#honestly I have so many thoughts for mixed rose but I don’t trust anyone (whose not black) to really get it

[jellophoid]

I look around quickly yall don’t like her anyways so I can do this right 👩🏾‍💻

[missingartist]

The Witcher’s Mate Chapter 19

The portal snapped closed behind them sending the trio spewing over the hard granite floor. Dust and grit curled up into billowing clouds sending the three into a fit of coughs and splutters. Jaskier poked his head up between a pair of legs and one hand that frantically twitched at the side of his neck.

‘Whose ever knee that is, while that is very pleasant, I am not sure Geralt would appreciate either of you doing that.’ Jaskier bit out, worming his way out from the bodies.

‘I forgot how low the floor was in here’ a muffled groan forced its way out front somewhere beneath the flailing limbs, a white-haired head popped up gazing around the battered room.

Vesemir had his blade raised and thrust in one of the bodies face before he even recognised the blossoming young woman and her annoying bard. Typically, the Witchers stronghold was only occupied during the most barren winter months, when work was made difficult from the weather. Most creatures limited their attack in the colder weather, drowners trapped by thick ice, wreaths. Kilmore and ghoul attack slowed to the point there was very little money, and it made more sense to hole up in the warmth of the great hall with food and ale sharing stories of the beasts and women they had met in the months of isolation on the path. But for Vesemir the appeal of riding another two months was unappealing, and there was much to be done at Kaer Morhen, the place had fallen into disrepair and could stand to have two months patch up before the others arrived. So, the flash of light and the three sprawling bodies was unexpected.

Cross-eyed, the bard stared down the blade of the Witcher, who grunted down in annoyance.

‘Vesemir long time no see, how are you? You old….Witcher.’ Jaskier smile nervously up at the gruff man.

‘Vesemir!’ Ciri greeted, standing up and pulling the bewildered former kitchen maiden with her.

‘Ciri! My girl, you’ve grown’ he pulled the slim girl into a bear-like hug lifting her off the grown entirely. ‘And who is this?’ Vesemir puffed out, catching a glimpse at the cowering girl edge herself toward the bookcases.

‘This is Adva…student of Triss, currently first of Yennefer’s hit list, suspected mermaid and Geralt’s soul mate, like actually soul mate.’

Blinking across at the older man, terror surged beneath the brunette skin. The gaze was heavy and piercing as the man all but dropped Ciri to her feet to look the mermaid up and down. Anxiety was back, and she felt like she had back in Brightwater under the scrutiny of Cersi, Tradi or the Vivian. It made her realise how bare she felt in the flimsy clothing Ciri lent her.

‘We need help…figuring out the mermaid and soulmate part.’

Ciri pulled back from her former teacher and smiled at the nervous girl, who eyes now focused solely on her ragged boots.

‘Well… I think we are going to need more chairs in the library. Anyone you annoy Yennefer enough to get on her hit list is always welcome here.’ Vesemir greeted, pulling Adva and Ciri toward the library.

‘Tell me everything. Bard bring three more chairs from the celler.’

‘Brilliant just brilliant’ Jaskier sighed as he made his way through the vast stronghold.

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Geralt could not close his eyes; every time he did, he saw Adva being huddled into the portal in the strong embrace of Jaskier. Her retreating figure was etched into his mind for the past three days. The tightness of Ciri blouse over her breast and stomach, the lacing at the top of the shirt could not fasten so in an attempt to make them fit she had pulled the sleeve down into a peasant blouse, exposing her neck and that spot in which he buried his head in it during their night together, the pure scent that intoxicated him. Her hips had strained against the tightness of the dress, Adva hips the more shapely then his young ward, soft and supple, his hands still burnt in remembrance of how his hand buried into her ample hips as he ground into her feeling the wetness against me.

Scrunching his eye shut, he was forced to relieve that look on her face, the sadness and misery. He wanted to talk to her explain, but as soon as he advances towards, she flinched and retreated behind Jaskier. A furious range formed inside him, Jaskier, the man he had to save so man times who stuck his nose in one to many times, he had dragged her off for him, his little flower, his love, his siren, HIS MATE. Blood dripped from his hands as eight half-moons cut pieced his golden skin, the warm liquid dripped over his fingers and splattered noiselessly against the dirt way he lay. He could not bring himself to care or even feel the mild pain; he felt nothing, just the burning desire to regain Adva, to have her in his arms and wearing his mark as soon as possible. Without her, near him, he felt weak, near collapsed when she had abandoned him, but at the same time field with rage, he laid waste to the Garden, burnt the roses and reduced the fountained to a pile of stones. Before climbing on the back of Roach and riding day and night though forest, bogs and towns to reach his Witchers home, stopping only long enough for the horses to rest and Yennefer to reapply the paste to the runes on his skin. The fever still gripped him, the balm now lasted only a few hours, but he refused to let them stop for the briefest moment to reapply the substance. Instead, he had to feed the need to be close to her; so he rode on closer and closer to Kaer Morhen. As soon as they passed the town of Bastion, he could smell that scent on the wind, apples, and the sea. It calmed and excited him; a pang of anxiety took hold of him. It was something that he never felt before, a panic that gnawed at him for the inside out. He needed to get to her, to explain, to talk and to comfort.

Being told she was not human and possibly a mermaid in the span of a few hours was a shock. Geralt blink and he saw her distress flash against his eyelids, the tears. It broke him, and he wanted to comfort his mate, but it was Jaskier who swooped in. A silent growl shook his chest as he dug his fingers deeper into his palms, the blood flowing more freely, oozed onto the mud. At the minute, he couldn’t care less about any of them, Jaskier, Triss, Yennefer even Ciri could all go to hell, he could carry Adva away to live in a cave for all he cared as long as he had her. Geralt never thought he was a possessive man, but by the gods, he wanted to have every inch of her and give himself completely over to her. The overwhelming feeling pounded against his temples, and the sharp ache cut through his head as he was brought out of his musing by the harsh whispers behind him.

‘You have never loved him. You just love the idea of someone being there. You treated him more like a lapdog than a lover.’ Triss snapped.

She poked at the fire angrily as glared at the Yennefer, who in her usual fashion wore a plunging neckline that dipped down to her navel, it was tight and revealing and not a travelling dress, but it not sure practicality was what Yen was going for.

‘Don’t you think I deserved someone.’ Yennefer half whispered; half yelled.

‘Of course, I do. But you were horrid to her. You know what she reminded me a lot of you when you first came to Arteuza. Lost and scared searching for a place. She even had her own Tisssisa in Tradi and Cersi, a bully who prodded and poked, filling you head with the position. But you managed you had the power and support to getaway. She did not. Have some sympathy.’ Triss glared into the crackling fire.

‘I sacrificed my motherhood for that. You have no idea what I have surrendered.’ Triss growled.

‘You sacrificed nothing. You gave it away.’ Triss countered, giving her a pointed look. ‘You wanted power and don’t try and kid yourself. I love you like a sister, but sometimes you can be so obtuse.’

Yennefer was becoming increasingly hostile as the days went on, switching from lost little girl to savage man-eating banshee. Every jab and goading comment ground down on the Witcher who pensively look deep into the horizon but Triss knew Geralt; his body was rigid and tense, he didn’t eat or sleep just stare into the fire or huddle up with his back to them for the few brief hours he let the horse rest. And there was only so much more he would be able to stand before he snapped, and she fears that Yennefer would be on the receiving end of that or worse it would get Geralt off in an unbound rage, and he would do something that he would forever regret.

‘You seriously believe Geralt belong to her.’ Yennefer stood and pace in front of the fire, casting a frantic shadow against the trees.

‘That your problem, you think Geralt belong to someone. Adva genuinely cares for him. And she did not cast him out over his doing the right thing. That right he told me…honestly, you have no idea how spoilt and nasty you sounded.’

‘Well, to me, she couldn’t get away from him fast enough.’ Yennefer smirked at her; it was her character smirk, the one she used when she was right.

‘That because she thinks Geralt prefer you over her, and she doesn't want to be blasted through the floor again.’ Triss ranted, in a hoarse tone. ‘You draped your self over him, what was she to think.’

‘If she were truly his mate, don’t you think she couldn’t be apart from him. Even if I were draped all over him, do you think he has really changed? He’d have a different woman in his bed every night; she would be pandering after him. Trust me; I spared her the hurt. I bet she had already moved on to Jaskier…’

‘Enough’ Geralt roared, bolting up in bed. ‘Don’t you two have anything else you can talk about.’ He snapped and stood.

Two of the two women, he loomed menacingly over them, his body stood to his full height as he glared at them with dark eyes. His sword was clutched tightly in his hand, glistening murderously in the moonlight. Trails of sweat mixed with the blue rune and melted down his skin, it was hard to see any of his bronzed skin beneath the mess of sweat and paint. The fever seemed to take hold on his with a vengeance, his breath was coming in heavy pants, as he looked at both the woman.

‘Geralt…we didn’t…’

‘She wouldn’t do that….not with Jaskier, she needs me’ Geralt gritted out. Triss took a step back, the frantic look in his eyes scared her.

‘Please…. she could barely look at you when they left. Could not help but notice she seemed really attached to Jaskier, they have the whole of Kaer Morhen to themselves…lots of room for screaming. I bet she is currently in one of those lush four posters spread open and Jaskier buried deep into her pussy.’

Yennefer laughed. The sound tinkled against the trees and into the night air, it was the only sound that would be heard apart from the occasional crackle of the fire and a distant owl hooting. Triss honestly could not comprehend what was happening in Yennefer head, if she really understood what was happening if she truly believed that Geralt wouldn’t actually hurt her. That he could do serious harm to her with his blade or signs. Part of her wanted that, it ashamed her to say, but Yennefer had been taking every opportunity to push the Witcher to his breaking point, she took great pleasure in it. Yennefer was hurt, and that made her deadly. Still, Geralt wasn’t his normal passive self, who let her push and ordered him about, he wasn’t that lonely puppy craving attention and companion anymore, he had love, or would have true love soon with someone that was wholly different for the mage, someone who was his and his alone.

What happened next surprised Yennefer but not wholly Triss. Aard, the telekinesis push erupted for Geralt’s hands, sending them flying backwards. The purple eyes mage hurtled backwards, through the fire and hit a nearby bolder with a sicken crake. Triss was lucky that the full force of the blast was direct at the other mage, she only caught the edge of the blast sending her stumbling into a pile of leaves and rotting vegetation was cushioned her fall. In horror, she watched as the Geralt leapt over the fire, sword raised, and he swung. She couldn’t bare to watch, screwing her eyes she waited. The sounds a metal hitting stone echoed in the clearing. Then a deadly silence. Peaking out from behind her corkscrew curls, the blade was inches from her face her violet eyes staring wide at the sliver of sharped silver.

The silver-haired Witcher growled and grunted like a rogue animal, terrified and panicked. ‘Never…never would she bed with another…. She is MINE!’ he roared.

‘HOW DARE YOU ATTACK ME! AFTER ALL, I HAVE DONE FOR YOU!’ Yennefer howled sending out a wave of fire out, knocking her attacker off her.  

Groaning in pain, he rolled out the way of another blast before twirling to his feet, with all the grace of a dancer. The sword hummed as he twirled the heavy blade, the wind screamed as it cut through it. Yennefer raised her hand before her as Geralt stood, budging muscle strained against his armour, eyes fierce and deadly. Plenty of times Yennefer had seen the fierce warrior beat down floes with nothing but his trusty sword but never had she been on the receiving end. Magic would be useless, and Geralt could inflict significant damage if he didn’t kill her.

‘Geralt…Stop! I am sure Yennefer was just being Yennefer. Adva is just confused right now. Finding out your part mermaid and a soulmate to a Witcher in the same day as behind attacked by a crazy Mage is hard to get your head around. You two are soul mates, meant to be. She just needs time to understand and get her head around it all. I am sure she is holed up in one of the rooms waiting for you, alone.’ Triss cried as she jumped in front of them. ‘You need to calm down…please. For Adva.’ Triss called, softly

The three stood tensely for a moment, both women's eyes on him as he glanced between the two. Panting hard his eyes bleed black, hands tightening on the hilt of his blade.

Snort pushed itself through his nose as a ‘Fuck’ howled passed his lip as he threw down his sword. Spearing one last glance at the mages, he disappeared into the forest.

‘That little bitch has done something to him. Geralt would never…’ Yennefer huffed, brushing the dust of her dress.

‘When are you going to accept you have lost.’ Triss rolled her eyes as she picked up the silver blade, sliding it back into his bindle on Roach, before sitting back down near the fire and waiting for his return. ‘Rest up; we will be riding on as soon as he gets back. We need to get to Kaer Morhen as soon as possible.’

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This originally wasn't gong to be a chapter but I felt like it needed to. Someone messaged me on tumblr about why Geralt didn't chase after her through a portal, from what I remember from the books and games Geralt hated portals and only uses them when absolutely necessary so I thought it was very Geralty plus those two need a little time apart. And there will be plenty of time for Geralt to chase after her *drools* can you imagine being chased by jealous Geralt. What did you think? I wasn't sure about the fight but Yennefer was being very annoying. Plus things Geralt and Adva life is hotting up and they have a lot to pick through so it gonna be interesting. And Vesemir! The love I have for that man! Please leave a comment!

@fandom-lover-4  @sageandberries-png @wastingmypotential @luxyash @whitespring21 @ayamenimthiriel @crazynocturnalkiki @wonderlandfandomkingdom @shesthelastjedi @broco8 @introvertedmouse @threepupsinapuddle @pastelblogsposts

[tartareus]

the way fiona is painfully touch starved and it not only shows but also affects her dynamics with the people in her life is just </3 i’m cry, here’s a little something that has been on my mind for a while....

for starters, in all her independence and selfishness, fiona is - deep ( and when i say deep i’m talking about centre of the earth kind of deep here folks), deep down - lonely and scared. now, different people react in different ways when in fear - some cower, others run; fiona is like a wounded beast, baring her teeth to anyone who gets too close when she’s licking her wounds.

her fear ( of aging, of dying, of losing cordelia, of losing her title, of never being respected nor loved again, it’s a long list even though she will never admit it ) does not incapacitate her, quite the opposite really. fiona's fear propels her to do something, forces to move forward even when against the tide.

i have yet to finish off my hcs about her parents but one thing i can point out now is that fiona did not get enough love growing up, much less displays of affection from her parents. while her mother was never an ounce as horrible as fiona herself was to cordelia, she certainly lacked at comforting fiona and making her feel safe. as to her father, always too busy at the hawthorne school to spare much of his attention on her, spoiled her rotten with gifts.

the family’s calico cat was probably the only companion for a long while - that is, in her early childhood before joining the academy - it’s not surprising that she grew up to be an individual who has one hell of a hard time showing affections; after her death of her mother, when she was taken to the academy to start her training and pretty much ever since that the only one she could truly trust and count on was herself and in her growing powers.

this is one of the many reasons why she does not like to be seen or touched ( no matter how kindly ) as if she were weak. it’s a big deal of pride mixed with uncertainty - of not being able to put her own safety at the hands of another, even if the other ( and, in this case, marie - who is pretty much the only one who even offers her any form of comfort/steady safe embrace even if only to keep her from collapsing ) is trying to help her.

she grew so used to using her looks, and touches as a way to seduce people to get what she wants that, when it comes to something  honest fiona finds herself at loss of how to go from there. take for instance the touches she exchanges with the axeman. they are sexual because obviously she is in a sexual relationship with him for a time.

while it is nothing rooted in love or genuinely romantic ( she fell in love with the idea of being in love and being, truly, loved in return; she likes the axeman, but she loves how he makes her feel more than she could ever care for him. it’s the adoration he gave her when she was at her lowest, the distraction from all the troubles and fears and, of course, the orgasms, she loved those too but we’re not going to hold that against her - considering she might have had those with only few of her partners in life, specially when one notes that she has majoritarily been with men. ) she still clinges to him, 

as she clinges to all others she tries to connect with - regardless the way she wants to do it, if it’s friendly, familial or romantic - in a way betraying her own mask of indiference to the ones around her for she doesn’t want them to leave her, dreads at the thought of being alone, even when she treats them badly - and she does, awfully a lot.

the fact that she constantly has a secret agenda alligned to touching is also something to note, it blurs even more the lines and ends up making whatever attempt to do so honestly fall flat. amongst other things, frustration comes to her often and then, of course, there’s aggresion ( not only in her own self destructive path of booze and drugs, even when she’s ill and fragile) also turned to others.

worst of all when it’s turned to her daughter, who shares a complicated bond with her. she loves her child, truly does so, but hates being a mother - always has. it never sat right with her and it never felt like these shoes belonged to her, like she deserved this. not to mention that, after delia’s birth it felt as if a part of fiona had just died, which pushed her even closed to the postpartum depression phase she went through, perhaps there was a plausible reason to why supremes usually never had kids, or perhaps it’s fiona’s fucked up ways that drove her to be such awful mother, whatever it is has left a mark not only on cordelia but on herself too.

when cordelia comes back from the hospital - after she and fiona had been trying to reconnect over drinks - fiona is seen clutching one of cordelia’s clothes, visibly anguished and, to her own surprise, in pain. it’s a similar pain she felt in the hospital, hours after hours in that uncomfortable chair waiting for delia return. it’s not just the physical pain of her disease eating her away that drives her to steal some painkillers, it’s the emotional pain of almost losing a child, part of herself in a way, that she never thought she loved that much - her mental state is alluded by the erratic flickering lights and her encounter with the young mother whose baby died shortly after the birth.

the pain she feels for her daughter is something secretive and reserved to moments of weakness where nobody is around to witness and she can convince herself that they were nothing but her illness making her soft. a passing thing. still, she tries approaching her daughter - even more so after the truth about hank’s cheating  is revealed - only to find out that by doing so she just might get her ass on the line. she recoils slightly, frowning and instantly regretting her moment of weakness and decides to avoid touching cordelia for her own self preservation within the coven.

fiona eventually leaves her, gingerly saying she’ll get delphine to help her daughter. her own words about cordelia ring on her ears: delia is a survivor.  we later see that fiona does not seem to be able to detach herself from the situation as much as she wanted to - if anything, the way she brought back that baby to life in the hospital and how she aids marie to keep the baby that was meant to papa ( of course with her own hidden agenda of wanting to offer a soul to him to get on his good side ), fiona’s own lack of touch when it comes to maternal matters does not stop her from wanting to avoid other kids from being abandoned. in both cases, by giving the change to keep the kids, fiona is giving another shot a motherhood - not directly, obviously, but it’s as close as it will ever get.

we eventually see that fiona begins to wear gloves to avoid unnecessary drama ( aka delia finding out even more of the dark shit she's been up to both lately and in the past ) and is visibly relieved once she finds cordelia’s sight restored - even if it had been myrtle, back from the stake no less, who had done it. in that fickle moment we can see the softness in her eyes and demeanour, as if she can breath again.

obviously, realising that she truly does care for her own child is nothing that redeems fiona, but it’s an interesting layer to her character - how conflicted she is with her own feelings. we get a slight glimpse that perhaps things were not so different with fiona and her own mother. later, when fiona finds out in horror what cordelia has done to herself to get her second sight back, the two share another heart to heart moment, but that obviously ends up going downhill (and fiona does note how odd her daughter acts at the time) when the sight is not only restored but shows glimpses of a possible future, one where fiona has killed them all.

including cordelia.

now, i do think part of the vision was reflecting cordelia’s own fear of her mother manifesting itself - zoe did end up dying in the very same way she did in the vision, but fiona had little to do with it. queenie herself, after fiona had just killed madison and beheaded the bastien/the minotaur, had her life saved by fiona.

even though fiona was under the impression that the next supreme was gone, using the vitalum vitalis to get queenie's soul back before it went to the afterlife was a risky move, considering that this wonder, unlike resurgence, uses the witch's very own life force. normally a supreme would not faint afterwards, but being with her own health and powers beginning wane, fiona feels the harsh effect of it a couple of minutes later, when she’s in her room and sends delphine away. she held herself against the wall to get there when she could have asked cordelia to help her or even delphine, and the way i see it that she didn’t ask for help for the very same reason why she declined marie’s steady embrace at first some time later:  fiona hates to be weak, to feel useless and powerless and, worst of all, to be seen in a weakened, fragile state. she wants to keep the image she has painted of herself ever since she rose to the throne: of being invincible and in control of everything and everyone. 

by being the biggest source of danger they have to worry about, she finds a way to protect them, or at least distract them, from the real danger that lies just outside their doors, a danger that only few of them would be able to handle: witch hunters.  because, let’s be honest even though fiona was a hazard in high heels to the coven, they were slightly safer with her on their side than against her.

while i honestly don’t think fiona was really up to kill all of them witches when she sent the axeman there to be killed there, i cannot claim she did it with pure intentions. sure, she did it to find the next supreme while she gathered strength to face her, whoever she might have been, but having a secret agenda doesn’t exclude the real thing here. she wanted out. out of the coven’s responsability of finding her replacement ( to her, it felt as if they were burying her before she had even died ) and out of the potentially dangerous relationship she had with the man.

which eventually proved to be a smart move (well, not for long though lmao) considering how the touches they exchanged were either sexual or violent, even though the little spit trick she did on him was nothing but false memories, there’s no denying that she knew his violent nature could get to her one day. she knew he was just as awful as she was.

perhaps worse than fiona, if that little hint of her knotty pine hell was anything to go by, she was going to spend the rest of eternity not in hellfire and damnation but with a former lover’s hands on her as she’s at the mercy of all his violence and lechery. while there’s something incredibly ironic about this awful situation. her hell seems, at first, his paradise but, the longer they stay like this, with her forgetting the previous days and only having him and dull aches on her body to warn her of whatever the hell has happened in the previous day, the faster he will realise she never loved him, and never will. he will be stuck with someone he loves but that could not love him back for the life of her. 

before all that happens though, we get to see fiona and cordelia meet one last time. even though it would never explain how awful she was, we get to see that to a big extent what fiona had wanted was to protect cordelia, keep her safe but, above anything else she wanted cordelia to be strong enough to stand on her own, to survive and bite back. which cordelia did, on her own and beautifully so. when she does grow a backbone, as she ascends as supreme that is, is when fiona feels at ease, as if her job ( the most important one, and the one she has forsaken for years ) is complete. cordelia no longer needs her, or myrtle or whatever maternal figure she can find. this time she hugs cordelia, clutches to her not as if her lie depended on it, but as if cordelia’s did. with her out of the picture, her daughter’s powers would fully bloom into what they should be once for all && fiona’s sorry for whoever dares to touch this coven again.

she’s not longer the scared little girl fiona dropped off at the academy decades ago, she’s the fucking supreme now. 

she can handle it.

[theonceoverthinker]

OUAT 3X03 - Quite a Common Fairy

Well, I’m FAIRY certain we’re in for a good time today, and I hope you’ll agree!

(That pun works in two ways. I’m proud.)

And if you want to hear my non-pun thoughts, meet me below the cut! (Though who would ever want to read thoughts that don’t come in pun form? Those who do are not to be trusted!)

Press Release

In their continuing quest to find Peter Pan’s hideout and save Henry, Hook suggests tracking down Tinker Bell in the hope that she will lead them straight to his camp. Pan reveals to Henry why he has brought him to Neverland and in the Enchanted Forest, Neal has a plan that could transport him to Emma, but it would involve using one of Robin Hood’s most precious possessions. Meanwhile, in the Fairy Tale Land that was, Tinker Bell offers to help Regina improve her life.

General Thoughts - Characters/Stories/Themes and Their Effectiveness

Past

So I like how Regina’s air has really changed in the opening of the flashback. The flashback before this, from what I gather, is “The Doctor” and you can see how the murder she committed there has affected her after the fact. It’s clearly darkened her, as depicted by the way Lana plays it (Her voice and posture, specifically), but what I like is how that affected her. She doesn’t want to be evil and takes a step back to see what she wants.

”He’s dead and I suffered. What you sent me towards wasn’t going to change that.” This line is fantastic because Regina’s right in a way. Meeting something new won’t change the hurt she’s already felt and is likely still feeling over Daniel’s death. That said, it’s appropriately framed as something she absolutely needed to do for her own sake. While the past can’t be changed, there can be a good future if you allow for it to come to pass.

“I no longer believe in you.” I still hold onto my headcanon about Blue not necessarily being evil, BUT by being such a bureaucrat, she sort of became a villain in her own right. Tink, Nova, Dreamy, and countless others all have their hearts in the right place and Blue just can’t (Or won’t) bend the rules to help them. While not completely devoid of redeemability, I can’t fault anyone for hating her. Her character is incredibly annoying, not at all a paragon or even an inspiration of goodness. She’s a Rubix Cube and finding out what circumstances will allow her to give one magic and advice is a puzzle (And not even a fun one). She’s also not especially engaging on other levels, making her importance in the series something of a dead weight.

Neverland

You really see how dark Neverland has turned Tinker Bell. From the costume design to her more flight-or-fight mannerisms portrayed in Rose’s performance, Tink’s character in Neverland is almost unrecognizable here to what we see in the flashback. It’s incredibly effective in showing the consequences of Regina’s decision. I love her wild eyes.

What an amazing episode for Regina! Her characterization here was simply fantastic. The episode doesn’t playing around with the fact that Regina...well, she’s not the greatest person in the world just yet. She eggs Tinker Bell on and makes snippy comments. But her choices are improving and that happens in a natural way. Her test to Tinker Bell is harsh, but Regina does it in a way only Regina would do. The way she challenges Tink’s potential to do bad is effective in showing how she still believes in her, making the tepid resolution they settle on work.

Enchanted Forest

“So because I know what it’s like to lose family, I should risk mine?” This sentiment honestly holds true in this segment so strongly. I get Neal’s frustration, but he is risking a four year old’s safety. The good thing is that it’s framed to give exactly the feelings that it solicits and Neal’s speeches do help a lot with the balance of sympathy. While I didn’t like Neal basically guilting Robin into using Roland to summon the shadow, it does make sense as a desperate move needed for him as a father. I do wish for that reason though that the speeches were more about Henry specifically. It would make the main conflict more of a relation to a father and his son, strengthening his bond with Robin. That said, the discussion of romance was nice and it did give way to Mulan’s storyline.

Insights - Stream of Consciousness

-David, get over your fucking machismo! You literally JUST got poisoned because of it!

-Fuck! A moving map! Pan is dastardly as all hell!

-Who doesn’t like apples?” “It’s a family thing.” Oh come on, Henry! I’m sure they’d be the APPLE of your eye if you just APPLE-y yourself and eat one! XD

-I like how Neal demonstrates the cleverness that helped him survive in Neverland and eventually escape through his deductions with Mulan. It’s a very logical process.

-ROLAND!!! BABY ROLAND! FIRST APPEARANCE! BEST EPISODE EVER!!! AWWWWW!

-Seriously, the casting department found the single most adorable kid in the world to be Roland!

-Neal...are you sure this is a good idea? He’s a baby, Neal.

-Not gonna lie, I’d try roast swan.

-”I’m the queen, but I’m practically a prisoner with a husband whose heart is still with his dead wife, and his insipid daughter.” Regina’s dynamic with Leopold, while undeniably abusive to her, fascinates me. This line makes me wonder if she has tried falling for Leopold and to a degree, succeeded. She’s bothered by Leopold still only holding feelings for his dead wife and being stuck in that position and I’m not sure if the next scene either strengthens this mindset or diminishes it.

-Rumple analogy of the diner and the feast is very interesting to me. It plays the darkness off as something predatory, more of a hunter than something to be sought. It makes sense because Rumple kind of did get stolen by the darkness in that he was unprepared to have to take it on and the consequences of that choice.

-I really appreciate that at least one of the fairies is actively acting as a suicide hotline!

-”But, if I had, here’s to good reasons.” That’s...really fucking dark!

-”It is possible to find love again.” I love this sentiment. Once can never rule out the possibility of new love! <3

-*Henry attempts to shoot Pan in the fucking chest* What a badass!!!

-*Goes to the fairies’ den* Show, you cannot throw that many colors at me AND spin! Talk about sensory overload!

-”My name isn’t green. It’s Tinker Bell.” So fairies have names. What’s Blue’s?

-Blue! Who died and put you in control of the fairies?! Because they were kind of an idiot!

-”Are you out of your mind? He’s four years old!” My sentiments exactly, Robin!

-”What did you do to her?” That line was delivered flawlessly! It’s so chill and it cracks me the fuck up.

-”Operation Henry.” Awwwwww!!!!!

-”Does anyone really own pixie dust?” “The fairies are quite proprietary about it.” Fairies are dicks. Or really, just Blue.

-”The beginning of your happiness.” I really applaud the carefulness of the show with lines like these. Robin isn’t the sole component of her Regina’s happy ending, but he is still part of it.

-I honestly forgot there was a standoff here between Tink and Regina and was thusly as shocked as the audience probably originally was!

-”A complicated history. That’s quite a diplomatic way of describing it.” Well, she is a queen and a bit more refined!

-How was there never an episode called “The Man with the Lion Tattoo?”

-You can see how well Lana plays Regina’s goodbye to Tinker Bell in the flashback. She starts out scared (As Tinker Bell suspected) and hesitant, but you see her Evil Queen persona come in, pulling off a wicked goodbye to ensure that she leaves.

-Blue, you are just the worst.

- “It’s too late for me.” ”Only if you kill me.” I wouldn’t even say that’s the point of no return. Half the people who came to Neverland have killed tons.

-Part of why I love season 3 is I love seeing groups strategize and work together and the payoff that comes with it. It’s such a satisfying sensation.

-So I love how Tink was so clearly gamed for tracking down for Regina but had NO idea about her companions! XD

-Felix says “Baelfire” so freakin’ creepily.

-You didn’t just ruin your life. You ruined his.” I actually hate this line. Robin’s life wasn’t ruined. Derailed, perhaps, but he was genuinely in love with Marian and Roland is the most precious child in the world!

Arcs - How Are These Storylines Progressing?

The Mission to Save Henry - This arc is moving so smoothly along! So far, every episode has progressed this in a natural way that still feels like a lot of progress was made and here is no exception. There’s a real momentum to this season and it’s chugging along well. I feel like we’re taking a big step forward and it’s making for quite the nice walk.

Regina’s Redemption - Regina’s redemption this season is progressing also quite smoothly! Here, she’s a mix of herself -- kind of an asshole at times, but focused and genuinely trying to do better. I feel like Regina’s redemption is starting to come into its own here. It makes sense that there was some turbulence in late Season 2, and now, it’s more settled, making the growth more gradual and at the same time, quick.

Emma Accepting Her Parents - We only get a brief bit of this while exploring Tink’s pad, but it’s incredibly effective to help further bridge the gap between Emma and Snow. Lack, whether it be family or material possessions, is such a big component of Emma’s pre-Storybrooke life and to see how Snow dealt with that in the past was a clever move!

Favorite Dynamic

Emma and Regina. “So what did you do to her?” First and foremost, this line just cracks me in the casual way it’s brought up. Emma’s casual shrug and drinking-buddy tone is honestly funny. But continuing on, Emma and Regina share an amazing scene together. Both ladies have this genuine moment of kindness, all the while completely staying in character. It’s not overly friendly, but it’s friendly enough and focused enough to be believable and powerful at the same time. It also says so much about Regina. Regina’s throwing herself in danger and risking never seeing her son again and so quickly defaults to Emma taking care of him and saving him. It’s really meaningful!

Writer

Jane Espenson is up for her first episode of Season 3, and she does an incredible job here. The writing is smooth. Any episode that has three plots across three different realms has the challenge of balancing and weighing screen time and Jane makes the whole episode feel as smooth as peanut butter. It’s also smooth in the respect that this episode requires the characters to make bold choices and take hard chances (Ex. Regina letting Tink take her, Robin letting Neal use Roland to summon the shadow) and she makes the dialogue work for her so that these decisions don’t feel too harsh on the audience. That’s an admirable trait.

Rating

10/10. This was a really enjoyable episode. Tinker Bell’s introduction and Regina’s character development is great! It’s enjoyable seeing more of the characters working together and getting closer to finding Henry. I used the word “smooth” a lot in this review, and that’s because it’s honestly true. This whole episode feels smooth, from its development to its storytelling, it feels like driving on a freshly paved road, and given the broad strokes of what happened here that wasn’t an easy thing to do.

Flip My Ship - The Home of All Things “Shippy Goodness”

Captain Swan - Regina’s definitely getting those CS feels!!! And why wouldn’t she when there’s a COCONUT sharing between these two?!

Outlaw Queen - It’s interesting that the music playing in the background as Regina sees Robin’s tattoo is something akin to the wedding march. A lot of the same notes are hit, though it’s not a 1:1.

Swan Fire - Neal’s regret in his speech is really heartwarming! He wants so badly to get back together and make things right.

Sleeping Warrior - *Starts crying from the unrequited feels like a baby who just had their candy stolen*

Swan Queen - As said before, I really like Emma and Regina’s scene together! There’s a growing sense of trust between them now and it adds a heartwarming undertone to the scene to the melancholy overtone of Regina splitting off from the group.

-----

Thank you for reading and to the fine folks at @watchingfairytales!!! <3

Next time, uggh, sorry for the tangent, but I can’t scratch my lotto ticket because I chewed my nails too much. Man, I really need to take care of this...nasty habit. ;)

See you guys then!

Season 3 Total (29/220)

Writer’s Scores: Adam and Eddy (9/60) Kalinda Vazquez (10/40) Andrew Chambliss (10/50) Jane Espenson (10/30)

Operation Rewatch Archives

[musicalmukebox]

Let’s Get (Back) Together | l.h. (6)

Ctto of the gifs used!

AU: Parent Trap Dad!Luke

Summary: A strong love which led to a strong marriage and twin daughters. Yet in the end, it didn’t turn out so well. You strongly refuse to encounter him ever again. But what happens when both of you coincidentally send your twin daughters to the same summer camp in Florida after 10 years?

Word Count: 3.8k

Warnings: swearing, mention of sex, hate comments 

A/N: Ahh, this was really hits home to write. Enjoy! 

I don’t own Parent Trap and its ideas. It’s only used as inspiration.

1 / 2A / 2B / 2C / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13 / 14 / 15

Feedback/Questions/Others? Here.

-

2020, New York

“(Y/N) (Y/L/N): From Music Video Extra to Real Life Girlfriend Real Quick”

“More than 5 seconds: Luke Hemmings shows off new girlfriend in santa monica”

“(Y/N) (Y/L/N): To Amuse or Use Luke Hemmings?”

Those were some of the many headlines of different articles talking about your relationship with Luke. Yes, they were showing negativity, and they hurt you because they weren’t at all true. Why not speak up, right? But you chose not to. You shielded your actual feelings because you didn’t want to stress anyone else out, especially Luke. Having him as a boyfriend has its cons, commonly with the media and paparazzi. You knew that this was bound to happen, so you just braved the media with a fake smile. 

One cold afternoon, you and Luke decided to act touristy in New York before he has a show that same night, alongside the boys and Eleanor. You needed a getaway from Los Angeles, and you thanked the heavens that you had a 2 week break before you go back. Much to your luck, that day was a very happy one. Eating pizza in different pizza places with the boys, taking a lot of photos courtesy of Eleanor and strolling around Times Square and Central Park with all good vibes?

Shit, things were going right for once.

When you guys were headed to enter at the back exit of the venue, the boys decided to meet some fans and take some pictures with them too first. For sure, Eleanor was down since she’s in charge of making the tour videos. You joined it because why the heck not? You want to see your boyfriend happy and maybe help take pictures of him and the fans anyways. 

Walking towards the long lines, fans were instantly screaming excitedly, their idols right within their vicinity. Just thinking about how hardworking the boys have been with their music and their fans loving it so much because it’s relatable and well-written warms your heart so much. Not just that, the fans were so orderly; no mobbing nor grabbing of the boys’ hair or clothing while they await their turns. Seeing their genuine smiles is a quick happy pill. 

“(Y/N), can you take our photo?” Luke handed you a fan’s phone for you to capture their cute moment, which was the girl was being piggybacked by Luke. As you did such, Luke gave you a hug before you handed him back the phone.

“Thanks, babe. You’re the best!” He thanked, kissing your temple and getting aww’s from the fans. 

“(Y/N)! (Y/N)!” You are called out by a group of different fans who just finished taking their photos by the boys, which naturally urged you to approach them. They didn’t expect that you’d respond, making them squeal.

“Hi girls! How are you doing?” You greeted. 

“We’re doing great! Super excited for the show later!” One girl shared.

“Same! I’ve been waiting for this day for 2 months.

“Hyped and ready to cry.” 

That last response made you laugh. You asked other questions while those fans did the same with you. Pretty much, it was a back and forth interview. Your responses are in bold.

“Are you all from New York?” 

“Born and raised.”

“I’m studying here, but originally from Maine.”

“Any of you bring posters or anything else?”

“I have a mini poster that says “let’s take shots!” in all caps!”

“I have two roses, in case the other one gets lost.”

“What songs are you ready to hear live?”

“Valentine! This is my first 5SOS concert, and I really love that song.”

“Lie to Me. Gives so much goosebumps.”

“Vapor. Pretty old but it’s really beautiful to listen.”

 Switch sides. 

“What’s Luke like when you’re hanging out alone in his house?”

“Always chill, really. To be honest, he’s into cuddles. But one main thing that makes me come back more is Petunia, so shh.” You joked, putting your pointer finger against your lips.

“What’s your most favorite thing about Luke?”

“He makes me laugh over small things, like sending me random boomerangs when I’m in class.”

 “How about your least favorite?”

“One would be when I’m studying, he tries to distract me a whole lot with almost anything his mind can think. Another is hoarding my instant ramen noodles.”

 “How did you guys confess your feelings?” 

“New Years Eve. We were really drunk and just admitted it. You now what they say, drunk words are sober thoughts.” You half-lied.

 “So is the sex great?” One fan fired at you, getting everyone’s attention. You were put on the spot, getting giggly and slightly pressured.

“Best sex ever.” You whispered away, getting them to squeal more. Another fan asked you if she could have a selfie with you, which you happily accepted and then smiled at the camera.

 “Thanks a bunch, (Y/N). Let me just say this, you are so talented and screw the haters! I can’t wait what you’ll do next.” She compliments, your heart feeling warm once more as you gave her a hug as a sign of thankfulness. “Thank you, love. I appreciate it very much.” 

 “(Y/N) (Y/L/N) is a user!” You suddenly heard someone shout. 

“(Y/N), you can fuck off!”

“(Y/N), leave Luke alone! You don’t deserve him!” 

 These phrases were attacks on you, and you froze in fright and anger. You turn to where those fans were and bound to speak your mind, but was stopped by Eleanor, whose hand gripped on your arm.

“Not worth it, (Y/N). Now come on, the boys are entering inside and we should too.” Following orders, you bid goodbye to the fans and finally entered the venue, which was a lot warmer than the chilly weather outside.

-

“Thinking 'bout you lots lately, have you been eating breakfast alone like me?”

The show was in full swing. The lighting was on point, good vibes and music too. You were at the balcony area, jamming to Moving Along and swaying your hips alongside Eleanor, who just finished filming excerpts for the video. As the boys played the last chords of the song, the next part would be talking of some sort, which could be a giving thanks one or a roasting session, pretty much anything.

“New York, how are you feeling?!” Luke hyped, the screams of the fans getting louder. 

“You guys have been awesome so far, and wow, I love my job so much!” 

“God, Luke, how many times have you said that on this tour?” Calum asks humorously.

“Too much! But shit, thanks for all the support you’ve given Youngblood!” He raised his mic stand, having some lights flash behind him as he did. As he put the stand down, he looked over at Michael, about to speak again but chiller.

“Let’s get a bit serious for a moment, guys. Hey, Michael. I have a question for you.”

“What’s on your mind, Luke?”

“So, you and Crystal are going 4 years strong now, right?” Luke starts, getting some cheers from the audience.

“Yup, 4 happy years yeah!” More cheers erupted.

“Nice one, buddy! Moving on, did you or Crystal get any hate about that? I’m pretty curious.” Yup, Luke just did that. 

“We did, but it was mostly on her. It made me sad when she’s sad whenever she comes across tweets towards her. There have been times where she was crying to me because it got too much.” Michael’s happy expression turned sour. 

“Sending hate is really low of someone, honestly. When you support the band, you shouldn’t judge whoever they want to date.” Ashton speaks up.

“I have another thing I want to say if you guys don’t mind. So awhile ago, I was taking pictures with a bunch of you guys, then I overheard some fans bashing on my girlfriend. That’s really uncool and hurts a lot to hear.” Luke confronts, disappointed. The crowd grew silent, so intensely it could be cut with as a knife.

“I heard the same with Eleanor actually. Really, guys? How would you feel if you hear when someone says bad things to your friends or family when you’re around?” Calum adds, looking down at his shoes afterwards and adjusting his bass guitar strings.

“To be honest, it’s better to send positivity than negativity, it’s what we need today. If you don’t like them, fine go ahead. Just don’t be vocal about it especially online because we see everything. And to (Y/N), I know it’s a pretty public way to proclaim it, but I truly love you.” Your heart jumped. This is the first time he’s said the big “L” word towards you, full-heartedly and romantically. Not counting the platonic ones from when you were still just friends.

“Aww, too much feels tonight! Fuck hate, love love love! Now, the next song is Talk Fast! Let’s go!” Ashton beamed before hitting the first beats of the song on his drum kit.  You continued to watch Luke from above, his purple glittery eyeshadow sparkling in the light and gripping on the microphone as he sings those lyrics. He noticed, giving you a cheeky wink which made you shake your head in flattery and the crowd go wild again.

-

“Nice show, fellas!” You hear some crew members say to the boys from outside. They just finished, and you and Eleanor were by the dressing room, opening up the bottle of Jack Daniels and a liter bottle of rootbeer. Trust me, this is good shit. Mixing the concoction on a pitcher, you could hear the door creak open, signaling you that the boys are going inside. Turning around, you see 4 sweaty boys, still on a high after performing and holding red cups already.

“Fuck, never gets old!” Michael cheers, lying down on the couch. “What you making over there, babe?” Calum approaches Eleanor from behind, hugging her waist and nuzzling his head on her shoulder. 

“Rootbeer and Jack Daniels. Figured we should try something new, something that isn’t Corona.” Eleanor keeps mixing before removing the spoon to take a sip. Her face puckers up a bit.“This is good! Get your red cups, guys!” You were first in line, pouring the mix on your cup, sipping it. It was strong but sweet.

“I love it!” You continued drinking, but as you stopped, your eyes focused on Luke, sitting on the couch and scrolling through phone. Making your way to him, you sat beside him, putting your head on his shoulder. “Whatcha looking at?” 

“Twitter. A lot of fans took videos of that band speech awhile ago, and it’s getting popular.” He answered in monotone, eyes still glued on his phone. In order to get his full attention, you stood up and got his phone from his grasp

“What the fuck, babe?” He complained, arms crossed before standing up. You forgot for a second that he was really tall, urging your head to tilt upwards.

“Can we talk outside first, Luke?” You bluntly ask. When he nods, you discreetly exited the room, but you hear someone say “oh shit” before you close the door. Walking to find a hidden spot where no one is around quietly, Luke momentarily felt he was in trouble. Was it because he confronted his fans like that or suddenly putting you on the spot with the big “L”? Finally, you found a spot which was near an exit, then Luke broke the silence, nervous.

“Okay, I don’t know for sure what I did to make you annoyed or whatever, so please te-“ You cut him off by softly planting your lips on his, tiptoeing to reach his height. Well, slightly.

One hand was on his shoulder and the other was on his cheek. His hand went under your shirt, feeling his fingers linger on my skin. His vacant hand went to your waist. He wanted more by tugging on your shirt, but you let go before he did could remove it, your forehead resting on his so you could breathe for a bit. His blue eyes opened slowly to yours eyes, giving him a loving smile. 

“Luke, I love you so much too.” Pretty cheesy you thought, but it made the butterflies in your stomach go away. He was everything you wanted in this life. Luke was on cloud nine, lifting you up, your legs entangled on his waist and his hands under your thighs for support.

“You are worth more that the haters, alright? They’ll go through me if they attack again.”

“You know I can defend myself, right?” You played.

“But let me help you, it helps me with my self-esteem.” He wiggled his eyebrows. 

“Whatever, babe. Shut up and kiss me again.” He did as told, his lips crashing your alcohol dripped lips. Tilting your head a bit, his mouth opened up a bit so you could get more access. He bit your lower lip in between, making you moan.

“That never gets old.” He says in between kissing. 

“That’s what makes me love you more.”

-

2034, Los Angeles

“Oh yay! Thank you very much, goodbye.” You hung up the phone call. It was the designer in charge of finalizing the details on your gown that will be worn in your Australian premiere of Take Me or Leave Me.

As you did such, Stella walks in the room, holding on her fuzzy bunny Kira. You couldn’t decipher what she was feeling as she kept a straight face, but you can see her sleepy eyes blinking slowly.

“Morning, bub. Come stay in bed with me, let’s have breakfast in bed.” You insisted, patting the vacant side of your bed. She comes closer and tugged on the bedsheets, entering herself inside but still with a frown.

“How was your day yesterday with Mark? He told you that you watched numerous films and ate a lot pizza.”

“I did, and it was really fun. How was last night for you?”

“Really fun. Date nights with uncle Tim are filled with jokes, awkwardness and really good food.” She smiles, then frowns again.

“Are you okay, Stella? You’ve been frowning since you lied in bed with me.”

“Well, I need to meet up someone tomorrow, but I don���t know what to do next.” She squirms, instantly hid herself in the blankets.

“Stella, come on, talk to me.” You try to pull down the sheets, but Stella’s grip was stronger.

“Stella! I need to meet up with Stella. She’ll be here tomorrow.”

“O-kay, but where could she be right now?” You squint your brows at her nonsense.

“Sydney, Australia with her dad Luke Hemmings.” You froze. Your grip of the blanket softened, lifting it.

“You’re not Stella?” You were in disbelief, thinking this is a nightmare and very eager to wake up. You pinched your side, wincing. Sadly, you’re awake.

“Hello, mum.” Rebecca crawled out from the covers, hearing the strong Australian accent just like his.

“Oh my god, you’re Rebecca?” She nods slowly. You put your hand on your mouth, trying to comprehend the situation.

“Stella and I, we switched places. She wanted to see dad and I wanted to see you. I’ve been waiting for this moment to happen, and I wanted you to love me as me, not as Stella.” Rebecca explained in full in order for you to catch on why she is here. You wanted to cry, but first you gave her a heartfelt hug. “Oh poppet, I have loved you all this time. I missed you.”

“You called me poppet. Dad still calls me that.”

“That was always our nickname for you because you laughed at the sound of Stella’s mouth bubbles when they pop a lot, which is also why we called Stella bub.”

“I missed you so much too, mum.” As you were a having a moment, it was cut as you hear Mark crying a bit as he held your breakfast tray. “I’m so sorry, miss. This just made me happy.” He put it down and exits quietly, also closing the door. “So what happens now? Will you switch us back?” Her blue eyes she inherited from her father looked nervous.

“Well, technically, you belong with your dad and Stella belongs with me.”

“Wow. This set-up is such a bummer, mom.”

“I know, poppet. I’m sorry that’s what we planned.” You remained silent, letting some tears out.

“They’ll be in Los Angeles tomorrow. Dad has a few shows here, working in the studio all week with the band and attending the VMAs too. Don’t you get invited to go to the VMAs every year?”

“I do, but I stopped because-”

“Dad was there.” She finishes your sentence, disheartened.

“Yes.” You frowned at the fact. Just imagine you going right after that divorce and the years after, it would cause tension and a topic different media outlets would use to their advantage. Just no.

“Well then. You better tell Gina that you’re going and get the show on the road!” Stella cheers, getting up from the bed and raising her arms in celebration. “Yeah, let’s get it.” You say, anxiously dreading with what’s to come.

-

“I fucking can’t with this.” You kept going in and out of your walk-in closet, breathing out the smoke from your e-cigarette which you haven’t used since the divorce out of stress. Mark was also there, holding some outfit choices you picked earlier. Gina just arrived 10 minutes, being oriented by Mark that you know about the situation. She was also in the room, contacting the organizers of the VMAs of the last minute changes to your acceptance of invitation and arrival.

“I haven’t seen Luke Hemmings in 10 years, although hearing about him and his personal and band life wasn’t easy to swerve away. And to see him tomorrow already? I’m not mature enough for this!” You ranted, brushing away some hair because it was messed up. Pacing the room back in fort, breathing through the e-cigarette and letting out more smoke, you spoke up again.

“If he didn’t drive me crazy and angry all the time, we would still be married.” You made your way to Mark, comparing out the different outfits. “Gina, dear, which do you like better?”

Gina, who just finished texting the final details, looked up from her phone and examined closely what you chose. One outfit was a red plunging neckline, spaghetti strap dress with a slit up until your whole leg with red ensembles, and the other was a black dress also with a plunging neckline with a much shorter slit on the side with black heels.

“Nice to see you you like plunging necklines.” She chuckles. “The red one. You can wear the black one in the afterparty.”

“Afterparty? I don’t think it’s appropriate since Rebecca’s with me.” You implied. “Well, the organizers insist you’d come! It’s been a long time they said, and they would want you to have a comeback. Besides, they want to meet Rebecca too.” You pondered for a minute. You were just concerned on how Rebecca would react to the paparazzi in LA, the flashing lights on her. But then again, she was probably used to it with having Luke as her father in the first place. “Okay, I’ll go. In one condition.”

“What is it, miss?”

“Well firstly, Gina, I have known you for all these years and I don’t know what I’d do without you getting through my hectic schedule and career, so I was wondering if -”

“I’d go with you to both the events, take care of her and make things easier?” She said the words straight out of your mouth. You gripped her shoulders, nuzzling your head.

“Oh would you please! Thank you so much, and you don’t have to go as my assistant, just as a close family friend, which is a fact too.”

“No worries, miss! And as a friend, when I am seeing my ex after 10 years and had your looks,” Her hands this time gripped on your shoulders and brought you to the vanity mirror and chair, sitting you down. She opens one drawer and brings out a silver choker and assorted rings, then puts some hair on one side. “I would have this getup on. You will slay it! Whatcha think, Mark?”

“You’re gonna kill it, and him too!” He exclaimed.

As this occurred, Rebecca was behind the door, giggling at your frantic self. She liked that you really wanted to make a bold entrance to your crazy man of an ex-husband and to the media as well. Entering the room, you were lying on the bed, still vaping out smoke.

“Mom, stop that! It’s not healthy!” She came to your side, grabbing the e-cigarette, giving it to Mark. “Hey, I need it!”

“Hide this wherever, I don’t want her to die just yet.”

“No problem, bub.” Mark leaves the room, sneakily smoking a bit of it. Luckily, you didn’t see it because you would grow even madder. “That thing costs a lot, you know?” You told the blonde girl, now drinking out of your flask, tasting the familiar taste of vodka. “I know, aunt Eleanor has one just like it.” She answers, also saying a name you haven’t heard in so long.

“Aunt Eleanor? How is she?” You chimed in, focused the whereabouts and state of your once close friend in your twenties. It’s been ages since you’ve heard about her, the last being when you told her about the finalization of the divorce.

“Great, she and uncle Calum are great and also happy. You know her?”

“She was one of my closest friends, who is your godmother. Dad didn’t tell you, huh?” She shakes her head. “Well, I miss her very much. She was one of the people I cut off ties with because I was too hurt after I separated with your dad.”

“That’s awful! You should reconnect when they come here tomorrow or something when you talk to dad.” Rebecca reacted. You regret cutting off ties, but talking to her will remind her of Luke because it was the tour life that bonded you with her a lot and it will be so painful. You got to do what you have to do in order to be sane once more.

“Speaking of your dad, does he know about the switch-up?” You question, sitting up from your previous position in order to look at her properly. “Yes, Stella just messaged me a while ago that she told dad.” She makes up, trying to comfort you so you wouldn’t worry anymore. But you weren’t aware of such.

“Yikes, I’m going to have to mentally prepare for that.” You say, putting your palm on your face. But from your peripheral view, you watched how Rebecca pouted, full of sadness and fright. This isn’t normal for an 11 year old to handle, and this is a nightmare as well for you to deal with an ex-husband when things didn’t work out like it used to.

“Oh poppet, your dad and I will work this out, okay? I got this under control.” You reassured her, her saddened eyes brightened, feeling hopeful as she hugs you, falling on your back. You tried not to cry or tear up yet despite the temptation.

Truly, the guilt pangs your heart for leaving but glad that you are reunited. How dearly you missed this girl.

[spiteweaver]

previous | next

Jeje’s day started early.

He awoke with the sun, as the flowers did, stretching in the warmth of its first feeble rays. Shaking the final vestiges of sleep from his weary bones, he prepared a meager, healthy breakfast, and then tended to his garden while he waited for the clan to follow suit.

The merchants arrived in the square not long after daybreak; that was when Jeje dressed, and left the comfort of his home for the crowded streets of the capital. Though by no means new to the territories, he was as shy as he had been upon his arrival, and kept his head bowed, fearful of meeting even friendly gazes. He greeted those who approached him, but always scurried off before they could trap him in conversation.

His first task consisted of assisting fellow growers in their own gardens. He began with Hollyhock, who woke almost as early as he did. Hollyhock was a skilled grower without magic, but, in his own words, “A bit of a boost never hurt anyone!” Jeje enjoyed his time with Hollyhock, brief though it often was; it was an easy start to his daily routine.

Once Hollyhock’s greenhouses had been seen to, Jeje patrolled the city’s perimeter, spreading his magic to its furthest corners. It seeped into the stone and soil from the soles of his feet, and wherever he walked, new life sprung up through cracks and crannies. Dreamweaver had entrusted him with keeping the capital’s greenery healthy, and it was the duty he held highest in regard.

Finally, in the afternoon, he moved out of the city and into the farmlands, where he aided farmers whose crops were struggling. This was the work he enjoyed the most, even more so than tending to the capital’s landscaping. In the openness of the farmlands, he felt a sense of peace. There was none of the hustle and bustle of Feldspar Proper, just acres and acres of golden wheat and corn as far as the eye could see.

For a time, he would linger there, after his work was complete, and listen to the wind across the fields. Today, however, it brought a distant humming to his ears. He shook his head, rubbed his temples, but the noise persisted, until he found himself following it to its source.

Tucker was standing in front of his hives when Jeje arrived, hands on his hips, looking perplexed. His shock of rose-colored hair was disheveled, and Jeje noticed, as he drew nearer, the many sting marks littering his exposed arms and legs.

Tucker’s bees had never stung him before--or anyone without ill intent. They were a highly intelligent breed, his late father’s own hybrid of several native to the Sunbeam Ruins mixed sparingly with out-of-Flight lineages. They were so intelligent, in fact, that Tucker claimed they could understand and take orders in seven draconic languages, including Coatl.

So for them to have attacked their tender was simply unheard of.

“Tucker,” Jeje said meekly, “what’s happened?”

“The queens are agitated,” Tucker replied, and it was apparent by his tone of voice that he was as well. Sighing, he kicked at the dirt. “I don’t think it’s disease,” he went on, “and it’s not a predator or an insurgent colony. I’ve checked every inch of the yard; everything’s the same as it was yesterday.”

“They’re very loud,” Jeje said. “I heard them from a long way off.”

Tucker turned to face him, his eyes wide with surprise. “You did?” he asked. “They sound the same as always to me. How far from here were you? I can hear them from out near Tiffany’s tea shop if they’re really riled up, but that’s only because I’ve spent so much time with them.”

“I--I was much further south,” Jeje stammered, “near where the farm road meets the Sea Path.”

“That’s...” Tucker pressed a knuckle to his lips. “That’s impossible,” he said. “There’s no way you should have been able to hear them all the way down there.”

Before Jeje could respond, the dark mass of bees, which had been gathering not far from the pair as they conversed, descended upon them. The air was so thick with whirring wings that they were cast into an eerie shade, as if the sun had disappeared behind heavy cloud cover. Tucker took Jeje’s wrist, dragging him closer. He tried to shout above the racket, but the bees continued to circle.

“What do they want?!” Jeje cried.

“I don’t know!” Tucker replied. “I don’t speak bee, it’s the other way ‘round! I can usually read their body language and behavior, but they’ve never swarmed like this before!”

“What should we do?!”

“Try not to upset them!”

“They’re already upset!”

“Try not to upset them more!”

One by one, individual bees began to break away from the swarm, trailing lazily toward them. Tucker nudged them away gently with his hands, shooing them off of Jeje when they landed on his arms and shoulders, but eventually became overwhelmed. Soon, Jeje had been swallowed by them; all Tucker could hear under the incessant buzzing was the sound of his friend’s shallow, panicked breathing.

“Please!” he yelled. “Please stop! Leave Jeje alone, he didn’t do anything!”

“Tucker...” Jeje shuddered, and the colony rose into the air, only to alight upon him again once he had stilled. “It tickles,” he said. “They’re--they’re tickling me!”

“Tickling...?”

Suddenly, Tucker understood--the reason for the colony’s agitation, why only Jeje had heard their call, and why they had all begun to glow with a warm yellow light, whooping softly as they jostled one another in their desperation to be nearer to Jeje.

“They like you!” Tucker exclaimed. “Jeje, they like you, and I think they’re jealous!”

“Jealous?!” Jeje squealed. “Of what?!”

“Look,” Tucker said, “they’re absorbing your magic! They’re probably going to go and spread it--” Then, as one, the bees dispersed, and sped across the yard, glimmering like fireflies. “--to the plants in the yard,” Tucker concluded. “They called you here, because they were jealous of you using your magic on everyone else’s gardens but theirs!”

Jeje blinked incredulously, then fell to his knees, a patch of daisies cropping up to soften his landing. Tucker squatted beside him. “But,” he said in a daze, “you told me not to use my magic here.”

“I was worried about how your magic might interact with theirs,” Tucker said. “My pa’s bees aren’t your average bugs; they’re smart, sure, but they’re also highly magical creatures. That’s why I thought it would be best to keep ‘em way out here, away from the clan’s magic-workers.”

His expression softened, and he looked over his shoulder, to where the colony was busily pollinating their territory with Jeje’s magic. “I love them like my own children,” he murmured, “but I also love them because they were my pa’s. If anything happened to them, I don’t know what I’d do. I have to be careful with them.”

“I’m--I’m sorry,” Jeje said, “I shouldn’t have come.”

“No, no!” Tucker insisted, turning back to Jeje with a bright smile. “It’s good you did! They would’ve never settled down if you hadn’t! Wow...” He regarded Jeje intently, and the Wildclaw blushed under his scrutiny. “I can’t believe you heard them from so far away,” he said. “Jeje, you’re really cool!”

“C...” Jeje gulped. “Cool...?”

“Would you come and use your magic on the yard from now on?” Tucker asked. “The bees really like you, and they’ll probably throw another fit if you don’t!”

Jeje nodded emphatically, not trusting himself to speak. He watched in silence as the bees went about their business. Now and again, a straggler would return to him, and gather more magic before flitting off to a nearby flower bed. Now that they weren’t swarming, he thought that they were actually rather cute; small, fuzzy, with big eyes and fat bodies. He recalled the quiet whooping sounds they had made as they mobbed him with a tiny smile.

“Right?” Tucker said. “They’re the best, aren’t they?”

“I never realized bees were so friendly,” Jeje said. “Honestly, I’ve always been a little scared of them...”

“They’re a misunderstood species,” Tucker replied. “I can teach you loads more about ‘em, if you want!”

Jeje lifted his finger to examine one of the tiny worker bees perched on its tip. Her faceted eyes seemed to meet his gaze for a moment. “I’d like that,” he said. “I’d like that a lot.”

[booksareawayoflife]

Zenith by Sasha Alsberg And Lindsay Cummings

‘WHEN THE UNIVERSE NEEDS SAVING.

THERE’S ONLY ONE GIRL FOR THE JOB.

Most know Androma as a powerful mercenary whose reign of terror stretches across the Mirabell Galaxy. To those aboard her glass starship; Marauder, however, she’s just Andi, their friend and fearless leader.

But when a routine mission goes awry, the Marauder’s all-girl crew is tested as they find themselves in a treacherous situation – and at the mercy of a sadistic bounty hunter from Andi’s past.

As the Marauder hurtles towards the unknown, and Mirabel hangs in the balance, the only certainty is that in a galaxy run on lies and illusion, no one can be trusted.’

Book Review: *Minor spoilers*

Watch My YouTube Video Review of Zenith if you want to see me go into more depth! https://youtu.be/2yCefcQoriM

I finally finished this book! I wasn't sure if I wasn't sure if I was going to make it! This is going to be predominantly a negative review, but there were some things that I liked about this book and I will probably continue on with the series because THAT ENDING THOUGH. I wasn't sure if I was going to continue but the ending made me want to read the next book to see what happens next so there are some redeeming aspects to this book. I want to say two things before I start going into my review of the book. 1) I am a fan of Sasha Alsberg. I bought this book to support her, and if she hadn't have written this book I don't think I would have bought it. Or if I did buy it, I probably would have DNF-ed it. 2) I did the terrible mistake of reading Mass Effect: Redemption before I picked up Zenith. If you don't know about Mass Effect, it's a video game universe that's set in space. It's one of the best games I've ever played and there's graphic novels/books as well that's set in this sci-fi universe. So I was subconsciously comparing Zenith to the perfection that is the Mass Effect Universe. Let's get into it! THE PLOT  Zenith is the perfect example of how not to write multiple points of views [POVs]. Six of Crows is the perfect example of how to use multiple POVs. Six of Crows uses POVs to build suspense, create tension, add to the story line (especially when characters are separated from one another), without sacrificing on fluidity or pacing. Zenith... the multiple POVs in Zenith disrupt the pace, the plot, the tension, and they are so short/repetitive that sometimes I asked myself, "What was the point in that?" I think Zenith could have been better served just being from Andi's POV because she is the main narrator anyways, or have far LESS POVs. In the beginning of the novel, you literally don't know who anyone is, and yet there are so many POVs... and flashbacks. It wasn't until the last flashback that I thought that it was ideally placed in the outline of the plot. All the other flashbacks you have no idea what the significance they play until the very end. And by very end I mean 98% completed. And I get it, you want the plot to be mysterious and in the end you want the puzzle to be completed, but I felt like it could have been organised far better because sometimes these flashbacks would occur in the middle action/fighting POVs when you're worried about people dying. The plot does get better throughout the book, and I think that it had a good ending. But there are so many other problems with this book. THE WRITING  The writing of the first 100 pages was tragic. I can completely understand why people would DNF around that mark because honestly the writing was so bad. You can't help but notice the writing style, which draws attention away from the actual story. The similes were virtually on every page, and some of the similes you can't even imagine because they're implausible or give no context. 'Vengeance will be mine," is said 4/6 times that I counted within those 100 pages, and the writing is so inconsistent. The writing is inconsistent throughout the novel but you particularly notice it in the beginning. I'll give you a list of the inconsistencies: - Andi is a killer, who kills pretty much without second though vs. the Andi that writes notches on her swords of all the people she's killed (that sword better be infinitely long because in the beginning she kills two ship fulls of people), and dances with the dead. And is so guilt ridden that in almost every POV she brings up her guilt 😑 -The Marauder (the ship that Andi captains) is unbreakable vs. breaks down twice. -Lira says that hate is not a strong enough word to describe Dex vs. pretty much the second person to like him, and tries to convince Andi to forgive him. -Gilly is a 13 year old child that is too young to say ass vs. the girl that can shoot/blow up people without a second thought. Those were just a few that I could think of right now. I'm sure if I went through all my Zenith notes then this list would be longer. This could be because there are two authors so they might not mesh well? I don't know. All I know is that this book should have been edited a few more times to be consistent. The world building was also incredibly weak. I would not be able to describe the universe that Zenith creates. Other than the fact that the Mirabell galaxy only seems to be made of 5 systems, and maybe 4 different inhabitable planets/species? With Mass Effect I could name LOADS of different alien species, and give some physical/character traits of the species. With Zenith I got Arcadians and Adhirans mixed up, and all the aliens were humanoid. Andi actually says "humanly" on p. 23 of my edition, and I don't even think humans exist in this universe... or if they do they aren't explained in the lore. Because humans is an Earth term, and if Earth doesn't exist you can't use Earth descriptions. The language is also not explained. There is a 'Great Universal Dictionary', but we have no idea if the language is universal or if they have translators... THE CHARACTERS  -Andi - I didn't like Andi. I didn't hate her, but there was nothing about her character that I like or related to. A part of this is because her characterisation is inconsistent, but also because if she is not talking about her guilt of being a killer, she's hating/pining on Dex... I also felt like there was no growth in her characterisation, and she made bad decisions.

-Dex - I liked Dex... at some points. He becomes more likeable through the course of the book, but there is no depth to him. He just says some cool stuff sometimes, but also kisses Andi without her consent. -Lira - I didn't like Lira either. Her species characterised like a mix of Vulcan/Amity from Divergent, but in the worst ways. She also keeps on telling Andi, 'As your second in command'. It's like we get it you're important. Also underdeveloped. -Valen - Probably my favourite character, not going to lie... I'm going to be rooting for him 😂 -Alfie - An AI that can detect emotions, but also acts like a typical Robot. Underdeveloped massively. -Everyone else - I didn't care about them because we didn't get to know them in the course of this 500+ page book. Breck/Gilly were barely explored and I doubt they will be after their positions in the ending. The bad guys also just felt like bad guys with no substance. Just being bad for the sake of being bad. I prefer morally grey bad guys that I can relate too. THE INFLUENCES  Zenith is influenced by so many popular YA books, and if you have read them then you'll feel the similarities. This book felt like an amalgamation of all these books: Divergent Six of Crows, Cinder, Throne of Glass, Red Queen, Illuminae, and maybe A Court of Thorns and Roses... this one is probably the weakest influence, but I could feel the others quite strongly. Conclusion  Would I recommend this book? No Will I buy the next book? Yes Will I reread this book? No Before I started this book, I was worried that perhaps booktube was being too harsh on Zenith because it was published by a booktuber. But I think the criticism that most people talk about is valid. Yet, I don't think that this criticism is meant to be hurtful in anyway. I was so critical of this book because I wanted it to be a masterpiece. I wanted this book to prove the doubters that booktubers/youtubers can write good books, but Zenith ended up proving the opposite. I do think that people could get some enjoyment value from it, but they would have to be very naive about YA books, and reading in general. I could imagine perhaps younger readers really enjoying this book, because the younger you are the less critical you read. But then I wouldn't want people too young to read this because there are some intense kissing scenes/hints at sex. So I don't know.

Overall, I gave Zenith 2.5/5 or 5/10.

Love Lou xx

[kafkasgods]

faaya shah BOT 12/12/2020 life was quieter for faaya. she had a strict routine now that revolved around work and her dogs. there wasn’t a need to really think of things outside of that. but it was in the middle of setting their food out and keeping them company as they ate (brutus wouldn’t eat otherwise), that faaya realized she herself had forgotten to eat. for how long, she couldn’t even remember. maybe she picked at a minimuffin this morning? or yesterday? either way, she probably needed to get food.

despite her fridge being decently stocked, she couldn’t bring herself to cook anything. and she didn’t want to go to a restaurant, there were too many people. at the same time, while she desperately didn’t want to admit it, she didn’t want to be alone. with a quick text and a faster reply, faaya was off to the cabins.

“so what kind of leftovers are there?” she asked rafe as he opened his door. @Rafael Olmos December 14, 2020

rafe olmos BOT 12/14/2020 rafe wasn’t adjusting as well as he’d hoped. he slept through his six alarms, missed his morning shift. that could be easily remedied by claiming emotional distress. his house’s access to electricity was in and out, which was harder to fix. the power company politely apologizing for the inconvenience throughout, and while it didn’t fix the fact that his shower had turned freezing and pitch black midway through, he appreciated the gesture enough.

it was time to take stock of his own fridge’s questionable contents, and rafe set to cooking. there was extra attention to be paid, now that he couldn’t trust himself to know when something needed a good stir, or was about to burn. faaya’s text barely registered, but he remembered as she knocked on the door.

swinging it open, rafe didn’t wait to hear her out fully as he started back towards the kitchen, candles lighting the way where winter sunlight couldn’t. “hope you like eggs. i’ve just been making omelets.” [ @Faaya Shah ] December 15, 2020

faaya shah BOT 12/15/2020 admittedly, faaya was bewildered by the candles, but it only took a second to figure a power outage was to blame. though, she really did think the town had solved that issue days ago. “i could eat omelets.” still was better than anything else she’d conjure up. rafe’s homemade cooking was a treat she rarely got and there was something about homemade that made it all the better. “if you told me your power was out, i wouldn’t have bothered you.” faaya didn’t ask more about it. asking was just stress added onto his own. “is it warm enough for you?” she asked now considering the lack of a working heater. the coat she came in with stayed on. @Rafael Olmos December 17, 2020

rafe olmos BOT 12/17/2020 rafe’s shoulders lifted at faaya’s comment. “what, was i just supposed to let you starve?” he adopted a reasonable tone for the teasing question. he nudged the freshest of his creations towards her, the southwestern omelet, and set back to work on his next. “it comes and goes, though, so don’t be surprised if the lights turn back on in the middle of your meal.”

it was warm enough for him in the kitchen, between the fireplace and the gas range that he hadn’t really noticed the absence of central heating. “i think i’ll live despite tyche’s best efforts to the contrary.” as if in response to her name, the salt shaker tipped over, and rafe tossed a pinch over his shoulder before setting it to rights.

“besides, if you help me eat, you’re doing me a favor.” for the first time, as he whisked, rafe inspected faaya’s face as she settled into his kitchen. she looked withdrawn, which was definitely saying something for faaya. “why the long face, anyway?” [ @Faaya Shah ]

faaya shah BOT 12/17/2020 that certainly sucked for rafe, but there wasn’t anything she could do for him. giving him a sympathetic nod, faaya accepted his situation easily before pulling the plate closer. even in the dark, she could tell it was a better omelet anyone else might make. she cut into it, listening to rafe as he spoke. there was a bitterness in his tone that usually wasn’t there and faaya wondered if that was the reason she felt at ease in rafe’s company. birds of a feather flock together after all.

faaya blinked up at him, pausing in her meal, for a moment as he asked. given that she always looked unhappy, no one ever really picked up on it. she didn’t imagine rafe would. but he did. it made her want to be strangely honest. “i’ve just recently come to the conclusion i’m not a very good person. it’s not a bad thing, i’m just still getting used to the idea. so it’s that, paired along with the fact that my on-again off-again ex only gets back with me because it’s easy.” the fork clinked against the plate as she neatly sliced a bite. “i’ve gotten too comfortable after a decade. it’s not going to be like that anymore.”

lifting the food into her mouth, she chewed it, covering her mouth with her hand as she spoke. “does your long face have to do with tyche then?” @Rafael Olmos December 22, 2020

rafe olmos BOT 12/22/2020 faaya opened up a little and rafe listened, reserving his judgement until it she’d said everything she was thinking. objectively, he didn’t agree that she was necessarily bad, nobody existed on a black and white kind of binary like that, but arguing that ideology wasn’t really his style. “hey, who wants to be a good person, anyway? i bet it get’s boring as hell having to make all the right decisions.” his tone stayed light, even as her on-again off-again point remained heavy, hovering over his own head in a way he hadn’t considered. “i always knew there was a mid-forties divorcee in you somewhere, faaya. embrace the suck and move on to bigger and better.”

“oh, yeah, i’m no longer the favored grandchild so i can simply go fuck myself,” rafe answered, dumping his mixed eggs into the pan and sprinkling a few mushrooms mason had dropped off the other day into the mix. he had gruyere in the fridge somewhere, and doubled back to fetch it from memory. “that’s what i get for being just like my dad all the time. she’s always been bitter about dionysus like i got to choose my parents or something.” his mother never particularly tried to dissuade the goddess of the notion, but that tracked with her personality, too. [ @Faaya Shah ]

faaya shah BOT 12/22/2020 “my thoughts exactly.” the fork rested between her teeth, pressing down on her bottom lip as she praised rafe. the observation he made was amusing, she had to admit. “i’d never consider it, but i think i’d prefer mid-thirties widow, whose wealthy ex-husband died under mysterious circumstances.” giving it a small snort, she returned back to the meal at hand.

her gaze rose once again as rafe explained a very similar experience faaya was having, but he was fetching the cheese so he didn’t see the open, empathetic expression on her face. she ducked her head again upon his return, eyes on the eggs again. only a few bites in she asked, “do you have any hot sauce? and maybe orange juice.”

it took another second to actually address his situation. “there’s not much i can tell you that’ll do any good. if you hadn’t noticed, i’m not a walking boogeyman anymore.” faaya tried not to sound bitter. “they had us coasting on what they gave us and now we have to fend for ourselves. between you and me, i’m not fond of relying on anyone. gods or not. we’re just gonna have to tell them to go fuck themselves back, huh?”  @Rafael Olmos December 25, 2020

rafe olmos BOT 12/25/2020 faaya was thinking about something, rafe could tell from the way she turned away from him as he returned from the fridge. her request earned a chagrined sigh, and he doubled back to fetch the juice and the hot sauce. rafe listened as she continued, grabbing a glass and pouring her some juice, he only missed the rim of the glass for a moment before filling it and sliding it over to her and pouring another for himself.

“that’s the spirit! fuck ‘em.” as if on cue rafe remembered he had eggs cooking, and abandoned his orange juice toast in favor of trying to flip his omlette. it didn’t work, and he set to work scrambling the eggs all together in the pan. “honestly, i haven’t noticed. you just wore your natural intimidation for so long that i forget to check if there’s someone human underneath all that emotional armor.” rafe’s shoulders lifted. “just trusted your process, i guess. but, if it matters, i think it’ll be good for you. to work on your interpersonal relationships without the spookiness, y'know.” [ @Faaya Shah ]

faaya shah BOT 12/25/2020 faaya watched rafe cook as she sipped the orange juice he’d gotten her. having seen him cook in the past, there was something off about how there much more improvising than usual. it took a second to realize it was his own struggle with his newly found bad fortune. faaya chewed her eggs with a contemplative gaze on rafe. it might have seemed like inconveniences were small, but they added up and at some point, rafe was going to break. that frustration wore on a person. she wanted to say something, but he was right. it was both their journeys.

“so. you think my interpersonal relationships need work?” folding her hands together, chin resting on them, faaya blinked up feigning innocuous teasing at rafe. “i thought we were on pretty good terms. how would you like to improve our relationship, rafael?” @Rafael Olmos

rafe olmos BOT 12/25/2020 rafe’s hands defensively lifted after he neatly plated the eggs and set the pan well off to the side of the burner. muscle memory was something tyche couldn’t take from him, even if he felt just a little off-kilter. “i think we do great, i’m just your sounding board after all,” he pointed out. he leaned back against the counter, finally recovering the glass of juice he’d abandoned earlier. rafe spoke between sips. “but you came in mad about your ex so i figured there’s something to it. i wouldn’t be the responsible older one if i didn’t give good advice atleast once in a while.” [ @Faaya Shah ]

faaya shah BOT 12/25/2020 “i don’t need a sounding board,” faaya sniped back. “i’m always perfectly certain of all my decisions.” that wasn’t even a lie and was one of the things she prided herself on. “there’s really no need for you to be the responsible adult here. i don’t typically do stupid things. i appreciate it, but you don’t need to look after me.” though she said the words fully confident about them, she imagined it did lose some effect as she eyed the meal he’d made her that had been her first in a day or two. it wasn’t like he knew that. “and just so you know, i’m not mad about my ex. i'm probably more along the lines of acceptance. my time is worth more than spending in on people who don’t appreciate it.” faaya lifted her shoulders. “you should know what it’s like to be taken for granted. eventually, you just disassociate.” @Rafael Olmos

rafe olmos BOT 12/25/2020 “if you say so,” rafe offered after a moment. it sounded dubious at best, but he just grinned before pushing on. “i’m just saying if you wanted to talk through your decisions, and you weren’t wanting to feel dissociated, i would listen without offering any more opinions. not all of those consist of good advice.” he certainly wasn’t on a therapist's level, but usually his thought process was sound, atleast. finishing his juice, rafe rinsed his glass in the sink as his lights flickered back on. “good sign,” he pointed out, setting the glass into the drying rack. [ @Faaya Shah ]

faaya shah BOT 12/25/2020 “i’m good, rafe. promise.” faaya was unsure if she should feel a little offended at the fact he didn’t take her entirely serious. it was almost like he was humoring a child. he’d have to adapt eventually.

at the sudden brightness, faaya squinted, letting her eyes adjust slowly. “you know, i’m not the only one with problems.” just about finishing her plate, faaya washed it down with more juice and was content to just sit for a moment, decently fed. “aren’t you dealing with a lot more than your grandmother? brother, girlfriend, work.” faaya listed casually, letting him answer the vague references if he chose to. "i'm just as good a listener." @Rafael Olmos

rafe olmos BOT 12/25/2020 * tw  violence, monster mention*   his own tactics reflected back at him was a real eye opener. “do i always sound that annoying?” rafe asked after a moment, looking faaya up and down and trying to gauge whether he looked that smug when he talked, too. “besides, i have two brothers, so you’ll have to be more specific.” he didn’t really have too much of a bone to pick with either brandon or clem, so he was mostly just trying to protect himself from any more self-disclosure.

“if i wanted to talk about my problems i would probably have to have some first,” he pointed out. “outside of wards failing and being snowed into my job, i think things have been pretty normal lately. speaking of, i heard you stabbed a drakon with a scythe. i heard it was awesome.” [ @Faaya Shah ] December 26, 2020

faaya shah BOT 12/26/2020 answering his question, faaya gave a sympathetic nod. “brandon,” she specified, even if he might have been playing dumb. “i’ve known him a few years and while he’s been a little odd, i didn’t think he was the type to take a flamethrower to my club. i guess i’m just a little concerned.” that wasn’t the right feeling, but rafe had to be and she was just appealing to him, because if she was concerned at all, it was for rafe.

slipping off her seat, she took her empty dishes and piled them into the sink, lifting her sleeves to wash them. she could tell rafe was being difficult and if that was the case, then she wouldn’t pry. like she’d said, she was an adult and so was he. he knew what he could deal with. “hm?” it took a second for the words to catch up to her mind  having been said over the sound of running water.

“oh, yeah. no one’s really asked about that.” it’d been the least talked about thing from her end since all it’d been to her was making up for a fatal mistake. “we were caught in the snow—hadley, rune, lida, and i. after it was distracted, i ran up a tree and sliced it down its face. the others did the rest.” it was the easiest explanation. “keeping tabs on me?” faaya tossed her long hair back over her shoulder to twist her head to raise a brow at rafe. despite the suspicious look, her tone was light and airy. @Rafael Olmos