#good lord miss chloe what are you planning

[svtshuastruck]

yk i think the last 100 pages of miss chloe gong's books are similar to the yg party chorus: everything just goes batshit crazy.

[medea10]

My Review of Overlord

Okay, I’ve managed to blow through Konosuba, Re:Zero, and The Rising of the Shield Hero in the past several years. Now, I think it’s time I blast through this isekai so I can get to Isekai Quartet. I know it’s absurd to push up a wonky spin-off like that. But I watched Carnival Phantasm when I clearly didn’t know half of those characters. We learn from our oopsies and mistakes. I’m older and wiser now. Once I finish this, I’ve watched all…

But don’t you have to watch Tanya of the Evil too?

(ノ ゜Д゜)ノ ︵ ┻━┻

Momonga is a working man, who in his off-time plays an MMORPG named Yggdrasil and plays a character known as Ains. After so many hours playing this game, the servers are going to shut down and he is the only one left with his memories of the good times playing. He decides to stay on the server until midnight when the servers plan to go dead. Midnight strikes and he’s still logged in. Problem is, HE CAN’T LOG OUT! Welcome to the Isekai rabbit-hole! But unlike many other isekais, Momonga has a legion of loyal servants to do what he says. Hell, he can cop a feel on a hot girl and she’ll just moan and beg for more.

Albedo is all kinds of kinky!

So, let’s watch as Momonga (or Ains Oon Goal) navigate this world where the NPC’s do a lot more than you’d expect and a world that’s different from the game. He is the overpowered overlord that will one day rule the land. Get ready. There’s about four seasons and a million chapters of light novel to this.

BETWEEN THE SUB AND THE DUB: Say what you will about FUNimation, they do give us some quality dubs from time to time. And in the first season, I was so happy to hear Ed Blaylock’s voice in what was probably his final role (that wasn’t One Piece related) before his passing. I’m also impressed with Chris Gurrero’s voice going from Momonga to Ains like that. I almost thought it was two different voice actors, so color me impressed. If you’re wondering, I did watch some of this series subbed. A lot of the specials and movies were sub only so I had no choice in the matter. But by the time season four came around, I was already caught up so I caught the sub there.

Hey, I wasn’t going to miss out on Mamoru Miyano acting dorky. Here’s what you might recognize these folks from.

JAPANESE CAST: *Ains is played by Satoshi Hino (known for Sai on Naruto Shippuden, Kamui on Gintama, Rengoku on Demon Slayer, Yuuji on Shakugan no Shana, Hamazura on Index, and Gauche on Black Clover)

*Albedo is played by Yumi Hara (known for Takane on Idolm@ster and Kosame on Magical Girl Site)

*Narberal is played by Manami Numakura (known for Pieck on Attack on Titan, Rio on Assassination Classroom, Brandish on Fairy Tail, and Hibiki on Idolm@ster)

*Shalltear is played by Sumire Uesaka (known for Nagatoro on Miss Nagatoro, Chloe on Miss Kobayashi, Dekomori on Chunibyo, Aya on Tonikawa, Nanase on In/Spectre, and Anastasia on Idolm@ster: CG)

ENGLISH CAST: *Ains is played by Chris Gurrero (known for Moriah on One Piece, Valtos on Black Clover, Nobuta on Assassination Classroom, and Ichiya on Fairy Tail)

*Albedo is played by Elizabeth Maxwell (known for Ymir on Attack on Titan, Uo on Fruits Basket 2019, Caulifla on DB Super, Lisa on Fire Force, Jenny on Fairy Tail, and Cordelia on Gosick)

*Narberal is played by Anasatasia Munoz (known for Gracia on FMA: Brotherhood, Minerva on Fairy Tail, Mayu on Fruits Basket, and Monomi on Danganronpa)

*Shalltear is played by Felecia Angelle (known for Hagakure on My Hero Academia, Georgie on Miss Kobayashi, Asahina on Danganronpa, Tetia on Black Clover, Frill on Wonder Egg Priority, and Perona on One Piece)

DISLIKED CHARACTER: So, I hate this sick, sadistic bitch right here.

I know it feels weird to stick it out with a season one villain. Especially because season four had a treasure trove of idiots that deserve to be hated. I just hate Clementine.

SHIPPING: God damn, Albedo and Shalltear are THIRSTY for Ains.

Um…so which girl? Which girl or girls are to be Lord Ains’s wife or mistress or concubine?

Okay, obviously we will never get an answer to that unless we read the entire light novel series. And even then, is there really an answer? We know it’ll never be Evileye from season two despite her sorta falling for Lord Ains.

Let’s just chalk this section up to the only true ship in this series is Nferia and Enri. Cute moment from them in season one and savior moments in season three. And now they’re married. Oh and I suppose the lizards from season two. Last I saw, they mated and have offspring as of season four. Call it a win if you’re married and still alive by the end of season four.

MUSIC: All of the songs are lit. There’s really nothing more to say on the matter.

Voracity is my favorite.

ENDING TO SEASON ONE: Throughout the series, we’ve seen Ains in disguise when going on mini-missions throughout the land. He goes by the name of Moman and travels with one of his Pleiades maids Naberal (or Nabe). After killing off these dead-raisers and a very unlikeable villain, he returns to his base to learn that there’s been a betrayal amongst one of his loyal followers.

It would seem odd for any of these characters to turn against Lord Ains or anything like that, especially when you see it was Shalltear. But whoever caught Shalltear certainly has Ains sweating (if it’s humanly feasible for a skeleton to do so). Not many can compare to his strength. However, Shalltear is a different story. Statistically speaking, there’s a less than 50% chance that Ains can win against her in a fight. When Ains decides to deal with this situation by himself, this frightened many of his disciples. Ains is the only person left of his original group that brought life to many of these characters. If he’s gone, Albedo might lose her sanity. Not just her, but the rest of the characters too. So, when Ains went after Shalltear, it looked like his power was useless to zap her out of her trance. And she did seem somewhat conflicted going against her lord and master. Could it be that someone besides Ains was stuck in the game as well? Could it be one of his former comrades from before the game shut down?

The end of this season doesn’t give us that answer. But we were not disappointed by the Ains vs. Shalltear fight. Ains didn’t hold back in this fight and ended up using many items crafted by his former comrades who used to be a part of the game before the permanent shutdown. I know there’s a lot to be said about overpowered protagonists and how boring a show can be with one of those, but for some reason I can live with Ains taking down a rogue servant. Ains ends up killing Shalltear, but then resurrects her (for a very steep price).

Shalltear is unaware of what happened during that time she was being mind-controlled. And I suppose we will not know until the following season.

PLEIADES SPECIALS: What the hell? Is this shit animated by the same company that does Isekai Quartet? Son of a gun, it is! Every season, there will be these short episodes. These episodes have everything you would expect from your average short-run special including; fanservice, main focus on characters that we never focus on, out of place dialogue, and no one acting like they would in the main show (except for Albedo). As the name indicates, we focus on the Pleiades combat maids; Yuri, Lupusregina, Narberal, Solution, CZ, and Entoma. And there’s only one thing I want to say about the specials.

I got to watch Clementine die six more times.

Oh yeah, there’s also a Clementine special with the Pleiades. More Clementine torture! I can’t say no to that. But that’s just the first season. Later seasons feature many crazier characters like Pandora’s Actor. Mamoru Miyano is having so much fun with this role. I know he is.

SEASON TWO: Three years, two recap movies, millions of Rule 34 artworks featuring Albedo, and a multitude of Isekai Quartet-style specials later…

We’re watching the story of dragon tribes getting a stark warning in the sky, working together, and then defeating armies of the undead. Wait, did I pick up some other anime by mistake or is this really Overlord? Yeah, the first few episodes of this season we’re watching a lot of these dragons, learning about these characters, and then watch them die off (this time by Coctys). That is until Ains comes in and forces the remaining dragon clans to answer to him.

The rest of this season had a lot of screentime to Sebas. Sebas was found interfering in the human world. He took in and healed a prostitute named Tuare and assisted with helping the bodyguard of a princess. With Sebas doing a lot of questionable actions while undercover with Solution, Lord Ains might fear of another betrayal much like last season with Shalltear. But as we all know, the opening theme told us that Demiurge was going to betray Lord Ains. Maybe! Ains gave his decision and will not punish Sebas and will see to it that Tuare will be taken care of by having her serve at the Great Tomb of Nazerick.

As it turns out, a lot of factions in this part of the story want to put an end to a crime syndicate known as “Eight Fingers”. The kingdom (particularly Princess Renner) has her close allies (Blue Rose) and loyal bodyguard (Climb) take out their organization. Sebas has had his moments with these gentlemen, as the crime syndicate consisted of brothels with injured women. Along with Sebas, we also have season one veterans Brain and Gazef get involved. However, things get messy when several of these groups get a nasty meeting.

I mean it, this season is full of new characters that are either in several episodes in great detail or die off faster than their appearance in the opening sequence. And in usual Medea-fashion, I’m going to have to give these people stupid nicknames. Let’s see…

Fluffy and Fuzzy’s Guide to You-Know-What

Thing One and Thing Two

Isekai Jasper

Odvall

Fat Royal Armin

Blonde Yuno Gasai

Dead One, Dead Two, Corpse One, Corpse Two...

Feminine Obvious Ian Sinclair character

Gilgamesh Knock-Off

END OF SEASON TWO: What do you suppose is going to happen when Lord Ains’s diciples get involved in a messy situation? You’ve got Entoma eating humans and Demiurge slaughtering members of the princess’s allies in Blue Rose. And then Lord Ains shows up in his Moman disguise right in the middle of this cluster-fucking mess. We do get the fight between Demiurge and Ains, it’s just that Demiurge wasn’t under a spell like Shalltear was last season. This was more of a bigger plan as both of them are using their alias names. It’s all an act.

Things get messier when Ains gets involved in Blue Rose matters. First of all, Evileye shouldn’t be falling in love with Ains. Ains has no interest and two other thirsty ladies back home. Second of all, this story is already more twisted than Lombard Street in San Francisco. Well, we get a satisfactory conclusion for Ains as he was able to make more connections in order for his alias (Moman) to be the great adventurer. Fake fighting with his allies of the Great Tomb of Nazerick and “defeat” the bad guys. And we close with seeing knock-off Gilgamesh plotting something. Oh, I’m sure we’ll see it in season three.

SEASON THREE: One anime season later…

God damn, that’s pretty fast for a Madhouse production!

Okay so, there’s still no word on who possessed Shalltear back in season one and no word on anyone else in this world from Lord Ains’s time as Momonga. Meanwhile, the guardians of the Great Tomb of Nazerick are planning their next plan of attack. Entoma wants revenge on Evileye from their fight at the end of season two. Solution wants to eat more humans. And Demiurge is looking forward to total world domination. And Ains is trying his best to stay the strong leader in front of everyone and still put out signs in case anyone from the game is there and finds him. With all of that happening isn’t it the perfect time for everyone to take a day off? Yeah, the first episode of this season was almost a throwaway.

Thankfully, we get back to the engaged storytelling and killing soon after. For a couple of episodes, we follow those humans from season one, Nfirea and Enri. And of course, they are the special kinds of humans Lord Ains trusts the most as they actually know Lord Ains by name and are indebted to him. Plus goblins! Enri controls a horde of goblins. I gotta give this girl some credit, she is pretty bad-ass.

END OF SEASON THREE: So Ains was not too pleased about random human scum entering the Tomb of Nazerick uninvited. In fact, that downright pissed him off. He kills the trespassers, has Shalltear kill off any runaways, and sent Aura and Mare to send a message to the kingdom with a pretty clear message of, “fuck around and find out”.

Now the emperor (Gilgamesh knock-off) made a legitimate attempt at forming an alliance to avoid more deaths like what Mare and Aura did in front of him. The royal family however decided to take matters in their own hands. One of the princes (not fat royal Armin) led an army to E-Rantel to take control. In another edition of “fuck around and find out”, Enri led an army of ogres into victory. That and Lupusregina annihilated any survivors. So now we’ve got a full-blown war between the Tomb of Nazerick and the kingdom. Ains has an army of goats that he’s bred to take out…

THOSE ARE NOT GOATS! No, don’t give me that “Baaa” shit. Those are not goats! Those aren’t even crimes against nature! They’re worse than that. They don’t have a name that they’re so…they shouldn’t even exist. Lord Ains, you are truly a wonder to behold!

And one warrior actually is given an opportunity to end the bloodshed by becoming one of Ains’s men. It was survivor of season one and two, Gazef Stronoff. Gazef refuses. Let’s see what happens in this edition of “fuck around and see what happens”. Gazef dies in 0.000001 seconds. The end result of this battle, the kingdom lost soldiers somewhere in the tens of thousands including Gazef, who was an essential warrior for the kingdom. Victory goes to Ains and the Tomb of Nazerick. And that’s where we end season three!

Still no word on who brainwashed Shalltear in season one! Still no word if Ains has found any contact with any comrade from before being sucked into Isekai Heaven over here. Let’s see what happens when Season IV comes out.

Hey, I only had to wait six months for this.

SEASON FOUR: The opening is still a banger and Ains is now supreme overlord of the entire kingdom (now known as the Sorcerer Kingdom). He is now using his actual form with those he’s never shown before instead of hiding behind his other persona of Moman. Though he will pop in as Moman or have Pandora go in his stead. The important thing is that Ains will be heard and will be obeyed.

We get some stories involving other creature characters including wolfmen, dwarves, and dragons. But other than that, we see more diplomatic scenes now that Ains and Albedo are frequently present at the kingdom. Gee, wouldn’t it suck if something were to happen to this kingdom? Like if something were to go wrong, do you think Lord Ains would do something so extreme like kill all humans?

ENDING: Something went wrong and now it’s time for humans to die.

“Someone” stole from the Sorcerer Kingdom. Yeah, this is the night bitches die.

Look, the kingdom should know to walk on eggshells with Lord Ains. Aura and Mare left a clear and present message for the kingdom in season three not to fuck with the Tomb of Nazerick. But leave it to one big, dumb, idiot, fucking asshole to ruin everything. Yeah, we’re talking about Phillip! The same idiot that tried to hit on Albedo this season, glossing over any other female in the room is the mastermind in stealing from the Sorcerer Kingdom. The balls on this man! Well, I’m pretty sure by the end of this season, the balls on this man will be torn asunder.

Prince Zanac (the guy I call Fat Royal Armin) took over royal duties for his ailing father. He has hopes of quelling Lord Ains’s fury and prevent the entire kingdom to be wiped out. And it went over as one would expect from this guy. His negotiations with Lord Ains fell flat and his own men mutinied and sent Fat Royal Armin’s head in a bag for Lord Ains. This is in hopes that these men and their families would be spared from Lord Ains’s wrath.

I gotta say, seeing Fat Royal Armin’s head in a bag brought back School Days memories. But I was just surprised Crunchyroll showed this. We see more season two survivors pledging loyalty to Lord Ains. And a shining armor guy with a fake name try to stop Ains from destroying the entire kingdom. Almost had Ains on his knees. I say almost because that wasn’t really Lord Ains meeting the knight, but Pandora’s Actor dressed up like Lord Ains.

The kingdom genocide is about to proceed as Cocytus comes through parts of the kingdom by freezing everything in sight. He also wound-up freezing Brain (one of the few characters that survived since season one). Princess Renner and Climb stay behind while their comrades of Blue Rose leave. The slaughter commences. Mare leads her army through the kingdom. Meanwhile, Lord Ains and Demiurge take out the king. Albedo ends up taking care of Phillip, that big, dumb, idiot, fucking asshole I mentioned before. Whether or not Albedo tears this guy’s nutsack asunder is up for debate, but I’d like to think she did. As it stands, it looked like Climb and Princess Renner were the last two seen alive. Climb ends up trying to fight Ains. He puts up a decent fight, but we all know the overlord was going to take him out. And now for the most disturbing scene of the season.

Climb wakes up to Princess Renner who is now a demon with ties to Lord Ains. She asks him to become a demon with her as well so they can live happily ever after for all eternity. The princess was behind this mass genocide. Most of the plans was from her. I KNEW IT! I KNEW THIS BITCH WAS TROUBLE FROM THE START! I KNEW THERE WAS NO GOOD IN TRUSTING PRINCESS BLONDE YUNO GASAI! NO GOOD! And then she sings a demonic Disney princess song while many viewers are pissing themselves in utter fright.

And with the fourth season’s end let’s check out the mysteries that remain so. Still no word on who possessed Shalltear in season one. No sign of any allies from Momonga’s time before the MMORPG became for real. Unknown connection with the latest characters we saw in the fourth season. And the kill count is infinity +1.

Overlord was not what I expected. Going into this, I thought this was going to be like the other Isekai animes that came out at the same time. For starters, there were characters I thought were going to have more screen time than they really did. The first 2 seasons, it felt like that when it came to Shalltear and Albedo. Most of the time we just saw Lord Ains in disguise with one of his maids, Narberal. But that’s the funny thing, we rarely saw any of the Pleiades in season four.

And then there’s the massive cast list for every season. Adventurers in season one, lizardmen in season two, goblins in season three, and dwarves, dragons, and wolfmen in season four. Add to that a myriad of humans that are going to be dead soon enough. You know when you’re watching Overlord’s many bomb-ass opening sequences and we see many characters with bomb-ass entrances? Many of their appearances are about as long as their couple of seconds in the opening. Don’t get me wrong, there are characters that have extended episodes dedicated to them. But some of them I don’t even remember when I replay the opening themes. I play them a lot. They’re all bangers!

So, what’s next? The light novel is still in publication and last checked it’s nowhere near being finished. One can wonder what we’re to expect next. Although, the final message in season four means we’re heading to a final arc of some sort or something might change if we’re to get another continuation. Whatever the case is, I’m all in and waiting for the next installment.

If you would like to check out Overlord, Crunchyroll and Hulu have every season available.

[elwynten]

New Universes 19

Celebrating my Team's ranking up

As planned for that evening our whole Team, Rosni, Kimmy, Iris, Cindy and I, head to the Benevolent Mistress to celebrate all of us ranking up to level two.

Everyone was in high spirits because of our raking up. We all were talking enthusiastically about our ranking up.

Once we arrived at the Benevolent Mistress. Chloe walked up to us as we entered. "Table for five." She called and led us to our table.

I waved a Mia. "Hi Mamma Mia, we're celebrating. We all ranked up to level two." I called out to Mia.

Mia looked surprised. "You all leveled up at the same time!?" She asked me with shock on her face.

"Didn't they rank up in little over six weeks?" "Yah, and all five of them ranked up at the same time."

We could hear some of the other costumers talking about us because our ranking up had been posted on the Guild's bulletin board.

Grinning I nodded my head in agreement. "Yes, we all ranked up. Not quite at the same time but we all ranked up within two days of each other." I replied.

Mia shook her head in disbelief. "Didn't Bell Cranel level up just a week or two back?" Mia asked.

"They belong to the Hestia Familia. That's the same Familia that, that rabbit guy ranked up in six weeks is in."

I nodded my head in agreement. "Yah, he did. Although my Team spends a lot of time in the dungeon. Then we went on the rescue mission after Bell, Welf and Lili. While we were headed to the eighteenth floor my Team fought a few minotaurs. That helped a lot." I told Mia. I didn't mention that each member of our Team fought the minotaurs by themselves.

"What's with the Hestia Familia that their members can rank up so fast?"

Still shocked but not wanting to miss out on making money. "Well, it sounds like a good reason to celebrate. Eat up!" She said with a smile on her face.

Chloe seated us and took our drink orders. As Chloe walked away to get our drinks, Ryu and Anya walked over to our table.

"May we sit with you?" Ryu asked.

I chuckled then stood up. "Please do." I told them and took my seat again after they sat down. "Let me guess. Mamma Mia told you; you could sit with us hoping we'd spend more money." I said.

"Yes, she did. Meow." Anya replied and giggled.

"Yes, lord Eilwyn. Mamma Mia told us we could sit with you because you were celebrating that all of you ranked up to level two. Is that true?" Ryu inquired.

"I guess it's a good thing that we're friends with Bell 'and' that Mama Mia wants to make more money." I said and laughed.

Then answering Ryu's question, I nodded my head in agreement. "Yes, we did. Cindy, Iris, Kimmy, Rosni and I ranked up right after we got back." I told Ryu and Anya. "At least Mia let the cutest girls sit with us." I added.

"Thank you, lord Eilwyn." Ryu replied, her cheeks turning pink.

"You think I'm cute?" Anya asked.

I smiled at Anya. "Yes, you're very cute." I assured her.

Anya was all smiles.

Chloe arrived with our drinks and handed them around. "Ryu, Anya go ahead and order anything you want." I offered.

"He says that to all of us. That we're cute, not for us to order anything we want." Cindy told Ryu and Anya, then she giggled.

"Only because it's the truth." I replied.

"It sounds like we're the talk of the tavern." I said hearing some of the people close to us talking about our ranking up so fast.

"With you ranking up so fast and five of you at the same time. Everyone will be talking about you." Ryu replied.

Ryu and Anya gave Chloe their orders then my Team give Chloe our food order.

Once Ryu and Anya's drinks arrived. I raised my tankard. "To Team STRIG!" I toasted my Team.

"I wonder if I joined the Hestia Familia if I'd rank up that fast?" "Their god probably knows how to pick adventurers that will rank up fast. So that leaves you out."

Everyone at the table raised their tankard and clanked them together. "To Team STRIG (Starling)!" Everyone said, took a drink and sat their tankards down.

"So, lord Eilwyn, since your Team has already been to the eighteenth floor. What are your plans to do now?" Ryu asked, her usual serious self

I looked at the girls then back to Ryu. "I figured we'd do like we have been doing. We go into the dungeon for two days. The first day we hit one floor and the second day we go to the next floor down. We were on the eleventh floor before we went to rescue Bell and company." I told Ryu.

Ryu looked thoughtful before she said anything. "So, you spend eight hours on one floor then the next day you go to the next floor down and spend only eight hours there?"

"No," I said shaking my head in the negative. "We spend twenty-four hours on one floor then we go to the next floor down and spend twenty-four hours there." I told her.

"You spend twenty-four hours in the dungeon at one time? Wouldn't it be easier and safer if you didn't camp out in the dungeon?" Ryu asked me.

"We don't camp out. When we go into the dungeon, we spend the first twenty-four hours fighting monsters on one floor. Then we spend the next twenty-four hours fighting monsters on the next floor down." I explained.

"You must be busy down there. Meow." Anya said.

"How are you able to fight monsters forty-eight hours straight?" Ryu asked with a confused expression on her face.

I looked at Anya. "Yes, we keep busy in the dungeon. That's why we were able to rank up so fast." I told her.

I turned back to Ryu. "We can stay down in the dungeon that long because of our… Companions." I reminded Ryu. I had already given Ryu a Companion so she should know most of what they can do and what the partner can do because of them.

Ryu's eyes lit up. "Yes, I remember that, now." Ryu blushed slightly. "I don't think about being able to do or not do some of the things I can do or don't need to do, because of Melita. Yes, I can see how you can stay in the dungeon that long without having to camp out. Very clever, lord Eilwyn, very clever." Ryu told me.

I took Ryu's last statement as a high complement, and smiled at Ryu.

"Come on! Let's sing the song you filked." Iris demanded.

"Ha ha ha ha. You want us to get kicked out don't you." I said jokingly.

"Mia won't kick us out. It's about her anyway." Iris added.

Anya looked at me with a look of curiosity on her face. "You wrote a song about Mama Mia, meow?" Anya asked me.

"Kind ah. I took a song I already knew and changed the words a little bit." I told Anya.

"Okay If I'm going to sing the Mamma Mia song, then y'all have to help me sing it." I told my Team.

"The song's title is 'Mamma Mia'? Ryu asked.

I chuckled. "That was the name before I changed the words. That's why I picked this song in the first place, because of the tidle, 'Mamma Mia'." I told Ryu.

I reached under the table and created a guitar and pulled it out from under the table. I created several copies of the song also and handed them to my Team and I even handed Anya and Ryu a copy of the song. I strummed the guitar a couple times to make sure it was in tune and made a couple of adjustments.

As I started playing the first refrain. "Remember y'all have to sing it with me." I reminded my Team.

I nodded my head and we all started singing.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

(Sung to, Mamma Mia)

I've been Fed by you since I don't know when So I made up my mind, it must come to an end Look at me now, will I ever learn I don't know how, but I suddenly lose control There's a fire within my soul

(Just one look) and I can hear a bell ring (One more look) and I forget everything, whoa

Mamma Mia, here I go again My, my, how can I resist you're food? Mamma Mia, does it show again My, my, just how much I've missed you're food?

Yes, I've been brokenhearted Blue since the day we parted Why, why did I ever let you go? Mamma Mia, now I really know My, my, I could never let you go

I've been happy and sad about that food you do I can't count all the times that I've told you we're through And when I go, when I slam the door I think you know that I won't be away too long You know that I'm not that strong

(Just one look) and I can hear a bell ring (One more look) and I forget everything, whoa

Mamma Mia, here I go again My, my, how can I resist you? Mamma Mia, does it show again My, my, just how much I've missed you?

Yes, I've been brokenhearted Blue since the day we parted Why, why did I ever let you go? Mamma Mia, even if I say Bye-bye, leave me now or never Mamma mia, it's a game we play Bye-bye doesn't mean forever

Mamma Mia, here I go again My, my, how can I resist you? Mamma Mia, does it show again My, my, just how much I've missed you?

Yes, I've been brokenhearted Blue since the day we parted Why, why did I ever let you go? Mamma Mia, now I really know My, my, I could never let you go

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

As we finished the song I started clapping and laughing. Iris, Cindy, Kimmy and Rosni followed my lead and clapped as well. Iris was giggling. Some of the other patrons clapped and some laughed as well.

Mia yelled at us over the counter. "That will be enough of that!" But she had a grin on her face as well as it looked like she was blushing. That would be a first, seeing Mamma Mia blushing.

Anya giggled and even Ryu had a slight smile on her face.

"Why did you write that song?" Ryu asked me.

I shrugged my shoulders. "I like the Benevolent Mistress, Mia and all the waitresses." I said and smiled at Anya and Ryu. Then I continued. "So, I decided to change the words to the song 'Mamma Mia' to honor Mia, all the waitresses and the tavern. Besides it was something fun to do." I told Ryu.

"That is interesting. Although I am still not sure I understand your reasoning." Ryu told me.

"That's okay, Ryu. You don't have to understand why I did it. You should just enjoy it." I replied.

Ryu nodded her head in understanding.

"I understand we just missed the Denatus. That means we won't get our aliases for at least three more months." I said off handedly.

"Yes, the Denatus is held every three months, so you'll have to wait." Ryu confirmed what I had said.

I leaned in and lowered my voice. "Although the naming is really a joke the 'gods' play on the adventurers. To the 'gods' the big, long fancy names they give adventurers is meant to be an insult or a joke not a complement. Now some of them are good like Kenki for Ais and even 'Little Rooky' they don't consider to bad. And even your alias the 'gods' consider good and not a joke. But most of them are just mean jokes to most of them. A lot of it is just to give them something to do." I informed Ryu and Anya.

Ryu gave me a stunned look. "The aliases the gods give because they are making fun of the adventurers that rank up?" She asked.

I nodded my head in agreement. "That's it, but like I said they do give out some good aliases, but not many." I corrected Ryu. "The bigger and more powerful the Familia is the more likely the adventurer will get a good name." I added.

"Are you concerned you and your friends will get joke aliases?" Ryu asked me.

I chuckled and shook my head, no. "Not a bit. I can give people Companions and I can do a lot of other things, so I can make sure we get good aliases." I told Ryu.

Ryu looked at me like she wasn't sure how to take what I had said. "I'm not sure if that is good or if I should worry about what you can do." She told me.

"It's always good to be concerned if someone or a group of people can do things no one else can do. It doesn't necessarily mean they are bad people or will do bad things. It just means they can do what has never been done before. It also doesn't hurt to keep track of some of the things they do." I told Ryu. "Maybe that's something you could do." I added with a grin and winked at Ryu.

Ryu cleared her throat but didn't say anything more about it.

We partied and celebrated on into the evening. We all had a good and fun time.

[thereallucifer666]

Breakfast passed in peaceful silence, only broken by the occasional demon asking another to pass the butter or jam. Lucifer breezed by the paper, eating his breakfast without giving another order. Plates emptied and glasses drained and soon, breakfast had reached an end.

Standing up and setting his napkin on the table, he smiled at Chloe's warning. "No need to worry, Miss Decker. The Devil has seen worse places."

Giving a nod in parting, he made his way out of the dinning room. Donning his cloak and hat, he made his way into the waiting carriage. Wobbling down the cobblestone roads, Lucifer smiled to himself as his plans excited him.

Once at the dock, it wreaking of salt and seaweed, he sought out his companion. Mansel, a weathered Spanish sailor, was unloading his ship's catch. His ship was no mere dingy. It was a transport ship, an Mansel transported...less that legal goods. Luckily, he was under Lucifer's protection, in exchange for being his preferred vessel onto the mainland. Mansel also moonlit as a fisherman, when smuggling was low. Perfect to see. Mansel would be in a need to get money from Lucifer.

"Mansel! How are you, my old smuggler friend?" Lucifer greeted in Spanish.

Mansel cast his wrinkled eyes up at Lucifer, giving a hearty call. "Ah! Lord Lucifer! It's been a while! What brings you here?"

Lucifer grinned, seeing Mansel more than willing to indulge him. Money was a great motivator and Mansel knew Lucifer never skimped on paying. "I need passage. To Spain." He knew Mansel avoided Spain. Gambling depts and such. But he had a means to convince him. "Before you refuse, this is important. It's for my wife."

Lucifer stabbed a small, elegant fork into a wedge of an orange and nibbled at it as he flipped idly through the paper. Normally a good source of where he'd find marks to strike deals with, today it was merely a way to keep his eyes moving. He read without really letting anything sink in, already preoccupied with his plan.

"No, I don't think so. I've got some things I need done today and there's really no need to add more work to your load, cleaning me sheets," He said, waving off that idea. Bedding a beautiful stranger was the last thing on his mind. He had so much to do, and not much time with which to do it.

Looking up, he glanced to her and said, "And now don't go around exhausting yourself either. If you need breaks, you take them. And that's an order, understood?" He spoke with firmness, but an underlying care crept into his tone as well.

If his plan were to work, he couldn't have Chloe getting ill again.

[fundielicious-simblr]

Harvestfest

(Adalynn’s POV)

(Ignore the fact that some people are missing, in spite of having a detailed pose planned out I forgot to add some people and it was too late to go and add them, at the point I’d spent 4 days trying to get almost 50 people to pose and was at the end of my rope 😂)

Happy Harvestfest! It felt so good to gather with all my family as we focus on being together, being grateful, and sharing in the blessings the Lord has showered on all of us. With so many of us now married and having to split holidays between our family and our in-laws, we all sat down and decided that the holiday that would bring us all together at the big house in Newcrest would be Harvestfest, meaning that we’re left to be with our other family at Winterfest. This year there were 46 people to fill up my parent’s house, which just goes to show how much the Lord has blessed us in the past 12 years, before I got married there would only be the 15 of us around the table digging in to the 2 turkeys that us Zoe and I would wake up at 4am to pick fresh from the farm, sharing in the sides that Macie would prepare for the evening, and laughing and singing together. One thing I’m very grateful for are all the children that are running around again, growing up it would be Charles, Parker, and Ashton that entertained us all with their shenanigans, but once they grew up and grew out of it then we all missed the sounds of having children around the house. Now there are 22 children that run around and call my parents ‘grandma and grandpa’. 

(Updates on the family are under the cut!)

Allan (55) and Casandra (52) Collins

My parents are thriving in this season of life they’re in! This year they’ve completed 34 years of marriage, what a testimony! Dad is still the pastor at Newcrest Baptist, the Lord has blessed the church abundantly allowing for dad to hire on additional pastors, which gives him the chance to speak at various conferences whilst not having to worry about his congregation in Newcrest being left stranded. Mum has been finishing up school with Ashton, the last kid in the Collins Homeschool, can you believe it? She’s managed to successfully homeschool 13 children from Kindergarten all the way to the end of highschool, which is no easy feat considering how different we all are. At Ashtons graduation party we’re planning on honouring her for all that she did to homeschool us and how she did and continues to pour into all of us. Since Ashton is basically self sufficient with schooling, mum has a lot more time to travel around and visit her grandbabies, since Barrett and Kyleigh’s kids are the closest to us she’s always having them over at the big house or going over for a few hours a day to continue to pour into the lives of her grandchildren. She also gets invited to speak at different ladies’ meetings in the wider area, as well as joining our dad on speaking engagements, either accompanying him to speak at different churches or speaking with him at loads of different marriage conferences. It’s such a blessing to see my parents be so richly rewarded for their dedication to the Lord!

The Leonard Family - Mason (34), Adalynn (33), Noah (10), Luke (8), Aaron (7), Paul (6), Joshua (4), Caleb & Jonah (1)

We’re excited to be expecting baby number 8! As time passes and I’m blessed with more children, I’ve realised I have a very consistent pattern of getting pregnant when the youngest child is almost 2 years old. Well, since the twins 2nd birthday is coming up I decided on a whim to take a pregnancy test and it was positive! As usual we’re not finding out the gender until the baby is born, but with the current numbers I’ve got I’m going to guess that this baby is a boy. The boys are excited to have another sibling on the way, but while we wait for the new baby to join us I’ve got the boys focusing on their school work. The oldest four boys are steadily progressing in their work and are loving school, they also love working on gaining their scout badges before the end of the year so they can progress onto the next level. Another exciting thing in our house is the nativity play that our church is putting on this Winterfest, the boys are in the children’s choir meaning that all our music practice has turned into Winterfest practice. Mason’s sister Molly is getting married soon as well, so the family has been gearing up to host people at her wedding in the next few months.

The Collins Family - Barrett (31), Kyleigh (29), Chloe, Allan Jr & Benjamin (8), Rose & Violet (6), Daisy (6), Marigold (5), Olivia (3), Preston (1)

Barrett & Kyleigh are also expecting a baby, this baby joining the family will be baby number 10 with the gender being a surprise! They live in Newcrest so they’ve got the advantage of being by the big house and seeing my parents all the time, as well as all my siblings who still live at home. Kyleigh and I are in the same boat are up to our ears in school books, but when you add in the fact she’s got 2 extra kids than I do, it’s amazing how calm she is about it! You’d never know she’s actively homeschooling 7 children whilst also running after two toddlers, she makes it look so easy! With everything happening in their house they’ve got plans for even more disruption, an old family friend that owns a construction company has offered to add an extension to their house purely to be a blessing to them! They currently live in a 3 bedroom house and the current plan is to add a second floor to the house to give them more room to grow, and with them adding a new baby every year I can tell there is going to be a lot of growing for their family to do.

The Moreno Family - Francisco (33), Zoe (29), and Javier Jr (2)

Francisco and Zoe are also expecting, and when we were all together they shared that they were having a baby girl! They’re not sharing the name they’ve picked out now, so we’re all waiting for baby girl to make her appearance so we can hear the no doubt beautiful name they’ve picked out. Little JJ is growing in leaps and bounds, it’s so hard being far away from family, which makes us cherish these times that we get to be all together even more. In other news, they’ve officially moved out of Oasis Springs and are excited to be starting out this new season of life as they get settled in Windenburg. They’ll be stationed there for the next 2 or maybe even 3 years, meaning that Zoe gets a few years living close to our sister Amira as well as our cousin Brittany. 

The Wright Family - Shane (26), Maggie (25), Arlo & Iris (1)

Shane and Maggie are enjoying their new season of life with the twins growing into toddlers and enjoying the learning curve that comes with having not one, but two toddlers running all over the place. Shane continues to work at the design agency, and now that the twins are slightly older Maggie has started going back to doing more freelance photography jobs, and is hoping to start back at the office full time soon. Their current plans for the winter include a family skiing vacation at Mt Komorebi along with Reece and Stacie and their in-laws for Winterfest. 

The Collins Family - Reece and Stacie (24), Liam (3), Hazel (1)

Reece and Stacie are also enjoying life with their family of 4 after the addition of little Hazel. Liam is starting kindergarten which is keeping Stacie busy with them as they start an official homeschooling programme, with the addition of Hazel’s basic toddler care as she attempts to be like her big brother. As well as starting school, the mother’s at their church have created a play group to help the kids socialise with each other since most of the families homeschool their children, so Liam is making new friends at church too. Their plans for winter include a ski holiday in Mt.Komorebi with Maggie, Shane, and their in-laws as well as with Stacie’s mother and sister.

The Collins Family - Beckett (23) and Mandy (21)

Beckett and Mandy made the journey home from Selvadorada in time for Harvestfest with the entire family. There’s not pregnancy news on the horizon for these two, but their lives are full of blessings in other forms; They’re in the process of fundraising to continue to build a church in Selvadorada, they hope to be able to educate the Salvadoradian population on the ways of the Lord with this new church. Currently Beckett pastors at an old church building, with Mandy helping teach english and Bible at the local school, she also sometimes helps the local midwives with deliveries and aftercare for postpartum mothers. While they’re in Newcrest they’ll be travelling to various churches in the local and wider area to help fundraise, as well as catch up on all their shopping whilst they’re still here, they’ll also head over to Oasis Springs to see Mandy’s family before they leave. Over the winter they’ll be hosting Macie, Celeste, Annette, as well as other youths from Newcrest Baptist as they head over to Selvadorada on a missions trip! 

The Eichelburg Family - Thomas (23) and Amira (22)

Amira is also expecting! The couple announced their pregnancy to the family when they arrived at the big house, she’s currently in her second trimester and currently doesn’t know the gender of the baby. In Windenburg she helps with the children’s church programmes or volunteers at a local charity shop in her spare time whilst Thomas is at work, now with the pregnancy she’s got other things to keep her busy. She’s planning to have her baby shower in her third trimester, so that should happen sometime in the next month or so, it’ll definitely be easier for her with Zoe moving close to her now. Their winter plans include planning the baby shower, escaping on a quick babymoon, and preparing to welcome their new addition before the new year! 

The Roberts Family - Felix (25), Priscilla (20), and Andrew (1)

Priscilla and Felix are enjoying this new season of life with little Andrew, he’s definitely put Priscilla through her paces as she learns how to deal with a toddler that’s her own child and not a child she can give back to their parents at the end of the day. Felix is working at his father’s offices as an Attorney, so is kept busy during the day before coming home to Priscilla and Andrew in the evening. Whilst Priscilla is loving time with Andrew, she can’t deny that she’s definitely praying to get pregnant soon! Their winter plans include helping campaign for the local conservative candidate in the local primary elections, as well as Priscilla helping coordinate their church’s winter show.

Charles (19) and Lorilee Mitchell (18)

These two are engaged! Charles proposed to Lorilee just before Harvestfest, hence the now allowed hand holding. The family is so excited to have another boy get married, with the couple planning a winter wedding in the bride’s hometown of Windenburg. Charles finished up with his pilot’s license soon before he proposed and he’s started working with the missions centre attached to Newcrest Baptist to help with their ministry efforts. He’s saved up enough to buy a small house a few miles away from my parents, so the couple will have a house to move into after their wedding.

Macie (31), Annette (21), Parker (18), Ashton (16)

There are the current singles at home, Macie is still living at home but is making herself useful to those around her in an effort to be a blessing and to pour herself into others to glorify the Lord. When she’s home in Newcrest she helps Ashton with difficult work and cares for the garden, visits her local nieces and nephews, serves at church, and bakes goodies to gift different members of our church family with. When she’s not home she’s travelling to see her many siblings and nieces/nephews scattered around everywhere, she also leads programmes at various christian retreats for young ladies and older single ladies as well. This winter she’s travelling with others to Selvadorada on a missions trip and will stay with Beckett and Mandy, as well as helping to prepare for Charles and Lorilee’s wedding.

Annette is primarily works as a babysitter/mother’s helper for the different women at church, as well as helping babysit her nieces and nephews or even her cousin’s children. When she’s not doing that she’s travelling to women’s retreats with Macie to help run the programmes or work in the kitchen.

Parker has graduated highschool and has started working for a construction company that is owned by a member of Newcrest Baptist, he’s starting out as an apprentice and hopes to learn enough to make this a full time career.

Ashton is the youngest and is currently the last Collins child being homeschooled by Casandra, she’s working through her final year and is on track to graduate early in the spring. The family is planning a graduation party to celebrate the youngest child finishing school, and the official retirement of our mother as our teacher!

The four pregnancies

The four pregnant women got together for a picture, it’s such a blessing to be pregnant at the same time as my sisters and my sister-in-love! Between Zoe, Kyleigh, and I we’ve got a combination of 17 children, and we’re adding 4 more since we’re all having singletons. Once all these children are born my parents will have a total of 26 grandchildren, what a blessing!

(AN) I just want to say thank you to everyone who left their condolences after I shared that we lost a friend, her funeral was last week and some friends were able to fly back to the states and see her laid to rest with full military honours. This is such a great community and I love being a part of it, thanks to everyone for being so great 💛

[piccolini-cuscino]

Long drives: part one.

Every year since you were kids, you and Neil would go on a road trip together. Until, after university, Neil disappeared from your life, seemingly for good.

Notes: Thanks @sh3tani​ for the inspo and getting me into the Sad Zone™️! I’ve split this into two parts – more very soon!

Huddled up under a Star Wars blanket in the back of that shiny new Ford Escort, you and Neil pored over a battered copy of Lord of the Rings together. You could have done exactly that for all eternity, your contented ten-year-old self thought. Just you and your best friend. You’d always remember the smattering of freckles on his sunburnt nose, and how desperately his fingers battled against the wisps of dirty blonde hair that hampered his view every time he moved his head.

Neil’s mother looked like a movie star with her permed blonde hair bundled up into a ruby red scarf, her feet up on the dashboard and that sleepy-eyed wonder for everything that the little car trundled past. His father drove. A flickering, smouldering Regal dangling between his lips. Every now and again his dark eyes would linger in the rear-view mirror, checking up on the two of you. Just in case either of you got any ideas.

Neil knew better. His dad was a brute.

Your yearly road trip with Neil’s family came and went with silent longing looks and fleeting touches. Not much. Not enough for either of you to realise. But Neil did promise you something: when he could finally drive, neither of you would have to listen to another Springsteen cassette again.

Ever the perfectionist, Neil passed his driving test on his 17th birthday. The first thing he did was steal his father’s battered Escort, 200,000 miles on the clock, and headed straight for your house. He was scruffier then, leaning against the door with his arms folded. He had finally mastered the art of growing sparse sprigs of facial hair, and discovered hair gel to tame his mane. He wasn’t much of a looker in those days, but with every single step you took towards him, year after year, you became painfully aware of the ache in your chest.

He took you to Cornwall that year. You had your first kiss on the way back home when he told you all about his university plans and you told him how much you’d miss him. Late as it was, neither of you had much courage when it came to dealing with feelings. He swore he’d never forget that trip. And he vowed to get a car of his own one day. One that didn’t cough and splutter down the motorway.

Every year, you’d go on that road trip in his father’s Escort. Neil by your side, behind the wheel. But it was like that kiss never happened. He went to university. He was smart, funny, charming. A real hit with the ladies. And, you being his best friend, were always the first to know about Chelsea or Harriet or Lucy or Chloe. One for every year, plus his masters. But you always listened with a well in your stomach and a vice around your heart.

He’d even started listening to Springsteen. He understood it now, apparently.

And then came the year he didn’t show.

It was no big surprise; he hadn’t called or written to you in a while. You figured he had moved on. Maybe he got married, moved away, or maybe he had just forgotten about you. And all those beautiful weeks you spent bundled up in that car together, braving the Great British summertime – together.

You tried reaching out to him once or twice. A letter here, a phone call there. No reply and a dead line.

It hurt, but you’d cope.

It was like he knew.

Just when you had managed to bleach the memory of him from your brain, he showed up outside your building. Miles away from where you grew up. Your home now. One torrential afternoon in the car park. He was like a ghost, with the way that he startled you, calling out your name from the window of a periwinkle Berlinette. You wanted to ignore him; quickening your pace towards the door with a thousand-mile stare. But out the corner of your eye, you saw him. Running over to you in his whisper grey suit and his wingtip shoes. In that moment you knew he had changed.

But as he got closer and you spied his sly smile and unruly hair. This was the same Neil that you spent every summer of your youth with.

Standing face to face for the first time in over a decade, you should’ve felt like strangers. That’s what you told yourself as the urge to wrap your arms around him became almost unbearable.

But his furrowed brow told you that he was thinking exactly the same thing.

“You haven’t changed a bit.” Neil chose his words carefully.

Your heart fluttered like a caged bird. “You wear suits now?”

He stood up a little straighter, suddenly despising the mere thought of why he did. What dragged him away from you in the first place. “Work.”

You nodded, looking down at your shoes; buying time. And then back up. Another terse question. “What do you do?”

Neil’s eyes flitted over the scene in front of him searching for curtain-twitchers and eavesdroppers. His expression lightened when they finally came to rest on you, in all your drenched and pathetic glory. His barely-there upper lip curling up at the corners. “Tea?”

“Tea.”

[screamingatanemptyroom]

I Refuse to be a Named Character pt 7 (End)

Hey everyone! I finished it! Here is the seventh and final part to our nameless heroine’s saga! 

Master post Linked here

Enjoy! 

___________________________

“… I smelled gas, there was an explosion, and then I woke up in another body, in the Ninth Lord’s manor with Chloe as a slave.” I finished my story, pausing to take a breath, feeling mentally exhausted.

“…” Luke stared at me silently, his expression unreadable.

I felt nervous. “What are you thinking about?” 

“Thinking?” He shook his head slowly. “It’s definitely… a lot. This world was a book, a fantasy story in your world?” 

“I’m sorry, it’s crazy…”

“You said I was the villain in the story?” Luke reach out and grabbed my hand, interrupting me.

“Y-yes.” 

“And in the story you read, I went back and slaughtered everyone in the Ninth Lord’s household. I killed anyone who stood in my way and eventually tried to take the throne by force?” Despite the terrible things he was saying, I couldn’t help but smile at how ridiculous it all seemed.

“I know it’s hard to believe…”

“I believe you.”

“What?” As he answered me in a deadpan tone. I stared at him in shock, “Just like that?”

Luke rubbed his forehead, looking pained.

“Because it’s true.” He finally whispered. “If I hadn’t met you… I without a doubt would have taken that path.”

“Luke…” I wanted to apologize, but wasn’t sure where to start.

“So if every major character in the story dies…”

“Except the main hero and the villain.” I interrupted.

“Except for me and Graham.” He corrected with a slight grin. “Then you thought if you didn’t have a name it would protect you?”

“It’s not about having a name or not. It’s about being important enough to the story to have a name.” I sighed. “Every character in a book has a name, but the ones who are just extras, unimportant side characters, you never learn them. That’s the character I wanted to be.”

“…” Luke stared at me for a moment, and then laughed.

“Why are you laughing?”

“Because haven’t you done the opposite of that?” He counted off on his fingers. “You saved the villain and changed his life. Led the heroes team through their second challenge. Saved the villain again after he was betrayed. Was proposed to and refused by the main villain… and now you’re helping the villain beat the third test and become king?” He stopped, looking up at me with an amused grin. “Am I missing anything?”

“…Technically I also refused the hero’s proposal… and drugged him.” I muttered.

“Pardon?”

Ignoring Luke’s sudden intense stare in my direction, I coughed awkwardly and tried to change the subject. “So does that mean it’s too late for me?” I felt gloomy at the thought, remembering with a shudder Fetter’s undisguised atmosphere of barely controlled violence. “I’m doomed?”

A warm hand grasped my own. “I wouldn’t say that. This world is different then the book you read, right?”

“In some ways, yes, but in others…”

“But it might have changed enough that you can’t be certain that everyone important will die.” He squeezed my hand. “Don’t give up hope yet.”

I thought it over. Maybe he was right. So much had changed already… “Can I still not have a name for now?”

“Sure.” Luke grinned. “Take as long as you need.”

“After the third test. After that, I’ll take on a name.” My voice shook slightly with anxiety at the idea, but I answered him firmly. 

He stared at me “You had a name before, right? In your old world? Will you take that name back?”

“No.” I shook my head, thinking of my life before I arrived in this world. “I… was a very different person” A weak person. Dependent on Chloe and her good opinion. Scared to be alone. “I don’t want to be that person again. I’ll choose a new name.”

I met Luke’s eyes as I spoke, surprised to see him blush slightly. Looking away, he mumbled. “Well, when you do want a name… there’s something I call you in my heart…”

Seeing his embarrassed, flushed appearance, I couldn’t help but laugh. “Okay, when we’ve gotten through this safely. I’d love to hear you call my name.”

“…” He nodded slowly, his hand still tightly holding my own. The warmth of his palm seemed to travel up my arm, settling in my chest, my heartbeat increasing as the silence stretched between us.

Finally, I couldn’t take it anymore. “So… the second party.”

Luke let go of my hand, leaning back in his chair to sip his now-cold tea. “When you told me you know how to convince the Nine Lords to support me…?”

“It was because I know how Graham did it in the books.”

“But then no one has the advantage, right?” he frowned as he thought. “Graham’s party can convince the Lord’s, and Fetter has your sister who has the same knowledge as you do.”

“That would be true… if this world were the same as ‘Deadly Crown.’” I rubbed my hands together. “Which is why I have a plan.”

We spent the rest of the night plotting and scheming.

___________________________

 Before long, the next party had begun.

Everyone had gathered again, but the tension in the room had greatly increased, to an almost palpable level. I clenched my fists into the skirt of the grey silk gown Luke had prepared for me, the smooth sensation against my palm strangely comforting as I stared at the battleground before me.

 There were nine Lords, nine keys, and we needed five of them.

“Are you ready?”  Luke leaned in closely, grabbing one of my hands in his own with a grin.  Before I could answer, a loud voice interrupted, grabbing the room’s attention. 

“His Royal Majesty would like to say a few words!” The servant bowed deeply as he spoke, turning the room’s attention towards the gold encrusted throne and the figure sitting upon it.

It was my first view of the king, Luke’s father. He was older than I imagined, his hair and beard grey. His straight-backed form was draped in deep purple robes, a tall golden crown resting on top of his head. His face would have been considered attractive, I could see certain similarities to Luke and Graham, if not for his eyes.

His eyes were a dark green, filled with a certain arrogance as he stared down at the crowd. But there wasn’t just arrogance…

His eyes were filled with madness.

We’re all crazy.

I remembered Fetter’s words from the last party, and shuddered.  I felt the hand holding my own tighten almost uncomfortably. Looking up, Luke’s solemn face stared down at me, before seemingly forcing a reassuring smile. I smiled back, trying to hide my unease, before looking back up to the man on the throne.

“Welcome all to the final test of the remaining heirs to the throne.” The king grinned, appearing unconcerned regarding the fact that the majority of his sons were dead. “Over tonight and tomorrow night, the nine Lords will make their selections of who they believe to be the next best king. Whichever of you three brings five keys at the end of the third party will be allowed to open this chest which contains the next crown and seal.” He gestured to a solid gold chest on the platform next to him which had five locks around its closure. “Good luck.”

I shuddered at the bloodthirsty delight in his eyes as he spoke. “What a terrible person.”

“What happens to him, in the book?” Luke leaned forward, whispering the question in my ear.

Lucien laughed as blood splattered on his face and hands, still clutching the saw and his father’s severed head.

My eyes met a gentle concerned gaze. “He died.” I gave a simple answer, praying he wouldn’t ask for details.

“Good.” He smiled. “Should we start recruiting Lords?”

I returned the expression. “Let’s do it. Remember, Graham’s success in the novel was mostly based on the Lords’ hatred of you and their desire for revenge.”

“But I haven’t been slaughtering indiscriminately, like in the story.”

“Exactly. So a lot of Graham’s persuasive power is gone. And even more so for Fetter if he’s relying on my sister.” I shrugged. “She’ll try to go along with the story, but she doesn’t know how much you’ve changed it.”

“So who do we go after first?”

I pointed. “You mentioned that you saved the Fourth Lord’s daughter after she was kidnapped and returned her home, right? Let’s start there.”

The conversation went smoothly, and just a few minutes later Luke was clutching his first key. 

“I can’t believe he handed it over so quickly!”

Luke grinned at my words. “I’m glad I was trying to make sure you wouldn’t be disappointed in me.”

The Ninth Lord handed over his key quickly, having only earned his spot after Luke had captured the previous Lord and imprisoned him.

“I’m grateful that you were merciful at that time.” The young man shook his head slowly. “Given how you were treated, you had every right to take our lives.”

“I know.” Luke took the key from him, a solemn expression on his face. “Thank the nameless slave who saved my life and begged for me to spare the innocent.”

The third key was somewhat of a surprise. It was the First Lord, who approached us first with a reverent expression.

“You are the Nameless One?” To my shock, he ignored Luke, reaching out to shake my hand. 

“…Yes….?”

“I am in awe of your teachings, after hearing them from my valet!” His smiled widened. “I too have sought to cast off my name and joins the ranks of safety and obscurity.”

“…”

“…”

Luke and I stared at him, unsure how to respond. Laughing brightly, the man thrust a key into Luke’s hand. “Good luck, main character. May one day you find the peace of casting off the spotlight as well.” With those words he walked away, seeming to almost have a spring in his step.

“…”

“…”

“Luke…”

“Seems like your cult has spread to the nobility…”

“My cult?”

Luke chuckled, reaching out and pulling me to his side gently. “Even when you aren’t trying, you somehow manage to save me. How can I ever let you go?”

I felt conflicted, equal parts warmth and fear warring within me at his words and touch. I cared for Luke, I wanted to stay by him…

But isn’t this exactly what happens to side character women before they are killed? 

Just as I was pondering how to respond, however, a shrill voice called out, and the owner of which strode towards us with a grim expression. 

“How dare you show yourself at this party, you whore?”

I smiled at the newcomer. “Lady Lindel, I was just wanting to work off some excess stress. How about I kick you in the face again?”

Her eyes widened. “Have you no shame?”

“Not towards you.” I reached out and grabbed Luke’s arm, recognizing the dark look on his face, squeezing my hand tightly until he looked towards me again. “I’ll take care of this.”

His forehead wrinkled as he stared at me with concern, despite my whispered assurance. “But…”

“Mother!” Graham ran forwards, placing himself between Lady Lindel and myself, his arms spread out as if to separate us. “How dare you speak to my future wife like that?”

“Future wife?”

“Future wife?”

“Your future what-now?!”

Luke, Lady Lindel and I all spoke out almost in unison at his shocking declaration.

“How dare you seduce my son?!”

I shook my head. “Honestly, I’m more curious at how you raised him, given his ability to make up such fantasies.”

At my words, Graham frowned. “Don’t be shy dear. Once I become king, you’ll be by my side always. No matter what.” His gaze turned cold as he looked towards the woman who had given birth to him. “If you try to separate the two of us, I will kill you.”

 Lady Lindel stepped back, shocked. “I am your mother!”

“You aren’t useful to me anymore.” Graham’s voice was laced with the threat of violence. “Feel free to enjoy the fame of being the mother of the future king, but if you stand in the way of me and my chosen person… I’ll make you beg for a merciful death before I’m done. She is mine. No one can take her from me. Not even you.”

I inched away, positioning myself partly behind Luke as the obsession in his voice overwhelmed me.

Graham noticed my actions, his eyes dimming. “Why are you standing so close to my brother, dearest? I’m the only one you need to look at now. The only one you should watch.” His voice slowly raised in volume, as he stepped closer, a hand reaching out as if to push Luke aside. “Why aren’t you at my side? Why aren’t you looking at me?!”

“What is this commotion?” A cold voice stopped Graham in his tracks, his outstretched arm falling to his side even as his eyes continued to be fixated on my face. I glanced over at the source, surprised to see the King who had stepped down from his throne and now stood only a short distance away. “Who was the cause of all this?” 

Lady Lindel opened her mouth, her finger already pointing in my direction, but Graham spoke up first. “My mother, Your Majesty. She was targeting my chosen consort and threatening the peace of your third test.”

The hero’s mother turned pale as her husband’s eyes looked her up and down, his face expressionless. “I see.”

“No, Your Majesty, I didn’t…”

The king waved a hand. “Kill her.”

Without hesitation a guard at his side drew his sword, and swung it at the defenseless woman. Her chest caved in at the blow, blood and bone fragments flying through the air as she fell to the ground, blood pooling beneath her and soaking her dress and hair. A few drops hit my skirt, and I took a few steps back in shock. She died quickly, clawing at her wound, her mouth open in a silent scream she couldn’t release.

“There, now it’s quieter.” The king smiled warmly, the expression completely at odds with the violent scene in front of him. “I think we’ll end the party early tonight so that this mess can be cleaned up.” He looked around at his sons. “Five keys have already been given, four keys are still not claimed. One of you has the lead…” His eyes stayed on Luke for a few moments. “So the rest of you will have to work even harder to get the remaining keys.” With that he walked away, never looking back at the body of the woman who once called him husband. 

I felt dizzy, staring down at the now dead Lady Lindel.

I had been so happy being at Luke’s side that I had forgotten.

My hands were shaking at my side. I clenched them tightly.

I had forgotten how much I hated this world, that kills people terribly, violently without reason or warning.

I closed my eyes slowly, blocking the disturbing sight from view, but the look of terror on the woman’s face was engraved in my memories.

This is the fate of anyone important enough to the story that meddles in the plot.

“Are you okay?” The gentle question brought me out of my silent panic, but as I opened my eyes it was not the person that I expected to see.

“Leave me alone, Graham.”

The hero’s face was a perfect look of concern and affection, something that would be sure to stir any woman’s heart…

If not for the blood drops splattered on his cheek.

Or the still-warm body of his mother on the floor.

“Don’t worry, Dearest.” He never looked down even once, his gaze focused on me. “She can’t hurt you anymore. No one is standing in our way now!”

“She told you ‘no’ Graham.” Luke stepped in between us, allowing me to let out a sigh of relief as he broke his brother’s line of sight. 

“Stay out of this, brother. She gave you back your token. She’ll be mine.”

“She’s no one’s. And if you try to force her, I’m happy to let you join your mother in the afterlife.” The threat in Luke’s voice wasn’t forced. He seemed ready to pull out a weapon at any moment.

“This from the prince who’s terrified of getting his hands dirty?” Graham laughed. “I’m terrified.”

Remind me again who is the hero and who is the villain of this story?

“Fine. I will wait until tomorrow night, and claim my throne and my wife together.” 

With these words he turned away, leaving his mother’s corpse on the ground behind him.

“Luke?” I called out quietly, grabbing onto his hand as if it were a lifeline while taking a few slow deep breaths. The old terror, the fear that had gripped me from the moment I had entered this world slowly faded. I wasn’t the same helpless girl that had first arrived. I had changed. I had grown strong.

In response to my anxious call, Luke’s hand tightened on my own. His gaze was stuck to Graham’s retreating back, an air of barely restrained anger and violence hovering around him.

“Let’s go.”

We walked away hand in hand, an uncomfortable silence between us as we both wrestled with our own thoughts.

___________________________

 Knock. Knock.

I woke up in the middle of the night to the sound of someone knocking on my window. Lifting my head off my pillow, I looked around my darkened room, trying to get a sense of my surroundings. I was in a small but luxurious room,  my strewn belongings on the floor a mismatch for the graceful décor. I was on the ground floor, with the single window facing a rear garden. The courtyard should be protected by patrols of guards, but that didn’t mean it would be impossible for an intruder to reach my window.

Knock. Knock.

The sound repeated. I stood up, clutching my sword that I had stashed at my bedside. Looking through the glass, I saw a familiar face looking at me with a smug expression.

Fetter.

He gestured for me to open up the window. Let me in. I could see him mouthing the words.

I pointed at my sword and then at his throat. Come in and I’ll kill you. I mouthed back.

I turned away, planning to leave the room and find Luke, unwilling to face off with this terrifying person alone.

SLAM!

His palm slapped against the glass, the sudden noise causing me to jump. But as my eyes traced back to the window, it wasn’t the sight of him that stopped me in his tracks, but the parchment in his hands, pressed against the window, a single word written on it on full display for me to see. 

I felt the blood drain from my face, my hands tightening on the sword hilt, the leather cutting into my palms. Slowly, I approached the window, opening it and slashing my sword forward at the same time. 

“Watch it!” Fetter jumped backwards, but didn’t move fast enough to save the paper, which was cut into two pieces, both halves fluttering to the ground on either side of me. They landed face up, still allowing me to see the word that had been written on it. I stepped on the pieces, grinding them into the dirt, tearing them to shreds beneath my feet. The dirt and rocks in the garden path cut into my feet, but I ignored the pain, focusing on destroying the word until it could no longer be read.

“Do you really hate your name that much?” Fetter was smiling, but the expression looked more like a wild animal baring its fangs.

“…” I stared at him silently, my weapon still held ready. It had caught me by surprise. That parchment he had held had a single name written on it. My name. My old name in my old life. “It’s not my name anymore.”

“Then why did you destroy it?” Fetter laughed quietly. “Seems to me that you care greatly about your old name and it being known.” A long finger tapped his chin as he pretended to think. “I wonder how you would react if I announced your name to everyone?” 

“…” 

“Then you wouldn’t just be a nameless person anymore, would you?”

“…” 

“I wonder how long you would last after that?” He stared past me, as if imagining it. “I would love to see my brothers’ faces when they look at your corpse.”

“…”

“Hey, this is no fun if your don’t fight back!” Fetter leaned forward. “What if I agree to keep it a secret if you agree to betray your precious Lucien?”

BAM!

My left fist connected with the prince’s smirking face before my thoughts could catch up. Fetter flew through the air, stumbling backwards as his back struck a nearby tree trunk. Sliding to the ground, he rubbed his face and stared up at me with an affectionate expression.

“Yes! Just like that! I love your struggling face the most! I’m so happy I could get my hands on the one thing you are the most scared of!” He clapped his hands. “You know, Graham has already become absolutely delusional at the idea of being cared for my someone who doesn’t want to use him for personal gain, while Lucien is at his absolute breaking point. I bet it won’t take much of a push to send him into a killing spree.” He leaned back against the tree, chuckling, wincing slightly as the movement hurt his face. “The more they want you. The more they care… the more I want to break you. And now I know your name.”

“I won’t join you.” I raised the sword to hold it between us. “Name or not.”

“You say that now, but hear me out!” He raised his hands, as if surrendering. “I’ll give you until the party tomorrow. If you agree to join me, send me a message. If not… Well, I hate to keep such a juicy secret to myself, you know? “

I want to kill him.

But even as I stepped closer, I heard the sounds of others close by. A careful glance around showed several archers hidden in the plants around us. Fetter had left nothing to chance. Seeing my gaze, he smiled, using the tree to help himself to his feet.

“Think about it.” He leaned forward, whispering my old name in my ear. “Goodnight.”

And with that he was gone.

___________________________

I stared at the tree where he had sat moments ago, my whole body trembling with rage and fear.

It’s over.

Trying to avoid the plot. Trying not to have a name. All of it would be useless in the end. I couldn’t betray Luke. Couldn’t avoid Fetter.

Should I run?

“This is your fault, you know.”

Chloe’s voice pulled me from my thoughts. Startled, I looked up, to see a dark expression I didn’t recognize on her face. Tired, I slumped down, sitting down against the tree that Fetter had fallen against just moments ago.

Isn’t this area supposed to be secure?

Chloe must have taken my silence as me blaming her, as she spoke up defensively, coming to stand in front of me with a self-righteous air.

“Don’t look at me like that! So what if I told Fetter your name? Your stupid theory of being an unnamed character isn’t even true anyways.” She spread her hands widely. “I’ve been using my name all along, and I’m just fine!”

I sighed. “What do you want, Chloe?”

“You were never supposed to be here.” She stared down at me with increasing intensity. “This was supposed to be my adventure! I was supposed to come to this world and be the heroine. That was the deal!”

The world around me seemed to freeze.

“What do you mean ‘deal’?”

“The ritual was only supposed to be for one person! I was supposed to be important… but you’re getting in the way. Everyone is only focused on you… even Fetter, who should be scheming against the other princes, is wasting his time trying to get your name from me!”

I was standing now, with no memory of how I had reached that position, the sword in my hand trembled in the air, the tip slowly rising to point at my sister.

“The ritual?” My mind raced, as I remembered our last night before we woke up in this book world.

The smell of gas…

“Chloe?” My voice broke on her name. “What did you do?”

“I just wanted to live in my favorite world! Is that such a bad thing?”

“Please… don’t say this.” My free hand reached out and grabbed her shoulder. “Say it was a freak gas explosion that killed us. That this was a just a weird, unexplainable event. That you’re just as confused as me.” 

“…”

“Please?”

“I found a ritual, a paper, folded between the pages of my copy of ‘Deadly Crown’. All it took was a small sacrifice.”

“Our lives?”

Chloe shrugged, her voice emotionless. “Well, it actually said I only need to leave my life behind… but I read online that additional sacrifices increase the success rate of rituals like this…”

“…” I couldn’t help it. I threw my head back and laughed. A loud, broken, painful sound. I slowly let go of my sister, stumbling back towards my open window.

“Don’t act so innocent! You always thought you were better than me, Especially after Mom and Dad died…”

I had just been about to jump back into my room, but her words forced me to pause and look back.

“Do you really think anything you say will justify what you’ve done? You’re lucky I don’t just kill you here.”

Her eyes widened. “You wouldn’t dare!”

“I wouldn’t be so sure. This world changed me, for better or worse.” I smiled. “But you, sister dear… you were always someone who belonged in a world like this.”

I thought of Graham face, splattered with his mother’s blood as he happily talked about the future. Of Fetter’s eyes, that looked at each person as an animal to be slaughtered. Of the king, that forced his own sons into a game of death and laughed while he watched them struggle.

“You fit right in.” I jumped through the window, getting ready to close it.

“It’s too late! Fetter already knows your name! You won’t survive this book! Everything will go back to normal! I’ll be the heroine! Everyone will love me! Do you hear me?”

I closed the window, shutting out whatever else she had to say.

I wanted to kill her. I desperately wanted to kill her.

But I wouldn’t.

My last concession to the fact that she was my sister.

“From now on… we’re strangers.”

“Are you sure you don’t want her dead?” A quiet voice behind me caused me to spin around. Luke, dressed in dark clothes, his sword at his side, leaned against the wall, half hidden in shadows, his expression unreadable. 

“Let her go. The world is changing, she has very little advantage to her now.” I looked at him closely. “Why are you here?” 

“I heard shouting.”

I smiled at the genuine concern I could hear in his voice. “Thank you for checking on me. I’m fine. I’ll just be going back to sleep.”

“… Are you sure?”

His question gave me pause. “What do you mean?”

“Are you sure you’re alright?”

I thought of Fetter’s threat, the name written on the parchment. The time limit he had given me before releasing my name to everyone around us. Of Chloe, her ranting… the truth of our crossing over.

“I’m sure.” I said the words with certainty. No matter how scared I was about Fetter knowing my name, my brief hesitation was over. I wasn’t going to run away. Because no matter how much this world terrified me, no matter how much I hated it. I couldn’t leave it alone.

Because he was here.

Luke has changed so much. He’s no longer the terrifying villain that he was in the story. I have to protect him.

I said goodnight to Luke, lying back down in my bed, my thoughts full of what the next party would bring.

___________________________

 “Should I just kill them all?” Luke whispered quietly to himself, staring into the flames of his bedroom fireplace. “Is that the only way to protect her?”

“Your highness?” The masked servant trembled on the floor where he knelt nearby. The bloodlust radiating off the prince was more than even a seasoned soldier like him could handle.

“Is there anything else to report about my brother’s visit to her?”

“No. Just that whatever word he had written on the paper seemed to terrify her.” The servant shuddered as the air seemed to freeze over at his words. “Should I try to recover the pieces?”

“… Destroy them, instead. Do not attempt to read the contents.”

“Yes, Your Highness.” The servant stood to leave, but was stopped by a sword to his throat.

“That is not an idle threat. If you attempt to look at the word written there. I will kill you. Slowly and painfully.”

“…” Too terrified to move, the servant nodded slowly, until the blade slowly was pulled away.

“Good. Then go. Gather everyone, be prepared for anything tomorrow night.”

The servant left, and Luke was left alone. 

He stared into the flames; all too aware of the dark turn his thoughts had taken. The idea of his half brother threatening her… scheming against her… was more than he could bear calmly. The antics of Graham hadn’t helped matters at all. He had barely been able to restrain himself from taking the fool’s head right there and then as he babbled on about her belonging to him, marrying him. Everything was closing in around him, but the focus, the danger wasn’t on himself as Luke had expected, but at the person by his side.

What use is this world if it kills her? His hands tightened into fists.

“It’s not too late.” He muttered finally. “I’ll protect her.”

But no matter how much he tried to reassure himself, he couldn’t escape the sense that everything had slipped beyond his control.

___________________________

 It was the last party. The final test.

I had a third dress. This one I accepted without much argument, my thoughts preoccupied on the possible dangers ahead. It was grander than the others, a midnight blue, almost black, the same color as Luke’s eyes. He stared at me as I entered the central space in his rooms, his face tinged red as he took in my new appearance.

“The dress… looks amazing on you.” He covered his eyes with his hand for a moment, sighing. “Now I really don’t want to go to this party.”

“It’s probably a little late to run away.” In more ways than one.

“I guess so.” Sighing again, he held out his arm. “Ready to go?”

“One second.” I stopped in front of him with a smile. “I’m missing a bracelet to go with this dress. Think I can wear yours?”

Luke paused, his eyes wide with shock. Then slowly, a smile blooming on his face, he took the dark beads off of his wrist, sliding it over my own with a gentle touch.

“It was always yours. I was just holding it for you.” He stared down at the bracelet, his eyes worried. “Are you sure?”

I smiled. “I’m sure.”

“Your goal? Of being away from all this?”

The brief moment of panic I had yesterday, where I considered running away crossed my mind.

“I guess I can’t just leave you alone.” I grabbed his arm, and pulled him out the door. “Let’s go. We have some keys to get.”

___________________________

 The party started off well, although the atmosphere was even more strained than the previous two. Everyone began grouping on different sides of the ballroom depending on which prince they had aligned themselves with. As Luke gained another key, bringing our total to four, I felt a moment of satisfaction at the size of the crowd gathering in our corner.

It’s working, we’re changing the book! I felt excited, albeit still anxious to get the night over with. But despite the party dragging on, there were no moves from Fetter or Chloe. Finally, I had had enough.

“Just one more left. Luke, You approach the Fifth Lord and I’ll try the Eighth.” I gave him a gentle push in the right direction.

Luke stood his ground. “I don’t think we should separate…”

“We’ll be ten feet apart, it will be fine.”

“…” With an unhappy expression, Luke allowed himself to be pushed away, and began talking to the Fifth Lord and his group.

Now if things follow the rules of dramatic plot, now that I’m alone…

“So have you made your decision?” Fetter whispered in my ear, causing goose bumps to run down my arms. Shuddering, I stepped away, putting some distance between us.

“Your Highness, I’m afraid I’ll have to reject your offer.” I reached a hand into the pocket of my dress, where I had hidden a blade from the prying eyes of the Royal Guard. “You may have my name. But I refuse to betray Luke. Not even for that.” 

“Is that so?” Fetter didn’t look disappointed at my rejection. If anything, he seemed excited. “I’m so happy! I was hoping you would struggle. It will be more fun this way, anyways.” With a quick turn, he walked away without another word, leaving me staring worriedly after him.

This isn’t good. I thought he was just going to announce it... why is he backing away instead?  Ditching my plan of drawing out the villains, I kept my hand on my knife and walked quickly back towards Luke.

“Why?” At the forlorn call behind me, I turned around, not wanting to present my undefended back.

Graham stood there, his eyes wide and slightly unfocused, his whole body seeming to shake with rage and grief.

“Why won’t you love me?”

 “Your Highness…”

“You told Fetter your name? You wouldn’t tell me no matter how many times I asked.” He must have been hiding in the crowd, and overheard my conversation with Fetter. Graham stepped closer, and I stepped away, glancing over to where Luke had been standing. To my dismay a crowd had gathered between us, separating him from my sight. 

“Where are you looking? Why aren’t you looking at me?”

I clutched my knife harder, ready to pull it out at a moment’s notice. “Fetter learned an old name of mine from Chloe. It’s not my name anymore.”

“He knows more about you than me, even though you’re mine.” Graham shook his head back and forth.

I sighed, running my left hand through my hair, my right still holding onto my hidden knife. The movement caught Graham’s eyes though, and his gaze focused on my wrist.

“Lucien’s token? You’re wearing it again?”

“Yes.” It wasn’t like I can lie at this point.

“But you were going to marry me!”

“I never said I would marry you. In fact, I’ve only stated the opposite.” I backed away again. “Come on, Graham. You have a whole group of women who are dying to marry you. Just pick one of them. You don’t need me!”

“I don’t need you?” His smile was off, his voice coming out low like a growl as he stepped closer. “I’ve told you about how I’ve struggled. How everyone tries to use me. Only you were different… you were special… but WHY WON’T YOU LOOK AT ME?!!!”

He moved forward again, and this time I pulled out my knife, holding it defensively in front of me. Graham paused, staring at the weapon with confusion.

“Do you think I’m going to hurt you?”

“It doesn’t really seem like you have good intentions right now.”

He was shaking now, tears forming in his eyes. “Why would I hurt you? We’re getting married. We love each other. I’ll be king, and you’ll be Queen at my side. “ He reached out a hand. “Come with me. We’ll be together… from now on.”

“If you step closer, I will kill you.” I spoke slowly and calmly, meaning every word. I wouldn’t hesitate. The possession in his eyes was too terrifying to not take seriously. 

But before Graham could respond, I felt a pain in my back and chest, and the bloody tip of a short sword emerged from the front of my dress.

“Wha…?” I turned around, seeing Chloe’s triumphant smile.

“Go back home, sister! You never belonged here! I’m the heroine, not you!”

Is this it?

My vision was blurring, my legs growing weaker underneath me. I saw Fetter standing in the crowd, a gleeful expression on his face.

After all that I tried to avoid the plot of this world.

Graham was on his knees, screaming.

For years, I refused to have a name.

I crumpled to the floor, lying on my side. I couldn’t breathe, it hurt too much. I could feel my heart pounding in my ears. 

I didn’t follow Luke back then, even though I’ve always loved him.

Blood was pooling under me, the sensation warm against my rapidly cooling skin.

But in the end, I had a name. I changed the plot. I tried to stay by Luke’s side. I should have known this would happen.

Luke was racing towards me, his hand outstretched. His face was distorted,  a furious look I had never seen before coloring his features. He was shouting something… a name?

Maybe it’s the name he wanted to give me.

He was getting closer, but my vision was darkening, I couldn’t keep my eyes open. I was just… so… tired. 

I wanted to hear the name you gave me, Luke. I’m sorry.

Everything faded into darkness.

___________________________

“NOOOOOO!” Luke reached out a hand towards the woman he loved, but he could already tell it was too late. Her eyes had glazed over, her breathing had stopped. Trembling, he reached out a hand to gently touch her wrist, right next to the bracelet he had so happily placed on her earlier, but he couldn’t feel a pulse. 

“No.” It was a quiet denial. He reached out and touched her neck, praying silently.

But there was nothing.

She was gone.

“It worked! Now’s she’s gone back and the plot can return to normal!” Chloe cheered, the sound grating on Luke’s ears. 

“…shut up.”

“What did you say?” Chloe grinned, putting her still blood-stained hands on her hips. “I’m the heroine of this world. She was just getting in the wa-” 

SLASH!

Without hesitation, Lucien grabbed his beloved’s sword that she had dropped, and cut the still smiling girl’s head off.

Thud. 

The decapitated head fell to the floor beside him, but he barely glanced at the features so similar, but so different to the woman he had wanted to protect.

“You shouldn’t have touched her.”

“Your highness!” A guard tried to restrain him, but only had time to scream before his throat was cut and he was pushed away.

“There’s the family madness!” Fetter smiled, stepping closer. “This was what I was hoping to see. My dear brother, so unrestrained.”

“The family madness?” Lucien stared down at his bloody knife for a moment. “I suppose I have it. I’ve restrained it for so long, hoping to preserve the remnants of the soul she saw that day.” He leapt onto the stage, and gave a loud whistle. Immediately his men flooded the ballroom, swords drawn.

“But what use is a soul, if she’s already gone?” Grabbing his father, the king by his hair, Lucien watched him with a stony expression.

“Let me go! I am your ruler!” The older man struggled, but to no avail. 

“It was your test that kept me from running away with her.”

SLASH!

The king’s corpse fell to the ground. He stepped past Graham, who was still kneeling, rocking back and forth with his face buried in his hands, and approached Fetter.

The younger prince backed away, the glee from his face fading, slowly replaced by the terror of what he had unleashed.

“Now brother, come to your senses! You’ll lose everything!”

“I already have.”

“But I’m… family!” Fetter glanced around anxiously. “Your brother! Do you really think you can kill me- “

STAB!

Fetter screamed in agony as Lucien silently stabbed him in the stomach, pulling out his sword to stab him again. Finally his screams turned to whimpers, and he slowly curled up in the pool of blood and bile that drained from his many wounds.

Finally, having killed those he needed to kill, Lucien turned towards his beloved once more. He knelt on the floor, ignoring the blood soaking his pants, and slowly gathered her in his arms, hugging her to himself.

“The truth is… you were never unimportant. You were never a nameless side character. From the moment you threw yourself in front of that whip to save a defenseless boy, I had named you in my heart. “ He laughed, an agonizingly sad sound.

“I’m sorry. I know I should have just let you go. But I never truly did. I was so excited to see my bracelet on your wrist. Even when you gave it back… I was just happy you cared enough to come after me to protect me in the desert. I told myself that I was happy if you were safe and far away, but the truth is, I selfishly wished you were by my side.” Tears obscured Lucien’s vision. “I was so happy when you came back to me.  Joined this final test at my side. So foolishly happy that you chose to wore my token again.”

Lucien reached out a hand, brushing a blood soaked strand of hair away from his beloved’s face.

“Should I tell you your name? It’s a little late, I know… too late for everything. But I have to say it at least once right?”

“…” The terrified crowd watched on silently, held at the blade by Lucien’s men, but he ignored them.

“The word was first told to me by my mother. It’s from the desert, a term for one’s soul mate. She told me that I could call the love of my life by this name, because it meant ‘beloved.’”

Leaning in, Lucien whispered quietly.

“I love you, Amia.”

Laying her down gently, Lucien stood up and shouted towards the sky.

“IF THIS IS A STORY, A FANTASY, THAN THERE HAS TO BE AN AUTHOR. CAN YOU HEAR ME? YOU GOT IT WRONG!! SHE IS NOT A NAMELESS SIDE CHARACTER! SHE HAS A NAME! SHE CHANGED EVERYTHING! “

He raised a fist towards the ceiling. “YOU HEAR ME?! SHE’S NOT A MINOR CHARACTER YOU CAN KILL OFF LIKE THIS! SHE’S THE MAIN CHARACTER! THE ONLY ONE THAT MATTERS!” 

There were light mutters from the crowd at his crazed shouting, but he continued to ignore it.

“If you don’t save her, than it’s because you don’t care about this world.” Smiling, he picked up his blade once more. “So I’ll destroy it. I’m the villain right? This world you made. I’ll kill everyone and everything, and set the world on fire. What use is this awful broken world you written if you can’t even keep her here?! I’LL DESTROY IT!”

___________________________

“...I’LL DESTROY IT!”

I watched silently in a pure white space, all my focus on the floating orb which showed Luke as he threatened to destroy the world.

- It seems like you are loved very much, Amia.

A bodiless voice spoke up, seeming almost amused.

“I’m glad you find this funny.”

-Poor Lucien, he tried so hard to be the hero for you, but it looks like he’ll become the villain again.

I stared at his face, my heart breaking, my hand reaching out on its own as if hoping to touch him.

-You can still save the world, you know? 

I paused, looking around me. “What do you mean?”

- I mean you have a choice. The voice sighed. This world is broken; I’ve known it since I first made it. The royal family was supposed to bring peace and order… instead they became mad and twisted, killing for sport or no reason at all. Even the more reasonable ones like Graham and Lucien became broken, unable to trust and destroying those around them.

“You’re the author?”

- In a way. I made this world… but when I realized it was broken, it was too late. So I put the world’s story in a book and distributed it across multiple worlds.

“Why?”

- I was looking for you.

“... Sounds like a scam.”

- Well, I was looking for someone like you. Someone kind, caring, but tough enough to take on this world. Someone who could save them. Someone to become the heroine they needed.

“That’s why you put the ritual in the book?”

- It was supposed to only appear near those who had the qualifications to help. I can only assume that Chloe switched your copy with hers. And although one did need to give up their life to cross over, there was nothing about “powering” the spell with the souls of innocent bystanders.

“That was just her selfishness.” I shook my head. “Now what did you mean by saying that I could still save this world?”

- I mean, you have a choice. The voice paused, and two orbs showed in front of me. I looked at the first orb, it showed me in a hospital bed on a ventilator.

- You never fully died in your original world.

“Does that mean Chloe…?”

- No, she was standing right by the source of the explosion. She’s gone for good. You’re different. With my power I can return you to your old life. You’ll have to recover, of course, but you can eventually live a normal life, forget this ever happened.

I stared at the picture of myself. feeling a faint sense of longing. Electricity, modern food. Toilets. Not worrying about someone killing me every five minutes…

“What’s my second choice?”

- You can return to his side. Live in Armaria. Stay by Lucien, keep him from destroying the world.

“Aren’t I dead there?”

- I can fix that… But if I do, your body in the old world will die. I’ll use the energy left there to bring you back in my world.

I stared at the two orbs.

A normal life… It had been everything I had ever wanted. I had always hoped for a day when I could be allowed to return to my old home. And here it was, given to me on a silver platter.

But I couldn’t shake my thoughts of the second world. Of my cabin in the woods. Blade. The group of nameless servants who were so excited to talk about being background characters. Could I really be okay never seeing them again?

And what about Luke? Could I really leave him behind? I thought of the name that he had given me.

Amia.

Beloved.

I liked it. 

It was never a question, was it? I turned towards the second orb with a smile. “I want to go home. To Armaria.”

- Are you sure? You can’t change your mind once you decide.

I stared at Luke’s face through the orb. “I’m sure.”

- Great! Then prepare yourself for some deus ex machina!

With a great flash of light, the empty world around me disappeared.  

___________________________

 “LUKE!” Luke glanced up as Blade pushed herself through the crowd, kneeling at his side.

“Blade? How did you know...?” Blinking rapidly, he shook his head. “You’re too late… she’s…”

“SHE’S NOT DEAD YOU IDIOT!” Smacking the back of his head, Blade reached out and positioned herself over to look at the wound. “The dagger missed her heart it looks like. But she’s been poisoned.”

“But I checked her pulse…”

“There are poisons that slow the pulse to an almost undetectable level. It’s been less than a minute since she stopped breathing. We can save her. “ She turned around.  “Slash! I need an antidote!”

The scorpion leader stepped forward. “Why should I?”

“She holds your Tarif. Plus, I’ll beat you until you agree.”

“Fine!” Slash shuddered, handing over a vial. “Violent woman.”

Blade forced the potion into her mouth removing the knife in her back and covering the holes with a special dressing to prevent air leakage.

“It’s amazing that this knife managed to miss the critical structures.”

Luke smiled, looking up at the ceiling. “Our Amia must have someone looking out for her.”

___________________________

“Come on, you’re so slow!” Grabbing my bow, I left the cabin, walking out towards the woods.

“Why are you in such a hurry, Amia?” Luke followed me out, smiling quietly as he packed away his own weapons. 

“If we don’t go early, all the good game will be hiding. This is our first vacation in forever and I want to enjoy it!” Grabbing his hand, I pulled him along. “Move faster!”

“As my Queen commands!” He chuckled, speeding up his pace.

“I’m still not used to that.”

“The title? We’ve been married for six months now.”

“I grew up in the suburbs, okay? Cut me some slack!”

Luke grinned. “Would it be better or worse if I called you the Queen of the Desert?”

“Worse. Definitely worse.” I sighed as I walked, wanting to hide my face in my hands. Blade and Slash had conquered the remaining Spider camp, handing their Tarif over to me. When I asked why, I had only received a thumbs up and a new title of Queen.

“Blade only wants the best for her adopted daughter. She won’t just leave you the Serpent Camp when she can hand you the whole desert.”

I sighed quietly. “I feel like my life has become the opposite of the nameless side character I was supposed to be.”

“The Queen of the Desert? Queen of the Western City? Married to Lucien, the villain of ‘Deadly Crown’? Not to mention the leader of your very own cult of the Nameless.”

“Shouldn’t I be disqualified from that last one, since I have a name now?”

“They’re okay with it, since they’ve concluded you’re a main character.” He rolled his eyes. “Especially as Graham has joined and become their most ardent member.” 

“Ugh.” 

“Amia?” Luke’s hand grasped my own, as he showed a rare, nervous expression. “Do you regret it?”

“Regret giving my old life up? Coming here instead?”

Luke nodded silently. In answer, I leaned forward, kissing him for a few long seconds.

“I could never regret it.”

And I didn’t. It was not the life I envisioned. Not one I would have originally chosen… at least based off of reading the books. And although I didn’t live a normal life in my old world, or the life of a nameless side character in this world, I got something even better.

The life by the side of those I loved.

[sasuhinasno1fan]

Crushing on the rival-Lukadrien June Day 3

Ok, yes I’m technically late, but I don’t care! I wanted to do a Glee AU so bad and this was so hard to do. Usually when reading Glee Klaine fics as lukadrien, Nino is at Dalton since either Nick or Jeff becomes Kurt’s best friend and you can’t split up Nino and Adrien. So Nino attended for a while before budget cuts messed up his scholarship. Kieran is from @depressed-teacup-inc and @sarcasticsparkles Divergence. I meant for him to featured just a little more but it just didn’t work out like that. Adrien’s mom is alive but is spliting up with his dad and I put Chloe in Rachel’s position when it came to dating the enemy first since it always comes up in Anderberry fics when Rachel doesn’t say who Blaine is because she doesn’t want to be accused of selling secrets to her brother. Anyway, please enjoy and we’ll see if day 4 actually comes out. Rival Musicians 

“I can’t believe I’m doing this.” Nino said, adjusting his white tie. He’d forgotten how much he hadn’t been a fan of the Quantic Academy uniform. The pale blue shirts with the black blazers and white ties weren’t his aesthetic and even though it sucked to lose his scholarship, he’d been beyond happy to never put the uniform on again. He looked over to Marc and Nath, who seemed to pull it off with ease.

Totally unfair.

“I can’t believe you let Alya and Marinette bully you into coming to spy.” Nath said.

“No you’re not.” Marc clarified. “Remember how we got together?”

“Yeah, no. this fits perfectly. We should just be glad Chloe wasn’t the one to find out you used to go to school with our competitor. That would have been worse.”

“Yeah, especially since we all experienced her dating the ‘enemy’ last year. Last thing I need is her accusing me of giving secrets away. I really don’t want to bring up her asshole ex in her face. She’s finally starting to open up again.” Nino said.

“Where’s Adrien?” Marc asked, changing the subject. “You made it sound like we have a small window.”

“We do. Assuming things haven’t changed in a year, teachers take the afternoon to have a meeting while letting the students study and such. Or in the Warbler’s case, have impromptu performances to test songs out. If we don’t want to get caught, we need to be there when the mass text goes out and everyone is heading to the Senior Commons.”

Just then, a very familiar silver car pulled up in front of the boys. Adrien climbed out, in a black leather jacket and a white rocker tie but still in the same colours.

“Sorry I’m late. Mom promised the appointment would be over before I had to leave, but divorce proceedings involving my dad aren’t exactly easy. They were arguing over my ‘modelling’ career for a full hour before my mom’s lawyer managed to shut my dad up. I think, that woman speaks like a pirate and is just as ruthless and doesn’t like my dad, so she could have been insulting him for all I know.”

“Sorry you have to deal with this.” Nino said, patting his best friend on his shoulder.

“You haven’t modelled for almost 3 years. Your ‘career’ is just your dad reusing old photos of you for campaigns.” Nath said. “We can only hope we don’t have another instance like when it was your first day at school and you ran into the glee room to hide from your fans.”

“But, hey! We got you out of it.” Nino said. “You stick out like a sore thumb though.”

“It’s not my fault. You said you had enough extra uniforms. You’re the one who didn’t include yourself in the count. Let’s just be happy I have enough clothes to make an iteration of it.” Adrien said.

“Fair enough. Come on.”

All four of them walked into the main building. It was beautiful, a mix of old architecture and new, like a classic hotel or something along the lines. They slowed when Nino did as they approached the front desk, which was thankfully empty with a note to call when arrived.

“I’m so happy the headmaster uses the front desk secretary as his own. I mean, she gives as good as she gets and doesn’t take shit, but she’s also got a practical eidetic memory.” Nino said. “Ok, now there’s a student that we called the Caterpillar – he lived in my dorm and everyone had Alice in Wonderland names – who has access to everyone’s phone number and he’s in the Warblers, so he sends out a massive text message to everyone.”

“How are we even sure they’re planning on doing a performance?” Adrien asked.

“We don’t but I know so close to competition time Marin would want to practise when they have the chance, so at the very least we can peak into the Senior Commons were they practise.”

They got to the first hallway and Adrien saw that what he thought ground level was actually the first floor.

“Cafeteria is downstairs and exits for the gardens and the library. This floor holds some classrooms and common rooms, more classrooms and offices upstairs. The Senior Commons is actually down the hall and downstairs. They got first pick when the place was being built and it has the closest exit to where the dorms are.”

“Should we hang near there or somewhere else?” Nath asked.

However, before Nino could offer a suggestion, the one thing Adrien dreaded pierced through the empty and quite hallway.

“Ohmygod! It’s Adrien Agreste!”

Adrien liked anime, especially the feel-good ones. The one he liked the most was Gakuen Babysitter. The scene before him reminded him of when the twins’ father, a famous actor came to school and was found out by one of the students and suddenly the area around him were swarming with fans. What happened was a bit like that, except screaming boys instead of girls and Adrien actually got a head start in running away.

Nino hated his best friend had to suffer through this, so when he was separated from him and the rest of the guys and only found Marc and Nath not long after, he felt worried.

“Where’s Adrien?”

“We thought he was with you.”

“Ok, screw Marinette and Alya telling us not to get caught.” Nino said, pulling his phone out and scrolling through his contacts until he reached one with the name being just a butterfly emoji. “If they want info, they can come look themselves. My best friend is in a school that’s not desensitized to him being around and we’re find him before we leave.”

Of course, before he could call, he saw a text from the same butterfly named person.

I’m gonna let Marin yell at you for coming to spy.

Nino cursed. He’d been hoping to avoid that. Marinette and Alya were bad and Chloe worse, but Marin lording over him with his gavel, that was something he didn’t miss from attending school here.

But don’t worry. A certain blue haired Hatter was placed in the little Alice’s path. He’ll take care of him. Also, I know a certain March Hare misses you too.

Ok, maybe he’d have to kiss that Caterpillar after all.

                                       ____________________

Adrien slowly opened the door after finally hearing the hallway fill up and all move in one direction. Everyone was speaking excitedly, so no one noticed Adrien slipping out and joining the crowd. He looked around, hoping to see 3 familiar faces but no luck. he didn’t even know if this crowd was people going to see the Warblers. He bit his lip, trying to decide what to do. He could ask and then be in a bad spot if someone recognised him or he could ask what was going on and duck into a bathroom if it wasn’t Warblers related. He decided to risk it.

“Excuse me,” he said, tapping someone on the shoulder. The guy had dyed blue hair and when he turned around Adrien saw he had the piercings to match his punk look. The uniform really didn’t match him at all. “Hi, I’m new here. What’s going on?”

He gave Adrien this smirk as if to say, ‘I know why you’re here’. “I’m Luka.”

“Adrien, nice to meet you.”

“Adrien. Well, don’t worry, I won’t scream your name. and to answer your question, the Warblers are doing an impromptu performance.”

“Oh.”

“If you want, I can take you there. You know, bump into your friends who came to spy with you.”

“S-spy? I didn’t come to spy.”

“Right, so your lack of uniform and Nino being here is a happy coincidence.”

Adrien couldn’t really think of a lie, so thrown off. He let out a squeak when Luka grabbed his hand and pulled him down the hallway. This one was emptier and Adrien took a closer at Luka. his uniform was perfect but his shoes were emblem covered high tops. His nails were painted and fingers home to a few rings. He also noticed a few bracelets peaking out from under shirt sleeve. Luka seemed like such an anomaly in his perfect uniform but things that spoke to his personal aesthetic.

Before he knew it, they were back in a crowd as they entered a room, no doubt the Senior Commons.

“Shot, I do stick out like a sore thumb.” Adrien said, once he saw himself compared to everyone.

“I don’t know, I like your version better.” Luka said, tugging at one of the lapels of Adrien’s leather jacket. “Your friends are over there.” He nodded towards the door, where Marc, Nath and Nino were, all standing on their toes trying to look over the crowd. Nino got distracted by someone with light brown hair and purple rain boots, but Marc and Nath spotted him.

“How did…?”

“I’m sure Nino will tell you about the special ways of the Warblers.” Just at the front of the room, 2 lines of boys appeared as they started to create a beat. “Now if you excuse me. Kieran!”

The guy Nino had been talking to darted over to the lines and Adrien took his place, hearing his friends ask him what happened and if he was ok, but his attention was focused on Luka, who stood in the very front singing.

Before you met me, I was alright But things were kinda heavy, you brought me to life Now every February, you'll be my Valentine Valentine

Let's go all the way tonight No regrets, just love We can dance until we die You and I will be young forever You make me feel like I'm living a teenage dream

He was good, really good. And he kept staring right at Adrien.

“That’s Luka. we were roommates when I was here.” Nino said, finally getting his attention. “He was well on his way to being lead vocalist when I left.”

“He’s really good.”

“Yeah. Don’t let his accessories fool you, he’s a cool guy.”

Yeah, he was.

When the song was over and the room burst into loud applause, cheers and whistles, Luka found his way over, with the same guy who’d been talking to Nino before and two new people. They reminded him a bit of Marinette and Alya, though one of them had a sever expression currently directed at Nino.

“You come spy and you don’t even come to say hello? I’m ashamed of you Nino.” The one who reminded Adrien of Marinette said.

“Please give it a rest Marin.” Nino begged.

“No, no, let him suffer more. I’m enjoying this.” Kieran said.

“Just to check, you’re not going to report us, right?” Marc asked, looking nervous.

“Don’t worry. Your attempts are endearing and we know Nino wouldn’t bring you over here without good reason.” The other guy said. “we’re not planning on using that song for the Sectionals, so you won’t go home empty handed.”

“How about coffee? Nino doesn’t know this, but we finally opened the coffee bar in the cafeteria, student run. We can stay here if you want.” Luka offered.

In the end, Adrien waited in the room, with Nino getting dragged to be lectured by his old friends and Nath and Marc having such complicated orders, it just made more sense to go with them. Adrien looked around the commons, taking in the couches and many side tables. A few had an almost permanent show print in them, like they’d been jumped on. The few people inside the room still paid his no attention, other than glancing at him.

“Here you go.” Luka said, handing him a to go cup. “Nino mentioned you didn’t like coffee so I got you hot chocolate. Better than most cafes, we make our own with milk.”

“Thanks. Where are the others?”

“Kieran is still making Marin lecture Nino and it turns out Alan is a fan of your friends’ comic, so just me for now.”

“That’s fine. Maybe you can tell me why the tables have footprints on them.” Adrien said, tugging his jacket off as Luka plopped down next to him.

“I have a habit of jumping around on tables during practise. Marin yells at me for it, but I can’t help it. Which is surprising, since I’m pretty stationary during performances.”

Adrien let out a little laugh. “You sound like my cat. Doesn’t matter how many cat perches we have for him; he just climbs up anywhere else. Granted, focusing on him and glee has been a godsend for my mental health recently.”

“Yeah, I’m sure dealing with arguing parents and divorce isn’t easy.”

Adrien looked over at Luka, confused as to how he knew that.

“Oh, yeah. My mom is your mom’s lawyer.” Adrien raised an eyebrow not believing him. “She sounds like this.” Luka said in the same thick accent Anarka had.

“Holy, hey wait. Juleka is Anarka’s daughter, which means she’s…”

“My sister. Competing against each other, but don’t worry. Music is sacred in our house so we don’t play dirty.”

“Whoa.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t go fishing for anything. I just thought that things must be pretty difficult. Your dad makes mom pretty upset.”

“Yeah. It hasn’t been easy. The whole divorce hasn’t but this modelling thing is making things worse. Honestly, I’d be happy with glee drama. It’s the only thing that feels like it makes sense.”

“I get that. I’m older than Juleka, but I’ll be graduating at the same time as her because I ended up pulling out of school for a while. During all that, music was the only thing that made sense.”

“Was everything ok?” Adrien asked.

“Come here.” Luka led Adrien over to a piano that sat in the corner. “Take a breath and listen.” He ordered, resting his fingers on the keys. He watched Adrien do as he was told and he let his fingers move across the keys.

Adrien stared as he heard the emotions he’d been feeling were played. Every note and beat was everything.

“I’ve never been good at words. Mom struggled to get me to talk but she knew I liked music, so that started to become my voice. I guess the easiest way to explain it is I’m an empath. I can hear emotions and I tend to stay quiet. Some people at my old school didn’t like that I kept quite or I could play what they felt. Add on the muscle heads who didn’t understand that liking guys didn’t mean I liked them, things got insane. So I left and came here.” Luka ended Adrien’s song and sat on the bench to look at the blonde. “Even though music sort of got me into that mess, I get it being the only thing that feels like it makes sense.”

Adrien sat next to Luka. “And now you have glee. I was running from fans when I ran into our glee room. Mlle Bustier was ok with letting me hide there but when I saw how much fun everyone was having singing, I wanted to do the same. It’s been my escape.”

Luka bumped his elbow into Adrien’s side. “And people think models aren’t anything like us.”

“I’m really sorry you had to deal with that stuff, but I guess if you hadn’t, you wouldn’t have met Nino and he wouldn’t have taken us here and we wouldn’t get to meet.”

“Guess there’s a silver lining for everything. It’s a shame we’re going up against each other in Sectionals. Hanging out with you would be fun.”

“Well,” Adrien said, shrugging, “No one said we can’t text.”

“I thought one of your team members dated a guy from an opposing team?”

“Who said anything about dating? We’re just texting. I mean, Nino texts you and the others, right? What makes me so different?”

Luka let out a laugh. “Fair enough. Adrien Agreste, rebel. I think you’ve been around my mom too much; she’s starting to take an effect on you.”

“You say that as if being a rebel is a bad thing.”

                                          ______________________

Well Adrien wasn’t a rebel, but he did enjoy talking to Luka. he was easy to talk to and they had a lot in common. When employing the same rules Juleka and Luka had on their houseboat when it came to glee, it was easy to forget he was competing against him. Nino encouraged it when he found out.

“Besides, if you end up liking Lu and asking him out, then I can ask Kieran out. Maybe. I wouldn’t be opposed to it.”

It wasn’t hard to like Luka. he was good looking and funny and nice and his singing voice was amazing. But Adrien also knew dating during competition season was asking for another Chloe situation even if Luka would never do what that asshole ex did. So, Adrien made a deal with himself, he’d ask Luka out after Sectionals. One of them would win and then they wouldn’t compete anymore unless a space opened up. It would be fine.

I used to rule the world Seas would rise when I gave the word Now in the morning I sleep alone Sweep the streets I used to own

I used to roll the dice Feel the fear in my enemy's eyes Listen as the crowd would sing "Now the old king is dead! Long live the king!"

One minute I held the key Next the walls were closed on me And I discovered that my castles stand Upon pillars of salt and pillars of sand

And of course listening to Luka sing Viva la Vida made Marc lean over to him and tell him if he didn’t ask him out, he would.

But like the world was against him, both the most amazing and worst thing happened. They tied. Chole had said how rare that happened. Adrien could only think about how he felt cheated out of asking Luka out. Which was why he waited in the bathroom, waiting for Luka to come in.

“Hi.” Luka said when he came in. he looked a bit disheartened and Adrien really hoped he was reading the reason right.

“Hey. Congratulations by the way. Your Viva la Vida was amazing. Chloe thought so too and she doesn’t compliment the competition much.”

“Thanks. I know you said you were a countertenor but I never expected you to hold that note in So much better.”

“Thanks. Um, listen. I really hope I haven’t been reading the signs wrong, but…I like you, enough to tell myself that after Sectionals were over, no matter what happened, I’d ask you out. But I wasn’t expecting us to both win. But that hasn’t exactly discouraged me.”

“You haven’t been reading them wrong. It was my plan too but it would really be a bad idea to date. The stakes are even higher now. Though…God, Marin might kill me for suggesting this, but how about one date? One date to get it out of our system and to also give us something to look forward to after Regionals. There isn’t a chance we’ll tie again so it’ll be fine after then, but I don’t think either of us can wait that long.”

The door to the bathroom opened and Nino poked his head in. “Adrien, bro. the bus is here, time to go.”

“Yes.” He said to Luka as he headed to the door. “I’ll text you.”

As Nino dragged him to the bus before the group got angry, Adrien told him what he and Luka planned on doing.

“As your teammate, this is a horrible idea. As your best friend, this is the best idea ever and I demand details after.”

[newagesispage]

OCTOBER                           2021

 THE RIB PAGE

*****

We miss U Charlie Watts!!

*****

The Stones performed at a private party for Patriots owner Robert Kraft of all people. The test run looked like just that. Shark jumped. I am becoming disillusioned.

*****

SNL is back with Owen Wilson as first host of season 47. Kacey Musgraves is the musical guest. Episode 2 will have a ridic choice for host. Halsey will sing. I suppose $ is power with the Kardashians. I could think of about 10 million other people to host but more and more Lorne goes for the shiny object , what he THINKS people want instead of taking risk. Beck Bennett is out.

*****

Is everybody watching the Amber Ruffin Show?? I loved her before but now… I learn so much from her show. Sometimes it takes a comic to get to the real serious shit. For example: Have you heard of drowning towns? Towns like Oscarville, Kowaliga, York hill, Seneca Village, Prentiss and countless other black towns that were drowned out to make lakes for the local whites. Central Park was also made after a black community was erased from history. Development displacement? Alleyway dwelling authority? Even those rabid for history can find out new things everyday. Thanks Amber!!

*****

Bob Woodward and Robert Costa are finally giving us Peril !!!!!!  I’ve been waiting!!** I was in political nerd heaven on Sept. 24 when Yamiche hosted Robert, Bob and Weijia Jang on Washington Week. All of my favorite pundits all together at one table, my dream team!!

*****

Iman looked great at the Met Gala!! Other great looks belonged to AOC, Tessa Thompson, Maluma, Helen Lasichanb and Pharrell Williams. Gigi Hadid, Kiki Layne, Ashton Sanders, Hailee Steinfeld, Kehlani, Zoe Kravitz, Michaela Cole, Lili Reinhart, Kate Hudson and Shai Gilgeous- Alexander were great. Whoopi Goldberg seemed a bit off.

*****

Jason Isbell is back with his latest offering, Georgia Blue.

*****

I see a lot of Title Max type establishment are closing down. Are they a thing of the past? Let’s hope.

*****

Law and Order is coming back to NBC for season 21. Dick Wolf will own 2 entire nights of television. Some of the old cast is reported to be returning.

*****

Britney Spears Father was suspended as her conservator.

*****

Timothy Chalamet, Rowan Atkinson, Sally Hawkins and Olivia Coleman will star in Wonka.

*****

The 2022 Super Bowl halftime show will bring us Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Dr. Dre and Kendrick Lamar.

*****

People are doing test runs for school board positions to see if their political ideas will play well for the big leagues. If they don’t seem to work, at least they can sometimes change the rules in their own area.

*****

Joe Rogan got Covid.

*****

Lake Michigan beaches were closed down thanks to a US Steel plant chemical leak.

*****

Is this country the master of endless administrative work?  None of us should have been surprised at the red tape that the slowed down the end of the war in Afghanistan.** Uber donated 50k for rides and meals to the Afghans when they arrive.**And why do so many waste taxpayer $ on useless recounts and recalls when people need real help with food and healthcare? They must really hate humanity.

*****

R. Kelly was found guilty of 8 counts of sex trafficking and 1 count of racketeering.

*****

Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies, in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed. – Dwight D. Eisenhower

*****

Texas has put a law into effect to allow most Texans to carry open without permit or training.

*****

Texas has banned abortion at about 6 weeks. Uber and Lyft will pay drivers legal fees if sued under Texas abortion law. Lyft donated $1mil to Planned Parenthood. ** Look for the ruling in the Mississippi law over Roe V. Wade in June 2022.**Hear us roar!** BTW.. Go Jen Psaki!!!!!!!

*****

They seriously banned plastic straws and abortion before assault rifles? – Eden Dranger

*****

Please stop banning abortions, the last thing the world needs is more Americans. –Sarah Beattie

*****

Women don’t inseminate themselves. Vasectomies are reversible. Should every man have one until he’s deemed financially and emotionally fit to be a Father? – Bradley Whitford

*****

90 year old William Shatner will go to space for Blue Origin.

*****

The Q Anon Shaman pled guilty to a felony for obstructing the Electoral College proceedings. I say 20 years and a $250K fine.** 600 others have been indicted.

*****

Days Alert: The Beyond Salem thing was ridic but it was so great to see some old characters.  Days is so great at visiting old family. Who can resist Shane, Austin and Carrie, Billie and the old Kristen? I do wish that Peacock would get their kinks out!! Back to the real Days: Are we smelling an Emmy for Susan Seaforth Hayes and Bill?? ** Good to have Abigail back. It is always fun to wonder which actress and or personality it will be. ** Deidre Hall got her star on the walk of fame.**And just in time for Halloween, the Devil is making a comeback. The end of the year in Salem is always the best!! It is so brave to give the 96 year old man the old switcheroo into the Dark Lord.  It was fun to see the grandkids discover Grandma Marlena’s story. Delicious!! Hail Satan!!** It is past time for Tate and Teresa to come back to town. Brady needs to be put in his place. And thanks for the Philip and Chloe flashbacks!!

*****

The breakdown of the vaccinated: 90% of Atheists, 86% Hispanic Catholic, 84% Agnostic, 79% White Catholic, 73% White mainline protestant, 70% Black mainline protestant, 57% white evangelical. 1 in 500 Americans have died of Covid.

*****

So Mike Lindell and Jim Baker have teamed up to sell children’s Bible pillows.** Piers Morgan has returned to the Murdoch organization by joining Fox. That sounds about right.

*****

Please stop saying the vaccine does not have severe side effects, I took my shots and now I’m alive and have to keep working. –Mohand Eishieky

*****

In theatres Oct. 22: The French Dispatch.** October also brings us a new season of Curb your enthusiasm and Oct. 17 will catch us up on Succession. Whew!!!

*****

So people under conservatorship are not free to marry who they want? What?

*****

46% of Americans believe in ghosts.

*****

Simone Biles, Mckayla Maroney and Aly Rasiman testified at  the Senate judiciary hearing about the FBI’s handling of accusations against Larry Nassar and it was eye opening!

*****

We wanted a no -nonsense Dem who pushes on and does not puss out.  I am a bit surprised to see we have it. There are so many pressing issues that I hope Biden works a bit more on Haiti though.

*****

The National Police Act was passed to celebrate cops. Still no police reform.

*****

John Mulaney and Olivia Munn are going to have a baby.

*****

The Emmy’s were a little different this year with more of a Golden Globe look.  Cedric the Entertainer hosted with Reggie Watts as DJ. Lots of minority noms but barely a win. It was a white people night. Ted Lasso had a great night. Mare of Eastown took home a few with Evan Peters, Julianne Nicholson and Kate Winslet. Now, Kate is great but how did Anya Taylor- Joy not walk away with that? Queens Gambit did win a couple and gave the longest speech with the seemingly arrogant director Scott Frank who opened up 2 page acceptance. Categories were tough but I was routing for Renee Elise Goldberry and Bowen Yang but perhaps next year. The people in England who had their own party for all the statues that the Crown won seemed to be having more fun! Hacks won for writing and directing and Jean Smart!! It was nice to see the Norm Macdonald love which was barely mentioned by Lorne but celebrated by John Oliver. Colbert ‘s election night special won as did JB Smoove. Hamilton won and Debbie Allen got the big one. I do not understand why real singers and or musicians have to be there for the in Memoriam. It takes me out of it a bit and concentrates the focus on them. Do they think that people will pay attention more? Do they want to keep the home audience or live audience from the bathroom?  My best dressed were Anya Taylor-Joy, Michaela Cole who won for I may destroy you, Jean Smart, Josh O’Connor, Kathryn Hahn, Billy Porter, MJ Rodriguez, Keenan Thonpson, Leslie Odom Jr., Catherine O’Hara, Trevor Noah, Eugene Levy, Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys, Bowen Yang,  Anthony Anderson, Leslie Grossman, Amber Ruffin, Allyson Felix, Renee Elise Goldberry, Samira Wiley and Rege- Jean Page. My worst were Sarah Paulson, Gillian Anderson,  Beanie Feldstein, Elizabeth Olsen and Aidy Bryant. To me the best part of the show was the enthusiasm of Conan and the way he injected himself into much of the evening .He was the show.  Go Conan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*****

Next year there must be some Emmys for Sarah Paulson and Cobie Smulders in Impeachment!!!!!

*****

Oh Boy!! The Eyes of Tammy Faye!!

*****

Looking forward to the Electric Life of Louis Wain with Benedict Cumberbatch and Claire Foy.

*****

Abba has a new album!!

*****

Shang Chi is the biggest Labor Day opening with a $71.4 mil opening.

*****

Sen. Amy Klobuchar has announced she has breast cancer.

*****

Is it the 70’s? A streaker ran past the studio of the Today show.

*****

Rascal Flatts Joe Don Rooney was arrested for DUI.** Nicholas Cage was thrown out of a prime rib pace in Vegas after being drunk and disorderly.

*****

Jennifer Eckhart has filed a lawsuit against former Fox news anchor Ed Henry for rape and retaliation after allegedly being handcuffed and beaten.

*****

Scarlett Johansson has settled her Disney lawsuit.

*****

Pete Buttigieg and Chasten had twins they named Penelope Rose and Joseph August.

*****

I noticed a commercial for Dancing with the Stars. Are we onto the E list because I have heard of hardly any of these people. ‘Stars’is really stretching it. And as I post this I see there are some covid issues there as well.

*****

Virgin River was renewed for 2 more seasons.

*****

Trevor Noah is right? Why do they stop giving lollipops to adults at the doctor?

*****

Jon Stewart is back on Apple tv with ‘The problem with Jon Stewart.

*****

Brooklyn 99 had about the best finale (other than Newhart) that I can recall. I had my fingers crossed that Chelsea would be back. Will they honor us like they did in the show and come back for a special about once a year? That would be fucking awesome!!

*****

Don’t expect compliments from an insecure person.- Mr. Pickles

*****

Thousands and thousands of people are in need. Haitian refugees and other immigrants have seen nothing like this what with assassination, a hurricane and earthquake. The Southern border is a mess.** Why does Fox news keep telling refugees the border is open as they sit back and laugh at Biden’s predicament.  Spreading false info to intentionally hurt poor, distressed people has no end for them.

*****

Do companies know how fucked up their employment websites are? It is true that some people do not want to work. It is true that people schedule interviews and don’t show up. It is also true that companies have made it so hard to apply that many can’t. I suppose it is easier for them but the poor who may really want to work have a hard time. Paper applications are almost completely gone. The old fashioned way of walking into low paying job sites and finding a connection with a manager rarely exist. Some places only accept texts or have long ridiculous psych tests that a working Mother may not have time for. A Father working many hours already, may not be able to go to the library to get online if they cannot afford a computer. Many websites tell you that there no positions available in your area while there is a huge sign in front of the establishment. Can’t find people to work.. Gee I wonder why?? And treat people with respect once you find them, how about that?

*****

Keep your head up in failure, and your head down in success. –Jerry Seinfeld

*****

Hey.. There was a van air B’n B biz going that got busted. Hey.. The poor need vaca’s too. It is wrong but If they are willing to sleep in a van, why not. I truly think that many do not understand how much people are struggling.

*****

Free coffee day came and went but only a few places really gave you free coffee without rules to govern the promo. Some places wanted to sell you something else and some made you belong to their club. Starbucks held that customers had to come inside for the free cup of Joe, handicapped or not.

*****

One would think the Republicans would run out of $ for recounts but they have deep pockets. Just think how much good they could do for the huddled masses with that scratch.

*****

Sad to lose Mick Brigden, protégé of Bill Graham who managed The Stones and worked with Frampton, Dylan and Santana.** And the comics were very vocal about the loss of Norm Macdonald. He was one of a kind and he will be missed!

*****

R.I.P. Ruth Marx, Lee Scratch Perry, Willard Scott, Jean-Paul Belmondo, Isadore Bleckman, George Wein, Michael K. William,George Holliday, Anthony Johnson,  Basil Hoffman, Al Harrington,Willie Garson, Mick Brigden, Tommy Kirk and Norm Macdonald.

[thequeenb]

Poppy x MC

Here to do lord's work

I walk towards the Zeta building and a million thoughts are racing through my mind. I hold Poppy's prescription pills on one hand and with my other i erase the post i was about to upload on T. No matter how much she irritates me medication is no joke.

I sigh as i put my phone away ready to drop the bag at the door but then a thought hits me, why don't i pay Queen B a visit myself? I hate how we left things earlier so i hope this makes up for it.

As i enter the first thing that i notice is how empty the building actually is. All the sorority girls are still out there trying to find the fake Gucci offer, how charming. Veronica is nowhere to be found so i sneak in running through the stairs. Ah these heels dont help at all, damn you and your expensive shinny marble floor

I finally got upstairs and i glance around trying to find the most dramatically decorated room. If i were Poppy where would i be? Aaaand aha! Of course its the biggest one here. I roll my eyes trying to approach silently even though i am failing completely

Should i knock? Do i just leave the bag here and leave? Its never to late to back down Bea. I sigh overthinking every possibility, that until the door opens wide and there she is staring directly into my eyes

"What the hell are you doing here??" Her eyes level on the medicine that i am holding and she quickly snatches it off my hands

"Where did you find this??"

"Wow relax, one question at a time" i smile at her but she is the opposite of amused

"Where is this useless imbecile i swear i will tear every stupid card that she owns" ok i think i just made the situation worse she is changing colours very fast

"Can i come in?" I lean against the door looking down at her suggestively. I love the height difference really, it makes her look so cute when she gets mad at me

"And why would i let you in? Not even Chloe gets to see my bedroom, in fact get your irritating ass out of my home" she looks at the bag on her hands and sigh

"I happened to bump into Taylor at Froyo and i decided to give her a hand, your dry cleaning is back breaking" i roll my eyes and i can see some of her walls melting down

"Now that you have done your charity you can leave" she is about to slam the door at my face but i am quick to place my foot between and stop it

"First of all ouch, second of all i smell cookies, i think i deserve one since i got out of my way for you" i wink at her and i can see the hesitation in her movements

"Oh please do you actually think that i am stupid? I know your strategy"

"Do you? Care to talk me through it?" I smirk leaning closer "i just want a cookie"

She massages her temples clearly annoyed "God stop talking, if i give you one will you just disappear?"

"Depends..do you want me to disappear?"

She walks back inside to get me one and i take a quick glimpse of her room. Surprisingly her room is simpler than i thought. Nothing cheap but nothing too expensive, except this giant closet full of designer clothes

She comes back with the cookie and a napkin "Here you go doggo, now shoo" she waves her hands dismissively and i reach to take them from her hands. For just a brief second our hands touch and i can feel the electricity run down my spine, Oh wow.

I dare to look directly into her eyes and i now notice how close we are. She still hasn't let me in but i can see how her mind runs ten miles per minute

"Did you make these?" I ask taking a good bite from the cookie. Its soft and it smells heavenly, the chocolate runs down my lip and i am unable to control my urge to groan

"Oh wow these are the best cookies i ever had" i lick my lips trying to get the chocolate off my face and i can clearly see how Poppy is looking down at them. I bite it just to give her a little show and she starts laughing

I raise an eyebrow in suspicion "What?"

She doesn't answer as she place a perfectly manicured hand over her mouth to laugh freely. To be honest i am not complaining, its the first time i hear her laugh and its more gentle and melodic than i expected it to be

"Oh no did you just poison me?" I dramatically touch my chest laughing with her

"Your face is a mess you pig" even though she uses harsh words her smile says the opposite and so i let her have it this time

"Oh really? Where?" I lick my lips again and she grabs the napkin from my hand as she rolls her eyes

"Here stupid" she tiptoes leaning her body against mine. For a moment i forget how to breathe as i watch her cleaning my face. She stares at me for a second before clearing her throat pushing me back

"You can't avoid failure do you?"

"Stop avoid my question, did you make these?" I cross my arms amused

I can see her battling with her own self. There is something different about Poppy when we are alone, i can see some of her walls melting and all that caused by my presence, score!

"Yes i did now can you shut up and leave? You got what you wanted" she wants to come out as irritated but i can see the amusement on her look

"I didn't get what i wanted" i lower my stare at her lips and she follows my gaze

"And what's that?" I can hear the challenge in her voice and without saying another word i lean in and i pause one breath away from her lips

I can feel the heat her body radiating and even though its impossible i swear i can hear her heart beating like crazy "Can i kiss you?"

Poppy swallows hard and i can practically hear it. Respecting her space i back away a little bit disappointed. But before i can think twice she pulls me close capturing my lips with a breathtaking kiss

At first i make a surprised noise but then without missing a beat i welcome her tongue with mine as i press her against the door. She places her hands around my neck dragging me inside her room

"Are you sure?" I ask breathless looking lovingly at her

"Shut up and kiss me Hughes" she pulls me against her once more but this time her kisses become more needy and passionate

I place my knee between her legs as i pin her hands effortlessly above her head. "Stay still" my voice is hoarse and i gain a groan out of her

"If you make a sound.." i bite her lip in warning and i can feel her knees weakening "i will not be gentle"

I kiss her jawline then her neck and i bite it hard making her moan, arching against me "and if you are a good girl i might reward you"

"Touch me"

Did she really think i will give her what she needs? You are adorable Pops. I tug her shirt off and her pants join the floor soon enough. Taking a step back i enjoy the sight of her being completely at my mercy

"I have been imagining this ever since i laid eyes on you" i tuck a lock of hair behind her ear kissing her temple. She practically melts with the amount of affection that i give her making wonder how badly she have been treated

I grab a handful of her hair tugging her head back slowly. It gives me more access to her neck and i run my tongue from her throat to her ear sucking the sensitive skin underneath it. Poppy moans loudly her voice filled with need

"Please touch me"

I smirk and this time i give her what she wants. I sink to my knees opening her legs wide. I tease her giving her sweet kisses on the inside of her thighs until i finally touch her where she wants me the most

"Look at how much you want me" i whisper against her and she shudders trying to hold onto the wall for support

Smiling i lock eyes with her as i taste her and god she tastes amazing. I might have been imagining this once or twice since i got here but having her actually at my mercy is absolutely beautiful

Her moans fill the room and i can feel her legs trembling. She places one of her hands on my hair pulling me more closer even if its impossible. I get lost in her scent and her melodic voice screaming my name that i unconsciously place my hand beneath my dress

"Oh Bea fuck..i am going to--" but she never finishes her sentence as we both shudder, the wave of ecstasy taking over us both

We take a minute collecting our breaths and i she sinks to the floor next to me. Her expression is changed, not the bitchy one she wears when everyone is around but i think i can see a glimpse of the genuine Poppy

"I knew you liked me" i say laughing fixing my hair

She gives me a 'i will murder you but you are to precious' look and i laugh even more, happy that she is finally real with me

"Never mention this" she gestures between us "ever again"

"Yes m'am" i say smiling and surprisingly she does too standing up, picking up her clothes off the floor

"You should leave before they come back from your fake Gucci offer"

"Ah so you are smart, maybe my plan was to get you all alone after all" i wink at her as she rolls her eyes

Before i leave the room she pulls me against her for a quick kiss "Thank you for bringing this to me"

"Anytime my dear enemy" she shoves me out of the room and i laugh walking away.

For the first time since i got here i feel like there is some form of hope. I know everyone sees Poppy as this scary diva who will ruin your life but i know now that what we have is special.

Tag list: @lolimugly @origmansello @greatestflirt-hero @mvalentine @otakufangirl-12 @sugarplumpnhoneybun @princessstellaris @coldbatfriendroad @indecisive-choices @i-loveeveryone @kiara-36 @ognenniyvolk @somewillwin @it-lives-in-braidwood-manor @ghalind @sergeant-pepper-loves-choices @dibberdipper @justastranger-passing @nydeiri

[eddiestattoos]

Smallville chronicles part 62 (Chloe's chronicles pun very much intended. But no I've never seen them) warning, there's a lot going on. Fortune. You get me. Carry on

Oh boy its lionel

"Rumours of my death have been greatly exaggerated" LIONEL YOU LITERALLY DIED 3 YEARS AGO YOU WERE SHOVED OFF A ROOF YOU FOOL

"What. No hug for your long lost daddy" I'll give E2 Lionel one thing. He amuses

The way Chloe is just laying on top of, admiring Oliver as he sleeps. I used to not like her all that much (way back in like season 1 and 2) now I want what she's got

Did I really just say that? Oh boy I've officially lost it

Also love that they've set up their bed in the middle of watchtower

Wait so uh, watchtower was bought by Jimmy. Lol this isn't weird at all

I'm going to stop because you know. I'm insane

I could take quotes from this Chloe Ollie bed scene but I'd be quoting the entire damn thing so I'll just leave it

Go mama K!!

Mama K??

Martha really just ripped off her sling

Chloe considers Martha as her mom!!

Oliver's non green arrow undercover outfit

Lois trying to make sure her muffins get noticed

"Lois. Don't worry. I've been impressed with you for years"

"That is so low rent and so rebel"

"Well what father doesnt want to make his son happy" he says after Lex tells him killing him was the greatest moment of his life

Chloe's outfit 😂

"That explains the smell of old spice and young ambition"

"I just need you to hack into a couple national news websites" "how many?" "All of them"

"You're a convicted felon" oh but so are you Lionel

"Well snow dad's been a little frosty lately right? Maybe we should figure out a different way to get that genie back in the bottle"

Mama K defending her son!!

"How can you be so good Clark?"

The way Clark whipped Lionel across the ground after pulling him from the mansion

The Luthor mansion burning to the ground was not something I expected to see ever

Lois and Chloe taking their stand against the vra!!!

"You have no idea how much you mean to people Clark Kent" my heart!!

"I saw me, I mean Clark Kent, disguised with glasses and a bad haircut"

Mama bear Tess!

Ok well.... that's peachy

"Look Clark. I want to plan this wedding as much as I wanna jump off of a building"

"Please tell me you didn't hop across the pond for a gallon of milk" "what makes you think I'd be in England?" Clark you're standing on Big Ben

"That better be some damn good milk Smallville" "Smallville. I must be in trouble"

"I think Oliver Queen would be an absolute fool to let someone like you get away" there is not a single Chlollie scene I don't enjoy

"I feel like I can't believe you did this to my jacket" I mean yeah it's terrible but it's somehow better

"You are going global now, which is awesome quite frankly"

"Why don't I just save you the trouble and superspeed out all on my own, ok. Whoosh"

"A phone call from your wife, Mr Jones"

*trying to keep it together* "hello dear"

"It's an adrenaline thing. See I'm little bit bigger than you"

Ok that whole Clark's telescopic visions with his eyes changing. Why are we just getting this now?

"You know, when I said I wanted to spoon earlier, this isn't really what I had in mind"

"This is definitely the most romantic of my recent kidnappings"

"Yeah he's right, we should probably introduce ourselves" *takes them all out**Chloe knocks dude out with a book*

That kiss after they kicked ass

"The last thing we want is a billionaire superhero ex fugitive kicking down the door of a sex club"

My ninja baby Oliver

"Don't leave goldilocks out in the cold"

"Should we just serve up charcoal too"

"It's my power I can call it whatever I want"

"Now stay put" "like hell" come on Clark you should've known there was no chance Ollie would

"You just have to act like you're re miserable" "that shouldn't be a problem"

"When they see this adorable blond, and you are, on this adorable blond's arm" I love Ollie calling himself an adorable blond. I mean, he's not wrong

NO OLLIE NOOOOO why did he have to get tagged

Ok I've arrived at what I've heard is one of the best eps of the series so I'm excited. But still scared for Ollie

I nearly pissed myself when Clark woke up with a lemur on him

He has a ring on 😂😂 Chloe?? I'm crying laughing already

*throws chip bag in closet for lemur*

What is Chloe's dress?

"Yeah well my memory etch a sketch is blank too"

Chloe just goes in public in this weird ass wedding dress

"Are those Emil's pants?"

"Holy matrimony that's my signature"

Clark runs into the wall

😂😂😂😂😂

"Well Emil always was an overachiever"

Emil and Tess duet 😂😂

"I'm looking for the girl I came in here with last night. She probably insulted you more than once"

"Clarkie, there's only one person I know that can make an armored car go adios in seconds" drunk Tess 😂

Oliver and Lois are just casually on a rail bed

Ollie's face hugging Lo 😂😂

His face when he comes to is even better

"Morning. Sorry" I'm still crying

Oliver's giggle when he sees his outfit

I may not get through anymore eps tonight because I'm taking 20 minutes per scene here

"Clark you're beeping"

The truck is in the barn 😂😂😂

"I hate to break it to you but the last thing I want to go around with for the rest of my life is a lie propagated by my ex boyfriend" "oh"

"There's something stuck in my bra" "that's not my territory anymore"

"I can't believe in my first drunken night out I lose Lois, commit a felony, and I land my friend in jail. I'm so reckless"

Why is Chloe still in that dress?

"My lucky lemur"

Huge siren flashbacks with Lois and Ollie tied up

"One, two, shuffle"

"I didn't exactly bring my green arrow gear to the bachelor party"

"Lois? Oliver?" The dance scene 😂😂

The casino fight this is beautiful

"The only one getting luckier tonight is yours truly" *knocks him out* who needs green arrow when you have plain old Oliver Queen

I just noticed Ollie lost the bra

"Way to go all in gorgeous" "back at ya hot stuff" I love Chlollie

"I found it in a puddle of champagne in the limo"

THE VIDEO 😂😂😂😂 I'm not going to bother quoting the whole thing

"A monkey?!" Chlo it's a lemur

"I hope you weren't gonna run off without your husband"

Now I have to endure some Ollie free eps and that's sad but here goes

"Tess. You didn't have to come all the way out here. There's caffeine givers in metropolis"

"he's outside in the car"

They made a child with Lex AND Clark's dna? This can only go one way

"I'm saving him from an encore performance of daddy dearest"

"Your son is dead Lionel" have I ever mentioned I love Tess?

"Mutation's a bitch"

"Are you like my dad?" "I prefer brother"

"Are you trying to tell me that Conner is the genetic lovechild of Clark Kent and Lex Luthor?" I hate that I laughed at that sentence

"But how is Lex able to shake up a human krypto cocktail without you realizing it?"

"Hold on chicken little"

Lois is pretty. That is all

Clark just standing there in a burnt shirt

It's like Kara all over again

"I was just stopping by to see how things are going but it looks like I should've brought marshmallows"

Well oops the child found out

Just when I was starting to like this kid

Oh good lord the kid is on red k this'll be fun

"Believe me I'll trade a little motion sickness for a bullet in the bonnet any day"

Lol Connor ok. This kid just grabbed a jacket and a necklace for Lois for

*Lois tosses stolen necklace back to police* "sorry"

"You destroyed Lex with your secrets and lies" Bull. Shit.

That fur coat is a look Lo

"I'll speed you away to Paris"

"It may bring out his inner angst a little but it doesn't turn him into this"

Clark busting the ring

Damnit Lionel

How does everyone but Clark bust kryptonite with their heat vision

Ok I did not miss the classical music in every Lionel scene

"You'll always be a Luthor" oh but she won't

"I hope it's not too presumptuous but I figured you needed a last name"

"I'm sure that when we have kids of our own, you will be an amazing father" damn right he will

[imagine-loki]

Caught in his web, Chapter 41

TITLE: Caught in his web CHAPTER NO./ONE SHOT: Chapter 41 AUTHOR: fanficshiddles ORIGINAL IMAGINE: Imagine Loki is a crime lord, a very dangerous man in the city. He is owed money, but the man is unable to pay Loki back, so Loki takes his daughter as payment instead.  RATING: M

‘Spread them wider.’ Loki commanded. Pleased when Chloe did as she was told. ‘Good girl. Now pull harder.’

Chloe huffed as she pulled on the handle after pushing the curtains open more to let all the light in. But the sliding door still wasn’t budging.

Loki chuckled and crossed the room to try. ‘It sometimes gets a bit stuck. Needs a good tugging.’ He moved in behind her and reached around to pull it open, rather easily in comparison to Chloe’s attempts.

‘Stop with the innuendos.’ She folded her arms over her chest and glared up at him, making him laugh.

‘You love it.’ He winked at her and went back to finish getting dressed.

Chloe stepped out onto the patio from their bedroom. The ground was already warm under the sun, feeling nice on her bare feet. She looked down at the ocean, it looked so peaceful and calm.

‘Hey, Loki.’ She called in.

‘What is it, doll?’ He asked, coming outside. He was wearing black shorts and an unbuttoned green shirt.

‘I know you planned for us to have breakfast out here. But could we have it down on the beach instead? Pretty please?’ She begged, fluttering her eyelashes at him.

Loki smiled and slipped his arms around her, he pulled her into him.

‘Hmmm, I guess we could.’ He grinned, kissing the tip of her nose and making her stomach flutter.

‘Yay! Thanks!’ She hugged him tightly. Loki pressed his face into her hair and enjoyed the moment, having her in his embrace, willing to be there.

Loki grabbed a picnic blanket and put their breakfast into a box to carry down to the beach. Chloe went ahead slightly, excited to get onto the sand. She ran straight over to the ocean and dipped her feet in.

After setting up the picnic Loki went to join her, playfully splashing her. She laughed and splashed him back, then she went running up the beach in the shallow water. Loki gave chase and soon caught up to her, but she tricked him by quickly darting back down the sand towards the blanket.

He reached her just as she got there and grabbed her, they tumbled down on the sand. Loki playfully bit her neck and growled, then kissed her hungrily. ‘Mmm… I would just take you right now. But we should get on the blanket, as I do not fancy getting sand into places where sand should not be.’

Chloe started laughing as Loki sat up and pulled her onto the blanket, brushing off as much sand as possible, then they had a quickie before tucking into a delicious breakfast.

They spent the day relaxing, mainly on the beach or in the pool. Chloe enjoyed just floating in the pool with the sun beating down on her. Loki had to keep calling her out to re-apply sun cream. That he did for her, of course. She was sure he took his time on purpose and put on much more than was really needed, but she didn’t complain. She rather enjoyed feeling his hands gliding all over her. 

After coaxing her out of the pool for what felt like the millionth time, once he’d lathered her in more sun cream, he didn’t let her leave the sun lounger this time. He sat back and pulled Chloe between his legs, to rest back against his chest.

‘You’ve had enough swimming for today.’ He chuckled. ‘Are you enjoying our little getaway?’ He asked, sliding his hands and up down her arms.

‘It’s amazing.’ She craned her head back to smile at him.

‘I’m glad to hear it.’ He purred and captured her lips, kissing her softly.

-

In the evening, Loki had Chloe tied to the bed by her wrists and ankles. She was blindfolded, gagged and obviously naked, just as he liked her to be. Loki had also treated her to an orgasm already so he could get a small butt plug into her, he was delighted with how well she took it.

‘Look at you, bound and naked, in the dark. Just waiting for something to happen… So many things could be done to you.’ He chuckled wickedly, stroking up her inner left leg, stopping mid-thigh.

‘I could do anything, really. And you would be completely helpless to stop me.’ He slid his hand from her naval right up between her breasts and to her neck, he wrapped his hand around her and squeezed, making her gasp.

Her breathing was heavy already but with his hand there, it became a little more erratic. Wondering if he was going to squeeze or not…

‘Such a pretty little thing you are.’ He brushed his thumb up and down at the side of her neck, enjoying the way she squirmed as best she could in her bonds. ‘I could so easily take your breath away… I own every bit of you, doll.’ He growled.

Loki gave her a brief squeeze, watching her closely as her hands balled up into fists since they couldn’t grab hold of anything.

‘Good girl.’ He slid his hand back down her chest, stopping on his way to stroke her nipples that were hard little peaks from arousal.

She whined around her ball gag as he toyed with them in turn, then he couldn’t resist leaning down to suck on them, moaning at her taste.

Her body was starting to get quite flushed as he turned his attentions further down her body. He started with soft, light touches. Just ghosting over her clit. Then he put his attention further down and tapped the butt plug a few times, making her jump at the feeling.

‘You’re taking to anal play very well.’ He purred, climbing on the bed and moving between her legs, she could feel his warm breath against her cunt. ‘It won’t be long before you’ll be taking my cock up here.’ He took hold of the plug and really started wiggling it about, making her whine.

Loki chuckled and took a teasing lick from the bottom of her cunt right up over her clit. He repeated the action a few times while still moving the plug about, egged on eagerly by her moans and cries that were spilling out through her gag.

Unable to resist any longer, Loki sat up and positioned himself between her legs. He stroked himself a few times then lined up with her and pushed in, moaning loudly as her body welcomed him in.

Chloe found the feeling of being filled in both holes absolutely wonderful. She didn’t really want to admit to enjoying anal play, but Loki was taking it so slowly with her and always made sure she was nice and aroused and that anything going in there was lubricated enough, that it was difficult for her not to enjoy it. Especially when added with his cock in her cunt.

‘You feel so much tighter with your ass filled.’ Loki grunted above her as he started moving faster. His movements against her was causing the plug to move with every thrust, giving her stimulation everywhere.

Being restrained, blinded and gagged was taking everything away from Chloe. All she could do was feel. And take whatever Loki decided to give to her.

Luckily for her, he didn’t tease or push any limits, instead he just fucked her good and deep. Sucking her nipples and nibbling on her neck, making her cum twice before eventually cumming himself.

Though he wasn’t quite finished with her yet. When he pulled out, her cunt was clenching in desperate need for more. Wanting to be filled again, missing him. But he didn’t leave her wanting for too long.

But she was surprised and squeaked when she felt a silicone vibrator being pushed into her instead of the warmth of his cock. It was a delightful surprise though as he started to fuck her with it, even more so when he turned the vibrator on and pushed it deeper so the clit stimulator was pressed snugly to her clit, almost encasing it as it buzzed away.

Loki bit his lip as he watched her writhing, he turned the vibrations on higher and chuckled at the scream she let out as she tried bucking her hips up, but couldn’t because of the restraints. He reached over and pinched her nipple, grounding her a little more with the pain.

He made her cum another twice with the vibrator, then he finally had some pity on the poor girl and turned it off. After slowly pulling the butt plug out, he untied her and took off her blindfold and gag.

She took a moment to come to her senses, the light quite bright after being in darkness for so long. Loki lay down next to her and cupped her cheek, turning her face towards him as she curled up a little, her muscles aching from being spread.

‘Are you with me?’ He smiled, stroking her face.

She opened her mouth but said nothing, unable to find her voice. She closed her eyes and leaned more into his touch. Loki chuckled softly and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into him. She nestled her head into the crook of his neck and relaxed, getting her breathing back under control while he stroked her hair soothingly.

He knew she was experiencing sub drop. So he just let her be, allowed her to take all the time she needed with him just talking softly to her and holding her.

She placed her hand on his chest and swallowed hard, looking up into his eyes.

‘Are you ok, doll?’ He asked, rubbing her back.

‘Yeah.’ She said quietly, nodding.

Loki kissed her forehead and smiled.

‘Do… Do you love me?’ She asked, her voice almost inaudible. But of course, Loki heard her. He also heard the uncertainty and slight nervousness in her tone, too.

He took hold of her hand that was on his chest and enveloped it with his, squeezing her.

‘I do love you, Chloe. Very much.’ He said honestly, bringing her hand up so he could kiss the back of it.

She smiled, still in a bit of a daze. But then she put her head back down on him and snuggled in closer. Her heart feeling happy.

‘I love you.’ She whispered as she closed her eyes.

Loki buried his face into her hair and smiled. He fell asleep with her rather quickly, but with a smile on his face.

[whump-tr0pes]

Honor Bound 2 - 60

This is a series. Start here, continued from here.

This is a sequel to Honor Bound. 

AO3

Cw: isolation, dead family mention, thoughts of death, mention of suicide (to escape torture), panic attack mention, Colleen Stormbeck, gendered slurs, ableist slur, death, death threats

Ellis couldn’t even pace around this fucking cell. They couldn’t move around, couldn’t walk, could barely stand up with their wrists chained to the wall. Alone, for at least a day. Ellis had no idea. They’d kept the lights on the whole time, although Ellis had slept and then been awake long enough that they thought it had to be afternoon. Truly, though, they didn’t know. And they had no way of knowing when, if ever, they’d see anyone ever again.

They’d been left with enough food and water to make it through the day, and had been given one bathroom break. Otherwise they’d been left alone in the cell, with nothing to do. Nothing to think about, but their own horror.

And their rage. Their entire body quivered with a wrenching, burning rage that consumed them. Rage at Colleen, rage at the syndicates, rage at the whole goddamned world. At the twisted fucking system that let the families with the most power and least scruples take over the fucking world. Or whatever was left of it; Ellis had no idea what lay beyond the region they’d lived in their whole life. It was too dangerous to travel for it to be worth it most of the time. There was only running, and hiding. They’d tried to hide with their family, before they’d been taken from Ellis. Before Gavin’s fucking uncle Benjamin took them from Ellis.

That old agony washed over them, the familiar abyss they were constantly one bad day from falling into. Christopher. Galen. Chloe. The ones who still haunted Ellis’s dreams, who still called to Ellis from wherever they were, every day. Maybe they were nowhere. Maybe they were gone forever, and that’s what Ellis would be, once Colleen killed them.

They didn’t understand why Colleen hadn’t killed them already. They figured the others were being held together, what was the point of specifying they be in solitary if Colleen was going to separate them all later anyway? No, they were probably held together. And Ellis couldn’t bear to think about what was happening to them right now.

Maybe she knows I’m the one who loses my fucking shit when I’m alone, Ellis thought bitterly. Maybe she knows about my family and just fucking assumes I’m the one who lost my fucking mind when I was first alone. Ellis had done more than lost their shit. They’d done things that they couldn’t bear to think about. They’d disappeared down a path that consumed them, one that they traveled for a year before Gray found them—

No. Can’t think about Gray either.

Other than Tori, Ellis had known Gray the longest. Seven years. Tears burned Ellis’s eyes and they let their head fall back against the wall. I was the first one they saved. The first one. Now Gray was halfway across the region, completely unaware that they’d been taken at all. Unless Colleen sent them a message to brag. But no, that wasn’t possible. If Colleen knew where Gray was, she’d have sent people to wreck the north months ago. There was no way Colleen would know where Gray was. Unless one of us tells her under torture.

Ellis’s heart lifted for a moment. She doesn’t even know they’re still alive. She doesn’t know about Edrissa, either. They’re both safe. Colleen wouldn’t even think to ask.

Ellis’s hands curled into fists and they screamed into the cell, just to hear something besides silence. They didn’t fear torture, or punishment. They knew it was probably coming at some point, and their body rebelled against the thought, but their mind was awash with a slippery sort of apathy.

What they really feared was the isolation. Their hands trembled. I’m going to lose my shit. I’m going to be alone until she kills me.

They let their eyes close, their mind drifting from thought to thought. Where in the house am I? How often am I going to be fed? What time is it? How long is it going to take before I start hallucinating? Briefly, they hoped they would hallucinate their family. Honestly, why the fuck not?

They didn’t know where they were in the house, but they did know where they were in relation to the room they’d all been brought to last night. They’d memorized the route, forcing themselves to repeat it over and over and over in their head. Take a left, hallway turns to the right, pass three doors, go through the fourth on the left, go down the steps, first cell on the right. Not too complicated. All they’d have to do to get back to that first room was do it backwards. Not that there was any value in getting to that room, but it was something. It was the only information they had. It had to be important.

Not that they figured escape would happen, either. There was absolutely nothing they could use. They’d been thoroughly searched before being thrown into the cell and chained to the wall. The guards had taken their knife and the shoelaces from their shoes. Can’t have me trying to kill myself, Ellis thought with a vicious stab of hatred. God fucking forbid I escape that way.

But they had to focus on something. Had to… maybe not hope, but wait. Maybe an opportunity would present itself. Maybe it wouldn’t.

All Ellis wanted, all they really wanted, was to be back with their family. They wanted to be back with Finn, back with Isaac… they wanted to see Sam again, with their almost-annoying ray-of-sunshine soul. They could use a little sunshine now. They wanted to be around Tori, around Vera…

A dark cloud settled over their mind as they thought of Gavin. The others trusted him so much, even Isaac and Vera. The two people Ellis thought would never let him in. And yet, they were the ones who protected the family the most. They had more reason than anyone else to be suspicious of Gavin, and they trusted him. A tiny, nagging doubt scratched at the back of their mind. Maybe Gavin planned this whole thing. Maybe he sold us out to his mom. Maybe the whole thing, the whole thing, has been a trick from the beginning.

Their mind went to how Gavin had looked yesterday, bleeding, screaming as that fucking idiot Leo tortured him. Remembered the fucking brokenness on Gavin’s face as he gave away Isaac’s worst fear. There was no one on earth who could fake that. No one who was that dedicated to a lie.

It hadn’t even been Isaac’s worst fear.

Ellis knew Isaac’s worst fear just as well as anyone else in the family. They’d seen it as Isaac had unraveled, fallen apart and then slowly put himself back together again over the past few months. They’d seen the panic attacks, heard about the nightmares. They’d been there as Isaac had begged to the empty air not to be left, sobbing that he could be good. Ellis knew that Isaac’s worst fear was abandonment. And Gavin had somehow kept that to himself, despite the torture. As Leo’s knife had cut into him, he’d somehow found a way to spill Isaac’s secret, with the only other witness standing over him, and spill it in such a way that Leo might not even think about the fact that Gavin was wrong. There was no way Gavin could have done that if he’d betrayed them all. No way in hell. For a dizzying moment, Ellis thought, holy shit. He must care about us so fucking much.

Unless Gavin legitimately didn’t know that waterboarding isn’t technically Isaac’s worst fear. Could Gavin just have completely missed it, both during Isaac’s torture and during his recovery up north?

No. Gavin’s a dumbass, but even he isn’t that stupid. Gavin knew, and Gavin lied. And Gavin had screamed as Isaac was drowned right in front of him. Sobbed like his heart was being torn out.

Ellis let the image slide from their mind.

They weren’t sure how much longer they were left alone; it could have been minutes, or it could have been another hour. The door of the cell opened, and two guards walked in.

Behind them was Colleen, Mommy Dearest herself, queen of Colleen’s Fucking Crazy Castle. She stared down at Ellis with a smug grin spread across her face.

Ellis shot to their feet, grinding their teeth together. Their wrists pulled against the chains. They weren’t going to be able to break them, they’d tried for hours when they’d first been brought in. But in that moment, all they wanted was to tear the chains from the wall and beat Colleen to death with their bare hands.

“Afternoon, Ellis,” Colleen said, her voice twisting sinuously through Ellis’s ears. “How are you faring?”

“Suck my entire asshole, you vicious bitch, come over here and I’ll show you how I’m faring,” Ellis snarled.

Colleen let out a peal of delighted laughter. “Lord, you’re all so feisty! I enjoy this to no end. Such a fire in each of you. It’s like a new advertisement for anger management each time.” She gestured at Ellis. “Shut them up, please.”

Ellis leaned forward, a flush creeping up their neck and over their face. “Fuck you, you flaming piece of shit, I’ll take your whole fucking arm and tear it off your fucking body and shove it up your—”

They growled as a guard slapped his hand over Ellis’s mouth, reaching for the gag that hung around their neck. Ellis twisted their head and bit down hard on the guard’s hand.

The guard yelped and pulled their hand away from Ellis’s mouth. They slapped Ellis across the face with the other. Ellis staggered and lunged forward again, wincing at the pinch of the manacles on their wrists and not giving a single flying fuck. They shrieked as one guard grabbed them by the hair, the other shoving the gag back in their mouth. Both guards stepped away.

The bitten one shook out his hand, glaring at Ellis. “Fucking psycho,” he hissed at them. Ellis raised both hands as far as they could go and flipped the guards off.

Colleen laughed. “I could have warned you against that, Jones. I’d avoid going near any of their mouths. Apparently Vera’s habit of biting has spread to all of them.”

“Yes, ma’am,” the guard muttered, and stepped back against the wall with the other.

Ellis turned their glare on Colleen, wishing her head would burst into flames. I would die for the chance to kill you. Maybe that’s what they were hoping for. Not rescue, but the chance to kill Colleen Stormbeck.

Colleen smirked. “Something I love most about the gag is that…” She took a sauntering step closer. “…you’re left with nothing but your eyes. That’s the only thing you can use to tell me how much you hate me.” Her voice dropped to a low murmur. She took another step closer. Just out of range of a kick, or a headbutt. Standing there, calmly, grinning at Ellis with an open posture. If I wasn’t chained up, she wouldn’t be so fucking smug. She’d be fucking dead.

Colleen tilted her head at Ellis. “Do you know why I decided to keep you separated from the others?”

“No, I have no fucking idea. Let’s have a fucking conversation about it,” Ellis mocked through the gag.

Colleen huffed out an amused breath. “Cute.” She licked her lips, as if in anticipation. “I kept you separate from the others because… I can’t even imagine what losing your family for the second time must do to you.”

Ellis’s eyes fell closed for a fraction of a second but they opened them again, throwing a look of pure hate at Colleen. They forced down the tears that welled up in their eyes because there was no way, there was no fucking way they were going to show her how much this hurt. Colleen could burn in hell if she thought she was going to get a reaction from that. It hurts more than anything else in my entire fucking life.

Colleen’s lips quirked up. “Thought so. Although… just being separated from them… is that really just punishment for the one who kidnapped my nephew?”

A trickle of dread rolled down Ellis’s spine. No. No.

Colleen shrugged. “No. I mean… obviously we’re going to put you to work, I can’t just have you wasting away in this cell doing nothing. I have yet to decide what your assignment will be, but I’ll figure something out.” Colleen’s eyes locked on Ellis’s. “Although I won’t bother you much. You won’t see me again until I’ve killed another one.”

The air rushed out of Ellis’s chest like they’d been punched in the gut. Their eyes moved frantically over Colleen’s face, searching desperately for a sign she was lying: a shifting of her eyes, a twitch of her lip, a motion made just a little too quickly. They found nothing. Nothing but a cold, placid stare that betrayed nothing but truth.

Ellis cried out and fell to their knees. Who was it? Was it Isaac? Was it Vera? Did she kill her for killing those guards? Oh, god, oh god no, was it Sam? No… no, god, please no, they’re innocent, they didn’t do a fucking thing to Colleen… Tears streamed down their cheeks as their shoulders heaved with sobs.

“Wouldn’t you like to know which one I killed?” Colleen said, her voice smooth and dripping venom. Ellis looked up at her, their heart beating out of their chest, terrorized with their need to know, and wishing they could drown out Colleen’s voice so they wouldn’t have to hear which one of their team, their family, was lying lifeless somewhere.

Colleen’s face slid into a poisonous smile. She opened her mouth to speak and paused for just a moment. Relishing it. When she spoke, each word fell from her lips like a physical weight.

“Finn Dunham is dead.”

Ellis let out a scream. They sagged forward, gasping desperately around the gag, struggling to draw a breath as they wailed against the floor. They panted as they sobbed, trying to breathe around the tearing in their chest, trying to grasp the words that were echoing through their mind: Finn Dunham is dead. Finn Dunham is dead. Finn Dunham is dead. Finn Dunham is dead. Finn Dunham is dead. Finn Dunham is dead.

NO. FINN’S NOT DEAD. THEY CAN’T BE DEAD. THEY CAN’T BE… NO NO NO NO NO NO.

Colleen smirked and turned to go.

Ellis dragged the gag out of their mouth. “SHOW ME THE FUCKING BODY,” they screamed.

Colleen paused and slowly turned around, her face twisted into an amused half-smile. “Excuse me?”

“SHOW ME THE BODY,” they sobbed. “I don’t… I don’t believe you.” THEY CAN’T BE DEAD, PLEASE, NO, FINN CAN’T BE DEAD.

Colleen scoffed. “When I’ve killed them all, I promise I’ll take you to them. That’ll probably be months from now, but once they’re all dead, I promise, I’ll take you to all of their bodies. You can take one last look before I put a bullet in your head and dump you all into the same grave. How sweet is that? You can all be together then.” Colleen grasped Ellis’s hair and dragged their head upright, her gaze moving over Ellis’s face as they wailed. “But until then,” she murmured, leaning towards Ellis, “That’s more goodbye than you deserve.”

She dropped Ellis’s head and turned on her heel. Ellis sagged forward, their forehead pressing to the floor as they buried their face in their hands and sobbed.

Continued here

@untilthepainstarts, @womping-grounds, @free-2bmee, @quirkykayleetam, @walkingchemicalfire, @inpainandsuffering, @redwingedwhump, @burtlederp, @castielamigos-whump-side-blog, @insomniacscoprio, @cursedscribbles, @whumpywhumper, @stxck-fxck, @omega-em-z-02, @whumps-the-word, @slaintetowhump, @finder-of-rings, @cinnamonflavoredhugs, @thatsthewhump, @im-just-here-for-the-whump, @orchidscript, @this-mightaswell-happen

[tangent101]

Pricefield Dabbles

I found this list of “send me a ship idea” from @writsgrimmyblog and realized I could answer most of these for Pricefield! So... here we go! =^-^=

1. Who makes the first move and how? 

Max Caulfield after being dared by Chloe to kiss her now.

2. Who is the most insecure and what makes them feel better? 

It would be easy to claim Max, but to be honest both are equally insecure. Chloe is just better at hiding it except when things really start to pile up. What used to make Max feel more secure was taking photographs, at least before someone went and fucked that all up for Max. Now? Chloe helps Max feel better. As for Chloe... sappy as it sounds, Max helps her feel better. When you play LiS you see her slowly calm down and heal over the five days you see them together. Max is very much the catalyst for Chloe’s growth and healing.

3. Who is the most romantic? 

That depends on how you define “romantic.” But the person most likely to indulge on a whim to show the other how she feels is Chloe. Max is more likely to show her affection through physical actions - little kisses, spontaneous hugs, and the like... but Chloe loves the more sweeping gestures. Dragging Max out to a club to go dancing, making her dinner, or even bringing her to an art museum because Max commented on some artist who’s being exhibited there.

4. Who can’t keep their hands to themselves? 

It’s about equal. Chloe has no sense of personal space and is very bouncy. If she gets excited and enthusiastic she’s all over Max. But it’s Max who is more spontaneous and physically romantic with hugs and eventually kisses. Seriously, in LiS it’s Max who initiates the kisses we see, and I suspect that never truly changes for these two.

5. Who says ‘I love you’ first? 

Chloe. But it’s casual. The first person to say it in a tone that gets the other to blush and bite her lip is Max.

6. Who would they ask if they ever had a threesome? 

Steph. Max never met her as far as we know, but she was likely in college when the events of LiS happened. (Damn it, now I have another idea for a fanfic! Not a threesome, but for where Max and Chloe end up soon after the end of LiS....) Steph is very much a geek and Chloe likes and even trusts her. I could easily see Max becoming good friends with her as well.

While there are a lot of folk who’s want to see Rachel with them... well, even if Rachel were available, Max would feel entirely too self-conscious and feel that Chloe would be better off with Rachel. It wouldn’t work out without something to initially draw Max and Rachel together and then the two of them reaching out to Chloe. So with an existing Pricefield dynamic? Amberpricefield isn’t happening.

7. What do they get up to on a night out? 

They probably relax and enjoy each other’s company, helping each other in the kitchen cooking after a hard day working crappy jobs while trying to get Max’s pictures out there.

8. What do they like in bed? 

Cuddling. Sex is great and all that but just being together, touching each other gently, looking in each other’s eyes... realizing they’re together on a grand adventure called life and yeah it sucks at times and they miss those they left behind but... they’re together. That’s what’s important.

9. What's the most embarrassing thing they've done in front of each other?

Deliberately or accidentally?

Max would say the time she tried to do a striptease in front of Chloe and ended up falling on her ass because she had trouble getting out of the tummy-control nylons she picked up rather than stockings which you can take off one leg at a time. 

Chloe would claim she has no sense of shame but she probably feels rather wretched about some of the times Max ended up holding Chloe’s hair out of her face when she got shitfaced drunk and was worshiping the porcelain throne (and that’s one reason why she used to cut her hair short, damn it!)

As for accidentally? Walking in on each other when someone was... scratching an itch in the shower, shall we say? Though there was also a certain thrill to that so it might have become a game at times....

10. What two songs, two books and two luxury items do they take to a desert island? 

For Songs? Syd Matters "Obstacles" (Max absolutely loves this song), and oddly enough “Paradise by the Dashboard Light” by Meatloaf (for Chloe at least, Max hates the ending of that song).

For Books? Chloe loves the Lord of the Rings. Max is amusingly enough into Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice.

And luxury items? A solar-powered laptop with a huge screen and hundreds of movies downloaded into it, and a solar-powered fridge stuffed full of food and booze (Chloe said the second part. Actually she mentioned the laptop as well and even added “solar-powered” seeing she’s a bit of a geek under her at-times punk exterior).  

11. What do they hide from one another? 

Chloe hides the fact that at times she wishes Max could have saved Rachel, somehow. But she’s never going to ask as she doesn’t want Max to get hurt. As for Max? She hides that she still hears that bastard’s comment of “always take the shot” when she takes a picture and that at times it fucks up an otherwise perfectly fine photograph even though that bastard is rotting in jail.

12. What first changes when it starts getting serious? 

Max loses her nervousness. Seriously, when things get tough she suddenly hardens and becomes “SuperMax” and pushes up her sleeves. Chloe is very impressed with her and loves her to pieces, but also doesn’t want to see Max go through something like that again as afterward Max does fall to pieces and Chloe doesn’t like seeing her hurt. As for Chloe? She actually takes a backseat and does whatever Max tells her to. She trusts Max. 

13. When do they realize they should get together? 

They realized it when swimming in Blackwell’s swimming pool after the school was shut down for the night. But neither thought the other felt the same way. When Chloe watched Max strip down to jump into the pool she had to look away as she realized she was enjoying watching Max undress and Max... Max was talking in the pool and just... realized. She wants Chloe to remain by her side. Always. The kiss the next day in Chloe’s bedroom just was icing on the cake, even if it took them a couple more days to become “official” in each other’s eyes.

14. When one has a cold, what does the other do? 

Chloe makes a homemade soup for Max. She’s actually gotten fairly decent with her soups and experiments with various recipes. She then babies Max even as Max is all surly and insisting she doesn’t need to do this.

When Chloe inevitably gets ill afterward, Max repays the favor with the rest of the soup (Chloe’s realized that she usually gets sick afterward and has taken to making enough for a week at that point) while hiding her own symptoms as she’s still suffering a bit from her cold. But she’s not going to let Chloe know that because otherwise Chloe will push herself too hard!

15. When they watch a film what do they choose and why?  Who gets the final vote?

Bladerunner (the director’s cut). It’s their favorite. And it’s always unanimous. Though sometimes they indulge themselves with lighter fare like Princess Bride or Labyrinth. Or even Lord of the Rings because Chloe is a secret Tolkien fangirl

16. When the zombie apocalypse comes, how do they cope together? 

Max warns Chloe a couple days ahead of time and they get as much canned goods and the like as they can and then “go camping” - they end up far outside of the cities and someplace defensible until the military or cold weather ends up taking care of the zombies. 

17. When they find a time machine, where do they go? 

Yeah... no. No playing with time. Not anymore. Well, unless they met the Doctor at which point they go wherever the Doctor suggests because it’s the freaking Doctor, of course they’re going to go with her!

18. When they fight, how do they make up? 

Max shrinks in on herself and looks all hurt and Chloe just... she gets flustered and starts apologizing and then they start apologizing to each other and finally start laughing as the silliness of apologizing for “making” the other apologize just gets to them.

19. Where do they go on their first date? 

That depends on what you consider a “date” - I mean, that Blackwell swimming pool could have been a “date” after all. But their first real date after leaving Arcadia Bay? Chloe saw a little restaurant on the side of the road and then smiled, looked at Max, said “hey, how’d you like to go out for dinner? Just the two of us, and our stolen Blackwell money...” and Max blushed and said “we really shouldn’t spend it unless we have to” and Chloe just sweet-talked her into it and the food was only halfway decent but it was being together that just made it work for each other.

20. Where do they go on holiday? 

They’re kind of working retail and the like in hopes of getting Max’s photographs to various galleries. So there’s no actual holidays per say. But they have plans for Paris, one day. And they visited Chloe’s step-dad in Arizona and that went surprisingly well, David stopped being a step-douche and has kind of become a second dad for Chloe, and loves both Chloe and Max. Oh, it wasn’t all roses and the like, but it was David who reached out to them, and Max helped talk Chloe into visiting and giving David a chance. It worked out.

21. Where do they get nervous about going with one another? 

Chloe always gets nervous about going to a gallery with Max. She tried bleaching the blue out of her hair but... well, that just turned it into a mottled pale blue-green that she’s now just growing out and she’d have hacked it off by now but Max actually likes her hair longer so Chloe’s been putting it off. She still feels nervous going into art galleries and the like, she’s blacked out her sleeve tattoo with a black sharpy and is dressing less punk these days while trying to fit in with Max. But she still feels like an outsider at times.

As for Max? She’s nervous whenever they go into a club or go dancing. She thinks she can’t dance and that there are lots of girls better than her but... Chloe loves her. So she goes outside her comfort zone for Chloe. And enjoys herself. 

22. Where does their first kiss happen? 

Chloe and Max were in Chloe’s old bedroom and Chloe double-dog-dared Max to kiss her. Max did so. Chloe was very shocked and pulled away (useless lesbian that she is). Their next kiss (multiple kisses) was a couple days after they left Arcadia Bay.

23. Where is their favourite place to be together? 

To be honest? The place doesn’t matter. What matters is just... being together. 

24. Where do they first have sex? 

In Chloe’s truck a couple weeks after having left Arcadia Bay, and then finding a motel room because a truck isn’t exactly the most comfortable of places to have sex in, especially an older truck like Chloe’s was.

25. Why do they fight? 

Chloe thinks Max is pushing herself too hard and refuses to accept that she is talented. Max gets annoyed because Chloe just stacks dirty dishes in the sink rather than on the counter because if they’re all in the sink then you can’t wash them you have to take them out and Chloe just stacks more dishes on the counter next and... yeah.

26. Why do they need to have a serious chat? 

It was about Chloe’s step-dad. Chloe wanted nothing to do with him after they left Arcadia Bay. It didn’t matter that David helped in dealing with the Dark Room situation, Chloe had too many memories of David hitting her, and blaming herself for instigating David at times though that doesn’t forgive David’s actions damn it! But... Max insisted. She talked to Chloe about David, and about how Chloe’s mom allowed this to happen and blamed Chloe instead... and even about how she should forgive David and move on. 

In the end? Chloe feels a lot better about listening to Max. David will never replace William. But he’s kind of stopped being her step-dad and is more her real dad now. Enough at least that Chloe’s the one who calls David.

27. Why do their friends get annoyed with them? 

Chloe will blow off plans to get together because she doesn’t want to. Sometimes it’s because Chloe is exhausted after working retail and they are trying to make ends meet but... yeah. And Max? Oh Max, we love you dearly but will you start actually believing in yourself more? You’re a talented photographer and when Victoria or Steph tell you you’re good, just accept it rather than try to insist they’re wrong. *shakes head*

28. Why do they get jealous? 

Max remains jealous of Rachel to this day. And she does get a bit miffed when Chloe compares Max to Rachel because Rachel was so much more awesome than Max is and is Chloe wanting Rachel by her side instead of Max? 

As for Chloe? She’s scared that Max regrets her choices and will leave. She is so scared of being abandoned. Max left for five years... yeah, it wasn’t Max’s choice, her parents moved away when she was only 13, but part of her feels that Max could have made more of an effort to remain in touch even as she realizes she in turn could have. And she’s scared Max will find someone else.  

29. Why do they fall a little bit more in love? 

Chloe sees Max doing something, be it suddenly geeking out over a perfect photography opportunity or a bit of art or even just a computer game, and her heart just... contracts. At times she has to restrain herself from spontaneously hugging Max, especially if Max was geeking out while taking photographs as she doesn’t want to ruin a perfect shot. 

As for Max? Waking up and seeing Chloe sleeping next to her... she falls in love deeper and deeper every day.

30. Why does it work (or not work) between them?

Because they’re Max and Chloe. And they’ll always be together. Always.

[miraculouscontent]

Oh my good lord is the Bustier and Marinette confrontation canon?? Are you planning on writing that???

Miss Bustier was familiar with conflict. Thus, when she entered the class that morning and saw the typical annoyed glares amongst them, she knew the cause.Ever since LadyBugOut had happened, a majority of the class had turned against Alya. Turning against Alya meant turning against Nino, and the class was also no longer fond of Adrien for whatever reason. It hadn’t been long after that Lila got ostracized as well.And now, Miss Bustier knew who’d made the blog that divided her classroom.“Marinette, could I speak with you outside?”Marinette straightened, looking at Miss Bustier with a confused expression. Ivan was about to speak up, but silenced himself as Marinette placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.Marinette glanced at Miss Bustier, nodding her head politely, then got up from her seat and walked over. Miss Bustier moved to the side, letting Marinette leave the classroom, then closed the door behind them.“What is it, Miss Bustier?” Marinette asked, turning to face her. “Is something wrong?”Miss Bustier nodded. “It’s about your blog.”“My… blog?” Marinette tilted her head, needing a moment before it registered with her. “Oh! LadyBugOut?”“Yes.”“I mean, it’s not really my blog,” Marinette pointed out. “It’s Ladybug’s. And, wait, what’s wrong with it?”Miss Bustier sighed. Could Marinette, her best student, really not understand? “I advise that you take it down.”“Wh–bu–” Marinette was flabbergasted. “Take it down?”“That blog is causing harm to my students and I can’t approve of that,” Miss Bustier replied. “It’s caused a rift between the class.”“Um… yeah?” Marinette said awkwardly, as if that fact were obvious. “Of course it did. Alya and Lila spread misinformation that Ladybug corrected. LadyBugOut only corrects rumors and supports the truth.”Miss Bustier recoiled, placing a hand on her chest as if she’d been personally offended. “Marinette, I’m shocked! You’re not bothered by this at all?”“…No?” Marinette shrugged, looking more bothered by Miss Bustier’s question than anything else. “I’m sorry, Miss Bustier, but this is just what happens when people spread lies. I can’t do anything about it. Even if I was bothered by everything, it’s still Ladybug’s blog. I just designed it.”“But surely you still have access?” Miss Bustier pressed. “I’m positive you could take it down with one click if you had to.”Marinette’s shoulders hunched up, now looking tense. She was clearly starting to lose her patience. “Why do you want the entire blog to go down?”“Taking down posts wouldn’t be enough,” Miss Bustier explained. “The blog itself going down would have the best chance of fixing things. It will make it feel like this whole thing has been a mistake.”Marinette said nothing, merely staring at Bustier like they were engaged in some sort of staring contest. Miss Bustier was fine with that, having no intention of either of them going anywhere until they reached an agreement.Then, Marinette responded. “No.”“Marinette!”“I won’t do it!” Marinette shouted, looking indignant. “And I can’t believe you’d ask me to! That blog has done so much good for everyone, and you’re asking me to just… delete it?!”Before Miss Bustier could respond, Marinette pointed an accusing finger at her. Suddenly, it was as if years of pent-up anger were being let out all at once.“It’s all just about keeping the peace, isn’t it? You don’t care about how your students feel as long as no one’s fighting, is that it?!”Miss Bustier went to speak, but Marinette cut her off.“Because I’m the one who takes the heat! It’s the good students who are expected to deal with it! You keep asking me to set good examples and do the right thing, but I don’t think you know what you’re talking about! You took the gift that I handmade and Chloe ruined and then tried to give Chloe credit for it! For all you say about making Chloe better, where’s the improvement?”“She–”“–gave you a gift, I know. And? Then what? Of course she likes you, because you don’t get her in trouble. Didn’t you wonder why she never got her miraculous back?” Marinette asked, the question sounding oddly personal. “It’s because she still treats everyone else like garbage! If she’s supposed to improve, how long is that going to take?”“W-well, if you just keep it up, then surely in a year or so–”“Oh, you mean wait until after we’re not in your class anymore?” Marinette threw her hands up in exasperation. “That’s convenient!”She huffed. “I get it, you hate conflict. I hated conflict, but sometimes, that’s the only way to get things done.” Standing strong, she continued, “And when people don’t improve, they have to face the consequences. Sure, maybe some of them might change by other people setting a good example, but that definitely doesn’t work for everyone, and I can’t believe you’d still try to spin it like it’ll solve everyone’s problems!”Marinette relaxed her shoulders a bit, looking ready to pounce but also like she had nothing else to say. Miss Bustier had honestly never seen Marinette act out like that.She sighed. Just another problem to be remedied, it seemed.“I’ll admit… I’m disappointed in you, Marinette,” she said. “Perhaps it was a mistake to let you run for class representative. The power has clearly gone to your head.”Marinette’s eyes went wide. Her brows furrowed. She opened her mouth to speak again–But the door behind Miss Bustier flung open, banging so loudly that Miss Bustier nearly had to cover her ears. She turned, seeing a majority of the class standing at the doorway.Judging by their expressions, they had heard everything.Ivan went off first. “Marinette’s right!”Alix gagged at Miss Bustier. “I can’t believe you’d side with Chloe of all people.” She paused. “I mean, actually, I believe it now, but it’s still gross.”“And how can you ask her to delete that blog?!” Kim asked. “It does way more good than bad! What’s the deal over a few people who deserved what they got?”After a pat on the back from Juleka, Rose piped up, “It’s true! LadyBugOut does a lot of good and spreads so much positivity!”Rose paused, then patted Juleka back. Juleka murmured, “It’s not Ladybug’s fault that people did things that they have to deal with now.”Miss Bustier was in shock, staring around at these students who were suddenly ganging up on her. She’d never been confronted before, especially not like this, so she was at a loss for words.Then, Markov flew out of the classroom, floating in front of Miss Bustier and giving her a look of disapproval. “I’ve been researching your methods for a while now, Miss Bustier, and I must say: I believe it is we who are disappointed in you. While your ways may seem beneficial at first, it actually only benefits you and the troublemaking students. Statistically, your class is far more likely to suffer self-esteem and instability issues as the result of your disciplinary tactics. This is supported by the fact that your class has had far more akuma than any other class in this school.”Markov continued rambling about psychology and statistical evidence, going into excruciating detail about every little thing. Miss Bustier could do nothing but stand and take it, mouth wide open. She was stunned that she was being lectured, and by a robot of all things.Desperate to get out of this situation, she scanned over the students and sought out Max.As she saw him, she called out, “Max!”Everyone glanced at Max, who seemed to be distracted by something on his phone.Miss Bustier felt a spike of irritation, both at being ignored and clearly losing control of the situation.  She raised her voice. “…Max!”Max finally looked up, meeting Miss Bustier’s gaze with disinterest. “Yes?”“Control your robot!” she commanded.Max glanced at Markov, who was still rambling about unsatisfactory teaching decisions. After a slow blink, Max looked back and faced Miss Bustier fully. “Sorry, Miss Bustier. You can’t expect me to lecture my robot in front of everyone like this.”He adjusted his glasses, then placed a hand on his chest. Despite the professional way he stood, no one could miss the spark of spite in his eyes.“I need to set a good example.”

[coffeebooksorme]

2019 Reading Wrap Up

I did pretty damn good with my reading in 2019! I read a LOT of books, most of which were good, which IDK what that says about me. Either I’m not picky at all or I’m just too damn nice when it comes to reviewing books. I am definitely getting more critical with my reviews because I had a more well rounded array of ratings this year vs 2018. 

I do plan to keep a more thorough track of what I read in my bullet journal this year just to see how my reading is progressing. I’ve got it broken down to very specific things I want to track and I plan on doing it quarterly so if you’re interested in that nerdy kind of stuff, keep an eye out for that!

TOP TEN READS OF 2019

Darkdawn by Jay Kristoff

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Fix Her Up by Tessa Bailey

Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson

Well Met by Jen DeLuca

The Toll by Neal Shusterman

Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert

Tweet Cute by Emma Lord

A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer

Compared to 2018, my read genres are much more spread out. I’m not reading exclusively fantasy or sci-fi any more and I’ve branched out to adult fiction, which you can tell because my top 10 is barely fantasy/sci-fi. I’ve gotten back into adult romance again, which is definitely fun! I used to exclusively read adult paranormal romance before I went to nursing school and while I’m reading more contemporary adult romance now, I definitely missed the genre!

I also started to seriously DNF books in 2019. In previous years I would just soldier on and keep reading because I was worried I might miss something. I don’t do that anymore. I do try to give the book a decent chance but if I don’t like the tone or I’m just not vibing with the characters/story then I’ll DNF it and move on.

My TBR is still huge. I don’t think I’ll ever have a tiny TBR and that’s okay with me. I am trying to not just buy books on a whim, which I think I’ve done better with last year than in previous years. I almost exclusively preorder all my books now so that I can cut down on that. I do go to the bookstore every now and again to cut down on splurging but I do still do that from time to time, though not as badly as I did before.

For 2020, I’m still going to keep a reading bullet journal. I have loads of spreads to keep tract of my reading, which I will hopefully keep up with. I am going to participate in two yearly challenges: Beat the Backlist and the Pop Sugar Challenge. I don’t really like set TBR’s and I totally flaked on my TBR Bingo board last year so I’m hoping that keeping the challenges open to interpretation will help me keep in line with them so we’ll see!