremely accurate.

At the moment, the island was completely barren, nothing but soil laid on gray stone.  Danny hovered over it, curled so that his legs were tucked against his chest.  Mallongaflorinsulo, like many places in the Ghost Zone, enforced a dress code, so his feet and hands were bare, and his sleeves and pants ended just past his elbows and knees.

“Ready?” he called to parents and friends.  Sam and Jack were already on the island, which wasn’t responding to them in any way, because they weren’t ghosts.  Tucker and Maddie were on the Specter Speeder, which was floating some distance away.

“Whenever you are, sweetie,” said Maddie through the Fenton Phones.  “Remember if you change your mind—”

“I just wanted to know if you had set up all the cameras and stuff you wanted to,” interrupted Danny.

“I’ve got mine,” said Sam.

“Yes, we’re all set up.”

“Great,” said Danny.  He lowered his feet, watching carefully.  When his toes were a few inches from the ground, moss and tiny, white flowers, each no larger than a grain of sand, began to bloom, pushing their way up through the soil.

He nodded to himself, then dropped.  He could feel grass and vines start to unfurl under his feet, push up through his toes, but he didn’t intend to stay in one place for too long.  Not yet.  He sprinted lightly, quickly, across the flat surface of the island, not maintaining contact with the ground for more than a split second.  With each footfall, the ground beneath him came alive.

Or, well.  Metaphorically alive.

Small, bright flowers, soft, fluffy moss, foliage that was either green, purple, or blue.  It was pretty, and temporary.  He reached the edge of the island, launching himself off it, and twisting to look behind him.  In less than a minute, the plants faded, withered, and decayed back into the unremarkable soil.

“Do you guys think it was a bit faster this time than last time?” asked Danny.  “The growing, I mean?”

“Maybe?” said Sam.  “It would make sense.  You are stronger than before.”

“Do you want to stop?” asked Maddie.

“We’ve got a lot of readings just from that!” added Jack.

“No, I’m good,” said Danny.  He landed on the island again, and took a few more laps, this time making sure to run around Jack and Sam, giving them a better view.  He lifted off again.  “Okay, this time is for real.”

He placed himself at the rough center of the island.  Instead of running, he dug his toes into the thick, plush moss.  He could feel it growing thicker, feel it, and the other growing plants, feed on his ectoenergy, a tiny, but constant, drain.  The flowers were able to grow larger, now that he wasn’t moving, and more complex.  Different varieties, ones that needed more energy, sprouted up.

Sturdy vines emerged from among other, shorter plants, four-petaled white-blue flowers blooming along its length.  They cinched themselves securely around his ankles, then started to inch upwards.  The circle of plants around Danny expanded slowly, in rippling waves.

“Everything still normal?” asked Maddie.

“Yep, this is pretty much as expect- ah.”

“Danny?”

“It’s fine, they just got to my knees,” said Danny as he allowed the vines to force him to kneel.  The taller flowers came up to his chest when he was in this position, and they were reaching higher.

He leaned backwards.  He’d done this face down before, and that wasn’t as fun.  He liked being able to breathe.  The vines caught him and pulled him the rest of the way down.  He stayed limp and pliable until the rest of the vines had arranged him so that he was pressed completely flat against the ground, other plants creeping over him.  Above him, the view was almost jungle-like and included trees, leafy lianas, and many-layered flowers bigger than his head.

The drain was more noticeable now, Danny’s core humming in effort and the plants echoed his ectosignature back at him.  His skin tingled as roots brushed over it.

“Danny, we’ve lost visual on you,” said Sam.  “Are you still alright?”

“I’m fine,” said Danny, watching a collection of hanging buds burst into full bloom, releasing spectral butterflies that scattered into the new forest.  “Butterflies just came out.”

“I think that is faster than before,” observed Tucker.

“Butterflies?” asked Jack.  “I didn’t see any butterflies before.”

“Yeah, some of the plants make them,” said Danny.  One of said butterflies, white and glowing, landed on Danny’s nose.  It felt cold.  Its wings grew as it sat there, until its wings extended past Danny’s peripheral vision and he started to feel its weight on his face.  It took off a moment later, wheeling through branches and out of sight.

Sam and Maddie talked about the implications of the butterflies over the radio.  Danny listened with one ear but was mostly just happy to watch the flowers get bigger, more elaborate, more numerous, the branches and stalks bowing with their weight.  He breathed deeply, feeling the perfume settle in his lungs.

“The vegetation is passing us now,” said Sam.  “Probably going to be a few minutes before it gets to the edge.”

“Okay,” said Danny, lazily.

Something tickled the bottom of his foot and he twitched in surprise.  The vines overlaying his leg tightened and pulled him back into place.  He shifted in discomfort as they were reinforced by something significantly more rootlike, but reminded himself to relax, let go of tension.  He couldn’t see what had tickled his foot, though, so that was somewhat disconcerting.

When he refocused on the flowers above him, though, he noticed something odd.

“Hey, Sam, I think there are some birds in here.”  It was about the same color as the butterflies and glowed with the same intensity.

“Oh, cool.  Did they come from the flowers, too?”

“I don’t know,” said Danny.  “I’ll keep an eye out for it, though.”

The bird flew down from its branch, landing somewhere next to Danny, although he couldn’t see exactly where.

There was a creak from above, and Danny watched, oddly calm, as a branch laden with a dozen different kinds of flowers bent toward his face, just a little too slowly to count as falling.  It stopped only when the first few flowers touched Danny’s skin.  Of course, since everything was still growing, this meant that Danny’s vision was quickly obscured by flowers.

He sneezed.

“Not a good time to develop allergies,” said Tucker.

“Very funny,” said Danny, sniffling and trying not to roll his eyes.  “Believe it or not, there’s a lot of pollen here.”

“Hey, you’re the one that volunteered to be covered by plant reproductive cells.  You can’t complain about it now.”

“Au contraire, I can complain about anything I want.”  He snuggled deeper into the moss, feeling drowsy.  The plants around him crowded tighter.

“Hey, Danny?”

“Yeah, Sam?”  He was not falling asleep.  This wouldn’t last much longer, and he would never live it down.

“You ever hear anything about plants on this island actually bearing fruit?”

“Nothing about that specifically.  Why?”

“I think some of them might be fruiting.”

“Huh.  That didn’t happen last time we were here.”

“Yeah.  Do you think they have any special qualities?”

“Maybe?” said Danny.  He examined the flowers he could see, trying to see if there was any fruit growing behind them.  As he thought about it, the petals began to wither, leaving behind pulsing, glowing fruits.

And a lot of glowing white birds.

That was a bit intimidating.  Huh.

They each picked a fruit off the branch, holding them delicately in their beaks.  Instead of eating them, though, one of them hopped over to Danny, landing on his chest, and pressed the fruit to his lips.

If he was ever asked about this in the future, he’d say it was the pollen, but he opened his mouth and let the bird put the fruit in.

He was never very good about denying his curiosity.

It tasted sweet.

The birds flew away.  The plants started to decay, quickly, after that, crumbling into dirt and dust.  Danny went human, pulling himself out of the soil he’d been half buried in, and waved first at Jack and Sam, then at Maddie and Tucker in the Specter Speeder.

“Did you get good data?” he asked.

.

“So, Clockwork,” said Danny.  “I may have eaten something I shouldn’t have, and I was wondering—”

“You will be fine,” said Clockwork, glancing away from the large time window he was watching.  To Danny, it looked like a lot of static, but he knew that just meant it was something he wasn’t meant to see.  “But, perhaps, your new power will remind you not to consume items you do not know are safe.”

Danny tilted his head.  “What new power?”  Clockwork moved on to the next window.  “Clockwork,” whined Danny, following.  “What new power?”

“It will be quite subtle,” said Clockwork.  “But you should still, perhaps, refrain from walking barefoot outdoors in public.”

“Wha- Oh.  Oh no.”

“As I said, this should serve as lesson to not repeat similar actions.  Not all such transformations are so benign.”

“Are plants really going to grow where I walk?  Is that really a thing that’s going to happen?”

Clockwork turned and leaned down to tap Danny on the forehead with a long, gloved finger.  “That is something you may test, hm?”

Danny covered his head to protect it from any further assault.  “Clockwork.”

[the-witty-pen-name]

Deadbeat Pt. 3

Lee Bodecker x F!Reader

18+ ONLY 

Warnings: age gap (reader is 21), smut, cursing, abandonment, infatuation, cheating/divorce, angst, mild housewife kink, mentions of prostitution, mentions of alcohol, corrupt official 

Word Count: 4.7k

Summary: You work at the bar at the edge of town, the Sheriff is going through a divorce and needs to rent a room.

A/N: I’m terrible at writing summaries and I’m so sorry about that! I don’t think I would consider this a dark!fic, but it does cover a lot of themes, and topics that are darker than I usually write about- but I think that comes with the territory of writing about Lee Bodecker. I’ll make sure to update the warnings for each chapter and do not read if you are underage. I also ignored canon for this one.

This is unedited, and I missed anything I should include as a warning let me know! This chapter introduces some new plots and conflicts, so it jumps around a little more than the previous ones. 

I hope you all enjoy!

I also am having some writer’s block with my Obi-Wan Kenobi miniseries I was working on, so expect Part 3 sometime Sunday hopefully! So sorry for the delay on the final chapter. 

Tags and Requests are OPEN 

Part One // Part Two 

Henry Curtis was one of the most infuriating people Lee had ever met. Curtis was a writer for the Columbus newspaper and constantly pestering the Sheriff. Curtis seemed to have a sixth sense for whenever the Sheriff did anything. He was desperately trying to catch the Sheriff doing anything but so far had remained unsuccessful. Curtis was the biggest obstacle Lee faced in winning re-election. The man would show up out of nowhere, pen and pad in hand ready to find anything that would be enough to keep the Sheriff out of office.

Maybe Curtis was just doing his job, but Lee always felt like it was much more personal. It was probably just his own resentment of the man who was just doing his job. But the man didn’t have to be so goddamn invasive. When the Sheriff had devised his plan on offering to rent a room from you, he was so tied up in his own mess of divorce and his somewhat confusing feelings towards you he had completely forgotten about the press. They would have a field day with the divorce alone, but now on top of everything else, Lee knew he should be more careful.

Lee always had to be careful, especially if he was meeting Leroy Brown. Lee would make sure he drove way out of town, and always insisted they met at a different location every time. This would infuriate Brown but Lee was the only lawman he had working for him. Sometimes Lee would drive several hours out of the way, always at some deserted ghost town or some sad excuse for a diner or a bar. Always somewhere no one would recognize him.

Lee lied to you and told you he and a few of the deputies would need to drive out of town for a stakeout when he needed to meet with Brown. It was one of those nights, sitting in the cruiser with the headlights off, as he parked in an abandoned parking lot almost two hours out of town.

He had been able to put this off for a couple weeks, lying about other legitimate jobs getting in the way. Honestly, it was because he wanted to one, avoid anything that would cause suspicion from Henry Curtis hearing he was back in town and two, he was selfishly allowing himself to just spend his nights at his new home, spending all the time he could manage with you. It was like being in that little white house was a place where he could let himself be delusional, and time spent with you was what his life actually was, not this mess he was currently dealing with. He wanted out.

Lee knew he wasn’t a good man. He knew that his laundry list of offenses had tarnished his badge a long time ago. He knew what he was doing, and before he never cared. Now, he’s thinking about how his actions could affect you. You were innocent, unaware of everything he was stuck in. He knew you weren’t stupid, and he was sure the town knows some about his corruption. But now, he couldn’t rationalize away his actions for any reason when it came to you. Janie? She didn’t care and would encourage it. She’d be in on it too. She’d have no problem lying to ladies at Church or starting other rumors to keep the town talking about anyone but Lee. She was as power hungry as he was sometimes, which could be a testament as to how their loveless marriage held together for so long.

***

“Hi, I’m looking for a Ms. (Y/L/N)?” the man asked when he approached you, talking a seat at one of the barstools.

“Who’s asking for her?” you asked raising an eyebrow.

“I’m Henry Curtis, I work for the Columbus Dispatch.”

“The newspaper?”

“That’s the one.”

“Why are you looking for her?”

“I’m doing a story on her mother’s marriage to Harvey Tucker.”

“She’s not here tonight. But I can let her know you were here. Do you got a card?”

The man pulled out a business card from his wallet and slide it across the bar. You picked it up and read all the information before putting it in the pocket of your apron.

“Seems weird for the Columbus paper to want to do a story on that a month and a half after it happened,” you said skeptically.

“We did cover the story when it happened,” Curtis informed you. “Doing a follow up since the story broke about his wife missing.”

“Missing?” you ask. “Do they know what happened?”

“Robbed the bastard blind and then ran apparently,” Curtis said casually looking past you at the chalkboard on the wall. “Scotch, neat.”

“Yes, sir,” you reply, grabbing the bottle from the shelf. “Has anything else been found out yet?”

“Not yet, that’s why I’m here. Checking in to see if she’d come back here because I heard Ms. (Y/L/N) still lives around these parts.” He then pulled a newspaper out of the inside pocket of his coat and started flipping through the pages.

“She has another kid too, right?” you asked, playing dumb. “A boy, I think. Do you know where he is?”

“Couldn’t say,” he sounded very indifferent, “Most likely went with her but who knows? I went to the Sheriff’s office to see if they knew anything but the Sheriff wasn’t there.”

“That’s too bad,” you say. “I’m sure Sheriff Bodecker would help you help if he can.”

Your statement made Mr. Curtis chuckle, but you didn’t follow up on it. You were just focusing on getting as much information about your mother and brother as you could.

“Speaking of Mr. Bodecker,” he began, “I recently saw his wife is getting remarried. Saw the announcement of the engagement in the paper.”

“Yeah, that’s right,” you respond, skeptically. You didn’t know why but you didn’t trust this man. It was something in the tone of his voice, or maybe it was just how he held himself. Very polished, a suit and a nice dress jacket. He looked very out of place in this town, and this little bar.

“You familiar with the Sheriff at all, miss?”

“Not too well,” you shrug, “Haven’t had any run-ins with the law myself.”

“Not even a speeding ticket?” He asks, only a little condescendingly.

“Can’t get a speeding ticket if you don’t have a car,” you point out.

“Touché,” he chuckles before taking a sip of his drink.

He doesn’t ask you anymore questions, and when he leaves, he gives you a five-dollar tip.

***

Lee receives his cut from Brown. There was nothing new to report on that front and his meeting went by smoothly. All Lee had to do was to turn a blind eye, and make sure the rest of the department stays unaware of the brothel’s existence. Brown always insisted on meeting with him, wanting to know what the Sheriff’s department was investigating and making sure his businesses stayed under the radar. He felt sick, and is preoccupied with the fact he has an envelope of dirty money in the cruiser’s glovebox.

It’s around midnight when he pulls up to the house. He expects that you’re already asleep, but he notices the lamp is on in the living room. He takes the money out of his glovebox and tucks it away into the inner pocket of his jacket. Coming inside, he finds you on the couch, knees pulled to your chest, staring at the business card Mr. Curtis had given you. You face is stained with dried up tears, and you still haven’t even changed out of your work clothes.

“What’s that?” he asks, the sight of you breaking his heart. He winces because he comes off a lot harsher than he meant.

“Some reporter came while I was at work wanting to talk to me,” you explain softly, you sound exhausted. “Wanted to talk to me cause he’s doing a story on my mother. Apparently, she’s on the run from the Columbus police.”

You extend your hand to give Lee the card. He feels his jaw clench when he reads the information. “What happened?” he asks, taking a deep breath and sitting down next to you.

“I pretended I wasn’t me,” you say, another tear rolling down your cheek. “He came in asking for me so I said I’d pass his card on. I didn’t want to tell him who I was because he didn’t explain why he was looking for me at first. I don’t know- just scared me. I’m more upset about the news itself than him.”

“You did the right thing,” Lee said softly, placing a hand on your shoulder comfortingly. He was angry, but he didn’t show it. It worried him, fucking Curtis snooping around this close to you. It made him feel protective, wanting to shield you from the whole ordeal. He had been on the receiving end of unsolicited attention from the press and he knew how ruthless they were. He knew this wouldn’t be the only time Curtis would try to get in touch with you. He’d find out where you lived, he’d continue to show up while you were working- the whole nine yards. He didn’t want you going through that.

Curtis talking to you also made him incredibly paranoid. It was his two worlds that he desperately wanted to keep apart were colliding. He knew it was impossible, but he so wanted to keep you separated from the other part of his life. It wasn’t who he wanted you to see. Hell, he hasn’t even been here for a month. It wasn’t that he wanted to keep you in the dark, at least that wasn’t entirely intentional. Actually, he wasn’t sure, maybe it was intentional. However, it wasn’t just you he wanted to hide aspects of his life from. He wanted his involvement with Brown and others hidden from every goddamn registered voter. You were no different, he tried to rationalize. But that wasn’t true. These feelings he harbored for you, were getting worse. He needed to unwrap himself from this situation, and for the sake of you finding out he was a shill, keep you away from that asshole. He didn’t want to let himself think about how the way you look at him would change.

And here he was, making the situation all about him. It was in his nature.

“He’s just going to show up again if I don’t call him,” you say, wiping your eyes. “Maybe I should just call him in the morning. Just be honest and say I don’t know anything. He can keep coming around but nothing is going to change.”

“I can take care of it,” he says. He couldn’t risk you talking to Curtis again. For all he knows, Curtis would tell you all about the story on the Sheriff he’d been trying to confirm for years. Lee knew he couldn’t let that happen. He fully intends on telling you, but how the hell do you bring that up? ‘Hey doll, I’m also on the payroll of every pimp and bootlegger in a ten-mile radius, just letting you know.’ It wasn’t going to come up, unless Curtis tells you about it. He’d be hoping to pull himself out if it, show you how you made him want to be better.

For now, he settles for comforting you, and just being there to take care of you. Make you feel better. He wraps an arm around your shoulder and lets you cry into his chest. He sighs, kissing the top of your head in a friendly way and you curl up against him. Under different circumstances, you probably wouldn’t have let yourself do this- show your vulnerability or allow anyone to comfort you like this. But it was all the events of the past month, your mother leaving, everything, just all hitting you at once, and you were happy you weren’t alone.

In the morning, you wake up on the couch with a blanket over you. You see Lee asleep in the chair, and you realize he stayed with you all night. It makes your heart flutter. You pull the blanket up over your chin and close your eyes again. You felt surprisingly well rested. The stress and worry were pushed to the back of your mind long enough to let you get some sleep. It still lingered in the back of your mind, but you reminded yourself that for now, there was nothing you could do. You had the day off, and you let yourself have a little longer time to sleep in.

You woke up to the smell of coffee brewing and the sound of sizzling on the stove. When you opened your eyes, Lee was no longer in the chair. You sat up and looked toward the kitchen, where you saw Lee with his back to you while he worked with the pans on top of the stove. The portable radio was positioned on the counter, and it was playing at a low volume, so it wouldn’t wake you up.

“Hey,” you say softly, still waking up as you walk into the kitchen.

“Morning, doll,” he says, glancing back at you for a moment. “How’re you feeling?”

“A little better,” you admit, grabbing a mug for yourself out of the cabinet. You pour yourself a cup of coffee, savoring the smell before making it how you usually take it. “Thank you for sitting with me,” you say honestly, “you didn’t have to do that.”

“I wanted to,” he says with a small grin. “I just wanted to help.”

“I really appreciate it, Lee,” you reiterate your thanks, hopping up to take a seat on the counter, watching him cook breakfast. “Didn’t know you knew how to cook,” you joke, making him chuckle.

“I’m full of surprises, sweetheart,” he smirks, making you feel flushed. You take another drawn out sip of your coffee to try to distract yourself. You watch his arms, and his hands as they maneuver and flex when he cooks. You imagine how they must feel, your eyes focused on the veins. You bit your lip and it reminds you of the dream you had a little while back when he first moved in. You imagine him stepping in between your legs as your propped up on the counter, his hands gently gripping your thighs and-

“I’ll get it,” you announce hurriedly as you hear someone knock on the front door. You hop off the counter careful to not spill your coffee, and head to answer the door. Lee watches you bounce out of the room, fixing your hair as you go and you don’t catch his smile.

“Arvin,” you say surprised, stepping out onto the porch. “What are you doing here?” you ask, with a small grin. You’re confused but nonetheless happy to see him.

“You look like you’ve been crying,” he observes, concern written all over his face.

“Yeah, I’m okay,” you say dismissively, “Just last night I was thinking about my ma and everything. Just had trouble sleeping is all.”

“The Sheriff didn’t do anything?” Arvin asked in a hushed tone, looking over your shoulder to see if Lee could hear you two.

“No, nothing, he’s been perfectly fine,” you say coming to the Sheriff’s defense. “I know you and Ms. Russell are worried, I know how it must look- but Arvin I swear he’s just my tenant. He’s been nothing but a gentleman.”

“Just making sure,” he says, letting it go for now. “Lenora asked me to bring these by for you.” He hands you the glass baking dish that you can see is filled with homemade cinnamon rolls. “She’s been practicing making all kinds of baked goods for when the Church does that bake sale and has me running all over town giving it away cause me and Uncle Earskell can’t keep up with it all.”

“Tell her thank you for me,” you say with a smile, “And I’ll bring the dish with me to Church tomorrow- give it back to her.”

“She misses you I think,” Arvin says sheepishly, pushing his hands into his front pockets. “I mean- I do- I think my whole family does- we all do. I’m sorry my grandmother hasn’t asked you over in a while…”

“I understand,” you nod. “Reputation is an important thing.”

“I just didn’t want you to think it was because of us,” he says looking down at the porch, his eyes fixed on a loose board. “You know how she is- everything no matter the context is somehow a sin. Scared to death of her own shadow…”

“I know you’re not that resentful, Arvin Russell,” you chuckle and he relaxes. “And I don’t hold any hard feelings towards anyone in your family- you all have always been good to me.”

“Well, um,” he says awkwardly, looking like he was holding back from saying more. “I got to hit a couple more houses before I head to work, so I guess I’ll see you tomorrow at Church?”

“I’ll be there.”

“Oh- I wanted to let you know,” he says, turning around as he’s already heading down the front steps, “The principal down at the high school is looking for secretaries- Lenora heard and thought you might be interested. It pays like $35 a week, I think. You should call Linda Carson; I think Lenora said- that’s the woman who’s in charge of hiring people, I think.”

“I’ll call the school first thing Monday morning,” you say, grin stretching from ear to ear. Arvin nods and says goodbye again. You walk back into the house like you’re on top of the world. You couldn’t contain your excitement. That job if you could get it would be a dream. You’d be making so much more than you’re already making. You were so excited.

“You’re in a much better mood than when I last saw you,” Lee jokes. He’s sitting at the kitchen table reading the newspaper while he eats his breakfast. You notice that he made you a table setting- brought your coffee over and everything. You place the baking dish in the middle of the table and sit down.

“That was Arvin,” you say happily, and Lee feels his heart sink into his stomach.

“Oh yeah?” he asks, trying to not let on how his heart feels like it’s crushed. He knew it was only a matter of time before a boy would come around- whether it be Arvin or someone else your own age.

“Well, first he was just dropping off baked goods Lenora made,” you say gesturing to the dish on the table. “He’s going around to everybody, I guess. He mentioned the high school is looking for office secretaries- Lenora wanted me to know. Thirty-five dollars a week! I’m going to talk to Linda Carson about it Monday morning. Can you imagine? I could get a secretary job.”

Lee feels just a crash of relief wash over him. He’s so happy that you are looking at a new job. You deserve better than that bar. He knew you deserved the job just as much as any of the other candidates. You work harder than anyone he knows.

“That’s fantastic, sugar,” he replies. “You deserve it.”

“Do you think I have a chance?” you ask, feeling a little self-conscious- you knew you weren’t as experienced as other candidates would be for sure.

“Of course, I do,” he says, putting down the paper to give you his full attention. “I feel like you getting this job is a definite. There’s no doubt about it.”

“You’re just buttering me up,” you scoff, finishing up your food, making him chuckle. You may have also seen his cheeks redden, but you couldn’t say for sure. You finish off your coffee, and then bring you dishes back to the kitchen, leaving them in the sink. Lee turns his attention back to his newspaper and you head upstairs to get ready for your day.

When you head upstairs, Lee notices that you took the radio with you- and he could hear you were listening to music from upstairs. He decides before it’s too late to ring Mark Cunningham. The line rings a couple of times before Mark answers.

“Cunningham.”

“Morning, Mark. It’s Sheriff Bodecker,” he smirks.

“What can I do for you Sheriff?” he asks, the sound of shuffling paper comes through as well. Most likely flipping through the paper.

“I wanna call in that favor you owe me,” he says, casually pacing the living room, holding the receiver up to his ear and the base of the rotary phone in the other.

“Of course, Sheriff,” he says. A while back, Bodecker busted the principal making moonshine in his old barn that was at the end of his property. Lee looked the other way and was waiting for the right thing to call in a favor for.

“I want you to hire (Y/N) (Y/L/N) for the secretary job,” he says, looking to the stairs, making sure you aren’t coming. The music is still playing loudly from upstairs so he determines he’s still got time.

“That’s all?” Mark asked surprised.

“That’s all I want from you,” Lee replies. “I expect you can make that happen?”

“Without a doubt. When can she start?”

“Still have her come in for an interview. I don’t anyone else knowing I called you about this- including her.”

“Done.”

With that, Lee hangs up the phone, feeling really good about this decision. He knew how much that job meant to you- he could see it in your eyes and how excitedly you talked about it. He can’t wait to see you when you find out you get the position. He knows it’s going to make you so happy. He knows you’d be a fantastic candidate, but this just eliminates any doubt. He reasons that there isn’t much difference, since you were very likely to get it anyways. He just had to make sure.

He can picture you know, coming home from the interview- excited to tell him that you got the job. You’d be so excited you’d jump up and hug him tightly, just so overjoyed that you let your feelings take over. You’d wrap your legs and around his waist and he’d hold you up by holding the back of your thighs. You’d wrap your arms tightly around him and bury your head in the crook of his neck. You’d lift your head up to look at him, embarrassed at your actions and then he’d press his lips to yours. You’d gasp softly, but your lips would melt against his own and your arms would wrap tightly around his neck. He’d walk forward, pressing you up against the wall and he’d kiss your neck mumbling praises of congratulations against your skin as his name falls from your lips at how good he’d make you feel. It’s almost unbearable how bad he wants you.

He heads to him room to get ready for his day, but his mind is still clouded with thoughts of you. He thinks about how much he wants nothing more that to just pin you on his mattress. He wonders if you know how crazy you make him. Sometimes there’s something in your eye that makes him think you want him too, but he’s not sure. His better judgement holds him back from everything he wants to do. He thinks about how it must feel to have his head right in-between your thighs. Back in the kitchen together, he wanted to just get on his knees and worship you. The feeling of them pressing against him as he sucks on your clit and runs his tongue across your folds.

Serval hours later, he can’t shake the thoughts, even sitting in his office at the sheriff’s station- working on a Saturday yet again. He’s cooped up in his office, unable to get through any of the paperwork that has piled up on his desk. He’s thinking about you, again, but in this daydream, you’re bent over his desk- because you came by to see him on your break from work at the school. His office door locked and his blinds pulled so he can bend you over and take you right there- rough and fast, sending you back to work with a feeling of him still there between your legs well after you’re back at your own desk, still sore from the encounter.

“You got a visitor, Lee,” the intercom on his desk lights up.

“Send ‘em in,” he responds back, shaking his head to snap out of it. He needed to get a grip.

“Sorry I didn’t call,” you say, walking into his office. His eyes widen and he wonders if he’s still day dreaming. He discreetly pinches himself. You’re actually here, standing in his office, while he looks at you dumbfounded. Part of him would think he manifested it if he was a man of any faith. “You forgot this,” you say, putting his wallet on the desk. “You must have taken it out of your back pocket before falling asleep in the chair last night. It was laying on the coffee table. I figured I’d stop by with it while I was coming up this way anyways.”  

“You’re a doll,” he grins, putting his wallet in his back pocket. “What are you doing?”

“I took the bus to the library to return some books, and now I’m going shopping for something to wear when I go in for an interview since I have the day off to go,” you explain. “I’m also probably going to get lunch after that before heading back home. I just didn’t want to be home in case that reporter stopped by. I’m not ready to talk to him yet.”

“I can take care of it,” he says, “He’ll make his way over here soon enough. I can talk to him.”

“You would do that for me?” you ask, the relief evident across your whole face.

“Yeah, I can talk to him, let him know you gave a statement here,” he says. You nod. “You know as much as he does, so it doesn’t matter if I tell him you don’t know shit or if you tell him.”

“You’re a lifesaver,” you sigh, so relieved thinking that you won’t have to hear from Henry Curtis again. “If he tells you anything about them… will you let me know?”

“Of course, sweetheart.”

“Thank you,” you say, hurriedly walking over behind him and quickly hugging his shoulders. You then are back by the door again before he can register the gesture. “Are you going to be home tonight?” you ask, your hand on the doorknob.

“Not until late,” he says reluctantly, and he can see the disappointment on your face- unless his mind was playing tricks on him.

“Okay,” you say finally, “Um, I’ll see you later then.”

“Bye, doll,” he says when you walk out of his office.

Are you going to be home tonight? Your voice lingers in his head. It was such a harmless phrase that could’ve just been one of curiosity. Maybe you were just asking because you were thinking about what you were doing for dinner. It most likely just meant nothing. But, the look on your face when he said no makes him think otherwise. Did it mean you cared? That you wanted to spend time with him? You wanted to see him and be with him as desperately as he needed you perhaps? Just the phrasing itself makes his brain feel like putty. It’s like you’re waiting up for him. It’s like you share the house in a way that’s much more than just him renting a room from you. It’s like you’re his and he’s yours. It’s like saying our house… our home. The question was so intimate and implied so much more about how you saw him and what he was to you. He knew seeing him as how he saw you was next to impossible, but you saw him as more than the Sheriff and more than just the jerk living in your house.

Part Four

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@scar-is-bi @jiminlife2k18 @asylummaniac01​ @rosalynshields​ @charmed-asylum @jamesbuchananbuckybarnes1917 @alexandrathegreat3

[rahleeyah]

@stability6313 i saw your tags re: the way 1.0 made liv’s dad a Family Man and I have Thoughts this is for you:

here’s the thing, right, is that we don’t ever know what joe was really like. his wife, who has dementia, remembers him telling her he had a daughter, remembers him saying he “got a girl pregnant” - which of course, he’s not gonna be honest about how that happened, bc who would - and simon recalls his dad as a pretty decent if somewhat messed up guy, but again simon is a child recalling his father, a father he didn’t know very much about, who was battling demons. we know joe kept tabs on olivia, but we don’t know why. if he felt guilty, or proud, or what. and in something happened we see olivia struggle with that. with the part of her that hates him and the part that wanted a father. we see her acknowledge that it isn’t fair that simon got two parents and she didn’t, but isn’t, i don’t think, meant to be interpreted that she wanted to have grown up with their father specifically and resents simon for having him; she resents simon for having a father at all, resents joe for being who he is, and not the father she wished she had. something happened does a really good job, i think, of hammering home how complicated olivia’s feelings about joe really are. she hates him; she longs for the symbolic father. 

and i find it really compelling from an angst perspective; what joe did ruined serena’s life. serena never recovered. it was a trauma that was passed on to olivia, that informed her entire trajectory in life. but joe, who was never held accountable for his actions, gets away more or less scot-free. he gets to move on, get married, raise a child in an outwardly “normal” home, gets to pretend like everything is fine. it isn’t fucking fair, but it feels horrifically realistic.

and it all falls apart. 

bc joe never stopped battling his depression - and how much of that depression was fueled by his guilt over the things he did? bc joe became an alcoholic, just like serena. bc joe’s marriage ended so catastrophically that simon took his mother’s last name. simon’s “good” dad was so shitty simon changed his whole ass name. maybe joe did pay, in the end, for what he did.

and simon, who had a better childhood than olivia but by no means a perfect one, always wanted a sister, but it isn’t a happy ending for either of them. the shit that lands simon in trouble initially isn’t technically his fault; he is blamed for something he didn’t do. and although that was traumatizing he had a chance to get his life together, and he didn’t. everything falls apart for simon, and he ends up dead from an accidental overdose. 

so something else i find really interesting about this that the show hasn’t touched on at all that i think would be really compelling is that olivia’s mother, father, and brother all struggled with addiction. her father struggled with depression - hell, her mom probably did too. there was a brief moment in 2.0 where they had liv drinking too much and i was really, really hoping we’d seen an arc about the way addiction can replicate itself in families and what that means for liv and how she processes her own family history but they shied away from it, just had tucker gently pull her back in one conversation and never mentioned it again.

but surely! surely! it has come up with her shrink. and especially after the last conversation we saw her have with lindstrom, there are issues of generational trauma and olivia’s mental health here that i would desperately love to see the show address outright. 

[ichayalovesyou]

Hi i was wondering about your thoughts on the vulcans in enterprise? because loads of people think enterprise wrote them badly and made them assholes but imo i think it's pretty good considering the relationship between vulcans and humans in tos is still a little strained and it isn't until tuvok that we see a vulcan who respects humans with their emotions rather than in spite of them.

I’m not very far into Enterprise but I have not, at all, disliked ANYTHING I have learned about Vulcans that has its origins in Enterprise and I am EXTREMELY excited to get to the Surak’s-Katra-Is-In-Archer & Vulcans-On-Verge-Of-Ideological-Civil-War Arc!!! I don’t think Enterprise ruined Vulcans at all, I am loving the way that they’re getting fleshed out! I legit adore what Enterprise has done with Vulcans based on Memory Alpha research alone and not even having finished the series. It’s super fascinating!

I think people just don’t like things that are new and like to slap the label of “bad writing” onto things too quickly. Just because they haven’t connected the dots as to why things are written the way they are, or it hasn’t met their precise perceptions. People are judging the way that Vulcans are written in Enterprise the same way people judge Dr. McCoy’s interactions with Spock. As a fandom people have gotten SUPER attached to Spock and Vulcans as a whole, so much so that they are blind to his & and his people’s serious flaws. I don’t blame them, I love Spock (and Tuvok, and T’Pol) and I feel like I have a pretty good rep in this fandom as a diehard Vulcantologist 💚🖖🏻💚

BUT-

Vulcans (and Spock especially) come off as pretentious, repressed, overly-secretive and belittling in TOS. That’s not to say he & Vulcans as a whole don’t have excellent redeeming qualities to balance those things out, but those flaws still exist, and out of all Vulcans, they, ironically, hurt Spock most of all, despite his being the forefront example of Vulcans we have. Enterprise only took Vulcans backwards down that societal development path. It only pisses people off because they’re seeing Vulcans’ (cultural) character development in reverse. The way Vulcans are in Enterprise makes perfect sense in contrast to how significantly they chill out in all subsequent series as their interplanetary cultural experiences grow bigger and bigger.

Like, you can watch how Vulcan has developed organically as a culture by watching T’Pol, then Spock, then Tuvok respectively. Even then, Tuvok canonically started out as prejudiced as any other Vulcan and it is only in his later years after returning to Starfleet (where we see him in Voyager) that he has come to fully respect other cultures, especially Human. He bucked HARD against Vulcan tradition in his youth, just like Spock did, and funnily enough, grew out of his need to conform to it around the same time for the same reason (I actually get into that in a post about Love & Kolinahr that you can find on my pinned Vulcantology masterpost)!

T’Pol is by far the worst of the three of them, she loathes and looks down upon humans with far less reason to resent them than Spock does. She eventually grows out of this by exposure to human culture, exposure to other alien races, exposure to different sects of Vulcan beliefs (Syrranites & the V’Tosh Ka’Tur), and by falling in love with a human, Trip Tucker.

Spock, IS human, partially, but he has some serious internalized racism that leads him to deeply resent humans as a whole. All while constantly flagellating himself by trying to adhere exclusively to Vulcan philosophy and traditions. By his own biology and within the eyes of his xenophobic culture, he could never achieve full Vulcanhood, and he’d been taught to see that as failure. He receives a fair amount of prejudice from Humans, but until he learns to accept that he is both human and Vulcan, and honor that instead of hating himself for it. He dishes out judgement and prejudice even harder than he receives it.

Tuvok’s journey to acceptance, inner peace, and open-mindedness (albeit criminally understated in Voyager) shows more about how Vulcans have grown as a society than Spock’s personal character development ever could. I adore Tuvok, and what I am about to say is not because I adore him, more that I adore him because of what I’m going to say: he is a perfect example of Vulcankind at it’s best. Just like how the various captains of the Enterprise are meant to present humanity at our best. It is also SUPER important to note that, even if we didn’t get to see much of it, Tuvok did not start that way. He was just as prejudiced as T’Pol, and just as unhappy, even rebellious, against the pressures of his culture as Spock. He went through similar arcs to both T’Pol & Spock, but we get the pleasure of seeing how a (well-adjusted) Vulcan operates (within the context of Starfleet/the Federation) after he has made peace with the same struggles T’Pol & Spock went through. I love that Voyager was willing to give us an example of a functional Vulcan who wasn’t living a life of xenophobic emotional torment (at least, not emotional torment born from his culture).

Sorry this question kind of got away from me 😂

TL:DR I love all Vulcans, Enterprise era Vulcans especially included! 💚🖖🏻💚

[sanchoyo]

danny phantom season 2, eps 1-5 thoughts! opening the new season with episodes like these kinda blew me away. we had multiple serious episodes INCLUDING a two parter!! also, valerie :)

see prev episode thoughts in this tag <3

-I don't know what I expected s2 to open with. but danny portal incident in more detail was not it. (also, I hate to break it to you, sam, but danny's parent's bigass ghost hunting rv def chugs more gas than those vehicles, lmao. unless it runs on ectoplasm or something...)

-WHY WAS DESIREE IN THE SEWER? HAVING TEA WITH IT DOWN THERE?? Her making the giant cow come alive is a boss move, we've almost had all of my fav animals as ghosts now <3 I also don't like how sam was expecting danny to just, haunt the place so the cars wouldn't get sold? I KNOWWW I know she's 14 (and I had a very annoying phase like this, I think I mentioned in a previous post, I GET IT) but they're HIS powers, and messing with (1) dealership will not really put a dent in sales overall because they can just move the cars to another sales lot, and it certainly wont change the industry anyway, it's more of a minor annoyance for (1) location. Also, usually people who work at car sales places work on commission, so if they dont make a sale, they don't have money to pay bills, or eat. sam baby if u wanna be an activist you need to like, actually look into these things. with as much money as her parents have, she could be doing a lot..more useful things for causes she cares about? it's frustrating to see someone with resources who doesn't know how to use them. but shes 14 so again. cannot be really upset :/

-IS THIS A PREDATOR VS TERMINATOR VS FREDDY KRUEGER MOVIE BUT THEYRE ALL WOMEN?? you know, sam is so right to be excited about this. /I/ want to see this movie. that rules

-paulina inviting danny and friends to her quinceañera, aw! even if it is just to get phantom to show up :') and there'll be a meteor shower, and we KNOW danny wants to be an astronaut!! there's not a meteor shower every night!! the tickets are non-refundable, but..she's rich? like. gotta agree with danny, they never get invited!! I KNOW it's the principle of keeping promises, but if she was that upset, she should've said something. directly. I hated how she was like, passive aggressive about it through the episode, like you SAID IT WAS FINE, THAT YOU'D GO TO THE PARTY TOO. MOVIES SHOW FOR A FEW WEEKS IN THEATERS. IF YOU HAD A REAL PROBLEM YOU NEED TO TALK ABOUT IT. WE'VE HAD THIS PROBLEM BEFORE, SAM. YOUR FRIENDS. ARE NOT. MIND READERS.

-MR. LANCER GOING AFTER THE GHOST WITH THE FIRE EXTINGISHER LMAO

-this outfit is everything . anytime the show does an over the top cutesty pink outfit i WANT IT. it looks like shit I wear JKASDHF I HAVE a bow like that and a pink sweater. I need leg warmers </3

-SAMS GOTTA RE-HALF-KILL HIM??? thats fucked up. but also, he finally got his logo!! it took until s2!!! this episode was lowkey very fucked and I felt like it glossed over a lot. does sam have guilt about like. kinda KILLING HIM?? I know, he also agreed and walked into the portal. but. she made the choice to redo it SO quickly (even if it was because someone had to beat desiree) and danny, during their fight, brought up a lot of stuff sam's done in the past, meaning he was holding onto those memories and resentment was building. (I KEEP SAYING HE LOWKEY NEEDS THERAPY, BUT I THINK MOST EVERYONE IN THIS SHOW KINDA DOES) which...is a red flag? and then they didnt even GO to the party URGH I know she tried to make up for it, but it really felt like Sam fucked up and barely faced any consequences and got everything she wanted in the end. I KNOW it's a kids show obv they aren't going to go too in depth, and she undid the damage, kinda, but...I DUNNO how to articulate it but it rubbed me the wrong way.

-but on a note about desiree, her powers of wishes were STRONG ENOUGH TO ERASE NOT JUST THEIR MEMORIES, BUT DANNY'S POWERS?! fuck, if I was danny I'd be like, trying to make friends with her. I know they always have horrible side effects as most genie-granted wishes do, but...c'mon, I'd at least TRY to be like 'I wish no ghosts would hurt anyone in my town' or 'I wish vlad would lose his ghost powers forever no matter What and also forget about my mom' LIKE. SHIT DESIREE IS SO POWERFUL. rewriting reality powerful, basically!! appreciate her. respect her.

-aww, sam helping tucker pass the nurse's office so he wouldn't see because he's afraid of medical stuff? very sweet. I also don't like medical stuff, I've gotten a lot better at handling it tho. but seeing blood and needles still makes me feel lightheaded x_x

-FOLEY, BY TUCKER FOLEY. I want to make my own perfume, that's so cool. even if his first attempt isn't good, he's pretty consistently shown to have an inventor/entrepreneur streak in the show, so like. I can see him inventing or making something (or several somethings) that make him $$$ when he grows up :) proud of my creative son

-I know the 'creepy abandoned hospital on the edge of town' is a joke and the creepy hospital trope is so Worn Out, but in my town we actually DO have a hospital like that! my dad was born in it, but its not in use and hasn't been for, like, 20 years! it needs to be torn down but I think the city doesn't wanna pay the money. the inside is horrible, spray painted and broken glass and shit everywhere. but there's still like, rusty equipment and fucking DOLLS all over the place. the cops drive by it pretty frequently to make sure no one is like, breaking in. (because of water damage, some of the areas really aren't safe. also, asbestos, but people still go in anyway) but also, some of my town was used in a filming for a stephen king show. So it's lowkey spooky all over. just a fun personal tidbit :) to lead into saying, any hospital abandoned for any period of time is NOT safe to quarantine these kids in JKSAHDKF like I KNOW it's a ghost trying to do this, but NONE of these parents are even like, 'well, why dont we keep them in the regular, working hospital'....YIKES. this hospital looks pretty accurate to the one in town. grungy and spooky.

-fentons are tax evaders confirmed by jack's fear of being audited, lol no one is surprised

-ghost sickness via ghost bugs. horrifying concept. I actually expected it to be a new villain, not dr. spectra again! this is a very elaborate scheme. her new form rules, love the new costume. the way none of the bg kids seem to recognize her as their old school councilor. did we just forget about that completely?

-dash watching romance movies in the fucked up ghost hospital. same.

-'oh please, you're ghosts, do you have any idea what YOU smell like?' no, tucker, what DO ghosts smell like? I genuinely didn't know they would even have a smell, I actually want to know now.

-it feels like a while since we've seen jazz!! i was happy to see her again, even if she was a head in a jar for most the episode. I want another jazz-focused ep!!

-we finally see danny doing space-related stuff!! him and his friends stargazing to open ep 3 of s2. cute :) until, GHOST PIRATES!!!!! ...ghost pirate captain is a small child?? VOICED BY TAYLOR LAUTNER???

-oh, the easy listening is ember's song instrumental slowed. 'vapor drone' THEY VAPORWAVED HER!!! ember in a pirate outfit tho >>>>. and the cruise being called m.bersback JKASDHJK. ember adopting a little pirate brother is also pretty cute. concerning this teen and little kid have such bad opinions of adults, like, who hurt you?? (how did you DIE ALSO?? im always lowkey curious about that. we know desiree died at an old age, but her ghost form is young, probably mid-20s, so I wonder how that sort of thing works...its a more mental thing, isn't it?) but ghost team-ups are always cool to see, even if ember bailed after danny took her guitar. I guess she probably thinks youngblood can handle it (which, he's been owning danny this far in the ep, so...fair)

-tucker got that sponsorship from nasty burger for their radio!!! again, opportunistic money maker king, love to see it!!!

-danny taking control of the kids SO FAST. he makes a pretty great leader. no one is surprised, im pretty sure I said I think he's the most mature of the trio, once again, correct, because he's taken on so much responsibility already. all the teens suiting up in the jumpsuits to go save the adults and taking the ship over with a BLIMP. OKAY LETS GO. this feels like it should be a mid finale or straight up finale.

-...speaking of finales. why is ep 4-5 of s2 combined into a 50 minute episode? I havent even clicked play and im concerned. weird placement, like, this season JUST started and we're getting a two parter? okay...why are the episodes placed like this? why not put this at episode 10 or something, for a mid-season thing?

-this is also a cute dress. possibly my fav dress so far. can her parents give ME cute dresses, I'LL wear them.

-it turns out the castle fright knight was in is called pariah's keep and there's something worse than fright knight in there! lovely! fuck off vlad wtf are you doing <3 your hubris <3 is going to literally get you killed <3 'ring of rage' and 'crown of fire' are great names tho. ...vlad turning into a super polite guy when he was scared of mr. pariah was hilarious. and fright knight doing the same...I mean, it makes sense, he's a knight, he serves a king? happy to see fright knight again either way :) vlad telling him to call him tho, lmfao. you WISH HE WOULD. (I wish hed call me, too. 😔)

-so...jack being genuinely concerned about vlad...maddie really didn't tell him what happened at the cabin, did she. damn. if I was her id immediately come home and be like 'YOU WONT BELIEVE THIS SHITTTT THIS CREEPY GUY--' like, I feel like that stuff you need to tell your partner!!! I know she didnt want Jack to think she was an irresponsible parent putting danny in danger at that time, but STILLLL. maddie spilling boiling tea on him. get his ass. how is jack this oblivious to his wife's discomfort with vlad!! ughhh

-fenton wipe (tm). trademarked toilet paper.

-DANNY AND VALERIE BEING FRIENDS??? :D that was a cute moment. 'hey val <3' and 'if you like him like him, make a move, or someone else will ;)' at sam...damn!! I love her. valerie go for it girl!!! I hate how sam and tucker treat val also, like I GET IT YOURE PROTECTIVE AND DONT TRUST but if anything him befriending valerie will help when she finds out or he tells her like I feel like she'll be more understanding that they think! ALSO I feel like her reason for not liking ghosts is valid, like you haven't really explained the full story to her anyway! she doesn't seem to have any other friends after being booted from the a-listers so im like :( but seeing them kick butt together again was nice <3

-the ghosts all RUNNING FROM PARIAH DARK IS NOT GOOD, I thought he sent them to attack or something, but no. why doesn't someone just tell desiree 'hey i wish pariah dark would die' lol. once again I think she can solve every problem <3 but seeing all the enemies in one place, being civil and hiding together? love it.

-you just know danny's gonna have to clean up vlad's stupid mess. also, jack being willing to put on the ectoskeleton pants to help maddie, as soon as vlad heard it could kill him, he suggested jack do it instead of helping maddie himself? this is why jack got the girl, my man.

-ghost skeletons. how do you end up as a skeleton ghost in your afterlife instead of a humanoid like most the ones we've seen? lmao

-the ghosts just making new homes in various stores. I'd totally be setting up in an expensive clothing store if I was a ghost.

-valerie's dad is possibly the most useful adult so far, with that ghost shield expansion!!! and valerie saving vlad and danny, even tho shes been thru it already, shes still so good!!! this family rules.

-danny: *gently caresses valerie* :)

-*then he immediately TELLS HER DAD ON HER. and his first response is 'are you okay?' :'( such a good dad...

-*me every time fright knight breathes* youre doing SO great sweetie :)

-the fenton suit thing is so silly looking. does anyone take this thing seriously

-ALL THE GHOSTS FIGHTING WITH DANNY <3 AAAAA. and the fact that pariah isn't perma-defeated, but just locked away again. yikes. he'll probably get out again, won't he? it wasn't too clear, but if vlad DID make a pact with fright knight, I am rabid. I will beat vlad to death with the fenton bat (tm). YOU DONT DESERVE A COOL KNIGHT.

-valerie being direct with sam and challenging her? kinda love that, even tho I normally don't like 'catfight' type situations. because sam has been very passive aggressive about it which is annoying. valerie knows wtf she wants and wasn't even embarrassed to tell sam, but she did tell her, giving sam time to make her own move! and sam denied it and got embarrassed/mad! and sam did have a chance when danny was about to go off and fight, and she hesitated and didn't tell him. I feel like she's hesitating because they're friends and it might make it weird between the trio (poor tucker would be third-wheeling) but if u snooze u lose, u gotta GO after what u WANT girl. smh this is a No Tsundere Zone. 😤

[robotnuts]

Alpha is very Burnt Out Church. Like... Constantly burnt out. Its been pointed out by the others, under plenty circumstances, that Epsilon does not act like Church / Alpha did. He was either more whipped, or he blew up more spectacularly. Alpha is more Objective, Epsilon is more Personal. Alpha took things, no matter how ridiculous, at face value. While Epsilon is more prone to reason his way out. Alpha was more willing to let Tex do her own thing... Epsilon was not.

you have the incredible power to say exactly what ive been thinking about for days. here’s my fix

warning: im about to speak with authority even though i function by throwing spaghetti at the wall. if anything about this is wrong or egregiously off please tell me so i can eat the proper crow

epsilon had to have sacrificed himself for tex so she could escape the memory unit, and have the chance to become her own person completely outside of church in order to complete his predetermined arc.

(i love epsilon, love him and carolina, and in an rvb rewrite i would not be able to bring myself to do this and i come up with an alternate ending- this is just in the terms of, what the director laid out as his character arc, and how rvb TRIED to do progressive iterations of the director’s story, and then massively dropped the ball with the ending)

You see, I never had the chance to serve in battle, nor did fate provide me the opportunity to sacrifice myself for humanity as it did for so many others in the Great War. Someone extremely dear to me was lost very early in my life. My mind has always plagued me with the question, if the choice had been placed in my hands, could I have saved her? The memory of her has haunted me my entire life, and moreso in these last few years than I could ever have imagined. But given the events of these past few weeks, I feel confident that had I been given the chance, I would have made those sacrifices myself. Had I only the chance.

and no version of himself ever did make the sacrifice to save her. the director doesn’t really deserve the term sacrifice applied to him, but he did sacrifice everyone around him. he sacrificed his daughter, his military organization, countless lives, literally everything, in order to chase after allison. this is obviously the darkest, worst version.

alpha did sacrifice himself for tex- it’s more explicit in the deleted scene where wash convinces him to go by bringing up tex specifically and finding out about her, *which i can’t find a link to but if anyone has it please send it to me.) but he didn’t save her. they died together, which is tragic and as you said, they never figured out the truth. but in a way, they didn’t need to. alphabeta is a much stronger relationship than epsichex because they like, know each other as their own people and church doesn’t know who allison was. it is tragic they neveer learned who they were, but it makes sense for the second iteration.

and then epsilon.... regresses. he sacrifices HER. yes it is him giving up on chasing the memory like the director did, but the director’s biggest crime isn’t just refusing to give up on a memory, it’s what it did to tex. how it stripped her of all agency and made her fucking miserable. this is so explicit in epsitex’s actions. she resents being made, but if she’s gonna exist, she’s going to do it on her own terms. beta came along for the ride, she made herself. epsitex didn’t.

and then epsilon makes her last words to him “i love you” and kills her.

(also... epsitex is made from epsilon’s memories of tex. the fact that epsitex always fails is just as much his fault for not seeing her as anything else as it is the director’s.)

there are only two ways to complete epsilon’s character arc well, because no matter what he needs to let tex LEAVE. not die, just exist as a person outside of him. you can interpret i forget you as that, but it isn’t her fucking choice to stop existing. just because she didnt ask to be made doesn’t mean he should have the power to execute her. she needs to be allowed to exist without him, figure out who she is. and, if you wanted to wrap up the narrative of church becoming a better person through iterations, him actually finally making the sacrifice and SAVING tex would be the final permutation. 

i used to think this was the best option but through writing this post, i think epsilon saying fuck you to the director spiritually by refusing to give him the heroic sacrifice he always wanted is the best, most satisfying option. and them being strong enough to leave the memory unit together (which would have to be established as impossible) would be a nice parallel with beta being strong enough to make her own person. and it would make the end of s10 hit so much harder, because epsilon didn’t just do better than him, but completely subverted what the director wanted for him. 

outside of killing tex, i think epsilon is a super good character and exploring his relationship differences with the bgc vs alpha is something i’m super interested in (and something that @leonardalphachurch has done great meta on). not to mention, single mindedly focusing on tex instead of everyone else is another one of the director’s flaws that epsilon can overcome! he needed to put some serious work into his friendships that we never got from s12 or 13, sadly. and him self isolating with carolina can be an accidental repeat of the singlemindednesss cycle because he wasn’t focused on tex, and him realizing he cares about tucker and caboose and needs to show it better and stop pretending that him not showing emotional vulnerability makes him more like alpha and could be like a character moment or something. 

and then tex can go explore the universe off screen for 3 seasons before coming back to chorus in s13 on her own to kick some ass. also the flashback montage episode of her hijinks and exploits that we missed like s15e6, please god give it to me. 

[flutteringdreams-matw]

Out of Time 2/?

Sam closed her locker forcefully, spooking the poor freshman down the hall. Her parents had tried, again, to put her in some stupid beauty contest with a ridiculous amount of pink on the poster. Apparently, entering a beauty contest (even if it was to make a statement) and then winning meant more exposure for 'someone in her social standard.' She tried to argue her case, but apart from telling them it was all a ploy cooked up by an evil ghost trying to find a wife (which she couldn't do), she had to promise to at least consider it. Besides, it did have a decent scholarship that she could donate to Jazz if she managed to win (rather…. participate). Some good had to come out of her wearing that unholy colour. One thing was for certain… if this happened… the secret was going to her grave.

"What's got you in a mood?" Tucker joked as he walked toward her. A lot had changed for the trio in the past year; Tucker now stood a good few inches taller than her, but still quite lanky. His love of technology had evolved into more than just hacking, even creating a few hologram machines and working directly with the Fentons on new technology. She herself was a little taller, still very much interested in black apparel, but did try to change her wardrobe up a bit. It did irk her a bit that the boys now towered over her; she had to go to more extravagant lengths to mess with them. Tucker leaned against the lockers smirking, waiting for the Goth girl in front of him to answer.

"Parents," she said, shrugging. "Finish the homework for Lancer?"

"Which one?" Tucker asked drily. "History, English or Science?"

Sam scoffed. "Still can't believe Lancer is teaching 3 out of 4 courses this semester. Let alone having him last semester and most of last year."

Tucker sighed dramatically. "Well Sam, when you live in the most haunted city in America, people tend to pack up and leave. I still can't believe Ishiyama is teaching the Juniors now that most of the teachers quit."

Sam hummed in agreement as she looked down the hall. "Any sign of the clueless one?"

"Why, anything important to confess?" Tucker asked suggestively, wiggling his eyebrows at Sam. She frowned as she pushed the teen into a set of lockers, looking slightly red. "Geez Sam, I'm only kidding. He texted saying he'll be here soon – something about emptying the thermos." Sam nodded absently as they moved down the hallway. Tucker followed her with a frown. "You know I'm not pushing you to do anything right?" he asked, uncharacteristically genuine in his teasing. "Tell Danny whenever you want, but you can't just repress your feelings forever, no matter how Goth you think it is. I just want you guys to be happy."

Sam smiled gratefully at her friend. "Thanks Tuck." They walked in silence, observing Dash and his football cronies tag team putting a couple freshmen into lockers.

Tucker rolled his eyes as he adjusted his beret. "I definitely don't miss that," he said.

"Shame, I'm sure it would be a fun experiment to see if you still fit into one of these little metal boxes," Sam joked darkly. Tucker elbowed her.

"Hey! I'm just glad Danny's ghost fighting muscles made Dash wary about picking on us. I mean, it still sucks for them but I'm glad I only have to worry about ghosts beating us up now."

Sam rolled her eyes at that. "Your priorities astound me," she said sarcastically.

"Sam! Tuck!"

Both teens whirled around to see Danny bounding down the hallway, backpack half open as he ducked past some students. They watched, half amused, as he tripped slightly, regaining his balance and came to a stop in front of them, breathing heavily.

"Morning," Tucker said flippantly. "Good to see you made it before the bell. Long night?"

Danny smiled wryly. Standing to his full height (which Sam only vaguely noticed was almost the same height as Tucker's), he grabbed his backpack and brought it forward, zipping it closed. "Yeah, I overslept and needed to empty the Box Ghost and Skulker into the zone. I can't believe I made it in on time!"

"I'm sure Lancer will say the same thing," Tucker quipped.

"I resent that!" Danny retorted. "I've been on time 4 out of 5 times a week this school year. Gonna end the year on a high." Danny had been grateful to his parents on taking most of the ghosts during the day while he was at school to avoid the amount of absences he racked up. He still handled most of the big ghosts or attacks nearby, but it was nice to have a backup that didn't involve someone trying to waste him.

"So why'd you oversleep anyway – ghost trouble?" Sam asked. The trio used their lack of popularity to speak openly enough in the halls.

Danny shrugged, not quite meeting her eye. "Just a nightmare," he said as they started to head for homeroom. "Didn't get back to sleep for a while so I did Lancer's homework instead."

Sam and Tucker both frowned worriedly. "Another one?" Tucker asked.

"Yeah," Danny said. Sam noticed that he was trying to push through the topic; her brow furrowed as she recognized his tell. "I remember bits and pieces mostly, but nothing concrete." Out of nowhere, Sam grabbed him by the collar and put him up against the lockers. Bewildered, Danny looked down into the accusing violet eyes of his best friend. "Sam!? Wha-"

"Liar," she accused, pointing her finger threateningly. "Was it like the others?" Danny started to make excuses, but she moved her finger in front of his nose and poked him. "Don't play hero right now. Was it like the other dreams?" Some passers-by stopped to watch the commotion, but once seeing it was Sam and Danny, they shrugged and walked by.

Danny looked at Tucker for assistance, but found that he got no sympathy from his best friend. Tucker was also watching him carefully, concerned but fully supportive of Sam's current interrogation technique. Tucker tilted his head, silently repeating the question.

Danny sighed heavily, making Sam release the boy from her vice grip. "Different images this time," Danny admitted, "Felt the same when I woke. Didn't feel like a dream."

"Dude, you need to tell Ethelwulf," Tucker told him.

Danny shook his head. "Not yet," he said, confusing his friends. "It was definitely just a dream. I'm just thinking about it too much and it's making it worse. I'll tell him eventually."

"Once is a dream. Three times is a coincidence."

Sam looked at him worriedly, before sighing in defeat. "If this happens again, I'm telling Ethelwulf myself," she said, walking into Lancer's English class in a huff.

Danny frowned at her demeanour as he watched her go. He glanced at Tucker who shrugged in response. "She's just worried," Tucker told him. "We both are. The last time you thought you were facing him, you almost exploded with power- literally. These dreams- it's starting to be a pattern Danny. It isn't like you've had dreams that predicted battles before."

"Yeah, but that was planted by Fear," Danny said frowning. Tucker gave him a pointed look. "Okay, I see your point. If it gets worse, I'll let him know."

Tucker smiled. "It's all we ask," he replied. Both boys walked into the classroom and headed to the back of the class where Sam was sitting with crossed arms. "Besides, best not to worry Sam. Her fury is enough to give us nightmares for eternity."

Sam's eyes narrowed darkly, but held a bit of humour to them. "And don't you boys forget it," she said menacingly.

:-=-:

Danny floated in front of a darker part of the Ghost Zone, frowning. He was sure this was the way to Clockwork's tower – now, however, it seemed to have distorted, not having a clear sense of direction. "Weird," Danny muttered to himself. He looked down at the map he was currently holding, trying to regain his place. "I'm definitely in the right area." He floated down closer to the Far Frozen, staring at the large swirling vortex in front of him. It shifted again, showing part of Pariah's Keep and Walker's prison instead of the Observant's Headquarters.

Crossing his arms, Danny sighed. He didn't want to admit how much his dreams were bugging him, but Tucker was right. He couldn't ignore them anymore, and if he was worried about his future self escaping, there was really one ghost to ask before he talked to Ethelwulf. Rather… attempt to ask – Clockwork was never one to come out and say anything directly.

"Great One?"

Danny turned at the voice. Frostbite was floating behind him, worry etched in his features. In his thoughts, Danny had floated close to the edge of the Far Frozen's mountainside, where the yeti leader could easily see him from the main gates. "Hey Frostbite," Danny said in greeting, floating towards him.

"I sensed your core as you approached," Frostbite told him, "You've been floating here for a while."

"I had hoped to visit Clockwork," Danny said, looking back at the darker part of the Zone. "Do you know why that area keeps changing?"

Frostbite frowned, looking to the area that Danny was indicating to. "I see you've noticed," Frostbite said seriously. "While the Ghost Zone is constantly shifting, Clockwork's realm shifts more frequently. It's to ward off any unwanted guests."

"But it's always shown the same path for me," Danny argued. He showed Frostbite his map and pointed to where they were. "Past the Observant's Headquarters, through the valley of gears and then his lair."

Frostbite frowned, looking at the map before turning his attention to the young ghost. "Then perhaps the Time Guardian does not wish to see you, Great One."

Danny frowned at that. Clockwork never prevented him from visiting. Annoyingly refuse him help, sure. Perhaps there was something more going on.

"You seem uneasy, Danny," Frostbite probed. Danny looked at him quizzically, recognizing his name rather than the titles Frostbite usually called him. "Our cores are kin; born of a frigid cold that generates from our birth. I'm able to tell when something is bothering you."

"Is it that obvious?" Danny asked drily. They floated for a moment, staring out into the Ghost Zone in silence. "I've been having dreams," Danny admitted. Frostbite said nothing, giving Danny the invitation to continue. "I faced this ghost – an alternate version of me – who was by far the worst ghost I've ever fought. Worse than Pariah Dark even. For a long time, I was afraid of… well… a lot. Facing him. Becoming him. Sometimes, I catch myself checking if I look like him as I get older."

"These dreams you speak of… do you dream of becoming him?" Frostbite asked.

Danny shook his head. "They don't feel like dreams," he said softly, before he could stop himself. "They feel like glimpses of the future."

Frostbite was quiet for a long time before responding. "What do you see Great One?" he asked.

"Battles mostly; at least three different ones. But last night, I saw him. Or I was him? Either way, he was escaping." Frostbite nodded. Danny shifted in his stance, waiting for Frostbite to say something. "It's probably nothing," he added half-heartedly, not wanting to worry his friend. "The last time I really gave him any thought was over a year ago. I'm probably just stressed or worried or something and it's bringing this back up."

"Perhaps," Frostbite mused, still looking out into the Zone. The larger ghost turned to the teen beside him. "Do you remember what I said to you when you were worried about facing Undergrowth?"

Danny nodded. "Fear is natural and charging into battle despite it is what makes you a hero," he summarized.

"It's alright to fear your dreams," Frostbite continued, "But you should not let it consume you Great One. Dwelling on the unknown has caused many a ghost to fall."

"So, you think I'm overreacting?" Danny asked, a tad hopeful.

"It doesn't matter what I think," Frostbite responded quickly. Danny looked down, crestfallen. "It matters what you think. You're discovering new powers daily, focus on the here and now, not the could haves or what will be. Charge into these battles – these dreams – and see what you find. The answer lies with you."

Danny sighed, frowning. "And if they turn out to be just nightmares?"

Frostbite chuckled. "Then you have your answer." Frostbite's small smile fell as he observed the boy in front of him. "Though, I have a feeling you already know the answer."

Danny at looked at him, confused. "What makes you say that?"

"Would you be looking for Clockwork if you truly believed they were only dreams?"

:-=-:

Papers scattered across the Fenton's kitchen table, making Jazz frown in thought. She only had a few more weeks before the deadlines to accept and she still had no clue where she wanted to go to college in the fall. She had no idea how popular her ghost envy paper would be when she wrote it, but to get accepted to all the schools she applied to? She couldn't believe it. Then again, with the appearance of ghosts in the last year and a half, she assumed there were a lack of applicants in the field. Add her last name into it? Yale, Wisconsin, Cincinnati, Fort Eerie, Harvard came knocking at her door.

Jazz turned her attention to the one in her hand, the modest logo of Amity University staring back in the top left hand corner. It was the obvious choice – close to home, she could help out with the ghost fights, study with two pretty amazing scientists and would probably learn more about a ghost's psyche through her brother and his friends than any professor.

"Make a decision yet?" Jazz turned at her mother's voice. Maddie watched her daughter proudly from the top of the basement steps, a small smile on her face.

"No," Jazz whined, shaking her head. "I thought it would be easy to have all the choices laid out in front of me. It's pretty overwhelming."

Maddie nodded knowingly as she walked to the table to join her. "I remember that feeling. You know Jazz, there's not a wrong choice here. Each one of these schools will give you a top notch education. The question you should ask yourself is if you're really choosing the school that's best for you."

Jazz frowned. "Of course I'm picking the best school for me. I'm the one choosing!"

Maddie raised an eyebrow at her daughter. "Then why do you have all these letters on the table, but one in your hand?" Jazz looked down at the letter in her hand with wide eyes. "Sweetheart," Maddie said gently, "While I'd love for you to stay here with us, you need to do what's best for you. You're smart, capable and all of these institutions want your brilliance. Don't choose what you think is best for us. We want you to be happy. Danny included."

Jazz sighed. "I know," she said softly. "Danny's said the same thing. I just… I don't want to miss anything. I worry."

"Didn't you argue that your brother is more capable than we give him credit for?" Maddie asked skeptically.

"Well… yes," Jazz agreed.

"And wasn't a large reason you didn't want to leave was cause you were worried about Danny not confiding in us readily?"

"Yeah, I mean, he usually keeps things close to the vest-"

"And that you're just making all these excuses because you're trying to avoid how scared you are to leave?"

Jazz sighed. She looked at the letter to Yale and then back to Amity University, conflicted. "What if I deferred a year? Learned a bit more about the family business?"

Maddie sighed, then smiled gently at her daughter. "Choose your own path Jazz; we'll support you no matter what." Jazz smiled back and engulfed her mother in a hug.

They broke apart as Danny flew through the floor and landed on the kitchen floor with a soft thud. "Again?" Danny joked, looking at the table full of acceptance letters and mirroring the tone she had used the day before.

"Ha ha, you're hilarious," Jazz said deadpanned. Danny transformed into his human self and walked over to the table, looking over his sister's and mother's shoulders. "Where were you anyway?"

Danny shrugged, eyes darting across the table. "Fort Eerie too? Wow Jazz, that's amazing!" he congratulated. Jazz beamed at her brother. "I was in the Ghost Zone."

That got the attention of both Fenton women. "I didn't know you were going there today?" Jazz said.

"Did something happen?" Maddie asked, confused. "Your next training session with Ethelwulf is next week isn't it?"

Danny shook his head. "Nothing's wrong," he assured with a smile. "Went to visit a friend, but he wasn't home. Stopped to chat with Frostbite instead."

"How is Frostbite?" Maddie asked. She had only met the yeti ghost once, after Jack insisted on doing an ice training session in the basement. It took a week for everything to defrost.

"He's good, didn't chat much about him though," Danny said, frowning slightly in anticipation. "I mentioned the dreams to him. Wasn't much help but he gave me something to think about."

Jazz turned to him expectantly. "Which was?"

"Just to trust my instincts," he told them. "Said it wasn't good to dwell on what could have been or what will be and just trust myself. Gonna mention them to Ethelwulf next week if I can't see Clockwork." He turned back to the table full of paper. "Speaking of could haves, have you picked one yet? The suspense is killing me."

Jazz simply glared at her little brother. "No," she retorted, choosing to ignore his pun. "But I love the pressure you're putting on me. A real motivational speech."

Danny picked up the letter from Yale and handed it to his sister with a sigh. "I would have thought it was a no brainer," he said, giving her the piece of paper. "It's always been your dream to go to Yale. There's nothing stopping you! Just say yes."

Jazz smiled softly at her brother as she locked eyes with Maddie. Their mother nodded encouragingly at her as she looked at the two sheets of paper in front of her. "Thanks," she said to both of them.

Danny hugged his sister tightly before transforming back to his ghost half. "I promised Sam and Tuck I'd meet them after I visited Frostbite – you mind if I miss dinner Mom?"

"Just don't be out too late Danny," Maddie reminded him. With a small wave indicated he heard her, he went intangible, flew up and out of the house. Maddie chuckled softly and shook her head. "That boy never sits still."

Jazz watched her brother go with a smile, before looking down at her hands once more. She was ready to make the decision. She looked back to the table and sighed as she glanced at her choices again. Maybe.

:-=-:

He couldn't remember what he was dreaming about – it was lovely and warm - but he was very aware when it shifted. Danny fell with a thud, ungracefully hitting the ground face first. Groaning, Danny looked around in the darkness around him. "Ow," he muttered, picking himself up from the ground. It was pitch black…the only other light source coming from…

"Phantom?" Danny asked, spotting his ghost half sprawled out in front of him. The ghost in front of him opened his green eyes quickly and scrambled upright, staring back into the blue eyes of Danny Fenton.

"Fenton?"

"What are you doing here?!" they asked at the same time. Phantom groaned in annoyance.

"Here we go again. Mindscape?" he asked, looking around.

"Looks like it," Danny agreed. "But why now? Last thing I remember, I was very much asleep."

Phantom nodded. "Could be a dream?" he speculated.

Danny shook his head. "Doubtful, I definitely feel awake. So why are we here?" Fenton waited expectantly as Phantom looked around. The white haired ghost sighed exasperatedly as he crossed his arms.

"No idea."

"Great," Danny replied drily. "Just what I need; you annoying me while I'm awake and while asleep."

Phantom scoffed. "Like we have any time for that," he said with a frown. Phantom lit up a hand with green ecto-energy, trying to illuminate their surroundings a little more. There was nothing else there. "Our core must have split us for a reason," he said. "The last time we were here, we were using too much raw energy on the shields."

Danny frowned. "But we aren't using any energy now," he said. "Raw or otherwise. We're asleep. We're not using-" Danny trailed off, realizing what he was saying. He turned to Phantom, deadpanned. "Oh hell."

"What?" Phantom asked. It took him a second before he realized it too. "Damn," he swore. "I guess Frostbite was right."

The world lit up around them, various images and battles swirling around as if they were in the eye of the hurricane. When the images settled, both teens found themselves in a large tower, with many clocks and gears hanging from the green castles. Viewing screens with similar images of the battles they had just witnessed danced across it, giving a more ominous presence to their new setting. The sounds of many ticking clocks worked overhead.

"Clockwork's tower?" Danny questioned, looking around the room. Phantom walked around, observing their surroundings. Danny followed suit, exploring what he remembered from the last time here was here. The walls were bare; where many time medallions hung now was empty at the top of the tower. "The medallions are gone."

"No sign of Clockwork either," Phantom called back. "Wonder where he-" Phantom cut himself off, gasping. "Fenton, back up. Slowly."

Noticing the quick change in tone, Danny turned to Phantom in confusion. The ghost was staring at something in his direction with a hard glare. His body was ridged, almost on edge; Danny could feel the anxiety building up within him. Turning back, he gasped as he saw it; the old thermos, battered, dented and most noticeably - cracked.

Danny took a couple steps backward to be side by side with his ghost half. "This can't be real," he whispered in horror.

"Can't it?" Phantom quipped back. "We knew Clockwork had the thermos; Clockwork never told us what he did with it."

"But he just left it there. All this time?"

The thermos rattled, making both boys jump in response. Another crack appeared, this time going down the centre of the thermos. It hissed as a blue light shone from within.

"No," Phantom whispered in dread.

"We gotta go," Danny said, worriedly. "Dream or not, this isn't going to end well if we start fighting."

"We need to know," Phantom argued back. "Frostbite said to trust our powers; we need to know if this is real." Danny felt the onslaught of emotions coming from his ghost half and realized that he was right; if this was a new power, they needed to know if they could trust it.

Danny swallowed as the thermos crackled this time. After a few tense moments, the thermos exploded in a whirl of white and green flames. Phantom quickly put a shield around the two teens, still waiting in anticipation for what was to come.

Danny?

The light from the explosion was blinding even through the shield. By the time it died down, Danny blinked back stars to see the figure in front of him.

Danny!

His white and black cape billowed around the flames as white boots touched the ground. Flaming white hair ignited menacingly as Dan Phantom walked out of the flames, laughing. His red eyes turned to the two wide eyed teens under the shield, a sadistic grin plastered across his face.

Danny, wake up!

"Hello Danny," Dan drawled, raising his hand toward the shield, lighting it with green ecto-energy. "And goodbye." The ectoblast hit the shield and the world exploded with pain. A scream… or was that his scream? The pain was getting almost unbearable. It was almost as if his core was imploding…

They were fighting now, the wails colliding bouncing off each other as they were locked in combat. He felt himself fading but there was no way of knowing for sure…

Son! You need to wake up!

He was tired… run ragged from the battles before. Whatever he managed to heal was definitely not healed anymore. The raw energy in front of him flowed through his veins as it battled against the dark red eyes of his worst enemy. It intensified now, all consuming. He couldn't take it….

:-=-:

Danny sprung upright, eyes shooting open and gasping for air. He's out. He's back. There was a loud clattering noise around him and jumped, hitting whoever was shaking his shoulders in the chest. They put the arms around him tighter. Thinking he was still in danger, Danny tried to transform, but nothing happened, his panicked breathing getting quicker.

"Danny it's me," his father whisper shouted, trying to get Danny to look at him. "It's okay, it's just me."

Above the sound of his breathing, Danny relaxed slightly as he heard his father's voice. Jack breathed with him, trying to get him to calm down. They sat there for a few minutes before Jack spoke again.

"I came to check on you," Jack said quietly, watching Danny apprehensively as he continued to stare wide eyes at the wall gasping for air. "You were making things float around the room, kiddo. It took me a while to wake you. Must have been some dream."

Danny shook his head and swallowed. "That," he said breathlessly, "Was no dream." He pushed away from his dad's grasp as he got out of bed. He was halfway across the room when he tried to transform again. It failed again, this time sending a series of white sparks through his form, causing the boy to fall with a shout.

"Danny!" Jack yelled running to his side. "What's wrong?"

Danny shook his head again. Gritting his teeth, he focused his energy and finally transformed through the sparks into his ghost half. He heard his father yell for Maddie and Jazz, but Danny could only focus on one thing. He's back. Protect the town. He flew up to the Ops Center, ignoring the cries from his father as he left. Protect your home.

Standing at the edge of the Ops Center, Danny stood firmly in place, ignoring the sparks coming from his core. Protect the town. Focusing on the energy within him, his right eye turned blue as an emblem of light appeared at his feet, his logo shining brightly beneath him. The light turned green as energy shot out from the circle. His body glowed as energy flew straight up out into the air. Hitting its mark in the sky, the energy started to encase the town, creating a large dome overtop. The dome continued, widening to the limits of the town. The circle at his feet connected with the dome overhead, trapping the town inside. Danny continued to pour as much energy as he could into the shield, until finally he faltered backwards and collapsed onto his knees, panting from the effort.

He's back. Dannyheard his family shouting for him as they reached the top of the Ops Center. Stamina finally giving in, Danny reverted back to his human self as they came around him.

His father came in front of him, kneeling down and locking eyes with him. "Danny," he said with concern. "What is it? What did you see?"

Still panting, Danny turned to his sister, who looked at him with fearful eyes. "He's out," he whispered hoarsely; dread pooling in the bottom of his stomach as the reality of his words finally sank in.

Jazz gasped, their parents looking at their children in alarm and concern.

"Who's out?" Maddie demanded. "Danny what are you talking about!?"

"Danny, are you sure?" Jazz asked worriedly. "Couldn't this all be a-"

"No," he grunted. White sparks again awakened at his chest. He closed his eyes tightly as he tried to weather the overuse of his powers to explain. They were all in danger. "He's back Jazz. He's coming." More sparks went through the boy's frame making Danny groan in pain. He tried to battle through it, but eventually Danny pitched forward into Jack's arms, unconscious.

First

Read on AO3

[bebepac]

Six Sentence Sunday 02.21.21

Another Bangin’ six sentence Sunday Banner courtesy of @purpleyin 

What’s up my friends!!!  Hope you are having a Sunday Funday today!   I myself have to go take my vehicle in a little bit to get new tires as she needs them.  And since I had to wait for it, I figured I’d do it today as it would most likely be less crowded tan me trying to get car work done during the week, and I work all week so there’s that.  

Still having trouble with tags so I’m posting my most  recent fics so you can pick them up here  in case you didn’t  get tags for it.  

RECENT FIC UPDATES AND WIPS!!!

WIP Wednesday: 02.18.2021

The Life of Riley: Chapter 28:   I Fell In Love

Just The Way You Are:  DW does Valentine’s Day:  You’ll Be In My Heart

With You

The Life of Riley Book 1:  Chapter 29

The Book: TRR 

Pairing:  Liam and Riley

Status:  Still in the Writing Process (wacky drabble) 

Liam hopped down onto the boat first.

He held out his arms to Riley.  

“Jump, I’ll catch you.”  

Jaiden thought he would do just one more thing.   He’d seen that boy Tucker do it to another boy on the playground when Riley was little, that caused him to completely topple over. Just as Riley jumped, Jaiden kicked the back of Liam’s left leg causing his knee to buckle.   He caught Riley but fell on his back, Riley falling on him.

Sal laughed.  “Damn kid.  You’re clumsy. You’re supposed to catch her.  But I guess it worked out for you.”

“We have to stop meeting like this Liam.”  She whispered as she looked down at him from her straddling position.  He gripped her hips.

“I don’t know… I think it’s not so bad.  Getting kind of used to breaking your falls. I think you’re the clumsy one, Riley Brooks.”  

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

Seeing Double

Just the Way You Are: Chapter 7

The Book:  CROSSOVER:  Perfect Match x TRR

Pairing:  Hayden x Kai / TRR MC is single-ish

Status:  Still in the writing process

When the food came he noticed as he ate Riley kept glancing at his plate.  

“Want to try some?”  Liam asked.  

“No.. I’m fine.”  Riley said hesitantly.  They continued talking.  It almost felt like a date to Liam.  

When he glanced up, Riley was eying his plate.

“Riley, you're giving my food the look of lust.”  He slid his plate over to Riley.  

“Well if you insist.”   She said, taking a forkful of  chopped potatoes, cheese, and bacon breakfast casserole.

“That is soooo good.”

“Maybe you should get the next time you have breakfast here….with me…”  

“I’d like that.”  Riley’s cheeks turned a darker shade of pink.  “Us to have breakfast again.”

“Okay.”  Liam’s smile brightened even more.  

Taylor watched her sister.  She hadn’t seen someone make Riley smile like that in a long time.   Maybe she was finally trying to let someone in.   Taylor was going to give this Liam guy a chance, if he could make her smile like that.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^**^*

What We Missed

Mia’s 🌎 World: Chapter 12

Book:  CROSSOVER:  TRR x The Freshman

Pairing:  TRR MC x OC  (Mia x Jaiden) / Emily x Chris

Status:  Still in the writing process:

Mia’s  phone was buzzing like crazy. Not with phone calls or texts, but social media notifications.  

She glanced at her phone and smiled.  

Jaiden Brooks is in a relationship with Mia Jones.  

Pop’s Place loves this, when did her father get on social media??? Lord and he types like he talks.

“It’s about time you two kids made up.  You two have been driving your mothers crazy.”

Jason Brooks Liked that comment.

Hey I resent that! Ren Brooks commented.

Gloria Jones liked that.

“When did our parents get on social media, and this is crazy embarrassing the way they are talking back and forth to each other in the comment section.”  

“I kind of love it.”  Mia said to Jaiden.  

“So do you mind that I spilled the news?”  

“No,” I like that you did. If you waited for me, it would have been a few weeks.”

Jaiden laughed and kissed her lips snuggling closer to him.

Tagging:  If you ever get them:  Lol.   But i’m actually serious... 

@dcbbw   @bbrandy2002   @indiacater    @janezillow    @lodberg

@sillypapermango    @gkittylove99   @gabesmommie1130  @zoehanji

@kingliam2019    @queenwalton   @queen-arabella-of-cordonia

@khoicesbyk      @shewillreadyou   @jessiembruno      @hopefulmoonobject 

@hopelessromanticmonie    @kimmiedoo5     @axwalker        @burnsoslow

@furiousherringoperatortoad        @sevenfuckslefttogive    @yourmajesty09

@batgirlassociationofgothamcity     @iaminlovewithtrr  @sfb123

@iam-the-kind-and-thoughtful    @queenjilian     @cordoniaqueensworld

@theroyalheirshadowhunter    @sanchita012      @gibbles82   @nala-raines

@amandablink     @secretwolfdreamertree        @secretaryunpaid

@sweatyrysconnoisseur    @royalromancer   @gibbles82    @twinkleallnight     

  @kat-tia801​  @kingliamandriley​    @schnitzelbutterfingers​      

@caseyvalentineramsey​      @ladyangel70​

[according-to-the-laura]

StackedNatural Day 29: 2x04, 13x02

StackedNatural Masterpost: [x]

October 19, 2021

2x04: Children Shouldn't Play With Dead Things

Written by: Raelle Tucker

Directed by: Kim Manners

Original air date: October 19, 2006

Plot Synopsis:

Dean and Sam investigate the death of a young college student who died in a car accident, but whose grave is now surrounded by a circle of dead plants.

Features:

A certified Nice Guy™, Sam visits Mary’s grave, empty coffins, berating a grieving father, classic Winchester repression.

My Thoughts:

Oooh, another classic Deangirl episode for the books, with a sprinkling of standard Winchester “hyperfocus on a case to avoid processing trauma” on top. Hey, do they just hire Kim Manners for all the Dean-centric episodes? She also directed Dead in the Water, In My Time of Dying, and Lazarus Rising, and that’s just in what we’ve watched of Stacked so far.

I feel like Dean gets paralleled to ghosts and monsters fairly often, as does Sam when his psychic stuff starts manifesting, but the more I thought about it watching this episode the more I loved the ties between Dean and Angela. It’s not just that they were both dead or nearly dead and brought back to life - they were both the victim of a profound betrayal, they were both brought back to life against their wishes, and they were brought back to fill a role that they weren’t capable of fulfilling before (Dean to kill Sam, Angela to love Neil). Also, the person who brought them back to life dies soon after.

I also really liked that they costumed Angela in a white dress to give her that connection to the Woman in White from episode one, tying in the betrayal of infidelity as the cause of death. Very cool.

Dean looks so pretty in this episode. I don’t know how they’re lighting him to bring out his eye colour and his freckles so strongly but I wish they did it in later seasons too.

Notable Lines:

“Look, I get it. Okay? There are people that I would give anything to see again. But what gives you the right? [..] What's dead should stay dead!”

“Dean, it's killing you. Please. We've already lost Dad. We've lost Mom. I've lost Jessica. And now I'm going to lose you too?”

“I didn't ask to be brought back. But it's still me. I'm still a person. Please.”

“You and Dad ... you're the most important people in my life. And now ... I never should've come back, Sam. It wasn't natural. And now look what's come of it. I was dead. And I should have stayed dead. You wanted to know how I was feeling. Well, that's it. So tell me. What could you possibly say to make that all right?”

Laura’s (completely subjective) Episode Rating: 8.5

IMdB Rating: 8.0

13x02: The Rising Son

Written by: Buckleming

Directed by: Thomas J. Wright

Original air date: October 19, 2017

Plot Synopsis:

Sam and Dean discover what Jack is capable of with his powers.

Features:

Asmodeus’ bad southern drawl, we’re neck-deep in the widower arc, Mary is alive in Apocalypse World, practicing magic with Jack, Jack fails to get a tattoo, the shedim are almost freed.

My Thoughts:

Wow, we started the day on a high note and then took a real nose dive, huh? This is going to be mainly a list of complaints.

Once again, these demons are so boring and I miss the early seasons demons so much. I hate Asmodeus and his bad accent as well as Donatello, they are both insufferable to watch on screen. I liked it when the only thing that burned eyes out were angels and god, but now princes of hell can too. Maybe the most egregious crime of this episode is Buckleming insinuating that all of the women somehow died in the apocalypse in apocalypse world, that there are no female hunters in that world, and then following it up real quick with a rape threat to make the devil look like an okay guy. Lucifer isn’t even cool in this episode! We know he isn’t depowered because he smites those angels, but then he also just wanders around in the dirt all day.

A small list of a few merciful good moments: We are DEEP in the widower arc, where Dean resents the child that his wife Cas died bearing. Jack is perfect as always, although watching Dean tell him to man up and then bully him until he cries alone in the alley has me ready to commit a crime. He’s copying you to learn to be human! Leave him alone. (I’m not against that scene in theory because it’s all part of the widower arc which I find delicious. I just love Jack and want him to be happy.)

Mostly I hated this episode and I want to be done thinking about it, so this is the end of the review!

Notable Lines:

“I’ve met your father. Your power’s nothing like his. Not dark, not toxic.”

“Yes. I understand. Pain is a part of the complete human experience. Accepting it is a sign of maturity.”

“A nephilim becomes more powerful than the angel that sired it.”

Laura’s (completely subjective) Episode Rating: 3.0

IMdB Rating: 8.5

In Conclusion: The epic highs and lows of stackednatural really came through today.

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[arcticdementor]

When we hear the term “Deep State,” we tend to think of people staffing the federal bureaucracy. I want to suggest to you that that is an incomplete way to think about it. The Deep State in Western liberal democracies consist not only of government bureaucrats, but also of the leadership in major corporations, leading universities, top media, medicine and law, science, the military, and even sports. A more accurate way to think about what we are dealing with comes from the Neoreactionary term “the Cathedral,” which NRxers use in more or less the same way that 1950s Beats used the term “the Establishment.” I like the term “Cathedral” because it entails the religious commitment these elites have to their principles. You can no more debate these principles with them than you can debate with a religious fundamentalist. They adhere to them as if they were revealed truths.

Yet they still like to pretend that they are liberals — that they favor open, reasoned discourse. This is, in fact, a lie. It is a lie that they depend on to conceal the hegemonic intolerance that they wish to impose on everybody under their authority.

…

It is true that no society can tolerate everything. What the Cathedral is now doing is radically limiting discourse, and demonizing as heretics all those within its purview who dissent, no matter how reasonable their objections. (And now Facebook is incentivizing some of its users to report their friends as potential “extremists.” Please get off Facebook now!) The Cathedral seeks to make all of society over in the mold of a college campus. The Cathedral is growing ever more radical. In recent months, we have seen the US military embrace wokeness (to use the slang term for the most vibrant and activist form of the Cathedral’s religion). You would think that it makes no sense for the leadership of a racially diverse armed forces to embrace and indoctrinate its officers in a neo-Marxist theory that causes everyone to see everyone else primarily in hostile racial terms, but that is exactly what has happened. In time — and not much time, either — we are going to see young people who were once from families and social classes that once were the most stalwart supporters of the military declining to join the armed forces in which they are taught that they are guilty by virtue of their skin color.

…

That’s the Cathedral and its values. The Cathedral has also taken over corporate America, and the professions. I hardly need to elaborate on this further, not for regular readers of this blog. It was a hard knock this past week to see that the US Supreme Court, which some of us had thought would be the last line of defense for anybody traditional in this soft-totalitarian Cathedral theocracy, refused to take on the Gavin Grimm case, and the Barronelle Stutzman case. The Cathedral line in favor of privileging LGBTs over religious people and secular people who don’t accept the full LGBT gospel is hardening.

…

I realized over the weekend why I have been so affected by the experience of being here in Hungary these past three months. It has clarified for me the nature of this conflict. First, take a look at this powerful piece by Angela Nagle, writing about the views of Irish intellectual and cultural critic Desmond Fennell. 

…

What does this have to do with Hungary? Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his government have brought down the wrath of European Union leaders over Hungary’s recent law restricting sex education for children, and information about LGBT presented to children. The prime minister of the Netherlands, in extraordinarily bellicose language, threatened to “bring Hungary to its knees” over the law. I am reliably informed by an American source in a position to know that in Washington, even among conservative elites, Viktor Orban is seen as nothing but a fascist. I have been writing all summer about the radical disjunction between Hungary as it is, and Hungary as described by Western elite discourse (media and otherwise). This is by no means to say that Orban’s government is flawless — it certainly is not; corruption, for example, is a big deal here — but to say that there has to be some reason why Western elites of both the Left and the Right despise Hungary so intensely, and slander it so.

There’s a lesson in all this, I believe, for where conservatives and traditionalists in the West are, and where we are likely to go. I have come to believe that the standard left-liberal and right-liberal critiques of Orban — “Magyar Man Bad” — are just as shallow as the “Orange Man Bad” critique of Donald Trump. I say that as someone who was critical of Trump myself, though I credited him for smashing the complacent GOP establishment. I write this blog post in the spirit of Tucker Carlson’s excellent January 2016 Politico piece titled, “Donald Trump Is Shocking, Vulgar, and Right.”

I’ve been reading lately a 2019 book, The Light That Failed, by Ivan Krastev and Stephen Holmes. Both men are liberal scholars who undertake to explain why liberalism failed in Central Europe and Russia after the fall of the Cold War. It’s a remarkably insightful book, one that any conservative with an interest in the problem should read, even though its authors are liberal democrats. They write:

A refusal to genuflect before the liberal West has become the hallmark of the illiberal counter-revolution throughout the post-communist world and beyond. Such a reaction cannot be casually dismissed with the trite observation that “blaming the West” is a cheap way for non-Western leaders to avoid taking responsibility for their own failed policies. The story is much more convoluted and compelling than that. It is a story, among other things, of liberalism abandoning pluralism for hegemony. [Emphasis mine — RD]

You would have thought that in any reasonable pluralistic polity, a sovereign nation choosing to restrict what its children can learn about human sexuality would be of little interest to other nations within that polity. After all, Hungary is not France any more than Estonia is England. There is an immense amount of diversity in Europe. But see, the Cathedral’s liberalism — whether in America or in the EU — is not pluralistic, but hegemonic.

Krastev and Holmes (henceforth, “the authors”) point out that after 1989, the West expected Central European countries to imitate them in every way. The authors — who, remember, are liberals — write:

Without pressing the analogy too far, it’s interesting to observe that the style of regime imitation that took hold after 1989 bears an eerie resemblance to Soviet-era elections where voters, overseen by Party officials, pretended to “choose” the only candidates who were running for office.

…

The authors explain that the reforms demanded by the West weren’t like “grafting a few foreign elements onto indigenous traditions,” but rather “put inherited identity at risk” and stoked “fears of cultural erasure.” From my perspective, this is what you see when you get over here and start looking more closely at what George Soros and people like him, both within and outside of government, did, and seek to do. And so, as the authors put it:

[P]opulism’s political rise cannot be explained without taking account of widespread resentment at the way (imposed) no-alternative Soviet communism, after 1989, was replaced by (invited) no-alternative Western liberalism.

Here’s something I bet you didn’t know about Viktor Orban. After the 2008 crash, Western governments bailed out banks left and right. When Orban came to power in 2010, he chose not to do that, instead taking the side of hard-pressed Hungarian homeowners who had been allowed to take out home loans in Swiss francs. He and his party passed a law to protect homeowners at the expense of the banks.

…

Remember, they wrote this in 2019, but think of this principle applied to now. If you are Viktor Orban, and you look to the West in 2021, you see a United States that is destroying itself with Critical Race Theory wokeness, which is starting to come to Western Europe. You see the Left here in Hungary starting to embrace it (e.g., the Black Lives Matter statue the liberal Budapest city government erected earlier this year), and you know that it will be bad for your country if this poisonous ideology takes root. So you encourage Hungary’s national soccer team not to take the knee before matches.

…

And so, the disintegrating West, headed towards shipwreck, is going to bring Hungary to its knees for trying to protect itself.

…

The authors go on to say that what it means to be a good Western liberal is changing so fast that people in the East never know for sure what vision of society they are supposed to imitate. Think about what it was like for us Americans. I was born in 1967, and educated by schools, by the media, and by every aspect of culture to believe in Dr. Martin Luther King’s colorblind vision. I took it seriously, and I believed in it, and do believe in it. But now the same liberals who argued for that are now arguing that this vision was wrong — that to truly be against racism, you must train yourself to think in exactly the same categories that white segregationists used prior to the Civil Rights revolution. It makes no sense. You come to understand that you have been conned. Never, ever believe liberals: they will change the rules on you, and blame you for your own confusion.

The authors go on to say that sex education in the schools has been a huge flashpoint of conflict within Central and Eastern European societies. It has to do with parents losing the ability to transmit their values to their children. In the flush of post-1989 enthusiasm, young people didn’t so much rebel against their parents as to feel pity for them, and to stop listening to them. The young took their catechism from the Western cathedral. Sex ed was a neuralgic point of the overall struggle between Central European populists, who believed that the traditions and the national heritage of these countries were in danger of being wiped out by the West. Imagine, then, what Hungarian voters must think when they hear the Dutch prime minister threaten to bring their country to its knees because he knows better what they should be teaching their children than they do.

The authors tell a story about how Viktor Orban, at the time an up-and-coming liberal from the countryside, was publicly humiliated by a well-known liberal MP from Budapest’s urban intelligentsia, who adjusted Orban’s tie at a reception, as if doing a favor for a hick cousin.

They go on to explain Orban’s illiberalism by quoting his criticism that liberalism is “basically indifferent to the history and fate of the nation.” Liberal universalism “destroys solidarity,” Orban believes. (“If everybody is your brother, then you are an only child.”) Orban believes that liberal policies will lead to the dissolution of the Hungarian nation because liberals by nature think of the nation as an impediment to the realization of their ideals.

The authors go on to say that Orban has long campaigned on the abuse of the public patrimony by the regime that governed Hungary after 1989, when Communist insiders used their connections to plunder what was left of the public purse, and left the weak to fend for themselves. This attitude explains Orban’s hostility to the banks after the 2008 crash. “[I]n Central and Eastern Europe, defending private property and capitalism came to mean defending the privileges illicitly acquired by the old communist elites,” they write.

(Readers, did you know any of this context about Orban and other critics of liberalism from Central Europe? Doesn’t it make you wonder what more you’re not being told?)

…

What’s preposterous about it? I know these guys are liberals, but what Duda identifies is the difference between soft totalitarianism and hard totalitarianism. In both cases, the Poles don’t get to decide for themselves.

There’s more to the book, but I’ll stop here for today. You don’t have to believe that Viktor Orban or any of these other politicians are saints in order to understand why they believe what they believe — and why people vote for them. The Cathedral did the same thing to Trump and to Trump’s supporters. Yes, there were some Trump voters with disreputable motives, and in any case Trump was by and large not an effective president. But the anti-Trump opposition’s passionate belief in its own righteousness rendered it helpless to understand why so many people hated it, and do hate it still. Trump’s own incompetence made it harder to take that critique seriously.

Trump lost, and most everything he did was wiped away by his successor. Viktor Orban wins — and that is the unforgiveable sin in the eyes of the Cathedral.

Here is the radicalizing thing, though. As you will know if you’ve been reading this blog, Viktor Orban appears to be building a conservative deep state in Hungary. His government has transferred a fortune in public funds and authority over some universities to privately controlled institutions. It is difficult to accept this, at least for me. At the same time, it is impossible for me to look at what has happened in my own country, with the Cathedral now extending its control over every aspect of American life, and to criticize Orban for this. The alternative seems to be surrendering your country and its traditions to the Cathedral, which pretends to be liberal, but which is in fact growing even more authoritarian and intolerant than anything Orban and his party stand for.

It is becoming harder to think of liberalism in the sense we have known it as viable anymore. Me, I would actually prefer to live in a more or less liberal, pluralistic society, where California was free to be California, and Louisiana free to be Louisiana, and so forth. This is not the world we live in.

…

The controversy around Viktor Orban is not only about an obstreperous Hungarian politician who doesn’t play well with others. It’s about the future of the West.

UPDATE: To put it succinctly, we might need soft authoritarianism to save us from soft totalitarianism.

[rahleeyah]

So I'm about 11 minutes into 17x16 Manhattan Transfer (where SVU gets a tip about sex trafficking, infiltrates it, and scoops up a bunch of higher ups from the justice system as well as two cops who are supposedly under cover vice, and a nun who also supposedly infiltrated to help the girls). The vice Captain comes in and essentially says his guys did nothing wrong, and SVU screwed up a two year UC and the girls aren't victims but willing participants and no, they won't be giving SVU any names because it'll ruin their op. Then the nun tells SVU that the two cops repeatedly abused the underage girls. And then they talk to a girl the nun got out who says they forced her to perform oral on them and then later raped her. And I'm just wondering if, after all the stuff with Cassidy and under cover ops with prostitutes (though it's not exactly the same), that's making her feel some kinda way. Like, I feel like it might bring it all back up for her.

Ok so in future you don't have to worry about the play-by-play, just gimme an episode title trust I've seen Manhattan Transfer and Unholiest Alliance many many times bc Tuckson lmao

second

I'm not sure that it does because of the Tucker angle? and the nun angle, and the teenage trafficking angle. Yes, you've got bad UCs assaulting prostitutes BUT they're going after young girls; Cassidy was UC in a consensual relationship with a grown woman. So the cases are different and she's worried sick about her man and also dealing with the fallout of her romantic relationship being brought to light and used against her and alienating her from Barba and getting her kicked out of SVU, I think she's got so much on her plate she's not got time to think about Cassidy. But even if she did, I don't think she like...holds that against him. Like when he's UC and they meet up she knows damn good and well what he is and what he's doing and she's under no illusions about them being in a relationship; she is there for a good time not for a long time. It's just a hookup, at that point, and then the woman dies so it's kind of moot. There's the time the girl shows up accusing him of assaulting her but Liv knows he didn't and the truth comes out; all he did was talk to her about dogs and then give her a chance to take a nap, and Liv knows Cassidy, she knows he would never do that to a woman, and that he is just dumb enough to do exactly what he did. There's the second time he's UC, and he tries to explain to her that nothing happened and she's not interested in his explanations, and I don't think it's bc she doesn't believe him when he says nothing happened; her response to him is too wry, and not at all angry. I think she really doesn't wanna know. She doesn't wanna hear it, doesn't wanna talk about it, doesn't wanna worry about him anymore; he did what he did and he got his shield back and he's alive and holding her and that's all she cares about. And Liv is never, ever gonna fault the girls in these situations. So I don't think she's carrying a lot of bitterness or resentment about it. I'm not sure she even really thinks about it any more. She knows what Cassidy is. She knows what the world is like. She knows what kinda life she lives, what kinda lives other people live. She's gonna move on.

[blueboxesandtrafficcones]

The Christmas Competition

Day 5 of 2020′s 31 Days of Ficmas.  Thanks to @doctorroseprompts for the list!

Prompt: Ornament

Rating: G

Pairing: 12xRose AU; part of the Nuptial Necessity universe

Summary: Rose’s first Christmas as a Tucker drops her in the middle of long-held traditions and competitions, and is pleasantly surprised by the experience.

2020 31 Days of Ficmas masterlist  |  The Nuptial Necessity masterlist

AO3

---

“Hey.”

Rose looked up from the email she was reading to grin at Malcolm as he leaned his hip against the corner of her desk.  “Hey.”

Her husband smiled back, stealing a handful of banana-flavored jelly beans from the dish she’d taken to keeping on the desk for him, popping several into his mouth.  “How’s it going?”

“Good.”  She shrugged, glancing back at her email and determining it could wait before minimizing the screen.  Folding her arms on the desk she leaned forward, giving him all her attention. “Reservation’s at three, so Graham’ll be here in about ten minutes.”

“Great, thanks.  I’m looking forward to it – been putting the finishing touches on my design.  It will definitely be better than Clara’s.”

Rose merely shook her head fondly.  “It’s not a competition.  It’s about spending time with your daughter and reflecting on the year.  And more importantly, you owe Ace a call, so hurry up. I’ll knock when Graham’s here.”

“You’re the best.”  He took another small handful of jelly beans, before making a show of checking if anyone was watching.  They weren’t, isolated in the corner as Malcolm’s office and by extension Rose’s desk was, so he leaned down and gave her a quick peck. “Can you get Ace on the line?”

“Yes, yes, just shoo,” she waved him away, dialing from memory with one hand while the other straightened the now-askew candy dish.  Once the call was connected she hung up, leaning back into her chair as her smile fell.

His reservation was his annual meetup with Clara at a local paint-your-own-pottery place; for at least as long as Rose had known them they’d go together in early December to paint an ornament for their tree, the theme being to commemorate the year. Rose had been making their reservations since she started working for Malcolm, had heard thousands of stories about their experiences, and this year had been no different.  Except, perhaps naively, she’d expected (well, hoped) to be invited along, now that she and Malcolm were married.  Danny’s never gone, she reminded herself once again, thinking of her best friend’s long-term boyfriend.  It’s their father-daughter tradition.

That didn’t make it ache any less.

Her mobile chirped, a message from Graham saying that he was there, and she swiped at her cheeks before turning around and knocking on the glass wall; Malcolm gave her a thumbs up in response, and a minute later, appeared in front of her desk shrugging into his coat.  “Ready?”

“Graham’s downstairs,” she confirmed, offering him a small but genuine smile.  “Have fun.”

Malcolm merely blinked at her, continuing to stand there as if waiting for something while she busied herself with straightening a stack of papers.  When he didn’t move, she bit back a sigh and looked up.

“What?”

“What do you mean, what?”  His brow furrowed, and he checked his watch.  “You’re cute, but c’mon- we ought to be leaving.”

It was Rose’s turn to blink. “What d’you mean?”

Malcolm’s head tilted, expression going from confused, to surprised, to soft.  “Sweetheart, you’re coming too.  You did include yourself in the reservation, didn’t you?”

Oh, thank God. Relief quickly melted to annoyance. “Of course not,” she scowled at him. “Why would I?  You didn’t say!”

“I didn’t realize I needed to!”  He chuckled, dropping his backpack in favor of coming around her desk to crouch in front of her, putting them on the same eye level.  “Rose, my love, of course you should join us.  It’s your home, and your tree as well.  And quite frankly, we just want you to be there.  Clara suggested having you join us a few years ago, but… to be honest, it felt a little too much like trying to play happy families when you don’t love me as I do you, or so I believed at the time. I’m sorry I didn’t specify you were included, because it didn’t even occur to me to do so – I want you with me at every moment.”

Rose sniffled, tears returning for a different reason.  “Don’t do that,” she thumped him lightly on the shoulder.  “Don’t say such wonderful things to me with no warning.”

“I’m going to say wonderful things to you whenever I feel like it,” he countered, grinning, using his thumb to wipe her cheek.  “Now, can we go?”

-

Despite Malcolm’s kind reassurances, she was still nervous walking up to the pottery place, clinging to him more than usual.  Clara was already inside looking over the options, though she must have sensed their presence because she glanced towards the door just as they walked in.  Face lighting up, she hurried over to them.

“Hey, you two,” Clara greeted them warmly, pecking her father’s cheek before hugging Rose. “Hope you’re ready, because I’ve got a brilliant design already planned, and it’s going to be so much better than yours.”

“Hi,” Rose smiled in return, before turning to the hostess.  “Tucker?  Erm, party of three, but the reservation was only for two.  I hope that’s not an issue?”

The hostess, Karen, shook her head.  “Not at all – you picked a good day, we’re quiet so far.  With me, please.”

She guided them to a small table-top as Clara frowned.  “Why was the reservation for two?”  Her expression turned uncertain.  “Sorry, this wasn’t just for the two of you, was it?  I mean, you added it to my calendar-”

“No, no,” Malcolm said smoothly as they settled, “just a misunderstanding between us – all fixed now.” He turned his attention to Rose, raising an eyebrow.  “See?”

Rose’s cheeks heated, and she bit her lip before admitting to Clara, “I didn’t realize I would be invited.”

“Of course you are.” Clara looked bewildered.  “You’re a Tucker now.”

“Yeah, but… you don’t invite Danny.”

They stood up then, wandering towards the wall of potential projects, the two women falling into step as Malcolm went in a different direction.

“Maybe once we’re married, but it’s more to do about celebrating the holiday – he’s not there on Christmas morning, so he doesn’t get an ornament.  We decided years ago, once I started dating, on that rule.  Now technically I won’t be there Christmas morning, as I’ll be with Danny, but we’re actually booked to come next week just the two of us, sort of start the tradition for ourselves now that we live together.  I told Dad to make it clear you were invited now, and he said he would, but… he’s an idiot.  You could’ve just asked.”

Rose picked up a wreath ornament, confiding to it, “I didn’t want to barge my way in.  I know how special your relationship with him is, and by being your best friend and his wife and his PA, it feels like I’m always a part of what you two get up to nowadays- and did even before that, honestly- and I just… don’t want to overstep.  Or push my way in.  You deserve time just the two of you, too.”

Clara was silent as they moved down the line, and when she finally spoke, her tone was hurt.  “Are you getting tired of me?”

“What?  No!”  Rose spun to face her, surprise written on her face.  “Of course not, you’re my best friend!  I was worried you were getting sick of me!  That- that- that maybe you might start to resent that I’m always there when you see your dad!  I’m at your house, I’m at his office…  Your relationship with him is so important to both of you, and to me!  I just… I don’t know how to balance this, yet. I guess.”  She turned away, ostensibly focusing on a snowman.

“Hey.”  Clara tugged on her sleeve, forcing her back.  “You’re my best friend too.  And, yeah, it’s a bit weird, you being with my dad, but… that’s my problem.  Well, not problem, but… I know how happy you make each other.  I supported this before you were together, remember?  So as long as I don’t see anything, and we can all agree that any future siblings I have from you arrive via stork or immaculate conception, then it’s all good.  You’re not a third wheel with us; you’re our third Musketeer.  You two are my two favorite people on the planet- don’t tell Danny- and getting to spend so much time with both of you is just… mind-blowingly awesome.  You are not only welcome, you’re required.  Got it?”

“Got it.”  Rose nodded, and Clara opened her arms wide.

They were still hugging when Malcolm appeared at their side.  “Hate to break up the love fest, but can we get a move on?” he asked, impatience deepening his Scottish burr.  “I’ve got a competition to win.”

“Oh, I’m definitely going to win,” Clara said confidently, pulling away from Rose with a grin. “Bring it.”

Rose just rolled her eyes, following them back to the table.

What have I gotten myself into?  Be careful what you wish for, I suppose.

-

A week later she let herself into the town house, already shaking her head at the squabbling drifting towards her from the parlor.  Hanging her coat up she followed the noise, finding Malcolm and Clara standing in front of the fireplace, each holding a stocking and stocking holder.

“Should I come back?”

“Tell him he’s being ridiculous,” Clara ordered, not even glancing her way.  “You agree with me, right?”

“Hey, hey, hey,” Malcolm protested, “she’s my wife!  She agrees with me!”

Rose just sighed fondly, setting the box with their fired ceramic ornaments on the coffee table and moving closer.  “Now now, children, one at a time.  What’s the issue?”

“Dad wants to hang the stockings up left to right by age,” Clara said with disgust.  “D’you believe this?  That would be him, Danny, you, then me.”

Rose wrinkled her nose at that.  “Eh. And you?”

“Alphabetical.  Me, Danny, Dad, you.  That way the couples are together.”

She pursed her lips, considering the idea.  “And all four of us are getting stockings?”

Two nods.

“At least you can agree on that,” she teased.  “How about Malcolm, me, you, then Danny?  Couples together, women on the inside, men on the outside?  Does it really matter, anyway?  What did you do last year?”

“This is the first Christmas with partners,” Malcolm explained.  “Or without Wallace.  He was always on the left- said it was his right as the owner- I was on the right, and Clara in the middle.  I suppose it’s possible we were getting carried away.”

Clara nodded.  “I can agree to that compromise.  Fair enough, I suppose.”

Malcolm shrugged one shoulder.  “As you wish, darling.”

“Great.  Now, I’m almost afraid to ask- is there a specific tradition involving the new ornaments I should know about?”  Rose eyed the large crate that sat innocently on the floor, appearing to be full of similar quasi-homemade decorations from Christmases past.  Considering how competitive they could be, she suspected plenty of complex rules in her immediate future.

Ever the teacher, Clara launched into a detail explanation, moving towards the crate as Rose caught Malcolm’s eye. He grinned in return, eyes twinkling, before turning to hang the stockings.  Stepping out of her heels and resigning herself to the madness she’d married into, Rose padded towards her friend, listening intently.  This was her chosen family, had been for so long really, that it was an absolute delight to join their kooky traditions.

And, when all was said and done, was honored beyond words when the trio of snowmen she’d painted as Three Musketeers hung front and center on the tree.