#i asked my sibling to vote and show me the results

[starzdeath]

Found this in my drafts

... I'm at 20 followers now. Should I post the wip?

[bellamyblake]

Hi! I love your posts and meta and the way you answer questions in general. I was wondering bc i saw on twitter that someone made a poll about which thing that bellamy never talked to with clarke, we would've loved to seen on the show and i believe the mount weather hanging won over octavia h/tting him after lincoln died. i was wondering what you thought about it-which would you have preferred?

Hey. Thank you so much for the nice words, I'm glad you enjoy my gifs and answers, though I haven't had that many questions send in recently.

I actually saw that twitter poll, I believe it was made by my friend ohsupernaturall and I did ask myself the same question you're asking now-which I would've rather seen discussed? The thing is to answer it, perhaps we have to look at it from two sides-maybe in a way through the shipper lenses and then again through the character and more specifically Bellamy-lenses.

I think that if Clarke knew the torture he went through in Mount Weather, it would've benefited bellarke's relationship more and that makes sense because him being sent there was something they were both involved into together and one decision (hers and his because he did volunteer to go inside) results into his torture and everything that happened to him inside. I believe it was necessary for them to have discussed it and I am really angry that never happened. They had a lot of things to talk about that they never did but this and Bellamy limping through the forest trying to get her in 3x02 (which was also an option in the poll if i remember correctly) were the two things I am so, so angry about. I think that had they talked about it, they would've been brought even closer. Moreover it would've mended the anger in Bellamy's heart over her leaving.

Now if it comes to Bellamy actually like actually telling her about this I'm not sure that he would've, simply because I think he knew that her finding out about this would make her feel even worse about the decisions they've made when it came to Mount Weather. He's selfless and we know that's one of his greatest qualities but he's also quiet in his suffering and punshes himself over and over again internally, so he wouldn't just go and say-Hey you know what happened to me in mount weather? They chained me, cleaned me up like an animal and hung me upside down. I only freed myself by killing a man and then meeting his child.

It just not Bellamy. If she had ever found out, I imagine it happening through someone else-Monty, Raven, Jasper, I don't know who but not through him and that would've made her even sadder imo.

Now when it comes to the b.eating, I actually did vote for that. Perhaps it's because I've written a few fanfics in an alternate universe where Clarke takes care of his bruises after O,ctavia beats him and I'm a bit biased but I feel like I really wanted this to happen. I wanted Clarke to be angry at O,ctavia about it, I wanted her to take care of him and make sure he knew he didn't deserve that. I think that I prefer this happening more because it would've opened the door to discuss Bellamy more as a character and actually would've extended the discussion on the Blake siblings relationship as a whole instead of the stupid linear-he was bad in s3, he killed L,incoln, he's to blame and he deserved it and it's not abuse (coming from the CLs).

Yes, he did it because he thought he deserved it, he did it for her and he'd do anything for her. In fact, I'm pretty sure that since it got so bad, he would've let her kill him and we knew she wanted to do it but tried very hard not to, we saw this in season 4 and she had said it herself. Anyway, I was doing that gif today from 3x13 and I noticed how he stared at the stick O,ctavia was holding when they were by the fire in the beginning of the episode and how he looked just for a second there afraid and then closed off as if he knew that she may try to hurt him again and I wondered-would he let her do it? The answer to which would probably be yes, he would-he'd do anything if it meant helping her and I feel like I wanted Clarke to talk to him about this more, I wanted her to tell him he didn't have to do this, he doesn't need to take it on his shoulders, all of it.

I do like that she talked to him a little about Lncoln's death not being his fault later on in that episode but I feel like she should've been outraged by what O,ctavia had done the same way he was outraged when it came to so many things concerning Clarke starting from season 1 going onto season 6 things like her possibly drinking the poison moonshine when they tried to have peace talks with Lxa or his desperation about her leaving by the end of s2 and trying to talk her out of it or how he f*cking saved her life in 6x10 and then was mad when she was ready to go back in Sanctum and pretend she was still josephine and that was talking about with the other characters too (when Gabriel said Bellamy wouldn't like this).

I know people here will say but Clarke has been angry when it came to him being stupid too like in 4x03 when she said He will be inside once they closed the door or when she wrote down his name because she believed he deserved it or when she saw him chained by Roan in s4 and yes I do agree with all those things, which is why I wished for that moment to have happened too, for them to have had the time to talk about this abuse and for Clarke to be angry at O,ctavia, to even be protective of him, to not want to leave him alone. And that would've helped the blakes relationship as well imo. Because the whole time Clarke's relationship to Bellamy's relationship with his sister has been *I offer quiet support and try to give him some reassurance but stay out of it* when I feel like sometimes he needed to be grabbed and shaken hard and told that no, he's not doing something bad by turning his back on his sister, by leaving her on the dropship in season 6, by telling her she isn't his responsibility anymore. And he shouldn't have had to get there alone let alone the fact that it should've happened 3 seasons earlier. Their relationship was left in a stagnant point after season 1, I thoroughly agree with that.

I can also talk a lot about O,ctavia coming to terms that what he did to her happened through Hope and there are good and bad things about this but that's a whole other subject.

[fictionkinfessions]

This is a question/rant for mpc, with possible community outreach:

Im starting to not enjoy this blog anymore because of all the community questions/ask challenges that have been happening. I came to this blog for a reason and it feels like i cant do that anymore and a large majority of my friend group agrees. Is there anyway a separate blog can be made for that kind of stuff? Either you or community wise, cause frankly all the ask challenges are getting out of hand.

Thank you for listening, i hope you didnt read this as an attack, i mean it purely as a suggestion that, if you disagree and tell me that this blog 100% will stay the same, thats ok and ill just unfollow.

Have a great time zone,

T.E.S

Huh. You do know each one is tagged and can be blacklisted, no? I do try to intersperse them between regular confessions. But anyways. That's up to the community, tbh. Though honestly the point of ask games was to talk about one's canons, fictotypes, past lives, etc. Like there's no difference between that and confessions, imo.

[edit wait , that snarky thing about blacklist tags was mean and rude of me. I'm sorry. It's not like there's a single tag to blacklist, and you should have to keep adding new blacklist tags.]

We can put it to a vote though.

Not sure if there's other options to be considered. Hit post button!

EDIT posts about this will be tagged with 'blog poll' for sorting!

[harukapologist]

Something I noticed about Haruka's change in t2 is that he says he likes the way he is now and supposedly gained more confidence, but the rest of his answers in seasons 2's interrogation are still self deprecating. Saying how no one is like him cause "no one is likehim cause they are all great people, everything (about him) is wrong, etc.". My guess is what he gained wasn't confidence, it was his innocent vote and Muu's influence that temporarily rubbed off on him. Think about it: Muu's personality did a whole 180 when she was voted innocent. She went from being shy and timid to becoming a queen bee which is what her 'true personality' is. Haruka, while he learned to become more social, was still unsure of himself. He couldn't fathom why someone like him was forgiven (what he sings in akaa) but still takes it. But why?

Cause it's what Muu does. They were both given an inch and took a mile

It's pretty clear Haruka is heavily attached to Muu (he even says his current self only exists because of her), but I think Muu influenced him to think that forgiven = what he did wasn't wrong. Since it seems like it is also her own mindset. But before, Haruka knew what he did was wrong and felt remorse, while Muu always thought she was in the right cause (her words: It's your fault for doing horrible things to me)

Also, confident people do not form unhealthy attachments like this and threaten to kts for someone else. Haruka did not gain confidence, he gained temporary relief from someone else

And this isn't to say Muu is abusive or doesn't care about Haruka at all, but it's still so incredibly unnerving to influence someone that's already broken like this

Thank you so much for this. I've wanted to talk about this for a while, I feel like the fandom overlooks just how deeply Muu influenced (and probably continues to influence unless their codependency starts to break in T3) Haruka. Not that shes evil or abusive or anything of the sort, but unfortunately their attachment styles create the most awfully perfectly fitting puzzle piece

Haruka looks down on himself so much, he wants more than anything to be a "smart, strong and interesting person" in his own words. As a result he is constantly searching for someone to latch onto and mirror, trying to create a new identity for himself, because he just doesn't see any part of himself that is worth keeping (BPD Haruka headcanon comes in...) Haruka still believes he's wrong, that he's worthless, but he's desperately looking for any solace albeit temporary or fake. A confirmation bias I think?

Something that comes into mind when proving this point, is that when Muu talked about Kotoko's attacks in her 2nd VD, she mentioned that those who were attacked were "deemed bad people by the Guard" as in they were scary and cruel, but Es, who so kindly believed that Muu wasn't at fault by giving her an innocent verdict, had deemed those people at fault, so they kinda deserved it, in her view. When Haruka was asked about what he thought of Kotoko's attacks, he said something similar, but then we see him in Mikoto's 2022 birthday TL coming to check up on him, showing compassion, wanting to wish him a happy birthday, even though Mikoto was voted guilty in T1, he should be a bad person in Haruka's book as well, but I think that shows he doesn't really believe what Muu was saying, he just doesn't think of his opinions as worthy so he latches onto those of the people he looks up to, the authority figures (Muu, Es) (I could talk about this for a while...). Also, in the newest collab, one of Haruka's lines were "Mikoto-san is a good person" but I'm not sure exactly when in the canon timeline that takes place (as in, before or after T2) (I'M SORRY I JUST HAVE TO BRING UP 0109 SIBLINGS HERE THEIR DYNAMIC IS SO IMPORTANT TO ME)

I do think Muu feels guilt and is just as broken, just in different ways, and she copes with her own issues differently, but I won't go offtopic... but yes I completely agree with what youre trying to say here. That Haruka is largely under Muu's influence, and it's heartbreaking. I often think about how an innocent verdict in T1 without Muu's influence would've helped Haruka gain some actual confidence and maybe even start to develop some sense of identity and independence. When I see Haruka T2, when I listen to his VD, his MV, all I see is... not Haruka. As in, Haruka under someone else's influence, breaking even more. It's not either of their faults, again! But god is this codependency going to take a toll on him for a while.

Like, come on, you can't tell me the boy who gives the most birthday wishes, says that all the prisoners are good people unlike him, says he would forgive everyone but certainly not himself, is a confident, guilt-free person. I don't know if it's just me but even his smile in his T2 sprite feels so... forced...? My poor poor boy.

oops I rambled too much didn't I. but thank you for this ask I hope I'm making sense and I'm so so sorry I took so long to respond eee

[pleasantbutterfly]

Inner Peace

Khonshu x Female! Goddess! Reader

Chapter 3. Khonshu's rise and downfall

Words: 1497

Warnings: Fluff and Angst?

It's Canon Divergence. The story is not following the plot of the show.

Prologue Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4

The 3rd POV

Eons ago

The Pyramid of Giza saw not one assemblage of the Enneads. The powerful deities decided the fate of not only human lives, but also the gods who dared to break the laws and go against the Enneads. 

They were gathered once again, each deity claiming their place in the room. There was a conflict, having spread like a fire across the land, resulting in endless rivers of dead bodies and blood. The conquers came to the land, aiming to claim it their own. 

Khonshu was tired of the massacre, so he appealed to the Enneads, asking them to stop it.

Nevertheless, they irreproachably refused to be involved in any way.

"We won’t interfere, Khonshu," standing in the middle, Ra declared, the deity with the head of a falcon and the sun-disk inside a cobra resting on his head. "It's not their first war and definitely won't be their last bloodshed. Mortal's lust for power is bottomless, we give them a river, they demand an ocean. Let their blood be on their hands, thusly they understand the consequences of their actions." 

The gods had lost their faith in humankind a long time ago, when they began to abuse the given power of their helpers. Still, not all Enneads agreed with the irrevocably tainted, and so they hadn't given up on them yet. One of them was Maat, she always had a soft spot for mortals, so the goddess tried to guide them, like an anchor in the unrest sea. 

"I demand you to revise the decision. Our people lay down their lives. They are slaughtered like the cattle by the invaders. It must be stopped," the goddess of Justice and Harmony demand, her strong yet fine voice broke away, echoing through the walls of the pyramid. She rarely bestowed her opinion, hardly the gods needed it, but she couldn't be silent today. 

When Khonshu heard her demand, her enchanting voice instantly slipped into the soul of the god of the moon night. Around her, he kept having the same sensation : a tug, a pull that needed him to be with her. 

She was standing tall, chin tilted up, an ostrich feather preened her head, while she was standing up for their ideas, their people. Khonshu could only admire her.

Maat and Khonshu were close but in contrast to her, the other gods didn't favour him. They could never understand him. But he knew, Maat did. He deemed, they were quite similar, he brought justice while she was the embodiment of the balance. Her purpose was to let people enjoy their lives, let them reach their inner peace. 

"I agree with my sister," Hathor joined her sibling. 

Hathor one of the few who also supported Khonshu. Though, it was not enough. The gods voted. And Maat was deeply disappointed in their decision: the majority hadn't approved, so they would let it go with the flow. 

"I'm sorry Khonshu,  we did everything we could..." Maat said with quiet empathy.

"Then, Maat, we can only let our avatars deal with it."

That day Maat left the court of the deities, they were blinded by their arrogance and righteousness. 

Maat and Khonshu only the grew closer after that, and with centuries, their connection only drew them into a new course.

"My darling Maat,” Khonshu was holding the goddess in his arms, his head on the top of hers, lean finders were caressing her back, “my starbringer, humans don't have the words that I could use to describe my feelings. They call it love, yet I doubt saying a “I love you’ is enough. Will you take a part of my soul and give me yours in return?"

"Oh, Khonshu. My dear Khonshu," Maat takes the head of the god in her head, fingers stoking its rough surface, "my moonlight. You've already had it for some time."

Time flew, night changed, their love did not cease, yet a tragedy, gambling the destruction of the balance in human life, had risen. Ammit launched an uprising, destroying the people she deemed evil, unworthy to walk on these lands. The gods punished her, caging in the stone. Though, not without casualties - Maat lost her beloved avatar, who was like a child for her. 

Khonshu purposed an idea to choose an avatar who would serve them both. No deity had done it before. 

To say the Enneads were unhappy would be an understatement. But the most displeased was Ra. The daughter of his disobeyed him, even though he warned her. 

"I told you stay away from him. He manipulates you," the god of the Sun condemned. He had summoned them to discuss the matter. “You both chose the same person to be an avatar. That is unacceptable. Now your minion have powers of two gods, making him superior in comparison to others. You, my daughter, as the goddess of the Balance, ought to see what disturbance it can lead to.”

"We have merely been helping people," Maat backed, "the one thing you failed to do." She told off.

"Careful, Maat. I'm not talking to you as your father, but as the highest God. For your actions, you can spend an eternity in stone."

"So let it be," she answered confidently.

"Maat, no." Khonshu didn't like that outcome, he would do everything to keep her safe. "The punishment should lay upon myself."

“Don't get involved in family business, Khonshu.”

“You said yourself, Ra, it's not a father-daughter gathering.”

“Learn to hold your tongue.” Ra knocked the staff on the ground. “You are no longer allowed to see each other.”

“You can't do this,” Maat objected.

“I can and I will. From this moment you release your avatar of their duties, and you,” he pointed at Maat, “takes your place among the Enneads again. But If I find out that you disobeyed, you'll face the consequences.” 

They found a loophole, after all, Ra said only if he found out about the affair. 

That's how the secret love rooted in their life. As soon as the moon embellished the sky, they met at the temple, which their last avatar had erected. The nights were full of affection, after all their shared the bond that could never be broken. 

Khonshu regret his egoistic desire to be with Maat. Perhaps then, the fate would have been more merciful. Eventually, every secret comes out. 

…

It happened out of the blue. 

As usual, they were at their sacred place. Their deity body were tingled, feeling nirvana from the connection.

Then Maat felt unpleasant tension in the air, it was draining her, making her weak. 

She fell to her knees, Khonshu was beside her, supporting. He dreaded this moment to come. 

The god of the moon saw every moment of the suffering of his love. He saw her shiny eye lamented at him, but seeing her heart-breaking smile while she was fading away was completely devastating. 

Seizing her all might, she took Khonshu's head and kisses his beak, uttering no words.

A tingling feeling and an empty soul were the only reminders of Khonshu's love. 

The god of the moon went to the pyramid, ready to fight and strike every deity in order to free his soul from the stone prison. 

In their haven, the Enneads had been awaiting him. Khonshu appeared there, gripping his staff tightly. He peered over the room to catch the sight of the statue, but it wasn't there. 

“You sentenced your daughter to suffering because of something she had no control,” Khonshu stated

“Her love for you wasn’t an only crime. I was informed of her plan to bring Apep back.” 

Ra’s reply enraged the god. It made no sense to Khonshu. "Why would she free someone she helped to detain?" 

"Her crime was proved. As well as yours. For it we, the Enneads, banish you, Khonshu, the god of the moon, till you won't find the way to redeem yourself."

"You can't do it!" he entreated. Banished, Khonshu wouldn't be able to see Maat, her imprisoned form. 

But it was too late. Since that day, Khonshu had not once laid his eyes on his starbringer. But the memories of the night were forever carved inside his mind. 

His purpose became to hunt down the true culprit. The one, who wanted to release Apep, the ancient deity who embodied chaos and was thus the opponent of light and Maat. Who dared to frame his starbringer. They better to await the wrath of Khonshu.

Without success, he spent several ages searching. Until once, Hathot didn't come to him, bearing grave news. The statue, holding Khonshu’s beloved, had vanished, no traits left. It was the stew that broke the camel's back. That night, the moon lost its light, making it look gloomy.

In honour of his soul, he has been carrying on the mission of bringing justice, but then he was given a hope of being reunited with his starbringer. And he won't let it go.

---

Thoughts? Should I keep going, or has the story became boring? Let me know, please :)

Thank you for the reading!!!

Taglist: @a-hopeless-fan @thepurpleaccount

[saorikuhara39]

Feb 2021 Issue B'sLOG Obey Me translation Demon Brothers' Opinion Survey

Feb 2021 Issue B'sLOG Obey Me translation Demon Brothers' Opinion Survey (On Sale Dec 2020)

INTRODUCTION

Heartwarming brothers?

Or brothers full of tension?

Uncover the sibling rivalry!

In this challenge, we've asked the demon brothers to vote for the siblings they thought were the best fit for the seven questions. In addition to commenting on the results, we have also published an exclusive section on who voted for each individual. We find out what each of them thinks of the other brothers ☆

Q1 Who would you tell your secret to?

"Secrets = weaknesses", and the results clearly show that they do not want anyone to know about them whenever possible. Is Asmodeus impressed by Beelzebub's honesty?

ASMODEUS: This is the pattern that everyone put in themselves .......

BEELZEBUB: I voted for Lucifer.

ASMODEUS: I understand, you have been a big brother's child since you were an angel.

Q2 Who do you never want to be exposed your weakness to?

The majority of votes went to Mammon as they definitely does not want to be taken advantage of by him! We wonder what kind of threats Mammon will make if he gets the weakness of his brothers.

BELPHEGOR: If Mammon gets a hold of me, he's going to rip me off.

LEVIATHAN: It's funny how Lucifer and Satan definitely seem to vote for each other lolol

Q3 Who is the best at fighting?

Lucifer, with his superior brains and power, is the most voted! Please enjoy with this analysis by Satan♪

MAMMON: It depends on the occasion, doesn't it?

SATAN: Beel when it comes to hunger. Levi when it comes to games. Lucifer when it comes to authority.

Q4 Who do you think will survive the last day of Devildom?

It was a question that divided the votes evenly, and the reason given by the two who came in second was "Because I am unaware of it," just like the demon themselves.

LUCIFER: Belphie is probably getting over the last day in his sleep.

MAMMON: Then I guess Levi doesn't notice either, since he's been holed up in his room all day, right?

Q5 Who is the kindest person of all?

He's not just a narcissist......? Asmodeus's ability to get along with the others, which received the most votes, seems to be a strength that all of the brothers recognize.

SATAN: All in all, Asmo is the one who keeps me company in many ways.

BEELZEBUB: Lucifer is the one who supports us in ways we are not able to see.

Q6 Who would you take to a deserted island with you?

Beelzebub, with his superior physical abilities, was the most popular choice. However, he seems to be counting on the giant sea serpent that Leviathan can summon.

LUCIFER: With Beel, we'll be fine for most of the survival scenarios. As long as he can share the food.

LEVIATHAN: Who's the idiot who voted for me, the shut-in otaku?

BEELZEBUB: Because with Levi around, we can summon Lotan and get off this deserted island in no time.

LUCIFER & LEVIATHAN: Clever......

Q7 Who is the most well-liked person?

The results revealed the strong confidence of the demons. A heartwarming scene unfolded, with the twins voting for each other.

BELPHEGOR: I thought everyone but Levi would vote for themselves, so I put my vote in for Beel.

BEELZEBUB: I voted for Belphie, the most pampered one.

[justpevensies]

Second Fiddle

Blurb: Edmund is not settling for second best any longer.

Warnings: mostly a slightly jealous Edmund - there’s a little bit of anger and some angst in there too but nothing too extreme.

It was when Edmund entered into Cair Paravel after going for an afternoon ride in the woods that he saw you. 

Stood in the great hall, you were laughing; oh how your smile and laugh made his heart race. However, as he looked closer he could see the reason for your laughter. You were talking to Peter.

Smiles across both of your faces, he instantly knew that Peter would be wooing you with his flattering jokes and his irresistable compliments. The young, golden haired king was working his boyish charms. 

Just looking at it made Edmund’s stomach turn and instantly he felt compelled to put an end to it.

“(Y/N)!” He called over, trying to hide his inner feelings. Instantly you turned around and ran to him, beaming “Ed!” Sweeping you off your feet, he wrapped you in a welcoming embrace and for that brief moment all of his worries melted away. You were in his arms and you were loving him, there was no one else.

The two of you chatted for a little moment before you giggled. “You came back just in time” you smiled, unaware of Edmund’s previous thoughts. “Peter was just telling me some of his favourite stories”. You looked over your shoulder and grinned up to the magnificent High King. 

“I must say Edmund, she tolerates me much more than you” Peter chuckled, admiring the couple stood before him. Although Peter meant no harm by it, that sentence was the final straw.

Edmund’s throat went dry, he could feel a cold shiver sliding down his spine. As a result, he tightened his grip on your waist - rather unaware that he was doing so. Determined to divert the situation, he abruptly said: “That’s nice to know” before looking at you directly and grabbing your hand. “(Y/N) ought we not to prepare for dinner?”

Before you could even say farewell to Peter, you were whisked away.

~

As the week went on, Edmund began to get more and more paranoid. He slowly became increasingly terrified to leave you alone in case he would come back and you’d be with Peter. He hadn’t let it show very much, only in extreme circumstances would that deep part of him ever become public.

“She tolerates me much better than you”. Those words echoed in his mind, he lived in it every day. His reality was a true, living nightmare.

You had began to notice Edmund was acting a lot more protective and close than normal; holding your hand and cuddling you close to him at every oppurtunity, particularly in front of people. While he would normally show subtle affection in public, it was unusual for it to be this common. However, he hadn’t done anything too out-of-the-ordinary so you didn’t mind it too much. Besides, what’s not to love about your significant other being so generous in front of everyone?

Nothing was really said - well, nothing was too unusual - until it came to a council meeting one evening. While discussing a trade deal, a heated argument arose and it didn’t take too long before the 4 Kings and Queens were snapping at one another left, right and centre. Each were proposing different ideas on how to handle the situation but soon it came down to a final two solutions and the argument evolved into who sided with who. Who had final say? Who made the best decision?

When things got too out of hand among the siblings, it was your role within the council to step in and calm things down, everyone respected how calm you could remain in those situations and, therefore, would listen to you.

The clash of titans unfolding in front of you was between Peter and Edmund. As a royal advisor, almost everyone was looking to you for guidance and it was your job to consider all options before deciding finally where you stood on the matter.

You listened to both Kings preach their proposal to you. 

Edmund’s seemed logical but slightly radical, whereas Peter’s seemed safe but potentially less likely to work. You felt like you were stood at a split road - do you go with the reasonable idea or do you go with your heart?  Almost everyone, currently, was siding with Peter so if you supported Edmund it would certainly shift the views on the table.  There was a silence as the Pevensie brothers waited for your answer.

“(Y/N)?” Edmund looked to you, his eyes pleading and desperately seeking someone to back him up.

You felt torn and normally you would side with Ed, his ideas were always more like yours and you never doubted his wisdom, plans or knowledge. However, this time it felt better to go with the majority vote.

You looked up at Peter and then turned to Edmund with regret and sorrow in your face. You let out a sigh and Ed didn’t even need you to say anything to know what was coming next. “I’m sorry Ed, but I have to go with Peter for once”. 

Edmund’s eyes filled with disappointment and before anyone could say anything, he turned and walked out. As soon as his back turned, tears began to fall freely down his cheeks. Not even excusing yourself you raced after him calling (and eventually shouting) his name. 

He quickened pace, not looking back once, until he got to upstairs to his chambers. 

~

“Do you want to tell me what that was about?” You demanded after - accidentally - slamming Edmund’s chamber door closed.

He turned to face you with a rather affronted face and he tried to find words. You looked at him, arms folded, searching for answers. Normally Edmund would tell you exactly how he was feeling if something was angering him but, right now, you couldn’t see any clues in his expression. Edmund began to raise his hands, mumbling out his thoughts before he finally spat out:

“I’m just trying!” 

Confused, and rather frustrated at his blunt reply, you immediately responded: “What?”

“I’m just trying... my best” Edmund repeated before affirming those last two words. 

Neither of you moved but Edmund’s stare was so dark and piercing. You could see his contained rage flickering inside him. Slowly your heartbeat began to calm but the tension felt very much the same.

“I heard you first time, but what do you mean?” You asked.

Edmund scoffed before turning away. “What do you care? I thought you only cared about Peter”. 

That last word - Peter’s name - hit you like a punch. That’s what this was about? Peter? 

“Pet-”

“Yes! Peter!” 

Edmund said his brother’s name as if it was profanity. His face was just completely begrudged, he certainly wasn’t hiding emotions anymore.

“I try everyday to be the perfect person, the one you would want me to be. A good king who can make decisions and rule justly; a good lover, one who can make you happy and be affectionate all of the time; I’m trying to be my best self but it’s not good enough! It’s never good enough!”

You could fear your heart beginning to shatter and as you went to speak Edmund carried on.

“I’m tired of playing second fiddle! It’s always been Peter! He gets to be High King, he can lead, he is always first for everything: firstborn, first in achievements, first for... love.” Edmund began to pour out, hesitating before his voice cracked. At that he turned away, self-conscious. His heart began to pound and while you were still stood in your original position, you could tell by his breathing and body language what was going on.

“First it was our mother, then Susan and Lucy, and now it’s you! He is everyone’s first love”. 

You didn’t know what to say - how Edmund could believe that you would leave him, let alone leave him for his brother, was beyond you. 

You stepped forward and reached out your hand, resting it on his shoulder blade and he flinched under your touch. He wasn’t expecting it and part of him didn’t believe it was your touch, it felt more like a dream in his head. At that you began to rub his back and you placed your other hand on his shoulder blade as you leaned against his tunic. 

“Did you really think I was in love with Peter?” You whispered.

You looked up at Edmund before he bowed his head down in defeat. His eyes were closed as tightly as possible as he nodded his head. You could see his heartbreak, his desperation and, at that, you wrapped your arms around his whole body, placing kisses on his back.

“Oh Ed” you whispered as tears began to fall, staining his clothes. “Oh Ed you have no idea”. Edmund straightened back up, still not looking at you and you began to speak.

“I do love Peter, you know I do... like a brother. I couldn’t love him in the way I do for you. Edmund Pevensie, you have cared, treated and respected me in a way no one else had. You were the first person here who made me laugh, long before Peter did”.

Edmund faintly smiled as he remembered that moment, several days after you arrived in Narnia. It was then that he first fell for you.

“Everything you’ve done for me has never failed to impact me because having someone love me the way you have everyday has made me feel special. I’ve always felt like you’ve put me first and so I instantly felt obliged to do the same. I have done ever since we got together. Oh Ed, you’re so worth it - you’re worth being my first every moment”. 

Edmund didn’t know what to say because no one had ever shown such priority and favour for him like that before. There was a silence before you boldly said: “Aslan believed you were worth it”. 

At that, he turned to face you. His face wasn’t full of doom or despair anymore, you could see a look of pride and joy beginning to form. You were right - Aslan had given him his life, he had redeemed him and made him the person he was today. Aslan had given him new life and reminded him that he was worth everything no matter anything that had occured before for his life was worth just as much as anyone else’s.

You looked into Edmund’s eyes before cupping his cheeks in your hands. You finished off your sentence in a low whisper: “And so do I.”

Edmund saw right there that there was no doubt about your love, you had always been his first and he could see how much love you had in return. He leaned in and kissed you as if it were the first time he’d kissed you. 

He knew from now on that you’d never let him forget his worth.

[bpro-cardstories]

Hikaru Osari SSR ーRequestー

2018 ー Power To Smile [笑顔にする力]

"Uhm, it’s really not a big deal, you know. The other day I happened to see a charity event where they raised money, but other than watching I couldn’t do anything.”

『Event: Heart Pounding! Happening VACATION (16th - 27th August 2018)』

Part 1

ーIn the waiting room.ー

Tsubasa: ‘Thank you for the recording. I will give you the materials for the next photoshoot.’ 

Kazuna: ‘Thanks. We’ll take a good look at them.’ 

Tsubasa: ‘Please do so.’ 

Mikado: ‘It is already next week, time sure flies fast. We need to think about what to do when we arrive.’ 

Momotaro: ‘Yeah, you’re right.’ 

Tsubasa: ‘Everyone somehow looks excited. What are you talking about?’

Kazuna: ‘It’s about the Hawaii trip this time.’ 

Momotaro: ‘Hikaru got the answers right in the quiz show last time, so everyone won a trip to Hawaii.’ 

Tsubasa: ‘That was amazing, wasn’t it. He won the first prize by solving the last question correctly.’ 

Tatsuhiro: ‘Yeah. That kind of thing is a first, right?’

Kazuna: ‘Yes. Outside of work, we didn’t have the opportunity to go on vacation together privately. We need to thank Hikaru for it.’ 

Mikado: ‘Yes, I am looking forward to it. And I was talking about the trip while looking up the information on Hawaii that I gathered.’ 

Tsubasa: ‘I understand now.’

Tatsuhiro: ‘Speaking of Hikaru, he said that he wants a new swimsuit to wear for Hawaii.’ 

Hikaru: ‘…..’

Tatsuhiro: ‘Hey, what’s wrong?’

Hikaru: ‘Eh? Aah, sorry! I was in a daze just now.’ 

Momotaro: ‘Did something happen?’

Hikaru: ‘No, it’s not that something happened…..’

Tsubasa: ‘If it is fine, would you want to speak about it?’

Hikaru: ‘Uhm, it’s really not a big deal, you know. The other day I happened to see a charity event where they raised money, but other than watching I couldn’t do anything.’

Hikaru: ‘Ever since then I’ve been thinking about what more I can do for people that has a lasting effect. It’s all I've done since that day, but nothing comes to mind.’ 

Kazuna: ‘I see. That’s why you’ve been absent-minded.’

Mikado: ‘Hikarun, that matter is a very important one I think, but if you think too much about it, then you become stubborn and good ideas can not enter.’ 

Tatsuhiro: ‘He’s right. Let your head rest a bit. The Hawaii trip is perfect for this.’ 

Hikaru: ‘Yep, you’re right! If I can refresh on this trip, then maybe some good thoughts pop up!’

Kazuna: ‘Speaking of which, I looked it up yesterday. It looks like there’s a big shopping mall near the beach we’ll be going to.’ 

Tatsuhiro: ‘If so, then you probably can buy a swimsuit there, too.’ 

Hikaru: ‘That sounds great! I’m so excited, there seem to be patterns that are unique to Hawaii~!’

Hikaru: ‘Alright, I’ll buy a swimsuit, swim a lot in the ocean and relax both my body and mind!’ 

(Something you can do yourself, huh….. I hope Hikaru-kun can get something out of this trip.)

Part 2

ーIn Hawaii.ー

Hikaru: ‘Hmm….. Which one should I take…..’

Tatsuhiro: ‘Hikaru, did you still not decide?’

Hikaru: ‘Yeah, I haven't yet! Peachan, which one is better, the blue or pink swimsuit?’

Momotaro: ‘….. The coloured one is the blue swimsuit, and the patterned one is the pink one.’

Hikaru: ‘Yeah, exactly! Both are hard to discard~. I beg you, everyone! Decide for me which to go with! Majority vote, please!’

Mikado: ‘When we exclude Hikarun and Tsubasa-san, four people are left, so there is no majority vote.’

Momotaro: ‘….. I abstain from voting. I also can’t decide which one is better.’ 

Mikado: ‘Good, then me, leader and Tatsu-dono will be the majority vote! I go with the pink swimsuit.’

Kazuna: ‘For me it’s the blue one, I guess.’

Tatsuhiro: ‘It’s the pink one for me.’

Momotaro: ‘Two against one for the pink swimsuit.’ 

Hikaru: ‘Okay! Then it’s the pink one! Thanks for deciding in my stead!’ _______

Hikaru: ‘I’m so happy that I could buy a swimsuit I like~! Ah, since we’re already here, why not take a look in the mall a bit? I spotted an unusual store earlier…..’

Hikaru: ‘Ngh,  wahwah!?’

Foreign Tourist: ‘Ouuh!?’

Tsubasa: ‘Hikaru-kun!?’

Hikaru: ‘Ah, I have chocolate ice cream all over my clothes….. ‘

(How terrible, it was the moment when he bumped into the tourist who had ice cream with him….. )

Tsubasa: ‘Please wait a moment! I will give you something to wipe, uhm, the handkerchief…..’

Hikaru: ‘Tsubasa-chan, it’s alright! I can wash this amount off, everything’s fine!’

Tsubasa: ‘Eh, but….. ‘

Hikaru: ‘Ah, the person I bumped into also has ice cream on his clothes!’

Hikaru: ‘Well, in such a case, you can say “sorry”….. With the translation app, but you can’t say anything more difficult.’

Momotaro: ‘What is Hikaru doing?’

Mikado: ‘He is trying to tell the person who he bumped into something. Let me see….. ‘

Mikado: ‘ “If you put the clothes into hot water, then the chocolate ice cream won’t stain too much.”, he says. I see.’ 

Foreign Tourist: ‘Ooh! Thank you!’

Hikaru: ‘Yes, yes! No problem!’* 

Kazuna: ‘A-Amazing….. It looks like a friendship sprung from the passionate handshake between Hikaru and the tourist.’ 

Hikaru: ‘Fuu~, I’m glad I could tell him~.’

Tsubasa: ‘Even though it was an unexpected matter, your handling of it was wonderful. Hikaru-kun, how amazing!’

Hikaru: ‘That’s only natural, if you ask me! I’m joking though ♪. Since I have little brothers, it’s natural that I know about methods to remove stains and have mastered that skill.’ 

Tsubasa: ‘I understand now.’

Tatsuhiro: ‘It will be crowded inside the mall, too, so why not go to the beach? Let’s come back here when it has calmed down a bit.’ 

Hikaru: ‘True! Alright, let’s go swimming!’

Hikaru: ‘….. Hm? Eeeh!?’

Kazuna: ‘Hikaru, what’s wrong?’

Hikaru: ‘The Japanese tourists we just passed were talking about how they couldn’t go into the ocean….. ‘

Tsubasa: ‘Eh?’

Part 3

Hikaru: ‘Haa~, playing that was super fun!’

Tatsuhiro: ‘Yeah, it wasn’t the beach, but the pool was fun as well in the end.’ 

Goshi: ‘Who would have thought that we’d be banned from swimming due to a mass outbreak of jellyfish.’

Hikaru: ‘So true! Well, it’s a bit of a pity, but the pool was fun, so the result is alright!’

Yuta: ‘The water slide was so cool! I wanted to slide more~!’

Kento (sighs): ‘Because my hair won’t be damaged by the salty sea breeze, I agreed to go to the pool, but to think that the water slide turned my bangs into a mess…..

Yuta: ‘Kenken, it’s impossible to maintain the shape of your bangs in the water slide~.’ 

Goshi: ‘Geez, you really don't know when to stop even when at the pool.’

Kento: ‘Be quiet. I was thinking of simply idling at the poolside, but Yuta forced me to come to the water slide.’ 

Tsubasa: ‘I am glad, you all seemed to have enjoyed yourself, everyone.’ 

Hikaru: ‘Yep, it just happened without much thinking~!’

Tatsuhiro: ‘Now that you mentioned it, Hikaru, weren’t you playing with a foreign child in the pool earlier?’

Yuta: ‘Ah, I also saw that! You both were super excited and hit it off well! That child isn’t perhaps Hikarun’s acquaintance, right?’

Hikaru: ‘Nope, not at all. We only came to know each other at that moment.’

Kento (surprised): ‘Even though you didn’t understand the language, you got along that well.’ 

Hikaru: ‘It’s all about the feelings here! If you can convey that it’s fun, then words aren’t needed, are they? The rest you do with body language!’

Yuta: ‘Nothing less expected of Hikarun!’

Tatsuhiro: ‘Since Hikaru has a lot of younger siblings, he might just be used to it.’ 

Kento: ‘Even at the handshake event children often lined up for Hikaru, that’s probably because of that.’ 

Hikaru: ‘Hmm, I don’t really understand it myself, but that might be the reason?’ 

Yuta: ‘Ah, there’s a beach volleyball court over there! Let’s go check it out!’

Kento: ‘Definitely no. I’ll get sunburned.’

Goshi (sighs): ‘Not to mention, you’re still in the mood to play?’

Yuta: ‘We’re already here in Hawaii, so even if we can’t go into the ocean, it’s a waste to not fully enjoy the beach! Come on, Gochin, Kenken~!’

Goshi: ‘Uohh! Don’t push me, Ashu!’

Kenken: ‘Wait. You really want to go?’

Yuta: ‘Of course! Let’s go ♪.’

Yuta: ‘Tsubasa-chan, come with us!’

Tsubasa: ‘Ah, uhm, I…..’

(Since Hawaii's schedule was hard, I rather want to take a small break…..) 

Hikaru: ‘…..’

Tatsuhiro: ‘Hikaru, what about you?’

Hikaru: ‘Maybe I should take a break~. I used up too much stamina in the pool. I’ll rest over there under the parasol. Tsubasa-chan, will you come with me?’

Tsubasa: ‘Ah, yes.’

Yuta: ‘Nomecchi!’

Tatsuhiro: ‘Alright. Then I’ll go with those three and tell them about it.’

Hikaru: ‘Thanks, Tatsu!’

Hikaru: ‘Okay, shall we go, Tsubasa-chan!’

Tsubasa: ‘Yes!’

(….. Huh? Hikaru-kun seems to look fine?)

Part 4

Hikaru: ‘Fuu~, I played a bit too much.’

Tsubasa: ‘Are you fine not going to play with everyone?’

Hikaru: ‘Yep! Tsubasa-chan, you’re tired, right? I’ll also take a short rest!’

(Was Hikaru-kun maybe worried about me…..?)

Tsubasa: ‘I am sorry. I made you accompany me.’

Hikaru: ‘Wrong, wrong! I really wanted to rest! Don’t worry about that.’

Tsubasa: ‘Hikaru-kun…..’

Hikaru: ‘And you know, I became used to resting under the parasol like this~! Doesn’t it feel like we’re celebrities?’

Tsubasa: ‘Fufu, you are right. In movies as well, you see scenes where celebrities sleep in a beach chair.’

Hikaru: ‘Yeah, that! My dream came true!’

Hikaru: ‘Say, are you enjoying Hawaii, Tsubasa-chan?’

Tsubasa: ‘Of course. It is thanks to Hikaru-kun that I am also able to enjoy Hawaii in this way. Thank you very much!’

Hikaru: ‘No way, I only won the quiz show by chance. I didn’t do anything.’ 

Tsubasa: ‘No, I did mean the quiz show, but it is also because of Hikaru-kun’s cheerfulness that I am enjoying this Hawaii trip.’

Hikaru: ‘Hehe, I see!’

Tsubasa: ‘Hawaii really is a wonderful place. Both the scenery and the food are superb.’

Hikaru: ‘Yep, Hawaii sure is great!’

Hikaru: ‘I was thinking that if I give my family an overseas trip someday, Hawaii might be a good choice. They’ll probably be impressed by the different scenery and food compared to Japan.’ 

Tsubasa: ‘That sounds lovely. You always think about your family and respect them a lot.’ 

Hikaru (blushes): ‘Hehe, thanks!’

Hikaru: ‘…..’

Hikaru: ‘This is about the charity event from the other day. Until now, the source of me being able to give my best as an idol was that I had to work hard as the backbone for my family. Seeing that event, I thought that I need to have a broader perspective and want to cheer up even more people.’

Hikaru: ‘Just as I thought, isn’t it delightful to see everyone smiling!’

Tsubasa: ‘Hikaru-kun…..’

Hikaru: ‘As an idol standing in front of people I have ways to communicate with everyone more than normal people, so it would be a waste to not use this asset! ….. That’s what I think, but how I should do it, I don’t know.’ 

(A method only Hikaru-kun can manage…..)

Tsubasa: ‘Uhm, how about thinking in a more simpler way?’

Hikaru: ‘A more simpler way?’

Part 5

Hikaru: ‘Think simpler….. Hmm?’

Tsubasa: ‘On this trip, you bumped into a foreign tourist and got ice cream on your clothes, but in the end you shaked hands together with a smile. It was clear that the child Hikaru-kun played with in the pool had a lot of fun.’

Tsubasa: ‘Hikaru-kun was worried about me being tired and even brought me to this parasol to sit under. That made me very happy. When being with Hikaru-kun everyone smiles. I think Hikaru-kun possesses the power to make people smile.’   

Hikaru: ‘I make everyone smile….. I didn’t come to think about this at all.’

Tsubasa: ‘That is fine I think. You do not need to do something for someone’s sake, it is fine if you do what you want to do little by little.’ 

Hikaru: ‘Do what I want to do, huh…..’

Hikaru: I see, it looks like I was thinking too much about it. I will do my best as I always did! Thanks, Tsubasa-chan!’

Tsubasa: ‘No, I am happy I could help you.’

Hikaru: ‘Tsubasa-chan, too, if you are troubled, don’t hold back and say so!’

Hikaru: ‘If I possess the power to make people smile, then I want to make Tsubasa-chan smile the most!’ 

Tsubasa: ‘Hikaru-kun…..’

Hikaru: ‘Let’s do our best together from now on as well!’

Tsubasa: ‘Yes! I will work even harder as your A&R!’

Hikaru: ‘Yeah!’

Tsubasa: ‘When I was talking with Hikaru-kun like this, my tiredness disappeared completely.’

Hikaru: ‘Really? Then let’s join beach volleyball with the others!’

Tsubasa: ‘Sure!’

Hikaru: ‘Yay! First of all, let’s enjoy Hawaii and get in touch with the various people and things here! I want to absorb so many things on this trip and then go home!’ 

Hikaru: ‘Let’s go, Tsubasa-chan!’

Tsubasa: ‘Yes!’

(Hikaru-kun really is a caring and kind person…..)

END ____________________

* Hikaru actually says this in English. 

[t0bey]

plum drop the essay on fuyu/peko and mondo/taka paralelles !!!! i am curious

ask and u shall recieve (inserting my first ever page break because holy FUCK this got long) 

oke! I guess I’ll start off with Peko’s initial conception as a character, which was the main initial comparison danganronpa intended between Peko and Kiyotaka.

I’ve noticed danganronpa has a tendency to re-use character tropes or roles after each game, tho their fates end up differently. For example, Chihiro was the smart, cute, and sweet character who ended up dying early on and had little significance outside of alter ego afterwards. Chiaki is the same, except if Danganronpa took Chihiro’s character and made her one of the main protagonists that has much more significance in the game. 

The staff of SDR2 confirmed that they based Peko off of Kiyotaka, from their intense red eyes (which was intentional) + predominately b&w colorscheme, they both have swords, and their characters are tied to justice, though in different ways. Not to mention both are meant to be extremely disciplined, but ultimately struggle at socializing due to their rough backstories. But that’s where Peko’s ties to Taka as an initial concept end there, because the parallels between Peko/Taka and Fuyuhiko/Mondo are a whole ‘nother ballpark.

Before bringing that up though, we should note that while their designs are significantly different, Mondo and Fuyuhiko are extremely similar in terms of their backstory and personality (down to their ability to curse like a sailor). Both struggle with an inferiority complex (Fuyuhiko w/ how he isn’t taken seriously because of his babyface, Mondo w/ how his self esteem is really fragile and gets jealous of others when he acknowledges them to be stronger than him). Both act like tough, aggressive lone-wolfs (well, Mondo pre-sauna anyways), but have been stated to have a soft side, to the point they doubt their capabilities of being a tough leader because of it. They both even have a sibling they both believe would be a better leader than them (Daiya and Natsumi). BASICALLY fuyuhiko and mondo are the same role, being the intimidating gang leader that no one should fuck with, but in actuality has a lot of insecurities behind that facade. 

Ok, ok, time to the ACTUAL relationship parallel analysis. We now know why Peko/Taka are meant to be parallels, and we can definintely make a solid claim for Fuyuhiko and Mondo. This isn’t new for Danganronpa, in their tendency to use patterns but give them a different twist depending on the game. Which is exactly what happened in  regards to chapter 2 of THH and SDR2, respectively.

The games’ chapter 1s are simple: meant to introduce the characters/game/stakes. Leon and Sayaka’s deaths were tragic, but the emotional impact of them wasn’t the main priority by the writers. Only to show that this was, indeed, a Killing Game where anyone’s possible to die. But chapter 2 of danganronpa is intended to be the chapter where you’re introduced to just how emotional and tragic the games can actually be, meant for maximum heartbreak (for both the characters and the player).

Chapter 2 of THH was where the different students’s relationships between each other became more solid. Sakura and Aoi were good friends. Toko’s obsession for Byakuya first solidified. Hifumi being Celeste’s servant, etc. Taka and Mondo’s fast developed friendship is no different. After the sauna, the two clicked so much that they believed calling each other just a friend wasn’t really accurate, and settled on calling each other brother instead. While they don’t have memories of their close friendship during Hope’s Peak at this time, it’s heavily implied that their closeness during that time made them subconsciously gravitate towards each other so fast, which could also be seen with Sakura and Aoi, and how Chihiro was able to find Makoto familiar during their introduction. 

Peko and Fuyuhiko’s relationship could be considered to be just as close. The two grew up together, quite literally since they were kids. Like Taka and Mondo’s relationship pre-sauna, Fuyuhiko and Peko’s relationship was somewhat strained, though it’s more deeply rooted than two extremely contrasting guys clashing over their perceptions of each other. Fuyuhiko is extremely insecure in his place as the Kuzuruyuu clan’s head, and sees Peko’s desire to protect him and carry out his commands as an unwanted crutch that challenges his desire to be independent, as well as extremely worrying considering how because of this, Peko devalues her own life and worth as a person. Fuyuhiko very much loves Peko as a person, and as such tried to distance himself from her during their time on Jabberwock Island. Though unfortunately, Peko took this as him loathing her in general, further cementing her desire to be his “tool” because if he couldn’t stand being around her, she might as well make herself useful to him.  

Now. Finally to get into the explicit parallels between the relationships of Kiyotaka/Mondo, and Peko/Fuyuhiko. Peko and Taka’s perspective on their relationships is a great starting point. 

Each game’s chapter 2 shows just how willing both Taka and Peko are willing to go in order to protect Mondo and Fuyuhiko. Peko’s motive for killing Mahiru wasn’t to escape, but to in her eyes save Fuyuhiko from the Killing Game, by using herself as his tool to carry out muder, and have everyone incorrectly vote for her so Fuyuhiko could get away. She was his bodyguard in the truest sense of the word. Now in THH’s chapter 2, instead of fighting against Mondo in proving his guilt, you’re fighting Kiyotaka. He refuses any evidence you throw at him, arguing relentlessly to prove Mondo’s innocence, to the point the only reason he stopped was because Mondo told him to. And you later find out, in chapter 3, that Kiyotaka felt so determined to prove Mondo’s innocence was because he felt like it was his responsibility to, as he cared for Mondo so much. 

So, in a way, Taka considers himself Mondo’s bodyguard. Just without the years worth of reinforcement that you’re nothing but a tool to be used which makes you devalue your own worth as a person. (Not that his self esteem and willpower wasn’t ultimately crushed by Mondo’s execution, but that’s only because the circumstances he lost him was undenyingly brutal considering the Killing Game). While the circumstances of Peko’s desire to protect Fuyuhiko are really murky and problematic considering how she was raised, Danganronpa confirmed that she protected him so much because of her care for him, to the point she was willing to sacrifice her own life to assure that Fuyuhiko is safe. And Kiyotaka was willing to go to the exact same drastic measures, by voting for himself. 

It’s also worth noting that in the stage play, he willingly accepted to be punished alongside him by doing this to make sure Mondo doesn’t die alone. 

So from my own understanding, Super Danganronpa 2 took the tragedy of Mondo and Taka’s relationship, and flipped it so that while it still follows its signature use of repetitive patterns, they made the circumstances different, but just as heartbreaking. And how? Because they took the Taka of the relationship, and made Peko the culprit. It’s not the Mondo this time, which is who you’re supposed to expect to be the culprit, because of your expectation from THH’s trial 2. 

Peko tried her best to protect Fuyuhiko, much like Kiyotaka tried to after he recognized the fact Mondo was the blackened. Both were, at the expense of their classmate’s and their own lives, were willing to protect them both, no matter what. Peko took a more active role in trying to do this however, which is what Kiyotaka severely regretted not doing, as stated in chapter 3. 

And Fuyuhiko is what would have happened if Mondo was forced to face the consequences of his actions (in Fuyu’s case, being partially responsible for Mahiru’s death, in Mondo’s case, Chihiro’s). Instead of Taka arguing to prove Mondo’s innocence, it’s Fuyuhiko who’s doing that for Peko. A deliberate use of subverting the pattern given to us by THH’s chapter 2.  

That’s the main takeaway, but I suppose I should also address the romantic parallels while I’m at it. I personally don’t like Kuzupeko as a romantic relationship, mainly because of how Peko’s self worth and personal value of herself as a person was as a direct result from being considered Fuyuhiko’s “tool” and their professional relationship as yakuza leader/henchman. Fuyuhiko does love her as a person, but that doesn’t negate the years of psychological degradation Peko endured to consider herself as a tool. Though in typical Danganronpa fashion, they choose to gloss over the problematic aspects of their relationship while heavily implying romantic subtext between them. So while I can’t say I’m a fan, I know the game/DR3 anime says otherwise. 

And as for Ishimondo, I know some will disagree with me, but I definitely feel that their relationship is heavily lined with romantic subtext as well. Not much is really explicit in the game outside of Ishida and Hifumi’s romantic rivalry for alter ego (who Taka considers Mondo), but the mangas and posters definitely show their relationship that most would consider normal for couples.

But at the end of the day? Both Peko and Taka love Fuyuhiko and Mondo, whether or not you consider both, one, or none of their relationship to be romantic. They wouldn’t have put their own lives on the line if it was anything else. And it’s that emotional connection between Kiyotaka and Mondo, and Peko and Fuyuhiko that’s meant to give you an emotional punch in the gut for THH and SDR2’S chapter 2’s, because of how far the two were willing to protect them.

[k-comfyspace]

Lucky

Idol: Izone

Request: No

I wanted to do an introduction to the fourth member before some request, I just wanted to have a base before I start writing any Izone idea that comes to mind

A/n: In the beginning I replaced Han Cho Won with Y/n because of story purposes. So I hope no one flames me! I had no other ideas on how to include Y/n, I hope you like this!

“The trainee in the 12th place is...”

“We’ll announce it soon,”

You released a breath as you stared ahead, looking at the girls who sat in their thrones. Each one of them staring at you and Chaeyeon, conflicted on who they wanted to join them, if it was their decision they would choose you both.

But sadly it wasn’t

They all had their own interactions with both of you, either behind the scenes or on camera, they admired both of you and never once compared you to each other. The two of you are exceptionally good dancers, you could sing, and you two would gladly give up all your time to help them when they struggled.

It was almost as if you and Chaeyeon were long lost siblings.

Right now, all they wanted to do was go down and comfort the two of you because, really they wanted you two to be part of the group.

The long hours you spent with each of them going through your mind as you turned your head to look at Chaeyeon. You knew for a fact that she is gonna win, both of you might have been similar but Chaeyeon already had the spot since the beginning.

And the thought managed to put a small smile on your face because even if you go home today without winning, the memories and friends you made was enough to make you happy.

“11 trainees have been chosen to debut so far, we only have one place left, among the trainees’ faces that were revealed earlier. Lee Chaeyeon from WM Entertainment and L/n Y/n from Cube Entertainment are still waiting for the result,”

You sighed again as they spoke, each word lifting your spirits as you prepared yourself to hear your friend’s name getting announced.

“Only one of them will achieve their dreams to debut,”

“The last debuting member chosen by the National Producers, who received 221,000 votes,”

“The last trainee who’s going to join as a member is...”

Inhaling slowly, you raised your head with a small smile on your face, stepping back as you gave the lead to Chaeyeon, fully accepting the situation.

“L/n Y/n and Lee Chaeyeon, from Cube Entertainment and WM Entertainment!”

Your mind didn’t register it correctly, as everything went quiet for a second before the raging roar of the crowd rang in your ears, the girls in front standing up. Shock clearly visible on their faces as Chaeyeon turned to pull you in her arms.

“We did it Y/n, we made it!”

You were still in shock but your arms looped around Chaeyeon’s body, tears already streaming down your face as you took in the situation.

“A surprising turn of events, for the first time in Produce history, we have a tie!”

You and Chaeyeon hugged the others before walking across the stage to meet with your members, all of them teary eyed, while they watched both of you with a smile.

“We know this journey has been hard for both of you but it was all worth it in the end,”

Your tears started to stream down harder as all the girls came down to hug both of you, sharing their praises and congratulations,

“Would you like to say anything?”

While Chaeyeon said her thanks, you wiped your tears as the girls smiled and hugged you. Whispering their excitement before you held the microphone shakily.

“I-uh, want to thank everybody who supported us till the end, this means so much to me that I got a chance to debut with these girls,” you sniffled, feeling some of the girls’ hands on your back, comforting you as you pushed on.

“T-thanks to my family believing in me and as well as the other trainees, we all worked hard and I would never forget all the things you taught me, as well as the teachers who helped us get where we are, thank you s-so much,”

You pulled away as another sob escaped your lips, before all of you gathered into a group hug, tears streaming down your faces as you celebrated in shock and joy. Starting to hear the fans shouting each of your names,

“....Yuri....Y/n....”

“Y/n!”

You opened your eyes, sitting up on the chair as Yena’s laugh echoed in your ears, blinking as you rubbed your eyes before yawning, checking the watch on the wall as you stood. “Wakey, wakey sleepy head, you’re on in 5,” Yena said as you adjusted to your surroundings, remembering that you were on a shoot for your latest comeback.

“You’re done, already?” You asked as the older smiled at you

“I finished an hour ago, I was supposed to call you but Yuri volunteered first since she wanted you to get some sleep.” You yawned again and nodded, smiling at your members’ thoughtfulness before checking yourself in the mirror and walking outside.

You saw some of your members to the side laughing with each other as you approached them. When you were near enough they turned their heads to you before smiling, “Look who’s awake!” Eunbi teased you before pulling you closer and rubbing your head.

You whined in her hold, pushing her hand away before you fixed your hair, giggles coming from the others before smiling at them.

It’s been two years since that fateful day and you couldn’t have been more grateful. You were doing the job you wanted, along with the people that you worked with to get where you are now.

Though the first year had been hard, you all got past that and started to enjoy your job even more, especially with members like yours. They treated you as their own sibling and helped through your struggles, they brought you up when you were down, and gave you the confidence that you needed.

Though you often told them that you could handle things they insisted, after all you helped them get to where they are now, so it was all fair to them.

“L/n Y/n, please come to stage 1,”

You smiled at the others, walking to the stage as you passed by Yuri, giving her a grateful smile as you thanked her for giving you an extra hour of sleep before stepping on the stage.

Waving playfully at the camera, listening to the directors instructions, nodding a few times before you got into position, shifting your eyes to your members at the side who raised their thumbs at you encouragingly.

You closed your eyes, the sound of the staff and directors moving and instructing made you smile. Once you heard the music play, you opened your eyes, the chick aura coming out before your body moved along with the music.

It was determination, the enjoyment of doing your job which made you dance passionately, a slight excitement to your steps contrasting the cool aura that showed in your eyes and smile.

You members’ smile made it all worth it, you got the job you wanted with the people that became your second family, and at the end of the day you had the same thought, smiling as you spent time with your members.

Because the world truly blessed you with amazing members, and a fun job, and you could never forget how lucky you were.But sadly it wasn’t

They all had their own interactions to both of you, either behind the scenes or on camera, they admired both of you and never once compared you to each other. The two of you are exceptionally good dancers, you could sing, and you two would gladly give up all your time to help them when they struggled.

It was almost as if you and Chaeyeon were long lost siblings.

Right now, all they wanted to do was go down and comfort the two of you because, really they wanted you two to be part of the group.

The longs hours you spent with each of them going through your mind as you turned your head to look at Chaeyeon. You knew for a fact that she is gonna win, both of you might have been similar but Chaeyeon already had the spot since the beginning.

And the thought managed to put a small smile on your face because even if you go home today without winning, the memories and friends you made was enough to make you happy.

“11 trainees have been chosen to debut so far, we only have one place left, among the trainees’ faces that were revealed earlier. Lee Chaeyeon from WM Entertainment and L/n Y/n from Cube Entertainment are still waiting for the result,”

You sighed again as they spoke, each word lifting your spirits as you prepared yourself to hear your friend’s name getting announced.

“Only one of them will achieve their dreams to debut,”

“The last debuting member chosen by the National Producers, who received 221,000 votes,”

“The last trainee who’s going to join as a member is...”

Inhaling slowly, you raised your head with a small smile on your face, stepping back as you gave the lead to Chaeyeon, fully accepting the situation.

“L/n Y/n and Lee Chaeyeon, from Cube Entertainment and WM Entertainment!”

Your mind didn’t register it correctly, as everything went quiet for a second before the raging roar of the crowd rang in your ears, the girls in front standing up. Shock clearly visible on their faces as Chaeyeon turned to pull you in her arms.

“We did it Y/n, we made it!”

You were still in shock but your arms looped around Chaeyeon’s body, tears already streaming down your face as you took in the situation.

“A surprising turn of events, for the first time in Produce history, we have a tie!”

You and Chaeyeon hugged the others before walking across the stage to meet with your members, all of them teary eyed, while they watched both of you with a smile.

“We know this journey has been hard for both of you but it was all worth it in the end,”

Your tears started to stream down harder as all the girls came down to hug both of you, sharing their praises and congratulations,

“Would you like to say anything?”

While Chaeyeon said her thanks, you wiped your tears as the girls smiled and hugged you. Whispering their excitement before you held the microphone shakily.

“I-uh, want to thank everybody who supported us till the end, this means so much to me that I got a chance to debut with these girls,” you sniffled, feeling some of the girls’ hands on your back, comforting you as you pushed on.

“T-thanks to my family believing in me and as well as the other trainees, we all worked hard and I would never forget all the things you taught me, as well as the teachers who helped us get where we are, thank you s-so much,”

You pulled away as another sob escaped your lips, before all of you gathered into a group hug, tears streaming down your faces as you celebrated in shock and joy. Starting to hear the fans shouting each of your names,

“....Yuri....Y/n....”

“Y/n!”

You opened your eyes, sitting up on the chair as Yena’s laugh echoed your ears, blinking you rubbed your eyes before yawning checking the watch on the wall as you stood. “Wakey, wakey sleepy head, you’re on in 5,” Yena said as you adjusted to your surroundings, remembering that you were on a shoot for your latest comeback.

“You’re done, already?” You asked as the older smiled at you

“I finished an hour ago, I was supposed to call you but Yuri volunteered first since she wanted you to get some sleep.” You yawned again and nodded, smiling at your members’ thoughtfulness before checking yourself on the mirror and walking outside.

You saw some of your members to the side laughing with each other as you approached them. When you were near enough they turned their heads to you before smiling, “Look who’s awake!” Eunbi teased you before pulling you closer and rubbing your head.

You whined in her hold, pushing her hand away before you fixed your hair, giggles coming from the others before smiling at them.

It’s been two years since that faithful day and you couldn’t have been more grateful. You were doing the job you wanted, along with the people that you worked with to get where you are now.

Though the first year had been hard, you all got past that and started to enjoy your job even more, especially with members like yours. They treated you as their own sibling and helped through your struggles, they brought you up when you were down, and gave you the confidence that you needed.

Though you often told them that you could handle things they insisted, after all you helped them get to where they are now, so it was all fair to them.

“L/n Y/n, please come to stage 1,”

You smiled at the others, walking to the stage as you passed by Yuri, giving her a grateful smile as you thanked her for giving you an extra hour of sleep before steeping on the stage.

Waving playfully at the camera, listening to the directors instructions, nodding a few times before you got into position, shifting your eyes to your members at the side who raised their thumbs at you encouragingly.

You closed your eyes, the sound of the staff and directors moving and instructing made you smile. Once you heard the music play, you opened your eyes, the chick aura coming out before your body moved along with the music.

It was determination, the enjoyment of doing your job which made you dance passionately, a slight excitement to your steps contrasting the cool aura that showed in your eyes and smile.

You members’ smile made it all worth it, you got the job you wanted with the people that became your second family, and at the end of the day you had the same thought, smiling as you spent time with your members.

Because the world truly blessed you with amazing members, and a fun job, and you could never forget how lucky you were.

[acephysicskarkat]

I don't want to start fights, but don't you think you may be going way too far with the salt? It's one thing to not be happy with the way a show ended(and so many people think S5 was great, so you are in a huge minority already), but to insult the showrunner because *one* ship didn't become canon is going too far, mate. Catradora was there from the start, and Catra had an amazing redemption arc. Then again, I am just one person, so idk. Anyway, thanks. -Callum.

I actually respect Noelle Stevenson a lot: bringing a show like She-Ra all the way to its conclusion, producing seasons 1-4 (which are in fact really good), working hard for BLM, all while being out and proud in an industry that still has plenty of bigots around - these are legitimate achievements that are worthy of respect.

However.

1) I don’t give a shit how many people liked S5. I am allowed my own opinions on my own blog. If you don’t like my opinions the block button is right there. Telling me that a lot of fans like the season is an irrelevant data point because my opinions are not subject to majority vote.

2) Catradora was part of the disappointment that was S5, but it was far from the only thing. The strong ensemble cast, one of the best things about the show, is underused; every redemption arc is utterly weightless (Catra’s isn’t the worst but it’s still badly undercooked, of which more later), Glimmer and Bow are barely relevant despite the BFS being the show’s actual beating heart (I know Noelle says Catradora was supposed to be the heart but it’s never felt like that to me), everything related to Catra and Adora’s relationship feels forced, out-of-character and clumsy, the resolution is tied to a bullshit save-the-world button with unclear results, long-running elements like Adora’s family or the Catra/Shadow Weaver parallels are ditched in favour of coming up with dumb answers about what Greyskull means, and the writing is just kind of bad.

It has good elements - I loved the Star Siblings, I liked having Entrapta actually deal with the consequences of her actions, Melog and Wrong Hordak were good additions, and “Peril of Peekablue” was excellent, on par with something like “Mer-Mysteries” - but the season was considerably worse than all the others.

Like, I actually went into S5 going “The most likely outcome here is Catradora canon, but hey, maybe this will be the season that sells me on it” and it wasn’t. It really, really wasn’t.

3) Catradora was there from the start, but it was also badly done from the start and S5 did not meaningfully improve it. It’s actually my go-to on how not to tell an enemies-to-lovers arc because the “enemies” part is really prolonged, heavily emphasised, toxic, unpleasant, emotionally wearing and vicious and the “to” is super rushed and clumsy (of which more in the next bullet point). From "The Promise” to the end of season 4, there are no moments where Catra and Adora’s emotional connection does anything to soften the hostility; if anything, it makes Catra worse because it adds a really cruel and personal note to the whole thing.

Then S5 executes on it badly because it relies heavily on papering over inconvenient events and character development instead of trying to build organically on what has happened before. Catra telling Adora, “You never gave up on anything, not even me,” is my go-to example of this, because she did. It was the S3 climax and a huge moment for Adora’s personal arc! And then the show even reinforced it by having Adora throw a robot directly at Catra’s face with pretty unambiguous intent to kill, or at least severely wound, in "Flutterina”. But it’s not dealt with; instead, we get one questionable line of dialogue about pretending it never happened. Having Adora admit she was wrong to give up on Catra and swearing never to do so again could have been a really powerful moment, but instead of trying to do anything with the thing we saw happen onscreen, it’s just shoved under the rug. It’s bad writing and a huge waste of interesting potential. (It’s also bad planting and payoff; we get the setup in S3, the reminder in S4, and then it’s outright retconned away.)

4) Catra’s redemption arc is actually kind of bad. It’s not as bad as Hordak’s, which I only barely consider a redemption arc because it’s super truncated and he never admits to even doing anything wrong, but it’s bad.

First, it’s super fucking rushed. Literal years of seething, constantly building resentment disappear offscreen; there’s never a point where she meaningfully grapples with it or comes to realise that being “Shadow Weaver’s favourite” was also a hellish experience just in different ways. She does her one big redemptive act, gets forgiven instantly by everyone (including Adora, for whom it feels badly out of character given the aforementioned giving-up, her suspicion in “Princess Prom” before Catra had even tried to ruin her life once let alone six times, etc.), and her resentment just...vanishes in one hand-hold. It was her defining personality trait and the underlying cause for most of her time as an antagonist; it really should have been, you know, dealt with, instead of just forgotten. It does try to deal with her anger issues and problems expressing vulnerability, but that’s like saying that now that Azula has agreed not to torture small animals everything is fine; it’s far from the deepest issue here and pretending otherwise does the character and the show a disservice.

Worse than that, nothing she actually did feels like it means anything because the show just shoves it all under the rug. I’m not asking that she spend an episode personally making it up to each person she’s harmed a la Zuko, not least because after her participation in the sack of Salineas that’s more episodes than a long-running daytime soap opera, but at the very least using her actions in seasons 1-4 for something could have led to some really interesting scenes and good character moments and all that potential is instead just wasted. Angella’s death is just plum forgotten despite how important it was last season; the parallels between Catra’s actions in “White Out” and Horde Prime’s chips are never explored; the Shadow Weaver parallels the show’s been building for four seasons and explicitly stated in the graphic novel tie-in are just ditched and nothing ever comes of them; everyone who might not forgive Catra in under five minutes is mind-controlled until the season is almost over, contributing to the sidelining of the strong ensemble cast. It just feels like they didn’t know how to square Catra’s actions in seasons 2-4 with how they wanted her arc to end, so they just opted to pretend those actions never happened, and as a direct result the whole mess lacks texture and weight and doesn’t feel like a satisfying development for her story. It never feels like she’s dealing with the consequences for her actions, because her actions don’t have consequences.

Noelle once said that the driving question for Catra was “what happens when you’re the toxic friend”, and now we have the answer: nothing. Catra faces no long-term consequences for being the toxic friend. Perfuma’s one minute of being angry is the longest gap between Catra seeming sad and Catra getting forgiven. Nothing she did matters in the long run except in the sense that she’s kind of sad about them in aggregate. None of her bridges are burned so badly they can’t be fixed. And that’s a bad answer, because in real life when you’re the toxic friend people do refuse to forgive you instantly when you say sorry. Relationships do get trashed so badly they never recover. The pain you cause matters, and the traits that made you the toxic friend take work to overcome...unless you’re Catra, in which case the pain you cause suddenly stops mattering and your issues can be dealt with in under an hour offscreen.

Or at least, that’s my attitude. Like, if you liked the season, I’m not saying you’re an idiot or have bad taste. But I hated it. It could maybe have been good if it had been two seasons, actually allow Catra’s arc to breathe instead of speedrunning the whole thing, done more with the ensemble cast etc., but what we got was a rushed mess and telling me that “lots of people liked the rushed mess actually” is not relevant to that assessment.

(Just as a side note, if you really don’t want to start a fight, I’m not sure sending passive-aggressive asks to the tune of “have you considered that your opinions are Wrong actually and mine are Right” is the best way to go about it.)

[theravenclawrevolutionary]

In one last celebration of Maxime's birthday here's a collection of three birthday scenes from my novel wip about him! This post is fairly long and certainly unpolished so read at your own risk.

Excerpt from Chapter One, featuring newborn Maxime

"Isn't he wonderful mon amour," Jacqueline asked her husband, tearing her eyes away from her son for the first time since he'd been placed in her arms. "Absolutely wonderful! And to think," she said pausing to look into François' eyes. "He was born out of love. Not everyone can say that for themselves."

"You're right," François muttered, thinking back to the day Jacqueline had told him that she was pregnant. She'd told him a month or so after they had done the very thing that caused it. He had been courting her on and off for a little more than a year and one night the two had let their emotions and desires get the better of them in the worst way possible.

The night Jacqueline told him, François had done two things. First he had gone out and drank for quite a considerable length of time. While he was out he had decided that he was going to marry Jacqueline. At the beginning of their still-new marriage, there were times when he wasn't sure whether he did it for his honor or the sake of Jacqueline and the child. Now, he realized, as he sat with his own little family, it didn't matter who he originally did it for. Either way, he'd made the right choice.

Yet even after they had promised to marry, the two were the talk of Arras. Everyone knew everyone there and all it seemed anyone could talk about was the brewer's daughter, her scandalous relationship with the well-known attorney, and the swiftly growing child that was the result. There had been numerous occasions several months before they were set to be married, and he'd been so terrified of what others would say and whether or not he was ready for such a commitment that he'd almost called off the entire thing. His own parents hadn't even attended the ceremony when it finally came around and Jacqueline's parents only went because witnesses were required. Yet here he was, four months married with a beautiful newborn son and a wife that he loved.

The child shifted his small arm slightly, inadvertently drawing his parents’ attention back to him. His tiny eyes opened slightly for a fraction of a second, revealing pale green irises that matched his mother's. Gently, trying her best not to disturb the child, his mother bent down to kiss him on the head. A few moments went by in comfortable silence. The three sat together, warm, and filled with love.

"He's going to be named after you, you know." François looked away from Maximilien's peaceful face, startled at his wife's words. She laughed slightly and laid her head on his shoulder.

"What?" Francois was completely taken aback.

“He's going to be named after you. Maximilien François; that's going to be his name." Jacqueline smiled up at her husband and shifted even closer against him, enjoying the slightly surprised expression on his face. Her husband was not usually an easily surprised man so she took great pride in the times she did manage to surprise him. "We've talked about this before, you know. It was the night I told you about him. I told you that after you came back to me." She refrained from adding, 'Not that you were sober enough to remember it.' As well as things had turned out, her husband’s fondness for alcohol did occasionally tend to cause problems when his emotions ran high enough. She could smell it faintly on his breath.

There had been no expectation of all-encompassing joy that night. It had been terrifying to say, like a criminal confessing his crime to a condemning judge. Her lips had trembled and her eyes had filled with tears as her lover approached their meeting place.

Francois had greeted her with a kiss to her hairline, his dark eyes taking in her pale face. He’d said some words as well, but Jacqueline didn’t hear them. Her own words spilled from her lips, burning as they left. Francois froze for a few moments like an animal caught in a trap. He made to move toward her and for a moment she thought that perhaps everything would be alright in the end. He fled. And then he’d returned.

Jacqueline could remember looking up at him from the place she had sat crying for hours. She could remember smelling the alcohol strong on his breath and clothes as he fumbled over his words. But she could also remember him kissing her cheek softly with one hand resting gently on her stomach and telling her that everything was going to be alright. And everything was. He’d gone out and bought a ring, and tried, really tried, to make things right. Jacqueline was so lost in her memories that she almost didn't hear the soft sound of her son fussing in her arms.

"Shhhh," she crooned sleepily, holding the child close to her chest. One hand reached out of his blankets for a moment and François tucked it back in as gently as he could manage. "Hush little Maxime. You will be alright. Nothing will happen as long as your father and I are here, and we always will be." Quietly comforting their son, Jacqueline and Francois sat together in peaceful darkness until the priest came to baptize him.

Excerpt from Chapter two, featuring six-year-old Maxime

“Come on little man. Let’s show you your gift shall we?” François headed for the door, making sure that Maximilien ducked his head before stepping outside. The street was mostly empty and the sky was still cloudy and grey, but the fresh smell of the recently finished rain filled their nostrils and the sound of their own laughter filled their ears. Jaqueline, walking slowly because of her pregnancy, and the other children with their little legs followed the pair out of the house. Maximilien gasped.

“Birds! You got me birds, Papa? Oh, thank you! Thank you, Papa!” A small wooden cage containing two gray doves chirping softly sat beside the door. Maximilien knelt down beside it and stuck his fingers through the slats, hoping that one of the birds would come land on his finger. He felt the water on the road soak into the knees of his breeches but ignored it. He was too entranced by the birds to care.

“You like them then,” Jacqueline asked smiling. She already knew the answer, but she wanted to hear it from her son.

“Oh yes! I love, love, love them! Do they have a name already? Or can I name them?”

“Go right ahead darling,” Jacqueline said, lifting Augustin into her arms. “They’re yours now. But you have to promise to take care of them, alright?” He nodded earnestly.

“I promise! Cross my heart and hope to cry! Wait… is it die? Hmmm… I dunno.” He paused to think for a few moments. “I’m going to name them um… Sunny and… and Tart!”

“They’re so cute,” Henriette squealed, pushing her way past her parents. “Can I pet one Maxime?” He made a face but nodded anyway.

“I guess so. But be nice. You gotta be gentle.” Maximilien took her little hand in his and slowly guided it towards the birds. They squawked a little and ruffled their feathers slightly but allowed the two to pet them.

“Wow,” she breathed. “Lottie look! See them?” Charlotte giggled and joined her siblings by the cage. François and Jacqueline smiled at each other in the setting sun.

It had taken a significant amount of time to get him to bed that night. He kept finding his way back to the cage which had been moved to his bedroom.

“Maximilien lay down!” He sighed and stormed over to his bed, stomping his feet and glaring at his mother as he went. “If you don’t behave, you’re going to have to be punished.” He flopped onto the bed.

“But Maman,” he protested. “I want to play with my birds!”

“If you don’t go to sleep you won’t be allowed to visit Grand-mère and Grand-père tomorrow. And I know you were so looking forward to it." Those words seemed to have the desired effect because Maximilien nearly fell out of bed as he scrambled under the bedsheets and pulled them up around his chin. “I thought you might see it that way darling,” Jacqueline said, smoothing her son’s hair and planting a kiss on his forehead.

Maximilien fell asleep easily that night with a smile on his face and the sound of his birds chirping quietly in the corner.

Excerpt from Chapter 25, featuring thirty-one-year-old Maxime

May 6th proved to be an interesting birthday. Most of the day was spent in the palace assembly hall that housed all the meetings of the Estates-General, listening to the bickering of hundreds of men. It was also discovered that, though the representation of delegates from the Third Estate had been doubled, the entirety of the men gathered still shared one vote. Outraged at the holdover from the outdated 1614 meeting, several men voiced their opinions on the largest class receiving the same number of votes as the minuscule portion of society represented in the First and Second Estates, none too quietly either. For Maximilien, a large portion of the assembly was spent gritting his teeth and trying to ignore the pounding headache forming behind his eyes.

Camille, who Maximilien hadn’t known to be around Versailles, found where he was staying and gifted him a surprise visit that night.

Maximilien had been sitting at the rickety desk in the half-light of the setting sun, scribbling down a few lines of poetry into his journal, when the knock came.

“Um… hel- hello,” a muffled, but familiar, voice asked from the other side. “Is this where Maxime, I mean Monsieur de Robespierre is staying? I’d heard that it is.”Maximilien sprang to his feet, removing his glasses and setting them beside the journal before running his fingers through his hair, attempting to comb it into some semblance of order.

“Camille? Is that you? What are you doing in Versailles?!”

“Yes. It’s me. Let me in and I’ll tell you.” Maximilien opened the door and Camille, with his curls dancing wildly about his head, bounded into the room. He embraced Maximilien with a grin and kicked the door closed behind him. “Oh! Right. Happy birthday by the way. That is the whole reason I stopped by after all.” Maximilien gestured to the delicate desk chair he had just been sitting at.

“Ah. Thank you. Would you… would you like to sit down? I feel as if you’ll be staying for quite some time.” Camille complied and sat gingerly on the edge of the chair, holding his breath a little as he did so, clearly hoping it wouldn’t break under his slight frame. “I’d offer you refreshments, but I feel that it’s painfully obvious that I have none.”

“That’s alright. I realized about halfway here that I should have brought you a gift of some sort.”

“I’m sure the tales of what you’ve done since we last spoke will be a gift on its own.” Camille laughed, the warm sound filling the dark cramped room and bringing back fondly bittersweet memories from their years at Louis le Grand. “So please, enlighten me as to what’s delivered you to the same place as I. And any other stories you find worthy of mentioning.”

“I haven’t been elected to the Estates-General as you well know,,” he began. “I wanted to so incredibly badly, but the men back in Guise aren’t nearly as fond of me as you are. I failed, almost certainly because of their distaste, but living in Paris for so long before with nothing but occasional visits home certainly didn’t help.”

“I’m sorry.” Camille dismissed the comment with a wave of his hand.

“No matter. I’ve been enjoying myself to some degree. My law practice sputters out now and again, but it always comes back around. I write for newspapers on occasion too.”

“How’s Martin,” Maximilien asked, fearing the answer. He had little hope that their relationship had lasted the extent of nine years. “Are you two still together.” Camille let out a barking laugh still tinged with sadness, even after many years.

“No. I apparently was a ‘flight of schoolboy fancy” who was being used for cheap entertainment and all that. He was crying when he told me though. I think it was a lie. His father found out about us. But Martin doesn’t matter. I’m courting a girl now. Lucille Duplessis. She’s very, very pretty, extremely sweet, intelligent for her age, and, unlike Martin, she’s deemed proper by society. I’ve fallen head over heels for her and she seems to feel the same way unless she’s a fucking fantastic actress! Contrary to what her father has to say, I think we’re a good match.”

“Oh… That’s nice. I’ll have to meet her someday. I am sorry about how everything ended with Martin though.”

“‘I’m sorry, I’m sorry.’ Is that all you can say Maxime? You need to relax a little. Tell me, what have you been up to recently?”

“Life in Arras has been good to me since graduation. Not only has my law practice been mildly successful but I’ve also been elected to the Royal Academy of Arras and I spend a lot of time writing poetry. Living with Charlotte was not disagreeable either. We live in a small house we’ve been renting on the Rue du Saumon. It’s only a short walk to my office and an even shorter one to the parish church where my grandparents and mother are buried. In this time I have also realized a… a specific vein of fondness not only for ladies but a few gentlemen as well.”

“Maxime!” Camille’s tone was incredulous and a bit proud. “You’ve turned yourself into a right little rake, haven’t you!” Maximilien sighed in exasperation, pinching the bridge of his nose with one hand as his eyebrows knit.

“Not fondness in the physical way for either of them, like you, Camille,” he said hurriedly, trying to make himself clear. “I know these feelings to be of a solely romantic fashion. Additionally, no feelings have resulted in anything, hindered by my inability to flirt and to detect when someone else is flirting with me in return.”

“Poor Maxime,” Camille said, his voice dripping with playful sarcasm and his hazel eyes shining. He ran a hand through his hair, fluffing out the curls. “Whatever shall you do?”

“Devote my time to helping others. That’s all I’ve ever wanted to do. You know that.”

“And I expect that’s why you wanted to be here, isn’t it. You wanted to be around when the revolution starts.” Maximilien raised an eyebrow. Camille cocked his head. “We’ve been discussing the inevitability of one for years. The Americans did it. They were fed up and they did something about it. We all know it’s only a matter of time before it happens. Danton, a friend of mine back in Paris, you really ought to meet him someday, believes it will happen soon as well.” Maximilien sighed and nodded. Camille was right, a fact he usually hated to admit. Even Arras and its surrounding small towns were rife with talk of forcing change on the country. Even at school, many years ago, the general consensus had been that reforms, real, meaningful reforms were due any year.

“You’re right, of course,” agreed Maximilien. “What better way to help people than to play an active part in achieving their will. I do hope that our ‘revolution’, as you are so fond of calling it, is more civil than the American’s though. What good can come to the people if we must wage war against ourselves?”

“Someday when the two of us are famous and well known from all the good we’ve done for France people will print little books, like those books with bible verses in them or short prayers, but instead they’ll be filled with quotes by you. You’ll have to start saying things like that all the time and hope that I don’t start selling a separate one with all your naughty quotes from Louis le Grand in it.”

“Unlike you Camille, I see no fame or fortune in my future in relation to politics.”

“If you say so Maxime. But I’m not sure how you’re going to help all of France if that’s the case."

[writingsbychlo]

it’s Election Day. I know how stressful that is for you all, no matter what country you’re in, it effects the whole world, and we’re all scared. that’s okay.

if you want to click ‘keep reading’, I’ve tried to make the ultimate list of my anxiety easing tips & just some general guidance that you can use, to try and help soothe your nerves and make this day a little easier!

before the election;

go shopping, get a few days worth of chores done.

prepare yourself for the worst outcome, maybe call in off work for a few days.

reach out to all of your family and friends, and check in on them.

get your house ready, if you’re in somewhere clean and tidy, it’ll help you clear your mind, and serves as a good distraction.

cook a meal, you might have forgotten to eat, make yourself something healthy and nutritious. junk food does not count.

if you live in a potentially dangerous area dependent on outcome, please have yourself a plan ready.

take a bath/shower and make sure you’re feeling totally refreshed. 

clear your mind, you need to be as level-headed and calm as possible for the results, going into it in a mess will only make it worse.

watch your favourite movie, read your favourite book, listen to your favourite songs, just surround yourself with things that make you happy.

don’t start doing things like rearranging your furniture or cutting your own bangs. it’s only going to end in tears.

instead, try painting your nails or other menial tasks that can distract you.

during the election;

now you can have junk food. pizza, alcohol, whatever you need, it’s going to be tense, and you need the comfort.

I know I say it constantly but heat. wear your pyjamas, wrap up warm, hot water bottles, heating pads, red it on your chest. the hot and heavy weight is incredibly soothing. I promise.

lock your doors and windows, close your curtains, make it private. you want to feel safe, and like you’re not being watched, so take those kinds of preventative measures.

make sure your pets are inside and taken care of, there might be angry people in the streets, but you’ll also just want their company, and it’s good to know that they’re safe.

after the election;

don’t go to bed straight away, you’re only going to dwell on it.

have a cup of tea, get sleep tea/calming tea if you have it, it always helps.

go for a smoke, or a drink, or a cake, whatever your crutch it. don’t beat yourself up about it today. just do what you need to do. unless it’s heroin, don’t do that.

reach out to other people, if you’re worrying yourself, or you’re worried about others, talking can help! not being alone!

whether it’s good or bad news, don’t go overboard with your after-election necessities. 

send me an ask, I’ll answer them all privately, I’m just here to listen.

if you’re with family;

comfort everyone else, play games, watch a show, try to keep the peace.

if some of you are in families where the votes are split in the household, try isolating a little. 

avoid all political conversations, don’t get into arguments, don’t be divided, just be quiet and calm.

find tasks/hobbies that unite you, instead of focusing on split-loyalties.

cook together, have a family dinner, share some stories

movie time!! nobody can talk during films!!

if you and your family are on the same page, then seek comfort with them.

hug your parents or your siblings or your nan real tight, it’s a scientifically proven fact that pressure resets the sympathetic nervous system and calms us down, like turning your anxiety switch off and on again.

if you’re alone;

reach out, text people around you, maybe facetime someone else during the results.

lock all your doors and windows.

put your phone on silent, especially landlines, so you don’t get spam/abusive calls.

don’t answer the door if you’re not expecting anybody.

make your environment cosy for yourself, get set up with everything you might need. maybe even make a blanket nest.

look after yourself, stay hydrated, well fed, and warm. don’t let your self-care slip just because you’re worried, it only makes it worse!

if you have to go out to vote;

don’t forget your mask!

don’t wear political statement clothing, be simple and anonymous.

wear sunglasses, it helps disguise your identity, nobody an see who you are or where you’re looking.

wear baggy clothes! I hate to have to say it, but ladies, there will definitely be trump supporting men out there who will try and ‘grab you by the pussy’. don’t even let them look in your direction. wear your brother’s oldest jumper. they’re all sexist perverts, don’t give them anything to look at or excite them. they should know how to control themselves, but they can’t.

wear your mask!!

take hand sanitiser, and your own pen, and your fully-charged phone, and your wallet, your ID, some money, and anything else that you could possibly need. having it all reduced the idea of ‘needing something but you forgot it at home!’

take some water and a snack, you don’t know how long you’ll be queueing. 

take portable chargers, always be talking to someone, never go alone, keep them updated with constant news.

turn on location on your phone and send it to someone, and maybe even a picture of where you are, so that if you need support, they know exactly where to find you.

[jeremys-blogs]

Aftermath (Fan Fiction)

To say that the mood in the house was muted would have been an understatement right now. From the moment the sun had risen there had been an overwhelming quiet throughout the entire place. Few things had been said to each other aside from the customary morning greetings, and for the time being everyone seemed content to just keep to themselves. Through the corner of her eye, Luz could see Eda making attempts to make circles in the air, only for said shapes to simply pass on with no effect. Of course, the older witch would stop as soon as she felt her apprentice's eyes on her, but then things would get somewhat better when the youth offered her a smile. But as nice a moment as that was, it was ended when the house's latest resident entered the living room. Lilith glanced to each of them, with Luz especially showing discomfort at her presence, but to the former's credit she said nothing, instead just walking over to the nearest window to look outside. After a while though, the silence became too much, and Luz knew that there were important things that needed to be said. "Will he send someone after us?"

All eyes were on the human now, save for Lilith, who kept her gaze on the outside. "The Emperor?" She paused, but knew without looking that Luz had nodded to the counter-question. "Hard to say. His reasons for coming after you and Eda were because of the portal...and that's no longer something he can have."

Luz winced, her memory of that moment still fresh in her mind. But as bad as it was that she herself had severed her only connection to her home, it also gave her other worries. "Will he come for revenge? We kinda humiliated him back there."

Placing her hand upon the windowsill, Lilith pondered for a moment. "Belos was always hard to read...but I think that, for now at least, he will keep his distance." For the first time since the conversation started, she turned, looking to Eda specifically. "You and I are no longer the powerful witches we were, Edalyn. It could be that he no longer considers us a threat worth pursuing."

Eda frowned to that. "Don't count on it, sis. Guys like that don't let slights go unanswered. He might not come in force, but he'll at least be keeping an eye on us." She too let her eyes drift to the window. "I wouldn't be surprised if he has someone spying on us right now."

"Ha!" Everyone turned to see that it was King who had laughed, and the small demon confidently strode towards Luz. "I say let em come! Luz here will show em what for!"

Luz smiled, appreciating the vote of confidence, which she showed by patting her friend on the head. But her expression soon turned serious as thoughts of Belos returned to her. "I'd be lying if I said I wouldn't want another shot at that guy. And hey..." She reached into her back pocket, pulling out the small fragment of the Emperor's mask that she'd kept. "I know he's not invincible."

Lilith frowned. "Be wary of overconfidence, apprentice. One successful hit does not win a war."

Eda smirked. "Depends on the hit." When her sister looked back to her, she continued. "All these years, everyone on the Isles though Belos was this big, indestructible king. Untouchable. And then what happens? A human girl comes along and whams him right in the kisser." She snorted briefly. "Everyone saw him up there, mask cracked and all. Word will spread. Maybe his grip isn't as iron-clad as everyone thought."

Hearing that, Lilith arched an eyebrow. "You expect some revolution?" she asked, her voice dripping with scepticism.

Eda shrugged. "Wouldn't be the worst thing to happen." She turned to Luz, smiling. "Oh, what I would have given to have been there when you gave that guy that wake-up call. I can't think of anything better."

Luz blushed, scratching the side of her cheek. "Honestly, I think he was just playing with me. He thought I was no danger." Her smile faded. "If he'd have been serious...I probably wouldn't be here right now."

Eda too looked disheartened, if only a little. "Me neither, kiddo."

Looking down to King, Luz stared at him for a time, then took a deep breath. "But no matter how strong he is...he still needs to be fought." She took a few steps forward, looking to Lilith and then to Eda. "We might not be his target right now, but he's still there, doing who knows what. Other witches will be going through hard times because of him. I saw the other statues, the other petrified witches." She paused here, seeing the discomfort on her mentor's face, no doubt as a result of thinking of what she nearly had happen to her. "He's not going to stop..." Her hand tightened into a fist. "Not unless someone stops him."

Lilith studied her for a long time, then folded her arms as she let out a sigh. "Fine words, child. But let's not forget that you speak of the most powerful being on the Isles. Someone we only just managed to get away from. Even if Eda and I were at our best, which we are most definitely not right now, we would stand little hope of victory against him. How exactly do you plan to bring about this glorious triumph you propose, when we now stand at our weakest?"

As much as she didn't want to admit it, Lilith was right, though Luz maintained her frown as she looked to her. "...However we can."

A silence fell between the two, ending when Lilith at last cracked a smile, then turned to her long-estranged sibling. "I can see why you took her in."

Eda chuckled. "Yep, she's a fire-starter alright."

Luz very much wanted to speak further, but it was here when the door of the house creaked open, causing all to jump slightly. Thankfully, it wasn't some intruder coming to face them, but simply the smiling face of Hooty, who spoke up in that ever-cheerful way of his. "Hoot-hoot! Special delivery! Did anybody order a couple of best friends?"

Though confused, Luz soon understood the words as she saw two figures walk through the front door. Two youths who grinned from ear to ear as soon as they saw her. "Luz!" Willow exclaimed.

The moment she laid eyes on them, Luz looked like she was going to burst into tears of joy, and such was her elation at seeing them that she rushed forward. So great was the impact of her embrace that the two other children were nearly knocked back from it, but thankfully they held their ground and returned the embrace, smiling all the way. It was a sweet moment, and one that even a cynic like Eda couldn't help but grin at, though she remained silent as Luz finally spoke to her friends. "I heard what you did, getting people on our side back there. I...I can't thank you enough."

Willow looked to her fondly. "After everything you've done for us, it was the least we could do."

Gus' smile grew. "Yeah! And hey, if nothing else, my Dad said it was the most eventful broadcast he's ever done. So there's that."

Luz looked to her younger friend with apprehension. "You weren't in too much trouble for that, were you?"

Gus waved her off. "What? Me? Nah. Dad just asked me to check in with him first before I suddenly decide to use his broadcasts to voice anti-Emperor sentiment to the public next time."

Luz had to fight the urge to laugh after a remark like that, but thankfully Willow was there to bring the conversation back to the more serious matter at hand. "Is it true? What they're saying? You actually fought...him?"

Her human friend's smile vanished, replaced instead with a more sombre look. "Yeah, it's true. And I won't lie to you guys...it was kind of a losing fight on my end."

As one would expect after hearing that, Willow and Gus looked to her with astonishment, but also an understandable degree of awe. "You...actually fought...Belos?!" Gus shouted out. In an instant, he whipped out his paper pad and pencil, going into full school journalism mode. "What was the fight like? What spells did you use? Did Belos favour abominations or something else?"

Luz smiled, grateful at her friend for doing at least this to bring the mood up, but when she spoke it was with somewhat less enthusiasm than him. "I'll tell you all about it. But right now I'm just grateful to see you're both okay. Last time I saw you...well....things weren't all that good."

Willow shivered, holding herself as she too thought back to their last encounter with one another. "Don't remind me. When we saw you being taken by that awful Lilith, we worried we'd never see...you...again."

Her voice had become slower and more fearful, and Luz knew already that the moment she'd been dreading had arrived. Her two friends had finally spotted that Lilith was here among them, and the older witch herself now stepped forward. Ever the professional, she had her hands clasped behind her back, giving the two newcomers a small nod of acknowledgement. "Students."

They were both still stunned at her presence, but Willow shook herself out of it, looking to Luz with expected confusion. "Wha...what is she doing here?!"

Luz looked away, thinking hard on how best to answer. "Well, it's kind of a long story...but the short of it is that she's turned against the Emperor and is on our side now...kind of."

Gus blinked a couple of times to that, then again slowly looked to Lilith, then to Eda. "So...is everything...good?" he asked, his voice betraying his uncertainty at the whole thing.

Hearing the question, Eda and Lilith glanced to one another, with the former smiling in that mischievous way she loved so much. "Oh sure, it's no problem. I mean she only cursed me, worked alongside an oppressive dictator and headed the years-long campaign to try and capture me, but hey, it's all good, right sis?"

Lilith at least had the decency to blush somewhat after that, giving Luz the opportunity to look back to her friends. "I think...we're working on it."

"Hoot-hoot! We've got an abomination incoming!" Hooty declared.

All eyes were to the door now. "The Emperor's Coven?!" Luz asked.

Hooty smiled. "Nope! Just that abomination girl."

Luz narrowed her eyes as her mind began to think. "Abomination gir..." Then her eyes widened. "Amity!"

Sure enough, her guess was right on the money, as her other Hexside classmate suddenly arrived onto the scene, carried by her trusty and faithful abomination, who gently let her down so she could get her crutch onto the floor. Once she was sure she was going to be okay on the ground, the fellow Azura fan looked to her otherworldly friend with as much worry as Willow and Gus had been showing. "Luz! Are you okay?!"

Luz rushed to her side, helping to keep her steady. "I was about to ask you that question. Have you recovered yet?"

Amity giggled nervously. "Well, no, not yet. But when I heard you were back here I knew I had to come and see." In that moment, she noticed too that Willow and Gus were here. "Oh. Hey."

The others nodded back to her. "Hey," Willow responded with a smile.

When Amity's attention returned to Luz, she opened her mouth to speak, only to be cut-off when the human girl began to preemptively answer her. "Yes, I went to the castle, yes, I broke Eda out, and yes...I fought Belos. Everyone else has already asked."

Amity immediately turned a shade paler after hearing all that, and when she hobbled forward slightly, her voice was one of pure disbelief. "Do...do you realise what you've done?! You've gone against the leader of the whole Boiling Isles! You'll be declared a criminal! An enemy of the state! He'll be coming for you!"

Luz could hear the worry in her voice, and looked to her softly. "I know...and thank you for worrying about me. But..." She looked over her shoulder, to Eda, and after the master and apprentice shared a glance with one another, Luz turned back to face Amity. "But I just couldn't let him have her."

Amity calmed down now, and also afforded herself a quick blush when she realised that Luz's hand was still on her shoulder. Backing away slightly, she cleared her throat. "Well...I'm just glad you're okay." Her concerned look returned shortly afterwards. "I'm...not sure if you'll be allowed to go back to Hexside after this. Everyone probably knows you're Eda's apprentice now. They might not want you at the school with the other students."

It was a point Luz admittedly hadn't considered, and Willow and Gus too seemed taken aback by the thought, looking to each other with sadness at the prospect of no longer going to school with her. But after a while, Luz looked to all three of her fellow students with the same determination she'd had when going to Belos' castle. "If that's the price...then I'll just have to accept it." She forced a smile. "Besides, it's not as if we won't see each other, right?"

Though the other children were still clearly dwelling on the more negative aspects of this situation, let it never be said that Luz's optimism wasn't infectious when she really got around to it. Amity, Willow and Gus all smiled to her, silently conceding to her point. Alas, as pleasant as this moment was, it was soon interrupted by none other than King, who walked to Luz and looked up to her. "We're all with you, Luz. Criminal or not, we'll help you."

Luz looked to him appreciatively. "Thanks, King. If I had to be stuck anywhere, I'm glad I'm stuck with you guys."

Those words immediately piqued the interest of her friends. "Wait...stuck? What are you walking about?" Willow asked.

A deep sigh from Luz. "Belos wanted Eda and me because of the portal to the human world. And...I had to destroy it." Seeing the looks of shock her friends were giving her, she elaborated. "It was either that or let him have it. I have no idea what he wanted with it, but whatever it was it couldn't be good."

Gus stepped forward. "So...you can't go home?"

In spite of that admittedly bad turn of events, Luz kept her smile. "For now...but I'll get back somehow. I don't know how...but I will."

Amity matched her determination. "And we'll help you. All of us."

Luz smiled to her, again patting her on the shoulder. "Thank you."

Amity smiled back, but through the corner of her eyes she could see movement, and when she turned to see who it was, she looked on with amazement to see that it was her own mentor, Lilith. Like with Willow and Gus, Amity was unsure of what to say or do, and so only managed to get out a whisper. "Miss...Miss Lilith?"

Lilith shook her head. "I am no longer leader of the Emperor's Coven, Amity. There's no need to be calling me 'Miss' right now."

Confusion sank in for the abomination prodigy, and after looking around at everyone else in the house, she clasped her hand over her forehead. "I think...we might need to hear the whole story on this one, Luz."

Willow raised her hand. "I second that."

Luz chuckled, nodding slowly. "Then come on in. I'll get some tea."

Eda watched as her apprentice led her friends into the house proper, and as soon as they were off to the kitchens, she looked over to Lilith, who had once more taken to staring out of the window. "So...why did he want it? The portal?"

Lilith sighed. "I don't know. I may have been his right hand, but he kept secrets even from me. All I know is that access to the human world was important for his plans."

Eda reclined into her sofa, giving herself a quick stretch before speaking up again. "Well, guess he'll have to come up with a new plan. Can't go anywhere with a burned portal after all."

Lilith glanced to her, then again to the window, narrowing her eyes as she looked to the horizon. "...I hope."

[thatsnicebutimmarried]

So let me tell you all about my Saturday:

-my dad was supposed to pick me up after I dropped off my rental car at 10:30am. Despite texting him about it for several days prior and talking to him in person about it extensively the previous night, he was still caught off guard when I approached him at 10:15 and asked if he was ready to go. 

-it was my brother’s wedding day, and at breakfast I berated him for apparently GOING SKYDIVING THE DAY BEFORE. He explained that he figured it was better if he went before the wedding because that way if he died Emily wouldn’t be stuck with all his debt, and I had to admit he had a point.

-I was very sleepy after returning the rental car so I put on a hydrating face mask, took a short nap, and awoke to the election results.

-I straight up danced down the stairs and into the kitchen to pour myself some champagne from one of the bottles already opened for wedding day breakfast mimosas in front of my conservative father. 

-Despite the ban we started talking politics and my brother groaned loudly and left the room.

-Even my dad admitted that the democrats won fair and square, and then he described Trump as “a genius, but Ivanka needs to take his phone away at night. He can’t be allowed to tweet. He has no sense of decorum.” 

-Just when he has me thinking he’s drunk the koolaid he goes and shows some common sense.

-My dad kept interrupting me trying to get ready for the wedding (WHICH I WAS IN) to help him pick out what to wear because he literally waited until the last minute to figure that out.

-I glued a wig on

-My sister called screaming because she thought I was supposed to have been at the venue like an hour ago, contrary to what I had heard and said and literally discussed an hour ago with everyone else

-My dad sped on back country roads all the way to the venue while i changed into my dress in the car

-I arrived to learn that no, I wasn’t late, at least in the opinion of literally everyone except my sister

-I yelled at my sister in front of the entire bridal suite including the photographer, who had photographed both mine and my sister’s weddings. (I apologized to the bride for my outburst but not to my sister because she was wrong and petty and maintained I was late even though I wasn’t, and I’m honestly still lowkey mad at her.)

-My brother got married to his high-school sweetheart, his girlfriend of 11 years, and nearly made me cry with his vows. Honestly they are so cute together and now they’re MARRIED.

-I learned that the reason my history- and presidents-obsessed 7 year old cousin wanted Trump to win the election was because he didn’t want to have to buy a new set of presidents cards. Cuz if Biden won then his set would be out of date. Honestly the only valid reason for wanting to vote Trump. XD

-Out of all my siblings so far to get married, I definitively had the best wedding music playlist. However, points must be given for having the bridesmaids walk down the aisle to an instrumental version of “That Would Be Enough”, and for the groomsmen dancing to “Rasputin” at the reception. 

[bubblywrites]

Running From A Name Chapter 2

A/N: 

piccola - little one

Sfogliatella is a sweet Italian street food

Palermo is the capital of Sicily.

Alma walked hand and hand with Emilio and Miguel through a dark alleyway. The cobblestones of the path were eroded with a decade’s worth of streaks in the rocks. The walls were slathered in slang terms and profanity. Alma was thankful Miguel and Emilio were too young to understand the words. The pier she and her siblings came to Naples through was in an obscure area that did not connect to the city directly. It connected through a series of different back passage ways that led into main roads.

“Walking through here feels like a surefire way to get robbed.”  A bead of sweat rolled down her forehead at the thought of having to deal with a thief or pickpocket. Alma got pulled from her thoughts when Emilio and Miguel’s grips tighten on her hands. She stopped walking to look at each of them with a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry. We’ll be fine. We just have to keep walking.”

Miguel and Emilio still held a sense of panic in their eyes but nodded at Alma's words.

After a few more minutes of walking, Alma came across the gorgeous site of Naples. In the boat, Alma did not get as clear of a view of the city as she thought. Naples’ was a true representation of the deep history rooted in Italy. The city was an urban jungle with architecture that had elements of medieval, renaissance, and baroque styles. These styles complimented each other beautifully, creating an astonishing, modernized version of an ancient Greek city. As Alma strolled through the streets, Miguel and Emilio pointed out every little detail that caught their attention: crowded streets, people on balconies getting deliveries with buckets attached to string, children playing soccer in street pavements, and food stalls of all kinds. Alma breathed in the savory aroma of Neapolitan pizza. Her stomach rumbled and her mouth watered. Alma felt movement on her chest. Isabella had woken up. She waved her arms and kicked her legs in front of her as she gave little cries of joy. Alma massaged her head. “You must be hungry too.” Alma whispered to Isabella.  She kissed the top of her head and focused her attention on her brothers. “Miguel. Emilio. What do you guys want to eat?”

The two of them paused for a moment then shouted out their answers.

“SFOGLIATELLA!” “PIZZA!” “I don’t want pizza!” Emilio whined. “I don’t want anything sweet.” Miguel retorted.

The two of them bickered over which food would be best for breakfast. Isabella giggled and reached her hands towards her arguing brothers. Alma massaged her temples. She squatted down to her brothers’ heights to put her hands on their shoulders. “I’ll be the tie breaker. I vote savory so pizza.”

Emilio folded his arms over his chest as his eyes began to well up with tears. Afraid he would throw a temper tantrum, Alma picked Emilio up to hold him against her hip. Isabella made a noise to complain about her space getting invaded.

“We can get you something sweet after pizza, okay. So please don’t cry. Do it for me.” Alma begged, poking Emilio’s cheek. Emilio wiped his eyes and nodded his head at her. She sighed, putting Emilio back on the ground. Grabbing both of the boys’ hands again, she walked up to the first pizza vendor she saw.

“Those are some cute kids you have with you. What can I get you?” There was a flash of pity in the vender owner's eyes when he greeted her. Alma almost did not catch it. She brushed it off and placed her order.

“Can I get two slices of pizza?” ‘’No problem.”

Alma let go of Miguel and Emilio’s hands to grab some money out the backpack.

“Why’d you only order two slices?” Miguel asked. “Because the slices are really big. You and Emilio probably won’t finish it.” “I can finish it.” Miguel whispered, pouting. “Sure you can.” Alma's voice oozed with sarcasm. Alma paid the vendor owner and grabbed the piping hot slices of margherita pizza. She handed the slices to Miguel, careful not to burn his hands.

“I need you to hold these for me. Careful not to drop them.” “Okay.” Miguel ogled the pizza slices. Alma reached into her hoodie, pulling out a small piece of folded paper. She opened it to read it’s contents. She cleared her throat before speaking to the vendor owner.

“Excuse me, do you know where I can find a restaurant called Libeccio’s? I’m looking for a man named Marco Calamaro.”

The vendor owner stared up at the sky for brief a moment.

“I don’t think I’ve heard of that restaurant or that man. Sorry piccola.” “It’s fine. Thank you for your help.” “No problem. Also, weren't there four of you?”

Alma whipped her head side to side. All the blood drained from her face. Emilio was gone. She grabbed Miguel’s hand, causing him to drop the pizza slices. She frantically searched the area. Her heart thumped against her chest as she could not find Emilio anywhere. The streets were too crowded. He could easily blend in with all the other toddlers that walked along the pavement. Alma swallowed her pride and began to shout Emilio’s name. Isabella started to whimper. Alma was torn between comforting Isabella and shouting Emilio’s name. A groan escaped her lips as she compromised; rub Isabella’s stomach and continue to yell Emilio's name.

“Where could he have possibly ran off too?” Alma's mind raced with scenarios of Emilio in danger and getting hurt. She grabbed Miguel’s hand and ran around the area again.

After five minutes, Alma stopped running to catch her breath. She had one hand on her knee and one holding Miguel’s hand. She panted. Her eyes were wide open and she was sweating all over her body. Alma stung from the tears that were building up in her eyes. She covered Isabella’s ears, took a deep breath and screamed. “EMILIO WHERE ARE YOU?”

The people around Alma either gave her odd stares or pitiful glances. Tears threatened to spill from her eyes. Miguel pulled on Alma’s hoodie. She gazed down at him with glossy eyes.

“Will we be able to find Emilio?” His chubby face contorted with worry. “I don’t know.” Alma whispered, her voice cracking. Just as her tears were about to fall, someone grabbed her shoulder. She looked up and was met with a pair of cerulean eyes. The eyes belonged to a boy who appeared to about Alma’s age. He had a sleek, black bob that framed his face, and he wore all white clothes adorned with black spoon shaped polka dots.

His face filled with concern. “Are you alright?” “I can’t find my little brother. He ran off somewhere when I had my back turned.” Alma sniffled. The boy rubbed her back. The warmth from the his hand was comforting and reassuring.

“What does your younger brother look like?”

Alma stood up straight to answer him. “He’s two years old, comes up to about my thigh, has green eyes and black hair tied into a small ponytail.” Alma fought back her tears to talk to the boy properly. The boy’s face lit up with realization. He stood in front of Alma and pointed behind her. Alma turned her head to look in the direction he was pointing in. Emilio was under an unlit street lamp playing his shoelaces. Alma ran towards him and hugged him tightly. She pulled him back to stare into his eyes. “I’m so glad I found you! Don’t run off from me again. Where did you even run off to”?

“I think I can answer that for you.” The boy walked up behind Alma with a polite smile on his face. Alma whipped her head towards him. Her forehead creased in confusion.

“He was following me. He wanted to get my attention to tell me my clothes looked funny. Personally, I thought my clothes looked kinda cool. ” The boy chuckled. Alma stared at Emilio in disbelief. “You ran off to tell a stranger his clothes looked funny? I-can’t-uurgh”.

She sagged her shoulders and pinched the bridge of her nose. Faint snickering came from next to her. She snapped her head to the boy. His shoulders started to shake as a result of him trying to hold in his laughter. Upon closer inspection, Alma saw that the boy was very handsome. Her cheeks gave off a slight blush at her observation. The two of them were broken from their dazes from Isabella’s giggle fit. The boy leaned in close to Isabella's face to coo at her. She stuck her arms out, trying to grab the boy’s face. He moved a little closer to allow Isabella to latch on to his cheeks.

“I’m gonna assume these are all your siblings.” The boy stood up straight to look Alma in the eyes. She cleared her throat before she answered him.

“Yeah. Sorry about my little brother calling your clothes funny. I think they look good on you.” Alma mentally slapped herself. “Why did I let that last part come out?”  The boy grinned at Alma’s compliment.

“I’m glad you like my clothes. Even if your younger brother thinks differently." Alma and the boy shared a laugh.

“Thank you for helping me find this little rascal.” Alma said, ruffling Emilio’s hair. “No problem.” The boy began to walk off. Before he could leave, Alma called out to him.

“I know you just helped me out, but can I ask you one last thing? Well, two things actually.”

The boy turned back at her. “Sure what is it?”

Alma took the folded piece of paper from her pocket. “Do you know where a restaurant called Libeccio’s is? I’m looking for the owner. His name is Marco Calamaro.”

“I do. You want me to show you the way?” The boy flashed his teeth at her. Alma felt her cheeks heat up once again.

“I would ap-appreciate that.” She stuttered. The boy waved his hand, motioning for her to follow him. She grabbed Emilio's and Miguel’s hands and followed after the boy. He stopped after a few steps. His eyes were filled with curiosity when he looked at Alma.

“You said you had two questions. What was the second one?” “Your name. I wanted to know your name.” “Bruno Buccellati.” “Buccellati. Like the fig cookie?” “I guess so.” He placed his fingers on his chin staring down at the ground. Alma let out a quiet chuckle. Bruno glanced at her confused.

“Its a coincidence that I’m from Sicily. I eat buccellati every year for Christmas". “That explains why you move the way you do. I bet the crowds there aren’t as dense as they are here.”

Alma raised an eyebrow at his comment. “How I move"?

“People here know how to maneuver through crowds easily. You looked a little lost trying to get around.” “Oh. You are absolutely right then.” The two of them shared another laugh as they continued their walk to the restaurant.

“I guess this is your stop.” Bruno said.

Alma stared at the restaurant’s door. “I guess it is. Thank you for showing me the way.”

“No problem. Oh, I didn’t get your name.” “It’s Alma.” “That’s a pretty name. Bye, Alma.” He waved goodbye to her and her siblings as he left.

Alma stared at Bruno’s fleeting form for a while. “I can get used to this new name.” Her cheeks were tinted pink from embarrassment at her own thoughts. She settled her attention back on the restaurant's door after she could no longer see Bruno. Alma took a deep breath and pushed the door open. The restaurant had a welcoming atmosphere and was arranged similarly to a person’s home.

“Hello Ms. Can I help you?” A random waiter asked. Right when she was about to answer, she heard yelling coming from the kitchen. Concerned, Alma turned her head towards the person who was shouting. It was a young boy dressed in a waiter's uniform. He had golden eyes and brown hair that swept messily backward with some of the tufts sticking up in arcs above his head. He was holding a plate of carbonara with one hand and the kitchen door with another. Something about this boy was familiar to Alma, but she could not put her finger on it.

“I told you old man, I didn’t ruin the soup! Your age is screwing up your tastebuds. I know I seasoned it well!” The boy hollered into the kitchen. “As if!” Someone yelled back at the boy. “There they go again.” The waiter said under his breath, shaking his head. Alma looked at the waiter puzzled.

“Is it normal for the waiters to scream at the cooks?”

The waiter smiled at her, amusement laced in his face. “No, just that waiter. He’s the owner’s son. They are always bickering about something. It's all in good fun though. Don’t worry.”

Alma’s eyes shot open. “The owner’s son"! Alma speed walked up to him. He was making his way to the table that ordered the carbonara. She grabbed his shirt tightly and he turned around to greet her.

“I’d prefer if you just tapped me but what can I-”The boy paused. His pupils dilated and his nostrils flared. His shock caused him to lose focus and drop the plate of food. He paid it no mind as his eyes bulged out at Alma. The two of them made eye contact, sharing the same facial expression.

“(Y/n)?” His voice was barely above a whisper. “Angelo?” Alma's tone resembled his. Angelo grabbed Alma by the shoulders to stare deeply at her features. After staring at her for what felt like hours, Angelo let her go and ran into the kitchen.

“Someone clean that up for me. DAD!"

Alma felt her heart thump against her chest. She braced herself for when the restaurant would walk out of the kitchen.

After a few moments, the kitchen door swung open. Angelo stepped out of the kitchen with an older man staggering behind him. The man was of average height. He was wearing a white chef’s uniform with a red apron. He had short black hair that was fading into grey and his eyes were a deep brown that were almost black. His face was a mixture of emotions: surprise, remorse, sadness, and a hint of regret. He slowly walked up to Alma and gently grasped her face. Tears were welling up in his eyes as he gazed upon her. “Is it really you, (Y/n)?”

“Yeah, it's me Marco.” Alma responded, her voice cracking.

Sadness and joy ran rampant through her body. Her emotions overflowed upon seeing her old family friend again. The man kissed both her cheeks as tears escaped his eyes. He paused to look at the children with Alma. He wiped his tears away. “Are these all your siblings"?

Alma nodded, unable to speak anymore in fear of breaking down.

“Tonio, run the kitchen for me. I have to talk to this young girl.” Marco yelled. “No problem chef.” The man named Tonio responded.

Marco motioned for Alma to follow him. She walked behind him with Angelo, Miguel, and Emilio following suit. They walked through the kitchen. The smell of delectable soups, steaks dishes, and pastas made Alma salivate. Her stomach rumbled, a reminder that her search for Emilio earlier this morning did not allow her the chance to eat. Marco led her to a door that upon opening, revealed a flight of old, brown wooden stairs. Alma stepped on one of the stairs and it creak under her weight. Angelo leaned in next to Alma to whisper in her ear. “I’ve been telling the old man to get the stairs refurbished for forever now. We have the money for it, but he’s probably just being cheap.”

“I keep these old creaky stairs to keep you from sneaking out of the house.”

Angelo’s shoulders hunched forward in surprise. “You heard that? And here I thought your hearing was fading.” Angelo rested his hands on the back of his head. Macro slapped the back of his neck. Angelo sneered at him in, rubbing out the pain from the slap.

“My patience with you is what’s fading. I’m only forty five.” Marco said through gritted teeth. Alma laughed at their exchange. Although Marco’s face was painted with irritation, she could feel the love between the two of them. They both snapped their heads at her. They smiled and joined in on the laughter with her. Miguel and Emilio looked at them in confusion.

The group made their way upstairs. Marco’s house was a two floor, medium sized home that rested on top of the restaurant. The first floor contained the kitchen, living room and dining room. The walls were painted beige and had all kinds of paintings and word decorations. The house created a comfortable atmosphere. They all moved to sit in the dining room.

“Have you all eaten yet?” Marco asked. “No, we're really hungry.” Miguel answered for Alma. Marco chuckled at the boy. He pulled out several pots and pans to start on breakfast. While Marco prepared their meal, Alma took the backpack off of Miguel. She reached inside of it to grab a baby bottle filled with baby formula. She took Isabella out of the baby holder to begin feeding her.

After about twenty minutes, Marco brought out several dishes. The dishes included a potato frittata, sauted tomatoes, brioche with jam, coffee and tea. Miguel and Emilio wasted no time digging into the food. Alma put Isabella down on the floor before taking a bite of the frittata. She moaned in delight. She did not realize how hungry she was until she was scarfing down the food like a wild animal. Marco let out a deep, hearty laugh.

“When was the last time you guys ate?” Marco asked.

Alma almost did not hear Marco. She swallowed the food in her mouth before she answered him. “It was before we left Sicily.” She had a forlorn expression on her face as she stared at her plate. Marco said nothing. Alma appreciated his silence so she could focus on eating rather than explaining herself.

After they finished eating, Alma went to the bathroom to splash water on her face. She gawked at herself in the mirror. Her hair was a mess, her hoodie looked unwashed and bags piled under her eyes. “No wonder people were giving me pitiful looks".  She let out a deep breath and exited the bathroom. When she entered the dining room, Emilio, Miguel and Isabella were not there. Her shoulders stiffened.

“Don’t worry. I had Angelo take them upstairs to rest along with your baby sister.”

Alma relaxed her shoulders. She took a seat at the dining table along with Marco. He poured himself and her a cup of tea. She sipped the hot liquid, letting its heat melt away some of the tension in her body. Alma put the cup down and saw that Marco was studying her. His features were clouded with sadness. Angelo came downstairs and joined them at the table. The expression on his face was similar to Marco's.

“It’s been five long years since we saw you last. You’ve grown a lot.” Marco started. “I know. I’ve missed you Marco.”

Angelo cleared his throat in an exaggerated manner. She glanced over at him.

“I’ve missed you to Angelo. You look so different. I didn’t recognize you in the restaurant until one of the waiter’s said something.” Alma said, amusement in her voice.

“Wait. Good or bad different?”

Alma chuckled at him.

“Good different. Your face has become a little shaper.” “A little? Do you see how chiseled my jawline is?” Angelo exasperated.

“You're only fifteen boy. There is nothing chiseled about you.” Marco said. “You always gotta ruin my shine.” Angelo scowled at his father. He erased the faux anger in his face and continued talking. “Anyway, the older of those two boys. Is that Miguel?”

“Yes, it is.” Alma replied. “He’s grown a lot these past few years. Well, he was just a baby when I last saw him. Where’d the other two come from? I thought your dad was-” Angelo stopped himself. Alma’s grip on her cup tightened.

Marco spoke up. “What happened to you and your mother over these past few years? After Alejandro died, she stopped contacting me. What happened? How did you guys get by?” His tone held a sense of carefulness. It was like he was trying not to trigger something in her. She bit her bottom lip to keep it from trembling.

She breathed out a sigh. “My mother didn’t stop contacting you on purpose. She lost your number. After dad died, she worked a bunch of odd jobs to make ends meet. It still wasn’t enough so she turned to-” Alma stopped for a moment. Her eyes drifted to the side to avoid Marco and Angelo’s gazes. “She turned to prostitution. Emilio and Isabella are...” Alma did not finish her sentence. She did not have to for Marco and Angelo to get the picture.

“Where is she now?” Marco asked.

Marco and Angelo’s jaws visibly clenched in anticipation. Tears welled up in Alma’s eyes. She aggressively wiped them away with the sleeve of her hoodie. “She died giving birth to Isabella. I couldn’t save her.” Alma said in a broken whisper. Marco’s jaw slacked. He sucked in a breath and braced himself. Angelo’s pupils flared at Alma’s confession.

“When you say you couldn’t save her, are you talking about your gift to heal people?” Marco asked softly. Alma nodded.

“I thought that was a figment of my imagination growing up.” Angelo had shock written all over his face. “It wasn’t. I told you that so you wouldn’t go blabbering about it to your friends.” Marco stated.

Alma fought through her tears to continue her story. “Mom had Isabella in Doc’s underground clinic. They were both having complications after the birth. Doc didn’t have the proper equipment to help her. I had to choose between saving her or Isabella. Mom told me to save Isabella instead of herself. I tried to heal her as fast as I could so I could get back to mom, but I was too late.”

“My God, (Y/n). I’m so sorry.” Marco whispered.

Angelo rubbed Alma’s back as tears poured down her face. “Mom’s pimp still wanted the money she owed him even after she died. So he would harass us. Doc helped me run away from Palermo to come to Naples. He told me to change my name and to never use my ability again. He said I shouldn’t have the burden of holding people’s lives in my hands and that if I used it to heal people like did in Sicily, it would attract the attention of mom’s pimp.” Alma choked on her sobs.

Marco rubbed her arm. “Doc told you the right thing. Don’t use your gift anymore (Y/n). I know it sucks, but it will give you a sense of normalcy with your new life.” She nodded at him. Her ability to heal people could save hundreds, but the dangers of attracting attention to herself were not worth the risk. Her life was not the only life she had to worry about.

“What’s the new name you gave yourself?” Angelo asked.

Alma sniffled and wiped her eyes. “Alma.” “Alright. No more (Y/n). Alma it is.” Marco rolled her name on his tongue like it was a piece of candy.

“I wish your mom would have come to me. Even if she lost my number, she could have come to Naples. She knows where I am.” “She didn’t want to be a burden, and she was too scared to leave her pimp.” Alma said the last part faintly.

“Well, now that you are here, I want you and your siblings to stay. I don’t want you leaving Naples. Your father did way too much for me in our years of knowing each other. Alejandro was more than a brother to me. I can’t let his children suffer.” Marco's voice filled with resolve.

“Thank you Marco. I just have one request.” “What is it piccola?” “I want to work here.” “Sure, no problem. But you don’t have to.”

Alma closed her eyes for two seconds and opened them. “It’s going to cost a lot to try and raise five kids Marco. I want to watch out for me and siblings as much as possible without being a burden to you. So I want to work here. And I promise, to be out of your place in five years.” Alma's eyes had fire hidden behind them. It was like coming to Naples lit a spark in her. She wanted to prove to Marco she was hellbent on what she said. Marco stood up from his seat and ruffled her hair.

“Alright then. I hope you're ready to work hard."

Alma beamed at him, accepting Marco’s challenge.