#granted he did throw the traveller but we move

[baishouqijia]

teensy reminder i have cap.itano over here @capitaneus ! he has lifted up *checks hand* 3 people so far

[ellecdc]

L…. idk if youre up for mega angst…. but how did cbbh sirius take the news of vix’s disappearance + death as it happened 🥲 like i cant imagine how deathly nervous he’d be at headquarters, hearing about the attack and anxiously waiting for his bestfriend and partner, holding out hope that they’d walk through the door with battle scars but alive …. Then a few hours later only James returns 🥲🥲🥲 pain

I hate this I hate this I hate this I hate this I hate this *sniffles and throws this at you all* I hope it was worth it, because I'm calling the police (thank you for your support and your request, I love you)

CW: hurt/NO comfort, (believed) death of a loved one, grief, physical injuries, vomiting

I'll Find You

Lily had a bad feeling about this.

Granted, that was nothing new about this war, but something felt intrinsically wrong right now.

Lily and Sirius had gotten a message from Dumbledore stating Benjy and Emmeline had portkeyed back to headquarters to report on their findings, while Jamie and Y/N stayed behind to finish up the stakeout. 

Sirius met Lily at her and James’ flat where they decided to head to headquarters to await your arrivals.

The only way to access the headquarters was through portkey – for security purposes – meaning that upon arrival, Lily spent about twenty minutes having to soothe an upset baby Harry.

“Portkey is no way for babies to travel, huh Haz?” Sirius cooed at his godson. 

Lily wanted to smile at the view, but she couldn’t shake this heavy feeling in her stomach.

“Something’s wrong, Pads.” She murmured.

Sirius grimaced. “I don’t feel great about this either. I mean, two days of silence at a supposed Death Eater meet-up? What’s that about?”

They followed the sound of gentle conversation when they found Dumbledore and Minerva conversing with Benjy and Emmeline.

“We saw nothing yesterday. I think we need to consider where this intel is coming from because they were either way off or are planning something sinister.” Benjy could be heard saying, causing Sirius to suck in a sharp breath.

“Thank you, Mr. Fenwick. I’ll let you know when we have word.” Dumbledore said as he dismissed the two Order members.

“Mr. Black, Mrs. Potter. And baby Harry...” McGonagall was all business until she spotted the small infant in Lily’s arms. “May I?” She asked.

Lily handed over the child who went with little-to-no fuss.

“What happens if this tip was a bust?” Sirius asked Dumbledore.

Dumbledore took in a breath and looked between his two former students.

“If the tip ends up being wrong, or worse – fabricated – we may need to consider moving the Potter’s into hiding.”

Lily groaned. “There’s a chance the Death Eaters don’t even know about the prophecy.”

“Yes, but desperate people go to great lengths when they feel threatened. We do not want them to find out and, in turn, find you.” Dumbledore argued.

Lily understood; really, she did. But her maternity leave already had her feeling like she was in hiding, and she was sick and tired of feeling so useless. 

“There are Voldemort sympathisers in the Ministry, Red. We have no idea what they could know.” Sirius pointed out.

Sirius and Dumbledore spent the next while discussing different aspects of the war, next steps, new leads, past battles, and Sirius’ job at the Department of Magical Law Enforcement before Lily couldn’t take it anymore.

“What time were they supposed to report back?” She spat.

Dumbledore’s eyes moved to consider the redhead. “We agreed no later than 21:30. 

Lily looked down at her watch. “Well, it’s 21:45.”

The three sat in silence as they let that fact wash over them.

“They left at 07:45 this morning,” Sirius supplied.

“They met with Em and Benjy before apparating to the location together and scouting the area.” Lily added.

“Okay so fourteen hours in the field? That’s too much.” 

“It’s not too much if there hasn’t been any activity.” Dumbledore argued.

Sirius stood up suddenly. “We need to go. Where’s this location?”

“Son, that is not how things work. We cannot risk giving away our intel or sending more people into the front lines of a battle.”

“That’s my partner out there, and my best friend – I cannot stand here and do nothing.” Sirius spat furiously.

“You can, and you will, Mr. Black.” He challenged.

“We’ll give them 45 minutes. If we haven’t received a patronus from them in that time, we’ll reconvene.” McGonagall placated.

Sirius spent the next 37 minutes pacing a hole in the concrete floor beneath him whilst Lily chewed a hole into her lip.

The ringing sound of a portkey suddenly echoed through the room before a figure fell unceremoniously into the wall and slid to the ground. Lily could tell by the size and the sobbing that it was James.

“What happened?!” Sirius barked as all four adults stood and made their way to James.

“Trap. Trapped, it...” James huffed between sobs and coughs before he leaned over and threw up on the floor.

“What’s trapped?” Dumbledore inquired as Harry started to fuss in McGonagall’s arms.

“Minerva, can you take Harry away please?” Lily pleaded. The matriarch offered a quick nod and left the room with the infant. 

“Death Eaters - it was a trap - she knew.” James got out through gasps.

He was covered in ash and dirt with various wounds bleeding along his person.

“Who knew?” Lily asked.

“Vix! She knew!” He screamed in agony.

“Where is she?” Sirius asked quietly.

James continued trying to breathe through his hyperventilating.

“WHERE IS SHE?!” 

“She’s gone, Pads, she...” James paused as he threw up again. Lily couldn’t tell if he was sick from his grief or his wounds. Perhaps both.

“No, no. She’s not gone. She was just with you. You left with her this morning.” Sirius argued calmly. “Where is she?”

James shook his head as his face crumpled in agony and tears spilled from his eyes.

“She saved me, she...she made sure I got out. I’m sorry, Sirius.”

“I don’t need you to be SORRY, I need you to TELL ME WHERE SHE IS.” Sirius bellowed.

“Sirius...” Lily whispered.

“Fuck OFF. Where IS SHE? WHERE IS SHE?”

“Sirius, son, I need you to calm down.” Dumbledore spoke quietly.

“I need to find her. I’ll find her. Tell me where she is. Where is she?”

“She’s GONE. She’s GONE, I FUCKING KILLED HER IT’S ALL MY FAULT.” James sobbed.

“She can’t fucking be gone! She can’t! I just kissed her goodbye this morning, I just saw her! SHE WAS JUST WITH YOU.”

“There were anti-apparition wards up when she started to be concerned about – about it being a trap since we hadn’t seen anything all day. There was fiendfyre. They were burning the fucking building down. Then I was hit and I...I don’t know. She got us out, and then...and-and then a bombarda and she...”

“No.” Sirius said plainly.

“Pads.”

“No.”

“She told me, she told me to go. She said-”

“No.”

“She told me to thank you for her, that she didn’t regret a thing.”

“No.”

“That she was so grateful for you, and that loving you was worth every minute of it. She’d do it again.”

“Stop.” Sirius begged miserably. 

“She said she loved you.”

“SHE DIDN’T LOVE ME. SHE LOVES ME.” Sirius screamed.

“She loves me NOW! Not loved me past! I have to find her. I have to find her. Red,” He turned his sights to Lily.

“Please, please. I have to find her. Please, I have to. I’ll find her. Please.”

Lily’s tears were streaming down her face. “I’m sorry, Sirius.”

“Don’t be sorry! Don’t, I-” He looked desperately to everyone in the room.

“I don’t want anyone to be sorry! I just want her! I need her, please...” he sobbed.

“I’m sorry.” James repeated.

“STOP FUCKING SAYING THAT!”

“Sirius.” Lily murmured.

“I have been on countless missions with your wife, and I have always brought her home, back to you!” Sirius spat furiously at James. “I’ve never let anything happen to your wife. I TRUSTED YOU! Y/N... she-she trusted you!”

James sobbed again as his face contorted in agony.

“Sirius, that’s not fair.” Lily pleaded.

“Fuck off! What’s not fair is you get to go home with your husband tonight and Y/N is gone.” Sirius bellowed as his face fell in realization. “She’s gone.” He whispered. 

The room fell painfully silent as Sirius stared into space, murmuring to himself.

“She loved me...not loves me...I said goodbye...a kiss, she had breakfast, what did she eat? What did she have for breakfast this morning.  Oh gods, I can’t remember.”

“Sirius.” Lily asked gently as she went to touch his shoulder. He flinched away from her.

“I think she had cereal; it was cereal. She had cereal for breakfast. I think her bowl is still in the sink. Oh gods, her things. All of her things. She can’t be gone? She can’t be gone...I have all of her things. She needs her things...she’s-” He was cut off by a shuddering breath.

“My girl.” He whispered in agony. 

The other three members let Sirius gather his thoughts before his eyes flew to Lily.

“Lily...she...”

“I know, Pads.”

“I can’t do this without her.”

“I know, Pads.”

The heavy weight of the loss began to settle amongst the friends before Dumbledore spoke solemnly. 

“I think it’s time the Potter’s go into hiding.”

[talonabraxas]

The Sudarshan Chakra Talon Abraxas

The Sudarshan Chakra is regarded as one of the most potent weapons ever used in the celestial world. Sudarshan Chakra is derived from two words – su and darshan. It means auspicious (su) vision (darshan). Sudarshan means Divine Vision. If there is any other weapon that could rival the Sudarshan Chakra, it is Shiva's trident. Chakra is derived from chruhu, which denotes ‘movement’ and kruhu, which indicates ‘to do’.

The Sudarshan Chakra finds mention sometimes in the ancient Hindu Vedic texts of Rigveda, Yajurveda, and the Puranas. It is described as the ultimate weapon that can destroy an enemy - the asuras, rakshasas, and vikrutatma.

In the Dwapara Yuga, Shri Krishna received the Sudarshan Chakra from the Fire God, Agni. Sri Krishna was the eighth avatar of Vishnu. It was the mighty sage Parashurama, said to be the sixth avatar of Vishnu, who taught Sri Krishna to master the weapon.

There are some details about the Sudarshan Chakra about which some of us may not have the complete awareness. This powerful weapon has some incredible features. Listed below are five amazing features of the Sudarshan Chakra.

Five Unbelievable Features of the Sudarshan Chakra

1. The Sudarshan Chakra is considered one of the most powerful weapons ever used in the cosmic world. This divine discus is believed to have 108 notched edges and travels at incredible speed. The Chakra is stated to travel millions of Yojanas (1 Yojana= 8 kilometers) by the time we blink once. The Sudarshan Chakra is said to have millions of spikes in two rows moving in opposite directions that give it a serrated edge.

2. The Sudarshan Chakra is synonymous with Vishnu and sits on his right index finger. The sacred disc is believed to be very auspicious. The movement of the Sudarshan Chakra is such that it does not move by any action, like throwing the disc. The Chakra moves through sheer willpower, the first of its kind that can be controlled or powered by thought alone. The Sudarshan Chakra is said to possess immense spiritual and mystical powers. The sacred wheel is in constant motion, and it is said to have been created by the combined powers of the Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.

3. The Sudarshan Chakra is powered by the mind and thought. Once it leaves the finger, there is no looking back. The Chakra goes after the enemy and chases them down. It will not return to the owner unless it has completed its task. The Sudarshan Chakra, once it leaves the finger, goes chasing the enemy down relentlessly and destroys them. There is no way to escape from its wrath. The only option is to stop running and surrender to the Chakra. Lord Vishnu, it is believed, comes to the rescue of those who surrender themselves to him.

4. Sri Krishna was in possession of the Sudarshan Chakra in the Dwapara Yuga. He is the eighth avatar of Vishnu and obtained this powerful weapon from the Fire God, Agni. It is believed that the Great Sage Parashurama taught Sri Krishna how to master the Sudarshan Chakra perfectly.

5. Mythology has it that Vishnu did not own the Sudarshan Chakra. The Devas (celestial beings) were being incessantly harassed by the Asuras (demons). The Devas approached Vishnu for help. He, in turn, approached Shiva as he was not sure he had complete power to defeat the asuras. He prayed to Shiva for thousands of years, and finally, Shiva, pleased with Vishnu's devotion, granted him the boon to defeat the Asuras and presented him the Sudarshan Chakra. Vishnu in all his avatars retains the Sudarshan Chakra on his right index finger.

The Sudarshan Chakra is a symbol of power and acts as a shield to destroy and negate any negative or evil forces that can cause suffering. A powerful quality of the Sudarshan Chakra is Papa Nashanam (destruction of sins). While there are many speculations about the origin of Sudarshan Chakra, Sudarshan is none other than Vishnu himself. He is called Sudarshan because he wields the mighty and indestructible Sudarshan Chakra.

[hsgwrld-archive]

[9:54PM]- PARK SUNGHOON

->sunghoon x gn!reader ->angst with fluff ->778!

-> I know I'm on hiatus but I WRote this while I have free time..Enjoy

“ He hasn't read it” sign left your lips, putting your phone beside you on the bench and waiting for the train to come. The hope hasn't died in you yet. The promises you both made before separating apart, before Sunghoon needed to move to another country for studies letting you here, just with promises “ We will find each other again”

One year has fully passed. You slowed and moved on from Sunghoon. Looking at the friendship bracelet you both made before he confessed having feelings for you.

Tears coming to eyes, memories, and everything slowly coming back but what is the point even? 

Sunghoon probably has moved on, find someone better while you are still here hoping for something you shouldn't.

Looking up you saw your train finally came, getting up and securing your backpack.

Looking across, you and Sunghoon found yourselves standing at opposite ends of a bustling train station. The year apart had been a torrent of longing and unanswered questions, but fate had finally granted you both a chance at reunion.

The moment the doors opened, you caught a glimpse of Sunghoon, standing amidst the crowd. He had changed, but the essence of his being remained unchanged. His eyes, filled with a mixture of hope and uncertainty, searched the platform until they met yours. Time seemed to slow as your gazes locked as if the world around you faded into insignificance.

Without hesitation, you rushed towards each other, forgetting the passing year and the reasons that had kept you apart. As you finally embraced, tears streamed down both your faces, an emotional torrent of relief and joy. The world stood still as you held each other tightly, as if afraid that letting go would make the moment disappear.

With trembling voices, you both began to speak, “Why are you here? “ you asked in his embrace, slowly pulling away, looking up at him with tears streaming down your cheek. 

“I- came here to see you y/n” Sunghoon answered, looking into your eyes. Tears have dried on his face. 

‘Why? After one year, without talking to me, you came here?” you furiously asked. You were mad, why did he come to see you without answering your messages and calls in the first place? Sunghoon is guilty and chuckled, he knows you will not forget. 

“Let me explain, first of all, my phone went missing after a month in America, secondly I sent you envelopes!” 

With questioning looking you looked at him. Envelopes? You remember getting them from some guy called Benjamin and never opening them and throwing them out.

“I was Benjamin,y/n,” Sunghoon said with hope if you had ever read them. But by your look, he understands you didn't even read them.

Sunghoon reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, worn envelope. It was the letter you had written to him a month ago as an anniversary gift when he was in America already for a month, a letter he had kept close to his heart. With a tender smile, Sunghoon looked to you, "I've carried your words with me, cherished them even when we were apart."

“But I thought you left me and moved on,'' you exclaimed looking at him. Sunghoon's eyes softened. caressing your cheek, and smiling bitterly.

“I would never leave you y/n, never”

In that moment, as Sunghoon's words washed over you, the weight of doubt and uncertainty lifted from your shoulders. The misunderstandings and miscommunication that had plagued your time apart seemed insignificant compared to the love that still burned between you.

As the train station buzzed with the chaos of travelers, you found solace in each other's presence. Sunghoon's touch reassured you of his unwavering commitment, and you realized that your love for each other had never wavered either.

Together, you found a quiet corner of the station where you could talk, share, and truly understand the challenges you had faced individually. Sunghoon explained how his phone had gone missing, and how he had desperately tried to reach out to you through the letters sent as Benjamin. You shared your own struggles, the pain of feeling abandoned, and the slow process of healing.

With every word spoken, the wounds of the past began to heal, making room for forgiveness and renewed hope. The promises you made before parting ways were still alive in your hearts, and you knew that you had been given a second chance to fulfill them.

In the following days, you and Sunghoon rekindled your love, rediscovering the joy of shared moments and building new memories together. You laughed, you cried, and you celebrated the reunion that felt like a miracle.

[faceless-mirror]

CHAPTER 2

Ship: Hozier and Farren(ONBC)

Andrew and Farren have been traveling through the centuries. Andrew remembers each time, when each of their times together ended in horrible tragedy. Farren never remembers, but their hearts call to each other in every life time, even if it brings pain. Andrew is breaking now, just needing one happy ending where they don't die crushed to death- sacrificed to old gods- hunted for their love- or torn apart in battle.

All he wants is to have Farren and live in peace. Hopefully, the Gods will grant mercy at last for his past transgressions that led to this cycle.

Taglist: @rowanballard @likehipsters @darkcloverme @holy-shitposting @cwooley1999-blog

(If you'd like to be added or removed please let me know)

Farren woke the next morning to golden rays burning across their face, causing them to hiss softly in pain, rolling over trying to throw the bed cover over their face grumbling softly and angrily at the sun for daring to wake them, even if it was their own fault for not closing the curtains.

It was a moment of quiet contemplation, eyes held shut, breathing in and out easily. Finally when their brain decided that it did, in fact, want to be alive and awake, they slipped out of bed steadily, bare feet hitting the floor. After going through their morning routine, they sat down at their desk, ready to get started on their projects for the day. Though upon opening the laptop, it was an email that caught their attention. 

An interview for the bartender and artist position. Responding quickly they decided that if they could interview today they would. Starting by the next week would be divine. It didn’t take too long to get started on their commissions, though they were anxiously awaiting to hear from the venue.

Almost two hours later, they got a phone call, offering an on the spot interview. 

***

A few hours later, Farren was there in front of the building, dressed in a white button down shirt and bell bottom stretch pants, wearing platform shoes. Looking around they were a bit shocked, it was a nice large venue, with some historic undertones. All they could think of was hoping to be a candidate for the job.

Stepping in, they couldn’t help but appreciate the red brick walls and the hardwood bar that greeted the doors. There was a man sitting and waiting, for them it seemed. The way he jumped to his feet, moving close hand extended, blond locks tied back neatly. “Avira Swan- It’s lovely to meet you- Farren was it?” he questioned warmly, gently pressing a hand to their back guiding them to an office with a smile. 

“We just came under new management- and we’re determined to put in a beautiful mural-” he explained. It seemed this man had visions for the venue and was insisting upon it. Already pulling out a contract. “Feel free to sign, Mx. Doven.”

“What about the interview-?” Farren started to question, reading through the contract curiously. It was fairly standard. Some things were… odd. Riches and prosperity for as long as they obeyed, if contract is broken, owned by one (1) Avira Swan for ten years. That was the line that stood out.

“Don’t worry about the interview. Your art skills are exactly what I want for the mural- Absolutely beautiful.” he said reassuringly, devilishly green eyes watching them like a hawk, except focused on the pages in their hands. 

They hummed softly, they’d be stupid to turn this down. It paid so well… but the one line worried them. “What does this mean… can you clarify…?” Farren questioned, “I would love to accept so long as i can understand this or have it removed-” they said licking their lips nervously. Something felt wrong with this- but the money they couldn’t refuse.

Avira frowned in concern and looked over, and sighed, “Oh- I can have that removed. My lawyer must have taken a joke too far- I apologize.” He took the contract away and the feeling subsided, “Thank you that could have been a lot of paperwork later on.” he chuckled.

The beautiful man smiled fondly, “Let me get that taken care of.” he said softly, standing and moving to a filing cabinet throwing out the old contract and bringing over a fresh one and offered it to Farren. They looked through it firmly, humming softly as they did. A melody that haunted their head. “That’s an old song, dear,” Avira commented thoughtfully, elbow on the table his fingertips supporting his chin as he watched them. “Take care of what it may summon, my dear.”

“You know it?” they questioned, attention diverted.

He smiled softly, “It’s an old song… very old. Legend says it was written by a fae who fell in love with a mortal despite the warnings that he shouldn’t, that he would be cursed as they would be. Whenever the song is hummed or sung… played… he shows up searching for his love. Destruction follows him…”

Something… something itched in the back of their mind at the story. It couldn’t… it wouldn’t be real. They hummed running their fingers through their black and blue hair. “It sounds like a tragic love story… but just a story.” Their lips quirked, eyes returning to the contract reading through it. Nothing was jumping out this time at least. 

“If it is just a story its a story that’s unfinished, dear.”

They didn’t know what to say to that, so they asked a different question. “What is the mural to be of?” they asked.

“I’d like it to be a mural that depicts the fae… and music of course. Just whatever feels right to you. I’ll show you the spot for the mural.” he added as those almost glowing green eyes focused on her hands signing the contract. 

“Of course. Can I get a copy of the contract please? For my own records.” she clarified.

“Of course.” Avira said warmly, pulling out a contract from the same folder passing it to her, letting her glance through it before standing. “Now… let’s get you that tour to the place for the mural.” he purred, a sound that seemed to soak into her mind.

- - - - -

Andrew had been getting ready to perform feeling a tremor along the red cord coming from his chest making his throat tighten. They remembered the song. It had vibrated many times over the years. It always happened at odd intervals but… that was a sign. His long fingers touched the cord lightly. “Beloved… I’ll find you. I’ll find you no matter where you are.” he breathed out, muddy green eyes focused on the translucent cord. “My beloved.”

[yourlocaltreesimp]

Like Lightning, My love.

BOTW!Link x Reader

TW: Heavy angst, gore, Hurt/No comfort.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

Gerudo town was about as much of a pain as you expected, but with new armour, as many potions as someone could possibly fit in a single pack, your worries were quelled. Link’s boyish grin and happiness about exploring the final divine beast certainly helped.

“So, (y/n). You ready?” He grinned, your heart fluttered, knowing just how long you’ve travelled to be here. How long you’d spent learning about the world and about him. Learning every single detail of him. His sky blue eyes and wonky smile. His crooked nose from having broken it one too many times. Each and every scar that lined his sun-kissed skin.

“About as ready as I could be” You mumbled through your own excited grin. You’d have the divine beast Vah Naboris kneeling as it’s counterparts did. You met up with Riju, who had her thunder helm on as much as she could, given for the extra space. She was a young chieftain, but she certainly was strong. And with that, your small group was ready to go with three sand seals waiting. Attaching some ropes to their harnesses and your shields you were able to set off into the storm towards the divine beast Vah Naboris. The beast summoned cracks of powerful lightning as you approached to fend you off. Sand and wind whipped through your hair as the small shield granted by the thunder helm protected you from the lightning. Link followed by your side, the wind and sand blowing against your bodies as you approached the Divine Beast. You both covered your eyes to the best of your ability without throwing off your balance, trying to keep some of the elements at bay. At least the lightning wasn't a concern anymore, and you weren’t too bothered by a little bit of sand in your eyes. You looked over to your partner, wildly meeting with the divine stormfront. He looked over at you, noticing the way your hair was blowing about in the wind, along with the way your clothes and equipment were shifting with the strong winds. It was all so.... beautiful. You looked beautiful. You felt so right in the moment. A large crack of white lightning struck the shield provided by the Thunder helm, the powerful crack taking up your senses. The light dissipated, the energy dispelling into the sand below. With it, you laughed, strong and powerful. The sound so full and untainted you’d only ever heard it yourself a few times before. Link followed suit, the bellowful sound threatening the thunder itself. Even in your memory, Link never let himself be so free. You steadied yourself on the sand and spurred your sand seal forward. Notching two bomb arrows, you shot them at Naboris‘ feet, the robot buckling under the instability. You swiftly moved back to the protection of the helm as Naboris bellowed, calling lightning from the sandstorm where you’d just been. You bared all your teeth in your smile, not bothered by the raging storm that whipped around the three of you. Link was almost transfixed by the lightning and your reaction to it. It only increased his fascination with you. The way you laughed, the way you didn't worry as to what the element did to your equipment or clothing. You were at ease, comfortable and happy. And it made Link fall in love with you even more. He took the moment to look over you again, taking in your movements and the way the light and storm played as they moved against you. He felt the cold breeze against his own face, but he felt happy. You made him happy. You always did. Riju called out to the both of you,

“Good job! One leg down, three more to go!” One of Naboris’ legs dragged slightly in the stand, the yellow glow within it was dispelled. Three more legs shot down and we could board the beast and solve the puzzles within. Link felt Riju's voice calling out to him and he snapped out of the small trance he was in, looking at you and smiling with pride. You’d taken down one of the legs, and now it was time to take the rest of them before tackling what was inside. He wanted to get this done for you, to take Thunder Blight down once and for all.

"Shall we proceed?" Link spoke to Riju, looking at her for her response before taking your hand and walking up to the Divine Beast. She nodded. For efficiency, you both split up. Riju circled naboris so we could use the thunder-helm’s aura for protection against the storm. Link and you split to shoot down Naboris’ legs one by one. Three were down and just as you released the final arrow, Naboris let out a shrill cry. Lightning met the sand where you stood, heavenly light dousing you. The thunder cracked in your ears and when the light from the lightning and explosion of your arrow was gone, You were not standing. You fell like Icarus towards the sea of sand below, dousing yourself in the light you loved. The light which served to kill you. Naboris cried out as its final leg was shot down, moving to a kneel so Link could get inside. A look of panic filled Link's face when you weren't there after the lightning hit. He turned in every direction in an attempt to find you until his eyes met Naboris. His stomach clenched at the thought of losing you. His eyes filled with tears as he called your name out over and over and over again. After a few seconds of not hearing a response, he snapped himself back to reality and ran over to the kneeling beast. He climbed on quickly and searched through the darkness for you, your name filling the air as he scrambled around, tears in his eyes. He wanted nothing more than to hear your voice. You were face down in the sand, body short circuited by the electricity. Your skin was marked with the winding, wrapping scars of the electricity. Your hair was singed where the energy met with your body. You were bleeding, your skin burnt and charred. Horrifically, the sand had melted, making pools of molten glass that stuck to your skin as it cooked. Riju looked beyond horrified, her eyes not attuned to the sights of battle. All was quiet but the wind, it howled in a mourning cry as sand danced in the gust. Link’s tears fell faster at the sight of you in the sand. Nothing mattered other than you. Not Riju, not the Divine Beast, not anything. He only wanted you to survive. The image of losing you was more terrifying than anything he had ever dealt with.

"(y/n)! (Y/n), please don't be dead. Let me hear your voice. Let me know you're alive." He spoke in a panicked voice. His hands started to move across your body, checking for pulses and signs of life...

"(Y/n) ... please just wake up." Link's voice was filled with so much sorrow and pain. He didn't want to lose you, not like this. He called out your name, hoping with all that he had that you'd hear him.

"Wake up..."

[corishadowfang]

So! The last of the Big Chapters has finally been posted for Fallen Stars, so I can finally post this. I've had the climax in mind for a long time, and have done a lot of foreshadowing for it, so...I thought it'd be fun to kind of go over some of the bigger bits, haha. Just going to throw this under a cut because it's...decently long. It's probably not everything (there are some things I left out because they're just...part of Brain's arc in general, and including all of that would make this really long), but it's the bigger things that I can remember.

In general: If you see stuff calling Brain a ghost/specter/skeletal, or referencing him having red hands? That was all kind of aimed toward these last few chapters.

Chapter 3: Brain tries to call for Chirithy, and they don't come. We later find out that they're missing, with the implication (in chapter 8) that they disappeared because of what Luxu did to send Brain to the future. They are implied to be in The Final World--which, incidentally, is where Brain eventually ends up.

Chapter 5:

Brain and Skuld have this conversation:

“So we either need to get Frigga to open it for us, or we need to get Master’s Defender back.” “You could wield it.”

Brain gives Skuld a Wayfinder and says, "Supposed to guide people home if they get lost." This is later what Skuld uses to guide them back from The Final World.

Chapter 8:

Luxu stabs Brain in the chest to send him to the future, and Brain experiences a pseudo "death" because of it. (Which is also the exact same method Luxu uses to send Skuld after him.)

We see two people calling out for Brain to try and drag him back to the future and keep him from actually dying. While it isn't obvious who those people are yet, it's later revealed that one is Skuld.

Brain is told to find his "waypoint" to guide him back. This is twofold, referencing both the Wayfinder he gives Skuld, and the fact that Skuld is basically acting as his "waypoint."

This line: It’s the story of a dying boy, who was drawn back to a reanimated world, and who had to figure out how he was supposed to move forward when he was still only half alive.

Brain discusses the idea of studying time magic, and Frigga brings up the Unchained state. Skuld reaches through time to bring him "home"--and then, later, "travels through time" to wake Brain up.

Brain mentions using heart magic to track down stray hearts.

Frigga and Brain watch a performance, where Frigga describes the story as this: “Oh, it’s a bit of a later tale—a story about a wielder who made a deal with a world to save her friend.”

Chapter 10: Skuld reads a passage in a book of fairytales in Frigga's office. In particular, it includes this line, from Darkness to Brain: “You have no plans left, little trickster. You are running on fumes from our chase across the world. And now that I have caught you, I will consume you. Go; I will grant you peace, after a lifetime of terror.”

Chapter 13: This line: "He didn’t realize he’d been moving until he came to an abrupt halt, staring at himself, and for a moment, he thought it was another specter. It took a moment to realize it was just his reflection, staring back at him from a broken window. Something dark dripped down the edges and clung to the fractured pieces, hemming his reflection like a picture frame."

Chapter 15: Skuld says, “…Can you include something to help me find you?” in reference to Brain putting a spell on her charm. Brain comments that she'll need to talk to Mimir about that, since they're the ones with heart magic.

Chapter 20: Freya gives Brain this warning: “You are not as free from fate as you’d like to be—and Darkness is always waiting to strike.”

Chapter 23:

Brain considers the idea of sacrificing one of them (like Ven sacrificed himself) to save Mimir.

Much of Sigurd's "mindscape" in Darkness's "game" is described in a way that resembles The Final World, hinting at his eventual role in helping the others figure out that Brain could be revived.

Chapter 24:

Brain's method of defeating his own personal Darkness is to, essentially, let it eat itself alive. Brain eventually lets his own darkness eat him alive, leading to his death.

While confronting his Darkness, Brain has this narration: "(Something sat heavy as a stone in his chest.  In the back of his mind’s eye, he thought he could see shadows clawing at the edges of a stained glass platform.  In his peripherals, the tips of his fingers looked almost red.)"

When Skuld confronts her own personal Darkness, Darkness is bound with threads that show her visions of other timelines. These are alternate worldlines, and represent Skuld's attempts to change fate.

This is the first chapter where we find out that Sigurd made a deal with Luxu to bring his brother back to life.

Darkness "drowns" Brain, and tries to drag him down in a way that's very reminiscent of what happened with his "almost death" at Luxu's hands.

Chapter 25: Brain can see "ghosts" from Master's Defender. Brain eventually becomes a ghost himself.

Chapter 30: "He lifted Luxu’s Keyblade, thumb running along the hilt, fingers still red from where he’d been gripping it." (I'm going to be honest, I remembered this one as being more obvious. But no, this was the only line about red fingers I found in this chapter, despite specifically remembering cackling to myself as I put it in. So I guess the lesson here is, "Yes, Cori will, in fact, use pretty subtle wording to foreshadow stuff, and this will sometimes surprise even her.")

Chapter 33: Luxu and Sigurd have this conversation about Luxu's failure to bring Sigurd's brother back from the dead:

“There are ways to do it, but it’s complicated.  You can’t just pull it out of the afterlife and hope things work out.  You’ve got to hope that the heart’s lingering around somewhere—and even then, you still have to be able to find it.  If you found a way to anchor your heart to theirs, you might be able to pull them back—or you might just get pulled in yourself.” Anchor…  It tugged on something in the back of Sigurd’s brain—a conversation, half-remembered, and he wanted to pursue the thought, but Luxu kept going before he could.

Chapter 34:

"His hands looked almost red from the clay caked around them, and you marveled at the idea that maybe he’d started with them before shifting to the shovel he now held.  Even in the dark, his eyes looked shadows; in the flicker of your light, there was something about him that seemed almost skeletal, like he was just another ghost."

Brain says, “Pretty sure Skuld would track any of us down if we tried to put ourselves in danger."

When Master's Defender's "ghosts" start urging Brain forward, he starts following his own.

Chapter 38: Brain has this thought: "When he looked at his reflection, he couldn’t see anything save himself—eyes too wide, face too thin, eyes hemmed with shadows, everything almost skeletal."

Chapter 39: Skuld describes Brain as looking skeletal, specifically in the section when he's trying to convince her to go along with the plan that will...well, kill him:

He gave her a crooked sort of grin.  “Well, that would spoil the surprise.”  He shot a brief glance toward Darkness.  The barrier cast strange shadows across his face; it made him look almost skeletal.  “Do you trust me?”

And, uh...those are the main things I can remember! There was honestly a lot just stuck in there in the spur of the moment, haha; I do remember a lot of times just grinning and going, "Wait, I can put more foreshadowing here," so, uh...if you're looking at something and going, "Was that foreshadowing...?" the answer is probably, "Yes, but Cori's memory is questionable sometimes and she didn't remember she included that."

[lavenderleahy]

j and destiel for the minific prompts pls <3

J: When Words Aren't Enough

“Okay Cas, I need to say something,” Dean says. 

Cas shakes his head minutely, his brow softening. “You don’t have to say it,” he responds. “I heard your prayer.” 

That completely throws Dean for a loop. He gives Cas a small smile because truly, he is happy that Cas heard his prayer. That Cas knows he’s forgiven. He was so terrified that he would never see Cas again, though, and now that they’re together, he finds that he has so much more to say.

As soon as Dean laid eyes on Cas sitting in the crook of the tree, Dean realized he didn’t just want Cas to know that he forgave him. He wanted to tell him everything he’d never told him before. The opportunities to do so were becoming further and farther between. 

And Cas… wouldn’t let him say it. 

He settles in behind Cas as they make their way back towards the portal. They don’t have much time and must walk quickly, but Dean’s senses are on high alert. Every snap of a branch makes him flinch and jerk his head toward the sound, only to realize they aren’t being followed. At one point, he places a protective hand on the small of Cas’s back, guiding him closer to the portal. Cas glances at him in surprise but otherwise doesn’t react. 

It, Cas had said. You don’t have to say it. The thought catches Dean off guard. Does Cas know? 

He shakes his head. He doesn’t have time for this. Focus. 

Not a moment too soon, the distinct orange light crackling through reality appears in their vicinity. Cas makes a move as if to allow Dean to travel through the portal first, but Dean can’t stand the idea of leaving Cas alone in Purgatory again, even if it’s just for a moment. Anything could happen in the split second it would take for Cas to follow him to the other side. He’s not willing to take that chance. 

So, with one hand still on Cas’s back, he gently pushes Cas through. He glances behind him one last time, ensuring there are no monsters in pursuit, and then follows him. 

Almost immediately, the portal closes behind them. The light appears to zip itself up, and then it disappears. Dean heaves a sigh of relief.

And looks up at Cas. Who is smiling at him fondly. 

Dean’s breath catches in his throat. “Cas, I -” but no more words come out. 

“We did it, Dean,” Cas says proudly, clasping Dean’s shoulder. 

“Yeah, Cas, we did,” Dean manages to breathe out. “Listen-” 

“Let’s go back to the Bunker,” Cas interrupts. “Get this spell prepared.” 

He turns away from Dean and starts walking. 

Fuck it. Cas doesn’t want him to talk? Dean won’t talk. He has too many words bottled up inside him, anyway. Too many words, no way to articulate them, and yet… Not enough words, either. How do you tell your best friend of ten years all the feelings that have built up over that time? 

It would take too long. It would take years. And Dean doesn’t have years, he has a moment. A moment that is quickly slipping out of his grasp. 

No, words aren’t enough. 

He grabs Cas by the shoulder and, almost forcefully, turns Cas to face him. His other hand grasps the angel’s waist and he leans in, pressing a searing kiss to Cas’s lips. 

The moment seems to last forever. Time is frozen. No, Cas is frozen. Dean’s about to pull back, ashamed, when - 

When Cas relaxes into the kiss. And starts kissing him back. 

Dean lets himself get lost in it. After all this time, he thinks he deserves it. His tongue seeks entrance into Cas’s mouth, and Cas grants it. Their mouths move in sync, passionate and hungry. He doesn’t know how long it lasts before Cas is the one who pulls away. 

Cas’s lips are pink and swollen, his face flushed, his eyes blazing. He’s breathing hard, and it takes everything Dean has not to dive right back in. 

“Okay,” Dean says, finding Cas’s hand and clasping it in his own. “We can go home now.” 

“Yeah,” Cas utters, squeezing Dean’s hand. “Home.”

[weanwinwhester]

parallels between spnxbrokeback mountain

first off we have jo harvel and cassie

- both devestatingly identical quite frankly

- both fall in love with a sexually repressed cowboy that wants to but can’t quite reciprocate, doesn’t dare to actually hurt them tho but can’t manage the facade

- both badass waitresses in bars in the mid mid

jackets/clothing symbolism

-jack keeps both his and ennis’ shirts that they were wearing when they got into a fight their first last day on brokeback

-ennis doesn’t know thinks he left his shirt on the mountain

-when jack is murdered 20 years later ennis goes to his parents house for his ashes BUT when he’s there he discovers their shirts hung together in his closet

-ennis keeps the shirts and hangs them together in his closet (closet symbolism is overwhelming here) to have a piece of their time together

-dean keeping cas’ trench coat after he dissolved into god fearing goo in the reservoir

-whats so detrimental abt dean keeping it is at the time they were on the run and he moved it from stolen car to stolen car for months!

-although ennis is not exactly on the run and at the end of the movie he does appear slightly stable, he’s been moving around most of his adult life, from job to job, and it can be assumed he’s going to take jack with him

Jack and Bobby!

-main character Jack Twist has a son he named Bobby

-weird! but what are the odds

the breakdown

-dean breaks down pays/cries to chick to bring cas back to him, punches the crap out of the seafood shack

-ennis cries practically throws up in an alleyway the second jack drives away when they get down the mountain, punches the wall

-this specific scene has been brought up before but the side by side damn

personal additions

- the read i get on it is Cas relating more to Jack and Dean relating more to Ennis

-Ennis is more of your traditional rough and tumble cowboy, doesnt say much, income insecurity, both his parents are dead, raised by his two siblings (see where i’m going with this), got some anger layered in there gets divorced, absent father (not that dean would be but he’s afraid he would and his relationship with ben wasn’t ideal [granted he shouldn’t have been relied on as a father at that point in his life cmon]), after the divorce jack wants to know why he won’t remarry ie. dean s8 and on,

- Jack came from almost middle class, dad seems like a douche but he’s alive, no siblings (cas has siblings but not in a traditional sense) more in tune with his emotions (actually pushes for their relationship), initiates, writes to, and goes looking for Ennis after that first summer, can manage the double life, murdered for his sins, jack travels to ennis always their whole relationship, uh jack’s shorter than ennis?

“the very touch of you corrupts”

“i wish i knew how to quit you”

“It's because of you Jack, that I'm like this!”

 “Anything interesting up there in heaven?”/ “I was just sending up a prayer of thanks.”

“I'm hunted, I rebelled, and I did all of it for you.”

“Dean, you know I always appreciate our talks, our time together.”

[kaylassturniolo]

Tour life

requested:no

notes+warnings:none+travel sickness, use of y/n, chrisxfem!reader, slight mentions of throwing up

about: living on the road seems like fun until you remember you feel like dying every time.

Chris and his brother are going on there second tour of this year, and he asked me to come to this one as I couldn't make the last tour due to work restrictions.

It was a no brainer, of course I said yes, I would be stupid not to, so we all got to packing about a week before we had to get onto the tour bus for like 6 weeks.

I packed the essentials, or what I find essential at least, clothes, shoes, hairbrush, sanitary products, chargers and lastly my travel sickness tablets. Granted having travel sickness at a time like this is very inconvenient, however I will have my boyfriend, his brothers and my bestfriend with me incase anything happens.

Now for anyone wondering why I need so much support for my travel sickness, its because I also have this thing called emetophobia, which is a fear of sick, being sick, feeling sick, having a sore stomach, if anyone else is sick, there's no escape from this fear.

Now the day has come for the tour to start, and I am shitting it. Chris has been so helpful in calming me down which I am so happy about because without him I'm sure I would have passed out from hyperventilating.

We all put our suitcases, and bags we packed for the nights we would spend in the hotels, under the bus, and kept all our carry-ons in our hands.

Walking on to the bus, it was a lot more spacious then I was expecting, considering its a bus and all, but it felt very cozy and homely almost, with all the decorations that Laura had put up for us.

Once we al got settled on the bus, we slowly started to take off, and that was the moment everything went down hill for me,i was already paranoid about traveling but the fact i couldn't see where we were going made it 10 times worse than what i thought it would be.

I cuddled up next to Chris to try and calm myself down and i think he caught on to that pretty quickly. I could feel him place a soft kiss on my forehead, whispering to me.

"you're okay love, I'm right here"

After hearing that I try to get even closer to him, trying to sleep as well so I don't have to bare with the thought of being on a bus traveling through a lot of the USA.

I did fall asleep, for about two hours, but when I woke up I had the worst stomach pain I've ever had, running to the toilet I hunch over and let everything out. Once I was sure I had finished I just stayed sat on the floor crying as Chris ran in and just hugged me, not letting me go.

"it's okay, you're okay"

repeating that same phrase over and over again, until I had the courage to either move out of the bathroom, or just even talk and after a few minutes of silence I did the latter.

"think I need stronger tablets"

Chris just looked at me, before letting out an airy laugh and agreeing, and going to let everyone know I was fine and that we may need an extra stop.

again this is so shit and short I'm sorry, I promise I will have a longer one out at some point in the future 😭

[asoiafandotherbooks]

TWOIAF/Fire & Blood: The Rebellion of the Faith

Warning, Spoilers Ahead…

Aenys has lost the support of the smallfolk, the lords, and the Faith with his decision to wed Rhaena to Aegon. Why Aenys thought the Faith would accept incest after having a fit over Maegor’s polygamous marriages is unknown. Aenys lost the backing of his strongest supporters – Visenya and Maegor – after exiling Maegor and granting Dragonstone to Aegon.

State of the Seven Kingdoms: Complete uproar and no one is happy.

Aenys decides the best solution to his self-created problems is…a progress. Clearly the way to soothe his subjects’ outrage is to send the newly wed couple on a tour of Westeros. The couple whose marriage is the reason for the outrage and discontent.

Seriously, who is advising Aenys? We know he rejected Visenya’s ideas – both the peaceful and not so peaceful ones. Murmison, Aenys’ Hand of the King, is a septon, so I don’t see him advising Aenys to wed his children to each other. Does Queen Alyssa have any input in Aenys’ decisions? Does anyone in this court have an ounce of sense in their heads? Minus Visenya who is no longer in the mood to fix his mistakes after Aenys granted Dragonstone to Aegon. How is a progress going to solve this situation?

Rhaena, smarter than her father, asked permission to bring Dreamfyre. Aenys said no. Why would you not allow your daughter to bring along a guaranteed source of protection, not to mention an important symbol of your regime, when sending her on a hostile journey? The master states Aenys forbid it as Aegon had not claimed a dragon and didn’t want his son to appear unmanly

The progress was a disaster. Aegon and Rhaena were met with jeers wherever they went. A few lords, like Lord Mooton of Maidenpool, threw feasts in their honor, but others denied them access to their holds. Lord Harroway of Harrenhal refused the couple entry unless they acknowledged Alys as the true and lawful wife of Maegor. Rhaena and Aegon refused the request.

Septons refused to bless their travels. The smallfolk, and the Poor Fellows, threw clods of dirt at the couple in the Riverlands. A fearless Rhaena rode up to the Poor Fellows and proclaimed: “You are fearless when facing a girl on a horse, I see. The next time I come, I will be on a dragon. Throw dirt on me then, I pray you.” This formerly shy girl is finding her backbone!

Septon Murmison was expelled from the faith for performing Rhaena and Aegon’s wedding. Aenys asked the High Septon to pretty-please reinstate Murmison. The High Septon wrote such a venomous reply that Aegon paled reading it. The Shepherd of the Faithful addressed Aenys as “King Abomination”, declaring him a pretender and a tyrant.

Less than two weeks later, Septon Murmison was hacked to pieces by a group of Poor Fellows. The Warrior’s Sons fortified the Hill of Rhaenys, turning the sept into a citadel. The King decided to move his family and himself to Dragonstone but barely avoided an assassination attempt by the Poor Fellows.

Aegon and his family arrived on Dragonstone. Visenya did not mince words: “You are a fool and a weakling, nephew. Do you think any man would ever have dared speak so to your father? You have a dragon. Use him. Fly to Oldtown and make this Starry Sept another Harrenhal. Or give me leave, and let me roast this pious fool for you.”

Aenys chose to send Visenya to her chambers in Sea Dragon Tower. Visenya had to be seething at Aeny’s incompetence. His only action is to hide at Dragonstone? Yep, that will solve the problem.

Visenya’s willingness to burn the Starry Sept to the ground shows the original Targaryens of Westeros (Aegon, Rhaenys, Visenya) were not followers of the Seven. She clearly has no fear of reprisal from the Seven.

By the end of 41 AC, the realm was in full-fledged rebellion against the Targaryens. The rebles believed that they were fighting a holy war against the godless Targaryens. Dozens of pious lords throughout the Seven Kingdoms declared for the Starry Sept. I wonder how the rebellion played out in the North and the Iron Islands. Neither area has much use for the Faith of the Seven. Dorne wasn’t part of the Seven Kingdoms but I imagine they were enjoying the Targaryens’ misfortune.

The Warrior’s Sons seized the gates of King’s Landing and drove out the workmen from the Red Keep. Thousands of Poor Fellows took to the roads, forcing travelers to declaire their allegiance, and protested outside castle gates until their lords came forth to renounce Aenys Targaryen.

Rhaena and Aegon were forced to take shelter in the Crakehall castle in the Westerlands.

An envoy of the Iron Bank of Braavos stated the High Septon was “the true king of Westeros, in all but name.”

And Aenys…well, he continued to hide in Dragonstone. Sick with fear and indecision.

Aenys was 35 years old in 42 AC but looked like a man of sixty. He ofent laid in bed, bothered by loose bowels and stomach cramps.  None of the Grand Maester’s cures proved effective so Visenya took charge of his treatment.  Aenys seemed to be on the road to improvement.

Word reached Aenys that thousands of Poor Fellows had surrouned the Crakehall castle, where his two eldest children remained. Aenys suffered a collapse and died three days later.

Up next, Aenys’ death – natural or unnatural?

[twdmusicboxmystery]

11x24: Rest in Peace - Rick and Michonne + TTD Event

Okay, here are my musings on some general theme, the Rick and Michonne scenes, and the TTD after special they had with all the actors and writers.

General Themes:

I noticed that the “I love yous” in this episode were specifically platonic. We didn’t see Carol and Zeke or Eugene and Max or Luke and Jules say I love you to each other. The I love yous came from best friends and platonic relationships. Daryl and Carol said it, as did Rosita and Eugene. I thought that was interesting, and probably purposeful.

I also noticed that after talking to Rosita, Max asked Eugene if he was okay. Now, Daryl and Carol have said that to each other, so I won’t say they give that line ONLY to romantic couples, but Beth and Daryl did say that to each other, so it jumped out at me.

Rick and Michonne’s Scenes:

I don’t have any massive, smoking gun theories here, but I just want to make a few observations. First, both of them are writing journal-type entries, which very much invokes Beth.

We see a montage as Rick and Michonne speak, and we see Beth several times in it. Granted, by itself it doesn’t prove much as we see most of the characters in the show, both living and dead, in it, but it was still nice to see.

It’s nice to see that Rick is trying to escape the CRM, but is being unsuccessful. I mean, I’m sure we all figured that he’s at least trying to get back to his family, but it’s still nice to see.

The fact that he’s not wearing shoes is important. For those who didn’t watch TWB, there was something just like this with Silas in that. In his case, he was inside the CRM civilization, but when he was found being somewhere he wasn’t supposed to be, they took his shoes. So, obviously this is something the CRM does to keep people from running. Rick got away anyway, but he didn’t get far before the CRM found him.

And honestly guys (okay, maybe this is a LITTLE BIT of a massive, smoking gun theory) this may be what the lost shoe/foot symbolism is all about. Or at least, why they use the lost shoe/foot to symbolize it, rather than something else.

With Al and Isobel (of FTWD), one of the lost their shoe in a quagmire, just before Isobel disappeared into the CRM. We’ve established that Rick and Michonne’s story in 7x12 is a clear foreshadow of Rick’s departure into the CRM, and in that episode, one of the walker’s feet comes off in his hand. Because of the shoe/foot stuff around Rick, I’ve wondered if he would have a bad or messed up leg that prevented him from traveling, or if he might even lose a leg. We saw no evidence of this in this snippet of Rick, but we did see that he lacked shoes.

I think the idea is that it’s difficult to travel long distances in this world without shoes. In Inmates, Beth sees a disembodied shoe near the railroad tracks, and that’s not long before she’s taken by the Grady people, who have ties to the CRM. So, it was a foreshadow of her, for whatever reason, not being able to escape the CRM, and not being able to get back to her family. We also saw the camera zero in on Rick’s shoes on the bridge. Remember, he was dripping blood on them. Just the fact that they focused so intently on his boots is important. Of course, Michonne later found them on the boat, where they were obviously taken from him so he wouldn’t “run” or escape. They focused on Beth’s boots in the exact same way in Inmates.

Moving on. We also saw Rick wearing a CRM jacket with the three circles on them. When he realizes they’ve found him, he throws his bag onto a boat. Not sure what to make of that, but I’m sure it’s important. Obviously there are things in the bag he doesn’t want them to find. And maybe he’s thinking that when he escapes again, he’ll come back for it. But the boat symbolism is important here. They also call him “consignee” Grimes.

Consignee is an interesting term. It would be very purposefully used here. A consignee is someone to whom goods or documents are delivered. They are responsible for said goods, and sometimes responsible for selling them on behalf of the person they got them from. So, we don’t really know what this means in the context of the CRM, but it’s interesting.

The guy in the helicopter says, “Come on, Rick. It’s like HE told you (emphasis mine). There’s no escape for the living.” They’re obviously dropping hints and doing setups for Rick and the CRM. I can only assume the “no escape for the living” refers to the CRM not allowing people to leave. (You know, just like Grady?) And I totally want to know who “he” is, but they really don’t give us any clues.

They go through the whole “we’re the ones who live” thing with many characters saying it. I had hoped to see or hear Beth say it as well, but I don’t think we did. However, it didn’t occur to me until they started talking about it on the after show that there’s an inherent theme in that line. Of course it’s talking about those who are still alive. And Beth living, despite no one expecting her, would be the perfect person to apply that line to.

But in the show, “living” has always been set at odds with “surviving.” As in, surviving is just barely hanging on and doing sometimes horrible things to ensure survival. Living is entirely different. Living means being happy and at peace. It means enjoying life and building a good life with family around you. Beth was all about living. At Grady, she even says to Edwards, “you call this living?” So the fact that they emphasized this theme so much at the end and that it ties directly to something Beth said at Grady is significant.

They also did another montage at the end where all the actors thanked the fans. We saw Emily there as well, just for one clip where she says, “the fans.” And once again, we saw lots of both living and deceased characters there, so we can’t point to it as a smoking gun or anything, but Beth really was included in a lot of ways here.

So, I think that’s all I have from the episode. Let’s talk quickly about the after show.

I didn’t write down tons from it. There were lots of tears and laughs and stories, and I found it very enjoyable to watch. Not tons of TD stuff, though.

Chris did say several times that there is still so much story left to tell. That’s their way of saying the characters aren’t going anywhere and we have tons more to go over. Imho, that includes Beth.

Josh/Eugene made a joke about Eugene being the last man standing. He said there was a cut scene where Eugene shot everyone so he could be that. Just a joke, but it also seemed to me that they purposely had someone bring up this line. The line that Beth said to Daryl. And remember how much Eugene has been a proxy for Daryl this season, searching for his lost love in Max.

Something Caley/Judith said reminded me of something Emily said on the TTD after Coda. Chris asked Cailey about filming that final episode. She talked about how she was injured for the whole thing, so instead of running around like Judith usually does, she was “pale, and basically dead” the entire episode. Kind of an odd thing to say since, to the average viewer, Judith was never terribly close to death. Yes, it was a major, traumatic injury, and Daryl and Carol were clearly terrified for Judith’s welfare. But even so, at no time did the show make us believe Judith wasn’t going to make it. It always seemed she would, at least for present.

But Cailey’s words reminded me of how Emily described filming the final scene of Coda where Daryl carries Beth out. She jokingly said that it was, “an easy scene for me” because she just had to lay there and play dead. So, not only were the sequences with Beth and Judith being shot ridiculously similar in the episode, the two actresses even described them similarly afterward on TTD.

The only other major note I had is that, in talking about Dead City, Lauren Cohan mentioned Christmas. They asked what was great about the show, and she got kind of flustered and obviously didn’t want to say too much. She was just trying to convey that it’s great and she’s having fun doing it, but she says, “what’s good about Christmas?” I don’t know. I’m not 100% saying this was an intentional mention for the sake of TD symbolism, but it certainly felt kind of off-the-wall and out of the blue to me.

Again, they didn’t really talk to Emily. She stood on stage with everyone at the end, but so did lots of other actors they didn’t talk to, like Lenny James, Alanna Masterson, and more. So, disappointing that we didn’t get to see more of her, but I still think a lot of this stuff is suspicious. And as I said before, I think they were more trying to focus on what happened in the flagship show, rather than what’s coming next.

That’s it for this episode. Anything I missed?

[smallpuppy]

Rambling

I've been hunting for us to have a house lately. I know, I know, the market sucks, but surprisingly my husband and I are in a very lucky place to be able to afford one. Ideally. The housing market in our hometown has gone through the roof in pricing. Interest rates are maddening. We both want to stay relatively close to our hometown since my job is literally a 4 minute walk from my mom's house, and he wants to be close to his job one town over but also close to his parents who are much older and having trouble traveling far and at night. The people who have been moving into the expensive homes of our neighborhood are so...unfriendly. I've been getting negative looks from patrons when I appear in the local food places now as the demographics have shifted. I told my husband it's important not only that we stay here for the families, but to show that we've been here, we're not leaving, our families have been here for many decades, we have every right to remain here just like they had every right to move here. Not my fault they feel so offended by us existing.

---

Since we're in a place to finally start trying for a baby again, I'd prefer to be close to my mom since she will be my only help. My brother is moving across the country next month with his family, my oldest sister moved 2+ hours away, and on the husband's side my sister in-laws and nieces all live 2+ hours away as well. The cousin I'd trust the most to help me out is stuck at home due to a horrible injury that is taking a long time for her to recover from, and only one of my friends has a child, and they live over an hour away. The rest of my friends aren't interested in matters pertaining to babies or children. I feel kind of weird knowing that in the future if I am granted a child, that I'll have to find mom friends. The idea of making friends with women has always scared me as I've not really had luck befriending or maintaining friendships with cis-women even through childhood. The very few I still have, I'm surprised they still even talk to me considering the awkwardness I throw out around them. My mom is excited at the prospect, at least. She's planning on retiring finally next year and hopes that she will have all the time in the world to help me out, just like Mima did for her when I was born.

[sofasoap]

YESSSSSS I BEEN WAITING FOR THISSSS

“Fucking burrs, I warned you,” he murmured, leaning over where you were trapped on the LoveSac to kiss your forehead. He nosed gently at your temple, breathing in the scent of you. “They’ll need to get up soon anyway.”

the boys love their mama bear too much. do not disturb snuggle time!!

It wasn’t like you were some wilting wife staring mournfully out to sea waiting on her husband.  You snorted softly at the mental image. Yeah, no thanks. Not for you. 

now i have this image of, black and white cinema, with all the noises/scratches on the screen, mama bear dashing towards the pier, sobbing away and waving her handkerchief

“You know, when I said your stuff wouldn’t be any trouble, I might have misjudged.” Logan glowered at you from where he stood in the middle of a storage room, which was currently stuffed with your stuff from your apartment.  “I did tell you I didn’t need the furniture,” you pointed out, leaning in the doorframe. 

bit like grown up kid moving out from their parents... but still have tons of shit left in their childhood home ( .... oops thats me. )

He sniffed you, leaning in closer, until he made a face and took a step back. “Really, kid?”

AH his overly sensitive smell can sense it!!!

Finally, he set a coffee in front of you, took a deep breath, and blurted out, “You’re pregnant, kid.”  You blinked, suddenly quite aware of why he’d had you sit down. You grabbed the table to make sure you weren’t swaying. “I’m… what?” 

way to deliver the news, Logan * face palm *

yes Mama bear, you are carrying a little cub.

“It’ll be fine.” Logan reached over to take one of your hands. “And if it’s not you’ll come here.”

“You can’t travel alone.” “I’m pregnant, not dying!” “Don’t care, you’re not traveling alone.”

PROTECTIVE DAD MODE *SOB* Logan ----

“Missed me, hm?” he teased, kissing the top of your head. “I’m pregnant.” You didn’t think. Just blurted the words out.  “...come again?”  You pulled back, looking up at him. “I’m pregnant.” 

of course we miss you VERY MUCH John... and hahahaha like father like daughter.. just BLURT IT OUT.

When he pulled back, his eyes were damp, and he was grinning wider than you’d ever seen. “That must be why…” He trailed off, pressing his forehead to yours and breathing deep again. 

what were you gonna say John? did you smell something different too? or the two boys subconsciously more clingy towards their mama bear?? or was mama bear bit more needy in bed -- * dragged away *

But he didn’t take you back to his office. He took you to his room.  There was very little talking involved in the next couple hours. 

😏😏😏😏😏💕💕💕💕💕💕

The other three started to come in, and stopped. Well, to be more accurate, Gaz stopped short, Ghost stopped just shy of hitting him, and Soap walked right into Ghost’s back and swore before peeking between the two. 

I LOVE the reaction from three of them. gaz and soap? so them with trying to twirl mama bear around LOL.

AWWW Ghost you initiated a hug!! like a cat : hum, human, you should feel privileged i granted you a hug.

It wasn’t all sunshine and daisies, and you were no saint. But the pack made it work. 

I can imagine the pregnancy hormone throwing things out of whack.... and how patient the boys will be with mama bear.

. You’d never thought you’d see John cry, but he’d surprised you.  Now, though, you three had a little peace. Your little girl slept against your chest, John hovering over the both of you. 

aww John... little family of three.... but a pack of six now :)

Think she’ll be a bear like you?”  “Probably.” John huffed softly. “Too soon to tell. We’ll find out soon enough.”

the day little cub shifted into bear form.... price will be such a proud daddy. " that's my girl ----- "

“Ready for all the extra mischief?” You couldn’t help but smile, already thinking of all the trouble she’d get into with Gaz and Soap. 

Papa bear and mama bear : Price and Reader Logan the grandpa sensible brother : Ghost teaching bad shit brother : Gaz and soap

“Won’t stop me from doing it anyway.” John rumbled soothingly, pressing closer to you both. 

that protective instinct just kicks in. no one will harm his family. no one will harm his pack.

you know, i have image of the boys in shifted form, sleeping beside their baby sister's crib. or snuck INTO the crib and curl up beside her... Oh man. thank you SO SO SO much for bringing us this little life drabble. love, every, bit. of it. AHHHHH * sob and cry *

Born for Greatness bonus 4

Find the series masterlist

FINALLY putting out the last bonus chapter for this series! This can be canon or can be discarded as you like, as it doesn't effect the main storyline at all.

Warnings: Pregnancy, unplanned pregnancy, probably rose-colored tbh, established relationship, established pack, shifter behavior, swearing, Logan has to learn a whole new interrogation method.

Word count: 1.8k

Soap and Gaz both murmured sleepily when you tried to nudge them off, nestling closer in retaliation. You looked to John for help, but he just shrugged. 

“Fucking burrs, I warned you,” he murmured, leaning over where you were trapped on the LoveSac to kiss your forehead. He nosed gently at your temple, breathing in the scent of you. “They’ll need to get up soon anyway.”

You sighed but gave in, a little reluctantly. “Five minutes, then I’m kicking them off.”

“Good luck.” John smirked at you, pressing one more kiss to your forehead before he left to go do his own preparations. Which is really what you should be pushing these two to do, but they clearly didn’t want to.

John hadn’t been sure how long they’d be gone this time. More than a week, he’d said with an apologetic little grimace, but he didn’t know more than that. 

Which was fine. You’d fly out to Logan, take care of some stuff there, maybe pick up a few etiquette classes or do some community work. It wasn’t like you were some wilting wife staring mournfully out to sea waiting on her husband. 

You snorted softly at the mental image. Yeah, no thanks. Not for you. 

You left shortly after they did, humming to yourself as you went through security and then waited for the plane. The trip was long, but worth it. 

And this time, you were giving Logan a taste of his own medicine and showing up unannounced. So you got a cab out to his property. 

Which was, of course, cold. Because the weirdo liked Canada. 

You fished out your house key and opened the door. “Logan?” 

There was a thump and a swear from further in the house. You grinned and headed that way. 

“You know, when I said your stuff wouldn’t be any trouble, I might have misjudged.” Logan glowered at you from where he stood in the middle of a storage room, which was currently stuffed with your stuff from your apartment. 

“I did tell you I didn’t need the furniture,” you pointed out, leaning in the doorframe. 

“The bookcases are nice, don’t wanna get rid of those.” Logan narrowed his eyes at you, head tipping as he approached. You paused, watching him, because this was not normal. He sniffed you, leaning in closer, until he made a face and took a step back. “Really, kid?”

“What?” You resisted the urge to sniff your own arm, because you knew it wouldn’t work. 

He blinked. Twice. “Oh fuck.” He rubbed one hand down his face, gaze flitting around the room, before he deflated a little and sighed. “Okay. Kitchen. Go.” 

Confused, you went, because this? You needed to know what this was about. 

Logan made coffee (he didn’t do tea) and growled at you every time you so much as tried to get up from your chair. So you just sat, utterly perplexed, and watched. 

Finally, he set a coffee in front of you, took a deep breath, and blurted out, “You’re pregnant, kid.” 

You blinked, suddenly quite aware of why he’d had you sit down. You grabbed the table to make sure you weren’t swaying. “I’m… what?” 

“I can tell.” He tapped his nose meaningfully. “I’ll drive into town and get some things for you.” 

“I’ll go, might as well,” you said, more out of habit than actual desire. 

And three tests later (you still had another pack to take in a few days), you were once again sitting at the kitchen table, more or less in shock. 

“I take it this wasn’t planned.” Logan nudged your foot with his, frowning a little. 

“Nope. Hadn’t even talked about it.” You breathed in slowly, trying not to freak out. 

“It’ll be fine.” Logan reached over to take one of your hands. “And if it’s not you’ll come here.”

You huffed. “You have a way of making things seem much more simple than they actually are,” you mumbled, though you couldn’t help but smile. 

“All depends how you look at it.” Logan shrugged. “You’ll be fine, one way or the other. You’ve got time and space here to think about what you wanna do. If you wanna keep the cub or not.” 

You put your head down on the table and whimpered. 

True to his word, though, Logan gave you all the time and space you wanted, letting you figure shit out. He offered opinions (sometimes wanted, sometimes not). And when you got too caught up in your own head, he bullied you onto the couch, turned on a movie, and shifted and laid across your lap. 

It was oddly effective. 

You had an entire month to sort yourself out. 

And then John texted, saying they were on their way back to base. 

Logan didn’t quite sit on you but he threatened to, glowering at you until you cooperated and then booking tickets for the two of you back to England. 

(“You can’t travel alone.”

“I’m pregnant, not dying!”

“Don’t care, you’re not traveling alone.”

“I hate you.”

“I know.”) 

Logan stayed with you the entire time, calm as always. His calm seemed to directly increase in relation to your anxiety. Which was… something to think about later. 

For now you were just grateful he wasn’t biting your head off. 

John had volunteered to pick you up, so of course he was waiting for you, car idling, leaning back against the hood as he patiently scanned the crowds for you. 

You didn’t actually track the steps you took to get to John. You were in front of Logan one minute, and in John’s arms the next. He rumbled a soft laugh as he squeezed you gently. 

“Missed me, hm?” he teased, kissing the top of your head.

“I’m pregnant.” You didn’t think. Just blurted the words out. 

“...come again?” 

You pulled back, looking up at him. “I’m pregnant.” 

John was very, very still for the longest half-dozen heartbeats of your life. He blinked. His mouth opened. Then closed. You swallowed hard, sudden nerves clenching around your heart. 

And then he was hugging you even tighter, face hidden against the top of your head, murmuring too quietly for you to understand. 

When he pulled back, his eyes were damp, and he was grinning wider than you’d ever seen. “That must be why…” He trailed off, pressing his forehead to yours and breathing deep again. 

“Alright, you two,” Logan said loudly, blatantly interrupting you. “Figure it out later.” 

You huffed and shot him a nasty look before giving John a quick kiss. “We should head back,” you agreed, a little reluctantly. 

Of course then John took your luggage and fussed over your seatbelt and wouldn’t stop glancing at you the entire drive back. Logan, the absolute bastard, was laughing to himself in the back seat. 

“You go say hi to the boys,” you told Logan sternly once John had parked. “You and I need to actually discuss this, I guess.” You looked at John. 

“Alright.” He didn’t even sound freaked out, much more under control again. 

But he didn’t take you back to his office. He took you to his room. 

There was very little talking involved in the next couple hours. 

You did insist on a shower before going to see the rest of the pack. 

You did not tell the rest of the pack about the baby just yet. You wanted to do something a little more nice for them than just blurting it out. (You’d feel bad about telling John that way but he was too smug already.) 

So you enlisted Logan’s help, getting him to go take your entire pack on a run. You took the time to decorate the pack room with some balloons you’d run off base for, a cake, and a little banner you hung off the table. You had enough time to question all your life choices before they came back. 

Logan looked in first, grinned, and moved to a prime spot to get pictures. John was next, huffing softly but his gaze soft as he looked at you.

The other three started to come in, and stopped. Well, to be more accurate, Gaz stopped short, Ghost stopped just shy of hitting him, and Soap walked right into Ghost’s back and swore before peeking between the two. 

Silence. Complete silence. It lasted just long enough for you to wonder if you’d made a mistake, if they weren’t okay with this, if this was a bad thing after all–

Gaz whooped and grabbed you, picking you up off your feet in a spinning hug. You squeaked, more surprised than anything. 

He didn’t even set you down. Just handed you straight to Soap, who also spun you around while holding you tight. Then he deposited you in front of Ghost. 

Ghost blinked down at you before slowly, carefully initiating a hug. You melted. He never initiated.

“So, I take it you guys are fine with this?” you asked, only a little choked up, still leaning into Ghost. 

“To put it mildly,” Gaz agreed, grin clear in his voice. He plastered himself to your back, joining in the hug shamelessly and ignoring Ghost's little annoyed growl. And then Soap jumped in too and you were laughing as the pile of you tipped precariously. 

"Alright, you muppets," John grumbled, fond amusement clear in his voice. "That's enough." It didn't take long before he was gently tugging you away from the boys. 

It wasn’t all sunshine and daisies, and you were no saint. But the pack made it work. 

Until the day you were finally cradling a little girl against you. So far Logan was keeping the rest of the pack at bay, so you and John had half a chance to meet your baby in peace. You’d never thought you’d see John cry, but he’d surprised you. 

Now, though, you three had a little peace. Your little girl slept against your chest, John hovering over the both of you. 

“She’s perfect, love,” John murmured, tipping his head to rest his cheek against your temple. 

“She is.” You smiled, exhausted, leaning further back into the bed. “Think she’ll be a bear like you?” 

“Probably.” John huffed softly. “Too soon to tell. We’ll find out soon enough.” He touched the back of one tiny hand with one finger, impossibly gentle. 

“Ready for all the extra mischief?” You couldn’t help but smile, already thinking of all the trouble she’d get into with Gaz and Soap. 

“Be good practice for them,” John rumbled, amused. “It’ll be fine, love.”

“I know.” You yawned, struggling to keep your eyes open now. “Trust you.” 

“Go to sleep, love. I’ll keep watch.” 

You managed to open one eye to shoot him an amused look. “The pack is literally outside ready to take on anything,” you pointed out. “You don’t need to keep watch.”

“Won’t stop me from doing it anyway.” John rumbled soothingly, pressing closer to you both. 

“Ridiculous man.” But you smiled as you closed your eyes again, heart full to overflowing. The security of having the pack outside and your mate next to you made it easy to drift to sleep.

[mirrorballwhoistrying]

The 2 Parts of March (01/04/23)

I thought I could come up here with something strong, bold, and a bang for March, but the reality is often disappointing. March used to be a really special month. I don’t why so many significant events in my life happened in March. January and February are like trial months, and the year officially kicks off in March. This year seems to be different. 

I’ve lived an interesting month in February already, so I don’t need the high in March. I guess we don’t need to wait until a specific time or month to live our lives to the fullest. I made the right decision to go all in February. 

At work, there was one piece of content for Women’s Day that went viral. This month started off with a rookie starter. I was so anxious preparing for the NRD2023. It’s been 3 years since the last one and 4 years since the 1st one. There were no books and V was busy with her own work. It began to throw me off so much. The process to find books wasn’t easy. We even considered going to Vietnam or Kampot to find the books. We found a local supplier. The price was okay but there were no exceptional books in the selection, but the time was near. 

I always planned this month to be when I would visit Thailand. Well, it was the week before NRD2023 but realistically, I couldn’t bring myself to go anywhere when I hadn’t prepared the books. Therefore, I stayed anyway, but something hit me to plan a trip to Vietnam. 

The NRD2023 was here and the first day I wasn’t there. There weren’t enough books to sell, and V was getting on everyone’s nerves. The 2nd and 3rd days were a bit better. I thought it would hit 1K sales but when I recount the money, it was like 20$ short. Well, it is what it is. The friendship stain was serious. Everyone on the team was mad at V. I just shut myself up during the dinner. Well, I didn’t know what to do with this business onwards. 

The following month, I really went to Vietnam. I’m really glad that I did because the following weekends were all occupied. It was an okay trip. I stayed around a busy area of Ho Chi Minh. I spent a lot as a solo traveler. I also went to G suana. it was an okay experience. There were many hot g and naked, but it was dark. 

Then I also went to G bars. The first night was stupid. I was so awkward and didn’t talk to anyone. I missed out on many cute guys. help!! The 2nd night got better. I talked to several people and even kept in touch, but the remarkable thing was I could visit my aunt’s memorial after 4 years on the 8th anniversary of her passing away. 

Now, coming back to reality. I had to prepare to post the bipolar disorder video. it’s been in the dungeon for 2 years. It’s about damn time. B SH refused to post on his platform. I respect his decision though because there are some violent parts that might not be suitable., but he helped me reach out to Untangle. A good senior as always! while I’m a disappointing junior. 

I created a new page and posted those materials. The poster garnered quite a lot of attention. It was pressure because I feel like the video couldn’t live up to it. It is what it is. The video was posted and was a total flop. 

The lesson I learned from this is to stop overthinking and over-expecting everything. Stop putting all my eggs into one basket. If I posted that video last year, I could have moved on to doing other stuff. it’s a valuable lesson like the one I’m trying to carry this year “Don’t polish the doorknobs so long you forgot to open the door” It is what it is. Let the world see and move on.

This is the lesson for this entire month too I think. I did what I’ve eager to do and receive the result. Nothing worst, nothing best. I also did other stuff too like registered for IELTS. I did not prepare for AAS at all! The AFP also opened! my schedule is ruined. I also need to do the work for a small grant catalyst. 

I forgot to update you that I got 3 videos with over 10K views on my Tik Tok too. small victory! The first consultant work I did is almost finished and I’d receive payment soon. Some progress is not noticeable but quite significant. I need to give myself flowers.  I also should learn not to place all my expectations on one thing while neglecting all other beautiful things that could happen unexpectedly.  April is looking to be fully occupied again. the IELTS, AFP application & AAS & small grant catalyst. huhu! Will all my hard work add up to anything or not? We’d see. 

[taediuswrites]

Annie.

A personal piece of my Vampire: the Masquerade character Vincent Moore and his Touchstone, Annie.

--

The whistle of a kettle near to boiling over fills the cramped air of the RV. A hand is raised, swiping it off of the heat and granting blessed silence once more.

Vince never quite understood tea. Even in his most lively of times, he could never stand the taste of it- ‘s’basically hot bitter water’, he had been known to say.  Of course, none of that mattered now. A distinct lack of life made the consuming of any form of liquid pointless. No matter the taste, if he liked it or not? Right back out the maw the moment it’s swallowed down. 

Fuckin’ vamps, man. Of all the shitty things, can’t even take a nip. Ugh.

The kettle is set down on the tiny countertop that made up his RV’s kitchenette, and a drawer is swung open to rummage. From it, a small tin- well-worn and more than a bit beaten out of shape- is produced. A teabag is brought out from it, placed in a mug, and the boiling water is poured atop it. Back onto the stove with the kettle, and he moves towards the couch not two steps away to slump down into it.

Why was he, one of the Kindred, of the eternal undead, making tea, of all things? There was only one reason, of course. His eyes slowly raised to the other end of the RV, where his meager sleeping quarters sat. It was not him that was using that bed (and he rarely used it anyway, outside of the fact that it was perfectly blocked from the sun). No, it was another.

Annie.

Traveling through the darkness was the only way that one like him could go about daily activities. Everyone knew that when the sun fell, the most dangerous and depraved activities began, and no sensible person would go out of their way to walk around when the moon and stars are out. He was not, by any stretch of the word, ‘sensible’, which made it only natural even before his Embrace. But more apt to the reason he had prowled last night was in search of another person bereft of their senses… despite his better efforts. 

Those who were under the thrall of drug use could not exactly trade in their preferred wares in broad daylight, and it was most common that he could find their dens after-hours. Annie was predictable- when she was in a bad place, she could be found in one of three places. Under the bridge by a little river; in a shed skirting the edge of the abandoned factory district and the town itself; or in a small shed that served as a ramshackle crack den. It did not take him long to find her, for the first option was the correct one.

Finding her alone, unconscious against the stones and perilously close to the river, is what nearly set him to find the ones responsible. But no- he had to restrain himself. Bloodshed would not solve it.

That time. It happens again, we got another fuckin’ issue.

Vince rises from the chair again, once more stepping to the kitchenette. His footfalls are heavy, only just barely not firm enough to rock the vehicle. God, but it all pissed him off. The cabinet doors are flung open as he grinds his teeth, metal creaking, wood splintering. No one ever treated folk like her right. Yeah, she slipped- so what? Don’t mean she’s supposed to be left on the fuckin’ rocks. Get her some damn help, not throw her to the fuckin’ wolves. Another tin is taken out, slammed down on the counter-

His head snaps to the side just in time to hear a surprised gasp from the bedroom.

Shit.

Vince shuts his eyes, and a deep breath is pulled in. Rouse the Blood. Hearken to Humanity. Call upon the Blush of Life. Color begins to return to his cheeks, after so very, very long of unnatural paleness. The veneer of a heartbeat pounds in his chest. God help him, but that’s uncomfy these days. The mug and the tin are picked up, and he carries himself swiftly to the door.

“Ann?” he calls out, voice quiet and calm. “S’all good- it’s Vin. You’re in the RV- y’decent?”

Silence hangs like a heavy curtain for a moment. The brief shuffling of sheets is what he hears first. After that, a quiet voice. “... yeah.”

The door is pushed open with his shoulder, and it takes but a step to bring him to the side of the bed. It was effectively a closet within the RV itself; sun-blocking black curtains hang over the singular window, with the bed itself bearing similar colors. Annie herself was wrapped up in the darkened sheets, both hands raised to her face. Thin hands rub at dark-ringed eyes of green. Long blonde hair remains ratty from a lack of chance to shower, to say nothing of the situation she had been in not an hour or two prior. Exhaustion is writ across her visage, displayed as clear as the state of borderline-emaciation she held. A woman of eighteen, and she looked like she was already a foot into the grave.

God, if that wasn’t familiar. Vince draws in slow, gradual breaths; he forces his expression into a soft smile, offering both tea and cookies over. No words are shared just yet- he waits for her to accept them, which she does after a short moment of staring.

“... m’sorry.”

His head shakes from side to side. A calloused finger rises to sweep some of her hair from her face, tucking it behind an ear. “What happened, huh? How’d the bit at the station go?”

Both of her shaky hands curl around the mug, raising it to her lips to take a long draught. His eyes focus on her as a shudder rolls through her body. “They turned me down. Said I didn’t have what it took. It- it got to me, Vin.”

“Dumbasses and liars, the lot of ‘em, but…” A singular bark of a laugh comes free from his lips, and he sits down on the bedside proper. I told you, y’can just come here. You don’t gotta- y’know.” No gestures or gesticulations are made. He knew. So did she.

“I know, I know, but-”

“Nah, no buts.” The back of one of his knuckles ever-so-gently tap-taps to the side of her head, causing Annie’s face to scrunch up in a pout. “We’re tryin’ t’get you off that shit, alright? These jackwagons like t’test, and we can’t have that failin’ ya. You’re better than that, Ann.”

Annie slumps back against the sheets, a long exhale flaring her nostrils out. Eyes flick off to the side, towards the window, and silence reigns again as she sits. One hand removes itself from the mug, and she takes one of the tea biscuits , raising it to quivering lips. “... yeah. I’ll- yeah.”

“That’s m’girl.” Her hair is tousled with a flick of his hand, and he rises back up to standing. “Drink up, get some more rest. I’ll drop y’off soon, alright? We’ll get you a shower, too- gotta look presentable.”

As Annie curls back up into the sheets, her eyes roll. But the ghost of a smile takes to her lips, and she turns away to nestle in. Vince exits with another wide step, door softly shutting behind him.

… and a hand runs down his face.

Fuck. Gotta get her better. Find her something nicer. For her sake. And, just a bit, for his own too.