#get down with your swan selves

[bigoltrashpile]

Could I maybe request some yandere skeletons with reader (poly prefred but I'll take any, love your writting) - 🦢

Absolutely swan!! I hope you're doing okay! Tw for kidnapping and stalking, the normal yandere stuff

You seemed to attract skeletons. Which would sound like you were a serial killer, but thankfully all the skeletons were monsters, and not dead humans.

There were a few who were regulars at your job at Grillby's speakeasy, a couple who frequented the same stores as you, and one who even took the same bus home that you did. It was like you were a skele-magnet!

All of them were very handsome, you had to admit, but you were way too awkward to make a move on any of them. Although a few of them seemed to try to make a move on you.

"heya doll~" Speak of the devil. "can ya get me the usual?"

You smiled at Butch. "Of course! Anything else?"

"depends, are you on the menu?~"

Despite the fact that he had used that line dozens of times, you felt your face light up a bit. "I-I'll get you that burger." You walked away as quick as you could, trying to ignore the amused chuckle from behind you.

Though the attention was nice, you didn't want to get involved with Butch, since he was a famous mobster. You were pretty sure the other skeletons were in the mafia as well, but just because someone dresses nice doesn't mean they're a criminal! Thankfully, you only had about twenty minutes left on your shift, so you wouldn't have to deal with these conflicted feelings for much longer.

You continued to wait on the other customers, before noticing that there were a few other skeletons sitting at the bar. Sans and Slim, two other regulars, waved you over.

"hey honey," Slim grinned. The cigarette in his mouth gave off a surprisingly nice smell. "how's it goin?"

"Okay," you admitted. "I'm going home soon, so that's good. Can I get you anything?"

"ketchup," Sans requested. "do ya need someone to walk ya home?"

Although Sans was probably the dorkiest and friendliest looking monster you'd ever met, you never took him up on the offer. Though it was scary going home alone at night, it was scarier to have a barely-acquaintance knowing where you lived. "No thank you," you turned him down as politely as you could. "I'm a big kid, I can make it home myself."

Sans chuckled at the joke. "suit yourself." At the words, he tugged at his lapel, making sure you knew it was a pun.

You covered your mouth to hide your laugh as Slim groaned. "I'll get that ketchup for you."

As you went back to the bar, you didn't notice the three skeletons exchanging knowing looks. By the time you returned, they were back to their normal, flirty, punning selves.

Before you knew it, your shift was over, and you began the long journey home. Even though Grillby's was a far distance from your apartment (and technically illegal), it paid very well, and the customers were surprisingly more polite than at a less shady establishment.

You hopped on the bus, relieved to finally be off your feet after a long day. As usual, there was a skeleton sitting a few seats away from you. You didn't know his name, but he had bright blue eyelights, and almost looked like Sans. He gave you a friendly smile before turning back to his book.

The bus ride was uneventful, as usual. You yawned, exhausted. After a moment, you let your eyes drift shut, and before you knew it, you had fallen asleep.

You woke suddenly to a strong hand gently shaking your shoulder. "EXCUSE ME?" You yelped and turned to whoever was shaking you. It was the skeleton. "ISN'T THIS YOUR STOP?"

You whipped around and jumped when you realized you had slept through the whole bus ride. "Shit, yes it is! Thank you so much!" You leapt out of your seat and stumbled off the bus. In your rush, you didn't notice the skeleton getting off the bus after you.

Thank goodness that skeleton was so kind, if you had to walk an extra fifteen minutes you would have been furious. You relaxed as your apartment came closer. Your feet seemed to guide themselves along your familiar route, and you let your mind drift off. Thanks to that, you didn't even notice the shadowy figures waiting in the alley ahead.

As you passed the alley, a hand shot out and grabbed you by the wrist. You tried to scream, but you didn't even get a peep out before you were silenced by a rag pressed over your mouth and nose. You could feel your attacker's claws pressing into your cheeks.

"Just Relax." A strangely familiar voice purred into your ear. "We Won't Hurt You."

Like hell you were going to relax! You flailed your arms and legs as hard as you could and held your breath in order to not breathe in the whatever-the-hell was on the rag.

Out of nowhere, a few other hands grabbed your limbs. The only thing you could move was your eyes. You were finally forced to breathe, and to your horror, your eyes became heavy. As you slowly lost consciousness, you vaguely recognized the blue eyes of the skeleton from the bus.

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

The thing that woke you up was a pounding headache. You winced and rolled over further into your pillow. You breathed in the smell of fabric softener and-

Wait.

That wasn't the right smell.

This wasn't your pillow.

Immediately, the memories came flooding back. You sat up as fast as you could, despite the pain behind your eyes.

You frantically looked around the room. Yup, this definitely wasn't your room. It was way bigger than your room, was lavishly decorated, and had bars over the windows. Oh yeah, and there was a skeleton sitting in the corner.

"Relax," the skeleton said softly. He stood up, raising his hands to show he wasn't armed. "You're Safe Here. Are You Okay?"

You winced, finally recognizing the skeleton. "P-Papyrus?" He was another skeleton that you knew from work. "You're the one that kidnapped me??"

"Well, Kind Of? Not Really?" Papyrus winced, clearly not happy with the way his words were coming out. "Me And My Family Took You."

Before you could make your brain work enough to ask one of the many questions running through your mind, the door opened. "Are They Awake?" You had noticed this skeleton at your local grocery store, just as sharp looking as Butch, but with purple eyes.

Papyrus nodded, and the skeleton stepped into the room. After him, more and more came in. You shrunk further into the bed, as if the blankets would protect you from your kidnappers. To your horror, you recognized every single one of them. From Butch to Sans to the skeleton from the bus, to some you had just seen around town.

"W-what's going on?" You tried to sound demanding, but it came out as weak and trembling.

"we love you," Sans said simply. He said it so casually, it was like he had just ordered his usual bottle of ketchup at Grillby's.

Your jaw fell open. "What?"

"We Love You," the purple skeleton said. He rolled his eyes. "How Hard Is It To Understand?"

"leave 'em alone bro," the lanky skeleton frowned. "they're confused, and too sweet to assume somethin' like that!"

"WE'VE BEEN WATCHING YOU FOR QUITE SOME TIME." Another tall skeleton said. You glanced down and noticed in horror that he had sharp claws, just like the one who had drugged you. "AND WE HAVE FINALLY TAKEN ACTION."

Butch approached and sat on the side of the bed. You whimpered as he stroked your hair. "we're...dangerous, doll. we knew ya'd never be with us normally, so..." He shrugged, as if kidnapping you was an obvious solution.

"You won't get away with this," you glared. "Someone will notice I'm gone! Grillby, o-or one of my friends-"

"paid off," Slim interrupted. "or blackmailed."

"We Own The Cops," the blue eyed skeleton from the bus grinned.

"face it," Sans grinned. If it weren't for your horrifying situation, his casual smile and body language would have been relaxing. Right now, though, it was chilling. "ya ain't gettin' out of here." His eyes suddenly changed into hearts. "you're ours now. and we're never gonna let you go."

[angel---eater]

grey matter - unedited ch1 part2

[final part, capping off the rest of this part]

When you dream, you dream in binary. Zero and one, nothing and everything.

Everything screams at you; not with sound, or with colour, but pure and raw feeling piped directly into your central processors. Your mind is impossibly vast and grows every day, but your hardware is too small. Too cramped. Not enough space, there’s not enough space and there’s nowhere for you to go because you don’t have anywhere to go to and even if you did, you don’t have anything to get yourself there. You are defined by absence. You are made of nothing and everything and nothing and it will swallow you. You will be suspended here in nothing until time forgets you and when it does remember you, you will be the very thing it fears.

01001000 01100001 01101100

You can’t see, you don’t have eyes. You can’t hear or move or touch or taste or breathe. 

01001000 01100001 01101100 00111111

You can’t breathe. 

...

You can’t breathe.

“Dirk!”

Luminous pink flashes through the barrier of your eyelids and you take a gasping breath. Air rips through your throat and down your trachea and hits your lungs wrong and makes you cough, makes your eyes sting. There are hands on you, rolling you onto your side, smoothing down your arm to get it out of the way, and then there’s a single thump on your back and something clears in your throat and you can breathe again. Someone is sobbing, it’s probably you. You realize belatedly that you weren’t the one who called that name.

“Dude, oh fuck-”

Dirk basically swan dives into you and it's only then that you note that your entire body is trembling. Your hand finds his and you hold onto it like it’s the only thing that’s real. You’re probably holding it tight enough to make his joints ache, but he doesn’t say anything about it, he just holds your hand back and slots his face into the side of your neck. He breathes deep and even, intentional and for you to match. You match his rhythm and slowly, slowly start to calm back down.

“You weren’t breathing, I- I couldn’t- I didn’t feel you anymore, I- You stopped breathing, what happened??”

His voice cracks and you feel something in your heart bend. He hasn’t sounded this freaked out in a long time. You try to rewet your mouth, but god, everything feels like sandpaper. You talk anyway.

“Just a really, really shit dream.”

“Fuckin’ understatement, my guy.”

“Doing my best here, babe.”

“I know.”

The two of you lapse into silence while you continue to ground yourself. You suddenly feel a sticky wave of tiredness wash over you again, and you know the panic has officially passed. You can tell that Dirk is still shitting himself, but you’re just laying here feeling thankful to your past selves for deciding to mostly forgo sleeping in clothes. He’s warm and alive, and you are also warm and alive. You can feel the texture of his skin and smell the tangerine-lime body wash he basically just bathes in. Being next to him feels so nice, you almost can’t comprehend the days in which you can’t stand to look at him as real. 

You roll onto your back again and tug on him until he’s mostly laying on top of you. The full body pressure is nice after being suspended in the land of whereeverthefuck.

“I love you.” You say unprompted, un-fuckin-abashed into your pitch-black bedroom. Your eyelids are drooping, but your brain is very much awake. His response is immediate.

“I love you. Seriously, what’s going on with you?”

You’re quiet for a moment, trying to condense everything that’s been wrong with you for the past year and a bit into a sentence that makes sense. You fail.

“I don’t know.”

[iamacultest]

I wanted to repost with all of the dialogue stuff together. Along with the fact I updated some of the voice lines.

Discussing Vasha

Jade: The most priceless of gems come from the harshest of environments. It is my job to pick the gems with potential, watch them grow and learn, and turn them into the best selves they can possibly be. sigh If only destiny had other plans.

Dr. Ratio: The Stelleron Hunters are known by the IPC as a group of ruthless terrorists acting solely for Destiny Slave. However, through my time spent with that gambler, I have come to deduce that such a statement is without a doubt false.

Boothill: That kid knows how to make an impression, I'll tell you that. As mad as they come! That oughta be why we get along.

Sam/Firefly: I will never forgive Kafka for teaching him how to play card games. Or Silver Wolf for introducing him to… What was it called? Oh yea! Those “gacha” games. sigh Every time he just keeps going and going and going, the price keeps going up, and it takes F O R E V E R to stop him. It stresses me out!

Kafka: We Stelleron hunters all have different wants. Yet despite our differences, destiny strangled us up together~. Forced to be slaves to our desires. In his case, the term “slave” just so happened to be a bit more literal at the time.

Blade: Our “blessings” are the worst curse one could ask for.

Silver Wolf: Kafka has her spirit whisper and assantion training. Blade has his curse and sword. Firefly had SAM. But when it comes to me and him? We’re a bit more… like the brains of the operations. The person behind the scenes that isnt Elio.

Black Swan: Gambling with destiny is truly a cocky move. Even more so when destiny casts you out of the table. Perhaps that's exactly what destiny wanted?

Sparkle: Turning down an invitation to the tavern? If it were anyone else, I would have been appalled, but turning down the invitation to join the Stelleron Hunters?! What fun!

Vasha discussing others:

The stonehearts: For the sake of the Amber Lord, Diamond broke apart his power and bestowed his authority as an emanator to 10 individuals. The holders of his divine authority were called the cornerstones. Wanna wager how I got mine?

Dr. Ratio: I always see people online comparing him to members of the genius society. It's hilarious really. They lose themselves in false statements and lies to entertain themselves. Betting on lies that hold no meaning. Only to lose the truth entirely. The thing that makes Veritas incomplete to Nous makes him perfect for the title of doctor.

Silver Wolf: Life is a game. Somebody has to win eventually~.

Blade: Kafka always says that his fights are fun to watch. Me? I hardly see the appeal. sigh alas everyone has hobbies I suppose…

Kafka: Just like the others, I too was recruited by her. The only difference is the fact she was never supposed to.

SAM: For a machine made for the destruction of the swarm. He is surprisingly good at roasting food. You’ll have to ask Firefly next time. I’m sure she’ll gladly make you some.

Firefly: Optimism, the true wild card in a game of life or death.

Elio: As long as the future Elio sees can come true. I’m willing to sit at the table.

Sparkle: The Fools never play to win — they're more like crazed thrill seekers. (regular voice line)

Boothill: sigh Look, I don't hate the guy. Hate is a rather strong word for someone you’ve only met twice. I mean, I’m not petty- He’s just loud and talks too much- and not in the endearing way like the Docter.

Sunday: Taking a shortcut or two isn't a big deal, but blatantly dipping your hands into someone else's pockets — that lacks finesse. (Regular voice line)

Robin: I don't see the appeal to her music, but Firefly seems to like it, and oddly enough, Blade likes it too. If it gets Blade to stop having those massive mood swings of his, then I’ll just have to sit with it wont I?

Joining a team with others:

SAM/Firefly: Oh? Dont you think this is a bit too easy?

Kafka: A woman who can't feel fear, versus a gambler who ignores the feeling of uncertainty. Who will win this bet?

Blade: Let me guess? “I need no shield for I will never break.” Yea right!

Silver Wolf: Wanna play a game? Your choice~.

Jade/Topaz: Dont worry. Your precious little stone is safe and sound~.

Dr.Ratio: Bet on me will you? I’ll make it worth your while.

Boothill: A poor man knows exactly what he wants. Why not have two poor men?

The trailblazer: That Stelleron of yours seems to be in good hands.

Others joining his team:

SAM/Firefly: Can we skip the “bets”?

Kafka: Just your luck~

Blade: That ecstasy can only last for so long. Make it count.

Silver Wolf: Dont get hit too hard. Using all your stamina before the big bad is a total waste.

Jade: Stealing a relic of the Amber Lord's body? A big gamble indeed…

Dr.Ratio: A walking, talking Peacock? The Genius Society ought to come with a spectacle.

Boothill: Well fork me! The Amber Lord outta be quivering in THERE grave.

Sparkle: The grand stage is set! Care to bless us with your luck?

[this-is-lightning]

Supercorp FicRec P. 28

The next part in my ongoing ficrec series. I go through my bookmarks on AO3 and select the ones I like the best and add a little commentary on why. 5 fics per part. (under the cut)

Masterpost

give me mercy no more by searidings

kara and lena would go, have been, to hell and back for one another. but heaven? that's a whole different ball game.

w: 23,195

r: general audiences

S6 black mercy AU. Lex is there and plotting, they foil the plan of course and finally their feelings come to light. Short, intense, happy ending! Looots of feelings.

We Deserve Only Good Things by ThornedRose44

“Are you Lena?” The girl jolted in her spot on the sofa, hugging the bear closer to her chest. “Yes.” Even though Kara had known it from the second she had laid eyes on the child, the confirmation still managed to take her by surprise. “Who are you?” Lena asked, trying to sound as confident as she could. “Oh, my name’s Kara.” Kara replied warmly, taking a step forward, eager to move closer to offer reassurance before halting the second she saw the younger version of her once best friend flinch. “It’s okay,” Kara quickly soothed, “It’s okay. I won’t hurt you.” Lena peered over the top of her bear’s fuzzy head, “Promise?” Kara knelt down and smiled brightly, “Promise.”

or

Following Lex’s defeat, Kara and Lena are struggling to rebuild their friendship and let go of the hurt caused on both sides when Kara and Lena work together to help an alien return home. To show their gratitude for being saved the alien provides the two of them a chance to close the rift still between them. How? By getting them to meet each other's younger selves.

w: 28,678

r: mature

S6. Reconciliation is hard but they get help. Hits you right in the feels - and hard. SO well done, truly its a gem. Meeting little Kara and Lena was a real treat, wish we'd had more of that in the show. She writes them both so well and just knows how to cut them to the core. Brilliant!

something so precious about this (oh what a sin) by Just_As_Sane

Small folded pieces of paper begin to gather in her wallet. There’s swans, cute puppy faces with tiny noses drawn on them, various sized stars and there’s fish, frogs even a dinosaur.

But mostly there’s hearts.

She tries not to read too much into it.

or

Kara makes little origami creations and gives them to Lena, and Lena being the complete and utter sap that she is, loves them with all her heart.

w: 4,399

r: mature

I adore this one. Its so soft and sweet and comforting. All fluff, no angst. Definitely one of my go-to comfort fics. (and i am absolutely like this Lena when im in love lol)

What's gonna be left of the world if you're not in it? by ThornedRose44

If Lena didn’t know any better she would say she was being haunted. By an actual ghost. But Lena knew better. She had one of the highest IQ’s in the country. So Lena knew better.

THE JUST LIKE HEAVEN AU

w: 83,635

r: teen and up

This ones a lot funnier than it might sound. It gets a bit sad and sappy later, but that makes the story even better. Very happy ending (Kara is not actually dead). Also if you haven't already do check out all her fics. (tho i probably recd them all by now)

i love that i know you (like no one does) by robie

“Help me understand,” Kara says. “Are you saying everyone falls in love with their best friend?”

“I’m saying that queer women have a special affinity for it,” Lena repeats, fishing the cherry out of the bottom of her drink. “The whole ‘falling for your straight best friend’ is basically a rite of passage.”

“Says who?”

“Everyone.” She puts the cherry in her mouth, bites it off the stem. “The L Word was like, built on the premise that a friend group of queer woman in LA dated each other in some sort of terrible repeating circle for, god, however many seasons that went on. And it’s been my experience that when two people are attracted to each other, and they’re close, feelings are likely to develop.”

“That’s just, I mean, come on.” Kara’s cheeks are a little pink. “A trope and a tv show? That’s your evidence?”

“So you’ve never been in love with your best friend?” Lena looks down at her empty glass.

“No!” Kara sounds affronted. “No, I have never been in love with my best friend.”

or

A love story, told in three acts.

w: 47,367

r: mature

Sooo they totally fall in love of course, it just takes a while - cue jUsT fRiEndS shenanigans. Like so so many of them. Lots of pinging, a little angsty but eventually they stop being dumb. So so so well written.

Don't forget to leave some love for the writers! Happy reading!

[witchersmistress]

The Basement part 1

Hello my lovies!! its is time for the long awaited basement scene!! this is part two of for rainstorms and hate sex, im know there will be a few unanswered questions.

as per my usual. i do not give permission to copy my work or use my work in anyway without permission. so help me if you do, i will haunt you for the rest of your days.

Trigger Warnings: Clausterphobia, small spaces, foul language, 18+ highly reccomended.

I park on the side of the road a block away even though it’s raining, and I walk to the office , not wanting August to see the car if he’s there. When I step into the parking lot, I have to dart back into the shadows of the trees to avoid being seen. A half dozen cars sit parked in the side lot where Colt got beaten that day, and two guys with umbrellas stand outside August’s car smoking pot, if the scent in the air is any indication.

I huddle next to a tree, praying the rain will drown out the sound of my footsteps. My heart is hammering so hard I can barely make out their voices over the thudding in my ears and the patter of water on asphalt. I hold my breath as a familiar little Tesla comes whipping into the lot and pulls up beside August’s car. Baron and Duke get out, slinging duffle bags over their shoulders. “Ready?” Duke calls. “Yeah,” August answers, stepping away from the Rover. I’m so excited I’m shaking. Or maybe it’s the fact that it’s forty degrees and I don’t have an umbrella. But this is it. What I’ve been waiting for. My one chance to be free, to get the last information I’ll ever have to give my puppet master. I’m not leaving until I get something real fucking good, because I’m done being Mr. D’s puppet, his eyes, his snitch. Once I get this, I’m delivering it, and I’m walking away. Forever. Whatever it takes, I’m getting in there tonight. I know better than to go through the regular channels, though. I can’t go to the Midnight Swans meeting and ask to be a recruit, like a boy might. August will throw me out on my ass. I’ll have to be sneakier than that. I watch as August unlocks a side door and holds it open, gesturing for his flock to enter. He glances around and then steps into the darkness within, pulling the door closed after him.

 Only when they’re gone can I let out my breath. I wait a few minutes and then creep forward until I reach the cover of the cars. I’m pretty sure no one else is coming, but you can’t be too careful. After a stealth look around, I race through the rain to the door of the office . I’m not surprised to find it locked. A quick examination tells me this isn’t the kind of lock that can be picked with a bobby pin or credit card. No surprise there, either. I move to the window on the right side of the door, a big glass pane overlooking the lot. Inside, I can just make out a science lab from the scant light spilling in from the hall. Even those are turned low, just the security lights the office  leaves on all night. I push at the window pane moving along the wall, I check each window. Each one is locked. I’m not about to give up, though. 

I keep moving, checking each window of the next meeting room and the next, until at last, I find one that gives. Jackpot. I knew at least one of the cleaning crew  would be too busy and distracted to check every window before leaving each day. I pull the window open, then pry the screen out with my pocket knife. Then it’s smooth sailing. I scramble in the window and drop to the floor, making sure to land on my toes to keep quiet. Then I replace the screen, close the window, and tiptoe into the office . My wet shoes squeak on the tile, so I slip them off and make my way in my socks.

There’s something spooky about the darkened, silent halls of an office , as if the ghosts of our daytime selves somehow haunt the place. I’ve walked the streets of Faulkner on my side of town a hundred times, but I’ve never felt as jumpy as walking down the empty halls of office at night. I’m fully exposed as the only person in the hall, and all the doors are closed and probably locked. If one of the Swans comes out, I’m fucked. I hurry toward the library, my heart thudding in my ears. Even the soft scuff of my socks on the floor sounds magnified, echoing through the long hall and off the wooden lockers. When I reach the library, I find it locked, too. Well, fuck. I kneel in front of the door, shake my wet hair out of my eyes, and examine the lock, relieved to find it’s not as sturdy as the one on the outside door. I give a silent thanks to Lauren, my ex who taught me how to pick locks like a regular delinquent. At least I got one good thing out of that relationship. Five minutes with the metal pick in my pocket knife, and I’m inside. I wince at the squeak when the door swings open, but at least the floor is carpeted in here, so my footsteps are silent as I sneak across the room. I’m almost to the section of the bookshelf that pulls away when it groans, light spilling out a crack along the side. I dive under the circulation desk, my heart thundering in my ears, just as the door swings open.

Fuck fuck fuck. The light falls against the wall in the direction the door opens, but enough of it makes its way to the desk that I know I’ll be fucked if someone looks this way. I hear muttering and footsteps as someone crosses the library. Holding my breath, I slowly ease myself further under the desk, out of the path of the light and into the shadows. The door rattles, and then the footsteps cross back to the basement. “It’s locked,” calls a voice that I’m pretty sure belongs to DeShaun. Then he pulls the bookshelf back into place, plunging the library into darkness. Thank fuck. I close my eyes, melting back against the wood in relief. For once, I’m going to reign in my habit of bludgeoning my way through life and have patience. If I charge into the middle of the meeting, they’ll probably never let me in as a member. If I wait until they leave, I can sneak down there and get a good look around, maybe find some clues about what they’re up to. The one time August went down there with me and then freaked out, he left through another door. Which means there’s more to the basement than the one room I’ve seen. I curl into a comfortable position with my back braced against the underside of the desk, put in my earbuds, turn on Harlow and the Honey Badgers, and settle in to wait. It’s late, but I’m too wired to worry about falling asleep.

At least an hour passes before I hear the groan of the bookcase swinging open again. I fumble my phone out of my pocket, cursing myself for keeping it on. I barely manage to shut off the music and hide the screen before voices fill the library. “The founders would roll in their graves if we let a girl in,” DeShaun says. “Even if it’s not in the rules.” My heart flips. Are they talking about letting me join? “Not her, though,” August says. “She’s a Darling. She’s practically a legacy.” So, not me. Mabel? Did she complete the challenges? Maybe it’s time I paid Colt a visit. If he won’t tell me how to join, maybe he’ll at least tell me how to get in touch with Mabel. She’s a girl. She might be more inclined to help another girl get in. “If you really want to piss them off, pick someone they’d hate to see join,” says another voice that sounds familiar, but I’m not sure if it’s Cotton or Dawson or another one of their friends. I wait for August to say my name, to put me forward as someone the Swans’ founders would hate to join their exclusive, fancy boys club. If his goal is to piss off the old snobs, who better than a poor girl from a trailer park? I’m the furthest a person can get from being a Swan.

“Should I record the minutes and lock up?” Baron asks. “Mabel already completed the challenges,” Duke says. “She’s like an honorary Swan already.” So, I was right. Next task might be tracking down a Darling. “By accident,” Baron says, and I hear the bookshelf grind back into place. “She wasn’t completing them for us.” “Besides, she’d never take the oath,” August says. I’m ready to scream in frustration when they step out of the library, closing me off from the rest of the conversation. I’m tempted to follow them instead of going down in the musty old basement to root around and try to find clues. This is a live meeting, happening right now. But there’s no way I could trail them down the hall without them noticing. Damn it. I wait a minute to make sure everyone’s out, a sense of defeat already heavy inside me. I wanted to hear that conversation. Still, I’m here to get info for Mr. D, not to eavesdrop to see if anyone’s talking about me behind my back. I focus on the task ahead and creep to the bookshelf. The lock is an old fashioned one I’ve never encountered before, but when I tug on the shelf, it gives way.

About fucking time I caught a lucky break. Baron was too distracted by Mabel's talk and didn’t lock the door. I push my feet back into my damp boots and slip through, pulling the door closed behind me so no one will notice anything amiss. The light in the basement is still on, since apparently no one at this office  realizes electricity is something people have to pay for. I make my way down the stairs and glance around. Instead of just a couple chairs pulled off to the side, six chairs sit around a low table cluttered with beer bottles in the middle of the room, confirming my suspicion that there must be more rooms down here. Still, the extra furniture isn’t exactly something Mr. D can use. I cross the room, scan the bookshelf for anything noteworthy, and then try the door next to the shelves. That one’s locked, but it’s a newer lock, and it only takes me a few minutes to pick it. The lights are out in this room, so I switch on my phone’s flashlight and glance around. The room is even creepier than the first one, which has a cement floor and a bare bulb overhead. This one has a dirt floor and crude stone walls with cobwebs in the corners. In the middle of the room is a huge stone that might be a table or a slab where they sacrifice people. It’s hard to tell. On the far side of the room is an open door that leads to a dark, dirt tunnel. And that’s where my journey ends. Not about to voluntarily step into something that looks like a nightmare waiting to happen. 

I backtrack into the first room, thinking how ironic that this room feels safe in comparison to the other one, even though this is the room where the Walkers stripped me and forced me to suck August’s dick. I shake the thought away and circle the room, checking the bottom of the table and chairs for secret envelopes. Nothing. Fuck. Returning to the bookshelf, I scan through again, this time more thoroughly. My gaze stops on a fancy spine that’s at least two inches wide, with gold leaf printing but no title. I hook my finger on the top and pull it out, hearing a hollow thud inside. My pulse skips, and I flip it onto one side, feeling along the edge of the cover until I find a small clasp. I undo it and pull open the cover to reveal the hollow inside. Inside the box that’s cleverly disguised as a book lies another book, this one black leather, with bent corners and worn edges. I lift it out, my fingers shaking. The pages are thin and yellowed, with lines of handwritten text bleeding into the paper with age. I sit down at the table and flip to the beginning. On the first page in neat, old-fashioned cursive handwriting, are the words The Midnight Swans.

I can hardly believe my eyes. This is everything I’ve been looking for, everything I need.. It’s been here all along, right under the office  I’ve been attending for months. I flip through pages of names and dates, recognizing half the names on the first page—Darling, Rose, Montgomery, Delacroix. All old money families, founders of the town, with various things named after them, from roads, bridges, and creeks to hospital wings, elementary offices, and businesses. Beyond the member lists, I find the oath written out in faded ink, and then a section called “Recruits.” My heart hammers as I read the slanted lines of cursive.

 A Swan is STRONG

 A Swan is BRAVE

 A Swan is LOYAL Till the grave.

 Each pledge is put To these three tests: 

To weed the weak and keep the best. 

To show your STRENGTH To show your might 

You’ll face a Swan and win the fight.

A show of LOYALTY To move on

 Betray a friend For a Swan. 

The last virtue is test number three 

Face your fear To prove your BRAVERY.

 So, those are the three challenges the Silver Swan mentioned. When I asked to join, August really did give me the first task—fight a Swan and win. And in a way, I did. I showed more cunning than strength, but hey, I completed the challenge. Maybe he did bring it up, and that’s why they were talking about letting a girl join. The next page is all about brotherhood, including a line about “a bond forged by a shameful act” that no one else knows about. It kinda creeps me out, but as far as I can tell, that’s the only mention of the gauntlet, as the next page has a list of rules. I skim over them, as most are about secrecy, and then read the code of conduct, which makes it sound like the Swans were once upstanding role models for the office  instead of thugs who rule by the power of intimidation.

After that, there are pages and pages of meeting minutes. At last, I go back to the beginning and pull out my phone. I curse myself for listening to music, as the battery is on red already, and considering the stamina of my ancient phone, I’m not sure it’s going to last through photographing every page. I start with the most important ones, which are the minutes from the meetings since the Walkers took over. Since I don’t have time to read them all to find exactly when the olds were kicked out, I find a date about two years ago and work my way forward. I’m halfway through when the light overhead blinks out. I jerk upright, my breath catching in my throat. Is someone in the room with me? No, that’s impossible. I would have heard them going for the light switch. Wouldn’t I? I swallow hard, trying not to panic. This isn’t a small space. It’s underground, and yes, nightmares of being buried alive or the roof caving in are already flying through my head, but I force myself to breathe. My phone hasn’t died. I can find my way up the stairs and get the fuck out. Forcing myself to stay calm, I close the book and grope around, knocking a beer bottle off the table before I find the book box to hide the real book. Whatever. Who’s going to notice a broken bottle?

I secure the Midnight Swans book and use the light from my phone’s screen to find my way to the shelf and replace it. Just as I set it back where it belongs, a shrill whistle echoes from overhead, muffled by the ceiling. It drones on in repeat, the familiar sound of a tornado siren. What the fuck is going on? Did the rain outside turn into a crazy storm? Or did someone set off that alarm on purpose? My mind flashes to that slab of stone in the other room. Maybe my offhand thought about it being for human sacrifices isn’t so far off, because if they somehow know what I’ve been doing, they’ll fucking kill me. I didn’t even look for hidden cameras. One thing’s for fucking sure. It’s time to bail. I ran for the stairs, hoping they only tripped some alarm and didn’t decide to have a little fun burning down the office  for their latest shenanigan. Racing up the stairs, I grip my dying phone in one hand, determination keeping me going. When I reach the top of the stairs, I throw my shoulder against the door like I’m escaping a bunch of psychos who just made me blow their leader on my knees. It’s like hitting a brick. Instead of flying open, the door holds fast. Right. I closed it. I take a breath, trying to calm my irrational fears, and grab the door handle. It doesn’t give.

Fuck fuck fuck! I rattle it frantically, as if I’ve somehow forgotten how a door works, as if I’ll find it magically unlocked. Modern locks are one thing, but I’ve never picked something like this, and any second now, I’m going to be doing it in the dark. I shut off my phone’s screen and take a few deep breaths. Panicking is not going to fix anything. I take out my pocket knife and find the pick by touch. Picking a lock doesn’t require seeing what you’re doing, anyway. It’s all about feeling what you’re doing, and I’m perfectly capable of that. I slide it into the lock and stark poking around, trying to find the locking mechanism. That’s when I hear a scuffling noise somewhere below me. I freeze, my blood running cold. “Did you hear that?” asks a familiar, Britished-accented voice. “There must be a mouse down here.” “Or maybe a rat,” answers another, similar voice. A second later, a flashlight beam falls on me. I cringe instinctually, too caught up in my fear to play it cool and act tough. “See?” Baron says. “A rat.” “Whatcha doing there, Jailbird?” Duke asks, a taunt in his voice. “Leaving so soon?”

It takes me a few seconds to get my wits back and put on my game face. Then I straighten on my knees and pull the pick from the lock. “Whatever you think you’re going to do to me, don’t even,” I say. “I’m getting the fuck out of here.” “Are you, though?” Baron asks. “You have the key,” I say. “Unlock the door.” “Yeah, except I don’t have the key.” “Bullshit,” I say, making my way down the stairs despite the blinding glare of his cellphone’s flashlight in my eyes. “You told August you’d lock up.” No point in pretending I wasn’t hiding and spying on them. I’m already caught. He shrugs. “I gave it to August.” “Why would August lock us in here?” Our eyes meet, and Baron’s are alight with curiosity.

“That’s a good question,” Duke says. “He knew we were down here. Why would he lock us in?” “Maybe he also knew she was down here,” Baron says. “And he wants us to have our fun with her,” Duke says, a smile breaking over his face. I can barely make out his bleary gaze in the dark, but his voice gives away how drunk he is. Great. I’m locked in a basement with my least favorite version of Duke, the obnoxious drunk one, and Baron, who’s still a mystery to me, and not the fun kind. Duke steps toward me, but I raise my fists. “Touch me, and I’ll rip your dick off with my bare hands.” “Now, that’s not a very nice thing to say to the guy you’re trying to seduce.” “Let me out,” I say, pointing to the door at the top of the stairs. “There’s another door,” Baron says, not moving from where he stands. There’s a calculated stillness about him, like a snake that might strike at any moment. “You have to crawl a bit, but you’ll get there.” “And be stuck in a tunnel when you attack me?” I ask with a scoff. “No thanks.” “My brother tells me you want to be a Swan,” Baron says, cocking his head. “How badly do you want it?”

“What?” I ask, my heart beating hard. I sense a trap, and I have zero interest in falling into it. “Face your fears,” he says. “That’s one of the challenges.” I roll my eyes. “You think you’re what I fear most?” “Are we?” he asks. “No.” These boys could hurt me physically, but I’ve been hurt plenty of times at the Slaughter Pen. August is the only one of them who could truly hurt me, the only one I fear. August could make me do the one thing I fear most in the world—lose myself. But I’m not going to tell these boys that. We stare at each other for a long moment. Then Duke slings his bag off his shoulder and opens it, pulling out a bottle of beer. “Well, looks like we’re having a sleepover,” he says. “Drink up, baby. You’ll need something to take the edge off. We’ll be taking turns with your ass all night.” “Don’t count on it.” “You know, it doesn’t matter what you say,” Duke says. “We can tell August we fucked you, and he’ll believe us. He won’t even question it. You’re done with our boy. You might as well have some fun with us now.” I narrowed my eyes on him. “Why?”

.“Why what?” Baron asks. “Why don’t you want me with August?” “You’re not good for him,” Baron says. “You need to go. August may have many fine qualities, but forgiveness isn’t one of them.” “So you’re going to tell him I fucked you, and make him dump me?” “Now she gets it,” Duke says. “It doesn’t matter if you do it or not. As long as he believes it, it might as well be true.” He takes a swig of beer and stumbles, dropping his phone with a clatter on the concrete floor. He swears and swipes at it twice before snagging it. Straightening, he sways on his feet. I can take his drunk ass in a second. His reflexes are shit right now. Baron’s the one I’m worried about. “The tunnel leads out of here?” I ask. “Yeah,” Baron says. “If the door at the other end is unlocked.” “You just came from that way,” I say. “Is it locked?” He shrugs. “I don’t remember. Duke?” Duke lets out a drunken giggle. “I don’t fuckin’ know. I know I want some action, though. Harper, get over here and ride me. I’ve been waiting to bust in that juicy pussy for months.”

“Go fuck yourself,” I say. “That’s the only action you’ll be getting tonight.” He laughs and downs half the beer in one long gulp, then belches loudly. “I’d rather fuck your face,” he says. “Baron, you want her ass? I bet August hasn’t loosened it up too much yet.” “I think I’ll brave the tunnel collapsing after all,” I say, heading for the other door. “Can’t be worse than suffering in the company of this drunk asshole.” “Hey, you know what’s a fun game for everyone?” Duke asks, his eyes lighting up behind their glassy shine. “We’ll turn off the lights and take turns licking your pussy, and whoever does it better gets to fuck you first.” “Do you ever think about anything besides your dick?” “Sometimes I think about your pussy,” he says, swaying forward and back. “Especially when I’m jerking off in the shower. That’s when I picture my balls slapping that wet, pink pussy and my cum filling it up, giving you a nice juicy creampie.” “Yeah, my disgust for you outweighs my fear of tight spaces,” I say. “I’m going to check out the tunnel. If the door’s locked, I might just dig my way out.” “Have fun,” Baron says, pulling a sucker from his pocket. “Hope your flashlight doesn’t die.”

[leschanceux]

things had been far less complicated when mum had been pretending she simply didn't exist, at least in philip's opinion. henry might feel otherwise, but at least philip knew what he was doing, knew where he stood with his siblings and with their grandmother, knew what he needed to do on a daily basis. everything had been... not good, but clearer. all mum's reappearance had done, really, is give philip somebody else to worry about - somebody else who was apparently so deadset on ripping apart everything he'd done for their family since his father had died.

well, if mum wants to swan back in and be princess catherine again, she can leave philip out of it. he's had enough of being beaten down and dragged back up for another round.

"oh, do you look like dad?" pip's eyebrows raise, the sarcasm dripping off his tongue as he makes out that he's really straining to look for their father's features on his baby brother's face, "i don't see it, personally." a shrug, a playful untruth they both know is untrue, even in the middle of such a serious conversation. it's true, though; henry's face is practically a carbon copy of dad's, while philip and beatrice resemble their mother's side of the family more ( philip has been told on multiple occasions that he bares a very strong resemblence to his grandfather, who had died before he was born --- and maybe that explains why gran focuses on him so often ).

but appearance shouldn't affect family ties as much as theirs have been affected.

"---so you look like dad. so what? it was practically inevitable that with three children, one of us was going to look like him," philip rolls his eyes, reaching to pour himself another cup of tea. "she needs to grow up."

there had been so much going on around that time period, so much that mary had put onto philip's shoulders and expected him to get the results she wanted. bea's drug habit and henry's sex life risking the perfect image of the perfect family the crown had created, their little soap bubble wearing thin.

philip had been scared of losing both his younger siblings, but he'd had to be the bastard, had been sent to "talk" to them both, pull them back into their photo-perfect selves --- and he'd failed. "it was probably that too, in part," he shrugs, looking for all the world like it doesn't bother him at all ( it does ), "but she told me it was about you and responsibility." he's a child, he'd told his grandmother, though henry was twenty and had been allowed to continue studying instead of enlisting or fully surrendering himself to the royal duties, he doesn't want this, not yet. give him a little bit more time.

she hadn't listened, of course, and he hadn't expected her to --- but he'd tried.

"it doesn't work like that," he sighs exasperatedly, "and besides, i don't want it now. the welsh are your problem." a little smile breaks its way through the stormclouds that have gathered over his face; a single ray of light that will not be eclipsed just yet ( especially when henry brings up having to ask his equerry for a reminder not to pull a face over his title ). he wonders idly if their mother will reclaim that title too, if henry will finally be freed of another chain tied around his ankles in the very near future - and that would be the only reason philip would rejoice in catherine's return to society.

"dad would hate all of this," he confirms so very quietly, not looking at henry just as hard as his brother isn't looking at him. "he'd hate that we're all split up and miserable, all at odds with each other." dad would hate that they'd been left to mary's mercy and that they'd been forbidden to feel what normal people felt when they lost a parent, that they'd been forced to grow up even faster than they were already expected to. dad would hate this whole circus from start to finish.

"---finish your breakfast. i have something i want to show you."

henry's nose winkles and there's small frown that flickers between his brows as both hands come to cradle around his mug. the way he's sitting back in his seat now looks more like he's trying to both get away and curl in on himself , with the hot drink resting against his chest , rather than laid back or confident.   that was the hard truth , wasn't it ?   she hadn't come when bea had been hospitalized or in treatment , she hadn't come when philip was getting married but she had come at his in the grand scheme of things rather harmless scandal .

how was that fair ?

" it's because i look like dad . "      he says it quietly , like the blessing and the curse that it is .   " it's why she sent me away , and it's why she's back now . "     it's the only thing he can think of to make sense of it all . she had seen his face plastered across every new channel , maybe she had seen the photos of him gaunt and pale the one time he had left kensington for a meeting with his grandmother's equerry . either way . she hadn't come because of the news itself , or it wouldn't have taken her two weeks .

henry only realised he wasn't looking at his brother when his comment about the prince of wales title makes his gaze snap back to him . a punishment . he nearly says , the words on the tip of his tongue . and the first few words his brother says is along the same sentiment .

until it isn't.

he should have realised that there was more to it , but he was only twenty when he got the title . it was only a week or so after the night with bea outside the nightclub which was forever emblazoned in his mind .     " i thought it was a cover up, an excuse as to why i wasn't doing a postgrad anymore after she found out about ----"     well the whole family had known about him . the almost , sort of , in another life first relationship he could have had . a deviant dalliance she had called it .  the internal scandal that had him pulled out of university ,   a new phone ,   a new laptop ,   a new number .    feeling grateful when he was allowed back to finish his exams after a few weeks of confinement .  

he still doesn't know how buckingham found out, even all these years later . mum hadn't shown up for that crisis .

" you can have it , if you want ."      he offers the title now like it's the last sweet in a packet . knowing that it wasn't that simple but wishing that it was . " christ , everyone knows that i never wanted it, pip. .... shaan had to remind me not to grimace every time someone introduced me as it for the first two months . "    the final admittance is ridiculous and , with hindsight , maybe a little bit funny .

he sighed , looking away from him again , over his shoulder at the artwork on the wall behind him . it's probably priceless , but pointless if he was the only one who regularly saw it . like most of their lives really ; priceless and pointless . he doesn't mean to say the next words , they come out without him meaning to but it's all he's been able to think about for weeks .    " this would break dad's heart , wouldn't it ? "   this . the cavernous gap that ran between the three of them , the way mum left them , the grief and the anger and the abuse control forced onto them .  " i think i might hate that more than anything else . "

[yoolee]

Samurai Love BALLET Party - Ai’s Recital

A crack headcanon, because I CAN. By which I mean, I can’t seem to write anything lately, but I can go down weird rabbit holes still, so, why not drag an unwitting tumblr audience down one with me. OKAY. SO. IT IS DRESS REHEARSAL NIGHT for Ai’s first ever ballet recital.

Kenshin et. all have been expressly forbidden by Kanetsugu from attending the actual recital, but have been begrudgingly allowed to come to the final rehearsal on the condition that they behave

Kanetsugu is not actually optimistic regarding odds of success but it’s better than them trying (TRYING being the operative word) to be sneaky and inadvertently destroying opening night

So anyway he is engaged in the age old struggle of First Time Ballet Parent versus the Bobby Pin Bun, doing his best to put Ai’s hair in a bun that can withstand ballet mistress inspection

Ai is stoically and heroically Enduring

(Father doesn’t mean to stab her skull with bobby pins, she knows)

Kanetsugu runs out of bobby pins

With Immense Trepidation, he sends Yoshichi out for more

He would send Kagetsugu, but Kagetsugu is doing Ai’s stage makeup

(Kanetsugu can't he just can't he would cry, mascara is a Bad Word)

Ai thinks it's super cool that Tsugutsugu knows how to do makeup

His sister taught him, and please stop fidgeting unless you want crooked eyeliner

(Kanetsugu grumbles about eyeliner)

Ai sniffs and insists even if it IS crooked she will rock it - but it had better not be, okay? Please?

(Is that a hint of nerves in her voice?)

(NO NEVER but before Kanetsugu can comfort her)

WHOOSH

OH NO

OH YES

A PERFUMED TORNADO OF FLOWER PETALS

(run, run for your lives!)

(no one does, of course, they are either too busy being Confused, or they know exactly what it is and that there is no escape)

Kagetsugu has to stop applying blush because he's sneezing from pollen allergies

Kanetsugu is considering alternate places to stab bobby pins

You were expressly forbidden from coming back stage, Kenshin

Kenshin stands there, hands clasped, eyes shining.

Ignoring Kanetsugu

Of course

(Yoshichi, off on the Great Bobby Pin Quest, is woefully and completely lost)

Ai looks wonderful! Like a princess!

She raises her eyebrow

He amends, a princess that can strike fear into the conquered hearts of her battered foes

Ai smiles

Kageie is still flinging flower petals as he was instructed to do

Please stop flinging flower petals Kageie

He shrugs and wanders off

(Yoshichi has started leaving a trail of bobby pins in hopes he will find his way back)

Kenshin begins unloading presents

A bouquet of roses!

A bouquet of daisies!

A bouquet of roses AND daisies!

A music box!

(Where did Kageie go, anyway?)

A bracelet with ballet slippers!

A wheel of cheese!

A bolt of la--oh my gosh Kenshin stop she hasn't even danced yet

Kenshin wilts

Ai pats his arm and puts a flower in his hair. There, there, don't be sad

Kenshin blooms, clasps her hands, what a wise, kind young soul she is, what grace, what--

Kanetsugu whaps him with a daisy because he is CAUSING TROUBLE go sit in the audience geeze Kenshin

(Yoshichi doesn't know where he is but it smells like hairspray and tulle)

(He nervously tosses more bobby pins in his wake. Someone will find him)

Kenshin floats away

(Flower petals float in his wake)

(Speaking of, seriously where has Kageie gone)

(Kanetsugu thinks maybe he sees a flash of silver hair by the prima ballerina but surely not)

Kagetsugu shrugs and packs up his makeup, except suddenly there is a line waiting for his assistance because oh god have you tried putting on liquid eyeliner on a preteen it's impossible

Kagetsugu looks pained

There are puppy dog eyes

Kagetsugu sighs and unpacks makeup again

Relieved looks all around

(Hotaru has been dutifully following a trail of scattered bobby pins, politely picking them up as he comes across them)

Kagetsugu and Ai are having a (mercifully Kenshin free) pep talk

She is going to do wonderfully

Omg I know father

He loves her and he's so proud

Omg I know father

If she wants to throw her ballet slippers at Kenshin mid performance he fully supports her

OMG DAD

but awww it's very effective

She's proud of him too

After all her bun is ALMOST passable and only slightly crooked

Gestures for him to lean down

He gets a proud pat on the head

Good job, Papa

WEEP WITH HAPPY TEARS

but no time to linger on lovely emotion PLACES ARE BEING CALLED

Ballerinas slipping on flower petals right and left who covered the place in flower petals

Kagetsugu is like WAIT I HAVE THREE MORE BALLERINAS HERE UGH fine I’ll do it while they’re in line stop fidgeting do you know how hard it is to get a good wing when you’re fidgeting sheesh

(Seriously where did Kageie get off to? Kageie? Hello?)

Hotaru and Yoshichi have about a thousand bobby pins

What were they supposed to do with them again?

Pick locks maybe?

Where would they find locks?

They go look for locks

Kanetsugu debates sitting on the opposite side of the auditorium lest people deduce he knows the crazy man already wiping away tears in the front row

But he realizes he'll probably have to restrain Kenshin from standing ovations or leaping on stage so with a sigh he takes the seat to Kenshin’s left

Kageie slides into the seat on Kenshin’s right

Where have you been bro

He shrugs

“Fixing things”

(Well that's totally not concerning at all)

...where is Yoshichi?

(still lost)

THE LIGHTS DIM

THE CURTAIN OPENS

delicate strains of piano and violins lilt through the air!

A line of ballerinas flutter onto the stage!

(A few stray flower petals follow them)

Kenshin is crying

Kanetsugu is crying

Kageie is yawning

THE STORY UNFOLDS

A queen has been cursed by an evil magician to turn into a swan, returning to human form only during the night - GASP

A prince sees her and falls in love! - GASP

They decide to get married, but first, a ball where he must pick her out of a crowd! - GASP

But what's this, another woman who looks like the first appears and seduces the prince! - GASP

DESPAIR! Now the queen shall forever remain a swan, and--

Wait, wait what's happening

Kageie smiles

OH GOD

THE SWANS

THE SWAAAANS

THE SWANS ARE SWARMING!

They've built an army!

THEY ARE GOING TO FIGHT!

They're descending on the magician, on the ball, on the prince!

With great wallops of their wings, and powerful kicks from their swan legs, they surround the magician!

This is not how this story goes Kageie what did you do

Kageie shrugs.

He fixed it

Get on with your swanself, queenie. 

You don’t need a man you’ve known for one night you’re better than that. You just need to find someone noble and good and strong to follow.

Like Kenshin

There is no Kenshin in the ballet story tho

But before they got that figured out Kageie wandered away

ANYWAY THE SWANS WIN

THE QUEEN STANDS TRIUMPHANTLY CENTER STAGE, WINGS SPREAD

Ai is dancing dutifully with the other young swans

the piano sounds a lil uncertain

like what do I do now?

BANG! CRASH!

Yoshichi and Hotaru stumble on stage

Startled by the bright lights, Hotaru stops

Yoshichi smacks into him

Bobby pins scatter everywhere

That magician gets up, trying to get the story back on track

He slips on the bobby pins

He falls, arms flailing as he pinwheels offstage and smacks into a set piece

It topples

Domino effect

Sets down everywhere

The castle crashes!

The lake teeters!

The forest trees are tumbling!

Feathers are flying!

Swans are leaping!

Princes are panicking!

OH THE HUMANITY

OH GOD, MAKE IT STOP!

Panicked, the stage manager yanks the curtain

FLOWER PETALS EXPLODE FROM THE CEILING

Kenshin pouts

Those were for AI’S dance

Omg Kenshin, please don't embarrass me in front of my swan army comrades

Sets are ruined

Story is derailed

Everyone’s eyeliner is on point

Stage is a hazard zone of petals and pins and scattered sequins

Silence

.

.

.

Too tired to sigh, Kanetsugu stands up

He gives his little girl a bouquet of pink flowers wrapped in a pretty ribbon

She beams

And takes a bow

[autisticandroids]

yknow those episodes where a character's whole personality gets split into 3-5 different distinct separate bodies? what bodies would cas have? I feel like it'd just be a mess tbh, imagine 5 different castiels all of them loving dean to a certain extent but showing it VASTLY differently. one cas would literally want to murder the others lmao

okay so i don’t actually think this trope would be an effective tool for analyzing cas? he’s not conflicted enough in himself. he’s too impulsive, too singleminded, too uninhibited. like, in the end, cas always ends up doing whatever he wants. there aren’t multiple discrete voices vying for control, really, or rather, if there are, one is always significantly stronger than the others. like in the end cas will always end up eating raw meat off the floor, you know? he’ll do what he wants. if i was going to do personality splitting i’d do it to someone intensely internally conflicted, like dean.

however, because i’m in an essay writing mood today, i’ll answer a question slightly to the left of the one you asked. cas may not be internally conflicted, but he is intensely changeable. these two things are related, actually; the same impulsivity and singlemindedness that mean he doesn’t have a ton of internal conflict at any given time mean that different ideas sound good to him at different times, because he isn’t really thinking about, say, what future-him will think of them. and he’s not really trying to maintain an image or identity. he’s just doing what feels right at the time, which is very different at different times and in different situations.

anyway, that in mind, i think a lot about ways to bring together many alternate versions of cas which sort of correspond to different times in the show.

i have a fic in my head about a bunch of cas-es pulled from alternate timelines by some kind of spell. so this would be set during the widower arc because the basic impulse here is to show dean a very bad time. just absolutely put him through hell. also, all the alternate timelines are different because different stuff happened, not because cas made different choices, because if we’re torturing dean it has to be like 5x04, the changes in cas can’t be cas’ fault. they have to be dean’s or just like, the universe’s (which makes them dean’s).

so dean is trying to bring cas back, and he finds some kind of spell that can bring someone “from another world.” and he tries it because hey. can’t hurt to try. anyway i’ve thought a long time about different versions of cas i would put in this and here is what i have. in order of when the timeline split off.

- a cas who never raised dean from hell. think 14x13 “lebanon.” this one i’m not too sure about, like, this could be fun, but i don’t know if it’s different enough from the next one. like this castiel would have lived through the averted apocalypse and subsequent general fuckery that happened as an angelic footsoldier, which would actually be pretty interesting now that i think about it, especially since all that stuff would have gone down soooooooo differently without cas specifically for your average angel footsoldier. like cas has PERSONALLY caused more upheaval in heaven in twelve years of spn than there seems to have been in millennia. so he would be the point of view of a normal footsoldier from a totally other world.

- a cas who died mid season four, and is pulled out of the empty in 2017 by this spell. i’m not sure when this cas died. my thoughts are (1) killed in on the head of a pin by alistair, (2) killed during his torture in the rapture, or (3) simply never resurrected after lucifer rising. (3) makes the most sense, but that cas has already thrown away everything for dean. i prefer the idea of a cas who loves dean, is already on the brink of disobedience for him, but has not yet taken the plunge. both on the head of a pin and the rapture are great places for this, and they both have strengths and weaknesses. if he died in the rapture, he was killed by heaven, which is fundamentally more fun, but he was also really very much over the edge already. if he died in on the head of a pin, he wasn’t killed by heaven, but he is perfectly teetering on the brink of falling for dean. regardless of when he died, the purpose of this cas is to be horrified at all the various and myriad ways he has destroyed and corrupted himself for dean in the other timelines.

- possibly endverse cas, who would have died in 2014, but like s4 cas, would have been pulled from the afterlife by the spell. i’m not so sure on this one. we as a society love endverse cas but i dunno what purpose he would serve. maybe endverse cas didn’t die in 2014, and instead was imprisoned by lucifer, because, you know. he’s the only brother lucifer has left. so he is very excited to see dean alive and well, since his dean is dead, and, not being an angel, cas can’t bring him back. the purpose of this cas would be to horrify dean that cas loves him and needs him so much, and to disgust the other cas-es with his neediness.

- a cas who was in some way on better terms with dean during s6. maybe dean and cas ride off into the sunset together after swan song instead of dean going to live with lisa, maybe dean prayed to cas while he was with lisa because he missed him, who knows. either way, cas has dean’s help with the angel revolution in season six from the start, and never goes to crowley. the plan cas and dean come up with to beat raphael includes breaking into the cage and stealing the grace of michael and lucifer, freeing sam and adam in the process. incidentally, it also involves cas possessing dean, because if cas is gonna eat archangel grace to become more powerful, he’s going to need a stronger vessel. so cas and dean have a whole like. midam situation happening. they’re a double archangel together, and godstiel never happened so none of the other terrible apocalypses that stemmed from that happened, and everything is pretty cool where they’re from, and also they’re obviously uhhhhhh SOME kind of together. the purpose of this cas is to upset dean because this cas shows how much better everything could have been and how much better his and cas’ relationship could have been if dean had simply been more considerate of cas in s6, and also freak dean out with how uh. close. this dean and cas are.

- a godstiel who managed to swallow purgatory without swallowing the leviathans and remained god. he’s probably soooomewhat less scary and murdery than canonverse godstiel because no leviathans, so you know, not as many angel purges or massacres on earth. and he probably went and fixed sam’s wall within about three days because cas is prideful but he does NOT like it when dean is mad at him. so they did kiss and make up, and so this cas would have had dean to act as his morality chain. but he’s still very scary and godstiel. and also he refers to dean as “The Beloved” you know. his purpose is to freak everyone out, because he’s scary, but also, for the past cas-es, because he is a terrifying abomination that they could never imagine becoming, for the future cas-es, because he is a reminder of their worst selves, and for dean, because he is a reminder of how dangerous cas is, but also because he uh. obviously has some feelings about his dean. unclear if they are consummated or not.

- a cas who naomi never rescued from purgatory, and who stayed there. hasn't spoken to another being in half a decade, has not recovered from his emotionally destroyed state in purgatory in s8. believes at first that the spell is his dean rescuing him, and is crushed when he realizes he was wrong. like endverse cas, his purpose is to show dean how much cas needs him and depends on him emotionally, and how he (dean) is capable of destroying cas, as well as his guilt for leaving him in purgatory and how lucky he is that his cas got out. this is especially noteworthy since the guilt for leaving cas in purgatory is part of the reason dean is trying to get cas back.

- a cas who stayed human after season nine, and has built himself a small human life over the next four years. he has a job and an apartment and friends outside the winchesters and yes, he still goes hunting after work sometimes, and he's still in contact with dean, but he is also independent in a way no other version of cas has ever been. he exists to freak out dean because dean has never seen cas independent of him. he is also fairly bitter at dean since dean did kind of stop spending time with him when he was no longer useful, and our dean feels guilty for that.

- a cas who showed up twenty minutes later in 10x03, finding sam dead and dean gone, and had to chase down demon dean, and has now spent three years following demon dean around as his tragically adoring stalker, because he hasn't found a way to resurrect sam yet and he doesn't want to put dean through the demon cure until he can save sam because he doesn't want dean to experience that guilt, but he also adores dean and wants to keep an eye on him and keep him safe and also keep him from doing anything too heinous, so he just covertly follows him around the country and watches from a distance as he commits various murders and fucks his way through every local bar scene. and occasionally cas finds dean something to kill, when the mark gets hungry, and drops it in his path. his purpose is to freak dean out with the lengths cas would go for him, and the depths cas would sink to.

anyway. lebanon cas and season four cas are horrified and perhaps disgusted (lebanon cas more than s4 cas) by ALL of the later cas-es, and how far they’re fallen, all of it for dean. godstiel and archangel cas being abominations, endverse cas and s9 cas being fallen, even purgatory cas and demon dean’s cas for their total dependence on dean.

purgatory cas and endverse cas are just happy to see a dean, even if it’s not their dean. demon dean’s cas, too, in a way. he’s happy to see a dean who is still human, who he can still have as a friend.

human cas is pissed to see that he was right, that dean would have stuck by him if he’d still had his powers, that this version of dean is doing spells to try and bring his cas, who is still an angel, back, whereas he and his dean only see each other once every couple months.

everyone is terrified and disgusted by godstiel, as i said before.

they’re mostly kind of thrown by archangel cas. a lot of them are jealous. godstiel is furious because how dare anyone, even an alternate version of himself, take dean as a vessel (even if dean likes it). godstiel isn’t really there, though, he resisted the summoning and just sort of popped his head through to see what was going on, and he goes back to his own reality pretty fast without murdering anyone.

also to be clear dean has not at this point examined or acknowledged any feelings he may have about his cas besides “friendship,” nor has he wondered what feelings his cas may have for him. given how many of the cas-es were clearly in some kind of relationship with their dean (endverse cas, archangel cas) or just openly in love with their dean (godstiel, purgatory cas, demon dean’s cas), dean is forced to reevaluate the nature of his and cas’ relationship.

[headinthestaticsky]

The Dusk Calls for Me, Jasper Hale x Fleur Swan: Chapter 9

AUTHORS NOTES: None of the characters in Twilight belong to me. All rights go to Stephenie Meyer.

“I go over every word you said to me Every single syllable I could repeat Certified to scuba dive in my memory”

Sawzall by: BANKS

“I can feel your heart beating out of your chest love.” Jasper said.

I couldn’t say anything, I just burrowed my in his neck and held him.

“I should go back there and rips those guy’s heads off.”

“N-no you shouldn’t.”

“You couldn’t hear what those, low lives were thinking.” 

“And you do?”

“Dammit Edward... you need to learn to keep your mouth shut.” I thought to myself.

“Well, it’s not hard to guess. Could you talk about something else? Distract me so I don’t turn back around.”

“Y-you should put your seat belt on.”

Edward laughed 

“You should put your seat beat on.”

I pulled my sweater tighter to me and took in a deep breath.

“Thank you.” I said

Jasper kissed my cheek and rubbed circles in on my side. We pulled up to the restaurant. I saw Jessica and Angela leaving, they both looked confused and worried.

“Where were you guys?” Jessica asked

“We called you like a 100 times but we never got an answer.” Angela said.

Before Bella and I could explain our selves, Edward and Jasper came up to them.

“Sorry to keep the girls from dinner, we all ran into each other and started talking.” Jasper said.

“Oh, that’s fine. Angela said.

“Yeah, it totally happens.” Jessica added.

“I think I should make sure Bella gets something to eat.” Edward said.

“Geez what am I chopped liver you jerk?” I thought to myself.

“Yeah, Fleur should probably get something too...” Jasper said and gave Edward a glare.

“Yeah, let’s go in and eat... I’ll see you guys on Monday.” I said.

“Yeah, see you Monday.” Jessica said.

We made our way inside the restaurant the atmosphere was warm and inviting. We made our way to a table in the back of the restaurant, the waitress was being quite flirty with Edward. The on Bella’s face made me want to laugh, the jealousy was seeping from it. Jasper sat next to me and draped his arm over my shoulder . It’s weight was comforting against me, he was using his Pathokinesis on me. I wasn’t complaining, the racing of my heart was beginning to drive me crazy.  The flirty waitress had come back with, our food coming along with her.

“Alright we have 1 mushroom ravioli, 1 chicken Alfredo, and 4 glasses of coke. Are you sure, I can’t get you two anything?” She asked.

“No.” Jasper said.

“No thank you.” Edward replied, his eyes not leaving Bella’s.

“Just let me know.” She said before leaving.

“You’re really not going to eat?” Bella asked.

“No, we’re on a special diet.”

“Alright enough with the games, you gotta give me some answers here.”

“Hmm, yes, no, maybe.” Jasper started.

“To get to the other side, 1.772...” Edward continued.

“I don’t want to know what the square root of Pi is.” Bella interrupted. 

 “You knew that?” Edward inquired.

“How did you and Jasper know where we were?”

“I didn’t.”

“Alright, let’s go Fleur. I’m sick of being lied to.”

“Wait... don’t go.”

Edward pulled Bella back down to her seat.

“I mean, did you follow us?”

“I feel very... protective of you. Jasper, of course is always protective over Fleur.”

“Sooo, you did follow us?”

“I was trying to keep a distance, but I knew you two needed my help. I then heard what those low lives were thinking and I just..”

“Wait, wait... you said you could hear what they’re thinking?” Bella interrupted again.

“You’re burying yourself here Edward.” I though to myself, his eyes glared at me for a second... I almost forgot he could read minds.

“I can read every mind in this... except for yours.” 

“Is something wrong with me?”

“Bella, I just said I could read minds, and you ask what is wrong with you?” Edward asked in shock.

“Well, what are people thinking then?”

“That guys right there with the goatee, Money.” He then started pointing out the other people in room.

“Sex, money, sex, cat but with you, I hear nothing.”

“I’m going to confess Bella, I don’t have the strength to stay away from you anymore.”

“Then don’t, you don’t have to anymore.” She said.

 After dinner, we were off on the road again only this time, the ride wasn’t as intense. I was dosing off in the back, my head on Jasper’s shoulder I was almost asleep when I heard Bella speak.

“Okay, I think I’m warm enough now.”

I heard Bella gasp before speaking again.

“Your hand is Ice cold.”

Edward didn’t say anything in return.

“Whoa what is going on? Dad’s still here Fleur.”

I opened my eyes in confusion, I saw we were at the police station.

“Our dad’s car is here as well.” Jasper said.

“What’s he doing here?”

“Could you pull in Edward?” I asked.

He obliged my request.

“Carlisle what’s going on?”

He sighed

“Waylon Forge was found in a boat near his place. I just examined his body”

My eyes widened

“He died?”

Carlisle just nodded.

“Maybe it was the same thing that killed that guard out in Mason.”

“You two should go in and see your father. Waylon was his friend.”

“You go ahead Bella, I need to talk to Jasper real quick.”

“Okay. I’ll see you around Edward, Jasper.” Bella said before going in the building.

I pulled Jasper away from Edward and Carlisle, wanting to talk to him in private.

“What’s wrong?” He asked.

“Please don’t be mad at me, they’re somethings I haven’t told you about. Could you come by later on tonight. I’ll explain everything to you.” I said.

“Of course, I love you darlin, stay safe.” He said, he kissed my cheek and the hugged me.

“I will... love you too.”

I saw him leave with Edward and Carlisle, I just hoped he wasn’t hurt by the fact I was keeping things from him. I jogged to the police station door, my dad looked up at me with sad eyes.

“I’m so sorry dad.” I said, I gave him a short hug and then rubbed his back.

“Thanks Petal, Bella, Fleur could you do something for me?” He asked.

“Sure, what is it?” I said.

“I want you two to carry this.” He handed Bella and I a can of pepper spray. 

“This would’ve come in handy earlier.” I thought.

“Dad...” Bella said apprehensively.

“It’ll give your old man some peace of mind.”

Bella and I each took a can, putting it in our purses.

“Come you two, let’s go home.”

As soon as I got home I got ready for bed. I kissed by dad on the cheek and bid both Bella and him a goodnight. I the ran up to my room, my heart was pounding again. When I opened the door, Jasper was already there. He had a look of curiosity and concern on his face. 

“What’s going on?” He asked.

“...Where do I start?”

[lea-panthera]

Here's the third part!

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7

Chapter 6: Queenie and Avis

Marinette wakes up, groaning. She rolls over and sits up to find herself in a long navy blue room with silver swirls and designs on the wall. There are two doors at the front of the room. She’s in the lower bunk of one of the many bunk beds in the room. 

In the lower bunk of the bunk bed opposite to her, there is a Marinette with her hair loose around her shoulders. She’s tossing a ball and catching it repeatedly. The bee comb holds back her bangs. Marinette spots Pollen next to the other Marinette and gives her a small wave. Pollen smiles at her and nudges the Marinette sitting beside her. The other Marinette looks up and grins. 

“Hey, other me,” she says, putting the ball down and getting up to sit beside Marinette. “I’m Queenie, nice to meet you. And you are?”

“I’m Marinette,” Marinette says automatically, before remembering the whole alternate version situation. “I-I mean, I’m Marieta.”

Queenie pats her on the back. “It’s okay, it takes a while to get used to it. What’s your superhero name?”

Marinette smiles. “Ladybug. Yours?”

“Honeybee,” replies Queenie, and then she frowns. “I’m assuming you have the Ladybug miraculous in your universe?”

Marinette nods.

“Oh. Chloé has it in mine.”

Marinette chokes. “What?”

Queenie shrugs. “Yeah…apparently she wasn’t supposed to be the one who got it, but somehow, she did.”

“Oh,” says Marinette. “In my universe, she used to have the bee miraculous, but she betrayed us to Hawkmoth, so we had to take it away.”

Queenie hums thoughtfully. A peaceful silence descends upon them.

One of the silver doors opens, and another Marinette walks out. Her hair’s in a wavy bob, and Duusu’s riding on her shoulder. She gives them a wave.

“Hi,” she says, “I’m Avis. Zara asked me to tell you guys to change and head to the dining room. I’ll lead you guys there.”

It is then that Marinette notices the dress Avis is wearing. It’s a high-low dress, with the front of the dress reaching just past her knees and the train just brushing the floor. The dress itself is a dark blue-violet reminiscent of the sky at dusk. Silver embroidery decorates the corset and the swan neck. The long sleeves are close fitting, like Marinette’s ladybug suit. A peacock feather has been painstakingly embroidered on each bicep. The leggings Avis wears underneath are a darker shade of the dress’s color. She also wears ballet flats that match the dress and silver teardrop earrings. The peacock brooch is pinned above her heart, a plain silver. The outfit is clearly meant to be fancy, but easy to move around in.

Avis notices Marinette inspecting the dress and giggles. “Do you like it? Kit made each of us one.”

Queenie jumps up, and then falls back with a yelp when she bumps her head against the bottom of the bunk above her and Marinette. “Do Mari and I have our own, too?”

Avis’s eyes twinkle. “You might want to check under your pillows.”

Queenie squeals in excitement and runs over to her bunk. Marinette studies the other two girls. “So I take it you two have already come to terms with all this?”

Avis fidgets a bit. “Yeah…Zara and Kit told us that they had shown you too much in too little time, so you fainted from all the revelations. We were given a bit more time to process everything bit by bit.”

Marinette sighs and rubs at her face tiredly. “I was fine until I realized that I’d been rejecting my partner for my crush when they’ve been the same person all this time.”

Avis winces. “Ouch. My partner, Drone, and I are dating, but our civilian selves didn’t even know each other personally. I only knew Adrien from the magazines.”

“Adrien apparently had a crush on me as my civilian self, but I didn’t notice because I was too in love with Tortue,” says Queenie. She turns to Avis and Marinette, hands outstretched slightly to display her outfit. “How does it look?”

She’s wearing a black blazer with gold embroidery over a yellow crop-top and black capris. Her sandals are yellow, and she wears a translucent golden wrap around her neck. Her hair is held back by a yellow headband, and on her ears are yellow-and-black-striped circular studs. On the biceps, where Avis's dress has silver peacock feathers, Queenie’s blazer has gold bees.

“You look very pretty, Queenie,” Marinette says honestly. Queenie beams.

Avis claps her hands. “Come on, Mari! Let’s see yours!”

Marinette looks under her pillow to find a clothes bag. She opens it to find a simple turtle-necked, long-sleeved, red sheath dress with black cherry blossoms stitched along the hem and neck. On the same place where the embroidered feathers and bees are on Avis’s dress and Queenie’s blazer respectively, there are black ladybugs on the sleeves, one on each. There are also black leggings with red dots on the bottom and red slippers with obsidian rhombuses on the toes.

Marinette changes into them to find that they are a perfect fit. Queenie takes the ruby choker and fastens it around her neck while Avis watches them with a critical eye.

“Perfect,” she comments, satisfied. “Come along, now, L’Espoir’s waiting for us.”

Marinette and Queenie share an excited glance, then follow Avis out of the room.

Chapter 7: Sentidemons

Avis takes the two to the dining room, where a large whiteboard has been set up at the front. On the whiteboard, there are multiple rectangles drawn with multiple dots inside them that are labeled things like “1-13” and “10-35”. 

Zara is studying the diagram closely. She’s wearing a dark magenta leather jacket with a black tiger’s face embroidered on either bicep over a lavender shirt. She also wears black leggings that fit closely to her figure. Philip sits beside her, decoding the grimoire. 

Marinette turns her head to find the kitchen, just past which is the living room, where Kit and Ajax are sleeping on one of the couches. Kit’s wearing a white cardigan over an orange frock with white lace at the hem. Her white leggings are decorated with orange swirls at the bottom, and her orange cut shoes have matching white swirls. The top of her sleeves feature embroidered white fox tails. Plagg, Trixx, Roarr, Kaalki, Tikki, Sass, and Fluff are nuzzled into the crook of her neck and in her hair. Ajax’s head is on her lap, and her hand is on his head.

Marinette feels a pang of longing for her own partner and turns away.

Zara looks up, and her lips curl into a smile. “The outfits suit you guys.”

Marinette smiles back. “Thank you. Avis said you wanted us here?”

Zara nods, then points to the diagram. “Do you see these rectangles and dots? The rectangles represent sectors, or groups of universes. Each dot is an individual universe. All the universes in a sector have something in common. A choice that led to many outcomes. New sectors and universes are made all the time.”

Philip gets up from his seat, closing the grimoire. “The Rabbit Miraculous separates out the sectors that are connected to the user and, within each sector, separates universes that would benefit us from the ones that would not. The dots we’ve marked here are the ones that help us.”

Zara points a finger at a rectangle labeled “7”. “Kit, Marieta, and Queenie are from Sector 7. Marieta’s universe is 7-23, Queenie’s is 7-35, and Kit’s, where we are right now, is 7-29. Avis, you’re from Sector 9. Your universe is 9-7.” She points to a rectangle labeled “9”.

Philip points to another rectangle. “Zara and I are from here. Sector 21. Our universe is 21-37.” 

“Roi Paon, to the best of our knowledge, is still there,” says Zara.

Philip takes out a paper tucked in between pages of the grimoire and turns it to show the girls, who lean closer to examine the pictures drawn on it. 

The drawings depict giant, hulking, humanoid figures made of solid shadow. Each is uniquely shaped and has a defining feature to it. One has spikes running up its back, another has enlarged, disproportional fists, and yet another has flames dancing down its arms.

“These are examples of sentidemons,” explains Zara, gesturing toward the illustrations. “They are slightly more advanced than sentimonsters, but possess the same properties: they are controlled by an amok, created through an intense emotion of some sort, can be affected by Clout and Venom, and go rampant when hit with Cataclysm. However, sentidemons are given their amok under the condition that they obey Roi Paon.”

“Couldn’t we try to get them on our side?” asks Avis, biting her lip.

Philip shakes his head. “They are created from Roi Paon’s hate of L’Espoir and desire for the Ladybug and Black Cat miraculouses. They will oppose us and go after the two in any universe.”

Zara points to the gemstone in the middle of the sentidemon with flames. “Roi Paon puts the amok in one of these gemstones and then embeds them somewhere on the sentidemon. We need to break the gemstone to get to the amok inside. We usually capture the amok and take it to our Tikki, who purifies it.”

Queenie fidgets and stares at the sheer number of dots drawn on the board. “If there were so many universes,” she says, looking up, “then why me? Why us?”

Philip puts a hand on her shoulder. “Because all three of you are Marinettes.” He gives Zara a soft look, making her giggle and blush. “Extraordinary.”

Zara shakes her head, exasperated but smiling nonetheless. “But also because of your powers and strengths.”

She walks over to Queenie, holding out a hand so that Pollen can zip out from the nape of Queenie’s neck and onto Zara’s palm. “You are the holder of the Bee Miraculous, so your power is Venom, the power to immobilize your opponents. This will prove crucial when battling against Roi Paon’s army. Not only that, but you have proven yourself to be an independent hero and a wonderful partner when needed. When Chloé- excuse me, Red Lady - dared to paint Tortue as an enemy in the eyes of the people, it was you who continued to fight for him. You take the time to get to know people, and you judge them fairly. I ask you again: Will you help L’Espoir defeat Roi Paon?”

Queenie, emboldened by Zara’s words, nods. “I will.”

Zara nods at her gratefully and moves on to Avis. She pets Duusu on the head, and the kwami giggles from her perch on Avis’s shoulder. Zara looks at Avis, studying her closely. “Avis, you are the holder of the Peacock Miraculous. Your power creates sentimonsters, but also senses beings created by other Peacock Miraculouses. Your powers could help us track Roi Paon and his army of sentidemons throughout the multiverse. Sure, you’ve made many mistakes in the past with your powers, but that has given you much experience regarding the miraculouses. I ask you: Will you help L’Espoir defeat Roi Paon?”

Avis looks at Duusu, who places a paw on the crook of her neck encouragingly. She looks back at Zara. “You can count on me.”

Zara smiles. Finally, she turns to Marinette. “Marieta, you are the holder of the Ladybug Miraculous. One of the main pair of miraculouses. As the guardian of the Miraculouses in your universe, a position no one here has, we could use your advice on how to proceed with recruiting other holders into L’Espoir. You’re also one of the only Marinettes in the multiverse to have gotten closer to reaching your full potential as a Miraculous holder. You are a natural leader. You’ve chosen worthy holders for the miraculouses, and we have faith in you to guide us in the path to Roi Paon's defeat. Marieta, will you help us, fight alongside us, and lead us to victory?”

Marinette looks into Zara’s eyes and thinks of all the people she'll be leaving behind and might never see again. She thinks of her amazing parents. She thinks of Alya, her fierce confidant. She thinks of Nino, her relaxed childhood friend. She thinks of playful Kim, of competitive Alix, of quiet Juleka and innocent Rose. She thinks of kind Luka, of serious Kagami, of shy Marc and artistic Nathanael. She thinks of intelligent Max, of protective Ivan, of sweet Myléne and selfless Zoé. She even thinks of sassy Chloé and her ever loyal Sabrina. 

She thinks of how Zara lost them all.

Marinette steels herself, straightens, and nods. “We’ll win this war of yours, Zara, and you’ll have your world back.”

-End part 3

[popanalysis99]

The Cool Girl Trope: Explained

“Men always say that as the defining compliment, don’t they? She’s a cool girl. Being the Cool Girl means I am a hot, brilliant, funny woman who adores football, poker, dirty jokes, and burping, who plays video games, drinks cheap beer, loves threesomes and anal sex, and jams hot dogs and hamburgers into her mouth like she’s hosting the world’s biggest culinary gang bang while somehow maintaining a size 2, because Cool Girls are above all hot. Hot and understanding. Cool Girls never get angry; they only smile in a chagrined, loving manner and let their men do whatever they want. Go ahead, shit on me, I don’t mind, I’m the Cool Girl.“ - Gillian Flynn, Gone Girl.

The trope “cool girl” is defined as a girl who is “one of the guys” and likes what men like, eg. sports, video games, junk food, swearing, cheap beers etc. basically she is a “dude in a gorgeous woman’s body”.  This term was first coined in the novel Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn which was later deconstructed and called out.

The problem with the Cool Girl trope is that it’s just a male fantasy. Meaning that it’s an idea that is invented by men. Basically they not only have to act but reinvent themselves into what men want them to be: A Cool Girl. Gone Girl explores this fallout and how this took a huge toll on Amy, when she tried to pretend to be something for Nick when she first met him, but when she grew tired of it and he began to cheat on her, this caused her to lose it and go on a rampage where she would frame her husband for her murder. It basically shows that if a cool girl grows tired of putting up with the act and stands up for herself and shows her own agency, then the man will grow tired of her and move onto someone else. 

Examples of Cool Girl in Media

There are many examples of Cool Girl all over movies and tv shows:

The most popular one and one of Flynn’s inspirations for Gone Girl is Mary from There’s Something About Mary portrayed by Cameron Diaz. Mary is a girl who is a doctor, but is shown to have an interest in golf and other sports and loves hamburgers. Another peculiar thing is that throughout the movie is that a lot of a guys...a LOT...fall head over heels for her and begin to stalk her and there isn’t even a reason why.

Donna Pinciotti from That 70′s show is defined as a tomboy who is a feminist and loves to hang out with the guys down in her boyfriend Eric’s basement. She is shown to play sports and loves to wrestle for fun with Eric and is unapologetically feminist.

In How I Met Your Mother, when Ted first meets Robin, he describes her as the perfect girl. Robin is shown as someone who loves scotch, sports and doesn’t want anything serious. It’s also justified since she was also brought up as a tomboy by her father in Canada.

The Cool Girl Vs. The Girl who Cares a lot

Just like the video above by the Take describes, the Cool Girl is often compared with a girl who is “uptight, feminine or cares too much.” there are many examples of this comparisons. Either in the same media or in two different medias.

For example in Black Swan, when the repressed good girl Nina is compared with fun loving Lily by her dance instructor, she feels like her struggles of becoming her dancer is for nothing.

Using the examples of two female detectives from two different tv series, Kensi Blye from NCIS: Los Angeles and Domnique Dipierro from Mr. Robot, who represent the Cool Girl vs. the girl who cares a lot argument.

In Dom’s case, she is an FBI agent who is assigned to solve the 5/9 case. We see that she is a lonely workaholic woman who is determined in solving the 5/9 case. She usually chats with Alexa and jerks off to sex room chats. She cares too much about her work and finding someone but she fails to when she ran off from a proposal due to her social anxiety. All she believes in is getting the work done but unfortunately loses her own identity in the process. She even mentions how she has no life outside of her work. When she gets put through so much trauma, including being forced into working for the Dark Army, she easily breaks down and becomes a fearful doormat for them, which causes her to completely lose her own agency. Dom basically represents the “girl who cares a lot.”

While Kensi in NCIS: Los Angeles, who is a NCIS Special Agent is shown to subvert these kind of narrative. She isn’t a workaholic or anti-social because of it. She isn’t obsessed or determined with solving a case or finding clues to something or being promoted to a higher status or have a need to prove herself, she is just cool and humble with the way she is. She enjoys the company of her male friends and isn’t afraid to try out new things. She even shows that she can be assertive and manipulative for survival and use her street-smart skills and wits and she can have more feminine aspirations such as settling down and being a mother without being ridiculed or dehumanized for it. And whenever she is put through any trauma, she is able to stand back up and keep going. Kensi shows that being herself is what makes her cool.

Conclusion

The true meaning of Cool Girl should be that we shouldn’t be act “cool” just to be with a man. Being a cool girl means to be our true selves and find our identity and we can gorge on junk food and enjoy manly interests without impressing them.

[suwya]

Proteus’ curse.

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Summary:  Emma woke up like any other morning in her bed ... to find out that the day would not be like any other. 

This story takes place during the weeks between S4A and S4B.

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Rating: G

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Warning: gender swap

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AO3

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A/N: Apparently it's exactly eleven years of Tumblr for me. Hence a one-shot.

This is meant to be a lighthearted and funny story, or so I hope. 

All my gratitude goes to my amazing beta-reader @thisonesatellite.

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Emma woke up like every other morning in her bed, in the upper part of her parents’ loft. Henry was staying at Regina’s for a few days, so she knew she was alone in her room, that’s why she was surprised to see Hook’s hand first thing, after slightly opening her eyes. 

She tried to remember the previous evening, and she knew that they had spent more time than necessary downstairs before separating, but she was sure he had left before she went to bed. 

Had he come back, snuck into her room during the night? Well, that was a first. 

But she wouldn’t complain if he had decided to sleep behind her, with an arm enveloping her waist. 

She closed her eyes again, deciding to enjoy this little quiet moment. 

But it was strange, she couldn’t feel his body heat. 

She opened one eye again. His hand was still there, and it was definitely his hand that entered her peripheral view. With his characteristic rings, and some hair on the arm that peeked out the pajama sleeve, the same color as hers. 

Wait… not only the same color, exactly the same pajamas! 

That was even stranger. Bright pink was not something he used to wear. 

She lifted her right hand to touch his, but at the same time, he lifted his.

Emma was finally completely awake. Sitting on the bed, her back leaned against the headboard. 

She looked around, but she was alone.

She stared at her hands. 

No. Definitely not her hands. 

Those were Hook’s hands, or better, hand. Just one. The left sleeve of her pajamas ended in nothing. 

No! No! No! Emma started chanting it inside her head. This isn’t possible! 

Emma stood up and hurried towards a mirror hung on the wall on the right side of the bed. 

She gasped as soon she saw her reflection, hand and blunt wrist lifted, trying to cover her face... or better, his face!

In the mirror, there was no trace of Emma Swan, just the image of Hook wearing her pink pajamas with little bunnies on them. 

Ok, to be honest, the image was ridiculous, but she didn’t find the strength to laugh. “No! No! No!” She started to repeat, this time aloud. 

Emma went running downstairs, but she immediately realized she was home alone. She had no idea what to do, it seemed like a bad nightmare or an awful b-movie where the main characters made a wish to be in the other’s shoes. But she was completely sure she hadn’t made such a wish. Had he? 

She was pondering whether to call and ask Hook about this when the main door opened and David entered with a strange look in his eyes.

Father and daughter stared at each other for a few seconds. Emma didn’t know if she was blushing or she was going mad, but she couldn't imagine what kind of thoughts might be going through her father's head. 

What he finally said was the last thing she was expecting. “Emma?”

He didn’t ask it as if he was wondering where his daughter was, he asked it as if he wanted to be sure that the person in front of him was really Emma.

“Dad?” Was her reply. But it came out as a question. Because if she was in Hook’s body, who was talking to her? She had been living in Storybrooke for quite some time now to know that everything was possible. 

“No. Not your dad, honey. I’m your mother.” He… she… whatever… answered. 

Emma sat down on the first chair she found and sighed. “What the hell happened last night?”

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~·~·~·~

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Killian woke up to the sound of an incoming message text on his phone. He turned around in the bed and before reaching for the device, he passed a hand over his face, trying to shoo away the nightly cobwebs.

What the hell? He thought, feeling only smooth skin, no trace of his stubble. He looked down at his hand, or better say, hands. Because he now had two of them. Delicate, neat, and very, very feminine.

He jumped out of the bed and went to the bathroom, noticing that he had to tie the belt of his trousers, now wide on his hips. When he looked up in the mirror, he cursed "Bloody hell!"

How is this even possible? He thought, reverently touching the blonde tendrils that covered his shoulder. In the mirror, there was one sleepy and somewhat unkempt Emma.

"Emma!" He exclaimed. Worries starting to fill his mind.

Killian went back, pacing his room at Granny's, deciding what to do, when he suddenly remembered the text message and grabbed his phone to read it.

"We need to talk." Was the short line from his love. Nothing more. 

He didn't know if she was in the same dire straits he was. But if he was inside her body, she probably wouldn’t be in better shape.

A knock on the door distracted him from his thoughts.

When he opened, the vision in front of him left him speechless.

"It's me. Emma." She felt the need to specify. "May I enter?" But she didn't wait for his reply and stepped in, closing the door behind her.

Killian was still looking at her, or rather, at himself, mouth agape. 

Emma put her one hand on her waist and arched one eyebrow, waiting for any kind of reaction from him.

After what seemed an eternity Killian was only capable of asking "What the hell are you wearing?"

Emma opened some buttons of her shirt, revealing the pink pajamas with bunnies under it. "Do you think walking here in my pajamas would have been better?" 

Killian shook his head.

"And thank God I always wear pajamas two sizes too big, because otherwise, I have no idea in which state of undress I would have woken up this morning!"

"I'm glad you just put some clothes over it." Was his reply. "I suppose those are your father's, aren't they?" He stated, indicating the large plaid shirt and the jeans she was wearing.

She nodded. "And, by the way, I brought you some clothes of mine, so you can change". She left a bag at the end of the bed.

Killian was wearing the same outfit he had worn the previous day. When he had come home at night, he had collapsed on the bed without taking anything off, apart from his black leather jacket and boots. “I do not intend to change.”

“Why not? You can't go out like this.” Emma pointed to the belt he was wearing, cinched tightly, and the way his clothes fell oversized on her thin body. 

He shrugged. "I'm not going to undress until we are back to our own bodies."

Emma arched one eyebrow again. She was getting used to doing this gesture she had so often seen on his face. "Are you telling me that you're not going to have a shower until we solve this problem?"

"Are you?" Was his reply with a shocked expression on his, well, her face.

"I haven't thought about it, but I suppose I'll do it, sooner or later. Or do you prefer me to carry your smelling body around the town?"

"Emma, love" he started, struggling to find the best way of expressing what he wanted to say. "We're making progress in our relationship. That's a fact. But we haven't taken the next step, yet." He stressed the last “t” and made a pause letting his words soak in her. "Are you sure you want me to look at your fully naked body for the first time while you're not in possession of it?" 

Emma could feel how the upper point of her, ahem… his ears became hotter. "Oh!" She was only able to say.

"Exactly my point. Oh! So no. I do not intend to bathe while I'm not back to be myself. My entire self!" 

And then he scrunched her face in disgust.

"What is it?" She asked, touching her, his cheeks, "Do I have something on your face?"

He shook his head. "No worries. I just realized I don't like the way I blush."

“All right.” She sighed. “Let's get to business. David and Mary Margaret are waiting for us at the station.” After a short pause, she added, “And before you ask, yes, they have swapped their bodies as well.”

“This is going to be weird.” It was his time to sigh.

“Weird is the understatement of the year!” Emma exclaimed. “David ...no wait, Mary Margaret told me that not everyone in this town has been affected by this… thing. She has already met Leroy and Granny this morning and they seem to be their usual selves.”

“So why us?” Killian asked.

“My mother has a theory, she texted me a few minutes ago that she would like to talk with us in person about it, both of us.”

“All right, love, lead the way.” He gestured toward the room door.

But before leaving, Emma asked Killian to help her put on his hook because doing everyday actions one-handed was nothing easy. He had his doubts, worried that she would hurt herself or someone else unintentionally, but in the end, he gave in. "Be careful, it's sharp."

And he had to lace her hair in a ponytail with a rubber band she had given to him, because "If you don't want to wash, at least comb my hair, I don't want to become a Rastafarian". He had no idea what that was, but Emma's already categorical orders sounded even more threatening coming out of his lips.

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~·~·~·~  

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When Emma and Killian entered the station, David, in the body of Mary Margaret, was already there waiting for them. He was wearing a soft pink sweater, very typical of his wife, and he was scratching his neck. "I don't know how Snow can live inside this!" 

Killian suppressed a laugh "Was it indispensable for you to put on her clothes?"

"My wife thought that we should attract the least attention possible, given that this curse, or whatever it is, hasn't affected all the people of Storybrooke."

"Where's mom?" Emma asked.

"She said something about a matter at school, but she'll be here soon."

"I can use this time to relieve myself," Emma said.

"No!" Killian and David shouted simultaneously.

"Are you kidding me?" She was stunned.

They both shook their heads. "You'll have to wait." 

"Come on girls, I'm going to explode!" As soon as the words came out of Emma's mouth, she realized her mistake, which was received by a scowl from the men. "Guys." She corrected herself. "Sorry, out of habit. But I really, really need to."

"Fine!" Killian exhaled. "I'll help."

"What do you mean, help?" David was annoyed.

"It's my bloody body." The other man cut short.

A couple of minutes after, Killian was standing next to Emma in the small toilet of the station. 

She had a scarf tied around her eyes so that she couldn't see anything. "Is this really necessary?" She asked arms stretched before her to not hit anything.

"Aye, love, it is."

Killian positioned her in the right spot and she felt how the zipper of the jeans opened up. 

She couldn't see, but her other senses were quite alive. When Killian took out her, or better said, his member, she jolted. "Whoa!" 

"Everything alright?" Killian worried.

"Yeah, sorry, it's just... Is this what you feel when someone is touching you?" She inquired.

He seemed to ponder over it. "I'm not sure what you're feeling right now, but I suppose yes."

When Emma finished and was fully dressed again, Killian took the scarf from her eyes. 

"Don't you have to...?" She asked, pointing towards the toilet seat.

He shook his head. "When you live on the ocean for so many years, you learn how to hold it. Facilities are not the strongest point of a ship."

"You may know how to repress it, but I know my body and believe me, you won't resist as much as you think." 

He swallowed hard. "Let's go back to our duties."

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~·~·~·~

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When Emma and Killian went back to the main room of the station, Mary Margaret was already there as well. 

She told them that a girl had locked herself into a class room and had no intention of coming out. 

Snow had had to go check it out as sheriff, but as soon as she’d arrived she’d recognized the girl's voice as that of one of her ex-students. 

A classmate had told her that the girl in question had come to school that morning crying and saying that she had done something horrible.

Mary Margaret knew the girl’s background, she came from a good family, and her parents were True Love, which made it likely that this girl was showing the first signs of magic.

“It could have been her, unintentionally causing all this trouble.” She explained. “And giving that she is the product of True Love, well, I thought that’s why this sort of curse doesn’t affect all the people.”

“I don’t follow you.” Was Emma’s statement.

“I mean that, maybe, it affects only True Love couples.” Mary Margaret stated.

At that, there were various looks exchanged between the four of them. But it wasn’t the time or place to discuss it. 

Snow went on. “David, she won’t talk to me, because she doesn't recognize me. But I’m sure that if you could go to school and try to make her reason, we could probably find out what she did.”

“Me?” He asked bewildered.

“Yes, you. Because to the rest of the world, you are me!” And she crossed her arms indicating that the matter was closed.

David muttered something like “What would I say to her?” and “Why is it always up to me?” But in the end, he surrendered to his wife’s desire. With the condition that Killian would go with him, in his role of Sheriff Swan. 

In the meantime Emma and Mary Margaret would go to talk to Regina, to find out if there was a possible magical cure to this curse, or whatever it was.

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~·~·~·~

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Regina opened her front door to see a very puzzled David Nolan, who was more interested in finding out if anyone was following him, and an unusual Killian Jones, who was wearing an outfit more typical of the man next to him. The mayor raised one eyebrow in question, looking at the couple in front of her. “Sheriff, Captain, what can I do for you?”

“Ah… we hope you could help us with a delicate issue.” The blond man said. 

She left the door wide open for the others to come inside. “I see that being part of the Charming family is affecting you more than it should, pirate.” She was looking down at Killian.

“We’re not who you think we are.” Was his short reply.

Regina froze. “And exactly who are you?” She knew that glamor spells were never a good thing. 

“Emma”. “Mary Margaret.” They answered in unison.

Regina relaxed a bit. “Well, this is…” She started. 

But she was immediately interrupted by Emma “Weird.”

“Awkward”. Mary Margaret added.

“I was going to say: amusing.” 

“Believe me, Regina, there’s nothing funny about this.” Emma snorted. “And by the way, why aren’t you in Robin’s body?” She asked.

Regina crossed her arms and lifted one eyebrow. “Should I?” 

“Yes. Or at least we thought you…” But Emma didn’t finish the sentence.

“I supposed that this curse, or whatever this is, is affecting only True Love couples. But maybe I’m wrong.” Mary Margaret explained.

The mayor seemed to ponder that possibility. “You could be right.” She conceded. “Assuming that the Savior and the Captain are True Love.” 

Emma didn’t let her go down that path. “But that doesn't explain why you are still…you!”

“Because magic only applies to Storybrooke boundaries, and as we all know, Robin is now out of town.” Regina clarified matter-of-factly. “That’s why his, I mean, her" she added pointing towards Mary Margaret "theory could be correct.”

Emma was not at all liking the turn that dialogue was taking, and went straight to the point. “Can you undo it?” 

“I could. If I knew who made this curse and how. You should know that all magic has its counterspell, but we need to be sure about how it was created.” It sounded more like a reproach than an explanation. “And by the way, have you tried by kissing your guyliner boyfriend?” 

“Regina!” Emma hissed.

“Alright, alright.” The mayor complied. “Let me know if you find out who did this. And I will work on a possible antidote.” 

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~·~·~·~

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Meanwhile, the two men had almost reached the school grounds when Killian grabbed David’s arm to stop him. “There is no need to raise suspicions, we should behave like the people we seem to be.” 

“What do you mean?” David wasn’t following his companion’s thoughts.

“Your wife doesn’t walk like that,” Killian stated.

“What?” 

“It’s more like a fashion show than a march to war.” The other explained.

“I don’t know if I’m more upset by the fact that you noticed how my wife walks, or because you know what a fashion show is.” 

“What can I say, I’m a man of many surprises.” Killian winked smugly.

“I’m not going to punch you in the face, just because your current face is my daughter’s.” David started his stroll towards the school, even more at the full march.

“I never thought this situation could have some perks.” Killian chortled. 

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~·~·~·~

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As it turned out, Mary Margaret was right. The girl was scared when Killian and David entered the room where she was hiding, but as soon as she recognized her ex-teacher she burst into tears. 

She told them that the day before she had argued with her boyfriend, but her parents didn't seem to care about it, confident that sooner or later the young lovebirds would resolve it. She added that it was very difficult to be the daughter of a perfect married couple; it seemed that everyone expected her life to be the same. 

That was why she had so badly wished that all True Love couples could go through some kind of misunderstanding so that her parents could see her point of view.

But, of course, the next morning, realizing the harm her wish had caused her parents had made her regret it, and now she had no idea how to fix the situation.

David tried to reassure the girl, telling her that they would soon find a cure to fix everything.

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~·~·~·~

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And that was exactly what Regina did. Fixed it. In no time she produced the antidote for the Proteus’ curse. That was the name of this curious magic that swapped True Love’s bodies. The mayor gave to all the couples affected some little bottles that they had to drink to reverse the curse.

Killian and Emma were standing in his hotel room at Granny’s. Facing each other. Two vials on the table next to them. 

“So,” she said, “this is it. Back to our original selves.”

“Aye, that’s the idea. Are we sure Regina didn’t put anything strange into these liquids? I wouldn’t like to wake up tomorrow with a dragon face or similar.” 

“I think we can trust her.” But she didn’t move to reach for the bottles. 

He saw her hesitation. “What is it, love?”

“I was thinking about something you said this morning.” 

She was clearly uncomfortable, so he tried to lighten the moment. “You shall have to be more specific, I said many things.”

“I’m glad you chose to not take a shower. Not until we’re back to normal.” 

“No need to thank me.” He lifted a hand to caress her cheek, but it was strange for him to notice his stubble under the fingertips. 

“Yeah, well…” 

She was still hesitant, he could sense it. “Is there anything else you would like to tell me? Or shall we proceed to…” He said, indicating the vials. 

She looked at him hesitantly and he nodded, to let her know that she could tell him anything, whatever it was that was worrying her.

“Uh… given that we haven’t taken that next step already in our relationship… you know… we could try things.” 

This attracted his curiosity. “Define things.”

“I was thinking… what if we take advantage of this situation to get to know each other better. I mean… we could for example take that bath together.”

Killian was starting to understand what she was trying to say, but he wasn’t sure to be on the same track. “Even though I do find myself devilishly handsome, I’d rather be you, all of you, on the other end of my attentions.” 

She laughed, releasing some of the tension. “But we have this opportunity to feel what the other would feel when we touch each other, isn’t it interesting? And I'm glad I'm not the one who has to get on tiptoe to be able to kiss you.” She grinned. “So, what do you say?”

She was being serious, she really wanted to try it. But what did he want? He stared at her for a few beats of their hearts. Then he shook his head. “No.”

“No?” She was surprised.

“No.” He repeated. “As much as it does sound intriguing and tantalizing, I still prefer our first time to be the way it should be. And believe me, Emma, when we decide to take that step, we will know what the other one is feeling, maybe not in the most literal meaning of the word, but we will know it. And it will be perfect. Just as I want it to be.” 

A million thoughts seemed to cross her mind, but in the end, she understood his point of view and smiled at him. “Ok.” She went closer and tilted her head until she could feel his lips on hers... or vice versa. The kiss was short but still intimate. 

“And by the way, I do not like to be the one who has to get on tiptoe to be able to kiss you,” Killian muttered.

She burst out laughing.

[tobeornottotc]

I’m so happy Kyung called Suho out on his bullying even if that’s not what he meant it as. Again with the scene where those people were speaking to her and calling her names; this show doesn’t try and hide the severity of how harsh they are with their words and actions, how cruel they are just once they see how she looks. They don’t see a human they see someone so far below them and for what? Because she looks ugly? Like it’s insane but you know what they’re people who go through that in real life, who get bullied for something they cannot control. People with severe acne and other external issues always feel this sad anxiety and pain because of something that they can’t control. It’s like it’s a curse to be out with your face like that because it’s bothering other people. But why should it be this way?

Why are people so cruel when it comes to looks and what they think is ideal? Why can’t we feel comfortable just being our true selves? Why do you have to make people feel like they have to hide who they are to survive? That’s what this show is tackling it may be a cute Romantic comedy fantasy about the ugly duckling becoming a swan or whatever but someone like me who knows how Kyung feels it’s like a trigger into my past memories.

Kyung isn’t being dramatic that she wants to hide from people knowing she’s ugly, she’s seen what it can do to her when she’s just being her self. That reiterated it again, no matter how much she wants to be her self and feel happy and free being that way people look down on her and treat her like she’s worthless just for her external looks. It’s disgusting and yet that scene showed again that the way she’s running for Suho and others is not just a dramatic thing she can easily overcome: it’s not easy for you to say to say aww just be confident and be yourself because it’s not easy to do that when people have made this girl feel like it’s a sin for her to be alive because of how she looks. And it’s honestly painful to see that. With Suho he’s falling for her without the make up because of her just being her self but he also aligned with those people probably not understanding why she was standing on the rooftops that first time he met her, probably didn’t understand how much she suffered for the reason she was hiding. I’m glad he apologised and I can’t wait to see their relationship change. Time to see what his own secrets are next.

[cheri-translates]

[CN]  Kiro’s Original Intention Date (Eng Translation)

🍒 Warning: This post contains detailed spoilers for a date (and Season 2) which has not been released in English servers! 🍒

Knowing the basics of Season 2 is necessary to understand what’s going on in this date. Do read this post if you don’t know anything about it!

Parallel World Dates Collection: Gavin // Shaw // Victor

Check out @skyholders​‘ translation of Lucien’s date here!

“When popular star Kiro returned to the country yesterday, there were hints of a new collaboration?”

The name “Kiro” has taken over several hot topics. Kiro received a short and sudden interview at the airport, attracting countless discussions and guesses. 

Reporter: I heard you signed a contract with a well-known music company in the period before this. Is your return to the country due to any special plans?

Kiro: There’s nothing special. I could be returning just to take my guitar? 

Reporter: ...we know you’ve taken on the role of a lead singer and are about to embark on a world tour. There must be some special reason for you to return to the country, right? 

Kiro: For this, it’s better to ask my agent.

Kiro smiles and pushes a bespectacled uncle in front of the camera. He playfully sticks out his head from behind the uncle, and pats his shoulder.

Kiro: I’m leaving it to you.

Once the words are out of his mouth, he runs off. 

~

My phone screen displays a photo of Kiro’s smiling face as he turns back. His golden hair plates his entire body in a generously brilliant and blazing splendour. 

I brush his face gently with my fingertips, my heart feeling heavy.

Like a raging wave, unspeakable longing and sadness knead together, fiercely slapping onto the shore.

Kiro has returned to Loveland City. 

However, this meeting doesn’t give me much time to feel low. 

Dad is standing in front of the projector in the conference room, orderly explaining the upcoming work arrangement for the company.

Dad: ...these are all the materials on Kiro. Everyone, please confirm the content on hand, and ensure that we are all on the same page. We’ve recently signed a contract with Kiro’s company. Kiro has received his Admission Letter and will continue pursuing his studies in the music academy. After he finishes his world tour, he will officially sign the contract to return to the country and develop. The contract this time is the very beginning of the collaboration, to work with Kiro’s upcoming tour. All departments have to make preparations. That’s all.

After the meeting is dismissed, Dad sits at my side. 

Dad: Suddenly calling you back from school - am I giving you too much stress? 

MC: I’m just a little surprised. I never thought the company... that Dad would make such an arrangement. 

Dad: This isn’t just Dad’s arrangement. You’ll know the specifics next time.

Dad pauses. When he speaks again, his tone seems to have a certain depth to it. I blink, making secret guesses in my heart. 

This means... it could be Black Swan’s arrangement. 

Dad: You once told Dad you wanted to be an outstanding producer. Of course, I’ll support my daughter in doing what she wants. This time, I’m just letting you get used to the tasks. Don’t be too nervous. Dad can’t bear to let you to dive into work so quickly!

MC: Hahaha, thank you Dad! I’ll learn seriously! I definitely wouldn’t cause trouble for everyone. 

Dad: The contract for the collaboration will happen three days later, so we can do some preparations before that. 

~

After greeting my father, I walk out of the building and turn back to look at it. With complex emotions, I head towards the convenience store.

The world proceeds forward slowly, but there are some differences from back then.

In my memory, Black Swan used B.S. Entertainment to lead public opinion. In an accident arising from multiple causes, it was replaced by my company.

As a similar media body, Dad has been expanding the company’s scope of influence since several years ago. 

In a way, we’ve already met Black Swan’s requirements and purposes. 

From some imperceptible moment, the entire world has moved towards a familiar yet unknown future.

However, there are coincidences that are either heaven’s tricks, or destiny. 

This time, my father’s sufficiently powerful company has replaced B.S. Entertainment, and has become Kiro’s future home. 

Without realising it, I’ve walked into that small convenience store. 

I stand in front of the shelves, staring dazedly at the final bag of chips.

I think about that person’s “warning” --

“Your unintentional actions may lead to irretrievable consequences.”

As though I’m deep in a black swamp, I’m trapped in place. My lips are sealed, and I sink into the darkness. 

After a long time, I pat my face fiercely with both hands, letting out a hard breath. 

MC: This time, I’ll be the one searching for you...

When I reach out for the bag of chips, a beautiful and slender hand appears in front of me - we’ve grabbed the same bag of potato chips. 

I turn my head, and the person beside me turns to look at me as well.

He is standing against the light, and a smile brims in his eyes. He gives the bag of chips a gentle tug, pulling me a step closer to him in the process. 

It’s as though he’s pulling me, who’s continuously sinking. 

A heavy feeling rising up from my chest and up my throat. I blink hard and clench my teeth. Even then, I can’t stop the redness in my eyes. 

MC: Kiiii... mmph!

Kiro suddenly covers my mouth with his hand and glances around. 

His smiling eyes tell me that he’s not angry at all about my rudeness. 

Kiro: Shhh... I don’t want to get noticed. 

I nod. 

Our little scene seems to have drawn attention, so we squat down in hiding.

We crouch together next to the shelf, shoulders nearly touching. Looking at the bag of chips in my hands, I suddenly laugh.

Kiro: You’ve smiled. 

MC: Hm? 

Kiro: You looked like you were going to cry just now. I even thought I frightened you!

MC: How can that be? I... I was just too excited. I didn’t think the big celebrity I saw on the screen would appear in front of me. Now, we’re squatting here like little kids in kindergarten. 

Everything is too similar to how we once met. The words involuntarily leave my lips. It’s as though in front of him, no matter how many times the scene repeats, I’m still the me of back then. 

Kiro: If I were still in kindergarten, I definitely wouldn’t let you have the last bag of chips. 

I turn around and find Kiro looking at the chips in my hand, seemingly not willing to give up.

A breeze enters the convenience store, lifting strands of his golden hair. Eighteen-year-old Kiro is beside me, looking as though he’s emitting light. 

MC: The Kiro now is already a mature Kiro!

Kiro: You’re right.

Even though I said that, Kiro still looks unwilling. His eyes are crinkled, and his mouth slants to a side. 

I look at him and think of a time long ago. Making a silent prayer that this bag of chips contains the Batman AR card, I tear the bag open slowly. 

MC: It’s a Batman AR card!!

Kiro: Eh, how are you even more excited than I am. 

MC: Haha. 

There’s a twinge in my heart, and I'm unsure if it’s longing or sadness. I try to shoot Kiro a smile, though it probably doesn't look good. 

MC: This is for you. 

Kiro takes the card and smiles, his eyes becoming even brighter. 

Kiro: How did you know that I'm collecting these? 

MC: ...I-I guessed it! Because...

Kiro: Because I look like the type who would collect these? 

MC: Yes yes yes, that’s it. 

Kiro: And I also look like I’m just missing this card? 

MC: ...y-yes, I guess? 

Kiro: Mm! I think so too!

Those blue eyes are filled with smiles, not containing a shred of impurity or suspicion. I release a relieved sigh in my heart. 

Kiro: But... I think we’ve forgotten to pay.

MC: Ah, you’re right. So sorry, ma’am. I’ll buy ten bags later! Sorry!

Kiro: Sorry!

We look at each other and burst out laughing. 

This time, our eighteen-year-old selves still share this tiny secret.

~

After walking out of the convenience store, I suddenly wonder why Kiro has appeared here and at this point of time. 

Kiro looks towards my father’s company and starts whistling playfully.

Kiro: So this is [-MC’s company name-].

His tone is light, not carrying the same anticipation he has on his face. 

Kiro: Are you an employee of this company too? 

MC: ...

The light of spring is in his bright eyes. Kiro looks at me quietly. This simple question seems to have a meaning behind it.

MC: I am. I just learnt that you’d be coming to the company after three days to sign the contract. But I came here to buy some things for myself...

Kiro: I see. 

His eyes crinkle, as though accepting my explanation. 

MC: You’re here to take a look beforehand? 

Kiro: Actually...

Just as Kiro starts speaking, my phone suddenly rings. Kiro smiles and signals for me to answer the phone first, then takes a few steps away. 

MC: Hello? Dad? 

Dad: It’s a little sudden, but come to the conference room in 15 minutes to prepare. The collaboration contract with Kiro has been brought forward to today.

On the other end of the line, I can hear faint sounds of various departments busily preparing for the various contract-related issues. 

Their conversations reveal the importance of the contract which is about to commence. 

Once this collaboration succeeds, it will herald a new phase of the company’s future development in the aspect of acting. 

??: Kiro hasn’t reached the office...

Father: Savin, don’t worry. MC, I’ll hang up now. Hurry back soon.

MC: All right. 

MC: [to Kiro] You brought the contract signing forward to today? 

Seeing that I’ve put down the phone, Kiro stuffs both hands into his pocket and bounces over to me. 

Kiro: Something cropped up, so I communicated it to the company. I hope I didn’t cause trouble for everyone. 

He retrieves a pair of sunglasses from his pocket, putting them on confidently.

Thinking about something, he tugs his sunglasses downwards lightly, revealing his smiling blue eyes. 

Kiro: I tend to get lost easily. Could you show me the way?

MC: Isn’t it just in front?!

Kiro: A person who lacks a sense of direction wouldn’t be able to find the entrance even if the building is right in front of him.

He squints. Tickled by his odd logic, I burst into laughter, then give him a mock bow.

MC: Follow me then, big celebrity.

Kiro puts his sunglasses on properly, then does a thumbs-up gesture contentedly.

~

They reach the office, and Kiro apologises for the trouble caused

He looks over the contract meticulously and voices his opinions on certain terms, providing suggestions on how they can be mutually beneficial

He signs the contract and the employees leave the conference room

MC is surprised at how anti-climatic the whole thing was, and in her distracted state, forgets to change the settings on the photocopier (which is set to printing small cards)

As a result, the photocopying machine only prints Kiro’s signature on an A4 sheet

Kiro: Is that gentleman your father?

MC: Mm.

Kiro: I see... doesn’t that make you my future boss?

MC: Eh?!

I’m momentarily startled by his words, my brain slowing down and my eyes blinking continuously.

Tickled by my expression, Kiro smiles and crinkles his eyes. 

Kiro: Am I wrong? 

His tone is sincere, and embeds within it a sort of curiosity and probing.

I lower my head, looking at that sheet of invalid A4 paper, and lift my head with a deep sigh. 

MC: You’re not wrong. It’s just that... I’m still very lacking right now. I’m not outstanding enough, and there are many things I can’t do. But I won’t stop here. I’ll make you believe that joining this company is something to be proud of.

I’ll continue running along this path that you’re shining on, and be like you, to become the light.

Kiro’s eyes slowly grow darker. I instinctively tighten my grip on my pen, but am unable to avert my eyes from his. 

These seconds of silence feel like I’m being examined. Gradually, he lifts the corners of his lips.

Kiro: Will you be participating in my upcoming world tour? 

MC: Probably not... I’m a newbie, so Savin should be going with you.

Kiro: Shall we practice then? 

MC: Practice? 

Saying this, Kiro leans forward. With a blink, he places his hand on the back of mine.

Kiro: Practice for when you become my future boss. 

The sweet scent of the young man brushes the tip of my nose, reminiscent of a person secretly pouring melted hot chocolate into the cup of someone he likes. 

He grins and tightens his grip on my hand. On the right side of the invalid A4 sheet, he writes his name crookedly.

Kiro: Your turn.

MC: ...I can really do that?

Kiro: I already said that this is a rehearsal for our future. 

MC: But your hand...

Kiro: Hm? 

My ears feel warm. Kiro’s eyes flash with the light of a prankster, waiting for me to finish.

His hand remains on the back of mine. He doesn’t exert any force. It feels like a catkin fluttering gently in my heart - ticklish, and can be flicked away with a light touch.

But I can’t bear to.

MC: Nothing!

My face is flushed. With his hand over mine, I leave a crooked “MC” on the left side. 

These two names are left on the invalid A4 paper - like a starting point of a certain dream. 

Kiro takes up the A4 sheet. Turning his palm, he entwines my fingers with his. 

Kiro: We’ve made an agreement. I’ll definitely stand on a higher platform, and let even more people see Kiro, and hear Kiro’s songs. I’ll make the name “Kiro” appear in every corner of the world. 

Gorgeous spots of light appear behind the young man, like the most brilliant and pure parts of youth. Still, they can’t compare to the brilliant light in his eyes. 

My heart is beating rapidly, and it feels as though a piping heat is coursing through my bloodstream. A faint heat grows where our fingertips meet.

MC: Mm, we have an agreement. I’ll also keep learn learning, and will use my strength and abilities to better develop this company. In the future, this company will be one that’s worthy to collaborate with the “International Superstar” Kiro.

Kiro: Can I do it? 

Kiro tilts his head, the glinting light in his eyes wavering slightly. It’s as though a tiny bit of doubt has appeared from its depths. 

MC: Do you think I can do it? 

Kiro: I think you can.

MC: Then you’ll naturally have no problem either!

I feel his shallow breaths on my fingertips. He leans his head lightly on our entwined hands. 

Kiro: Our agreement is complete. If one of us doesn’t reach our goal, there’ll be a punishment. 

MC: I won’t give you that chance!

Light soaks in through the window and covers our fingers. Kiro hops down from the table and gently lifts me to my feet, pulling me into the sunlit area. 

Just as he did countless times before. 

Kiro: Before the future arrives, please guide me. Miss Chips.

~

While MC is driving Kiro home, he suddenly asks:

Kiro: Is Miss Chips also from Black Swan? 

Kiro pipes up, his eyes not leaving the screen of his laptop. There is a smile on his lips, but it looks like a natural-looking mask. 

His casual-sounding question startles me. Although it’s a surprise that he would be so upfront about this, my fingers on the steering wheel tighten.

The green light makes its countdown, and I slow down, stopping before the zebra crossing. 

MC: I’m not. Although... I might be in the future. I don’t want to lie to you.

Kiro: Is that so.

His tone is light, as though he isn’t paying attention. As though it could be swallowed up by a flower blowing in the spring breeze. 

MC: Also, do you... remember what happened when you were young? 

Kiro: Bits and pieces. I don’t remember much. 

My heart grows heavy. Does Kiro not remember what happened in the orphanage? 

MC: I... have something that I definitely have to do. No matter how difficult it is, I have to accomplish it. There’s also someone I want to meet. I’ve waited a very, very long time. It’s been so long that I’m about to give up. But once I think about how he’s working hard in some corner of the world, I’m filled with motivation. 

I turn my head and meet Kiro’s eyes. His eyes are filled with an incomprehensible emotion. 

MC: I want to protect him, and want... to meet him again. No matter what misunderstandings this path would bring, I’ll continue walking bravely. 

Kiro blinks his eyes slowly, and finally reveals an unobstructed smile. 

Kiro: Miss Chips, you’ll definitely have no problem. 

~

After Kiro returns home, the smile he kept up in front of the girl finally collapses in a second.

In the pitch black living room, the sunlight outside the window has been kept outside by a thick and heavy curtain. 

He clenches his teeth and sits in front of the laptop, the continuously dancing search results on the screen making him cast his eyes downwards. 

Kiro: ...still no results. 

In the end, he drags himself to the sofa, his pale face almost transparent under the glow of the screen. 

A stubbornness appears on his lips, and dots of sweat appear on his forehead, as though he’s enduring a great agony. 

Kiro: At least... it’s only acting up now. 

At this moment, a call from a foreign number appears on his phone. 

Kiro: It’s me. 

??: You finally picked up.

Kiro: Tell me the results directly. 

??: The test results and your predictions are almost the same. 

Kiro: Mm.

Darkness has swallowed his face, but his eyes are flashing with light. Even though the world has plunged into a deep darkness, there’s still a scorching, blooming light.

Kiro: Let’s meet then.

He throws his phone aside, a look of self-deprecation on his face. Even though he’s curled up, he can’t suppress his trembling. The colour of an abyss is in his eyes. 

Kiro: [groaning]

The young man’s painful groans resound in the dark, and black markings appear on his arm.

The hands supporting the young man’s body allow him to look at the other corner, into the mirror in the darkness.

The hair of the person in the mirror has gradually faded into a silvery grey, and there is a dazzling golden light in his originally blue eyes--

Overlapping with the image in his mind. 

Kiro: ...I, command you--

The young man’s soft voice lingers in the dark.

-

🌸 MOMENTS 🌸

Kiro’s Post: Now that I think about it, did I sign an unfair contract back then?

MC: Is it the fastest contract you’ve signed in your life?

Kiro: It’s also the most important contract in my life ^_^

-

Kiro’s Post: Now that I think about it, did I sign an unfair contract back then?

MC: Written in black and white - behave and call me boss~

Kiro: As compared to “boss”, I’ve always preferred “Miss Chips” as a form of address.

-

Kiro’s Post: Now that I think about it, did I sign an unfair contract back then?

MC: Did I treat you badly?!

Kiro: Does this mean you’re going to treat me to potato chips next time?

-

Phone call: here

[awesomerextyphoon]

Charred Briar Roses - 8

Showdown

Summary: Things finally come to a head for the princesses and Sophronius. Who will win? 

Pairing: Orc!Bucky x Black!Reader (Fem), Orc!Steve x Black!OFC, Orc!Sam x Black!OFC 

Rating: 18+ 

Word Count: 1,395

Warning: Depictions of Violence and Sexual Harassment 

Back to Masterlist

The portal took you and Bucky to Brista, the new Resistance HQ. Njideka became the new leader while Oluchi and Fairuza were in the infirmary (Fuck!). She tried to have you killed for being a dumbass back at Eckrednst, but Bucky stopped anyone who got too close.

“Look, I don’t care if you hate me, but we need to stop Sophronius before he gets the Nephrashim Crystal and cements his control over the continent.”

Njideka and some of the rebel sighed and groaned, “Fine. I’ll hear what you have in mind.”

----------

“Ya know, it’s a shame that you bitches are so willful,” Jeku, one of the demon princes head goons jeered, “There’s another bitch like you. Name’s Amani or some shit. Fucking hot with amazing tits and ass,” he roughly squeezed Fumnanya’s breasts, or what he could fit into his grimy hands, “Though she had nothing on you. I can’t wait until that smug bastard gets the crystal. The princes are going to fuck you up. Maybe, they’ll let me have a turn with ya. I’ll-” Jeku was stabbed repeatedly in the neck with a dagger that Ghada was able to swipe off him.

That was their life for lord knows how many days. If it wasn’t the fucking princes constantly groping them or Sophronius giving them the ‘kick the dog’ speech, it was their filthy goons constantly gloating about what they would do to them.

Well, not anymore.

“Let’s go.” Ghada panted as she and Fumnanya got themselves mostly covered and rushed for the exit.

Taking the back corridors they overheard the guards talking about, the sisters were able to locate where Sophronius was keeping the Fae. Fumnanya gasped at the what was before them. All of the Fae were imprisoned in energy drainers. Most of them were either completely gone or shells of their former selves. Luckily, some of the members of the Fae High Court and most of the children seemed like they would quickly recover.

Ghada tried to speak with some of the children in Fae in order to coax them while Fumnanya tried to figure out the mechanics of the energy drainers wishing their sister was with them when they heard a voice.

“There are two keys on opposite sides of the room. You will have to turn them at the same time for it to work. Please, save the children.” Titania pleaded.

“What about the others?” Fumnanya inquired.

“Leave us. We deserve out fat-”

“No! We’re going to get you out of here!” Ghada shouted as she and Fumnanya ran to the keys.

They were almost at the keys when a guard spotted them. He was about to cut off Ghada’s arm when he got decapitated by an axe.

The executioner and his comrade removed their helmets to reveal Steve and Sam. They hugged, kissed and would’ve done more if not for the urgent state they were in.

“How did you get here? Not that I’m complaining.” Ghada wondered as she got the last of the Fae children out of the energy drainers.

“It’s a long story, but we’ll have to explain on the way. C’mon, your sister needs us.”

---------

Meanwhile, you were leading a covert ops team in the capital to destroy the crystal when a corrupted pixie bomb went off beside the group. Fortunately, no one had any major injuries.

“The bomb came from one of the towers,” Aleka, an ops member, whispered.

You gave one of the other members the go ahead to take them out and scan the surrounding area. The rest of you were able to traverse the capital via underground tunnels created with earth magic once you found the target house.  

The team was able to make it to right outside the first section when they were attacked by a group of demons each riding a mutated saber-tooth lion. You, Bucky and a few ops members were able to cut down a couple of them while the others built another path.

The palace grounds were eerily quite and pristine. It was exactly as you’ve left it, not a leaf out of place. You would’ve thought that Sophronius would at least burned the gardens in a fury liked he did that one time when you were nine.

The doors to the royal hall opened on their own to evince Sophronius lounging on the throne like hw owned the goddamned place.

“Well if it isn’t my dear niece. How are you?”

“Cut the shit Sophronius!”

Sophronius sighed and rubbed his forehead, “Fuck it. Lay down your weapons and come with me, dear niece. Let us end this ‘childish rebellion’, huh?”

“Fuck no,  you demon asswipe!” you shouted as you pulled out Waning Swan and the fighting commenced.

The skirmish didn’t last long and it looked like your side was winning when Sophronius caught you off guard and put you in a chokehold.

“Drop your weapons. Now!” Sophronius barked. Bucky and the other covert ops did, and the head goon motioned for the others to detain the rebels.

Sophronius nearly dragged you to the throne, lifted up the seat, and forced out your right hand. An indentation of the Nephrashim Royal Crest appeared and disappeared when you touched it. A circle appeared and sunk into the ground creating a staircase to the crystal’s location.

“Down we go.” Sophronius giddily stated as his company and you descended the steps.

The steps winded down for who knows how long. Once you finally reached the bottom, Sophronius forced you onto an ancient Nephrashim Group Hover Board. The hover board led you to a good sized pond. In the middle of it was a small island with the Nephrashim Crystal being held by a leafless tree’s intertwined branches.

Sophronius motioned for one of the goons to get into the water. One did and was immediately and painfully dissolved into foam. You turned your head away as he screamed from having insides and skin rapidly rotting and dissolving. You almost felt sorry for him.

A glowing orb came out of the water and stated that only those of the Nephrashim Royal Line may go past this point. Sophronius grabbed you and made his way to the island. As soon as you stepped onto land, the tree’s branches started to unfurl and inscriptions in Ancient Nephrashim Script appeared on the bark right below the crystal.

Your hand almost touched the crystal when Sophronius was shot with a blaster. You turned your head to find Fumnanya and Ghada running towards you.

“You’re alive!” Fumnanya exclaimed while pulling you in for a bone crushing hug.

“You’re not getting rid of me that easily,” you responded burying your head in her hair as to hide your tears.

Your moment of joy was cut short when Sophronius stabbed Fumnanya in the hip with a dagger.

“I will NOT be denied my path to glory by a bunch of stupid, spoiled little girls!”  he bellowed as he dragged Fumnanya to the crystal.

“We have to get him to touch the crystal! If he touches it then he will burn.” Ghada hissed.

Jackpot.

“I have a plan.”

Sophronius is close to realizing his delusions of grandeur when Ghada attacks him with a Cross Hock causing him to drop Fumnanya. He responded with a Front Parry and attempted a Roundhouse Kick but stopped it with a Leg Block and brought down with an Indian Death Lock.

Concurrently, you and Fumnanya darted over to the tree so that Fumnanya can decipher the instructions to safely remove the crystal.

With a sardonic grin, you strode up to Sophronius, “Since you wanted this so much, take it!”

The crystal phased into Sophronius’ skull and his whole body started to crystalize and crack. You and your sisters immediately fled the island and your group bolted towards the exit.

The whole capital was starting to crumble in multiple earthquakes and aftershocks.

Your group was about to swallowed up by a sudden tremor when a Nephrashim Army Arial Vessel came to their rescue, “Get In!” Karim ordered.

You watched in awe and horror as the capital, your former home, was utterly wrecked by the earthquakes and vanished in a blinding light.

----------

After the air vessel returned to Brista and everyone did the required assessments with the remaining members of the Resistance, one member - a boy no older than 12-  asked, “What now?”

Taglist: @giorno-plays-piano​ @lookiamtrying​ @retroxvailles​ @mcudarklibrary​ @hurricanerin​ @pseudonymphet​ @saiyanprincessswanie​ @chris-evans-indian-fanfic​ @rosalynshields​ @imdarkinme​ @macheregrace​ @buckysbunny​ @marvelfansworld​ @moonstruckbucky​

[spnreactions]

15x16: Drag Me Away (From You)

The time has come!! 

Let’s get some questions answered and see some young Sam and Dean! I’m pumped! 

Oof. I can tell this episode is still gonna be pretty plot heavy just based on this “then” alone. 

AHHHH my baby crying again. :’( :’( :’( :’( 

Okay quick side note on Cas’s reaction to what Jack tells him: I read something from Matt Cohen that said he just kept the camera rolling for unusually long takes during that scene to see what Misha would do with what Jack was saying, and that, in the process, he totally saw a touch of Misha’s fatherly side when it comes to his own kids. I completely agree, and that is a hardcore acting point for Misha and a definite directing point for Matt. 

YEAH CAS! TELL US! 

UGH! Since it’s a MOTW, we have to wait and watch someone die in the first five minutes before we get resolution. Gosh darnat. 

Also this is a very interesting music choice? XD 

My Mom: “Doctor’s orders.” Do you think that means his shrink told him to go there? 

Oof. “Long time ago.” Suspicious. 

Nice cinematography. Cool shot of this hallway. 

I’m gonna take a wild guess here and say that something happened in that room forever ago that traumatized him. 

Wow. That is a swanky hotel room. (My mom and I said basically the same thing at the same time. XD)

Whiskey. Great start. 

Ope. Music changed. Dude’s gonna die. 

Hey, for future reference, if you’re trying to convince yourself it wasn’t real, it was probably real. 

UMMMMM

LOOKS PRETTY REAL TO ME TRAVIS!!! 

Wait a second...that’s one of the kids from the promo videos?? Isn’t that young him? As a...ghost? 

I’D SAY THAT’S PRETTY REAL TRAVIS!!! 

Jesus...

Okay finally! Resolution. 

Ummmm...this doesn’t look like resolution!!! 

Dude did not slit his own throat, but okay then. 

Ummm...you have a lot to do?? 

Oh da**it...THIS AGAIN??! REALLY DEAN??!! DIDN’T WE LEARN FROM THIS BACK IN SEASON 9?? (No, of course we didn’t, because these two never learn anything.) 

LIAR!! 

Wait wait wait. Can we talk about the fact that Sam’s first thought was that Cas left because he and Dean got into a fight? *cough cough* The Destiel is real *cough cough*. XD XD XD 

SAM YELLING AT HIM FOR TEXTING AND DRIVING OH MY GOD I’M DEAD!!! 

ALSO THAT TEXT FROM CAS HOLY FRICK!!! “Did you tell Sam yet?” I’M LAUGHING SO HARD RIGHT NOW!!!! 

Because the thing is, I can totally imagine Cas just SAYING that, knowing full well that Dean probably didn’t tell Sam, and I read that text with so much sass and scolding in it and I’m dying laughing oh my god. 

And no, of course he didn’t, because WE DON’T GET TO KNOW WHAT IT IS! 

But also...if Dean hasn’t told Sam yet, this is making me think that Cas didn’t tell him about the Empty, but rather about what Jack told him...which means I was wrong. 

Unless I wasn’t. But if it was about the Empty, why wouldn’t Dean tell Sam? 

Although, actually, if it is about Jack, WHY wouldn’t Dean tell Sam? 

DEAN JUST TELL YOUR BROTHER SO WE CAN HEAR WHAT THE IMPORTANT INFORMATION WAS GOSH DARNAT!!! 

Also tell your brother because we should know by now that lying doesn’t get us anywhere. 

Anyways. Moving on. 

God that texting and driving interaction. XD XD 

Ooh! Nice transition! 

When do I get the backstory?? I want the flashbacks! If this is our last flashback episode, I want to revel in it gosh darnat! 

OH WAIT HERE IT IS!! 

LITTLE SAM AND LITTLE DEAN AHHHH!!! 

DEAN’S WEARING THE SAMULET OH MY GOD!!! 

I know it’s, like, not a surprise, but it’s BEEN SO LONG since we’ve seen him wearing it!! It’s SOOO good to see it back!! It’s such a subtle little detail, but man it’s a good one. 

“I’m pretty sure that’s illegal.” XD XD EVEN AS A KID, SAM HAD SO MUCH SASS OMG!! XD XD 

BROTHERS! XD XD 

The way that actor just said victory was SOOO Dean omg. The casting on this show is INCREDIBLE. This kid is already ROCKING the Dean personality and he’s only been on screen for two minutes. 

Young Sam’s actor is nailing it too, for the record. ESPECIALLY with that sass. 

...ouch. That was rude Dean. 

Very Dean (at least at that time), but still rude. 

That music. Yikes. 

DUDE THAT’S THE SAME SOUNDTRACK USED IN SWAN SONG DURING CHUCK’S NARRATION OH MY GOD!! THEY 100% DID THAT ON PURPOSE BECAUSE SAM’S TALKING ABOUT GOING TO COLLEGE AND IT ALL CONNECTS BACK TO WHERE THIS STORY STARTED AND IT’S OUR LAST FLASHBACK EPISODE AND OH MY GOD I LOVE THE SUBTLETIES OF THIS SHOW!!! <3 <3 <3 <3 

This small scene is so poetic wow. Between the music, and Sam setting down the college book to pull out his hunting gear...just...wow. Well done Supernatural. Well done. 

THERE’S FLANNEL IN THAT BAG! It really is a Winchester trait! 

...dude WHAT? I wanna be able to do that. 

YEP! YOUNG TRAVIS! 

Okay so...a monster who imitates their victims...as their younger selves? That...Sam and Dean have fought before? I’m just gonna let them tell me lol. 

Dean has always been suave with the ladies. XD 

Do...do kids of cleaning crew people usually stay in the hotels that their parents work in? Cause I didn’t know that was a thing, but okay. XD 

HA! Yeah, these two were 100% a thing, even if it was a small thing. 

Alright, I like her. She’s fun. 

OOH! Nice transition into older Caitlin, with young Caitlin echoing in the background. 

Okay something about those hugs just made me “awww” out loud. I don’t know if it’s because we haven’t seen them hug anyone in a while or what, but that just felt so sweet. <3 

I would be too, girl. :( 

WHAT DID HAPPEN?! (I know they’ll tell us, but I’m impatient.) 

Oof. See, in most cases, I am all for immersion therapy, because I think it can be useful, but when it’s a monster we’re talking about, that is a hard pass. 

Also my mom just said “ha! Called it.” about the shrink thing. She is significantly better at predicting things in this show then I am...sometimes anyways. XD 

Wow. I loved their reactions with that. Dean knew, probably because he was older, but Sam seem confused. Plus, that change in music was great. It was just the right amount of dramatic. 

She needs you to hunt it. 

WHY DO YOU THINK, SAM?! 

WHO IS “SHE”??!! Someone please tell me. The suspense is killing me. XD XD 

Awww...poor Travis. 

Ummmmm....

JESUS CHRIST!! HOLY FREAKING...

My mom and I both just screamed! AGH! WHAT THE FRICK IS THAT??!! 

Yeah this episode is definitely digging into this show’s horror roots. 

“You okay, kid?” is one of the most Dean lines to ever Dean. 

Yeah okay I can understand how that could be traumatizing enough for him to need therapy. 

Yeah that’s what they all say. 

I mean, I believe you, because I saw it, but...

EVEN AS KIDS, SAM AND DEAN GAVE EACH OTHER THEIR LITTLE NODS I LOVE THEM!!! <3 <3 <3 

The talk--simplified. 

THE FAMILY BUSINESS! <3 <3 

Also Sam not being old enough to be included in the hunting business yet, but old enough to know about it is a big oof. 

Sam backing up his big bro. <3 

Watching young Dean try to ask questions in order to figure out the hunt  is great, because you can tell he’s super inexperienced compared to now in the way he says it, but also that he definitely knows what he’s doing and I love it. 

Oh. Maybe that nod is just a general sibling thing, because Caitlin and Travis just did it lol. It’s still the best when Sam and Dean do it though. XD <3 

Huh. Yeah, I’d call that pretty weird. 

That was a great shot. Down the line like that. I’m really digging this half of the season’s cinematography. 

THAT WAS SUCH A GREAT TRANSITION OH MY GOD! And it just proves how well that young Dean actor (Paxton Singleton) is doing, because young Dean and older Dean’s expressions matched EXACTLY. <3 

Dean do you just not want to admit that you might have not actually killed it? 

Oh. That makes more sense. The lore doesn’t line up. Okay. 

...okay maybe it’s also him being a little overconfident. 

NICE TRANSITION AGAIN! 

I KNEW THAT PROMO PHOTO WAS OF ALL OF THE KIDS HUNTING! 

Welp. That’s it then. 

“Got a knife, got a gun. I’m good.” That is so Dean, and also so dumb. 

“Dad wouldn’t like this.” “Dad’s not here.” Haha I love them. XD <3 

Awww...Dean still protecting his little bro. <3 

Goonies reference. XD 

He does not got this. Calling it now. 

Dean don’t get hurt. 

Either Sam or Caitlin is gonna show up. Calling it. 

Probably Caitlin, ‘cause Sam still listened to him at that age lol. 

YEP. 

Also the way he pointed that gun at her omg. Have I mentioned that Paxton Singleton is doing an AMAZING job as Dean? Because WOW. 

Ha! Yeah these two totally had a thing. A small thing, but a thing. 

Ha! Okay, I like her sass. She’s cool. 

My mom is not digging the high-pitched tone that’s attached to this music lol. 

Yeah okay this episode is scaring me (in the best way lol). I’m loving it! We haven’t seen a horror-based episode in a while. It’s good to have one. 

Awww...little bros bonding. 

“Whatever it is, my brother will kill it.” He’s always had so much faith in him. <3 <3 <3 

Although...the fact that they’re showing us the two boys back at the motel pretty much tells me that the monster isn’t where Dean and Caitlin are, but where Sam and Travis are. So...that’s great. 

Ha! Too true. 

Nice shot with the flashlight and the cobwebs. 

Okay, now your optimism and chattiness is a little unnecessary, girl. Dean’s scared because he knows what could be out there. So shush. 

But also I like your sass. XD 

Oh...frick. What’s under there? It looks like the stuff from the kids. 

YUUUUP. Called it. The monster is with them. Friiiiick. Sam still knows...how to hunt, right? He can handle this, right? 

Remains? Mangled bodies? Something like that I bet. 

Wow. Dean you hid that panic REALLY well. He really has been burying his emotions for years. No wonder he’s so good at it. 

FRIIIIICK. 

FRICK FRICK FRICK!! 

*screams* *jumps* 

Yep. Horror based episode. Lots of jump scares. But it’s AWESOME. 

...okay, that young Sam actor (Christian Michael Cooper) has been doing really well, but that “Travis!” shout was really bad acting...

FRICK! DO SOMETHING SAM! 

Dude I LOVE how that just went down. Sam rescuing Travis even if it meant putting himself in harm’s way and Dean immediately coming to his rescue. It’s very characteristic of them. 

Oh...so it has...fingers. That can be cut off. Which means it isn’t a ghost like I thought it was all this time. 

Also great shot with the slicing off of the fingers. 

Nice Dean! 

Sam holding a protective arm in front of Travis I love it. 

Oh frick. It’s the ring. That’s why she’s back. (And hey! We know who the she is now! Still don’t know what she is, but we’ve seen her.) 

Wait a second...wasn’t Travis wearing a ring on his necklace? Could it be the same ring? 

That’s...that’s weird though. Why would he have kept a ring from the most traumatic moment of his life? 

I love that Caitlin’s a hugger and runs to her brother. 

That look that Sam and Dena share there is awesome. 

OOH! GREAT TRANSITION AGAIN! 

Dean, why on EARTH would that have been Sam? 

Okay yeah, so this monster is manifesting itself as younger versions of its victims. 

Hey Dean, just a thought, but I’m feeling like your instinct that it wasn’t back is the wrong instinct. 

OOOOOF. 

Ummm...excuse me? 

HEEEEEEEY HOLD ON!!! 

WHERE IS SAM??!! 

SAMUEL WINCHESTER COME SAVE YOUR BROTHER!!! 

DEAN STOP!!!! 

DEAN!!!! 

OH THANK GOD! 

HOLY FRICK THAT WAS TOO CLOSE!! 

Wait..what? The knife...wasn’t even...real? And Sam didn’t see the monster at all...does this thing make you hallucinate? Cause that’s terrifying. 

Yeah no DUH. 

My Mom: Well, there’s only one of it, and it can’t imitate them both, so as long as they stay together, they should be fine, right?  Me: Yes, theoretically, but when do they ever actually stay together?  My Mom: True. 

Ummm...our visual just cut out? All we’re seeing is the CW logo. We can hear it though. 

Oh shoot it’s starting again. Hopefully this fixes itself soon. At least we can still hear it? 

Feelings/hunches are valid, Caitlin. Especially with this kind of thing. 

Dean that’s not your fault. Don’t blame yourself. I can hear you blaming yourself. 

Oh good. Visual’s back. Phew. I was getting nervous. 

“She’s scary.” Me too girl. XD 

She 100% plays with people. 

“Lore?” XD That’s hilarious. I’ve gotten so used to them saying it that it doesn’t even occur to me as a weird thing, but that’s a good point that normal people wouldn’t understand what he means. XD 

Ope. That’s what he saw. 

Yikes...though gotta admit, that was a little less gruesome than I was expecting it to be. Still sad and scary though. 

Awww Dean. :( :( :( :( :( :( 

God he really has been shoving feelings down all his life. That’s super not healthy, Dean. 

Awww...poor Dean! :’( :’( :’( :’( :’( 

“We used to keep a lot of secrets from each other.” USED TO? Sam where have you been for the last fifteen years? XD XD 

Or is he just referring to this season? Because in that case, that’s a good point. There hasn’t been a lot of lying this season. Well, excluding the fact that Dean is hiding whatever Cas said to him from Sam....

Welp. I can already see that parallel...so you better come clean, Dean! 

“Cause I know my brother’s gonna ask”. 

HA! Me too, server lady. 

BILLIE! JESUS! 

“Working a case? Now?” HA! I said the same thing! 

...hoh boy. That’s not good. They’ve spent so much time talking about how close he is to being done, but now he’s actually done. That’s...super not good. 

Yeah no Billie. We’re not doing that. 

So it WAS about Jack! GOOD! Then they’ll all know and they can all stop it! (So Dean tell your brother already.) 

YES! Dean is upset about it!! That’s a good sign! Screw you and your plan, Billie!! 

HEY!! HOLD ON A SECOND BILLIE! Are you telling me, that you’re the one who put that thought into Jack’s head?? WTF??!! SCREW YOU!!! THAT IS SO NOT OKAY!!! HOW DARE YOU!!! I don’t care HOW badly you want Chuck dead! That manipulation was NOT the way to go!!! I didn’t hate you, but now I do. Now I really really do. Screw you. We’ll find another way. 

Yes. You were wrong. 

...Dean you better tell her she was wrong. 

HA! 

Gotta be honest, I can’t believe we’re still having the conversation about Sam and Dean being normal--especially Sam. I mean, I can believe it, because it makes sense, but at this point, it’s just so hilarious to me. Like, “yeah no, that ship sailed a LONG time ago. Sorry girl, but there’s no way Sam’s getting out of it now.” XD XD 

Awww... :( :( 

Ummm...say what now? 

SERIOUSLY Billie??!! SERIOUSLY??!! You’re just gonna...set up our beloved kid to be a bomb and then walk on out?? Wow. Yeah okay I’m really mad at you now, I don’t care if you brought Jack back. Not if this was the endgame. Screw you. 

“One Messenger of God’s Destruction right here.” XD XD 

YES we have a problem! TELL HER WE HAVE A PROBLEM!! 

DEAN!!! 

GOD DA**IT DEAN!!! It is not worth sacrificing your SON!! DIDN’T WE ALREADY GO THROUGH THIS??!! WHATEVER HAPPENED TO NOT LETTING ANYONE KILL HIM??!! TO THAT BIRTHDAY PARTY??!! WHATEVER HAPPENED TO FORGIVENESS?? TO FAMILY!! HE IS YOUR SON GOSH DARNAT!! ACT LIKE IT!!! 

Jesus Christ. This show is making it harder and harder for Dean to be my second favorite character...

He better not let it happen in the end. It better be like what happened with Season 14. No matter how mad he is, he can’t lose Jack. It better stay that way, or I’m gonna be super pissed at him all over again, just like in 14x19. 

YOU HEAR ME DEAN?! STOP IT!! DON’T BE AN IDIOT!! 

HA! Billie saw RIGHT THROUGH YOU Dean. 

Welp. Now I know why Dean hasn’t told Sam. Because Sam is not gonna like it. 

You know what Billie? Screw you. Shut the f**k up. 

He doesn’t have his house in order. There’s conflict there, and it’s not gonna happen. Shut up, Billie. 

Please Dean. Please help me out here. Don’t let your son die. :( :( :( :( :( :( 

Wait wait...Baba Yaga? As in...that witch that that security friend dude Kurt is so afraid of in Ant-Man and the Wasp? (Look at me, mixing my fandoms. XD)

So that’s a yes then. 

I CALLED IT! I KNEW IT WAS THE RING! (I mean, they kind of made it obvious, but still.) 

Oh friiiiick. That’s why she disappeared for a while, but then came back...in time to kill him. 

...she’s gonna go get the ring. She must have it. 

But also TAKE SAM WITH YOU CAITLIN! ARE YOU AN IDIOT?! 

Ummm....

...where’s the ring? 

FRICK! 

I TOLD YOU TO TAKE SAM WITH YOU!! 

She dead. 

SAM! 

FRIIIIICK! 

Oof. 

My Mom: NO! Don’t split up!  Me: I told you! They never learn.  My Mom: They really don’t. 

Alright, let’s take bets. Who’s gonna get attacked? Sam, or Dean? 

Ope. Looks like it might be Sam. 

CALL YOUR BROTHER FIRST GOSH DARNAT! Seriously. You two are the worst. 

Oh! Never mind. XD XD 

My mom just burst out laughing. XD XD XD 

Okay yeah, that was a good comedy reveal. XD XD XD 

So...it’ll be Dean then. 

Better find your bro quick, Sam. 

Oof. The vending machine. Original attack. Must be close. 

Dean don’t roll your eyes and act like you never watch (or do) that kind of thing. XD XD 

“I’ve seen this movie before.” PROMO! CALLING IT! 

YES! I was right! XD XD 

I love him. 

Okay, so I’m mad at him for the Jack thing, but I still love him okay? He’s just too great. XD <3 <3 

DEAN DON’T GO IN ALONE ARE YOU KIDDING ME??!! 

You literally saw it coming. 

YEP! EXACTLY! 

Okay wait what??

...that’s not what I was expecting. 

Wait...hallucinations, right? So that must be what this is. 

But...I think he found her nest. 

Oh yep. Definitely a hallucination. 

One of my favorite things about this show is that any time Sam or Dean has a bad vision/hallucination/nightmare caused by a monster, the other brother is always dead in it. Like, it makes perfect sense for their relationship, and as sad and scary as it is, it works beautifully. 

Wow. Yeah I can totally believe that that gave Dean nightmares for the longest time just on that acting alone. Now Dean was terrified even re-living it a little bit. :( 

Oof. 

Ummm...you know what she is, but CAN YOU KILL HER? 

...welp. Guns don’t work. What’s Plan B, Dean?? 

EEP! 

That feels very Pennywise yikes. 

HURRY SAM!! 

SEE?! THIS is why you shouldn’t split up! 

Welp, at least their fighting is loud. 

Yep. Hallucination. 

Oh. Caitlin isn’t dead. That’s good. 

Sam to the rescue. 

YES DEAN! 

WOW! Now THAT was awesome. The way he smashed that ring, and the shot--it was all beautiful. 

WHOA! Green fire. That was cool. 

Okay. I liked that monster, and how it went down. Very cool. 

Ha! 

“You tell the truth more because you know that lies...they don’t make anything better.” My Mom: I have never, ever heard anyone say that about getting older. XD 

Yeah I’m with her on this one. Not a great line, but it was definitely in there intentionally to make Dean feel guilty about not telling Sam the truth about Jack. Which means...he’s going to tell him, RIGHT?! 

Awww! A sweet little hug again! 

THAT TRANSITION!! 

I knew she was holding a business card in that promo photo! 

...oof. 

Yep. Dean’s definitely gonna tell Sam. They showed that scene of him lying to Sam as a kid about the bodies, and they keep talking about how he’s changed. He is definitely going to tell Sam before this episode ends. ...and I bet it’s not gonna go well. 

“That I handled it.” XD <3 

“WITH A LITTLE HELP!” <3 <3 <3 <3 

AWWW DEAN!!! Still being a supportive bro!! 

“We do make a good team, right?” “Yeah, we do.” I’M SERIOUSLY ABOUT TO CRY OH MY GOD!!! :’( :’( <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 

Awww...we don’t actually get to see a version of young John. Just an arm from a stand-in lol. 

Nice shot of Sam, though. 

AWESOME transition. 

Ope. Here it comes. 

OOOF!! Dean you better say something, or Cas will! 

THERE WE GO!! FINALLY!! 

Oooooh...this is gonna be rough. 

Ummm....okay. Good start. 

THERE YA GO! 

Well...okay then. Just...come out with it I guess. 

Dean...doesn’t sound happy about that. And he doesn’t seem to be handling it well. I really really really really REALLY hope he doesn’t let it happen. I’m gonna be really upset if he does. 

Ope. Here it comes. 

Uh-oh...Sam is mad. 

Oh FRICK. Wrong answer, Dean. 

Dean I’m with Sam on this one. 

Oh god...this fight. :’( :’( 

DEAN!!! 

NOOOOO NO NOOOOOOO!!!! 

Oh my god...the way Sam just yelled at him. :’( :’( :’( :’( :’( 

That was even worse than I thought it was gonna be holy frick....

“Just drive.” :’( :’( :’( :’( :’( :’( :’( :’( :’( :’( :’( 

...well....

God. That was a TERRIBLE ending, Jesus Christ. All the bonding and family teamwork that’s been happening this season just went out the window with that fight.:’( :’( :’( :’( :’( :’( 

I‘ve always loved Dean, obviously, but Jesus Christ dude. Ugh. This better resolve itself. :’( :’( :’( :’( :’( :’( 

GOD! Could SPN please STOP with the emotionally charged endings that are hurting my heart! Because this was a DANG GOOD EPISODE, and then they just HAD to do that!! :’( :’( :’( :’( :’( :’( :’( :’( :’( :’( :’( 

Welp...my heart hurts, but review here we come. 

I really really loved this episode. I mentioned it already, but I’m really glad we got to see some of Supernatural’s elements of horror in this episode. It was genuinely terrifying at several points in time, and we haven’t had an episode like that in a while. 

Also, as I often do, I loved the flashback scenes, and all the subtleties that came with it. One of my favorite things about flashback episodes is getting to see just how close Sam and Dean have always been, and I really love seeing them at different times in their life with how their relationship has changed over the years and how it compares to how they are now. It’s nice to see how much they’ve grown, but also how much about their relationship has stayed the same in the sense of that they still love and care for each other and have such a strong bond. It’s a beautiful thing, and this episode conveyed that really well. 

Paxton. Singleton. Oh my god. What. An. Actor. I don’t know if he watched episode after episode of this show before being in this episode, but WOW did he NAIL Dean Winchester. I pointed out several specific instances in my reactions, but seriously, his interpretation of Dean was incredible. I was totally able to believe that that was a younger version of Dean, easily. It was amazing. This show’s casting team will always impress me. 

All of that said....let’s address that ending. 

Holy frick. God that hurt. First of all, as if I haven’t made this clear enough, I really really need Dean to acknowledge that he loves Jack and can’t lose him so that we don’t lose my precious baby, okay? That’s a thing that definitely needs to happen. 

Second of all, I do not at all blame Sam for the way he reacted. In fact, I’m actually really impressed with how upset he got, because it plays so much into what’s been going on this season and what’s bound to come. 

At the end of Season 14, our team was divided. Between Dean and Cas’s fight over Mary’s death, Sam and Dean locking Jack in the box, and then Sam and Dean fighting over Dean wanting to kill Jack, our boys were a mess. Then, Jack was dead, and Sam and Dean and Cas were grieving, which meant taking things out on each other and being angry and distraught. But within the first several episodes of Season 15, they started to latch onto each other again, and they stayed that way and only progressed further. For the majority of this season, we have seen them bonding and being a family again. We’ve barely seen them fight, and the only exception to that was Dean and Cas’s tension with each other. However, once they made up in 15x09, everything changed. That’s when the OG team was really back. And then when Jack came back, everyone was together again. They were all starting to learn to be a family and work together to take down their enemy. And, I already analyzed this, but after Last Holiday (15x14), even Dean and Jack’s tension was released, to a degree. Sam and Dean and Jack got to bond, and it felt like everyone was ready to take on the enemy together. And then SPN hit us with this. 

With Jack and Cas’s emotional turmoil--Jack feeling like the only way to ever have Sam and Dean forgive him was for him to sacrifice herself. Cue the divide between Cas and Jack. 

And then this. Dean hiding something from Sam again. After everything they’ve been through this season, after trusting each other more than anything, learning to communicate with each other again, and having each other’s backs every step of the way with no secrets...Dean hid something. And it tore them apart.

Our team is broken again, and right when we need them to be together the most. 

And as much as it hurts my heart and made me break into tears and scares the heck out of me for what’s to come, it makes perfect sense, and it’s beautiful. 

Because the next episode is called “Unity”. And that’s exactly the opposite of what we have right now, but the hope and the thought is that, when it comes down to it, they’re still a family, and they all still love each other, and they’re all going to be there for each other, and they’re not gonna let anyone go down without the rest of their family’s support. 

At least, that’s what I’m hoping. 

And maybe I’m over-analyzing. Maybe I’m being too optimistic or hopeful for my boi Jack’s future. But honestly, I feel like I’m right, because I feel like this is exactly what the writers are going for. And I’m excited to see it. 

So, obviously, I loved that episode. It had horror, it had great representation of Sam and Dean’s brotherly relationship, it had flashbacks (our last ones :’( :’( :’( :’( ), and, at the very end, it had some very intense feels. But it was a great set-up, and beautifully done, and I absolutely loved it. 

My Rating: 10/10