#given how he's first aid's younger brother

[buttacake80]

To my Asian, European, African, and Canadian friends...do y'all wanna know how the United States found itself under a fascist, Hitler-loving dictator named Donald Trump?

In another post, I started my timeline in 1980. The year I was born. But, it was also a turning point in US politics.

First, let me share my credentials.

- Bachelors of Arts - History

- Juris Doctor - Public Interest Law (Critical Race Theory)

- Masters of Philosophy (research degree) - Sociology (Race, Ethnicity, Conflict)

Just recently, we buried President Jimmy Carter, who was the president, when I was born. Jimmy was from Georgia, like my grandmother, and he came from a Southern Baptist background. Southern Baptists are known for being very conservative Christians who did not support abortion.

Jimmy, despite that background, actually supported LGBTQ rights by lifting a federal ban. He supported Roe v. Wade which protected access to abortion. And, he established the federal Department of Education.

However, Jimmy had an antagonistic relationship with Congress, and that alienated several Democrats, including Ted Kennedy, who was the brother of John F. Kennedy, a president who was assassinated.

The Kennedy family has an established name brand due to JFK and Robert F Kennedy (another brother and JFK's attorney general who was also assassinated). Ted was the younger, drunken brother who caused the accidental death of a college friend.

In 1980, Ted challenged Jimmy for the presidency even though they were both Democrats. Jimmy has the incumbent shouldn't have faced a challenge from his own party, but he had just been that bad.

So, this internal strife weakened the Democratic Party entering the 1980 election. In that same year, Jimmy boycotted the 1980 Olympics in Russia due to Russia's invasion of Afghanistan. Furthermore, there was a recession.

The Republican Party nominee was a former Hollywood actor turned politician named Ronald Reagan. Ronald was the governor of California and was trailing Jimmy in the polls until a presidential debate in which Ronald used his acting skills to make Jimmy seem incompetent.

Ronald believed in "trickle down economics." He believed that if the wealthiest people were taxed less, then they would spend more, thus boosting the economy and allowing prosperity to "trickle down" to the working & Middle class.

He also believed in increased military spending as this was the height of the Cold War with Russia. My own parents voted for Reagan because my dad was in the military.

Instead of trickling down, the wealthy just grew wealthier. Republicans continued to lower taxes for these individuals and businesses, so the money never trickled down. Social services were underfunded & unemployment increased. Reagan's response was to blame Black "welfare mothers" for abusing the system.

Republicans latch onto this. They implement work requirements for government assistance and make it harder for folks to pull out of poverty. As a result, a wealth gap separated white folk from the rest. White folk felt their hard earned money was supporting lazy white & Black folk, so they continued to constrict welfare programs.

[Section added] During Reagan's term, an unknown illness is killing young, gay Black & Latino men. It's AIDs. Reagan deemed it a gay disease that only affects gay people, so no funding is allocated to study this disease. It's viewed as retribution for their homosexua lifestyle. However, overtime, they learn about HIV once non-gay men were infected. Children die from the disease because blood is not tested for it, so some are born from it through their mothers while others were given transfusions.

Under Reagan, the Fairness Doctrine ends. Under this doctrine, news agencies had to report both sides of an issue. Because of this, television stations can now present one side. Fox News opens as a conservative network.

Ronald is well-loved by white folk. He gets elected to two terms. By the end of his term, the economy has recovered, and white folk are prospering. Then, his VP, George H.W. Bush, is elected.

Under George I, the Cold War ends, but we have the Gulf War in Kuwait. He signs trade agreements that result in several American companies, namely the auto industry, to shutter their doors and build factories overseas. This is due to a change in tariffs!

Millions of Americans lose their jobs as factories close. Detroit, as the leading auto manufacturer city, is devastated. Back in the 90s, Detroit was the 4th largest US city after Chicago. These factory closures hit the Midwest, especially hard.

This makes Bush unpopular. He is challenged by a young, charismatic Democrat named Bill Clinton.

Bill was a southerner like Jimmy, but Bill was a very well-known ladies' man. Bill appeals to Black Americans, though, and that allows him to defeat George.

Bill continues expanding trade agreements. He's a fiscal conservative despite being a Democrat, and under Bill, military spending is reduced.

[Section added] The rise of AIDs leads to further hate directed at the LGBTQ. During the 90s, several queer people are murdered. One such kid was Matthew Shepard. A college kid in Wyoming, he is beaten by a gang of white men. His family was terrorized so much, that they couldn't bury him because of fears his grave would be desecrated.

[A white woman Bishop in DC invites Shepard's parents to bury him in their graveyard. That Bishop is Marian Edgar Budde, the same Bishop who gave Trump his inaugural sermon this past week. She pleaded for Trump to have mercy on the queer community because she was the Bishop who buried Shepard!]

Bill is a popular president. The economy is booming, but he's still a lady's man, and he gets in trouble with a college intern.

This scandal adversely impacts the last few years in office so much so that his VP, Al Gore, loses the presidency to George W. Bush.

George Bush won the Electoral College while Al Gore won the popular vote. There was such a tiny margin that there were numerous recounts because of faulty ballots (hanging chads). Eventually, the Supreme Court intervenes and tells them to stop the count and certify George as president.

George II is the son of George I.

George II is a popular Texan with swagger. He wants to build up the military once again.

Clinton left a surplus of money, so what did George II do? He implemented tax cuts for the wealthy. That damned "trickle down economics" again. The wealthy get wealthier, increasing the wealth gap between white folks and everybody else.

They cut taxes while cutting social services. One of his biggest "achievements" was a restructuring of our educational system called "No Child Left Behind."

NCLB emphasizes test scores. School administrations are penalized if they don't meet these standards. They lost funding, so electives such as home economics, art, Music, etc are trimmed to make room for these test standards. By this time, my dad has retired from the military and is a school principal, and I remember the stress of trying to meet these standards.

These standards emphasize STEM at the expense of liberal arts. This is happening just as the internet becomes available to all.

Amazon opens as an online used book store. Facebook is started as a college message board. There's a tech boom, so everyone is being pushed into tech fields. Liberal arts education was devalued.

During his term, 9-11 happens. We declare war on Afghanistan. Islamophobia spikes. Fox News helps drive this narrative. Christianity is now being pushed into schools, whereas schools were previously secular.

[Section added] In 2004, the assault rifle ban was lifted. Now we are seeing a dramatic spike in school shootings. The Far Right embraces the expansion of the 2nd Amendment.

Then, we go to war in Iraq.

We aren't quite sure why we're at war with Iraq. We overthrow Suddam Hussein (from the Gulf War). George declares victory, then terminates the Iraqi Army.

This triggers an insurrection. Massive casualties are coming out of Iraq. The war in Afghanistan is overshadowed.

George serves two terms, but his VP is so unpopular that he doesn't run for president. Instead, the Republican nominee is John McCain.

Two Democrats fight for the nomination. Hillary Clinton, the wife of Bill, and Barack Obama.

Barack was a young, biracial Senator from Illinois. I attended law school in Illinois, and one of my classmates had been his legislative aide. I met Barack twice while a student. The first time, he had come to campus to propose a college-savings account. After his press conference, I latched onto his arm and refused to let go until he heard me, and I explained that his proposal was unrealistic because it assumed that a single mother would have the resources to save for an education when it was more likely her money would go towards groceries & rent or other immediate needs. (Fast forward two-three years, and the dude is repeating my line during the State of the Union! I had changed his mind!)

Barack beats Hillary for the nomination. He defeats McCain and is sworn in as the 1st black (not Black) president.

Obama is popular and well-loved by most Americans. Under his tenure, gay marriage is legalized.

Fox News triples down on their hatred.

Their network booms. They push Islamophobia 24/7. Highlight the fact that Obama's father was Muslim and that his middle name was Hussein.

Older Americans are watching program after program of this negativity. A movement starts called the Tea Party movement, which positions itself as a fiscally conservative movement. A bankrupt slumlord with a reality TV show gains popularity with these folks.

I wrote my master's dissertation on the Tea Party movement. It's called "Jesus and the White Man."

Donald Trump

Donald latches onto the Islamaphobia. He calls Barack by his middle name and questions his birth certificate. Donald grows popular with older Americans.

At the end of Obama's term, the son of VP Biden dies. This devastated Biden. He had lost his infant daughter & first wife in a car accident. He decides not to run for president.

Obama supports Hillary.

It is now Hillary v. Trump.

Trump pushes misogyny and Islamaphobia. Hillary is Bill's wife and a woman. She is the most qualified presidential candidate to ever run (at that time).

During Obama's last year in office, Justice Antonin Scalia* dies. Obama has the privilege to nominate that next Justice, but Mitch McConnell stalls through the election.

But older white Americans were barely okay with a black president. They were not about to let a woman serve as President. At the same time, an organization called Cambridge Analytica began to fine-tune an ultra conservative agenda.

With the help of Russian intelligence, they use Facebook ads to try to persuade voters to support Trump. They succeeded with white folk, but they did not succeed with the Black vote.

Russians used African bot farms in order to try to persuade Black Americans to support Trump. We rejected him at 90%.

Donald wins the Electoral College but not the popular vote.

Donald is a corrupt and ineffectual president. He tried to bribe foreign leaders and shared US intelligence with Russia.

However, as a populist, he latches onto the Christian Right. He nominates 3 Supreme Court Justices who lie during their confirmation hearings. These Justices will ultimately vote to overturn Roe v. Wade.

The Christian Right love this. But then COVID hits and the incompetence of Donald leads to millions of deaths. These Christian folk refuse to get vaccinated or wear masks.

Donald is an unpopular president and ranks as the worst president of all time.

Biden challenges him and wins.

Donald refuses to accept that he lost, so he organized an attempted coup. January 6th.

He's impeached. Twice.

McConnell refuses to take the step to have him permanently barred from office.

Biden takes office when COVID is still rampant. The Christian Right continue to push their agenda, seeking to remove protections for the LGBTQI.

Right wing media generates a lot of money. Podcasters jump on the bandwagon. Red pill content spills into the mainstream.

Kids who were isolated during COVID are now at home watching Joe Rogan & Theo Von. They spend hours upon hours on TikTok.

But unbeknownst to these kids is the history of Russian interference.

Schools emphasize STEM. They don't emphasize liberal arts or social sciences such as history or literature. The literacy rate plummeted to an all-time low. The average white American's reading level is at the 4th grade. They aren't able to engage in critical thinking.

They don't know the history of the Spanish Influenza. They don't know the history of a trade war that triggered the Great Depression. They don't know that our government has imprisoned citizens in internment camps. They don't know Hitler's rise to power.

In fact, Fox News frequently features individuals who deny the Holocaust.

Russia move their troll farms from Facebook to TikTok, where the algorithm serves as an echo chamber. Uneducated, illiterate folks gobble up 30-second videos but can't be arsed to watch anything over 5 minutes so complex issues are stripped down to sound bites.

The algorithm pushed right-wing fascist talking points. They rehabbed Donald while shifting Gen Z to the far right. They do not know how to verify information for themselves, so they gobble up misinformation and disinformation.

If a TikTok creator has millions of followers with thousands of views and likes, these kids assume that that info is factual. They do not vet shit for themselves.

Russia pushed anti-American propaganda that posed as pro-American talking points. Pushed isolationism. Pushed anti-democratic rhetoric. In fact, one of their greatest accomplishments is convincing Gen Z and uneducated, white Millennials into thinking we aren't a democracy.

We are a fucking Democratic Republic. Our constitution begins with: "We the people".

So, because of TikTok, Trump won.

That's why Biden was pushing for it to be banned before the election. The algorithm was being corrupted. But folks couldn't part from their addiction.

Folks who had been anti-Trump just 5 years ago are suddenly Trump supporters. They were brainwashed.

So, how did we get here?

We got here because most Americans are fucking STUPID.

[theweirdestroller]

Okie dokie, I think Project 4 is about as ready as it's going to get.

Say hello to @rb-mecha-official! It's a Rescue Bots branch off of the TF Mecha Pilot AU by Keferon! Though, there is a bit of species swapping going on as well. Considering that half the main cast of Rescue Bots is human, the Sigma 17 wouldn't have any bots left to interact with if I made them pilots.

Any (good) official art is done by @arlo192

And all the writing is done by me! I don't think I'm going to be uploading any of this to ao3, so, at least for now, this is a tumblr exclusive! The only one I have so far.

[albertasunrise]

Work Wife - One

Masterlist

Summary: Working as a Secretary and Miller & Sons Construction, you fall hopelessly in love with the eldest son Joel. What you don’t realise is that Joel’s completely in love with you too. What will it take for the two of you to realise whats’s right in front of you?

Pairing: Young Joel Miller x Reader

Warnings: Like AO3, I choose not to give any so the plot isn’t spoiled. This fic is 18+ (So here’s the first chapter as promised! I hope you all enjoy. Let me know what y’all think ♥️… I wrote half of this on my iPad so sorry for mistakes 😅)

Series Masterlist

Working as a secretary at Miller & Son's Construction had its highs and lows. You loved the job. The pay was great, and all the guys treated you impeccably, but there was just one slight problem that, if you were honest with yourself, wasn't really a problem but more of a personal issue. 

You were in love with Joel Miller. 

At 21, Joel was already shaping up to be a fine businessman, taking on a lot of the work from his father so that Cole Miller and his wife Lucia could take more time for themselves. The youngest Miller brother Tommy was shaping up to be a troublemaker. At 17, he was often out drinking with his friends and getting himself arrested and it had fallen to Joel to bail his little brother out every time. 

You were a year younger than Joel but as he always said, years ahead of him on the maturity scale. You had always been an old soul but that hadn't stopped you from developing the biggest schoolgirl crush on Joel the day you had started, two years ago. What had started off as a temporary job before you went off to college became permanent when your mum had gotten sick and your dreams of going to college were dashed. 

Her illness took her a year after she had been diagnosed and with no father to speak of, you were left alone in the house you'd grown up in. Alone, with nothing but the photos on your walls for company. That time had been what had brought you and Joel closer together but had also forged your crush into what it was now. Unrequited love. 

Or so you thought. 

"Sup Pip." Said Joel as he placed a paper coffee cup down beside your keyboard "How's my favourite secretary this mornin'?" 

"I'm you're only Secretary Miller." You chuckled as you picked up your cup to take a sip and hummed at the perfect coffee flavour that exploded across your taste buds "Better now you've brought me coffee." 

"Always happy to assist Pip." He said with a wink and you prayed your flushing cheeks didn't give away how much his wink affected you. 

Pip had been a nickname Joel had affectionately given you around three months after you had started. You had been eating a plum at your desk, not a care in the work and engrossed in the customer email that you were reading that you hadn't noticed that the next bite you had taken had contained the pip. Joel had walked in just in time to witness you choking and, using his first aid training he'd acquired just the week before, had managed to save you from a fruity death. 

From that day he had called you pip. 

Because you'd almost choked on one. 

"Anything I need to know about before I head to the site?" Joel asked, pulling you from the memory of your near-death experience and you shook your head slightly before giving him what you hoped was a bright smile. 

"Yes." You replied as you pulled out the list you had compiled for him "A Mr and Mrs Cork have emailed, wanting a quote for an extension and kitchen refit." You stated as you handed him the email with a post it note with their number on top "You have a call with a new cement supplied at 2 and Gloria Mullins called this morning asking that you call her when you get a chance, apparently her boiler is on the fritz again." 

"I need to tell that woman one of these days that I'm not a plumber." He chuckled to himself as he took the rest of the notes from you. 

"You just need to stop being so nice." You chuckled "You've set their expectations now." 

"I think you're probably right." Joel chuckled as he grabbed his own coffee cup and took a large swig "Anything else?" 

"There's just one more thing." You said shyly as you smiled awkwardly "I need to duck out a little earlier today." 

"Hot date?" Joel asked and you knew he could see you blushing now. 

"Actually yeah." You answered as you looked down at your hands, missing the way Joel's expression dropped "Simon asked me to dinner." 

"Simon Richards?" He asked and you nodded "Oh, wow. I uh... I didn't realise you were into him." Joel shrugged before taking another sip of coffee to try and settle his nerves. 

"Well, he's cute and sweet and it's not like I have guys lining up to ask me out." You replied, your smile almost sad "So I thought I should at least go. See if there's any chemistry there." 

"Sure... Of course." 

Joel knew his response was cold but he couldn't help it. Learning that you were going on a date just made him want to find the nearest pillow and scream. These feelings he had for you drove him crazy and it didn’t help that all his employees knew how he felt about you too. He’d allowed them to plant false hope when they told him that it was obvious you felt the same way. It was becoming painfully clear now that that wasn’t the case. 

He needed to get over you. 

You couldn’t help but notice the slight icy tone that had coated Joel’s response to your request and you couldn’t help be feel a little confused by it. You never asked for things. Often worked late to make sure everyone and everything was up to date. You would argue that you were one of his hardest workers so sue you for wanting to let your hair down a little. 

It’s not like he felt for you the way you did for him. 

“Sure.” He said after a short and awkward pause “Lord knows you deserve an early finish.” He chuffed before gathering his bag, the papers you’d given him and his coffee “And, seeing as I won’t be back today and Friday, I suppose I’ll see you Monday!”

“That you will!” 

“Enjoy your date, Pip.” he finished before giving you a friendly wave and then leaving. 

“I’ll try to.” you said sadly as you watched him walk away. 

...

"You are my hero!" Hailed Gloria as she clapped in delight at Joel's handy work. 

"Was an easy fix." Joel shrugged as he waved the older woman off. 

"You always talk yourself down." She chuckled, her Jamaican accent coming out thicker with her statement. 

"I'm just speaking the truth ma'am." 

"How many times do I have to tell you to call me Gloria?" The older woman chuckled and Joel winked as he replied. 

"At least once more."

"Auntie G... you home?" Came a voice that Joel didn't recognise and he looked up just as the owner walked into the room he had occupied with Gloria.  

"Ah, darlin' this is that fine man Joel I was tellin' you about." Said Gloria as she smiled at her niece. 

Joel was instantly aware of the fact he was wearing paint-stained jeans and a t-shirt so worn that he was sure this mysterious girl could see his nipples through it. 

"Joel, darlin' this is my niece, Eliza." Gloria stated and Joel quickly rubbed his hands down the front of his jeans before taking the hand that was being held out to him.

"Nice to meet ya' darlin'." He said sweetly as he gave her a shy smile "Was just helpin' Gloria here with her boiler. Darn thing needs replacin' really but-"

"I won't replace something just because it's a little saucy with me sometimes.' 

"You won't replace it because poor Joel here keeps fixing it for free." Eliza teased and Joel scratched the back of his neck nervously as he replied. 

"Well not completely free." He chuckled "She sends me away with weeks worth of food." 

"You're too skinny." Gloria chuffed "No girls gonna want to marry a man with no meat on his bones." 

Joel chuckled at the older woman's statement before looking back at Eliza who was grinning at him as she practically fluttered her thick black lashes at him.  

"Well, I need to get to that meeting I was talking about." Stated Joel as he coughed nervously. 

"Don't forget to pop by later for your food!" Gloria ordered as she watched him collect his tools "I made you my famous jerk chicken with rice... peas on the side." She finished with a wink.

"Why on the side?" Eliza asked and Gloria simply rolled her eyes as she said.

"Boy don't like them mixed in." 

Eliza mouthed an 'ooooooh' before watching as Joel started to leave. 

"I'll see you later to grab that food." 

"Or I could bring it by?" Eliz suggested, "You give me your address and I can swing by and drop it off when you're home."

"Oh that's-"

"Ah, splendid idea." Gloria interrupted, leaving Joel looking like a fish out of water "Don't worry dear, I'll give her your address. Get her to drop it by around 9. You're normally home then, right?"

"Right but-"

"9 it is now you best get going or y'all be late." Said Gloria as she practically herded Joel out the door. Leaving him speechless when he made it back to his truck. 

What an earth just happened?

...

The restaurant that Simon had brought you to was nice. Not too fancy but not exactly a dive either. Conversations had been a little awkward at first. You'd not really been on many dates but after being honest with Simon about your lack of dating experiences, he put you at ease and now after one glass of wine and a very large meal, the two of you were chuckling away as subjects came easier to you both.  

"So how long have you worked for Mr Miller?" You asked as you sipped at your second glass of wine. Simon had already been at the company when you had started and was a few years older than you and Joel. 

"More or less straight outa of high school." He replied as he took a swig of his soft drink "Have always been good with my hands so when Cole put up an advert for an apprentice I marched myself over to his office and waited till he got back to speak to him..." 

"Wow." You chuckled around the rim of your glass. 

"Guy liked my tenacity. Offered me the job on the spot." 

"Well, you know my story so..." You trailed off, smiling sweetly at him as he grinned at you.

"So glad you agreed to come out with me." Simon confessed, his cheeks tinging pink "Been wantin' to ask you out a while but didn't outa respect for Joel, but can only wait so lo-"

"What do you mean, out of respect for Joel?" You asked and Simon's expression took on one of a deer caught in headlights.

"Well... with him being into you and all." Simon clarified and your brows drew together as you shook your head.

"Joel isn't into me." You pushed and Simon grew more uncomfortable with each passing moment. 

"He's been crushin' on you more or less from day dot." Your date continued when he saw you needed further clarity "We've always teased him for it but he never made a move so I thought, you know, with him not trying to date you it'd be okay for me to." 

You weren't sure what to do with the information you'd just received. For years now you had pushed your feelings down for Joel because you believed he didn't return them. So to learn that he might really put a spammer in the works for you. 

The subject moved on after that but the atmosphere wasn't as relaxed. After Simon dropped you home, you allowed what he'd told you to run on repeat in your brain. Keeping you from getting to sleep until late that night. Yet, you came to a decision before you finally drifted off. You were going to go to Joel's in the morning and ask him.  

You had to be sure.  

...

Joel wasn't surprised when there was a knock at his door at 9 pm sharp. He opened the door to see a beaming Eliza on the other side, her arms full of food containers. 

"Shit, come in." Joel said before grabbing a few containers to ease the load. "Let me take some of those." 

"Auntie G likes to feed you huh?" She chuckled as she followed Joel into his kitchen. 

"I had to buy a second freezer." Joel stated and Eliza barked out a laugh, taking Joel by surprise. 

"She's always been a feeder." She chuckled before placing the food down beside where Joel had put the other containers "Think it's a Caribbean thing."

Joel chuckled before turning to face his guest. 

"Thank you for dropping this by. You really didn't have to go through all the trouble."

"It's not trouble is I offer." Eliz chuckled and Joel chuckled at her reply. 

"Either way... that you for bringing the insane amount of food your aunt,

made me over."

"You are quite welcome." Eliza replied as she placed herself within kissing distance of him "I wanted to see you again anyway." 

Joel blushed at her statement. Taken aback by how forward she was then, in what felt like the blink of an eye, she was kissing him. Starting softly and gradually growing hotter as tongues tangled. 

"I uh... I feel like I should tell you that I'm kinda getting over someone so I'm not looking for anything serious right now," Joel stated and Eliza chuckled. 

"Who said I wanted anything serious either?" She whispered against his lips "I think I can be of great help... assisting you in getting over whoever this person is." 

Joel looked into Eliza's eyes a moment, trying to discern her endgame. Then, when he was sure that she was being honest with him he kissed her again. The food is forgotten as clothes are discarded in a breadcrumb trail to his bedroom. 

... 

You let out a steadying breath before knocking on Joel's door. Your slightly shaky left hand clutching the to-go coffee tray that contained your and Joel's favourite coffees. You chuckled when you heard Joel inside, calling out to wait a moment before suddenly opening the door, looking rather flustered. 

"Pip." He said as his expression turned from surprised to confused "What are you doing here?"

"I need to talk to you about something." You replied with a smile "I brought you a coffee. Mind if I come in?"

"Now's not a great time... what was it you wanted to talk about?" He replied nervously, smiling awkwardly as you handed him the coffee. 

"It's just about something Simon told me on our date last night." You chuckled "You see he said that you have-"

"Who's this?" Asked a woman that you didn't recognise, dressed in a shirt you assumed was Joel's and nothing else. Her brown skin glowing in the early morning light. 

"Oh, I didn't realise you had company." You said awkwardly as you started to take a few steps backwards "I'll um... I'll see you Monday." You choked as you fought to keep your tears at bay, but in doing so you missed the step down and went tumbling onto your backside. Your coffee going all over your arm. 

"Shit... Pip, are you okay?" Joel shrieked as he leapt towards you, stopping dead when you held your hand up to stop him... 

"Fine... I'm fine."

"That coffee'll be skalding." He said as he took another ginger step towards you "We need to get your arm under some cold water or else it'll blister." 

"Please just let me go." You choked, your resolve crumbling under the weight of your sadness and embarrassment "I... I just need to go." You affirmed and Joel nodded, giving you a small smile before stepping back into the threshold of his home "Bye Joel."

The older Miller brother watched with concern etched into his features as you left. Glancing at Eliza who was watching you and looking equally worried. 

"You think she's okay?" She asked and all Joel could do was shake his head as he replied. 

"I don't know."

...

You spent the rest of the weekend dreading Monday morning. You felt like such a fool going over to Joels to, you had hoped, profess your love but instead, you had fallen ass over tit in front of him and his date and burned yourself in the process. Said injury was now wrapped in gauze and throbbing with each knock and graze of your arm on your desk. You had spent the morning wishing you lived somewhere colder so you could hide your accident. 

But alas, it's 100 degrees outside and you were forced to wear a short-sleeved blouse. The air-con once again broke at the most inconvenient moment.

"Morning Pip." Said Joel as he stepped into view, placing your coffee down as he did every morning. 

"Morning." You replied, not takimg your eyes off your computer screen. 

"How's the arm?" He asked upon seeing the brilliant white bandage wrapped around it. 

"Killing me." You answered shortly, still not looking at the man who was desperately trying to pry any form of conversation out of you. 

After a long, heavy pause, Joel spoke again. His question finally tearing your eyes away from your monitor. 

"Did I do or say something to upset you?" He asked, his signature kicked puppy look making your stomach twist.

"No." You answered simply and he nodded. 

"What was it that you wanted to talk to me about?" He asked and your brows drew together "On Saturday... you said you needed to talk to me." He clarified "Said Simon had told you something on your date."

"Doesn't matter now." You bluntly replied before returning to the email you'd been writing before. 

"Seemed important then." 

"Well, it isn't now." You growled, your tone stopping the conversation dead.

"Okay." He couldn't hide how your aggressive tone wounded him. He didn't understand why you were suddenly so cold towards him. What could he have possibly done? 

He opened his mouth to speak, only to be interrupted by Simon as he blasted into the office. 

"Morning Boss!" He said chirpily before turning his attention to you "Morning beautiful."

"Morning" you replied with a smile that he returned tenfold. 

"Fancy going out with me again on Friday?" He asked and you nodded without hesitation "Great!... see you later beautiful."

You grinned at Simon as he left. Not seeing Joel's crestfallen expression.

Perhaps he did need Eliza. 

Next

For updates follow @albertasunrise-ficsblog

[cherriecove]

Cregan Stark x Targ!Reader (Part 3)

Summary: As Rhaeynera Targaryen’s only daughter you always knew that your hand would be given to whomever aided your mother and her cause. It was something that you accepted but naturally you always dreaded the day your mother would send you to your future husband, fearing whoever it would be to be cruel and old. Fortunately your worries were unfounded as your twin brother Jacaerys suggests a potential union with the Lord of the North. Cherrie's note: Use of she/her and mention of Lucerys death Masterlist | Previous Part |

As you returned to the hall, a quiet understanding lingered between you and Cregan. The warmth of the North’s hospitality was beginning to feel familiar, but there was a solemnity in the air, knowing that peace would be fleeting. The tension between your mother’s claim and Aegon’s usurpation of the throne loomed like a storm cloud on the horizon.

Later that day, as you and Jace prepared to show Cregan and his sister Sara what it’s like to ride dragons, a raven arrived with grim news—Lucerys had been slain at Storm’s End. The message was a cruel blow, draining the warmth from the day. Jace froze as he read the letter, his hands trembling. His eyes, dark with fury and grief, met yours, and in that moment, you felt the overwhelming weight of the war pressing down on both of you.

Grabbing the letter from your brother’s hands, you quickly read its contents. Lucerys, your younger brother, was gone.

"No..." Jace’s voice was barely a whisper at first, then broke into a snarl of raw anger. "Aemond did this. That wretched—" His words turned into a snarl, his hands curling into fists. You reached out, placing a hand on his arm, your own heart heavy with sorrow.

"Jace..." Your voice was soft but firm, trying to pull him back from the edge. "We need to be strong now. For the boys. For mother."

But Jace couldn’t contain his rage. He turned away, pacing the room with wild, furious steps. “He will pay. I swear by the gods, Aemond will pay with his life!”

Cregan, watching from the side, approached cautiously. His usual calm was now replaced with a hard resolve. “I grieve with you,” he said steadily. “This is a grave offense, a violation of all honor.”

Jace nodded, doing his best to remain composed in front of company. “We leave for Dragonstone,” he announced, his voice sharp with decision. “Our mother will know how to respond. And when she calls for war, we will not hold back.”

You nodded, though your heart ached with the knowledge of what was to come. Lucerys had been kind and innocent, and his death seemed senseless in the brutal game of thrones. The thought of your mother learning this news, already weighed down by grief, felt unbearable.

Cregan stepped closer to you, his expression serious but his voice gentle. “Princess Y/n, if you wish to remain here for your safety, you are welcome. I understand if—”

You interrupted, shaking your head. “I must return to Dragonstone with Jace. Our mother will need us both.”

Cregan’s eyes searched yours for a moment, and in that brief silence, there was an unspoken bond—a promise of support that went beyond politics. He nodded solemnly. “Then the North will stand with you. Whatever aid you need, Winterfell will be ready.”

Before long, you and Jace mounted your dragons. Vermax was restless, sensing the turmoil within Jace, while Mithrax remained steady, her presence a comfort amid the storm of emotions swirling around you. As you took to the skies, Winterfell’s snow-covered landscape faded into the distance.

The flight back to Dragonstone was fraught with silence, your thoughts consumed by what awaited you. The winds howled around you, reflecting the tempest inside your heart. When you landed on the blackened shores of Dragonstone, the weight of the news you carried settled heavily upon you. The castle loomed ahead, its towers dark and foreboding against the stormy skies.

Jace dismounted first, his face a mask of determination as he strode towards your mother’s chambers. You followed close behind, your heart pounding with dread. Inside, your mother was seated before the fire, but as you and Jace entered, her eyes turned toward you, and her face softened.

“Mother,” Jace began, his voice tight, “is it true?” His words hung heavily in the air.

Rhaenyra’s breath hitched, and for a moment, her grief was overshadowed by the sight of her children before her. She swiftly came to you both, her eyes glazing with unshed tears as she pulled you into a tight hug. "No..." he whispered, her voice breaking. "Not Luke. It's all my fault."

You shook your head at Jace’s words. “We share this blame, Jace. It is not all on you.”

Your mother stroked both of your faces, frowning at the tears streaming down your cheeks. “No, my sweets, it was not your fault.”

The three of you stood holding each other as you cried for your loss. Your heart felt heavy with the knowledge that there was no turning back now. The drums of war had begun to beat, and soon the realm would be consumed by fire and blood.

The air in Dragonstone crackled with tension and purpose as preparations for war escalated. Soldiers trained relentlessly, and ravens flew in every direction to gather allies. Yet amidst the looming conflict, one piece of business could not be ignored—your impending union with Lord Cregan Stark. After the devastating news of Lucerys’ death, celebrating anything felt out of place, but alliances were forged in both battle and marriage, and the bond between the Targaryens and Starks was crucial.

Queen Rhaenyra, though consumed with grief, recognized the importance of the wedding. It would solidify the North’s loyalty, and Cregan Stark was already proving to be a valuable ally. One afternoon, you and Jace were summoned to the hall. Your mother sat at the head of a long table, surrounded by councilors and key advisors. Cregan was there as well, standing tall and resolute, his northern attire a stark contrast to the more elaborate garb of the Dragonstone court.

“My children,” Rhaenyra began, her voice steady but marked by the strain of recent events, “we must continue planning for the war, but we cannot neglect the importance of this marriage. The alliance with Winterfell strengthens our position, and Lord Stark has been gracious enough to expedite the preparations despite the tumultuous times.”

You exchanged a glance with Jace, who gave you a small nod of encouragement. It wasn’t lost on you that your marriage to Cregan was not just a personal matter but a political necessity. Still, as you looked at Cregan, standing steadfast and serious, you felt that this union was more than a mere contract between houses.

“I understand, Mother,” you replied, your voice measured. “Lord Stark and I are prepared to proceed as soon as arrangements are made.”

Cregan’s voice cut through the room with a deep, respectful tone. “I know the timing is difficult, Your Grace, but I assure you that the North stands ready to honor this alliance and to aid in the coming war. The wedding will only solidify our loyalty to your cause.”

Rhaenyra regarded him with a measured look. Despite her loss, she remained sharp and resolute. “You’ve proven yourself a true ally, Lord Stark. Your father’s oath is strong, but your personal commitment has only strengthened it.”

Cregan nodded, his grey eyes meeting the queen’s. “The North does not forget its oaths, Your Grace. We will fight alongside you.”

The queen turned to her council. “We will organize the wedding as swiftly as possible. Winterfell must see their lord married before the battle begins, and our enemies must witness the unity between the North and the Targaryens.”

The decision to hold the wedding in Winterfell surprised many. Dragonstone had seemed the obvious choice, closer to the center of conflict, but Cregan insisted that the North needed to see the union firsthand, to feel the strength of their lord’s bond with House Targaryen. Rhaenyra agreed, though it meant sending you away, far from Dragonstone, just as the war was brewing.

Preparations for the journey north began at once. You had expected a grand procession, but the looming war meant the wedding would be swift and without the usual fanfare. A small retinue traveled ahead of you and Jace to Winterfell, alongside Cregan, who had gone ahead to prepare for the wedding. Meanwhile, your mother and the rest of her forces remained focused on preparing for the battles to come.

Winterfell loomed on the horizon, its towering grey walls shrouded in mist and snow. The journey had been long, but the sight of the Stark stronghold filled you with a strange sense of anticipation. This was the heart of the North, the seat of the man who would be your husband. As you entered the gates, the people of Winterfell gathered to greet their lord’s bride. There were no extravagant festivities—just the solemn acknowledgment of the importance of this union.

The cold winds bit at your skin as you dismounted, but the warmth of the great hall beckoned. Cregan was waiting inside, standing beside his sister, Lady Sara Snow, who had taken on the task of preparing Winterfell for the arrival of her brother’s bride. The hall was austere but grand in its simplicity, the smell of burning wood and pine filling the air.

When you saw Cregan, his eyes met yours with that same steady intensity you had come to rely on. There was no need for words—his presence was enough to reassure you. He approached, his fur-lined cloak brushing the stone floor, and took your hand.

“Welcome to Winterfell, Princess,” Cregan said, his voice a deep rumble that echoed in the hall.

“Thank you, Lord Stark,” you replied, your voice softer but no less certain.

The wedding was held in the Godswood, beneath the ancient weirwood tree, its red leaves stark against the snow-covered ground. The ceremony was simple, as was the northern way, but powerful in its meaning. You and Cregan exchanged vows before the old gods, your hands bound together with a strip of cloth as a symbol of your union. The cold air bit at your skin, but the warmth of Cregan’s hand in yours kept you steady. This was not the grand spectacle expected in King’s Landing or Dragonstone, but it felt right, grounded in the traditions of the North.

As you spoke your vows, you felt the weight of the moment—not just the personal bond you were forging with Cregan, but the political alliance this marriage represented. The North and House Targaryen were now bound by blood and honor.

After the ceremony, you returned to the great hall for a modest feast. The lords of the North, gathered for the wedding, spoke of war and loyalty. Cregan, ever the leader, reassured them of his commitment to Queen Rhaenyra’s cause.

“The North will not forget its promises,” Cregan said, raising his cup. “We stand with the true queen, and with the strength of our alliance, we will see her seated upon the Iron Throne.”

The men cheered, their voices echoing through the stone walls of Winterfell. You felt a surge of pride as you looked at your husband, now bound to you in both marriage and war.

Later, as the fires burned low and the hall emptied, you stood with Cregan by one of the tall windows, gazing out at the snow-covered courtyard.

“The North is ready,” Cregan said quietly, his breath visible in the cold air. “When the time comes, we will march south.”

“And I will be by your side,” you replied firmly, meeting his gaze.

Cregan’s hand tightened around yours, but he shook his head. “I need you to remain here.”

You scoffed and pulled your hand away, narrowing your eyes at him. “No, I will do no such thing.”

His voice softened as he reached for you again. “Princess, please—”

“I’ve been married to you for less than a day, and you’re already trying to order me around?” You glared at him, your voice sharp. “I am fire and blood. I have a dragon. I will help my mother defend her birthright.”

Cregan sighed, his expression conflicted, but after a pause, he nodded. He spoke carefully, choosing his words. “I do not mean to control you. I know you are capable, fierce, and brave. I only wish to protect you. As long as you allow me by your side, to fulfill my duty as your husband, then I will be content.”

Your face softened at his words. After a moment, you leaned in and kissed his cheek gently. “Very well, my lord. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Cregan’s relief was palpable as he pulled you into a warm embrace. Together, you would face the war ahead, united in fire and blood.

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

Can you explain the "Skully is Rollo's dead brother" theory? Cuz thats the first time Ive heard that theory.

[Referencing this post!]

I briefly discussed the theory here (before the event actually released), but I wouldn’t take it too seriously.

It’s just a crack theory that was floating around; there’s no actual evidence for it unless you want to count vague threads that connect Rollo’s dead brother and Skully/his inspiration, Jack Skellington. For example, the opening song for his film, This is Halloween, has Jack being set on fire while alive (which is how Rollo’s brother died; he lost control of a fire spell). Additionally, Skully sometimes speaks in manner that resembles Rollo (ie somewhat religiously/asking for atonement).

However, do note that nothing else makes sense. Rollo’s brother died quite young, and Skully is 16. Furthermore, Skully describes his hometown as being located in a misty valley and how they revere Jack Skellington and Halloween there. None of these were previously explained as part of Rollo’s background. Skully also mentions he goes to a magic school, which was likely not the case for Rollo’s younger brother since Rollo blames adults not being around to help. It’s probable that he never got formal instruction (or very little of it), which led to an untimely demise.

I’m sure there are other problems I could point out, but 💦 like I aid earlier, it’s more of a joke theory, not a serious one. I think most people are on the “he’s dead” theory or the “he’s been trapped in the book for longer than he lets on” theory trains, both of which I’ve also given my thoughts on.

[findafight]

Tw for hospitals and use of of pain medication, infection, and canonical injuries, brief mention of the AIDS crisis. Ohhhh steddie dating pre S4 au where Robin has now been subjected at work to Steve both striking out spectacularly and flirting like he knows he's getting laid that night. She isn't sure which is worse. (The striking out is worse. She is glad her friend is happy. She's just painfully single and pining away)

The same stuff happens in s4 minus Robin and Eddie pushing Steve and Nancy together romantically (Dustin is trying to push Steve to both Robin or Nancy he's like dude these are girls you like why are you not making a move on them! I want you to be happy!!! And Steve rips his eyes away from Eddie's lips like huh?) But they're still like hey Nancy! It would be nice! If we could be friends maybe! And it's still awkward.

Robin is out here sweating and glaring at Steve and eddie trying to beam thoughts into Eddie's brain in the Upside Down like Eddie please cool it I know it's a stressful situation but stop staring at Steve's tits for five minutes pl-oh giving him your vest??? You think that's going to help? Ok buddy. I'm just going to. Distract Nancy up ahead a little bit while you and Steve chat aaaaand neither of you are listening. Fine.

And it's still a mess. Max and Eddie and Steve end up in the hospital. The ground split open but sealed itself once Steve cut Henry's head off. Everything is over.

Eddie gets discharged first, despite having more bites than Steve, because his didn't have two days to get infected with Upside Down nastiness. So he ends up camped out with Robin at Steve's bedside as he fights the infection with antibiotics (the doctors hope will work), pain meds, and a slight fever.

Which is to say, completely out of it and high as a kite.

So when Dustin visits and Steve is awake, he gets to see a big, goofy grin spread across his best friend's/adoptive older brother's face as he reaches out and says "dusssstyyyy! Cmere. Lemme. Boop you." And yeah, okay, it makes him feel a bit like a baby but Steve is out of it and apparently drugged Steve likes to Boop his younger friends noses. Dustin can accept that. He sighs and leans forward and allows his nose to be booped.

Steve giggles and smiles and pats his head. "Good to see you, man"

Dustin smiles, a bit watery because it's hard to see Steve in the hospital again, and because it was fucking terrifying to watch him nearly drop to the ground after making sure Eddie got treatment, only being caught by Robin. Dustin almost lost three people he loves, and he is so fucking glad they're all alive, if not well.

"yeah, Steve. Good to see you, too. They say when you're allowed to blow this pop stand?"

Steve frons. "No. Still got Upside Down goobies in my guts, 'parently."

Robin sighs. "They said a few more days. Make sure the infection is clear and there's no suspicious side effects."

"yeah. That's what I said, Robin."

Dustin grins, then settles down beside Robin, across from Eddie. He hasn't said anything since Dustin walked in, but was playing with the sleeve of Steve's hospital gown and tracing patterns on his arm. He looks up at Dustin, and offers a small smile.

It's a bit weird, how close he's stuck by Steve this whole time, but Dustin guesses they probably bonded when they got sucked through the watergate, and that Steve saving his life really endeared him to Eddie. He hopes they can be actual, real friends once things settle. Given how much Eddie is at Steve's bedside, he thinks they're well on their way to it.

They all chat for a while, Steve sometimes getting off topic and dreamy, but looking happy even when he isn't quite following what they're all saying. Dustin is pretty sure Steve doesn't have his hearing aids in on top of the drugs, so he isn't really surprised.

His mom eventually bustles into the room, and fusses over Steve. "Oh, sweetheart, I'm so sorry. Let me know if we can do anything, I mean anything, to help, okay? I'm sorry I cant visit for longer today, but what with everything happening like this, I -"

"isss okay, Mrs. H...Ma." Steve corrects himself immediately, smiling. Dustin's insides always get a bit squiggly when Steve calls his Ma, Ma. Like they're actual brothers, and she's their mom, and no one could ever argue they're not family for real. What makes it better that it was Ma who insisted Steve call her that since January of '85, as though she knew just how much both Dustin and Steve needed each other like that.

"I'll be by tomorrow, okay, dear? Robin, you and Eddie are alright for tonight? I'll stay tomorrow but today I re-"

"it's fine! Seriously, Mrs. H. Don't worry about us. My parents will force me home tomorrow anyways, but tonight we're good." Robin grips at Steve's ankle, grounding herself. Dustin doesn't think there's been a day when she hasn't been in Steve's room. Doubts if the places were reversed Steve wouldn't have to be dragged out to shower and change clothes. They're so weird, but Dustin is glad Steve has someone older that loves him like Robin does. It makes it easier to not be able to spend all day with him like he wants to.

"okay. Alright." She leans forward and kisses Steve's forehead a few times, brushes some stray hairs out of his face, just like she does when Dustin is sick in bed. "You take care Steve, sweetheart, and make sure you let Robin and Eddie take care of you too." She turns to Dustin. "I'll give you a few minutes to say goodbye and then meet me down at the car, okay?"

Dustin nods, and his mom is out the door. He sighs. "Well. I guess I'd better head out." He gives Steve a hug, a bit awkward from Steve lying down, but it's fine, Steve wraps his arms around Dustin and tries to give him his normal double squeeze, but it's more of a press with his hands than anything. Dustin'll take it. "I'm glad you're getting better Steve. Glad we're all safe."

Steve's smile is soft, gooey in a way that he usually tries to hide. "Glad you're safe, too, man. Love you." Something in his smile sharpens, then. "Unlike some people in this room you actually...listened? When I told you not to be a hero. And didn't nearly almost die."

Eddie groans, dramatic. It seems like a game they're playing with each other more than anything, but it's a game Dustin doesn't know the parameters of, and it's jarring. "C'mon, Steve. I said I was sorry! I wasn't going to let Dustin get hurt."

Steve glares at Eddie, which would be more intimidating if he wasn't scrutching up his nose or propped up by pillows freshly fluffed by one Claudia Henderson. "Which is the reason why you're allowed in here even though you almost died. Dustin is safe, and that's good. But I'd've been so fuckin pissed if you died."

Robin snorts, pats Steve's hand. "Oh, buddy. You'd have been inconsolable."

"yeah. Exactly. it would have fucking sucked, Eddie. So. I'm still mad at you, even though I love you. Probably because I love you."

Which is. Not what Dustin was expecting. Sure, Steve was pretty open about his love. Especially after Starcourt, when he finally seemed to settle into something Dustin thinks of as comfortable with who he is. (Which is, actually, a big softie with a bit of a bitchy mouth) He's told Dustin he loves him before, and he's pretty sure he's told Max too. Steve says he loves Robin all the time, just not romantically even if Dustin doesn't think that's entirely true, but.

This feels different.

It is different, given the way Eddie squeaks a bit and sways towards Steve. "Steve..." He breathes, his eyes big and wet and wide. He swallows. "Steve. Dustin doesn't. He's still here, i--"

Steve's brow furrows. "Yeah? So? Did you not want...oh." something in the blankness that drops over Steve is scary, especially in comparison to how Steve's been open and lax the entire time Dustin's been in the room.

Steve turns his head slightly towards Eddie, ten slightly away, like he doesn't know if he wants to look at him or not. Dustin shuffles his feet, not quite sure what's going on, feeling awkward and wrongfooted. Robin stands, puts her hand on Dustin's shoulder, tries to turn him away and out the door, but Dustin isn't leaving when Steve's face is all stiff and blank like it is.

"steve--" Eddie sounds wrung out, wrecked. What the hell is going on?

Steve sniffs ever so slightly, interrupting Eddie. "You don't have to say it. You don't even have to-uh. To feel it, right now. That's okay. I've done that before. I can wait." Dustin sees a muscle twitch in his jaw. "But if you- if you don't think you can, I need to know now, actually. Because now Dustin knows but he's my brother so that's good and fine but if you don't want to--if you don't think this is gonna, like, be a long-term, tell people important to us kind of thing; if you're realizing that it's been long enough that you should feel that--that way about me but you don't, then I need to know because I don't want you lying about how you feel. I can't do that again. When you say it back I want to be sure you mean-"

"I love you too, Steve! Jesus fuck." Eddie blurts, apparently having had enough of. Well. Everything Steve was saying.

It's dawning on Dustin that maybe when Steve and Eddie said they knew each other they didn't just mean from highschool. That they. Well. Obviously they love each other. Which is....something to consider later because Steve looks like he's about to cry. Because Woah, Dustin has misread a lot between the two of them if they're...like this.

"yeah? You're sure?" He says, wobbly now he isn't rambling.

Eddie's squished himself more into Steve's space. "yes, yeah, of course Steve. Fuck. You met Wayne! I want you in my life, for a long, long time. I don't- I didn't do anything to make you think I didn't, did I?" His voice is a little rough, and little pleading.

Steve shakes his head, grips Eddie's hand in his m, even as Eddie uses it to support himself over top Steve. "No. I just. I know it freaks people out, is all, and I don't want you to freak out, or leave, or think you had to because we've been dating for a few months and I want to say it. It just came out because it's true."

Eddie laughs, leans in reeealy close to Steve. "Honey. It came out because you're high and morphene."

Steve grumbles a bit, but he's smiling too, and knocks their foreheads together. "Yeah. And also because it's true. I love you."

Eddie's eyelids flutter, Dustin can see, as he grins. "And I love you." He says, before closing the distance and kissing Steve squarely on the mouth.

Robin clears her throat. "As...heartwarming and sappy you two are. Dustin has to leave, and probably...has some questions? That he's not going to be a dick about?" She says this as she grips his shoulder tightly, in a way that is definitely a threat.

Dustin nods furiously. Eddie sighs but pushes away from Steve, not before pecking him again, drawing that dopey smile back into Steve's face. "Yeah." He says. "I'll walk you out Henderson."

Dustin waves goodbye to Steve, who seems cheery once again, wiggling his fingers are Dustin and Eddie, before walking out the door behind Eddie.

"so. How long have...has that been a thing?" He asks, as soon as they clear the doorframe.

Eddie huffs, but seems good natured about it. "Few months. December."

"okay." Says Dustin. "Uh. I didn't. I didn't know you...or Steve, I guess...I didn't know you guys were-" he lowers his voice, despite the hallway being surprisingly empty. "Gay."

There's something steely in Eddie's eye when he answers. "We're not. Well-we are, but we both also like women."

Something doesn't sit right about that with Dustin. "But! You just said-"

Eddie holds his hands up, and Dustin shuts his mouth on instinct. "You can like both while just dating one person, Dustin. Just because you like women doesn't mean you're going around with girls who aren't Suzie, right?" He nods. He adores Suzie, can't really imagine looking at any other girl like that because she's just. Amazing. She's his girlfriend and they love each other, and just because girls are pretty great doesn't mean Dustin wants anything other than friendship wi--oh. He sees where Eddie is going.

"right. Yeah. Sorry."

Eddie shrugs. "Steve kinda dropped a bomb in both of us, today"

""isn't it weird though?"

"well...girls and guys are different"

"they are indeed."

"so, if you like girls, why do you like...boys...too?"

"why do you like girls and not boys, Dustin?"

Which is hard to answer because, well. Dustin's never really thought about why he likes girls. He just does. And maybe that's what Eddie means. There's no reason, really. People just...like what they like.

Or there are reasons, because girls are pretty and often smell nice and Suzie looks like a mad scientist when her ponytail gets a little loose after hours of working on a project, her eyes glinting behind her glasses as she giggles and bites her lip, just a little. But that's mostly Suzie. So. He can't really put a finger on why he's only ever had crushes on girls, or why before last summer they've never been as much or as consuming as his love for Suzie. Never been anything like the long days spent together at camp building and creating and blasting ideas off each other, before one day Suzie took his hand and they ended up sneaking away to look at the stars, trying to outdo each other's knowledge about them and slowly being pulled into the other's orbit like binary stars. He's never really wanted to kiss anyone like he wants to kiss Suzie, not even when he had a brief and fleeting crush on Max.

"oh." Is what he says, and feels pretty lame for it.

Eddie shrugs. "You can't really choose who you like." He says before breathing in. "But you do choose who you love, and how you love them."

And. Well. Dustin thinks of his Ma sweeping Steve up into family dinners every other week, and how the party absorbed Max into it as easy as anything, and holding Suzie's hand as they looked up at the stars in dew covered grass feeling like the world starts and ends there, and of Steve and Robin cackling together and having seemingly no personal space or boundaries between them. And of Steve and Eddie, saying I love you for the first time in a hospital room after saving the world.

"That's pretty good." Dustin says, and Eddie smirks at him.

"yeah. Steve said it to me, way back on our second date."

Dustin scoffs. Because he should have known; it's so typically Steve to say something like that. "And you were surprised when he said he loves you?"

Eddie's eyes twinkle in the florescent lights of the hospital. "Nah. Just... it's different being pretty sure, and knowing for sure. I also didn't want him saying something in front of you he'd regret."

He nods. "That's fair. I...don't know how I would've taken it if Steve weren't in the hospital, honestly. Like!" He tries to reassure Eddie "I would have gotten over it, for sure! But if had had sat me ore the party down and talked it out I might've been, like, y'know. Super weird about it. Because. I mean. This talk is good, right? I'm think about things and thinking about how I've only ever really wanted to kiss Suzie, even if I thought about maybe abstractly kissing other people. And how we as humans have all these quirks that let us be human, but different, which enable us as a species to thrive." He heaves a breath. "But. Seeing Steve all loopy and saying it, and then being worried you felt pressure about it, I dunno. It makes sense, I guess. I don't know how you two met or got to know each other, but. I guess it makes sense, how you like each other. And talking to you now. It's helped, I think."

Everything is a bit scrambled in Dustin's brain, the love and the confusion and the worry, because it's setting in that in Hawkins, something like this, for Steve and Eddie, is dangerous. Something that could get them hurt or killed, scorned by the town they've helped save.

His mother always grumbles agrily when ads about how the virus going around is God's punishment for sinners, or how it's cleaning up the streets of unwanted people gays and addicts. She huffs, swears. Says that just because bigots don't consider the people getting sick as wanted or valuable, doesn't mean no one does. That no one deserves to get sick for things they cannot control, or for things they can. A smoker is more likely to get lung cancer, but that doesn't mean they deserve it more than someone who's never seen a cigarette.

Their families will mourn them the same.

They reach the main doors, and Dustin sees his mom has pulled into a pick up lane, blinkers on. He turns to Eddie, and burries his face in his neck.

Eddie takes it in stride, parting his back and giving him a bit of a squeeze. It's not as good a hug as Steve gives, but that bar is only really surpassed by his mom, so it's still a good hug.

"please be careful, Eddie."

"ah," says Eddie, and he pulls back slightly. "We are, man. You're close to both of us and didn't suspect. We know what we're doing."

Dustin raised his eyebrows. Now that he has context, a lot of interactions between Steve and Eddie in the wake of getting them out of the Upside Down seem a lot less friendly.

Eddie chuckles. "Seriously. We are. It was just hard during everything, and, well, we both feel safe around you guys. I think Steve's been gearing up to ask me if we can tell all of you sheepies soon."

"yeah?"

"yeah, bud. Don't worry about us."

"Considering you just got released and Steve is still in the hospital, I think a little worrying over you jackasses is justified."

Eddie smirks. "Fine. A normal and reasonable amount of worrying, then. But no more than that. Now, git! Your ma's waiting on you."

Dustin smiles, "yeah, yeah. I'll see you tomorrow."

"yep. You know where to find me."

He waves again as he hopes into the front seat, and buckles his seatbelt before Ma can ask him to. He smiles at her, and feels oddly...grounded. a mystery has been solved, even if Dustin doesn't have all the pieces, he still has the big picture.

"everything alright, Dusty? Nothing wrong with Steve, is there?" She asks, even as she changes out of park.

"yeah, yeah. Just accidentally stumbled over something saying goodbye, and was worried about them. But everything is fine. Robin and Eddie have Steve handled."

They turn out of the hospital parking lot, heading for home. Ma smiles. It's softer, more indulgent than usual. "Yes. They're good for each other, I think. Compliment one another nicely."

Dustin doesn't bother asking which set she's talking about, thinks maybe they both know.

[justwinginglife]

Playing Pretend/Summer

25 Days of Simpmas: Day Six December 6th: Kiyoka Kudo, Rank 20 Anime: My Happy Marriage Event Masterlist I couldn't pick just one title so it has two because I'm indecisive.

“Don’t even start with me; you know why I’m here.” 

Kiyoka scoffed at you, straightening his shoulders to encompass more of the doorway. With the way he was acting, like you were some enemy messenger, sent to wage war on his otherwise peaceful life, you were sure that by now he’d read the letter from his sister, explaining that she had sent you to aid him in the search for a bride. You resisted the urge to laugh, watching as he attempted to create a blockade in the doorway with nothing more than his slim, sulky figure. What did he think- that if he blocked the entrance, you’d simply turn around and go home? If he locked the door, you’d simply pick it. If he barred the door, you’d simply break it. Then there was the option of sneaking in through the window or shimmying down the chimney; after all, that was the reason she’d sent you, of all people. 

Besides the fact that you’d always had a soft spot for her younger brother -and he’d always had a soft spot for you- more than anything, you were headstrong. Maybe she thought if you couldn’t convince him to see reason, you’d at least drive him so crazy with your stubbornness that he’d run straight into another woman’s arms. Either way, it didn’t change what you’d been sent here to do. 

“Kiyoka, Hazuki asked me to come. So I’ve come. And I’m not leaving until we talk.”

 “You may tell my sister that she need not send her spies; I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself.”

“Kiyoka,” You exclaimed exasperatedly, “I’m not here to report on you to your sister.”

He raised an eyebrow, still skeptical of your words. “Then what are you here for?”

“To help.”

“I don’t need your ‘help.’ You may return home; I shall report to Hazuki that you tried your best so you need not be concerned that she will reprimand your failures. You may tell her that I am simply unable to be convinced.”

You rolled your eyes and slipped by him, entering his home unsolicited. As you showed yourself around, you examined as much of your surroundings as you could before you figured he’d interrupt. His living quarters appeared orderly enough, given that Kiyoka had always been an organized man, but it was obvious that a feminine touch was clearly needed. It was as if he’d made the place his second office. You’d heard of a home away from home, but this was his work away from work, and it had to stop now. You were here to make it stop.

His sister had been concerned about his disinterest in anything but work, especially when it came to members of the opposite sex, so you’d been sent to convince him to revisit the idea of marriage prospects as a favor to her. But it wasn’t just that. You’d grown up with Kiyoka and Hazuki, and though you saw Hazuki nearly everyday, it’d been awhile since you’d last seen her younger brother. And you missed him. Today’s visit was just one you were long overdue. 

“I don’t recall allowing you permission to enter my home,” Kiyoka grumbled as he followed behind you cautiously. 

“Kiyoka. I’ll put it bluntly: stop being such a stick in the mud.”

He froze for a brief second before recovering, a hint of a smile appearing at the edge of his lips. “There’s that smart mouth of yours; I was wondering when it would show itself. Apparently several years in a boarding school did nothing to curb your attitude.”

You snorted. “And apparently several years serving as a commander did nothing to train you on how to prevent intruders from invading your home.”

“So you admit you’re intruding?”

“Intruding and conquering. As of today, I’ve officially claimed my territory. And my first act as resident dictator is to demand you sit down. I’m making dinner.”

It was as though you’d spoken in a foreign language because suddenly Kiyoka’s gaze began conducting a thorough examination of you, as if the glimmer in your eyes or the straightening of your posture might give him some hint that would allow him to decipher your words. “You’re… what? I have a cook, why are you making dinner?” 

You winked at him and his heart thundered in his chest. “So you can pretend you know what it’s like to have a wife.” You said in a teasing tone.

He followed you into the kitchen, cheeks ablaze, still protesting as you began to prep and cut vegetables. “I don’t need to pretend to have a wife, as I’ve no need for a wife.”

You deposited the vegetables into a pot. “You keep talking like that, and you’re gonna end up marrying me.” You didn’t look up to see his reaction, but his silence said enough. You smiled to yourself. Commands an entire army, but still shy around a girl, even if she is his childhood friend. Same old Kiyoka. “Remember?” You asked nonchalantly as you stirred the pot. “We said when we were kids that if we couldn’t find anyone to marry, we’d just marry each other.”

He shifted uncomfortably. “That was… a naive suggestion, proposed by mere children. We couldn’t have known the responsibility that would come with such a weighted promise. I have never held you to it and would never hold you to it.”

“I wouldn’t mind if you did.” You continued to swirl your spoon around and around the pot, waiting for a response from him, waiting to hear more than just the sloshing of the stew hitting your spoon. Why was the sloshing suddenly so damn loud? Why could you hear the birds chirping outside the window and even the fire roaring beneath your pot, but you couldn’t so much as hear him breathe? You’d laughed to yourself about him being shy, but why were you the one who was now ready to shrink into a corner? Maybe you’d gone too far with your teasing- too far for the both of you.  

“You’re stirring too hard.” Kiyoka’s fingers brushed against yours as he slipped the spoon out of your hand. “You’ll burn yourself if you keep letting the water splash like that.” With one arm, he gently guided you behind him as he proceeded to take charge over dinner. 

You laughed softly. Yup. Same old Kiyoka. “Aren’t I supposed to be the one cooking?”

A small smile tugged at his lips. “Maybe you can be the one pretending you have a husband.”

Eventually dinner was served, dinner was had, and then dinner was a thing of the past. But even as you lay in bed that night, staring up at the ceiling, you willed memories of dinner to replay in your mind, like you were watching your favorite play. Winter’s frost had started to seep into the weary bones of this house and yet you’d never felt warmer, remembering the way he had untied the strings of your apron, “pretending” to be your husband, and the way you had spoon fed him the stew, “pretending” to be his wife, and the way he poured you a cup of sake, toasting to your health, “pretending” to be your husband, and the way he’d chuckled when you dabbed at his cheek with a napkin, “pretending” to be his wife, and the way pretending didn’t feel like pretending anymore when it was with him.

You could go back to winter in the morning. You could go back to the real reason you’d come. You could help find him a wife, watch him be married off, and go back to the city, go back to your life, like nothing had ever happened between the two of you. You could go back to winter in the morning, but for now, in the dark of your room, in the dead of the night, it was summer. It was all warmth and light and Kiyoka. It was the way he tied your hair as thanks for tying his. It was the way he walked you to your bedroom, like some scoundrel might kidnap you on the mere journey down the hall. It was the way he said goodnight so tenderly, so fondly, like he’d lived his life just to be able to wish you sweet dreams and bid you well rest. 

And when you woke in the morning, you discovered that even the impending threat of reality couldn’t diminish the joy of waking up and realizing he was just a door away. And then you wondered what it would be like to wake up and be only a breath away.

He interrupted your fantasizing.

“I’m going into town.” 

You blinked away your wishful thinking. “Oh, alright. I suppose I’ll be here when you get back.”

He lingered by your door another moment more. “...You could… come into town with me.”

You just couldn’t help the smile that spilled across your face and he couldn’t help but smile back. “I’ll be five minutes!” You exclaimed excitedly, closing the door on him so that you could get ready.  

He shook his head, amused, as he listened to you chaotically rummaging through your wardrobe. Just how much did you pack for this “short visit?”

“I’ll give you an hour!” He called through the door.

“Won’t take me that long!” You called back.

He chuckled to himself. Yes, yes it will. 

59 minutes later (you didn’t want to give him free reign to tease you for taking the full hour), you looped your arm through his and sauntered off with him, ready to take on the town. 

You should’ve been more focused on your image, should’ve been more aware of the people gawking at the two of you, as you giddily paraded through town with him, but even with all of those years learning how to sit and stand and speak like a proper lady, sometimes, when you were with Kiyoka, you were simply the girl he’d taught how to skip rocks or the girl who’d taught him how to wish on dandelions. 

That girl was very dear to Kiyoka. But so was the girl who spoke many languages, who played many instruments, who wrote eloquently in her letters, who danced elegantly at balls, who sewed, who sung, who suddenly knew how to cook (as he’d always remembered her as the girl who somehow burnt his onigiri- you said it’d grown ‘cold’ and he’d chuckled into his hand before telling you it was supposed to be eaten cold.) The girl you had been and the girl you had to be both shared room in his heart, and he’d make even more room for even more versions of you that could ever or would ever exist.

So, as he watched the girl he held so dear prance her merry way from store to store, he thought he might allow himself to pretend a bit more.

“As your… doting ‘husband,’ I suppose I could find it in myself to purchase a few gifts for you. What would you like? You may name anything.”

You stopped in your tracks, eyes agleam. “Really? Anything?”

You discovered quickly that when he said anything, he truly did mean anything. After he agreed to buy you hats, gloves, and jewelry, you decided to further test the bounds of his graciousness. When, at your behest, he bought you sweets, gowns, a music box, a new instrument, and even a kitten, you realized that not only did he mean he’d buy you anything, he meant to buy you everything. All in the name of being a “proper husband.”

But you were not about to let him show you up. You bought him several new suits. A new sword. New belts. New robes. New cufflinks. New shoes. New ties. An extravagant lunch. All in the name of being a “proper wife.” 

Of course, he tried not to let you, but you’d say it was his job as your “husband” to let his “wife” dress him up and stuff him full. You were just getting him into the habit of playing the part, after all- that was what you’d been sent to do. You’d accustom him to the life of being a husband and, little by little, the prospect of marriage wouldn’t seem so bad. 

So, as the week went on, your little charade continued, and you reprised your roles as loving wife and husband. 

You’d clean his house until it was spotless, until it was sparkling. He’d open doors for you, lead you forward with his arm. You’d fix his ties, brush his hair. He’d massage your shoulders, sear his warmth into your skin. You’d walk him to the door, wish him a good day. He’d come home from work, present you with a bouquet of flowers. It was all fun and games.

And then the pet names started. 

He’d whisper his terms of endearment against your ear, murmuring “my dearest” and “my darling,” until you were flushed and flustered. And then he’d smirk, with stupid satisfaction sitting pretty on his lips. But, unwilling to be outdone, you’d then dance your fingers down his chest, purring “my lord” and “my love,” and it would be his turn to blush abashedly. 

The cycle continued, and the line between pretend and reality was quick to blur. A day longer in this place, and you swore, you probably would’ve told even the mailman that you were now the lady of the house. A day longer and you probably would’ve planted a garden, ordered new wallpaper, started some project that only a resident of this house could see to its finish. A day longer and you might’ve caved, asked him to marry you for real, asked him to love you for real. 

But no matter how pleasant the summer, the winter always comes. And you didn’t have a day more to spare. You’d spent a wonderful week by his side, but the days that had already passed only served as proof that your time with him was ending. And you were due back home. Due to report your failings to Hazuki. 

“Sorry, I couldn’t set your brother up with someone; I was too busy pretending he was set up with me.”

“Sorry, I tried to imagine him marrying someone else and I think I almost puked.”

“Sorry, I love him. Actually, I’m not that sorry.”

As you packed up your things, you sighed. For Hazuki’s sake, you’d have to give it at least one more try before you said goodbye. 

You found him in his office, like usual. You’d spent this whole week trying to pull him out of there, trying to get him to lighten up, live a little. And, for a moment, he was. He was living, he was enjoying himself. He’d spend his mornings watching you cook, his afternoons entertaining you, his evenings reminiscing with you, and his nights wishing to do it all over again the next day. 

But then you told him you had to leave. 

And it was as though all the progress you’d made with him was whisked away by the winter wind. And he was back in his office again. No more laughing. No more relaxing into your touch. No more crinkling at the edge of his eyes as he gave you a smile that made you want to kiss him. That made you need to kiss him. No more playing pretend. No more. 

You knew it was coming. You both knew. It wasn’t a surprise. But what was a surprise was when you gave it one more weak attempt to suggest potential brides and he actually began to look over the files that you’d brought with you. Was he actually considering marrying one of these airheaded heiresses? And how rude would it be if you suddenly ripped up the papers in his hands? Would he laugh with you, thank you for saving him? Or would he rush to tape the shredded pieces back together, call up the first girl on the page? 

Please. I beg you. Please, please, don’t pick her.

You held your breath as he read the first file. 

He smiled. He actually fucking smiled.

That’s it. You were doomed. All was lost. 

“Not this one.”

You blinked. What? But he just… he smiled? Why did he smile if he didn’t want her? You took the paper from him, confused. 

He took the next paper from your shaking hands. When he read the sheet, he smiled again. This time, a little wider.

What the fuck? 

“Next.”

Your brows furrowed. What was he playing at? How was he appearing so interested in these women as he read through their profiles and yet he was quickly rejecting them like they were nothing more than mud beneath his shoes? Not even beneath his shoes, beneath his horse’s shoes. You didn’t mind, but it certainly made you curious. You passed him the next paper, examining him warily. 

This time he CHUCKLED. And then crumpled up the paper into a ball.

“Okay. Pause. What is going on right now, Kiyoka?”

He shrugged. “I’m going through marriage prospects. Like you asked.”

You raised a brow. “Are you though?” You slid the first candidate’s profile back onto his desk. “What was wrong with her? You smiled. Why did you smile? Doesn’t that mean you liked something you read? Why not choose her then? What’s wrong with her?” You bombarded him with questions, not stopping for breath. 

“She loves cherries.” He said simply.

You rubbed your temples so hard you thought a genie might appear. “Okay… And why does that mean you can’t marry her?”

“You’re allergic to cherries.” 

WHAT? “I’m sorry, what does that mean?” You asked politely. 

“Well, she’ll want to have cherries in the house. And I simply can’t have them, not when you’re allergic.” He repeated, grinning slightly.

“But why would that make you smile?”

“I was remembering that time we discovered you were allergic to cherries. You’d confessed you’d felt the tingling on your tongue from the very first bite but still, you couldn’t help yourself and you continued to devour them until there was nothing left but littered cherry pits all over the floor and your swollen tongue to remember them by.” 

You blushed at the thought. After that day, you never ate cherries again. Besides your cheeks puffing up and your tongue going so agonizingly numb, you’d stuffed yourself so full that you swore you felt the cherries bursting in your belly for days after that, and it made you so incredibly sick. You couldn’t believe he’d remembered it. 

You shook your head and went back to the matter at hand, slamming down the next file on his desk. “What about her?” You pointed at the picture of the next woman he’d smiled at.

“She’s a violinist.”

You sighed. He was going to make you do all the work, wasn’t he? You’d really have to ask if you wanted him to explain. “And what’s wrong with marrying a violinist, Kiyoka?”

“Absolutely nothing, you’re a violinist after all.”

You pinched the bridge of your nose. “Okay. So. There’s nothing wrong with marrying a violinist, but there’s something wrong with marrying this violinist. Am I getting this right?”

His teasing grin made an appearance. “That’s correct.”

“And what’s wrong with her specifically?”

“Well, she’s not as good as you are at playing the violin.”

“You’ve never heard her play.”

“Trust me. She’s not as good.”

You rolled your eyes but a hint of a smile tugged at your lips. If you didn’t love this man so immensely, you’d find him ridiculous. “So. Then. Why. Did. You. Smile. So. Big??”

His grin widened. “I was remembering why you’re so good at the violin, why no one will ever be as good as you. You practiced for days and nights, you practiced so long I thought your fingers might bleed. And you sound amazing. But you didn’t always.” He brought his hand up to cover his mouth. You discerned a slight shake in his shoulders. Was he laughing at you?? “Once, I… I thought I’d sneak into your practice room to see how you were doing. I thought you were attempting to murder a goose.” 

“Kiyoka!” You exclaimed, ears tinting red. After a moment of excruciating embarrassment, you finally crossed your arms and asked, “Was it… was it really that bad?” 

He chortled. “It was less like murdering a goose, and more like performing an exorcism on one.”

You pinched his cheek in annoyance. 

He grinned and captured your hand in his. “But you sound like an angel now?” He offered up innocently. 

“Meanie.” You grumbled. “Fine. What about her?” You uncrumpled the balled up piece of paper.

“Her? What about her? She’s not you. None of them are you.”

Your heart skipped a beat, but you pressed on. “So why did you laugh so hard then?” 

“We actually ran into her the day we went into town. You don’t remember her because you were too busy loading up the car with gifts.” He shook his head, chuckling. “Anyway, she said something I will not repeat, and right as I was on the verge of chiding her, you attempted to drive the car over to me even though you’ve never driven a car before, because lord knows you’re a daredevil, and you drove through a puddle and splashed her -and me- with mud. Of course, you only focused on me, and rushed me home to get changed, driving like a madman the whole way.” His throat rumbled with laughter and he clutched his shaking sides for support. 

You blushed. “Oh dear, I suppose I should find her and apologize.”

He wiped a tear from his eye as he lifted his head to look at you again. “My wife doesn’t apologize. Or rather, she only apologizes to those who deserve it. And I love that about her. So, you need not apologize.” 

“Your… w-wife?” You coughed.

He nodded, gazing at you fondly. “We can waste the last of our precious time together, shuffling through these stacks of papers, trying to find me a bride, but I already know, in my heart, that no one will ever compare to the woman who stands before me now. I’ve already made her my wife once, I can stand to do it again.”

His words echoed in your ears, clashing with the sound of your hammering heart. 

And then he smiled that same smile that always made you want to kiss him.

And then you kissed him.

And he tasted like summer.

Taglist: @pixelcafe-network @minasfwoopyponytail @ouiouimochi @inkytypewriter

[themagicbrew]

everyone! Meet Utrom.

The original traitor. The first defender of earth.

You may be able to read more about him Below. (side note: some things in my previous posts may be reconned)

(edit: sorry about any of the spelling and grammar errors)

Assigned Name: Utrom

Age: Uknown

Gender: Unknown (Queergender)

sexuality: Pansexual (poly)

Current occupation: Part-time nature conservationist, full-time tourist. (formerly) Rebel leader and Kraang surveillance scout

personality summary: Utrom is a jovial charismatic bundle of love, who cares deeply for the world around him and is burdened by his past. He continues to learn and grow for centuries, wishing to right his wrongdoings. He is a strict pacifist, however, Utrom is still capable of intimidating others when needed. Think of him as the fun laidback uncle of Earth! (for the most part)

Backstory!

Pre-Rebellion:

Utrom started out as any other Kraang, born on planet primordial and raised to be a soldier for their glorious empire. He was by no means, a cut above the rest. Utrom was just another nameless soldier- another cog in the machine

He (just like any other member of his species) took pride in what he was. Despite his big hulking figure, Utrom served as a surveillance scout for the empire. His occupation was to scout out planets prior to the oncoming conquest. He would study various things like the enemies' ecosystem, culture and technological advancements. Utrom had a deeper fascination- perhaps, even a hidden admiration for other lifeforms but not to the extent where he’d feel remorse for aiding in their complete genocide. 

Unlike most Kraang, Utrom would acknowledge to some degree his enemies were capable of outwitting them- though he knew no creature could ever overpower the might of kraang, Utrom also knew blindly underestimating their prey would have consequences.

This was not a common ideal, even for scouts like him. 

His comrade. The one assigned to aid him on all his missions. Kraang2. Had a completely different set of ideals, ones that were more aligned with the common kraang soldier. They were polar opposites in many ways BUT- their differences were what forged their strong bond. 

Utrom had even developed deep romantic feelings towards Krang2 but due to the culture they live in. Recognising or understanding such complicated emotions was nearly impossible. From his perspective, Kraang2 was his comrade and nothing more.

Sure, he liked the way She’d slaughter their foes or how she’d recklessly jump into battle without a thought or- even the quiet moments where they talked about climbing the ranks together but, She was just a comrade. Nothing more. 

Utrom never knew why but Kraang1 (2’s elder brother) did not trusted him. He didn’t understand what warranted such specific hostility directed his way. Utrom never made the connection that his close friendship with 2 may have been the root of it. Kraang1 never outwardly showed his concern for his younger siblings, especially in front of others. Kraang1 was also a higher-ranking member of the empire, he is considered a prodigy to General Chre’ll. 

He would abuse his authority over Utrom, singling him out from other soldiers for petty reasons.

To describe dynamic in the simplest of terms: they are like petty coworkers. a lot of their interactions would range from passive aggression to straight-up hostility or (more commonly) strained professionalism.

Utrom, being a lower rank could not bite back- otherwise, he'd be met with severe punishment. The abuse he undergo was something normalised within their society. Utrom would quietly question The kraang as a whole, however, his doubts would be buried. His head 6ft deep under the propaganda he was raised upon.

He was a soldier, meant to aid the empire's glorious crusade. To keep the natural order of things. the strong will devour the weak.

Utrom's betrayal/rebellion:

Names are important things within their culture. They are symbols that are achieved, rather than a title given upon birth.

Typically, a kraang would earn their Name after ascending the ranks and becoming a general however, a name can be earned through other means...more importantly, earning a name isn't always a good thing within the kraang.

Planet Earth was meant to be Kraang1's first conquest. Think of it as a crowning, one where Kraang1 would assert himself in the empire as "General Prime" (after a successful invasion.)

So what exactly happened?

Utrom, someone who was never seen far from kraang2's side- working in tandem- Was tasked with scouting out earth, alone. He was no position to question Kraang1's decision as per usual and thus, remained silent.

Once Utrom arrived on Earth (landing in Japan during the Heian period.) He went through the usual motions, Examining and collecting data. However, during this time- without his beloved comrade to distract him, his doubts began to take hold.

It was then he met a Sōhei, one who was unafraid of Utrom. Normally, when an enemy discovers him- Utrom was quick to kill but.. this time, he didn't.

the Sōhei fascinated him. They had simply struck up a conversation and even in that moment, they had hit a personal cord with Utrom. With words alone, he began to wonder- his doubts beginning to unearth.

So he did something he'd never thought he'd do.

Utrom began to befriend the enemy. He learned many things with the Sōhei and eventually, other humans too. A whole new world of opportunity had opened up to him, one that he'd never considered if he was with the kraang.

All of this was done under the Kraang's (metaphorical) nose.

Utrom saw how imperfect the empire was, thanks to the help of his human friends. Yet, he wanted others to see it too. Utrom wanted his fellow comrades to know, that there was more to life then blood and conquest.

He began to orchestrate an entire rebellion, gathering kraang from lower ranks to rise up and defend Earth. Kraang2 was the first to know about this but opposed the idea. Yet she remained silent, thinking that Utrom would come back to his "senses" (which he never did.)

This rebellion was how Utrom earned his name. Once word got out about a traitorous scout, he was 'branded' and named Utrom.

However, this act would lead more kraang to aid Utrom. He was a normal loyal soldier like they were, if he had the courage to fight authority then perhaps they could too?

This lead to a full on Battle on earth. The rebels and humans were getting decimated, despite everything- they were losing to the kraang.

Til the very last second, the human friends pulled out a piece of precious kraang tech. One built by a rebel and meant to seal in the kraang....and perhaps the rebels too.

Utrom knew this and allowed this, knowing that he too may be sealed as well.

Once the Key was unleashed, the battle was over in an instance.

Utrom somehow managed to avoid being sealed into the prison dimensions along with only a small handful of rebels left. The rest were sucked into the prison dimension where they'll no doubt, meet their demise.

This... Affected utrom in many ways he never thought it would. Unsure what to do with himself. He gifted the Key to one of his human friends.

The lost of kraang2 cut him deeply... Now stranded on earth, all he can do is heal and live a new life.

Post-betrayal

Utrom spent his first century on earth within Japan, living closely with the Sōhei he trusted so dearly. He had vowed to become a pacifist after the war, which was a tough journey for Utrom.

He had lived his whole life as a soldier. War was the only thing he knew but with help from his Human friends. Utrom managed.

Eventually, one by one his friends would pass on. Their lives were so much shorter than his.

He than decided too travel across earth. learning from humans without involving themselves in their conflict. Utrom would spend many centuries attempting to conserve the planet's ecosystem, socialising with humans and more importantly, trying to forget kraang2

Fast forward to present day

Utrom received word from the E.p.f that there was a failed invasion within NYC and that his presence is required. He was horrified to know, that he'd be helping with Kraang2 interrogation.

He did not work for them, serving more so as a "kraang consultant" due to his former role as a rebel leader. Yet, given that this was his old comrade, he felted the need to stay.

Now Utrom is trying hard to undo the damage that she and her brothers have caused.

Triva:

Utrom voiceclaim is Keith david (x)

Utrom likes telling stories about his time on earth. His antics with vary but all of them bizarre in their own special way. Utrom is essentially one big history book. A living artifact.

Utrom begins to keep an eye on those involved in NYC's invasion. Whether they be good or bad.

He struggles with being a pacifist, even til this very day. He often worries about snapping at someone since he's constantly aware of his strength.

Utrom great with dealing other peoples emotions however, closes himself off from his own feelings. He feels responsible for everything that had happen and is trying hard to 'fix' everything.

He still retains strong romantic feelings towards kraang2 and will continue to visit her once The E.p.f efforts in finding her brothers prove to be fruitless. (biggest simp in all the galaxy)

[nanshe-of-nina]

Favorite History Books || Sybil, Queen of Jerusalem, 1186–1190 by Helen J. Nicholson ★★★★☆

As a child, Sybil’s future prospects appeared excellent: as the eldest child of King Amaury of Jerusalem and as a member of the dynasty that claimed descent from Godfrey de Bouillon and the other heroes of the First Crusade, we might expect that she would have been an attractive marriage prospect. Yet European noblemen did not queue up to seek her hand. One reason for this might have been that commanding the defence of the kingdom of Jerusalem in the face of aggressive Muslim expansionism was a daunting prospect for any warrior, no matter how ambitious. Moreover, as her brother Baldwin’s illness became generally known in Europe, Sybil’s potential husbands may have wondered whether she and her children would be similarly afflicted. In addition, as her brother Baldwin and his council made clear to Philip of Alsace in autumn 1177, outside aid was unwelcome in the kingdom except on the terms they dictated. Robert VI of Béthune, Philip of Alsace’s candidate for Sybil’s hand, might have made a more effective count of Jaffa and Ascalon, regent of the kingdom and king consort than Guy de Lusignan, but Baldwin – aged only sixteen at the time of Count Philip’s crusade – preferred to marry his sister to a man he knew. If King Baldwin IV had supported his elder sister as the heir who – given that Baldwin V was very young and in uncertain health – would almost certainly inherit the kingdom, it might have been possible for Sybil to unite the nobles of the kingdom behind her as her brother had done. But his contradictory and changing policies left her rights of inheritance unclear and the nobles of the kingdom divided. He married her to one of his household knights, then attempted to divorce them; he appointed her husband as procurator, then shortly afterwards deposed him and appointed her son as his co- ruler, and then appointed another procurator, then finally appointed two regents, one to care for the young king Baldwin V and the other to govern. If he made further arrangements for the succession after Baldwin V they were unworkable. By marrying his younger half-sister to a leading noble of the kingdom but forcing the bridegroom to surrender his inherited estates in return, King Baldwin IV ensured that both his sisters and their husbands and supporters had grievances against him. While his measures reduced any threat that he would be overthrown during his lifetime, they boded badly for the kingdom after the death of his immediate heir. Given the rivalries between the leading nobles of the kingdom and Saladin’s need to win a decisive victory over the Franks, no one could have prevented Saladin from taking Jerusalem and conquering most of Sybil’s kingdom; Sybil was doomed to failure as queen. Not only did she lose Jerusalem, but she also failed in the most fundamental function of a noblewoman: she failed to provide an heir for herself, as both her son Baldwin and her daughters died in childhood. On the other hand, in the face of disaster she did not abandon her kingdom and flee to Europe, nor did she retire to a religious house. Instead, she stayed in the crusader states and did all she could to oppose the invader. She tried to defend Ascalon, she remained in Jerusalem until it was surrendered to Saladin, she obtained her husband’s release from Saladin’s prison, and by accompanying him in the months that followed she gave him the authority to continue as king of Jerusalem. As husband of the eldest daughter of King Amaury of Jerusalem and as a crowned king, Guy had a stronger claim to royal authority than Conrad of Montferrat: crusaders from Europe rallied to him and the representatives of the Italian maritime cities supported him so that he could begin the fightback against Saladin which was continued by the Third Crusade and enabled the kingdom of Jerusalem to continue to exist until 1291. When Sybil died, Guy’s authority died with her; but she had ensured that her kingdom would not die, at least for another century.

[dandylovesturtles]

Does the movie still happen in SideLines AU? \

Yes! Though it would be radically different and I haven't thought much about how exactly events would play out. Leo already got his character development, though, so someone else would be the driving force of the story. Probably Raph, or maybe Mikey?

Ooooo, actually, idea for a very Raph and Mikey centric movie plot: Mikey wants to prove himself but Raph keeps trying to protect him (because he has even more ptsd about not protecting his brothers with what happened to Leo) that they are the ones fighting in the beginning, and Raph's inability to trust Mikey is what leads to the key being stolen. And the way to win is for Raph and Mikey to reconcile their differences, with Raph acknowledging that Mikey is as strong as the rest of them and he needs to trust him, and Mikey acknowledging that his brother's help isn't meant to be a sleight but is there out of love.

I'd have to think about this a lot more to give you, like, a chain of events. I actually had a completely different answer ready for this and then thought of that while I was typing lol.

As for what I was going to say, while I'm not sure exactly how the movie events go down in Sidelined AU, I do have some idea of how it changes the bad future timeline.

By the point where the timelines diverge, Leo is recovered as fully as he ever will, able to walk around the lair most days and even go out on missions, provided he's careful and knows his limits. He still uses a range of mobility aids, given how he feels on any particular day, including the wheelchair for bad days or days where he knows he would be walking more than he could otherwise handle, but he's still relatively active.

The Krang invasion reverses a lot of this. As supplies dwindle, Leo starts suffering from malnutrition and a lack of sleep, and doesn't have access to medicine to help with the pain and fatigue, which takes a big toll on his body. Also, he really overdoes it and pushes himself too hard in the early days of the invasion, which accelerates his decline. By the time Casey is old enough to remember things, Leo is entirely wheelchair bound and doesn't often leave the base, only using his portals when he needs to to evacuate members of the resistance or help civilians.

He is still very much Master Leonardo - he's highly respected in the resistance, and anyone who wants to look down on him for his disability (or for being a turtle) either learns quickly or dies. However, he's not Casey's teacher in this timeline, instead leaving that to Raph and sometimes Donnie and Mikey. So Raph is Sensei now, and Leo is Master Leonardo or just Uncle Leo.

Leo takes over most of the care of Casey after his mom dies, since he's always at base, only sometimes sending Casey to Donnie or another adult when he's particularly busy (he's still the guy in the chair here, and also handles a lot of the day to day running of the resistance). Sometime early on, Donnie builds Leo a new chair that either hovers or has some other way of mitigating rough terrain (spider arms maybe?), and he frequently lets Casey ride on it. Even as Casey gets older, hanging off Leo's chair as they move around the base is second nature to him.

Casey was so used to Leo only being in his chair he was a little shocked on coming back to the past and seeing that Leo walks fairly frequently. He also grabbed onto Leo's chair sometimes out of habit, which made younger Leo tense up initially; something they eventually work through as they get closer.

Though all four turtles make it longer in the invasion than I usually headcanon (since I usually think of Raph as dying while CJ was too young to really remember him), they do still die, and Leo is the first to go. Casey is about 11 or 12 when this happens. When the Krang finds their base while the others are gone, Leo tells Casey he loves all of them and then portals him and the other non-combatants to safety, giving his all to hold the Krang back and give them a chance to escape. After that, Raph (who was already close to Casey anyway as his teacher and another of his uncle-dads) took over as the main adult looking out for him, and started taking him out on missions.

I'm not sure what happens next but I think it's Donnie who goes next, and then Raph and Mikey's deaths playing out the same way Leo and Mikey did in the movie. Especially since that goes with what I was saying above: Raph in the future comes to see and accept Mikey as an equal rather than someone to baby, foreshadowing what their relationship will become under happier circumstances.

Thanks for the ask!

[radioisntdead]

Hi again so I was wondering if you could do a angel dust x fem listener where we comfort angel dust and he talks about when he was a alive and the

Struggle he went though and he probably mentions his sister Molly

Good evenin' my dear! My apologies for this taking forever to get too! I did tweak it a little bit, Angel and reader just kinda talk about their siblings and being alive here, not really comforting each other but talking?

Late night talk

Angel dust & F! Reader

Warning: drugs, both reader and Angel are intoxicated, and canon divergent because I don't think we know much about Angel's being alive, ending is kinda abrupt.

It was some unspeakable late night hour and the two of you were in some rundown motel room, far away from Valentino, surrounded by all types of drugs, alcohol, a first aid kit and empty food wrappers.

The two of you were quiet, Angel was dangling off the bed while you were laying sprawled on the cold floor, staring blankly into the ceiling that felt like it could collapse at any given moment.

"Ya' know, I'm a twin," Angel dust said breaking the quiet, his eyes focused on the yellowing ceiling.

"Twin?" You glanced over.

"Yeah, I had a' sister, her name was Molly."

"Oh neat."

Silence filled the air again as a few minutes passed before he spoke up again,

"Ya' know I don't think I stood a' fuckin' chance when I was alive,"

You glanced up at him, only seeing the white fluff of his head, "Weren't you born in like, the big scary spaghetti mafia?"

"Ya' mean the Italian Mafia, the spaghetti mafia sounds like we were doing pasta crimes."

"Well you were doing crimes with olive oil,"

"Okay that was not me, I do not fuck with the olive oil!"

You broke into a laugh, "You haven't yet! No idea what grape man might try next." You heard him gag.

More silence passed before he popped up, "But seriously, I never stood a' chance, ya know my brother and I started bein' taught about the family business when we were like, twelve?"

"Yeah that's pretty fucked, I remember being twelve and playing video games not being taught how to commit crimes,"

"Right? gave me my very first gun for my birthday" Angel turned over on his stomach looking over at you, He was right honestly didn't stand chance, he never did.

Born in a mobster family as the second son, with a horrific father and a mother who could do nothing but watch as her sons were raised to live a life of crime, she wasn't the greatest person either though.

His sister on the other hand, was lucky, kept away from the whole crime business due to being born a daughter as opposed to a son.

"Who the fuck gives a twelve year old a gun?!" "My Pa did, twice."

You simply blinked, you were no saint, clearly, but you wouldn't give a kid a gun and just go, 'here kill people!'

"Ya' know the first time my brotha and I had to dispose of a body together we accidentally dropped it? The bag it was in ripped open and I just saw this guy with no face, torn clean off, It was jarrin' at the time,"

You grimaced, "Ouch, imagine getting your face torn off, he was probably alive during that too, eugh."

"Mhm, painful process I can tell you that much."

You got up from your rather comfortable position on the floor to grab a water bottle you had tossed aside on the table in favor of liquor instead earlier.

"Pass me the bottle o' whiskey' will ya?" He asked, you lazily grabbed it and tossed the bottle over to him, one of his four arms catching it.

"You know I had a sister too," you said as you popped the cap off of the water chugging it.

"Huh, Ya' always kinda stuck me as an only child"

"Yeah, well I practically was, she was prepping for college by the time I popped out," you wiped the residue of water off your mouth with your sleeve before setting the half empty water bottle back on the table and going back to lay on the floor, still slightly warm from where you were laying.

"I used to look up to her when I was younger, she was the cool big sister who stopped by every holiday or break, the one that said I could 'Tell anything too' and she'd be there for me," you let out a rather dry laugh, "honestly a load of bullshit."

"Damn," He took a swig of his drink, drinking the rest of the liquid before tossing the now empty bottle aside, you could hear the bottle crack on the ground.

"You know what's kinda funny? My sister was the only one in my family to get past the pearly gates."

"Huh, mine ended up down here, girl didn't last a week before extermination day," you went quiet for a few seconds, "What the fuck even is this conversation?"

"No clue, I was talkin' about how my sister went to heaven and you're over here talkin' about how yours is double dead."

"One twin going to hell and the other heaven is some book tragic book trope nonsense,"

"That nonsense is what happened,'' he said pointing a shaming finger at you, Sometimes he wondered how Molly would react to how he was now, she would be disappointed or maybe she'd pity him.

Maybe both.

After all he overdosed, ended up in hell and sold his soul to a purple psychopathic freak, and well look at him now! Laid on a cheap motel bed, under the influence, sharing stories about his sister and parts of his life on earth to someone called a friend.

Sometimes he wondered that maybe if he was born into a different family, in a different time things would've been different, maybe he would've ended up in heaven.

His sister was the only family member he could stand.

They drifted apart when they grew older, as he began to indulge in drugs, from cocaine to PCP to whatever he could get his hands on.

His sister tried to get him to quit, and to be fair he did try, a few times only to end up back snorting white power up his nose, and well, he ended up overdosing.

"I remember once our parents went out for the night, Molly took out a bunch of her dresses and had me pick one, then she did my makeup n' everythin' and we were just talkin' as she did it, just causal no judgement, nothin' just us bondin' I guess, I miss that.''

"Honesty I'm jealous, the best I got from my sister was her saying she was a safe space, that I could go to her about everything and then turning around and throwing it in my face," you took a moment to sit up, "Thank fuck I didn't tell her much, I can't remember exactly what she said but it just gave me this like, sickening feeling that just said 'You wouldn't be safe around this person if you told them what you are."

"I know that feelin' fuckin' hate it."

"Yeah."

"I'm hungry, I want whatever hell's equivalent to McDonald's is,"

"What the fuck is a McDonald's?"

"How the fuck do you not know what a McDonald's is?!"

Good evenin' folks! I do hope you enjoyed this, I edited this fic and decided to get it out today as opposed to Wednesday or Thursday, because my somewhat estranged brother is supposed to make an appearance tomorrow and I am positively nervous so this was fitting! I tried a little different way of editing dunno if it's noticable but I think I'm gonna stick with it! Also why did I think to write so much dialogue??

Anyways as always thank you for tunin' on in and I do hope you all have a wonderful night!

[d8nielaa]

omg we need more of baby curtis 🥹 she's so cute! maybe (in a perfect world, where johnny and sally are alive) she's 16 now and has her first boyfriend and he cheats on her. soda cries along with her i can feel it. and dally and darry agree for once this is needs to be taught a lesson

Authors Note: yesss we love babygirl curtisss!!! In a perfect world, dally and johnny are still alive and well 😍 i wanna call her babygirl curtis from now on cause..it’s just so cute and i love it 🥰

The Blonde

takes place 3-4 years after the events of the outsiders

curtis brothers (+ gang) x fem babygirl curtis!reader

Reader referred to as “Babygirl”

It was a nice and chilly tuesday afternoon, Darry had been given the day off, alongside Soda while babygirl and Ponyboy went to school. The rest of the gang came over, desperate to escape the cold of Tulsa.

3:00 rolled around and soon enough Ponyboy came home, but without babygirl . Which spiked concern in Darry and Soda.

“Where’s babygirl?” Soda asked Ponyboy, glancing back at the door, as if expecting her to arrive.

“I think she’s still back at school, she said she needed to talk to someone. Probably her boyfriend or something. She said she’d be right behind me though.”

“Damnit Ponyboy! You can’t just leave her out on her own! What if the Soc’s find her while she’s walking back? What are we gonna do then, huh?” Darry said, visibly upset at Ponyboy and concerned for you.

“Relax Darrel, she’ll be fine. I taught her how to handle it.” Dally said, his calm yet smug tone pissing Darry off even more.

“What do you mean ‘handle it’? Did you teach her how to fight?!” Darry said, now even more mad.

“Yes Darrel , i taught her how to fight, what’s the deal? She’s gonna need it at some point-“

“The point is, is that she’s 16! She’s a 16 year old girl who doesn’t need to know how to fight! For Gods sake-“ Darry mumbled, rubbing his head as Sodapop came up to him, holding Darry’s shoulders just to make sure he didn’t lunge out at Dallas or anything.

Before Dallas could even reply, Ace came to his aid.

“Superman relax, she’s gonna be okay. I never thought i need to know how to fight til i was her age, but I guess i did” Ace said, standing in between the two of them, reassuring one, while also satisfying the other.

———————————————————————

3:45 rolled around and ever seemed to have forgot about the whole situation until they heard the door slam. Babygirl stood in front of the door, trying her hardest not to break down in tears even those she had been crying on the way home. Two-Bit spoke up, relieved to see that she was okay.

“Hey babygirl, where have you been?” Johnny stood up as he heard Two-Bit speak. Sodapop opened his eyes since he was laying on the couch, and immediately sat up, also relieved to see his baby sister was okay. They just kind of stared at her, waiting for to say something.

Babygirl then broke down in tears, moving to the couch to hug Soda. This immediately prompted everyone to be concerned, and they moved closer to go comfort her. Ace sat on the side of the couch, gently rubbing the younger girls back as she cried. Johnny stood with Ponyboy, who felt guilty for leaving his baby sister alone. Darry started making hot chocolate, knowing you were gonna need it in the long run. Sodapop held you tight, rubbing your head gently. He started to get emotional at the sight of you so upset, so a few tears slipped down. Dallas was concerned, but also looked angry because he knew someone had to have made you cry, and Two-Bit just kind of stood there, not really knowing what to do.

“He-he cheated on me” the young girl said in between her breathless sobs. Soda started crying a little more at this because he knew how much you loved the guy, and how you talked about him like he put up the moon and stars.

“Your boyfriend?” Dallas said, now even more angry.

“Yes dipshit, who else?” Ace asked, also angry but keeping it inside for the sake of babygirl. Dallas rolled his eyes, crossing his arms as he did so.

“Yeah i knew that”

“No you didn’t”

———————————————————————

After getting you to calm down and confess what happened, Darrel and Dallas went to go sit and talk in the kitchen, while the others tried to cheer you up. They tried telling you jokes, watching tv with you. Ace had even offered to do your makeup and hair, overall just like stupid stuff. You said no to everything, clearly upset over the unexpected heartbreak. Nevertheless, they all persisted and tried to make you feel better.

“That stupid piece of shit, doesn’t deserve someone as good as her” Dallas said, clearly pissed off and willing to do anything so babygirl could get her revenge.

“I should have never let her date.” Darry replied, rubbing his face with his hands, feeling like this was his fault.

“Hey no-none of that shit Darrel, this ain’t any of our faults but his. Okay?” Darry nodded his head, still hesitant to believe Dallas. Dallas and Darrel really never got along, except for now. They knew what happened to babygirl was wrong, she was still so young and they didn’t want her to go through this. Ever.

“We just need to teach that little kid a lesson, show him that he fucked up.” Dally said, a small smirk on his face. Darrel looked at him, before nodding his head once more.

———————————————————————

Later on, after Darry and Dally had discussed what was gonna happen, the rest of the gang went home. Which left babygirl and her brothers alone.

The youngest girl sat on Soda’s lap, her head on his shoulder as he stroked her hair gently and whispered words of reassurance in her ear.

“Shhh, it’s okay babygirl. He’s just a stupid boy, you don’t need him.”

Ponyboy and Darry were there to. Darry sat there alongside you both, looking at babygirl as he held her hand. Ponyboy just sat there, watching tv. His presence was enough.

Soon enough, babygirl fell asleep. Darry bid the other boys a goodnight, before carrying his little sister back into their shared room. He laid her down on the bed, tucking her in gently before laying down beside her.

Ever since that day, her brothers and the gang had made a silent vow to stop protect the girl at all costs. Whether it be from physical harm or mental, they’d be there for her. Because she was family.

———————————————————————

Authors Note: hey guys!!! I’m feeling better!! The title is a little random but it had like a backstory. I based the title off the song “The Blonde” by TV Girl. It was supposed to be like babygirl was the “dumb blonde” who like trusted the guy who cheated on her.. i don’t really know i didn’t explain it. Anyway hope you enjoyed!!! Also new character alert! Which is just babygirl curtis but that’s you (the reader) 🥹

[nachocheezos21]

[Lark!Sebastian Solace — From the Beginning; the first part]

From a small village came Sebastian, a young man who lived alongside his family doing all that he could to help the familiar people of his town, as well as provide his aid in taking care of his family (especially his younger brother). His sister had left the village a couple of years back in order to provide for their family by sending them bags of goodies and gold — financially helping from afar as she worked in the city. His mother was a weaver, while his father helped with the crops, and a 16-year-old Sebastian had always dreamt of traversing through the lands and fields. Hence came the time where he bid his goodbyes, but not before bringing his essentials; one of which was his trusted mandolin, a gift given to him by someone long ago.

At the age of 18, Sebastian had been living in an entirely different city — one that was still almost close enough for him to visit back to his hometown in two days worth of travel — working as a handyman for various shops, fixing a variety of tools and equipments, as well as a fellow carpenter for when new buildings are made. His many jobs had earned him enough, with a majority of his earnings being sent to his family back at home. For the rest, Sebastian spends them for his own survival.

Word began to spread around about the unfortunate passing of a group of nine. A horrid crime had taken place inside the city, and the people are shaken in their boots of what was to come. Panic, mass hysteria, and fear shadowed everyone’s morale. And it wasn’t long for the news to reach Sebastian — for he was taken by the city folks and was brought onto an unwilling trial in front of prying eyes.

There was no substantial evidence against him — as it was likely that he was innocent. But considering that the people, not to mention the victims, are already throwing hands at the man before them, it was unfortunately concluded that he was guilty of his crimes, and was thus sentenced to death…that was until the Scholars of Shade intervened.

Not much is known about the Scholars of Shade, nor what they plan to do with the accused. He had heard of them through word of mouth, but did not choose to acknowledge on such rumours and groups. A loud knock on the wood was enough to silence the chatter and chaos as a group of figures drenched in dark cloaks entered the old court, announcing that they shall be taking the young man for their own. He did not understand from start to finish — everything felt confusing, his world was crumbling beneath. He was innocent, the young man swore! But no one could hear his side, nor bothered at all.

Soon, Sebastian, along with his items and what little coins he had, had been banished — sent away by the wooden carriage where he sat on top of his many item crates. He didn’t even get to say goodbye to his beloved family, much less his mother. How could their son be a murderer of nine, innocent souls? It didn’t make sense.

It didn’t matter. He was in the hands of the Scholars; they can do whatever they want with him.

Under the watchful gaze of the Scholars, Sebastian felt like a prisoner of sorts. And while he is treated normally (fed with nutritious meals, given chores to do to the likes of repair, and such), there was a lingering fear that crawled at the nape of his neck. An inkling of doubt that all wouldn’t end well within the Scholars’ care — rumours amongst his fellow captives that they had planned for something, but no one could tell what it was. And it didn’t help the agonising screams that can be faintly heard in the middle of the night.

He needed to get out of there. One way or another.

[Notes from the author/artist]: aaaaa holy shit i finally did something !!! yea erm i couldn’t get this out of my head and so i decided to finally write something about lark!seb eueheuheu. idk about the pressure tumblr community’s stand on a non-pressure story au (much less one that’s far, far from canon at least) but i needed a silly outlet to release my ideas my friends have suffered enough hdjnjvdnjdv. if it was obvious, yes, i had to split this into parts bc i’m still brainstorming ideas on how to do the second part of the backstory (will probably take me a few days depending if i’m lazy or busy).

i am well aware that the story of meadowlark is still in the works, this is only a fun little project/au that i wanna drabble before i officially go to college on september. if anyone else is interested then feel free to interact, i’d love to share and hear ideas from this .:}

[dominadespina]

LAZAREVIC SISTERS III

Princess Jelena Lazarevic 

Early Life

Often referred to as “Jela” or “Lady Lena,” Jelena Lazarevic is renowned as a determined, beautiful, and courageous woman. She was born as the third in line of the royal daughters of Prince Lazar. It is noted that she was about 39 years old in 1403, this determines that she was born around 1364-1365. 

Jelena was most than likely born in Prilepac and raised there for some time before moving to Krusevac where she continued her strict education under the guide of her mother; Milica and aunt; Jefimija.

As for the rest of her early life, nothing is known other than plausible education and living situation. The first information we have of her is in her early twenties when she married Durad II Balsic.

First Marriage

Around 1386 or 1387, Durad; Lord of Zeta, recognized Lazar’s as his ruler and lord and so to officialize his authority over the state of Zeta Lazar married his eldest unmarried daughter to him.

The couple had a single child together, Durad’s father namesaker and future successor; Balsa Balsic also known as ‘Balsa III’. 

The purpose of this marriage remain political and sole purpose was to create an alliance as well as heirs. There are no mention of a possible love marriage between the two of them. Though it is noted that Durad often entrusted his wife to manage state affairs.

In early 1392, in fear of the uprising Turks, Durad sent word for his wife arrival in Dubrovnik in order to protect her and his heir, and though the government of Dubrovnik were aquiring the necessities for Jelena, she never arrived. 

In September of that same year there was talk about her upcoming arrival, but she never came, yet again. 

It was not until November of 1396 that Jelena would reach out to the Dubrovnik authorities for a ship to escort her to a meeting with Sandalj Hranić (who will later on become her second husband) as he had been fighting against the Balsic family for some time at that point. 

This meeting might be one of tasks given to her by her husband. Jelena was noted to have a significant influence on the man. 

As Regent of Zeta

In 1403, her late husband; Durad, passed away, and of course; the wise Jelena wasted no time and made her appearance as a subtitute ruler in full light. Due to her son’s inexperience and age, Jelena acted as his regent.

Many of the territories that belonged to Zeta were under Venitian rule and Jelena decided to reclaim said territories. 

For five years she fought the Venitians to defend Zeta and her son’s inheritance despite facing harsh-trials. Through the uprising threats and council of disagreements, she followed as suited the interest of Zeta and her son. 

In the reports of Jelka Redep in her book: КЋЕРИ КНЕЗА ЛАЗАРА ИСТОРИЈСКА СТУДИЈА ПОГОВОР…

“Jelena’s idea of rebellion was not just an empty desire. In the first days of 1405, a rebellion was planned in Zeta. Skadar revolted against Venitian rule, and the Prince barely escaped with his life. Durazzo also rose up in arms and recognized Jelena’s son as their ruler.” 

In the early birth of this rebellion Jelena reached out to her younger brother; Despot Stefan Lazarevic, for aid, but due to his close-knit relationship with the Venitians he was unable to help her. Yet, she continued in her conquest with a temporary help from the Turks. 

[Her own brother, the despot Stefan, was friends with both the Venetians and the Hungarians. Only the Turks agreed to help her, but even they only for a short time. Jela did not agree to her brother's proposals to reconcile with Venice, but persistently continued to fight, until 1406, when she had to agree to negotiations that lasted more than three years.

Miodrag Purković spares no words when he talks about how energetically and uncompromisingly Jela, as a widow, fought for the freedom of her country and her son's inheritance. She always took all the "blame" on herself instead of her son. In order to protect him, at the end of 1409, she went alone to negotiations in Venice, where she was kept for three months. 

Purković points out how brave Jela was during those negotiations, and especially points to the fact that she was "neither confused nor afraid", unlike her mother, who once found herself in a similar situation before Bayazit in 1398. } - Dve srpske sultanije : Olivera Lazarevic (1373-1444) : Mara Brankovic (1418-1487) by Nikola Giljen, pg 169

Yet, despite this “Peace” Balsa continued his fight against the Venitians, but this only cost him great loss in territory.

Second Marriage 

Prior to this marriage Duke of Bosnia; Sandalj Hranić (remember him?), who used to be married to a kin of Hrovoje Vukcic separated from his wife after this one's family lost influence in their political position. 

Wishing to be associated with someone of more influence, Sandalj would later step a foot further and annulled his marriage to his wife; Katerina, since they shared no children, and instead offered for Princess Jelena Lazarevic or as she was known at the time Jelena Balsic; who at the time was the sister of a great ally of Sigismund. 

This marriage, which was Sandalj's third marriage, benefited all parties involved, as Sandalj regained his position, Jelena now had one less enemy to worry about, and lastly Stefan was able to tie his new brother-in-law to him politically. 

Strangely enough, this marriage could be considered a content union between the two. Sandalj is said to have been enchanted by his new bride/former enemy and to hold his step-son to high status and protect him at times.

Jelena is credited for this as she was known to have a powerful influence on this husband of hers who some would describe as an ‘arrogant man’. 

Later Life 

In April of 1421, the exhausted Balsa met with his uncle in Belgrade and transfered the remaining of his lands under this one’s protection. He soon passed away that same year. It is unkown how Jelena reacted to the news. 

In 1423, she was visited by her youngest sister; Olivera, though this one might have been there more for diplomatic reasons to get news on her brother-in-law than for the sake of meeting her sister after 30 plus years apart. 

Not much information has been recorded about Jelena’s where abouts until 1425. That year, the threat of the upcoming Turks were increasing and so as a result of this situation, Sandalj moved his family, including his wife, to Dubrovnik for protection. 

After her husband death in 1435, she retired from state affairs as the state passed down to her late husband’s nephew, and she obviously could not have any influence on him. 

She must have retired to her husband’s court in Novi, where it is assumed she lived an aristocratic lifestyle up and until her death. 

Jelena passed away in 1443, living a good amount of her properties to her granddaughter and namesaker; Jelena. She left 200 ducats and a gilded icon to her only living sibling; Olivera, to be spent on a memorial for her as well as distribution to the poor. 

Issue

Balsa III Balsic

( Sources: “КЋЕРИ КНЕЗА ЛАЗАРА ИСТОРИЈСКА СТУДИЈА ПОГОВОР” by Jelka Redep, Dve srpske sultanije : Olivera Lazarevic (1373-1444) : Mara Brankovic (1418-1487) by Nikola Giljen)

[thirdtidemouse]

pretend i havent been inactive for 100 years. i've been watching renegade nell and its giving me a new sketchbook au idea/accompanying doodles. essentially: fae highwaywoman johanna is on the run, kaisa is Out To Get Her with dark magic

you have to cut me some slack with how silly i sound. its the hyperfixation. im ill

i'm casting these freaks like actors. Johanna is Nell:

it is 1705, and barkeep Johanna has found herself a highwaywoman on the run for a murder she didn't do, accompanied by her daughters and aided by a little spirit named Alfur. she has found fae-like abilities, and despite her good intentions, she is now feared across half the country as an invincible murderess.

Kaisa is Sofia:

hunting her down is Kaisa, a lady whose family owns Johanna's pub, whose father Johanna is falsely accused of killing, and who is obsessed with catching her. she uses dark magic to fuck with Johanna's life remotely, summoning things to attack her etc - she may be untouchable when it comes to human enemies, but not magic. Kaisa herself is lonely, surprisingly empathetic, and is desperate to prove her worth and have control over her life.

other character notes:

give Johanna a gun

she is a painter and illustrator still. she is struggling to find time for her hobbies

she would rather not be robbing people but has no problem if she needs to. the rich ones have more money than they know what to do with anyway, and if she has to take a horse from some poor guy, she leaves him with stolen valuables in exchange. she's a little robinhood about it.

i think it would be so fun to keep the mythical creatures around. watch out for Devilwoman Johanna who is strong enough to kill a troll!! (she would never)

yes Lauren (belonging to @blaithnne) is included. Nell is accompanied by her two little sisters, brave & helpful older sister Roxy, and funny & inquisitive little sister George. Lauren & Hilda take their place, and maybe Frida and David tag along hehe.

Lauren & Hilda keep getting taken hostage in attempts to get Jo to turn herself in, but they always get out of it. until they do, Hilda probably talks their ears off about dragons and Lauren makes terrifying threats.

no one else REALLY specifically fits character slots like Amadin, Thomas, and Charles (there aren't a lot of men in hilda lol) so i'm going to wing it and the other characters can fill their roles when needed maybe

Thomas is Sofia's brother who killed both their father and Nell's father, and is generally reckless, careless, and easily badly influenced. i'm actually thinking of putting 18yo Dylan (oc of mine who is Kaisa's younger sister) in his place. she is a lot sweeter in regular hilda universe but i think the plot & i could fuck with her character enough that she gains these insecure, irresponsibly cruel tendencies. sorry Dylan

both Johanna and Kaisa were witnesses when her father died. Kaisa knows she's innocent, but goes along with the accusation to save Dylan from being arrested and keep the family (and their place in society) from falling apart. I'm thinking of making Dylan a boy in this, to keep the dynamic of the land going to him when papa dies > he would be a terrible landlord > Kaisa gets to take the reigns and keep everything in working order because she actually cares and enjoys having things to watch over and work on

in general Kaisa is very lonely, has to work twice as hard for the power and respect men are given automatically, and yearns for the kind of freedom and support that Johanna has despite being an outlaw from a poor family.

i think David and Frida could fill Amadin's role as friends they pick up along the way. David's loyalty and voice of reason, and Frida's fierce protectiveness and determination to prove herself both remind me of his character.

i'm inclined to draw a blank for Poynton, the main villain, a Jacobite amongst the royal guard, the siblings' traitorous mentor in black magic, and the indirect reason their dad died in the first place. Tildy is Kaisa's mentor, but not an evil one. the closest Hilda has to real villains is Erik, and the head witches maybe, but none of them really hit the nail on the head for this guy. an au oc may be in order!!!

the Bellkeeper can be Charles maybe lol. he is an established highwayman leading a double life as both a wanted criminal and a aristocrat. he is suave, a little campy, and a firm believer that with confidence, you can sweet-talk anyone into believing you are anyone. he annoys Johanna into letting him tag along and help with disguises and plans just because he finds it fun.

Lady Eularia Moggerhanger runs the newspapers, and i'm splitting that between two characters for a couple reasons. Erik is the owner of the presses (not putting him in the royal guard because it wouldn't make sense for him to be a Jacobite rebel) who generally enjoys fearmongering and controlling the public.

Victoria is the head editor with a taste for dramatics but seeks the truth above all else, and happens to be the Bellkeeper's 'friend in high places' who begrudgingly bails him out of trouble.

Gerda replaces Polly, a good-hearted writer and believer of justice who falls head over heels for Jo when she gets highway-robbed by her and mistakes her for a man. is later appointed assistant editor of the newspaper.

this happens i guess

this isn't meant to stick to the plot of renegade nell, there's a lot going on and it would be easier (and more interesting) to figure out an original plot with this different cast of characters. i just thought it would be fun to put sketchbook into an 18th century highwayman period fantasy drama with dark magic and pixies. and enemies to lovers. okay thanks

i might add onto this at some point if anyone has any questions or additions LET ME KNOW!!!!!!!! I LOVE YOU

[animeloverskylarmoon]

Tobirama Senju (Naruto) - Oneshot AU.

It was stupid.

You knew full well, but you couldn’t help it.

Tobirama Senju wasn’t someone very easy to get close to. Even more so because you were a..

“Uchiha.”

The strict tone made you stiffen and you lowered your head back into the paper as Tobirama continued his tutoring.

“G-Gomen, Senju-san.”

Your soft mutter earned nothing but that stone cold expression as he continued to explain the concepts of your lesson. In all honesty, it was your own fault. Hashirama and your brother Madara had always been best friends.

While your clans had many disagreements, not all of them were all small minded as the members of the past. There were a few elders on both sides that still held that level of mistrust that stemmed from one simple misunderstanding how much ever hundred years ago.

A petty family feud.

Despite that, both Senju and Uchihas had found a sense of peace. A few had even gotten wed, broadening the family and strengthening the ties.

Regardless, it was very clear that Tobirama did not really like you, or a few other Uchihas. Maybe that had more to do with the way your brother constantly pestered him. Whatever the reason, you knew the only reason he was tutoring you right now was because he was the acting teacher’s assistant and he’s pretty much a stickler when it comes to grades and training.

There was a part of you that wished you could banish it, your feelings. You were only four years younger than Tobirama, and almost nine years younger than Madara and Hashirama. So, you supposed they all just assumed you were naive, or a kid.

Hashirama always treated you like a child.

With another internal sigh, you kept your eyes on the paper, anxious now because it was just the two of you in this big classroom and with every hour that passed, you were having a harder time focusing with your crush sitting right next to you, glaring at your paper like it was some enemy.

Then again, with Tobirama, maybe that was just his face.

“We’ll stop here today.”

His words sounded so stern for a guy who really should be more easy going given the fact that he was only nineteen and already had every school in the district practically begging to have him as a teaching aid. The only reason he applied for this position was because Hashirama was the principal here.

Packing up reluctantly, you tried your best to focus on anything but your unrequited love. You hoped the walk home would banish your inner turmoil, but it only brought up the memory that first made you fall for the younger Senju brother.

“Look at this, it’s red eyes.”

You frowned at the group of boys that had been following you since you left the gate. It was stupid, it’s not like you asked for your peculiar red eyes. It was a birth defect that ran in the family. You knew it unnerved people, but your brother had always encouraged you to embrace it, saying that you were amazing regardless of what people said. It was the only reason you’d decided against getting contacts.

Yet now, maybe you should have given it a second thought, because this had been a common issue since grade school.

You gripped your bag tighter, increasing your pace. But it did very little. You could still hear them laughing behind you, and when you cut through the park, you tried to make a run for it, but someone tugged your bag and you gasped as you were pulled backwards. Your body hit the ground, and you stared up with shaky eyes at the three boys now standing over you with grins.

Your assumption was that they were in your class, but you were wrong. They had to be seniors. You gritted your teeth.

“L-Leave me alone you assholes!”

That was probably not the way to go, but given your situation, if you were going to get beaten up, at least you should get a word in. A trait you no doubt got from Madara.

“What the hell did you say bitch!!”

The one in the middle raised his hand, and you shut your eyes, ready for the blow. Yet the sound of a body hitting the ground made you jolt. Your eyes opened, and standing in front of you was…

“Senju-san…”

He glanced at you from the side before he turned back to the group of boys in front of you. The leader was on the floor holding his bloody nose.

“I will be reporting all of you to the principal tomorrow. Bullying a schoolmate is pathetic. I have zero tolerance for bullies.”

His words were followed by a glare that could bring a giant to its feet. The fallen boy stumbled to his feet, running off with his friends.

You weren’t sure what to say. The speed they were running at you would think they saw a ghost. Your heart was still racing from the encounter, and for a few moments you could only gape, because you were certain Tobirama detested you.

You’d been to his house many times due to your brother's many visits, but in all that time,Tobirama had never so much as acknowledged you or said one kind thing to you. You always got that stoic gaze, and you just accepted that he was one of the few that held mistrust for anyone with the last name of Uchiha.

“You’re hurt.”

The statement brought you back to earth, and you blinked, looking down at your ankle that was indeed bruised. The adrenaline must have distracted you. You had been prepared for a beating.

“Can you stand?”

“I-I..”

You moved to attempt it, but pain rushed through your leg and you closed your eyes in pain.

“Damn it..”

You muttered.

Walking home like this was going to hurt like hell. You meant to tell him that you needed a minute to gather yourself, but he lowered, and you were shocked when he offered his back.

“You can’t walk in this state.”

It was all he said.

For a moment you just stared owlishly at the gesture. But when he glanced back with that glare, you swallowed, climbing onto his back hurriedly.

You were a little worried you’d be too heavy, but he stood as if you weighed nothing. Just like that he was walking down the street. Your mind was reeling, trying to figure out if this was all real. It couldn’t be.

As you chanced a look, Tobirama’s focus was trained ahead, and in that moment, you couldn’t do much but stare at him. Regardless of his personal views, he’d helped you, and was now carrying you home on his back. Your cheeks turned red, and you found yourself burying your face into his back to stop the insistent thumping of your heart.

“Please…don’t hear..”

That was the day your entire view of Tobirama changed. He was no longer the grumpy brother of Hashirama, but someone you couldn’t stop thinking about, no matter how much you tried.

Since that moment, your eyes kept following him, and it just got worse when he applied as Kakashi-sensei’s teacher assistant. Now you had to worry about him being at your school every freaking day.

“Stupid crush..”

You grumbled.

Tobirama’s head lifted and you flushed when his cold stare directed at you.

“Did you say something?”

Coming from him, it sounded like a challenge, or a threat. You just waved your hands around, shaking your head as you looked up, thankful that you arrived at your home. Running into the house, you slammed the door, sliding down to the floor as you buried your face in your knees.

“Dummy.”

It was bad enough that you’re so transparent, but letting that slip was almost dangerous.

“Why the hell are you on the floor?”

Madara’s question made you shoot up and you glared.

“N-No reason!!”

Hashirama came from around the corner with a smile.

“Are you teasing (Y/N)-chan again? If your brother ever gives you trouble you can always come to me.”

Hashirama hugged you to his chest, patting your head and you just blushed. This is typically how all your meetings went.

“Quit patting her head, she’s not an animal.”

A harsh kick to Hashirama’s back and he was down for the count. A bead of sweat ran down your head as Hashirama moved to a corner to sulk.

It was always entertaining with those two. For a moment you forgot about all of it. Your feelings, past conflicts, everything. Hashirama and Madara were proof that people didn’t have to be led by past ignorance.

After you’d showered, Madara had prepared dinner and Hashirama practically begged to stay. Although your brother often acted like he was annoyed, you knew how much he enjoyed the company.

The three of you sat there as you talked happily. For the most part you were listening to Hashirama’s stories of his brothers. They were always so entertaining.

“Even Tobirama was pretty headstrong when we were young. When I had disagreements with my father, he was the one who tended to intervene. Even though he was the younger one, he was always protecting me.”

That was a bit surprising to hear.

“Senju-san did?”

Hashirama nodded.

“He did. I don’t think he can help it. He has a bit of a complex.”

Hashirama continued to laugh, and you zoned out, nibbling on your chopsticks.

“Back then he..he protected me. Does that mean he cares about me..”

Just the thought has your face feeling warm.

“Oii, why is your face all red?”

Madara’s call made a pulse pop on your forehead.

“Why are you so nosy!!”

You throw the empty bowl, hitting him smack in the forehead and he falls off the chair comically. Hashirama started laughing when the both of you went back and forth throwing items at each other.

There was one thing you know you can count on, and it’s your brother cheering you up.

As the days carried on, your little lapses continued. Maybe even got worse.

“I’m a stalker.”

You sulk.

At this point it’s true, because you’re hiding behind the wall, peeking at Tobirama on the roof. It was purely coincidence the first time. No one really came up here, so it was great for days when you just needed to relax and think.

On one of your trips, you’d caught sight of him sitting as he casually read a book. It was aggravating how majestic he looked, just sitting there with the wind casually blowing his white locks back and forth. It was as if coolness just came natural for him.

Since then you’d tried to sneak a peek every now and then. It was a silly attempt to try and work up the courage to talk to him outside of the classroom. You’d already made a stupid excuse about struggling in class for him to tutor you.

Glancing at his form, you lower your head.

“It’s hopeless.”

No matter how much you wanted it, there would never be anything between the both of you. With a soft breath, you turned, walking away.

The rest of the day dragged on. Once it was over and you were home, you spent a bit of time just soaking in the bathtub. By the time you stepped out, you felt a bit better. Walking down the stairs, you were searching for your brother and his noisy best friend. The second you were in the kitchen, you were grabbed into a hug.

“Today we’re having dinner at my house (Y/N)-chan!”

Hashirama’s excited voice shouted.

“W-Wait a minute!!”

You didn’t have a chance to complain, he was dragging you away and Madara just followed along without so much as a word.

“Damn them both.”

The very place you wanted to avoid is where you were now. With a glare, you sat on the couch of Hashirama’s home annoyed. Madara and Hashirama were probably in the back with his other brothers playing some dumb game. For grown ups, they sure were childish.

Since you were stuck here, there was no reason not to explore. At the very least you should get food. You headed up the stairs to wash your hands so you could grab something from the fridge.

On your trip there, your eyes caught Tobirama’s bedroom. Your steps slowed, because the door was slightly ajar. You should have just walked away, you knew that, but you couldn’t help but peek inside. Approaching slowly, you inched closer, just to see, but you couldn’t see him, at least not in the room.

“What are you doing?”

The question made you shriek, and you stumbled backwards, right into his room. A glare was prominent on his face as you stumbled over your words.

“I-I-I wasn’t doing anything!”

From his look, it’s clear he didn’t believe a word.

“Why do you keep following me?”

“I-I wasn’t!!”

“You are.”

He took a step forward, and you could feel your heart strumming aggressively. Right about now you wanted to be anywhere but here.

“Kakashi-sensei told me that you aren’t failing the class. You have the top score. So why did you lie to me? What are you trying to do?”

The discovery brought panic. You should have been more careful, or at the very least come up with a believable explanation, but he looked so angry and the longer you stood there, the more terrified you were that he would find out.

“Answer me.”

You flinched at his tone, and by now, both Hashirama and Madara had come.

“What the hell is going on?”

Madara sounded agitated, especially since it was clear that Tobirama was yelling at you.

“Your sister was sneaking around in my room. Is there a reason for that?”

Tobirama looked pissed and now you were about ready for the floor to open up and just swallow you.

“I’m sure (Y/N)-chan has a reason, don’t you?”

Hashirama stared at you expectantly, and you stammered.

“I-I..I…”

What could you say?

“She has a problem with me. She’s been keeping an eye on me for some reason. A laughable situation given the Uchiha name.”

“Hey! Watch your mouth!”

Madara yelled as he grabbed Tobirama by the collar of his shirt, slamming him to the wall.

“Am I wrong?”

Tobirama’s words were taunting, and Hashirama moved closer to try and de-escalate the situation. You were trembling, because all of this was your fault.

If another argument started between the families, this time it would be your fault. All you seemed to process was the yells from your brother. He was mad at Tobirama because of you, he was fighting him, because of you.

Your eyes shook and you pressed your hands to your chest.

“I-I LIKE YOU TOBIRAMA!!”

Your yell stopped everyone in the room. Madara’s hands lowered slowly, and they all stared, clearly shocked by the confession.

Your entire body was shaky, and when they saw the tears rushing down your cheeks, it became real.

“(Y/N)...”

Madara muttered, clearly taken aback.

Tobirama was no longer braced on the wall, and you sobbed.

“I-I lied about the tutoring because I like you..I-I just wanted to get close to you..”

You felt pathetic.

No one was supposed to find out, especially not him.

His serious expression evened out, and you closed your eyes, dashing out of the room. Madara flinched, chasing after you. Hashirama turned when he heard the door slam shut. Tobirama was still trying to make sense of what you’d said. He expected some kind of scolding from his brother, but he merely walked towards the door.

“You’re not going to say anything?”

Hashirama shook his head, turning with a smile.

“I know you’ll do the right thing.”

Nothing else was said.

Hashirama left.

The next day, he wasn’t surprised that you were absent from school. Madara stopped by, probably to ease his older brother’s mind. When he’d walked past him in the hallway, he said nothing. He didn’t have to. Madara was angry, he knew that. He had every right to be.

There was no discussion on what needed to be done. That evening, Tobirama showed up at your house. He knocked on the door, and when you answered, he knew you weren’t expecting him.

You barely reacted, eyes sullen. When you finally registered it was him, he could practically feel the panic coming off your body. You looked ready to bolt and he stepped inside, bowing just as the door closed behind him.

You were startled, confused, maybe a bit worried.

“S-Senju-san why are you-”

“I apologize. It was wrong to make baseless accusations. I acted impulsively with no consideration for your feelings.”

You were positive you’d never seen Tobirama bow in his life, much less apologize to anyone. You weren’t sure how to respond to it. When he straightened, you felt exposed. He was looking at you, and for the first time, that stoic expression held just a tinge of emotion, maybe even guilt.

“I acted no better than my foolish elders. Please consider my apology.”

You’re not sure what to say. Tobirama is a prideful person, so you understand that working up the courage to admit that he was wrong was not easy. Your hands tugged at your sweater.

“I-It’s fine. I-I’m sorry for lying to you, and sneaking around your room.”

You mumble.

It’s clear that in the near future, you should keep your distance.

His eyes were planted on you, and he couldn’t help but ask.

“Were you serious about your confession?”

Your face heats up, and you want nothing more than to deny it, but when you chance a look at Tobirama, he isn’t glaring the way he usually does. It might just be your imagination, but he looks almost attentive.

Lowering your head, you nod. No good will come of lying again.

“H-Hai.”

He folds his arms.

“How long have you held feelings for me?”

You keep your eyes trained on your feet.

“S-Since that day that you..helped me with the bullies..”

Your voice is soft, and now he’s contemplative.

“That was two years ago. She’s had those feelings since then.”

He was certain you were planning something sinister, or maybe that was just his small mindedness. Had he been more open, maybe he would have seen that your feelings were sincere and avoided the unnecessary hurt he caused when you were forced to make the confession in front of your brother and his.

“I really am no better than those old fools.”

He realized that now.

He needed to make things right.

“I cannot consider your feelings now. “

Your shoulders dropped in defeat. It would be a lie to say you didn’t expect it.

“My contract at Konoha High ends in two months. When it is done, I will apply for another school as a teacher’s aid. At that time, I will give you another apology, a proper apology, and I will consider your feelings seriously.”

Your head lifted slowly, and you stared at him in shock.

“W-What…”

He took a step forward, and your heart jumped at the earnest expression he wore.

“I will work to gain your forgiveness. You have my word.”

Your eyes trembled, and just for a moment, you prayed that this was not some dream your mind created, because you’d never been happier.

All you can truly do is nod.