#don’t get me wrong i’m glad she’s alive i love eve

[lifeisahighway]

so is eve gonna come back ‘from the dead’ in a couple of months and cause a boat crash or will they diverge the story there? 🙄

[simlit]

Chosen of the Sun | | dawn // thirteen

| @sani-sims | @keibea

next / previous / beginning

EVE: Oh, he’s coming over. KYRIE: He’s very excitable. EVE: Should I brace myself? LUCIEN: Your Grace! I’ve been so looking forward to seeing you! And my lady, it is an honor to meet you! This is only my second festival, well, I was too young to come before, but now mother and father have allowed me to come on my own! I hope to meet all ten of the Chosen, if I’m able! My name is Lucien! EVE: I’m Eve— LUCIEN: Yes, I’ve heard all about you! They say your magic is very strong! Congratulations on winning this past trial, how thrilling! How are you enjoying your time? Has it been very challenging? EVE: Well, I certainly would say so. Perhaps a rocky beginning, but after recent events, things do seem… a bit calmer. LUCIEN: Sometimes I think I’d like to be chosen myself. But then, I haven’t any magic, and I’m not a skilled fighter. I am exceptionally good at haikus, though, would you like to hear one— KYRIE: Maybe later, Your Highness. LUCIEN: Alright! That reminds me, I was a bit surprised to hear you were conducting the ceremony. You see, last Selenehelion Lady Alphanei conducted. She’s very lovely, have you met her? EVE: O-Oh, no, I haven’t— LUCIEN: She’s just wonderful! Exceptionally kind. I’ve just arrived and was hoping that I could see her. I don’t mean to be troublesome, but maybe you could arrange a meeting, Your Grace? KYRIE: I… Um, unfortunately that won’t be… I mean, Al is away at the moment. LUCIEN: Away? Like on a trip? KYRIE: Yes. A trip. She went to visit with the Wise Ones, so I’ve taken over in her absence. LUCIEN: What a pity! Perhaps she’ll return before I leave the city. I hope so! I mean to stay until the end of the trials! I’d love to meet with the other nine, oh… but I expect that’s too much to ask. Maybe just one or two more? KYRIE: Suppose I could introduce you to Åse. She’s just over there. LUCIEN: Ah, yes! The Valkyrie! Exciting! Excuse me, Your Grace, My Lady! EVE: You weren’t kidding. He is… KYRIE: Energetic. EVE: Yes. But he does seem kind, even if a bit innocent. Can’t really fault him for that… Suppose I’ve been very naïve myself, at times. KYRIE: I told you, you see the best in people, and that’s not a bad thing. EVE: Maybe not, but then, I certainly regret giving some people the benefit of the doubt. KYRIE: Prince Lucien is young. He has a lot of growing up to do. But at least for now, maybe it’s alright for him to enjoy a thing in innocence, even if it’s nothing of the sort. EVE: You couldn’t tell him the truth about your sister. KYRIE: Even if I wanted to, if word got out that Alphanei was missing, it would cause a great stir. She’s alive, so, I suppose that’s what really matters. EVE: Alive? How do you know? ÅSE: OF COURSE YOU COME SEE ME! I AM BEST OF CHOSEN! YES IT IS VERY EXCITING! KYRIE: Honestly, they’re a match made in heaven. EVE: You’re not wrong. Though, we shouldn’t let him inflate her ego too much more. If her head gets any bigger, she might just fly away. KYRIE: laughs You’ve changed, you know. EVE: Have I? KYRIE: It’s a good change. You seem more at ease. EVE: Comfortable, perhaps. KYRIE: I’m glad.  

[bedtimegiraffe]

Aerin Diamond Scene Rewrite Fic

Very glad Kade pushes your character on their trauma from being kidnapped. However, I would love for a LI to comfort your character about the fact that they keep almost dying. (Shoutout to Imtura for briefly comforting MC about the upcoming life-or-death battle, but I want more.) Relationships are a 2-way street! So here’s a little rewrite of the beginning of Aerin’s pre-battle diamond scene. Enjoy!

To accompany this, I recommend the slow and sweet “You Matter to Me” from the musical Waitress. “Come out of hiding, I'm right here beside you. And I'll stay there as long as you'll let me.”

(I don't think there are any warnings to be given other than discussion of possible death.)

It takes some looking, but you eventually find Aerin in a room on one of the ships, pacing with such focus that he doesn’t notice you as you enter. It’s kind of cute how intensely he’s thinking. You speak up, hoping you don’t startle him too badly. “How did you end up here of all places?”

Aerin’s head suddenly turns in your direction, eyes wide. “Oh! I… I wasn’t expecting you.” His surprised expression disappears almost at once, replaced by one of relief. “Imtura offered me this cabin, as a matter of fact.”

“Really?”

“I thought she was going to punch me. But she said that if I was brave enough to come back, I deserved a good place to sleep.” Aerin grins at you sarcastically. “I suppose tripping is a form of affection.”

His brief smile fades as he waves you into the cabin, then resumes his pacing.

You bite the inside of your lip. He looks so nervous. You can hardly blame him for that. “Are you having second thoughts about coming back? Because you… you don’t have to stay.”

Aerin stops moving, turning to give you a searching look. “You would let me leave so easily, then? Even on the eve of battle?”

“Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy to see you again. Happy you’re here to help. But… things have been exceptionally dangerous since you left. I-” You take a shaky breath in. “I almost died. More than once. In those moments, I really wanted to see you again. But at the same time, I was relieved you were somewhere safer. And now that you’re here, I’m worried you’ll…” The thought hurts to even acknowledge.

Aerin’s eyes tighten with concern, though he covers it passably well. “Telling me you’ve been in incredible danger is hardly the way to get me to leave. And I did not come all this way to back out now.”

You suddenly feel desperate as the fear you’ve struggled to keep at bay forces itself to the front of your mind. “…Aren’t you scared?”

Aerin looks at you for a long moment, his gaze soft. “I’m not. Honestly, I expected to be frightened out of my wits. But for the first time, I actually feel prepared for battle. I trained all throughout my youth, but I never had a good cause to put it to. Just…” He frowns, looking toward the floor. “Baldur’s hunting misadventures. And then my misadventures.”

“That doesn’t mean you can’t…” You close your eyes, trying to collect your thoughts. When you open them, Aerin is right in front of you. Close enough to touch. “Nia died last time. The Blade brought her back, but it was an absolute miracle. I don’t know that we’ll get another one of those. I never used to worry about any of us like this, but we keep getting so close to everything just being over and I can’t…” You choke back a sob. As you struggle vainly to hold back a flood of tears, Aerin hesitantly puts his arms around you, slowly pulling you into a warm embrace. You cling to him tightly as you cry, like he’s the only real thing in the world. Your next words come out in a frantic rush. “I can’t lose you again. Any of you. I can’t be all alone again.”

Aerin doesn’t respond for a moment, just cradling your shaky frame and unconsciously running his thumb in a soothing path along your back. “I wish I could tell you what will happen tomorrow. But I don’t know. There is a possibility this will be our last night alive.” It’s a terrible thing to hear, but… a relief for someone else to finally acknowledge it. “But you won’t be alone. All of your incredibly capable and persistent friends will be with you. I will be with you. For as long as you’ll have me.”

It does help to be reminded that you’re not in this alone. None of you are.

You focus on breathing deeply until you’re calm enough to pull back and look at Aerin again. “How are you so relaxed about the fact that we could all die tomorrow?”

His face melts into a smile, fond and affectionate. “Because I’m fighting for our city and our people. For you.” He brings a hand to cup your cheek, forcing you to meet his suddenly serious gaze. “I’m not going anywhere.”

You smile at that, wiping the last of the tears from your eyes. “Thank you. For being honest with me about…” You take a deep breath. “What might happen tomorrow. And for standing by me.”

“Always.” Aerin gazes deeply into your eyes and, for just a moment, you forget that there exists a world outside this room. Then he blinks, a faint blush rising in his cheeks, and he pulls away. He gestures for you to take a seat on the edge of the bed.

Once you’re seated, Aerin sits next to you, close enough that your arms can’t help but brush. “I suppose I still owe you an explanation for running off the way I did…”

[mariailoveyou-guerin]

I loved it so much and I’m so proud that Peter Quill has always been my favorite and I never once doubted him, he just my soft baby boy, the found family them saving everyone and giving my Adam a second chance after everything, he needed that and them adam saving my best boy quill I was screaming my lungs was about to explode thinking anything happened to him and Peter, again rocket story Peter, nebula as new mature person, the way she cared for the team especially Peter drunk awww was starting to ship a little ngl they were just so cute in anti earth being flirty and cute, Her seeing drax true value everything was just it in every way, mantis yelling at her in defence of drax and herself how they kept going back to save each other every action scene my fav is for sure groot Peter in ship that was so mf the best mcu fight scenes I’ve ever seen ngl and ofc Adam anyone too really, especially drax! whole movie was…..

JUST EVERYTHING I IMAGINED AND WAY WAY WAY MORE! still don’t like Gamora like never did never will she’s just meh to me like with Peter she at least had personality this one is just whatever there was no need for her in movie but Peter Nebula loves her so I hope she remembers and comes back to him then once he’s stoped running! 10/10 movies best marvel movie since fcvk endgame since infinity war, they didn’t need Peter apologizing for having feelings about thanos situation he did nothing wrong at all but that’s so in character for him so I’m glad they did even tho quill has never done anything bad in his life, like ever couldn’t even try doing anything bad he’s just soft baby who likes great music loves his best friend raccoon found family and Kevin bacon just like me I didn’t think I could love quill even more then I already do but when he didn’t give up on rocket, the way he was just this awesome bada88 off the bat when he saw his family sis getting attacked while he was drunk asleep yeah love quill even a million times more! High evolutionary best mcu villain top3 for sure GOTG best marvel movie/trilogy ever and I could finally see why Vin was groot when he talked at the end I saw it even older groot looks like him Vin all muscslur loved the new team leader and my himbo Adam joining them I can’t wait for their journey and for Adam movies hope Chuck comesback and High Ev is alive and well!

[iguessitsjustme]

I’m on my lunch so I guess I’ll update my character ratings for The Player. In no particular order:

Mim: Girl I don’t even have the words. If I have to watch one more pity party that you throw yourself after you get yourself into a situation you could have 100% avoided, I am going to scream. I have no sympathy for you anymore. You killed it. Any possibility of redemption, you killed. Unfortunately I think the show itself disagrees with me on this. -728373838373936372928375928/10

Tim: I’m still trying to figure out why the hell everyone hates you. You’ve done nothing wrong. The worst thing you did was have consensual sex with Mim. And sure you might have led her on a tiny bit, you never actually did anything wrong. You are the best, nicest character on this show and I will not hear a word otherwise. You better get your house in the end 5,000,000/10

Eve: Oh sweet summer child, you’ve really been through it. You deserve better. And you are WAY too good to Mim. I can’t believe you’re letting yourself carry Mim’s guilt. Stop that. Don’t let Mim destroy your backbone. You were one of the few characters who had one. 33/10

Pitch: I genuinely wish your attack on Mim had been successful as I wholeheartedly believe you had the best reason to attack her. The fear of being outed is real and I am so sorry that every single person in this show is using you. I really wish you had a support system. Too bad you’re not with Eve anymore because she was the only person you had. 9/10

Giwi: You make a wonderful villain. And you aren’t self pitying which is so much better than Mim. But leave Dan alone ffs. I hate you but you’re pretty. Give Tim back his house. I hope you get arrested for murder. 7/10 (just because you’re a good villain)

Matt: I am so conflicted on what to rate you, my dear boy. You filmed a sex tape without Touch’s consent and used it to blackmail Eve. It took you way too long to believe Pitch’s sexuality. But somehow those aren’t the worst things someone has done on this show? I hate you but you have some insane chemistry with basically everyone? Explain yourself sir. Also you have the slightest, tiniest, slimmest possibility of redeeming yourself. Please don’t out Pitch. Please I’m begging. 5/10

Dan: You singlehandedly have the most power in this show. You could take down Giwi and also a few others. You know their secrets. Please expose her. Let Tim protect you. You and Mikey need to team up and become a dream team. I wish you a happy ending but I’m scared you won’t get one. 11/10

Tin: Please stop being blinded by love. You know the Mim lied out of her ass to you about quite literally everything. What kind of person fakes a pregnancy and miscarriage? And you forgive her? Mim’s past trauma does not excuse her treatment of you (and others) now. I need you to stop protecting her. 6/10 (this will be higher if you end up arresting Mim)

Fight: I’m sorry you got stuck with Tin. I’m glad you can provide the clarity around Mim that he so sorely lacks. You are good at your job and honestly you deserve a raise. 50/10

Mikey: YOU’RE ALIVE!!!! infinity/10

[shinidamachu]

What are some of your favorite InuYasha fanfiction stories? 😙

CONGRATULATIONS! YOU ARE THE VERY FIRST PERSON TO ASK ME THIS QUESTION! PLEASE, CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINKS TO CLAIM YOUR PRIZE:

Light Me a Lantern by @inuyashasforest: a lot of feelings for this one. It was the first Inukag multichapter fanfic I have ever read and boy am I glad I did. It’s a must read. I don’t know how Hanyo no Yashahime will fall into the Inuyasha universe, but if it turns out to be garbage, I’m more than happy to accept Light Me a Lantern as canon instead. Send tweet.

Little by Little by @little-known-artist: cutest post-canon fanfic in all land! It will make you smile. It will make you laugh. It will make you a little horny. That being said, it will also make you cry, but trust me: you’re gonna be grateful for it.

You Rescued Me by @keichanz: this fic it’s a party and I’m the piñata, there’s no other way to put it. Heather is a storytelling master, like... she could post her grocery shopping list and I’d be reading the hell out of it!

The Captain and the Hanyo by @goshinote: I love the whole premise of this fic and how much effort Jane puts in every detail. It’s like I’m living in it and I wish I was. It’s the story I’m currently reading and it’s so, so sweet and exciting!

Cruel Summer by @akitokihojo: you know shit is about to go down when Angie drops a Taylor Swift song titled fic. Now that Folklore is out I’m honestly scared for my life.

Pennies and Dimes by @witchygirl99:  SOMEONE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD TURN THIS INTO A MOVIE PLEASE AND THANK YOU! (part one)

Delicate by @akitokihojo: SOMEONE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD TURN THIS INTO A MOVIE PLEASE AND THANK YOU! (part two)

A Night to Remember by @angelhartsblog: I want you to close your eyes. Now I want you to think about the perfect Inukag first time. Open your eyes. Did you think about A Night To Remember? No? That’s because you haven’t read it yet, pal. What are you waiting for?

The Gorgon and the Dog Demon by @cstormsinukagblog​: I’m in too deep HELP!

Mating Fever by @clearwillow: let’s face it, this one is a classic already! The concept of this story was executed so well. Nothing was held back. You can tell Carra had as much fun writing it as we had reading it.

Pretending To Pretend by splendentgoddess: IF BOTH THE LAST HARD COPY OF THIS FIC AND MY COUSIN WERE ON FIRE... I’d still save my cousin but only because I reread Pretending to Pretend so many times I could probably write it down again myself, word for word. Also, my mom would never let me hear the end of it. But, like... it’s still a close one.

Bakin’ Cakes/Patty-Cake by @artistefish​: if I had two lives to give to Bloodhound and Kitten then two lives I’d give them.

Risks by @stoatsandweasels: THE CHARACTERIZATION, THE DIALOGUES, THE SMUT... Definition of *chef’s kiss*. The stars really aligned for this one, let me tell ya. Good. Fucking. Food.

Cam You See Me? by @keichanz​: Smut Queen at her best. LONG LIVE!

Inuyasha: Prince of Thieves by @starlingchildgazingatthestars: I feel like this fic should be written on a very big, very old, hard covered book. And someone should read it to me every night before I go to sleep. Every new chapter deepens the plot and the character so much. I’m hooked.

Belief/Resist by @dangerouspompadour​: my first thought on it was “man, I wish I could leave a thousand kudos” because it’s one of my favorite tropes ever and the story was told with such delicacy and honesty. Nailed their personalities to their cores.

Freak Attraction/Freak Attraction: Seven-Man Circus by @artistefish: this fic is the epitome of galaxy brain. How do someone eve come up with something so incredible? The world building is so fucking good, are you kidding me?

Oblivion by @meggz0rz: this one needs no comments... But I’m gonna comment anyway: talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show-stopping, spetacular, never-the-same, totally unique.

Beautiful Stranger by splendentgoddess: WHAT A RIDE, MY FRIENDS! BUCKLE THE FUCK UP!

Missing by @ajoy3fanfics: it’s called ‘missing’ because after you finish the whole thing you just miss it so fucking much! I remember how obsessed with it I became, refreshing the page for updates. I was a woman possessed. I spent about 80% of my time talking about this fic, and the other 20% of the time, I was praying for someone else to bring it up so I could talk about it more.

The Delinquent Boyfriend by @artistefish: book one of Inukag Holy Bible.

Out Of The Woods by @dyaz-stories: okay so there are only two chapters so far but the plot it’s captivating as hell! And the writing it’s flawless. If you haven’t read it yet, please do and tell Dya I sent you and I miss her ass.

Guardian by @ruddcatha​: my nerdy ass feels seen and represented.

Knit and Lace by @doginabirdcage: if you’re part of the Inukag fandom you’re legally obligated to read this fanfic. This is not even a joke. Do you know someone who hasn’t read it? No! And you shouldn’t because it’s fucking awesome.

Call You Mine by @lavendertwilight89​: every word on this is a drop of dopamine I swear.

Enchanted by @akitokihojo: I was in the middle of studying for one of the most important tests of my life when Enchanted came around. Was it insane of me to drop everything to read it? Yes. Would I do it again? Yes.

The Half Breed’s Wife by @gypsin: I’m gonna be honest here, this better update before I die otherwise I’m simply not going. RIP to everyone who will pass away without knowing how The Half Breed’s Wife ends but I’m different.

The It Couple by @meggz0rz: OH, YEAH,THE COOL KID OF FANFICS! *Vogue by Madonna starts playing*

It's About Time by @akitokihojo: first fic by Angie I have ever read! Flashback to two-years-ago me picking her chin off the floor. I still can believe I could read this for free? It feels wrong that I could, but also, like: thank God!

The Maid and the Bodyguard by @dyaz-stories: this is the fic you want to take home to your mama. You’d get on one knee for this fic. You’d buy it a diamond ring. You’d profess my undying love for it and you’d spend the rest of your life trying to prove to this fic I’m worthy of it.

Something Real by Angelica Pierce: so this is one of the best oneshots I have ever read in my entire life. It is also the one and only work signed by this author known to mankind. Which I take as a personal offense. To me. Personally.

Mars and Venus by @doginabirdcage: have you ever read something so clever you’re mad about it? Like HOW DARE YOU BE SO SMART? Genius, really. I read it so long ago and it blows me away to this day.

I Knew You Before I Met You by @keichanz: book two of Inukag Holy Bible.

House Mates by honeybee31: “and they were roommates.” “OH MY GOD, THEY WERE ROOMMATES!” Domestic Inukag? In my fic rec? It’s more likely than you think.

The Language He Speaks by @akitokihojo​: if I was half as beautiful as this fic... I’d be kissing so many mouths... The possibilities...

Fingertips by @shinjiteflorana: this is the level of writing I aspire to achieve someday.

PS: I could never, in a billion years, rank these fanfiction, so please keep in mind they are in no way ordered by personal preference. I just love them all. Also, I’m messy.

PS²: believe it or not, I really tried to narrow this down. If I were to tag every Inuyasha fanfiction I love ever, it would get insane huge. This is a not exhaustive, very humble list of my favorites as requested above and I had to draw the line somewhere, otherwise I’d just keep going forever.

PS³: I’ll never get tired of saying that this fandom is crazy talented! Making this fic rec was so hard because there are so many awesome creators out there putting out new content for us every single day. I would like you to know that, even if I had to leave some works out, I appreciate and support each one of them. Thank you so much for keeping the Inuyasha fandom alive!

PS⁴: if you’re reading this, feel free to recommend or tag me in Inuyasha fanfics. Add some of your favorites to this post. Give the authors some love!

[stargazer-balladeer]

Christmas Greetings from Them 2 [Genshin Impact]

Characters Included: Jean, Kaeya Alberich, Keqing, Klee, La Signora, Lisa & Lumine.

Jean

With Diluc

“You’re still working at this late of an hour?”

“! Master Diluc! What a surprise-“

“I told you to not call me that. Before you ask how I come in here, I knocked several times but didn’t receive an answer. So I decided to let myself in.”

“Ah.. I must’ve doze off. No matter, what can I help you with?”

“It’s not me that needs help actually. I’m here for you.”

“.. me? Care to elaborate, sir Diluc?”

“I’ve been informed that you’ve been working non-stop this past few days. Tell me, is this your way of getting your mind off of [Y/N]?”

“! O-Of course not! It just happens that there’s been lots of duties to be done all at once-!”

“-and all of it is a coincidence? The sudden attack of a peaceful Hilichurl in the east side of Mondstadt, Margaret’s stray cat gone missing, Taxes, Patrolling the city more often than usual, is there a need for me to go on?”

“...”

“You look tired than usual. Tell me, how many hours have you been sleeping lately?”

“... 2-3 hours.”

“*sigh* I knew it.”

“But your wrong! It’s not because of [Y/N] at all! It’s just a coincidence that there’s a lot of duties to be fulfilled when they left-!”

“Look. Do you honestly think [Y/N] would appreciate it if they find their girlfriend passed out, almost half-dead because she isn’t taking care of herself properly?”

“...”

“*sigh* I didn’t come here to lecture you. I came here to invite you to a party that the Dawn Winery is hosting.”

“A party? What for?”

“Don’t tell me you didn’t realize what day it is today?”

“...”

“It’s already December 24. It’s almost Christmas Eve actually.”

“Oh..”

“That’s all. I better take my leave.”

“I’ll show up later. I’ll just.. finish some paperworks.”

“.. get some rest, Jean. You got everyone worried for you.”

“.. *sigh*”

“Stars up above the sky, ones that’s shining brilliantly like the moon, so many and so small, won’t you grant this tired woman a wish? Perhaps, a letter for my beloved? How are you faring, [Y/N]? It seems like I’ve been neglecting myself with my many duties again. If you can see me right now, I know you’ll be disappointed in me. Perhaps, master Diluc is right, maybe I was trying to find excuses. Trying to get my mind off the loneliness I feel whenever you’re not around. It’s once again the season of Christmas, and yet, you aren’t here with me. This is suppose to be a festive of love and happiness, yet all I feel is nothing. I’ll try to have some fun in master Diluc’s party tonight, but I make no promises that I’ll not force a fake smile. I miss you dearly, [Y/N]. Come back and warm me up again. Smile again for me and take my worries away. Merry Christmas, wherever you are. Forever yours, Jean.”

Kaeya Alberich

With Amber

“Sir Kaeya! Sir Kaeya!”

“...”

“Sir Kaeya! It’s about the report for Acting Grandmaster Jean-!”

“Oh? Then why didn’t you say so sooner?”

“I was trying to but you keep ignoring me-!”

“What is needed in the report? Don’t waste my time.”

“Ah.. well.. all she wanted was that you bring in your report tomorrow morning because she needs it immediately-“

“Oh. Is that it? Then consider it done. Farewell, have a nice evening, Amber.”

“H-Hey! Wait!”

“*sigh* what is it now?”

“Why’re you so cold to me? Did I do something to anger you?”

“I can reassure you that it isn’t that. You’re just.. too energetic for my taste.”

“Too energetic? What’s that suppose to mean?”

“That. You’re always curious. Always willing to help someone. You must’ve had a great life when you were a kid..”

“.. well, I would be lying if I say I didn’t.”

“See? You’re practically a normal girl. And that’s boring.”

“I-! That’s just rude, sir Kaeya!”

“Oh, sorry. I didn’t know that that was rude.”

“Hmph.. say, sir Kaeya. Do you know of the legend of the Wishing Stars?”

“That was a smooth shift of conversation, I would give you that. But to answer your question, doesn’t everyone know of it?”

“I guess.. so are you going to make a wish?”

“If I was going to make a wish, why would I tell you that?”

“I’m just curious. *pouts*”

“Well, there’s a infamous saying that goes, ‘curiosity kills the cat’.”

“You know what? I’m just gonna go and patrol now. Have a nice evening, sir Kaeya!”

“Annddd off she goes. *sigh* what a waste of time..”

“Hm.. o wishing stars, hear my wish. Do you mind if you can deliver this makeshift letter to my beloved? Hello darling, how are you doing? Hope you’re still alive. You better didn’t leave me by dying. Afterall, you’re the only thing that’s keeping me sane. After all that I’ve lost, you wouldn’t go disappearing too, right? Anyways, I’m getting too sentimental there. Hope you haven’t found another man to pleasure you while you’re out and about. If I ever find out that you’re cheating, there’ll be consequence.. Hahaha.. of course I know that you wouldn’t do that. I trust you that you wouldn’t do that to me. Though I do admit I miss the embarrassed, red face you always have whenever I tease you. I also miss your sharp tongue, always managing to keep me at my wit’s end by bantering with me. I would love to do all those moments again. Merriest of Christmas, [Y/N]. Bon voyage~”

Keqing

With Beidou

“... oh, miss Beidou. What a surprise to see you here.”

“... who are you again?”

“Keqing.”

“Oh.. Keqing. That girl who helped protecting Liyue from danger, right?”

“I suppose so.”

“Aren’t you a workaholic though? What’re you doing here?”

“I was forced to relax.”

“Ah. Shouldn’t that be a good thing?”

“Not to me. There’s so many things that needs to be done on time-!”

“Ah.. I understand now.”

“But what’re you doing here, miss Beidou? Not to be rude or anything.”

“Hm.. I don’t really now. Sudden urge, I guess.”

“Oh.. would you like to accompany me then? Since you’re here already. It’ll be a waste if you don’t enjoy the scenery.”

“I thought you wouldn’t ask. Sure.”

“...”

“...”

“...”

“So.. how’s life for ya?”

“Alright. It’s been getting chaotic though, ever since the incident.”

“Ah.. right. Well, I’m not really surprised. Liyue Harbor was almost destroyed afterall.”

“I suppose. Say, miss Beidou.”

“Hm?”

“Do you know of the legend of the Wishing Stars?”

“Ah, I heard it from one of the crew. But what’s got you interested in it?”

“Well.. it just sounds fascinating.”

“Fascinating? First time I heard someone say that to a legend.”

“Think about it. How does it work? Why did people start talking about it in the first place? If this legend exists till this day, then it must’ve worked before, right? Won’t it work now?”

“Ah, I’ve found myself a curious one.”

“Hehe.. sorry. I guess I rambled a bit there.”

“Not at all. All of us have a interests in different things. Yours just happen to be the legend.”

“Yes.. I believe that too..”

“Why not give it a try then?”

“What?”

“Since you’re interested in it, why not try it? No harm in trying, right?”

“Hrm.. I suppose not but.. isn’t that.. albeit childish..?”

“Childish? Bah! Nonsense. Nothing is childish, especially on things you’re passionate about.”

“.. thank you, miss Beidou.”

“My pleasure. Afterall, we gals stick together, right?”

“Right!”

“Go on then. No one’s here to judge you.”

“O shining, wishing stars. Would you hear me and my wish? Please send this wish to my beloved. How have you been, my beloved? Has life been easy on you? I’m glad that you’re finally searching for your calling but I didn’t think of the setbacks it has. Selfish I may seem, I’m starting to regret sending you off on your way. It’s been almost a torture without you here by my side. I can still feel the pressure of the people behind my back. I wish you were here with your reassuring words. I would love to hear your voice, and possibly your singing as well. Even if you’re embarrassed by it, I still think it’s the most beautiful sound I’ve heard. Please return immediately, my beloved. Let’s celebrate the last few days before New Year. Merry Christmas, my beloved. May more years come and meet us. Let us face the upcoming challenges head-on.”

Klee

With Albedo

“Klee? What are you doing still up at this hour? It’s way past your bedtime.”

“Oh.. mr Albedo.”

“? What’s gotten you so sad, Klee? Tell me so that I know who I should beat up.”

“It’s nothing like that. I just.. miss [Y/N].”

“Ah, your playmate. Don’t worry, Klee, I’m sure that they miss you too.”

“Hrm..”

“.. do you really miss them?”

“*nods*”

“*sigh* well, I cannot exactly bring them to you..”

“Oh..”

“Hm.. how about making a wish to the stars?”

“Make a wish? To the stars?”

“Have you heard of the legend of the Wishing Stars?”

“Ah! Grandmaster Jean told me about that! If we wish from the bottom of our hearts, then the stars will hear it!”

“*chuckles* I guess that’s one way to sum it up. How about we make a wish?”

“But what would I wish for, mr Albedo?”

“How about you wish for your friend’s safety?”

“Eh? I thought you can only wish for yourself? You can wish for other people as well?”

“There’s a million ways to wish, Klee. One way is for yourself, the other is for someone else, and the rest is something else entirely. So, c’mon, let’s wish from our hearts.”

“Hmm.. okay! Klee would do it! For [Y/N]!”

“*chuckle* yes, for [Y/N].”

“Shining wishing star, can you hear my wish pretty please? This is for my friend, [Y/N]. I wish them the best! I hope they find what their looking for and they return safely! So that we can still play hide and seek, and dolls, oh! And tag! I recently made a game that I’m sure that both of us will enjoy very much! Though, for now, Klee would stay patient and wait for [Y/N]. Just like Grandmaster Jean, sir Kaeya and everyone said. I just need to be patient. But, I don’t know how long I can be patient for.. oh! I also recently gotten some new toys from everyone! I want to share them with [Y/N]! Hehe. Happy Christmas, [Y/N]! Oh! And happy Christmas, wishing stars! I’m gonna continue to hope that [Y/N] will return so that we can play again!”

La Signora

With Scaramouche

“...”

“.. well, isn’t this a surprise.”

“Tsk. What’re you doing here?”

“Now now.. is that a way to greet a fellow Harbinger?”

“I’m going now.”

“Hold on. Why don’t we chat? It’s been a while since I’ve last seen you and I’m getting lonely with no one to talk to here.”

“Why not talk to yourself? Why drag me to your ‘chat’?”

“Do you think you have a choice?”

“..tsk.”

“Good. Now, come, join me outside.”

“Why go outside when its freezing as hell out there?”

“Did I stutter?”

“To the outside it is.”

**

“I still wonder why you decided to drag me out of here when we could’ve had our ‘chat’ indoors.”

“If we had our chat indoors, then we won’t have a view of the stars.”

“Stars? Since when were you interested in astrology?”

“I’m still not interested in astrology. The legend behind them though is what interest me.”

“Oh? Do tell.”

“Have you heard of the legend of the Wishing Stars?”

“Who hasn’t? Everyone’s been talking about it that it makes me sick.”

“It would be wonderful if it was true though..”

“Ha? You do know it’s nothing more than a legend right?”

“Well, it does have the ‘legend’ part in its name.”

“Oh, so you are aware of it. Now, c’mon, let’s head inside before we get frostbite out here-“

“Just because it’s a legend doesn’t mean that I don’t believe in them.”

“... are you serious?”

“Hmhmm.”

“I still don’t get why I’m here in the first place.”

“Call it a moral support.”

“How is this moral support-??”

“Quiet. I must say my wish now.”

“*sigh* does it look like I have a choice-?”

“Shining Wishing Stars. Even if I am a Fatui Harbinger, would you still grant me a wish? I would like to wish from you the safety of my beloved. Let no harm befall for them because of my status as the 8th Harbinger in the rankings. I truly wish I could spend this Christmas season with them but duty calls. I wonder how they are right now. Are they happy? Or are they miserable? I really want to go home to them and spend the rest of my life with them. But alas, the Tsaritsa goes first.. as usual. I miss pressing my body against theirs while cuddling with them. I miss the affections they shower me with constantly.. maybe I’ve taken that for granted, now that I’m seeking it constantly. I should probably stop now, I’m already rambling.. Merry Christmas, [Y/N]. I promise we’ll be together soon. Just continue to wait for me, my love.”

Lisa

With Razor

“Hm? Oh my, Razor. Is there anything I can do for you?”

“Happy.. Christmas, miss Lisa.”

“*chuckles* Happy Christmas too, Razor.”

“.. are you okay?”

“Oh? Of course I am! Why wouldn’t I be anything but okay?”

“You look.. sad. Are you.. missing someone?”

“Ohh you’re good~! Why yes, perhaps I do miss someone..”

“Where are they now? Why they not with you?”

“I’m afraid their on a adventure of their own. As much as I want to accompany them on it, I’m afraid that I can’t. I can’t abandon my position as a librarian afterall.”

“Oh.. I see.”

“Now, why don’t I tell you a legend? It’s quite fitting for the seasonal festivity right now.”

“A.. legend? Similar to me?”

“Yes! It’s the legend of the Wishing Stars. Have you heard of it?”

“Red.. bunny girl mention about it.”

“.. oh, you mean Klee. I suppose that either Albedo or Jean must’ve told her about it. Though I’m quite surprised you were able to understand it given her unique wording.”

“You just wish.. from the heart.. and the stars.. will make it true. That’s what red bunny girl said.”

“Hmm.. I supposed that’s one way to word it. You just basically wish for something and, if you really mean it, it will be granted by the stars above. Though there’s no evidence that its actually true.”

“So.. it’s fake?”

“Not at all. If its truly a fake one, then people would soon forget about it and it’ll be lost in history. But the fact that it was able to reach to our time means it must’ve been atleast real to make it this far.”

“Oh.. then why don’t miss Lisa make a wish?”

“.. me? Making a wish?”

“The legend.. is for everyone right? So, why don’t miss Lisa make one?”

“.. I suppose that is correct.”

“So? Is miss Lisa making a wish?”

“Hmm.. I think you’ve convinced me enough. Fine, I’ll make a wish of my own.”

“Hehe.”

“Wishing stars, hear my wish. I wish the best for everyone around me. I hope that Jean wouldn’t continue to overwork herself and actually learn to take some rest. For Kaeya to stop leaving and letting the other Knights of Favonius behind to do whatever he’s doing. For Razor to continue being my cute student and find a place for himself in this world. I also hope to see my darling once more. It’s quite lonely without them, not being able to see them is quite a nightmare actually. It’s worse than having a book overdue- Wherever they are now, I hope their okay and safe from harm. I better not see any scratches on them, but if there is scars, I would just kiss them and love them~ they are a part of them afterall. I wouldn’t change it for the world~ Merry Christmas, everyone. May tomorrow shine even brighter than today.”

Lumine

With Aether 👀

“Now that we’re together again, dear sister. Shouldn’t you atleast be happy? Why the frown?”

“It’s just that.. we’ll be leaving soon.”

“Yeah.. you know that we aren’t welcome in this world.”

“I know-! But.. what will happen to everyone- what will happen to [Y/N]?”

“... and this is why I told you to not get attached to anyone.”

“.. I can’t help it brother. I love them with all of my heart. Leaving them so suddenly, without a goodbye will haunt me for the rest of my life.”

“So, if you’ll say goodbye to [Y/N], that’s okay for you?”

“...”

“You want to stay, don’t you?”

“I learned to love this world, brother. I can’t just get up and leave so suddenly. I’ve met so many wonderful people while searching for you. Meeting [Y/N] was honestly the best thing that could happen to me, besides finding you of course.”

“.. I don’t want you to suffer in this world, dear sister. We don’t belong anywhere. That’s why we travel from world to world.”

“How about we settle in this world instead? Besides the goddess who put us here, we’re at peace-! For the longest time, ever since I can remember, we’ve been running and running. We’re never truly at peace!”

“If we stay here, then this world will be in-danger.”

“!”

“Do you want this world to suffer because of our selfishness?”

“I-..”

“I’ve also come to love this world, sister. But danger always follows us wherever we are. If we stay here, then this world would be in danger because of us.”

“... hey brother.. do you know of the legend of the Wishing Stars?”

“.. the others were talking about it. It’s about wishing something from your heart and then the stars will grant it, right?”

“Hmhmm.. that’s the summary.”

“Are you gonna make a wish?”

“Yes. If we’re truly going to leave this world behind, then I’ll just leave behind a wish.”

“.. alright.”

“Shining stars, won’t you grant my wish? I won’t be here for long, and I’m honestly scared of what’ll happen from now on. Especially to everyone here in Teyvat, to [Y/N]. Please protect them when I can no longer. When I’m no longer here to protect them, please don’t bring them any harm. I wish the best for them. Please don’t let their smile vanish. Don’t let them lose their light, their happiness and their love. Even if it pains me, I wish them the happiness if ever they find someone else to love. Please don’t let them forget about me. Atleast keep me in their heart. And in return, they shall remain in mine. Happy Holidays, my love. Though many seasons will pass, I know you’ll remain strong throughout it all. You are afterall my love.”

[dialovers-translations]

Diabolik Lovers Zero Vol. 12 Azusa Mukami [Track 4]

Original title: ただ、一緒に

Source: Diabolik Lovers Zero Vol. 12 Azusa Mukami [CD not owned by me]

Audio: Here

Seiyuu: Kishio Daisuke

Translator’s note: ーー And once again, the power of true love prevails!! The plot of the Zero CDs is a perfect combination between angst, suspense and fluff, which is why it is one of my favorites. I felt like the ‘enemy’ they were fighting this time was not as extreme compared to some of the other CDs and I genuinely got some ~~feels~~ in the end. ;w;

Track 1 ll Track 2 ll Track 3 ll Track 4 ll Track 5

→  LIKE MY TRANSLATIONS? SUPPORT ME ON KO-FI!

Track 4: Simply, Together

The two of you walk through the hallway of the museum.

“Oh...The hallway is...different from earlier...It used to be full of twists and turns, but now it’s just...one straight path...If this building is alive...I suppose it would easily be able to...change its interior...?”

You ask how much longer you’ll have to walk. 

“Mmh...I wonder how much longer this path goes on for...? I’m pretty sure...the museum is guiding us towards a place though...”

Azusa comes to a halt.

“Ah. ...A door. ...Let’s go! We have no...other choice.”

*Creaaaaak*

“...H-Huh...? We’ve returned here again...? The room filled with...art supplies...”

You seem confused. 

“Mmh...I wonder why? Is there something...important here? ...Oh! Wait.”

He looks around, suddenly spotting his doppelganger.

( Say, what’s wrong? Ah...You’re hungry, aren’ you? I’m sorry! I’ll prepare your meal in no time! )

“It’s his...voice...I can hear it from right up ahead...We should probably turn around, huh?”

You shake your head. 

“Ah...Right...It’s a one-way path...So we can’t go anywhere else...Ugh...In that case...Let’s quietly...sneak closer. There might be something in the back after all...”

You slowly step closer.

( Hey...Cheer up? Do you hate me now? )

*Ba-dump*

“Eh...? W-What’s...that!?”

( ...Oh? Ah...You’ve come here. )

“...!”

( Haah...How troublesome. I went through so much trouble to tie you both up too. )

“...!! Stay by my side...!”

Azusa protects you.

“We can’t die here...! We have to go back...no matter what!”

( Can’t do~ Just look at how grumpy she is. I’m sure it’s because she’s hungry. Therefore, I need you two to become her food. ...Say, you want to hurry up and eat too, right? )

*Rumble*

( Oh...What’s wrong...Why won’t you rejoice...? )

“Ah...S-Say! The thing you’re...talking to...it’s shaped like a person but is it...a work of art?”

( ...Right. I made this. It’s the heart of the museum. )

“Oh...! Of the museum...?”

( Fufu~ Isn’t it pretty? I attached these tubes as well. All of the nutrients absorbed through the food come flowing in here. Because of this system, she can stay alive, even when reduced to just her heart. )

“What do you...mean...?”

( My precious someone...was killed a long time ago. Even though she was...so very, very important to me... )

“Are you perhaps talking...about the woman on those sketches?”

( ...Exactly. The one person who accepted me. Without her, I would lose even my reason to exist! Yet...! She almost took her last breath right in front of my own eyes! If she were to pass away I just...I wouldn’t know what to do! ...But you know, I realized! That I could simply move her still-beating heart... )

“Oh...Don’t tell me...That heart is inside...?”

*Ba-dump*

“You transplanted the heart and...turned the person you loved into that thing? Is that why this museum is alive?”

( Yes. Right now...She is this building. )

“Say...Who are you? You’re not an ordinary painting...”

(  I’m a Vampire just like you. I just so happened to be well-versed in this department. (1) ...I was simply living a happy life painting pictures, accompanied by the person I loved. ) 

“Together with...the person you loved?”

( However, as you can see, I died too, staying by her side as a spirit to ensure she would not grow lonely. As a painting who hunts for her prey. ...To make sure she stays alive. )

*Cling*

“...!! What are you...going to do...?”

( What do you mean? I have to restrain you two with pins to make sure the food doesn’t run away? )

The fake Azusa uses his magic to make the pins float in the air.

( Hm~ I’m glad I brought a bunch of these large pins with me. ...I’ll turn you both in skewers, okay? )

*CLANG*

“...!! Step back!! ...Ugh!”

*CLANG*

“Aaargh...!! Uu...Ugh...”

( Ahaha~ My live specimen is complete~ We’ll do this in order, so you’ll have to wait till later. ...First up, we’ll start with the more delicious-looking one~ )

He approaches you.

( Woah there...~ Struggle all you want, but you can’t run. ...The sheer white canvas over there, that’s the museum’s mouth. Once you get thrown inside, you will melt away and become nutrients. ...You seem to have a thing for pain, so I’ll make sure you dissolve slowly, okay? Fufu~ )

The painting demon starts dragging you towards the canvas.

*Rustle rustle* 

“You...can’t...Let...go of her...!”

*Rumble*

( Ah...! )

“...The museum is...crying...again...Perhaps...S-Say...! Couldn’t your...girlfriend be weeping because...she wants you to...stop this already...?”

( ...Hah? )

“When you...fed off her or...even when I did it...Every time...there was the scent of blood...the museum cried...Even when you tried to get her eaten...as if she’s...begging you not to do this...”

( ...You’re wrong. That can’t be. )

“But...!”

( She would never disagree with what I do...! I love her this much! It’d definitely make her happy! ...Ugh. She has simply grown impatient because I’m such a slowpoke. Come on! Get inside the painting...!! )

He pushes you against the canvas.

“...Eve!”

( It’ll be all over once she sinks into the canvas. I’m sure she’ll feel better once she has had her meal~ )

“...Eve...Kuh...You can’t...I won’t let you go...!! I definitely...won’t let you go all by yourself...!”

*Cling*

( Eh...!? There’s just no way he could stand up right now!? )

“Ugh...Kuh...To me...She is my special someone...She is the only one I have...! I definitely don’t want her...to go...!!!!”

Azusa frees himself.

*Cling clang*

“...Eve!!”

He rushes over to you, trying to pull you out of the canvas.

“I won’t let you go...Never...! Argh...!!”

The two of you get absorbed by the painting.

“...Aaah!”

*Thud*

“...Where are we...? I can’t see...anything...? Haah, haah...Am I...inside the painting?”

You call out for Azusa.

“...! Eve...!? Are you there...!?”

You call for him again and Azusa runs to you. 

“Ugh...Haah, haah...! You’re here...”

He grabs hold of your hand.

“...Why are you apologizing...? I didn’t want to leave your side...so that’s why I followed you. I don’t want us to be separated...”

You ask if you will get eaten now. 

“Mmh...It’s all over once you...get absorbed by the painting...We might get...consumed. But you know, this is way better...than losing just you...Neither of us...should have to be lonely. We always have to be together...Right?”

You nod.

“Yeah. ...That’s why...I don’t regret anything. Let’s be together in life and death.”

*Rumble rumble*

“Oh...Eh!? It’s...shaking?”

*Rumble rumble*

“...Ah! I’m being...pulled in...! ...Eve! ...Hang on tight...! Don’t...leave me...!! Aaaaah...!!!”

The two of you get sucked out of the canvas again. 

*THUD*

“Ugh...Ow...A-Are you...okay?”

You nod.

“Thank god...Give me your hand. Can you stand?”

Azusa helps you get up.

“...Where are we...?”

*Rustle*

“...We made it...out of the canvas...!?”

( ...Why!? How come!? How did you get out!? This has never happened before...!? )

“Oh...I see. She let us out...The museum let us...go...”

( ...!! N-No way...No...I don’t believe this. She is always happy with my work! There is no way she would get in my way! )

“That might be true...I’m sure she really does love you...But couldn’t that be...why she’s sad now?”

( ...Eh? )

“You see...I saddened the person important to me in the past as well. Time after time...”

You frown.

“That girl was a...kind person so...she was worried about me and hurt herself too...That’s why I sort of understand...I’m sure your girlfriend is worried about you...Since you’ve taken many lives for her sake. ...I’m sure she doesn’t want you...to continue this...So don’t you think that could be why...she’s crying?”

( ...! ...Say...Is he right...? Are you crying because of me...? )

*Rumble rumble*

( ...!! I-I see...I was wrong... )

He drops to his knees.

( I’m sorry...I...I’m so sorry...! I never meant to make you suffer...! I just...I didn’t want to let you die! I thought that...You’d be happy if I did this...! But...I was wrong, huh? I had forgotten. That you were always the type of person who would worry about me, instead of about yourself. I made you worry a lot, didn’t I? ...I’ll no longer repeat the same mistake. I’ll stop doing this. So please...! Will you stay by my side? )

*Rumble*

( Aah...I see...Mmh. Thank you. )

He stands up again.

( I have a...request to make. Could you please...burn me down together with this museum. )

You seem shocked.

“W-Why...!?”

( She wants things to end. Because she can’t become happy, even if she were to remain alive. However, I can’t let her go alone, so I will perish alongside her. No matter where it takes us, I don’t want to leave her side. )

“I...see. ...Mmh. Understood.”

You tell Azusa not to do it.

“I...can’t stop them. The two of them...seem happy after all. That’s why...Eve...”

You nod.

“Mmh. Let’s go...outside. If we stay here...We’ll get swallowed by the flames...after all...”

( ...Hey! Can I ask one last thing? )

“...Eh?”

( What would you do...If she were to die on you? )

“I would...”

You look up at Azusa.

“i cannot...fantom that...But! However...I might have just done...the exact same thing you did...”

*TIMESKIP*

“...Oh. It has stopped raining. The nearby greenery is still wet, so the fire probably won’t spread...”

You ask him if this is truly the right thing to do.

“Mmh. They wished for this themselves...So I think this was for the best. Besides...I’m sure that nobody can decide...whether this is good or bad...This is the path they have chosen for themselves after all...Nobody should interfere with that...”

He turns his head towards you.

“It’s the same for us, right...? No matter what happens...We don’t want anyone to get in our way...We’d want to be together forever...Don’t we?”

You agree.

“Mmh...I pray (2) that as they meet their end, and even after that...they will never be torn apart...Farewell.”

Azusa sets the museum on fire.

ーー TO BE CONTINUED ーー

Translation notes 

(1) This sentence is quite vague, but I suppose he refers to having the necessary knowledge to know that if he preserved his lover’s heart and put it into something else, he could keep her alive that way. 

(2) He ends his sentence with ように or ‘you ni’ which implies that he is making some sort of wish. 

[fromiftowhen]

fic: my offering is true (an Upstead one-shot)

For the fifth day of the @upsteadofficial Christmas prompt challenge -- HOLIDAY TRADITIONS.

Rated T | 2860 words | Title from Offering by The Avett Brothers.

“So what's the plan for next week?”

She pauses, her fork halfway to her mouth. “Um. Work? I don't know?”

He shakes his head. “I mean for Christmas, Hailey. I know it'll look different this year, but what do you normally do?”

She shrugs and sets down her fork. “Pre-pandemic? I dunno. Work, usually? Some years I’d get Chinese food on Christmas Eve, hang out with friends who weren't spending the year with their family.”

“Okay,” he says. “Chinese food is good.”

“We don't have to-- we can do something else.”

It's their first Christmas together, and he knows it's a weird year to start spending holidays together. Huge parties are a no-go, and besides their coworkers, they haven't spent much time outside the house as a couple.

(Being cooped up inside the majority of the time has its benefits, and he's not ever gonna complain about it, but.)

But he'd be lying if he said he hadn't thought about Christmas with Hailey, waking up in the morning with her, snow covering the windows, exchanging gifts over Christmas breakfast in bed.

“I love Chinese food,” he tells her, grinning. “I've just gotta FaceTime Will after we eat, and I'll be good.”

“Now?” She asks, and he laughs.

“No, on Christmas Eve. It's a thing. No matter where we both were or how much we might have not liked each other all the time, we've always found a way to talk. It's a tradition, or whatever.”

She glances down at her plate for a moment, and when she looks back up, he catches just a hint of sadness she couldn’t quite cover in time. “That’s nice,” is all she says, but the look sticks with him.

————————���—

He doesn’t bring it up again until later in the week, when her legs are still tangled with his and their breathing is coming back to normal, early in the morning.

He runs a hand up and down her arm gently. “You really don’t go home for Christmas?”

“I am home,” she says quietly.

“No, I know.” He presses a kiss to the top of her head. “I mean, you don’t go see your parents, your brothers?”

Her hair tickles his chest as she shakes her head. “No. By the time I was old enough to realize Santa was just my mom, up late at night alone, wrapping gifts after my dad passed out, I had a hard time getting in the family spirit. And my brothers have their own things going on now,” she says. “Normally I’d see them later in the week. I guess I’ll just call them this year.”

He nods.

“What about you?”

He laughs softly. The holidays were never the same after his mom passed away, after he and Will got busy with their own lives. “Will and I would go see my dad every year we could, he’d give us a six-pack of beer to split, we’d eat some steak, call it a day. We didn’t do gifts after my mom.”

Her arm wraps around his chest and her lips press against his skin, but she doesn’t say anything.

——————————

“Do you have any good memories from when you were little, things you did on Christmas that you loved?”

They’re in his truck, surveilling a suspect a couple of days before Christmas Eve. The sun is setting, and when she glances over at him, there’s a halo of light framing her face.

“What’s with you and Christmas this year? We’ve never talked about it this much.”

He shrugs.

She side-eyes him for a moment, but relents. “On Christmas Eve, my mom would bake cookies. You know, like for Santa. She and my dad would drink eggnog and we’d all eat cookies and read ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas in front of the fire. I think I fell asleep in front of the fire most years. I guess that’s the best memory.”

“That’s nice,” he whispers.

She nods, smiling. “It was. What about you?”

He thinks back to being little, trying to quietly creep down the stairs after his mom had put him and Will to bed, anticipation aching in his chest for the next morning.

“Will and I used to try to see who could stay up the latest and wait for Santa,” he laughs. “Will always swore he heard sleigh bells or whatever, and we could never agree on who fell asleep first, but it was totally always him.”

“Little Halstead brothers competing against each other, I’m shocked,” she says, her smile bright.

He leans over and presses a kiss to her cheek quickly, something they don’t usually let themselves do in public while working.

“What was that for?” She asks, but her fingers drag over his knee slowly, and she smiles.

“Just ‘cause,” he says. “I’m just excited for Christmas for the first time in a long time.”

Her smile this time is slow, and it really feels like he earned it. “Yeah, me too.”

——————————

She wasn’t lying. She’s excited for Christmas in a way she hasn’t been since maybe those nights around the fire with her family as a young kid, and Jay is the biggest part of that. She wants to eat Chinese food in front of a cheesy Christmas movie with him and fall asleep only after they’re both exhausted.

Except, of course, because it’s 2020, things don’t go as planned at all.

The suspect they were surveilling ends up being a bigger piece of the puzzle than anyone thought, and by the time Christmas Eve rolls around, their investigation has turned into a Title 3 wire that has to start immediately.

Kevin and Adam spend the morning getting everything in place, setting surveillance, and she, Jay, and Kim get everything in place in the tech room.

By late afternoon, Voight tells them he’ll need two of them to stay overnight and cover the wire, he doesn’t care which two, but it’s Christmas, don’t fight.

When Voight leaves, she looks over at Jay and nods toward the break room. When he meets her in front of the sink, she sighs.

“I know,” is all he says.

“It’s just… Kevin’s sister quarantined for two weeks so she could come to spend Christmas with him, and Kim is going to her sister’s, and Adam dresses up as Santa for his nephew every year,” she says.

His fingers find hers at the edge of the counter. “Hailey, it’s fine. I just wanted to spend Christmas with you. If it’s gotta be like this, we’ll make do.”

“Yeah?”

He nods. “Yeah, come on.”

Kim hugs her, quick and tight when they tell them all to leave, and Jay grins before calling goodbye to “Santa” as Adam gathers his stuff.

“Dude, Hailey,” Adam groans. “Just because you saw the Santa suit in my closet one time doesn’t mean you can tell everyone that story.”

“Bro, you own the suit? That’s so much better, thanks for that detail,” Jay calls, and laughter follows Adam, Kim, and Kevin down the stairs.

Voight leaves a while later, with a promise to be back in the morning to check-in. By the time they’re settling into the tech room, it’s almost 7, and her stomach is rumbling.

“Hey,” she says, leaning back in her chair. “I know this isn’t the Christmas we planned on, but can we still get Chinese? My treat. I’m hungry.”

“Read my mind,” he says, handing over his phone for her to order, the website of their favorite place already open.

——————————

By the time the food gets there and they eat, they’re a couple of hours into the wire. His phone beeps as they’re cleaning up their food, and he glances down to see a text from Will.

“Hey, are you good here for a few minutes? Will’s got a couple of free minutes now.”

She nods, and he leans over to press a kiss to her temple. “Back soon.”

“Tell Best Halstead hi,” she calls over her shoulder to him, grinning.

He settles down onto the couch in the breakroom and dials Will’s number, his brother’s stupid red hair the first thing he sees in the low light of the doctor’s lounge.

“Hey,” Will says. “Where is your significantly better better-half?”

He rolls his eyes. “If you couldn’t tell by the breakroom, we’re still at work. We caught a pretty big case, so she and I are working the night shift. She says hey.”

“Dude, that sucks.”

He shrugs. “At least we’re together,” he says. “Plans changed, but… 2020, right?”

Will nods. “What were your plans?”

He glares at the screen, raising an eyebrow. “Bro.”

Will laughs. “Ugh, never mind.”

Jay shrugs. “Hey, you asked. But we had some Chinese food, and we’ll just postpone the other plans.”

“That beats my granola bar and Red Eye.”

“Glad to see some things never change, even this year. Hey, I should get back. You okay over there?”

He watches Will’s face crease with stress. “No, but. You know. We’re all trying.”

“I know, man. I’m sorry. Merry Christmas, almost.”

“Merry Christmas, bro. Tell Hailey your face is no match for hers. Thanks for keeping the tradition alive this year.”

“Same, bro.” He waves and reaches out to end the call, grateful for a tiny piece of normalcy, a little tradition in a weird, scary year, and on a holiday that isn’t going how he planned. He glances around the room, to the sink where he’d told Hailey he just wanted to spend Christmas with her, where he’d almost told her everything a couple of years prior. He thinks about her face in the truck the other day, her smile as she’d told him about her favorite childhood Christmas tradition.

His eyes fall on a box in the corner of the room, supplies from when the city went through a run of rolling blackouts in the heat of summer. He knows there are candles in there still, and his mind sets to work.

——————————

“How’s Will?” She asks, stretching her arms up over her head as he comes back in the room a while later.

“He’s going through it still, but he’s good. Apparently, he thinks you’re prettier than I am,” he tells her, and she laughs.

“Told you he was the best Halstead.”

“I’ll admit he’s not wrong about that, but I dunno about best Halstead,” he says, coming to stand behind her. His fingers dig into tense muscle in her shoulders, and she sighs, taking her hand off the mouse and relaxing under his touch. His left thumb digs into a knot at the base of her neck, and she closes her eyes.

“Did I miss anything?” He asks quietly.

“No,” she whispers. “This guy is boring. Maybe it’s the holiday, I don’t know. But it’s gonna be a long night, I think.”

His breath on her neck makes her open her eyes. His lips press just below her ear, and more tension eases out of her from beneath his fingers.

“Wanna go knockout for a couple of hours? Relax?”

She shakes her head. “No, you go first. I’m still wired. I just need to stretch a little. You know I wouldn’t sleep anyway.”

“Okay,” he says. “Come get me if you want me.”

She grins, and he rolls his eyes. “Fine. Come get me if you need me.”

She winks, and he presses his lips to her neck slowly for a moment before backing away and heading out the door.

She stands and stretches slowly, breathing in and counting out breaths slowly as her muscles start to relax. She settles back in front of the computer and loses herself in watching the wire, copying video files, and organizing files. She’s not sure how much time has passed before Jay peeks his head back in the room, but she knows it hasn't been any more than an hour at most.

“Couldn’t sleep?”

“Nah,” he says. “Hey, come take a quick break with me.”

She glances at the screens in front of her, at the clock above her.

“C’mon,” he says, gesturing out the door. “You said yourself he’s boring. Set all the videos to autosave. Just 15 minutes. We’ll go back through it later.”

She considers for a moment and nods, clicking a few buttons and following him out the door.

——————————

“You were supposed to be sleeping,” she says, walking into the breakroom and turning quickly to face him.

He shrugs. “Figured maybe we’d try to have some new kind of Christmas tradition tonight.”

“Jay…” He waits for her to say more, but she trails off, and he nudges her hip toward the couch.

The candles had been easy to pull out of the box and set up on the table, and he’d stolen matches from the box, lighting them before he’d left the room.

The cookies had proven more difficult, but he figures Oreos from the vending machine in the lobby are better than none.

They obviously didn’t have a copy of ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas hanging around, but he’d Googled and printed off the poem, and that would have to do.

She just watches him as she sits, and he lifts the corner of his mouth in a smile. “I know holiday traditions can be hard as you get older, and some have to change, but some are worth bringing back.”

She just nods as he comes to sit next to her, and he watches her take in the flicker of the flames from the candles.

“It’s not a fireplace, and if anyone ever asks, I definitely did not burn the emergency preparedness candles. And there’s no eggnog, but Kim does have a half-empty bottle of eggnog flavored coffee creamer in the fridge if you’re feeling brave.” He hands her the Oreos, and she laughs. “They’re not homemade, but they’re better than I could make. And, here,” he says, pulling the poem out of his back pocket and handing it to her.

She bites her lip as she unfolds it, reading the first few lines aloud.

“‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all thro’ the house, Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;”

“I love you for doing this,” she says quietly, her lips finding his in the dark of the room.

He presses his thumb against her jaw and kisses her back slowly.

She pulls back and smiles, leaning into him. “Thank you.”

“We need our own traditions,” he says. “Hopefully, they won’t always include Christmas in this breakroom, but I think I’d be okay if they did.”

She nods. “Me too.”

He wants to spend the rest of the night like this, but he knows they have to get back to work eventually.

“Come on,” he says, pulling her against his chest. “Finish the poem.”

The candlelight bounces off the page as her quiet voice fills the room again and his lips find her neck.

(Her voice is fading in and out as she reaches the final lines, and he presses his lips to her temple as he eases her down onto the couch, blowing out the candles and pulling the door shut quietly behind him.

She’ll wake up soon, and come find her spot next to him, working beside him easily, and that’ll always be his favorite tradition of theirs.)

[ethelphantom]

Like You Could Be Family

And I’m back with new soulmate AUs. This is my Maribat Secret Santa contribution to @worlds-tiniest-spook-pastry​. I hope you like it even though it seems my brain took some liberties with the instructions. There shouldn’t be anything you specifically said you didn’t want, though. I think. So yeah. I hope you like it. (It’s Timari, by the way). There’s also a piece of art of one of the scenes that I ended up doing bc I’ve got absolutely no self-control at the end so don’t miss it!

Ao3 | Part 2 | Part 3

“Dick, are you seriously trying to model on the cheese shelf? I swear I’m going to disown you as soon as we get home— hey, miss, do you want a new embarrassing brother? You look like you could actually be family anyway.”

Marinette stared at her wrist. Of all the things she was expecting to read on her skin once she turned 18, she wasn’t— it really was not, well, whatever the hell this was.

She massaged her temples, trying to make sense of the sentence her soulmate would say to her as the first thing after today. She could not believe that she would actually have to see someone modeling on the cheese shelf in a grocery store judging by how it all sounded like.

Yeah… What if she just didn’t go on her trip to the States with Uncle Jagged like she had meant to? After all, the sentence was in English — in all likeliness, she was going to meet her soulmate there. Marinette most certainly was not ready.

Then again, fate had a funny way of making things happen anyway, so it wasn’t like she could just avoid it. Besides, she did want to meet her soulmate, so maybe she just should resign to her fate and go regardless of how much she was not waiting for it to happen.

So. Everyone got to see the first words their soulmate would say to them after their 18th birthday, and as it was, it was Marinette’s 18th birthday. She had earlier that day heard from Uncle Jagged that he was going to take her with him to the States to go around the country and to perhaps meet new people that might want to commission her or possibly sponsor her. It was very sweet of him and Marinette really did want to go with him — after all, she was finally able to travel since there was no longer a threat of akumas because Gabriel Agreste had been arrested; He could just rot in prison for all she cared because of how he had treated Adrien and for endangering the entire City of Lights for so very long — but she really was not ready to meet her soulmate, not so soon.

Especially not if this was how she was supposed to meet them instead of a peaceful, not so strange situation.

But, as all things always went with Uncle Jagged, she gave into him and told her parents she would be gone for the summer at least. Maybe longer, since if she got enough commission work or someone to sponsor her, there was a chance she’s stay. Then there was the fact she might meet her soulmate, which also meant there was a chance she’d stay with them.

Really, she just didn’t know if she would even come home after this or if she’d start a new home there, but she told her parents that too. Her maman and papa just smiled at her and embraced her, telling her that it was fine, that they would support her no matter what. She just needed to tell them where she was going to live so they could visit.

And as she had guessed (and hoped), they were there too on the day she left, stood in front of the aeroport and told her their goodbyes and shed a few tears. They wanted to wait with her for her uncle. After all, she would be travelling with him and Aunt Penny. And Fang, obviously. One must never forget Fang. Oh, yes, she couldn’t leave Adrien out either — Uncle Jagged had insister he come with them since he was her best friend, his aunt had given the go-ahead when they asked after hearing Marinette was going as well, and he really didn’t have a family outside the Graham de Vanilys and Dupain-Chengs.

Her parents hugged her and told her she would always be welcome home, as was Adrien, and that they loved her more than anything. Marinette smiled back and told them she was going to miss them. Then they — along with his aunt Amilie — made sure they hugged Adrien as well and told him he was like the son they never had (well, Amilie did not say that) and that they all loved him, too. Marinette was glad, seeing he now had a family as well.

That’s how their journey began.

Adrien was, as one might have guessed, excited about the trip. He hadn’t gotten out much in the years before this and now he was actually free from his father — no, just Gabriel; That man did not deserve the title of a father — and allowed to actually travel with his best friend and his idol. There was no Gabriel to stop him from actually living. He too had received a soulmark (“I doubt he would. So, your best friend is the soulmate of mine, huh? Wait… that’s weird, I could’ve almost sworn— It’s you??”) a year earlier, on his eighteenth birthday, and as that too was in English, there was  good chance they’d both meet their soulmates on the trip. The average age for meeting one’s soulmate tended to be between ages 10 and 23, after all.

Thank god both of them had oddly specific things on their wrists; it would make recognising their soulmates a whole lot easier.

They ended up visiting many beautiful cities (New York City, Los Angeles, Charlestown, Metropolis, Salt Lake City, St Louis and Portland) before Jagged decided he wanted to show his niece and her best friend his home city. Adrien was excited. Marinette was a little excited, but knowing Jagged, also suspicious. Penny tried her best to convince him out of it, but no. That did not help.

(If you asked Marinette, it was because she was weak when it came to Jagged being actually excited about something, and since it wasn’t messing with any actual schedules, she ended up giving in to him.)

And just like that, they were headed to Gotham.

“Listen up kiddos! I managed to contact my friend whose oldest kids I used to take to different places to have fun whenever I could, and he says he’s got room for us all! How does that sound like to you?” he asked, basically bouncing on the balls of his feet as they were on their way towards the aeroport. He had switched to French to make it easier for them to talk about it — it was a big decision to make, after all. On one hand, that person was Uncle Jagged’s friend, and to both Marinette and Adrien that meant it was unlikely they were going to run into another Gabriel Agreste. On the other hand, in reality they knew nothing about him and all those years spent as superheroes had taught them to be cautious of anything new. New could always be good, but the problem was, new could also mean a bunch of evil butterflies attacking the city, possessing people and torturing absolutely everyone in the city for years.

“Well, Chaton, it’s your call. I’m going to trust Uncle Jagged not to have chosen a serial killer to take us in—” Adrien snorted at that, “—but you’re the one who’s gone though more shittiness from rich people than I have, so yeah. I’m making this your choice. Please don’t feel pressured to say yes.”

Adrien looked thoughtful for a second before nodding. “Yes. I want this. I want to see new people that could maybe prove me wrong about what rich people are like.”

Marinette grinned. “That’s the spirit! Though, Chaton, I have to say, you are a rich person, Jagged is a rich person, Kagami is a rich person. I think you’ve got rich and not horrible people around you as well, and all of them also happen to be close with you. But yeah, I think I get what you mean.”

Adrien punched her in the shoulder lightly, grinning back at her. Marinette almost had to cover her eyes because it looked like he was brighter than the sunshine itself as he beamed.

Jagged seemed ecstatic to find out they wanted to try meeting his friend and spend time with said friend’s children. Penny rolled her eyes fondly at her husbands enthusiasm and excitement, but went along. After all, someone needed to make sure all of them got there alive.

Once they arrived at Gotham, Marinette was surprised to find the first thing they did was not going to whoever Uncle Jagged had said was his friend but to go to a grocery store.

To buy the ingredients to the favourite food of the mysterious friend was apparently the reason why. Marinette hoped the friend’s taste was better than Jagged’s, she could not handle another week of weird smelling, suspicious foods that Jagged wanted (thank heavens for Penny and the fact she had made ordering edible food an art of mastery.)

Marinette sighed, resigning to her fate. She snatched the shopping list from her uncle’s hands and dragged Adrien along before anyone could protest. “Alright, so we gotta get all of this… Could you please go find the vegetables? And actually the rice, too. I’ll text you which vegetables are needed in just a second, okay?”

Upon receiving a positive answer as Adrien nodded and walked off, Marinette went to search for the meat. It turned out to be a task more difficult than she would have liked to admit — the store was rather big and she didn’t even know where to start.

Finally she found her way to the milk products, proud of herself since usually milk products were placed somewhere near the meat. It wasn’t good enough just yet, though, so once she noticed a small group of guys goofing around (This is what it means boys will be boys, she thought, not when they don’t leave a girl alone even after she tells them no). She was just about to ask them if they knew where the meat was when she saw one of them walk to one of the shelves and lie down, propping one leg up as he posed himself to look like he was…

Modeling.

God, did Marinette wish this was not was she thought it was.

Marinette sighed and walked closer to them, watching as one of the shorter ones in the group groaned and buried his face in his hands. “Dick, are you seriously trying to model on the cheese shelf?” he asked. Marinette’s eyes widened but she walked even closer, not sure if she really had heard right. She needed to know whether she’d heard him right. “I swear, I’m going to disown you as soon as we get home—” The man turned around and looked Marinette up and down before putting a smile on his face. Then he walked to her and spoke as though what he was saying was completely normal and not weird at all. “Hey, miss, do you want a new embarrassing brother? You look like you could actually be family anyway.”

The man still lying on the shelf laughed. “You’re right about that, Timmers. Blalck hair and blue eyes, fits the picture. We gotta keep Bruce from adopting her somehow. You don’t happen to have a tragic backstory, kid?”

Marinette was still staring at them in shock, mouth hanging slightly open before she took a quick glance at her wrist. Indeed. She had heard right. Then she looked at the man who had first spoken to her and, summoning willpower and confidence she didn’t even know she had right now, spoke up. “I don’t think disowning him is even necessary to make him my brother, and it seems there’s a chance we might become family regardless of whether this Bruce adopts me or not,” she blurted out, grimacing at her strong accent. She knew she spoke better and with cleared English, but the shock of meeting her soulmate had her relapse to the accent of her natice tongue.

All of the laughter quieted down as though cut off and their smiles fell, all four of them now looking at her like they had seen a ghost. The first to recover was a guy a little taller than her with auburn hair and — were those eyes yellow? — whose smile was probably brighter than what she’d ever seen on Adrien , and well. Adrien was the literal sunshine personified. She had barely even managed to blink before he was standing in front of her, having shoved her soulmate away.

“It’s great to meet you, miss! We were wondering already when we’d get to meet you, if he’d try to hide you from us or if he’d let us meet you right away,” he said laughing and winked. “Turns out, we got to meet you at the same time as he did! I’m Bart!”

With a light tilt of her head, Marinette smiled back at him. “Marinette, it’s lovely to meet you as well.”

The man still lying on the shelf was the second to collect himself (the other two guys who weren’t her soulmate seemed to recover as soon as he got up, but both of them stayed silent). He stood up (god he was tall, she didn’t deserve this. Marinette seriously wished the rest of the family would not be as tall so she wouldn’t need to look up to be able to talk to them easily — she had enough of that with Adrien) and was in front of her with a few graceful strides. He too greeted her with a smile on his face.

“Name’s Richard, though I have to say, please do not call me that. Especially family should call me Dick. And, since you’re apparently the soulmate of Timmy here, welcome to the family. I’m his oldest big brother, and that scowling kid (“I’m not a kid, Grayson!”) over there is our little brother, Damian. There are a whole lot more of us though, but you’ll meet them later (“Not if I can help it she won’t”). Actually. You don’t happen to be free tonight, do you? We’re having dinner with the whole family for a change today, it’d be great to have you there as well.”

“You are aware Father invited his old friend and his companions to the manor today, aren’t you, Grayson?” the scowling kid — Damian, wasn’t he? — asked from behind them, arms crossed over his chest.

“Well, yes, but I strongly doubt Bruce would mind at all if we invited Timmy’s soulmate over as well. His freaking soulmate, Damian. It’s more likely that he will be happy we did so.”

“Er, I’m sorry, but my uncle wants me to be with him, his wife and my best friend today,” Marinette said, hopefully cutting off whatever argument was starting to form between the two. She was still standing in the same place, not completely sure how to act. She had never thought there would be this many people who were important in her soulmate’s life near at once. It was overwhelming — after all, it meant she had to manage to make a good first impression right away.

The last of them, the one who had yet to speak, was still staring at her, though now he no longer looked like he was shocked to see her. No, now he was scowling, glaring, looking like he was examining her. Marinette took a step away from him and closer to her soulmate unconsciously, her eyes never leaving him. Yet another thing years of fighting villains had taught her: do not let your guard down near people that looked even the slightest bit threatening — which this guy definitely look like.

She really wished she didn't need to be alone here.

“Maribug! What are you standing around for?”

Thank heavens for Adrien and his timing.

Adrien threw an arm around her shoulders and leaned forwards a little, whispering “I’m sorry it took so long to get here, my hearing and smell aren’t as good when in this form. Did they try to do anything to you?” in French.

She found it sweet that once he’d understood why flirting with her so much was not okay, he’d researched sexual harassment thoroughtly and now was quick to act and make sure she was okay if things ever looked like there was even the slightest chance someone was harassing her, just like she did with him and his fangirls (especially Lila.) Dear god did she love her best friend.

“No, there’s no problem. Thanks Chaton”, she replied, shaking her head. Adrien squeezed her lightly before he let go, now apparently having a staredown with the kind of scary guy. Marinette let out a quiet laugh before tugging him by the hand to look the other way, to her soulmate. “Adrien, I’d like you to meet my soulmate,” she said, easily switching back to English. That seemed to finally shake him — she recalled Dick calling him Timmy and Timmers, so his name was probably Tim — out of his trance. He shook his head and stretched his hand out to Adrien.

“Hi. I think I might’ve seen you before somewhere. I’m Tim, her soulmate,” he said, smiling at the two of them.

“I’m Adrien, her best friend. You better take good care of her.”

“Adrien!”

Tim just laughed. “It’s fine, I suppose mine will try to have that conversation with you later as well. I’m sorry, I didn’t introduce myself to you earlier either. Like said, I’m Tim Drake, it’s wonderful to meet you. I love your outfit, is it an MDC?”

Okay, wow. He recognised her outfit as an MDC — which, of course, was her own brand so it just meant she’d made her clothes herself, but it wasn’t like she had made her identity public information yet anyway. This guy was a keeper. “Ah, yes, it is! How did you know?”

Now that he had made it clear he knew who MDC was, she started examining his outfit for anything familiar — of, wait, his shirt. She’d made it as a commission as few years back. She was also pretty sure that the hoodie Bart was sporting was from her autumn line based on superheroes from last year.

Adrien shot her a knowing look and a smirk which had her want to just flip him off before he turned to look at Bart who was making his way to Adrien.

“The signature on the hem kind of revealed it,” Tim replied.

Marinette arched an eyebrow. “But it’s almost invisible. It couldn't be that easy.”

“I know how to look for details. I love MDC by the way, I have a few of her designs as well.”

“I noticed. The shirt is hers, isn’t it?”

“Yeah! I commissioned it from her a while… back…” Tim’s voice trailed off. “...how exactly did you realise it was hers? I know for a fact the signature is hidden and on the flip side, so that cannot be it.”

It seemed Adrien had been listening to their conversation instead of talking with Bart as it didn’t take him even a second to chime in. “Yeah, that’s because she made it. Oh, and I might look familiar because I tend to model most of MDC’s — Marinette’s — designs for men for her website. If you like MDC and are that familiar with her work, that’s probably were you’d know me.”

“Well, there goes that secret. Hi, I’m Marinette Dupain-Cheng, better known as MDC. I’m glad to hear you like my designs.”

“Wait. Timmers, you got MDC as your soulmate? That is so unfair,” Dick said, leaning against Tim’s shoulder.

Tim didn’t even grace that with a reply. He was — once again — staring at Marinette, his mouth hanging open. It was a miracle he’d even managed to shove Dick away. Marinette just smiled sheepishly and shrugged, letting her gaze wander to the side and the suddenly very interesting floor.

The man who still had said nothing walked to them, placed a finger under Tim’s chin and closed it. “He’s just a big fan — as is a big portion of their family, apparently — couldn’t stop talking about how ‘amazing it was that MDC accepted his commission’ at all for weeks at the time. Hi, I’m Conner, also one of his best friends. You better treat him well, or…”

“Yeah, that’s enough, Kon, let’s not threaten her too much so she won’t run away. I think he’d probably like to keep her,” Dick snorted. “You can give her the shovel talk once they start dating — if they start dating, that is.”

Marinette didn’ t know what to say, so she just kept silent and smiled, instead opting to listen to Adrien talking with Bart next to her. It helped her ground a little, knowing her best friend was right there with her.

“Nah, sure I love her, but just platonically. She’s my best friend, like a sister to me, so he doesn’t need to worry about me coming in between them. Well, unless he hurts her, that is.”

In front of her, Conner stopped talking with Dick and turned to look at the two. Tim did the same. Marinette soon understood why, as well.

“I doubt he would,” Bart replied, an obvious smile echoing in his voice. “So, your best friend is the soulmate of mine, huh?” Marinette’s smile fell and she turned to look at her best friend, who seemed to recognise the far too familiar words coming out of Bart’s mouth as well. Bart was looking at his wrist, now mumbling. “Wait… that’s weird, I could’ve almost sworn—” Then his gaze snapped to Adrien. “It’s you??”

“Oh mon dieu.”

“Oh mon dieu vraiment.”

With a quick glance, it seemed that everyone was now looking at Adrien and Bart. There was a smile growing on both their faces, though it was there far faster on Bart’s definitely. Grinning, Adrien turned to Marinette.

He grabbed her by the shoulders and started speaking in rapid-fire French. Understandable, it was much easier to both of them to deal with feelings in. “I cannot believe this! We both got to meet our soulmates on this trip, almost at the same time, and in Gotham of all places! I swear this was the last place I would have expected to find them at and I am so happy about this and just look at him he’s so adorable and precious I can’t even! I have known him for all of three minutes but I already love him. Oh my god, Jagged is not going to believe this—”

“Oh my god, Uncle Jagged. And I forgot the meat. We have to hurry, we can’t let him and Penny and his friend wait for us too long. Please tell me you didn’t forget anything I asked you to find.” Thankfully, Adrien shook his head.

Of course she had forgotten something. Now, it meant that she was starting to panic. “I am so very sorry, but I forgot that I was supposed to find ingredients for my uncle and I have to go now. I’m so sorry. We’ll still be in Gotham for some time, maybe I’ll run into you later again? Bye!” And with that, she dragged Adrien with her, leaving both her and Adrien’s soulmates behind. Adrien just waved to them before running beside her.

She left them behind having completely forgotten about asking for any means to contact any of them.

This she, obviously, only realised when she was in the car with Uncle Jagged, Aunt Penny and Adrien, already on their way to Jagged’s friend.

“I cannot believe I forgot to ask for his number or anything. I had to clear my inbox a while back, too, so it’s going to take me ages to find even his email address,” she moaned and buried her face in her hands. Adrien just patted her head, trying to comfort her. Yeah, that’s right, she had dragged Adrien away from his soulmate as well. That made her even worse.

“Wait, who are you talking about, kid? Whose number did you forget to ask? A potential new client?” Jagged asked, confused about what his niece was on about.

Marinette lifted her head for a moment to answer him. There were tear streaks on her face, she realised, when the air was a little too cool at only some places on her cheeks and hands. “No, my soulmate’s. I finally met him but then I realised I was late and Adrien met his soulmate as well but I just dragged him away too and oh god I’m such a horrible friend.” Then she let her head fall into her hands again.

“You met your soulmates? In Gotham?” Jagged gasped. “I’m so happy you met them here.”

“Jagged, you do realise this is Gotham, one of the most crime-ridden cities in the world, right?”

“But Penny, I’m sure these kiddos’ soulmates aren’t bad! They are so pure, not even fate would be so cruel! Anyway, kid, you should have stayed with him or asked him to join us! There’s nothing as rock and roll as meeting your soulmate! I would have been fine with waiting for you so you could get his number.”

“His brother actually asked me to come over to his place and have a dinner with his family. I said no because I was supposed to come with you to your friend’s place.”

“You should’ve said yes, Mari! I could have told Bruce you weren’t able to come ‘cuz you met your soulmate and he would’ve been okay with it!”

“What’s done is done, Uncle Jagged. Can we forget about this now? I want to wallow in self-pity.”

Adrien just shook his head and took her hands to his. “No, and you’re not a bad friend, Buginette. I know how you get like when things start becoming hectic, but one, I’m already used to it, and two, maybe we’ll see him again. He lives here and he told you his name, didn’t he? And you told him yours? You can probably try to find him tomorrow. I’m sure you will. And, once you find him, I’ll get to mine as well because he said they were best friends. There’s really nothing to worry about, Mari.”

“You’re way too good for me. I don’t deserve you.”

“Yes you do. Now take this tissue, dry your face and we can go inside.”

Oh. They’d already arrived at the manor Jagged’s friend lived in. Marinette took the tissue Adrien handed her, wiped the tears off her face and then stepped out of the car, Adrien following right behind her. There was a man with a white streak in his otherwise black hair waiting at the door, a cigar in his hands.

“Hi Jagged. B said you were coming soon. Get in. It’s a little chaotic right now, babybird apparently met his soulmate and then lost her just about immediately, so he also invited his friends over,” the man said, drawing a breath out of his cigar. It seemed he recognised Jagged immediately, which was probably a good sign.

“Seems like we’er not the only ones with soulmate problems today,” Adrien whispered to her. Marinette just nodded. While she wasn’t one to take joy in others’ problems, she was kind of a little glad to hear that they weren’t the only ones who had to suffer with them right now.

“Well, hello Jay-lad, you’re alive again!” Jagged exclaimed as though being alive again was totally normal and squeezed the man. What the hell. When Marinette looked at Penny, hoping for some sort of an explanation for this, she just shrugged. “Great to see you’ve grown into a big boy now. These are Marinette and Adrien, my niece and her best friend. Oh, and Penny, my wife.”

“Oh give it a rest, won’t you, I wasn’t actually that small back then either. Where’s Fang?”

“Left him in my brother’s care.”

“The one that works at Arkham?”

“That one. He said he’s gonna take him with him to work today.”

“Great, let’s hope he bites Joker’s head or at least hand off. But yeah, good to see you’ve gotten yourself a family now so you don’t need to borrow me or Dick to have children anymore. Now, get in, it’s not too warm a night.” Once Adrien and Marinette got near him, he nodded as greeting. “I’m Jason, B’s second son and the kid Jagged used to borrow every now and then when he wanted to take a kid to concerts or the amusement park or somethin’.”

Adrien snorted next to Marinette who just chuckled. “Sounds like something Uncle Jagged would totally do. He basically adopted me as his niece after I designed him an atrocious pair of glasses,” Marinette laughed. “And Adrien got in because his father is an ass, and my family has joint custody of him with his aunt, which then led to Jagged wanting to take him with us as well.”

“Of course he did. Only Jagged and B would, I swear. Only them.”

They followed Jason inside (Jagged had already taken the liberty to just march in like he owned the place and announce he was back in Gotham, dragging Penny with him), marvelling at how gorgeous and beautiful everything looked. Even Adrien, who had grown up in a similar house, did, perhaps because while this manor was as big (if not far bigger) and just about as decorated as the Agreste Mansion had been, this was also warm and felt like home, like someone actually lived there instead of just… occupying the space. It was amazing.

A broad-shouldered man walked to them to welcome them in. It was probably B (Bruce? Marinette was pretty sure that was what Jagged had called him), based on how Jason greeted him, punching him lightly in the shoulder while he just ruffled Jason’s hair.

“It’s wonderful to meet the family Jagged speaks so fondly of finally. I’m Bruce Wayne. Come inside, I’d like you two to meet my children,” he said, smiling warmly at the two of them. Adrien was a little wary, but followed him anyway, never leaving Marinette’s side and his hand in hers. It wasn’t surprising and Marinette didn’t judge him for it — after all, as far as Adrien was aware, this man could be just like Gabriel (even if by all likelihood he wasn’t).

Jason snorted behind them. “He speaks of his children like there are only a handful of us instead of like, a million, like there in reality are. He’s a serial adopter, I swear. Be careful or he adopts the both of you — Blondie Locks sounds like he has a tragic backstory, and you have at the very least the blue eyes and black hair.”

Marinette rolled her eyes, somewhat ready to meet new people. But, once they actually got to the living room, they weren’t met with a bunch of unfamiliar faces, no. Instead, Marinette immediately recognised four of them, one of which was her soulmate.

How else. Fate had a funny way of doing things, making sure you couldn't avoid your soulmate.

Not that she wasn’t glad about it for this once.

Bart looked up and basically appeared next to Adrien — how fast was he anyway? — who then immediately hugged him. Well. If Bart was here and he was indeed every bit the precious sunshine he seemed to be and Adrien claimed he was, Marinette could safely leave Adrien to him. She squeezed Adrien’s hand once more before making her way towards Tim who met her halfway.

She smiled sheepishly at him. “Sorry, I kind of tend to get stuck in my head when things start to get hectic and forgot to ask you for your contact information,” she chuckled, tilting her head.

Tim just smiled at her, arching an eyebrow. “Well, we got to meet this soon anyway, so I think I can forgive you that this once.”

“Hey!”

He just laughed at her and crossed his arms over his chest. “Besides, you told me you were MDC — I would have been able to get in contact with you rather easily,” he reminded her.

Oh yeah. That too.

“It’s wonderful to meet you again, Tim. I can’t wait to get to know you better.”

“You took the words right out of my mouth, Marinette. I’m glad I got to meet you, soulmate.”

Marinette opened her arms slightly, and once Tim nodded and she got the go-ahead, she hugged him tight. Glancing at her wrist and the odd words written on it, the corners of her lips quirked upwards.

Perhaps, perhaps it wasn’t that bad to have “Dick, are you seriously trying to model on the cheese shelf? I swear I’m going to disown you as soon as we get home— hey, miss, do you want a new embarrassing brother? You look like you could actually be family anyway.” written on her body permanently.

After all, those words led her to the young man called Tim she could already tell was a wonderful person, and later on, Marinette couldn't have been happier to call him her beloved soulmate.

(click for better quality)

_____

@kris-pines04​ @thethirdwheelfriend​ @daminett4life​

[thefriendlyfrog]

Too many thoughts on SPN 15x17, “Unity”

Welp, I don’t usually do this, but this episode was so great and packed with so many good parallels and callbacks I couldn’t help it! Meredith Glynn is such a great writer. So, let’s begin. Lots of spoilers under the cut.

The first scene opens up to Amara living life to the fullest in an Icelandic hot spring (I’ve been to some in Iceland and would 10/10 recommend – don’t bother with the Blue Lagoon, though). My eyes were immediately drawn to the super recognizable cover of Murakami’s “Norwegian Wood”. Now, I haven’t read this book since, like, high school (now realizing that was a DECADE ago), but I do remember the general plot and themes of the story (I should really reread that again, it’s a good book). Basically, the story is recalled by our narrator and protagonist Watanabe at a later point in his life as he is reminded of a time of life when the Beatles’ song “Norwegian Wood” plays. I don’t want to spoil the whole book, but basically it is a coming of age story that is steeped in themes of regret, sex, love, and death (among others, it really is a literary treasure trove!). Skip the next paragraph if you don’t want “Norwegian Wood” spoilers.

In short: Watanabe’s best friend from high school commits suicide which haunts him and his friend’s girlfriend, Naoki, for the rest of their lives. Watanabe and Naoki become close and romantically involved, but she leaves for a sanitorium. Watanabe wants to be with Naoki despite her telling him that she doesn’t think she can love anymore (she described herself and her high school boyfriend as soulmates). Watanabe later meets Naoki’s opposite, Midori, a lively girl who Watanabe grows close to and is also interested in. Watanabe essentially doesn’t move forward as he is waiting on Naoki while having Midori waiting on him. At the end of the story, it is revealed that it has always been Midori and he realizes he wants to be with her.

I thought that this was an EXCELLENT pick for Amara to be reading. It really sums of a lot of surface and not-so-surface level themes in Supernatural. Wondering if there is a parallel between Dean and Watanabe about sort of idealizing a life (with someone) that isn’t meant to be while ignoring love in front of you? Would love to hear all of your thoughts.

Moving on (I’m skipping through parts of the episode to just focus on some key observations)! Amara tries to convince Chuck to fight on behalf of this world and wants to show him some of his creations. So, she brings him to Heaven to see his ‘first children’ (i.e., angels). She also refers to angels as having prefect angelic devotion which immediately made me laugh because our fave angel Cas is really devoted to Dean humanity and not Chuck. Ahh! This whole episode just kept pointing out how special Cas is.

And then, callback after callback began. Amara brings Chuck to the bunker so Chuck says, “Is this a trap?” which made me think of episode 9 (“The Trap” by Berens). This was almost immediately followed by another callback when Chuck says, “You can’t hold me here forever,” to which Amara replies, “I can hold you long enough.” Um, Lily Sunder Has Some Regrets (12x10, Yockey), anyone?

Ishim: “You can’t hold me here forever.” … Lily’s powers are wearing off as Ishim approaches her until Cas stabs Ishim in the back with his angel blade. Cas: “You held him for long enough.”

Like, COME ON! Almost verbatim.

Skipping forward to Dean and Jack’s adventure to visit my favorite hippies, Adam and Serafina (like seriously, they were fantastic characters!). Adam refers to himself as, “…first dude off of the assembly line,” which is similar language that has been used to referring to angels in the past (again, invoking Castiel?)

Then Dean assumes the woman is Eve but they both just shake their heads and chuckle, “I’m Serafina,” I’m definitely not the first one to point this out but… the First Man being in a near-lifelong romantic relationship with an angel named Seraph Serafina?! Uh, yeah, ‘nuff said.

Serafina also mentions that she saw Jack when she and Adam were, “…sipping mushroom tea on the Hanging Gardens of Babylon,” which made me wonder if there was some sort of connection with Glynn’s season 14 episode, “Byzantium” (14x08), which is the episode Cas makes his deal with the Empty. Babylon was a fortress of the Byzantine empire (not going to lie, my historical knowledge about the Byzantine empire is preeeeetty limited).  

I also loved the whole speech by Serafina to Dean: “I mean, just think of everything that has had to happen to get Jack to this place, to this moment. Baby, it was meant to be,” Dean, of course, is upset by this because he is probably thinking that this was all basically predestined, and he has had no free will. However, he just needs to wait a little while longer until Chuck tells him to his face that he has never been able to control Cas since he laid his hand on Dean saving him from Hell.

Serafina also heals Adam’s wound and it is, of course, super reminiscent of Cas healing Dean (although, even Serafina doesn’t directly touch Adam when healing him – it’s, once again, unique to Castiel). Obligatory hand squeal: HANDS!!!! Wow, they are not even trying to be subtle about the whole hands thing. It is so IN YOUR FACE begging for the audience to notice it.

Adam then mentions how much power is in his rib: “But this puppy? Is packing enough punch to create LIFE. Or, in your case, destroy God.” Well, at this point I think we can all be pretty certain that in the end it will NOT be used to destroy God, so will it instead be used for creation? Excited to see how they defuse Jack’s supernova bomb next episode.

Rounding off Dean’s vignette is a heartbreaking scene with him and Jack in the Impala. Dean says, “I don’t know how to explain it. When I learned about Chuck, it was like – it’s like I wasn’t alive. Not really. You know, like, my whole life I’ve never been free. But like, really free. But now, me and Sam, we got a shot at living a life…But now we have a chance. And that’s because of you.” Again, this is before Dean learns that Cas’ actions were made of his own free will, and from the sounds of it, Dean’s connection to Amara as well. I also immediately wondered if Jack bringing Dean some sense of freedom was what Cas saw when Jack showed him “paradise”.

Moving on to Sam’s vignette: Sam remembers that Sergei mentioned the Key of Death was in the bunker (how did he remember this, wasn’t he unconscious at the time? A little disappointed Cas didn’t get to provide that little fact but I’m also glad that Sam actually served a purpose this episode and was a bit more front and center). They find the Key of Death and there is an inscription in Latin on the box:

Viator mortalis, cave, quoniam scias Clavem Mortis pensare graviter. Il tamen desideres ut introeas illum abyssum obscurissimum artis opus est tibi porta.

Okay, fair warning: I took Latin for 4 years but it has been awhile so my translation is super not perfect, but I figured I would take a stab at it because the subtitles were wrong at times and Google translate is not perfect. I translated it as something like this:

Mortal traveler, beware, because you know the Key of Death should be considered seriously. However, if you want to enter the darkest abyss, this work of art is the gate/door.

Honestly, there were a few words that I couldn’t find the right conjugations to and I know this isn’t 100% accurate, but it gives you the gist.

Sam then visits Death’s library and finds the Empty there, killing people (?) to get in touch with Death, whom they hasn’t been trusting as of late. We learn that Death’s plan is to assume the role of New God and restore the world back to order, bring back rules. The Empty is wary because they don’t know if they can trust the promise of being able to go back to sleep. Trust issues, the Empty says, because of “your busted-ass friend in the trench coat,” another subtle-not-so-subtle mention of Cas. But why, exactly, did Cas give the Empty ‘trust issues’? Was it because he woke up in the first place? Because he has ‘traipsed in and out’ of the Empty without dying?

We also learn that only Billie can read Chuck’s Death book, and, this may be a crack idea but… maybe Cas should be able to read the book because he was the one that killed Billie and made her Death in the first place? Seems like Cas might have a connection to Billie. It would be cool if Cas were the one to read Chuck’s book.

Finally, we learn a bit more about the Empty, and how they can’t go to Earth unless summoned. Hmm…

Flash forward to Amara and Chuck in the bunker. Amara tells Chuck, “It’s not too late, brother,” and, if you’re like me, you finished that sentence with “it’s never too late (to start all over again)”. So many great Destiel songs out there, but “Never Too Late” takes the cake for me.

Amara and Chuck decide to become one, become ultimate balance. Chuck extends his hand and Amara grasps it as she is absorbed into Chuck. I don’t even know if I really need to say this, but… HANDS! (Destiel is already canon to me but if the show is going to make it more explicitly canon for the audience, it’s going to be through hands as I know people have been shouting about for several seasons now).  

To finish, let’s talk about that kick-ass scene with TFW 2.0 at the end of the episode. We find out that Chuck’s real ending is to have Dean regress and give in to rage and kill everything he loves, probably ultimately leading to his own death. Woof, what a tragic ending (tragedy ≠ good ending). So, we’ve got to subvert that which Dean does after a heartfelt plea from Sam (“You would trade me?”). I enjoyed how much Dean looked back at Cas during this exchange, especially after Sam tells Dean that Eileen will die again. The parallels, the connection.

Honestly, I’m not sure why Cas and Jack were in that scene other than to have some meaningful glances exchanged between Cas and Dean and because TFW2.0 is together in the next scene. But… whatever, more Cas so I liked it.

And finally, the scene that had me shaking with VINDICATION.

Cas to Chuck: “What, you consumed your sister?” Chuck: “We came to an understanding, so spare me your contempt Castiel, the self-hating angel of Thursday. You know what every other version of you did after ‘gripping him tight and raising him from perdition’? They did what they were told. But not you. Not the ‘one off the line with a crack in his chassis’” (Cas looks back at Dean after a moment)

Okay, so let’s break this exchange down. So much satisfaction with just a few sentences. Bravo, Ms. Glynn.

“We came to an understanding.” Didn’t Michael and Adam say the same thing after they decided to share equally in their bond and vessel? Callback #1.

“…self-hating angel of Thursday.” Ahh, it’s been so long since we got mention that Cas is the angel of Thursday. The last time was, what, when Crowley says it to Cas back in season 6? By the way, it was totally meant to be that Supernatural will finish off the series on a Thursday. Callback #2 (ish).

“You know what every other version of you did after ‘gripping him tight and raising him from perdition’?” This is the second time the show has repeated Cas’ first line to Dean near-verbatim in two seasons. You know, just in case the audience forgot Dean and Cas’ infamous first meeting (which I am like 99% sure we are going to get hella callbacks to next episode). Callback #3.

“They did what they were told. But not you. Not the ‘one off the line with a crack in his chassis.’” Again, Chuck is closely paraphrasing what Naomi said about Cas in season 8:

8x21 “The Great Escapist” – Naomi: “You're the famous spanner in the works. Honestly, I think you came off the line with a crack in your chassis. You have never done what you were told. Not completely. You don't even die right, do you?”

Callback #4. Seriously, Glynn packed four callbacks into such a short time period. Wizard.

My only *criticism* of this final scene is that Dean and Cas didn’t seem to react too much to Chuck’s news about Cas always having free will (although, I think Cas already knew this, but it is news and confirmation to Dean!). I highly suspect that will come next week, though. I’m SO excited (and also terrified) for next week. We are definitely going to be getting a lot of Cas next episode. Misha, in an interview, mentioned that we would get Cas’ ‘chapter’ in 18, and I’m wondering if this will be the true Cas-centric episode? I don’t know, maybe the Cas-centric episode was “Gimme Shelter” but I was expecting more of a “The Man Who Would Be King” kind of Cas-centric episode.  

All in all, 10/10. I keep reading and seeing things that are galaxy braining me, so it has been super fun reading all the meta and reactions to this episode.

Three episodes left. Get your tissues ready for Cas’ death (oops, is this even a spoiler at this point?) next episode. And remember, “Nothing ever really ends,” and “The end has no end,”

[tournesolia]

Lost Eden Kanato Vampire Ending Translation

Place: Eden – World tree

Yui: (I… want to stop this fight.)

(Fighting against his brothers… is just sad.)

*Yui runs towards the brothers

Yui: Kanato-kun!! Everyone! Stop righ—

*someone grabs her

Yui: Kyaaa!?

Kino: No no no. You’re forbidden to do as you please.

Yui: Kino-kun…!?

Kino: I need you as an hostage to carry out my plan.

Yui: (Plan…!?)

(That’s right… When we first met, Kino-kun said that he wanted to stop Eden’s apple plan…)

Kanato: Yui-san!!

Yui: K-Kanato-kun…!

Ayato: … Who’s that dude?

Shu: Kino.

I heard about him before. He’s a vampire who aims for power.

Laito: I see… So you predicted his arrival this whole time.

Kino: … You’re noisy.

I have no business with you five for now. Back off!

Subaru: Haah!? Don’t fuck with me!

Reiji: Subaru, hold up!

We have no choice but to comply without creating a fuss, because she’s been taken hostage.

Subaru: Tch…

Kino: Hehe, with this, they’re out of my way.

We can finally settle this, Kanato.

Kanato: … So you fooled us all this time.

Kino: I’m only using this opportunity to get my hands on that power you inherited.

I never meant to be your ally from the beginning, and you knew that, don’t you?

Kanato: …

Kino: As long as this girl is in my hands, you can’t meddle with me that easily.

In other words, I won.

Farewell, Kanato.

*Kino attacks Kanato

Kanato: Ah…!?

*blood splatter and Kanato falls. The World tree also lost all his leaves

Yui: Kanato-kun!!!!

*Yui runs towards Kanato

Yui: Hey, Kanato-kun! Wake up!!

Kanato: …

Yui: Ah… Kanato-kun! Kanato-kuuuun!!

Eh…!?

(This light… What is this!? It’s coming from Kanato-kun’s body…)

Kino: Tch, you’re in the way! Buzz off!!

*Kino pushes Yui

Yui: Kyaa!?

Kino: I won’t hand over Father’s power to anyone! It’s mine now!!

Yui: (Father’s power…? Is that light Karl Heinz-san’s power Kanato-kun inherited!?)

No—

*Kino touches the light that fuses with him

Kino: Ah… Phew…

Hehe… Hehehe… Ahahahaha!!

My dream finally came true! I’ll destroy you all—

*sound of glass cracking

Yui: Kino-kun!?

Kino: Uh… Guh…! W-Why…?

My… My body is… crackling…!!

But… I finally got… Father’s power…!

I’m the son of Karl Heinz! I’m a perfect vessel for his power!!

… No way… Why… I don’t wanna… die yet—

*Kino’s body breaks

Yui: Ah… Aaah…

(First Kanato-kun, and now Kino-kun… What on earth is going on…!?)

Ayato: Breastless, come! It’s too dangerous to stay here!

Reiji said that the world will perish when the World tree withers!

Yui: B-But…! Kanato-kun is…

Subaru: Tch… Stop clinging to him!

He’s dead! I know you don’t wanna accept it but face reality!

Yui: It can’t be…

*there’s a white light then the World tree is blooming again

Laito: Hey, look…! The World tree that withered is…!

Shu: The World tree absorbed our old man’s power.

Ayato: Haah!? I don’t get it!

Y’mean the world won’t perish since the World Tree’s back?

Reiji: … This is beyond my knowledge… What on earth is this…?

Yui: …

(Karl Heinz-san’s power dwells in there…?)

(If… Kanato-kun gets that power again, will he come back to life…?)

*Yui carries Kanato and heads toward the tree

Subaru: Hey! What’re you doing!?

Yui: (I don’t know if it will save him, but…)

Before realizing it,

Kanato-kun and I were

wrapped in something warm.

… Aaah, we’re being

absorbed by the tree.

I thought about so much

unrealistic things… but

I didn’t feel any fears.

I felt nostalgic instead.

It’s as if I had felt this warm

feeling somewhere before.

When I was still alive.

That’s right.

When I lived this small bit of life…

Place: Church

Yui: …

(Father… and all the demons who died in a series of battles…)

(May you rest in peace…)

Several years passed since Kanato-kun

and I got absorbed by the World tree.

Empowered by the World tree,

we awakened as Adam and Eve.

Apparently, all brothers took

turns to watch over the situation

while we were asleep.

When they saw us resurrecting

as Adam and Eve, they were

confused at first but happy.

The World tree that gave us power

to awaken withered again and we

could no longer enter the

Demon World.

So we’re now living with everyone

in the Human World.

Place: Church

Yui: …

Kanato: … So you were here again.

Yui: Ah, Kanato-kun…

Kanato: I can’t understand at all the point of praying God.

It’s not like it will change the past or the future… You must be really bored.

Yui: You may surely not understand the point, but…

I may be saved, even a little, if I pray.

That’s why I’ll keep praying, so everyone can find peace…

Kanato: … I see.

Yui: Ah, since you’re here, you should as well—

Kanato: I’ll pass.

Yui: Ah… Alright then.

(He has the same attitude as usual, but…)

(I also feel like he changed just a little since he became Adam.)

(Because he allows me to pray in the church for Father and everyone else…)

(That alone is a big change.)

Kanato: Say, since we’re both here, how about we make a little detour?

Yui: Eh?

Kanato: When I was on my way to pick you up, I saw a crepe stall in the downtown area.

Let’s head home while eating crepe together.

Yui: Hehe, sure.

Scene change: Downtown

Kanato: Hey, please let me try your crepe.

Yui: Of course. Here, Kanato-kun.

Kanato: Um… Hehe, very delicious and sweet.

Yui: Really? I’m glad…!

Kanato: …

Yui: … What’s wrong?

Kanato: … Nothing. It’s just been a while since I’ve been so happy.

We didn’t find a world just for the two of us,

And I was surprised when they suddenly said I became Adam the moment I woke up, but…

I’m happy to be with you like that, in any way possible.

Yui: … Kanato-kun…

I’m also happy to be with you.

I really felt pain when you died…

That’s why I’m so happy we go out and have fun, like in a dream.

Kanato: Hehe, thank you so much.

I never thought… I’d need my father’s power.

But thanks to that same power that dwelled in the World Tree, I can be here with you now.

Now that I think about it, that power wasn’t that bad.

Yui: Yes…

Kanato: I love you, Yui-san.

Yui: Me too… I love you and only you, Kanato-kun.

Kanato: Thank you very much… *kisses her

Yui: *kisses back

Kanato: Hey, let’s enter that cake shop next. I’d like to eat a delicious shortcakes.

Yui: Hehe, alright. Let’s do this!

(Adam and Eve, or something like that…)

(There are still plenty of things we don’t understand since we just woke up, but…)

(Being able to live with Kanato-kun is enough to make me happy.)

(We stay together all day eating sweets and sleeping in the same bed at night.)

(May this happy life last forever--)

Vampire ending : End

[pink-bird-30]

Mistltoe- Hournite Fic

I saw this idea on a tumblr post from @bethschapel ( and I hope it’s okay that I wrote a story about it *crosses fingers)

The idea was Beth snuck a kiss on Rick’s cheek under the mistletoe, and I absolutely love that idea.

I just thought this was the cutest idea ever and needed to write it.  Well, at least some variant of the idea.

You can find the link to this story here on my FF.Net.

Well, here we go

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

Rick peers around the large grey wall trying to avoid a particular JSA member.  Ever since he arrived at Courtney's to help setup for the Christmas party, he's been paranoid he’d get stuck under the mistletoe.

Well, more like mistletoes.

Mike decided to decorate half the house in mistletoe, which made things absolutely difficult for Rick if he were to stand too close to her.

Noticing the kitchen is a mistletoe free zone Rick made a quick dash for the island.  He slides across the floor and settles against the dark wooded cabinets before letting out a deep breath.  Rick rests his head against the cabinets and closes his eyes for a moment.

How the hell am I going to avoid Beth all night?

Don’t get him wrong, Beth is amazing and things have been going great for them.  Ever since the JSA defeated the ISA, Rick and Beth spend more time together attempting to repair her broken goggles.  With his new found knowledge on chemistry and a bit of alchemy, he thinks there’s a way to make them work again.  

Beth enrolled in a few computer science classes in school in hopes of understanding the coding Chuck used to create the goggles.  But every time they get somewhere, whether they get the lenses to read a room or Beth asks it a question and it starts to search, something goes wrong.  And Rick hates those moments the most.  He sees the light in Beth’s eyes dim each time, and it makes Rick frustrated because he hates seeing Beth sad.

After Chuck’s demise against Icicle’s blast, Beth felt responsible for his death.  Ever since, she keeps thinking she could’ve done something to protect him.  But after hours of consoling her, and letting her cry while he held her tight, she’d still be sad.  But Beth’s ambition to fix the goggles is what always helped her to brush away the tears and do everything to keep Chuck’s legacy alive.  Even if it means Chuck isn’t there anymore once the goggles are repaired.  Rick thinks that’s the hardest part for Beth.  Chuck was someone who understood her and made her not feel alone.  Particularly when her parents started to work more and she wasn’t close with the other JSA members yet.  He was her friend and she lost him.

Shuffling against the side of the island, Rick peaks out to glance down the doorway to the next room over, where Beth and Yolanda were decorating Christmas cookies.  His ears perk at their loud giggles.  Curiosity grabbing at him, he crawls across the floor and stands up against the opposite wall to hear the girls' conversation.

He dusts off his green and red knit sweater where a few dust bunnies clung to it, and shifts his head to press against the gray wall.

“So Beth,”  Yolanda’s voice drawls.  “Who do you think your secret Santa is?”

“I’m not too sure.  Maybe Courtney?  Ooo or maybe Rick!”

Rick's eyes widen.

There's no way she could’ve known…

Yolanda laughs, “I know who Courtney’s person is.  And its not you.  Maybe it is Rick.”

The sound of Beth’s giggle rings in the air before she said,  “I wonder what he could’ve gotten me?”

The girls’ conversation continues as Rick smiles to himself knowing his gift for Beth is perfect…

Later that night, the party is in full swing and everyone is having a great time.  Pat and Barbara are dancing to some upbeat version of ‘Jingle Bells’, Mike is chasing Max around the house trying to get his Christmas hat back, and the four JSA members are trying to make gingerbread houses.

Yolanda and Courtney took it upon themselves to work together on a house, leaving Rick and Beth to make their own.  They all fought over gumdrops, licorice and sprinkles to make their houses the best possible.  Rick finds himself smiling more and more as the gingerbread house making goes on.  Beth catches him laughing at one point and it warms her heart.  It’s moments like this she’s glad he can enjoy himself.

After making ginger bread houses, Rick steps outside to cool off from the heated house.  He walks across the porch to take a seat on the white wooden swing.  He sways back a forth for a while, enjoying the snow fall silently to the ground.  From behind him, he can hear the laughter of his friends as they enjoy the party.  He’s happy he can take this time and enjoy life for the first time, he wants to relish in the fact that he can be happy.

He chuckles to himself thinking how he was afraid of some mistletoe a few hours ago.  Sure he was able to avoid getting caught under it with Beth, but seeing her laughing and dancing with him to Christmas music was the perfect distraction.  At this point he wouldn’t care if they got caught, it’d be a great excuse to make the first move.

Rick let his eyes close, letting the brisk winter air calm down his heated body.  No sound for miles except the soft hum of Christmas music in the house.

After a few minutes he hears the front door open and close.  He doesn’t bother to open his eyes knowing who came looking for him.

“Hi, Beth.”  He slowly opens his eyes, seeing her standing in front of him with two mugs and a plush white blanket.

She smiles brightly at him, “How’d ya know it was me?”

He smiles warmly at her, “No one else would have come looking for me.”  Her cheek redden at the assumption and glances away from him bashfully.  Rick reaches out to take the mugs from her hands, gaining her attention and nods his head to the empty space next to him on the swinging chair.

As Beth gets comfortable on the swing, he notices she moves close to him and drapes the white plush blanket across their laps.  She reaches for the red mug in his hands and takes a small sip.  She smiles joyously letting out a small ‘Mmm’.

Rick holds his mug between his hands feeling the warmth chase away the cold.  He can smell the chocolaty aroma of hot cocoa but is curious by what he sees inside.  “Are there sprinkles in the hot cocoa?”  he asks.

Beth nods her head enthusiastically, “Sure is!  It’s a Chapel family secret.  My mom always adds a scoop of cool whip, a dash of cinnamon, and a drizzle of rainbow sprinkles.  Isn’t it great?”  Rick glances down at his cup again before taking a small sip of the warm beverage.  Instantly his senses are overwhelmed by the delicious drink.  The coolness of the cool whip melting against the heat of the cocoa, and the spicy sweet mixture of the cinnamon and sprinkles dance in his mouth.  Needless to say, it’s Rick’s new favorite drink.

“My god…”  He takes another sip and moans.  “There’s no way something this good exists.”

Beth giggles besides him and shifts to rest her head against his shoulder.  “Yeah, it’s a family tradition.”  She takes another sip of her cocoa and settles it on her lap.  The dark chocolate swirls around the white cool whip in her mug, mixing together to make a light chocolate. “Usually I’d be spending Christmas Eve with my parents, but they decided to work instead…”  Rick picks up on the sadness in her voice, and wishes nothing more than to make her feel happy again.  He rests his head against Beth’s and wraps his arm around her to pull her closer into his side.

They stay like that for awhile; sipping their hot cocoa and watching the snow drift softly to the ground.  Rick has never been more content in his life; his favorite person in his arms as they slowly swing on the porch.  The warmth from each other keeping them comfortable in the frigid Alaska winter.  Eventually, an hour passes and the hot cocoa is long gone.  The two teens decided to head inside for some warmth when the snow starts to come down a bit heavier.  Rick wraps the blanket around Beth and takes the two empty mugs from her hands.

“I could’ve held them.”  Beth holds the blanket tighter around her, feeling the chilled Alaskan air rush past them.

“I don’t want you catching a cold.”

Beth smiles to herself, happy with how sweet Rick is being with her.  Between the hot cocoa and cuddling while watching the snow…this night is perfect.

But Beth couldn’t help but think something is missing.

Rick opens the front door and gestures for Beth to walk through first.  She thanks him and walks into the living room where everyone is exchanging Secret Santa gifts.  Rick goes to the kitchen to drop off their mugs into the sink before making his way into the sitting room.

“Beth, this one has your name on it!”  Mike hands her a medium sized box in bright yellow wrapping paper and a dark blue bow. Beth smiles happily and takes a seat on the couch next to Rick.

“Ricky, this one is for you.”  Rick scowls at the preteen and grabs the box from his hands.  He mutters a “thanks” and crosses his arms.  He doesn’t like the name Ricky, it sounds extremely douchy.

“Mike,” Beth frowns.  “You know he hates when you call him that!”

Mike shrugs, not really caring what they said and passes around the rest of the gifts.  Everyone starts to open their gifts one by one, but before Beth could tear the wrapping on her present Rick places a hand on top of hers.

“Hey, umm…” Rick rubs the back of his neck nervously.  “Can you open your gift with me in the other room?”

Beth looks at him quizzically wondering why he’s asking such a strange request.  But she nods anyways seeing the hopeful look in his brown eyes, “Okay, sure.”  He smiles and takes her hand in his, ignoring the glances of everyone in the room.

Pat tilts his head slightly and turns to Courtney, “Court, what’s that all about?”

“Oh, you know.  Young love…”  Courtney says dreamily and clasps her two hands together while fluttering her eyelashes.

Pat rolls his eyes and mutters, “Teenagers.”

Across the house, Beth and Rick take a seat on a love sofa in the den.  Beth cradles her gift in her lap waiting for what Rick has to say.

“Look, I know it’s kinda weird I asked you to open this away from everyone.  But I just—”  He pauses trying to find the right words.  Focus Rick.  “I just wanted to be alone with you when you opened it.”  Beth smiles softly at the gift in her lap and slowly reaches for the blue bow.  She pulls at the ribbon, the coils coming undone and pulling with ease.  She lets it flutter to the floor, landing against the hardwood floor without a sound.

Beth tears at the yellow paper, the crunching sound eats away at Rick’s nerves.  He knows she’ll love her gift, but the tight feeling in his chest still holds as he watches her open the white box and peer down at its treasure.

Beth’s eyes widen noticing the leathery brown material anywhere, now taking on a new shade of yellow in the lenses and no longer having a strap, but two arms like a pair of sunglasses.  Slowly, she reaches into the box to pull the goggles out, letting the box in her lap fall to the ground with a thud.

“Rick…” Beth looks at him expectantly.  He can see her eyes gleaming with unshed tears.  “Will they—will they work?”

Without a word, Rick reaches out and removes Beth’s glasses from her face and gestures for her to put the new goggles on.  Taking a dep breath, Beth lifts the new goggles and slides them onto her face.  It was strange at first but then the goggles transformed; no longer were there arms on them but a sleek black band settling the goggles snugly against her.

“Hello, Dr. Mid-Nite.  My name is Chuck, how can I be of service to you?”

Beth sniffles as she asks Chuck, “Are you-u,” She takes a deep breath before continuing.  “Are you my Chuck?  The original Dr. Mid-Nite?”

Rick frowns realizing what Beth is asking.  He touches her arm gently, knowing the reply from ‘Chuck’ won’t be what she’ll expect.

“I am sadden to tell you, but I am no longer programmed for the original owner of these goggles.”  Beth’s shoulder deflate, upset her friend is gone, but she is still grateful her goggles work again.  “But I do have a message from Chuck-aka the original Dr. Mid-Nite.”  Beth stares at Rick as her goggles project a life size version of the original Dr. Mid-Nite.

“My dearest friend, Beth chapel.  Although my end was abrupt and none of your doing.  Do know my knowledge and legacy will remain with you.  The new Dr. Mid-Nite.”  Beth feels the tears gather at the corner of her eyes hearing Chuck speak to her again. “As long as you keep your friends close, you will never truly ever be alone again.  Until we meet again, Beth.  Godspeed.”

The image of Chuck fades out and Beth touches the goggles, returning them to their original form with two arms as she pulls them away from her face.

Rick stares at the space where Chuck had occupied at a loss for words.  “Um…I don’t remember that feature…”

Beth wipes at her eyes, “Storage memory.  Chuck must’ve added it once the basic technology of the goggles was too extensive. Smart.”  Her usual enthusiasm is missing in her voice, drawing concern from Rick.  He shifts closer to her on the sofa and pulls her into his arms.

“I didn’t know that would happen, I was just excited that I finally got them to work again.”  He whispered into her hair.  Beth rests her head against his chest and wraps her arms tightly around his torso.

“I love them.  Thank you for figuring out how to fix them, It means a lot to me.”

“I’d do anything to make you happy, Beth.  Merry Christmas.”  He kisses her forehead before pulling away to look down at her.  Beth  looks up at Rick and smiles but then notices something above him that catches her eye.

Rick tilts his head wonder what she find so amusing.  He follows her line of sight to see his enemy from earlier tonight.

Mistletoe.

Rick feels the heat rise to his cheek as his attention slowly drifts back to Beth.  By the time his eyes meet hers, they’re already glinting with mischief.

“I do recall you mentioning you’d do anything to make me happy…”  her voice is lower than Rick remembers, making him extremely nervous.

He pulls at the neck of his sweater feeling it tighten all of a sudden, “Yu- I mean,”  he clears his throat, “Yes.”

Beth’s hands trail up Rick’s chest and make their way around his neck. “Does that include partaking in Christmas traditions?”

Yes, a hundred times yes.

Regaining his confidence, Rick pulls Beth into his lap while wrapping his arms around her waist.  He leans in close, letting his lips hover over hers for a moment, “Wouldn’t want to be a Grinch.”

Beth brushes her nose against his and rests her hand against his cheek, “No, we wouldn’t want that.”

With his patience running thin, Rick brushes his lips against Beth’s eliciting a small gasp from her.  Hearing that small sound ignited something between them and their lips collided again and again.  The soft touches innocent in nature, but eager with heat.  Chaste kisses that leave Beth breathless as Rick kisses down her neck and stops at that spot beneath her jawline, making her already blurry vision diminish completely.

Her hands thread through Rick’s hair and gently tugging to bring his mouth back to her for a slow kiss.  It wasn’t rushed or hot but passionate and sensual.  It’s pure emotion being poured out into this one moment, a moment that has been put off for far too long.

The sound of footsteps heading in their direction is what pulls them apart just in time for Pat to tell them it was time for dessert.  But the obvious stern father tone is enough for them to follow him back to the dining room hand and hand.  Pretending to ignore the blatant glares they’re receiving from their friends, Beth and Rick spend the rest of the night happy that Mike was adamant about the mistletoes.

Especially when he gets stuck under it with Max.

The End.

[explororshy]

New Year {Bakugou Katsuki x Reader}

(A/N): Sooo, this is one of my fics on DA, but it’s the first one I’m gonna be uploading on Tumblr! It’s pretty old, but I thought I’ll start with this here :) A fluffy one for Katsu 

I really hope you all like it!! Please let me know what you thought of it, I would be happy to take constructive criticism <3 

also, this fic is dedicated to the lovely @annoy-ng-draws​ <33 she’s my number one supporter lol luv ya baby xx

Pairing: Bakugou Katsuki x Reader

Genre: Fluff 

Time Period: Third year of highschool 

Warnings: none apart from it being super fluffy!

Word count: 1.1k words 

P.S.  I tried to incorporate some Japanese traditions and beliefs I'm aware of in this, I apologise if I got them or the words wrong in this, please let me know if I did! (also req are open for BNHA!)

Enjoy!!

You grabbed the woolen-knit scarf draped over your desk chair and wrapped it around your neck. Slinging your bag over your shoulder, you walked out of your dorm room, glad that the central heating was working again. 

A cold New Year's eve was as bad as it sounds, but luckily your class 3-A partied the night away, too wild to notice.

A small smile made it's way onto your face knowing that your boyfriend had gone to sleep way earlier than what is legal on New Year's eve. Your smile widened slightly when you saw him leaning against the front door, nose buried in his own red scarf which you had knit for him as a Christmas present.

"Katsuki," You said softly, placing your hand comfortably in his.

"What took you so long, idiot?" He muttered, finally walking out into the cold, his hand leading your's. Sighing, you said a quiet apology, knowing how much you both had been looking forward to this day.

January 1. Your first New Year shrine visit as a couple.

A shrine visit was something Katsuki never liked to do, much less as a couple. Earlier it used to be just a hassle for him, but he agreed to go with you without hesitation. There was something very calming and mundane about it, which he won't ever admit. 

You looked around at the frost on bare branches, the snow lying in small heaps on the street lamps, giving off a light ethereal glow. The chilly air swayed the naked branches with a gentle touch, while you glanced at the slightly dark sky. The first day was going to be a busy day, so you two wanted to visit the shrine before it started getting crowded.

"Katsuki?"

"What?"

"What will you wish for?" You asked, wrapping your free hand around his bicep, laying your head on his shoulder. He glanced down at you briefly, seemingly lost in thought. You nudged his jaw with your head waiting for an answer.

He shook his head, placing your intertwined hands in his coat pocket, "If I tell you, it won't come true."

Standing before the torii gate, you both bowed and entered, walking up the steps and veering off towards the temizuya (*water basin at shrines) to rinse your hands. The water was freezing cold, you could feel the numbness spreading when the water splashed against your palm. The huge tree towering above almost seemed alive, its sturdy branches still full with leaves, waving down at you.

Sticking close to Katsuki's side, you felt lucky knowing that your man was so unnaturally warm, it was too good a perk especially during the winter season. The shrine was bathed in early morning light, a few early risers with similar intentions already there. You both dropped a goen (*5 yen) into the coin box, it was a sweet tradition that the coin was supposed to bring good luck. 

The wind was picking up as you two walked inside after taking off your shoes. Standing close, your shoulders were almost touching. The inside was warm with a delicate scent swimming lazily, it relaxed your cold nerves. Bowing twice, you glanced sideways at your boyfriend. 

The serene expression accompanied by a small smile on his face stole your breath away, and as you both clapped twice to make a wish, your mind was flooded with just one word, one person. Katsuki.  

It was like sunlight was flooding through you, filling up every empty space in your body. At that moment, when he turned to look at you, your happiness felt like a sweet flute melody, gentle and comforting. 

Affectionate silence filled the words you two felt, it melded itself into the way Katsuki adjusted your scarf or the way he payed close attention to your feet while walking down the frost covered stone steps.

The wonderful smell of delicious snacks from stalls outside wafted your way as you walked out of the shrine. The two of you bought an omikuji (*fortune, oracle) each. Tying your bad fortune slip to eliminate the bad luck, you groaned as Katsuki wrapped an arm around your waist in comfort.

"This sucks," You pouted, burying your face into his neck, hands loosely linked around his back.

"I know, sucks to be you," He barked out a laugh, though his hands still ran up and down your back in a comforting gesture.

"Katsuki don't be mean in god's house, he'll put you on the naughty list," You glared at him and pulled back, stalking off towards a stall where a few ema (*wooden plaques for wish making) were hanging from hooks. People had now started pouring in waves, the chatter around growing louder.

"That's supposed to be Santa you brat," He rolled his eyes and followed you, accepting a marker the kind old man offered the two of you. Picking up a small wooden plaque, he scribbled something on it. You stood on the tips of your toes trying to get a peek, but Katsuki pushed your face away, turning to the other side to finish writing. 

Huffing, you wrote your own wish, smiling at it while hanging it on the highest hook you could reach on the wooden panel.

"Ne, Katsuki, tell me! What did you wish for?" You asked, eyes shining up at him. He only scoffed, flipping the plaque to the other side before you could see. You whined, trying to grab it from his hands, irritated that he wouldn't show you. He easily placed it on the actual highest hook before you could snatch it, grinning down at you, his height spurt made him tower over you and he loved it. You glared up at him, arms crossed across your chest.

"You brat!" You growled in your best Katsuki impression, face contorting into fake rage - it was way off and not accurate at all. You could see the amusement in his eyes as he lifted up his eyebrows. 

Bending down towards you slightly he wondered loudly, "Haaahhh? What was that? Did you just call me a brat, you brat?"

"S-so what if I did?" You chuckled, nervous at how his lips brushed against yours, sending shivers down your back.

"So this," He said and pressed his lips to your own. Katsuki's kisses were rough most times just like his personality. They were always loving yet charged, with an underlying current like that of a swiftly running river... but this one was different. It was more of a still lake. It was calm, it was loving and it was content. It enveloped you with a sense of safety.

Pulling back, you registered the morning glow around the shrine in a daze, Katsuki grinning at you, eyes closed in this rare smile, his blond hair fluttering very slightly, a small blush on his face.

"Let's go and get some food now to calm your monstrous appetite."

"Katsuki I keep telling you! You gotta stop sayin' stuff that's gonna put you on the naughty list!"

"I told you, that's for Santa, you dumbfuck!"

"Kaaatsuuki!"

Sunlight slowly worked its way up, falling on the stall you both had left behind.

His wish?

I already got her. Just help me keep her happy or whatever. Thanks.

[killing-hannibals-body]

The one great thing about Niko still being alive is that I’m no longer irked at Villanelle’s bottle episode. Don’t get me wrong. I totally loved episode 5. However. I felt that Eve was cheated because they left us hanging after such a huge moment for her. I was upset that we had to wait a whole episode to see her grieve, and that seemed wrong, per the narrative.

Now it all makes sense. We didn’t get to see Eve grieving because Niko didn’t die. I’m glad because I was really concerned that she was being sidelined for Villanelle’s hometown visit.

[kinetic-elaboration]

November 18: 1x24 This Side of Paradise

Today’s ep: the first, but not the last, instance of Spock’s inner hippie coming out.

Also another ep where Spock is wrong, again. “Absolutely zero chance of survival,” he says, minutes before they find survivors.

I see Spock just volunteered himself for the landing party.

Kirk is such a romantic. “Ah, there’s nothing sadder than a dream that’s died...”

Omicron Ceti III... that reminds me of something... could it be Futuruma?

(It is Futurama.)

“He’s alive, Jim.”

Sulu asking the important questions: is it possible they’re not alive? I mean given some of the ship’s prior adventures, it’s a valid possibility.

Ah-ha, Spock’s old... “friend.” Another hussy he’s cheating on T’Pring with. I guess he’s into blondes.

Kirk is so suspicious. He knows a romantic interlude when he sees it.

This settlement would be very popular today. Simplicity. Gardening. Happiness.

“I wouldn’t know what was right or wrong with a farm if it were two feet away from me,” Sulu says, while sitting right next to the danger plant. I love Sulu. He has such an easy, good-natured humor about him that I really don’t think is appreciated enough.

Spock’s still a Vulcanian, I see.

So he knew Leila 6 years ago... Only six? What was he doing on Earth then?

“It is said he has no feelings to give.” People love to gossip about Spock.

Kirk giving Bones the disk like “Ta-da, friend, I have anticipated your needs!”

I want to know how Bones broke two ribs. Barroom brawl?

“I missed you.” / “Logically, you should be dead.” Wow, what a romantic.

I think it’s interesting that he related his lack of emotions to being a scientist, not a Vulcan. He did that in the Naked Time, too, drawing on his identity as an officer when the space disease made him feel weepy.

Even though Leila is also a scientist.

“We’re vegetarians.” Lol Spock will fit right in.

I find it interesting that Starfleet has the authority to evict these people from the planet.

“It gives life, peace, love”--that doesn’t sound suspicious at all. Is it a drug?

Spock getting hit in the face with the spores is HILARIOUS.

She’s so surprised that suddenly feeling emotions hurts him--duh, he’s not human, so it’s different for him!

So is this Spock’s “inner face”? Ready to declare his love all at once?

“Would you like to use a butterfly net on him, Jim?”

I can’t believe Jim was halfway through his sentence when he was suddenly like “Where’s Spock?”

Spock’s seen a dragon? I bet he liked that.

I really like this romantic theme music.

This is absolutely the attitude adolescent Spock took with Sarek. “I don’t think so Sir.”

“I thought you said you might like him if he mellowed a little.” First, I love when Kirk and McCoy do this like ‘you said this’ ‘no I didn’t...’ thing. And second, they talk about Spock in their off time! 

“The frequency is open but he doesn’t answer.” Leaving Jim on read I see.

Jim does not like this weird Spock, swinging from the tree limbs.

Lol Spock wants to “straighten out” Jim. That raging bisexual? Unlikely.

Spock is under arrest: the charges, silliness while on duty.

I love the creepy music they play over the plants. The music + the look of the plants is very invasion of the body snatchers. They just look alien.

Interesting that Jim is (partially?) immune.

I love when Bones gets really Southern. You can tell he really worked on toning down that accent, but this is his true self.

Oh no, Uhura took out communications, now it’s unfixable.

Plant on the bridge!!! So creepy.

Captain’s log: I’ve been bested by spores.

Spock is very interested in this “mint julep.” He knows what it is! It’s a drink! (He definitely had to ask.)

So the plants are, in fact, aliens. Traveling to space to reach this planet that they like very much.

“It’s a true Eden, Jim. There’s belonging... and love.” The two things Spock wants most!!

“I don’t know what I can offer against paradise.”

I can’t believe that after that long, sad soliloquy, Kirk gets hit in the face with spores lol. It’s just a funny visual!

Kirk’s little suitcase. Full of shirts. All the essentials.

And then... a random medal? I guess it’s there to show that even spored, Kirk still cares about his accomplishments and still has pride in them. Personality-wise, he just doesn’t seem as susceptible.

The getting-over-the-spores thing is a little...weak. Like I guess he just cares so much about the ship he can’t abandon it? The thought makes him angry and that kills the spores? A little weird.

And of course, he goes straight to Spock as the first person he wants to save, eve though that involves poking him to anger, which is risky. “Aroused, his great physical strength could kill.” Interesting choice of words lol.

“My mother was a teacher.” Spock doesn’t like mean references to his mom.

Also I guess this is the ep that canonically establishes Sarek as an ambassador.

Kirk has to work really hard and say a lot of very mean stuff to get Spock angry. (Unlike AOS Spock who just hears the words ‘your mom’ and is ready to throw hands.) (In his defense, she did just die.)

Also omg his parents are still alive! Stop talking about them as if they were dead!

“I don’t belong anymore.” Yes you do bb! On the Enterprise!

“Well if we’re both in the brig, who’s going to build the subsonic transmitter?” Impeccable logic. I feel like Spock set him up for that one on purpose.

“Enterprise” in McCoy’s thick Southern drawl.

I like that Spock changed back into his uniform first.

Jim is definitely jealous of Leila.

This Spock and Leila conversation... Really makes me curious to see Spock attempt a romantic relationship.

Saying “that man on the Bridge” is so much more dramatic than just saying “the Captain.” Like... so much more!!

“You couldn’t pronounce it” lol. I’m so glad this scene exists to make it clear that he has a last or family name and also that we will NEVER know it. I completely reject that dumbass fanon name, you know the one. It’s pronounceable! That means it’s wrong!

Hilarious that that’s the note they end on.

I guess Leila was over the spores there for a bit. But I still don’t really have a firm grasp on what her actual personality is. Everyone else’s seemed to change a lot while under the influence.

I feel like they kind of did start a 500 person brawl.

Glad Bones got his mint julep!

“Would you like to see how fast I can put you in the hospital?” I think you already put him in the burn unit!

I can’t believe he throws the mint julep away when the spores go away. Does he not actually like them?

This episode is very judgmental lol. Also, I know they’re humans, but it doesn’t seem in the spirit of the Prime Directive either.

What my mom calls Kirk’s Puritan work/strife values. True. He’s a Midwesterner but he’s a little Puritan too clearly. “Maybe we were meant to struggle” says the man who lives in a post-scarcity utopia.

I kind of feel like Spock DOES want to stroll to a lute.

And of course this whole “poetry” interlude is itself incredibly Dramatic.

“For the first time in my life, I was happy.” What?? No, stop being such a drama queen. Wasn’t seeing a dragon cool? Meeting Jim??

I don't know if I think the concept of just being happy and gardening to survive is so bad tbh. Like... I guess a part of me (the Puritan part?) does rebel at the idea of just being....blank and placid all the time, and never striving for anything. But like that was really the worst the spores did. There's no real explanation as to why it's bad, other than, well, it makes you not so ambitious. I'm very torn about the moral of the story.

Still overall, a very good ep. A good Spock ep--lots to think about re: his characterization, when I’m more awake. A very good Kirk ep, too.

Next is The Devil in the Dark. YET ANOTHER absolute classic. Season 1 really just keeps going at 100mph.