#god but like this book has got me SO emotional about cheery like the scene where a dwarf calls her a slur and she starts shaking and doesn't

[p4nishers]

can u believe this was published in 1999

[monaownsmyass]

Influence Her

Requested fic by anon. (If you have any fic ideas or requests you'd like me to write, you can leave me an ask!)

Book: Queen B

Pairing: Veronica Lombardi x MC (Bea Hughes)

Genre: Fluff

Rating: PG13, strong words and suggestive lines/scenes

Word Count: 5,125 (V stans feasting with this one)

A/N: MC doesn’t really like Veronica’s social media presence but can real-life Veronica change her mind when they meet? (Alternating POVs) Y’all wanted a Poppy x MC enemies-to-lovers? Nahhh Veronica x MC would’ve been much better imo 😏 I also gave her some personality since PB is shit with character development especially with their side characters. 

Tag list: @ineedskyecrandall @kamilahsayeet2063 @avalawrencefl @lovekamilahsayeed @thequeenkamilahsayeed @heygmicheelle @djtjsmith14 @jjlover01 @soft-for-drake @dopeyouth @alexroyard @satrinadia @toalltheboysididntlove @mypegasifly (lmk if anyone would like to be included or removed in my next fics and if you only want to be tagged for certain pairings.)

Part 2 is here!

I couldn't escape it.

It was all Veronica this! Veronica that! Oh, Veronicats! Oh, @vivilomborghini! And I've had it!

She was everywhere and I couldn't escape it. Obviously, she was all over my socials. On Pictagram, The T, but ever since I joined Belvoire, I couldn't even walk across the damn campus without seeing her.

I heard about Veronica long before I started attending Belvoire and I never liked her even since then. Something about her always rubbed me the wrong way.

When I found out she was also a student here on my first day, I was ready to head out. I did have other offers from different universities but Zoey convinced me that it wasn't gonna be so bad, so I took her word for it and stayed.

It was hard enough trying to avoid her on social media, which, trust me, was a sport all on it's own, but now I had to inevitably see her face every single day. I had no idea why, but I felt like she was wherever I went. At the library, at class, at the courtyard, it didn't matter, she was there.

She was like a constant nightmare haunting me. Okay, maybe a gorgeous, very attractive nightmare, but a nightmare nonetheless.

"I don't get why you hate her so much, babe," Zoey said at she followed my irritated glare aimed at Veronica who was vlogging not too far away. "She's not that bad."

"I don't hate Veronica Lombardi, but she hasn't given me any reason to like her either," I clarified.

"Why not?"

I scoffed. "Just look at her! Look how fake she is. She's basically lying to her fans. Her online personality is so artificially bright and happy it makes me wanna barf."

"Bea, that's basically almost every social media influencer ever."

"Maybe, but there's just something about her that doesn't sit right with me. How did she even get that many followers? I don't get what people see in her. Like sure, she's easy on the eyes and all but there's literally nothing else going for her."

Zoey raised a brow. "I'm surprised you admitted she's attractive.."

"I just don't like her, that doesn't mean I'm blind, Zo. I can appreciate a pretty face even if it annoys the shit out of me."

Zoey let out a laugh and gave me a pat on the cheek before standing up from the picnic table we were sitting at. "I'm sure V would be ecstatic to hear you call her pretty."

The space between my brows creased. "What do you mean?"

"Oh, babe, it's so obvious our favourite social media star has a crush on you."

"What makes you say that?" My nose scrunched up in disgust but something in my stomach stirred.

"You know, the looks, the movements," she replied, waving her hand around. "I'd love to explain more, but I'm gonna be late for class." She gathered her things and started walking away.

"Fine, fine," I sighed.

"And babe?"

"Yeah?"

"Dreamgirl is headed your way."

~*~*~

From the moment my eyes set on Bea Hughes, I knew there was something different about her.

Yes, the way she dressed, her accent, how she stood up to Poppy, it definitely made her stand out in Belvoire but there was just something else about her that caught my attention.

Maybe it was the way she carried herself, or her vibe. Maybe it was just how hot she was, I wasn't sure.

There was just a magnetic pull attracting me to her and I may not have known why, but I was determined to get to know her better.

I remembered the first time I caught sight of her. There was a crowd in the courtyard surrounding her and Poppy. She straight up roasted Poppy with no remorse and when she was done, our eyes locked. I could feel the tension between us. Was it sexual? Was it rivalry? Jealousy? Hatred? Maybe it was in potential alliance.

Whatever it was, I felt a connection.

Her smouldering gaze held onto my curious one and we held eye contact for a good minute before I raised a brow. She suddenly seemed to realise where she was and rolled her eyes, looking away.

I didn't know what that eye roll meant but that wasn't gonna stop me from finding out more about this interesting woman.

While I was vlogging, my eyes drifted to the girl that had me thinking about her ever since she stepped onto campus. She was eyeing me in annoyance. I've had people look at me like that but something behind her glare told me that wasn't all. I saw my chance. I smirked, ended the vlog and started walking up to her.

I didn't know what her problem with me was but I was gonna find out.

She was intriguing. 

And I, Veronica Lombardi, was always up for a challenge.

~*~*~

I whipped my head around to see Veronica headed my way. I didn't like her but the way she strutted towards me made me breathless. The power in her strides almost made me realise why she was as popular as she was. Almost.

Still, I groaned and reached an arm out to Zoey.

"Zo! Don't leave me!"

"Sorry babe," she laughed. "You're on your own. Tell me how it goes, though!"

My arm flopped onto the table and my head followed.

"Hey," I heard a smooth, low voice call out not long after.

I knew who it was from but it still shocked me. It was such a vast difference from the bubbly, higher-pitched tone I had associated with her.

I raised my head to look at her.

"Yes?"

"This seat taken?"

"Does it matter?" I sighed. "Looks like you're gonna sit anyway."

She chuckled and crossed her arms. "That wasn't a yes so I can only assume you want me too."

I was about to deny it but something stopped me. I couldn't get the words out in time and she sat across me.

Well, this would be interesting.

"What do you want, Veronica?"

"No need to be so hostile," she raised her hands up. "I just came by 'cuz I saw you ogling at me."

My jaw dropped. "I was not ogling at you!" I said defensively.

She laughed again at my apprehension. "Sure you weren't."

"I wasn't!"

"Anyway," she said, ignoring my protest. God, she was infuriating. "I thought it was about time we finally meet and get to know each other."

I just looked at her as she stretched a hand out.

"Hi, I'm Veronica Lombardi," she said with a dazzling smile.

I had no intention of shaking her hand but I didn't wanna be mean especially since she was being nice. Also, there was something so compelling about that smile...

I lightly held her hand but the slight contact sent a jolt up my arm.

What was happening?

Brushing it off, I gave it a single shake. "Bea."

"Nice to officially meet you, Bea."

The way she spoke my name was unlike the way others said it. It sounded like a praise on her lips.

"As much as I'd love to hang around and make you fall in love with me," she stated and I was about to say something to contradict it but decided against it. Not like it would've helped. "I gotta go. Perhaps we could continue this conversation later? Elsewhere?"

I glared at her in disbelief. "Are you seriously asking me out on a date right now?"

"Oh, it's a date, huh?" she said playfully.

"What? I- you- NO!" I flustered.

"Alright then, it's a date," she laughed and I could feel myself getting red in the face. Was it from being infuriated or from blushing? I couldn't tell.

"Why would I go out with you?"

"Look, I know you don't like me that much, but why not give me a chance, hm?" The right corner of her lips quirked up ever so slightly as she gave me a lazy grin, so unlike the awfully overexaggerated fake cheery smile I was accustomed to seeing. It was relaxed and laidback and I'd be lying if I said I didn't find it absolutely sexy.

"How do I know it's not just for a vlog or some prank video."

"I swear it's not," she quickly assured. "If you don't believe me, I'll let you keep my phone for the entire time. I promise. I just want to get to know you."

She gazed into my eyes and I could tell she was telling the truth.

"Alright..."

"It that a yes?"

"It's not a yes..." I paused before adding. "But it not a no either."

I saw her eyes light up and I thought it was pretty cute. I mean, it was good to know she wasn't devoid of human emotion.

"I'll tell you what," she said and reached into her bag for a pen and paper and starting writing. "You let me know once you make up your mind."

She slid the paper over to me and on it was her number. She signed off as 'V, xoxo'.

Before standing up, she took my hand that was resting on the table between us in hers and paused for a moment, looking me in the eyes and making sure I wouldn't flinch away.

Once she was certain I wouldn't pull back, she brought my hand up to her lips and placed a gentle kiss on it. The way her soft lips grazed my hand made my heart flutter.

She let it go and walked away, looking over her shoulder to wink at me.

"Until then, beautiful."

I felt my whole face burn as I watched her walk away.

And this time, it was definitely from blushing.

~*~*~

"I'm telling you, Zo! How many times do I have to repeat myself? It's not a date!"

"Didn't you say she said it was a date?"

"Well, technically I made the mistake of assuming it was a date then she got the wrong idea and called it a date."

"So you wanted it to be a date?"

I was ready to pull my hair out in frustration. "No!"

Zoey giggled at me. "You are going though, right?"

"Why should I? I have no reason too."

"The Veronica Lombardi asked you out on a date and you're gonna say no to that?" She looked at me like I was stupid.

"It's not a date!"

"Just go for it. What do you have to lose?"

"My time, patience and sanity."

She glanced at me skeptically. "I don't think you actually believe that. I think you just don't want to admit you wanna spend time with Veronica."

That made me quiet. Was the idea of going out with Veronica actually repulsive or did I just not want to acknowledge it?

"Fine, I'll go for the stupid thing."

Zoey first pumped and cheered. "I can't wait to see you in her next vlog!"

"Oh, she said she wasn't gonna vlog."

She blinked at me. "What?"

"She said she would let me keep her phone for the rest of our time together as proof when I asked her if it she was only asking me out for a video."

"Bea, do you not realise what this means?"

I just looked at Zoey, puzzled.

"Veronica, Queen of Social Media, who vlogs and livestreams everything, said she would give you her phone. That's where all her power is! She's basically giving it up to you! I've heard if anyone so much as touches her phone, there'll be hell to pay."

Involuntarily, I felt myself start to smile. "Really?"

"God, you look like a kid in a candy store. You sooooo like her."

I shoved her and tried but failed miserably to hide my ecstatic expression. "Shut up! I do not!"

Zoey collapsed into a fit of giggles. "Deny it all you want, but you said you'd go out with her and I don't see you texting her yet."

I rolled my eyes at my best friend but moved to grab my phone to shoot Veronica a quick text to tell her my answer was yes.

~*~*~

When I received her confirmation yesterday, I felt the excitement bubbling in me. From the how she was blushing and the way she looked at me when I left, I was almost certain she would agree but getting a straight answer from her was the best news I've had all week.

I looked at the mirror at the outfit I was wearing. Hmm, should I change or would this suffice? No, I didn't want it to just suffice, I wanted it to impress.

I went through my closet, flinging clothes everywhere, trying to find something that would definitely catch her eye when I heard someone shout, "V!!!"

I rolled my eyes as Poppy barged in with Chloe by her side.

"What the hell are you doing and why is your room messier than a pig sty?! You were suppose to meet me an hour ago!"

I simply shrugged at her. "I'm busy."

"Busy with what? Putting on a fashion show for the fly on your wall?! Get ready, we're going out."

"Like I said, Pops," I took a stride in her direction and booped her nose, no doubt making her madder than she already was. "I'm busy."

"With what?" Chloe asked curiously since Poppy looked like she was gonna pop her lid off.

"I have a date with Hughes," I hummed.

"YOU'RE DITCHING ME FOR THAT NEWBIE, FARMSVILLE?!" Poppy screamed angrily.

I ignored Poppy and turned to Chloe. "Help me pick out something?"

"I'd love to!" she squealed which made Poppy stomp her feet in frustration.

"Ugh! Fine! Don't come crawling back to me when your social ranking takes a plunge after being seen with Farmsville!"

"You're delusional, Pops, maybe you should rest," I laughed as she stormed off, leaving Chloe to help me find the perfect outfit.

I couldn't wait to see Bea again.

~*~*~

There was a knock on the front door and Zoey jumped in excitement.

"You're looking forward to it more than I am."

"Can't I just be happy for my best friend-slash-roommate?" She pushes me towards the door. "Now go get your girl!"

"She is not my girl!" But my mind started racing at the possibility.

I shook the thought away and opened the door to be greeted with the sight of Veronica holding a single rose. I hate to admit it, but my breath hitched as I took her in.

My eyes ran up and down her body, soaking in every single feature my eyes landed on. Her sleeveless shirt was loose against her toned body but showed off her biceps nicely compared to her usual long-sleeved sweater.

My gaze landed on her chest and travelled down to her hips which only lead to her long, muscular legs covered by her pants. I forced my eyes back up to her attractive face only to see a stupid cocky smirk playing on her lips.

It was infuriating but fuck, she was hot.

I didn't even notice I was biting my lip until I heard her speak.

"Don't bite too hard, it might start bleeding before I get to kiss you," she said flirtatiously with that calm voice of hers but I could see her own eyes roaming my body.

I rolled my eyes but I wasn't as annoyed as I lead on. "Someone's confident."

"Very," she replied with a full smile this time and held out the rose in her hand. "For you."

"This isn't a date."

"It is!" Zoey called out from behind me.

"Zo!"

"It's true," she laughed. "Have fun on your date! V, you better treat her good!"

"The best," Veronica laughed with Zoey. "Don't worry!" She turned her attention back to me. "So, are you gonna accept my rose?"

The way she phrased it and said it made me melt. How could I say no?

Sighing in defeat, I took it from her and tucked it into my purse, the flower sticking out, on display for the world to know and strangely, I didn't mind.

We made our way away from the dorm and across the courtyard to her car. I saw people looking and whispering, wondering what the hell the newbie was doing with Belvoire's social media queen, the third ranked in The T.

I snickered and felt a little smug. It was great knowing someone with so much power was by my side. I felt kinda protected and safe 'cuz I knew no one would dare toss any snide remarks my way when I was with her.

I also thought it was really sweet that she didn't care that she was being seen with me. Not like I think anyone would dare say anything about her but I was still touched.

She opened the passenger side door for me and I raised her a brow at her. "I can open my own door, you know," I teased.

"O.M.G., I totally didn't know that," she replied sarcastically in a deadpan tone. "Lemme just do something nice for you."

"I guess I wouldn't mind being treated like a princess for the day," I muttered jokingly.

"Darling, I'll treat you like a queen," she replied coolly and suddenly, my whole body was on fire.

That immediately shut me up which made her chuckle.

We got into her car and she began driving. After a while, I spoke up.

"Where are we going?"

"You're warming up to me, huh?" She glance at me from the corner of her eyes and gave me another exasperating smirk.

"What?"

"You're starting a conversation with me. You like me now, don't you?" She reached out to poke me in the arm and I swatted her hand away even though I was trying my hardest to stifle a smile that was threatening to spread across my lips.

"God, you're annoying."

"Hey, I'm just stating facts."

Eventually, we pulled up to a small quaint café that didn't look like what I thought Veronica's speed was at all.

She opened the door for me again and this time, I didn't bother with a witty remark since I knew she would turn it on me anyway.

As we walked in, she greeted the barista behind the counter as if they've known each other for some time and it occurred to me then that I was getting to see the real Veronica. The thought that she actually was willing to share this private part of her life with me made me soft.

After ordering, she guided me to a table and pulled out a chair for me, motioning for me to sit. I looked around to take in the surrounding. There was barely anyone else in the café, only two other customers who were in their own worlds, reading. The place was small and cozy and... quiet. It wasn't like the high-energy, over-the-top, loud parties and events setting I was used to seeing her in. It was much more peaceful. Even the contemporary R&B and soul music they were playing that Veronica was humming to was much different than the pop songs she played in her vlogs that I've seen.

"Is this your little hideout?"

She offered me a small grin before staring at a picture on the wall. "Somewhat. No one expects to find me here so it's where I come if I just want some time to myself. No Poppy, no Belvoire, none of the Veronicats, just me." She leaned forward as her enrapturing eyes landed on mine and the sheer intensity of her gaze sucked all the air out of my lungs. "And now you."

I looked away, not being able to hold eye contact anymore and all of a sudden feeling very overwhelmed.

"It doesn't seem like you. I mean, I knew your online personality wasn't all real but this is..."

"Different?" she gave me a rueful smile. "I'm not my brand, Bea."

"Who are you, then?"

Her sad smile quickly changed into a simper. "That's why we're here, aren't we?"

"Fair enough." I leaned back in my chair. "Why don't you show your followers the real you? I'm sure they'll appreciate it." 'I do,' I thought subconsciously.

She let out a humourless laugh. "It's not that easy. Changing my entire image is already a hassle, but then I'd have to deal with that rumours and the haters and all that bullshit which is annoying. Then, I have to worry about my followers who'll either bash me or get bashed for still supporting me," she sighed, looking more tired than I've ever seen her. "It's just a lot."

Before I could reply, she pulled out her phone and slid it over to me across the table. "Like I promised, I'll let you keep it."

"V," I started and realised I called her by her nickname for the first time. I knew she noticed it to when I saw her brows lift up slightly. "You really don't have to."

She shook her head. "No, no, I want to. I want you to know I'm serious about this. I want you to know I'm being honest. Also, it's relaxing to know I don't have to worry about my online appearance since it's with you," she joked.

"Aren't you scared I'll log into your accounts? Maybe try and steal you phone?"

She looked at me with an amused smile. "I'm right here, I can see whatever you're doing. And what, you gonna run off with my phone in an unfamiliar area when I have a car?"

"Maybe I'll steal your car too."

She let out a full laugh that made my heart flip.

Woah?

"Darling, you can try," she spoke and leaned in closer, almost whispering the next part with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "But I think we both know who'll end up on top."

I caught the undertone in her statement and I felt my cheeks getting hot.

"You'd be surprised," I returned her energy and I saw her pupils dilate, the tension between us palpable.

We were interrupted by the barista from earlier. They served us our drinks and left, making me clear my throat and trying to shake out the image of Veronica and I in a.... compromising position.

I looked at her phone that was still in front of me and hesitantly slipped it into my purse.

"I have a question," I said.

"Mm?"

"Aren't you tired of pretending? To your followers?"

She crossed her arms on the table and my eyes immediately drifted down to see her arms flex as she did but I forced them back up to her face. 'Not the time!' I scolded myself in my head.

Her tiny grin told me she noticed. Damn, nothing slipped past this woman.

However, she looked over it and answered me. "It wasn't always pretend. That person was actually me once. That's what happens when you grow up in the public eye, I guess." She propped her chin on her hand. "I started doing all of this when I was young and it was only for fun. A kid just being a kid, you know? But then my content blew up and as I grew older, it was only natural for me to change, to discover who I really was. But the thing with people online is that they don't get that. They think we're a fraud or we went off the rails if we suddenly change things up."

I looked her in the eyes as she told me more about it.

"And before I knew it, I had an image to uphold. A brand to stick to. I was no longer that bubbly, excited kid from a decade ago but my audience didn't know that. I don't feel like I'm fake 'cuz that was who I am. But not anymore. And it might be tiring but it's worth it. I may be playing a character online but if that person inspires young girls and boys and is their role model, how could I take that away from them?"

Listening to her speak made me regret every awful thing I've said about her. A wave of sadness washed over me and as much as I wished I could reassure her and tell her it's not true, that everyone would support her, I knew that wasn't reality. 

So instead, I said, "Would you ever show who you really are?"

Her perfectly threaded brows creased as she pondered over my question. "Not anytime soon. But if it gets too much, maybe then I'll consider doing it. But until then," she looked down and then back up at me with an honest smile. "I'm happy just sharing the actual me with the people in my real life."

~*~*~

Opening up to Bea was the easiest thing in the world. Those warm eyes, that curios look, the way she hung onto every word I said, giving me her full attention, it was inevitable that I would spill my heart out to her.

And it looked like I had the same effect on her.

She told me more about her life back in the Midwest, her family, her thoughts, dreams and so much more that I didn't expect to get out of her on our first 'date'.

As she spoke, I studied her face and mannerisms, wanting to know every single detail about her. Her expressive eyebrows, her stunning eyes, her smooth skin and soft lips. The way she pronounced certain words and how her accent got stronger when she was angry or talking something she was passionate about. The way she would roll her eyes but her cheeks reddened when I teased her or said something flirty. How her nose scrunched when she giggled, the way her eyes crinkled when she smiled.

Fuck, that smile. I'd do anything she told me to if she smiled at me like that.

"Hey, I know I said I wouldn't use my phone today," I began and I saw her give me a worried look. I quickly continued so she didn't get the wrong idea. "But I really want to take a picture with you. Is that okay? I won't post it, I just wanna keep it."

I saw her disappointed look instantly turn to relief then shyness.

"You wanna take a photo with me?"

"Yeah," I nodded. "You look really pretty and I just want something to remember you by."

I wasn't sure if she would agree but then she reached into her purse and handed me my phone. Grinning broadly, I moved beside her and lifted my phone up.

"Is this okay?" I asked, moving an arm around her waist carefully, making sure she wasn't uncomfortable.

She simply nodded and when my hand touched her, I felt her shiver which only made made me smile wider.

The cups and plates piled on our table, customers walked in and out, the sky darkened, a hundred songs were played and the second hand on the wall clock travelled the same path thousands of times as we continued talking and yet, our conversation never died.

I had never connected with someone so fast and it surprised me just how easy it was for us to just talk.

It was getting pretty late and we decided it was time to leave. Before standing up, I jokingly asked, "Anything else before we leave?"

To my surprise, she replied, "Just one."

"Yeah?"

She smiled. "You're alright, Lombardi."

~*~*~

When we made it back to campus, V walked me back to my dorm. When I said she didn't have to, she still insisted which was really sweet of her.

"Plus I get to spend more time with you," she said teasingly while lightly bumping shoulders as we walked side-by-side and I felt myself smile.

We stopped outside my dorm room and admittedly, I had no idea how I was gonna say goodbye to her.

"Here we are," she announced.

"Yup."

She took a step towards me cautiously as if I would move back. I didn't.

I stared at her as my stomach filled with butterflies. Everything about her was painfully gorgeous and it made my heart ache. I knew she was attractive but now that I got to know her, to actually see her, it made it hard to believe she was a real person.

She was perfect.

One hand on my hip, she leaned forward and bent down, face inching closer to mine. I closed my eyes, here nearness making me light-headed and the smell of her perfume fogged my thoughts. My heart was hammering in my chest.

I expected her lips to meet mine. Instead, I felt it on my cheek but my skin still tingled from where her lips touched.

"Good night, beautiful," she whispered with a small smile and a longing look in her hazel eyes. "Hopefully you don't glare at me the next time you see me."

She stepped back but I instinctively reached out to hold onto her wrist, preventing her from moving any further. I shook my head. "No."

"No?" she looked at me, confused and I could sense the hurt in her voice.

"No," I repeated. "No, that's not enough."

I pulled her into me and crashed our lips together. The moment our lips touched, I swear I saw stars. She pushed me back until I was pressed up against the door with her body. She trailed a hand down my thigh and hiked my leg up to her hip, making me groan.

I sent a mental apology to Zoey if she was in and heard all this.

"God, I don't know what you hold over me," I muttered between kisses. "Yesterday I didn't like you and now you have me against my dorm door, making out with me."

She pulled back, breathing heavy and gave me one of those sexy, relaxed smile. "Well, I am an influencer."

Veronica grabbed onto my other leg and lifted me up. Arms wrapped around her neck and legs locked tight around her waist, she kissed me again.

"Ohh! V!"

I moaned as she bit my bottom lip. My whole body was burning with heat and everywhere she touched ignited me further. One hand moved to grip the side of my neck while the other rested on my ass.

"Are you in love with me yet?" She said into the kiss and pulled away again, looking at me proudly with a genuine smile on her face.

"Shut up," I grinned and tugged her head back so our lips could meet again. This time, in a slow, sweet kiss.

And you know what?

Veronica Lombardi wasn't so bad after all.

(More fics!)

[bunnyywritings]

how would prohero! bakugou, todoroki, and midoriya react if a teenager went up to them (at a meet n greet or on the street or something) and whisper to them ‘don’t show any emotion, call 911, my foster parents have been abusing me for so long’ and back off with a smile and a ‘have a nice day’ before walking into a bathroom or something to wait out

[a/n: Thank you anon! I did these as an hc and they might’ve turned out a bit long? I’m not sure but here it is. Slight warning seeing as this is a sensitive topic and there’s a curse word or two in Bakugou’s but it is Bakugou so...? I also made this as fem!teenager, I hope that’s ok -yours truly, bunnyy-`ღ´- ps. Despite probably not being able to do much, my inbox is always open if anyone needs to talk. This is a judgement free zone! I’m here if you ever need any support 🥺 ]

Prohero!Bakugou

* Ever since Bakugou debuted as a pro hero, he had gotten used to teenagers (both guys and girls) approaching him and asking for a picture. He was aware they thought he was handsome and whatnot

* He didn’t really care for it but to rise in the ranks, he needed high social ratings too

* So he wasn’t very surprised when a teenager approached him while he was on patrol

* He waited for the usual “oh my god! It’s Ground Zero!” Or “look! It’s Ground Zero! Please take a picture with me!” But it never did

* He quirked an eyebrow as she looked around cautiously before meeting his gaze with terror filled eyes

* “Please don’t make a scene but...help me. My foster parents, they-they’re hurting m-me. I just c-can’t take it anymore. Their abuse has gone on for so long.”

* His eyes widened as he watched her practically beg for help with a totally neutral face but the eyes gave it away, he could see the fear, he could see how tired she was

* Before he could respond, she took a deep breath before a smile made its way onto her lips and a cheery, “Have a nice day!” filled his ears as he watched her walk into a convenience store

* He grit his teeth. Sweat beading on his brow. He didn’t know what to do. Domestic situations like this were usually a job for the police...but he couldn’t wait for them, they’ve proven time after time how unreliable they can be to get to the scene quickly and it was HIM who was directly asked for help

* His mind went blank when he saw two older adults walked passed them and into the convenience store. “Why did you run off?! We told you to stay in the car while we were getting groceries!” He watched as the teen who just begged him for help was roughly grabbed by the arm and yanked out of the store

* Grabbing his phone, he scrambled to call it in

* He audibly growled when he watched as one of the parents raised their hand and the poor girl flinched away in terror

* His body reacted before he could and he was suddenly in front of the terrified girl and gripping the parents wrist in a death hold

* “You should never EVER raise your hand at a child that way. Get away from her before I blow your asses to kingdom come!”

* “That’s no way for a pro hero to speak to innocent civilians.” They had the AUDACITY to act like they weren’t guilty

* “Abusers are villains in my book! Your time of causing harm has come to an end!”

* And right on time, the police arrived and Bakugou briefed them on the situation before reluctantly letting them take her into their care

* After he finished giving his statement to an officer, someone collided with him. He looked down to see the girl wrapping her arms around him. Tears dripping onto his chest

* “T-thank you...you’re the o-only one whose ever b-believed me.” She cried as she clung to him

* “O-oi. Stop crying, they’ll never able to hurt you anymore” he hesitantly wrapped an arm around her comfortingly, his hand coming up to pat her head

* She thanked him once more before she was called away

* A small grin appeared on his face, it never failed to amaze him how good it felt to save someone, he really hoped she’d get the happy home she deserves

Prohero! Shoto

* As one of the top heroes, he was used to being called in for a bunch of different things and he’s seen a lot of unsightly things

* He likes to believe that he’s been desensitized to the violence that he’s witnessed a countless number of times

* Boy was he wrong

* He was on his usual patrol when a teen approached him

* Shoto had a good social rating and learned how to make peace with the fact that people thought he was attractive even if he still couldn’t really see it

* “Can I get a picture please?”

* He accepted and wrapped a friendly arm around her and pose to take the selfie

* “My foster parents have been abusing me with their quirks, please save me. I can’t take it anymore.”

* His eyes widened, he could see the skin of her wrists that peeled out from her school uniform

* There was nasty burn marks littered all over

* “Thank you!” She moved away from him and bowed, “have a wonderful day!” She had a bright smile on her lips but she seemed on the verge of tears

* She walked past him

* A bewildered expression took over his face as he turned, wanting to reach out to her when he saw her with her parents

* The way she subtly flinched at certain movements and the way they gripped her arms or shoulder

* To the untrained eye, it seemed completely normal

* But he knew the signs of abuse all too well, emotional and physical

* “Excuse me!” He called out rather calmly

* All three of them turned around, the teens eyes widened

* “I need you two to unhand her and come with me please.”

* They resisted, claiming that they had done nothing wrong

* “Just because you aren’t doing anything despicable at the present moment doesn’t make you innocent. I’m not a hero that takes child abuse lightly, especially when the use of a quirk is involved. Please come with me before I decide to use force.”

* Another hero or two caught wind of the situation and proceeded to assist in the arrest so Shoto could stay with the girl before the proper authorities showed up

* “Thank you....s-so much, I t-thought it would n-never end.”

* “Believe it or not, I know what it feels like. But it will get better, I promise. Besides, that was something pretty brave you did. I’m sure you’ll recover soon and be stronger than ever.”

* He would make it his personal mission to check in on her from time to time and make sure that the next place she ended up in would be somewhere where she’d be loved and supported

* Because he had Class 1-A to help him recover

* She needed love and support to recover, he made sure that she got it

Prohero! Midoriya

* Poor baby is devastated whenever kids or teens were directly involved while doing his job

* He was doing his usual patrol

* He assumed school had let out already since there was a bunch of kids in school uniforms wandering about

* He never minded being approached by fans, he knew what it was like to be a fanboy so he encouraged photos and autographs

* So when he saw a girl running in his direction, he didn’t think anything of it

* He prepared himself to take a cheesy, peace sign selfie

* But when the girl basically rammed into him and clutched onto his hero suit for dear life, he was instantly worried

* Images of when he encountered Eri for the first time flashed across his mind

* “Please. They’re hurting me.”

* “Who is? Who’s hurting you?” His eyes frantically searched the area before looking down and meeting her tear filled gaze, lip quivering and eyebrows pinched together

* “M-My parents, w-well my f-foster parents. They-“ her tearful stuttering was cut short when the shout of a name caught both their attention and she tensed up in his arms

* “Please don’t let them take me.”

* He told her to hold onto him and he picked her up, using his full cowling to make him run faster in the direction of his agency

* He was determined to not make the same mistake this time around

* I think he’d probably call Uravity aka; Ochaco, to come and help calm her down and keep her company

* After receiving word that someone had called in a report about a missing teen that fit the girl’s description, he used that to confront her foster parents

* Making sure they were properly taken care of and were no longer able to ever have foster kids or adopt kids for the foreseeable future

* After things seemed to calm down, he actually noticed that the girl went to UA

* “Oh! Are you in the hero course?”

* She was shocked by his excitement as she nodded

* “What’s your quirk?”

* He couldn’t help it but he needed to distract her for the time being

* He hated seeing people hurt, the innocent being in fear for their life but this is what he lived for

* Seeing the people he helps smile again, be carefree while speaking about their favorite school subject, even, anything is better than them being in fear

[prettyboongi]

BTS Reaction | They Get Jealous of You with Another Member

[Note: I know I made a similar excuse last time but I really tried to finish this up during the weekend. Things just kept popping up and I had a hard time concentrating, I only cannot wait for the school semester to end already so I can waste my days writing fic and further live my life as hermit. Deuces!]

[P.S. This was a requested fic and I really hope you like this one ^^ also don’t be afraid to send requests!] 

Seokjin 

While Jin was out running errands, he didn’t expect to get a text from Jimin saying that he was on his way to the apartment Jin shared with you. He was excited knowing that his friend was coming over to hangout and took extra time to buy more ingredients for dinner. Since you were already at home, he knew you would just let Jimin in. 

Jin also didn’t expect coming home to find you and Jimin sitting extra close on the sofa, watching TV. To add insult to injury, Jimin had his arm around you and it seemed that you were comfortably leaning on him. Out of everyone in the group, Jin knew that you were the closest to Jimin but that didn’t stop him from being annoyed by Jimin’s overly affectionate personality. 

Jin didn’t even announce himself as he walked in, only grabbing your attention when closed the door rather loudly. Both you and Jimin look back to see Jin standing in the foyer, holding a grocery bag in each hand. 

“Hey Jinnie,” you greeted as Jimin gave Jin a cheery wave using the arm he had around you. “Did you bring enough stuff for dinner?” You and Jimin turn your attention back to show you were watching. 

“Yeah, I…,” Jin trails off. He was trying his best to control his irritation, to not blow up and freak out. But easier said than done. “Why the hell are you sitting that close to my girlfriend?” 

Startled by his brusk question, you and Jimin turn back to Jin once again.

“Jin, chill. Jimin and I are just hanging out.” you retorted. 

“Yeah I’ll chill,” he said, “once you two are sitting at least two feet from each other.” 

Tired of this nonsense, you turn your body slightly to face him. “Seokjin, you’re being ridiculous. Jimin is your best friend and he would never do anything inappropriate to me,” you said in a stern tone. “We were going to invite you to join us but you can forget it. You obviously need to cool off.” 

“But Y/N-” 

“No! Now hurry up and put those groceries up.” 

Feeling as if he just got reprimanded by his mother, Jin placed the groceries on the kitchen counter and stomped all the way to the bedroom. 

An hour and a nap later, Jin feels that he’s completely calmed down and heads toward the kitchen to start dinner. By the time he reaches the living room, he finds you sitting alone on the couch reading a book. 

“Where’s Jimin?,” Jin asks. 

You looked up and closed your book. “He decided to head home. Can’t say I blame him after what happened.”

“Yeah,” Jin responds sheepishly. He scratches the back of his head, a habit he did whenever he felt embarrassed. “I’m really sorry for the way I acted. I’m happy that you and Jimin had become great friends, it’s just that seeing you two so close together like that got me feeling a bit jealous.” 

“Only a bit?,” you said teasingly. 

Getting more embarrassed, Jin’s ears start to turn red and he tries to look away from you. But then you gingerly took his hands and started pulling him towards the kitchen. 

“Come on, Jinnie. Let’s start dinner.”

Yoongi 

You and Yoongi have been dating for almost two years now and, with this, you’ve found your place within Bangtan. The guys didn’t just see you as Yoongi’s girlfriend; you were also their friend and you felt the same way towards them. As happy as the others accepting you made Yoongi happy, he couldn’t help the peculiar bond you had with Jungkook. Upon becoming friends with everyone, Jungkook latched on to you the fastest. Jungkook would come to you first whenever he needed or to vent about something that was bothering him. But most of the time, Yoongi would catch you and Jungkook joking around and play fighting. Sure, he could tell Jungkook to back off but deep down inside he knew there wasn’t anything wrong with you two being close friends; he trusted the both of you. So he brushed it off, his pushing down the jealousy that threatened to pester him at times. 

Unfortunately, one day Yoongi couldn’t keep up with his cool guy facade. It was a hot summer afternoon, and you were throwing a nice barbecue with all of Bangtan invited. Yoongi was enjoying a beer with Namjoon when he noticed you and maknaes were having a water gun fight. At first, Yoongi thought the scene was cute, watching you enjoy yourself as if you were a child once again. But those feelings changed when Jungkook tripped over and grabbed onto your waist for leverage. The sight of him holding onto you in that way really set something inside, his hidden jealous spilling over. 

He shoved his beer onto Namjoon’s hand before walking over to you and Jungkook, who was still holding unto you. You and him were too busy cracking up to notice Yoongi’s arrival. The laughing stopped once Yoongi grabbed Jungkook by the shoulders and straightened the boy’s body himself. 

Still holding onto his shoulders, Yoongi asks him, “You alright buddy?”. He tries to hide his rage with a fake smile on his face. Though it was obvious that Yoongi wasn’t happy. 

“Uh, yeah,” Jungkook answers quizzically, “Thanks hyung.” 

Yoongi then turns to you, “Can we talk inside?” 

After closing the sliding door behind you, you simply asked Yoongi, “What the hell was that all about?” You were genuinely confused since you thought the barbecue was going more than smoothly. 

Hunching over your kitchen table, Yoongi was having a hard time looking at you. He was absolutely mortified that he would cause a scene like that, displaying his true emotions in front of everyone. And being honest about said emotions didn’t make the situation easier. But for the sake of his relationship, he knew he had to open himself to you. 

“I’m sorry about that,” Yoongi begins, “it’s just that seeing you and Jungkook being so close with each other, it just made me feel so…”

“Jealous?,” you finish. 

Yoongi bashfully nods. “I mean sometimes I wonder why would you choose someone like me when you can be with someone close in age like him.” 

You sigh. “Oh Yoongi,” you say as you walk over to him. He still wouldn’t look up at you so you cupped his right cheek to coax him into facing you. “The reason I’m with you has nothing to do with your age. I’m with you because you’re the only man for me. No one else could ever compare to you.” 

Hearing you say those things washed away the self-doubt he had been feeling for the longest time. He felt happy and relieved knowing he was the only one for you as you were the only one for him. 

Hoseok

After a long day practicing some difficult choreography, Hoseok was more than happy to finally be home. As he locked the door behind him, he noticed that the apartment to which you and him shared was empty. “Y/N, you home?” you called out but with no response. With that, he assumed you were still out shopping with Taehyung. 

Just as Hoseok was dragging his tired body to the bedroom, he remembers when you first told him about your day plans and how you were gonna spend it with Taehyung. After hearing it, of course it irked him quite a bit. Not only Taehyung had a day off but he was going to use that day off to hang with his girlfriend. However, being as prideful as he was, he wasn’t going to admit that. He suggested that you should wait until his day off so he can go shopping with him instead but you insisted on going with Taehyung. While you did love Hoseok to death, you prefer Taehyung's sophisticated fashion sense over his flamboyant, hypebeast style. But despite being a bit jealous, he trusted you and knew you wouldn't do anything fishy with his friend. 

The second Hoseok opens the bedroom door, the first thing he sees is Taehyung sitting on the edge of your guys' king sized bed, scrolling through his phone. 

Taehyung looks up at Hoseok and waves, "Hey, Hyung!"

With a mixture of confusion and irritation, Hoseok responds, "Tae, what are you-?" He's interrupted by the sound and sight of you walking out of the bathroom. You were wearing a dark blue knitted sweater you found at one of the stores you two visited and absolutely fell in love with. 

“Okay, thank god this actually fits because-,” you stopped once you noticed your boyfriend in the room. “Hey, Hobi. I didn’t think you’d be home this early.” You reached over to give a kiss but Hoseok is still fazed by the situation he walked into. Did what he feared would actually come true? 

“What’s going on here, Y/N?,” he gives you and Taehyung a skeptical look. 

“Oh, I was just trying on the clothes I bought today. I wasn’t able to try some of them on at some of the stores,” you answered matter of factly. 

“You’ve should've been there hyung, Y/N was this close to buying the entire Balenciaga store,” Taehyung snickers. 

You playfully stick your tongue out at him. “I’m gonna change out of this real quick. Be right back.” 

After hearing the click of the bathroom door closing, Hoseok turns to Taehyung, who went back to scrolling through his phone. 

“Hey, Taehyung.” 

“Yeah?,” he answers without looking up. 

“I think it’s time for you to head home.” 

Catching his full attention now, Taehyung looks up and asks, “Huh? Why?” 

But Hoseok doesn’t answer him, only shooting him an expression that warns the phrase: “Do as you are told.” Seeing this rare but terrifying look on his face, Taehyung gulps and quickly stands up. 

“Uh, tell Y/N goodbye for me,” he says nervously before hightailing it out of the apartment. 

A minute later, you came out of the bathroom and noticed Taehyung’s sudden absence. “Where did Tae go?” 

Coyly, Hoseok shrugs. “He said he had to run off somewhere. Didn’t mention what exactly.” 

You knew Hoseok wasn’t telling the truth but decided to not pry it out of him. You just gave him a side eye before leaving him alone in the room. 

Hoseok then sighs in relief before collapsing on the bed. Yeah, he was feeling jealous and definitely wasn’t about to tell you upfront. 

Namjoon

Namjoon felt extremely guilty for snapping at Hoseok earlier at the studio today. With the constant stress of trying to perfect their upcoming album, he had a lot building up inside him. And unfortunately for Hoseok, he said the wrong thing at the wrong time and Namjoon unleashed his anger at him. Hoseok knew how stressed you were so he didn’t take it too personally but Namjoon knew that was no excuse to verbally abuse his best friend. 

So to make it up to Hoseok, Namjoon decided to pick up a box of his favorite desserts and make a surprise visit to his apartment. Hoseok even gave him a key to use for emergencies and Namjoon definitely considered making amends an emergency. 

After unlocking the door, Namjoon made his way in and shouted, “Hey hyung, guess who brought some sweets!” He instantly freezes when he sees Hoseok standing in the foyer, staring back at you in surprise while holding a sobbing woman in his arms. “Oh sorry, I didn’t know you had company,” he says overcome with embarrassment. But when the woman in Hoseok’s arms turned around, he was utterly stunned to find that it was you. 

You released yourself from Hoseok’s embrace to face your boyfriend. “Joon, what’re you doing here?’

“Oh I should be asking the same thing,” Namjoon said, trying to keep calm. “What the hell is going on here? Why was he holding you like that? And why are you crying?,” his questions were shooting out at such a fast pace. 

“Namjoon, calm down,” Hoseok says, attempting to deescalate the situation, “Y/N really needed someone to talk to, I was just trying to be a friend and comfort her.” 

Namjoon eyes both you and Hoseok skeptically; he wanted to believe his friend so bad but it just all seemed too convenient. Seeing this, you stepped towards Namjoon and lightly grabbed his well toned arm. "Joonie, Hobi's telling the truth. I've been super stressed lately with school and my family and I didn't want to bother you since you're so focused on your album," you revealed, "I felt like I was about to explode but luckily Hobi was there for me when I needed him."

"I was trying to be a friend," he remembered what Hoseok said to him. When it comes to being a friend, Hoseok was that beyond. Not only Namjoon felt extremely guilty for lashing at his friend, he got suspicious of him and his girlfriend sneaking behind his back. And to add that fact that you've been stressed out lately and he was too busy to notice, Namjoon couldn't help but feel like the biggest dickhead in the world right now. 

"Hyung," Namjoon says while placing a friendly hand on Hoseok’s shoulder, "I'm sorry for what happened earlier. And thank you for looking after Y/N when I couldn't." 

Hoseok smiles at Namjoon, "Of course, buddy."

Jimin

You and Jimin have been best friends for a long time. You knew him before he was widely known as the cute yet sexy member of the ever popular group BTS and you continue to support him through his trials of being a world renowned idol. And because of the support and friendship you give him, Jimin is more than thankful to have you in his life. In fact, he was actually madly in love with you. How he came to this realization is a rather interesting story... 

Recently, you decided to make a huge move to South Korea for a new job offer. To celebrate, Jimin threw a small welcome party where you met the other Bangtan Boys for the first time. 

"So you're the famous Y/N Jimin would always talk about," greets Namjoon. 

"Yep that's me, I hope he hasn't been dragging my name on the dirt," you say while playfully nudging your bashful friend. 

"Nope, all good things," Jin added, "We can see why Jiminie is crazy about you." 

"Hyung…," Jimin whines in embarrassment while you giggle at the seemingly harmless comment. 

"It really is nice to finally meet you, Y/N" Yoongi says quietly. 

"Heehee, likewise." 

Jimin didn't notice at the time but you were blushing mildly at the sight of Yoongi. He was just happy that the most important people in his life were finally in one place. 

When the party was over, Jimin called a taxi for you and the two of you chatted about ow great the party was while standing around outside.

"Yeah, I'm so glad I finally got to meet the guys. They're so much cooler in person, especially Yoongi…" you trail off. 

Jimin laughs, "Why him especially." 

"Well," you began, "I've always had the biggest crush on him."

Jimin almost stops the car when he heard you say that, "What?! Seriously?" 

During the brief wait before the taxi came to take you home, you went on and on about Yoongi being the coolest man alive while Jimin stayed quiet, seething in his jealousy. Afterwards when he told Taehyung about what you said, he thinks for a moment and says to Jimin, "Maybe you're in love with her." Jimin bursts out a hearty laugh, " Yeah, as if I do." But days and weeks later, he couldn't stop thinking about you and your crush on his hyung. But he especially couldn't get you out of his head. It was so maddening and gut wrenching, he didn't know what to do. 

No one really noticed how distracted Jimin seemed. Well, no one except for Yoongi. One day, he pulled Jimin aside and asked him if everything was alright. At first you were too embarrassed to say anything and was a bit mad at Yoongi for being his crush's crush. But he realized that he could trust Yoongi with anything. So he simply told Yoongi that he was in love with you but you had a thing for another guy, without mentioning it was actually Yoongi. Yoongi silently listens to your predicament and simply tells you this: " If you truly love Y/N you have to be honest with her. And do it before someone else takes her away." 

And that's when you found an anxious Jimin stand in the hallway of your apartment complex at 11 o'clock at night. 

You were already in your pajamas and about to read a book before bed. "Jimin, is there something wrong?" 

Jimin bit his lip and responded with, "Can we talk?" 

Taehyung 

Taehyung absolutely loved it when you baked. You were such a fantastic baker and was always coming up with interesting treats for him to try. You were always happy to whip up something for Taehyung. You were practically his own little personal baker. 

So when Taehyung woke up to warm, sweet smells coming from the kitchen, he instantly knew that it was you working on something. While he didn't know what exactly you were baking, it was already making his mouth water and got him right out of bed. 

When Taehyung got to the kitchen, he found you cleaning up the countertop with your back facing towards him. He was about to say good morning but got distracted by the heavenly sight of a pan of fudge brownies lightly dusted with powdered sugar. Practically drooling, Taehyung reaches to grab a piece but the hard slap on the back of his hand stops him. 

"Ow!," he whines, rubbing the sensitive area. 

"Those aren't for you, I made them for Seokjin." 

"For Jin?! Why does he get brownies?" 

You sighed, it was way too early to deal with this man-child. "Because I've been so busy I never got a chance to bake him something for his birthday last week. So I'm making up for it." 

"Oh," Taehyung says solemnly. He'd forgot that sometimes he had to share his personal baker with other people, and that includes the boys. "So I can't have just one?" 

You put your hand on your hip as you shot Taehyung a serious look, "What the hell do you think, Tae?" 

Feeling defeated, Taehyung's mouth forms into a full on pout. He hangs his head and whimpers quietly like a heartbroken puppy. Seeing him like this made you sigh again. While his bratty behavior did annoy the heck out of you, you also found it kind of endearing. 

"How about this: later on today, I'll bake you some chocolate chip cookies. Would you like that?" 

Without saying anything, Taehyung's pout is instantly replaced with an adorable, boxy smile. 

Yeah, the boy had you whipped. 

Jungkook 

Jungkook adored all of his hyungs but it was no secret that Namjoon was his favorite. After all, he was the reason why Jungkook decided to join BTS. So when you and him made it official, he couldn't wait to introduce you to his leader. 

With you being a very intelligent and thoughtful young woman, he knew the two of you would hit it off. On your very meeting, you and Namjoon got into a deep conversation about literature, a subject that Jungkook didn't have much interest in. Despite not being able to contribute to the conversation, he was just happy that two of the most favorite people in the world were getting along. 

However, it seemed like the conversation didn't end on that day. It turns out that you and Namjoon have been giving each other book recommendations. During his free time, Jungkook would find you always find you, your nose buried in a book Namjoon urged you to read. And boy, was it hard to get you to take a breather. 

"Hey baby, wanna go for a walk and get some coffee?" Jungkook would ask. 

"Yeah, sure. Just let me finish this chapter." you respond. 

"Babe, I'm about to turn in. Wanna join me?" 

But you were too busy to hear Jungkook; you were currently on the phone with Namjoon about the book you've just finished. Seeing that someone else was making you this happy really made him jealous. And the person causing this was his own leader. 

One day, you and Jungook were having a little date at your favorite cafe. Jungkook was sipping his iced Americano while you were texting away on your phone with a big smile on your face. 

"You texting Joon hyung?" 

It takes a moment to register his question before finally answering. "Oh yeah sorry," you say while tucking your phone away, "He was just giving me more recommendations." 

"Oh," Jungkook could only mutter out, hiding his irritation. 

"He's really fun to talk to, he's so freaking smart." 

"Yeah, I know," this time he couldn't hide the tone in voice. You look at him for a moment as Jungkook gazes out of the window. It was only until you took his hand when he broke out of his gaze and turn to face you. 

"I'm really happy you introduced us. I can see why you love him so much." 

At that moment, of all the jealous feelings that Jungkook has held seemed to disappear, feeling rather silly to have these feelings in the first place. 

He interlocks his fingers to yours and says, "Yeah, I'm really glad I did too."

[lunetheaveragefan]

one day...

Hi! This is the beginning of the first fanfiction that I’m posting here! I hope people like it!

A Sander Sides high school AU

Pairing: Prinxiety and some background Logicality

Summary: Virgil is used to being alone. He only has one friend, Logan. But when Logan makes a new friend, things begin to change as two more join their group. Roman, a boisterous theater kid, seems determined to destroy Virgil’s lonely, average life. How much will Virgil’s life change?

Warnings: Some cursing and quick mentions of anxiety/a panic attack. If you notice anything else, let me know!

Word Count: 1,691

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

CHAPTER ONE

Virgil Tempest is having a bad day.

First of all, he’d woken up late. 30 minutes late, to be exact. That left him only 10 to get ready for school, so he didn’t have time to put on his foundation. Now, the feature he hated most about himself — his freckles — would be visible for all to see. 

Secondly, his favorite hoodie was in the wash, so he had to wear his old, plain black one that he hadn’t worn since at least seventh grade. It was buried in the way back of his closet, wedged between a leather jacket he’d completely forgotten he owned and the suit he had only worn once, at a funeral for some distantly related family member.

Thirdly, he forgot his headphones at home in his rush, and so now he had to suffer the whole day, unable to block out the noise of his idiotic school. He thought he had a spare pair in his backpack, but when he looked once he got to school, there weren’t any in sight. 

Earlier, he thought it couldn’t get any worse, but he is sure now that it was just building up to this.

“Oh my God, I’m so sorry!” Roman Princeford apologizes loudly from above him. To say Virgil dislikes Roman would be an understatement. Roman has a ridiculously pompous name and a personality to match. The star theater kid, popular king of the school, and friend to everyone. Well, everyone except for Virgil. Even Virgil’s only friend, Logan Wise, a class-A nerd, likes Roman. 

Needless to say, Virgil doesn’t see Roman’s appeal. Maybe, if Roman could stand to be a whole lot less arrogant, say, every day, or if he stopped being so excessively extra, or if he just took the time to do something other than theater and bragging, he might be tolerable. The key word there being ‘might.’

“It’s fine,” Virgil mumbles from the floor, where he had landed after Roman knocked into him while Virgil was walking. Roman had been talking to his usual group of fans, taking up most of the hallway since pretty much everyone wanted to listen to him, and had thrown out an arm in one of his usual grand gestures and pushed Virgil right over. He’d landed on the floor, books strewn everywhere, being watched by the whole hallway. Of course, it’s more crowded than usual thanks to the tall tale Roman was describing that apparently no one could afford to miss out on. It didn’t help that Roman had decided to make a big deal out of it, either. 

Wishing this terrible day could just end already, Virgil shifts to a crouch and begins to gather his books. To his utter dismay, Roman bends down to help him. Annoyed as he is, Virgil can’t get up the courage to tell the other boy to leave him alone. Even so, the work goes quicker with the other boy helping, and, as much as he would hate to ever admit it, Virgil appreciates it. 

They both reach for the last book on the ground at the same time, and their hands knock into each other. 

“S-Sorry,” Roman says, and Virgil thinks he hears a stutter in his voice. Roman Princeford, the theater prodigy who never messes up a line, stuttering? But when Virgil looks up at Roman, there’s a blush working its way across the other boy’s tan cheeks. Strange. This close, Virgil can see the bluish specks in the other boy’s green eyes. 

Roman must feel Virgil’s eyes on him, because he looks back at him, handing him his last book. Dread settles in Virgil’s stomach as he realizes that Roman must be able to see his freckles. Just as he remembers, Roman’s eyes drop to the other’s nose, where the freckles are the most noticeable. Shit, Virgil curses. 

Yanking the book away from Roman, Virgil turns away and stands up, and Roman soon follows suit. There’s a redness on both of their faces now, but on Virgil’s pale skin, it’s much more visible. How long was I staring at his eyes? He shakes his head, letting his dyed-purple bangs fall over his face. 

Resituating his books in his arms and weaving his way through the people, he starts the walk to his next class, art.

“Have a nice day!” Roman calls from behind him. Virgil sighs and pulls up his hood, wishing now more than ever that he had his headphones.

“Whatever,” he mutters, but the whole next period, all he can think about is Roman Princeford’s bright green eyes, tan skin, and wavy blond hair. 

I must be going crazy, he decides. I mean, I know I’m gay, but gay for Roman Princeford, of all people? I don’t know him at all, and from what I’ve heard — and experienced — he’s not someone I would ever get along with. There’s no way I could possibly have a crush on him. 

Right?

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

At lunch, Virgil drops down in the seat next to Logan with a thud. 

“Greetings,” Logan states professionally. “Am I misperceiving your body language and demeanor or was your day thus far below average in terms of relative happiness and unpleasantly abnormal?” Virgil looks at him around his bangs, puzzled.

“What?” Is he even speaking English? Virgil wonders.

“Pardon me, I forget that you are intellectually compromised when it comes to my copious vocabulary. Let me rephrase,” Logan proclaims. He clears his throat and lays his hands on the table, his fingers pressed together to form triangle-like shapes. “Did your day suck or are you just being your—” Logan waves a hand at Virgil’s body— “regular grumpy asshole self?”

Virgil is taken aback for a second before he rolls his eyes. 

“Roman fucking Princeford bumped into me in the hallway, and then had the nerve to say, ‘Have a nice day!’ afterwards in that disgustingly cheery voice of his!” Virgil complains, poking at his food. He doesn’t really intend on eating any of it; the school’s food is terrible, and besides, he isn’t too hungry anyway. He has some crackers in his bag if he really needs something to eat later.

“I do not understand why you antagonize him so often, but I suppose if you refuse to change your opinions of him, there isn’t much I can do on the matter.” Logan pauses, and Virgil has a feeling he knows what’s coming next: one of Logan’s rare discussions of emotions. “But you shouldn’t just assume that everyone is out to hurt you, Virgil.”

Yup, there it is. Virgil likes Logan’s company because he isn’t too tied up in his emotions, unlike Virgil. He knows the facts, and that’s relieving when Virgil is in the midst of a period of overwhelming anxiety. But sometimes, Logan thinks he knows what’s best for Virgil, especially when it comes to matters concerning Roman Princeford.

Scoffing, Virgil crosses his arms and leans against the back of the chair. “Whatever,” he sighs.

Logan takes a deep breath, obviously trying to calm his temper, which has a habit of getting out of control, and responds, “Virgil, this is unhealthy. You have—” But before Virgil can find out what Logan thinks he has to do, another voice cuts Logan off.

“Heya, guys! How are you?” Virgil looks up to see a shorter student standing there. This new kid’s hair is a mess of amber curls, tumbling over his forehead and slipping behind his round, wire rimmed glasses. Tan skin covered in freckles and a round face gives him a youthful look, but Virgil knows that he’s a junior just like him. 

His name is Patton Hart, and Virgil, surprisingly, doesn’t hate him.

Patton is known for being one of the kindest people in the school. No matter who it is, Patton will find a way to cheer someone up. Back in December of their freshman year, Patton helped Virgil calm down during a panic attack around finals. Virgil harbors no ill will towards the kid, but it’s still strange that he’d show up at their table randomly. 

Then, Virgil remembers that Patton’s best friend is the one and only Roman Princeford. 

Roman probably sent Patton to tell me something. Damn, I hate that stuck up asshole. Before Virgil can open his mouth to ask Patton what he wants with them, since Logan and him are the only ones anywhere near, Logan talks first.

“Hi, Patton!” His voice is so upbeat and joy-filled that Virgil has to look over at Logan to make sure he did, indeed, speak. In the seat next to him, Logan’s face is lit up with a smile, and he looks so…well, not-Logan. And, wait, is that a blush on Logan’s cheeks?

Virgil raises his eyebrows in shock and blinks a few times to make sure what he’s seeing is real. When nothing changes when he opens his eyes, Virgil ignores the strangeness of whatever’s happening next to him and looks back at Patton. 

“Hey, Patton,” he greets. “What do you need?” He tries to keep his voice annoyance-free, so not to hurt the other kid’s feelings. Patton’s a little puffball of innocence and positive energy, and the whole school has made an unspoken agreement to keep it that way.

“Oh, I just came over to talk to Logan about our science project!” 

“We were paired together as lab partners today,” Logan explains, still with that wide smile on his face. 

Weirded out by the scene unfolding in front of him, Virgil pokes at his food one last time and decides he’s not so hungry to risk getting food poisoning. 

“Alright, then,” he says, standing up, “I’ll leave you guys alone so you can talk about your nerdy physics stuff.”

“Actually, Virgil, it’s chemistry we’re taking,” Logan informs him, some semblance of his usual professional manner returning. 

“Well, it’s still science, and it’s still nerdy, so my point stands.”

Patton giggles, and Logan seems to blush, but at this point, Virgil doesn’t trust his own eyes. 

“Well, goodbye, kiddo!” Patton exclaims, waving. Virgil laughs at Patton’s use of ‘kiddo’ even though they're in the same grade and waves back. Telling Logan that he’ll see him later, he turns and dumps his try, finally exiting the noise of the cafeteria.

[ktheist]

seventeen.

chapters:  16 / 17 / 18 

knight!jungkook x princess!reader

xWord had been sent days ago. Jungkook would have been released from his punishment but so would his title. It’s the compromise you agreed on. He will live away from the palace as a commoner. He may return home. You remember the time when he mentions his family and the peaceful life they had... until that dreaded winter.

Every time you think about that, your deceased father comes to mind. It was his rule that caused the death of thousands of his people simply because of greed. But you’d gained something out of it. Naturally, as you were his daughter. Would Jungkook rejoice at the news of the death of the man that caused doom to his family? Or will he mourn with you if he was here?

The latter, you will never know.

It’s been a week since you’ve arrived. Though the workers’ faces are familiar, their treatment of you is not. Before, they would smile at you, ask about your day and tell you about their grandparents back home or their sweetheart who is in the army. Now, they keep their heads low and murmur a quiet greeting. It is fear they harbor.

“So this is where you are.” Seokjin’s warm voice hits your ear as he sits next to you.

He glances at the book you’ve had laid in your lap for the longest time, “are you going to the dinner?”

“I have to,” you affirm in a heartbeat, “otherwise it would reflect badly to the other foreign countries that the Northern Kingdom born and married to the Southern Kingdom-princess are not on so good terms with her birth country.”

Seokjin shakes his head, a small smile on his lips, “yes, but if you don’t feel like going, it’s alright. Minju and mother would understand. Isn’t that what’s most important? What they think. Not what others think.”

“And those are the words of a King.” You look at him with raised brows, “just don’t let Namjoon hear that.”

“Ugh,” he groans, shoulders slump at the mention of the man, “he’s no different than our tutor that kept us locked in the classroom until we finished the exercises he prepared. Only difference is I can use my ‘king’ voice with Namjoon.”

Laughter fills the air as you feel your stomach hurting too much from it. The ‘king’ voice was something you and your siblings did when you were children. It started with mimicking your father’s deep, authoritative voice but then went on to using it on your governors whenever you didn’t want to take a bath or go to sleep early. One Lady Ryu had laughed it off and bopped your nose with her index finger and chuckled while other workers would hesitate in whether to be firm or to let the Prince and Princesses do as they please. Lady Ryu is now retired, you last heard she lives with her daughter and grandchildren.

Somberly, you recall the last time you used your ‘king’ voice. It was just last night and towards your own husband. The man you envisaged to be your friend, partner and close confidant.

“Control yourself, you disgusting man!” You had pushed Taehyung off when he towered over you as soon as Yerin and the maids left. It was unthinkable to hate your favorite drink but he made it all too easy, reeking of the sweet scent that he had too many.

“It’s been days,” he reasoned, fingers snaking around your waist but the touch was short lived as you break away from his grasp, glaring.

“My father just died and if you don’t have a sense of self-decency, then at least have some respect for the dead.” There’s shuffling from outside the door. The maids must have heard the rise of your voice and wondering if they should knock. 

The series of out-of-character behavior displayed by Taehyung kept you on edge and rightfully so. You didn’t flinch when his voice boomed across the room, “ I released your god damned lover - you made a scene out of it and made me a subject of ridicule but I released him anyway.”

“Do you expect a thank you note?” Your chin was kept high and your nose higher even though your heart pounded erratically in your chest. Did he know about your nightly rendezvous? 

He clicked his tongue, annoyed. Now, that’s the tyrant Prince you married. “Find a place elsewhere to sleep if you aren’t going to fulfill your duties as a wife.”

And you gladly did so. It was way past midnight and you had to knock a plenty of times but your mother finally opened the door. Though a tad shocked but she didn’t question it as she held you like she would when you were just a child, sneaking into your mother’s chamber. Your parents had always had separate chambers and one they shared occasionally.

Your train of thoughts is disrupted by an approaching footman. It’s almost time for tea and the two other ladies of the royal family is waiting for you and the King.

x

Some calls for you while you’re on your way to the villa where you’re staying. Luckily enough, preparations were made speedily for you to have your own, private settlement while you’re here. You don’t know if Taehyung knows you’re to move here but you have no worries as the workers would have told him. You have your own separate bedroom on the third floor while Taehyung’s is on the second floor. Turning around, your heart almost dropped at the sight of the young man dressed in the finest of clothing.

He crosses the short distance and drops to his knees, hand stretched out. “It’s been awhile, Princes.”

The first tear hits your cheek before a whole waterfall cascades freely. You take his hand with a hiccup and let him bring yours to his lips. When he stands, you’re forced to crane your neck. You forgot how much taller he is from you.

“J-jungkook, h- how - why -” The words come out in muffled as you take in his appearance. Not a smudge of dirt on his chin, his overgrown hair trimmed to perfection though his cheeks seems hollow, his lips are more reddish than the pale complexion that you saw him with. He’s donned a tailor-made suit that you only see on delegates since you came.

“The guard gave me a hefty bag of coins,” he smiles as if his imprisonment was nothing but a dream, “said he’s retiring as the palace guard and have enough to start a new life with his family and gave me the rest of what he didn’t need so I got a horse and a nice shirt and rode here as soon as I found out.”

The smile drops into a deep frown, he takes a step closer but minds the watchful eyes, “are you alright, Princess? I’m sorry about his majesty.”

“Don’t be,” you shake your head, wiping off the tears as you look at him straight in his eyes, “he caused a lot of hardship to the people. I can’t say that I’m glad he’s dead but the Northern Kingdom has a new and better King now.”

“King Seokjin,” he nods stiffly. There’s doubt in his eyes of the future of the kingdom. He will not be the only one who thinks so. Seokjin has been missing for five years as soon as he had the chance to leave the palace’s gates to travel. But you would say he’s gained plenty of experience. All which will help him govern the kingdom with wisdom.

“Where are you staying? What are you going to do next? Will you go home?”The onslaught of questions tumble out in one breath. It’s been over a week since you left for your birth country and longer since you’ve seen him.

Jungkook chuckles but answer them anyway, “for now, probably and inn and I’m going to stay by your side of course. Home is where you are, Princess.”

Something tubs on your heartstrings as you stare at the man forlornly, “but you’re no longer a knight... Taehyung...”

At the mention of the name, his face darkens. Gone is the playful atmosphere you two shared. You can see the rising rage and hatred towards the aforementioned man like that of your own.

“Did he - did he hurt you?” His voice shakes with a cluster of emotions that you can’t pinpoint.

You shake your head a tad too fast. “No, but he’s been getting on my nerves too many times to count.”

“I see,” he breathes out in relief before his eyes travel to your belly and back to your face, “are you...”

A pause.

“It’s too soon to tell,” you say but clutches your stomach with both hands anyway.

Just as he’s about to say something, Eunha’s voice echoes off the walls. You catch her figure half-running towards you with that cheery smile of hers. If Yerin were here, she’d tut and tell her to walk, not run.

“Your highness!”

When you revert your gaze to Jungkook, he’s already taking a step back, bowing and brushing past you with a murmur, “till we meet again, Princess.”

“Who was that?” Eunha hums, neck lolling to the side as she stares at the back of the man you were talking to. Panic begin to rise as the seconds stretch on, so you put on your best smile, “So, what news do you bring?”

Almost instantly, her attention focuses on you, “I overheard Prince Taehyung talking about the coronation with the Duke of Goryeo. Before you start showing. Is it true?”

Your jaw falls open just the slightest bit. He hasn’t discussed such matters with you but it is no surprise that all the news you’ve gathered are from either Lord Park or the maids’ gossip sessions.

“I suppose the cat is out of the bag now.” You school a noble smile, rubbing your stomach as Eunha gushes and congratulates you.

[ryttu3k]

Onwards with more CoNY! Night 6 through to, well, endgame (it’s not a long game XD;; ), and some closing thoughts.

Oh impressive, didn’t actually piss off Kaiser! Still, that was a hell of a bust XD

Who’s next... Agathon, I think. Heh, when I was watching Outstar’s LP, she got up to the animal blood part and I went, “Huh, I wonder if that’s a Tremere thing, since Invidia was working on sheep blood too?” And, well. Small world XD

“After Agathon parks the car, it’s time for you to enter the nightclub. You glance at the Tremere, evaluating him. It’s obvious this is not his kind of place.” Oh mood.

Juno’s rude :(

“You were too busy licking Aisling’s boots to realise what you had!” “Aisling doesn’t wear boots.”

Oops. Yeah, didn’t impress either Agathon or Aisling much there, alas.

Stalker spotted! :o

Okay, more fun with Kaiser. Wine shop at 232 Mullberry St, ask for the 1821 Special Reserve Donatello Negroamaro. When they decline, say you’re a ‘fedele servitore della famiglia G.’ Ugh, fuckin’ Giovanni. Take it, say ‘grazie’ and nothing else. Got it!

Ugh, Willets Point doesn’t look cheery! Oh well, got the address, at least.

I hear a ‘shrill, unpleasant laugh’. Oh boy, him XD;; Didn’t actually speak to him earlier in this run.

Well, rest of the night is free! Time for D’Angelo, this time! Man, never thought I’d be so relieved to see his ugly mug, but hey, beats the NYPD XD

I mean, being right is one thing, but it’s pretty uncool to realise what’s going on and what it could mean :-\ I like that he does seem fairly compassionate towards the Thinbloods, like he recognises how shit they have it and doesn’t want to make it shittier.

Yeah, Larson’s in a really tricky situation too :-\ But yikes, this shelter is... deeply unpleasant. Definitely prefer Santa Monica beach XD;;

Hi, Sana, nice to meet you. Are you a serial killer, by any chance?

Buaargh grabbed by the throat that was very rude!! Ooof, blood hunt. Even ruder :( Scourge, not fun. Has it ever occurred to them that maybe the mass killing off of Thinbloods would lead to Gehenna? I mean, call it a wild and crazy theory... XD;;

Ooh, lots of choices tonight. I think Benoit, then back to D’Angelo. There’s also the stalker and reporter sidequests, but I want to save those for later (reporter with the Ventrue, stalker with the Brujah, although I think there are two options for the stalker so I might do that one with the Ventrue too... for now, focusing on Benoit with Lamar).

...uh oh. Hunters.

Hmm. That sure was a thing. Back to D’Angelo, let’s see if we can find Sana before the Scourge does...

lmao feeding opportunity on the random flask. Sure why not.

“Something about impending doom and oh lawd, he comin’.” *SNORTS*

“Who are we meeting?” “Better strap in, ‘cause this one’s a doozy.” “Am I meeting your parents?” Wow and it’s only the third date XD

“We want her alive.” / “Don’t be a murderous bitch.” God you have no idea how much I want to do the second one...

D’Angelo and Valerie, huh XD

Poor Sana :(

Oh, uh, hi Qadir! Make yourself at home. Oh you already did. Okay then!

...good talk!

Awww fuck it’s Emma :(

Mrph. No time for that yet, so back to D’Angelo. Sana seems calm. If we can get her out of the city, that’s a better option than turning her over to Panhard, that’s for sure. Hmm, Larson turned someone over to the SI. That is... uncool. Still, if helping her get out is feasible, let’s give it a shot.

Dee and jello. Hee.

Oh fucking - um, hi, Qadir? Okay, yes, fair to say that did not go well.

God this is just sad :( But if we had gone to Elysium, she probably would have been publicly executed, and if we had turned in Larson, he would have been killed instead...

Ahhh, the book reveal. I had already been spoiled for this, alas, but it’s still a pretty neat - and sad - twist.

I’m having emotions over the friendship between a Toreador and a Nosferatu don’t mind me ;_; And that is D’Angelo’s arc complete and achievement got!

Now to say goodbye to Emma :(

“It’s going to leave a scar, boy. But a true artist knows those are not something to hide, but to display with pride.” Man, I so wonder what Qadir would be doing if he wasn’t Sheriff. He’s a Toreador! What’s his creative outlet?

God that scene is so sad ;_; Also Qadir is such a good character, seriously.

Next up - now that D’Angelo’s arc is done, over to Agathon.

He’s such a good grandson ;_;

Time for Benoit part three. Final part, I think? God that’s an intense scene. In Outstar’s LP, she had Lamar run, so I haven’t seen the outcome of it, but. Yeah. That’s full-on. And that’s the achievement done, so back to Agathon!

Ahh dang. Asked about the notes instead of the missing Invidia. Ah well, I’ve seen that text option - the next step is syncing it up with Night Road.

I mean. In fairness. Juno’s right, the Tremere are pretty shitty XD;; Got the notes back with Celerity, though! (Didn’t think Presence was a good idea, she’d probably just counter with Dominate.) Oof, wonder what she did to Agathon, though?

Oooh, she’s House Carna!! Okay, that’s damn cool... and now I’m wondering if she was right after all XD No chance of convincing Aisling and Agathon to ditch the Pyramid and go join Carna too, huh? Either way, arc done, and achievement got!

Oh huh, now I’m out of options XD Won’t have enough time to do Hope or Tamika’s runs, so... I guess let’s start the stalker and journo ones? I think I’m going to run out of time before endgame, though. Or, I can deliberately fail at recruiting someone for the achievement... yeah, okay, let’s go say hi to Hope.

Hi chat! Nice to meet you all! Friendly crowd here! God this is so much funnier having seen Hope’s arc already.

“Any last words?” “Your chat room sucks ass.”

V I B E C H E C K

Lamar: “What.”

Hope’s show is goddamn wild. Also, confirmation that it definitely is set in 2019.

Huh. Not the impression I got from the description of v5 Blush of Life, it’s supposed to be normal saline.

Aaaand the reveal! I love the username InfodumpDeliveryService lmao

Whoops. Accidentally succeeded in recruiting her XD Well fuck it, we’re only just meeting with Torque now, let’s see how far I can get before endgame!

“Heard this is the place to meet hot chicks who hate the patriarchy.”

Man I wish you legit could join the Anarchs XD;;

Yeah not surprised Mia is a Brujah XD I bet she and Damsel would get on!

Hmm. Fun times with stalkers, I guess. Oh rude just got beaten up :(

Huh. Wonder if Bruce’s mysterious master is Samira, the Banu Haqim primogen?

Hrmm. Could try failing with Tamika, I guess. Hi Gangrel dude I like your tree tattoo! Raoul, gotcha. Oh goddammit I accidentally recruited again XD

Oh fuck police D8 Oh, right, that was the stalker. Fun times! Oh shit that note was from Adelaide, right, because those definitely sound like stereotypical Malk speech patterns XD;; ...Or not, because it’s time to meet ‘the boss’ :|

RIP Vince but not too much of the P.

God Callihan is repellent I’m so glad, uh, SoNY happens.

Okay, nasty stalker, let’s see what you’re on about! Or not because Sophie is being scary as fuck and forcing the poor kid to meet with Torque D:

Poor Lamar’s just realised he’s a pawn and is like, “...well fuck.”

Okay, now we’ve set all that up, now we go meet with the stalker XD;; Aaand... she thinks Lamar is pretty, and got an achievement XD;;

Well that was a rude as hell awakening. D’Angelo, you are a sight for sore eyes!

Man the music that plays here is giving me super strong Bloodlines vibes.

Ooof, back to that apartment. That’s fun.

And of course this is the part where the game all falls apart :-\

Just... god. This is probably the biggest problem with CoNY, and the reason I didn’t bother getting it until it was like... 60% off. The bulk of the game is great - the writing is intriguing, the design is stunning. But the choices themselves are so limited it’s barely worth even getting it at 60% off!

You have three choices of characters, with their own opening chapters and own individual scenes with their touchstones. You have four choices of coterie members, and three sidequests. You can probably get in at least three full story arcs and a sidequest or two, but you’re only ever limited to two of your coterie members showing up at the not-yet-endgame.

So let’s say you decide to play all three protags, which, indeed, is encouraged (there’s an achievement for it). You are going to repeat coterie arcs and side quests, because there simply aren’t enough for three unique playthroughs.

And then you get to the end and literally everything is scripted. You get attacked by the SI. You get rescued by your two coterie members (and then never see them again, despite the game being called Coteries of New York). You meet Torque, you escape the SI, Sophie reveals her plan to Torque, you go to Ellis Island, Adelaide kills Sophie (and despite the fact that you’re given multiple options there, none of them work), Arturo does his spiel, end of game. You don’t even get to choose between ending up blood bound or going “no fuck you” and at least dying with a bit of dignity!

I just. I really want to like it, and there genuinely is a lot there to like! But uuuugh the ending. Like damn at least give the poor protag the option to choose what happens to them!

Anyway. Not sure what’s next. To get all the achievements, you have to finish with all three protags, so that’s three full runs and a lot of repetitiveness (compare to, say, Bloodlines or Night Road. I have eighty-five hours on Night Road and there’s still stuff I haven’t seen!), so I can’t even just... rush it through up to the meeting with the touchstones on the third play. Nope. Gotta finish it :-\

Final rating: 6/10

8/10 characters, 9/10 atmosphere, 8/10 story aside from ending, 3/10 story ending, 2/10 replayability. Final consensus: get it on major sale if you can, otherwise, you might as well just watch an LP. I might do that instead of doing a third run, although I at least want to do a second.

But yeah. Either way, I’m definitely going to be setting it aside for a while. I want to do a short-play game (probably ABZU), then back to Bloodlines for my Tremere Cammy run. At least there’s still plenty there to explore, even if the endgame combat is pretty repetitive! It has actual different endings and your choices actually matter!

[chelsfic]

Chapter 10 - Inherited - Dracula/OFC - Dracula 2020 fanfic

Part One | Part Two | Part Three | Part Four | Part Five | Part Six | Part Seven | Part Eight | Part Nine

A/N: The last chapter ended with a door closing. This one will end with a door opening. Also the requisite vampire looking in through the window scene. The chapter *after* this one will have a smut scene, I promise! If you like this and would like to be added to the tag list just let me know! Also, all of my love and respect to everyone who has read, liked, commented, reblogged, sent messages, and just generally interacted with this fic from the beginning. Readers like you are why fanfic writers keep creating. So, thanks!

Summary: An angsty interlude of lovers parted. Dracula works out how not to be a douche. The last chapter ended with a door closing. This one will end with a door opening. Also the requisite vampire looking in through the window scene. 

Each morning since she left Emilie rose from bed with a listless spirit and went through the motions of dressing and preparing for her day. She’d taken a job at the hand laundry workshop in town and she spent long hours each day soaking, scrubbing, drying and ironing. It was exhausting work that left the delicate skin of her hands cracked and her back aching.  She never returned home until after sunset. Emilie supposed it was good to be so busy for she had no energy for anything when she got home other than a quick supper and getting into bed. There was certainly no time to think about the Count. About the taste of love in his blood, the flare of joy she’d felt at the discovery, so quickly extinguished by his...horrible, pig headed cruelty. No, she didn’t have time even to dwell on the confection of emerald green silk that still hung up on the wall in the corner of her room: a ghost of a life that seemed so long ago, so far removed.

She told herself these lies to get through the day. But at night, in the darkness of her little bedroom, she let the tears fall for her love. She still loved him though she was also furious at him. And she felt him still, too, through the ethereal connection that bound them together. His emotions were a whirling confusion of impressions without context that she couldn’t interpret into any meaningful idea of his actions or thoughts. Sometimes she felt waves of lust and exaltation from him. She assumed he must be feeding at those times. But other times she felt his weariness, his amusement, his boredom, his anger...and his sadness. His sadness was like a bruise on her soul. She longed to reach out to him and comfort him. Sometimes she tried, sending her thoughts in his direction and trying to inject them with warmth, comfort and love. She was always met by the sudden slamming shut of a barrier between them. It sent an icy chill down her spine when he cut himself off from her--it felt like losing one half of herself. And it would invariably send her into a black mood of mourning for the rest of the night. In her most desperate hours she prayed to God and asked, demanded to know what she’d done wrong. All she ever did was love and serve Dracula. Why had he forsaken her? But it was not the word of God she heard in response, but her mother’s words echoing back to her from that last day at Carfax. Men of power may play with our lives, our affections as they wish.

***

Dracula rose each night with the ghost of a sob in his throat as if he’d swallowed a suicidal songbird before going to sleep. He knew it belonged to Emilie. He could taste her emotions through their connection just as surely as he’d tasted her blood. Since...that night she tasted like poisoned happiness and bitter regrets. He tried to harden his heart towards her, to occupy himself with pleasure, blood, lives, but she was still there, always. Like an annoying little spark inside his chest that at times burned and other times seemed to suffer and wither. 

He felt her reaching for him sometimes, a psychic assault of goodness and warmth that made his skin crawl in self-loathing. He tried keeping her out, putting up his mental defenses. It did work. But he was weak and each time he shut her out the hollow emptiness on the other end of the connection would unnerve him. It was like she wasn’t there, like she was dead. He always came back, drawing back the curtain just for a peek at the other side. To know she was safe. And each time he felt the black oppression of her sadness at being cut off from him. It was suffocating.

So, in keeping with his recent trend, he ran from the overwhelming emotions. In a fit of stubbornness and to prove to himself that he belonged to no one and certainly not a silly housekeeper, he met with his solicitor to inform him of the cessation of payments to the Andrews family. Renfield was pleased to scratch that expense from his ledger book. The sycophant was always gratified to improve his master’s wealth and cut expenses.

“Very good,” he sniveled, smiling like the cat who’d caught the canary. “And what about the house?”

Count Dracula raised his brows in question, “What house, Renfield?”

Here the solicitor chuckled, “The Andrews’s residence, of course. We--that is, you are the landlord.”

Dracula looked into the man’s eyes, gleaming with delight and greed, and felt the sudden urge to snap his neck. 

“The house, well...they’ll remain living there, I expect. I don’t think the family has designs on moving anywhere else.”

“Yes, but the rent. The rent was included in Miss Emilie’s salary,” Renfield prompted. 

Dracula felt the meanness go out of him. The idea of throwing Emilie onto the street... This whole meeting was a mistake. His shoulders sagged and he waved a dismissive hand as he responded, “Nevermind, Renfield. Forget about this meeting.”

The force of suggestion in his words left the solicitor gazing at him with a look of blank happiness for a moment before he came to his senses again. The Count tutted sympathetically as he led the man out of his office and down the corridor to the front door. He probably should try to cut back on glamouring Renfield. The man was starting to go a little...off.

Before he ushered him out the door he paused and asked, “Renfield, you arranged for company tonight, didn’t you?”

“Oh!” Renfield beamed, “Yes, master, a visiting Countess from France. She has a distant cousin who lives in town but she’s taking her leave of them tonight and departing very early in the morning. So…”

“So,” Dracula agreed. “Very good.”

He stood back from the doorway as Renfield opened it to the daylight and took his leave. Fresh blood tonight, he parted his lips and salivated at the thought. She wouldn’t compare to Emilie, but he’d make do.

***

The Countess turned out to be such a vulgar gossip that if he weren’t weary from his talk with Renfield he would have snapped her neck on the spot and flew off to the next county to find some suitable shepherd boy to sate his appetite. Instead he urged the Countess to indulge in seconds at dinner, hoping to quiet her ceaseless chatter.

“Where are your servants, Count Dracula?” the woman demanded impertinently. “You’ve no one to serve the table? How odd!”

Dracula showed her his teeth in a menacing smile, “I’m between housekeepers at the moment, Countess.”

She lifted a knowing brow, “Ah, yes, I think my cousin may have mentioned something along those lines. One of the daughters of that Andrews woman? You recently sacked her? What was it, theft? It’s a shame we can’t expect virtue in our servant class anymore, isn’t it?”

Dracula put his arm on the back of her chair and clenched his fingers into the wood, “It seems that nothing is beneath your notice, Countess.”

She sniffed haughtily, “I like to get to know the places I visit….You know, I think I saw that girl the other day. Yes, I did! I remember my cousin remarking, ‘There goes the Andrews girl. She’s sorry she lost her cozy spot with the Count now, I reckon.’ And he was right. She was dreadfully thin and worn out looking. Her hands were bright red! From working with those chemicals they use in the laundry houses. Well...she won’t steal again that’s for sure…”

Dracula made it hurt when the time came. He relished the horrible woman’s cries and struggles as he quenched the life from her. All the while his mind’s eye supplied him with the image of Emilie: tired, starved, and maimed from hard labor. When he finished he drew back and let the blood run down his chin and drip onto the corpse’s ashen face. He was the picture of a pagan god feasting on a human sacrifice. He cracked her spine with a twist of the neck and let her drop to the floor in an undignified heap.

***

The Andrews family house was located on the main road in a section of town primarily occupied by merchants. It was a place they’d never have been able to manage without their special arrangement with the Count. Dracula, who came so infrequently into town, had never been inside. He stood across the wide street and regarded the modest brick dwelling. The windows in the parlor were illuminated and cast cheery yellow light out onto the dark street. He could feel Emilie’s presence inside the home and it lent the whole scene an air of fragile beauty. A loving home, glowing with hope and goodness against the forces of the night. Dracula rolled his eyes at his own train of thought and crossed the street. A force of the night coming to call.

Before approaching the door he detoured through the flower bed and stood outside the parlor window looking in. Emilie sat by herself beside the fire. There was a pile of knitting in her lap, but her hands were still. She gazed into the fire and he saw tear tracks on her cheeks. He regarded her critically and admitted that the Countess’s observations had been accurate. Emilie looked weak, thin and tired. Her hands were raw and cracked and her face looked despondent. He had never seen her like this. Not even when she’d first come to him and she was too frightened to stand in his presence without trembling. The Count felt a deep self-disgust that he was the cause of her unhappiness. He did not know at what point he’d begun to care but there was something forged between them that he could not deny.

He turned away from the sad scene and went to the door. He heard a rustle of commotion at his knock. Shortly the door creaked open allowing the cheerful light from within to spill out illuminating the tall, dark form of Count Dracula.

Emilie stood with one hand on the doorknob and the other over her heart. She gasped upon seeing him there, conjured, it seemed, from her own yearning.

“Vlad?” she breathed.

“Hello, Emilie,” he replied, aiming for cavalier.

Emilie took a beat to recover before asking, “Won’t you come inside?”

Dracula grinned in response but didn’t yet move forward.

“If you’ll invite me,” he replied.

Emilie smiled, dimples appearing in her cheeks although her eyes remained sad and guarded.

“Come inside, Dracula.”

Tags:

@charlesdances @mr-kisskiss-bangbang @dracula-s-bride @haleyea​ @irrelevantwriter​ @felicityofbakerstreet​ @festering-queen​ @kaddis-world​ @leah-halliwell92​

[longeyelashedtragedy]

this has been the most wild fuckin year so let’s do a Year in Review shall we

in terms of internet and fandom life, that is. my real life has been atrociously boring but who cares about real life amirite folx

january probably the only calm month of the year.  i spent the first day of the month watching the brazilian inauguration in burgos, spain with one headphone in, while ordering for my family in a restaurant where nobody spoke english (my sister speaks decent spanish, but my whole family has like 8194814 food restrictions so it kind of went past her level of ability). translating between spanish and english with portuguese in one year was kind of awesome. i watched bodyguard and it was amazing!  what else...in january i briefly owned the issue of spanish GQ with Luka on the cover which i then forgot about until november. other than that...? nada.  the calm before the storm. (fav music)

february was so long ago that i keep forgetting how insane its 28 days were.  probably the wildest month of the year really. i got involved in an absolutely batshit and exclusive group chat with a famous person’s family member (which must remain confidential). it was all sunshine and rainbows for a week and a half and it then devolved into the most absolutely insane Lord of the Flies situation ever--it turned into 1 main chat and then 1 chat that was less puritanical than the main chat, and that chat spawned another chat that didn’t trust the previous chat, and then that chat had a massive argument and a like 6-person bitchy chat modded by a gay guy who does voodoo (shoutout to ALCIDES) spawned from that one.  i made it into every level of group chat and was asked by the tiny bitchy chat to spy on the other bitchy chat (i did not lol). i was a member of the tiny bitchy chat until i got a new phone and was logged out of whatsapp for like a month.  these words can’t even convey what this chat was like--oh and did i mention it was all conducted in only my 3rd-best language? it’s no wonder my weird ass survived middle school almost entirely unscathed.  as this was winding down, on the very last day of the month, I found out about Justin’s involvement in the SNC-Lavalin scandal and decided to go public about my years-long boner for him; Lavscam definitely changed the course of the rest year ~ Oh, also i began helping to repair a friendship that had had some Drama go down so that was p cool ~ (fav music)

march was a Time. The insanity of lavscam helped me finally finish the macdeau I started writing the previous December when a bunch of tungelr people called me disgusting for writing it.  i wrote my first straight-up serious explicit porn in years which has wound up being the third-longest thing i’ve ever published on ao3. Also, Hozier released Wasteland, Baby! which made a huge impact on me as well.  i spent like half of march staying up till 3:30 am writing said Long Fic, and i was firmly in the closet about stanning manu. also justin almost got a vote of no confidence or something and he got busted for eating a chocolate bar during a parliamentary all-nighter.  (fav music)

in april i wrote a ton of fanfic thanks to declining mental health(tm).  i think this is when i started my emmanuyell insta account and became really into making weird edits (which i still love doing just...don’t anymore.)  i started meeting some cool people thanks to macdeau.  what else happened in april? i feel like it wasn’t actually too eventful other than writing a lot of fanfic and being Annoyed about manu.  feel free to jog my memory lol.  oh i think i wrote “Okay so who from the French national team are we gonna ship Manu with” on twitter after seeing photos of manu + antoine griezmann at the World Cup but nothing came of that...at that time... (fav music)

may saw me having to deal with my shit mental health and up my meds but that seems to have had a good effect because i seem to not be too depressed to write in the winter/fall anymore! it was the 2nd anniversary of manu’s election and at the Christchurch Call in paris, macdeau took that amazing fairytale princess photo together that was completely unrivalled in Gay Shippy Feels moments until ivan went out of his way to kiss luka during the el clásico gameplay last wednesday. someone wrote ao3′s first griezmanu drabble and at the end manu gets down on his knees in front of antoine, takes off his shoes for him, and sucks his dick, and i achieved another state of being entirely.  my sister graduated from grad school and when we went down to DC for the weekend i went to eat at this restaurant manu famously ate at while there and ordered the same stuff he did and i have no idea how he consumed all that grease.  i learned about the song O Come, O Come, Emmanuel *snort*. i feel like other things happened in may too?  OH YES--i got the idea for my magnum opus, Trophy Boyfriend, and started to write it. the first scene i wrote was justin blowing manu in the hallway. then the same day i wrote the scene at the airport (which was the ending for a solid month and half till i realized it shouldn’t be), and the saddest scene in the fic--but we’ll stop to open presents.  oh! and i stumbled across the macronists discord chat which is such a delightful little community *weepy sniffles* (fav music)

june was Eventful.  a french neonazi on tumblr told me to go let manu fuck me in the ass because i was a fucking degenerate.  what a start!  then came the ceremony in which manu awarded everyone on the french national team the legion of honor medal and the way he and antoine looked at each other was truly...Wait it was the 3rd Gay Shippy Feels moment of the year.  as soon as the ceremony was over i wrote a fic about it and haven’t looked back.  between this + watching almost every 2018 World Cup game and the women’s world cup (during which I cried during argentina’s last game because of that miraculous penalty) i finally achieved my years-long goal of getting into Futbol(TM).  Antoine dropped his spotify playlist and my crush on him turned into Intense Love (TM) and also he introduced me to some legit awesome artists.  which led to (fav music)

july, in which i wrote “ça c’est ma dope” which is definitely the best thing i’ve written since i wrote “modernity towering in front of the sky” almost exactly 10 years before. got embroiled in Soccer Transfer Drama and learned its pain for the first time (unfortunately, since i wound up attaching my heart-wagon to barça’s Suddenly Least Favorite Player, the transfer drama pain has...never ended) became a full-fledged culé, O the joy O the honor.  i wanted to ship antoine with someone on the team, which in their current chemistry-less season is a real challenge, but after seeing a few photos i decided it would be fun to casually ship antoine + ivan rakitic (partially because, ever since i went from Enemies to Lovers with the croatia NT during the World Cup, he was one of the only players i knew anything about other than messi, suárez, and piqué lmao). while looking on ao3 to see what kind of headcanons people had about him--and the fic is definitely in general better than what’s out there about antoine, which is perplexing because antoine is much easier to write than ivan--i found That Amazing Rakidric Fic and thought “oh wait that ship makes a lot of sense” and started also shipping ivan and luka with the fire of a thousand suns.  oh and my air conditioner was broken for like 3 weeks. i worked on more fics, seriously outlining the path of Trophy Boyfriend, and my music taste was killer. (fav music)

in august i finished Trophy Boyfriend in my neighborhood Starbucks after writing the scene that was giving me the most trouble (the scene at the beginning where they’re organizing their book collection). the fic has made multiple people cry and people disagree on whether justin’s choice at the end was the right one and god i’m so proud of it.  Instantly went on to write ‘i might not mind,’ a lively lighthearted Friends to Lovers ivantoine~ romp which was definitely going to be a one-off and i was definitely not going to get an extra celeb crush out of it,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, (fav music)

in september ivantoine became A Thing in my mind and it’s a whole ongoing slow-burn character-arcy series that has taken a very different turn than i had expected. i’m not saying it’s like, the most deep writing of all time, but it’s gone to some interesting places emotionally. honestly, ships and boners aside, the concept of a person who made some really stupid homophobia 101 comments many years ago slowly realizing over and over again that they have gay feelings for a man who seems rather comfortable with gayness is a fascinating one and one that’s really cool to explore in writing.  Or at least, i think so.  in many ways ivan is my most unreliable narrator because of the many layers of Discomfort, Emotion and Repression at play in the fic while he’s interacting with this pretty cheery and uncomplicated seeming-dude who’s still perceptive enough to sort of know what’s going on (and that’s not even adding in the star player/falling from grace former rockstar dynamic!!!)  i know in the current climate it’s Not Allowed to write about someone who said a bad, but luckily i’m too old to give a Fuck. ivantoine is hard to write but it’s my bff’s favorite ship of mine and has a few other excited fans on ao3 which tbh is kind of an accomplishment considering i made it up out of thin air and it’s not something you’d ever think would be a thing. instantly also developed ‘getting called out about ivan by a child on the internet’ as a goal.  and...i achieved my dream of leading high holiday services!!! (fav music)

october had more high holiday services and i worked a lot on certain fics (including d*janfic which would be fun to finish). i came up with the idea of a Very Long Rakidric Fic based on the translation of a gorgeous croatian folk song i sang in college (Janko fell asleep under the poplar/My dear and beloved/My beautiful dark eyes/Look at me/Under the poplar's golden branch/My dear and beloved/My beautiful dark eyes/Look at me/I tore off the golden branch/My dear and beloved/My beautiful dark eyes/Look at me--in which the golden branch is a reference to a way to get into the underworld). decided to start quarter-assedly learning croatian for fun.  Fun...ha.  other than fangirling a lot and watching the croatian NT play, october was pretty uneventful? i think? Justin got reelected and mauricio didn’t ;( (fav music)

in november i finally achieved my dream of having a literal child on the internet call me out about being attracted to a homophobe.  (they were a madridista even!) accidentally started writing some more rakidric and now i’m seriously hooked.  also accidentally came out of the closet about the secret crush i’d been harboring on luka modric and then one fateful day in the ihop on 14th st i realized i’d had this crush already and repressed it from my memory. Don’t do that kids! now it’s Hurting Really Bad. Ivan dropped the most pathetic and candid interview like...ever and i hope “¿Cómo puede disfrutar uno? Jugando al fútbol. ¿Cómo se siente mi hija pequeña cuando le quitan un juguete? Triste. Yo me siento igual. Me han quitado la pelota, me siento triste” goes down in the history of most epic futbol quotes of all time.  (still haven’t actually been able to watch this because no one has uploaded it anywhere)  What else...............Am i forgetting anything? i celebrated my birthday with @tender-vittles in epic fashion after two years of Not doing that, and turned 32 going on 15.  enjoyed my first-ever “x reader” fic (zlatko dalic x reader LOL) and finished “drive your plow over the bones of the dead” which was real fucking good. i saw hozier live and it was a religious experience and i unexpectedly cried during nina cried power and then called myself “Luka B” when ordering at the classy taco bell across the street after getting a glimpse of alexxx ryan in the flesh. (fav music)

now it’s december and my seasonal depression is a little worse than it’s been the past few years but i’m managing.  still shipping and writing and i just got called out about ivan again last week.  i’m 2 for 2 here!  el clásico was boring but also it was gay and my heart my heart my heart ! Anything could happen in the last 10 days of this year and honestly...I’m pretty sure I’m ready.

Most importantly this year, despite it being not that great in a lot of ways, I developed a lot more self confidence, made many important realizations, and became a lot more peaceful (despite how this post makes me sound) and wiser and less bitter and pessimistic.  And i became outspoken enough about antisemitism on the left to lose friends over it...3 for 3.  i can’t say i’m displeased with these developments.

Hasta 2020! <3

[femchef]

Suffer Bitch Ficlist

What This List Is: A collection of fics that I’ve read that absolutely fuck me up emotionally, and that I appreciated/loved/needed/have impacted me enough that I’ve saved them for re-reading. If these were paperbacks, the pages would have started falling out long before now.

That said, everything on this list has an emotional resolution (even the few incomplete ones I’ve chosen to include). Nothing on this list is the kind of emotional devastation that leaves the reader feeling empty and used* because honestly I need resolution, and I hate the type of #realism that makes me go “Well what was the fucking point, then”. This list is not comprehensive; if you’re in these fandoms, you’ve likely brushed up against them before. The majority of these authors are well-known, and some of these fics have been around longer than I’d like to be reminded. 

So - what qualifies a fic for this list, anyway? 

Tears and snotty sobbing. Everything on this list has made me cry and also given me emotional chills to some degree in order to make the cut.**

Before You Read: Take any warnings I list below seriously. If it’s something that will fuck you up in a bad way, then don’t read it. Don’t open the link. We all have things that are no-go’s. Full disclosure? I can’t read anything with graphic depictions of sexual assault, though mentions, allusions to, or mild/non-graphic depictions (ex. fade to black scenarios, fuzzy memory recall, etc.) don’t bother me. I take those tags and author’s notes seriously when I’m choosing what to read. Similarly, I’m pretty blasé about a lot of gore or body horror - except, specifically, when someone is rolling around in a pit of used needles (thanks for that, Saw movies). Guess what I avoid reading? In short: be a responsible reader. Don’t be self-destructive and proceed with however much caution you require.

*a life of smoke and silvered glass is an outlier and should not be counted.

**As a baseline, please keep in mind that the first time I read JRRT’s The Two Towers, I threw my book across the room when I got to the end. Also, the scene in Whale Rider where Paikea is on stage is the one time I started gross-sobbing in a movie theatre. Make of that what you will.

On to the list!

Suffer Bitch Ficlist:

(Presented to you in order of least impactful to most)

Invitation/Complication

It’s Green

Skin Deep

a life of smoke and silvered glass

Practicing Liars

Family Night

A Wicked Game

A Piercing Comfort

Loud and Clear

Humans and Ghosts

Digging for the Bones

Chivalry 

In Care Of

A Year Like None Other

Stay

Under Wing

Distorting Equivalency 

I’m Not Broken (I Can’t Be)

[The following are in no particular order because I couldn’t decide]

19. Sacrifices Arc

20. Phantom of Truth/Shadow of a Doubt

21. Like One Sundered Star

1. Invitation/Complication Series [Homestuck]

By saffronHeliotrope

You don’t need reminding that everyone is pairing off while you have village-bicycled your way through this group of morons as if you’d never run out of time.

It occurs to you that maybe you need new friends.

Word Count: 8,033

Status: Complete

This series contains two works, one taking place immediately after the other. Have fun angsting with Dave because he can’t seem to wrap his mind around this whole ot3 thing with John and Rose (on their wedding night, ofc). Consenting (if slightly dumb) adults and polyamory all around. 

Read here: https://archiveofourown.org/series/132165

2. It’s Green [Harry Potter]

By Doodled93

Harry grows up working on his Aunt’s Garden and develops a love for it, meeting Samuel and eventually Max, who gives him a Mark of his own. This Mark is changing him, making him more different than he already was, and he loves it. 

Word Count: 88,549

Status: WiP

This is marvelous kidfic - lots of good fluff. Except. You know - that one OC death that was so heart wrenching that you start bawling. The concept of magical tattoos in this fic is really nice, and Max - a prickly, rough and gruff tattoo artist is the best kind of unintentional parental mentor. The author hasn’t updated in some time, but they’ve also made a note that they’ll come back eventually when they’re ready to update to completion. 

Read here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/411709/chapters/683216

3. Skin Deep [Fullmetal Alchemist]

By Batsutousai 

Trisha and Van’s first child, Edith, was born a beautiful, healthy girl. The only problem? Ed knew he was a boy.

Word Count: 17,083

Status: Complete 

As you may have guessed from the description, this is a mostly canon AU featuring a trans Edward Elric. I love it, I appreciate how it was written, especially that it’s not a romantic plot - and not only was I crying after the first read, but rereads still give me the sniffles.

Read here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/8197400/chapters/18779738

4. a life of smoke and silvered glass [Harry Potter]

By dirgewithoutmusic

Albus Dumbledore rose to his feet, smiling at them in that way of his, like he knew something you didn’t and he was proud of you for it. “Friends,” he began. 

The door thudded open and the Marauders burst in, late and pink-cheeked with cold. The headmaster smiled at them, too, and Sirius gave a cheery little salute back.

Severus sunk lower in his chair, staring witheringly over his butterbeer. “You told Potter about it, too?” 

“He might as well put all that energy to good use,” said Lily. “And to be accurate, I told Remus.” 

“But Potter, really?” said Severus.

“He and Black cooked up a jinx that gives you a boil every time you say a slur to a Muggleborn,” said Lily. “It was either invite them to Alice’s war club or bake them cookies, and I know where my skills lie.” 

Severus sniffed. “Don’t come crying to me if he tugs your pigtails.” 

“Come crying to me if he pulls yours, and I’ll deck him.” said Lily.

(Slight AU in which Severus apologizes, tries harder, and stays friends with Lily.)

Word Count: 22,794

Status: Complete

This is the Severus Snape that canon wanted. The greatest tragedy that never has to explicitly be spelled out (and the reason this fic is so heartbreaking and infuriating) is that the end results are the same.

Read here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/11457669

5. Practicing Liars [Harry Potter]

By Lomonaaeren

AU of HBP. Harry found out that he was Snape’s son two years ago, and he’s carefully concealed it. But now Snape is his Defense teacher, and Draco Malfoy is up to something, and Dumbledore is dying, and the final battle is coming up, and everything is getting very, very complicated. 

Word Count: 206,306

Status: Complete

Oh boy, bring on the angst. A Severitus fic with a lot of bitter, petty feelings. Half Blood Prince is such a popular point in HP canon to veer off into AU territory (for good reason), and just - the timing, the missed opportunities, the growth. Lots of feelings. Also drarry. 

Read here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/990947/chapters/1955931

6. Family Night [Harry Potter]

By Celebony

As Hogwarts starts a quarterly Family Night, Harry is determined to take part. Facing the heartache of looking in all the wrong places, he’ll have to discover the true meaning of family, and that sometimes it comes from where you least expect it. 

Word Count: 33,000

Status: Complete

Eventual Severitus fic. Unhealthy coping mechanisms, emotional abuse, anxiety, self-destructive behavior, angst, grief, and (eventually) healing and recovery - this fic has it all. To me, I think this is the author’s best work, but obviously I have a preference. Fans of Remus tread carefully, this story may not be for you. 

Read here: https://m.fanfiction.net/s/2682144/1/Family-Night

7. A Wicked Game Series [Fullmetal Alchemist]

By Tierfal

Roy has lucked into the all-expenses-paid vacation of his dreams - all he has to do is convince a bunch of happy couples that he’s head-over-heels in love with Ed Elric. What could possibly go wrong? 

[Modern!AU].

Word Count: 64,884

Status: Story is Complete, but Series is still open for possible future oneshots/additions 

Currently three completed works in the series. Roy and Ed as struggling grad students who share lab space stuck in a cabin full of obnoxious couples. This story resonates so well for me, because it was the first time I read something where a character actively struggles with depression where I really felt like someone GOT IT. So, be warned - suicide mentions, depression, angst, and a lot of puns. Safe Roy/Ed, though if that’s not your jam, better take a miss. 

 Read here: https://archiveofourown.org/series/372113

8. A Piercing Comfort [Harry Potter]

By talithan

When Harry Potter hits the lowest point of his life so far, it is not his friends who keep him honest. With Draco Malfoy’s patience and guidance, Harry learns to stand on his own. The thing is, after the fact - he’s no longer sure he wants to. 

Word Count: 44,566

Status: Complete

This fic has art by onthecount! It’s lovely. Anyway - Oh my god. When I talk about things resonating on some, soul-deep level. The way depression, and trauma, and PTSD is handled is... Well. I don’t go back to this often, but it’s because (for me) reading this fic is cleansing. Draco and Luna as therapists running a burgeoning wizarding practice is pretty great. If you couldn’t guess by reading the summary, this is an eventual drarry fic - and I’ll be upfront, if the idea of dating your former therapists squicks you out, don’t read. I like how it’s written out, it doesn’t feel inappropriate, or like any sort of power imbalance to me, but I can see where that wouldn’t be everyone’s cup of tea either. 

Read here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/857495

9. Loud and Clear Series [Fullmetal Alchemist]

By Tierfal

The thing with Roy is founded on coffee snobbery and stupid text messages and seriously awesome makeout sessions in the car. Oh, and the love of a lifetime, or whatever.

Word Count: 280,924

Status: WiP

Currently there are six completed works, and one in-progress (with at least one more slated by the author). Also known as ‘The modern!AU Roy/Ed fluffball fic (of doom)’, there is emotional baggage/angst throughout that hints at darker things but nothing too dreadful until the fourth entry in the series, “Another One of Those Heartbreak Songs”. Anxiety, depression, war crimes, rape and consent (and, fyi, one of the best descriptions of what exactly enthusiastic consent IS, is in the current entry of the series, “The Boiling Point”) are all being dealt and felt in this story. Safe Roy/Ed fic that starts with a coffeehouse!AU style meetcute and follows the deepening relationship between Roy (established lawyer who works with veterans) and Ed (making the transition from struggling grad student to frazzled professor), and has a delightful dose of Al/Win tossed in. One of the most relatable things about this series is how all the terrible things about your worst relationships don’t really hit you until you’re smack in the middle of the best relationship you’ve ever had, and it’s ROUGH. Consider this your explicit warning: if mentions of rape/sexual abuse, or abusive ex’s set you off, don’t read.

Read here: https://archiveofourown.org/series/167693

10. Humans and Ghosts [Danny Phantom]

By RedHeadsRock1010

If there was one thing Danny Fenton perfected since receiving his powers, it was how to pretend. 

Word Count: 26,751

Status: Complete

ANGST. Angst and neglectful parents. Angst and neglectful parents and two siblings doing the best they can. Jazz is a real MVP in this story. Also blood and gore. And torture. Oh my god. Still makes me cry. Consider this your explicit warning: if mentions of torture, or neglectful/abusive parenting set you off, don’t read. While it’s not a religious fic, the impact of the parenting codes like some of the horror stories you might have heard about being in the closet and growing up with religious parents. You have been warned. 

Read here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/12315771/chapters/27999459

11. Digging for the Bones [Harry Potter]

By Paganaidd

Rather than allowing Harry to stay at Diagon Alley after he blew up Aunt Marge, the ministry sends Harry back to the Dursley’s. Harry returns to school after a terrible summer, to find that he’s not the only one with this kind of secret. A student has been killed by his family. New screening measures are put into place by the Ministry: Every student must be given a medical exam and interview to look for child abuse. With Dumbledore facing an inquiry, Snape is entrusted with the task of making sure EVERYONE receives one. 

Word Count: 203,178

Status: Complete 

As the author warns before the fic, there is a character death in the first chapter. The story is an AU of Prisoner of Azkaban. Suicide, attempted suicide, and suicidal ideation are a big part of the story. Child abuse, death by child abuse (and the aftermath), ptsd, and the appalling effects of dementors on a castle full of kids are pretty central to the plot. Eventual Severitus. Also accidental necromancy. This is a monumental hurt/comfort fic and there are a LOT of feelings. And angst. Consider this your warning: if explicit attempted suicide, or suicidal thoughts set you off, don’t read. If mentions of physical abuse/child abuse set you off, don’t read.

Read here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/598019/chapters/1078847

12. Chivalry Series [Harry Potter]

When Harry appears at the Welcoming Feast wearing a glamor only Snape notices. Snape decides to find out what the glamor is hiding. 

You, the guiltless, will pay for your father’s sins,

Roman, until you repair the decaying 

Temples and shrines of the gods, and their

Images, filthy with blackening smoke.

When you act as servant of the gods, you rule:

From them all beginning, leave them the ending. 

Horace, Odes III-6

Word Count: 123,467

Status: Series is marked as Ongoing, though individual stories are Complete

Welp. Angst, some explicit child abuse (specifically physically violent Vernon Dursley), grief and mourning, ptsd, accidental potions class disasters that lead to more angst, sickfic, hurt/comfort, blood, gore and violence, child neglect, and eventual found-family by way of Severitus and a developing sibling relationship between Harry and Luna. There is a lot to unpack here. The interactions between Harry, Luna and Severus are especially endearing and heartbreaking. This is your explicit warning: if explicit child abuse /physical abuse set you off, or if accidentally forced (yes, I know how that sounds) flashbacks set you off, don’t read. 

Read here: https://archiveofourown.org/series/12306

13. In Care Of

By Fangs_Fawn

During the summer before sixth year, Harry finds an injured bat in the garden and decides to try to heal it... and an unwilling Snape learns just what kind of a person Harry Potter really is. 

Word Count: 45,319

Status: Complete 

I’m gonna be upfront with you. Vernon and Dudley Dursley are very sadistic in this story. Tread with caution. That said, along with the angst this is a very solid hurt/comfort fic that is also a reciprocal hurt/comfort fic (in that, first Snape is helped, and then Harry). It’s a nice emotional exchange. Violence - explicit child abuse and torture, grief, and a very petulant animagus. This is your explicit warning: if physical torture/violence sets you off, don’t read.

Read here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/1023625/chapters/2036909

14. Like None Other Series [Harry Potter]

By aspeninthesunlight

A letter from home? A letter from family? Well, Harry Potter knows he has neither, but all the same, it starts with a letter from Surrey. Whatever the Dursley’s have to say, it can’t be anything good; so Harry’s determined to ignore it. But then, his evil schoolmate rival spots the letter and his slimy excuse for a teacher intercepts it and forces him to read it. And that sends Harry down a path he’d never have walked on his own.

It will be a year of big changes, a year of great pain, and a year of confronting worst fears. It will be a year of surprising discoveries, of finding true strength, of finding out that first impressions of a person’s true colors do not always ring true. It will be a year of paradigm shifts. 

And from the most unexpected sources, Harry will have a chance to have that which he has never known: a home... and a family.

A sixth year fic, this story follows Order of the Phoenix and disregards any canon events that occur after book 5. 

Word Count: 1,465,418

Status: WiP

Currently there are two completed works in this series, and one ongoing. This is a ROLLERCOASTER, omg. Terminal illness, child abuse, explicit, agonizing torture, grief and mourning, bad coping mechanisms, self-harm, self-destructive behavior - hurt/comfort out the wazoo. Eventual Severitus, this is a good, substantial found-family fic with a developing sibling relationship between Harry and Draco. I really appreciate that Severus, Harry and Draco continue to step on each other’s toes as the story moves along. They get as much wrong as they get right, and the familial development is natural. Harry does struggle a bit with the newer experience of a paternal Severus weighted by the previous years of his antagonism and petty behavior. Severus struggles with balance, Draco struggles with extremes - behavior, feelings, intrusive thoughts - it’s a very well-rounded story. This is your explicit warning: The torture is incredibly graphic, and there are needles involved. If that sets you off, don’t read. 

Read here: https://archiveofourown.org/series/41198

15. Stay [Danny Phantom]

By jaeger_soul

Dash Baxter is finally a senior and this year isn’t supposed to be hard. With nothing waiting on him after graduation, he might as well sleep through his classes. He’s already got a job after high school’s over, what’s the point of reaching for anything more? He’s fine with what he has. But when ‘more’ comes in the form of a black-haired boy with similar problems to his own, can Dash really not try for it?

Word Count: 817,287

Status: WiP

This is technically a series, since the author has written one companion piece from another character’s perspective for chapter 27 of the story. Oh my god. Dash is a sweet, sweet cinnamon roll who’s just trying to muddle his way through, and terrible things happen to him. This is not Dash the bully from the canon series. The endgame ship is Dash/Danny, and it is very slow-burn. Lots of hurt/comfort in this fic, and the author’s OC’s are incredibly fleshed out and wonderfully developed. Anxiety and panic attacks are pretty heavy in this story. Small town-typical homophobic slurs, make an appearance. Teenagers having sex with other teenagers is a thing. Mentions of abortion and teen pregnancy and unwanted pregnancy all happen later on. Mentions of suicidal thoughts and attempted suicide are plot points. Abusive and abused ex partners. Child abuse - emotional, mental and physical - is the heavy hitter in this story. It is explicit and painful and heartbreaking. Consider this your warning. ABUSE. Explicit, agonizing depictions of trauma, and being used as a bargaining chip between two different but equally terrible parents - if any of that sets you off, DO NOT READ THIS STORY. 

Read here:https://archiveofourown.org/series/646532

16. Under Wing [Harry Potter/Katekyou Hitman Reborn Crossover]

By Reighost

Prophesies were tricky things and lies are even trickier. Sirius’s death becomes a catalyst and Dumbledore’s lies crumple like a house of cards. Harry is left with a burning question... Who is he really? Crossover with Katekyou Hitman Reborn!

Word Count: 145,771

Status: WiP

This story goes hard on the angst right out of the gate. And I do mean hard. Oh my god. A literal mindfuck that will leave you gasping. Psychological manipulation and torture, mind rape, body horror, and non-sexual indecent treatment of a corpse to start with. However, there is a lot of good content in this hurt/comfort fic. The author has not only brought HP and KHR together but has blended elements and characters from Spirited Away, Cardcaptor Sakura and xxxHolic together in such a way that despite all the horror, there’s actually a lot of redeeming charm. You will never find a better interpretation of the Hibari family than the Hibari’s that Reighost writes about in her universes, and this story contains a flashback to the Hibari parents meetcute and it is adorable and hilarious. While this is a wip, it’s at a very good stopping point that’s more or less the end of a story arc - so don’t let the thoughts of a slow wip put you off. This is your warning: Mind-control and mind-control recovery, and gore, all quite explicit. If that sets you off, DO NOT READ. There’s a reason this story is so far down the list. 

Read here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/1123387/chapters/2264363

17. Distorting Equivalency [Fullmetal Alchemist]

By Ranowa Hikura

All Ed knows is that he’s been kidnapped by a madman. 

Word Count: 173,000

Status: Complete

Go hard or go home. This is 27 chapters of kidnapping, explicit torture, and unethical alchemical experimentation with chimeras. All those feelings you have about Nina? Dial it up to eleven (to point out, Tucker and Nina are not featured characters in this story - unfortunately that disaster has already happened). A hurt/comfort fic with a very good resolution. Also becomes eventual Paternal!Roy and Ed. This is your warning: If explicit, repeated torture and body horror set you off, AVOID THIS FIC. 

Read here: https://m.fanfiction.net/s/12116762/1/Distorting-Equivalency#end

18. I’m Not Broken (I Can’t Be) [Homestuck]

By [orphan_account]

Guys don’t get raped. 

Okay, so maybe they do, sometimes. But that’s only when they’re ganged up in an alley way and shoved against a wall and get some other guy’s dick in their ass without permission. It’s forceful and bloody and masculine. At least, that’s how the media sells it.

But this isn’t rape.

When a girl buys you drinks and takes you home and crawls on top of you - well, that’s every guy’s wet dream. 

When she’s grinding down onto you and her hands are holding yours to her breasts and she’s whispering filthy, filthy things into your ear, that’s not rape.

That’s not rape no matter how many times you say no.

Word Count: 33,386

Status: Complete

This is your explicit warning: Rape. The scene is non-graphic (lead-up with fade-to-black scenario) and takes place in the first chapter. Trauma, self-harm, suicidal ideation, destructive behavior, mentions of homophobia. If the summary of this story isn’t enough of a warning, then here you go. DO NOT READ if this is what sets you off. Hurt/comfort and ANGSTANGSTANGST aside, the aspect that I appreciate most about this story is how it deals with trying to come to terms with a trauma you don’t know how to articulate (to yourself or others). I don’t generally do stories that rely on miscommunication, but in this case, it makes sense: it’s less about miscommunication for the sake of plot, and more the lack of ability to articulate effectively, which. Yeah. Dark, angsty hurt/comfort that eventually ends on a positive, hopeful note. PROCEED WITH CAUTION. 

Read here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/777171/chapters/1462358?view_adult=true

DUN DUN DUN - THE BIG THREE 

Let’s call it a three-way tie, because there is SO MUCH PAIN in each of these stories, honestly I really can’t pick an order for them.

19. Sacrifices Arc [Harry Potter]

By Lightning on the Wave

Harry’s twin Connor is the Boy Who Lived, and Harry is devoted to protecting him by making himself look ordinary. But certain people won’t let Harry stay in the shadows...

Word Count: 3,081,000

Status: Complete

Wrong Boy Who Lived. Severitus, Slytherin!Harry. Drarry. If those are on your radar, this may be the story for you. Just beware literally everything else. Torture, mind-control and manipulation, child abuse, emotional abuse, physical abuse, mental abuse, neglect, rape, cannibalism (is it cannibalism when it’s a werewolf eating a human child), trauma, destructive behavior, violent loss of limb, blood, gore, viscera, necromancy - these are just some of the explicit things that take place in the series. There are eight works in the Sacrifices Arc, and they mirror the canon Harry Potter series in that they start at mild and slightly odd and become darker and more horrifying. This is a very, very long series, and it hits a lot of milestones within the HP fandom. There are lovely moments of tenderness, the OC’s are magnificent and well-developed, and while heavy-handed from time to time, the author explores notions of morality and spends a lot of time on magical theory and world-building. If you haven’t read Sacrifices Arc and want more information, google it’s tvtropes page. I would recommend doing so just to determine whether or not the story is safe for you to read if you’re concerned about it, because there is a LOT going on. Otherwise, start with the first story in the series (“Saving Connor”) and proceed with caution. You will absolutely be wrung out before you finish.

Read here: https://m.fanfiction.net/u/895946/

20. Phantom of Truth/Shadow of a Doubt [Danny Phantom]

By HaiJu

Locked away in a secret government lab with Phantom as her subject, nothing stands between Maddie and the truth... except, perhaps, herself.

Word Count: 366,000

Status: Complete

Do you want to get fucking wrecked? Because this series will do it. Holy shit. I still can’t believe I got through it. This is so well-written and so. Fucking. Painful. The first entry in the series, Phantom of Truth, absolutely GOES THERE. The second entry is... everything that comes after. I don’t feel like it spoils anything to tell you that Maddie is not the person who captures Danny Phantom, or that she does not know he’s her son. Make of that what you will. Also, the first story does have a good resolution and does not end on a cliffhanger, so if you need to take a break after, you should. Bonding happens, and I wouldn’t call it Stockholm Syndrome, since it’s between Maddie and Danny, but I also wouldn’t say it doesn’t overlap. This story is absolute fucking angst. Shadow of a Doubt explores not only the traumatic repercussions on Maddie and Danny and their relationship, but on their friends, family, acquaintances and even enemies. There are some very good OC’s that come into play later on. You know, between all the angst and pain. Tread carefully: If you think you’ll be set off by torture and abuse, DO NOT READ THIS FIC. I cannot stress that enough. 

Read here: https://m.fanfiction.net/s/7476808/1/Phantom-of-Truth

https://m.fanfiction.net/s/9683169/1/Shadow-of-a-Doubt

[It’s worth mentioning that HaiJu has an ao3, but they haven’t finished crossposting Shadow of a Doubt to their account]

21. Like One Sundered Star Series [Homestuck]

By oriflamme

Who are these shining like one sundered star? 

[Like kindled lights in untempestuous heaven,

Fair flower-like stars or the iron foam of fight.]

———

Teenage superheroes deal with hormones, mental illness, and extremely secretive guardians in a world of Horrorterrors, giant mutant lucii, mob violence, nightmares of a past life, warring anti-heroes, and asshole carapacians. Sburb AU divergence from Real Men Wear Tights. 

Word Count: 1,712,155

Status: Complete

Welcome to the AU of an AU that did a double reach-around back into canon and became a reincarnation AU. It’s fucking excellent and also fucking traumatic. Body horror, blood and gore and viscera, torture, emotional manipulation, mind control, child abuse, emotional abuse, unhealthy coping mechanisms, attempted suicide/suicidal ideation, codependency, alcohol abuse, just to name a significant few. This is a huge pale-tango clusterfuck and it’s glorious. The world-building is insane. Richly developed OC’s, good use of languages, images that a slowly incorporated into a story of increasing breadth and complexity - and a fucking bombshell that will hit you really, really hard about midway through the story. So much pain. Again, this is another series with a tvtropes page that you should visit if you have any concerns before reading, because there is just that much going on. There are three works in this series, two are companions to the main body of work. Proceed with caution, because this will squeeze the life out of you. 

Read here: https://archiveofourown.org/series/56682

Welp.

[dykedteach]

okay here we go, episode 2 second watch

(I think this is my longest liveblog I’ve done, but then again I feel like this is the most emotional a tv episode has made me since I finished Black Sails so like?)

so uhhh they’re really gonna hide all the valuable people in the crypts huh, they’re really following through on that

“women and children first” to DIE??? I M EAN

i’ve been thinking about this non stop since i first watched the ep and my growing dread is nigh unstoppable, if i had any doubts that the winterfell dead might rise, their whole repeated thing of “everyone will be safe down there” shot them straight down

i’m lowkey annoyed we missed out on what would have been an incredibly awkward introduction scene between jaime and literally everyone, but i’m glad his “trial” didn’t drag out

i want sam’s opinion on dany’s bloodthirst vis a vis avenging her father BC LIKE????

“i’d do it all again” honey be QUIET 

L O Y A L T  Y 

loyalty

l      o   yal     t e  a

lmao daenerys’ look of anger and disgust at brienne hopping to jaime’s defense alone makes me want her dead tbh

sansa being a better strategist, ruler, negotiator, and peacekeeper than both of her parents combined, is my weakness tbh

also He R  aRmOuR drESs !!!!! what a LOOK! 

d: “what does the warden of the north say about it?” j: [has dissociated solidly through the past six hours, is only now just realising it’s daylight and he’s in the great hall] uhhhhhhhhhhhh cool i guess?

tyrion finally breathing after daenerys lets jaime live is ridiculously endearing, i love the brothers’ relationship so much

baeworm death-glaring jaime is also ridiculously endearing tbh

i dig the gendarya love theme, i do i do i do

everyone keeps saying that the fact they had sex means one of them will die next ep but honestly? out of all the non jonerys pairings (missandei/greyworm, sam/gilly, jaime/brienne) i think they’re most likely to live through the battle, and the fact they have their own theme makes me doubt as well that they’ll end next episode

that poor guy who got in the way of arya and gendry’s dragonglass throwing foreplay, so close yikes

i can’t believe that out of everyone who bran has been weird to, jaime was the one to take his weird shit best

“how do you know there is an afterwards?”           sd;kjlas

djkasljdak;lsd

                        asjd;lsakdla;sd

        bran

                               bran stop

   please be fuckin w us bran

this brotherly love scene is great and it hurts me to think it might be their last solo scene

although the way they keep talking about how sure they are they’ll die....idk? and with bronn on the way with his crossbow? to have both, or either, die at winterfell with the battle seems a waste. plus, one of them needs to be the valonqar so?

i’d be satisfied seeing a dead tyrion rip cersei apart though, i’ll admit that

JAIME GAZING AT BRIENNE INSTEAD OF LISTENING TO HIS BROTHER

pod has come so far in his fighting i love him so much i love brienne’s proud mama expression hes. he’s 100% going to die. for sure. 

“we have never had a conversation that’s lasted this long without you insulting me, not once” KJASDKLASJDKALSJDALKSD 

“i came to winterfell because...” Y OU LOVE HER DUMBASS

i still ship jorah with dany more than jon, fight me

i love the confirmation that all the bad blood between them is under the bridge, i love that he convinced her to make peace with tyrion and sansa, i love that he’s made peace with tyrion taking up his position, made peace with his house, with his relationship with his father...........

he’s absolutely toast and i hate it.

he’s going to die for dany with one last “khaleesi” and it’s going to break my heart

“we have other things in common” yeah you both have jon in your immediate family trees lmao

i’m confused by the “someone taller” comment, who’s she talking about? everyone else hurt her or betrayed her at some point. is it barristan? is it baeworm? it should be baeworm

ok so. i don’t need or want sansa to end up with anyone. 

that said

if it had to be a man

my heart almost jumped out of my chest when she and theon hugged, i didn’t expect her to get this emotional at all, shit i didn’t expect MYSELF to get this emotional

HER TEARS

THEY BOTH NEED HUGS IM GLAD THEY GET HUGS

soup dad can’t die i forbid it

let’s talk about gilly for a second, how far she’s come, from a scared abused girl to a strong, caring, confident woman and mother, i’m so emotional please protect her

DAVOS ADOPTING CHILDREN LEFT RIGHT AND CENTRE

THE SHIREEN THEME PLAYING OVER THAT BIT IM ASJDKASDJ

i’m super surprised edd and beric survived the hearth, i thought there would be more of a fight there

LITTLE CROW

i know people crack ship them, but like, they’d almost be better suited than jon and daenerys

while i adore the idea of theon making amends for taking winterfell from bran by defending winterfell and protecting bran from the night king, i know in my heart that all it’s going to result in is a very dead theon (and probably a dead bran)

why do i feel like while well intentioned, having dragons near the godswood is.....a mistake

i’d love for bran and tyrion to both survive, i’d love to see them talk more as equals because they’re so similar intellectually (i know they had scenes when bran was a kid, but that doesn’t count)

missandei and greyworm are too good and pure for this earth, i want them to leave, i want them to go to naath and never come back, i want them to find a little house by the water and eat fruits and find missandei’s family and take in some stray children, some street cats to lay lazily on the stones of their porch, maybe missandei teaches the children of their village every morning under the rising sun, maybe greyworm becomes a tradesman, makes shoes or ale or binds books for the locals, they grow old and content together and the children they took into their home, now grown adults with their own children, bury them side by side underneath carved stones, i want them more than almost anyone to have a happy ever after because if anyone deserves it it’s those two

but there are dreams that cannot be

and greyworm is almost certain to die next episode

maybe missandei too, but i’m not sure

until then, i will live in my fantasy.

i love my nights watch boys, i love that they talk about grenn and pyp, i miss those lads

sam being the playful, banter-full, confident guy he is, i love him so much i’m so happy for him he better fucking survive (and maybe become lord of horn hill who knows? he has a wife and a son so ? 

honestly the idea of tywin knowing jaime and tyrion are defending winterfell is so wonderful

ha ha h ah ah  ah h a i love tyrion and jaime so much that i. i forget. temporarily. about tyrion’s first wife

brienne stopping pod from drinking and then tyrion just.......fuckin pouring a large one out for the lad

please, let him drink, it’ll be his last

davos is such an old man i love him

jaime looking between brienne and tormund with amusement is the best thing ever

davos’ concern over ten year old tormund hopping into bed with a giant is incredible. dad mode. always on dad mode.

hound’s not gonna die yet, not until cleganebowl, he’s safe next ep for sure. so he’s allowed to be a grumpy old git for a bit

beric is straight up gonna die tho

“might as well be at a bloody wedding” g o d i dont like that foreshadowing

beric is so cheery and amicable im gonna miss him

i’m so glad that they gave arya agency, and a sweet, un-sexploited, in-character sex scene, there’s so few really good sex scenes in this show and i’m glad she got one of them

(no matter how long i spent the first time around watching through my fingers and cringing, i KNOW she’s an adult and maisie is an adult but god she’s still such a kid in my eyes)

as soon as the gloves started coming off i screamed

he is a sweet sweet boy and i wouldn’t want my murdering badass fave to be with anyone else

i appreciate them showing her scars as part of it, i can’t quite put my finger on why but it was nice to see that

i feel like once i get over the weirdness of like, “hey that’s arya”, it’s probably one of the hotter sex scenes in the series? just for passion and use of consent and stuff

i can’t even begin to elaborate on how perfect brienne’s scene is

it’s immediately one of my favourite scenes in the whole show, i honestly don’t have the words

it’s better than any marriage vows that have been taken in the whole series, and to see brienne proud and happy is just...incredible.

the mormont scene i wanted!!!

this is such a touching scene between two of my faves, i want jorah and sam to be pals forever but i know its just....not happening

the fact that sam starts in the crypt but i know he ends up on the battlefield is....concerning to say the least

god. that song. that song is everything

im too in my feelings to care about jonerys, sorry

i can genuinely believe that jon loves her, and doesn’t care about the iron throne or any titles really for that matter. but the other way around? i’m not so sure.

ok so my survival list: dany, jon, sansa, tyrion

everyone else is at risk please pray for me

oh also i bought the download of Jenny and already cried to it three times this evening, so the credits are making it a round four

[royal-duality]

Corruption

Warnings: Cancer mentions, death

Pairings: Moxiety it’s up to you whether it’s platonic or romantic

Summary:  Life and Death AU! Life and Death work as a team despite never having interacted. However, even Death hates his job and goes against fate's choices.

The world is full of miracles of all sorts. There are good miracles such as birth, someone surviving a near death situation, or two people coming together. However, there are also bad miracles. Ones like sudden deaths or someone losing a sense or gaining a disability.

There are two deities that watch over this world. The God of Life, who is often known as the “father” or “Patton”. Then, there is the God of Death, commonly known as Death, but also known as “Anxiety” or “Virgil”.

These two work together to give and take life from the world as well as other things. Life gives people the ability to overcome obstacles or gain senses that they were not given during birth. Virgil takes from others, he takes people’s lives from them and he takes senses from those that fate has said do not deserve it.

While Patton can be unnecessarily kind at times it is ruled that death is rarely ever kind or forgiving. Such is the way of life.

Today, on September 17th Death has set out to reap a boy riddled with sickness. Sadly, though the boy had made sure to take care of his body, he had become sick with the same disease that killed his mother.

So it was, that Death himself, stood by the boy who lay in the hospital bed. His skin was a sickly pale color, still the boy held a bright smile on his faces his friend sat in a chair beside him, reading aloud a fantasy book. The scene left a clenching feeling in the deity’s stomach.

Virgil approached the sickly boy observing closely as the boy’s heart rate sped up. Hospital staff flooded the room as the boy’s friend was rushed out of the room. None of this mattered to him, there was no way for humans to stop fate’s plans. There only existed two beings that could change the route of this boy’s life, and right now it was Death who chose this boy’s path.

The staff rushed around shouting orders as though they could stop the boy from dying. The brown-haired boy watched in confusion as Death’s figure loomed over him. He was about to die, yet he spoke with such confidence, “No. I’m not ready to die yet!”

Virgil stared at the boy with no enthusiasm. “Nobody ever is kid. Sorry to say you got the short stick in life.” His tone was cold as his words were clipped. The deity reached out his hand only to flinch as the boy slapped it away.

“No. You’re going to let me live my life. I’m going to grow up with my best friend by my side and I’m going to become a Prince! I won’t let you say otherwise.” Wide eyes stared in awe as the kid radiated confidence and determination.

Virgil felt his lips tug into a small smile as he stared at the kid. He reached his hand out again before ruffling the boy’s hair. “You know, you’re a pretty alright kid, Roman.” Roman’s eyes widened as he looked at the deity in awe.

“You know my name?” Words spoken with surprise left Virgil chuckling in amusement.

“Sure do, how else would I find the boy, fate had sent me to reap?” He saw the boy’s face drop as the subject of his death was once again brought to the front. “Too bad I like you too much.” Death watched as Roman’s face lit up with joy.

His voice was loud with glee as he stared up at the looming figure, “Really! You’re gonna let me live? Oh my goodness, I’m so happy! Wait till I tell Logan! I’m gonna kick this stupid disease in the butt!” Roman’s eyes lit up as he danced around happily.

Death smiled fondly at the scene before stopping the boy. “Hold up there Princey,” The boy’s confused expression lightened at the nickname, “I won’t be able to leave without taking something.” The boy’s face fell as though he knew what was coming.

“You’re not gonna, like, take someone else’s soul because of me or something, right?” Oh jeez, this boy was too pure.

Death chuckled and shook his head, “No…But I am going to take your cancer away. Fair trade, right?” Roman’s jaw dropped as he stared at the deity. Tears welled in his eyes before he launched himself at the looming figure in front of him, warping his arms around the figure’s waist in a hug.

“Thank you! Thank you so much!” The deity rubbed the boy’s back awkwardly before gently shoving the boy away.

“Okay, time to go little one. You’ve spent long enough here, it’s time to go back and start your journey.” Hand reaching out, Death was ready to send the boy back but froze as Roman yelled at him to stop.

“What’s your name? You can’t just be death!” Roman’s tone was incredulous as he looked at the deity with skepticism.

Smiling fondly Death placed his hand on the boy’s head before speaking up, “Virgil.” With that, Roman was sent back to the real world where his body heaved as the sickness left his body.

However, every action comes with a consequence. This was true even for a deity such as himself. Which is why as soon as he knew Roman was alright, Virgil had collapsed to the ground, writhing in pain as the infection tainting his pale skin spread farther slipping past his elbow and almost reaching his hand.

You see fate is supposed to be set in stone, only meant to be changed in cases of importance, and though Virgil wished he was as heartless as everyone believed him to be, he had a heart that yearned to save others from the cards fate had dealt them. He wished that he could save everyone the pain of death altogether. It was never fun for anyone. Not even for Death himself.

And so, Virgil saved as many as he dared to, allowing the taint to spread across his skin as punishment for disobeying fate’s orders. Someone had to suffer, and if it wasn’t the families or those meant to pass, then it was only fair that the person defying fate be dealt the pain in turn.

The Deity struggled to his feet, tears springing from his eyes as the pain tore through him. As soon as he stood tall again, he walked forward only to disappear a moment later.

Through the entire ordeal, he failed to notice a pair of eyes watching him in awe. Life had never before seen Death, much less Death at such an emotional moment.

His curiosity was peaked as he began to arrange a plan in his mind to speak to his darker counterpart. Life was going to talk to Death.

And talk to Death he did. He confronted the deity, while he had been walking around Germany.

“Death!” Patton’s voice was bright as he called out to the other deity who seemed to tense at the sound of his name. Life walked up to stand beside the darker deity and looked at him with bright, shining eyes. A stunning contrast to the dark and tired expression Death himself wore.

“It’s so nice to finally talk to you! I always wondered what you were like, I mean we’ve never met before, so I figured it was a good time to talk a bit!” Life smiled brightly at his counterpart, waiting patiently for the other to talk.

The minutes ticked by as Patton stared at the other deity with unrelenting glee while the other scowled at his bright counterpart. “Okay, well, I’m Life! You can call me Patton if you want though! I’m also known as dad!”

The boisterous deity waited once again for the other male to speak up and nearly squealed with glee once he did. “Death, aka Anxiety. Now leave me alone, I’ve got places to be, souls to reap.”

Patton moved to the side as Death moved forward, presumably on his way to collect souls. “Have a good day, kiddo!” Death growled and whipped around only to find that Life was gone. Letting out a sigh, Death turned and continued on his way.

It had been 3 weeks since their last encounter, and Death had been hoping it was the last one they would have. Sadly, that was not to be. Patton had found the deity’s relaxation spot and decided to join the god in his adventure to gain peace.

Which was also ruined by the bright god.

Death, despite being perturbed by his counterpart’s presence, ignore the other in favor of trying to enjoy the peaceful moment. That was until he heard Life begin to shuffle around, unable to sit still. A growl rose from the dark deity’s eyes as he opened one eye to glare at the other male. “What?”

“Oh, nothing, just wondering what you were doing!” The deity’s voice was bright and cheery, too much so in Death’s opinion, but who was he to judge?

Scowling at the other, Death replied, “I was relaxing. Until someone came along and ruined it.” He huffed and began trying to relax his form against the tree.

“Oh, sorry kiddo. I guess you could say I was just, pine-ing for your attention.” Death’s eyes snapped open as he stared at Patton in surprise.

“That was horrible.” Despite his words, Death could feel a small pang of joy inside him.

Patton’s grin widened at Death’s response before he once again spoke with his buoyant voice, “I don’t know, I thought it was pretty Oak-y!” The dark god felt a small smile grow on his face as he bit his lip to keep it from growing any wider.

“Alright, I’ll stop. I know my puns can be pretty over-elm-ing!” Death forced a groan from his throat as he hid his face in his hand.

“Whoa there, kiddo, no need to face palm. They’re not that bad!” That was the last straw. The dark deity froze as a small laugh slipped past his lips. Eyes wide he turned to stare at his counterpart, who looked at him in awe.

“That was so adorable…” Life’s voice was soft and full of surprise as he continued to stare at Death. Virgil felt his face heat up and pulled his hood over his head in embarrassment.

“S-Shut up!”

That day was the start of a friendship between the two deities. As unlikely as it would seem, Life and Death were like two peas in a pod. They were complete opposites, but as many say, opposites attract.

Life had been on a stroll when he ran into Death, who was collecting a soul. He watched with curiosity as the woman screamed curses at the deity. Calling him horrible names and telling him how he was a curse that only brought pain.

Through it all, Death kept a straight face as though this was a common occurrence. From the tired and guilty look on the deity’s face, Life was beginning to think it was.

The woman seemed to soon get over her anger before devolving into a sobbing mess. Life watched as Death hugged the woman, who soon faded into a glowing ball of light that the deity cupped in his hands. Death seemed to stare at the ball of light for a moment before bringing it to his lips, a kiss was planted on the soul before it began to fade away into nothing.

Moments passed before Death turned to face Life with sorrowful eyes. “I’m sorry you had to see that. It must hurt to watch one of your creations be recycled.”

Life stared at the other in sadness before walking to stand in front of his counterpart. “Why…?” Life’s voice was soft and broken as he stared at his feet.

Death flinched at the question and turned his head as he felt tears well in his eyes. “I’m sorry. It’s my job to-” His sentence was cut off by Patton.

“No! I- Why do people love me so, but hate you?” Patton’s gaze was filled with curiosity as he stared at Death.

Death could feel a laugh bubble from his lips as a sad smile stretched across his lips. “Because Patton,” He started and looked at his friend sadly, “You are a beautiful lie that gives and creates, while I am a painful truth that takes your creations apart and eventually take them away.”

The two stood in tense silence, the atmosphere thick with sadness and guilt. The scene beyond them went on as people mourned the life of the girl Death had reaped.

Patton was the first to break the silence, his voice broken and filled with sadness, “What about Roman…?”

Death felt himself tense at the question as he glared at his feet. “Roman Prince was a mistake. Fate had sent me to reap his soul and I made the mistake of letting him live.” Death’s words were harsh and unnecessarily cruel, but all he could remember was how he was not supposed to disobey fate.

Patton flinched back at his words and stared at the deity with tears in his eyes. He waited for his friend to tell him he was joking or anything to make his statement less cruel and cold.

Death stayed silent. Patton bit his lips before turning and running away, disappearing from view as he transported himself to someplace where Death did not exist.

And so, it stayed that way for 5 years. Not much time compared to eternity. Death had expected Patton to finally decide he was not worth it. However, on September 17th, Life had shown up in front of Death, a curious expression on his face.

Though his face was curious, his tone was hardened as he asked, “Where do the souls go?” The question took Death by surprise as he stared at Life in shock.

Despite his initial surprise, Death fulfills his friend’s request and tells him the journey a soul takes. “When I reap a human, I pass their soul back to you so that you can create new life. When I reap a soul after too many times of being recycled, the soul bursts and the pieces and energy inside link to other burst souls. From there it is up to you to mold them together and shape a new life with a fresh soul.” Death had seemed so animated as he spoke of the souls that Patton was stunned. He had never seen his friend smile or talk this way.

Patton smiled before launching himself at his friend. “I missed you.”  Despite Patton’s intentions, Death winced in pain and tensed at the sensation of someone being too close to the infection running through him.

Patton pulled back and looked at his friend with worry having felt him wince. “Are you okay!? Are you hurt?” Patton began to inspect Virgil’s form and gasped at the dark cracks running along his counterpart’s skin. “What happened!?”

Death pulled his arm away and held it protectively to his chest. Patton looked at his friend and noticed the look he held on his face. Death was going to lie to him. “Death, please. Let me help you, don’t lie to me this time.” He watched as Death’s face crumpled into a look of defeat

“I’m Death. I’m made to do my job, to reap lives and souls. When I disobey fate…When I let someone live when they’re supposed to die, the corruption spreads. I have no doubt that if you ever tried to reap someone, that it would happen to you as well.” Death’s eyes were downcast as he spoke. His tone morose as he struggled not to cry.

Patton’s eyes widened in realization. “Roman...” Death clenched at the reminder.

“He was the 108th person I let live when they were supposed to die….” Patton’s brows scrunched together in worry as he thought about how bad the corruption must be.

Patton’s thoughts focused on a single thought, though he hesitated in asking, “Who was the first?”

Death’s eyes opened as a peaceful expression came across his face. Thomas. “His name was Thomas Sanders. That boy was something else. He didn’t cry when he saw me, he looked at me and told me that I looked tired. Said I should take care of myself. The day he was supposed to be reaped I sent him back to his reality. That’s when the corruption started.” Virgil’s eyes closed as he recounted the memories of his past.

“I messed up somewhere along the way because Thomas saw me even when I was hidden to everyone else. He became my friend, and as he grew older he shared tales of me. It’s funny, he gave me the name Anxiety because I always fussed over him even though if it came down to it and he was hurt or dying, I wouldn’t hesitate to heal or save him.” Paton smiled at this. He knew Death was actually a sweetheart.

“Then he continued to grow up. He grew old and refused to let me save him. He had said that he was never meant to live so long. I cried and mourned as I watched him die. I never left his side and I watched as he slowly rotted away in front of me.” Tears appeared in the deity’s eyes as he recalled the time he really felt something heartbreaking.

“I watched as he asked me to kill him. So, I did as he asked. However, I was unstable and as I went to reap him, his soul was damaged, and I was unable to fix it. I ran from the soul even as it floated towards me. To this day, I run from it if I even sense something close to it. Or at least, until I met Roman. He was so much like Thomas. I couldn’t let him die. Not after how I hurt Thomas.” The deity broke off into sobs, his body shaking with violent tremors.

He felt warm, comforting arms embrace him as he was pulled into a hug by the deity of Life. He cried out as Patton pulled Death’s jacket over his shoulders before pulling his shirt off, revealing the corruption that tainted his pale skin. “Virgil.” Patton had spoken his friend’s true name, successfully making the other freeze in his struggles.

Paton looked at the corruption that seemed to be pulsing. The darkest spot laid right over Virgil’s heart. That was where it had begun, at the heart of a being that cared too much for beings he was supposed to kill.

Patton’s face hardened in determination as he set his hand over the spot. Over time, Life had begun to fall in love with the dark deity, with his opposite. And though it may not be the love that humans share, he believed it was closer. The love he felt for his counterpart was neither romantic nor platonic. It was so much more than that.

And so, Patton pushed his love into the center of the corruption. Light engulfed his hand as he willed away the disease that tainted his partner’s life. He heard screams echo in his ears and immediately knew that it was Virgil who was screaming. Nonetheless, Patton pushed on, forcing more and more emotion into the light that began to bleach the darkness from Death’s skin.

It felt like years passed before the corruption finally gave way and retreated from Virgil’s form. Though it was visibly gone, they both knew that it would all come back again as soon as Virgil decided to change fate’s plans again.

The only difference was that this time, he wouldn’t be doing it alone.

[wolfofwinchester]

One would think I'd pick the obvious, but how about for a twist: Death Note!

Send me a fandom // HAHAHAA OH BOY

The first character I first fell in love with: God, I can't remember if it was Rem or if it was Mello. It was one of the two, I know that. They're my darlings. The character I never expected to love as much as I do now: That's a tough one because it's either Misora or it's Near, because both really grew on me with time. Misora had the Death Note: Another Note book which really paid ode to her character brilliantly, and made you feel that lurch in your gut when she gets axed off, as well as feel very angry with her making rookie mistakes which led to that. In the anime, it was pretty damn cool to see a female detective on the scene, so I immediately liked that! But it was really the book that sold me on her character. She's a skeptical, cautious and intellectual individual who had a really cool plot line. She's not peppy, she's not cheery, she's very serious and absolutely no nonsense, and seeing that work with the weird dude ( won't spoil who if you haven't read it ) she gets partnered up with in the book was a lot of fun. Near, meanwhile, was a real slowburn for me. It had more to do with me going back to watch the series years later with a different appreciation for characterization, and being able to look deeper into who he is. When I was younger, I thought he was very boring and I was very upset he replaced Mello. Now... Well I'm still upset he replaced Mello because I really love that wild blond guy and I could talk about him for ages, BUT that's not related. Point is, now I actually do like him and I think he's a good character.

I actually read the manga ( never finished ), and that's what the clincher was. The anime portrayed him to be more monotoned, expressionless, and that discredited him very much in my opinion. The manga, meanwhile, showed him to be more emotive, and had a further display of who he is. He's got a mischievous side to him, a playful one! You can see the hurtful impact the death of his team had on him, and that little smile he has is so cute. It's literally "c:" and that is just Adorable.

I never expected these two to grow on me but they really did. Misora was first ages ago, and Near was sometime last year, I think? Or year before that. Time is weird. The character everyone else loves that I don’t: i will stomp light to death with my hooves. The character I love that everyone else hates: Misa! Like Lizzie, thankfully the sexism has died down a little bit so she's not nearly so vehemently hated like she used to be. Personally, I think there was a lot of untapped potential in her that I wish got more attention, but the series really fixated on painting her terribly. She's a woman who has one hell of a lifespan thanks to not one, but two Shinigami giving their life for her and adding their unnatural lifespan onto hers. She found Light out before anyone else thanks to some maneuvering and disguising on her end.... and she's a yandere. What's not to love. I love yanderes. Every time I talk about DN, I just gotta rave about the fact that she alone could have taken on L and it would have been really interesting to watch, not to mention really fun! I love her so much. On a lower level, it has to be Sidoh because that dude was the only one with common sense to get in, get his shit  and get out and no one liked him because he was uglee. Wish there was more time with him and Mello. Loved that the tiny intense blond man gave him the willies. The character I used to love but don’t any longer: Matsuda is hot and cold for me. Sometimes I like the guy, sometimes I'm like, "yeah but you cheered on light for cheating on misa so :\" The character I would totally smooch: I'd have to give Rem a peck on the cheek, absolutely. Rem and Misa both. The character I’d want to be like: 😬 🙅‍♀️ N/A. The character I’d slap: i will slap light to death with my hooves. A pairing that I love: ReMisa!! I have a massive soft spot for that pairing and I have for years!! They hurt me with the WHAT IF so bad. What if we had a forbidden Shinigami-Human love, huh?? What if we got to see them really work together at tackling the injustices of the world and overthrowing a massive force that's honed in on them, threatening to wipe one of them out - one that they enter a game of manipulation with! What if we got to see them explore their unique romance that no one else can relate to! What if we got to explore Misa's morals and see why it is Rem is so in love with this dangerous, dark and peppy wom.. .. .. .. .. huh, you know what that kind of ship dynamic is almost sounding familiar. A pairing that I despise: Could you guess I've never been a fan of Misa/Light?

[demigodofhoolemere]

Liken the Scriptures

Something I'm completely in love with and I always ask other Mormons if they've ever seen them: Liken the Scriptures. Now having been more involved with the LDS community on this site and realizing that I haven't talked about it nearly enough, I thought it high time to make a post about it and shamelessly promote my favorite thing in the world.

Liken is a movie series of scripture stories (from both the Book of Mormon and the Bible) imagined as musicals. The premise is that in the modern day, there is a child who is facing a difficult challenge in their life, and they are told stories from the scriptures that relate in some way and the child can use the lesson they've learned from the story and apply it in their lives. When told these stories, the child will imagine it in their minds, everything set up like a play with songs and all, so that they can really get a feel for the story and put themselves into the shoes of the people who lived it.

I have found many times over that these little movies have helped me to remember the stories better than I ever could on my own, and give me a serious appreciation for the real thing. They’re not only educational, but incredibly fun and truly wholesome entertainment, with lots of comedy gags that are a grab-bag of scripture references and hilarious anachronisms (my personal favorite is the sundial watch that appears in all of them). It’s serious when it needs to be and funny when it can be. One minute you have an upbeat and fun number and the next minute the jokes are turned off like a switch and suddenly you're feeling the Spirit strongly, or vice versa, and the transition is so natural and organic. The songs are so well done, the acting is so powerful, there are completely brilliant musical motifs and overtures, the sets and costumes are somewhat cheesy and are clearly church budget but in the best and most fun possible way. The messages are moving and they stay with you.

This is already long, so I'm going to talk about great things from each of them under the cut.

~~~~~

Nephi & Laban (2003)

- a primary classroom that I feel like I've been in before

- the “imaginer child” somehow manages to continually break his imagination’s fourth wall and talk to Nephi

- Nephi (about Laman and Lemuel): “🎶 The older ones play games that I don't always like to play🎶” Lemuel in the background: “Let’s beat Nephi with a rod!”

- Laman is played by Ice from Hocus Pocus

- the song where the brothers are drawing lots is a literal boyband number and I honestly have no words for that experience

- Laban sings a lot about how much he loves his possessions, Zoram is just going with it and the guards are exhausted with their boss

- there’s an incredibly moving number involving Sariah praying to God for comfort, and honestly the raw emotion emanating from her as she cries to Heavenly Father is so powerful and so relatable and it makes me cry with her

- the best method ever of avoiding showing somebody get killed

- a gorgeous closing number that includes the repented Laman and Lemuel but also foreshadows their future by having them not sing the line “I’ll follow thee through all my days” with their brothers

Ammon & King Lamoni (2004)

- Abish is a significant central character and is treated as a scripture hero in her own right, and gets her own incredibly inspiring song about sharing the gospel that has always really resonated with me

- Lamoni is awesome, his servants are great, the queen is amazing (sadly there is no ‘to me he doth not stink’, but her very presence in general makes up for it)

- subtle acknowledgement of Ammon’s past with the sons of Mosiah

- Ammon has a lovely song about the blessings of missionary work and spreading God’s word. During this song he has a picnic with a bear, teaches it the gospel, and gives it a bottle of honey as a thank you for its time. I couldn't make this up if I tried.

- after Lamoni orders his servants to watch the sheep, the servants have a hilariously pessimistic song where they're bemoaning their upcoming deaths, and instead of showing Ammon chop off arms we’re treated to the servants coming back with an upbeat and lively song celebrating the fact that they're alive, and they retell to Lamoni the story of everything that happened. The sequence is incredibly clever and the choreography is the BEST.

- a deep and thoughtful number about Lamoni reconsidering his entire life

- something I really like about this one is that unlike the others, this time it's not the imaginer child who personally needed to hear the story but actually the person telling it

David & Goliath (2005)

(There are 2 versions of this because they re-shot the modern day portion to use a different imaginer child. The one that gets sold with the set is the second version but the first one is still out there if you look for it and personally that's the one that I get more emotional about.)

- Goliath is played by Thurl Bailey and David’s brother Abinadab is played by Alex Boyé which is really all you need to know. Thurl uses a club as a microphone while he sings about murdering the Israelites. This whole thing is gold.

- honestly all of David’s brothers are such characters, they're great. There’s a song where they’re all arguing like children over which one of them is going to be king, and there's another where they’re meeting Samuel and their father keeps trying to promote each of them and after each of them is rejected he continues to claim that the next one in line is his favorite, and when David is chosen he acts like he knew it all along even though they didn't bring him in the first place

- David has a couple of different numbers about the Lord seeing what's inside of you and using you for good things even if you feel so small

- Saul has a complete mental breakdown which results in the best song I've ever heard in my life

- there’s a very reverent sense of companionship between David and Saul, and they have an absolutely gorgeous duet where Saul reminisces about how he used to have the kind of faith and goodness that David does, and David assures him that it's never too late to let God touch your heart

- the Philistines are completely wild and ridiculously over-the-top and their crazy outfits range from Rastafarian to Rod Stewart and their weapons are all completely made up and it makes no sense and I love it

- David: “🎶 and he will soon be 6 feet deep, I’m giving you my oath 🎶” Saul: “But suppose he were 6 feet deep, why, he'd still be 3 and a half feet tall!”

- a servant uses finger guns

- “I Am David” makes me feel like I can do anything

- Saul’s future is foreshadowed by him looking super confused and uncomfortable about David getting the kingdom’s praise

Alma & King Noah’s Court (2005)

- Noah’s courtroom comes complete with animatronic jaguars

- Noah is insanely high-maintenance and his kingdom is some sort of wild media circus and one of the priests reminds me of my uncle as a rockstar

- within the child’s imagination Alma himself also imagines a few things and has to snap out of it so there’s some imagination-ception going on here

- throughout the whole movie Alma is so earnest and genuine and it's so sweet

- Abinadi makes me cry like a baby every single time

- I kid you not, Noah and the priests have a disco number. There is a straight-up disco number in the middle of the courtroom. I can't even begin to explain.

- Seriously though. Abinadi. He ruins me. I always cry. I'm crying right now.

- Alma ruins me, too.

- Honestly the theme of conversion and baptism in this one just gets to me (I suppose it does with Ammon as well but for whatever reason Alma is different). I've been raised in the church myself, but my mother and my paternal grandmother are converts, some good friends in my stake were converted, and I've been blessed to be able to see our closest family friends come to believe the gospel and get baptized, and sharing the light of Christ with others is such an important thing to me that I can never come out of this one with dry eyes.

The First Christmas (2006)

- all of the shepherds are super cheery and optimistic except for just one who's very bored and very tired

- Zacharias and Elisabeth tug at my heartstrings in the worst way

- the angel Gabriel is the absolute best in every way

- any scene with Mary in it is so beautifully powerful, her songs even more so

- there's a scene with the Biblical era equivalent of nosy relief society sisters and it’s great

- honestly there are so many powerful scenes in this one, you've got Mary and Joseph looking for a place to stay and you've got a choir of angels giving glory to God and you've got the shepherds celebrating the birth of Christ and you've got the manger scene and... chills the whole way through

- gloomy shepherd: “Nothing ever happens out here, I mean nothing!” *brightly glowing Gabriel appears half a second later*

- if you've ever heard BYU Vocal Point sing ‘He’s Born’, this is where that song comes from

Esther & the King (2006)

- My favorite. My absolute favorite. There are no words that can convey my love for this movie. Stick my DVD copy with me in my coffin when I go.

- All of the songs are so catchy and amazing and I love each and every one of them with all my heart.

- The maidens waiting to meet the king all do the most ridiculous and flashy things to try and impress him and Esther’s just like ‘um...ok...’ and Hegai has the best reaction faces ever to grace this planet

- Teresh and Bigthan are so weird and a little crazy and I love it. They're like if Timon and Pumbaa were villains.

- what I love even more is Haman, oh my word, he's so vain and childishly absurd but also somehow manages to be truly menacing and awful and it's incredible

- Esther’s relationships with Mordecai and Ahasuerus are perfect and so sweet and all of them individually are such good people

- her songs are so breathtaking and strong and she's my hero and I love her

- Haman has the best villain songs in the history of villain songs. I will never ever tire of them.

- wonderful use is made of the chamberlain with the unfortunate name of Carcas

- there's a song for the part where Haman keeps giving hilariously specific suggestions for gifts that he thinks are for himself and then he goes to cry to his wife when he has to do all of it for Mordecai

- early on Esther has a song asking the king if he can love her for who she is and in the end it gets so beautifully flipped on its head and he's the one very humbly asking her if she can love him and it's the sweetest thing

- the word ‘news’ in the closing number “There Is News Today” is subtly but clearly pronounced like ‘noose’ because Haman’s about to be hanged and it's amusing in a weirdly morbid way

Samuel the Lamanite (2006)

- the imaginer child has been doing this for so long that her imagination process is evolving and now she sees herself physically partaking in the story and interacting with the citizens of Zarahemla and at one point the storyteller goes ‘can you imagine how it must have felt to be a believer in a time such as this?’ and her eyes are wide as she nods her head in fear like ‘yes I'm living it right now and I want out’

- the wicked people in the city sing about how great they are and while doing this they are continually casually awful to the people around them

- there’s this narcissistic archery corps who have the run of the place for some reason

- Nephi II and Nephi III are super sweet

- there are wonderful songs about never being alone because God is within and He shares His love

- Samuel looks very accurate to that figurine

- someone throws a rock at Samuel but it bounces off the wall and comes right back to hit the guy in the face

- the bad guys have a song about how it's been 5 years and nothing Samuel prophesied has happened, and for whatever amazing reason it's a mariachi number and the screen transitions into sepia and they have a piñata that looks like Samuel but they can't hit it no matter what they do

- interestingly, even though this one is filled with a lot of funnies, it's also the most dramatic because the villains become completely ruthless and the believers are literally almost murdered

Daniel & the Lions (2006)

- Darius is overstressed by his job and Daniel has basically become his therapist. Darius has a jazz number about his stress and how he needs help.

- Daniel is so calm and sweet and always has the best advice to offer. His relationship with Darius is very brotherly and loving, and he deals with the men who want him dead with such grace and patience.

- the king’s messenger (to a noisy crowd): “Put a sock in it!” villager #1: *whispers* “What’s a sock?” villager #2: *shrugs*

- Daniel only buys fruit and vegetables from the marketplace in reference to earlier in the book of Daniel where he refuses meat

- There are 3 main bad guys who go after Daniel, and the leader of the band is properly creepy. They also have a fully choreographed number about spying on Daniel while he's literally like 5 feet in front of them and he keeps looking back at them awkwardly, and later they literally have a Beach Boys number in the middle of the throne room and it's the best thing that's ever happened to me

- Darius’s heart is absolutely broken when he realizes that by law Daniel has to be sent into the den and it’s so gorgeous

- when Daniel is taken away the bad guys become very dramatic and act like they've made so many sacrifices for this victory and they're waving around red flags and it's somehow amusing but darkly disturbing at the same time

- Daniel and Darius have an incredibly powerful duet about the Spirit offering peace in times of need and it makes me cry

- the lions are played by people in costume and Daniel can talk to them

- Instead of just making them peaceful or causing them to lose their appetites, the angel turns the lions into vegetarians. They suddenly have a lively number about how excited they are to be vegetarians now. Vegetarian lions. I couldn't make this stuff up. It’s golden.

Jonah & the Great Fish (2011)

- Jonah is played by David Osmond

- I still love this one but personally I don't feel it's quite as good as the others, which has everything to do with the underwater sequences. The ‘great fish’ is given a name and a life story and he has a fish friend who follows him everywhere and for some reason they're given a large amount of screentime. I still kind of like them, but I’m sure I would like them better under different circumstances. It feels very weird and out of place here. The imaginer child and her storyteller even talk about them like they’re real characters. There are also villainous sharks for some reason. The only thing that makes sense about anything that happens underwater is the sequence when Jonah is inside the fish. I don't want to seem like I'm bashing the movie because I don't mean to, I definitely still adore it and I would still recommend it. There’s just stuff that doesn't make sense.

- The way they portray the contentions in Nineveh is to have the city be divided into the Left Siders and the Right Siders, and they all wear a glove on the respective hand and wear different color schemes. The architecture is different on both sides and even all of the names begin with L or R. Everyone is very unnecessarily dramatic about staying on their sides of the dividing line and there's an awesome musical number about how much they all hate each other and how important it is to pick a side. This clearly happens a lot because the king and queen are very tired of having to break up fights and after everyone has cleared out they have a beautiful duet about their hopes that God can help their people.

- Jonah has a great song where he's pledging himself to God and promising to go wherever he is asked, and then he's told to go to Nineveh and he goes, “EXCEPT THERE!” and suddenly the entire song backtracks and takes on a feeling of panic as he packs up all of his things and sings about running as far away as possible

- the mariners that Jonah hitches a ride with take advantage of how desperate he is to run away and they scam him out of almost all of his money, also the captain has a mullet

- when thrown overboard: “So this is how the story of Jonah ends, huh? Prematurely, in the first chapter. I think about verse 15...”

- Jonah has a beautiful repentance song when he's inside the fish, and the entire ending where Jonah is in Nineveh is really well done and the closing number is very uplifting and moving.

~~~~~

Really though, I highly recommend Liken to anybody. I can't do these movies enough justice, they’re amazing. I put them on whenever I'm feeling bad, they just have a way of healing your heart and uplifting your spirit. They’re a wonderful reminder of how present our Heavenly Father is in our lives.

[krys-does-otome]

Bae in Review: Kei Okazaki, Collar x Malice

This guy... oh this guy...

He was a whirlwind from start to finish. A thrill ride that I seriously wasn’t expecting, since this was my first route in Collar x Malice.

Those that follow me on twitter can attest to how much emotional turmoil this guy put me through, from when I started live-tweeting the game, to the end of his route, which I’m still scratching my head at.

For those that want the long and short of this review, here’s two screenshots from my twitter with a first impression and the last impression (for his route)

And after the ending:

More in-depth thoughts below the cut, plus spoilers. Be wary of the spoilers.

-----

Oh, god where do I even begin with this guy...

He started off like a dog that kept following Ichika around, seemingly harmless, maybe a tiny bit cute because he napped on Ichika’s shoulder and walked her home, several times, slept in the oddest places, giving him a hapless appearance (he’s got a sleeping mask in his pocket, for goodness sake).

Yet, with all of his seemingly harmless behavior, I just couldn’t help but feel this underlying mistrust. We knew subconsciously that he wasn’t watching over Yanagi and his group because they needed protection, especially during this troubling time where more important people needed protection rather than a bunch of former cops.

Still, despite how much I’m complaining about him, I had fun on his route, admittedly.

I have a soft spot for guys that hold your hand and walk you home at night.

Terrible, I know.

But that ending tho, oh, the ending...

I still don’t know if that was the good ending, but getting the ending credits and the after credits scene, a trophy, and his short story, all seem to be good signs.

But dear God did that ending nearly give me a heart attack.

Some context: I was playing the route, quick saving every now and then, as you do, in case you get an answer wrong or whatever, normal gaming stuff.

I could have sworn I got every indication that I was filling up Okazaki’s affection meter.

Yet, several times I checked, I still only had three boxes filled. Trust meter had every box filled when I completed the earning trust stage of the route. 

When I was getting closer and closer to end of his route, I was getting nervous as not all of his affection boxes weren’t completely filled. This wasn’t helped because I had already gotten my first bad ending, where we stupidly chase after Sanjou in the park and end up getting Okazaki killed and breaking my heart in the process.

So, I had a grim outlook as the ending drew ever closer, not all the affection boxes filled and one bad ending under my belt enough to put the fear of God in me.

Things took a turn for the worse when Ichika pushed Okazaki out of the way and was shot.

If I didn’t have any self-composure, I’m sure I would have screamed. My worst fear was coming true. My very first route in this game and I was getting my second bad ending. I didn’t know what I had done and where I had gone wrong, I was panicking. My nerves aren’t helped by Ichika saying she loves Okazaki with her dying breath, Okazaki screaming at her to not die, everything hurts and I wanna cry.

And then... 

The ending credits roll.

I stop, confused.

So... not a Bad End? 

Maybe it’s a Normal End, because my affection wasn’t completely filled, for some reason? 

It wouldn’t be the first time I got the normal ending before the good ending (See: Lupin from Code: Realize)

The ending credits seem pretty cheery, showing the normal stuff after completing a route, all the cute moments between bae and heroine. I’m still holding my breath, trying to figure out if this was a normal ending or a good ending.

Then, the after credits scene, showing us a hospital room.

BABY GIRL ICHIKA IS STILL ALIVE, THANK GOODNESS! ALL OF THAT HAD GIVEN ME A HEART ATTACK!

Okazaki is understandably pissed at her, but now they are free to be cute and grow old together, ending with a kiss cg.

It was entirely too long and sweet to be a normal ending, so I’m assuming this is his good ending?

Peeps are more than welcome to correct me if this isn’t it, but it feels like a good ending, plus I got a trophy for clearing his route and got his short story, so I assume I’m done, unless I wanna go back for other bad ends (at a much later date, I need space to breathe after this route.)

Overall, definitely a whirlwind romance if there ever was one.

Pros and Cons PRO: This boy loves his physical affection. He loves holding hands, hugs, and cuddling in general. CON: Once he has a hold of your hand, be prepared to be dragged everywhere by the hand. And I do mean EVERYWHERE.

PRO: He speaks his mind. CON: He speaks his mind, especially the first thing that comes to mind.

PRO: He will protect you, no matter what. CON: The jealousy, oh the jealousy... if you so much as look at another man, especially if he can interpret them as competition, God have mercy on both of your souls.

PRO: He’s good at sports and activities that can be useful in protecting someone, like Kendo and Jujitsu. CON: He’s pretty much useless for anything else. Especially domestic activities like cooking or cleaning. His roomba ran away from home, after all. PRO: He likes movies and novels. CON: His entire DVD and book library consists of horror and only horror.

PRO: He knows some pretty awesome calming methods for relaxing and sleeping. CON: This guy can fall asleep in about 3 seconds. And he can sleep just about anywhere, including and not limited to public parks, back alleys, and your living room floor. (He’ll steal your pillows too, the fiend).

Bae Rating: 7/10. The unwavering devotion and his sweet moments make up most of the score, but this boy dragged me through hell and back by the hand and I’m still trying to catch my breath. If I could interpret some of his actions in a way, he’s got some very subtle yandere tendencies, and that’s something that I just don’t go for. It’s not favorite character type, so I might have a bit of a bias, but a character type/trope isn’t enough to completely ruin a route for me, especially if the route is well-written and enjoyable. If he wasn’t my first route, I might have enjoyed him more if I had been playing the game longer, before starting his route. 

But, he had his sweet moments and I don’t regret doing his route. He was definitely a fun ride while it lasted.

Up next, continuing on in Collar x Malice, I plan to do Mineo Enomoto’s route next. I’m thinking of turning this into a series, to review and reflect on the baes that I’ve completed routes for.

If anyone has any special requests for baes for me to review, here’s the most up-to-date list of games and routes I’ve completed thus far: Butts Touched Master List

Have a good day, lovelies, and remember to touch all the butts.

[macrauchenia]

[Just the prologue to a story I think I might want to attempt. Let me know if it looks promising!!]

When Robin goes missing during a mission involving Mister Freeze and stolen medical technology, the team searches for months before reluctantly moving on. Ten years after his disappearance, a 14-year-old Dick Grayson is rescued from a cryo chamber, lost and confused. Desperate to return to the the past, Dick flees to Gotham and finds the city--and Batman--very different than how he once remembered it. New vigilantes patrol the street and Dick has to adapt fast before he’s replaced--again.

            It was supposed to be like any other mission. An easy-peasy, dig-up-the-dirt-on-the-baddie kind of mission. One that was a bit too simple for the League, but too difficult for local police to collaborate across jurisdictions.

             It’s what Wally West liked to call “junior justice grunt work” (though he wasn’t complaining, because any excuse to get out of training was fine in his book).

             Batman had been the one to brief them, flipping through images of stolen medical technology on the holoscreen, citing how each had been taken without a trace. Wally nodded along—sure, sure, find the stolen tech—while his gaze kept straying back towards his female teammates.

             It’s been so hot. We should definitely go to the beach after this.

             Wally shifted, feeling the slick of sweat as it dribbled down the lycra lining of his suit.      

             So hot.

             “Any questions?”

            Wally snapped his attention back to the Bat and shook his head. He had caught the important parts—stuff was stolen, they had to get it back. He missed a few of the details but he shrugged it off. He wasn’t much for the detective part of the job—just point him at a bad guy and he’d do his thing. As long as Robin and Kaldur knew what to do and where to go, they’d be fine.

             “Good luck. Report back when you have more information.”

            Wally planted his hands on his hip and frowned at the ravaged warehouse in front of him. Shreds of cardboard and splintered crates littered the ground. A few frayed cords and scraps of metal sheeting were sprinkled amongst the wreckage. It didn’t take an ace detective to know that something valuable had been taken.

             “Seriously? What was Bats saying about ‘not leaving a trace?’”

             Artemis crossed his arms, a delicate eyebrow lifting in mock surprise. “Oh, so you were paying attention? I thought you were too busy gawking like a creep at M’gann.”

             “I’m pretty good at multitasking,” he offered with a wink.

             Robin, who had drawn the unlucky straw of being the third wheel, groaned as he straightened up from a crouch.

             “This isn’t like the other scenes. Something different happened here.”

             Artemis frowned, scuffing a boot against one of the larger crate pieces. “Maybe this isn’t the same group. I mean, stealing high dollar tech isn’t exactly original.”

             Robin pulled his lips into a contemplative frown as he skirted around a puddle of water. “No… I think it might be the same group.” His fingers flew across his wrist as he plunked in information in the computer. “The other crime scenes weren’t as…messy, but they still have something in common. Whoever did this was strong.”

             Wally’s eyes landed on one of the discarded metal sheets, noting the four parallel gorges ripped out, as if someone had literally pried the metal off the main machine.

             “You don’t say.”

              “And then there’s this puddle of water.”

             “It’s an old warehouse, Rob. It’d be more suspicious if there wasn’t some sign of natural damage.”

            Robin carried on, seemingly oblivious to Wally’s nervous chuckle. “Puddles of water were found at the other spots too with no apparent source. That’s how Batman figured out they were connected.” He frowned, rubbing at the bridge of his nose. “Water…medical tech…super strength...”

            With a sharp gasp, Robin spun back towards Artemis and Kid Flash. “I know who’s behind this!”

            Artemis narrowed her eyes as she notched an arrow, aiming for over Robin’s shoulder. “Yeah, and I think he’s right behind you.”

            Aqualad! M’gann! Superboy! Someone!

             M’gann stopped midflight, wincing as she brought a palm to her pulsing temple.

             Wally? What’s wrong? You sound—is everything okay?!

             No—argh! Artemis’s voice cut into the conversation. M’gann winced again at the jarring emotions flooding her telepathic link. Mr. Freeze found us. Kid Flash and I are…down, but Robin ran after him. We tried to stop him but—

             Kaldur, who had been listening with furrowed brows, finally entered the conversation. Miss Martian, you and Superboy find Robin and help him with apprehending Mr. Freeze. I will assist Kid Flash and Artemis and we’ll find a place to rendezvous.

             Conner nodded before leaping, smashing through the concrete ceiling without hesitation. M’gann floated after him, calling for Robin’s location in her mind. Kaldur watched them before racing back towards Kid Flash’s and Artemis’s last known location.

             “Hey, Kk-kaldur,” Artemis offered a weak smile when he appeared in the threshold. Wally spared a quick grunt, focusing his energy on the task at hand. He pressed a vibrating hand to the thick layer of ice coating the right side of Artemis’s torso and arm, trying to melt it without accidentally tearing the limb off entirely.

             “What happened?”

             Artemis winced as the ice crackled under Wally’s touch. “Fff-freeze found us,” she repeated, shivering. Her exposed core shuddered and clenched as she tried to fight the tremors wracking her body. “I tried to shoot, but he h-h-hit me with that fff-freaking freeze gun.”

             “Robin ran after him before we could stop him. I couldn’t go after him—have to get this off her before it’s too late.” Wally added, keeping his gaze lowered. “I don’t know how much longer it’ll take to melt.”

             “Here, let me try.” Kaldur knelt next to Wally, placing a hand on the ice while tucking his other hand behind his back. He closed his eyes and murmured a word in Atlantean, brow wrinkling as he concentrated. The tattoos wrapping around his arms pulsed a vibrant teal before the ice enveloping Artemis’s torso melted in a slush of water.  

             “Th-thanks,” Artemis gasped, gingerly rotating her damp shoulder. “G-god, that was c-cold.”

             Wally hovered over her, poking and prodding at the reddened, ice-burned skin. She swatted him away and he disappeared before reappearing with a tattered towel, a clothespin still attached. He wrapped it around her shoulders before zipping back to Kaldur’s side.

             “Thanks, you two.” She grinned before reaching for her bow with her left hand.

            “Any permanent damage?”

            “I’m counting the seconds to my next hot shower, but I should be fine.”

             Kaldur returned the smile, relieved that his idea had worked. “I am glad to hear that.” He straightened up, pulling Artemis into a standing position.

             Wally punched an exposed palm, making a satisfying smack as his fingers curled over his balled fist.

             “Good, now let’s go melt some snowmen.”

             “What do you mean you can’t find him?!”

             “I—he’s… I don’t know….” M’gann tucked her arms closer to her chest and lowered her gaze from Wally.

             “You’re kidding right? He has to be here somewhere. Maybe he just got somehow kicked off our signal—“

             “Wally,” M’gann began in a soft voice. “He isn’t here.”

             “You couldn’t find anything?”

             Conner shouldered himself into the conversation, stepping between the two.

             “She’s right. There isn’t another heartbeat. Robin isn’t…here.”

             “Wait. What do you mean by heartbeat? Are you saying that he—“

             Kaldur pinched the bridge of his nose, taking a deep breath in to clear his churning nerves. The others—no, we are all started to get anxious. Worrying about this won’t help anyone.

            “Robin knows more about this villain than we do,” he started hesitantly. “Perhaps he thought his familiarity with Mister Freeze would aid him if he decided to go after him on his own. Perhaps Robin has left the warehouse in pursuit of Mister Freeze.”

             Kaldur’s words did little to placate most of the team, but Wally grabbed onto the explanation with an eager nod. “Yeah, that would explain it. He’s probably out of range of Miss M’s signal.”                

             “I don’t think that’s the way it works...” Artemis murmured, hating the pragmatic neutrality to her tone.

             Wally didn’t hear her. Instead he shook his head with a forced smile. “I’m sure Rob will turn up in no time. We won’t hear the end of it—how he singlehandedly took down that walking icebox.”

             Several hours passed and the remaining team members waited with bated breath for anything—a phone call, a reprimand from Batman, a cheery cackle. However, nothing came. Even as the small search team milled around the thirty-mile radius of the abandoned warehouse, no one could find any more evidence regarding the whereabouts of the missing Boy Wonder.

            (Wally was looking for his best friend, alive and well; Conner and Artemis were looking for something more realistic. Miss Martian and Kaldur were stranded in between, hoping for the best, but fearing the worst.)

            As a distant siren screamed in the background, the remaining team members regrouped at the warehouse bay, drained and defeated.

            “’Not leaving a trace,’ huh? So Batman was right after all.” Wally allowed himself a bitter laugh as the sun began to dip before the skyscraper-dotted horizon.

            Residually stiff and sore from her near-freezing, with the tattered towel still wrapped around her shoulders, Artemis leaned towards Wally, brushing the coarse fabric of the towel against his hard shoulder pads.

            “Hey, we’ll find him, okay? He couldn’t have gone too far.”

             Kaldur glanced from Conner, glaring at the overturned wreckage, to M’gann, slumped against one of the crates in exhaustion. In this state, they wouldn’t be of any use to Robin.

             “It’s time for us to return to the Cave. There isn’t anything more we can do here,” he began slowly. He expected Wally to contest his decision, but he nodded with the rest of the team, gaze lowered and dull.

             Kaldur swallowed and mashed his lips together. It was time to call Batman.

             Batman took the news as Kaldur expected him to: stoically, impassively. Other than the narrowing of the white eyelets in his cowl, Batman didn’t react until Kaldur had finished relaying the results of the mission and their fruitless search for their missing team member.

             Batman only offered an icy “you should have contacted me sooner,” before sweeping out of the room, his cape brushing against the floor with a soft hiss as he turned.

             Kaldur didn’t even manage to clear his throat (for an apology? An explanation?) before Batman disappeared via zeta tube. He slumped his shoulders before trudging back into the silent living room.

             What were they hoping to prove? That they could find Robin sooner than the World’s Greatest Detective? Kaldur’s ears burned and he gingerly rubbed them, rationalizing the sensation as a side effect from spending too much time in the direct sun.

             They should have told Batman sooner, but it didn’t matter. He would still find Robin and then everything would be okay in the end.

            (Right?)

             Two weeks passed and Wally had become downright unbearable. Despite the circumstances, even the others were starting to become aggravated at his tendency to appear and disappear with dizzying frequency.

             “Would you just sit still?” Artemis had been the first to snap, shoving Wally into the nearest seat when he appeared a few millimeters from her elbow.

             “I can’t help it!” Wally argued back, slouching further in the couch cushion. “We haven’t been able to do anything. They won’t even let us near the…scene. And I live there!”

            Since Robin’s disappearance, Batman had pulled their team off any missions for the foreseeable future. Batman hadn’t even deigned to deliver the order himself, presumably too busy tracking down his missing protégé. A shifty-eyed Captain Marvel had been the one to relay the message, which didn’t inspire much confidence in the remaining team members, since he seemed as unsure and confused as they felt.

            However, the team decided to exploit his uncertainty to their advantage to gain more information about the search for Robin. When they had asked their mentors and instructors earlier, they all received a similar dismissive placation with a forced smile. Only Green Arrow had provided an extra clue, when Conner overheard him complaining about a mission that Batman had “sat out on” to Black Canary.

            When Captain Marvel returned to the Cave to check up on them as he did each week, they were ready. Immediately Wally and M’gann attacked him with a barrage of questions while the others watched cautiously from a distance.

            “Oh…uhm…” Captain Marvel chuckled nervously at the first question. “Well….uh… We don’t—er, Batman doesn’t really tell us much.”

            “But surely you must know something,” Wally insisted, taking an eager step forward. Captain Marvel hastily retreated backwards, finding himself closer to Superboy.

            “Superman’s your leader, right? Go ask him.”

            “Well, actually…”

            “Hasn’t my uncle assisted too? His powers are better suited for finding people. He should know more about it as well.”

            “Yeah! And Uncle Barry has to be in on this too! Robin disappeared in Central City! That’s kind of like his turf.”

            Captain Marvel slapped his cheeks, the sound ricocheting around the room like a gunshot. Immediately the team fell silent, eyeing him warily.

            “Okay, liiiisten. I promised them I wouldn’t say anything, but this is driving me crazy!” He squinted at them, puckering his lips in a very undignified manner.

            “You can’t tell them I told you this—pinky swear—but no one knows what Batman’s doing anymore. He’s—well, I think he’s taking a break from the League. He hasn’t been up in the Watchtower since Robin disappeared.” He leaned forward, eyebrows jumping upwards. “Apparently, Superman’s the only one who still talks to him, but even he says he doesn’t know anything.”

            Wally’s shoulders slumped at the news. He almost regretted asking. If Batman had stepped so far back from the others, that could only mean the worst had happened.

            “Are the others still looking?”

            “Yeah, I think they are. We can’t do much though, becuase uhm…”

            “But what?”

            Captain Marvel hesitated before glancing over his shoulder. “Apparently, Batman closed Gotham.”

            “Closed Gotham?” Artemis blinked, startled by the choice of words. Last she checked, her neighborhood was still as crappy as ever, but nothing had changed in the city itself. The bat-signal still glowed against the cloud-streaked dusk sky, serving as a pacifying nightlight for as long as she could remember.  

            “Closed Gotham to the other superheroes,” Captain Marvel amended. “I guess he doesn’t want anyone’s help anymore.”

            “But wha—“

            “Aww, man, you guys…” Captain Marvel broke off, rubbing the back of his neck with a grimace. “I think I’ve said too much. I can’t keep this up anymore.” His face scrunched up and he looked genuinely upset before backing away, practically jogging away from the teenagers.

            Artemis watched him flee with a hoisted eyebrow. “We just tried to interrogate a ten-year-old. What low will we sink to next?”

             “Whatever we have to do.” Kaldur finished with a firm nod.

             Black Canary came during the third week. She silenced their questions with a firm slice of her hand.

             “Batman will no longer be giving you missions.”

             M’gann hesitantly raised her hand, waiting for Black Canary to glance her way before voicing her question.

             “Does that mean… does that mean that the team is done?”

             Black Canary sighed before shaking her head. “No, the team isn’t done. If you feel up to it, the League has a new mission for you.”

             Slowly the remaining team members nodded. It was the first step towards normalcy. They were heroes, after all.

             The corners of Black Canary’s eyes creased, but she pulled up the mission parameters on the holoscreen, disregarding whatever comment remained trapped on her tongue.

             “Very well. According to satellite photos,” Black Canary began, preparing her students for a mission she wished they would abandon.

             What are we doing? We shouldn’t be sending them off again so soon.  

             “That was Master Richard’s school that just called. They would like to know where he’s been.”

            “I’ve searched everywhere, Alfred.”

             “I know, sir. We all have.”

             “The trackers on his uniform—try that again.”

             “I’m afraid we’ve tried that already.”

             “Then the ones in his blood? I know I said I wouldn’t ever use them because they were unstable, but this is an emergency. They’re find him even…even if he’s already go—“

            ��“We activated those two weeks ago. They didn’t work either, sir.”

             “I’ve searched everywhere, Alfred,” he repeated, rubbing at the dark circles under his eyes. His cowl lay a few feet away, still damp from hours spent shielding Batman’s face during another lonely, rainy vigil.

             “I don’t know where he is.”

             (God knows how many times he had murmured the phrase to an empty cave, long after Alfred had retired for the night.)

             “What should I tell the school?”

             “Maybe if I go after Freeze’s old partn—“

             “Master Bruce!”

             “He hasn’t been seen since the warehouse, but they have to know where Freeze is holding out.”

             Alfred sighed before shaking his head. He slowly climbed back up the Batcave steps, feeling his bones creak with each step.

             (When had he gotten so old?)

             “I apologize for the wait, madam. Bruce was…a bit indisposed. Master Richard is currently visiting family in Bosnia.” A pause. “Mmmhmm, yes indeed. September is a poor time for a trip, but he was adamant about going.” Another pause. “When will he return?” Alfred’s gaze strayed towards a photograph of wide smiles and a basketball.

            “Soon, we hope.”

             A month after Robin’s disappearance, the Gotham Gazette ran an article about the missing ward of a billionaire, a boy who vanished after a trip to Sarajevo. Foul play was not suspected. No ransoms were made; no charges were filed.  

             Three years later, when the Gotham Gazette published another article about the same billionaire adopting a feisty young orphan, Richard Grayson became no more than a footnote.