#hate that i dropped some bombshells in the story and there was like... very little reaction

[enniewritesathing]

[luckyythirteen]

Hi, I hope it's okay to yap about Wesker and Willsker, if you don't like that or you prefer questions I am sorry 😅 but I just came across your account and I liked it :3

I learned about Wesker by Dead by Daylight and I liked his style and voice XD then I started to look up RE lore (only knew of the live Action movies, I never watched them but I knew it's Zombie stuff)

And tbh he's a piece of sh*t but his story, his style, the stuff he sometimes says ("Oh, Chris, little fishy, come see my hook") and his flamboyance are really entertaining

And when I learned that THIS egoistic guy had an actual friend I was pleasantly surprised!! Tbh they are kinda a comfort ship for me... Two evil dudes and lab partners and no one else can stand them XD I would love to see more canon stuff about their relationship... But I am sure RE devs etc will focus on other stuff :( I guess I have to check out A03 (if I were Capcom I would make more Wesker and Birkin centric stuff.. But I do not think it would turn out well but I am often interested in stories the actual writers aren't interested in XD) but Umbrella school or Arklay Labs stories would be great...

Some stuff about them as teenagers :3

(and this Rebecca pic sh*t is really annoying af tbh I try to ignore that, it's stupid unfunny and unnecessary jokes and humor by the devs and it never plays a role in canon, I hope it stays that way, keeping it in the remake was also disgusting and unnecessary🙄 I just stay in my bubble where they do not joke about it and show actual interest in Wesker and his canonically meaningful relationships :))

Feel free to yap about wesker! I 100% second all of this. His flamboyant personality and straight up goofy villainous nature intrigues me. Willsker will be my #1 ship with him I loved doomed toxic unrequited love 🗣🗣🗣 !! I'm disappointed a lot of Wesker stuff within the fandom is just thirsting, which I get it, he's a hot guy and everyone creams their pants over him lmao. But like he genuinely has such an interesting backstory, but Capcom dropped the ball on elaborating anything regarding it. Just "Oh yeah btw Wesker is actually a human trafficking victim who was indoctrinated into a cult and groomed to have these ideals! That's half the reason why he's so fucked up. Oh, you want us to elaborate on that? Fuck you he's dead LOL". which is lame as hell like you can't just drop that major bombshell then never go in depth?? It makes him a tragic character. It changes the whole fucking narrative with him bro, like I 100% think he should die in the end still but it spins him from "Oh look he's the mastermind of Umbrella and caused all this Just Because™️" to "Wesker is another victim of Umbrella and is perpetuating their ideals and never had control in all his life, he desires power and is driving himself mad trying to gain it. He has grown into the very thing he hates by trying to reclaim a semblance of control in his life after realizing he was a manufactured bioweapon." Bruh.

[mediumtires]

bestie pls i need more christian/toto content, a drabble, a ramble, long tags, just SOMETHING!! you have me hooked and now i'm addicted i've read 7 years so many times it's embarrassing

ok hear me out you guys keep asking and i don’t have anything proper that i could offer you just yet BUT i saw an ask a while ago where someone said lewis isn’t going to renew his contract next year and saying “i won’t join another team” isn’t saying “i’ll be here next year i trust this team” etc etc etc and like, i hate myself for it but walk with me for a second here……………..

Lewis is the one to drop the bombshell of his retirement. Not his camp, not Merc, not PR. There is no tidy Instagram post in black and teal, no quote on quote, no text box announcing the retirement of one of the greatest. It’s Lewis who types it up, a hundred words max, and before he puts it on his story he calls Toto and lets him know.

Toto is in his office in Brackley, behind his big desk, glass walls, open door policy, looking out at a bunch of his employees steadily working away and none of them realise, none of them understand what is happening in the very moment he picks up the phone, what it does to him to hear the words, “I’m sorry man” and “I don’t wanna be the next Alonso” and “I can’t do another season of this” and “I need to let it go”. Toto’s world shifts, bends, and slowly glides off its axis. A funny joke, he thinks at first, before the realisation hits.

Toto has experienced many a crisis in his life. Some of them more serious, more real than others, but each one of them prepared him for the next, for what’s to come. His body catches up quicker than his brain. It’s the physical signs first, of going into fight or flight. Blood pumping, trouble breathing, sweaty hands, mouth dry. Racing heart. Funny expression. A racing heart. He’s always thought of himself as having a racer’s heart, especially in moments like this. He can calm himself, he can self regulate. He can manipulate himself, breathe through it, pretend he’s behind the wheel, pretend this is a life or death split second kind of decision calling for nothing but calm and steady hands.

He does; breathe through it. If there is one thing he is, steadfast and unswerving, it’s a leader. Responsibility sits tight in his neck as he seeks out his team, first the closest five, then senior personnel. He is not going to make this into a huge thing - it is - but he will have to make his people aware before Lewis lets the rest of the world in on his secret. Word is going to spread fast.

It does; spread fast. Toto was given an hour. He uses it wisely, types out a company wide announcement, and then another email, a more personal one, to the PR department. Tells them to leave things until tomorrow. There is no point in rushing this.

Toto leaves his office at 5 on the dot. Turns off his computer, does not take any documents, does not take any work to look at later, just shoves his travel mug into his bag, grabs his jacket and makes sure to turn the lights off on his way out.

When he gets home, Christian’s Range Rover is parked where it’s always parked, in the left space next to the stone steps leading up to the front door. It stands a little wonky today, the left front tyre kissing the grass. It’s an unusual sight. Christian is very particular about his car, and his lawn.

The dogs yap at his feet when Toto walks through the door, drops his shit on the sideboard with no mind to clean up after himself. He drags his feet through the foyer and into the kitchen. It’s still light out, it’s July, and Christian has opened the patio doors to let the warm summer breeze in.

His face has something critical to it when he locks eyes with Toto, crow’s feet deeper than usual as he watches him approach. Toto can feel the weight of his gaze on him, how he drags it up his body, down, up again, only to settle on his face for good.

“Colleague or husband?” Christian asks.

“Husband,” Toto says and folds himself into Christian’s opening arms, tucks his face into the crook of his neck and inhales deeply, allowing himself to just close his eyes and breathe. No need for pretences here. Car in the gravel, engine off, steering wheel dislodged and hands in his lap. It’s okay if his fingers shake. Christian knows he’s not a racer by heart.

[unitchiefs-blackbirdphoenix]

I really hate that Jeid Story line.

And not just bc it's literally pulled out of the air. But also because they've ruin the picture of their friendship. I know their friendship is discussed much but this is just a matter of principle for me. The fandom knows (even if not everyone sees them as that close) that they are best friends. It's implied, they say it and it's shown. So WHY ruin that?!

There are always so many discussions about that a man and a woman can't be best friends, someone will always want more and all that crap. But they made it happened. They could've been around with eachother, could tease eachother and could get over difficult times with eachother. They fight and they have made up again after some time. Bc that's how friendships works. And ngl I really liked their friendship. Even when they weren't getting along (but not the arguments in their fight in s7!!!) bc that's also happens in friendships. And then they ruind it with JJ having feelings for Spencer?! The guy she always saw as a little brother?! They guy with who she could have gone on a date with but turned it into something that she, him AND Garcia went to?! (And about that it really like they forgot about their own plot. Like, if she would've really had feelings for him why woukd she ruin her chance to have a date with him? Thatw as just crap.)

Why ruin the picture of their friendship for a three ep plot?! They forced it so much and theb ruind everything that happened that happened afterwards. All their later interactions were shadowed by this one unnecessary love confession. They could've done everything else with JJ. she could have dropped the bombshell that she and Will broke up if they wanted to play it that way or it's complicated between them. But why this bs with Spencer? Why him?!

Yes! I don’t personally see them as even “best friends” but I agree that it should be fine that a man and a woman can be friends/best friends without some sort of weird sexual or romantic tension between them. And JJ for sure has always seen him as a little brother, and Reid’s feelings honestly seemed more one-sided throughout the show.

And for some reason, the writers were up their asses with the story from Hamelin (14x12). Erica Messer (showrunner) didn’t approve it at first bc she said they were like siblings, until the writers convinced her it will work and she ended up greenlighting it. And of course, you have MGG who loves the idea and was excited for it whereas AJ absolutely hated it bc it would ruin her character, and she’s very protective of JJ. AJ literally admitted she had to be “talked down the ledge” for the jeid storyline to happen, and still gets anxious thinking about what the writers did.

[killjoygem]

I've really liked this theory ever since I first saw it. Story wise, I dont completely hate sachas master being after Missy, because the idea of someone trying so hard to be good and change only to get dropped with some new bombshell that sends them spiralling again is also a good story

But. I love the idea of the spy master being pre missy for a few reasons. One is that it would mean that they didn't go back on all the progress they made, another is that it means there's still a chance the doctor and the master could be friends in the future. I was very worried with the spy masters arc that its a sort of "no going back" kind of situation. And finally it potentially adds a little more angst because it would mean there's a good chance that Missy knew all that stuff was going to happen and deliberately didn't mention it because she knew the 12th doctor wouldn't help her if he knew

Alternatively, you could just say that for whatever reason, she didn't remember the spy master regeneration at all which is why she doesn't mention it, and believed that simm!Master would regenerate into her

back on my bs i just cant cant cant see dhawan master after missy and maybe its because i have a tendency to only want to see the good in people but i also like to think that missy at the end was good!!! she tried so hard to better herself why would she go against all that improvement and become the dhawan master??

[captainthisamerica]

Elvis Movies: Part Two

Part One Here

7) Blue Hawaii (1961) [7/10]

Probably one of his most successful movies. It’s a very fun movie. Great music, decent acting, funny and coherent plot. I love this movie, it’s fun to watch and Elvis is adorable in it. Angela Lansbury kills me as his overdramatic southern mother. Knocked some points off for the awkward parts haha, the spanking always makes me cringe. “Oversexed and underage” lol, (pointedly stares at Elvis).

8) Kid Galahad (1962) [6/10]

Not a bad movie. It’s actually pretty good, just sort of slow. Elvis is showing his acting chops in this one, very handsome in it too. Don’t have much to say on it. It was a pretty generic movie.

9) Girls! Girls! Girls! (1962) [9/10]

THIS IS MY FAVORITE ELVIS MOVIE. I love this movie so much. It’s entertaining and funny and just UGH. The lead actress is just adorable and weird and lovely. She’s not a bombshell like most of his costars and their chemistry is just WOW. The songs are great and the plot is fun! The Walls Have Ears scene is the best ever, and also when he takes her to Paradise Cove, heart eyes all over the place. One point off for the Robin character. She’s just annoying to me. Fav line, “it’s either that or live with me in sin”

10) It Happened at the Worlds Fair (1963) [7/10]

This is a cute movie. Elvis is as dreamy as ever in it. I mean, Relax, wow. Taking care of a little girl and taking her to the fair and feeding her anything she wants until she gets sick. Singing her to sleep. I love a man in a suit too. Definitely a double watcher. He just needs to drop the low life friend.

11) Fun in Acapulco (1963) [6/10]

Okay, this is what I call an eye candy movie. Elvis was in very good shape in the movie and those little swim shorts, giirrrrl. It’s an okay movie, the gymnast plot threw me off lol, definitely didn’t expect it. I’d say just watch the movie to ogle Elvis. Bossa Nova Baby is a hit.

12) Viva Las Vegas (1964) [6/10]

I had never seen this movie before so I was very surprised to see it was a full blown musical. Usually it’s just Elvis singing away. It’s a cute movie. Ann Margret is definitely adorable although I altogether LOATHE the dancing from the sixties. Just hate it. Their chemistry is definitely palpable. The story line is so-so, the dinner scene was funny.

[sebstanaddict]

Always You

Chapter 8 - Endless Summer Nights

Note : This is such a fun chapter to write. Full of fluff so be prepared 😉

Summary : A love story chronicling the love and life of Sebastian Stan and Female!Reader. Inspired by Sebastian Stan's recent love life.

In this chapter we still spend a little time in Constanta, Romania then we go back to Brooklyn and watch Sebastian's and y/n's relationship develop 😊

Pairings : Sebastian Stan x Female!Reader

Chapters :8 / 22

Chapter list >

Warning : a lot of fluff

Word count : 6.2k

Constanta, Romania - November 2021

Kissing Sebastian felt like a dream come true for y/n. She had to admit it was better than she imagined. Yes, ever since they met she did sometimes daydream about kissing him. Granted, they have kissed once, during a spin the bottle game back in college. And it felt nice, it felt right, just like right now. But there were numerous eyes looking at them back then, making her feel very nervous and now it felt like there were only the two them, so it felt different. She felt more free this time.

His tongue licked her lips, encouraging her to open her mouth. She opened it and their tongues touched for the first time, dancing in very sensual ways, giving shivers down her spine. As they continued kissing passionately her mind wander. Were they really going through with this? She felt very nervous thinking about the consequences of dating him. The fact that he was still in a PR relationship with Ana didn't help. Not to mention her easily jealous trait at one point would become a problem, she thought. She also didn't feel she was attractive enough physically. Sebastian's costars were bombshell women. She could never compete with them. And most of all, she didn't feel she would fit in his lifestyle. She was just a regular girl, having a regular 9 to 5 job. While Sebastian was an internationally famous movie star, with busy schedules and glamorous lifestyle. How was she supposed to keep up with that. Would she be able to contently stay in New York while he jetted around the world, filming movies in exotic places, kissing and seducing a different woman every time? She felt her head about to explode. Anxiety got the better of her. She broke their kiss abruptly, surprising Sebastian.

"Y/n, what's wrong?" Sebastian asked, staring at her in confusion.

"I'm sorry.. I'm just a little overwhelmed." She said slowly.

Sebastian smiled. "We'll take it slow y/n.. don't worry." He put his right hand on the side of her face, stroking her cheek and giving her a soft loving look.

"I'm.. I'm not sure about this." y/n said, her eyes full of apprehension.

"Oh, what makes you unsure?" Sebastian asked, dropping his hand and put both of his hands on her waist. He looked at her intently, trying to understand what went through y/n's mind.

"Well, first of all, you're in a PR relationship with Ana, for at least another 8 months. If we date, you would be breaking the contract." Y/n said matter of factly.

Sebastian sighed. He hated to be reminded of that. He wished he had a time machine so he could go 8 months into the future and be done with the PR relationship.

"I know, but we can work something out. People know we're friends, so even if they see us together they wouldn't think it's something to be suspicious about. Unless we do a little PDA then that's different." he chuckled.

Y/n smiled. She didn't mind showing a little PDA with Sebastian, but they couldn't do it until the contract was over, which made her a little sad.

"Well, even if we can keep it a secret, I'm still having some doubts. I mean.. we're so good as best friends, Seb.. what if our relationship doesn't work out? I don't want to lose you as my best friend." she stated sadly.

"Well neither do I y/n. I guess we just have to work hard keeping our relationship going so that we never have to break up." he winked at her, making her blush. Was he saying they should get married? Okay, that definitely made her even more nervous.

"I don't know Seb.. our lifestyles are so different. I feel I could never keep up with you." y/n said.

"Y/n.. I get what you're saying. But I've never felt so strongly about anyone but you. You have no idea how long I have waited for this moment. To be with you is all I ever want." Sebastian said. He cupped his hands on the sides of her face, his eyes looked at hers, trying to convey to her how much he wanted them to be together no matter what problems they may face.

Y/n's heart melted listening to his confession. However her anxiety about the whole situation got the better of her. She needed time to think and process things.

"Seb, I love you. But..can you give me some time to think?" y/n said carefully, looking up at him, hoping he would understand.

Sebastian sighed, he couldn't understand what was it that made y/n doubted getting into a relationship with him. But he loved her so much. He wanted her to be happy and comfortable entering their relationship, not forced and pressed into doing it by him. So he decided to give her the time she needed.

"Okay, if that's what you need." he said.

"Thank you, Seb. I really appreciate it." y/n smiled.

She stood on her tiptoe and gave him a quick kiss on the lips, but he pulled her instead into a long and deep kiss, making her feel like she was on cloud nine.

"Seb.. stop.." she said after awhile, breaking the kiss.

Sebastian looked at her in disappointment but he stopped nonetheless.

"I'm sorry. I couldn't help myself y/n.." he said, looking at her with longing in his eyes.

"I'm sorry too, Seb.. I just need some time, okay?" y/n said, looking up at him, hoping he would understand.

"Yeah, okay. Let's go find something to eat. It's almost time for dinner. I know a great place to have dinner." Sebastian said, taking y/n's hand and guided her away from the fence.

They walked away from the Casino towards a three story beautifully designed modern building located not far from there. It was a restaurant called The View. The sun had set and the night had come. The restaurant's colorful lights on the rooftop beckoned everyone who passed to come visit. Sebastian took y/n to the rooftop of the restaurant. Breathtaking view of the sea and the Casino welcomed them. They took a seat near the balcony. Even though it was cold and windy, the view and the atmosphere was worth it. It was Sunday night, but the place was thankfully not too crowded. There was a live band playing top 40 songs on the rooftop. Giving the place a nice lively atmosphere.

Sebastian ordered tuna steak while y/n ordered calamari. They were delicious and beautifully plated. Since it was kind of cold, they ordered hot chocolate to warm them up. For dessert they shared a slice of decadent chocolate cake. It was the best chocolate cake y/n had ever tasted. Just as they finished their dessert, the band started playing a romantic 80's ballad. Sebastian laughed listening to the band.

"What is it?" y/n asked, curious why Sebastian would laugh.

"They're playing Richard Marx's Endless Summer Nights." Sebastian said.

"Oh.. okay.. what about it?" y/n asked.

"You know how I was filming Fresh early this year?" Sebastian asked, referring to a movie he had shot early that year.

"Yeah.." y/n replied.

"Well, it's a bit of a spoiler but this song is one of the soundtrack. Daisy and I danced with this as the background." Sebastian  said, holding back laughter.

"I don't see what's so funny about it." y/n said.

"You'll understand once you see it." Sebastian winked. "Come on.. let's dance." Sebastian continued. He stood up and took y/n's hand.

"But Seb.. no one's dancing.." y/n said, looking around nervously. There weren't many people there, maybe around 15 people besides themselves, not including the band. She was still embarassed anyway.

"It's okay. We Romanians are used to this." Sebastian said, pulling y/n up from her seat and guided her to the front of the stage where the band was playing.

"I can't dance Seb.." y/n said blushing furiously.

"You can, just follow me." Sebastian said.

He nodded at the band members, and they nodded back, smiling at him, allowing him and y/n to dance.

He picked up y/n's wrists and put her hands around his neck. He then put his hands on her waist and started swaying to the music slowly. Y/n followed him, swaying to the beat of the music. Sebastian smiled and pulled her closer. They stared at each other throughout the whole song. She studied his Greek godlike face. She admired his pointed nose, luscious lips, cleft chin, long and beautiful lashes, and of course the most beautiful blue eyes she had ever seen. She wondered what she did that made this gorgeous man fall in love with her. She didn't deserve him, but he thought otherwise. His cerulean eyes looked at her with love, adoration and longing, making y/n's heart beat faster.

And I remember how you loved me

Time was all we had until the day we said goodbye

I remember every moment of those endless summer nights

When they reached the end of the song suddenly Sebastian started singing the last part of the song to her..

There's only so much I can say

So please don't run away from what we have together

It's only you and me tonight

So let's stay lost in flight

Oh, won't you please surrender

Y/n smiled and shook her head, realizing what he was trying to say by singing those lyrics. She touched Sebastian's nose with her index finger, and smiled.

"I know what you're doing Seb.. " she giggled.

"Yes.. what?" Sebastian asked playfully.

Y/n just smiled at him shyly. Sebastian took her hands off his neck and held her right hand. He then guided her so she twirled away from him. When she returned back to him, he hugged her from behind and he whispered softly to her ear.

"You're all I ever want y/n.." making y/n shudder.

Just then the song ended and they stopped dancing. They could hear the sound of clapping. Apparently the other diners and band members had been watching them dance. Y/n's face was as red as a tomato. Sebastian nodded and bowed at the everyone while y/n just stood there in shock. Sebastian then took y/n back to their table amid clapping and cheering from everyone around them.

"I'm so embarassed." y/n said, looking down shyly. She covered the sides of her face in shame.

"Don't be y/n.. you were great." Sebastian reached out and squeezed her hand, trying to comfort her.

"Can we just go home, Seb?" y/n asked anxiously.

"Yeah, sure." Sebastian said.

During the ride home y/n stayed silent. She couldn't believe what just happened that night. They basically had their first date. Sebastian was so loving and caring towards her. And the dance, his whispered words at the end, made her feel things she didn't want to feel yet. Not until she decided what to do about their relationship.

When they got home everyone was already sleep. They changed their clothes into sleeping attire and climbed into bed together. The heater was still broken so it was cold. Y/n pulled the duvet up to her neck, trying to get warm.

"Y/n.. do you want me to hug you again?" Sebastian asked, noticing her being uncomfortable because of the cold.

"I don't think it's a good idea Seb." She declined. After what happened that night she wasn't sure she was able to control herself. She wanted him too that it hurt.

"Why not?" Sebastian asked, turning to face her.

"You know why.." y/n said, not willing to answer.

Sebastian sighed. "I'm just gonna hug you.. that's all.. no other touches or kisses.. unless you want to." he teased.

"I don't want you to die of cold. What would I tell your dad and brother? That I couldn't even provide you accommodation with a working heater? Your dad would kill me." Sebastian continued.

Y/n laughed. She was facing forward not wanting to look at him but she glanced at him as he gave her a sweet smile. How could she reject that smile, she thought. That smile could make her agree to kill someone.

"Fine.." she finally said.

Sebastian scooted closer to her and hugged her. She sighed in content. He was warm and smelled good, as usual. He felt like home. She could die in his arms and be happy, she thought. Sebastian kept his word. He simply just hugged her, giving her the warmth and comfort she needed. He kissed her forehead however and said. "Good night y/n."

"Good night, Seb" y/n replied. She snuggled closer and inhaled his scent. His pine and citrus scent that she loved so much. She decided to let go all of her fears and apprehension and just enjoyed being with him. She could definitely spend the rest of her life like this.

-----

Brooklyn, New York - November 2021

Y/n turned they key to her door and opened it. She  went inside and was welcomed by drafts of warm air from inside her apartment. Sebastian followed her and put her suitcase down, right next to the closet by the door.

Y/n turned to him and said. "Thank you Seb."

"No, thank you y/n for accompanying me. I really appreciate it." he said, smiling at her. He reached out and picked her right hand up and kissed it, making y/n blush.

"No problem, Seb. I had a great time.. I mean.. I was of course saddened and felt sorry for your loss.. but.." y/n said but she was cut off when Sebastian put his index finger to her lips.

"I know what you mean y/n. I'm glad you came to my dad's funeral. Moreover, I'm so happy you know how I feel now." he said, giving her the look of utter longing that made y/n's knees weak.

"Yeah.. I'm happy too, Seb." she smiled, that was all she could muster while being weak under his intense gaze.

For a moment they just stared at each other, each confused on how to proceed. One wanted them to be together already while the other was still in doubt.

"Umm.. I guess we'll talk later?" y/n finally said.

Sebastian sighed. He didn't want to go. He knew Ana was waiting for him back at his apartment. But he wished he could just ditch her and stayed with y/n. Unfortunately he couldn't. The contract between him and Ana hung on his head like the angel of death.

"Yeah, I'll call you." Sebastian said.

"By the way, what time do you usually get off work?" He asked.

"Around 5 pm usually. Why?" y/n asked, curious where this was going.

"Nothing. I'm gonna be busy shooting until Saturday. So I guess I won't be able to see you until Sunday, maybe." He said regretfully.

"Seb, I'm not your girlfriend.. you don't have to promise me anything.." y/n said.

"Yet.." Sebastian added and y/n just smiled.

Sebastian moved closer to her and hugged her. Then he kissed her forehead and said "See you later my love. I love you." he said making y/n blush.

"See you, Seb. I love you too." she responded making Sebastian smile.

He reluctantly let her go, nodded at her, turned around and went out the door, leaving y/n more confused as ever about their relationship.

Y/n spent the rest of the day unpacking her things and cleaning her apartment. She was tired but she knew if she stopped and did nothing her mind would wander back to Sebastian, making her feel conflicted again. The trip to Constanta felt like a dream come true. On the other hand, it was also making her very nervous and anxious. She wasn't sure yet what her decision would be. She thought she would ask her girl friends. She had several close girl friends from college and work she could ask for advice. She decided she would give them a call once she had the time.

-----

Y/n turned off her computer and tidied up her desk. After putting her things in her bag, she went out of her office and walked to the exit. She saluted the security guard and went out the door. It was 5 pm on the dot. She had finished writing her news piece an hour before, so by the time it was 5 she was ready to go home.

After leaving her apartment yesterday afternoon Sebastian texted her again that night, saying good night and wished her sweet dreams. She did have a sweet dream about him. She dreamed about the dance she did with him. It felt so beautiful and sensual. His whispered words to her at the end of the dance kept echoing in her ears, making her shiver. She found herself thinking about it every now and then during work, making her lose focus on her job. It was a miracle that she could still finish her news piece before the deadline.

She arrived at her apartment and found a man in front of her door, holding a large bouquet of red roses. Behind him was another man holding something like a cake box.

"Miss y/n?" the man holding the flowers asked her.

"Oh yes, that's me." she said in surprise.

"We have a delivery for you from a Mr.Stan." he said, giving her the flowers.

"Oh thank you." she received the flowers, her heart soared. Sebastian was so sweet, she thought.

The flower delivery man gave her a small slip of paper to sign then he left, leaving her with the man holding the cake box.

"Miss y/n, I'm from Carlo's Bakery, this is from Mr.Stan." the man said, giving her the cake box.

"Oh thank you." she received the cake box and signed the receipt. Once the man left she went inside her apartment.

She was touched and happy Sebastian sent her flowers and cake. She put the cake box on the kitchen table and looked at the card on the bouquet of flowers. What he had written on the card made her smile.

There's only so much I can say

So please don't run away from what we have together

It's only you and me tonight

So let's stay lost in flight

Oh, won't you please surrender

XOXO SS

Y/n giggled. She couldn't help feeling flattered receiving something like this from Sebastian. She put the flowers in a vase and put water in them. Then she opened the cake box. She squealed in delight when she opened it. She found an assortment of cupcakes, canolis, and mini cheesecakes inside. Carlo's Bakery was her favorite bakery, and he had bought her all her favorite. She picked up a canoli and took a bite. It was so heavenly, it made her really happy. After she was done eating the canoli she quickly grabbed her cellphone from her bag and called Sebastian. Unfortunately he didn't answer. He was probably still filming, she thought. She texted him saying thank you for the flowers and cakes. He texted her back about an hour later, saying sorry he didn't respond sooner because he was filming. He ended up calling her while he was on the way home. She was happy listening to his voice. It was only a day they were separated but she missed him already.

-----

The next day when y/n got home from work she received another gift from Sebastian. This time he sent her jewellery from Tiffany & Co along with a card which said

I don't want you walking away

We're so good together

Tell me it's forever, 'cause I want you to stay

I'll be damned if I'm living without you

And as long as I live, you will know

I just want to build my world around you

Don't want you to go

Don't leave me here with my restless heart

The one you filled with emotion baby

Right from the start

Cause the hardest part

Is being alone

With my restless heart

XOXO SS

He had quoted yet another song lyrics, this time from Peter Cetera's Restless Heart. Y/n shook her head in disbelief. He really was persistent. He had bought her a beautiful gold chained necklace with a heart shaped gold pendant dotted with small diamonds. With it came heart shaped gold earrings, also dotted with small diamonds. It must have cost him a fortune, she thought. She was happy and flattered with the gift but she also didn't feel it was right for him to splurge so much on her. She called him and he picked up immediately this time.

"Seb, thank you so much for the necklace and earrings. They're beautiful. I love them!" she said.

"I'm so glad you love them y/n." Sebastian replied, sounding happy.

"It must have cost you a fortune." Y/n stated.

"Only the best for you sweetheart." Sebastian said, making y/n blush.

"You can stop spoiling me Seb. I don't want to burden you. You have to focus on your movie anyway, right?" y/n said.

"Y/n.. seriously, I love you, and I'm doing all I can to let you know that. Just let me do this for you okay? I'm happy to do it." Sebastian pleaded.

"What if I decide not to be with you? You would've wasted your money on me." y/n said.

Sebastian was silent for a moment, he took a deep breath and said "Whatever your decision I will never regret spoiling you. You deserve it y/n. You're one of the smartest, beautiful, intelligent woman I've ever known and I love you. Whether we're together or not I will always love you."

Y/n teared up listening to his compliments. She wondered how she could be so lucky. Maybe they would be good together, she thought.

"Thank you so much Seb." she choked back tears.

"You're very welcome y/n." Sebastian replied softly.

"Hey, if we're actually gonna date, I want our first official date to be going to karaoke. I miss going to karaoke with you." y/n said, leaning back on the sofa she was sitting on.

"Hmm..that's a good idea. I'd love to. Are you asking me out y/n?" Sebastian asked playfully.

"Seb, I said 'if'." y/n responded, laughing.

"I think it will turn into 'when' soon enough." Sebastian replied.

"We'll see.. we'll see.." y/n teased making Sebastian laughed.

-----

The next day y/n just arrived in front of her apartment building when she saw it. A pick up truck was parked in front of her apartment with the words "Best Buy" written on its sides. She wondered who was buying electronics in her building. When she arrived in front of her door she saw two men there, with several boxes in front of them. Y/n shook her head in disbelief. What else was Sebastian buying her, she wondered.

Apparently he had bought her a 70" Samsung Smart TV and a VocoPro Karaoke System complete with lighting which must have cost a fortune. She couldn't believe the amount of money he had spent on her. She was very flattered and happy he would go to such lengths to woo her into agreeing to be in a relationship with him. But at the same time she also felt uneasy.

It didn't take long for the two men to set up the TV and karaoke system in her living room. Thankfully her TV table was large enough for the new TV. She had moved her old 32" TV into her room to make room for the new 70" TV. The men from Best Buy taught her how to use the TV and the karaoke system. Then they left leaving y/n to try out the new karaoke system and TV by herself. Before they left they gave y/n a small envelope with a card from Sebastian. This was written on it.

Only you can make all this world seem bright

Only you can make the darkness bright

Only you and you alone can thrill me like you do

And fill my heart with love for only you

Only you can make this change in me

For it's true you are my destiny

When you hold my hand I understand

The magic that you do

You're my dream come true

My one and only you

XOXO SS

It was yet another lyrics from an Elvis Presley song Only You. Y/n shook her head and smiled. She loved him quoting all these romantic lyrics for her. She sat on the sofa and picked up her cellphone. She video called Sebastian. She wanted to show him his present was successfully installed. He picked up on the fifth ring.

"Y/n, hey.." his face lit up when he saw her. He had on a white buttoned up shirt and black suit on. His hair brushed all the way back. He looked tired but still very handsome. Y/n's heart skipped a beat looking at his handsome face.

"Seb, hi.. sorry am I bothering you?" y/n asked carefully, it seemed he was still on set, she could see he was sitting in a trailer.

"Oh no no. We just finished actually. I was about to change my clothes." Sebastian answered.

"Oh cool. I wanna show you something." y/n pressed her phone to show the back camera and the new TV and karaoke system came into view.

"So this millionaire guy I know just bought me this insanely large TV and over the top karaoke system complete with lighting." she said playfully, moving her phone camera to zoom in on the TV and karaoke system. Sebastian laughed.

"I told him to stop buying me stuff but he won't listen. What do you think I should do?" she asked, teasing him.

"Well..if I were you I'd let him buy you more stuff. He loves splurging on you.. it seems. Why not take advantage of it." Sebastian answered playfully.

"Seb..you know I'm not that kind of girl." y/n responded. She pressed her phone so the camera focused back on her face.

"Hey, I'm sorry if me splurging on gifts for you the past couple of days offended you. It was never my intention." Sebastian stated, realizing he might have somehow offended her.

"I know.. And I'm really flattered and grateful for all that you have bought for me. I really am. I just don't want this to burden you or become a habit." y/n responded.

"It's not a burden y/n. And it won't become a habit. Unless.." Sebastian trailed.

"Unless what?" y/n asked.

"Unless we're still not together by next week." he said quickly.

"What? Seb.. are you planning on doing something this week?" y/n asked.

"Umm..maybe.." he said mischievously.

Y/n rolled her eyes, despite feeling flattered by his gesture, she was also annoyed. How was she supposed to be able to think objectively about their relationship and make an objective decision if he kept showering her with gifts. Then again, maybe it was his intention. He didn't want to take no for an answer it seemed.

"Look y/n.. yesterday you said you wanted to go to karaoke. Since I'm still in this PR relationship I can't go out to karaoke with you lest someone sees us. So I thought I would brought the karaoke to your home. We could do it anytime we want without having to go out." Sebastian explained.

"Yeah Seb, I'm aware of that. Thank you so much for this. I really am thankful." y/n said, smiling at him.

Sebastian looked relief hearing her say that.

"Hey Seb, have you read that new book by Deepak Chopra?" y/n asked, changing the subject.

"No, not yet. I haven't gotten a chance to go to a bookstore." He replied.

"Yeah, maybe we can go together someday. I really want to get that new one Mindful Moments." y/n said.

"Sure y/n. Anything you want." he said, winking at her, making y/n blush.

They spent the next half an hour talking about their day. He couldn't talk too long because he needed to change and go home. But they were happy they could see each other and talk even if it was just for a short time.

-----

It was Friday afternoon when y/n went home from work. She got off work a bit late because she couldn't find the information she needed for a news piece she needed to submit that day. By the time she arrived at her apartment it was almost 7 pm. She saw 2 trucks in front of her apartment. One from IKEA and one from Amazon. She wondered if Sebastian had anything to do with the trucks being there.

When she got to the front of her door, sure enough, she saw several men waiting with large boxes. She wondered what else Sebastian had gotten her. He really was getting too over the top, she thought.

"Miss y/n?" the man wearing IKEA uniform approached her.

"Yup that's me." y/n answered, smiling at the man.

"You have a delivery for a white LIATORP bookcase from Mr.Stan." he said, showing her the cardboard box the bookcase was in.

"Oh yeah, thank you. Let me just open the door for you." y/n said.

She quickly opened her door and beckoned the man to go inside.

"Mr.Stan asked us to assemble the bookcase for you. Where do you want to put it?" the man asked, looking around her apartment.

Truthfully her apartment wasn't big, she was confused herself where she should put it. She finally decided to have it put near the TV table in front of a cabinet she barely used. The man then started working to assemble the bookcase with help from another IKEA employee.

Another man approached her as she was putting her bags on the sofa.

"Miss y/n? We're from Amazon. Mr.Stan had bought you several books and asked us to help you put them on the bookshelf once they're done assembling them." the man said, beckoning to the IKEA employees.

"Oh, several books? How many? I think I can manage putting them on the bookcase myself. You don't have to do that." she said, feeling confused why Sebastian would ask Amazon employees to do that.

"There are 2 large cardboard boxes full of books. I think it would be better if we help you." the man said, pointing at the cardboard boxes in front of her door.

Y/n's eyes went wide. What had he done? She was flabbergasted.

"Can I see?" y/n asked the Amazon employee.

"Sure." the man replied.

He opened one of the cardboard box. Inside she could see various types of books, from self help books, autobiographies, fictional books, chick lit books. She couldn't believe her eyes. She looked at the titles and realized they were all basically newly released books and there were many of them, maybe at least 50 in that one cardboard box. That means there were around 100 in those two cardboard boxes. Her jaw dropped in awe.

"Oh, Mr.Stan asked us to specifically give you this one." the man gave y/n a book. It was of course Deepak Chopra's latest book Mindful Moments. Y/n smiled and opened the book. On the first page Sebastian had written a message for her.

“Beyond logic is poetry; beyond poetry is music; beyond music is the dance; beyond the dance just love, beyond love is you."

XOXO SS

Y/n put her hand to her mouth, blinking back tears. She never would have guessed Sebastian could be so romantic. Her heart swelled in happiness. She was so overwhelmed that she was speechless.

Suddenly her phone buzzed. She had put it in her pocket when she got out of her office. She looked at it and saw Sebastian's name. He was video calling her. She picked it up, smiling from ear to ear when she saw his face. He was wearing the same clothes as yesterday, white buttoned up shirt with black suit jacket. It seemed he was in a car. He smiled when he saw her.

"Y/n.. hey.. how are you beautiful?" he asked.

Y/n blushed listening to him compliment her.

"I'm currently speechless Seb.." she said. She pressed her phone and showed the back camera to Sebastian. The bookcase which was being assembled came into view. Then she showed him the cardboard boxes full of books and the Deepak Chopra book.

"You know the millionaire I told you about yesterday?" she asked, pressing her phone to show her face to Sebastian again.

"Yeah.." Sebastian said, holding back laughter.

"Well, he's done it again! I really don't know what to do with this guy." y/n said teasingly.

"I told you to just take advantage of it. He really loves spoiling you." Sebastian winked.

"Yeah.. I mean.. he literally bought a whole bookstore's new releases.. I don't know what to say.." y/n said.

"You don't have to say anything y/n except yes when he asks you to be with him." Sebastian said, his voice low. He gave her a loving gaze, making her knees weak.

"I love you." y/n croaked. That was the only thing she could manage to say under his smouldering gaze.

"I love you y/n." Sebastian smiled.

-----

The next day y/n woke up a little late. She spent last night devouring the new Deepak Chopra book until she was almost finished. So she was a little sleep deprived. After she ate breakfast and took a quick shower, she flopped on her sofa. She picked up the Deepak Chopra book she was reading. She wanted to finish it that day. She glanced at the newly installed bookcase in front of her, full with newly released titles. She shook her head in disbelief and smiled. Sebastian really knew her. This last present from him really melted her heart.

Suddenly her phone buzzed. She picked it up and saw it was Shannon her ex roommate. She had sent her a link to an Instagram post. When she opened it it was a picture of Sebastian wearing a white hat with the words California on them beneath a blue half sun picture. In front of him was a picture of something like a hanger, she wasn't sure. It was being held by Ana presumably. He was giving the camera a forced smile. She had captioned it..

"After feeling just a bit weird, I realized that I was wearing my coat, still with the hanger…and the best of all, is that he still thinks that I’m amazing 😂  imsebastianstan 🤍"

Y/n's heart plummeted a little. Even though she knew Ana was Sebastian's fake girlfriend, she couldn't help being a little jealous. She wondered when the picture was taken. Did he go out with her last night after filming? She thought.

Shannon called her then. She picked it up and said "Shannon.. hey."

"Y/n.. have you seen what I sent you?" she asked.

"Yes.. I have.." y/n said.

"How do you feel about that?" Shannon asked.

"Umm.. I don't know..I mean.. she is his fake girlfriend. She's entitled to post about him." y/n said, hiding her jealousy from Shannon.

"You don't feel jealous at all?" Shannon asked carefully.

Y/n had given Shannon a call after she received the jewellery from Sebastian. Shannon was ecstatic when she heard that Sebastian had confessed her feelings to y/n. She was definitely encouraging y/n to be with him. But y/n was still having doubts back then. This latest post from Ana confirmed her doubt. If she could get jealous by a fake girlfriend, how jealous would she be seeing Sebastian with a co-star. It made her feel doubtful about continuing to be with Sebastian.

"I'm jealous a little.. maybe.." she shrugged.

"Girl, just ignore it okay. He only has eyes for you. I have told you right that he had wanted to confess to you how he felt about you since he got back from London." Shannon said, reminding her of the time she just started dating Zac and Sebastian came back from London. She was surprised knowing that information. She did feel a bit weird that Sebastian would get her something as luxurious as a Burberry leather hand bag for Christmas. But she brushed it off, thinking nothing more of it.

"Yeah, you've mentioned it to me." y/n said.

"Good.. good.. By the way, are you going anywhere today?" Shannon asked.

"No, I just want to finish reading this book Sebastian bought me." She said.

"He bought you a book?" Shannon asked.

"No Shannon, he literally bought me a whole bookstore's new releases!" she gushed.

"Wait, let me video call you so you can see." y/n said.

"Okay." Shannon agreed.

Y/n hung up the call then video called Shannon. She showed Shannon the new bookcase full of books. Shannon's jaw dropped in awe.

"Y/n.. I can't believe he would buy you all these books and the bookcase to boot! I mean.. I'm speechless. You are one lucky b***h." Shannon exclaimed.

"I know.. I don't know what he sees in me Shannon. I'm still processing that truthfully." Y/n said.

"Y/n..how many times do I have to tell you that you're a gorgeous woman with a kind heart. Anyone is lucky to have you." Shannon said.

"Aaaawww thank you Shannon. I still don't see it though. I mean, put me next to Leila or Maggie.. I'm sure Seb would've chosen either of them not me." Y/n said, referring to Sebastian's exes who were beautiful actresses.

"Oh shut up y/n. Don't ever compare yourself to anyone. The most important thing is he chooses you now." Shannon said.

"Hmm.. I guess." y/n said slowly, still being doubtful of herself.

"Look I gotta go. I'll talk to you later okay?" Shannon said.

"Yeah okay. Bye Shannon." y/n said.

They hung up and she continued reading the new Deepak Chopra book.

It was 4 pm when she heard a knock on her door. She was flopped on the couch, reading yet another new book Sebastian had bought her. She had finished the Deepak Chopra one and she continued reading another book, a fiction book this time. She put her book down and went to the door. She peeked through the hole on the door and saw Edward, Sebastian's college friend at the door. He worked as Sebastian's personal assistant, helping him manage his daily activities. Next to him was Shannon. She quicky opened her door, surprised to see them there.

"Edward! Shannon! How are you guys? What are you doing here?" she gave them both hugs and let them inside.

"Y/n, how are you?" Edward greeted her.

"I/m good Edward, thank you." she answered.

"Is Sebastian okay?" y/n asked. It was very rare for Edward to come visit her.

"Oh yeah, he still has filming today, for Sharper." Edward said, referring to a movie Sebastian had been filming for the past two months.

"Oh right." y/n said.

"Anything I can help you both with?" she asked.

"Actually, Seb has asked us both to help you instead." Edward said with a twinkle in his eyes.

"Help me? Help me do what?" Y/n asked, dumbfounded.

"You'll see.." Edward said, winking at her.

Chapter 9 >

[gra-sonas]

The CW's Roswell, New Mexico's Isobel -- portrayed by Lily Cowles -- is experiencing a bit of a rough patch. After summoning up the strength and courage to reveal that she's an alien from another planet living on Earth to her girlfriend, Anatsa, they broke up before she could drop the bombshell.

In addition, after Cam goes missing, Isobel stumbles across her unconscious body in the middle of the desert, except Cam now has two blue-colored eyes. It's all too much for Isobel to absorb, and in tonight's episode, "You Get What You Give," she takes off to Mexico to relax and reunite with a surprised Kyle. But the vacation turns into more than sand and sun when they uncover a secret about their families that goes back generations. Cowles recently spoke with CBR about Isobel's crumbling romance, unexpected connections between the Evans and Valenti families, steamy encounters, and the series finale.

CBR: In the last episode, Isobel discovers an unconscious, blue-eyed Cam in the middle of the desert. Where do things pick up tonight in "You Get What You Give?"

Lily Cowles: Oh my gosh, I know. She finds Cameron in a terrible position. It was so horrible filming that scene. I hated that scene, to find your friend naked and alone in the desert. It's like, ''What happened?'' It's very shocking. And, then, the realization that Cam has these blue eyes. What is going on? But Isobel brings Cam to safety and gets her in the hands of Liz and Max, who are figuring out what's going on with this. Meanwhile, Isobel just had this terrible break-up and she's feeling very blue and down about it. So, like any smart woman, she decides to take herself on a vacation, and she heads down to Mexico and bumps into Kyle while she is there.

We kind of gloss over this in the episode, but his family owns a Tequila distillery. I think Isobel is particularly excited about this. While she's there, Isobel actually thinks she's going to be taking a little vacation. But it turns out there are mysteries awaiting both of them. Kyle and Isobel are about to unfold some interesting new facts that are going to change the shape of how the investigation goes from there.

Isobel was this close to coming clean to her girlfriend, Anatsa, about her alien bloodline… Except they broke up, instead. How hard is that hitting Isobel?

It's so hard for Isobel. This has been the struggle of her life, is being honest with people. Isobel has some pretty deep-seated trust issues. It's really hard for her to open up. When you have a secret that big, you don't know how it's going to be taken. Her friends are like, ''Just be honest. Just tell them your truth.'' But Isobel's truth is so deeply frightening. It's not that Isobel could be rejected by Anatsa. It's also in telling Anatsa, an investigative journalist, this truth, she might end up using that against her. Talk about a story.

So, it's not just about protecting herself. Isobel has a long-standing history of wanting to protect her family and her brothers. She really struggled with putting them in a position where they would be vulnerable. But what does this mean for her personal relationship? She's caught between a rock and a hard place. Either she's potentially betraying her family, potentially endangering her family, or she's lying in a big way to the person she's intimate with. Neither of those are good options.

Isobel feels, in this moment, she wants to tell Anatsa. She's spent the last few episodes building herself up for it, getting the courage to do it. Isobel finally gets to that moment and Anatsa, justifiably, goes ''I can't take this roller-coaster ride with you.'' Isobel is a lot. She is definitely a roller coaster. It's heartbreaking for Isobel. I think it's heartbreaking to have gotten yourself to a point when you open yourself like that, when you are ready to be so open and vulnerable with somebody, and they tell you ''I don't want you.'' And it's not even based on what Isobel is telling Anatsa, ''Because you are an alien, I don't want you.'' That hurts. That hits her hard,

This trip to Mexico ends up being more than just a vacation. What can you tease about what they uncover in that house and how it impacts their upcoming battle with other invaders?

They find some history about the Valenti family. Something that is really beautiful is we get a little insight into the way the Valenti family has been involved, for many generations, in this fight. One little tidbit is that Kyle's family has been protecting Isobel's family for generations and generations. I think that adds to the sense of closeness that the two of them have. Isobel has had this feeling that Kyle has always been on their side, fighting for them and protecting them. She's had this loyalty towards him because of that. To learn that extends through generations of bloodlines is really meaningful and beautiful. That's one thing. We are also going to meet some new characters. We are going to get some new information on what that legacy entails.

Speaking of closeness, Kyle has always burned this torch for Isobel. There's plenty of flirting going on in this episode. How much of that is the booze talking and how much of that is being on the rebound?

That's the question. Isobel has just gotten out of this intense relationship. You get a little booze in you and being around an attractive person… Maybe it feels nice to think, ''Do you believe in life after love?'' For Isobel, her relationship with Kyle extends so far beyond this night. There's a moment earlier in the season, when they are at the wine tasting, and Anatsa confronts Isobel. ''Do you have a thing with Kyle?'' And she's like, ''What?''

But I think for people on the outside, it's clear that there is something going on between these two. Isobel, to an extent, has shut it off and almost has blinders about it. To a certain extent, she values him so much. She has a suspicion that she's bad at relationships. I think she has this fear, in her heart, that maybe she's like a broken person. I don't think she would be willing to risk losing Kyle, as someone she loves and trusts so much, by getting involved with him. I think that's what has been going on for her. But they have a lot of chemistry. It's like a boiling pot with a lid on it. It's a slow boil and it's only a matter of time before something erupts there.

Michael and Max's alien powers are in a state of flux. How much should Isobel be worried about her own extraterrestrial abilities?

Isobel has been smart enough not to go around sticking her fingers in holes and getting herself into trouble like Max and Michael. She's been very judicious about keeping herself safe. She's kind of the smartest of all three of them, wouldn't you say? Isobel has done a good job of making sure that she's not putting herself at too much risk. Both Max and Michael are risk-takers.

What else can you tease about what's in store for Isobel for the rest of the season?

Isobel is about to learn things about her past that are going to blow her mind. She's going to have to re-examine certain truths that she held. This is going to offer her the opportunity to really get in touch with her authentic self, who she is, and what her role is in all of this. She has been training to be this warrior, kind of taking after her mother in this way. When she is learning more about the history of her planet and where she comes from and what her family line is, all of this is going to give Isobel the opportunity to learn more about herself.

Sadly, this is Roswell's final season. How happy are you with where Isobel ends up?

I am so happy with Isobel's journey. The writers have done an incredible job of creating this arc that ends in a really satisfying way. We get to see all of our characters having a certain kind of resolution. I think the fans are going to be satisfied and happy. It's been a beautiful journey. I am emotional about thinking of it ending.

[denkihitsugi]

Anemones

Whew......chapter 7 had a lot going on, huh! There's a lot to be said about some of the bombshells dropped, however I want to take a look at one of the smaller details that can be easily missed 💐

That being Victoria's bouquet! It's very pretty...Eins did a nice job picking it out 💜

Looking at the flowers themselves, you'll notice they're actually anemones. Tajima-sensei has stated before that she does take flower language, or "hanakotoba," into account when choosing her floral arrangements, so let's take a little deeper look at what these could mean!

If we look at the color art we have for this chapter, we can see that the bouquet consists of red, white, and purple anemones. Color plays a big role in flower language and can be the difference between confessing your love to someone and telling them you hate their guts — definitely not something to take lightly! Below you'll find some of the meanings I was able to find for different colored anemones:

Red — "I love you."

White — hope or anticipation for the future

Purple — "I believe in you."

It should be noted that these are the Japanese meanings, which are the most likely ones the author chose, however there's still the chance that the western flower language played a part.

In western cultures, anemones mean "ephemeral love," and stem from the story of Adonis, a mortal lover of Aphrodite. He was killed on a hunting trip by a boar, and it is said that where Aphrodite's tears for him mixed with his blood, anemones grew. Quite a tragic tale! Given the concluding events of chapter 7, it's possible the author also chose anemones for this reason, to represent a relationship that's not meant to be. It's definitely interesting and commendable to see how much detail she puts into her work! 🌹

[maliciouslycreative]

How I played damage control to an anti in a small anime fandom and may have led to her ultimate downfall

I know I had a really nice write up of this at one point but oh well. I’ll spill more of the tea in this one because honestly the tea was so hot.

There are a few things that I have to give context to first. Gaia online was like THE mega forum of the 2000s, you made a little avatar and through posting and doing other activities on the forum you made money to buy clothes for your avatar. There were forums for everything but the fannish portions were really what drew in most of the people. The anime I was into was Beyblade. It was a shonen anime about fighting with tops that were possessed by the spirits of magical creatures. The story was honestly pretty average but the characters were fantastic and the fandom is to this day still one of my favourites. The series had a primarily male cast and didn’t even have a female lead until the second season. This led to the fanfic for the English fandom being about 70% canon/OC, 10 % canon m/f, and 20% slash. The most popular character in the English fandom was by far Kai Hiwatari, the loner badboy of the team.

Also before we get started I would like to add that one of my best friends was neck deep in this and the two of us were more or less fandom married. This is the same friend that I fake dated, had feelings for, and she nearly got me into kpop in 2011 so like if you haven’t read that story please read it too because it will give you a good idea of how stupid I am and how much of a fanfic I have truly lived. 

To set the stage I was 16, soon to be 17 when I joined the fandom and it was 2004. In September of that year I wrote a humour longfic that became an absolute smash hit and I found myself somehow fandom famous. It was around this time that I joined Gaia online. I made my little avatar and immediately went looking for the beyblade thread so that I could make new friends. I found the main thread, made my little introduction and at the end of it mentioned that I was a slash writer but I supported all ships. This is where I met C. She had declared herself the authority on Beyblade in these parts and I had just committed the crime of mentioning slash which was very obviously not canon and we did not discuss in this thread because we only discussed canon things. I was like well that’s a bit severe but like sure whatever I just want to hang out and have fun. 

Oh boy did I have no idea what I was in for. 

C was a year older than me and unfortunately that made her older than the majority of the fans at the time. Her favourite character was Kai, and she was not shy about talking about this fact. She stanned Kai above all other characters, and often at their expense. She was also a fanfic writer of a popular canon/OC series. Actually, she was so full of herself that she didn’t even call herself a fanfic writer, no her stories were in fact novels and were apparently very good. I never read them. But more on that later. 

Eventually the slash fans got tired of her being rude to us in the general thread so we made a Beyblade slash thread. There was a core of like 8 or so of us and we honestly had sooo much fun. When C would be too unbearable in the main thread the people from there used to come over to our thread and we’d chat with them about non slash stuff because we were honestly all multishippers and just wanted to have fun. We’d get comments like “wow, I’ve had more pleasant canon het ship discussions in the slash thread than the regular thread”. We never worried about C coming over and getting upset about comments like this because she refused to be associated with anything related with slash lmao. 

I tried my best to keep the peace between C, myself, and the rest of the fandom because ultimately I hate being in fandom drama. I just want everyone to have a good time. I’m a people pleaser. Unfortunately my newfound fame put me in the awkward position of being the most fandom popular person in our small community aside from C. Virtually every fan that read fanfics that came into our thread knew one of us or the other by reputation and C HATED this. Especially because people would come in to the thread, recognise me and go “oh my goodness I love your fanfics!” and I’d be super sweet with them and it’d lead into “I can’t believe how nice you are, I love you” which would lead to us crying at each other. This was not the kind of fan interaction that C got, no her fans were more kind that were there to praise her and worship her like a deity that had blessed them with some gift. Rarely did they tell her how kind she was. 

Back in the mid 2000s there were really commonly those commercials (usually by Christian organisations) asking people to sponsor say children in Africa or to help build schools or provide drinking water. You all probably know the ones; know the language that they used in those commercials. My fandom wife, who I suppose I shall call wifey because yes we were THAT couple back then, once said that C described her fics like those people described donating money to save the lives of Children in Africa. So we used to joke that her fics were so good they’d save lives in Africa. Looking back at it all, she almost had a very fundamentalist Christian approach to bringing people into her fanfics. She of course tried to get all the slash people into reading it. None of us read canon/oc fic mostly due to our poor treatment at the hands of their fans and creators. Getting fed up I one day told her that if she would read any one of my fanfics that I would read the entirety of her novels. Yes, I was willing to commit to read a couple 100k of canon/oc fanfic that I’d never touch normally if she would even read one of my 1k 1 shots. Heck, I had a fic even that shipped 2 minor characters so she didn’t even have to sully herself reading about one of the main characters. It was honestly a good deal in her favour. I kept this up until the day we all left the fandom. Sometimes I do wonder if her fics were even ¼ as good as she claimed, but I will never know because she refused to read my fics. 

She wasn’t all bad and a tyrant all the time. As long as people kept the conversations on track and didn’t come in to the thread saying things like “KAI IS SO HOT ND T3H BEST N I AM GUN 2 MARRY HIM” she stayed mostly civil. It was always hilarious watching InuYahsa or Naruto fans try to come in and bad mouth Beyblade because they’d unleash the dragon and C was great at chasing off undesirables in the thread. 

The real apex of goings on though on Gaia was the guild drama. So guilds were like exclusive themed mini forums within Gaia. Anyone could buy one and run it however they want, as long as it still adhered to Gaia’s ToS. C of course was the owner of the only Beyblade guild. The fandom wasn’t really big enough to support 2 guilds so we just kind of let it go. Technically she allowed people to post slash fanfics but like everything had to be explicitly tagged and there was absolutely no slash RP. Wifey and I controlled a handful of minor characters together in the forum RP and definitely used to try to push the boundaries a little bit. Some ambiguous flirting here, a stray comment there. It was such a fragile balance though because C was heavy on the ban button. The active portion of the guild was just people that were in the cult of C and worshipped her writing. 

Understandably the other slash fans and myself were getting disheartened by this. So we pooled our funds together and decided that we’d open a second guild that though it was run by slash fans we would welcome anyone into our ranks. We just wanted to have a fun place for everyone to hang out, and to hopefully run a few events out of. In hindsight, we should have seen what would happen. When we opened the guild, with me as the guild leader, it was like somebody blew up the whole dam protecting the delicate ecosystem we had cultivated. Every single person in the Gaia fandom that was not a zealous follower of C applied to be in our guild and left her guild. We of course figured that we’d attract some of the gen population but we did not expect to accidentally poach all of it. All of the moderators were getting messages from people thanking us for giving them a place where they could say whatever they wanted without fear of getting their faces ripped off or banned. 

C lost her shit. She was so mad that we went behind her back to ruin her guild. We literally had to show her posts in the very public slash thread that we had been planning this in public and that it was not to ruin her life. We just wanted a place where we could freely post slash. The two of us had some spicy comments back and forth and then she dropped an absolute bombshell on me. Since Gaia’s mail system is terrible I unfortunately no longer have exactly what she said but it was something along the lines of “Ok, you win. I’m going to close my guild.”. Us slash fans had never been doing this to win anything. We had never been competing. We just wanted a safe space to be ourselves. 

C never joined our guild. The fandom slowly faded out within the next year anyway. We weren’t getting new content so naturally people just drifted into other fandoms. C kept up with the main Beyblade thread for a lot longer than most of us but eventually that eventually faded into obscurity too. 

I learned a lot about fandom bullies from those days. But honestly the thing that stuck with me the most out of everything was that if you provide a positive safe space for people they will flock to it. It may seem like there are so many hostile people out there, but there really aren't. They're the minority but they just make sure that their voice is the loudest. The best way is to ignore them and just do your own thing. The bullies just want attention and if you don’t give it to them and prove to them that their opinion doesn’t matter to you then they’ll move in and find something else to yell at. 

[black-rose-writings]

I read Ruin and Rising because I’m bored

And I also hate myself

Like with the last book, I have a vague idea of the plot and stuff from tumblr and fanfics. I will also be refering to Darkling as Sasha for most of this.

I am still Darklina trash and don’t particularly like Mal.

On a different note, I’ve finally moved for college, but the internet here is trash, so I’ll probably have a lot more reading time now, since most games I play are online and will crash without internet.

Before

Cool story. Let’s hope Alina stays a badass.

Who am I joking, I know how this ends.

Chapter 1

So far so good. I hate the Apparat, per usual. Alina’s there basically dying and that bitch can’t wait to see her do so.

Cult leader to the core this one. He probably hates that his figurehead is alive and also not brainwashed.

Cult leader doesn’t like swearing. How surprising.

My boy David is completely right. What kind of irresponsible dingus keeps centuries old books in a fucking wet-ass cave? (Or a tree for that matter *cough cough* The Last Jedi *cough, cough*).

Genya is fun to be around.

Oh, shit, let’s go.

Chapter 2

Jesus Christ, Alina, Zoya isn’t that bad.

This is one hell of a shitshow.

I live for this version of Alina. Badass. Scary. I want more of this Alina.

Chapter 3

Out of all the random little details from crappy smut fics, I did not expect Oncat to be from the books, lol.

Mal actually has a supernatural tracking ability. Like, literally, they put a bug into the pouch with gunpowder so he could make the shot. I guess this was kinda said before, but never this directly, right?

Alina’s merzost-skyping Sasha now, yay.

Alina is horny for Sasha boy. Yay.

Alina canonically has a praise kink. Nice.

I hate LB with all of my heart at this very moment. How dare she bait us Darklina people like this? How DARE she? (Shipbaiting is the worst, seriously.)

Yes, yes, yes. These two lines. That’s what their relationship is all about. They’re each others foils, the yin to the other’s yang and... ugh. I am Darklina trash to the core and this hurts.

Darklina: You have a terrible taste in men.

Alina: I liked you once.

My boy Sasha walked into that one.

Chapter 4

Alina is a Queen. And we love her.

David, my beloved, my spirit animal.

It’s surprising they can read it at all, given it’s been centuries. Have you ever tried reading medieval manuscripts?

Honestly, with a father that crazy, it’s no wonder Baghra’s a bitch. And I’ve seen it said somewhere that the books imply Ilya’s experiments are what caused Baghra to be a shadow summoner and you know what? I can see how you’d make that connection.

Why is there so few Tidemakers in the books? Waterbenders are useful. I want more waterbenders.

Alina picking up some habits from Baghra I see.

Ah, yes, we love an educated giant.

I’m starting to think Harshaw is a bit nuts.

Shut up, Hershey. Or at least share the weed with the class. I’m not here for this “He’s mean to you because he likes you”. I might believe that in like, elementary school, but yall are (more or less) adults. Jesus.

Well, that was a bombshell of a twist.

Chapter 5

Oh boy, we’ve got some trauma bonding for out merry band of misfits. Yay.

Adrik has a crush on Zoya. And she hates it, lol. Cut the kid some slack, he’s like 15 or something.

That reminds me, I have a four-leaf clover pressed in books from close to year and a half ago. Time flies.

They’re really diving into the Mal has supernatural powers, huh?

Ghosts, let’s go.

Alina “I’m so happy to be outside I start to shine like a fucking fairy” Starkov and Mal is entranced. He’s definitelly nicer now. I’m not forgiving him for all the shit he’s pulled before and for using the silent treatment way too much, but hey, at least he’s improving.

I am not a Zoyalina person, but like... gay? Please? Rivals to grudging allies to friends to lovers, 300k slowburn? Sounds more fun than whatever Mala dn Alina have going on, lol.

(I’m starting to realize I’m not as much a Darklina person as I am anti-Malina person, lol. Like, literally everyone has a more interesting dynamic with Alina than tracker boy over there. Malina is at best boring AF and at worst toxic, codependent and emotionally abusive, while also being boring AF at the same time. It has literally nothing going for it except God herself liking it).

I can see why Nadia is gay in the show. The book version of her definitelly has a crush on Tamar. Homegirl likes a woman, who can murder her with the flick of her wrist and honestly? Same.

Alina has some big “coming out of lockdown after a year” energy atm.

The cat is one of the most realistic characters in this thing, lol.

And since Tamar is also heavily queercoded, our lovely ladies make off into the night, flirting. Or maybe not. Let me dream, though.

At least Blade Boy is aware that his tattoo is stupid. To quote someone ranting about him on tumblr: He’s embracing his identity as a tool.

Oh, boy, this will be fun.

Evil soldier is horny for Mal. Saints, is there a woman in this book who isn’t horny for Blade Boy?

And here comes Niki to save the day.

Chapter 6

Niki saved the day.

Fiberglass? And David being David. Genya being in love with her nerd of a boyfriend.

Jesus Christ, this one crazy kid has moved the technology in this universe a whole century on his own. So, when is David going to propose to him?

Baghra hasn’t changed much I see.

Baghra’s about to drop some truthbombs, but no, we have to be rudely interupted because Genya’s rapist is throwing a fit.

Chapter 7

How does Mal sound? Is she gonna say the Blade boy sounds like her dad? I mean, I know voices are partially genetic, but it has been tens of generations between them, probably.

So, we’re finally taking Genya’s trauma seriously after all this time? Good. Better late than never, I guess.

I wish that regicide was already finished and I’m pretty sure that Genya does, too. Stop defending the fucking king, narrative.

David’s a nerd in all things I see.

Someone please just kill the king already. And the queen, too, for good measure.

Now that’s a romance.

Infodumping and listening to said infodumps is a legitimate love language, Alina. Let them nerd out over poisons.

Wait, has Alina never directly killed anyone before? I thought she did... hmmm.

And just like that, it should have been over. Ugh.

Somehow, Baghra is a better teacher now than she was before. She half feels like a completely different character.

Nevermind, she’s back at it.

Chapter 8

Holy shit, Nadia and Tamar are canon. They have canon gays here.

So, which one of them is gonna die?

Chapter 9

We arrive at that scene. The one, where they should have fucked.

Jeez, girl, get a hold of yourself. Life is short, fuck a villain.

In other news, Genya and David definitelly fucked.

Chapter 10

Poor David. He just wanted to know.

Damn... I never realized just how young Baghra was, when she killed her sister.

I’ve already made a post about this, but it really does strike me like Baghra has already decided to end her life at this point in the book.

Why is that whole “but what if we’re related” thing even in there?

Chapter 11

We love a suprise attack.

When did Sasha boy learn that trick?

Baghra really just did that. Oh boy.

Chapter 12

No, don’t kill the kid... ugh.

Emotiona support cat. She should be friends with Milo.

Porrige for brains. Oof.

So Nadia was the one, who got bees set on her in the book. Cool.

That’s a good question. Why was it never brought up to Alina, that other Grisha get blocks, too?

David already thinking of steampunk prosthetic for Adrik is honestly kinda sweet.

Chapter 13

Back home... kinda.

Is that really... you really care about Mal bonking the Grisha school mean girl over a year ago? Okay.

Chapter 14

Angst! Yay!

And more angst.

Chapter 15

Sasha really went “My mom killed herself to save you? Well, I’ll kill the closest thing to parents you have.”

Chapter 16

Nikolai’s alive. Kinda.

And these two have such a sibling energy, I can’t.

And then they fuck. Ew.

Chapter 17

Wait, wait wait... so Alina isn’t even the one to destroy the Fold?

Okay. That’s... weird.

Holy shit. That was...

So, Aleksander is dead. Mal isn’t. Someone else destroyed the Fold for Alina and now she has no powers.

Okay.

That’s a weird-ass ending.

Chapter 18

The gays survived, so that’s nice.

Genya made good on her promise of making Alina a ginger, lol.

After

What emotion is this supposed to give me? Cause all I feel is kinda sad.

[agmapansa3008]

This is for @phupha because it's gonna be too long for an ask. It's Phupha love time. This is long, so it continues under the cut:

So that man is a mess. We love him, but he's a mess. He's been alone for a long time, yes he has friends and yes he thought of Torfun as his sister, but he's been alone a lot. All of the Rangers and Dr Nam have mentioned that he's never really had anyone special, even if Yod and Rang have suspected that Torfun was that special person to him. (It’s interesting that they don't know he's gay. It means that basically, only Dr Nam knows him completely, which is sad but not surprising.)

He's a man, who is dedicated to his cause: Protecting the village and the forests. He won't regret dying for it, but he will regret causing people, who care about him, pain if he does. So he's keeping people at a distance. Again, sad but understandable.

Then Torfun dies, the person who “killed” her isn’t caught, and he’s tasked by his superior to protect his son, who is meant to take her place. He knows who Tian is, he might have heard stories about Tian, so he’s determined to keep his promise to his superior, but he has no illusion that he will like it. Both, the man Tian talked to, to become the volunteer teacher and several other villagers have mentioned that some students came to teach, only for the stories, the credit or the social media cloud. Torfun was probably one of very few, who actually stuck the term out, and who actually fell in love with the little village and its people. So no, Phupha doesn’t think this boy, who’s probably known for being fickle will be a good teacher. He’s prepared to satisfy his whims, send him back home safe and sound and wait for the next teacher.

And then he meets Tian and the boy literally faints into his arms. 

Talk about a meet-cute, that Phupha was not expecting. 

So he spends time with Tian, first to fulfil his duty and then slowly just because he’s starting to like this kid. He’s very different from the stories he might have heard or from what Phupha has expected. He’s bright, he’s caring and most importantly, he’s really trying. And not just with the kids, he’s actively trying to integrate himself into the village and to help its people. 

So something happens, that Phupha has absolutely not expected. He falls in love. Probably for the first time in years (if ever). He panics. And while he’s honestly a pro at flirting (seriously, some of his lines are amazing), when it comes to actual feelings and genuine moments, he’s utterly useless and it’s quite adorable. 

So we have Phupha, a man who’s constantly keeping people at a distance - too afraid to care for them in case they leave and too afraid to make them care for him, in case he dies - falling in love with the temporary volunteer teacher. Setting aside the fact that the kid is accident-prone, has a heart condition and can’t keep himself out of trouble, he’s still going to leave eventually as all the teachers do.

And Phupha doesn’t want him to be tied down. He wants him to thrive, to live the best life he can. What he, of course, doesn’t realise is that Tian is currently living the best life he can. He’s finally doing something he wants to do, he’s finally feeling like he’s achieving something and he’s finally happy. Phupha doesn’t know that. He might know that Tian is happy in the moment, but he doesn’t know that Tian was lacking happiness in the life he left behind. 

So his initial thought is to send him packing. And Dr Nam manages to change his mind enough for him to actually ask Tian to stay longer.

They are happy.

And then the bombshell is dropped on that happiness, that Tian allegedly killed Torfun and has her heart. The bubble is burst and Phupha is overwhelmed. We’ve seen him struggle with emotions before. He keeps people at a distant, seems strict and silent and doesn’t really know how to express himself. So something in him snaps. It’s not rational to call Tian out in front of the whole village, it’s not planned or controlled. His feelings overwhelm him and he needs answers, so he snaps. Even Nam is surprised by his brash action. Phupha regrets it instantly, you can see the hurt in his eyes when he’s looking at a crying Tian - his own hurt and hurt for Tian because he still loves him, but his feelings are utter chaos.

So he reverts back to cold and distant. 

Of course, we feel bad for Tian, but Phupha is absolutely within his right to pull away, to keep his distance and yes to be angry. Because this person, who managed to climb the walls he has built up, to find a place his heart and stay, lied: Not only that he knew of Torfun, but what happened to her. Again, the person who hit her was never found, the rangers never had the closure of knowing what exactly happened. And now, suddenly Phupha is confronted with the thought that the person he fell in love with was the culprit. It was a hit and run. In his mind, Tian hit Torfun and fled, causing her to die alone. That’s not something you can just get over. That’s betrayal and hurt and grief and renewed mourning. He’s human. He’s entitled to his feelings, he allowed to be irrational and to lash out. Of course, we feel for Tian. But why can’t we also feel for Phupha?

And then everything happens at once. He finds out that Tian didn’t kill Torfun after all, he finds him captured and he gets shot. They talk, they makeup and finally it seems that they have a chance at happiness. Their issues are talked about, their feelings are pretty open and it’s peaceful. And then Tian’s father and Phupha’s superior has to return and drop another bombshell on both of them. 

And yes, Phupha is making a mistake here, but he’s genuinely feeling that it’s the right thing to do. He’s heartbroken but it’s for Tian. As mentioned before, he doesn’t know that Tian didn’t leave much behind in Bangkok. He hears about his parents missing him, hears about what Tian’s allegedly giving up and thinks that he has to keep Tian from making a mistake. Phupha doesn’t have his parents anymore, he himself didn’t really have any other plans than follow in his father’s footsteps. He’s used to his linear life, but he doesn’t think that Tian realises what he might be giving up if he chooses to stay. Stay in the village and also stay with Phupha. It doesn’t occur to him that Tian has a very different relationship with his parents than he himself probably had. That Tian didn’t find happiness in all the choices he had in Bangkok but did find happiness in the small bubble that is Pha Pun Dao. 

So we get the frustrating montage of “I will make you hate me, so you leaving won’t hurt you as much”. 

He should have talked to Tian about it, should have given him enough credit that he’s mature enough to know what he wants in life. He should have, yes, but he truly does want what’s best for Tian. And thanks to Dr Nam, Tian also realises Phupha’s actual intentions. He might not like them, but at least he knows them.

Tian asks him if he will forget about him. It’s telling that Phupha doesn’t ask him the same. Yes, he gives him the ring, but that’s more a sign of his love for Tian than something for Tian to remember him by. Phupha thinks Tian will return to Bangkok and forget about him. Maybe not immediately, but eventually. “It will hurt for a while but eventually it will fade.” He said to Nam. He didn’t mean himself, he meant Tian.

That idiot is absolutely sure that Tian will return to Bangkok and forget about him. I can’t wait for him to realise that he’s worth so much more in Tian’s eyes.

Again, he’s a mess and we love him.

He’s human. He’s allowed to be a mess.

[r6shippingdelivery]

I saw someone on Twitter post about how they wanted to see jealous Glaz, and I was struck by inspiration 😄 This fic is mostly about Glaz's perception of his place in Rainbow after Kali joins, and the bit with Fuze can be read as friendship or budding romance, whatever your like better.

WARNING: While Glaz is an unreliable narrator here, and Kali is not outright demonized, I haven't been kind to her either. So if she's your favorite character, proceed with caution.

You can also read the story in AO3, as the latest chapter of the Discord Ficlets collection.

Hatred was a shallow emotion, one that lived at surface level and hid deeper and more complex feelings, ones that people found harder to confront or admit and thus resorted to hate.

Glaz experienced that during his stint in the South Ossetia War, when the hatred they all felt for the enemy was just a cover for their sense of helplessness at stopping so much unnecessary death. As always, art became a way to express and work out his emotions, and from what he saw it was far healthier than drowning his sorrows in alcohol like most of his fellow soldiers did.

Over the years, Glaz had acquired a reputation for being a pretty stable person, not letting his emotions rule him but not burying and ignoring them either. So it was a shock to realise he was letting his emotions rule his opinion of a certain person.

It would be unfair to say he hated Kali. The Nighthaven leader had done nothing directly unpleasant to him, in fact Glaz wasn’t even sure if they ever had a conversation. But fuck, seeing her smug face made his blood boil. Admitting he was jealous was a bitter pill to swallow.

Glaz felt sidelined since she arrived. At first it had been normal that Kali got so much action in training matches and different situations, Harry always did that to ensure new additions got properly integrated in the team. However, Kali stopped being the new one and she kept being requested more and more often. If someone devised a plan that required a sniper, it was always her that got the call, almost never Glaz.

Sure, she was an excellent shot, but so was he. So were the other operators who had marksman training. Yet the only requested sniper was Kali. Even for the strategies that relied heavily on stealth, which made no sense to Glaz since Kali’s rifle was extremely loud and she refused to use a silencer. She insisted it wasn’t compatible with her weapon, which was utter bullshit in Glaz’s opinion. Then there were the snippets of conversations he heard from her in the shooting range.

“Of course I don’t use a thermal scope, that’s a crutch, and those are for beginners, not professionals.”

“I don’t hide behind smoke curtains like a child clinging to their mother’s skirts.”

“I could give you some pointers, you’d benefit by learning from a real sniper, Dokka.”

The gall of that woman! Glaz had never wanted to wipe the floor with someone as much as he did then, but when he approached them to offer a friendly marksman competition, Dokkaebi happily accepted while Kali sniffed and declined. “I’m busy now, maybe another time.”

Glaz silently fumed for days. He didn’t give a damn about Kali’s opinions; he knew he was an excellent sniper and she could make as many snide comments as she wanted. Nothing would change the truth. However, Glaz also had the feeling she was trying to undermine him, and he didn’t like that. Most operators in Rainbow were competitive by nature, but except for a few rivalries, the trash talking had always remained upfront and somewhat respectful, never behind another operator’s back. Things remained as they were, somewhat tense but peaceful, for a long time. Until the Invitational rolled around.

When the teams were publicly announced, the Spetsnaz were collectively surprised some of them were chosen to participate, unlike the previous year. Glaz didn’t mind sitting among the public again, and privately he and Kapkan made a point of keeping an eye out during the event. The White Masks might have been mostly obliterated, but they weren’t the only terrorist group in the world, and a huge gathering like this would be a tempting objective for any group looking to make a name for themselves. So he was fine with not being selected, truly. However, what he wasn’t fine with was the way Harry said one particular thing:

“And to showcase Rainbow’s prowess in long distance combat, team Ash will have our resident sniper, Kali.”

Seriously? The resident sniper, as in the only one? Glaz grit his teeth so hard he was sure everyone in the room could hear it. He refused to say anything, though, he wouldn’t turn this briefing into a spectacle. However, that didn’t stop him from hoping Tachanka would teach her a lesson with his new fire grenades. That would certainly put a smile on Glaz’s face.

Alas, that was not meant to happen, even if it came pretty close to actually becoming a reality. In the end, Tachanka’s team was eliminated, same as Fuze’s, and the tournament went on. Glaz thought nothing else would happen, and aside from secretly hoping for team Mira to win, he largely lost interest in the competition. Yet the competition, or more accurately, Kali, didn’t lose interest in them.

When Fuze told them he’d been invited to train with Nighthaven, none of the Spetsnaz was particularly pleased, since they worked better as a team, but they didn’t voice any objections either. Glaz wanted to, he wanted to forbid Fuze from doing it, but he was a rational man and knew that was both unreasonable and a douchebag move. If Fuze wanted to train with others, he was free to do so, of course. Glaz kept repeating that to himself, even if deep down he was sure that Kali woman wanted to take everything that he had, from his position as a sniper to his friends.

Aware of how childish that sounded, Glaz grimaced at his own thoughts. He needed to calm his mind, and as always, he turned to art. Painting would surely grant him that state of inner peace he sorely needed while waiting for Fuze to come back from his session with Nighthaven. Losing himself in the process of creating something always helped Glaz exorcise his demons, and also lose track of the world around him. At least until Fuze came back.

Most people painted Fuze as unreadable, but he wasn’t to Glaz. The artist could see clear as day that Fuze was deep in thought. The curiosity and need to know was eating Glaz inside.

“How did it go?” He asked, aiming for a casual and carefree tone. He wasn’t sure he succeeded.

“Interesting.” As always, Fuze was succinct and straight to the point, going for the shortest message. However, Glaz knew that if one took the time to shut up and listen, Fuze would say more. “They’re an effective team, very competitive. It’s good to have them working with us and not against us, but I don’t think they feel part of Rainbow.”

It wasn’t the first time Glaz heard before some of those sentiments echoed around when it came to Nighthaven, but Fuze delivered with an admirable lack of judgement. The Uzbek relayed a blow by blow account of the training match, and Glaz wondered how Aruni felt at Kali’s call of her safety being expendable. It was just a game for now, but training built habits that one carried back to the battlefield. He was still pondering over what he heard when Fuze dropped a bombshell that shook him to the core.

“Kali offered me work in Nighthaven.”

Glaz saw red, and for a moment he couldn’t think. The looks in his eyes must have been a veritable maelstrom of repressed anger and jealousy, because Fuze looked taken aback. A burning sensation coiled in his chest, and Glaz clenched his fist hard to avoid unleashing a storm of swears, since Fuze wasn’t the target of his fury.

*crack*

The paint brush he’d been holding broke under the pressure of his clenched hand, but Glaz didn’t notice, and clenched his fist even tighter.

“Timur!”

It was Fuze calling out his name that finally brought Glaz down to earth, away from the dark spiral of what ifs where Fuze left the team, lured away by Kali. He opened his hands, revealing the brush he accidentally snapped in half, and how the jagged edge of the broken wood had sunk into his palm. Oh. He hadn’t even noticed that.

Glaz briefly mourned the loss of his favorite small brush, dropping the pieces aside and wiping the blood from his palm carelessly. “And? Did you accept?”

Fuze regarded him in silence for a few seconds, before shaking his head as if he couldn’t believe Glaz’s foolishness. “Of course not. I have my team. And I’m not going anywhere.” This assurance was a balm for Glaz’s turmoil, but then Fuze added with a smirk. “Besides, I know you always have my back and won’t put a bullet in me, not even a fake one.”

The laugh and lingering look they shared made Glaz feel that all was right in the world, at least for a little while. He knew he could always count on his team, on his friends, and having this belief reaffirmed soothed him like nothing else did. It had been foolish to think Fuze would leave him.

[imanativeofswlondondahling]

Becoming A Stark? (1) Peter Parker X Stark! Fem Reader

A/N: This will eventually be a Peter Parker X Stark! femReader. However, there was backstory needed so Peter won’t be introduced until Chapter Six. This takes place after Iron Man 3 but before AOU. However time is wishy washy and will pass in weird ways so lol opps. Let me know if you want to be tagged.

Word Count: 3073

Warnings: Swearing

You feel it in your soul that you will hate Tony Stark for the rest of your life. It doesn’t matter that you’re related to him. It doesn’t matter that you’re his daughter. He ripped you from everything you’ve ever known. You were happy living with your grandparents. Sure they were getting up there in age, but you were happy. You had a life, you had friends, hell you had been working on moving forward with your crush and were hoping to have a date to homecoming this year. But all of that was ruined the day that Tony Stark waltzed through your front door. You can’t help but think back to that interaction. 

“Nana, who’s this?”

“Tony Stark. Genius, billionaire, philanthropist, Iron Man, to name a few things. I’d offer a hand but that’s not something I normally do. I guess, maybe I should due to the circumstances but…” It’s not the first time you’ve seen his face. The Avengers have saved New York a few times, but it is the first time you’ve seen him up close. The dark haired stranger trails off and you’re put off by his attitude alone. Why was someone this stuck up standing in your living room? So instead of saying anything, you turn your head back to your book. Tony decides to take a seat at the opposite end of the couch and tries again. “What are you reading?” 

Instead of answering, you just hold up the book and let him read the cover. Once and Future, spelled out on the spine of the book that you had removed the book jacket from while you read. “Y/N, maybe put the book down for a few minutes. I think Mr. Stark-”

“Tony is fine.”

“I think Tony and you need to discuss something.” You hesitantly pick up the receipt you had been using as a bookmark and slide it into the book, not wanting to leave Ari Helix behind, but you wouldn’t be rude to your Nana on a good day. On a day that you had trudged through the snow in your converse, maybe, but not on purpose.

“I don’t know him. I don’t think we have anything to discuss.”

“You’re right, we don’t know each other yet, but I’m hoping that will change with everything that’s going to happen.”

“What’s going to happen?” You can feel your eyebrows fall towards your eyes as you feel as though something is about to change without your permission.

“Well Y/N, I’m… I’m your dad.”

“Bullshit.” You say quickly. “Tony Stark doesn’t have kids. And if he did, there would have been a fucking gossip blog screaming about it already.”

“Well you definitely have my mouth if nothing else.” Tony adds with a chuckle. 

“I don’t have anything of yours, because you’re not my dad. I never want to see you again. Get the fuck out.” You push off the couch and turn to run off to your room.

“See that’s going to be a little tough seeing as you're supposed to come live with me.”

“What the fuck did you just say?” You turn on your heels, the anger building quickly. You’ve always been a bit of a hot head, but in this moment you don’t even try to control your temper. “I have a home, thank you very kindly. I don’t fucking know you. And I’m not looking to find a dad anytime soon.” The words spit out of you before you can stop any of them. 

“See the thing is, you’re fourteen and I’m your dad. Custodially, you’re supposed to live with me.”

“See the thing is,” you mock before continuing, “You didn’t care for fourteen years, so I don’t give a shit what you think you’re supposed to be doing custodially.” You can’t help but add air quotes around the word custodially. It burns as it leaves your lips. He hasn’t cared about you for fourteen years, why start now? 

“That’s because I didn’t know you existed Y/N. I found out about you twenty four hours ago and I’m stepping up now.” The words leave his mouth in an exasperated tone, but he doesn’t raise his voice.

“How?”

“How what?”

“How did you find out about me?” 

“Your high school.”

“What?”

“When you registered for school they had your birth certificate. They needed more information. Since it listed me as your father, they reached out to Nat- to my assistant. It was quite the shock to me that my child’s school was reaching out to me, since I didn’t know I had a child but the timing adds up and looking at you, it makes a lot of sense.”

“You were listed on my birth certificate?” This question was aimed at your grandparents more than at Tony-your father.

“We didn’t know if it was true or not. Your mom was in a bad place when she had you Y/N. So we had to take everything she said with a grain of salt. Was she beautiful and loving and did she love you? Yes completely. But did a lot of what she said during that time make sense? No, not at all.” Your nana says as she sits down on the couch, rubbing her knee. It’s probably another bad day. If you leave, who will make sure Nana and Pops are ok?

“I can’t go with you.” You cross your arms as you speak to Ton-your father.

“Why not?” His eyebrow raises over his square glasses.

“‘Cuz someone has to help Nana and Pops around the house.”

“I’ll make sure there’s a nurse helping them. Or better we can move them into a nursing facility where they don’t have to go up and down a bunch of flights of steps all the time.”

“Why would you do that.” The question came out as a demand, especially since you don’t want to believe this man that’s taking you away from the only family you’ve ever known would do something… nice.

“Because they’re your family. I’m not heartless. Well I guess that depends on what your belief on science is and arc reactors are, but technically I do still have a heart underneath all of this.” He points to where you know there would be metal and lights under his suit. “But for right now, we need to focus on getting you to the tower.”

“What tower?”

“Avenger’s tower? It’s closer than Malibu? And in less shambles.”

“So you’re moving me from the home that I know and love, but you don’t even live where you’re moving me?”

“I live there a lot of the time. And the Avengers are there most of the time which means you’ll be very safe. But I do have to travel for business.”

“Then I’ll stay where I am thanks.” Tony goes to speak when Wallace goes off. The beeping is only jarring for him since you and your Nana are used to it going off at random times.

“What the hell is that?”

“That is Wallace.” You say, not clearing up anything. Hmmm, your Dexcom says you’re 205 and rising? You could have sworn you had insulin on board. So you unclip the pump from your side and tap the screen to enter your blood sugar. No correction needed. 

“You good babydoll?” Your nana asks from across the living room.

“I’m good. I have insulin on board.”

“You’re diabetic?” Tony asks, putting two and two together.

“Yup. Have been since I was four.”

“And Wallace?” He asks hesitantly.

“Do you honestly care?” You say before rolling your eyes and walking towards the kitchen. Mentally, you slap yourself. You should have grabbed your book. Now you’ll either have to start a new one or wait until your father, you roll your eyes at even saying it, leaves so you can continue your space adventure. Walking down the hallway you enter your room and close the door behind you. All you want to do is shut out the bombshell that was dropped on you and not deal with it. But for some reason you get the feeling that Tony Stark, freaking Iron Man, isn’t one to just let things go. 

Giving up on the idea of starting another book, you open your computer and click your Spotify to start playing the playlist you had paused this morning when you had left to run errands with Pops. You only have two weeks of summer left, so you had spent time getting school supplies and groceries before returning to the apartment. While Hitchin’ A Ride by Green Day starts playing, you open Twitter, hoping for anything to distract yourself. But somehow you find yourself on Tony Stark’s Twitter. It was less narcissistic that you imagined for him. Some retweets about Stark Industries, a few comical tweets about wanting a cheeseburger, and then a tweet from twenty four hours that just said HOLY SHIT in all caps and nothing else. Could that be about you? Closing out Twitter, you find yourself opening up your Tumblr to scroll as Lithium by Nirvana played. Or well you tried to scroll, but a knock on your door interrupts you. 

“Can I come in?” Tony’s head peaks in.

“If I say no will you go?” You say without looking up.

“Probably not. The people in my inner circle say I’m fairly stubborn.”

“Hmm.” Is the only reply you give him. To be fair, a lot of your friends would say you’re stubborn too so it’s not that surprising that your father is too. 

“I know you don’t like it kiddo-”

“Don’t call me kiddo.

“-but we do need to head to the Tower soon. Happy’s been parked downstairs for about as long as he’s allowed to be there.” Tony continues as if you hadn’t said anything. “So how about you pack up stuff you’ll need for the next few days and then I can send Happy and some other people to come get the rest later on?”

“You’re going to send people to pack up my stuff? You know how invasive that is?” 

“Ok, I’ll send you over with them, you can pack it up and they’ll move it to the tower, it’s your choice. Or to Malibu if you’d rather. Well that is once the rebuild is done. Long story. But if you stay at the tower, you won’t have to change schools.”

“Yippee. Everyone at school will get to find out that Tony Stark is my father. How much fun will that be.” Your voice is dripping with sarcasm. “I definitely wanted to be ostracized my first year at high school. Thanks for making it even better than I could ever imagine high school being.”

“Look I know this isn’t a win/win scenario, but we can keep your name out of the press until your eighteen if you want. You’re a minor-”

“Yeah, but when the paparazzi see me coming out of the tower, that won’t tip them off.”

“I’ll have Happy drive you. There’s a garage entrance. No one will see you coming or leaving.”

“Great so I just have to give up my freedom. That’s even better than I imagined.”

“Y/N, I know this isn’t what you wanted, or even what you want, but I think we can come up with something that works in the long run. Plus I’m having Pepper, you’ll meet her later, take over SI so I won’t have to do as much. I can try to stay in New York as much as possible. Because no matter what happens, you’re my daughter and I want to know you.” You don’t say anything in response. “I hope one day, you feel similarly.” He says softly.

“I doubt it.” You say honestly. 

“Well even if that’s the case, right now we do need to pack up some stuff to take to the tower for now. Want me to hel-” He starts to pick up a sweatshirt from the end of your bed and you snatch it from his hand as you reply.

“I’ve got it.”

“Y/N, we’re here.” Your father’s voice pulls you from your thoughts and you look at the non descript parking garage that is under what you assume is the tower. The man you’ve figured out is Happy, though he’s the exact opposite of Happy, opens your door and you climb out, knowing that Tony will be behind you. Happy goes to grab your bags from the trunk, but you stop him. 

“I’ve got it.”

“It’s part of my job.”

“I don’t have an issue carrying my own stuff like some people.” From the trunk you lift out your purple backpack, the black rolling suitcase, and the canvas bag that’s filled with all your pump supplies, sensors, and insulin. You follow Tony and Happy towards an elevator. 

“JARVIS take us to the main floors.”

“Certainly sir.” You look up expecting to see a face or something but there’s no one there.

“JARVIS is the AI that runs the whole tower. If you need anything JARVIS is the one to ask. If there’s specific food you want or if you need stuff for school or, well, anything really, just ask JARVIS. I’ll get you added to the levels of clearance that allow you to order anything that you want.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“Part of you living with me is that I’m going to provide for you. JARVIS is part of providing for you. I’m not the best at remembering to like grocery shop or send the laundry out so JARVIS helps with that.”

“Send the laundry out? Do you not have a washer and dryer in this whole place?” You cock an eyebrow at how spoiled he sounds.

“We do, but there are other things that take time away from me.” You add continue to do my own laundry to the mental list of things that will make you different from your father. Tony notices the disapproval marked in his daughter’s face and hopes that maybe meeting the Avengers will make up for the disappointment he’s been to her so far. The doors open and in the living room Natasha and Clint are sitting watching a movie while Steve sits in a chair reading a book. “Where’s Code Green?”

“In the lab,” Steve comments, not looking up from the page he’s on.

“That’s Capsicle. Legolas is sitting next to Nat. Big Green is down in the lab and Point Break is currently back at home but you’ll meet him eventually, though hopefully not his brother.” At the sound of being introduced the three in the living room look up and see the girl standing next to Tony in surprise.

“Uh, Tony, are we taking pint size Avengers now?” Clint asks.

“I might be small, but I can kick your knees out just as easily.” You pull on the strap of your backpack, not really wanting to be in this room much longer. 

“Ok, before you kick anyone’s knees out. This is not an Avenger recruit. This is Y/N Stark, my daughter.” Ok taking on his last name was something you were going to have to talk to him about because you were perfectly happy being Y/N Y/L/N, not this Y/N Stark bullshit.

“You have a kid?” Steve asks, genuine confusion spread across his face. 

“I do. I didn’t know until yesterday, but I’m doing the right thing.” You can’t stop the snort that escapes you. Tony looks over at you.

“Sorry,” You say although you don’t mean it. “Can I es- go to my room?”

“‘Yes, you can escape to your room. I’ll show you where it is.” 

“I got it boss. I think you have some people that need answers.” Happy offers. You’re silently relieved that Happy offered to show you. If you had to spend another minute with your dad, you might lose your mind. Happy walks you into the kitchen and opens the fridge as you go past it. You look at him, trying to figure out why he’s opening it. “Tony told me you’re diabetic. You have insulin that needs refrigeration right?”

“Oh, yeah I just didn’t know he told you.”

“Head of security. There’s not much he doesn’t tell me.” Happy turns them towards a staircase leading away from where all the Avengers are. “But you know if you need someone to talk to, or grab a cheeseburger with, there’s things he doesn’t have to know about.”

“I don’t eat meat, but I appreciate it, Happy.”

“He’s going to say you’re not his kid if you don’t eat cheeseburgers.” And for the first time since all of this started, you actually let out a laugh.

Tony’s head turns towards the sound of the laugh. It’s unfamiliar, but he wants to hear more of it. He’s missed fourteen years of your life, but he wants to make things better, he does. He’s just not sure how.

“So you found out you have a kid?” Steve asks, his book forgotten now.

“Yeah, yesterday I found out I had a fourteen year old and then it’s been a whole process of finding out that since she’s mine I have custody technically.”

“So you took her away from all she knows?” Natasha's voice comes softly from the couch. 

“I guess you could say that.”

“Did you give her a choice?” Natasha asks, harsher this time. In her eyes anyone could see the remainders of another girl that was taken from all she ever knew and replaced with a hard boiled assassin.

“In the eyes of the state she doesn’t really have a choice.”

“So you didn’t give her a choice.”

“She’s got a medical condition that was costing her family thousands a month on top of her grandparents’ conditions. I’m helping!” Tony’s voice raises for the first time this afternoon since he tried to stay calm around his kid.

“You think you’re helping, but you’re taking her from the only life she’s ever known and I’m betting you gave her no choice in this. All you might get out of this is four years with her and then she disappears from your life.” Clint says softly, not trying to upset Tony, but also hearing the points that Natasha was bringing up. 

“You’re going to have to work hard to make this worth it to Y/N, Tony.” Steve says before picking up his book.

[tanakavox]

Rowan and Summer meet Rosemary

A crossover done by me and @bssaz97, edited by @thatorigamiguy Thanks guys!

Zwei: ”Ah, I almost forgot to introduce you all to my partner. Come follow me and I’ll introduce you to her.”

He gestures for the twins to follow him as he begins walking in the opposite direction. The twins quickly matched his pace, a look of matching curiosity and excitement on their face at the thought of meeting Zwei’s partner.

Rowan: “Your partner? Cool! What kind of person are they? Are they nice? What kind of weapon do they use? Are they strong? Are they nice?”

Summer: “Are they a boy or girl? Have you two known each other for long? Do you two fight in a similar manner? Or do they have their own fighting style?”

Zwei couldn’t help but roll his eyes at the twins' inquisitive rambling, though it was more in fondness than exasperation. Their constant questioning reminded him of Ruby whenever she started drooling over a gun or was just excited in general about anything.

Zwei: *Internally* “Yep, they’re definitely Ruby’s children.”

Zwei’s lips twitched into a smirk at the thought, before he made to answer the twins before they could ask anymore questions.

Zwei: ”Her name is Rosemary. She’s been my best friend since we were practically toddlers. She uses an Axe that’s been modified into being a gun to compliment her semblance. No, we both have different fighting styles though they both compliment one another. She’s very strong, one of the strongest people I’ve ever known. And yes, she’s very nice. Though, she also tends to be rather mischievous when she wants to be and can be a bit of a hothead as well.

Rowan: “Really? That’s so cool! And she uses an axe too as well? That’s an excellent choice of weapon, good for powerful swings and penetrating heavy hides on Grimm. As a matter of fact, Summer is learning how to use an Axe as well, right sis?”

Rowan’s question went unheard, as Summer seemed to have been fixated on something that Zwei had mentioned when talking about his partner.

Summer: “You said she’s your best friend huh? And that you’ve known each since you were old enough to crawl?”

Rowan eyed his sister from the side, rolling his eyes as he began muttering about being so blatantly ignored.

Rowan: “Oh yeah sure, just ignore my question Sis. It’s not like I was talking to you or anything like that.”

Rowans' muttering went ignored as Summer patiently waited for an answer from Zwei. Zwei shot a curious glance over his shoulder at the question, before giving a quick shrug.

Zwei: “Maybe not that young, but we’ve known each other since we were about two or three years old.”

Summer: “Oh wow, you two have practically known each other your whole life! Sounds like they're about as close as Blaze, Joanna and Liena doesn’t it Bro?”

Rowan was still muttering to himself about being ignored, causing Summer to roll her eyes at her brothers sulking. Zwei in turn, merely ignored the two of them as he led them down the halls of Beacon to where the inner gardens were. They eventually found themselves outside and surrounded by lush greenery and plentiful flora. The cascade of vivid colors from all of the varying flowers and plantage was quite the sight to behold. Summer let out a small gasp of delight as she looked upon colorful and well maintained gardens. Even Rowan couldn’t help but gape at the mesmerizing gardens, his sulking having already been forgotten about. Zwei ignored the surrounding gardens, and instead made his way towards a lone person who was currently in the middle of watering some plants.

Upon getting closer, the person had turned out to be a woman with vibrant red hair that covered one of her violent eyes. She was dressed in gardening gear that had obviously seen a fair amount of use judging from the varying dirt and grass stains that were layered upon it, and the leather gloves and apron she wore having been warped and crimped from frequent usage. She was humming a cheerful tune to herself, when she noticed that she had company. A big smile plastered itself across her face as she quickly placed her watering can down before rushing over and immediately embracing Zwei, which he quickly returned. They held one another for a few seconds before they both separated from one another.

Rosemary: “Well, well, what brings you around my neck of the woods Z?”

Zwei’s smile quickly turned into a grimace, before letting out a groan of annoyance at Rosemary’s choice of words.

Zwei: “Ugh, really Rosie? Plant metaphors?”

Rosemary huffed in response, quickly crossing her arms as she gave Zwei a challenging look.

Rosemary: “Oh hush, you! It’s funny and you know it!”

Zwei merely gave her a deadpan look in response, clearly unimpressed with her lackluster attempt at humor.

Zwei: “Oh sure Rosie, it’s funny alright, if you have absolutely no taste in humor. But I suppose that’s what I should expect from someone that hangs around Yang all the time.”

Zwei didn’t even bother to stop the smirk that formed on his face as watched Rosemary immediately get flustered. Her face was as red as her hair, and her teeth were gritted together in anger. 

Rosemary: “Now listen here ya little mangy mutt!”

Zwei and Rosemary’s friendly greeting soon devolved into bickering between the two of them. Rowan and Summer both stood awkwardly to the side, unsure of what to do as they didn’t wish to impede upon their conversation. At least, Rowan stood there awkwardly while his sister looked upon the bickering friends with stars in her eyes.

Summer: *Internally* ‘Oh brother’s, they have it so bad for one another that it’s unreal! And she’s perfect auntie material on top of that!’

Rosemary’s tirade was cut off when she finally noticed the twins standing behind Zwei. She quickly calmed herself down, before giving the two a curious look.

Rosemary: “Never figured you to be one to willingly put up with tagalongs Zwei. Did the headmaster finally manage to get you to take on some firsties for that leadership program?”

Zwei only scoffed at her words as he rolled his eyes in annoyance of ever having to teach his younger peers anything. 

Zwei: “I’d run face first into a brick wall with my semblance active before I’d ever willingly take on a group of first years. And to make a long and complicated story short, these are Jaune and Ruby’s kids.”

Rosemary: “...Wait, wha-”

Zwei: “From another dimension.”

Rosemary was doing her best impression of a gaping fish at the total bombshell Zwei casually dropped on her, before shutting her mouth with an audible click. Her eyes were pinched shut as she found herself taking in a long, deep, breath before exhaling with obvious exasperation. Her eyes snapped open to give Zwei a tired, withering stare.

Rosemary: “Not even time and space itself prevents your family from doing anything by halves, huh Z?”

Zwei simply shrugged, before shooting Rosemary a cocky grin.

Zwei: “You’ve known me and my family long enough Rosie. Since when have we ever been one’s to let the impossible stop us from doing anything?”

Rosemary went to give Zwei a response, before once again clicking her mouth shut in frustration.

Rosemary: “I hate the fact that I can’t actually prove you wrong on that. But at this point, I shouldn’t even be surprised at something like happening, it’s not like reality hasn’t practically been shattered around us before or anything like that.”

Zwei: “Now you’re just being emotional, and besides: what’s wrong with casually breaking all known laws of science and physics every now again?”

Rosemary: “...No comment.”

Rosemary gave Zwei a blank stare as she ignored his shit eating grin, before turning to regard the twins with a warm and welcoming smile.

Rosemary: “Well with that little bit of insanity out of the way, it’s nice to meet you two! I’m Rosemary Thornbush, and you two are?”

The twins eyed each other momentarily, before they both went to introduce themselves to the older women. 

Rowan: “I’m Rowan Rose-Arc, and it’s very nice to meet you Miss Rosemary.”

Rowan gave Rosemary a small, but polite smile as he gave her a quick wave in greeting. Summer on the other hand....

Summer: “Hi, I’m Summer Rose-Arc, and I’m really happy to meet you Miss Rosemary!”

Summer had practically launched herself at Rosemary as she took one of her gloved hands in hers, practically shaking her hand at the same pace of a jackhammer on steroids. Rosemary didn’t even so much as flinch at the act, having long since been used to such hyperactive behavior from dealing with Ruby on a near daily basis. A small squeal escaped past Rosemary’s lips as she took in the sight of the precious little girl in front of her before quickly pulling her into a hug.

Rosemary: “Oh Brother’s above, you’re just an absolute doll! Oh what precious little thing you are Summer.”

Summer’s face practically beamed with joy as she preened at Rosemary’s words of praise, returning her hug was just as much enthusiasm. Rowan couldn’t help but snort at the sight of the two girls quickly getting along with one another, while Zwei quietly snickered at the sight of Rosemary acting just as her mother would in such a situation. Though she denied it, Rosemary had a tendency to smother people in a bombastic manner like her mother often tended to do, though she was a lot less open about that particular habit.

Rowan let out a curious hum as he truly took in the garden that was surrounding them. He saw various pathways all neatly trimmed and cared for, all of which were lined with various species of flora. From his observations, he honestly wouldn’t be too surprised if Beacon had a greenhouse or two as well. 

Rowan: “By the way Miss Rosemary, do you mind if I ask why there’s so much focus on tending to all of the plant life here in Beacon? Is there some kind of curriculum based around it?”

Rosemary: “First of all: Just call me Rosemary or Rosie, Rowan. I’ve never been one for formalities and I’m certainly not my mother, that’s for sure.”

Rowan's face flushed red in embarrassment before muttering out an apology, only to give his sister a dirty look when she snickered at his reaction. His face soon matched his skin when Zwei also snickered at his reaction, though he was quickly silenced by a pointed look that Rosemary shot at him.

Rosemary: “Secondly: There is a curriculum of sorts. The gardens and greenhouses of Beacon have been a staple since its founding. Apparently the original headmaster was big on preserving endangered flora and plant life that was at risk of being wiped out due to human expansion and Grimm hordes destroying the terrain during their rampages.”

Rosemary released Summer from her grip, before she walked back over to the flowers she was tending to before they had arrived. There were several flowers that were in the middle of their blooming period, still several days away from fully blooming.

Rosemary: “While it had originally started as a preservation effort, it had eventually become part of the curriculum as a set of optional classes. Specifically for training huntsmen in medicines and survival courses. Being out in the fields for extended periods of time isn’t anything unusual to a career huntsmen, but that often means being out in the wild on your own with very little in conventional medicines and foods. Which often leaves you at the mercy of mother nature, and whatever mood she’s currently feeling at the moment.

Rowan and Summer were completely enraptured by Rosemary’s impromptu lecture, practically hanging onto every world. Zwei himself was paying rapt attention to Rosemary, though it certainly wasn’t because he was interested in hearing the same lecture he’s heard a million times from both Rosemary and his step-mother. 

Rosemary: “Aura can protect and heal your wounds, but it’s still a finite resource and it can’t keep you from going hungry or prevent your wounds from becoming infected or bones from setting right. There are loads of cases of huntsmen dying due to being unfamiliar with even the most basic of medical knowledge or because they ended up poisoning themselves from eating wild plant life they didn’t know was meant for consumption. Not to say that huntsmen are dying left and right due to being ignorant of basic survival tactics, but it does make up for quite a few deaths and casualties every year. And as such, that’s why it’s been a part of the Beacon curriculum for quite sometime and even though it’s technically still considered an ‘optional,’ class.”

Rosemary emphasized the word “optional,” with a sneer and air quotes, causing the twins to giggle at and Zwei smile at her obvious feelings on the subject.

Rosemary: “It’s still heavily encouraged by most of the faculty and the current headmaster himself to take the course and to be familiar with at least the basics. The Class is currently taught under the instruction of Thumbelina Xiao-Long who, by the by, is also Beacons official doctor for the student body and my mentor. She’s a bit soft spoken, but she’s also an absolutely brilliant woman and takes her role of an instructor and healer very seriously.”

Rowan and Summer both nodded along, before Rowan piped up with another question.

Rowan: “Professor Xiao-Long is the current instructor of the class? Then I must imagine she has quite the green thumb if she’s the school's expert in medication and survival.”

Rosemary: “You would be one hundred percent correct Rowan! An astute observation on your part.”

Rosemary shot Rowan a sincere smile, causing him to blush at the sudden praise he received. He tried to ignore the snickering of Summer and Zwei, though both were quickly silenced when Rosemary gave them both another pointed look.

Rosemary: “Yes, Thumbelina does in fact have quite the green thumb and it’s practically a requirement for being able to instruct the survival class. You have to have a thorough knowledge of flora and their medicinal properties, while also being familiar with what’s edible and safe to eat versus what’s dangerous for consumption. It’s also important because you have to be familiar with various poisons and toxins that Grimm produce and that both assassins and rouge huntsmen use and how to either treat or stall their spread.”

Summer: “Wow, sounds like professor Xiao-Long is one smart cookie then!”

Rosemary: “Like I said, she’s a brilliant woman to work with, and I’ve learned a whole lot from tutoring under her.”

Rosemary went to say more, only to be abruptly interrupted by an annoyed looking Zwei.

Zwei: “Yeah, yeah, yeah, she’s such a ‘smart’ and ‘well read’ woman. Alright Rosie, this has been riveting, but are you done kissing my step-moms ass already or are you going to keep on rambling?”

Rosemary’s mouth dropped for only a second, before her cheeks flushed red with anger and she had gotten a fierce look in her eyes.

Rosemary: “Ah shut ya trap you mangy fur ball! Ya just angry that your Ma refuses to give you an easy pass in the class just because you’re family!”

Rowans and Summers' eyes widened as Rosemary went from being happy and cheerful, to having a full on Northern Vale accent. Zwei winced as her accent flared up, only to glare back at her in defiance.

Zwei: “I’m not angry at all! Ever since she took you on as an apprentice, all you ever do is go on and on about how ‘brilliant,’ and ‘passionate,’ she is!”

Rosemary: “It’s called having a healthy appreciation for someone Zwei! Sorry if that seems to upset ya for some reason, but I fail to see why ya care so much about it!”

Zwei: “Healthy appreciation, my ass! You're practically obsessed with her and all of her studies and theories, you may as well have a huge crush from how much you gush about her!”

Rosemary: “N-no I don’t! Ya just saying that because-”

Zwei and Rosemary once again broke down into bickering with one another, completely ignoring the twins once again. Rowans looked on with concern written on his face, wondering if he should say something or intervene with the fight. Summer, on the other hand, watched them with a cheshire grin planted firmly on her face. 

It was easy to see that there was little to no heat behind any of their words, even with the two of them practically shouting at one another. Secondly, Zwei had purposely goaded Rosemary into the argument, not even bothering to be subtle about it. And it was clearly obvious to Summer that Rosemary had the ability to keep a cool head and could have avoided getting into an argument with Zwei, but that she all but yanked on the obvious bait that had been laid out in front of them. All in all, they came off as an old arguing couple that were arguing for the sake of arguing rather than two people that were truly mad at one another.

Summer: *Internally* ‘Oh yeah, they definitely have it bad for one another!’

Summer snickered at the thought, before she gave a polite cough to grab the arguing pairs attention. Zwei and Rosemary were practically in each other's faces when they both froze, and looked over to see that they still had people present. Rowan had suddenly found the ground to be the most fascinating thing in the world, while Summer was trying(and failing) to hide a smug smile at their behavior.

Summer: “Do you two need a moment? I’ve been told that a lover's spat is usually dealt with in private, rather than the whole world to see.”

Summer thought she would get a further reaction out of them, only to become confused when neither Zwei or Rosemary gave each other a look, before they started laughing as if they had just heard a funny joke.

Rosemary: “Ha! Me and this guy dating? Not in a million years!”

Zwei: “Sorry to disappoint you Ruby Junior, but while we’re close we’re not that close with one another.”

The two continued to share a good laugh with one another, which only served to confuse Summer more than she already was! It was obvious they had feelings for one another! They had all of the textbook signs of being attracted to one another, how could they not see this! Summer went to call them out on this, before she was interrupted by her twin.

Rowan: “You know it’s not polite to assume they’re dating based solely off of looks alone Summer.”

Summer: “What?! But, but-!”

Rowan: “And even if they were, it’s not nice to call them out like that either. It’s rude, and you know you were taught better than that.”

Summer couldn’t do anything but openly gawk at her brother’s scolding, her mouth open and closing as she tried to(and completely failed to) formulate a response to how the situation had completely been turned against her. Not helping matters was the fact that Zwei and Rosemary were both openly snickering as Summer was being reprimanded by her brother in an eerily similar fashion to how their mother would have been scolding them.

Zwei: “Snk! Yeah Summer, it’s pretty arrogant of you to just up and assume that Rosemary and I are dating just because it looks like we’re having a lovers spat.”

Rosemary: “Pfff! Yeah hon, you shouldn’t just assume something based off of first impressions alone. That kind of attitude will just come back to bite you in the ass sooner or later.”

The pair continued to laugh as Summer’s cheeks had flushed red enough to match her namesake, before she quietly muttered out an apology while she desperately wished she could sink into the ground. Rowan kept a neutral facade, though inwardly he couldn’t help but smile as his sister was now the target of some embarrassment. After a few more teasing comments from his tour guides, Rowan had decided to end his sister's torment.

Rowan: “Okay, I think you two have gotten your kicks in and my sister has been thoroughly embarrassed enough.”

Zwei and Rosemary both quickly picked up on what Rowan was saying, and after another brief round of chuckles and one last teasing remark or two, they had both finally let up on Summer.

Rosemary: “Ah man, the look on your face was priceless! Ah, but enough of that, I think she’s not going to make any more assumptions soon, don’t you think Zwei?”

Zwei: “Mmmmh, yeah I think our would-be romantist has learned her lesson.”

Summer let out a sigh of relief, only to wince when Zwei’s eyes narrowed and he got a devious smirk on his face.

Zwei: “For now.”

Summer could only groan at the thought of future teasing, while her brother could only roll his eyes at her reaction. Doing his best to ignore his sister's despair, he addressed Rosemary yet again as a sudden thought occurred to him about something she had mentioned earlier.”

Rowan: “You mentioned that you were Professor Xiao-Long's apprentice earlier? I’d imagine that the requirements would be having an extensive knowledge of flora and medicines, as well as having a way with plants yourself?”

Rosemary: “Pretty much, though It also helps that my semblance is practically tailor made for the position.”

At the mentions of her Semblance, both siblings perked up with excitement with Summer’s previous air of misery quickly evaporating.

Rowan/Summer: “Really?!”

Rosemary: “Yes, really! Course, I had to work my butt off to still qualify for the position against several other people, but my semblance pretty much gave me an edge over all of the others.”

Zwei had let out a rather loud cough that sounded like he was saying “nepotism,” though he began coughing for real when Rosemary elbowed him in the gut. Neither of the twins chose to comment on the aforementioned moment.

Summer: “In that case, could we see your semblance Rosie?”

Rowan: “That is, if you don’t mind taking the time to show us that is.”

Summer was practically beaming in excitement at seeing a new semblance that she had never seen before. Rowan tried to keep his excitement in check by being polite, though even he couldn’t mask the enthusiasm that leaked into his tone at the thought of Rosemary giving a showing of her semblance.

Rosemary went quite as she put her hand to her chin as if to suggest that she was contemplating the twins request. Zwei scoffed at the display, though he couldn’t help but internally smile at the twins' curiosity and excitement. The yearning of wanting to learn and see new things made him think of both Ruby and Jaune, and he was slowly starting to see bits of both parents in their kids as he observed and interacted with them.

Rosemary: “Mmmmh, well… I guess I can take the time to show off a little bit. I’d be more than happy to show you two my semblance...”

The twins both beamed with excitement, before it quickly dimmed as Rosemary quickly tacked on:

Rosemary: “...After I finish the rest of my tasks around the garden. It won’t take me long, all I have to do is finish laying down some mulch and stow away my tools and gear and I’d be more than happy to show off to your heart's content.”

Rosemary couldn’t help but smirk at the sight of the twins both pouting in disappointment at having to wait to see her semblance. Zwei simply rolled his eyes at their obvious disappointment, before he decided to speak up once again.

Zwei: “Ah quit your bellyaching you two. It won’t take her long to finish up, and there’s plenty we can do to kill some time. How about I show you two around the gardens some more, then we come back here to bug Rosie some more, alright?”

The twins both muttered out words of agreement, before they both started to make their way deeper into the gardens. Zwei let them get ahead of them for a moment, before he turned to regard Rosemary with a smirk.

Zwei: “So, when did you have the girl made?”

Rosemary in turn, gave Zwei a shit eating grin back as she made to respond.

Rosemary: “As I was holding her, and she kept looking back and forth between the two of us as if she had just had an epiphany. You?”

Zwei: “She kept looking back at me with a ‘knowing,’ look when you were giving your impromptu lecture. I think she thought I was looking at you as if I was enraptured or some other sappy shit like that. Sorry about suggesting you were a kiss ass by the way, I didn’t mean any of it.”

Rosemary barked out a laugh as she waved off Zwei’s apology, showing that she wasn’t offended in the slightest.

Rosemary: “Nah, I knew you were only saying that to set the girl up. Besides, I’d know you’d never willingly talk smack to me like, especially about your Step-Mom. I couldn’t even imagine what your dad would have done to you if that were the case, and Brother’s above what your sisters would have done to you if they heard you talking about Thumb and I that way.”

Zwei physically flinched at the thought, before mentally locking that nightmare scenario away with all of his other repressed memories. 

Zwei: “Yeah, best not to think about the results from that hypothetical situation. Still, it was fun to mess around with her like that. Those two may be from another dimension, but they’re definitely Jaune’s and Ruby’s kids, and just as fun to mess around with.”

Rosemary: “Mmm, be that as it may, do remember that your sister and brother in law got you just as often as you did them, and I doubt their children are no different. So try not to mess around with them too much Zwei, lest you find yourself being played at your own game.”

Zwei went to argue against her warning, only to pause as he truly thought it over. After a moment of contemplation, swore under his breath as he realized that Rosemary was right.

Zwei: “...They’re probably going to get me back at some point for all of this, aren’t they?”

Rosemary only smiled at Zwei’s Rhetorical question, before giving him a quick pat on the cheek as she walked the other way, grabbing her water can along the way.

Rosemary: “Give me about thirty minutes or so, and I’ll be available for the rest of the day. In the meantime, you should probably catch up with your strays before they end up causing chaos like they’re probably prone to do.”

Zwei stared at the retreating form of Rosemary’s back, before letting out a sigh as he began  walking in the direction that the twins wandered off to, grumbling to himself the whole time.

[c-rose2081]

Storybook Days

(Chapter 1)

—

It’s Summer in Auradon, and Audrey is tasked with babysitting the VK kids while the others are busy. Not sure what to do with them, Audrey agrees to read from a book of stories Dizzy found in the royal library. Except the book is actually enchanted; and now Audrey, Celia, Dizzy and the twins are stuck inside its pages, having to go through each story until they find a way out.

—

“Ben, you can’t be serious,”

It wasn’t very Princess-like to whine, but Audrey Rose didn’t care much for being proper at the moment. It was a bright and clear Summer day in Auradon, and the young King had just dropped a last minute bombshell on the heir of Auroria, “what do you mean I have to babysit?”

“I wouldn’t do this unless I had to, Auds.” Ben said, only half-apologetic as he quickly signed off on some papers while trying to kick on his left shoe, “but Evie’s presence at the Royal Picnic has been requested,”

“So what!” Audrey insisted, following Ben across the study as he gathered up his leather jacket and motorcycle helmet, “why not take the little heathens with you to the stupid picnic?”

Ben shot Audrey a warning look as she lifted her hands and scoffed, “sorry. I just mean they are troublesome and annoying, and I don’t want to babysit,”

“Audrey, you know I’d love for them to come, and for us not to be having this conversation. But four VKids running around with a bunch of stuffy dignitaries is a disaster waiting to happen. This Picnic is really important,”

“But why can’t Uma do it? Or your parents?”

“Because Uma, Harry and Gil are on the isle this weekend doing outreach, and mom and dad will be at the picnic,”

“Ugh, but Ben...”

“Audrey,” placing both hands firmly on the girls shoulders, the boy shot her a dazzling, Kingly grin, “remember what you said to me after Barrier Day? About wanting to make amends?”

“Yes,” Audrey grumbled, “I’m the one who said it,”

“This is a perfect opportunity. It’s just one afternoon, till tomorrow, and Mal and Evie would certainly appreciate it,”

“But the VKids hate me, Ben,” Audrey insisted again as the King walked from the office with a pink Princess in tow, “Celia put chili powder on the rim of my teacup the other day. I could’ve died,”

“It was a harmless little prank, Audrey,” Ben chuckled, swiveling around on a heel to cup Audrey’s cheek in his hand, “you’ll be fine. I have full faith that you can watch them for a night.” He reassured her, “please Audrey? For me?”

Giving the girl his best beastly pout, Audrey folded her arms tightly against her chest.

“Fine. But you’ll bring something back for me, right?” Audrey asked, admitting defeat with a deep sigh and an eye roll, “a piece of cake or...”

“Something sweet for my favorite Princess.” Ben agreed, hurriedly kissing the back of Audrey’s knuckles with a smile, “you’ll do great, I just know it. Evie left some instructions on the fridge, and you have us all on speed dial. Now I have to go or I’ll be late,”

Leaving the Princess at the top of the steps, she watched Ben mount up his motorbike and speed off with an army of staff behind him. This left the castle unusually quiet, and Audrey placed both hands on her hips as she exhaled deeply.

“Babysitting duty,” She scoffed under her breath, tipping her head to rub the place between her eyes, “what a world this is.”

Once upon a time, Audrey would’ve been invited to the Royal Picnic. Naturally though, after her little stint with Maleficent’s Scepter, things had been a bit rocky with the other royal families in Auradon. She was shielded from the gossip by spending the Summer in Beast’s Castle, while her Mum, Dad and Grammy patched things up in Auroria with broad, fantastic strokes. But she still caught wind of the whispers going around. None of them pleasant.

Turning and walking back into the castle, Audrey closed the door with a shallow BANG, and rattling echo. She walked towards the kitchen, still trying to soothe the headache she already felt coming on. Of all the people in the Castle, Audrey was the favorite target for devilish pranks. The VKids were little brats, running around like they owned the place and being spoiled rotten by Evie. And though Dizzy could be sweet on her own, she was Celia’s right hand minion when push came to shove.

Grumbling nonsense under her breath, Audrey swept by the island towards the fridge. Here, a scrawled note in Evie’s hand lay stuck under a magnet. It wasn’t just instructions; it was an entire schedule of things to do.

“These kids live better then I do,” Audrey mumbled, raising an eyebrow at some of the items Evie had listed.

Bake Cookies

Croquet on the Lawn

Movie Marathon

Run Baths

Bedtime Story

“Bedtime story?” Audrey mumbled with a scoff, “you’ve got to be kiddi-EEK!”

Audrey leapt up with a shriek as something cold was dropped down the back of her dress. Shaking herself hard to dislodge the ice cube from lace and satin, Audrey groaned in frustration as she whipped around. Celia and Dizzy were on the floor, holding their tummies as they laughed. The Twins were peeking in through the doorway, not laughing but staring at her like she’d take their heads off.

“You little brats!” Audrey hissed, “get off the floor. Front and center,”

“We don’t take orders from you, old hag.” Celia cackled, rolling over onto her stomach, “why aren’t you at the Picnic? Didn’t get invited?”

“As a matter a fact I didn’t,” Audrey seethed through her teeth, “so now, I’m stuck here watching you four,”

“Awe what!” Celia complained, finally getting back to her feet and brushing off her skirt, “but Evie had a big day planned.”

“Yeah well, Evie’s not here,” Audrey hissed, holding up the list in her hand and waving it around, “and I’m not interested in catering to your every desire. So you can just forget about that,”

“You’re kinda mean,” Dizzy complained.

“You just put an ice cube down my dress, scared me out of my skin, and now you expect me to play nice? I don’t think so,” Audrey hissed, tearing up the list in her hands and tossing it on the counter. Turning to the twins, she pointed at them, “you two, in here with me. We’re gonna have a chat,”

Hesitantly, the blondes scuttled in. Four VKids now faced off with a very peevish Princess, the girl placing both hands on her hips with an animalistic huff, “alright, twerps. Here’s how this is gonna go. I don’t really care what you do. Go hide in your rooms, watch TV all day, play with swords in the armory, whatever. Just leave me out of it unless someone’s dying,”

“What will you be doing?” Celia asked, “plotting to curse Ben and Mal’s first child?”

Both Ceila and Dizzy sniggered behind their hands as Audrey clenched a fist tightly.

“I really hate children,” she managed under her breath, folding her hands together as though in prayer, “listen, I don’t like you, and you don’t like me. I get that, and I’m really quite reasonable. So just stay away from me, and you can do whatever you want. Kapeesh?”

Four pairs of eyes blinked up at her in confusion as Audrey rolled her eyes and translated, “do you understand?”

“Yeah, we understand,” Celia nodded, glancing at her companions before pinning Audrey with a hard stare, “but we want waffles for dinner.”

“Deal.”

“And we want to watch an R rated movie!” Dizzy added as Audrey lifted a brow but shrugged. If it kept the little monsters away from her, it was worth the risk.

“Fine. Anything else? You two?”

Glancing at the twins, the blondes shook their heads quickly as Audrey clapped her hands together and sighed in relief.

“Great. I’ll be out by the pool enjoying what’s left of today. You stay in here and do whatever, and we’ll be peachy. Kay?”

Nodding in agreement, Audrey turned and walked from the kitchen. Changing into her favorite bikini and hat, the Princess found her way to the pool a little while later. Not trusting the water — lest Celia put dye in it that would make her skin turn blue — Audrey found a comfortable spot on a lawn chair and dropped the sunglasses down over her eyes. For a while, the world was peaceful. But Audrey should’ve known better then to trust the VKids word on anything.

While she slept, Celia managed to drop a scorpion on her from the upper balcony. Where she had even gotten such a thing, Audrey wasn’t sure. But it pinched her fair skin a few times before she was able to knock it away, causing horrible red welts to form. Upon running inside, she slipped and fell on oil that had been lift on the marble and slammed back first into a suit of armor. There was laughter above her on the stairway, but Audrey was to busy rubbing the long cut which she now had on her forehead from the fall to notice.

It was an afternoon of one vicious prank after another. From simply stealing her clothes while she was showering, to locking her in a broom closet which they had somehow tricked her into, it was constant pain and torment. Her own little hell on earth. By the time dusk was falling, Audrey was exhausted and in pain. Her head ached from a possible concussion, and her stomach burned with the scorpion stings. Her mouth tasted a bit like ash from the Alo-Vera gel Dizzy managed to spread on her sandwich while she wasn’t looking. And she just wanted to close her eyes and sleep.

Thankfully, after putting the movie on and shoving plates piled with waffles into the kids hands, the terrible two had shut up. The film was long over now, and Audrey assumed the four had made their way to bed. She herself was trying and failing to sleep when the slow open of her door made her heart still. Not another prank. She couldn’t handle any more today.

“...Audrey?” Dizzy whispered. Ignoring the girl in hopes she’d simply go away, Audrey winced as her shoulder was gently tapped, “Audrey, are you awake?”

“...I am now,” the Princess groaned, rolling over to face the VKid. Dizzy was haloed in the hall light, but Audrey could see the tears streaming down her face and what appeared to be a book in her arms. Sitting up slightly, Audrey’s brows furrowed, “hey, what’s wrong?”

“I can’t sleep,” Dizzy croaked, “I had a nightmare,”

“A nightm-” pausing, Audrey sighed and nodded, “from the movie I bet.”

“It was really scary,” Dizzy whimpered.

“Ok. And what would you like me to do?” Audrey asked, not entirely sure how to proceed. After all, when she was young and couldn’t sleep, she never went to mum or Grammy. They just sent her back to her room with a sleepy grunt and a ‘go back to sleep, Audrey’, and that was it. Comforting a scared child wasn’t something she did, let alone something she ever had experience with.

“Can you read me a story?” Dizzy asked, “I found a book in the library.”

Glancing at the clock, it was only about midnight as Audrey rubbed her face tiredly and nodded in agreement.

“Yeah, fine. Go turn on the light,”

“Is it ok if the twins listen, to?” Dizzy asked, crossing the room to the light as Audrey sat up.

“You aren’t planning on waking them just to hear a story, are you?”

“No, they’re already here.”

At being mentioned, two blonde heads in night caps glanced around the doorway.

“Ah, I see,” Audrey rasped, “well come on then. Might as well read to everyone,”

At the invitation, two short bullets zipped like mice across the carpet and landed on the mattress with a PHOOPH. Dizzy followed after, climbing to sit next to Audrey on her right side as she handed over the book.

“Where did you even find this thing,” Audrey asked, blowing dust from the beautiful embossed cover, “it’s ancient,”

“I dunno. It was on one of the bottom shelves,” Dizzy shrugged, “so what’s it about?”

“A book of fairytales,” Audrey told her, reading the inscription on the first page, “this book, bequeathed to Beast and Belle on their wedding day. May it find you well.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

Glancing up at the new voice, Celia leaned in the doorway. Though she appeared casual and unbothered, Audrey could see the dark circles under her eyes, meaning the movie probably got to her as well, despite her facade of bravado.

“It was a wedding gift,” Audrey told her, “come to hear the story?”

“I thought you weren’t interested in that kind of thing,” Celia grumbled, though she made her way towards the bed anyway and crawled up to sit on Audrey’s other side. The twins laid across her legs, blinking up at her with sapphire colored irises.

“Well, one small story won’t hurt. Despite all the torture you put me through today.”

Celia said nothing to this as Audrey turned back to the book, flipping the page to the first story: Little Red Riding Hood.

“Once upon a time,” Audrey began, “in a wood not unlike this one, a little girl in a red cloak was making her way to her grandmothers house...”