#he won't confront but he will make you feel bad and maybe even convince you to help

[glisten-inthedark]

The Experiment | Part 2

In case y'all missed it, I asked one of my best friends to watch Stranger Things and here's what she had to say about season 1 and 2 .

Now, here's the updated version of season 3 that she finished so fucking fast and I felt guilty because she told me didn't sleep because she was desperate for answers, my sweet summer child.

This time around she'd update me as she watched the episodes and needless to say I woke up today with way too many messages

She's 100% convinced that Mike is gay because she said and I quote: "What teenage boy takes off the hands of his girlfriend like he did?".She also said that Mike should remember that friendships are important too, she doesn't understand why he's avoiding his friends and focusing too much on El.

She loves Max Mayfield BTW (again, sweet summer child). She 100% agrees that El needs to learn how to be herself without the influence of others.

She said that the biggest problem she has with Mike and El is that El didn't even know what a friend was the first season, how can se be in a relationship? However, she does think that if Mike learns how to listen to her they might work it out but she's not sure they should. "Ok I guess they're not going to work it after all" says her after their break up. Also, she was like: "shouldn't he be more upset about this?

In comes the rain fight scene and I think the conversation deserves to be in a mural somewhere. This is what she said and I apologize for the language and for how she talks about Mike but this deserves to be translated in it's entirety because her rant was epic.

"Why. The. Fuck. Was Mike being such an ass?! He used to be so sweet to Will and now he's treating him like this? Hell nah! Like, I get that he wants to spend time with his girlfriend and that's fine, but that doesn't mean he gets to treat Will like this!

And who the fuck said anything about Will not liking girls? Will didn't! So why the fuck would Mike say this completely unprovoked? Like, this is the kind of shit Will's bullies would say! I don't know who the fuck this Mike is, but it's definitely not the kid from last season.

"Oh se he goes to apologize to Will but doesn't apologize to El?" She asked me after she calmed down from her seething rage. "Inch teresting"

"Oh boy, Billy is gonna die. Am I supposed to want him not to?".

"How the fuck did Soviet Union manage to build this entire lab underground without anyone noticing? And this is I'm thr hight of cold war too, makes no sense but what do I know?"

She absolutely adores Robin, she thinks she and Steve will get together.

"Am I supposed to feel bad for Billy?" Needless to say, she doesn't like Billy.

"What. The. Fuck. Am. I. Watching?" She asked during the people turning into slush scene.

"Oh. So I guess Robin and Steve won't get together after all" lmao I laughed.

"Oh they do want me to feel sorry for Billy, huh"

She had a mental breakdown over Hop's "death". She sent an invoice crying and cursing me for bribing her into watching the show.

She also noticed how unresponsive Mike acted after El told him she loved him and was like: "is this boy ok? Like, I'm sorry Bia (my nickname) but you're telling me he just stood there with his eyes opened while she declared her love and kissed him? Am I watching this right? Answer me dammit!" (She was angry when I refused to tell her anything lmao).

Now, bare in mind that I haven't told her about Byler at all, didn't even tell her I ship it because I wanted her to be as unbiased as possible. She told me she had thoughts/theories and I told them to share them even after she claimed she didn't think she was right.

This bellow are her thoughts and hers alone, translated from Brazilian Portuguese to English.

"I just feel like Hop's letter is telling us something about Mike, maybe? Like, how he's afraid of change, of confronting his feelings, maybe? Like, I know you won't tell me, but I don't think this scene is about El leaving at all, I think it's about Will leaving.

"But I have a theory? I don't know, but the scene parallels the scene from when they find Will's body, right? But he comes home and holds his mom and I think this when he realized he has feelings for Will? Maybe? Or at the very least he realized he isn't straight.

" I didn't think Will was gay until I saw his reaction to what Mike said, and I think Will felt that he was stupid for believing that Mike cared for him at all. He destroyed the castle because he lost his childhood, he lost everything when he wasn't even looking, and I also think he called himself stupid because he thinks it was stupid of him to hope Mike could ever think of Will that way.

"I don't think Mike truly loves El, and he's coming to terms with the reason why he doesn't"

She then begged me for information which I refused to give her, obviously. But this is part 2. Now onto the last season *laughs maniacally *

[lecsainz]

stuck in the elevator

pairings: charles leclerc x fem!reader

warnings: Y/N freaking out and charles being a sweetheart, the elevator breaking down, cute french nicknames.

authors note: [SOMETHING COOL] because i really have no idea what to write here today 😭

word count: 1.1K

Charles Leclerc was in Miami for the Grand Prix, but he had to take a break from the busy atmosphere and have a moment to himself. He decided to take the elevator up to his hotel room when he saw a girl in there with him. He was on the phone and didn't pay much attention to her until the elevator suddenly shook, causing Y/N to stumble. The girl, Y/N, immediately started to panic, saying things like "I can't die yet" and "I have so much to live for". Charles found it amusing, but he knew he needed to comfort her.

"I think we're stuck," Charles replied, his eyes scanning the elevator buttons.

"What do you mean we're stuck? We can't be stuck!" Y/N started to panic.

"Hey, hey, it's okay," Charles said, putting a hand on her shoulder. "We'll get out of here soon enough."

"But what if we don't? What if we're stuck in here forever?" Y/N asked, her voice shaking.

Charles couldn't help but chuckle. "Trust me, we won't be stuck in here forever. And even if we were, I don't think spending eternity with you would be so bad."

Y/N blushed at his words, and Charles couldn't help but smile at her reaction.

They spent the next few minutes trying to press the emergency button and asking for help, but there was no response.

Charles leaned against the wall, "Well, looks like we're stuck here for a while."

Y/N groaned, "Great. Just my luck."

Charles looked at Y/N, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Well, ma chérie, I guess we'll have to find a way to pass the time then." he said, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips.

Y/N couldn't help but feel a shiver run down her spine at the sound of Charles' french.

Y/N arched an eyebrow, curious. "And what did you have in mind?" she asked.

Charles stepped closer, his hand reaching out to brush a stray lock of hair out of her face. "I was thinking we could get to know each other a little better." he said, his voice low and seductive. Y/N couldn't help but smile.

"So, Miami, huh?" Charles asked, leaning against the wall of the elevator with a curious expression.

Y/N nodded, "Yeah, I heard the Grand Prix is amazing, and I've never been to Miami before, so I figured why not?"

"Do you like formula one?" he asked surprised.

Y/N nodded. "Yeah, I do."

Charles' face lit up. "That's great! Do you have a favorite team?"

Y/N grinned mischievously. "I'm a Mercedes fan. I mean, have you seen Toto Wolff? He's a total babe."

Charles feigned offense, putting a hand over his heart. "Hey now, I'm a Ferrari driver. You're not supposed to like our rivals."

Y/N laughed. "Well, I can't help it. But I think your charming french accent could make me change my mind." Charles smiled smugly at the compliment.

"Well, I appreciate the sentiment. Maybe I can even convince you to switch over to Team Ferrari." He teased, his eyes sparkling.

Y/N raised an eyebrow, feigning consideration. "Hmm, I don't know. I mean, I don't think anyone can replace Toto in my heart." Charles laughed, shaking his head.

They sat in silence for a few moments before he spoke up again, "You know, there's something about being stuck in an elevator that's kind of romantic."

Y/N raised an eyebrow, "Really? I'm not feeling it."

Charles grinned, "Well, just imagine it. Two people, alone in a confined space, forced to confront their feelings."

Y/N rolled her eyes, "Oh please. There are no feelings here."

Charles chuckled, "Are you sure about that, ma chérie? I mean, you did say my french accent was charming."

Y/N's cheeks turned red, "I did not!"

They fell into a comfortable silence, both lost in their own thoughts. Charles picked up his phone and began scrolling through his photos.

"You know, I have some amazing pictures from Monaco," he said, showing Y/N a photo of himself overlooking the harbor.

Y/N leaned over to get a better look, her arm brushing against his. She quickly pulled away, but Charles didn't seem to mind.

"It's beautiful." she said, admiring the photo.

"It's my hometown. I was born and raised there." Charles replied with a smile.

S/N's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? I had no idea."

"Yeah, it's a special place for me." Charles said, his gaze lingering on Y/N.

As hours passed and they were still stuck in the elevator, Charles and Y/N talked about everything and nothing. They discussed their favorite movies, their dream travel destinations, and even shared childhood stories.

Charles found himself enjoying Y/N's company more and more as they talked. She was funny, intelligent, and had a unique perspective on life that he found refreshing. As the hours dragged on, they joked and laughed together, forgetting about the chaos of being stuck in an elevator.

At some point, exhaustion caught up with Y/N and she dozed off, her head resting on Charles' shoulder. He couldn't help but smile at the sight of her sleeping peacefully, her breaths steady and calm.

He brushed a stray strand of hair from her face and whispered, "Tu es tellement belle*." *you are so beautiful

When they finally got out of the elevator, Y/N woke up from her nap on Charles' shoulder, she felt a bit embarrassed but also grateful for his comfort during their ordeal in the elevator. She looked up at him and smiled.

"Thank you so much for being there for me, Charles. I don't know what I would have done without you," she said.

Charles smiled back at her. "Of course, Y/N. I'm just glad I could be of help. And who knows, maybe we can find ourselves stuck in an elevator again sometime soon," he teased.

Y/N laughed. "I think once was enough for me, but I wouldn't mind seeing you again outside of an elevator."

Charles watched Y/N walk away, feeling a sudden pang of regret. He realized that they hadn't exchanged numbers or made any plans to meet up again. He mentally scolded himself for being so caught up in the moment and not thinking ahead.

"*Merde." he muttered to himself. "I can't believe I forgot to ask for her number."*shit

But he wasn't about to give up that easily. He made a mental note to try and find her at the Grand Prix later that day, hoping to get a second chance to make things right.

As he walked away, he couldn't shake the feeling that Y/N had left a lasting impression on him. He knew he had to see her again.

[yanderetheumbrellaacademy]

When They Get Jealous

Summary: What happens when they someone flirting with you and they get jealous? Characters: Luther Hargreeves, Diego Hargreeves & Lila Pitts, Allison Hargreeves, Klaus Hargreeves, Five Hargreeves, Ben Hargreeves, Viktor Hargreeves, Marcus Hargreeves, Sparrow! Ben Hargreeves, Fei Hargreeves, Sloane Hargreeves, Jayme Hargreeves Tw: Violence, Emotional Manipulation, Su!c!dal indications

Luther Hargreeves

Kind of insecure

He's also angry and crushes whatever he's holding in his hands

He's surprised when looking down at the crushed item

Then he becomes annoyed

He'll go to the bathroom to clean up and you'll quickly follow him

"Are you okay?"

He's surprised by your presence and the fact that you followed him

He'll then feel bad about his feelings before

You would never hurt him and he knows that, so why would he even feel that way? You've never done anything to justify that feeling

"Um... Nothing, I accidently- uh, crushed this thing- You know... Strength issues..."

You'll help him clean up/patch up and it makes Luther guilty and he momentarily forgets about the previous feeling... At least until next time

Deigo Hargreeves & Lila Pitts

What a duo

Lila definitely filled Diego's head with delusions and will convince him to do something stupid [Like kill the person flirting w/ you] while she hides the body

Lila takes it better, but inside she's more pissed than Diego

Diego is mad at you and won't talk to you. You'll have to profusely apologize and prove to him you care, otherwise he won't speak to you. Trust, he can hold a grudge

Lila, on the other hand, is very extroverted and will go over to where you are and talk to the person who was flirting with you

There's is definitely tension in the air, even though it doesn't show on her face

She's all smiles and happy, but it doesn't show in her eyes

Deigo is mad, but Lila sees it as an opportunity to manipulate you [She also wants a reason to kill somone]

You try and talk back and she'll bring up how sad it makes them when people flirt with you and she'll emotionally manipulate into feeling bad

You didn't like the person but... maybe she's right? I mean- you didn't exactly tell the person no or that you were taken, but you had asked them to stop.... Was that enough?

Allison Hargreeves

Oh, no no no nononononono

She is NOT letting that happen

The person who's flirting with you must have a death wish

She doesn't want to use her powers, but...

Well, she really has to fight the urge

She looks very sweet and kind, so she can just come into the conversation and play nice girl

She'll drag you off, talking about needing your help or something, while apologizing for taking you away [But she doesn't really mean it]

You won't even notice she's mad until you're alone

She'll accuse you of cheating or trying to leave her

You're taken by surprise, but don't even try and fight her, because she's in a very low/depressive state, so she'd be easy to push into doing something drastic

So, you'll have to wait until she feels better to confront her

Klaus Hargreeves

They already assume you don't love them, so this just fills this delusion they have

It really bums them out and they get super depressed

They get extra clingy whenever they get you alone

They're usually pretty clingy, so you don't think about it to much

Until, they start whining about the guy at the bar

They'll ask you if you like them [Flirter] more than them [Klaus]

You'll tell them no, but they don't believe you

They'll emotion manipulate you saying that you probably hate them and if you ever leave them, they'll kill themselves

Five Hargreeves

Someone flirting with you? Do they have a death wish??

Not afraid to kill a man or women. He doesn't care

The only issue is he'd never admit his jealousy. You have to confront him and at first he'll deny it, but if you keep pushing he'll get pissed and yell 'You know what- I am jealous! So what!?!'

You're surprised he admitted it, but that's the only time you're getting it

He'll deny saying it and gaslight you into thinking it never happened

He will kill them, he just needs a little time, which he has plenty of

It is bloody, gory and gruesome

No one will find the body, but he'll make sure you know the person is dead and it's all your fault

He'll make sure you never do it again because he hates this feeling and it bothers the hell out of him

Ben Hargreeves

He wasn't really having fun at the party, so when seeing someone hit on you, it just made his night worse

He's scared you'll realize that he's not good enough

He hates the icky feeling in his stomach and it only continues to grow

Though it does make the feeling subside when seeing you roll your eyes and push the person out of the way before heading towards him

It makes him giddy and smile; Like a school boy

The fact that you'd chose him over everyone else really fuels his obsession, so be warned

When you get to him, you complain about the person

"Did you see them?"

He'll pretend that he wasn't paying attention and you gasp, before sitting down and ranting about how stupid that person was

He practically has hearts in his eyes and he looks at you like you're the only person in the world, which to him you are

Viktor Hargreeves

He's annoyed, but he's not going to do anything drastic [Or at least he tries]

He wants to do something, but he doesn't really know what to do, because he's never had like a good relationship

He watches sadden from afar before wallowing in his own self pity

Though, after everything that has happened, he is a little bit more confident it just takes some working up before he can go over to you

He'll debate about it for a few though. Like he'll sit up, but quickly sit back down and do it over again until he finally gathers the courage to approach you

He'll finally approach you, thinking of what he's going to do as he approaches you, but when he finally approaches you he's still lost on what to do

He'll just act and kiss you infront of the person, which takes the flirter by surprise

The flirter will apologize and end up leaving you alone

You're surprised by Viktor's brazen behavior, but it's also kind of a turn on and he'll kiss you again before you can comment on it

Marcus Hargreeves

He doesn't get 'jealous'

That word isn't even in his dictionary

Well, that was until he saw a guy flirting with you

What is this feeling???

It's an icky feeling that he doesn't like it

He'll put an end to it quickly [Both the flirting and the feeling]

You're kind of taken aback when Marcus comes up to you and pulls you away from the conversation

He would have folded his way into the conversation, but he would have been passive aggressive

You try and ask him what's wrong, but he's quick to deflect the conversation

He'll push the feeling deep down and it'll come up when you both get into a fight

Sparrow! Ben Hargreeves

He's furious

If he wasn't busy nursing his drink, he probably would have knocked the guy out. Thankfully he's drunk and not sober

Though he can't help the thoughts in his mind... Violent thoughts

The thoughts will become a lot and he has to leave

He's mad at the person, but then he starts thinking and he suddenly becomes mad at you

How come you didn't tell them to back off????

He becomes slightly insecure but he fights that feeling and it becomes overcome with anger

He'll end up leaving without you, because he needs time to be alone and think

Though, this just makes his feelings worse. While he's drunk he's sad and depressed, but when he becomes sober, his emotions quickly turn to anger and he wants to confront you

So, when he sees you again he's anger has already been bubbling up and he blows up

You're taken aback and kind of scared because he's so mad and he's yelling and you can't even decipher what he's talking about

He needs some time to cool off, but he can't be alone, because his feelings will cool off

You'll go to another room while he cools off, so that he knows you're still around, but you're not alone together

He will eventually calm down and apologize for his behavior, but not with words, but like subtle actions, gifts, and such

Fei Hargreeves

You don't even know she's jealous, because she hides it so well

She's kind of scary looking, so no-one has approached her

She takes her jealousy pretty well and doesn't let it bother her

It just kind of rolls off her back

She's confident and knows who she is and what she wants, so she's not threatened by some nobody trying to hit on you

Though, if she sees you getting uncomfortable, she will step in

Thanks to her looks, they back off rather quickly

It's rather silly to her and she finds the whole thing stupid

She takes it the best and doesn't let it bother her

10/10 best girlfriend <3

Sloane Hargreeves

She's a sweet girl and doesn't deserve to be sad

She's a hopeless romantic, so when she sees people flirting and being cute, she instantly is like 'Awww' until she realizes it's you

Then she's mad and her mind races with multiple different scenario

What if you leave her?

Oh god, what if you don't love her anymore?

What if you click with them so well that you think they're you're soul mate and you leave he-

She shakes her head, before standing up

She fixes her hair, before putting on her brightest smile and approaching you

She's very beautiful, so they person who was hitting on you will turn and flirt with her too

She'll become annoyed, because they were just hitting on you and now they're hitting on her? Were you not good enough for them???

Who did they think they were?

Instead of being mad that they were flirting with you, she's mad they STOPPED flirting with you to flirt with her

You're incredible, so she's confused why they don't realize that

She calls them on it and you're really flattered, but you have to drag her away, so she doesn't get to carried away

Jayme Hargreeves

It's more of an annoyance

She doesn't think about it to much

She's probably the only one who WILL come up to you and interrupt your conversation in a rude way

If the flirter is rude to her she'll use her powers and pull you away from them

It all happens so fast, you don't even process it until you're back at the house

"What the hell was that???"

She doesn't even turn to you, but you do here her make a sound of confusion

Your brows frown, and you groan, "Why did you use your powers on that person"

"Why were you flirting with them?" Still she hasn't turned towards you

"I wasn't flirting with them!"

She keeps her cool, making brash accusations, which causes you to get angry and by the end of it she makes it seem like YOU are the crazy one

[redhead-batgal]

Hey , I recently read your Damian Wayne one shot called she's so gone and I was wondering if you were going to make a part 2 . I absolutely loved it and would love to read a part 2 and I look forward to seeing more of your stories and if you don't write a part please tag me in a post that u are not gonna write part 2 I would really appreciate it. And awesome stories btw .☺️❤️

Type: Two-Shot (Part One: Here)

Pairing: Fem! and Best Friend! Reader x Damian Wayne/ Robin

Word Count: 7,462

Content: angsty, angsty times, arguing, confrontation babes, the sis is back, maybe some PDA, amazing friend! Jon Kent, fluffies????, language, violence, self-deprecating reader thoughts, batfam supporting reader, and aged up reader/Damian to 18 yrs

(P.S: Sooooo, yeah, I hope y'all enjoy this chaos cuz it may or may not get intense at some point but like.... you did ask for this, however y'all will like the ending I promise)

(P.P.S: Forgive me I'm really really bad at writing PDA)

Y/N: your name, S/n: Sister's name

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

There is something hollow and empty in heartbreak. Some emptiness that consumes everything in a twirling barreling black hole that destroyed anything that entered its orbit. Transforming the raw and fierce emotions into a numb and darkness that overtook and elapsed time and almost even life itself. It was almost like a never-ending wave, water pounding in ears and honing the sound of a beating heart. Something about that feeling that was almost...addictive.

Though this feeling- this destruction was oh so painful. Part of you- part of you clung to it. Maybe it was because these horrible and draining emotions helped you focus on something other-other than the betrayal and other then... other than your inadequacies. After all, Damian wouldn't have chosen S/N right? if you have been better if you had been greater, if you had just been more, maybe- just maybe he wouldn't have left- he wouldn't have abandoned you.

These thoughts had you up at night despite the heartbreak roaring through your mind. It made adjusting to your new life in Metropolis so much harder. And even though you had developed a poker face of sorts, your new roommate Jon Kent always seemed to know when you were struggling.

It wasn't as though he could read your mind or that he had any feelings for you, but more as that he knew you so well. He was, in a sense, the sibling- the brother you had needed. A person to rely on and to confide in. It was surprising how willing Jon was to listen to your woes despite the fact that he was close friends with Damian. Despite the fact that he knew your sister, he knew her well, he still listened to everything that had happened and your point of view of it all.

It was even more surprising that he comforted you. Not in a soft way, but in the ruffling of hair and saying that your family, your sister and even Damian didn't deserve you. Before continuing with even if you really are annoying. You had laughed, tears spilling from your eyes before nodding.

Regardless of Jon's comments and the quiet messages of encouragement from Oracle saying she won't tell Damian where you were at and that you were in the right, your mind still scrambled and screamed.

It's all your fault

he left because you aren't good enough

you should have died that night

These swirls of terror overtook you at the worst of times. In the dead of night when you were all alone; in crowded rooms at parties Jon had convinced you to go to; even in your sleep. Yanking you from the one peace and bliss you had to the roaring of self-hatred and scorn. And today was no different.

Just as the soft hues of light brushed the horizon, your mind bellowed and twisted, pulling you from sweet dreams of the past you longed to return to.

Partially panting you sat up, teeth sinking into your bottom lip as you intertwined a hand into your hair. Squeezing your eyes shut you focused on your racing heart instead of the thoughts that fought to be known.

Moments later there was a knock on your door. Sighing heavily, you slipped from bed and walked over to the door. Opening it with a weak wave you turned back towards your bed. In the doorway Jon stood a worried look on his face.

"Are you okay?" He whispered, having clearly been awoken by your frantic episode.

"I guess, I mean nothing out of the ordinary is happening." You grumbled in reply, rubbing your brow.

There was silence between the two of you and Jon walked into your room flopping onto your bed with a slight grunt, "So all the fun times?"

"Of course, what else would you expect from me?"

Jon laughed slightly and you sank onto the ground leaning your head half against the bed, half against Jon's leg. Something stirred and shifted in you and closing your eyes you muttered a question,

"Do-do you hear it too?"

"Your voices? no, I think those are your special friends."

Shooting him a glare of sorts you swatted at his leg, and he chuckled before letting out a soft yawn. There was more silence before he sighed.

"Okay, okay you're serious... yeah. I do. I mean it's not like what you're going through but I hear the doubts and negative thoughts too."

Something about his words made you want to protest, to say it wasn't that bad, or really untrue. Something also struck a match in your chest, alighting warmth and comfort and something almost burst.

Swallowing back your tears you leaned back a bit to see his face before you continued.

"So... I'm not crazy or awful for having voices tell me all the bad things I've done?'

Jon snorted and you had to resist the urge to punch him. He sits up glancing down at you before sighing dramatically.

"No, that doesn't make you crazy. You are perfectly crazy all on your own."

With that a wave of relief came over you as you jumped to your feet. Jon rose and you pushed at him a smile of sorts on your face. He gasped dramatically before reaching out to push you back. You dodged his hands as laughter began to build in your chest.

"oh, it is so on." Jon muttered and a laugh escaped you.

Turning you skidded out of your room, avoiding Jon's attempts to push you as you hurried down the hall into the kitchen. Your feet slid across hardwood floors almost gliding when your foot caught on a chair leg, and you practically flew forwards, your face slamming straight onto the ground.

A bit of pain raced over you, but it was familiar enough for you to know that the most you would have is a bruise.

There was silence, then roaring laughter and you hazily pushed yourself up to see Jon cackling. His hand pressed to his stomach as he laughed at your fall.

"You are such a dick." You mumbled as you pushed yourself up.

Jon did not seem to care and continued to laugh. You rolled your eyes before pushing yourself to your feet. His laughter seemed to halt as you turned towards him. He paused, weakly smiling, "Is this the part where I run?"

Smiling slowly, you tilted your head and shrugged.

"It can be; however I am willing to negotiate."

He hesitated, eyes going wide as he looked around the room clearly noticing the hardwood floors and his feet in socks.

"Ah okay, uhm how does hot chocolate sound?"

You narrowed your eyes taking a step forwards, Jon's hands went out and he blinked a few times taking a step back.

"And a donut or pastry or whatever you like."

You took another step forwards and Jon flinched raising his hands to cover himself as he squeaked out,

"From Nonna's!"

You hesitated, recalling the Italian woman's small cafe and all the baked goods inside. Including her delightful assortment of drinks.

"I want extra whipped cream on my drink and a bag of stuff."

Jon paused, looking up at you slowly, his eyes narrowed, "Is that all?"

You thought for a moment and nodded, "Yes."

He held out a hand slightly shaking, and you grinned, "Deal."

After a somewhat civil handshake, you took a step back feeling something warm in your chest.

"I'll get my shoes and coat!"

Bounding back to your room you grabbed a pair of shoes and a coat before practically skipping back into the kitchen. Jon had his arms crossed as he leaned against the wall, a strange look on his face. As you pulled your coat and shoes on you approached him.

"Ready?"

He hesitated, making eye contact with you and blanching. He cleared his throat, eyes darting towards the front door.

"I- i I uh... I don't think going now is a good idea-"

You rolled your eyes, "You promised, we are going no backing out, we shook on it!"

But something about his hesitance made your stomach churn, pins and needles beginning to bounce on your chest.

Jon opened his mouth to say something else and you walked over to the door, your hand resting on the handle when something escapes him.

"Wait!" He almost squeaks.

You hesitated for a moment before looking back to the door and slowly opening it. An empty hallway stood before you and you tilted to show Jon. Snorting a laugh at his surprise you scrunched up your nose giving him a teasing look, hoping to make him roll his eyes- or at the very least stop his nervous behavior.

"Does the big bad empty space scare you Little Johnny?" You asked in a voice you'd use on a child.

Jon seemed to relax, his shoulders dropping and air leaving him as he stared at the doorway; clearly not registering your taunt. A second passed before his head snapped in your direction and he narrowed his eyes.

"Seriously? Little Johnny?"

You shrugged, "What else am I supposed to call you? Your name???"

This made him laugh, which calmed the buzzing on your chest and churning in your stomach. Yet, something about the look in his eyes made the pins and needles dig deeper, moving to the back of your neck and shoulders.

Jon moved towards you and the door, seeming more relaxed than before but... something seemed off. However, you didn't know Jon well enough to know what exactly that meant.

He gestured out the doorway smiling slightly, "Shall we?"

Pausing you nodded, a slur of worries being pushed back in your mind as you smiled, "Of course!"

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Surprisingly, despite the early hour, Nonna's was in fact open. You were not in fact Nonna's first customers; however, you were able to get your order in. You had to wait but waiting for Nonna's goodies was worth it.

Though, Jon was acting a bit odd. Looking at his phone frequently as he shifted from one foot to the other, eyes darting to the door every once in a while. After nearly ten minutes of this behavior, you were suspicious. Elbowing his side, you tilted your head and opened your mouth to ask him what was going on when Nonna called out your name. You moved to get your order, smiling at Nonna from behind the counter.

"Here's what you asked for piccolina, I added some extra's since you and that patatino," She gestured to Jon who was staring at the door frozen, "over there are looking a little thin."

You nodded smiling, as you took your bag and hot chocolate from her, happy for the food but worried as the pins and needles stabbed into your neck and shoulders, dancing around your heart.

"Buongiorno Nonna."

"Torna Presto, Piccolina!"

Nonna beamed as she moved on to her next customer. Turning back towards Jon you moved towards him, brow furrowed as you stopped at his side.

"What the heck, are you okay Jon?"

He didn't reply, instead he stiffed as the bell to Nonna's rang. His eyes locked on who just entered as he took a breath in slowly. Confused, you looked to see what was making him so still.

Standing in the doorway, disheveled and sweating was none other than Damian Wayne. The two of you made eye contact and you felt the air and color leave you. Heart hammering, you froze for a singular moment, long enough to see the recognition and relief in his eyes.

Something warm blossomed in your chest, a wave of joy that wrapped around your throat. It squeezed at your heart as a bitter taste coated your tongue and you weakly took a breath in. He was here, he was here. It was almost instinctual to lean in and hug him. To start some sort of physical contact as if you make sure he was here-truly here. Then the tight pulsing of your veins and breathing of your lungs yanked you back into reality. He- he had betrayed you, he- he had abandoned you. Pulling back, you squeezed your hand into a fist, eyes raking over him before noticing the movement just beyond his shoulder. No, the person behind him. She looked a little frazzled, but still as perfect as ever. Looking back to Damian the sluggish feeling of betrayal up your spine.

A wave of emotions fierce and roaring climbed up your throat as you backed away from the door. For a moment you couldn't breathe, and the world was spinning as a realization crashed down around you.

He was here.

Why was he here? Why did he have to come just as you were starting to get numb to all those emotions? Why did he have to come after you just made it past an episode? Why did he come? Why? Why?!

Swallowing you pushed back your worries and fears, back the questions and pain. Gripping your hot chocolate tighter as you let out a slow breath, then you began walking towards the door. Hoping your nonchalant attitude would make them ignore you or so baffled you could slip past. As you made it to the doorway, you began to slide towards the street, outside of the store-the place with no escape, to the open and free air that allowed you the opportunity to turn and leave.

Unfortunately, your hopes were in vain. A hand clamped down on your arm, pulling you in. And you blinked, looking to find Damian Wayne practically towering next to you. Eyes frantically racing over your face and body, worry covering every feature as you felt his heavy breaths on your skin. Hell, his heaving chest nearly touched your arms as you felt his heat.

"Y/N."

Taking another breath you gave him a blank look, your eyes instantly drawn to your sister loitering behind him. A muddled mixture of emotions on her face.

"If," You began calmly, your eyes locking on his nose, so you don't have to look into his eyes, "you're here because you think I'm trying to steal Jon or poison him against you, you should know I'm not. And there's no reason to worry."

You saw his jaw twitch and his grip tightened on your arm as he pulled you in even closer. Faintly, you could feel Jon lingering behind you. Clearly watching and waiting for a moment that deemed too much for you or a spot to intervene.

"I am not here because of that."

You bit the inside of your cheek as you looked away from Damian's face. Eyes once again drawing to your sister, whose brow was furrowed, a scowl of sorts on her face.

"Then why are you here?" You softly asked nails digging into your palm as you looked towards the floor.

"I'm here for you."

Snapping up, you raised your head and made the unfortunate mistake of meeting Damian's gaze. There was some kind of pain you noticed in his eyes. Pain, worry and something you refused to believe was real.

Longing

Looking away you tried to focus to stay calm, but your heart refused to listen.

Liar one side of it hissed

For me? the other side sobbed

Pushing down your feuding heart, you tried to think, think of the real reason he could be here. It took just a moment for you to come to what you thought was a viable conclusion.

He was here to show you how awful you really were.

He was here to prove he was in the right, and you were wrong.

To show that you weren't good enough.

That your sister was and that's the whole reason he chose her was because you weren't good enough.

Because you weren't enough.

The air stopped in your chest, and it was then you noticed your sister's gaze locked on Damian's hand gripping your arm. Forcing a breath you swallowed, your free hand to touch the one holding you there.

Almost instantly, Damian let go of your arm, his brows creased as his gaze flicked, just for a moment to Jon. Quickly looking back at you, almost as if he was scared, you'd disappear or be gone since he took his eyes off of you, Damian let out a long breath. Then, he stepped back until he was on the sidewalk, out of the doorway but blocking any escape onto the street.

Part of you hated that he knew you well enough to know you'd try to escape. Knew you well enough to know cornering you in a public place would not only make you even more hostile but frustrated people knew your personal business. Damian knew you well enough to know that even though you wanted to run, you did not want to impede on others.

Grinding your teeth, you exited Nonna's. You didn't have much of a choice other than moving out of the doorway fully and standing so close to Damian you were practically pressed into his side.

His hand was brushing your cheek, and you found a frown searing itself into his face.

"There is a bruise forming... what happened? How did this occur? Did someone harm you? Who hurt you?"

It took everything in you not to shove him away screaming,

YOU

YOU HURT ME

YOU CONTINUE TO HURT ME, OVER AND OVER AGAIN!

when will you stop hurting me?

Instead, you gently moved his hand from your face and tightly smiled your eyes drifting to Jon, confused why he hadn't stepped in or tried to help you escape yet.

"I'm fine, I just fell earlier. It was an accident, don't-" You stopped.

Don't worry.

Why did you need to say that? Why did you need to reassure him you were okay?

Why why why?

"You fell?" Damian murmurs, eyes narrowed, clearly unconvinced.

"Yes," You retorted, taking in a breath, "I was running around the apartment and my foot caught a chair leg. Ask Jon, he was there."

"I know."

Stepping closer to you, your sister cleared her throat, smiling tightly, fully capturing your attention, "Y/N how are you liking Metropolis?"

"It's fine," You began narrowing your eyes as you looked her over, "why-"

Before you could even finish your question, she interrupted gesturing to Jon with a smug look on her face.

"Is he your boyfriend?"

"Who, Jon? No, no. He's my friend, a good friend, but just a friend."

Part of you wanted to look at Damian as you said this, but you kept your composure enough to keep your gaze on S/N. However, she rolled her eyes at your comment almost as if she didn't believe you. And there was a look on her face that made something in you snap. Taking a step closer to her you scowled, crossing your arms.

"What the hell are you doing here anyways? I thought you were happily living in Gotham now," You hesitantly shot Damian a look before turning back to her, "I thought you both were."

Your sister weakly laughed, "Well, things have been... interesting. Adjusting to living in a new city is difficult, you should know that."

"I'm doing perfectly fine here; in fact, I was doing great until you- until the two of you showed up."

S/N blinked in surprise almost recoiling from your words. She opened her mouth, clearly prepared to spin a sob story to make you feel bad when Damian pulled you away from her.

"Be quiet, S/N."

"But Da-"

"I said quiet. It is atrocious enough that you followed me here. I do not need you aggregating things with Y/N by lying again."

"It's not lying exactly-"

There was a loud crash that rocketed you all straight into silence. You paused, looking around before taking a step forwards, trying to figure out where the sound was coming from.

At first you couldn't even see past the roof of the stores just beyond Nonna's. But as you slid into the empty street, you noticed a blur of colors. A familiar blur of colors.

Red and Blue.

"Oh shit," You whispered as an alarm of sorts began to blare.

You turned to shout to the others what was going on when a blast of sorts had you stumbling backwards. Looking up you saw a building tumbling towards you.

Blinking, everything seemed to go deathly still as a low whirling began in your ears. You turned, your eyes slowly blinking again as the building got closer to you and figures- blurred figures raced towards you as the whirling rose to a rumble then a voice, shout- no screaming your name. Before dust and rubble covered your eyes and something heavy struck your head sending you into pitch black darkness.

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

Dust and what must have been ash floated in the air. Catching on your eyelashes and blurring your vision as you stirred. Blinking to find heavy rock and metal-rubble surrounding you. Wincing, you shifted in an attempt to get on your feet when you heard a groan.

Turning, you found just a few feet behind you a dusty and twitching person. Rubbing the dust away before you got closer you noticed a slab of concrete, a crimson splotch barely visible just on the area it made contact with the person's leg.

Moving closer, you noticed the familiar figure- the face and eyes. Moving closer you realized it was Damian. Going still you bit your lip as he grunted, clearly waking up.

Part of you wanted to just stare, to wait for him to notice you. But you also- the pain in your chest grew at the sight of him. Fallen and pinned, injured-bleeding; he was hurt. And-and in front of you. How could you just stand by and watch?

How was he even here? He was far away when the building fell and yet-here he was.

Moving closer you began to focus on his pinned leg, he blinked clearly trying to sit up.

"What are you doing here?" You muttered as you crouched near the slab.

"Pardon?"

"What are you doing over here! You should be by Nonna's safe from falling rubble and being trapped in a growing hellhole!" Peering around the slab, you noticed it wasn't too large. And there was definitely enough room for you to lift it up.

"You-"

"I what?" You snapped, shooting him a glare.

He hesitated, seeming to realize what you were doing as you took in a deep breath and slid your fingers under the concrete.

"I was attempting to reach you. To-to- remove you from danger."

You froze, air stopping in your lungs as sweat coated your hands. Gripping the slap harder you yanked upwards, heart racing. The slab rose just enough for his leg to slip free. Rolling, he cursed and scrambled away from the slab as the sweat weakened your grip and the slab fell back in place.

Silence overcame the two of you and you sighed deeply before remarking, "... you pushed me out of the way of falling rubble?"

"It is possible that situation occurred."

"Damian-"

"It is my belief that in consideration of our current... situation, we would be at a loss in continuing to bicker on what exactly occurred so that I would result in being confined here with you."

"Then what exactly should we be doing?"

"Perhaps we can discuss what truly occurred in reference to when your sister came to Gotham."

Your teeth sank onto the inner part of your cheek as you let out a hissing breath. Nails digging into the palm of your hands as you turned to him.

Frustrated, sad and-and angry.

Angry that this whole situation came about and that you were being pushed once again to listen. To understand. That what happened was always going to happen.

But part of you... part of you wanted to listen. To hear his explanation and get rid of the ever-growing pit of abyss in your chest. To listen and understand what he did. That it never really was between you and her. That you were enough and that, that.... he would choose you.

However, you knew it was too late for something like that to occur. He had chosen her. Just as everyone else did, just as everyone always will.

You were never and will never be anyone's first choice. Especially when your sister was an option. Especially when you were just simply you. Not something greater or grander like she was, like others will be.

So, you need to make a choice. Hear him out, listen to the same story you've heard hundreds of times before or sit in the unknowing. Questioning whether or not it actually was the same, whether or not you weren't enough. Questioning if he really did choose her over you.

And you weren't exactly good with questions, with curiosities and wonderings. But you were tired of hearing all the reasons your sister was better...

Maybe this time will make you realize the truth. Maybe this time, hearing the words of devotion to your sister from someone who you so deeply loved and trusted would make you realize it will always be her. Maybe it will make you realize you need to stop hoping and wishing and wanting it to be you. Because in the end it never will be.

Swallowing, you relaxed your hand and jaw. Sinking onto the dusty ground with a sigh you shrugged.

"Fine, fine. Why the hell not, tell me your little sob story. I'll listen. I won't cry or shout or say you're lying. Tell me the truth and it will all be over."

He began pulling himself across the ground closer to you. You locked your jaw, wincing before going still.

"It- There- A misunderstanding occurred. I wish to rectify this, because... for a lack of superior terminology, it is not what you think."

You raised an eyebrow as he slid even closer to you, sweat beading on his brow. Mixing with the dust and dirt that clung to his face, sliding down his face drawing your eye to his face- his jaw and- no.

no

"Really now?" You sneered.

"Y/N-" He began and you rolled your eyes.

"Damian stop with the antics, call me as you usually do."

"... I regularly address you in this manner."

"Wha- no- wait..." You paused blinking a few times as faint memories raced across your mind, with his voice always calling you by your first name, "when did you stop calling me by my last name?"

"Is that what you truly wish to know?"

You took a risk and met his gaze, seeing the unwavering determination in his eyes. Almost as if he'd tell you anything you wanted to know.

"Y- no. No, just continue, continue please."

He paused for just a moment before nodding weakly and continuing, "When your sister first arrived in Gotham, I was... concerned. You had previously stated that your accounts could be biased. Therefore, I desired to comprehend the truth in your... contemptuous relationship. Thus, I enacted a strategy to ascertain your sister's true intentions."

Strategy... a plan-he- he wait

"You-you... you wanted to know what my sister wanted with me?"

Eyes still locked onto each other you watched him sigh heavily, his jaw locking as he readjusted himself.

"In essence, I yearned to distinguish if your belief is correct or if your judgment was clouded due to... past grievances."

He...wa-he wanted to know the truth. Was there really anything wrong with that? After all he wouldn't have come all this way if he... if he truly chose your sister.

Speaking of your sister... what- what did he find that made him- made him decide to lie to you??

"... And what exactly did you discover?"

At this he broke eye contact and your stomach dropped. You were wrong, you were wrong she wasn't trying to hurt you. She wasn't being cruel. oh lord what had you done-

"You- you... your perspective on the matter is accurate. Extensively accurate. In fact, according to my comprehension, your sister not only dislikes you- but she wishes to have you... under her control."

wait, you were right? You were right? Then- then what exactly was she trying to do? Why was she so cruel? Why did he use those methods to discover this?

"So, you're telling me that you flirted with and went on a date with my sister because you wanted to know what her intentions with me were?"

"That is correct."

"And... she hates me."

Damian winced as he attempted to slide even closer to you. It was then you realized how you were leaning back, shoulders straight, arms crossed and nails in palm. Tense you were so tense.

"Hardly, rather she- well rather it appears to me she is... envious of you."

This startled you. What, what on earth could he mean by envious?

"Envious?”

"Ugh, perhaps the word jealous provides more clarity."

"She's-... she's jealous of me?" You were barely able to get the words out as your shoulders sank and Damian's hand brushed against your leg.

He shifted once again, pulling himself so he was seated at your side. He was panting and his brow was soaked in sweat.

"That is how I have come to understand it."

It- none of this made any sense.

"Why?"

"As far as I was able to discern, she envy's your strength against society and peer's ideals on who you are and how you should behave."

He reached out, gently grabbing your hand and holding it in his own as you stared at the rubble surrounding the two of you. There was more silence when he squeezed your hand. You turned to him and he half heartedly gestured to his leg before remarking,

"Is this not when you scold me for causing further injury to myself? Better yet, why have you not voiced any complaints or objections to my actions?"

"Because you did it to yourself, who am I to tell you what to do?" You snorted rolling your eyes as you took his hand in return, "besides would you have actually listened to me?"

"I do not believe I would."

"Exactly."

For a moment or two, it almost felt as though everything was going back to the way it was supposed to be. In fact, you were just about to lean into him when a thought crossed your mind.

why did he hide it? Why did he not include you? Why keep it from you?

"Why didn't you tell me?"

He was quiet and you swallowed, waiting for the weak explanation of how he realized he didn't like you all that much. Instead, you got,

"I- wished to inform you of my discoveries... but only after I obtained a method to prevent her from ever... from allowing her envy to create contention between the two of you."

Contention... wait-wait was- was he trying to protect you?

"You- you were trying to figure out how to prevent her from being mean to me?"

"I was attempting to, but... you ran away."

A heat of sorts rose up in your chest and burned away the fleeting sensation of relief and regret.

"I did not run away," You snapped, pulling your hand from his as you glared, "I left."

"I apologize," He said, his face pale as he reached out for you once again, "It seemed, at the time, that you were running."

It wasn't a wrong assumption exactly but... how- how did he-

"How did you find me?" You whispered.

"I- I will give you this information under an immovable condition."

You raised your head brow furrowed with suspicion rising in your throat, "And what is that?"

"You- you cannot act and must think through all I will tell. You must listen because there is much I will say."

Someone- someone had given you up. Someone had betrayed you...again.

"Fine."

"My... family, those who knew, would not even acknowledge your absence. So do not worry, they still hold your confidence in high regard."

You relaxed slightly, swallowing as a weight on your shoulders lifted. Making eye contact you raised an eyebrow and nodded.

"I searched for any trace and found none. It is my belief that Gordon erased your tracks... regardless I- i had begun to lose hope when... when Kent reached out to me."

You froze, your chest tightening as your nail instinctively stabbed into your palm. Biting your lip, you looked away as a heavy darkness clouded your mind. Clutching onto your shoulders and sinking into your skin as a pain of sorts danced across your veins.

"He was... concerned about my wellbeing. And soon, yours. He informed me he knew of your location, but it wasn't until he said you were looking gaunt- that it was evident not only with your action but with your appearance. You- he said-" Damian paused, swallowing as it seemed almost as if he was in pain as he continued, "you were suffering. And that though he did not wish to betray you, your welfare was far more important."

This was, this was odd. You had never experienced someone- someone doing something for your own good even though you were against it.

"Jon- Jon told you where I was because he was worried?"

"Yes, he- he ordered me to come to your side," Damian chuckled, "To explain and clarify what occurred. That he could not bear to see you in such a state for any longer."

"Ah... and you didn't originally tell me because-because you were trying to protect me?"

Damian blinked a few times, turning to you, confusion clinging to his features as you noted his flushed cheeks, more than likely due to his strenuous efforts to reach your side, "Pardon?"

"You approached my sister, trying to figure out what she wanted because you didn't want me to get hurt. You even wanted to come up with a plan to stop her from hurting me. So, you wanted to protect me."

He tilted his head and shrugged, eyes raking over your face as if he was taking it in for the first time.

"With it phrased in that manner, yes. It appears that way."

"why."

"What?'

"Why did you-" You hesitated faintly recalling Damian calling you friend and you stopped.

You knew why he did it. At least most of it. A better question to ask- a question ringing in your mind over and over again was,

"Why didn't you tell me from the beginning?"

"I- I am afraid I do not understand."

"Why didn't you tell me you were planning on figuring out what my sister wanted? Why did you lie to me? Why did you hide this from me?"

"I feared it would harm you."

"How?"

"You- you tend to be... excessively sensitive with matters involving your sister. I did not want you to... worry whether or not your intentions or beliefs about what happened with your sister were incorrect."

You paused, something sparking in your chest. A light of hope or joy. Something warm and happy that began to spread, the fact he knew you well enough to know you'd think that way-

But it didn't entirely make sense.

Damian would usually be there with you shaking his arms crossed as he sighed at your thoughts. Saying something along the lines of "you need not think that way. While I loathe to admit it, I made mistakes as well. And as Father has said, to make mistakes is human.... though I doubt he himself follows this proverb."

Looking him over you raised your head, eyes once again narrowed. Suspicion-a light more curious suspicion- rose up on your skin. Itching and crawling as confusion clouded your mind.

"What doesn't make sense."

He blinked, looking to you his brow furrowed pain etched into his face as he let out a ragged breath.

"I would appreciate some elaboration."

"That reason doesn't make sense."

"I beg your pardon?"

"You-... just as well as you know me Damian, I know you. And I know that me being worried I was wrong about my sister is not a good enough reason you'd keep that plan from me."

He faltered, wincing as he avoided your eyes, "It- at the time it appeared to me that you were... compromised emotionally due to your sister's unexpected arrival. I did not want to-to pressure you more with this... scheme of mine."

You snorted, crossing your arms as you gave him an irritated and amused look.

"Damian, even after my grandma died, who I was really close with. After I got back from her funeral, you still felt the need to tell me I was lacking when on patrol."

He shifted, eyes drifting away from you, his jaw locked.

"I do not understand how that circumstance and the present conversation connect."

"You are lying to me right now. I don't know why, and I honestly don't really care. I just want the truth."

He breathed out a heavy sigh before meeting your gaze, "I have grown a great deal since then. I now better understand what is appropriate and what is not."

"Damian."

Something stirred in you, it ached that he was still lying and-and you couldn't understand why. You didn't care about why truthfully. As long as you knew the truth, he could keep all the secrets about why he had lied that he wanted.

"I am telling you the truth." He seethed.

"I don't believe you; it doesn't make sense."

"Y/N-"

"Why would you do that?" You threw your hands up, shaking your head in confusion, that ache turning into a burning flame" Why would you care all of the sudden-"

"BECAUSE I HAVE AMOROUS FEELINGS FOR YOU!"

The flame went out and all of the anger and frustration disappeared in the blink of an eye. You tilted your head, confusion overtaking everything, "...what?"

"I have amorous feelings... for you."

Confusion grew and grew buzzing in your chest and throat. None of this made sense what- amorous, what in the hell did that mean?

"I- I don't understand, Damian what are you saying-"

He pressed on, "Just as you told me when saying goodbye, it hurts to see you in such a state-it burns me alive to harm you in any way because- because."

Your throat went dry the confusion beginning to fade, "Damian-"

"Because I am in love with you."

The world went still and you couldn't breathe. His words ringing over and over again in your mind.

Because I am in love with you

I am in love with you

love

A faint shifting sound caused you to let out a breath, air flushing in and out of your lungs.

"You-you... what?"

"I, myself, do not fully comprehend the scope of these... emotions. However, I am not going to deny them any longer."

His voice dropped, and he reached out, taking your hands in his, pulling you in closer.

"I am in love with you, when I heard you say that you felt the same and-and that I had hurt you. It nearly destroyed me. Especially since I could not fix my mistake. Especially because I could not comfort you. I could not even see your face. But your voice- I heard all the pain and sorrow I had caused." He released your hands and cupped your face pressing his forehead against yours, "Knowing I had done that in an attempt to keep you safe- that it was all my fault... I have not slept since you left. I have not ate- I have not lived since you left me."

You swallowed heat racing across your cheeks as you met his gaze. That longing you saw earlier burning so much brighter. The regret and sorrow swirling in between his eyes as you felt the tremble in his grip.

"I regret every action of mine that led me here- that hurt you. And I ask you to forgive me for my lunacy-for my arrogance and stupidity."

Head spinning you breathed slowly, confused and-and happy. He- he hadn't betrayed you.

"Seeing you once again-I... " He paused, shifting his grip, "I could not breathe for a moment. You- you were so stunning standing before me.... I understand if you-you feel different, but I beg of you. Please let me stay by your side. I care not if it is in Gotham or here. I- I am certain that without you- without your mere presence I will not survive."

In fact, he was always on your side. Always. He never chose he- it was- it was always you.

He chose you

You

You squeezed your eyes shut, heart hammering in your chest as your eyes burned and something warm slipped down your cheek.

"Oh-ah I- I apologize. I did- I did not intend-"

Something bubbled in your stomach almost making you laugh at his worry and frantic words that happened merely because of a few tears.

"Damian I'm okay," You whispered, opening your eyes seeing the panic on his face as you sniffed, "Happy- these are happy tears."

"oh- I... so you are not angry with me?"

"No- no I'm happy," You replied wiping away your tears, "happy I was wrong, happy you feel the same and-and..."

Damian went still and you pressed your head fully against his closing your eyes.

"I love you Damian, I still do. And- I-i... I accept your apology. It will take time for me to-to be comfortable once again but... I am willing to try-try at something more."

Opening your eyes, you felt your face flush even darker as you could see the pure and utter joy on his face. He leaned in and you did as well, eyes beginning to flutter when there was a crash of sorts.

Your eyes flew open, and you found just a few feet away from where you and Damian sat was now a hole. A gaping hole that led outside-into the clear open air and warmth. Just outside of the hole a figure floated faint streams of light catching to reveal colors to you.

Red and Blue.

Weakly laughing you raised a hand, "uh, ha, Hey Supes."

There was silence for a moment and Superman floated into the small alcove of rubble and dust. He looked at the two of you and raised an eyebrow.

"Are you both alright?"

You nodded slowly before hesitating, "Uh no- no."

You turned to Damian who was very pale and clinging to you. Swallowing you gestured to his leg turning back to Superman.

"His leg- it got caught under some stuff when we got stuck here. I think it might be broken or something."

There was a moment of silence before Superman flew closer to the two of you and in a second, he had pulled the two of you into his arms.

It was a matter of moments before you were outside, the sun bright as he set the two of you down. Pointing towards the paramedics nearby.

"You can get help there."

"Thank you!" You said with a smile as you grabbed onto Damian's arm.

Superman nodded with a smile before taking off, probably to help others. Damian half shuffled towards you wincing slightly and you began to reach for him when he said under his breath,

"And here I was desiring the opportunity to rescue you."

A heat rushed over you, and it almost seemed as if your body moved on its own. Your hands grabbing the collar of his shirt as you pulled him to you, pressing your lips against his.

There were a few moments, with your lips pressed against his, where nothing happened. Then, in an instant, with a wince of pain and body shaking, he grabbed onto your arm and kissed you back.

Heart, hammering you pulled away, almost panting as a slight feeling of regret coating your throat. Looking at his face you found a dazed look and released his shirt. Almost instantly he began tumbling towards the ground. Arms shooting out you captured him, pulling him close.

He winced muttering curses as he used your shoulder to pull himself up. Looking around you found people staring phones up and lights flashing.

"Oh shit," you whispered.

Damian shifted and you realized he wanted to move. Slowly walking half carrying him you began your trek towards the paramedics. Leaning against you he began muttering things,

"They will be relentless in their mockings for months."

Rolling your eyes, you steadied him, his head resting on your shoulder as you moved closer to the paramedics.

"Is it, all of this, the teasing and pain... is it all worth it?"

Shifting so he could look at your you he smiled, eyes locked on your face a soft and warm gaze- so heartfelt and yearning as he replied,

"If I am with you? Always."

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[szollibisz]

Do you have any hcs abt how Curt and Owen "came out" to one another? (Using the term loosely cuz obviously they can't just be like "IM GAY") And also how they got together (who fell first etc etc)

Ok, so to preface this, my favourite thing about curtwen is just how many ways you can interpret their pre-canon relationship.

I try to keep their story relatively loose in my head, save for a few headcanons I very strongly believe in, because it's more fun this way.

For me, the #1 headcanon that's in all the iterations I think of, is that they hated each other at first. I think their personalities clash way too much for them to be all buddy-buddy on the first day. (Physical attraction? maybe. Was it minuscule compared to their irritation with each other? yes.)

I just think it's interesting how the two of them gradually (and begrudgingly) start to care about each other.

I think their "friendship stage" is one of my favourite parts about the whole thing. Now I refuse to believe either of those men have friends. Maybe coworkers and acquaintances, but not friends. Which is why this stage lasts so little.

As their work their way up to care for and respect each other, both of them go a little crazy about it.

It's the first time in years or even decades they felt genuine affection and maybe even trust, and both of them are extremely starved for it. So it really doesn't take much for them to fall for each other. (especially since the aforementioned physical attraction was always there and only getting stronger as they learned to tolerate each other)

I imagine, because of this, Owen was the one who fell first, and he employed his usual tactic for dealing with unwanted feelings: Being an ass and depriving himself of good things. He got more intense about his work, trying to immerse himself in it, so he'll stop thinking about Curt. He stayed up late, didn't even try to take it easy when he had a migraine, drank shit coffee and other great things.

It technically worked. He looked like shit, which in turn made Curt worried, and if Owen completely invalidated his worries the two of them would get into a fight, be mad at each other and not interact so much. Owen thought this would make him not yearn for Curt so bad (he still did, in fact, yearn for him that bad)

When Curt realized he was in love with Owen he was pretty horrified. Like listen. If someone has commitment issues it's Curt. Maybe he had a boyfriend or two during his teenage years/twenties, but they didn't end well, and since then he's been trying to keep everybody at arms length. He convinced himself Owen wasn't so bad because hey. They were just buddies (and Curt desperately needed a buddy.)

He tried to shove down and ignore his feelings, but moaning your friend's name while banging another guy may just be a little more than what you can avoid.

He never understood why Owen turned so cold suddenly, and he was terrified Owen just didn't like or trust him anymore. In turn he was also mad at him for trying to shut him out.

Their little hate renaissance could only last so long though. They were still each other's only friends and no matter what they did they kept being drawn back to each other.

This was a super long preface but. I am not normal about those two.

So. different scenarios and headcanons and whatnot

1. Either one of them somehow discovers the other is gay. This would probably mean Owen finding out about Curt, because, I wholeheartedly believe that man would leave during a mission sometimes just to get a quick fuck in. Maybe Owen finds out with evidence (fast & easy method) or he just starts strongly suspecting with his great spying and deduction skills (slow & torturous method, he'd try to convince himself he's just seeing what he wants to see) either way, the confrontation would be very uncomfortable for both of them. Curt would deny it ofc, and Owen would go through the internal battle of "tell him it's fine, you won't rat him out, but be a little homophobic about it, so maybe you can keep the only friend you have, but also be ok with the fact that he'll always be with other men and never you" or "tell him you're gay too, maybe he likes you, maybe not, and potentially risk losing your job and livelihood and everything you've ever worked for" He'd most likely end up doing the latter, surprising both Curt and himself. (He's already way more into Curt than he admits to himself) And things escalate from there.

2. Dramatic post mission (maybe a "I thought I'd never see you again" moment) This is where their friendship gets really interesting to me. For a scenario like this the months long yearning is a given, maybe even a lot of unresolved tension between the two (which would probably be resolved with violence anyways) They care very deeply about each other by now. They know each other better than anyone, and their idyllic relationship is only made into a living hell by all the pining. At this point I mean, they'd buy each other birthday gifts, go over to the other's house when they were in the same country and share way too much info over drinks. Their job is always dangerous, but even they can get scared. Maybe we're talking being crazy outnumbered, or a torture/hostage situations, or hell even a collapsing building. Point is, id either one of them thought the other (or both of them) may die, at this point they'd be impulsive enough to just say I love you or kiss the other. In the moment neither of them would care, and later on, when you'd normally talk about things like near death makeout sessions, they'd just. not. do that, because communication is for guys with better life prospects. This one has absolutely no coming-out talk in it, simply because they don't need it

3. Possibly drunk hookup Now clearly, we are talking about two of the most down bad men ever. This is one scenario, I think could also work really well when they still really hated each other. Maybe throughout their first few mission they both gathered enough evidence and sussed each other out, and after (yet another) explosive fight they might just. Alleviate the tension by not beating each other up but by. other means. They don't end up talking much about it, but it keeps happening, and wait maybe they don't even hate each other all that much. (This is the more sober option) The other one is where the "possibly drunk" comes in. If they've been friends for a while, they probably got used to working around each other and finding comfort in the other's presence. This includes little habits, inside jokes, and even (very small) physical touches. This probably wouldn't go down during a mission, it's more likely to happen at either Curt's or Owen's house, maybe during some holiday. Both of them realizing it's a pretty bad idea early on, because, without all the stress of the missions and navigating a foreign country all that's left is them and the feelings they have for each other. Owen would probably say no to drinks for the first few times, just to avoid a potentially dangerous situation, but Curt would wear him down eventually. Now, with both of them drunk and comfortable, it wouldn't take much for things to escalate. Maybe Curt forgets to take his hand off of Owen after patting him on the back, or Owen holds Curt gaze for a little too long. Either way, those two end up fucking. The next day both of them are a little horrified, but they manage to come clean about their feelings (even if it's in the most backwards and convoluted way possible)

Happy ending (or not) There's many more ways it could've happened, but I already wrote wayyyy too much I think.

In the end I don't think they'd ever have a proper conversation about homosexuality, even way into their relationship. It's something they slowly pick up on from each other. How ashamed are they, what makes them tick, what you shouldn't say etc. And then of course, since they don't communicate properly and sometimes purposefully hurt each other, they'd throw it all back in the other's face.

I'm not sure this is what you meant when you asked for hcs, but I got carried away.

[aimerays]

right before the confession

summary: they've known you for a while now, and it's finally time.

characters: xiao, kaedehara kazuha, shikanoin heizou

xiao doesn't care for mortals and their silly emotions. that is, until he meets you. suddenly, he's experiencing the very feelings he had deemed foolish and useless.

xiao arrives at the balcony of wangshu inn, but upon seeing you leaning on the railing with the most peaceful expression he's ever seen, he stays hidden. he watches you take in the crisp night air, the wind caressing your features. though he knows it's strange for him to think so, the thought crosses the adeptus's mind that you look very pretty. your eyelids are half closed, and the steady rhythm of your breath is enough to keep him in a trance. xiao stays silent, watching you for a few more minutes, trying to capture all of your beauty in one single snapshot in his memory. he's aware it's wrong of him, but who is he to disobey the pounding in his chest? then, he hears you whisper, "i wish xiao were here," and it's all he needs to step out of the shadows and finally tell you how he feels.

kazuha has always looked out for you, regardless of if you were accompanying him on a voyage at sea or simply taking a stroll in the outskirts of narukami island. the feelings developed so gradually that he isn't sure when he started thinking this way.

kazuha beams. the weather is especially good today: the sky is clear, and the wind is telling him there won't be a storm anytime soon. because of the wonderful weather, he's invited you to... well, he's not really sure himself. all kazuha knows is that he hasn't seen you in a while, and that has to change. he fidgets with the piece of paper in his hands. he's decided to reveal his feelings today, and to do that, he's written you a haiku. it's unlike kazuha to be restless, but as each second passes, he grows more and more nervous. when did he get so bold? was this actually a bad idea? would you reciprocate his feelings like he hoped? kazuha's mind is running wild, and he considers crumpling the paper and tossing it somewhere no one will ever find. maybe he could throw it in the sea the next time beidou invited him onto her ship. before he can follow through with anything, though, kazuha sees you in the distance, grinning widely and waving. this sight is enough to convince him. clutching the paper, he waves back and makes up his mind.

heizou, perceptive as ever, always picks up on the smallest of changes in your behavior. he's known about your growing feelings for him, but he could never quite pinpoint his own.

heizou has noticed the way you sneak glances at him and treat him just a little differently than you treat everyone else. he knows that everything--all the "evidence" in this "case"--points to you reciprocating his feelings, but he's never had the courage to confront you about it. it's weird and really out of character for him, and heizou's aware of this. he knows about his reputation as the flirty and confident ace detective, but even so, he can't bring himself to be honest with you. he swears his heart skips a beat when you look him in the eyes, and the confidence drains from his body as soon as you smile. finally, after weeks of being pestered by his colleagues at the detective agency and everyone around him, heizou spills everything he's been thinking. starting with exactly how he feels about you.

[dameronology]

can we get the star wars boys (or just poe or din) with moments of angsty slow burn attraction??? pls and thank you

i am a slut for angsty slow burn attraction so i did all the boys lol

din djarin

tbh any attraction with din is gonna be slow burn because he's gonna need a LOT of ✨context✨ before he ever even THINKS that you might like him romantically. angsty, though? that won't be hard to achieve, because he's gonna spend a long time trying to push you away and convince himself that he doesn't feel anything for you. he's also used to most people in his life being semi-permanent at best so in some sense, he's trying to protect himself from the hurt of losing you. but, once you prove that you're not going anywhere and that your love for him - at whatever stage it's in - is truly and wholly unconditional, he'll open up. it's sort of like a dam that breaks; he gives you absolutely nothing but once he realises he loves you, you have everything. his word, his love, his support, his protection. the angst-iness might still linger a little bit because he's super protective of you - now he's convinced you're here to stay, he's determined to make sure no-one else will take you away - but you know it all comes from a place of love.

poe dameron

any angsty slow burn with poe would stem from him catching feelings for you as his rival (did you mean: enemies to lovers?). like, this man is going to try and swallow those feelings and act like he doesn't care for you and that he isn't falling in love with you, but cracks will start to appear eventually. maybe you get injured one day in battle or come home late from a mission, and he is far more concerned that a competitive colleague should be. he'll hide behind a facade of sarcasm and flirting but you can see in his eyes that he was worried. that's the first hint for you, and it's both a blessing and a curse because it confirms what you're feeling to. once one crack has appeared in the foundations, it's only a matter of time before they collapse completely and it's obvious to everyone and their mothers and their mother's mothers that you two love each other. maybe it takes a few soft moments - a late night conversation when you catch each other getting caff at midnight, or when you're on a stakeout together that leia definitely didn't strategically plan - for you to both realise that you connect on an emotional, human level too. that probably makes you fight more - with each other, and the realisation that you love one another - but eventually, one of you will come clean and i have no doubt that poe cracks first, because when he loves he loves fucking hard and trying to keep it a secret will eat him up inside.

finn

slow burn with finn will mostly stem from the fact that he doesn't really know how to pursue you. unsurprisingly, it's not something he learnt during his time at the first order and now that he's out, it's even more confusing. he doesn't mean for it to be angsty either, but he's so bad at this whole thing that he ends up coming across as rude and because he's normally sweet and caring to everyone else, it's easy for you to assume that his coldness is because he hates you. and because that makes you act cold towards him, he then assumes that you hate him too. really, it's all a miscommunication. it would probably take you confronting him and asking why he hates you for finn to have an oh! moment and declare his love for you - or at least his developing love - and then things start to make sense again. it's definitely a quicker slow burn than the rest of the guys, simply because he's so enthusiastic and has this massive love for life that makes him want to spend it with you, so he's not gonna beat around the bush.

han solo

han is the chief executive officer of slow-burn angst. because a) it takes him about ten thousand working days to admit to himself that he has feelings for you and b) he will become immediately defensive about it. he's just not good at letting other people in and sharing his feelings so a relationship is terrifying to him but the only thing scarier than that is the idea of losing you. even though that looks like it's about to happen because he's suddenly pushing you away and acting distant, and it's not until you call him out on his bullshit that he realises. he won't tell you the truth (c'mon, it's han we're talking about) but he'll force himself to go back to normal. there will be something that makes him cave though - probably you starting to date another guy, or the realisation that such a scenario is even a possibility - and han realises he has to do something. cue a very awkward conversation that takes him at least half an hour to get to the point, but once he does, everything sort of makes sense: the sudden distance, the grouchiness, the holding you at arms length. and even though you want to hate him for being so confusing and causing you grief, it's all outweighed by the fact you obviously love him too. there's definitely a learning curve for han, especially as he adjusts to being in a relationship and being vulnerable with you, but it's one he's happy to do with you.

luke skywalker

in my mind, slow burn angst with luke would happen in a situation where you'd been in a previously established relationship before he becomes a jedi. maybe you break up because you're young and don't know what you want, or maybe it's because you want to take a step back and let him explore his newfound career options (?? weird way to describe being a jedi jazz) but either way, he promises to come back to you. and you know that luke skywalker is never one to break a promise, but waiting round is fucking tiring, man. it's probably a scenario where he's back and forth over a long period of time and every time you think you finally have him, he goes away again. then the war ends and you're at your wits end, and luke realises that this time, you're the one who's about to slip away from him and he has no choice but to re-assess his priorities. when he does, he comes back to you immediately. actually, no, he chases you across the fucking galaxy to declare his love for you, and let you know that this is it now.

obi-wan kenobi

obi-wan has no qualms in admitting his feelings for you to himself; it's just admitting them to you that takes fucking forever because of the complications with the jedi code. he tried to do it before with satine and he's quite honestly still recovering, so the idea that he's in the same scenario again is scary but even more so because his feelings this time are so much stronger. and this is no slate to satine, but the situation with satine is like a drop in the ocean compared to where he's at with you. it feels like it could drown him because he wants to be with you to the point where it physically aches but how can he be? and obviously, you've got feelings for him to but waiting around for months whilst he sorts out his own emotions is tiring. tiring to the point where you question how worth it is is, because even if he does decide to give it a shot - and the chances feel slim - it'll mean that you have to sneak around constantly and risk being stripped of your titles completely. obviously, this is something that obi-wan has thought about over and over but one day, he just sort of cracks and realises that he has no choice but to be with you. like, it literally isn't a choice. he can't know you exist and not give it a shot.

[ageingfangirl2]

I Hate You! Do You Really? Shanks (OPLA)

You finally have enough of Shanks playboy ways and confront him. But why are you confronting him? Do you really hate him? Shanks will find out. Shanks x Reader (Female) Fluff

SHANKS

'LET ME PAST BENN!' y/n shouts outside the door to my quarters, 'I KNOW HE'S IN THERE BECAUSE HIS LATEST CONQUEST JUST LEFT!'

'Think this through y/n, take a deep breath. Hongo says stress is bad,' Benn speaks calmly trying to calm down a mad y/n.

I was confused and intrigued, and still a little hungover from the night before. Was something wrong with y/n? They had been off a little lately. I'd known y/n since Rogers's execution and convinced them to join my crew. y/n was deadly with a sword, but their real weapon was their beauty and charm which could de-escalate situations. I wasn't a jealous man, I just didn't like random men hitting on them, and if that meant I was the only man they slept with then so be it. y/n was loyal, but recently they had been getting sick of my playboy ways and childish antics.

y/n and I weren't 'official', we slept together a lot because it could get lonely on the sea, and maybe I valued their opinion on the same level as Benn which made the crew tease us about being a power couple, but I'd never heard them be this mad at me before.

The door swings open and y/n storms in. Benn grimaces at me before closing the door leaving us alone. y/n's usually calm eyes were pissed, their fists clenched, and now I could see them closer they looked a lot paler. I open my mouth to speak but they stop me.

'Don't come near me while you still smell like that bitch,' y/n seethes.

I raise my hands in mock surrender and smirk, 'Is this because they called you fat last night? I thought you didn't care what others thought of you y/n.'

The anger leaves y/n eyes and my smirk falters seeing their eyes water, lip quiver, and one hand goes to their stomach, 'Do you think I'm fat? Am I ugly? This is all your fault, Shanks.'

y/n wasn't an emotional person so to see them this close to tears was scary, and they were blaming me for something I didn't even know I'd done unless it was bringing up the fat comment as a joke.

'How is this my fault y/n, please explain. You're not fat or ugly. Are you ill? you look pale. What did Hongo say?' I ramble.

y/n sighs and bows their head, 'because for years you've made me feel loved and special. But these past couple of months you've slept around more and ignored me. I need to know what I am to you Shanks, I need to know so I can do what's best for me and the...'

Okay it was true we hadn't slept together in two months, and I had slept around more to make up for it, but why was y/n suddenly bringing up the same thoughts they had after we last slept together? This was kind of why I ignored them, because I didn't like serious talk about relationships, call me selfish but it's who I am.

'You're my y/n. You call me out all the time. You hold me to a higher standard. You always know what I need to hear. Why do you suddenly care who I sleep with?'

y/n raises their head and locks eyes with me, I could see the wheels turning they were thinking so hard, 'If I asked you to stop sleeping with other women would you? I know it's hard to answer without any context but I'm really conflicted right now Shanks.'

My eyes widen at the sudden question, 'Like never sleep with another woman again...'

y/n nods, 'Yes or no Shanks.'

I shake my head and stand my ground, 'you won't get an answer until I have the full context y/n. You might be angry but I'm still your captain so show me some respect.'

y/n rubs their stomach, 'You're also the father to our unborn child. Hongo puts me at just over eight weeks along. Now answer my question captain. Say yes and I'll stay, but say no and I leave.'

My legs give out and I fall to my knees shocked, 'SHANKS!' y/n screams, and rushes towards me full of concern.

I reach out my hand and rest it on their stomach, 'you're really pregnant, no joke. Are you sure it's mine?'

I feel the slap across my cheek but keep my eyes focused on their stomach which did look bigger up close, 'you're the only man I've ever slept with Shanks, you prick,' y/n growls.

I can't help but laugh a little as I look up at y/n who looks down at me confused, 'Okay now everything makes sense. Don't worry you're pretty head I won't sleep with any women, does that include you?'

y/n inhales sharply, 'I hate you, Shanks.'

I raise a single eyebrow, ''yes, we've established that.'

y/n puts their hands over mine, 'fuck you!' they mutter.

I wiggle my eyebrows, ' we've done that, too. Care for a refresher?'

y/n cracks a smile and the tension leaves the room, 'You're a dork Shanks. I'm sorry if I made things weird for you. Do you think we can do this?'

I get back to my feet and pull them into my embrace. I'd changed my clothes when the girl left so y/n couldn't get mad. Unless women's senses heightened when pregnant, something I'd ask Hongo about later, 'we can do this y/n. Some things will have to change but we'll adapt.'

EXTRA

Being pregnant at sea came with some challenges but Shanks and the crew had your back. You'd made Shanks leave the room when he came close to passing out.

'Congratulations y/n, here's your baby boy,' Hongo says excitedly, handing you a bundle of blankets, 'I'll get Shanks.'

You nod and stare in awe at your baby boy who already has some red hair like his father, 'I'll get my money later, I knew it would be a boy.'

Hongo laughs and leaves. Only you, him and Benn thought it would be a boy while Shanks and the rest of the crew bet on a girl.

Shanks comes into the room and you hold out the bundle, 'Say hello to your son Shanks.'

Shanks holds his son and smiles down at him, 'Just what this ship needs y/n, another me running around. At least we know he's mine,' he laughs.

You flip him off. This was going to be an interesting next chapter for the three of you.

[chaifootsteps]

I'm placing my bets now for Apology Tour -

episode unambiguously sides with Stolas & only has Blitzo be expected to change or apologize

Stolas bonds with Verosika over how awful Blitzo treated him (bonus points if they retcon it so Blitzo wanted to use Verosika's crystal to get to the human realm despite it never ONCE coming up in s1, in order to establish Evil Blitzo has a habit of using people, unlike Innocent Stolas who would never do that) and later confronts Blitzo on it (the whole dumb 'do you ever feel regret for what you do' line, though going by Stolas' outfit that could be a later ep)

Stolas' development won't be him realizing Blitzo had a point or that anything he said/did to him was wrong, but it'll be some kind of internal journey about learning to love himself (bonus points if Vassago turns up just in time to be his rebound and convince him he totally didn't do anything wrong) - this is where the 'I want someone to care, I want someone to want me' line comes in. Stolas is still self-obsessed but it's framed like he's just a sad uwu owl who just wants love

We won't hit the Blitzo Victim Blaming Event horizon yet but we'll get close - we'll save that for whatever consequences Stolas faces as a result of lending the book out that the show decides are all Blitzo's fault

Blitzo gets thrown a bone in the form of making up with Verosika

But this probably only happens after he realises Stolas is performing (the look on his face in this shot: https://www.reddit.com/r/HelluvaBoss/comments/1ctnyak/verosika_is_sitting_next_to_blitz_in_the_trailer/) and the episode uses Blitzo feeling bad about Stolas to motivate him to make peace with her (yuck) - as sort of 'Blitzo never had to look at the aftermath of him hurting people before and who is more hurt and sad than Stolas?' (the audience: literally anyone!!!)

That bit with the moon is part of Stolas' performance, maybe? (from the trailer on the line 'I want someone to care, I want someone to want me'

If Stolas' song isn't a straight diss track I'm betting it's gonna be a more ballad-like heartbreak song where Stolas sings principally about how he was hurt and victimized and only wanted things to work out and it hurts him when Blitzo shuts him out. If the episode has Stolas or anyone else acknowledge Blitzo yelling at him in the prior ep it'll only to do more Oops-like framing of Blitzo as just unreasonably prejudiced against the rich and his whole hangup is his problem

Blitzo is watching from the balcony and at this moment he has the epiphany that he 'doesn't want to be this way forever.' Song ends with that winceworthy shot from the trailer of Blitzo looking up, all vulnerable, as the show frames Stolas in this gold light like he's this idealized love Stolas always needed (upgrade yuck to puke)

Afterwards Blitzo will go up to talk to Stolas while wearing that white sheet who's weeping by himself as per usual (other shot from the trailer), to apologize. Stolas still will not say I'm sorry or anything close because the writers have clawed out the empathy chip in his head for good, but this is the moment where he and Blitzo will maybe sort of get it together, kinda

And y'know what my other bet from the trailer is? I think a lot of people are gonna hate it. They're gonna realize even more that waiting for the show to ever address Stolas' flaws is a losing endeavour and that it was a total lie that we were supposed to think Stolas was in the wrong. His only flaw was loving Blitzo too much

I think this is the moment the show loses the audience for good and only the Stolas apologists and the diehard 'it's good no matter what you say' crowd are gonna remain

I think you're probably right. I'll be extremely happy if you're not and even half of this doesn't come true, but I think anyone who's waiting on a sincere, heartfelt resolution where they actually talk about things and Stolas fully acknowledges what he did wrong is going to be deeply disappointed.

[that-ineffable-devil]

I don't know what it is about Neil Gaiman's stories and characters that bring up so many visceral emotions and realizations but Dead Boy Detectives has gripped me in it's skeletal claws.

I'll admit I haven't read the comics--one more thing on my neverending tbr pile--so I came into this show without any preconceptions or foreknowledge of the characters or their histories. And I didn't do any research on the show beforehand a) to avoid spoilers and b) it's Neil Fucking Gaiman what am I gonna do NOT watch!?

Basically, I had no idea what to expect from it. Except that it'd be queer (praise be).

And I gotta tell you, Charles is getting to me. In ways and at depths I never could have expected. And, fuck, it's making me confront some things I didn't realize were affecting me...and some that maybe I did...

Like the anger. Gods, the deep-rooted anger at the injustice and cruelty of the world and the hands you're dealt. The fury of feeling helpless and alone and terrified during the worst experiences of your life. And the self-loathing you feel as you bury that rage for fear of becoming the very monsters that tormented you--unable to express it in even a healthy manner because you can only associate anger with violence. So you bottle it and bury it and hope against hope you can keep it down, but you fear the day you run out of burial ground.

Like the compulsion to act like everything's fine. To mask any negative emotions with a smile and a kind word or a laugh. To never be the reason someone else is in pain. To try so hard to undo the pain done by others. To be the person you needed most who was never there. Maybe you're trying to convince yourself that you're not a monster. Living in constant fear that you really are that monster, and all your goodness and light is a smokescreen to trick truly good people into allowing you to walk amongst them--and that one very bad day they'll all see the truth and your worst fears will be confirmed in their eyes.

Like the almost desperate need to cling to anything or anyone good that comes into your life, because it has happened so rarely and so fleetingly. The fear of taking certain risks with those things and people because any change can be the one that results in losing them. Yet constantly taking risks with yourself and your life (death?), likely boiling down to "If I go first, I don't have to lose them." Because, deep down, you think they could never miss you as much as you'd miss them.

And even specific moments...

Like using the word "rough" to describe abuse, because how else do you reference decades...or in his case, likely at least a decade...of trauma and abuse without upsetting someone? Without letting them know it's still affecting you?

Like equal parts fear and fury welling inside you as you watch something truly horrific happen. Memories wrapping your senses so tightly as that man brutalized his family for no reason. Being both unable to stop it and unable to look away. Desperate to do something about it but completely helpless. Again.

And reliving his trauma, forced to by someone else? Feeling that pain and misery all over again. The heartbreak as friends choose to hurt you for reasons you don't understand. The anguish as your brain tries to protect itself while a parent who's supposed to love you makes you wonder why you exist at all. The terror of being hunted. Not knowing why. Not knowing what you've done to deserve it. Wondering if somehow you do.

And confessing his fear that he's a "bad guy." Wondering if you're really the villain in your story. Fearing that the reason people treated you so cruelly is because they saw the monster within, and thought they could keep it contained and afraid. Fearing that you won't be able to.

And not every day is like this. Not every day has you feeling like you're at the edge of a precipice. Some days are quite good actually, especially if you have even one good person around. But any day could turn out like this.

But you keep on with the smiles and the positive attitude because the monsters can't win. Your monster can't win. And frankly, you don't know how else to deal with it, because no one ever taught you how to. Or maybe you never had the chance to learn. All you know is that it's all you know.

[whymustyouhurtmeinthisway]

Sonic IDW 67 was pretty good, I liked it a lot. No Surgeamy hints unfortunately, and the imposter siblings getting hired by Clutch instead of being a third party's kinda lame (though I'm betting there's a good chance they'll end up rebelling against him). Something I did like a lot was Surge's attitude throughout the whole thing:

Despite seeming like she'd be a terrible actor, she sells it wonderfully by not trying to avoid suspicion. She knows Sonic and co. will be suspicious of her no matter what, so trying to act all buddy-buddy with them would probably make them way more confrontational about her and Kit's intentions. The attitude she instead chooses is less "I've had a change of heart, I want to be a hero and change the world now" and more "Yeah living in Starline's old shack blew chunks and we knew you suckers were dumb enough to let assholes like us live here if we asked, so here we are" which is much more believable (and for good reason, as that's basically the truth of their situation give or take a couple important details). Throughout the entire tour she's constantly pestering Sonic about how letting them in was a bad idea, saying stuff like "Man you've really built up a nice place. It'd be a shame if someone burned it down". When he brings up introducing Surge and Kit to Whisper and the rest of the Diamond Cutters and Amy says that might not be the best idea, Surge's response is basically "What? No, I'm sure Sonic knows exactly what he's doing, this'll go fiiiiiiiine. C'mon big shot, let's see you try to sell them on me, this'll be fun."

Her scene with Whisper was especially interesting, I loved it. The last interaction Surge had with Whisper was beating the shit out of her and kidnapping all her wisps to use as living batteries, so she knew Whisper'd be the most distrustful of anyone there (further increased by the fact that she's much less forgiving than all the other resistance members in the first place). Surge handled the seemingly impossible task of getting Whisper to even slightly trust her the best way possible: make no attempt to do that at all, and in fact tell her she shouldn't. Upon hearing Whisper's flat out refusal to accept Surge and Kit's redemption, Surge bursts out laughing, hands her her wispon, and goes something like "Finally! You're the first one to show a little sense around here! The rest of these schmucks would trust a bear trap if it looked sorry enough for snapping off the first leg, but I can tell you wanna kill me right here and right now. I like you. Here's your gun, if I stay here you could aim it at the back of my head as long as you want. I don't blame you. I encourage you." I love this bit of writing, and it's a genuinely brilliant strategy from Surge, going "You're a lot smarter than everyone else here for wanting to kill me, if you let me live in your base I'll be really easy to kill if you want to." is probably one of the few ways on earth to convince someone who wants you dead to let you live very near them. Also, through flattering her on her superior sense of reason, Surge subtly makes Whisper like/trust her just a tiny bit more, and I feel like she could slowly but surely build onto that more and more until she eventually ends up winning Whisper over. I'm sure her and Kit won't be "undercover" for very long but if they were really in it for the long haul I could totally see that happen. Maybe she inherited Sonic's natural ability to make friends with even one's worst enemies, except she goes about it in a much more fucked up way.

Finally, I really liked the one moment of hesitation Surge has upon hearing that the Resistance wouldn't give her and Kit a single order if they didn't want them to. Though she fully came with the intention of maliciously taking advantage of Sonic and the rest of the Resistance's kindness, she hesitates upon hearing how far that kindness goes. In Surge and Kit's eyes, there hasn't been a single person in their life who doesn't see them as

A: Dangerous targets to kill, or

B: Powerful tools they can use to use to their advantage.

Hell, they know that even the partnership they're in at that very moment with Clutch is an example of B and they still accepted it. But then, for the first time in their life, they're offered a home of their own with a solid roof and good food, rehabilitation and reintroduction to the rest of society, an actual normal life for the first time they can remember, all of it for nothing in return on their part. Amy tells them the Resistance helps everyone in need out of the kindness of their hearts and (though they always appreciate more volunteers) not a single person is required to anything to repay their help, it's all free. For a brief moment you can see Surge drop the shithead mannerisms and genuinely consider the proposition. Her internal monologue isn't shared with the audience, but I imagine it must be very conflicted. She then regains her composure and moves on with the tour as before, but I imagine that moment's gonna affect her heavily in the issues to come, and I'm very excited to see how that plays out.

Anyways, good issue all around, can't wait to read the next one.

[atherix]

Aci i am looking 👀 at the avatar au u say about 👀

👀 Imagine... for some reason, the world is in disarray. The four nations are divided, not by like war but by like geography and just general isolationism (including the north and south tribes of the water nation from each other). Scar is just your run of the mill water tribe kid, never showed any signs of having any other element. And he grew up with bestie Cub, the two of them having been raised by the village elders after Something™ happened to each of their parents. And they've grown up into fine waterbenders, but have never had any reason to even want to leave, knowing nothing about the outside world.

Grian, an airbender, decides to go searching for the avatar for... reasons... watcher reasons... and crashlands in the south pole, where he's found and rescued by Scar and Cub. He doesn't realize Scar is the avatar for like half a day, thinking he's just some waterbender, but something happens that makes him realize and he confronts Scar about how he's not "doing his job" and reuniting the nations and all that stuff, to which he just gets confused staring and has that Oh Shit moment of realizing Scar doesn't know. How a man can go 20+ years without knowing he's the avatar, well, Grian certainly doesn't know, but whatever the watchers are planning Grian's purpose is won't be successful if Scar can't use the other elements. He manages to convince Scar to go traveling the world with him, telling him stories about the world outside the water tribe. Unfortunately Grian wasn't counting on Cub tagging along...

Mumbo as a nonbending citizen of the fire nation, him relying on technology and inventing all these really cool things... but still being overlooked bc he's a nonbender in a family of benders... wanting to prove something to the world (and himself), so when Grian, Scar and Cub stumble into his little town and get to know him, and they offer him (against Grian's protests) to come see the world with them... well, who is he to say no to that? It's not like his rich bending family would even notice he's gone... right? He'll just take his tools and his blueprints and go on the greatest adventure of his life and maybe accidentally get dragged into whatever Grian's planning...

Cleo as a master firebender, participating in underground firebending rings as the undefeated champion... secretly like the cousin of the crown prince(ss) or something, so fucking bored of palace life... just wanting a little more out of life than what she has... stumbling across the others and quickly figuring out Scar is the avatar... coyly blackmailing them into letting them join... "Oh, no, yeah, that's fine. I mean, sure, if I stay in town I might slip up and tell someone very official that the avatar has been found, but yeah- go ahead, it'll be fine. I'll just be here, alright? Talking in these... very official circles, drinking some very good drinks- well, who knows what might slip, but it's okay, everything is fine- oh, what's that? You want me to come with you? Well, I don't know... hmm, alright then." :)

BDubs as an earth bender who loves to garden... living in a communal home with Ren, Etho and Martyn (earthbender, nonbender, nonbender),... Scar accidentally destroying his garden beyond like any chance of recovery, and BDubs dragging his roomies/boyfriend(s) into basically following Scar & Co. to try and "make them pay" for destroying his garden and ending up saving them... becoming friends with them.... (getting a certain firebender's attention ofc bc I'm me...)

Just 👀 Picture it. It's just a giant messy roadtrip story where nothing bad happens at all, all sunshine and roses yep, definitely no airbending cult extremists manipulating and pulling Grian's strings at all, absolutely no need for terrible realizations and feelings of betrayal and redemption and Grian having to make a choice between the family he'd always known and the family and the men he'd come to love no siree

[isindismay]

Wow. Finished DE. I didn't expect it to wrap up so quickly. I feel regret for all of the things I missed and didn't see to the end. I was repeatedly hit in the face with case-related things I'd screwed up, but it was already too late. But despite all of that, I'm not entirely dissatisfied with my ending.

I was merciful to suspects, which Kim was supportive of (not that I need approval to know I did right, I mean to say it made me like him more). Some people died despite my efforts to save them and that's hard to take. But I didn't kill anyone or directly cause anyone's death, things I was very worried about in a game where you play a cop. I'm devastated that Kim got shot because of me, but he was trying to help Harry at the time and... no that just makes it even more devastating. I thought we were both dead. Then I thought he was dead. Then Cuno's account made it sound like he was doing okay, but what Jean said... I don't know if he was just trying to make me feel bad or if it really is doubtful he is going to make it. Despite missing Kim, it was fun having Cuno as a partner for a short time, and seeing Cuno's rage turned around to support Harry was really something. Convincing my colleagues to recruit him felt like the right thing to do.

Apparently marriage is not a thing in Revachol so probably adoption isn't either, so I imagine Harry will just let Cuno live with him in his run-down apartment. Cuno seems proud of being off drugs, so I think he'll end up being a good influence on Harry, more so than Harry setting a good example for him. I don't think Harry would be the perfect dad, but he'd try, and he'd do better than Cuno's actual dad. Lena will be happy to hear the Phasmid is real, and the story itself will be enough for her. If Kim doesn't make it, I fear Harry won't be able to cope with the guilt and would spiral the drain even with the responsibility for/support of Cuno. So let's just say Kim survives at least. Kim would be amused/appalled at Harry taking Cuno under his wing. There is absolutely no way Kim will believe they saw the Phasmid, no matter how emphatically Harry and Cuno describe it for him. Harry will keep on making excuses to call/go see Kim. And when Kim's recovered as much as he's going to, the three of them will make another trip to Martinaise to see how everyone is holding up (neither of their precincts will approve of this waste of time, but who cares?) Cuno will go visit his biological dad and maybe confront C again. And what about that hole in the church? Is there enough hope in Martinaise to keep it at bay, or is the pale seeping in? Did Ruby's machine cause further damage to reality? Maybe their visit will not end up being as short as they intended.

I was very tempted to click New Game right after the credits rolled. But I had to debrief first. I want to play again with the skills weighted differently. There's different avenues I want to explore, paths I started to walk but never reached the end. There's also options I won't take, ones I know I could never live with.

I don't think I'm ever going to stop thinking about DE. It's more than a game, it's an experience.

[i-sveikata]

Oh GIRRRLLLL

I honestly expected angst but got such soft interactions from this chapter! I mean, yes, Vegas was very filthy in his thoughts but also very sweet? I love him even if he doesn't love himself. Vegas feelings about himself are something we all assumed so no surprises here. It still hurts how badly abused he was and how it all turned him how he is now. Our childhood creates what we are in the future. It's another reason why I'm glad his father is finally dead.

I knew Vegas was in love with Pete. But OMG. His thoughts are so sweet and wholesome. He is so smitten 😂 If he could tell Pete he loves him, he would every hour. The complements!!

It's also nice to really see how he regrets all the hurt he has done to Pete. His confusion in the shower was really worrying. He is scarred as well by this time in the safehouse and will never forget. But I admire his determination to not hurt Pete ever again. Just this shows how much he means to him. I hope Pete's grandmother sees it too 😭

I hoped so bad that the talk would happen in this chapter. But ah, it's okay. I can wait 😩 But I know the conversation is not going to be pleasant. If Pete feels safe enough to sleep side by Vegas it should convince her it's okay?? Right?? 😭

After these few chapters with constant action, danger and sex, it really feels so calm. I loved their conversation about the future. They really needed that. And omg, finally they realized they can just lay together, talk and feel satisfied with it too. Vegas needs to learn he doesn't need to perform all the time to keep Pete's time and attention. And I loved Pete's reassurance that we won't leave. He doesn't want to leave. And that Vegas is more than that.

This chapter left me with this warm feeling. Not counting the dread of the upcoming confrontation 😅

Thank you for this! I loved it so much! 😊❤️

Ohhhhh right I guess I meant more internal angst?? Rather than relationship angst lol the only yikes moment was when Vegas thought they were back in the safe house and freaked Pete out too

Omg but yesss so much softness between them this chap they really are just so relieved that they’re both alive tbh haha yeah Vegas is a mixture of horny and romantic devotion for sure. Ahhh yeah we all saw that coming from the way he already treats himself having no concern for his own life and body his pov is really not all that surprising. Ugh yeah his dad sucks so bad we are very glad that he’s dead

Yesssss as soon as they get the I love yous out Vegas is going to be a totally menace like constantly telling Pete how much he adores him. Pete is going to be low key flustered for the rest of his life hahahah

Oh yeah that moment in the shower was VERY bad for him because Vegas’ low self esteem is already telling him that he’ll never deserve Pete and that he’s going to lose him but Vegas so desperate for his love that he wants to try anyway!!!! Despite!! Despite!!!That promise to himself not to physically hurt Pete again is just another way that Vegas is trying to prove to himself that he might be able to be good. That he can control his worst impulses. That maybe despite everything his father has told him he could somehow get this one thing right for pete. That’s why he freaked out so much about Pete’s wrist. That was his last hope going up in flames before his very eyes!!!

Oh lol the showdown with Pete and his grandmother feat drugged up Vegas is going to be VERY interesting hahah but they are going to find some kind of common ground don’t worry!

Yea was very important that they get the chance to just slow down for a second and be together (even if they had to be physically unable to move around in order to make that happen lol) but yes they are both steadily learning that they’re good for each other in these moments. That they both know how to take care of the other person (and that they understand each other enough that they can recognise when the other is holding on by a thread and needs that support) Whatever this fucked up thing between them is it seems to be working!! Not withstanding having to talk to Pete’s grandma about it hahahah

[dragons-hoard-of-fandoms]

Well, that...

That was something. (Cut 'cuz spoilers. Long. Small angry rant near the end.)

I can't really say it was bad, but, y'know, can't say it was all that fantastic either. Just doesn't feel like the "conclusion" it was promised as - which is honestly understandable, given that the new show is on its way. And, y'know, having to pack everything into only eleven minutes doesn't really grant ya much wiggle room. I feel like there'd be a much better payoff if it had more time to work with - twenty-two minutes like the Wil Film seasons, or a full TV movie.

It's definitely more satisfying than "Endings," tho, so I'll give it that.

I think I speak for everyone when I say I wish we'd gotten more of Oni Lloyd. Considering it was being hyped up as this big final ultimate form that may or may not end up rampaging across the city, destroying everything in sight as Lloyd takes out all the anger and frustrations that have been building up within him probably since this whole "destiny" nonsense was dropped on him, enacting a role reversal of the Kryptarium fight when Garmadon tries to face him only to finally understand exactly how he made his son feel back then when (despite Garm actually genuinely giving his all) Lloyd nearly kills him, has him by the throat and tells him "I have no father," while the Ninja are forced to confront the possibility that the only way to save their friend is to destroy him...

Yeah, Lloyd going full Oni for like five seconds only to immediately back out before actually doing anything was a letdown. But who knows, maybe they'll come back to it in the new series. Get on it, writers! Let our boy go crazy go stupid! Don't make this another Tornado of Creation!

Garmadon's second redemption certainly has room to grow. He's clearly trying, and I appreciate that, but I wish he'd made a more obvious effort that he was trying to reconcile with his son. I get that he can't just come right out and say it, not when he still can't quite comprehend just what "it" is, and I get that Lloyd wouldn't be able to just roll over and forgive him, not when he's probably still having nightmares about Seasons Eight through Ten and his whole original motivation from Season One is now his greatest fear... But still. I totally called that Christofern was serving as a stand-in for Lloyd when it came to Garmadon's feelings about him, but it felt like they were trying to push it from an allegory to a literal - pretty much any time Garm's ability to care was called into question, Christofern was the example given. The only arguable exception is that one scene with Nya, but even then, it's deflected onto Christofern so bluntly that's it's practically calling us stupid for thinking Garmadon's empathy could extend beyond his plant.

Again, tho, the new series still has a chance to remedy this. Sensei Garmadon could still return to us in some form. The Dragon half could still claw his way out of the Departed Realm, reunite with the Oni, and give Lloyd his real dad again. I like to imagine Garmadragon has been barreling across the multiverse screaming "HAVE YOU SEEN MY SON" for the past eight seasons, and the only reason he hasn't shown up yet is because there are a lot more than fourteen Realms out there. He could still turn up.

Look all I'm saying is Lloyd and Garmadon's Oni heritage has gotten its time in the spotlight, give the Dragons their turn. And while you're at it, acknowledge Wu's inhuman qualities for once. He's DragOni too.

Other Stuff I Don't Have As Much to Say About:

"Compatible" really doesn't hit as hard as Tommy was trying to convince us it would. IDK, maybe what with Zane dying every other weekend we're just desensitized to the whole ordeal. It was cute, tho, I certainly won't deny that.

Clutch still has Nadakhan's teapot. Is that ever gonna be relevant or

I can't believe they had Zane fight Mr. F and not reveal Mr. F as Echo. What do we gotta do to make them bring back Echo?!

Did they really think revealing the Overlord was responsible for the Devourer was some big unexpected twist? Pretty certain we all gathered that WAY back the first two seasons.

On that note, WOW was she-whose-name-we-do-not-speak-in-this-household's heel-face turn stupid. You were literally working with the dude who released the Devourer in the first place! If it was so easy for you to blame Lloyd for that, you should've been able to trace it back to the Overlord right from the start!

Yes I still despise she-whose-name-we-do-not-speak-in-this-household with every fiber of my being. Yes I still would've laughed and cheered if she had been murdered on-screen in such a brutal and violent manner that it never would've been allowed on television if they weren't Legos. Yes I still want Lloyd to go on an insane Oni-powered rampage with her as the first and only casualty. No I am not sorry and no I will never forgive her and no I will never accept her as anything other than the thing that ruined Garmadon. SHE IS NOT HIS DAUGHTER AND NEVER WILL BE AND I WOULD GLADLY REWRITE THE ENTIRE SHOW FROM SCRATCH TO PREVENT HER FROM EVER EXISTING

Can't say I was expecting the Ninja to lose their powers again (I figured they would've permanently gone full Dragon or something - another "dead without actually dying" case à la Nya turning into the ocean), but, y'know, can't say I'm too shocked by it either. Last time this happened was, what, Season Five? If anything they were overdue.

All in all, a decent end to a season and an alright end to an era, but not so much to an entire series like it's being billed as. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it, and I've definitely seen worse finales (*cough cough* Star vs. the Forces of Evil *cough*), but that's not to say there isn't any wasted potential here. Maybe there wouldn't have been such high expectations if it hadn't been played up as this heart-wrenching, soul-crushing eleven-minute epic. Maybe if it'd lived up to the hype I wouldn't be writing this. Or maybe regardless of how things turned out, there would always be a little disappointment mixed into it. Who's to say, really.

Either way, the 2023 series certainly has a lot to live up to, and a fairly solid foundation to build off of. There's still a few loose ends to tie up, plot points to resolve, mysteries to uncover, stories to finish. What's up in the other Realms? Where are the Time Twins? Will we ever see Morro again?

We're just gonna have to wait and see, I suppose.

[just-a-carrot]

[Easter + Our Wonderland spoilers! Also a pretty long analysis, oops.]

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The more I think about it, the more OW and Easter seem kinda like antitheses to each other. Even TVTropes pointed this out:

"Spiritual Antithesis: The whole game is intended to be one for Easter, coming from the same author. Easter had a troubled protagonist, while his friends had more carefree lives and were unaware of his issues, while Our Wonderland has a fairly normal protagonist who is completely unaware of his friends' troubled lives and issues."

This is somewhat of a barebones explanation of it, and I'm not sure if it was exactly "intended", but it still rings true.

Easter ends up trying to ruin everyone else's lives, and in turn drag them down with him. He also never owns up to or feels guilty for his actions. In fact, he tries to pin a lot of the blame on Nester for supposedly not doing anything to help, to the point of him becoming a "bad guy" in his dream sequence. (Leave it up to the traumatized six year old to save the day. Yeah, very smart, East.)

Iggy does the exact opposite. In each arc, he tries to "help" whichever of the LIs the arc is focusing on in any way he can, which in turn makes him lose sight of his own self and get dragged down to their level. (This is especially prevalent in Arc 3.) He also seems to put all the blame on himself, quite literally stating that everyone would be better off without his existence in Arc 1.

Also, each game has a character who's a sort of "exception" to this rule.

In Easter, for example, Nester is also traumatized, and he is fully aware of Easter's actions. Yet, unlike Easter, he tries to move on with his life and leave the past behind.

Also, can I just go on a "quick" tangent and say that Nester's camera is a really good metaphor? During all of Easter's Escapades ™, Nester was fully aware of what he was doing, and yet never tried to do anything about it. He would just observe. (Though I will say that Easter maybe gives him too much shit for that, as he was, like, six years old, freshly traumatized, and also the least liked of the group, so good luck trying to convince anyone Easter's out to get their asses.) And think of what a cameraman does in a movie? He's fully aware of the current events, and yet he is in no power to change them, all he can do is record. Just like Nester... I know the camera literally only shows up two times but I just thought this was cool, okay?

Anyways, in Our Wonderland, Genzou, despite also having a troubled life, doesn't escape to Wonderland until the very end. And when he does, he doesn't end up going insane because of his wish, remaining Iggy's ally until the end of each arc.

Considering all of this, I think the endings for these games make perfect sense.

The problem with Easter is that he's stuck. As Nester points out, he's been fully consumed by hatred, and as such makes no effort to move on or become a better person. This is makes the hopeless ending work, as it shows that Easter's stubbornness and hatred has finally led him to the point of no return. He may have been redeemable at some point, but now, it's too late.

In Our Wonderland, things are different. Even in the cast's hateful, fucked up states, there is still a glimpse of humanity deep within them. There's still that wish to make things right. And unlike Easter, the OW cast find the strength to push through their corruption, and end up on the road to recovery. Of course, this did not come easy, and it won't get any easier, but what matters is that they did it. They are finally confronting their issues head on, and choosing to work through them, granting themselves the freedom that they sought do desperately in Wonderland. But freedom does not come from escaping, freedom comes from accepting, and letting go.

Our Wonderland shows that redemption is possible. Easter shows that it takes work.

Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk.

oh my gosh alkdjfasdk this is quite the analysis????

yeah i did see that on the tvtropes page, along with some other easter-correlations, though i admit freely that no connections between the games were intentional and i wasn't thinking about easter at all when i starting thinking up ideas for OW 🤣💦 then again i do often have people point out connections even within OW that i had never planned on/put in there purposefully, so i'm perhaps not the best judge... 🥴

(the tvtropes page used to have some really weird/inaccurate stuff about gidget tho until someone corrected it... 💦)

i think that is a really interesting point tho. easter and iggy couldn't be further from each other in the way they approach things and their general mindsets. which is a bit amusing as they still both somehow manage to be at the center of their respective friend groups with the other members generally all liking them to various degrees (easter doesn't have the love square that OW has LOL tho if i'd been more courageous of a dev at the time of making easter, i had originally wanted to add some latent feels in there between totl and easter)

iggy definitely gives up a big chunk of himself trying to be what his friends need, to the point where wonderland itself is actually helping to morph him into that role during each arc; meanwhile, easter is jealous that all his friends are better off than him and wants to see everyone suffer as much as he did. in both stories, there's this intense interconnectivity within the friend group revolving around the respective MC, but they're kinda opposite mindsets/approaches 🤣

"Also, can I just go on a "quick" tangent and say that Nester's camera is a really good metaphor?" -> LKDJASDFADS add another one to the list of "things carrot didn't even realize themself" 💦 that is a really cool analysis of that...

that's a great point about easter being "stuck." like in his head he had convinced himself that there was no way moving past it and he was hopeless, to the point where the only thing he could think of to do was lock his memories away (until over time they broke free again). whereas with iggy, despite everything, he has to keep trying, 100s and 100s and 100s of times, if only due to the nature of the loop. so he kinda just has to keep trying and keep moving forward every time they have a new breakthrough

"Our Wonderland shows that redemption is possible. Easter shows that it takes work." -> this is really good lakdfad easter didn't even try, while iggy is forced to try one way or another kinda lol

at any rate this is a really interesting analysis and look into how the two games play off each other (even if none of it was intentional from my part LKDJALDSF). thank you so much for writing this up and all your thoughts, i really enjoyed reading this!! 🥺💕