#i am starting to tie some loose ends together in my head

[eorzea80]

G'raha on G'thoma

Among the texts G'raha acquired in his long tenure in the Crystal Tower, those that served both as ominous portent and beloved bedtime story, G'thoma Tia was little more than a footnote. The pivot upon which Hydaelyn's fate only lightly turned. The man who made the Warrior of Light…a Dragoon, I guess. He wandered into her bar one night and at that moment, fate diverged. (Which, as G'raha drolly observed, thumbing through the pages, it does with alarming frequency when it has anything to do with his work.)

But Thom was not more than anecdata in the Warrior of Lights' journey, according to the history books. A spouse who was tragically lost on the Fields of Cartenau. Beyond that, the library of The Crystarium was mute.

But now, through another quirk of Hydaelyn's mercy, G'raha knows better.

He has his suspicions that Thom carries a heavier fate, pulling it in his wake like a tender ship. He feels a similar pull when that rogue Ascian darkens his door. He remembers the sheer weight of Pryne's presence; the sensation that she carried the fate of stars on her shoulders, along with her very recent grief.

Now, watching Thom grin in the dim morning light, carrying their customary basket of Musicalis bagels and coffee up to the Tower, G'raha heart can't help but burst for this forgotten hero. This man whose immeasurable contributions will go unsung, just as his will be, if all goes to plan. This man who G'raha loves with all the strength left him, as if he could deliver Pryne's longing across the sundered universe.

If he could write the ending of his own story, G'raha would wish for family, this family. For Pryne and Thom to bring him back to The Source and shelter him in their embrace. But that cannot happen. In order to preserve the balance of life, he will need to sacrifice. He will sacrifice Thom. He will sacrifice their steadfast desire for each other, across the rift. And he will sacrifice his love for them both.

All to rescue the only hero he knows who can save all worlds.

"Raha, you ok? You haven't chewed your food in…uh, about a minute?"

The bread has turned to ash in his mouth. With great effort, G'raha musters the energy to swallow.

"I'm fine. Mind's wandering, is all."

[hamsterclaw]

I want to say that ‘The Vows’ couple are my favourite. I keep reading it again and again. There is nothing better than this. I love them so much. Whenever I see any part of it on my dashboard I read it again along with some other parts. I just love it so much. The reader’s character of being bratty, misunderstood, and not evil is so perfectly balanced. And Yoongi accepts her not just tolerates her, this is my fav part of this fic. He is so much in love with her. And even though she makes him really mad he still loves her the same.

OH MY!!! 😭Thank you so much, this analysis is spot on and exactly why I love writing them and I am so so happy that you're enjoying them.

Here’s another little drabble for you because Min Yoongi has been wrecking me today.

Pairing: Vows! Yoongi x reader

Warnings: Sex, swearing, Seokjin

By now, you're pretty good at recognising when your husband is genuinely angry. He's often difficult to read, but you've been making an effort lately, and you're starting to recognise his tells.

When his mouth is in a straight line and his brow's slightly furrowed, he's bemused. It's the expression he had when you hid all his left shoes.

When his brows are drawn together and his mouth opens slightly, he's irritated. He gets like this sometimes when you and Seokjin are arguing.

When his expression goes completely blank, you look at his hands. When his hands are like they are now, loosely clenched, and he looks at you with heat in his gaze, he's angry. It doesn't happen often, but you're quite sure, that on this occasion, Yoongi is angry.

Scratch that. He looks pretty fucking mad.

You think frantically about all the things you've done lately, trying to remember if you've done anything especially provoking.

He’s looking straight at you across the room, and you can feel his eyes burning into you.

What have you done this time?

Your husband's still staring at you, and if he didn't look so damn irresistible in the sharp black suit he's wearing, you'd already be running.

His gaze flicks down over your body, blatantly looking you over in a way that's unusual for him.

Ahhhh fuck.

You stole his suit.

The last time Yoongi and you had to attend a public event together, you went all out. You'd picked up a vintage gown, had it altered to fit you like a second skin, had spent hours being primped and preened just so you could turn up on his arm looking like the most perfect version of you money could buy.

Yoongi had barely blinked. In fact, he'd grumbled something about you making him late to the event.

And so today, when you'd walked past the suit laid out for him in his wardrobe area on the way to the shower, an idea of immense brilliance had flashed into your mind.

You'd reached out, plucked the hanger off the rack, and marched to your room with it clutched in your hand.

You'd sent him some excuse about working late and had told him you'd meet him at the hotel, and then you'd put on his suit.

Crisp white shirt, a jacket with a subtle pinstripe, and a black tie that you'd had to ask Mrs Gye to help you tie. You'd forgone the suit trousers entirely, and the jacket on you is long enough to cover your ass.

Just about.

The piece de resistance though? The platinum collar bar connecting both ends of the collar, tucked under your tie.

You're not entirely sure how you're going to get it off without help, especially since the look on Yoongi's face makes it seem like he's unlikely to want to help you right now.

You like the suit he has on though, now that you can see it more clearly. It's almost identical to the one you have on.

Trust your husband to have a backup suit on standby.

He even has a collar bar like yours, and damn he looks so sexy you want to jump his bones.

Belatedly, you realise the reason you can see all the detail on his suit is that he's much closer than he was when you last checked.

Shit. He's heading straight towards you, face like thunder.

You squeak and back away, straight into the hard chest of Kim Seokjin.

Seokjin sighs wearily.

'At least tell me what panties you're wearing so I have something to jerk off to later,' he says.

'I'll give them to you if you help me get away,' you say quickly, seeing an opportunity.

'You're not going anywhere,' Yoongi says. His hand closes on your arm like a vice.

***

Yoongi’s driving, one hand curled loosely on the wheel, the other on the centre console of his car, close to your bare thigh.

‘Nice suit,’ he says, the first words he’s spoken to you since you left the event.

You smooth the wool over your thigh. ‘Thank you, it’s Valentino.’

Yoongi looks at you like he can’t quite believe your audacity.

‘It looks like the suit I was meant to wear tonight.’

‘Yeah?’ you ask, all innocence.

‘I didn’t know you could tie a tie that well, I should ask for your help next time.’

‘Mrs Gye helped,’ you offer nonchalantly.

‘Where are the pants?’ Yoongi asks. He glances in the rearview mirror, signals to turn.

‘They didn’t fit,’ you say, shrugging.

‘Because they were measured specifically for me,’ Yoongi points out.

You give him a sidelong look.

‘You don’t like me in womenswear or menswear it seems,’ you mutter.

Because you’re watching, you see Yoongi flick his eyes to you.

‘I like you in everything,’ he counters. There’s a pause before he says, ‘and nothing.’

He slows the car, and you look around curiously at the darkness around you.

Yoongi pulls to a complete stop.

‘Why did you steal my suit to wear tonight?’

You don’t have an answer, but Yoongi doesn’t seem to be waiting for one.

‘Is it because I don’t buy you enough beautiful clothes?’ he muses.

‘I buy my own clothes,’ you point out, defiant.

‘Is it because it wasn’t enough for you that I came so hard when you were wearing that ridiculous dress at the last event, I passed out?’

‘You liked that dress?’ you ask, inordinately pleased.

Yoongi glowers at you.

‘If you didn’t act like such a brat all the time, I’d compliment you more,’ he growls.

You raise an eyebrow. ‘You like it when I’m a brat, Yoongi.’

He doesn’t deny it. Instead he looks out the window.

‘How many times do I have to come inside you before you realise how stunning I think you are?’

He turns back to you.

‘Jagiya, I will always think you are beautiful.’

There’s no heat in his voice now, the words come out with a quiet simplicity that rings with honesty.

You’re still processing when he continues, ‘and I will always think you look irresistible in my clothes.’

‘Are you angry with me?’

‘For stealing my suit and leaving me to have a replacement delivered at short notice?’

You turn to him.

‘I’m not angry,’ he tells you. ‘But if I were, how would you make it up to me?’

You bite your lip, then slide your seat back.

‘May I kiss you, Yoongi?’

He’s staring at your lips. ‘Yes.’

You slip your hand down his chest, past his belt buckle, down to his lap.

‘Here?’ you ask, hand over his lap.

‘Fuck, jagiya, please,’ he breathes.

You lean over and undo his pants, slide his half-erect dick out.

Yoongi reaches out, wraps a hand around your (his) tie, loosely.

‘Hey,’ he says, just as your lips touch his cock.

‘Mmm?’

‘Tap me if I’m holding too tight, ok?’

He waits until you nod before he leans back in his seat. His perfectly coiffed hair flicks forward as the back of his head meets the headrest, and his thighs spread as you lick along his cock.

He’s quiet as you suck him to full erection, the only clues you have that he’s enjoying it are the erraticness of his breathing and the way he’s twitching over your tongue.

‘Fuck,’ he groans, fist tightening in your tie, tugging you down.

It’s making the tie tighten around your neck, but you like how it feels.

‘Fu— uh—- uk,’ he groans again, stuttering as you hollow your cheeks and take him all in, the head of his cock nudging the back of your throat.

You swallow, and he slams a hand against the car window.

You reach under, cup his balls, and his hips jerk against your face.

He’s holding you so tight, filling your mouth with his cock so well you can barely breathe.

‘Gonna cum,’ he warns, ‘fuck, I’m gonna —-‘

He doesn’t finish his sentence, moaning long and deep as he shoots his release down your throat.

The tie tightens again, and then he lets go.

‘Jagi, are you ok?’

He’s tipping your chin up to see your face, and the concern in his expression makes you feel warm.

‘I’m ok, oppa.’

He pulls you up to kiss him.

‘Don’t ‘oppa’ me, brat.’

He’s undoing your tie deftly, unthreading the collar bar so he can unbutton your shirt.

‘Let me see,’ he grunts, unbuttoning your shirt rapidly, pulling the plackets apart to expose your lack of bra, the thin, sheer panties you slipped on.

He presses his thumb over your wetness, places his other hand over your exposed front.

‘What do you want, my love?’ he asks. He slides two fingers under your panties, tugs. ‘Want me to kiss you here?’

His knuckles nudge against your core, and he groans. ‘You’re wet, you like sucking my cock, don’t you, jagiya?’

His fingers slip inside you, stretching, scissoring, his movements fast and insistent.

‘Yoongi,’ you cry, and he laughs, thumb rocking back and forth over your clit, making you buck against his hand.

'You're so easy to please, my love,' he taunts.

A lock of hair's fallen over his forehead now, and he looks so good you could cry.

Yoongi cups your breast, squeezes. 'Your little pussy's so fucking tight, I can barely move my hand,' he tells you. 'Gonna come for me?'

You cry his name as your pleasure crests and you press your face into his neck.

Yoongi leaves his fingers inside you but wraps his other arm around you, pulling you into his chest.

The cool metal of his collar bar digs into your cheek.

'I'm gonna help you get re-dressed, ok, baby?' he says, voice low, rumbling in his chest.

'Then I'm going to take you home and we're going to do this again.'

[sometimesibewriting]

Where Are You Going?

✨Summary: Uryu leaves you with only the rain to console you.

💙Ello, another angst piece, to no one's surprise. Idk if I said this but I had an idea for a chaptered Uryu x OC fanfic set in the Bleach Cannon world. But I was too lazy to write a 3 series fanfic. So I just have like random scenes in my head that won't leave, so here I am just writing them to get them out of my head. I hope y'all enjoy, I definitely want to write stuff outside of angst. Will get working on that soon. :D

❌No warnings❌

💕SFW

📃Wordcount: 945

Uryu saw it coming. If it was true that the quincy were still alive and planning something they would come to recruit him. So he wasn't surprised when someone appeared to him the day Ichigo left and proposed that he join his people in crushing the soul society. He told the blonde man before him to give him a few days to think, the blonde man responded, by saying there was no time to think. But Uryu knew his people well they wouldn't just rush in, they would take their time. By how hasty the blonde man who told him to call Haschwalt was Uryu could tell the observing part of their grand scheme had finished and they were ready to move. Uryu told him that he knew he had time.  Haschwalt closed his eyes whether that was from annoyance or from thinking he would never know. He sighed then left telling Uryu he'd be back soon.

A light flashed, followed by spiritual pressure waking Uryu up it was familiar to him. He looked down at his chest, the girl lying on it not stirring. Uryu did his best to slip out from under her replacing his chest with a pillow, he pulled a blanket up and over her. Before going outside he placed a piece of paper with a written but vague apology on the coffee table. 

He paused looking down at her, she was going to hate him if he did this, could he live with that? No, he would have to live with that. There was no other way for this plan to work he ran his hand through his hair, this was the only option. He pushed up his glasses leaning over to place a kiss on her forehead. 

Uryu went outside to meet Haschwalt it started raining in the evening, and now that it was night the rain was even harsher, how fitting Uryu thought. "Have you made up your mind?" Haschwalt asked as he stepped in front of him. "I have," Uryu said firmly. "Your answer?" Haschwalt eyed. "I decided to take you up on your offer." He gave Uryu a look that read as shock. "What made you come to this conclusion?"

Uryu assumed Haschwalt was going to ask him that. After all, he did talk to Uryu like he was suspicious of his actions. "While I do have friends here, I am of quincy blood, I should profile my duty as one. After all the Soul Society is the reason why I'm the only quincy left." Haschwalt looked down at him his face unchanging. "Well then you have made your decision follow me."

They took one step before hearing the back door slide open, Uryu’s heart dropped at the familiar sound. "Ishida." A fimilar voice called if Haschwalt wasn't there he definitely would have cussed. He turned towards the voice. "Yes." He answered. "What are you doing-" She stopped mid-sentence when she saw Haschwalt, she looked at the blonde trying to get a read on him. "Who's this?"

"I see you still have some loose ends to tie up." Haschwalt looked irritated.

"She's not a loose end." Uryu shot back, Haschwalt's face stayed stagnant. Uryu then walked up to the door standing in front of her soaking wet. She pulled the quilt he had put on her closer to her body as the wind blew. She looked at Haschwalt and then back at Uryu. "He's a quincy isn't he? The spiritual pressure is similar to yours."

Uryu didn't answer instead he hugged her, quilt falling around onto the wet ground. He rested his chin on her shoulder his arms wrapping around her, pushing them closer together. She stood there confused as he wasn't usually an emotional or physical person. It was weird to say his warmth felt warm.

"You know I would never hurt you?" His voice was cold yet sincere. "Right?"

"Uryu..." She repeated.

He put his head on hers. "I need you… I need you to remember that I would never do anything to hurt you."

"Uryu. What are you about to do?" She asked although she felt like she had an idea. "Something I have to do." He answered back. Uryu hugged her once more then went to join Haschwalt at his side, she screamed for him while running towards him. Uryu closed his eyes wishing this was all a bad dream.

Just as she reached them, Uryu along with Haschwalt was engulfed in what appeared to be a black mass. The last thing she heard was Uryu saying; "I'm sorry." They disappeared and she fell as there was nothing to catch her, the rain falling harder or atleast felt like it was. She clenched the ground dirtying her fingers tears filling her eyes as she tried to figure out what just happened. A quincy came for Uryu.

There were other quinces besides him. Her one fear had come true. She knew if the Quinces were alive during everything that was happening it would not end well for Uryu. She knew if he had to choose between his people and his friends he would choose the people. If in the same position, she would also choose her people. It would be shellfish of her to think he would choose her, Ichigo, Chad, and Orihime over the Quinces. Yet that didn’t stop the hurt she felt as he left with no explanation the only thing he said being a simple sorry. As if the weight of what just happened hit her she plopped to the ground, curling up into a ball, crying. Her tears mixing with the rain on her face.

Will he be back?

[sagereidxx]

Byler, El and the folklore love triangle.

Taylor Swift’s 7th studio album, “folklore” (along with the sister album “evermore”) has written between the lines a love triangle between one teenage boy, James and two teenage girls, Betty and Augustine.

Taylor herself has said, “Betty and James end up together but he {James} put her {Betty} through it.” 

However, the way byler and El tie into this is slightly different. 

The way the folklore love triangle works is like this, James and Betty were together and had some sort of falling out. Then, James went away for a summer and cheated on Betty with Augustine. But, after that summer, James basically ends up ghosting Augustine because he realizes that he really messed up with Betty and needs to make things right. So, he shows up to a party she was having and the kiss and makeup and start dating again and “end up together.”

Now that you know what the folklore love triangle is, I can tell you how Byler and El fits into all of this. 

How I think this works is Mike is James, Will is Betty and El is Augustine. And here is why.

James is obviously Mike because he is the one stuck between the two “girls”. The “girls” in this situation being Will and El. he can’t choose whether to be unhappy in his relationship or pursue the person he wants but hurt the girl he is with and put a target on his back. 

Will being Betty just makes the most sense. Will has been there from the very start. Even though Mike and Will obviously never canonically dated, they’ve been best friends since kindergarten. Also, Mike and Will have had SEVERAL falling outs and the one that always crawls back to Will is Mike, begging him forgiveness. 

 Now time to talk about El. Please don't get me wrong, I LOVE El. Please do not think that I am one of those bylers that hate El. I don’t. However, El is Augustine. She has simply not been there as long as Will has been. She is basically just a distraction for Mike in a romantic sense. Hear me out, Mike is using El as a shield to hide behind. So he can hide from his internalized homophobia. I am NOT saying that he thinks of El as an object. But it’s more on head, he’s thinking that he can’t possibly have feelings for Will because he has a girlfriend. And if he has a girlfriend, he can't be picked on. He can’t be a target. 

TIME FOR LYRIC ANALYSIS!!! 

Cardigan 

Cardigan is the song that tells Betty’s side of the story from her perspective. Which in this form is Will's side of the story from his perspective. 

“I knew you.” 

Like I’ve said many many times Will has been there from the very beginning. Like, he was the first friend Mike ever had. 

“A friend to all is a friend to none. Chase two girls, lose the one.” 

I’m sure one of the many reasons Mike doesn’t want to break up with El and confess his feelings to Will (atleast right now in the canon) is because he could and probably will lose both of them. Because if he breaks up with El, that’s already enough grounds for losing her not to mention the whole part about being in love with her brother. Mike could also loose Will because he could reject Mike for the sake of saving El’s feelings.

“And when I felt like I was an old cardigan under someone's bed, you put me on an said I was your favorite.” 

Mike has always been the first one to notice when anything with Will is off, the first one to find him when he’s wandered off while in an episode. He has been “the only one who cares about Will” from the start. 

“I knew you. Leaving like a father, running like water.” 

We all know that Mike runs from all of his problems and won’t stop running until he falls off the face of the Earth. But Will doesn't know why he’s running from him. 

“But I knew you’d linger like a tattooed kiss. I knew you’d haunt all of my what if’s.” 

Will knows better than anyone that the feeling of Mike lingers. It stays and it won’t go anyway and it’s bittersweet. 

“I knew you'd miss me once the thrill expired and you'd be standing in front of my front porch light.” 

Whether Will liked it or not, he knew that Mike would be coming back sooner rather than later. And he wanted that way. He didn’t want to push Mike away. It would be impossible to push away the person that he has called his best friend all his life and the boy that has been with his sister for years. 

August

This song reprents Augustine perpective of the whole situation which would equalivlate to El.

“‘Cause you were never mine.”

I don’t think that El is stupid, she has to know or have somewhat of a feeling.  But also, I feel like she knows that Mike would be better off with Will. And, honestly, I think she’ll be better with someone else who actually listens to what she needs. I do not think that El and Mike are good for eachother is a romantic way. They aren't loving eachother they way both of them need it.

“I remember thinking I had you.��� 

I think that in retrospect, it’s funny to El all of the things she tolerated from Mike. And I think when Mike and El break up she will realize that they simply weren't right for each other in a romantic sense. Platonic with a capital P. 

“So much for summer love and saying us” 

I genuinely think that when El and Mike broke up in season 3, they should’ve stayed broken up. They would have still been friends and still talked to each other. But if they would have broken up it would have been the best for both of them. It would have saved both of their feelings. 

Betty

This song is James apology to Betty after dissapering and cheating on her. This would equal Mike.

“Betty, one time I was riding on my skateboard when I passed your house. It's like I couldn't breathe.” 

I know for damn sure that Mike Wheeler could not go near that house after Will moved out. I feel like it would make him sick to his stomach when he looked at it. 

“The worst thing that I ever did was what I did to you.”

I know that Mike regrets the shit he did in Season 3. The fights, the blatant ignoring of Will to focus on El and his relationship that’s falling apart in front his eyes.

“Slept next to her but, I dreamt of you all summer long.” 

I think that Mike really started to realize that he likes Will around the end of season 2 and season 3. Which is also around the same time he starts getting more defensive towards Will. That's when it all starts going downhill. Because he is starting to realize this feeling and with El breaking up with him, he is losing things to hide behind. 

“The only thing I wanna do is make it up to you.” 

We all know that if season 2 Mike saw seasons 3 or 4 Mike, he would beat his ass. But I still think that there is a little part of Mike that still really cares about Will like season 2 Mike did.

This is a rework of something i did a really long time ago so if it seems familiar and you've been around my blog a while that's why!

people who wanted to be tagged:

@hollarious2

@artsyna

@wallywise

@lebylershipper

@ash-the-wise

@tender-emotional-music

@willbyerswatch

@hearteyes-wheeler

@paloma-ascends-into-hellfire

also! if you want to be on the normal tag list (aka you get tagged everytime i post an essay / longer post abput byler you will get tagged), please comment and let me know!

also watch out for something related to byler and folklore soon (wink wink)

[sequinsmile-x]

Waiting Room - Chapter 5

Everything had changed so quickly, her life torn out from under her in a matter of seconds, the trajectory of what it would look like going forward permanently altered. 

Emily's life changes forever when her parents are killed. Aaron just needs a job after his marriage breaks down and he answers an ad for a private security guard. If only the young woman he'd been hired to look after wasn't entirely resistant to his presence.

A Young Hotchniss AU

-x-

Hi friends!!

I think I've said it with every chapter, but I am so blown away by the reaction to this fic!! AU's are always a bit nervewracking because people don't always love them - but I am SO pleased you have all enjoyed this!!

This was a lovely way of marking my 3 year writing anniversary...here's to the next 3!!

Please let me know what you think <3

-x-

Warnings: Full list of warnings on the Master List

Words: 4.7k

Read over on Ao3, or below the cut

She almost turns back. 

She fights against every instinct to go back to Aaron knowing that he wouldn’t want her to. She can feel his blood on her hands, the crashing of her past into her present almost too much to bear. 

She blows out a breath, giving herself a moment to calm down, and then she heads down the stairs. In a previous life, before she knew the sharp sting of loss, the confusion of grieving people she never had a good relationship with, she learnt how to get down these very stairs without being detected. She knew which floorboards creaked, and which corners would have indicated to her parents that she was sneaking out.

Now it’s knowledge that might just save her life. 

She’s almost at the front door when she hears a dark chuckle and her blood runs cold. She turns slowly, Aaron’s gun in her hands, and she comes face to face with the man who had haunted her nightmares for years. She clears her throat and raises the gun, pointing it directly at the chest of the man who had been nameless to her this time yesterday. 

“You should leave,” she says, pressing her lips together to cry to stop them from trembling, “The cops will be here soon.”

Ian smiles at her, his grip on his own gun loose, as if he didn’t see her as a threat, “Look at you,” he says, his blue eyes burning into hers, “All grown up.” 

“Leave,” she says, her voice fiercer now, “Or I’ll shoot.”

He smirks as if she hasn’t spoken, “You have your boyfriend to blame for me being here. As soon as the FBI started to look into what happened again I knew I had to tie up the loose ends I left in that alley,” Ian says, looking her up and down in a way that makes her internally shudder in disgust, “I was a little more…careless back then.”

She tightens her hold on the grip of the gun, “Some might say you still are careless,” she says, proud of herself for the fact her voice doesn’t shake, “They know who you are now. They’ll know you’re the one who broke in here.”

Ian chuckles and steps closer to her, “How do you think I found out the FBI was snooping around anyway? I’ve got guys everywhere,” he smirks as he gets even closer, his eyes flicking down to her hands, how her finger lingers over the trigger, “In another life, I think we could have had some fun.” 

She sneers at him, ignoring his comment entirely as he steps towards her again, forcing her backwards, her back against the wall, “Don’t come any closer.” 

He smirks at her, “Oh love, I think we both know you aren’t going to shoot-”

She pulls the trigger as he reaches out to touch her, cutting him off before he can finish. It feels like time slows down as he stumbles backwards, his hands coming up to his chest, blood slipping out from under his fingers as he falls down, his head cracking against the floor as he hits it. She stands there, unable to move, her hands so tightly wrapped around the gun her knuckles are bleach white. She keeps the gun trained on him, her breath unsteady as it forces itself out of her lungs, as she watches his chest go still. 

It felt strange that it was that simple. That her monster, the one she’d seen in every shadow in the last five years, who had changed the trajectory of her life, was gone in an instant. It’s like a transformation in front of her, the way he shifts from a phantom to nothing more than a man. 

“Em.” 

She jumps, torn out of her trance as she turns, the gun still in a tight grip in her hands, and a shuddering breath escapes her as she sees Aaron. He was barely standing, his hand against his side as blood dripped to the floor through his fingers. He’s halfway down the stairs, supporting himself against the wall, every step clearly a struggle. 

“Aaron,” she breathes out, dropping the gun to the floor as she runs over to him, “What are you doing? You’ve lost too much blood.” 

She makes it to his side, slotting herself between his good side and the wall, taking his weight onto her shoulder as she gets him to the bottom of the stairs. She usually loved the weight of him, found it comforting, her favourite way to sleep in recent weeks was half under him, but now it was a hindrance. The almost dead weight of him too much once they no longer have the wall to steady themselves against and they stumble to the floor as soon as they make it to the main foyer. 

“I heard a shot,” he grunts, wincing in pain as she lowers him to the floor, positioning them so he’s in her lap, “I thought…” He doesn’t have to say it, doesn’t have to say what the sound of the bullet had made him think. It had caused a surge of adrenaline, enough to push him onto his feet and seek her out, immediately replaced by relief when he saw her standing there, his gun in her hands. He lifts his head, groaning when he does so, when she presses even harder on his wound, “Is he dead?” 

She nods, “Yes,” she says, smiling tightly at him when he looks back at her, “He’s dead.” 

Aaron chuckles, not feeling the ache he thinks he should when his chest rumbles with it, “You’re a good shot,” he says, reaching up to touch her cheek, pressing his blood onto her skin, leaving behind a fingerprint he thinks might outlast him.

“Well I have a good teacher,” she says, pressing down on his abdomen, “Sorry if this hurts,” she says, relieved when she hears sirens in the distance, “Help is almost here.”

“Doesn’t hurt,” he replies, his eyelashes fluttering in a way that was familiar, a sign that he was falling asleep, and it fills her lungs with terror, her chest tight with pre-emptive grief. 

“You have to stay awake, sweetheart,” she says, the nickname he usually used for her slipping free, “Please stay awake for me.” 

He smiles up at her, “You called me sweetheart, I like it.” 

She chokes out a noise, somewhere between a sob and a laugh, the memory of when he’d first called her sweetheart almost overwhelming. His eyes drift shut again and she shakes him, but he doesn’t wake up. 

“Please, Aaron,” she half sobs, the sirens so close now they were overwhelmingly loud, her words quiet even to her, “I can’t lose you too.” 

___

Tick

The clock on the wall is loud. It’s all she can hear, all she’d allowed herself to hear ever since they’d arrived at the hospital, the only thing she can concentrate on so she doesn’t think about how she could lose Aaron. 

She’d travelled in the ambulance with him. His heart had stopped on the journey, something that had made the tears she’d held back since she’d found him in the hallway finally break free. 

Tock

He was in surgery, he had been for a couple of hours already. The police had spoken to her in the waiting room she was currently sitting in, had asked her questions she’d already forgotten and told her they’d be back in touch. She did know that she couldn’t go home tonight. The house was a crime scene, the body of the man who had killed her parents lying just inside the front door. The body of the man she’d killed. 

She killed someone. 

Tick 

She looks at her hands, washed clean and bright red from where she’d scrubbed them in the mirrorless accessible bathroom a kind nurse had led her into. She clenches her fists, digging her nails into her palms to try to and feel anything other than Aaron’s blood on her hands. 

He had to live. She couldn’t lose him. 

She’d survived her parent’s murders. She’d got through it, waded through the complex emotions and grief that had come with it, and recently she’d started to live again. To enjoy her life, to consider her future. And she knew that was because of Aaron. From the start, he’d helped bring her back to herself. He helped her feel safe and gave her the tools to protect herself - something that may have ended up saving both of their lives. 

Part of her hated that she’d met Aaron the way she had, that if she hadn’t lost her mother and father she likely wouldn’t have met him. A cruel twist of fate that she wasn’t even sure she believed in. Now she wasn’t sure how she’d live without him, how she’d survive his loss if he didn’t make it. 

He had to live, because somehow she’d fallen in love with him and she needed him to know that. 

Tock

“Emily?” 

She looks up from where her eyes had been fixed on the ground, her breath catching in her chest as her eyes meet Dave’s. She’d called him about 20 minutes ago, no longer able to stand being alone, and whilst she didn’t remember what she said to him the panicked look on his face lets her know it had spooked him. 

They hadn’t spoken since the argument almost a month ago, and it was the longest they’d gone without talking since her parents died. She can tell he isn’t sure what to do, a tension in his shoulders that she hadn’t seen before and she sighs, forcing a tight smile on her face. 

“Hi,” she chokes out, her voice not sounding like her own. 

“Are you hurt?” He asks, finally sitting next to her, his eyebrows furrowed together. She shakes her head, screwing her hands together in her lap, her cuticles torn to pieces. 

“No,” she shakes her head and sees how he looks down at the pjyamas she was still wearing, the dark patches of what was obviously blood standing out like a grim pattern, “It’s not my…it’s Aaron’s. He was shot.” 

Dave reaches over and squeezes her shoulder, his smile soft, and reassuring. A little too close to the way he looked at her on the day she buried her parents, “What happened?” 

She blows out a breath, her ribs aching as it escapes, “Ian Doyle, the man who killed Mom and Dad, he broke into the house. He and Aaron had some kind of altercation, the gunshot woke me up,” she wipes a tear from her cheek, “I found Aaron and then he gave me his gun, told me to go. I came across Doyle and…he came at me and I shot him,” she looks at Dave, her eyes wide as they meet his, “I killed him.” 

Dave pulls her into a hug, something she gratefully returns, “What about Aaron?” 

She sighs as she pulls back and she shrugs, “He’s alive and in surgery,” she says, pressing her lips together, “I…I don’t know what I’d do if I lost him.” It’s only after she’s said it she realises it’s the first time she’s spoken about her relationship with Aaron to Dave without shouting at him. She sighs again, guilt briefly overtaking her anxiety, “I’m sorry for what I said.” 

He smiles softly at her and pulls back, reaching into his pocket to take out his handkerchief, gently wiping her cheek, “You don’t have to apologise. I overreacted, and you’re not wrong,” he says, pulling his handkerchief away, a flash of blood on it, Aaron’s blood that had stained her cheek, enough to make her shudder, “I’m not your father,” he smiles wryly, “No matter how much I like to think I am sometimes.” 

She smiles softly at him, “Well, sometimes I like to think you are too.” 

It was something she’d wished more than once when she was young. Dave had always been more patient with her than her parents had been, more aware of the fact that she was a kid and would act as such. 

They fall into a brief silence and he reaches out for her hand, squeezing it gently, “Does he make you happy?” 

She nods, not having to think about it, “Yeah,” she says, laughing humourlessly, “He really does.” 

“Then that’s all that matters,” Dave says, a wry smile on his face, “Just promise me something.” 

She raises her eyebrow at him, “What?” 

“When you marry him, make sure you invite me.” 

She chokes out a laugh, something that feels out of place given the circumstances, and she shakes her head, “You didn’t even want me seeing him and now you’re marrying me off to him?” 

He shrugs, “I knew from the start there was something between you.” 

She rolls her eyes, “Oh that is such bullsh-”

“Is anyone here for Aaron Hotchner?” 

Emily freezes at the doctor's voice and she turns to look at him, swallowing thickly as she tries, and fails to find her voice. 

“We’re here for him,” Dave says, squeezing her hand before he stands up, “How did the surgery go?” 

“He made it through surgery,” the doctor says, a soft smile on his face and the relief is palpable, almost making Emily trip over as she stands up, “You can go see him if you’d like, one at a time though.” 

She nods as Dave encourages her forward, his hand on her shoulder as she turns to look at him, “I think we both know it’s you he’ll want to see when he wakes up,” he says, smiling softly at her, “I’ll wait here.”

“Thank you,” she says, smiling at him once more before she lets the doctor lead her out of the waiting room. 

She follows him down a hallway, trying but failing to listen to everything he was saying, her mind focused on nothing but seeing Aaron again and the relief that he’d made it. When she walks into his room a nurse is checking his vitals, a blonde woman with a kind smile who introduces herself as JJ before she leaves them alone, letting Emily know she would just be right outside if she needed anything. 

Emily walks over and sits in the chair next to Aaron’s bed, and she blows out a slow breath as she looks him over. He almost looked like he was sleeping, the usual slack expression on his face that she’d seen so many times before, but he was pale, the bags under his eyes pronounced by the pallor of his skin, and it makes her ache. She reaches out for his hand and jumps at the cool touch of it, something she knew was due to blood loss. He was usually so warm, her own personal furnace, and she cups his hand between both of hers, hoping that she can somehow press her warmth into his skin, that she could do for him what he’d done for her countless times. 

She isn’t sure how long she sits there intently watching his face, looking for any slight change, any flicker, that would indicate he was waking up, when she spots his lashes twitch. She stands up, one of her hands leaving his as she runs her knuckles down his cheek, her touch soft as she hopes to pull him back into consciousness. 

“Aaron,” she says quietly, her eyes searching for another sign he is awake, smiling when his eyes start to open, a relieved sob catching in her chest when his eyes meet hers, “Hi.” 

He blinks a few times, his vision blurry until she comes into focus, her smile the first thing he sees. 

“Hi.” He says. His voice is rough and she reaches for the small cup of water on the side table without prompting, offering him the straw so he can take a sip, the tepid drink soothing on his throat. “How are you?” He asks as she places the cup back down and she chuckles, shaking her head at him. 

“You’re the one who was shot,” she says, wrapping her hand around his again, tears pressing at the back of her eyes when he weakly squeezes back, “I’m fine.” 

“You shot someone, Em,” he replies, gently encouraging her to sit on the edge of his bed, “I know what that costs a person.” 

She sighs and she reaches out to run her fingers through his hair pushing it from his forehead, “I think I’m still in shock,” she says honestly, her lips pressed together as she shakes her head, “I can’t believe after all this time he’s just...gone. No longer a threat. I’m sorry you got hurt.”

He frowns at her, “It’s my job,” he says, and she raises an eyebrow at him, “Not like that. Well…not just like that,” he adds, the medication in his system and the pain making it difficult to make sense of his thoughts, “I love you. You’re supposed to protect the people you love.” 

She presses her lips together in a failed attempt to hide her smile, his casual confession washing over her, unfurling the last of the tension in her chest, “I love you too,” she says, leaning in to press a kiss to his lips, “And I’ll say it again when you wake up in the morning and can’t remember this.” 

He frowns, not quite understanding what she means and he groans as he shifts in bed, pain radiating up his side, “We might have to get in touch with Dave and tell him I’ll be out of action for a while.”

“No need,” Dave says from the doorway, a smirk on his face when Emily turns around that lets her know he’s heard more than she would have liked him to.

Emily narrows her eyes at him, “I thought the doctor said only one visitor at a time.” 

He shrugs, walks in and takes a seat, “I charmed that lovely young nurse outside.” 

“You mean you annoyed her into letting you in here.” 

“Anyway,” he says, acting as if Emily hadn’t spoken, addressing Aaron as he leans in closer, “There isn’t a threat anymore, so your services are no longer required.”

Emily rolls her eyes, “Dave-”

“Are you firing me?” Aaron asks, tilting his head at the older man whose smirk only gets more mischievous. 

“Yes.”

“Well, you can’t fire me,” Aaron says, “Because I quit,” he smiles when Emily turns to look at him, a curious look on her face, “Once I’m better I’m taking my girlfriend to Paris.” 

She smiles and squeezes his hand, the thought of going somewhere with him, of being anywhere other than the house that had never really been a home, overwhelming. “I think I’d like that.” 

___

Two Years Later

“God I hate flying.” 

Aaron smirks as Emily yawns and leans further into his side, the luggage carousel seemingly intent on never pulling their suitcases around. He leans in to kiss her cheek, smiling when she turns at the last second, the kiss landing on her lips instead. 

“I know, sweetheart,” he says, kissing her once more before he pulls back, “You’ve said that approximately every five minutes since we left Paris 9 hours ago.” 

She narrows her eyes at him playfully, “You’re the one who asked me to marry you,” she says, smiling as she looks down at her left hand, the engagement ring he’d placed there just a few months ago shining in the bright lights of the airport, “That means you have to put up with my complaining for the rest of our lives.”

He smiles and kisses her again, fiercer this time, pulling back only when she moans, the sound reminding him that they are in a very public place. His smile gets wider as she chases him, her eyes still closed. 

“It’s my honour to do so,” he says, kissing her forehead when she pouts at him slightly. He looks over her shoulder and spots their cases finally coming around the corner, “I’ll grab the cases, you wait here.” 

She does as he’s asked, knowing from experience that if she tried to help he’d simply glare at her. He liked to look after her and, as much as she sometimes hated herself for it, she liked to let him sometimes. 

They’d been in Paris ever since they’d left the US when Aaron was told he was fit to fly after the shooting. Emily hadn’t felt comfortable in the house anymore, any comfort she had once found there gone because of what had happened there. She swore sometimes she could still hear the gunshots echoing the hallways, or see where Aaron’s blood had stained the floor even though it had long since been cleaned up. She’d see the spot where she’d killed Ian and almost hear his laugh, a sound she knew she’d never escape. 

Paris had been their refuge, a place she’d always loved as a kid, a place that held some of her happier memories with her parents. It was nice to see it afresh through Aaron’s eyes, to take him to places he’d only ever read about in French class, to see the beauty that she’d once thought was lost forever because he saw it. It made sense to not move back to the US, at least not for now, and they were only back for a visit. 

Because of a promise she’d made in a hospital waiting room, when she wasn’t even sure Aaron was going to survive. 

“Ready?” 

She looks up and smiles at Aaron, nodding as she adjusts her hold on her purse, “Ready.” 

___

She looks herself up and down in the mirror, turning to check her profile and the back of the dress. It was simple, or at least more simple than any dress she’d ever imagined she’d wear at her wedding. It was white and off the shoulder, an a-line dress made of satin that ended at her knee. She’d curled her hair so it rested over her shoulders, contrasting nicely with the colour of the dress. 

She leans in closer to the mirror to check her make-up and hears a slight knock on the door, ��Come in.” 

She hears a gasp behind her and smiles as she turns, not missing the glassy look in Dave’s eyes. 

“Bella, you look…well, bella,” he smiles, walking over and pulling her into a hug, “Thank you for coming back to do this,” he says as he pulls back to look at her, his hands still on her shoulders, “I know flying internationally it goes against wanting to keep it short and sweet.” 

She chuckles, “Well you are our only guest,” she says, pressing her lips together to stop them from trembling, her emotions catching up with her, “And I did promise.” 

He nods and leans forward, stamping a kiss on her cheek, "Your mother would be proud of you," he says, squeezing her shoulders.

She exchanges a tight smile with him and shakes her head. "No she wouldn't be," she says laughing, "She'd be furious I was getting married in city hall," her smile turns wistful, "I'd have agreed to a big ceremony just to shut her up, and then dealt with months and months of conversations about 'chicken vs salmon' and 'peonies vs calla lilies," she presses her lips together, "The only thing I wouldn't have given in on would be the dress."

"And the groom," Dave says, smiling at her knowingly, and she chuckles, the sound wet as it catches in her throat.

"Yeah," she says, her lower lip trembling slightly, love for the man getting ready just down the hall blooming in her chest, "And the groom," she wipes a stray tear from her cheek, "I miss them," she says, blowing out a steady breath, "Is that ridiculous?"

"Of course not, Bella," he says, pulling her in for a hug, "No matter what, they were still your parents."

“Yeah, they were,” she says, hugging him back, resting her cheek on his jacket, “And so are you.” 

He holds her even tighter for a moment, “Promise me something?” 

“Still working on the last promise I made you,” she says, smiling softly at him as she pulls back from the hug, “But it depends on what you want.”

“I’m too young to be a grandfather,” he quips, taking delight in the way her eyes go wide, the way her mouth falls open, “But if you do decide to one day, please move back here and do it. I hate flying.” 

She chuckles and shakes her head at him, “I’ll see what we can do, Dave.” 

There’s another knock at the door and she smiles at Dave before she calls out, knowing it could only be one person, “Come in, honey.” 

Aaron walks in, adjusting the cufflinks she’d bought him for the day, “We should get going…” he drifts off as he looks up, his eyes fixed on her, “You look beautiful.”

She walks over and kisses him, straightening his tie as she does so, “You look pretty damn good yourself.” 

“Okay kids,” Dave says, breaking the moment and walking over, a hand on each of their shoulders, “Before you get too lost in how much you love each other, let's go get you married.” 

Aaron nods and looks at his fiancee, reaching out to squeeze her hand, “Let's go get married.” 

___

The clerk at the check-in desk is enthusiastic, to say the least, when she takes their paperwork from them, filing it next to a series of troll figures on her desk, her smile wide and as bright as her pink-framed glasses, as she tells them congratulations and directs them to a waiting room just outside of the judge's chambers. 

Emily and Aaron sit next to each other, their hands linked on her lap, and Dave purposely sits apart from them, giving them space he knows they need. Emily sighs as she rests her cheek on Aaron’s shoulder and he turns to press a kiss to her forehead. 

“Are you okay, sweetheart?”

She hums as she tilts her head to look up at him, “More than okay,” she says, smiling reassuringly at him, “I just…” she drifts off, unsure how to put it into words, how to explain that every event like this was marked by the fact her parents couldn’t be here. 

“You’re thinking about your mom and dad,” he says softly, squeezing her hand, and she nods, grateful that he knows her so well. 

“It’s weird,” she says, biting the inside of her cheek, “If I hadn’t lost them like I did, I wouldn’t have met you, and that feels…” she shakes her head at the thought of it, “I don’t like to think about that, but it makes me feel awful at the same time. Like I’m grateful for them being gone because it brought me you.”

He knows there's nothing he can say, that no matter how much he wants to he can’t take this pain away from her. He leans in and stamps a kiss on her lips, a gentle thing that’s barely there. 

“It’s okay to be happy, Em,” he says, a mantra they’d had ever since they’d got together, “And, I like to think in every universe we would have found each other somehow.” 

She smiles at the thought of it, love and joy spreading through her chest, making it ache in a way that she never wanted to live without, “I could have worked for you at the FBI.”

He makes a show of fake shuddering at the thought, “God, you would have been a nightmare,” he says, fighting a smile as she scoffs, “You would have gone against my orders all the time.” 

She narrows her eyes at him, “You would have loved it.”

He nods, “I would have,” he says, kissing her softly, “I love you.”

She rests her forehead against his, “I love you too.” 

“Applicants Prentiss and Hotchner?” 

Emily pulls back and smiles at her fiance, the man who will be her husband in a matter of minutes, and he squeezes her hand. 

“Ready?” He asks and she nods, her heart hammering in her chest, nervous excitement thrumming under her skin. 

“I’ve never been more ready for anything.” 

-x-

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[borderlinemediocre]

My Maynard & Trent Manifesto:

I’ve been wanting to put this all together for a while. Basically, in my mind, there’s a hidden love story between these two and it’s complicated and messy and angsty.

First, they met in the mid-90s when Billy Howerdel introduced them at Trent’s New Orleans studio:

They clearly vibed because they’re both so hard working and technical and not afraid to get their hands dirty. Sweet.

They pretty much immediately started making music together, under the name Tapeworm, along with Danny Lohner and Charlie Clouser, and eventually Atticus Ross and Alan Moulder. Although when Maynard talks about the project he only talks about Trent. So that’s a thing.

These Tapeworm pics are from 2002:

They definitely made a lot of music up until 2004 when Trent announced the end of the project. Interestingly that’s also when APC went on a 6 year hiatus. Tapeworm never officially released anything.

Trent says it’s because the music was “mediocre”. He says the whole project was just a distraction to “waste time” because he was afraid to write another NIN record.

Maynard says no one in Tapeworm was “ready” to make music together and that everyone had big egos that “polluted” the project.

So Trent totally abandoned the music they made, but Maynard didn’t. He started to play a Tapeworm track, “Vacant”, live with APC in 2000. Trent was kind of pissy about it, especially since Maynard was extra ballsy and debuted it while on tour with NIN.

Speaking of that tour, before playing 3 Libras in Phoenix, Maynard said that “2 of the 3 Libras are here tonight. If this song sounds bitter, it’s because it is, and I am.” Like??? He’s so directly calling out Trent here and letting it be known that he’s still angry about not getting to be with him. Also makes me think he debuted Vacant to purposely piss Trent off. And 3 Libras is bitter, and sad:

Maynard eventually released a reworked version of Vacant, called “Passive”, with APC in 2004, right before their hiatus.

He also recorded “Potions” with Puscifer and gave it to Trent as a wedding present in 2009 before releasing it on the Puscifer album that year. Which seems like a sweet gesture until you look at the lyrics:

He chose this song to give to him on his wedding day for… reasons, I’m sure. Wholesome friendship reasons.

Then after Trent had his first kid in 2010, Maynard changed the lyrics to “Passive” during a live set (this is the worst sound quality in the world but you get the point) to “Trent just had a baby/ the doctor tells me/ but I just can’t believe him”. So. Upset that Trent is moving on? Or just him being supportive? Who knows? (We know)

Earlier this year, Maynard did an interview with Rick Beato and mentioned Trent’s influence on his music, while dragging him at the same time:

“Trent on The Fragile; he’s stealing shit all over that album, but I’m stealing from his stolen goods.”

“Weak and Powerless is like a metronome right through your head. Again, stolen from Trent. Shh. Don’t tell him. Don’t watch this, Trent. Prick.”

And having Trent on his mind while he wrote this is certainly a thought:

So clearly, 22 years after he said he was bitter, he still is. But, I think he’s done some moving on as well. He just released a reworked version of “Potions” with Puscifer but with one small yet impactful lyric change- instead of “I want you”, it’s “I don’t want you.”

He’s said that he won’t keep singing songs about things he’s moved past (like the song Prison Sex with Tool, that they haven’t played in over 20 years). So when I saw that he rereleased Potions I was like Ohhhh he’s still not over Trent. But with this lyric change, maybe he is? Maybe he wanted to tie up a loose end that’s been hanging out there. Maybe he gave the new version to Trent beforehand.

I want to end with a quote from Maynard himself: “No one is gayer than I am, but some come dangerously close.”

🫡🙏🏻

[lucienarcheron]

Tales of the Fox & the Fawn - XXVII

Season II - A series of snippets to fill my Elucien heart.

Masterlist

Beauty Meets the Beast

“I just want a word with him.”

“Elain, I don’t -”

“Just a simple word, Lucien. I am sick and tired of him treating you the way he does when all you’re trying to do is be a good friend. This will take no more than five minutes. Let’s go.”

Lucien watched her as she fixed her hair, smoothing the loose curl in the mirror then turned to smile at him. It thrilled him to no end how fiercely protective she was of him; he wasn’t used to it, and he never felt as though he deserved it. Yet here she was, ready to take on a High Lord for him. 

He had returned, not too long ago from the Spring Court after an attempted visit with Tamlin. The place which had once been a refuge turned hell. As Tamlin tried to get back on his feet, Lucien attempted to rekindle their friendship albeit on different terms — kinder ones for Lucien’s sake.

This didn’t always work. 

Tamlin still lashed out in frustration every once in a while during a visit and would sometimes say words to Lucien that stung wounds. Lucien didn’t know why he still bothered, why he cared. This time had been no different. 

Lucien had returned, his anger radiating off of him and he had attempted to calm himself down before stepping back into his home but Elain had sensed it immediately. 

“As much as I will always support your decisions, I don’t think taking you to speak with Tamlin would be wise,” he replied with a small smile and she frowned at him. “He isn’t exactly…easy to speak to.”

“I think a five-minute conversation about boundaries and etiquette can be accomplished without much fanfare. If you don’t take me, I’ll ask your father.” she replied, crossing her arms. “Your choice.”

Lucien sighed. “I just don’t want him saying anything stupid to you that will cause me to set the whole court on fire. Things have just started to grow back.”

Elain shrugged. “I can handle arrogant, foolish males.”

“He’s a High Lord, Elain.”

“You are in line to be one as well. And I, your High Lady. Some boundaries need to be set.”

Lucien hesitated, clenching, and unclenching his fists. He should’ve been better at controlling how he felt after his visits.

“No.” Elain said immediately. “That tool needs to treat you better. He needs to be put in his place.” 

“I think I can work on that on my own, love.” he said, not unkindly. “I can’t have you fighting my battles for me.”

Elain pursed her lips. “I don’t want to do that. I want to fight my own battles with him. It just happens to involve you and I think you make excuses for him because you care about him and know he can be better. But him getting better shouldn’t be at your expense.” she said then smiled. “He did tell you I was always welcome, right?”

“…Yes.” he said hesitantly. “But we certainly don’t have to go now —”

“I would like to go now please.” she requested firmly. 

The two glanced at each other in silence for a few tense seconds then Lucien sighed.

“Please don’t…cause too much trouble.” 

“I make no promises.” she said with a bright smile then clapped her hands together. “I will bring my basket so you can show me around and I can collect things!”

“You’re anticipating this conversation to go well then?”

“Very.” she confirmed and Lucien’s eyes narrowed at her cheery tone. He didn’t trust it. 

“Can I at least give him a heads up?”

“Nope. I like surprises.” she said and Lucien had every right to be terrified at the malice in her beautiful grin. After grabbing a sunhat she whipped out of thin air and a basket big enough to fit Lucien, she clasped his hand and nodded. Lucien sighed again but Elain only giggled as he winnowed them away.

Arriving just a few steps away from the gate to the mansion, the two walked in quietly and Elain marveled at the colors and beautiful landscape. 

“Wow.” Elain breathed. “If this place didn’t tie into so many awful things, I think I would’ve liked to visit more often.” 

“That was my first thought too.” he said with a small chuckle. “You would’ve enjoyed it here.” 

A shift in the air was the only announcement of the arrival of the High Lord of Spring as they turned to face the manor’s steps.

Lucien tensed as Tamlin gave them a curious look and approached the two of them, descending the stairs of the Spring Manor.

“Lucien.” he said quietly, a look of remorse on his face. “I’m glad you came back.”  Tamlin looked to Elain then and bowed his head. “Elain. This is a nice surprise…Welcome to the Spring Court.”

“Hello!” Elain said brightly and moved closer to him.

Tamlin extended his hand slowly but instead of taking it, Elain’s hand flew out, and faster than Lucien could stop her, she smacked Tamlin hard enough that his head snapped to the side. 

“Elain —” Lucien started in alarm but Elain only doubled back, fingers clenched into a fist, and whammed Tamlin in the stomach, causing the High Lord of Spring to double over in both shock and pain.

“You never deserved him as a friend. He’s always been good and loyal. You barely treated him any better than his wretched family did and still to this day have the audacity to take out your anger and frustrations at him.” she snarled at him and Tamlin looked up at her from his crouched position, a wince on his face. “I hope you don’t think for one second you were doing him any favors because you certainly still have work to do and I will not stand for it, allowing you to make him feel this way when all he’s trying to do is care for you. The effort you’re making now to be a better friend is the least you can do.”

It took a moment for Tamlin to say anything as Lucien calmly moved to stand in front of Elain. Tamlin’s eyes shifted from Lucien’s tense expression to Elain’s disgusted one. 

“You’re right.” the High Lord of Spring finally said with a wheeze.

“I know I am.” she replied and moved around Lucien to stand in front of him, taking his hand and squeezing it. Though she was half Tamlin’s height, Elain stood her ground, eyes filled with a rage that rivaled Nesta’s. “If you so much as disrespect my mate and husband one more time, the ruin I will bring upon your life will look like child’s play compared to everything else you’ve ever experienced. Do you understand?”

Talim slowly straightened his back. “Are you threatening me in my court?”

Elain’s gaze didn’t waver from his. “Yes.”

“I’m a high lord.” he said simply, amusement lacing his tone.

“I don’t care.”

“That’s very bold of you.”

“I stabbed Hybren in the throat. I can be as bold as I want. Especially when the people I love are being disrespected.”

Tamlin looked at her, standing before him and this was no trembling fawn. She was a force to be reckoned with. His gaze shifted to Lucien.

“I really am sorry.”

“I know.”

“I’m…I’m trying. I will do better.” 

“You need to for my own sake, I — I won’t be coming back again.” Lucien said quietly, firmly. “I’ve taken enough.”

Tamlin bowed his head and nodded in agreement. “I’m sorry.” he repeated then gazed at Elain with curious respect and back to Lucien. “She was definitely worth the wait.”

“I know.” Lucien said with a small smile.

Elain cleared her throat pointedly and smiled sweetly. “Now that I got that off my chest, I’d like a tour, please. I’m told the Spring Court has some of the most beautiful gardens.”

Tamlin looked at her again, seemingly unsure what to make of her still then back at Lucien who shrugged with a small smile.

“Indeed.” Tamlin agreed with a chuckle, a hand rubbing his still red cheek, and gestured with the hand. “Come on in.”

Elain waited until Tamlin had moved far enough ahead then leaned in to whisper, “How many more punches do you think I could get away with? I owe him at least two more for my sisters.”

Lucien took a good look at his fierce and lovely mate, as she grinned at him mischievously and his heart felt so full. “Wait until we’re near the gardens to make it look like an accident.” Lucien said with a grin.  “I know the perfect spot.”

[ryker-writes]

Rybek: Morning routine

I'm probably going to do this for other characters with an x reader but for now: Rybek @starboyshoyo knows how much I simp for this man and am absolutely in love Yes I'm very self indulgent because I love this man so much you all have no idea

Sebek was always the first to wake up between the two. Ryker often stayed up late and slept in. If Sebek wasn't there to wake him up, he would probably be sleeping until noon.

But Ryker was also a decently light sleeper, so as soon as Sebek started shifting awake, Ryker was waking up too. In his sleepy haze, Ryker only cuddled himself closer to Sebek and pulled the blanket further over the two.

Sebek still shifted slightly before slowly blinking open his eyes. As he slowly woke up and gathered some thoughts, he slowly moved his hand to the top of the smaller boy's head.

"Ryker."

He only hummed slightly in response.

"It's time to start waking up."

There was a small grumble of protest as Ryker tried to somehow push himself further into the bed, and closer to Sebek. He grumbled again, and slowly opened his eyes to look up at Sebek.

Ryker always loved how Sebek looks when just waking up. He wasn't wearing his usually serious expression, just an adorable soft one. That, and his green hair was an adorable mess. Ryker had reached up to run his hands through Sebek's hair, and the boy let out a deep sigh.

"I don't wanna get up yet."

"You say that almost every morning."

"And we never stay in bed?"

"We have classes."

"We should still stay in bed one of these days."

"Maybe, but we have to get up today."

Another grumble of protest sounded before Ryker finally sat up in the bed and continued waking himself up slowly. Sebek also sat up slowly and reached over to hand Ryker his glasses off the night stand.

"Thank you."

Both of them started to finally get out of bed and headed to the bathroom to brush their teeth together. This was another small activity that Ryker loved because it was so peaceful and soft with Sebek. Their whole routine was actually.

After brushing their teeth, the two of them went and got changed. As usual, Sebek had to help Ryker with his tie. The boy just couldn't ever seem to get it on his own, and his tie would always end up crooked and loose without Sebek.

Then finally, Ryker's favorite part of their routine: the hair. They've gotten into a routine for a while now where Sebek would sit down and Ryker would be the one to do his hair. Sebek's hair was a serious thing. It had to look perfect if he was going to be around Malleus, and it certainly took Ryker a lot of tries to get it right. Now, it was almost an everyday thing for Ryker to apply the gel and style his hair.

Sebek took a seat while Ryker stood in front of him with the gel. With the height difference between them, Sebek would always have to sit for Ryker to properly do his hair. Ryker quickly started to get to work pushing his hair back with gel. It was a careful but calming process for both of them. Ryker just adored Sebek's hair no matter how it was styled, and loved feeling it between his fingers, so even though he had the gel in his hands, he still loved playing with Sebek's hair.

After that, it was now up to the final touches of their appearances. This was when they would put on their smaller accessories.

"Would you mind grabbing my silver ring and my blue ring dear? I think I left them by the bathroom sink."

"Would it not be easier to move your jewelry box to the bathroom sine you leave things there so often?"

"That would only take up more space on the counter. That's like asking for a mess of more jewelry on the counter."

Ryker just finished putting his earring on when Sebek returned with the rings. He quickly slipped them on his fingers, before turning back to Sebek.

"Ready for breakfast?"

"Of course."

"Alrighty!"

And just before they left the room, they had one final thing to say.

"Goodbye Malleus."

"Goodbye my lord."

Sure it was just a portrait of Malleus on the wall, but after a while of seeing Sebek greet the portrait, Ryker started doing it too.

[winter-spark]

Hiya friends, I'm having a writing predicament.

See I think just maybe my arranged royal marriage au might be too long. And mayhaps I need to break the chapters into their own stories and make the story a series.

Which is wild because the chapters were me trying to find the best places to split up the one shot that was getting too long. Plus that means that it might feel a little cheap to stop before the actual wedding.

But like let me explain why it might be too long. My first draft which was this 🤏🏾 close to being complete was a one-shot turned 3 shot, turned technically 4 because chapter 2 was split (chapters are named by "Acts" so chapters 2 and 3 are both Act II but Act II part 1 & part 2), then turned 5, then 6. It has about 35,988 words and again was incomplete(finished in my head.) But to put the chapter sizes in perspective, in my second draft, chapter one is currently 8,183 words. I'm still writing chapter two but I'm a third - halfway through it at 3,226 words. For comparison, the first two chapters of my tangled hs au are 3,926 and 4,601 words, chapter two being the longest of all the chapters I've written for it, chapter 9 the shortest at 2,899. Chapter 9 is not the end. With the way the story is going, there's still 4 (give or take one or so) chapters left.

Now that was a lot of words what am I saying? Well before I fully clarify, I love both stories. And I like reading both, and I have ideas still cultivating for both for my edits and conclusions. But it's easier to get in gear for the tangled hs one(I need less misleading nicknames for these). And I'm starting to think it's the way they're broken up. I think it's easier to get through thus easier to work on. See when I did draft two, draft one was a bunch of loosely connected scenes here and there (the beginning was solidly connected but as it went on the rest was just "oh I have an idea for a scene" several times some more attached together than others) so when doing draft two the hard part was making a calendar for the story and deciding when each event happened. Then I could just write the chapters like "this is day three so this thing needs to happen", and it's all heading to a conclusion and the chapters are complete chapters but they're largely built around small scenes I'd written, some things becoming a thing because "oh something needs to solidly get them to that point of their dynamic."

With the arranged marriage one, I started out solidly writing a story, each part in full, each part following the next, to the point that it visibly got too long to be a one-shot. With the tangled one, I was like oh to tie all this together this is gonna be too long to be a one shot, but with the arranged marriage fic I heard my sister in the back of my mind saying "some one shots are so long it's like okay you really could've cut that into chapters" or something along those lines as she told me before that she does feel like with some large one-shot there are clear good spots to cut it into chapters at and that it should be cut into chapters. So I thought, dang, this is probably one of those one-shots. I wasn't even done writing it I was on what became chapter three maybe now chapter four, thinking I'd be able to end it soonish but knowing it was long and needed that chapter split. So the division started up as large portions of the story. Then I went through to solidify them as solid chapters and fixing the pacing by adding more scenes to more clearly elaborate on the amount of time passing and what the characters were noticing. Which of course made the chapters longer.

Thus in editing and getting to the scene that's stuck in my head, it takes a minute while with the tangled hs au, revisiting rereading rewriting takes less time. I don't even think the arranged royal marriage one is a drag or anything but it's lengthy. In several aspects. So maybe leaning towards the bite-sized would make it easier.

However, I do have hesitance in doing that. See the thing is, it's a complete story. From chapter one to chapter 6. If I make them separate stories I have to work out if they standalone alright. Honestly, I think the first chapter would but Idk where to split it into chapters. And again how would I end the series? Like literally the last chapter is mostly wrap-up and fluff like idk if it can be its own standalone or if it would be a solid enough end to series rather than a single story. Like if I do this I'd have to probably expand it and I've already expanded it so much, it's so long.

On the other hand, if I do expand, like maybe I can throw in another perspective here or there as I do have thoughts on scenes that happened off-screen. I dunno though. But who knows how long it'll take if I do that. And I might have to give the others actual storylines. I mean like I could bring back the Izumi maybe having a crush on someone plotline that I scrapped because I was too indecisive but like that's a story rework lowkey? And another thing. I can't post a story until I'm done writing it but if it's a series would I be able to share the story as I go, as I finish individual works? Because finishing a whole series before posting any of it sounds like it'd take forever. But then I won't be able to go back and edit freely to make it flow better.

Oof. I don't know what to do.

[stewardofningishzida]

Chapter 2: Discovery

We’re continuing the fic! Hold on tight! Also, guest appearance by Trickstress!

Rating: T for language.

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

Chapter 2:  Discovery

*I give Stephen a tour of the house and he looks around each room.*  

Me:  My parents are on vacation for a month.  So, we don’t have to worry much about them walking in on us.  Now to tie up other potential loose ends…

*I pull out my phone.*

Me (texting):  Hey, Trix.  I know we were going to have lunch together today, but something came up.  I’m sorry, but I have to cancel.

Stephen:  Sounds legit.

*I nod and go about business until my phone pings.  I look.*

Trix (text):  You okay? I’m fine with cancelling but you don’t cancel so close to going.

Me (to Stephen):  I’ll play it off.  Don’t worry.  

*I reply to the text.*

Me:  Yeah.  Sorry it was so sudden.

Trix (text):  Np, just let me know if you need anything! I’ll check on you later!

Me (to myself):  Crud…

Me (text):  Thanks!  I’m good, though.  Don’t come over.  I think I might have caught something.  That’s all.

Me (to Stephen):  Let’s see if that works.

*Trix sends the big eyes emoji.*

Me (text):  Don’t worry about it.  I got meds and such.

Trix (text):  Okaaaay! Feel better soon!

Me (text):  Thanks!  Sorry again!

Stephen:  Think she bought it? 

Me: Hope so.

*Trix, out of concern for her friend and neighbor, decides to bring over some soup.  I hear the doorbell and curse quietly under my breath.*  

Me (quietly):  Crap, crap, crap.  I gotta look sick…Stephen, hide.  

*He heads to the guest room and shuts the door.  I put on a robe to look more convincing and answer the front door, trying to look tired.  At least I’m sweating badly.  So, that counts, right?*

Me:  Ehh…Hi, Trix…

Trix (lighthearted):  I’m respecting your privacy by waiting but asserting my authority as your friend when you’re sick and coming over anyway!

Me:  Thanks for checking on me.  Been feeling off all day.  Probably food poisoning.  Anyway, you doing okay?  *I’m trying to play it cool.*

Trix:  I’m fine, don’t worry about me! I’m here to worry about you! Go lay down on the couch, I got things handled here for you!

Me:  It’s okay.  Honest!  *Something falls over in the guest room.  Apparently, Cloak is curious.  I’m trying to stay calm.  Though I’m screaming internally.  Trix looks at the guest room door and then back at me suspiciously.*

Trix (slightly hurt):  Is this a new significant other thing? Cause if you said so I wouldn’t have minded.

Me:  It’s just the dumb dvd stack in there.  It doesn’t fit right.  Anyway, no significant others here.  It’s…my uncle.  He decided to drop in for a visit.  It was kinda sudden.  *I’m silently praying that the lie works.*

Trix (giving me a weird look):  ………So, are you sick or are you just trying to hide your uncle?

Me (uneasy):  …Both?  

*I feel terrible about this, but I’m starting to realize that the jig is up.  I sigh.*  

Me:  Okay…Come in.  *I whisper*  Just don’t tell anyone about anything here.  Promise?

*Trix raises her hand*  

Trix:  Scout’s honor!

Me:  Okay.  Don’t freak out.  *I let her in.*  Maybe sit down.  It’s…a lot.

*Stephen walks out resignedly and looks at Trix.  She stares at Stephen, then me, then she wheezes.*

Trix (flustered):  Yup.  Understand now. Absofuckinglutely.  That’s a damn good cosplay!

Me:  Yeah…Actually, it’s really him.  I know I sound insane, but he literally fell through a portal into my bedroom earlier.

*Trix looks at me funny and then looks at Stephen again, noticing something missing.*Trix (asking Stephen):  

Is the Cloak of Levitation with you?

Stephen:  Yes…Levi’s been checking the place out.  CLOAK!  

*It flies into the living room from the guest room, landing on his shoulders.  Trix squeaks, both startled and amazed.  She’s fangirling.*

Trix:  I would like to state for public record that I am absolutely delighted and I can die happy now.

Me:  He’s stuck here and I’m trying to keep him secret so he can get back home.  If anyone important saw him…Well, we know how that could go.

Trix (ecstatic):  So what you’re saying is we should get the group together and brainstorm because if the others found out he was here and they weren’t called you would be murdered.*I’m fidgeting nervously.*

Me:  Crap…We have to keep this quiet.

Stephen (confused):  Wait…I have a fan club here?

Trix (grinning):  Oh boy…. Well, I’m not saying we announce he’s here but- *She gestures at Stephen.*  Come on!

Stephen:  Is anyone possibly going to leak this to the authorities?

Trix:  They like you too much to do so.

*Stephen stares at Trix, processing this.*

Me:  Okay, but we do have to be quiet.  The only thing going for us is I doubt anyone important would believe an actual sorcerer showed up in some random suburb.

Trix (amused):  Cosplay saves the day again is what I’m hearing.

Stephen:  Wait…People dress as me too?  *He has many mixed emotions about this.*

Me:  Oh boy, are you in for a shock, Stephen. Trix:  

There are many things that you do not want to be aware of.  Tread lightly.

*He looks as if he doesn’t know whether he should be flattered or horrified.*

Trix:  Question so we don’t fuck things up: what has happened recently for you?

Stephen:  I was in a fight against Shuma-Gorath and he hit me with an appendage, knocking me through an interdimensional portal.  One of his other tentacles must have gotten my Sling Ring.  Now, I’m trapped here.  So, I need Wong to find me and get me back home.

Trix:  Oh no. Ohhhhhh no.  First off: I will actually cry if I get to meet Wong because he is amazing. Secondly: we have a lot to go over about things that have already happened. Because we are gonna fix a travesty in your universe dammit.  It’s not related to the current situation but I am too invested in this and I can’t help with magic things.  We don’t have to focus on it now, but before you leave we are having words.

Stephen:  Words?  *He’s a bit overwhelmed right now, but trying to take it in stride.*

Me:  We also have to do some research and figure out if there’s a way for him to get Wong’s attention.

Trix:  True. But we also don’t wanna get other attention either. Oh shit- certainly not anything from ‘What If’.

Stephen:  Another universe, I assume?

Me:  Yep…You do NOT want to get involved there.

Trix:  We know the stories of least 7 different ones and a multiversal entity.

Me:  The ‘What If’ version of you went rogue and started absorbing demons and another version of yourself.  It was like some sort of mystical self-cannibalization to boost that Stephen’s powers.

Trix:  Yeah, he ended up destroying his universe and was stuck in a husk of its shell. Probably the most powerful Stephen Strange and he’s learned his lesson but still. There is a universe with zombies in it and I will just end myself if they get involved.

Stephen:  …Okay…Note to self — Watch out for other Stephens.  Got it…

Me:  So, we need to alert the correct Wong to get you out of this mess.

Trix:  Yeah, you’re the reasonable Stephen. Just don’t think you are the one to make the final call on everything and you’re golden.  

Stephen (unsettled):  I’M the reasonable one, huh?  That’s not reassuring. 

*Trix thinks.*  Trix:  Since Stephen channels magic through the universe, Wong would be most familiar with his so it would be like- a certain flavor versus other ones, I’m guessing.

Stephen:  Yeah, Trix has a point.  Every sorcerer has their own unique signature, so to speak.  Though without my Sling Ring, I’m not sure how to show myself through the multiverse.

Me:  Well, if we’re going to confer with our group, one of us should contact Laer.  She’s excellent at research.

Trix:  Absolutely. I’m mostly just good at writing comedy.” *Trix looks towards Stephen.*  Sorry, but I wouldn’t have thought you were anything but fictional. Now we shall move on and contact Laer. We just have to be convincing!

Stephen:  I’m not just going to become some sort of show pony for a group of fangirls, right?

Trix:  Slightly but that just means that you have a team who is primed to help you because we have a good idea of how you and your magic works.

*He looks exasperated, but reluctantly agrees.*

Me:  We’ve seen how dangerous it can get if someone from another universe stays outside of their home for too long.  The responsible thing would be to send you back.  As much as we’d love to have you, you have far more important things to do in your own universe.

Stephen (looking at us both funny):  Okay…Trix, you scare me a bit, but at least you both seem willing to help me.

Me:  Okay.  Trix, mind contacting Laer?  I know of a few others who might help us out too.

Trix:  I scare a lot of people a bit but I make up for that in being able to roll with the punches! Also, I don’t mean to scare you with the words I mentioned before, but I AM invested in helping save a kid’s life and you can help with that and we can’t! *She turns to Steward*  Gotcha! I will send the warning flare! But first-*She pulls out her phone and puts it on camera mode.* Hey Stephen, can I get a quick video of you and the Cloak waving so I’m not considered crazier than I already am? I need proof as a lure.

Stephen:  …Okay.  I can understand why.  Just keep it in the group.  This doesn’t go into the outside world.

Trix:  Oh absolutely. I’m not a savage.  *Trix starts taking the video and narrates a bit.*  Hey Laer, we have a bit of a situation and need your assistance!

*Stephen waves and Cloak floats off of his shoulders to copy him, showing that it’s not just a puppet or special effect.*

Me:  Okay.  Awesome.  I’ll start contacting the others too.  That way, Stephen has multiple places to stay if things get messy and we have multiple people working on research to figure something out.

**To be continued**

[redlibra14-2]

I am shocked by the title of FD 6, it’s officially called Final Destination 6: Bloodlines. Now the reason why I’m so freaked out about this is because you know my WIP crossover story “Final Destination for My Bloody Reanimated Valentine”??? Well, to anyone who I have mentioned this to, as some of you may know, both on this account and on my other account @redlibra14, I’ve at some point alluded to my story having a sequel possibly being in the works after I finish it. But you want to know the title that I was planning on going with? “FDfMBRV 2: Bloodlines”, pretty generic title for a sequel I know. As with like any other film that also has Bloodlines somewhere in the title, it refers to heredity. 

And in the case of my story, it is supposed to expand upon the familial connections that the visionaries have with others, as well as each other, and is also meant to tie up any loose ends left behind by the first. I also plan on including 3 or 4 different segements instead of mashing it all together, which is a mistake that I know numerous films and shows make especially towards the end of a show or trilogy. Each would be carried through from start to finish and would have a new antagonist inside with it fluidly transitioning from one to the next without having it clunking it all together in a rush. It also expands the backstory of some of my OCs in the story. Also in a post over on my other account, I once mentioned a character called Cassandra, who is loosely based on the Greek mythology character of the same name, and Alex would find out about the truth of his powers and connection to other visionaries and how it all ties back to her. 

But that’s about as much as I am willing to reveal, because I’m still trying to calm my brain from this shocking coincidence. Now make no mistake, I wish I was part of the development team that’s currently in the process of beginning to film the 6th film, but sadly and unfortunately I’m not. 

Also, to provide extra context, as I was writting most of the first chapter in my head and thinking of ways to develop the plot, bits and pieces of the sequel also came into my mind, the sequel’s title being one of these things. 

So yeah, that was my reaction to this discovery.

[ohwell-itsme-but-danganronpa]

saiouma post game AU inspired by Taylor Swift music

a thread I started on twitter in March (2021) when I was listening to half of the evermore album ( and a bit of folklore) on loop

ironically, it starts with "closure", from Ouma's perspective who thinks that Saihara reaching out to him now is unnecessary and performatory only to solidify Saihara's good guy look in media's eyes, not out of care and that he only wants closure from him

the idea that Saihara just wants to tie loose ends, be told what he didn't understand and probably apologize for some things that are meaningless to Ouma as long as they ended the game anyway is repulsing to him, so he shuts him out, bc he doesn't want that sense of finality

next up is "gold rush", it's really loud about v3 cast everywhere he looks, but all the credit for HIS plan goes to Saihara and partially to Momota, while he gets the rep of "Komaeda type character" with "you tried" sticker and "are you insane?" looks pointed at him

Saihara totally hates the attention, but Ouma doesn't know that since they DON'T communicate at all, so he's really bitter about how much Saihara is loved, just collecting what Ouma worked for. On one hand, he predicted that Saihara would have to finish the game in his place

he left all those leads for him, because he knew he wouldn't be there for the final, and it's fine, Saihara carried it out the way he wanted him to, so why is he mad? and well, in this song there are so many lines that just... h

"I don't like that anyone would die to feel your touch Everybody wants you Everybody wonders what it would be like to love you Walk past, quick brush" bitch, you're jealous and distance yourself because you want to pretend you don't care

"Eyes like sinking ships On waters so inviting I almost jump in" hate to break it to you Ouma, but it doesn't sound like you don't like the gold eyes after all, I meant rush, gold rush Like "jump in"?! hold your horses, take him to a date first, dude

"I see me padding across your wooden floors" Literally fantasizing about living with him, I told you to hold your horses. "My mind turns your life into folklore I can't dare to dream about you anymore" Wait, not like that-

So for him the moment he realizes he's into Saihara he immediately assumes that it'll never be, and he has a lot of anger at Team DR, at all the fans, at himself for being attracted to someone rn (while there are other things he should focus on),

and at Saihara for (what he only assumed is) an attempt to smooth over the problematic persona of Kokichi to get a good ending for the public view. So the *totally* reasonable thing for him to do next is to give Saihara HELL, obviously.

And so the next song is " 'tis the damn season" and I am so vibing with that one, y'all don't understand, it's like, soft violence, the longing, the "we can call it even", I am foaming at the mouth, this one gives me so many scenarios

"There’s an ache in you, put there by the ache in me" aka it's angst time, the pain when, ugh, when you're an idiot hurting your own feelings and messing with your crush's head, because you can't stop yourself from either flirting with him or pushing him away the very next second

(and this is where I said I am gonna take a break and then didn't come back to this until today)

okay, so I can't stress this enough - my post-game Kokichi continues to hide behind his in-game persona and dials it up whenever there's even a chance of publicity. I'd like him to quote "It's obvious that wanting me dead has really brought you two together" to Harukawa but really, he died for those people, he might do something like that in an interview for show, but the attitude from mad woman is directed at TDR and fans... for the most part. He acts like a spoiled celebrity and he's always having a scandal, whether it be getting into physical fights with fans or reporters, or saying something offensive or throwing a fit and trashing a place (like a hotel room or a store) because he got upset, being caught drunk or smoking, making crude comments about other participants of the game when asked at the events they're forced to attend because of their contracts (he won't answer anything if they get to him any other day tho) so in his " 'tis the damn season" era a lot of rumors is born

A lot of them centered around him and Shuichi, most of them having a bit of truth to them. There is something developing between them because deep down it's what both of them really want, but Kokichi is still playing with Saihara's feelings, making it a game of cat and mouse, pulling him along, being the one to seek him out, flirt, but also always the first to backpedal and leave him alone in a rush

but eventually it starts to get through to him that Saihara actually cares and that it's hurting him, so we enter with champagne problems when he realizes Saihara is being genuine with him and the "dropped your hand while dancing" is literal because it's one of the official parties, organized by one of the many anti-danganronpa organizations that ask Saihara to give speeches on their events like this one, and they're waltzing, having a quiet conversation, Ouma's tease backfiring on him and he runs away just like that

Cue him holing up god knows where to mope for weeks, agonizing over worst case scenarios, playing it over and over in his head, certain that he hurt Saihara with his playing and pushed their relationship beyond saving and that's when the last great american dynasty starts playing, because he uses that time to finally sort through his pre-game stuff too, and it turns out they were almost-not-really together back then too, so he blew it thrice and they won't be getting any more fresh starts therefore "Who knows if I never showed up what could've been. There goes the loudest woman this town has ever seen. I had a marvelous time ruining everything :)" bc he read his diary and thinks it's his fault Saihara joined danganronpa (it isn't)

and there's no way to incorporate my tears ricochet smoothly with its literal message but I think about "I didn't have it in myself to go with grace" a lot and if you re-frame it from Momota killing him directly to their whole group scapegoating him and pushing him in the direction of becoming the villain they wanted him to be just to wonder why he doesn't come to group therapy and tell the press they have no idea why he's being hostile with them now that it's all over. It'd be simpler if they still hated him like they were always supposed, but now their eyes are suddenly open to bigger enemies, so they believe he can just... what, sit in with them like it's all sunshine and rainbows? Like his presence doesn't make things more painful? "Look at how my tears ricochet" in a sense of a realization, the same sentiment as "There’s an ache in you, put there by the ache in me", the way he's hurting affects everyone. When he separated himself from the group in game it was noble, but now it's borderline sabotage of their progress out of avoidance, he's withholding closure, denying healing that has to be done, it isn't just about whatever mind games he's been playing with Shuichi, Kokichi is stuck in his game mindset, creating a tear in their group by alienating himself from it. He needs to talk with Miu, Gonta... even Kaito

He has to work out his place in the group and spend some time with friends, doing some healing before he gets back to Shuichi and they actually, finally talk things out, get together.

[whennnow]

Making a Regency Soft-Crown Bonnet

April 22, 2021

[Image ID: A blue soft-crown bonnet with white ribbon and a white feather displayed in profile on a foam mannequin head. A blue and white drawstring reticule and a pair of white leather gloves are displayed next to it.]

With the underthings and classic white dress for my Regency wardrobe done, I can focus on expanding my wardrobe with accessories! Several years ago I bought maybe a yard or so of a silk-like polyester in a lovely shade of blue. I've already made an embroidered Regency reticule out of it, so I decided to make a matching bonnet!

I opted to get the Zenobia Regency bonnet pattern and kit from Timely Tresses, since this is my first foray into millinery, and chose brim 1 with the 8-piece crown. The kit comes with everything you need to make the bonnet except for thread, fashion fabric, and trim.

I started by prepping the brim as the instructions say - cutting the brim out of buckram, attaching the millinery wire to the brim, and then covering the edge with crinoline tape. Attaching the wire was a bit of a struggle! The edges of the buckram kept catching on my sleeves and the wire was jumping all over the place. Thankfully that was the hardest part of the whole process.

I decided to interline both sides of the brim with the netting that came with the kit by using a running stitch to attach the net to one side at a time.

Binder clips came in handy on this project! Buckram is stiff and hard to pin into, so I used the clips to "pin" the crinoline tape in place, then the netting, and later the brim fashion fabric, which I'll get to in a moment.

The brim then gets traced onto the brim fabric and cut out with a half-inch seam allowance, which I sort of eyeballed. The outer edge of the brim gets sewn together, then you turn it inside out (and you should probably press it, but I didn't) and put the brim inside. I used the binder clips again to hold the fabric in place securely so I could baste the inner edge of the brim closed tightly.

With the brim prep done, I cut out the crown pieces from my fashion fabric and the linen lining from the kit. I chose the 8-piece crown, so I pinned two pieces together, sewed those four "pairs" together, then sewed two pairs together which left me with halves that could be sewn together. A complicated explanation of a simple process.

Those seams then get pressed open and you can sew in the center circle. That took a bit of fiddling, but I got it done and pressed the seam. Then the seam allowance at the outer edge of the crown (on both the outer and lining fabric) is supposed to be pressed in but I didn't do that. After that you can insert the lining. The instructions say to use a slip stitch but I decided on a whip stitch instead and found that the curved millinery needle included in the kit helped with stitching into the brim fabric without having to warp the buckram and wire in the brim.

I actually added a step before I attached the lining! I had some leftovers of the white cord I used on the embroidered reticule that perfectly well along the seam of the brim and crown, so I attached that before the lining so I could hide my stitches and the ends of the cord. The cord was actually a few inches too long, so I coiled it up at one end and am using it to hold the feather in place and hide the end of the feather.

Once I went back and attached the lining I could finish the decorating. I had two yards of 1" wide white silk ribbon that I had left over from the straps of my 1920s combinations. Based on some fashion plates (like these from May 1800, September 1800, 1801, 1803, 1804, 1808, September 1808) I decided to attach the ribbon toward the back of the bonnet, tack it down at the ends of the brim, and leave the ends loose to tie either below the chin or wrapped back up to tie on top of the head.

And then I was done!

Making a bonnet was way easier than I expected and I'm in love with the results! I do wish the pattern instructions had included more tips (like when to use the curved needle or how best to attach the circle in the crown), but I was able to figure it out. There weren't really any new skills needed for this, any difficulty just came from how fiddly some steps were.

But if you give a girl a matching bonnet and reticule, she might want a bodice to go with it, so stay tuned ;)

Stay warm. Stay safe. Stay healthy.

[calypso-finale]

Fifty Seven. Part 2

Wrapping my arms around Taylan arm, resting the side of my head on his arm, I feel so small compared to him and I love it. I feel like we have both become closer since we have had sex, I mean it’s been a long time coming and I am not even mad, we waited and now I just want to be with him all day every day, I appreciate that he stayed behind and that he came to my nephew party with me. I know that he wanted to go because he has to start practicing for his new team, but he waited behind and then we spent more time together, I really need to sort my end of the deal and move to Philli, I cannot be overseas like that. I don’t even want to go back to Dubai but I need too just to tie up loose ends but I need to speak to my mom which she has been busy doing this for Aziel which I understand, she wanted him to have the best birthday and so did I “you think he will like our gift? He has a lot” Taylan said “he does, I think this has to be his most spoilt day, I don’t think he got that on his first but then again he had it in London and yeah, I mean it was cute but nothing like this” one thing about my family, we will always make it an adult party after a good hour, once we know the kids are ready to drop “I still never understand why my sister is attached to North and P” I mumbled “who?” Taylan asked “Kardashian” I said “oh Kanye daughter, why not? They seem really close and that is nice” I sniggered “you know what I feel like my sister could have been even worse if she remained here, it was there so I think her best decision was to go, they are bad like really bad. They calling it living life but yeah, I mean it’s bittersweet. I mean my sister is like them though” Taylan grumbled something “you women be always on something, it’s spicy” I chuckled “I really think you’re seeing the nice side of it, we can be worse. I think you know what, I just feel she messed up her life, I mean I did. You know that, we spoke on it but her having Aziel at such a young age, she is now not living where I am” Taylan chuckled “mhmmm” he is forever just listening but not listening, but I know he is listening “I am glad we had sex though, I am” I chuckled “I know about that, I wasn’t ready” he laughed out “ah see, I am a man of many talents” swatting him, he is annoying.

Recording Aziel and my sister as everyone sang out happy birthday to him, he is so shy, and she is trying to make him look. It’s a nice turn out for him but I think he is shy because of how many people are here and around “happy birthday nephew!” I shouted just as everyone finished “Aziel, shall we blow candle, look. We do it together” she grabbed his hands because even I wouldn’t trust his fast ass to not do something, he did look eventually but Rylee blew the candles out “yay!” clapping, and he just doesn’t know what to do with himself but then he looked at Rylee and started clapping “be back” I said walking off towards them, Imani took Aziel from Rylee “TT baby, do I not get a hug?” I asked, Aziel reached over, and I picked him “see how I am the fave auntie, this is TT baby” Imani side eyed me “thank you so much mom and dad, this is like more then what I assumed it to be, you shouldn’t have really” Rylee said to them “stop it, we will always spoil our first grandchild, we adore him so much” Rylee hugged my mom and dad, this cake looks good “you want some cake?” I asked Aziel, he pointed “mine” nodding my head “it is yours” Rylee turned to me “thank you for the gift, I saw it. I was looking through them trying to make sure we thank people, don’t we Aziel” Rylee hugged me “oh it’s nothing Rylee, I always want to make sure he is smiling. He deserves nothing but the world” Rylee cooed out “we love you; TT loves you” Aziel for some reason reached over and got icing on his hand, Rylee caught his hand just in time “oh you got the mommy flexes, that was so quick, he was about to slap me wasn’t he with that” Rylee laughed “he was, pass him to me, I will clean his hand” Rylee knew what he was about.

“Oh my momo is coming, act natural” I said to Taylan “momo?” he repeated “you have been hiding away from me” Momo said “never, just too many kids” hugging her “mhmm, I see you with this man. Who is it?” she asked, I know she has been dying to ask me this “this is my boyfriend momo, Taylan. This is my momo, and I am sure you know who that is” Taylan got up “oh he is a handsome tall man, oh my god hello” momo said “haha, that is funny. You look beautiful, the original blueprint” oh he is charming her now, he is a charmer “oh stop it” momo said, they both hugged “you look amazing, I was saying to Ti what a beautiful momo she has” he is such a liar, he only saw her now “I like him, I like him Tianna. See I knew you would be the one with sense, he is a good man” I swear he is so annoying “he is ok” rolling my eyes saying, “are you Barbadian?” momo asked, Taylan laughed, and he is hollering “do I look like I am?” he asked “we only produce handsome men” he shook his head “thank you, I appreciate it. I want to know all the family and I think me and momo will be a good team” I think momo is happy and content because she hasn’t said a single sarcastic word about him, she isn’t shy of talking some shit “thank you for coming and you must come Barbados, you are the first man of my grandchild I want to come because you a good man” he cooed out “I will make sure I come, thank you” they hugged again, oh this is a big seal of approval now. Taylan laughed out walking to me, hugging him as he laughed “oh my god, I just made up a whole bunch of words to her, that is crazy” shaking my head “she likes you so that is it now, you got to marry me” he shook his head “mhmm I see it with you” I gasped “stop it” he is such a liar, I think anyways. He stepped back from me “why is it the baby father can’t be here again? Are they in contact? Like that was sweet but where was the dad?” Taylan asked “oh the useless guy, he is in Thailand for himself, everything is for himself. He is not feeling right so he needs time away, like ditch my sister and make her a single mother, he gets me mad” I shook my head “that is bad you know” I sniggered “tell me about it, she was stuck on him because she was seventeen when she couldn’t wait to break her virginity with him, a grown man too, like she was so young and I think ever since then she has been stuck on him like forever” Taylan gasped “no way, wow. I know these men like young girls though” shaking my head “yeah, well he’s a piece of shit, she lived in shit. Got her pregnant, she was stuck on him. But like let me go back, she really pushed for him to be her first, it wasn’t no pervert thing” let me confirm that “still, he shouldn’t have, damn. Now that is some hot tea” he laughed, shaking my head “I hope she gets a man, that is what I hope for her” I mumbled “so you knew about it, didn’t advise her?” Taylan asked “I was supporting her, I mean she can do what the hell she want but still, him being older was a lot” Taylan wrapped his arm around me “well who cares, I don’t like them young” he joked, which made me laugh.

Seeing Emi crying and Robyn in a huff “what happened?” I asked “Aziel” letting out an oh “nephew always trying get at her” shaking my head, tapping on Wadz story, he just posted. Responding to his post ‘you’re moving?’ Looks like he’s moving, coming out of the message “why is Emi crying?” Junior asked “erm, her nephew got at her” Junior laughed; “she should hit him back” nodding my head “don’t worry, I’ll be teaching her to fight” tapping on Wadz message ‘o nah CEO is’ pulling a face, he’s moving ‘huh? Didn’t he just move? Ain’t you both beefing?’ I am so confused with these, chewing on my bottom lip looking up, I’m glad that this party is drama free because I didn’t want that shit for my daughter, looking down at my phone ‘We made up Breezy today and thx to you but he moving back to west and is selling house’ I actually give up with him, why is he doing that ‘the place that hates him? Digga trying to get at him?’ I’m confused ‘temporary fam not for long time’ must be financial then; that is crazy “ayo” I said waving Herb over, he’s out here with his shoes off playing with the kids “what’s up?” Dapping him “you happy?” I asked “man, I am over the moon, this is my zone”I chuckled “that’s what I’m talking about, go and have fun” he’s happy, I’m happy “Chris, you ain’t going in there with them” waving Taylan off “I’m too old for that, also I’m ready for sleep. You know how stressful it is for a man to listen to your wife speak on everything about this party and if it does go right it will destroy her” Taylan laughed sitting down “wow, but you listen though” nodding my head “I half listen, I just keep saying yes” looking over at him “you know bro, as long as my daughter is happy, I ain’t going to have issues with you. But as soon as she isn’t, I’m coming for you. I just want to let you know, my daughters mean everything to me and I won’t put up with shit” Taylan nodded his head “I got you” he better, I don’t care what he thinks and even that comment Tianna made, I won’t take shit like she thinks “dad” looking over at her “I need to go and get diapers for Aziel, after can you take me” nodding my head “still need dad” I laughed “I don’t have my car, she took it” Imani did take it, she’s right “it’s alright, we will go” my daughter is still a little lost, I sense with her “surprised you not going all out with your friends?” Rylee shook her head “I have Aziel that I need to go home too” smiling at her, I’m proud of her that she said this.

“So what you want? Go on, anything you want” I asked Aziel, he looks so tired from all the playing, he pointed at gum “you can’t have that baby, how about these bears?” Reaching over and grabbing the Haribo “these?” He took them from me “you take that, let’s go and find your mom now” I thought I would come inside Target with Rylee, she’s in LA so I will be paying for her. I’m not going to have her pay for a thing. Walking down the aisles “thank you so much, I don’t know how I could ever repay you, oh lord Jesus” this lady came out of nowhere just crying and then stared at me, Rich came from around the corner “are you her father? You’re Chris Brown” I laughed a little “yeah, that’s me” I grinned “your daughter, she blessed me. Thank you” I am so confused “oh she did” Rich came to the side of me “thank you, I can get diapers for my children now” smiling at her “thank you, god bless you” nodding my head, I am confused but we move “what happened?” I asked Rylee, she finally got diapers “oh I was just looking, she was there, and we just got talking, I said the sizing are different. I live in London, she helped me choose the right ones, it threw me off because he has different ones now, she helped me and she just, I don’t know seemed like when she was stood there she was decided between food and diapers and she didn’t exactly tell me, but I asked and she has kids, so I said I know things are hard, I gave her money” letting out an oh “tell your dad how much?” Rich said “I gave her what I had in my bag, it’s just a thousand. That means a lot to her” she defended “that’s good, proud of you. She is appreciative, you did it because you understand and kids aren’t cheap” Rylee smiled a little “she tried to not take it at first, but I said I just saw you put things back to get diapers, so yeah. But it’s no big deal just want her children to be ok” wrapping my arm around Rylee as we walked off “that is sweet of you, where is that selfish Rylee” she scoffed “stop it dad, I’m trying. Just threw me off when I was looking, I just feel I’m still new to the mom thing” I chuckled “your first child, it’s mostly where all parents make mistakes; it’s there tester child. But I think you’re doing good” Rylee smiled at me “that makes me happy but Aziel on Dior Instagram? They wished him happy birthday and invited him to France for a shoot, my baby makes moves” looking at Aziel “you hear that, model” Aziel just stared at me, he is tired right now.

Picking Aziel out of the car, he fell asleep with the candy in his hands “he’s really had a good time hasn’t he” I said “he has, I knew he was getting tired because of how moody he got, and he kept hitting and getting upset. And then I remembered I needed to get diapers for him, thanks dad. Can you tell Imani to give my car back, she has her own damn car” I chuckled at Rylee, making my way to her house “you sure you don’t want to stay with us?” I offered “I mean I know you got this home with Oakley” she didn’t say a thing but just grumbled something “I’m fine, it’s fine. It’s hectic there dad, I have peace here, space” I don’t like that my daughter is alone living but what can I say “I can take him now dad, thank you so much” I grinned “it’s cool, I just want my daughter happy. That’s all” she took Aziel from me “I see you shining Rylee, I see you growing. I am proud of you that you didn’t go out with North and P” she grinned “I’m not in the mood either, I just want to be alert in regards to Oakley, I just want him safe. I got this rumour alert, like in London we get these alerts when something has happened, and it said about Shepherd Bush stabbing and I was like oh god no but it’s fine, I’m just really thinking about stuff and really dad I want to be here for my son, I’m bored of mend saying I’ll be his step dad, like give me a break” I laughed “I’m serious, it’s like give over. But I know like people think she’s depressed and in her own world for him, no. I care and honestly I’m just trying to fix my life, get back into things” taking in a deep breath “your mom wants you to move again in London, somewhere central and like a richer area, I think you are growing, and you know what you want, and I believe you will make it, you still have time” Rylee hugged me “thanks dad, but I’ll be taking him to the beach tomorrow. Just me and him” she pointed that out “cool, I’ll leave you to it. But you ain’t alone daughter” she smiled at me, I guess she wants to alone then so be it “I know but I get this vibe from everyone that they think I am stuck on Oakley, but I care, I worry that my son will have no father, I just have a lot to think on that is all” nodding my head “you staying in LA for your birthday by the way?” I asked, I hope she is “erm yeah, the modelling date is after my birthday so yes” I grinned “mom and dad might have to spoil you” Rylee chuckled “make it classy, I better go now” stepping backwards “yeah you better lock them doors, good night” turning around, I would rather she came home really.

I love silence in the home, like it’s so pleasing. All the kids just asleep, we can have adult time. Kicking the bedroom door shut “took your time” Robyn said, taking my top off “I realised, you growing moobs” I frowned at her and looked down at myself “excuse me?” I said “I am jut saying” how rude of her “I like it” side eyeing her “your boobs are also looking down so now what” she gasped, she doesn’t like it does she “did you drop her off home” throwing my top at Robyn and it fall onto her shoulder “I did, Rylee seems so, I don’t know different. Like more” I drifted off “within herself, yeah I noticed that too. I think she is thinking a lot, she is battling herself with decisions clearly, I wish she didn’t feel that way, but she seems more grown, lots of soul searching too” nodding my head slowly “I know right” I mumbled “she is going to the beach tomorrow, on her own with Aziel. So that was not an invite, and her birthday is coming up so we need to do a party for her, she is staying here” Robyn’ eyes lit up “that is perfect” I knew she would say that “and Aziel got booked again for his birthday, Dior posted him too so that is cute” Robyn grinned “yeah they know to act right, also you heard the other one. Moving to Philli” I groaned out “why do these girls just love following their man” I scoffed “they need to get them a you” Robyn pointed “yeah exactly” shaking my head “I feel like Rylee could, I think this Rylee, if she was, and I say was to be with him. I think she could have him in the palm of her hand, she was too young and didn’t understand, she does now though” that is an interesting take on it “I peeped” Robyn pointed before she walked off.

[comfyspy09]

I don’t believe I’ve said this here, but I am quite an enjoyer of the Sussy Baka amogus. And I just finished playing what was probably my favorite session yet:

I had stuck around with a lobby for quite a few games. At some point, I got tired of taking things seriously. And so, I did a bit of tomfoolery. Apperantly the host was not happy with this, as they banned me.

I was considering calling it quits for the night, but decided to stay on for one last game. I joined a Polus lobby. 15 players, three imps.

When I joined, there was this one person in the waiting lobby chat. Their amogus was a brown bean with a poop on top of their head and a smudge on their visor. They were called POO FACE.

POO FACE sent a message in chat saying not to mind their username. I, playing along, said “actually I doo mind.”

Apperantly, having gotten a reaction out of me, POO FACE decided to continue. At first it was funny, but they quickly started to get annoying. By some point, they were just spamming “chicken nugget” in chat.

So, I announced to the lobby that my only goal for the game was that POO FACE would die. The game started soon afterwards, and as luck would have it, I was imposter! So, I immediately killed brown in front of everyone. Of course, I expected to get voted out over it, but surprisingly, everyone was chill about it. Especially two players, black and rose. They defended me, and I was let go with a warning not to kill again.

So, I didn’t. I was still loosely on the imposter side, so followed along with my imposter buddy yellow. Yellow killed purple, who was defenseless due to being AFK. Even I thought that was just lazy.And someone else had witnessed the crime. Rose. They reported, but yellow tried to frame them. I, as a law-abiding citizen, decided to seek justice and both avenge purple and protect rose. I loudly shouted that rose was a fellow law-abiding citizen, while yellow was not. Only a few heard. Rose survived in a 3-3 tie between the two.

It was only after yellow struck again that justice was truly brought. I used my position of immunity to follow yellow, and witnessed them kill another. This time, I reported it like the law abiding citizen I was. This time, with my testimony, my fellow law-abiding citizens saw the truth, and yellow was voted out.

With our enemies gone, I advised my fellow law-abiding citizens to keep doing their tasks so we could all win. There were four of us: me, rose, black, and cyan.

I was happy. Running around with my new crewmate friends, keeping an eye on vitals to ensure everyone was safe, and showing off cool tricks with the vents.

Unfortunately, that didn’t last long. Somehow, black and rose were confused and forgot that I was technically the imposter. Black called an emergency meeting, and accused cyan of imposterhood. I defended this law abiding citizen the best I could, but I was too late. Neither cyan or I ever cast a vote, but rose cast one against cyan, along with black. Cyan was doomed.

After Cyan’s unjust execution, I saw it fit that justice be done. Even if it was a mistake, black still levied the accusation against cyan, leading to their demise. In my eyes, black was no longer a law-abiding citizen. It broke my heart, but justice had to be done. I called for an emergency meeting, and shared my thoughts. Rose agreed, and together we said goodbye to black. With only the two of us left, the game came to an end.

Returning back in the waiting lobby, we found that only the four of us remained in the game, and after a few minutes, it seemed as though no one else would join. We parted ways, ending the greatest session of Among Us ever after only one round.

[argentumcor]

Paracausal Refit Future

This series has lived in my head for a long time, ideas bouncing about, but I wanted to badly to keep it to canon that I put a lot of them on the backburner. (Oooh, that's numerous mixed metaphors, I'm almost proud.)

I find, generally, canon is more a gift than a restriction. Writers, especially pros, who complain about it are pussies and/or egotists. Art needs limits and discipline, because otherwise it gets out of hand...and the artist might be tempted to even greater self-indulgence than he or she already endures by nature of being an artist.

However, Destiny just...I don't know, since Stasis was introduced as a power Guardians could get, kind of going in directions I found I didn't like. The underpinnings of the Light and Darkness conflict, as well as the interesting ideas involved in how paracausality worked, were being abandoned. (Knowing what I do of the development and watching the writing, I think there was a lot of philosophical conflict in the writers' room for this game, applying to both the overarching story and characters). I'd say Plunder was the real start of the true downward swing, though. Just a lot of wasted potential, from Spider's heel-face turn to the lackluster fight between Eramis and Mithrax to the effing Nezcafe, just slapped together. Others have gone at length upon the issues with Lightfall's story, I have nothing of note to add there.

It all feels so perfunctory. It feels like these epic, interesting, fun setups and just no...funds or time or interest or skill to finish them off properly.

Seraph so transparently existed only to tie up Rasputin's loose ends. As well as the loss of the potential of a mortal Exo Rasputin, what else is there for Ana to do? She's just some other Hunter with a tech interest as far as the story cares with Rasputin utterly gone. I don't like her, but people do, and she is there, but what is she left to do? Live a life out of one of those boring modern Marvel comics? (The answer, I am 99% certain, is yes.)

Someone must have lobbied to tie up Asher's long-dangling plot thread and promised it would be done in as cheap a way as possible. There was an exotic mission with some fun stuff, but we didn't learn anything much, and then Asher- the fighter against all odds, the man so irritated that he refuses to die- just offs himself because the odds look hopeless. We don't even learn anything about the Veil, Osiris did that with no connection to that questline at all. (I know they could bring him back, but that thing with Ikora and Mithrax felt final).

I think Savathun is going to really die at the end of this season as part of Eris' plan, which will wrap that up and waste a brilliant character.

I am sure The Final Shape will be fun. I'm not sure it will be a satisfying story. Going to the Cayde memberberries well makes me very apprehensive. There's interesting potential there, for sure, but I doubt it will be properly explored.

This is a very long way of saying I'm not really satisfied with the way canon has been handled. Dissatisfied to the extent that I feel driven to do something about it, which isn't often. I'm dissatisfied with the lack of a follow-up to Dredd (2012), but am not driven to write a sequel. I found The Mandalorian Season 3 deeply dissatisfying, but I have no desire to try to fix it in fic.

I find myself driven to tackle Destiny's story in Paracausal Refit, in much the same way I was driven to write an admittedly very strange (and long, how did that happen) work following up on Cyberpunk 2077. I should use the time and ideas for my own work- I've got a novel to write and more in the mental queue- but I will add this to the mix anyway, and not scrub the serial numbers off. There's a sense of writing it being the right thing to do, a sort of righting of a creative wrong, while Orpehus After the Fall was, hm, a commentary that needed to be made.

It's so far from purely that, I enjoy writing and I enjoy having fun with the characters and worlds, but the motive is not just that. It's not to get off, either, literally (I will never write a sex scene; among other things, it would be badly written) or in an ego sense.

I have some ideas to organize, I guess.