#i do have some more spoiler thoughts about bliss ocean
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abyssalshriek · 2 years ago
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Theory about Bliss Ocean's "Screen Guy"
Epithet Erased Prison of Plastic Spoilers:
I think Naven is either the Bliss Ocean screen guy, or he is a red-herring for it.
The Bliss Ocean screen guy shows up to the meeting, well, on a screen, and Prison of Plastic introduces Naven with the mention that he prefers to do meetings digitally.
Now, I wasn't the one to think of this theory. I actually saw a post about this theory before I started reading Prison of Plastic. Because I thought it was a spoiler, I didn't look too closely at it when I saw it, which meant I misread it as a fact rather than a theory. Thus, I went into Prison of Plastic waiting for when this would be revealed.
That said, going in with this theory made a lot of things make sense. Naven saying they'd be surprised how much he knew about evil. The ominous way he spoke to Lorelai in the infamous "Will you murder me?" scene. The double-entendre of him mentioning that he is in charge of a major organization; sure, he could be referring to his company, but this could also be hinting towards Bliss Ocean if he is the screen guy considering in that same line he already mentioned his position at Stem.
Speaking of Stem, it is mentioned they have a practice of hiring a lot of Mundies, which would be similar to Bliss Ocean's goal of getting rid of Epithets.
One last thing from the story is that the person the electric lady texted in Episode 4 had a similar word choice and color as Naven, and also Naven's chauffeur has the same voice as the electric lady.
This sign is a bit more of a meta thing, but I remember seeing Jello mention he had the screen guy's voice actor agree to remain anonymous for now. I suppose it could make sense to hide it, but I could see some voice actors being hesitant to hide their participation. However, because Naven is voiced by Jello, and if Naven is screen guy, it would be pretty easy for his voice actor to agree to anonymity because the VA would be the same guy who wanted the anonymity.
Also, Lorelai says while Naven is in the room that she wishes she could get rid of her Epithet. If Naven is part of Bliss Ocean, and if they try to take the amulet again later, this could set up for a conflict of them taking Lorelai's epithet away with the amulet. She asked for it, didn't she?
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mythandlaur · 3 years ago
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So after watching through the games I had some vaguely Psychonauts-adjacent AU thoughts about Epithet Erased. I don’t know if this will be interesting to anyone besides me but I wrote so dang much it’d be a waste not to share it. Rest of the main cast under the cut
Bliss Ocean still exists in this hypothetical verse. Little is known about them, their motivations, their base of operations, or their membership (beyond, occasionally, Zora--she’s not very subtle about doing jobs for them), but what is known is they do not like psychic powers, and are one of the most organized groups out there with the goal of getting rid of them altogether.
Molly’s psychic from her mom’s side, and specialty actually is--or was--pyrokinesis. No, she didn’t cause the fire that burned down her family’s store, and in fact these powers helped her to get her dad and sister out, but some part of her still believes she had something to do with it, and she hates using this power, focusing more on sensory manipulation. Her mental world is full of stuffed animals and toys discarded and hidden away due to her having to grow up too fast. It’s completely silent aside from the most piercing and annoying of noises that trigger her misophonia, which manifest in sound waves that can do actual harm to an astral traveler. If she becomes stressed, her mental world begins to burn from the outside in as she panics.
Lori is also psychic, but spends more time in her own mental world than actually doing anything useful, much to Molly’s irritation. Buried under layers of fantasy and goofy, over-the-top wish-fulfillment are the bitter embers of life before the fire and her own guilt, which she has sealed away.
Sylvie is the most powerful psychic of the main cast, mostly specializing in clairvoyance, telepathy, and other abilities that do not affect the physical world. He’s spent his whole life studying the human mind both psychic and mundane, and is desperate to be taken seriously like an adult researcher would be. He displays a knack for interpreting mental worlds and a psychically-assisted brand of mundane hypnosis. His mental world is initially confined to an organized office barely being held together, but outside is a bizarre and imaginative pastoral dreamscape. He has an aspect in Beefton, a character he drew when he was younger who symbolizes his desire for strength and has grown into something similar to an ego-state and protector.
Giovanni is not psychic, but likes to pretend he is, causing actual psychic organizations no end of headache as he plays himself like a comic-book villain with his posse of similarly mundane “minions” and essentially makes a mockery of actual psychics. He has no idea why some people are so stiff about the whole thing and don’t use their powers for more cool things. His mental world is a Gotham/Metropolis style city populated entirely by colorful robot dinosaurs who obsessively block entrance into any buildings--because inside, scenes of heartwarming domesticity can be found, as well as positive representations of his family, minions, and cousins, and he does not want this side of himself known.
Indus is very good at using the shield power. This is also the only power he uses, despite having potential in other areas and being implied to have undergone intensive training alongside his sister. He’s perfectly content with this, and can give it some surprisingly creative applications if pressed. He’s the epitome of only doing one thing, but doing that thing really, really well.
Mera suffers from chronic pain and a weak constitution, using levitation and telekinesis to get through her day. She throws her all into her training, but is frustrated at her physical weakness, secretly wondering if enough psychic power would allow her to control her own pain and immune responses, or perhaps ascend beyond her disorder altogether. Thankfully, Indus has managed to keep her on the level so far, Her mental world is a crumbling palace of ice so shiny one can see infinite reflections of her life and inner thoughts in it.
Percy is an upright and no-nonsense security officer at a psychic training facility nearby. Rumors fly about her being an insufferable drill sergeant, but she really does want the best for people, in her own bizarre way. She’s skilled at creating small psionic energy constructs (hands, small and simple objects, ropes and restraining devices) and auric effects to boost the power and energy of those around her. Her mental world is orderly, but begins to break down in the lower layers due to her own doubts and the corruption she’s seen in official institutions.
Ramsey is not psychic. He has, however, been a part of numerous con jobs regarding psychics and impersonators thereof, the one getting him caught being manufacture and sale of remarkable quality fake Psitanium and related objects such as arrowheads. He doesn’t think psychics are all that and isn’t thrilled to be working with them as an appraiser of Psitanium and psychoactive artifacts (as neither seem to affect him), but he supposes it could be worse. His mental world is run by his own versions of characters he’s been commissioned to draw (at least, the safe-for-work ones).
Zora thinks psychics are a load of cheaters, which is ironic considering she is one, and extremely powerful in many areas. Her signature technique is manipulating others’ perception of time to allow her to get the drop on them. She’s an independent bounty hunter who insists on flesh-and-blood duels when she can, but is no slouch in psychic combat and assassination, and occasionally works with Bliss Ocean. Her mental world is a stereotypical spaghetti western made entirely of cardboard cutouts like you’d find in a carnival shooting gallery.
Feenie is the first member of her family in 60 years without any psychic potential, which is a problem considering a very powerful psychic preserved as a brain in a jar has an unsettled score with her family. This psychic is assisted by her own descendants in transferring to a new body and going after the Fleecitys once in a generation or so. The feud is ridiculous and no one actually remembers why it’s happening, but it’s agreed that the Fleecitys should continue playing along with it to keep this “Songstress” distracted and hopefully kill her for good one of these days so she doesn’t cause any real problems. Feenie is terrified of letting her family down by being unprepared for the inevitable duel she’s essentially walking into unarmed, even though Molly and Trixie have offered to stand by her side when the time comes.
Of the six Roughouse siblings, three have psychic powers (Roxanne, Moxie, and Trixie) and three do not (Xerxes, Dixon, and Rex). Trixie’s got an especially weird case among her family members due to her natural affinity with ghosts wandering the astral plane, though this tends to manifest as vague chattering that drives her bonkers most of the time , and she likes to claim she has no powers at all out of sheer annoyance, preferring mundane skill and quick wit. Despite this, they’re remarkably well-adjusted most of the time, especially compared to the rest of their siblings. Trixie does not yet know that her powers would also extend to astral travelers, including trapped delvers.
Rick Shades is a somewhat washed-up psychic claiming to be an amnesiac. He’s quite amicable, however, always willing to teach the more physical psionic skills and always loudly espousing the values of teamwork and personal connections. His mental world is an endless ocean with a single once-deserted island, slowly growing and filling up with new memories, though things could potentially be discovered under the infinite water if one were to try diving...
Naven is a part-time teacher focused on psychic safety and best practices, and bridging the gap in awareness between psychics and the mundane population. He is relentlessly bullied by kids in his classes (one kid found him locked in a broom closet crying after a parent-teacher meeting and he’s never lived it down), and most adults dismiss him as having middling psychic potential and a scatterbrained but earnest disposition.
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staticscreenwriting · 4 years ago
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LOVE LIKE THE MOVIES // BUCKY BARNES // 7
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SEVEN - SERENDIPITY
Trigger warning: Alcohol, food
Masterlist
Summary: This is a story of boy meets girl. The boy, Bucky Barnes, finds himself thrown into a world that seems so different from everything he’s ever known. The girl, (Y/N) knows entirely too much about rom-coms and is quite particular about the way she eats her popcorn. Bucky meets (Y/N) a few months after returning to NYC. He knows almost immediately that becoming her friend is inevitable. This is a story of boy meets girl. This is a story about love. (Bucky Barnes x female!Reader // a few spoilers for TFATWS)
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“Okay, that’s ridiculous!” Bucky mumbles around a spoonful of fruit loops.
“What is?”
“This,” he responds and points his now empty spoon accusingly at John Cusack. “This whole fate thing. The book, sure, might happen. But the dollar bill? Never!”
(Y/N) puts her empty bowl on the couch table, turning her body towards Bucky and sitting in a criss-cross style. “You telling me you don’t believe in fate and soulmates and that some people are destined to be together.”
“No,” Bucky retorts in a tone that implies it was a silly question to even ask him. “I am 106 years old. If those things were true you'd think I would've found my destined partner by now."
"Maybe you have" (Y/N) shrugs. "Maybe it's Leah. Have you called her anyway?"
Bucky looks down sheepishly into the colorful milk swirling through his bowl. "No."
“ What? Why not? “
“Because it hasn’t — oh I don't know. It just hasn’t felt right.”
He’d been debating on giving her a call many times, never actually going through with it. At first, it was for a fear of failure, rejection. Now though, Leah doesn’t cross his mind as much as before. His thoughts, he noticed recently, are occupied by another person. And it wouldn't be fair to Leah or himself to try and build something on shaky ground at best.
“ Dude, I’m educating you on romance and you are too afraid to call this girl? “
“ Educating me? You are forcing me to watch rom coms. “
“ Forcing you? “ (Y/N) gasps and dramatically slaps her hand to her chest right above where her heart is. “ Are you saying you’re not having fun? “
There’s a smirk on her face, tiny and barely there but he notices it anyway. He’s started noticing the small things. Like how her nose scrunches up when she smiles and how she twiddles with her fingers when she’s nervous.
“ If I didn’t have fun I wouldn’t be here. “ Bucky replies and bumps his leg against her knee. Truth be told, he’d be here anyway. Even if she’d make him watch the most boring movie in the entire world he’d stay right there with her. Sometimes the world doesn't seem so rough and ruthless when she’s there beside him. Sometimes he feels like he could genuinely be happy.
“ Good, “ (Y/N) responds and places a quick kiss on his cheek that very nearly gives him a heart attack. Soft touches are something she grants him every so often and while he is getting used to it, it’s still foreign. It’s something he enjoys quite a lot though.
“Anyway, soulmates finding their way back to each other despite all odds is such a rom-com stable. Like the kiss in the rain or the airport chase or the top-of-the-stairs-moment.”
“ The what ? “
(Y/N) scoffs at him as if she’s never been asked a more ridiculous question in her life.
“ The moment when the girl gets a makeover or she dresses up in some ballgown and her love interest waits at the bottom of the stairs for her and when he sees her he’s so enamored and enchanted by her and ideally there’s some cheesy 90s love song playing in the background. And she meets him at the bottom, walking in slow motion obviously, and they don’t kiss or anything but the looks they share are enough to let the audience know what they feel for one another.”
Her words are heavy with passion and longing and magic and for a second Bucky wishes, he could be the one to give her that moment.
“ But okay, grumpy. You go on not believing in soulmates. I’ll change your mind one day, trust me.”
He doesn’t doubt it for a second.
They sink back into their blissful calm as John Cusak and Kate Beckinsale reconnect on the ice rink in front of Rockefeller Center as an ocean of Christmas lights twinkles in the background.
“ I’ve never been ice skating there. Been living here for so many years now and that’s still something I’ve never done. “ (Y/N) pipes up, a longing swinging alone with her words. “ Have you? “
“ Mmmh. Used to take a lot of girls on dates there. “
“ Oh sorry, I forgot you were a big charmer back in the day. “
“ Saw the first-ever Christmas tree getting set up in 1933. '' he continues to say. Sometimes talking about the past makes him sad. It’s a time he will never be able to go back to. A man he will never be again.
But sometimes, like today, he’s able to recall little snippets of memories and remember how he felt in that exact moment. And those are worth all the pain that thinking about the future might bring.
“ That — is weird flex but actually really cool. “
Bucky doesn’t think of himself as cool. He’s a grumpy 106-year-old who is completely disillusioned with the world around him. If (Y/N) thinks so though, he’s not gonna try to change her mind.
She snuggles back into him, body leaning against the smooth vibranium arm. A part of him he never felt really belonged to himself. Something he had been given to kill, to defend, to fight. If something so dangerous can be a place of comfort to her, Maybe, he thinks, it’s not so bad after all. Maybe sometimes you just have to let go of the part and change your perspective of things.
For a while, they get lost in the movie, in the fictional love of two strangers. He remembers the romance novels his mothers used to read. The way she would get lost in them. Maybe to escape her own life for just a second and follow along with the stories and the people that seemed so much grander than her own existence as a housewife stuck in a life that seems too small to contain her in all her wonderful glory. His mother, Bucky always knew even at a young age, deserved more than she had been given. She was smart and funny and she loved her kids as much as a heart could love another. But her days were dull and her marriage was one of convenience more than anything. She had ideas, beautiful stories swirled around her head, and she’d tell them to him and his sister before she’d tuck them into bed. And yet that is where they stayed, in her mind and in her children's memories. She was never resentful though. She took things as they came and she made them beautiful.
He wonders sometimes, what would’ve come from her ideas if she had been given the chance to tell them to a bigger audience. She could’ve put those rom-coms to shame.
A knock on the front door startles (Y/N), making her get up from the couch and follow LAdy towards the entrance. There’s a definite lack of warmth where she used to be and Bucky feels himself missing her already.
“ It’s probably Robin, she left her favorite jacket here the other — mom? “
The air fills with a chaotic mix of several voices one speaking over the other while the charm on Lady’s collar underlines it all with a jingling sound like that of a small bell.
Before he can even think about how to react, (Y/N) steps back into the living room followed by two more people. A woman who looks like an older version of her and a man. They seem lost in conversation still, talking about their travel to NYC and the fact that the man, who Bucky assumes is (Y/N)’s father, refused to ask for directions.
That’s until their eyes fall on Bucky. The woman regards him with a gentle smile on her face, polite and warm as mothers usually are. The man though. There’s something in his eyes, in his demeanor, that changed once he set sight on Bucky and it doesn’t feel good. Bucky knows what it’s like to be recognized. People see him and then they see all the bodies left in his wake, all the blood on his hands, all the pain and the suffering and the —
“ Sergeant Barnes. “
They used to call him that in Wakanda, as a sign of respect, he believes. To make him realize that they do not see him as the thread he used to be but the man he once was. Other than that it’s been a long time since people referred to him as Sergeant Barnes. It’s a title he takes pride in, something he worked hard for. It also belongs to a man he isn’t anymore. Bucky isn’t sure he still earns it. Still owns it.
“ Uh — hello. “
“Dad, “ (Y/N) says and pushes past her parents to stand next to Bucky. Her hand rests on his arm as a sign of comfort and reassurance. He appreciates it very much. “ Mom. This is Bucky. “
“ I can’t believe it. “ her father exclaims, still not taking his eyes off of Bucky.
“ Dad. “
“ I can not believe it. I can’t believe you! “
There it is. Although Bucky has always been very aware that he wasn’t nearly worth (Y/N)’s time, having it thrown in his face hurts more than he likes to admit.
“ Dad … “
“ You know James Barnes, and you tell me nothing about it? (Y/N) I’ve — I’ve spent so much time researching this man revising all the information people before me have gathered and making sure his legacy and his place in Steve Rogers' life get acknowledged and now I’d have the chance to ask him personally and you — you keep it a secret from me? “
Wait … what ?
“ Bucky, “ (Y/N) says and looks up at him with her gorgeous eyes that never seem to fail at calming him down. “These are my parents and as you can tell, my dad’s a big fan of yours. “
The next few minutes are a chaos of handshakes and nice-to-meet-yous and hugs. Her mother hugs Bucky real tightly, the way mothers do when they know someone needs a hug. And she doesn’t flinch when she feels the metal arm. She just hugs him a little tighter.
“ Why are you guys here? “ (Y/N) asks as her father throws an arm around her shoulder
“ Well, you asked us to look after Lady while you’re gone. “ her mother replies as if it’s the obvious answer.
“ Yeah, but we don’t leave until Friday afternoon. It’s Thursday. “
“ That is truuuue. But dad and I thought we’d surprise you and take you out for a nice dinner since we won’t be spending Christmas together, we thought we could at least try to make up for it. “
(Y/N) shakes her head at her mother’s words. “ I told you guys, it’s not a big deal. You go enjoy your cruise. “
“ And we will but you’re our girl and we want to take you out for dinner. Give your old parents that much, will you” her father jokes and ruffles her hair as if she was just a little girl and maybe she is in that moment, wrapped in his arms.
“ I uh — Bucky and I had plans. “
“ What plans? “ her mother asks, eyebrows raised.
“ Watching movies. “
“ Oh, those aren’t plans. Go get dressed! “
“ And James will obviously come with us, “ her dad adds “ I am not done asking him questions. “
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It’s not December yet but the restaurant is already decked out in Christmas lights and tastefully placed sparkly ornaments. The soft lull of Christmas carols being played on a piano flows through the room and Bucky is thankful to discover that while so much has changed, many of those songs have stayed the same. Maybe things aren’t all different right now. Maybe the fundamental things have stayed the same. Like the feeling of being with your family sitting by the tree, singing songs that have been passed down from your parents to you.
(Y/N) sits next to him, lips painted the exact same shade of red as her slouchy knit sweater. She looks so cozy and comfortable and soft and if he’s being really honest with himself, all he wants to do is hold her tight and get lost in her warmth. But this is good, as good as it can ever get, really. Sitting next to her, across from her parents who have been nothing but kind to him. They’re eating good food, drinking delicious drinks and her parents are sharing funny and slightly embarrassing stories about (Y/N). This is the first time he’s meeting anyone’s parents as the man he is now. And even back in the 40s things weren’t this calm and easy. If you went to meet a woman’s parents you better came prepared. This feels nice. Like he gets to be part of a family for just a teeny tiny moment.
“ So, how long have you guys been together? “ her mother asks around a fork of tiramisu. While Bucky only looks at her with wide eyes, (Y/N) almost chokes on her wine.
“ Mom, we’re — not. We’re friends. “
“ Oh,” her mother replies, looking unconvinced as her eyes move back and forth between (Y/N) and Bucky “ I guess I must’ve read that wrong. Shame, you would make adorable babies. “
“ Mom!”
Bucky’s sure his cheeks are the same color as her sweater and her lips and her fingernails. A beautiful bright red. Like a Santa’s hat.
“ I know, babe. You’re an independent woman who makes her own decisions and if you decide not to have babies that’s alright with us. As long as you are happy, so are we. Lady makes for a wonderful substitute grandchild. Just sayin’ if you were to have babies with Bucky they would turn out really cute. “
“ Okay, how about we stop talking about my imaginary potential future children, huh? You go tell me more about work, dad. How about that? “
As her dad starts talking about some history classes he teaches and the students, Bucky notices the change in (Y/N)’s demeanor. Her laid-back ease is gone. She keeps fidgeting with her hair and the rings on her hand. Without really thinking about it, like his body is working on autopilot, Bucky reaches out and grabs her hand under the table. It’s still weird, touching soft skin with his metal hand without the intention of inflicting pain. It’s nice though. It’s wonderful.
She doesn’t let go for a long time.
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Restrooms in restaurants are places where time is slightly altered. You’re sheltered from the noises of the main room but they’re still faintly audible through the door. The clinking of glasses and cutlery, the laughter, and the voices as they flow together like waves in an ocean.
It feels like you get a break from the real world for just a moment. To catch yourself. To take a breath. To look at yourself in the mirror and decide your next steps as the music sounds from the overhead speakers in a duller version as if someone wrapped the lyrics in thick cotton padding.
(Y/N) washes her hands while looking at her reflection. Today’s a good day. It’s not going the way she has expected it but it’s a good day nonetheless. Bucky and her parents get along like a house on fire. It’s a nice feeling but it also makes her so acutely aware of all the what-ifs floating around her head and her heart. Would it feel like this if she and Bucky were more than friends? Would it feel this — right?
Before her mind can come up with an answer to her own question, the door to the restrooms swings open letting in a sliver of the noise outside. Her mother steps in and looks at her with that signature mom smile. Like she knows you better than you know yourself. And maybe that isn’t entirely wrong.
“ Your dad and I are going to take a cab to the hotel. We’ll come over to yours tomorrow before you leave. Is that okay? Bucky said he’d walk you home.”
Of course, he’d say that. He’s a gentleman. He’s Bucky.
“ Sure that’s fine. I’m glad you guys came a day early. I missed you. “
“ We missed you too, baby,” she responds and pulls (Y/N) into a hug.
“ Now tell me something,” she says and takes (Y/N)’s face in between her hands. “ You and Bucky. There’s something there. “
(Y/N) shakes free from her mother's touch and faces the mirror, leaning both hands against the marble sink. “ Mom, can you leave it. “
“ I see the way you guys look at each other. I — you haven’t been this happy in so long. He makes you happy. “
As she lifts her head and looks into her own eyes in the mirror, (Y/N) feels a flood of emotions wash over her. Emotions she’s tried so hard to suppress and others she wasn’t even aware were there in the first place. And it’s all comes crashing down pulling her under and spitting her back out.
“ So what if he makes me happy. We’re not gonna happen. I can not lose a friend and he can’t either. It would kill us both. “
“ Oh honey, “ she goes to pull (Y/N) into another hug but she just shakes her head in response.
“ No. No, mom. It’s okay. I’m okay with it being the way it is. “
“ Are you sure? “
Is she? (Y/N) looks back at herself. You think you know yourself and what you want and how you feel and then someone asks you, truthfully asks you if you’re sure. And you can only stare and wonder. Well, are you?
And sometimes it’s way easier to lie, to both the other person and yourself, than to really face your fears and your feelings and everything you do or don’t understand about yourself.
“ Yeah. I am sure. “
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It’s true. New York City never seems to fully go to sleep. There’s always a light on somewhere, guiding you through the dark, guiding you home.
It doesn’t fully go to sleep but it slows down. The air gets heavier, the noise gets quieter.
(Y/N) and Bucky slowly make their way through the familiar streets of their neighborhood as the city lights and the stars fight over who gets to shine more brightly upon them.
It’s a chilly evening, winter is truly just around the corner, and the air feels pregnant with the promise of snow and yet (Y/N) feels a warmth course through her that is unlike any other. A warmth that can only be brought on by being with your loved ones.
“ It’s a lovely night,” she says as her heels create a clip-clap sound against the pavement.
Bucky has his hands stuffed deep into the pockets of his jacket and his ever-present scowl decorates his face and yet, even Bucky can’t deny that it is a lovely night. One with so much potential. For — for lovers.
“ It really is.”
“ If life was a movie, “ (Y/N) says “ this would be when we realized that we're in love"
Bucky only raises his eyebrow at her, pushing her to elaborate. And maybe it’s a bit selfish. Maybe he just wants to hear her entertain the thought of them two as something more for just a little bit longer. Even if it’s just pretend.
“ We’d get a montage of some quirky dates that we didn’t realize were dates. Then the camera would pan down on us tonight, walking underneath the stars, the city lights glowing around us. There’d be some piano music in the background to set the mood. We’d have a deep talk about our fears or messed up childhoods or the meaning of life. And then you’d make me laugh and I’d accidentally hold your hand. You’d drop me off at my door, think about kissing my lips but then end up kissing my forehead. Once you leave I’d lean against my door, sink down to my floor, and grin like a fool because that’s the moment I realize I am in love with you and the audience would sigh in relief because they knew all along. “
“ That sounds nice,” Bucky replies, eyes staring into the distance as he tries to picture it all, safe it as a mental snapshot to go back to in quiet moments.
“ Yeah, well what a shame life is not a movie and we’re not in love. What a waste of a lovely night. “
“ Guess it’s perfect for a couple, huh? “ Bucky has to agree with her.
“ Mmmh. Or at least someone not in heels, “ (Y/N) jokes looking down at her shoes.
“ You want me to find a couple? Gift our night to them ? “ Bucky asks as they continue their journey down the Brooklyn streets.
“ Absolutely not, sir! “ (Y/N) responds and links her arm with his as she pulls him along. “ I like our night. I want to keep it for ourselves. “
And so they continue their walk home. Words that want to be said, that need to be said, hang heavy in the air, and yet they both decide to stay quiet and just enjoy the silence and comfort of their lovely little night.
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The door feels like mocking her as it comes into view, cutting their moment short, putting an end to this blissful night.
She doesn’t want it to end. Doesn’t want to go inside and quite literally close the door to all the possibilities this night seems to hold out to her. If she was just brave enough to reach out and grab them.
(Y/N) unlock the door and turns back around to face Bucky. Something seems to hang in the air right between them and that feeling only gets stronger as their eyes lock. For a moment all there is, is silence and an abundance of unspoken words. And a fear that comes with speaking them. Of messing something up. Of being vulnerable.
Bucky smiles at her then. She loves his smile. It’s so rare but it’s so beautiful to look at. It gives you the feeling of having done something right.
“ Thanks for today, “ he says as if there’s anything to thank her for.
“ For what? “
“ Letting me be a part of your family. Thought maybe you didn’t want your parents to know about me. Thanks for — not being ashamed of me or anything. “
“ Oh Bucky, “ she says and grabs his hand, “ You are my friend and I love you. I’d never be ashamed of you. If anything I’m a little embarrassed by the way my dad kept pestering you with questions. Uh — why are you looking at me like that. “
“ You love me? “ his voice comes out but a mere whisper and his eyes are wide in shock.
“ Yes. You’re my friend, I love you. Bucky when — when was the last time someone told you they love you? “ (Y/N) asks as her hand softly strokes the side of his face.
“ 1942 “
“ Well, guess I’ll have to keep reminding you then, make up for lost time. I love you, Bucky Barnes. “
She can’t even blink before she’s wrapped up in his arms. Despite what one would think, Bucky is always warm. Even the vibranium arm. Everything radiates warmth and comfort. She could stay here forever.
Slowly he pulls away, looks deep into her eyes, lowers his head, and places his lips against her forehead. “ I love you too. “
He smiles at her once more then leaves. And while she won't admit it to anyone, ever, (Y/N) goes inside, leans against her door, sinks to the floor, and doesn't even try to suppress the foolish smile spreading on her lips.
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Robin’s laughter fills the halls of the beautiful Inn where just tomorrow she’ll say I do.
“ This was your doing! You scheming little shit.” (Y/N) grumbles from the corner of her mouth as she slides up to Robin.
“ It wasn’t, “ the red-haired girl laughs “ but I wish it was. It’s hilarious.“
Redstone Lodge is a beautiful Inn located in upstate New York. It looks out onto a lake and is surrounded by lots and lots of Christmas trees all year round. It’s made of bricks and big wooden panels. Very rustic and yet cozy and elegant. In the yard, there’s a huge tent with a wooden floor and a see-through roof. That’s where the reception will be held tomorrow.
Redstone Lodge has 35 rooms all of which have been distributed to the various guests. They’re beautiful rooms with nice decor and comfortable beds. Well — a bed. One. Singular.
“ This is like some fanfiction trope, Robin. There is only one bed? “
“ Look," Robin says and pulls (Y/N) closer “ if you want to switch, find someone to switch with. I’m sure someone is willing to. But I’m just saying that if you two are friends, shouldn’t you be able to sleep in a bed together and not make it weird? “
She has a point and she knows it and she also knows that (Y/N) knows it.
Huffing a breath of annoyance (Y/N) grumbles an “okay fine” before letting Robin be taken hostage by yet another overly excited aunt and returns to Bucky’s side as he stands on the front steps looking out into the vast area. It really is a beautiful place to get married.
“ Hey so uh — bad news is that this is the only room they have so we’ll have to share a bed. Good news is they got some movies to take up to the room and I found some really dope rom-coms. “
“It's okay, don't worry. I promise I won't hog the blanket,” Bucky says and nods his head into the direction of the lake “ wanna take a walk? “
“ Sure. Yeah, why not. “
In all honesty (Y/N) isn’t the biggest fan of walking around the woods with no particular destination in mind and yet she can’t help but feel a sense of happiness fill her as she links her arm with Bucky’s once again.
She realized a while ago that she tends to gravitate towards his left side. It isn’t a conscious decision but maybe it’s a good one nonetheless.
Maybe it’ll show him that every part of him is worth loving, even the ones he doesn’t love himself.
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“ When was the last time you did something crazy? “
He doesn’t like the way those words sound tumbling from her lips. He does, however, like very much how her eyes sparkle in the light of the setting sun. Their walk had turned into a bit of a hike and by the time they’ve finally made it back to the lake, the sun is about to set. Everyone seems to have retreated back into the lodge, maybe to sit by the big cozy fireplace or up to their room with their several beds. More than one. plural.
Bucky doesn’t want to let go of their time together though. Not yet. Just a little bit longer. And if that means agreeing to one of her weird ideas, so be it.
"Uh well, I fought aliens a few months ago."
"Huh … well see that's not an answer I was prepared for I mean more like, when did you last do something stupid but fun?"
“Like dancing in the middle of a street or having a cake fight in a parking lot?”
“Yeah …. like that.”
She looks at him again with that mischief and that softness. Like a mix of all things that make you feel alive shine back at him from her eyes.
“Wanna go swimming?” (Y/N) asks and smirks at him.
“Now? It’s freezing.”
“ I know,” she replies and shrugs her shoulders “ and I know it’s silly and dumb and we’ll probably get sick but I kinda wanna do it anyway. Wait … can you get sick?”
“Huh?”
“Because of the serum.”
“You know, they didn’t exactly give me a manual when they injected it so — guess we’ll have to find out.”
“So you’re in?”
Bucky only nods his head in agreement. She doesn’t need to know that he’d agree to anything she suggests. Any little thing.
The woods around them are dark and thick and where they probably should be scary they are comforting now. They’re a shelter from the eyes of onlookers. A safe roof and walls to keep their little bubble safe and hold their moment tight and safe.
“Holy shit, it’s freezing!” (Y/N) hisses through clenched teeth as the water reaches up to her shoulders, the straps of her yellow bra the only colors shining through the dark night.
Don’t think about it. He has to tell himself. Don’t think about the fact that she’s only in her underwear. Don’t think about her soft skin and her smile and what her body feels like against yours. Don’t!
He doesn’t have to scold himself for too long before a cold splash of water hits him right in the face.
“Oh, you made a mistake” Bucky calls out to a laughing (Y/N) who tries her best to tread water and get as far away from him as possible but fails to do so, being wrapped up in his arms only seconds later.
For the next few minutes, they splash around like children at the neighborhood pool.
The cold of the night and the lake rattle their bones but neither of them seems to care as a familiar warmth wraps itself around their hearts.
It’s really fascinating how the little moments can become so meaningful. How one person can mean so much so quickly. How drastically your life can change just because of one single person and their kindness and their love.
“Oh-oh!” (Y/N) exclaims excitedly and lays little enthusiastic slaps on Bucky’s shoulder “let’s do the dirty dancing lift. You can lift me, right?”
“I have a vibranium arm…”
“Right. Yeah. Right.”
Bucky places his hands on her waist and pulls her a little closer, trying to ignore the incessant thumping of his heart that feels like it wants to break out of his chest. “Okay on 3.”
“One”
Her eyes look deep into his as if trying to search for something in them. Secrets. Hidden feelings. The truth.
“Two”
And when she smiles, almost shy, it seems for a second that she’s found whatever she’s been looking for. He hopes she likes the secret she uncovers. He hopes it doesn’t scare her off from loving him.
“Three”
In a swift motion, he lifts her up above his head, holding her strong and steady as drops of water, cold as ice, rain down on him while (Y/N) laughs and stretches out her arms.
“We did it! I’m flying, Jack!”
“What?”
“Nevermind.” She retorts and lets out another laugh. Yeah, maybe he’s freezing his ass off but to hear her laugh like that, makes it all worth it.
He doesn’t let her fall over like they do in the movie, instead, he grips her waist tighter, slowly and gently lowers her back into the water. And when she’s back right in front of him, chest against his, he should be letting go of her, but he doesn’t.
While his head keeps screaming at him to just let go, his heart tells him otherwise, makes him stay right there.
(Y/N)’s arms move across his chest and gently wrap themselves around his neck before her fingers start to delicately play with his hair.
He wonders if any person has ever felt the way he does in that moment. He wonders if maybe a poet or a writer or a musician has and if maybe they wrote a poem or a book or a song about it. Maybe that would help him understand. Maybe he could read it or listen to it and keep this moment captured in that piece of art forever. Because he fears that no memory can ever do justice to the way he feels when she moves closer.
When her hand cups his face when her nose nuzzles against his so gently as if she’s afraid he’ll pull away any second.
It’s just them and their wildly beating hearts and the woods providing them shelter and the water setting the scene and the stars shining down upon them.
It’s just them — until it isn’t.
“(Y/N), Bucky? You guys out there?” Robin's voice calls out into the night as her silhouette appears against the light coming from the porch of the Inn.
“Yes, it’s us. We’ll be right in.” (Y/N) calls back, having moved away slightly. The spell is broken and Bucky lifts his hand off of her, immediately missing the contact.
“It’s freezing, we should probably go inside.” She says and grants him a smile, though it doesn’t entirely reach her eyes and he can faintly see her shivering.
“Yeah let’s go. Get you warmed up.”
They don’t talk about their moment as they head inside and get swallowed by the group of people all hyped up with excitement for the coming day.
Bucky is sure though that as long as there are stars in the sky, he will not forget this moment however fleeting and insignificant it might seem.
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TAGLIST FORM (fill this out to be added)
Taglist // if you want to be added or taken off just message me :) //:
@zaynyierulez - @je-like-you - @dracoxxyoflam - @jackiehollanderr - @majo240820 - @kay-gilles - @booksb4looksstuff - @jckie94 - @charmed-asylum - @shawnie--jo - @yllwtaxi - @tailsoflightning - @giuliarogers - @mangoogirl - @gerim-1995 - @elen-alambil - @threeminutesoflife - @writeroutoftime - @buckybarn3s - @rosaline-black - @kenziekugler22 - @vghz82 - @frnkensteingrl - @lovefreylove - @cherryofdeath - @bluemoon-icecream - @mariusprincess-blog -
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cheri-translates · 4 years ago
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[CN] Gavin’s Sky Date - Prologue
🍒 Warning: This post contains detailed spoilers for a date prologue, 云霄之约, which has not been released in English servers! 🍒
Do note that you have to read this before embarking on the actual date, because it contains background information and sweet domestic bliss you wouldn't want to miss :>
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[ This date was released on 14 April 2021 ]
[ Part One: A Dream About to Take Flight ]
MC: Ahhh! My life is up to me. Not. Up. To. Fate!
The small dice in my furled hand is tossed around several times. When I loosen my grip, it rolls quickly on the map -- ‘2′.
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Gavin: Hahaha--
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Gavin laughs, but hurriedly retracts his smile when he senses my murderous gaze.
Gavin: It’s okay, things will definitely take a favourable turn in the next round.
Sulky, I let out of a huff. I watch as he picks up the dice, casually rolling a '5′. Then, he cheerfully shifts his own plane on the map by six spaces.
[Note] In the game of Aeroplane Chess, your plane can only leave the starting point if you roll a ‘5′ of ‘6′!
MC: ...
It’s a Saturday afternoon. Gavin and I had nothing to do after eating, so we randomly grabbed a set of Aeroplane Chess from the supermarket to play. But I didn’t expect to have such a terrible gaming experience!
Although it’s been the sixth or seventh round, I just can’t the ‘6′ I need to get my plane out of the hangar. On the other hand, Gavin has always been able to get it to take flight smoothly, and very quickly reaches the goal.
MC: Gavin, with your kind of luck, there’s no need to waste it on playing games with me.
After pondering for a long while, I offer him a serious suggestion.
MC: Let’s head out to buy a lottery ticket?
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Gavin: Why don’t we play something else? The paper model from last time was only half done. Since we have time today, we could get it done at one go.
At this moment, the phone on the floor beside me rings. Seeing the familiar number, I tap on the hands-free function.
Nurse: Miss MC, the physical report done at our hospital is ready. Please bring your receipt and collect it within fifteen working days.
MC: Mm, got it, thank you.
Gavin is currently storing the Aeroplane Chess pieces into the box. Hearing this conversation, he gives me a puzzled look.
Gavin: Haven’t you already gone for a physical examination this year? Are you feeling unwell?
MC: No, no. I’m using the report for the registration.
I deliberately pretend to be secretive, leaning towards him. Then, I show him the registration form that I had submitted online beforehand.
MC: I’m going to get a Private Pilot License.
-
[ Part Two: First Day of School ]
On the first day of aviation training, I set the alarm to wake me up at 6.30am. Even Gavin is stunned at the level of enthusiasm I have for learning.
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Gavin: The courses for the aviation license can get pretty dry. You have to be mentally prepared.
MC: Are you referring to things like meteorology, aircraft structure, air traffic regulations?
Gavin: Mm. Aside from the exams, such knowledge is necessary for aircraft pilots.
While he speaks, he lifts his head to give me a smile.
Gavin: But they definitely won’t stump you.
After packing my things, I grab a random jacket and prepare to leave.
The classes take place in the suburbs, and it takes an hour to get there. Despite waking up early, I’d be late if I don’t hurry up.
But Gavin is clearly not too worried about this matter. He holds a slice of bread in his mouth while looking at his phone.
Gavin: Since I’m sending you there, you won’t be late. Before your first official lesson, I’ll give you a flight class.
I walk over to him, pulling up the zipper of his uniform, and also picking up the motorcycle helmet from the table.
MC: To prevent this from being a mere flash in the pan, I want to leave the joy of flight to the end of the course. But if going by land would make me late...
Gavin rolls the bread into his mouth, taking the helmet from my hand.
Gavin: No matter the route, you won’t be late. Oh yes, what class are you taking today?
-
[ Part Two, Option 1: Principles of Meteorology ]
Instructor: I’ll ask some small questions to test your foundation and see if you take note of knowledge in this area.
He opens the PowerPoint presentation, then uses a laser pointer to point at the image on the first page - it's a cumulus cloud with a flat bottom layer and a high, upward curve at the top.
Instructor: Does anyone know what this cloud is called?
MC: Cumulus congestus cloud.
Instructor: Correct. The next question - when the International Civil Aviation Organisation observes cloud volume, how many segments do they divide the sky into?
MC: It should be eight segments.
I recall that Gavin brought this up before.
Instructor: Not bad, miss. You did preparatory work beforehand, didn’t you?
MC: No no, I have a friend who has a better understanding in this area, so I was just influenced.
After saying this, chuckles drift from the surroundings. The instructor nods in understanding.
Instructor: In that case, you won’t have a problem during the exams.
MC: ...I’ll do my best.
After all, my confidence is limited when it comes to exams.
Just as I’m thinking about this, I receive a notification on my phone. Gavin has sent me an incredibly large document file.
Gavin: I don’t know how to teach, so I compiled some materials you might need for the exam.
I grip my phone, suddenly feeling like the weather is so good that it makes one carefree and relaxed.
It’s just an exam. I’ll definitely be fine.
-
[ Part Two, Option 2: Aviation Regulations Class ]
At 2pm in the afternoon, the sun shines from above. I had a full meal, so fighting against the sleeping bug is a difficult challenge.
Instructor: Before the flight, the captain has to carry out the necessary inspections of the aircraft. Until the inspections are complete, you can’t take off. This regulation is easy to understand. In fact...
When the dullness of the course matches how fine the weather is, the entire classroom gets immersed in a drowsy atmosphere.
I take a few deep breaths and pat my face... but I still feel like sleeping.
Instructor: Okay, we’ll take a 10 minute break. You students look sleepy, so go wash your faces to freshen up.
The moment he finishes speaking, the sound of heads plopping down on the tables can be heard all around.
Just as I prepare to stand up and stretch, my phone suddenly vibrates.
Delivery boy: Hello, I’ve placed your take-out at the main counter.
MC: Take-out?
But I didn’t order take-out...
While I’m puzzled, the young lady from the main counter very politely brings the item to the classroom - it’s a cup of coffee.
There’s only one simple line on the note of the take-out: Persevere for a little longer. Gavin.
I retrieve the coffee from the bag, taking a tiny slip. The instructor walks past, giving me a glance from the side.
Instructor: Are you drinking coffee or milk tea? You’re smiling so happily.
MC: Being able to swim in the ocean of knowledge is always meant to be a happy thing.
The instructor gives me an expression which says, “like I’d actually believe you”.
MC: Instructor, let’s continue with the lesson. I’m not drowsy anymore. Learning for another four hours is no problem at all!
-
[ Part Three: Being Your Co-pilot ]
Gavin: Do you want to head out for a stroll after dinner? It seems to be really cooling outside.
I’m currently taking out plates from the kitchen drawer, subconsciously craning my head to glance outside.
MC: It’s going to rain, isn’t it...
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Gavin: Really? I’ll check the weather forecast. Earlier in the afternoon, Eli mentioned taking out some time to wash his car at night. I even thought today would be a good day.
I step into the living room, setting down plates on the dining table. 
MC: There are just some cumulonimbus clouds in the sky. It might not really rain.
Gavin scrolls through the real-time weather, then gives me a smile.
Gavin: It’s really going to rain.
He gets up, opening the rice cooker and scooping a full bowl of rice for me.
Gavin: At first, I even thought you’d find such theoretical knowledge boring. I didn’t think you’d learn them so earnestly. Looks like you really want to get the license.
MC: Of course. I want to be your co-pilot.
Although Gavin hasn’t even scooped rice for himself, he’s already served me a huge pile of vegetables.
Gavin: Sure. I’ll wait for the day you get your license.
Just as I’m about to talk about how assured I am about getting the license, I realise that the plate on my hand is becoming fuller and fuller. 
Before I can even voice my question, Gavin responds.
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Gavin: Learning is tough. You need to eat a little more. I also bought you ice-cream. It’s in the second compartment of the freezer. I remember you mentioning that as long as you eat something delicious during difficult times, you can press on easily.
MC: ...hahaha! Mm! After having this meal, I’ll complete all my post-class homework!
-
[ Aviation Terminology Class ]
MC: Calling for the control tower. Number N8596 has arrived, and is requesting for a landing gate.
Gavin (through the phone): Number N8596, you may use aircraft Gate Number One.
Gavin’s light-hearted laughter drifts from the phone.
Gavin: Shouldn’t your class end at 7pm? It’s only 6pm.
MC: The plan was to be dismissed at 7pm, but... for some reason, those in my class were really interested in the Aviation Terminology class, so they did their preparatory work in advance. The three hour class was over in one and a half hours. The instructor said that we already grasped all the key points, so we were dismissed early. What about you? How much longer till you’re off work?
Gavin: For me... less than half an hour. You could think about what to do with this unexpectedly free hour. I remember that there’s a new dessert shop opposite the cinema.
MC: You remembered? I never even told you about it. How could you remember? Officer Gavin, you better tell me the truth. You didn’t remember it - you specially searched it up.
Gavin: Mm, I specially searched it up. I even found that there are claw machines along the shopping street on the ground level of the cinema. 
MC: Looks like what I’m going to do in the next hour has already been scheduled. 
Gavin: Wait for me at the office first. I’ll look for you once I’m done with the work on hand.
-
[ Part Four: Flight Practice ]
Today’s the first flight practice class. The instructor is sitting in the co-pilot seat, watching my every move throughout the entire journey.
I wasn't nervous at first, but each time he glances at me, I involuntary wonder if I’ve done something wrong.
In an instant, I recall the fear of taking the aviation exam...
Until the plane successfully takes flight, I keep feeling as though the thing suspending in the air isn’t the plane, but my heart.
Instructor: It’s rare for you to make a trip up here. What’s there to be nervous about? Come, lift your head and look at the sky.
At this moment, countless gripes flash across my mind: What’s so nice about the sky? I’ve seen all kinds of skies. Right now, all I want is to fly the plane...
But the moment I lift my head, I’m rendered speechless.
Instructor: How is it? The first time I saw it, I was so stunned that I couldn't speak either.
MC: It’s really beautiful.
Sunlight casts a layer of golden hue on the soft and white clouds, blending the colours of gold and crimson.
I’m unable to describe how the scenery before me makes me feel. 
It’s a feeling which... makes one feel that life has meaning.
All of a sudden, another thought surfaces in my mind: I wonder what went through Gavin’s mind when he saw such a sight for the first time.
The instructor sitting next to me glances at me from the side.
Instructor: Thinking about your boyfriend again?
MC: [blushing] ...no!
Instructor: It’s normal. Each time I’m flying, I can’t help but think of my wife. There isn’t a reason to it. It’s just a sudden thought, an involuntary reaction.
The instructor laughs as he gives me advice with a contagious smile.
Instructor: If you’re thinking about him, just do it. It’s fine. It’s a normal thing. When you see certain things, your natural reaction is to think of someone.
MC: ...Instructor, I usually can’t tell, but you’re actually quite philosophical.
I grab the joystick of the plane, watching as countless clouds drift past leisurely.
All I want to do is take a photograph of this moment for Gavin.
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Date: here
-
Gavin watching as I drool over the thought of Eli scrubbing his car in the rain while wearing a singlet:
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9/10 Chapter 1 - Malt
I started writing a bit of a Harry/Kim fanfic??? Because why the hell not. Anyway, here’s the first part of it. I’m kind of just making it up as I go with a few specific ideas scattered in my head. Spoilers for various plot points. Here’s a sample before the cut. Feel free to send any suggestions or critique, since it’s been ages since I have done much writing. Still working on getting a feel for Harry’s skill voices.
YOU — After a little while, your voice finally returns. “Why are you so nice to me?” KIM KITSURAGI — He takes a long pause and leans back in his chair. “I don’t know. Maybe I’m just stubborn too.” PERCEPTION — You turn to look at him as you finally untangle yourself from your chrysalis of arms, and he looks different somehow. You don’t know if it’s your eyes being sore as hell, or the dull ambiance of the hazy bar lights. Somehow, he looks so light. His bomber jacket is slightly pulled up by his folded arms behind his head, seeming to break the bulky illusion it usually projects over his slim torso. Like suddenly seeing a gap in a suit of armor. SUGGESTION — You should tickle him. ESPRIT DE CORPS — He will kill you in mere seconds if you do that.
ANCIENT REPTILIAN BRAIN — Hello again, Harry boy. The midnight train to Fuck-All-Borough is boarding once again, and you’ve pre-paid your seat. YOU — Okay. ANCIENT REPTILIAN BRAIN — Yes, that’s right. Let’s drive right into the sweet, succulent sopor of oblivion. Let no feelings come to pass, no sensations, just the pure bliss of the radiating void. YOU — But aren’t you here? ANCIENT REPTILIAN BRAIN — That’s just it, Harry. I’m nothing. I am the pale of the mind, I am the deafening silence, I am the black canvas that stretches taut when you close your eyes. I am the swaddle that cradles the mind and the ocean you will drown in. I am born of you and someday, you will die in me. LIMBIC SYSTEM —  But not yet—something still stirs in this weighted sack. Something heavy, and sore, and full of noise that steadily rises into a crescendo.
PERCEPTION — And then you open your eyes. And it fucking hurts. PAIN THRESHOLD — Dear god, it’s like a jackhammer on a pogo stick on another jackhammer. PERCEPTION — You realize there’s a smell you haven’t smelled in a few weeks now that’s uncomfortably emanating from your form. Al Gul. COMPOSURE — Oh. You finally did it again. You fucked up.
ELECTROCHEMISTRY — So we got a little smashed. Who cares. You know what’s a great way to stop feeling sorry about it? Getting smashed again. AUTHORITY — No. YOU — Why am I always fucking things up? HALF LIGHT — Because life is terrifying. LOGIC — He’s right about that one.
YOU — What was I doing last night? ELECTROCHEMISTRY — Like I said, getting smashed. CONCEPTUALIZATION — Painting the world with a palette of sugary booze and sad, old rock and roll for sad, old rockstars.
YOU — Who did I hurt this time? DRAMA — Mostly, just yourself. VOLITION — A small miracle, if so. You’re used to self-immolation. YOU — But why? Why now? We were doing better. ELECTROCHEMISTRY — Speak for yourself. LOGIC — You do know that you can’t just ride out two decades of practiced chemical drowning on a workhorse of piety and guilt, right?
PHYSICAL INSTRUMENT — This ceaseless dependency on cocktails of narcotics and spirits has weakened you shamefully. PERCEPTION — You look around your dimly lit bedroom, eyes half-closed anyway to quiet the searing pain in your cerebral cortex, slowly putting the pieces back together as the rest of your body wakes up.
YOU — I was having a shitty day. I was stuck on a case and my mind just kept drifting into half-remembered past mistakes. After work, I decided to do it. I called her again, like an idiot. I thought to myself, I can do this, I can let her go, and I’ll tell her I’m finally over it (almost). INLAND EMPIRE — But that is not how it went. She had prepared for the next time you would call. The last time was terrifying enough, torn awake at 3 in the morning, listening to your desperate lies, digging through past trauma. 
YOU — “Hey, uh, Dora. It’s Harry. I’m sorry—“ PERCEPTION — A sharp sigh breaks your concentration. DORA — “Let me stop you there, Harry. Because I’m tired of this. You’ve been doing this six years now but it feels at least twice as long. So since you can’t put an end to it, I am. Don’t call again. You won’t be reaching me at this number anymore.” PERCEPTION — Before you can react, there’s silence. And a dial tone. YOU — Fuck. Fuck shit fuck.
COMPOSURE — You stumble through dialing the number again, fingers slipping the first time from nerves and connecting the second, with no answer. You try again. And again. And then you stop trying. It takes everything in you not to smash the phone where it sits. PHYSICAL INSTRUMENT — You need to smash something. If we can’t smash the phone, we HAVE to smash something. REACTION SPEED — Your feet are already taking you away from the pay phone, one thought ahead of the rest of you. You barely round the corner into the alley before you plant your fist full force into the nearest brick wall. PAIN THRESHOLD — Your hand spirals into a fractal of pain, blood dripping down your busted knuckles, slowly running down the dirtied wall. You can feel the cracking of your knuckles, like a brittle lacework of glass strapped down only by the leather of your worn-out hands. HALF-LIGHT — Get out of here. ELECTROCHEMISTRY — Now that you’re done smashing your fist, it’s time to get the rest of you smashed. YOU — “Fuck it. I’m getting a drink.”
CONCEPTUALIZATION — From there, it was a blaze of sweet, hot fire down your throat and back up again, run ragged from shitty karaoke and mild alcohol poisoning. But the film reel is running thin, and you’re struggling to get anything else from your memory bank.
YOU — How did I get back? I don’t remember walking home. ESPRIT DE CORPS — You asked for help.
HAND-EYE COORDINATION — You pat at your pockets, searching for the right one, not quite remembering what you’re doing but knowing the answer you thought of for a fraction of a second is somewhere in there. After a moment, you find it, carefully tucked away but nevertheless damp with sweat from your slacks.
“If you need to talk— 005-93-88-651 Lt. Kitsuragi”
INTERFACING — Your hands are a bit shaky, but you dial out the number on the slip of paper in your hands. PERCEPTION — It rings once. Twice. A third time. And then you hear the receiver click. KIM KITSURAGI — “Hello?”
SHIVERS — In a small apartment in Central Jamrock, not too far from Precinct 41, and not too far from the Jamrock Public Library, Lieutenant Kitsuragi sits on his bed, some light reading in hand, winding down for the night. His new apartment is still filled with cardboard boxes here and there, in no particular hurry to be unpacked. The lights of the city pierce through like little pinpricks in the glare of his bedside window, still insistent on their presence even in the quiet of a cool spring night.
YOU — “Hi, Kim, I uh…” Your voice shakes and you lose your words for a moment, because some part of you really didn’t expect him to pick up. KIM KITSURAGI — “Detective? It’s after midnight.” DRAMA — It’s already that late? You must’ve woken him up. A bad start. YOU — “Uhh… sorry, I uh. Wasn’t looking at the clock. We can just talk tomorrow—“ KIM KITSURAGI — “You’re drunk.” COMPOSURE — Fuck. There’s nothing coming out of your mouth anymore. Another bad phone call. It takes everything in you not to cry. You do anyway.
KIM KITSURAGI — “Where are you?” YOU — You manage to croak out enough to say “Sunshine’s Hideaway. Bar on 12th street.” KIM KITSURAGI — He pauses a moment, thinking. “...I’ll be there in a few minutes.” ESPRIT DE CORPS — He’s thinking about the best route there. LOGIC — He doesn’t have his motor carriage right now. He’s going to have to walk it, and it’s cold out. YOU — “I… you don’t have to do that, I’ll just—“ KIM KITSURAGI — “Harrier, just shut up and park your ass somewhere warm until I get there.” AUTHORITY — He’s doing it! He’s doing the eyebrow thing but on the phone! I didn’t know he could do that! YOU — “Yessir.”
It probably takes about 15 minutes for him to arrive, though each minute feels like five. You feel like a child waiting for their parents to come pick them up at school. You’re pretty sure everyone is staring at you. You can’t really see through the blurry bokeh of your stupid tears. But you can just barely make out the door of the bar opening, followed by a silhouette marked by orange slipping through. Lieutenant Kitsuragi spots you after a moment, and you quickly try to wipe your eyes like you haven’t just been crying the whole time as he approaches. KIM KITSURAGI — You can hear him pull at the chair next to yours, calmly settling into place. “Hello, detective.”
YOU — You try to pull up some words, but you just find yourself nodding appreciatively as you try not to grimace. COMPOSURE — Somehow, the moment his eyes fall on you, you feel like someone just ripped the rug right out from under your feet. You slide down on your elbows, face pressing down onto the table in humiliation, locking your hands together on the back of your neck, like you’re trying to hide in a little tomb of your own arms.
KIM KITSURAGI — You hear the lieutenant take a deep breath and sigh. He unzips his jacket, stifling him in the warm interior of the bar. “That rough, huh?”
YOU — You don’t want to say anything, but your mouth opens before you can stop it. “I’m such an asshole, Kim. I keep fucking everything up, over and over, no matter how hard I try. I just. Keep falling back into my bullshit.” Your voice shakes as you get the words out. “Is this just as good as it’s gonna get at this point? Have I fucked up entirely too much, entirely too long, am I just… this constant trainwreck now and forever? How much of myself have I wasted away into nothing, doing this shit? Acting like a child. Acting like an animal. It feels sometimes like all I have is more downturns. More hurting people. More hurting myself. And I’m so, so fucking tired… and I don’t wanna do this anymore. If this is how it is, I don’t want to… be.” Your voice stops making any noise by the time you reach the end of that.
HALF-LIGHT — And then there’s silence. You know this silence. It’s the sound of someone deciding they’re sick of your shit. This is the moment he realizes he really, truly does not know you and you don’t know him. And he knows he has to get out of here, before you take him down with you, like you’ve done to so many others. EMPATHY — But then there’s a hard pat on your back. Thumping against a hollow drum, ringing through your electrified lungs. KIM KITSURAGI — “It’s okay, detective.” PERCEPTION — His voice is soft and careful.
KIM KITSURAGI — “Honestly, it’s astonishing you’ve held out this long. It’s barely been two months since Martinaise. Since the Whirling. Throughout my time in the RCM, I have seen many good officers break over less. I didn’t know you before March. I don’t really know what kind of officer you might’ve been before that. But who I am familiar with is the Lieutenant Double-Yefreitor Harrier Du Bois, the officer I met two months ago, who is probably the strangest man I’ve ever met, but he is also the most relentless, the most stubborn, the most annoying, and honestly, the most sincere man I’ve ever known to grace the RCM. He is a man who cares enough to find the time in his busy workload to help people he just met, whose troubles he sniffs out like a bloodhound, offering them the help that no one else would. No matter how trivial, or how complicated. I don’t know if this selflessness is something you picked up because you don’t know how to help yourself, but I do know there’s a real effort in there. There’s a real, true love for the people of Revachol. And I know how much this job takes out of people. You can’t turn every mistake around in just a few months. Probably not even a few years. But I think what matters is that you are trying, and I can see how much it hurts you to feel like you’ve failed in that. Please don’t think that tonight is a sign that you can’t do better. Tonight is a dam breaking in the expectations you’ve built up for yourself after staring down your own potential.”
PERCEPTION — Are you laughing? Or is that crying? INLAND EMPIRE — It feels like there are ghosts escaping your every breath. Like parts of you are desperately rushing to the surface, tearing through flesh and bone, clawing at a chance for freedom. The lieutenant’s arm still rests heavily on your back, the only anchor your spirit has left as it dissipates into vapor and rushes through the night.
VOLITION — You cry until there’s nothing left in you anymore.
YOU — After a little while, your voice finally returns. “Why are you so nice to me?” KIM KITSURAGI — He takes a long pause and leans back in his chair. “I don’t know. Maybe I’m just stubborn too.” PERCEPTION — You turn to look at him as you finally untangle yourself from your chrysalis of arms, and he looks different somehow. You don’t know if it’s your eyes being sore as hell, or the dull ambiance of the hazy bar lights. Somehow, he looks so light. His bomber jacket is slightly pulled up by his folded arms behind his head, seeming to break the bulky illusion it usually projects over his slim torso. Like suddenly seeing a gap in a suit of armor. SUGGESTION — You should tickle him. ESPRIT DE CORPS — He will kill you in mere seconds if you do that.
KIM KITSURAGI — After a moment, he realizes you’re staring at him, then adjusts in his seat, leaning forward and settling his arms in front of him. “How are you feeling? Do you think you can walk?” YOU — “I uhh... probably. My leg doesn’t hurt as much right now.” KIM KITSURAGI — “Mm.” He mutters, getting up from his seat. “At least there is that small grace. How far is your place?” PHYSICAL INSTRUMENT — You’re pretty sure he’s offering to walk you back. You’re not a child, you can get home perfectly fine on your own, thank you. YOU — “Ten blocks.” COMPOSURE — You quickly try to rise to your feet, but it becomes immediately apparent that the floor has been replaced with a rickety old carousel, and you promptly lose your footing. REACTION SPEED — Before you can even attempt to figure out what is happening, you realize that Lieutenant Kitsuragi has wrapped one of his arms around your back. PERCEPTION — His grip is tight and you can feel the muscles tensing in his forearm against your back. Once again, its presence stabilizes you, a beacon for your twisting senses to converge upon. It takes a few moments for everything to slot back into the correct place. KIM KITSURAGI — “Are you sure you’re alright, detective?” DRAMA — His concern is quite sincere. YOU — “I just gotta sleep this off.” You say as you steady yourself back upright.
KIM KITSURAGI — “Let’s get going, then.” He nods to you as he zips up his jacket again, then stretches his right arm out behind your back. PHYSICAL INSTRUMENT — No, dude, fuck that shit, you’re sick of people propping you up because of your stupid leg, we can do this shit on our own! YOU — “Thanks.” You steady yourself against his arm and extend your left against his back as well. PHYSICAL INSTRUMENT — Hey, what! DRAMA — By now, the lieutenant knows when you’re just trying to bullshit and act like a tough guy. It’s time to drop the act, for now. He knows you need the help. You wouldn’t have called him if you didn’t.
CONCEPTUALIZATION — That’s all I got. The rest is just black. YOU — Ugghhhhhh damn it. Like Kim hasn’t seen enough of me making an ass of myself by now. EMPATHY — On the bright side, his mental image of you can probably only improve. Hopefully. Maybe. YOU — Whatever. What time is it? PERCEPTION — You look around for your alarm clock, and find it knocked onto the floor beside your bed. It says 9:53. YOU — Shit. Did I have work today? ESPRIT DE CORPS — No. Your hours have been temporarily reduced during your recovery period. YOU — Right. Okay. I should probably get up and do something about this headache.
You throw the blanket off of your body and gradually roll yourself out of bed, bones creaking with aches and pains, limping across the room and dodging various discarded clothes and shoes that litter the floor. You twist the doorknob and open your bedroom door, making your way across the living room, towards the bathroom.
REACTION SPEED — Wait! There’s someone… on the couch? PERCEPTION — A figure of a man lies on the couch, covered with an ugly patchwork blanket, still sleeping. Next to the couch, an orange bomber jacket rests. Wait… is that Kim? HALF-LIGHT — OH MY GOD, you’re half-naked, GET BACK IN YOUR ROOM AND PUT YOUR PANTS ON BEFORE YOU HUMILIATE YOURSELF. SAVOIR FAIRE — You quickly backpedal, trying not to make any noise, and press your door shut firmly, hoping that you weren’t noticed. YOU — Why is he here??? I thought he just walked me home? HALF-LIGHT — Stop thinking and get your damn armor on! VOLITION — Armor? We didn’t find any armor pants in Martinaise. DRAMA — He’s being metaphorical. You hurriedly stuff your legs into the closest pair of semi-clean trousers before peeking out the door again.
PERCEPTION — The lieutenant is still asleep on the couch. SAVOIR FAIRE — Alright, go time. You sneak through the living room and into the bathroom, carefully trying not to creak the medicine cabinet as you get yourself some painkillers. ELECTROCHEMISTRY — Down the whole bottle! Party time! VOLITION — No. We are not doing that.
After taking the recommended dose of painkillers, you peek out into the living room again. PERCEPTION — Lieutenant Kitsuragi is still resting quietly on your couch, lying on his back, tightly wrapped in the ugly spare blanket from your linen closet. You suddenly realize there’s something different about the living room… such as, there’s less garbage everywhere. EMPATHY — Did he clean the room up for you? Or maybe for himself?
You exit the bathroom and slowly cross the living room, stopping halfway through, looking at the lieutenant again. PERCEPTION — He looks peaceful, and his face relaxed and still. With his glasses off, you notice more of the shape of his brow and his tired eyes. His breathing is slow and measured, with quiet sighs. One of his arms dangles out from under the blanket, his hand just barely off the floor. His fingers are thin, bony, weathered from work, with little scars and blemishes that have mostly faded away.
SUGGESTION — Hold it.
YOU — What?
No one replies. You stare for a moment, feeling a tension in your chest. Curiosity snakes through your skin. You step closer towards the couch, then slowly crouch down, meeting the lieutenant’s eye level.
SUGGESTION — Hold it. Please.
You reach forward, and the lieutenant suddenly stirs.
KIM KITSURAGI — “Mmnh…” His eyes flutter open. “Oh, good morning detective.” YOU — “Uh, yeah. Good morning.” You casually withdraw your hand and rest it on your leg. “Why are you here…?” KIM KITSURAGI — “You don’t remember?” He asks with a hint of concern. YOU — “Well, mostly. I remember you helped me walk home, but after that, it’s fuzzy.” KIM KITSURAGI — “Ah, so just the normal amount of alcohol-induced forgetfulness.” The lieutenant nods at you, then sits up on the couch. He reaches for his glasses on the side table, then folds them open. “I decided to stay here on the couch, just in case...” He trails off. EMPATHY — To keep an eye on you. In case you started doing worse.
YOU — “...Thanks. I’m sorry for interrupting your night.” KIM KITSURAGI — “No need to apologize,” he says with a slight smile. “Honesty, I’m… glad you asked for help instead of isolating yourself. That would have been…” He pauses, looking for the correct words. “Not ideal. What time is it, anyway?” YOU — “Bit after 10.” KIM KITSURAGI — “Already that late? Good thing I’m not working today.”
YOU — “Sorry to make you clean up after me.” You say, glancing across the room. KIM KITSURAGI — “Well, no, it’s not your fault or anything. You didn’t expect company.” He seems a bit self-conscious suddenly, looking away. “I suppose it’s more like I don’t know how to leave a mess alone.” SUGGESTION — You’re not sure which mess he means—the apartment, or you. EMPATHY — It’s both. You feel a slight embarrassment tingling across the surface of your skin and decide to change the topic.
YOU — “You said you have the day off?” KIM KITSURAGI — “Yes, I have a few errands to run, part of some loose ends to clean up for my transfer to 41. But I can get those done any time during the day.” SUGGESTION — You should— YOU — “Do you wanna go get breakfast? I know a good place down the street.” You say it before you can even finish thinking. KIM KITSURAGI — The lieutenant sits quietly for a moment, adjusting his glasses. “Hmmm… sure, why the hell not. I’ve got some time to spare.” SUGGESTION — Jackpot! YOU — “I’m gonna go get dressed, you’re welcome to the bathroom if you need it.” KIM KITSURAGI — “Sounds good.”
You walk into your bedroom and shut the door behind you. 
CONCEPTUALIZATION — Time to get stylish! LOGIC — Not that stylish, it’s just breakfast. Don’t make it weird. INLAND EMPIRE — Hey, weird is our thing! YOU — I think I’m just gonna wear whatever’s clean and doesn’t smell repulsive. CONCEPTUALIZATION — Oh, sorry, didn’t know we were Boring Cop today.
After taking a quick glance at what’s available, you decide to just go with a simple, pastel gingham button-up and a fresh pair of jeans. Glancing at your coats, you grab a blue blazer with a checkered lining.
PHYSICAL INSTRUMENT — Oh my god you look like a nerd. RHETORIC — No, he looks smart. Ready to have a battle of the wits. PHYSICAL INSTRUMENT — Yeah, like I said, A NERD!
You quietly ignore the high school bullying going on inside your head as you exit the room. Lieutenant Kitsuragi glances at you from next to the couch, in the middle of putting on his jacket.
KIM KITSURAGI — “No disco today?” He says with a slight smile. YOU — “All my disco’s due for the wash.” KIM KITSURAGI — He tugs at his collar and settles his jacket into place. “It’s almost odd to see you in something so… tame.” YOU — “I mean, I still got the jackets from Fuck the World and Piss F****t if you change your mind.” KIM KITSURAGI — “Somehow I doubt the waitstaff would be understanding of the artist’s statements at breakfast.” He lets out a small chuckle. EMPATHY — There’s a surprising softness in his response. KIM KITSURAGI — “I’m all set to go if you are.”
The two of you head out of your apartment and set out down the road, your destination just two blocks away. The streets of Jamrock are already lively with pedestrians and motor carriages milling about. Before long, you arrive at a staircase with a weathered, striped canopy hanging above, quietly announcing its presence with simple text saying “The Lazy Daisy”. You and the lieutenant head down the stairs and enter the little eatery, pushing past the door and being met with the sweet and salty smells of this morning’s meals. You wave to the waitress and take a seat at a little table in the corner.
KIM KITSURAGI — The lieutenant takes his seat across from you, his eyes studying the surroundings. “You know, I never noticed this place before.” YOU — “Yeah, it’s easy to miss amongst all the other businesses on this road.” KIM KITSURAGI — “But you remembered it?” YOU — “I think my feet did.”
WAITRESS — A cheerful, pudgy woman in her forties wearing a striped apron walks over to the table, little menu books in hand. “Good morning officers! Thanks for stopping by the Lazy Daisy today. Can I get you something to drink while you look over the menu?”
YOU — “You wanna get a pot of coffee, Kim?” KIM KITSURAGI — “Sure, that sounds fine.” WAITRESS — “Alright, I’ll give you a moment to look over the menu!”
You already know what you’re going to order: skillet hash with a side of toast. You watch the lieutenant look the menu over and find yourself wondering what he’ll order. YOU — “You seem like an Eggs Benedict kind of guy to me.” KIM KITSURAGI — “I was thinking about trying this malted waffle actually. It’s been a while since I had a good waffle.” He replies, not looking up from the menu. “But you are correct, I do enjoy a good Eggs Benedict.”
YOU — “Can’t go wrong with either one.” WAITRESS — The waitress returns, a full pot of coffee in one hand and two mugs in the other. She gently places the pot of coffee at the center of the little table and places the mugs down on either side. “Alright, so what can I get for you boys?” YOU — “I’ll go for the skillet hash with a side of dry toast. And the lieutenant here…” KIM KITSURAGI — “I’ll take a malted waffle with a side of bacon.” WAITRESS — “Sounds great! I’ll bring it out when it’s ready.”
You turn your attention to the coffee and partially fill both of the mugs, absent-mindedly adding a sugar cube and a little cup of half-and-half to yours and stirring, watching the color spread and blend. You look up and notice the lieutenant surveying the restaurant again.
KIM KITSURAGI — “Hmmm… yes, this place certainly seems your style.” YOU — “What, sad and old?” KIM KITSURAGI — He smiles slightly, but his brow betrays his discomfort. “No, I was thinking more along the lines of… eclectic, stubborn, lively.” He glances at the walls covered in various posters, art, and rock and roll memorabilia. YOU — “Disco.” KIM KITSURAGI — “Disco.” He nods affirmatively.
You absently stir your coffee and lift it to your mouth to take a sip, mulling over topics of conversation. RHETORIC — Go for a standard sort of icebreaker, what’s the latest with him, that sort of thing. ESPRIT DE CORPS — Let’s talk work. Trade some gritty case stories with him! INTERFACING — Maybe you could talk torque dork to torque dork? EMPATHY — Neither of you have motor carriages right now. That would just be a bummer. INLAND EMPIRE — Ask him to tell you a secret! AUTHORITY — That one never works.
YOU — “You just moved into your new place, right Kim? How is it?” KIM KITSURAGI — “Hmm, it’s not bad. I had to make a few concessions but… there’s a bit more floor space than my last place. I finally have a good space for a proper desk.” He takes a sip of his coffee. “Now the only trouble is getting a desk up three flights of stairs.”
YOU — “I can lend you a hand with that if you want. I have reason to suspect I may be a former gym teacher.” PERCEPTION — You can’t really hear it, but judging by the steam rolling away from the mug at his lips, you can tell the lieutenant let a light chuckle out through his nose before taking another sip of coffee.
KIM KITSURAGI — “Maybe I’ll take you up on that when I find something suitable.” RHETORIC — Great job! Look at you! You’re so good at talking like a normal person!
KIM KITSURAGI — The lieutenant casually withdraws his notebook from his jacket and starts perusing it while he slowly sips his coffee. YOU — “Hey, no working until we’ve had breakfast.” KIM KITSURAGI — He barely moves, glancing upwards at you and cocking an eyebrow. AUTHORITY — It’s fine, that brow is only operating at about 25% capacity. You got this. YOU — “Take a break, lieutenant.” You place your hand on top of his, gently encouraging him to lower the notebook onto the table. He nonchalantly relents, quickly withdrawing his hand and tucking it under his other arm, which rests casually on the table. His glance wanders away from you and out towards the windows. EMPATHY — It’s hard to tell if he’s annoyed or just playing up indifference. Perhaps you shouldn’t have grabbed his hand like that.
You take a moment to look around the restaurant, passively taking in the surroundings that feel intensely familiar to your instincts, but strangely recent to the rest of you. It’s a weird feeling, one you’ve been experiencing just about everywhere you go in Jamrock. Places that you know but have never seen. Drifting shadows of the person you once were, and still are, half-buried in a haze. Your head fluctuates in the pressure, a mix of pristine images just out of reach and faint illusions gripped tightly in your palm.
KIM KITSURAGI — The lieutenant’s low voice suddenly pulls you back to reality. “Everything alright, detective?” INLAND EMPIRE — There is a hole in my brain. YOU — “Yeah, sorry. Just thinking about the usual.” You pause, contemplating your next words. “Grinding the bourgeoisie into sausage for the proletariat and whatnot,” you lie. KIM KITSURAGI — “Ah, so nice of you to join us, Comrade Mazov.” YOU — You quickly bust out your trusty finger guns and fire off two shots, clicking your tongue as you snap your fingers. KIM KITSURAGI — The lieutenant is unphased by your reckless discharge of live rounds that undoubtedly rain chaos upon the once peaceful restaurant. DRAMA — C’mon, he probably thinks it’s at least a little cool. EMPATHY — It’s not, man.
RHETORIC — Let’s get back to the list. What else can we talk about? YOU — “Tell me a secret about yourself.” KIM KITSURAGI — He sighs. “This again?” YOU — “You know it.” KIM KITSURAGI — He pauses for a moment. “No.” YOU — “Aww, come on.” KIM KITSURAGI — He raises one eyebrow. AUTHORITY — Oh god, we have full capacity brow-raising. I repeat, full capacity!
KIM KITSURAGI — His brow lowers slightly, offering a challenge. “You’re terrible at keeping secrets. Maybe if you can think of a single piece of personal trivia you haven’t already divulged entirely unprompted to any random passerby, we can come back to this topic.” ESPRIT DE CORPS — He does not believe that his terms can be met. He is secure in that. SUGGESTION — Challenge accepted! YOU — “Deal.” DRAMA — You’re gonna need to work on this for like, at least 8 hours probably. Maybe more like 20.
WAITRESS — The same woman reappears with a tray in hand, radiating the unmistakable smell of hot, fresh breakfast. “Here you are, sirs!” She gently slides the plates in front of each of you. “Let me know if there’s anything else you need! Enjoy your food!” PERCEPTION — You notice the name on her apron: Denice. YOU — “Thanks, Denice.” WAITRESS — She offers a polite smile before leaving.
You immediately start digging in, shoveling the mixed bits of potato, egg, bacon, and cheese into your mouth, savoring the salt and fat of a hearty breakfast. It’s your favorite meal, but you don’t always have the time or energy to get anything decent most mornings.
SUGGESTION — Hey, I just had a great idea! Offer Kim some of this shit. YOU — You finish the bite you have in your mouth quickly. “Hey, Kim, you wanna try some of mine?” KIM KITSURAGI — He blinks. “No, thank you. I’ve got plenty here.” He looks down at the colossal waffle on his plate, barely dented. YOU — “Yeah but this is like, stupid good. I’ll even let you have some egg yolk.” KIM KITSURAGI — “Very generous of you.” He smirks, then studies your plate for a moment. “Hm… sure, why not.”
You slide your plate a bit closer to him. He holds his fork up, surveying for the ideal sample size. Then, he strikes, claiming an entire egg for himself.
YOU — “Woooow.” You feign offence. KIM KITSURAGI — “Sorry, detective. I’ll need to confiscate this. I believe it may be connected to a case I’m working on.” He tries to keep a straight face but the corner of his mouth is slightly turned upwards. In seconds, he files the evidence into his mouth and promptly destroys it.
YOU — “Can’t believe the corruption I am witnessing here.” In a counter-attack, you jab your fork into one of the untouched corners of the lieutenant’s waffle. KIM KITSURAGI — The lieutenant stabs his knife down across from your fork, as if ready to engage in combat. He stares you down, brows furrowed with the illusion of authority. “Detective, I would tread carefully if I were you. You have entered enemy territory, and I have the high ground.”
PERCEPTION — You can feel your face turning red in the heat of the incredibly stupid breakfast battle you have entered. AUTHORITY — Do it! Let loose the dogs of war! Get that fucking waffle! KIM KITSURAGI — The lieutenant narrows his eyes at you, his concentration unwavering. The authority levels are building in his brow. They are charged to 50% capacity. DRAMA — I have an idea, sire.
YOU — You relax back in your seat, looking behind Kim. “Oh, hey Captain Pryce, here to enjoy the best breakfast in Central Jamrock?” KIM KITSURAGI — He quickly turns his head to look behind him. SAVOIR FAIRE — In an instant, you slice a corner of the waffle free from Kim’s plate, casually sliding it onto yours. KIM KITSURAGI — Realizing the feint, he snaps his attention back to you, glaring.
YOU — You pull your plate back, then pick up your mug, gesturing towards the lieutenant with a slight smirk. “Truce?” KIM KITSURAGI — Studying you for a moment, he reluctantly picks up his mug and clinks it against yours. “For now.”
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Love On-Set (Pt. 06 of 10)
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Pairing: Dacre Montgomery X Reader
Summary: You knew acting on Stranger Things season 3 would be a challenge, and you also knew, from the start, you'd have to work closely with Dacre Montgomery. But is wasn't a big deal for you, since this is your job and you're determined to act professionally. You had it all figured out, or so you thought, until the moment you were out face to face with Dacre. Then, this job became a lot harder than it was supposed to be, since you can't seem to focus whenever you're around Dacre. And you'll have to be around him a lot until the end of production.
Word count: 3 K
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{Dacre Montgomery Masterlist}
{Stranger Things Masterlist}
×
Los Angeles
The fresh wind messes with your hair as you squint your eyes at the rising sun. You always loved the beach, but this one is your favorite. The way the light blue color of the ocean mixes with the sky is breathtaking, and you know you could spend all of your days here, just looking at the horizon, not a single worry on your mind. It's peaceful, like paradise. The sand is soft under your bare feet, and there's nobody here yet. It's too early, and the only reason why you're here is because you missed this feeling.
It doesn't matter where you go, you'll always want to return here, even is it's just for a visit. The only sound you hear is from the crashing waves, slow and calming, like music. You can't help but smile, eyes closed to better feel the warmth of the sunlight in your skin.
The unmistakable click of a camera gets your attention, forcing you to open your eyes again. Furrowing your eyebrows, you wonder if someone recognized you. It happened only once, even before the shooting for the season three started when a girl spotted you as the girl who Billy almost ran over. But that was it.
Turning around to check the source of the sound, your heart stops for a moment when you see Dacre, still putting his phone down.
“Sorry, but you were looking so good.” He says, making his way over you.
He's the one looking good. The white pants and pale blue shirt mix perfectly with the atmosphere, light, and relaxing. And all the rest too. His face, his smile, the way he walks. You're quick to notice the first three buttons of his shirt are opened and you wonder if he's getting this idea from Billy. “Me? Please, look at you. You're... Gorgeous.”
“Yeah.” She simply says, finally reaching you. “I'm glad you're still here. I was scared you'd be gone.”
Dacre lives forty-five minutes away from you. It's not that close, but close enough, you think. Maybe it's fate, or so says Millie. Like a sign. “I can't believe you came all the way here.” An hour ago, before you came to the beach, you answered his text to let him know where you would be since you wouldn't bring your phone.
“Better start trying, because here I am.”
Biting your lip to hold back a smile, you turn at the ocean again. “Well, this is one of my favorite places on Earth.”
“I noticed.”
“Really? How?” Crossing your arms, you look at him. Dacre's eyes are as blue as the ocean. But they're much more beautiful.
“The shine in your eyes.” He answers, shrugging his shoulders. “It's pretty obvious if you pay attention.”
“You say these things and I don't even know what to think.” Unlike you, Dacre doesn't try to hide his feelings or thoughts. He's honest, every time.
“Just tell me how you feel about this place.” He lightly touches your arm, and you set in a slow walk.
“Uhm...” You mutter, feeling as his hand slides down your arm until it reaches yours. His fingers linger for a while, and you feel the usual sensation Dacre brings you. Butterflies, moving all over your skin, tickling. Slowly, very, almost painfully, his fingers brush on yours, and when he's just about to let go, you decide to be brave, intertwining your fingers with his. You wait for him to still want to let to, but he doesn't. His grip only gets tighter. “It's beautiful, obliviously.”
“That's it? Is that everything you have to say about one of your favorite places on Earth?” You stop a few feet away from where the ripples reach. “You know you can tell me how you feel, right? I want to know.”
Taking a deep breath, you turn your body towards Dacre, trying not to look as nervous as you feel right now, holding his hand. “This is nostalgic. It's my second home after that house over there.” You gesture at a small group of houses by a cliff. “Mine is the tiniest one. I grew up here but only moved back a year ago. This beach makes me feel... Free. Like there is not a single worry in the world. It's... Bliss.”
Dacre is already looking down at you when your eyes meets his. The smile on his lips sends shivers down your spine. “I'm happy you shared it with me.”
“It's just... A couple of words.” Blushing, you look down. “It doesn't mean anything.”
“It means a lot.” His free hand comes to your face, fingers softly caressing your cheek and jaw. “To both of us.”
You were just about to say something when the water reaches your feet, and you give a little jump. “Oh my Gosh!” You exclaim, giggling.
“Wanna go for a swim?” He asks.
“I can't.” Shrugging your shoulders, you take a look at the ocean. “I don't know how to.”
“What?”
“It's not a big deal.”
“We were shooting next to a pool and you didn't tell me you can't swim?” He sounds a little offended, but when you look at him again, you can tell he's faking it. “I play the lifeguard, I should know that.”
“Well, you never asked.” Letting go of his hand, you start walking backward, away from the water.
“No, no.” He's quick to grab your arm, smirking. “We will go for a dive. C'mon.”
“No way!” You start pulling back, and a small fight starts. “You have your phone with you, remember? You'll ruin it.”
“Let me just–.” Dacre searches on his pocket, easily finding his phone and throwing it on the sand, away from the water. “Problem solved.”
“Dacre...”
“I won't let you drown. Trust me.” His voice invites you in, and you know you can't fight it. And you do trust him.
Sighing, you surrender, allowing him to pull you into the water. Your eyes are focused on his, and it's impossible to keep the usual distance. When your feet stop touching the bottom, you have no choice but to cling onto him, arms around his neck. Dacre holds you tight, arms encircling your waist, and you feel secure in his embrace. Fortunately, the water is calm, and the waves are small. It'll change in a few hours though, but for now, they won't be a problem.
There's nothing else to do now. Your foreheads are almost touching, and there's no space between your bodies. You've never been this close to him, not even on scene. You wonder if he can listen to your heart, beating insanely fast.
“Hold your breath.” He says and you nod, taking the deepest breath you can.
Dacre pulls you down with him, and you close your eyes shut. It only takes a few seconds before you break to the surface again, releasing the air from your lungs and lips breaking into a smile.
“You ok?”
“Yeah. Why?” You ask, letting go of him just to remove some of the hair that was attached to your face.
“Your cheeks are red.”
“Oh...” There's no way to hide it now, standing face to face with him. “I'm alright. I know you won't let your co-star drown.”
“Never.” He whispers, his voice deep and soft. “Actually, I–” Dacre is cut short by his cellphone ringing. It's a low, calming song you don't know.
“Maybe we should go.”
“I know who it is. This magazine wants an interview and a photoshoot but I told them I'd only accept if you could come with me.”
“What?” You giggle, furrowing your eyebrows. “I'm not as famous as you, they wouldn't want me.”
“The whole interview will be about Billy and Stranger Things. People are already shipping Billy and Amy, it'll only make sense if you're there with me.” As he speaks, Dacre starts making his way back to the beach, only letting go of you when you're out of the water. “And the moment season 3 starts, you won't be left alone by the fans, trust me.”
“Would James allow it? Seeing us together will raise suspicions.”
“Yeah, I texted James about it. He said it's a good idea, to get people hyped for the next season.” Dacre carefully picks up his phone. “What do you say? We could even go out after. Have dinner somewhere nice.”
Does he mean it like a date? It can't be... Right? “Ok, then. When is it?”
“Tomorrow afternoon. I'll pick you up.”
Smiling, you nod, biting your lip.
You would stay the whole day with Dacre, but you had promised your mother you'd spend the day with her. And Dacre understands it. You took him to your house so he could dry himself and have breakfast since he only had a cup of coffee.
When he leaves, your mother makes a lot of questions, and you're happy to answer. She teases you a lot, making silly comments and reminding you how handsome Dacre is throughout the day. You don't need to be reminded though, you know it very well.
When the next day comes, you patiently wait for him after having lunch and taking a fresh shower. You wonder if you'll always feel this nervous about Dacre. Just the thought of seeing him in a couple of minutes sends a shiver down your spine, makes your stomach burn with anticipation. When the doorbell rings, you jump up, taking your bag, and ignoring the stare your mother gives you.
“Bye, mom.” You mutter, heading to the front door. Taking a deep breath, you open it, trying not to smile. And failing. “Hi.”
“Hi.” He says back, and you start making your way to his car. “Excited?”
“Wondering what they'll ask. They always want some spoilers.” You get into the passenger seat, blushing with the fact that Dacre just opened the door for you.
“That they do.”
The ride is filled with chattering. You tell him about your childhood and he does the same. Eventually, you're not sure how exactly, you have your hand on his shoulder as he drives, then on his neck. He touches your leg every once in a while, and you can't help but blush a little.
But soon enough you're at this amazing, luxury hotel. The photoshoot will take place at the pools, which are absolutely incredible. It's huge, and there's an aisle in the middle, with a bridge that leads to it. A stylist comes to take you to the dressing room so you can change. It'll be 80's themed, so your swimsuit is very colorful, blue, green, and pink. The one piece is open on the sides and on the back, and it looks amazing. Your hair is done very quickly, beach waves with some volume. It takes an hour until you're allowed out, and Dacre is ready, talking to a guy. He looks good, his blue and green shirt unbuttoned, leaving his chest exposed.
“Hey,” you mutter when you're close enough. “Looking good.”
“Not as good as you.” He says, winking. “We were waiting for you, the interview happens now, then the photoshoot.”
“Alright.” Dacre guides you to a small scenario, with three chairs and a huge Stranger Things poster behind. The cameras are already positioned, and a woman comes to pin the microphones on your suits.
Once everything is ready, you and Dacre sit down, and a middle-aged woman takes the seat before you, a smile on her lips. The interview goes on very well, with small questions about what the public can expect from the new season, and from the relationship between Billy and Amy. People are really excited about it, you didn't know how much. You make a self note to make some research, to know where exactly the fans stand.
It was great until the video in the gym comes up. “I think it's pretty obvious, but that got people talking.” The woman, Maryan, says. “So I gotta ask. Is there anything happening between you two? Away from the cameras?”
You exchange a glance with Dacre, and you have no idea what to say. You don't want to say no, but you're too scared to say yes...
“Well, if there is you'll find out soon or later so...” Dacre speaks up, and you can tell this is the gentle way of saying this isn't her business.
She seems happy with that, making a quick remark before finishing the interview. Then different people take over. The photographer, a short man with grey hair and a huge camera starts guiding you around the pools. The stylist comes to fix your hair every time you strike a pose. And obviously, it takes little time for you and Dacre to be put close, very close.
You have fun though, laughing at his jokes about how weird things can get on these things. And that he's happy you're here.
“Alright. (Y/N), lie down, please. Dacre, sit down beside her.” Nodding, you follow the instructions. Half your body is in the shadow and the other half under the sunlight as you lie down near the pool. “Dacre, I want you to look down at her, and (Y/N), reach out your hand to touch his face.”
Trying to keep it professional, you do as he says. Dacre's eyes burn right through you, and you would give all the money you have to know what he's thinking. Slowly, you caress his jaw with your thumb, realizing you never touched him like this.
“You ok?” He asks, for the hundredth time. Dacre is always making sure you're comfortable, but the truth is that you're more than comfortable. You're actually starting to crave for this proximity, for his touch.
“Yeah...”
The camera flashes and you smile. “Look over here.” The photographer commands and you follow. “Amazing, amazing.”
The good news is that you're enjoying yourself. The bad news is that they make you get inside the pool, which is too deep. So all the photos have you on Dacre's arms, and honestly, you don't mind one bit.
The night is falling when the photoshoot is over and Dacre takes you to one of his favorites restaurants. It was an area on the back from which you have a view of the city. You both continue talking about childhood memories and stuff like that, and you tell him about your father. How he forced both you and your mother to put the walls high, to keep people away. Dacre is so kind though, reassuring you he wants to get in. That he wants to know how you feel, all the time. You still wonder if he means it though, you can't help it. But by the end of the night, after you both ate the desert and are now just chattering, you feel like he means it.
“Oh, have you read the script they sent us? They changed so many things they had to add another episode.” Dacre says, elbows on the table.
“Of course I didn't.” Shrugging your shoulders, you raise an eyebrow. “We got a five days vacation and that means no work. And since I have you to read it and tell me everything... Why should I?”
“Really? Are you making me do all the hard work in scene?” He makes a pause when the waiter comes with the check.
“James always likes it better when we improvise anyways.”
“I have no idea why.” He says, taking the check.
“Hey, we can–”
“I'm paying and that's not up to discussion.” He cuts you off, giving you a glance as he leaves the money on the table before standing up.
“But–”
“(Y/N), I...” You were just about to head to the exit when he stops, still near the table. “I'm not sure if I made it clear, I should've have... But this was supposed to be a date.”
Blushing, you gasp, looking at him in the eyes. “It kinda felt like a date but I didn't want to assume anything.”
“Well, if you're ok with it, I'd like this to be the first date.” Some people walk by, so you set in motion, walking towards the exit and to the parking lot.
“I'm ok with that.” More than ok, actually. Your stomach feels funny as he opens the passenger door for you, and your skin is on fire.
“Well...” He mumbles as he gets in, starting the car. “It's still a little early but since we have a flight tomorrow morning, we'll both need to get some sleep.”
“Definitely.” You agree. Tomorrow you'll be flying back to the set, straight to the kissing scene. As if he's listening to your thoughts, Dacre gives you a glance. “Excited to go back to work?”
“I am actually.” He nods, eyes on the road.
“Why?” It comes out suddenly because you can't help but wonder if it's for the kiss. If he wants to kiss you as you want to kiss him.
“...I miss the guys, that's all.”
“Oh...” Shifting in your seat, you look away from him, eyes on the road ahead. Your heart sinks a little, and now you're genuinely confused. “Me too.”
“Yeah.” He mumbles, a hand running through his hair.
The rest of the ride to your place is silent, and when you get there, you mutter a goodbye. Once you're inside, away from Dacre, you can't help but feel a little stupid. Maybe you're misreading the signs. He did say today was supposed to be a date, so you don't get why he ignored the kiss. He knows that's the scene you'll be shooting tomorrow night. You'll be thrown back into work straight into the very scene you've been worrying about since the beginning. You were hoping he'd say something, make it easier or... You just don't know anymore. If Dacre wants a date, he should want a kiss too, right? Isn't it how it works?
Not even the fresh shower helps you understand what's going on. With you or with Dacre. Climbing into bed, you feel the wind invading the bedroom, but you're too lost in thoughts to enjoy it. The truth is that you were excited to do it, to shoot that scene and finally kiss him, but now... Now you feel as you did on the first day.
The soft notification sound of your phone gets your attention. Stretching your arm, you take it. It's a voice message from Dacre. Maybe he regrets the whole first date thing and he wants you to know... It'll only make things worse, but you should know it. The sooner the better. You're a professional, and you'll manage to do your job no matter what.
Taking a deep breath, you unlock your phone, pressing play on the message and bringing the phone to your ear.
You can hear his heavy breath before any words come. It takes a couple of seconds until his voice breaks through. “I probably shouldn't say this through a message, but I think I won't be able to sleep if I don't let you know how I feel.” A pause, something falling on the background. “Tomorrow on the scene... It won't be Billy and Amy, it'll be you and me.” This makes you sit up straight, a hand in your heart as it starts beating dangerously fast. “I can't be Billy when I'm with you, when we're so close, it just... I've been breaking character every time and I never struggled so much with a character before.” His voice is heavy with sleep. “I know you've been struggling too and I have no idea why I didn't tell you all this in the car, I just... I really like you and tomorrow I'll kiss you but I didn't want our the first kiss to be like that... So I'm just letting you know when it happens it won't be Billy, it'll be me and... And I hope it'll be you too. Good night, (Y/N).”
His voice is long gone, but you keep still, frozen, eyes on the wall across the room. You can't believe what you just heard.
×
@baker151910 @shinydixon @dreamin-of-dacre @hanoi15 @lickmymelanin @foccus @multific @uncookspaget @kellysimagines @peakascum
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writer-and-artist27 · 3 years ago
Text
Knowing What to Say
Note: Written to process my own feelings with finishing Lostbelt 4 and my own position of being a Vietnamese-American, having been born to two Vietnamese immigrants who dealt with colonization firsthand when coming to America.
Inspired by @partialdignity and @lunarimpact. I hope you two don’t mind the tags, but I couldn’t help it considering you finished LB4 way before me and shared your own thoughts on it a while back. And well, much like you two, I don’t entirely agree with Mash’s decision in Lostbelt 4, Section 20-2, but at the same time, that doesn’t mean I don’t understand the sentiment behind it.
Even if Mash has been around a bit too much for others’ liking, considering she’s fighting old comrades of hers while still supporting us, the Lostbelts are challenging her as they are to us as people.
This is just Vy’s take on the final moments of a world that probably didn’t deserve what it received.
CW for implied emotional abuse and Lostbelt 4 spoilers. Theme for this little piece is Residual Ice from Fate/Grand Order’s own soundtrack. Please enjoy.
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“Is it alright… if we could stop by one last place before we go install Captain’s last part into the Shadow Border? There’s someone I wanted to visit, Da Vinci.”
Vy felt her heart ache when hearing Mash say those words, but in spite of the sympathy starting to flood her veins, she still gave Mash a look past her foggy glasses. “You want to see Asha, Mash?”
Robin and Ereshkigal didn’t say anything from over Vy’s shoulder — if they wanted to, they didn’t seem up for voicing it. The consecutive battles with that other version of Arjuna and the Tree of Emptiness were already enough to make Vy want to sleep for years. Who knows how the Servants felt, having to shoulder all the fighting with only one Command Spell to back them up. Still, Vy could feel their concern bleed through their shared bond, warming the back of her neck and the inside of her chest, and Vy clenched her fingers for a moment as she looked towards Mash.
Mash Kyrielight. Beloved kouhai, wonderful friend, strong Demi-Servant — and a teenager who shouldn’t have had to fight as much as she did. Vy didn’t regret bringing Mash with her through everything — Mash was a little sister in all but name now. After everything they had experienced in that crumbling Command Room, with all the flames, there was no way Vy could regret knowing Mash and growing to love her. It was hard to imagine going on any Chaldea-related mission without her. But if Vy had the right idea about what Mash wanted to do—
“I-I think we need to, Senpai,” Mash said softly, her hand clutching the handles of her Ortinax shield all the more tighter with the words being out in the open. “With Arjuna gone now, and… and with this Lostbelt fading soon, the least we can do is tell her what happened to Ajai. Asha deserves that much.”
Vy took a breath, carefully brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear as she considered her answer. “…Because we’re the ones who ended her world?” Because we’re the ones who, unintentionally or not, made it impossible for Ajai to ever come back to his daughter again? Because we’re the ones who can’t tell Dr. Roman everything anymore?
Da Vinci’s hologram took on a sad look as Holmes fell silent. Vy didn’t have to turn to know Ereshkigal had tears in her eyes and Robin was close enough to her to feel his hand start to brush hers.
Mash merely nodded and Vy studied her for a moment. Mash’s arms, although muscular and covered in the Ortinax’s armor, were shaking. Her purple eyes, even when shaded by the goggles from the Ortinax armor sitting atop her head, appeared sad, hesitant, and yet determined all at once.
She really feels…
Vy took another breath before striding over to Mash’s side (only after gently reaching back to squeeze Robin’s hand for one extra second of composure), gently brushing some dust off of Mash’s right shoulder. “What do you intend to say when we’re seeing her, Mash? Can I at least ask that before we go?”
“I—” Mash faltered, her gaze flickering back and forth between Vy’s face and her shield. “I wanted to tell her that the reincarnation cycles that she went through were wrong. That it was wrong for her to forget her father, that she didn’t deserve what happened. That…” Mash bit her lip, hanging her head, “that it’s all over now.”
“I understand where you’re coming from, kouhai, I really do,” Vy said softly, retracting her hand, “but can I say something to that?”
Mash slowly raised her head to meet Vy’s eyes past her glasses, blinking owlishly. “Wh-What is it, Senpai?”
“Thank you for letting me speak,” Vy said kindly first, a weak smile forming on her lips before it dropped in favor of the silence that surrounded them and the former ocean of milk where the Tree of Emptiness once stood. “And, as much as I understand why you want to tell Asha those things, Mash, I think we shouldn’t say everything. Just leave it at, ‘We have to go, and we’ll miss you.’”
“Wha—” Mash’s eyes widened enough to resemble dinner plates, her shoulders tensing in her armor. “What do you mean, Senpai? Are we just—” Her voice rose to an emotional high, her eyebrows furrowing on her forehead past her bangs as she said, “Are we just not letting Asha know what happened to one of her last living relatives?!”
“I didn’t say all that, Mash.” Something was starting to ache in Vy’s chest, but she pushed it aside. “But kouhai, Asha’s lived with these yuga cycles for who knows how long,” Vy continued in a softer voice, shaking her head. “The last thing we want to do is shatter her own mental world with the knowledge we have before we go, just because we feel guilty about what we’ve done. Who knows how much that’ll weigh on her before this Lostbelt disappears, knowing that she had a father that she can’t remember? How could we predict her reaction to knowing that all her prayers and her life was an utter lie that didn’t deserve to happen? What could we do about that?”
Mash lurched back at that, her breath coming out in a shaky exhale. “I-I didn’t mean—”
“I know you didn’t, Mash,” Vy said quietly, the same small smile from before forming on her lips. “And I know taking down these Lostbelts is just as hard on you as it is for everyone else.” I can feel it, right here, right now. “But I don’t think you or me have the right to tell Asha what is right to believe when only a few days ago, losing people in the yugas was normal. When it was her daily life.”
Mash opened her mouth, then closed it. Then, she said in a voice barely above a whisper, “Did you go through the same thing at one point, Senpai?”
Did someone break you?
Vy closed her eyes and took another breath, slowly opening them to look at Mash again. She couldn’t think about the metal device still resting in her pocket, about the last phone call she had on said device before everything turned white. “Ignorance is bliss sometimes, kouhai,” Vy said, finally raising a hand to gently rest it atop Mash’s head, patting her hair softly. “Even if we don’t agree with it, we are still outsiders to this Lostbelt. And I’ve heard enough from my own family about how outsiders meddled with our home in Vietnam, telling us our beliefs were meaningless and that our lifestyles were barbaric and wrong. I don’t want you to be associated with that kind of sentiment.”
Even if I can understand where you’re coming from and feel the same way. But…
Mash stared at Vy past the hand she was using to still pat her head, a small hint of tears starting to form in the corners of her eyes. “Senpai…”
Vy smiled at Mash one last time, leaning over to press a weak yet sisterly kiss to the top of Mash’s hair. “I’m not telling you to stop with whatever you’re thinking. I understand where you’re coming from, Mash, I really do. I’m just saying we’re going to have to rephrase it, just so that Asha can live peacefully for as long as she can. Alright?” So that she won’t turn out like me, scarred, anxious, and wondering if she even deserves anything after being ignorant for so long.
“Senpai…” Mash whispered. “I…” A small pause, then Mash eventually choked out, “You…”
She’s hesitating. I guess…
“…I was told I wasn’t worthy of life once,” Vy whispered into Mash’s hair as she looked towards Robin and Ereshkigal still waiting back at the Shadow Border. It took only a second to pull back and turn away from Mash’s gaze. “When I was little, long before I came to Chaldea. I haven’t forgotten it.”
Vy could faintly hear Mash gasp.
“‘Stop making yourself out like a mouse to be protected,’ he said,” Vy recalled, shrugging her shoulders as she walked towards the Shadow Border. “‘Stop looking at fairy tales and start looking at reality, else you’re not worthy to be in my reality.’ It was all said and done when I was about 11 years old, by someone I thought I could trust. My world was shattered by someone I thought I could love, kouhai. And my family didn’t know. I didn’t know until just recently.” With a small sigh, Vy reached Robin’s side first, and the May King gave her a look past the fringe of his hair. “If not for a certain rogue in green, I still don’t know if I would even be here at all.”
Robin stilled, his fingers twitching before he offered one arm, and Ereshkigal immediately took Vy’s hand in hers. Without hesitation, Vy put her other hand into Robin’s outstretched one, squeezing both Servants’ fingers tightly.
If not for everyone here…
Vy glanced over her shoulder to look at her beloved kouhai and smiled, holding back the tears in her voice. “It hurt enough when I didn’t know what to believe in, Mash,” Vy said softly. “All I’m trying to say is…” A lump surfaced in Vy’s throat, her nose starting to itch as her vision blurred a little, but she still squeezed Eresh and Robin’s hands before finishing with, “let’s just try not to break the beliefs of another little girl when we go, okay?”
Vy chanced one second to glance behind her. All she caught was a single tear that proceeded to slide down Mash’s cheek before she nodded, taking the former shield of Galahad up into her arms. “O-Okay.”
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cinnawrites · 4 years ago
Text
Moonlight’s Embrace
Summary: Zagreus makes it to the surface. Thanatos is there too.
A/N; Here’s my first work for Hades (Game)! Expect lots of sloppy kissing up ahead. Minor Hades spoilers about the ending ahead as well!
The blood of Hades stained the prince's blade yet again as he fell before him. Zagreus had vanquished his father once more; he was free to see his mother for another brief moment. He felt the familiar feeling of triumph overcome him as he walked away.
Zagreus made his way to the cliffside, but stopped in his tracks, looking over the ocean below him. He could've ran straight to his mother. He could've been wrapped up in her embrace yet again, but remained in the same spot atop the snowy cliff. He gently grazed the pierced butterfly placed in his hair and held Mort close. He knew exactly who would come to see him in that moment, and so he waited.
As if on cue, the bell rang, announcing death incarnates presence. Zagreus turned to face him, taking in the other's softened appearance under the bright moonlight. Thanatos smiled at the sight of Zagreus staring at him.
"Were you truly waiting for me instead of going to your mother?" He asked, hovering closer to the prince. His words snapped Zagreus out of his lovestruck daze.
"But of course, you did say you were planning on seeing me," Zagreus said as he too moved closer, "Besides, I don't mind having to send my father back home once again to see my mother. I have done it multiple times already, another go at it wouldn't hurt."
"I suppose," Thanatos shrugged. He never liked wasting time, but Zagreus seemed so fine with it he couldn't argue with him. Thanatos ran his fingers through Zagreus' hair, notably touching the butterfly hairpiece for a long while.
"I still cannot believe you wear this so often. It makes me really happy, Zag." Thanatos smiled once more, making Zagreus' heart flutter, "And you still hold onto Mort, even if you may not make use of him. It's adorable, really."
"I've become accustomed to holding onto your gifts. They mean a lot to me, Than. Just like you do." Zagreus smiled back and let out a soft chuckle.
"Oh, Zagreus," Thanatos let out softly as he cupped Zagreus' face and leaned down to kiss him. 
The prince wrapped his arms around Thanatos' neck, pulling him down, bringing them together as close as they could get. Their kiss was filled with much lust, they have been longing for each other for so long. Too long. With Thanatos' busy schedule and Zagreus' multiple escape attempts, they never had time to truly be alone with each other. Yet here they were, finally embracing one another after a long wait.
Thanatos was the first to pull away, taking deep breaths to recover from their long-awaited, desperate kiss. He took a moment before opening his eyes, only to be met with a red-faced Zagreus with lust plastered all over his face. He wants more, Thanatos thought.
Zagreus forced Thanatos down to the ground, which clearly caught him off guard, but he went along with it regardless. They shared another deep and devouring kiss as they held onto each other's clothing as tight as they could. Zagreus pulled down Thanatos' hood and grabbed at his hair. Pleasantly teased by this, Thanatos grabbed at Zagreus' hair and tugged at it just as hard. The prince let out a faint hum of satisfaction and proceeded to trail his hands down Thanatos' back. He felt Thanatos shudder and hum at his delicate touch. Zagreus grinned into their kiss, letting out a soft chuckle along with it.
"You're still as sensitive as ever, aren't you Than?" Zagreus teased the other, who simply turned his head away. 
"Oh shut it now, will you?" Thanatos mumbled under his breath, crossing his arms.
Zagreus laughed and pecked at Thanatos' cheek, which made him turn back towards the prince. He left more feather light kisses on his cheek, trailing down to his neck. Thanatos gently grabbed at Zagreus' chin, tilting his head upwards and kissing him in one swift movement. Zagreus held on tight to the sides of Thanatos' face, attempting to keep him in that position for as long as he could. He was desperate; he wanted Thanatos' taste to remain against his lips forever. Thanatos placed his hands onto the prince's and loosened the other's grip. Thanatos pulled away from the kiss and trailed kisses down Zagreus' neck, sucking on some parts in the process. As he left marks all over him, Zagreus let out faint moans, which were getting louder the more Thanatos marked his neck. He tried so hard to hold himself back, but this was as good as he was going to get. 
"Than, please," Zagreus begged, catching Thanatos' immediate attention. He looked up at the prince, who was as red as ever. 
"What is it? Am I being too rough?" Thanatos asked, gently stroking Zagreus' cheek, who made himself comfortable. Thanatos never wanted to hurt Zagreus. If he ever did, he'd never forgive himself for it.
"No it's not that," Zagreus reassured him, placing a hand on his cheek now too, "I want more, Than. I need more."
"You know we can't do that here, Zag."
"Who would find us here? It's an empty area."
"The gods? Besides, it's still risky. Can't you wait until we get home?"
"Than, please."
"If you can wait a little longer, I promise I will make up for this. I promise you'll be satisfied."
Zagreus didn't want to argue further. He knew Thanatos was right in every way and now he couldn't wait to be back home. He pulled Thanatos closer, pressing his forehead against his. He looked deep into his eyes, Thanatos shared the same gaze back at him. They both wanted it then and there, but it wasn't right. Their longing for each other lit up again, pulling them both back into a messy kiss. They held onto each other for dear life. Hair was being pulled all over again, clothing was being dragged off. They couldn't go too far though, they still had to keep up some decency. 
Thanatos decided to pull Zagreus above the ground, the both of them now hovering in the air. They pulled away from the kiss for a brief second to catch some air, only to go back in just as passionately. Thanatos pushed Zagreus' head back, leaning further into the kiss. Zagreus held onto the back of Thanatos neck in compliance. Zagreus' grip tightened on Thanatos' clothing and neck. Something isn't right, Thanatos thought. He pulled away slowly to be met with Zagreus' eyes closed shut, brows furrowed and breath heavy. He caressed the prince's face and pressed his forehead against his once again.
"You're dying, aren't you?" Thanatos whispered loud enough for only Zagreus to hear. The night was coming to a close in a moment's notice, and so was Zagreus' time on the surface.
"No, Than. It can't be. I have to stay longer. I need to stay longer." Zagreus sounded even more desperate now. The words were struggling to come out of his throat. He dug his head into Thanatos' shoulder.
"Zagreus, you know you can't. We need to bring you back to the Styx." Thanatos held onto Zagreus tightly. He didn't want to watch him die in front of him. He's seen many die before, but watching Zagreus die would hurt him more than anything. He knows that he'll come back eventually, but it still hurts to see him in such a state.
"Just one more kiss before I go, please?" Zagreus looked at Thanatos, who simply smiled. They shared one last devouring kiss, numbing each other's senses. They held hands this time, Zagreus holding on the tightest between the two. 
Zagreus' grip on the other's hand loosened slowly. His arms dropped to his side as he pulled away from the kiss. Thanatos pulled away as well and felt Zagreus now limp. His eyes were closed, expression filled with bliss. Thanatos smiled sadly as he looked at his partner’s limp body. His skin shone beautifully in the moonlight; he was breathtaking. Thanatos lifted him up and held him close. After a short moment of embracing him, he adjusted Zagreus’ body and held him in bridal style. He planted one last kiss on the top of his head and transported them both to the river Styx, placing him in the pool of blood as gently as he could. He sighed sadly, watching Zagreus be taken by the Styx.
“I’ll see you soon, Zagreus.” He let out before vanishing yet again.
[date posted; 11.12.20]
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arr-jim-lad · 5 years ago
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Can you go into how you think Dios insane and how his mind works. I have trouble putting my thoughts into words but reading other people's opinions helps and not a lot of people talk about dios insanity even tho i find it very interesting
Sure thing!!! You know I love to talk about DIO lmao(NOTE: This will include spoilers for Stone Ocean later on)
In part 1, human Dio’s goal appears to be proving a point to his dead father as well as himself. He always wants more, to achieve more, to prove he’s capable of more. He does that by pursuing superiority in many fields; he proves academic excellence by finishing law school at the top of his class, he proves he’s a talented sportsman by being one of his school’s star rugby players, and he actively, since the moment he joined the Joestar family, wants to prove that he’s superior to Jonathan and therefore a better heir and a better son.
It’s also important to mention the flaws he sees in himself here; his anger. I went into this before here but to summarize it; Dio has an anger problem and he not only knows it - it’s his most despised thing about himself. 
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That’s all simple stuff at the start, as it’s just trying to prove he’s better than others, and that’s easy to understand.
Then he becomes a vampire and a power trip REALLY hits him. Now he doesn’t have to pretend that he’s a gentleman anymore because literally no one can do shit to him. That law he studied? Fuck that, he can break it now all he wants, because it doesn’t apply to him anymore. The law is written for mere humans, and he’s not one of them anymore. He can do whatever he wants and he will do that - as flamboyantly and dramatically as possible. The Joestar fortune he was after in his earlier days? Fuck that too, he’s an immortal vampire with superpowers now, he can just take whatever money he wants.
Now Dio is free to be himself in every sense, and he stops pursuing power in a sneaky, deceitful way, but just. Straight up terrorizing anyone who steps in his path. Now EVERYONE gets to know about his wish for power, not just Jonathan.
And what’s even better - NO ONE is a problem anymore. NO ONE can hurt him. You know what this means for Dio? That he doesn’t have to get angry and frustrated anymore, because no one is able to push him that far.
….Except for Jonathan Joestar, who just won’t leave him alone
Jonathan keeps coming back and it low key pisses Dio off, but on the other hand, he also has major respect for him because of that. In his life of power and bliss, Jonathan manages to be the ONLY thing to disturb him
So Phantom Blood ending happens, Dio is bodyless, and in a mixture of necessity and respect, he takes Jonathan’s body. I notice people often seem to think that he took his body because he wanted it from the get go or something, but that’s not accurate. Initially it was for revenge, because Jonathan was the one who caused him to have to behead himself, and in SDC DIO even clearly says he NEEDED to take that body in order to survive - it was originally revenge and survivalism, but seeing Jonathan’s final actions also added immense respect to that. That body means a lot of different things to DIO.
Anyway now we get to the good part.So Dio is underwater all alone with a corpse for about 100 years. I went into more into this once before but to TL;DR that post; that kind of situation Does Bad Shit To You.
By the time DIO arose from that coffin, the insanity REALLY took hold of him. Because, in that coffin, he got to THINK. He got to do a LOT of thinking. All alone. He got to think about what matters to him.
And once he did all that thinking, he found his goal.It was not riches or power, but lack of anger: Inner peace.
Throughout SDC and Stone Ocean, that’s his ultimate goal.Now, how he goes about to obtain that is… hm.
In Stone Ocean, we are introduced to DIO’s diary, in which he essentially wrote down a highly complex, highly convoluted ritual of obtaining peace of mind, or as he likes to call it like the dramatic bitch that he is: Heaven.
I’ve seen people say that he apparently doesn’t show any philosophical interest in that kinda thing in SDC to which I say, do you even pay attention?
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Think about DIO throughout SDC - what do we actually see him do before the final battle? He’s reading, he’s studying, he’s relaxing, he DOESN’T WANT TO BE BOTHERED.
He isn’t even the one sending out his assassins at first - the Tarot enemies are all Enya’s employees, she dragged those homicidal maniacs together. It’s only after all of them are defeated that DIO sends out HIS followers, the Glory Gods.
DIO wants his minions to take care of this because it’s low key stressing him out and he Doesn’t Need This Shit Right Now. He’s SO CLOSE to doing his ritual, Pucci is waiting for himin America, they have PLANS, and now these Joestar bastards are in Egypt?? What the fuck??? Can they like, not??? Is there any respect left for the ‘Do Not Disturb’ signs you hang on the door handles??
Basically, SDC catches DIO at a really bad time because he’s just in the middle of something big and it all just comes in to crash his plans, but there’s a lot about him that can be discerned from the final battle, and that is one of my favourite aspects of him, which is also very closely tied to his idea of Heaven; KNOWLEDGE.
DIO was really REALLY confident at the start of the battle, because he was convinced he had more knowledge about the Joestar group than they did about him, and knowledge was supposed to be his greatest weapon.
You can tell how paranoid and stressed out he becomes once Jotaro breaks that idea of him Knowing More and starts moving in stopped time. One of my favourite scenes in the final battle has got to be the ‘Is Jotaro Really Dead?’ scene, in which DIO acts like a paranoid wild animal, he acts like a cat who has his sights on something, but is not 100% sure if it’s safe to come close.
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This paranoia is a HUGE factor of why he wants Heaven, aka Peace of Mind, and he is fully aware that he has this issue.
Another one of my favourite moments happens to revolve around his paranoia, that being the moment in Stone Ocean which shows us that it’s preventing him from fully trusting even those who are the most devoted to him, such as Pucci;
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What we’re looking at here is DIO speaking to someone who is essentially the closest thing he EVER had to a friend, someone he admits he feels truly relaxed with, and yet even with this man he’s unable to shake off the paranoia he feels.
DIO really doesn’t know true inner peace, even in a situation that he himself described as being one that’s making him feel at ease.
Now we finally get into some bigger Stone Ocean spoilers regarding the stand of the main enemy of that part, Pucci - the same stand that DIO tried to obtain.
Here’s basically what the ritual-obtained stand, Made in Heaven, does;
It speeds up the time of entire universe to bring it back to a point where it started the spin, with everyone still alive just as they were (except the people who the stand user kills), but this time everyone has a vague idea/knowledge of what will happen next, because everyone essentially witnessed the future.
Now, assuming that DIO’s Made in Heaven would do the same thing as Pucci’s did, here’s what this tells us about DIO:
He is SO PARANOID that the thing that gives him the most anxiety and unrest, the thing he wants to get rid of, is the same that all of us take for granted:Not knowing what will happen next.
DIO wants to obtain peace of mind by getting rid of that ‘problem’ of an unknown future and making EVERYONE know what’s inevitably coming next, but he’d be the only one who would be able to change it. That’s his ideal world.
DIO’s insanity was born from his wish to achieve peace of mind.He wants to get rid of his anger and paranoia, but his idea of the solution to those feelings is absolutely demented and unfathomably convoluted.
Basically… it’s something that only be thought up by a megalomaniac vampire who was left deep underwater for 100 years in a claustrophobic coffin with only the corpse of the only man he ever respected to keep him company.
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shanie-the-toyaddict · 4 years ago
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In The Space Between A Zowens Fanfic (Into The Horizon Universe... vaguely)
OK, so I’ve decided. I’m not posting it on AO3 because people on there might not want spoilers. But I WILL post it here because I’ve already told all yinz how that Future Fic ends for Sami and Kevin. So here you go. One songfic, behind the cut.
EDIT TO ADD: The song is “Until Eternity” by Blackbriar and the idea came from @write-it-motherfuckers
Being soulmates, or whatever the hell Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn were, it was a concept hard to express through simply one term.
There were many different languages and cultures across the globe and beyond that had notions of what two lovers, forever entwined would look like. Earth alone had more than Kevin could personally keep track of, although he’d always tried. One of the earliest accounts dated back to Plato, who wrote about how originally, people had four arms, four legs, and two heads, and Zeus split the humans in half, leaving them forever yearning for the rest of themselves. It was a quaint enough notion but didn’t quite cover it. In Buddhism, the idea was that all lives were interconnected. Those connected in one life were connected in the next. That was closer, but if you were to ask Kevin, it wasn’t quite the right idea either. In Hinduism, they believed that in the karmic cycle, a force called lenhu caused two souls to forever intersect, positively impacting each other in every lifetime. That one seemed fairly accurate in Kevin’s eyes, except for the “positive” part. Truth be told, his impact on Sami Zayn over the many lifetimes they shared was far from exclusively positive. Personally, Kevin always liked Sami’s explanation of the Twin Flames, two souls fundamentally identical on a cosmic level that, when brought together, can lead to either tremendous beauty, or absolute havoc and chaos.
Kevin had never been so sure about the first part of that, but the second part was spot on. Between the two of them, in every lifetime they’d shared together, it was either beauty, chaos, or sometimes both. But there was rarely ever indifference. No, the universe wasn’t indifferent to Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens. They’d always thought, upon having their first match, that they were destined to fight forever. Now, looking upon the thousands of paths they’d walked, Kevin realized that, by that point, they already had.
And now, floating beside his soulmate, resting dormant once more in the space between worlds, Kevin couldn’t help but wonder what the cosmos held for them next. He never had any idea beforehand who or what he’d be. He’d given up long ago trying to guess genders. If living thousands of lives had taught him anything, it was that gender was an absolute fallacy. Earth was one tiny speck in an infinite ocean of possibilities, and they weren’t always the same species let alone the same gender. The universe was a funny thing like that; much like Forrest and his damn box of chocolates, you never knew what you were going to get. The only constant in their infinite existence was each other and, while they never retained their memories from lifetime to lifetime, they always found themselves together in the end. One way, or another, be it as friends, lovers, companions, rivals, or even bitter enemies, they were together.
Actually, Kevin was pretty sure that wasn’t how it was supposed to work. It had been countless lifetimes since their time as 21st Century humans trapped in the future, but he was still certain he recalled something being said about their souls always being in love.
Or maybe that was just wishful thinking. It certainly wasn’t how it had turned out.
Kevin felt movement beside him in the aether.
Sami was stirring from his sleep, curling instinctively around Kevin. KO didn’t push him away, instead placing a ghostly kiss on Sami’s copper curls. In that place, wherever they stayed between lives, you appeared as you best knew yourself. They’d had so many different bodies and appearances since their souls were made one that even Kevin was surprised that they still kept their old human visages. But after thousands of years, thousands of lives, they were still Sami and Kevin.
And Kevin was just fine with that.
He’d always found Sami attractive as a redhead.
Sami yawned, stretching his arms out and arching his back.
“Nnnng, how long was I out?” he asked Kevin.
Kevin groaned. If there was one thing that never changed, it was his tendency to ask stupid questions.
“Come on, Sami,” he replied. “You know time has no meaning here.”
“Yeah, I know,” conceded Sami, before adding, “but you’d think there’d be some measure of time here in the time vortex.”
“The time vortex? Wasn’t that Back to the Future or something?”
“Mmm, Doctor Who. Back to the Future was the space-time continuum.”
Kevin sighed, rolling his eyes.
“You’ve spent too many lifetimes as nerds,” he told his lover, the annoyance in his voice dancing with joviality.
Sami raised an eyebrow.
“And what about the one where you were a 1960’s single woman writing Star Trek fanfiction?”
“Hey, I had Leonard Nimoy over for dinner, that life was pretty fucking cool. Got better after you showed up, though. God that was scandalous.”
Sami smiled. “It always is between us.”
Kevin laughed, before Sami suddenly leaned over to put his face directly beside Kevin’s.
“Nerd,” Sami whispered at him, before breaking away and laughing.
Kevin’s jaw dropped slightly at his own accusation returned to him, before shutting his mouth and pushing Sami away.
“Oh shut up,” Kevin told him.
Sami began to drift away. It wasn’t like they had form there, at least nothing outside of what their minds created. It was almost like drifting in space, weightless and alone. Honestly, were it not for what had occurred back in the Gorosian Empire, they would both be floating alone, still cosmically linked to an extent, but without the companionship between lives.
And powers was Kevin grateful for the companionship.
Time had no meaning where they were, that much was true, but it still felt like an eternity. Even when you slept, you didn’t dream. You just woke up in the same empty space a moment later, right where you started. There really wasn’t anything to look at besides endless fog and darkness, although despite the darkness, he never had a problem seeing Sami next to him, as though his pale skin and ginger curls were bathed in unseen moonlight. There was nothing to do, nowhere to go, and nobody to talk to. You were just waiting.
At least now they could wait together.
Sami was still floating away, eyes closed and a content look on his face and Kevin willed himself closer to him.
“Sami, where the hell are you - “
Sami cut him off with a chuckle, pushing his foot off Kevin’s chest and doing a backflip. He spun himself around a few times amidst the fog before stopping, the grin on his face doing little to conceal his giggling.
Shaking his head, Kevin decided he should ask. Sami had something on his mind, and the guy was going to drive him crazy with his chipperness if he didn’t figure it out.
“Ok, Sami,” Kevin demanded, “What’s up. What’s got you so happy?”
Sami replied by floating over toward Kevin and placing a soft hand on his cheek.
“You,” he said, and pulled him into a passionate kiss. It wasn’t a needy or urgent kiss or anything like the affection they used to show each other back when they were in the Indies on Earth. It was the type of kiss that lovers shared when they knew each other completely. When they had been down a million roads together and knew full well there would be a million more.
When they weren’t two separate souls at all, but one, forever and eternally joined.
And as the soul energy surged between their spirits, Kevin knew he’d found home once again.
But therein lay the trouble, and with a creased brow, he broke off the kiss.
Sami’s pout was damn near audible.
“Shit Sami,” Kevin swore, “I don’t understand what’s got you so excited. You know the routine. We spend time here, then we get shoved into new bodies and have to spend another lifetime finding each other and getting back together. I don’t understand why we can’t just have this forever!”
The one-time Intercontinental Champion looked sad for a moment, before turning his eyes to Kevin.
“Do you want to know what I dreamt about?” he asked KO.
“Bullshit,” Kevin grumbled, “you didn’t dream anything.”
“No, I did, I swear. And it was glorious.”
There was that damn word again.
Glorious.
Kevin both hated and loved when Sami used that word. He hated it because somehow, in almost every situation they found themselves in, he had an equivalent for it and was far too liberal in its usage.
He loved it because, whenever Sami used the word, his eyes would brighten, catching whatever light was nearby, and Kevin would drown in them and fall in love all over again.
And this time was no different.
“Sami...” Kevin sighed, the word a breath across his lips. He gazed into Sami’s hazel eyes, they were always hazel in that space, and he could see himself there. With Sami, where he always belonged and where he always would be.
It was so damn easy to get lost there, but Sami noticed (he always did) and wrapped his hand around Kevin’s head pulling their foreheads together.
“Focus, Kev,” Sami told him, and after closing his eyes for a moment to do just that, Kevin reopened them and pulled away.
“Right,” he said, his mind clear once more, “what was this dream?”
Sami smiled. “It’s about our next lifetime.”
With a tilt of his head, Kevin looked at him like he was crazy.
“Sami. We never get any indication of our lives ahead of time. You know how it is. We’ve certainly been through this enough.”
The redhead shook his head. “No, I swear, I had a vision. You and me. A happily married couple. No fighting, no trauma. Just domestic bliss.”
Kevin made a face.
“Ew, yeargh,” He practically gagged at the idea. “Domestic? Who the fuck wants domestic?”
“You know, Luv,” Sami chided, “We don’t have to be at each other’s throats every time.”
“No, but it’s more fun that way.”
“Maybe for you. I’m usually the one on the receiving end of the beatings. I’ll take a round of domestic bliss if it means I don’t have to get beaten, threatened, tortured, whatever by you for a change. Why are you so determined to hurt me in every single possible future we have together?!”
“You know I don’t do it on purpose!” Kevin shouted, and immediately regretted it afterward. They rarely fought between the worlds, but Sami was right. It always seemed like Kevin had it out for Sami. No matter what configuration the universe put them in, there was always some level of pain involved.
Kevin closed his eyes to focus once more and started again.
“Sami,” he said, “You know I love you. Here, to eternity and back, I love you. I’ve loved you in more ways than either of us could have ever dreamed possible. In this space, looking ahead, you know I don’t want to hurt you. But, I don’t know, maybe it’s just my nature. Maybe I’m just a naturally negative person. All we’ve been through? I think I’m just the bad to your good. The rage to your peace. The darkness to your light.”
“The Yin to my Yang,” Sami added, a kind look on his face.
“Yeah, something like that,” Kevin responded.
Sami reached his hand out, taking hold of Kevin’s shoulder.
“You know, Kev, The Yin Yang? There’s always a bit of light in the darkness, and vice versa. They say that the yin and yang represent...”
“Nope,” Kevin said, shaking his head and cutting him off, “I’m stopping you there. Go much further and I guarantee you’ll lose me. Just stick with ‘there’s light in the darkness’, ok?”
“’K. But you know that means that there’s also always part of you in me as well, right? We’re one soul, not just joined or intertwined, but intermixed. Ever since the powers of the universe blinked us into existence, we’ve been together. I mean, who needs all the marriages, joinings, ceremonies, rituals, all that fluff and stuff. You and me, we’re one unit. Why the hell do you think we’ve always had such chemistry, even when we’re fighting? We’re meant to be together, one way or another. By whatever name, in whatever form. You’ve always been a part of me Kev. Your soul in my soul. Your heart in my heart...”
“... my mind to your mind, my thoughts to your thoughts, yeah yeah, I got it. Fuck, Sami in what lifetime were you that much of a sappy romantic?”
Shrugging, Sami replied, “Probably most of them. You just never spent enough time in love with me to notice.”
Kevin smirked. “I’m always in love with you. Always have been, always will be. It’s just sometimes I’m too stubborn to realize it.”
Sami couldn’t contain his snort. “Now who’s the sappy romantic?”
It was a fair enough question, but one that Kevin didn’t feel like answering. Instead, he shut his lover up by pressing his lips against him, kissing him once more. And once more the energy surged. Granted, even in their living forms there was always some amount of electricity that flowed between them, but in that netherworld-like space, it flowed the strongest, unhindered by any physical forms or bodies. There it was just their combined soul, floating and waiting to be reborn, and as Kevin tasted the sparks on Sami’s lips, he felt himself start to grow heavier, the way he always did before he was pulled into a new body.
He felt Sami start to pull away, obviously feeling a similar sensation, but Kevin grabbed ahold of Sami’s head and maintained contact. Wherever they were going, it would likely be years before they could kiss once more, and Kevin wasn’t going to miss out on his last chance for who knew how long.
A white light began to glow and blossom between them, starting first in their chests before wrapping its way around their bodies and encircling their arms and legs. He could hear wind blowing, like something out of a blustery spring day, and the sound began to engulf them both.
Still, Kevin didn’t let go. He could feel Sami’s energy pulling away and he struggled to hold on, but it was no use. The contact was broken and as the white light turned to gold, he felt his astral connection to Sami break as he was pulled through the cosmos to whatever destination the powers of the universe had picked for him this time around.
And as he flew through space-time towards his new, waiting life, a thought sat firmly in his mind.
Domestic, huh?
Wouldn’t be the end of the world.
Might be nice even. Possibly glorious.
Maybe we don’t have to fight forever after all.
And then his consciousness lapsed as the light turned to darkness and his new life began.
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ameba-from-space · 5 years ago
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my thoughts and theories for episode 7 of epithet erased
spoiler obviously, so don’t read until you have seen it.( just another thing, I did not see the anime campaing so I will be going solely on the animated series)
Sooooo... Lets start with misterious beach man
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From what I could gather from the final credits his name is Rick shades
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Another thing you could get from previous credit scenes is his wanted poster
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Now I don’t have to point it out since it is pretty obvious but you can see the beginning of a word in his poster, that word is most likely FRIEND, that could mean that he will become an ally to the main character in the next season, most likely molly, OR it could be that the world friend is the beggining to the phrase FRIEND OR FOE? Wich I think is more likely, he will probabily be a character shrouded in secrecy that will jump in between aliances, from the way he was found I believe he will be a classic amnesiac case, whether he will be lying about it or not. On to ocean bliss!
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Percy has said that there are 4 leading officers in Bliss ocean, Zora is the Third one as shown in the show, Robot girl is not Leading officer as in her card she is noted as bliss ocean errand girl
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Now other glass fella over there is Probabilly a leading officer, he also has a wanted poster although his is significantly more faded than everybody else.
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He does not talk in his entire appearence so we do not have any official name/way to call him, I’m nicnaming him dark emo weaboo boy or D.E.W.D, it seen that his appearance will be larger in the next season, I’m excited for him. Also interesting is the fact that instead of having wanted written on his poster,live everyone else Including Zora, he has presumably a NO in his, and also no other information or text is written in the bottom. But his appearance together with robo girl, made me realise something, every member Ocean Bliss, the MUNDIE terrorist group, that we have seen so far has an epithet, that is certainlly odd, at least for me, I fell that they are more that they are letting on now, I tink the Mundie Group is just a cover for something more.
Before I talk about the boss I want to talk about some other wanted posters that appeared in the credits but their characters did not appear anywhere.
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The first one seems to be some sort of bug superstar...? His poster has weird squares instead of the usual writings, that has to mean something.
The second one is the most attention grabing of the 3, the poster is in a very poor quality, it has been ripped and the picture is fadded, the only feature recognizable in the poster is the eye and some sort of whisker, they are wearing some tipe of hat, maybe a beanie,  they also seen to be wearing marking that resemble Zora, maybe they are related, the poster has inneligible language in some sort of alien??? font
The third one is a relatively normal one, it looks like a little girl with purple hair, at first glance may look a lot like trixie, Molly’s friend, but when put side to side their design are different. Will it be something more?
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Now the boss... There is not to much to say about them, although I do think he has an epithet, I don’t know why but since all other high ranking member seem to have one I believe he also has one, and their eyes weren’t animated like that for nothing, he definitely has an eye or a mind controling epithet
after his appearence, in the to be continued scene three words/phrases were show in rapid succesion in a similar manner to the ocean bliss simbol after he spoke.
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These two are fairly simple, since bliss ocean will be very active in the next season, and great at crime refers to the one only banzai blaster, most probabily Giovanni <3
But the third one is the most intriguing one.
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This strike me as a surname, maybe a nickname, this name will be a very important one in next season, maybe the leader name?, Probabily not.
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olicitytropes · 5 years ago
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Olicity Tropetastic Awards: Season Five
Can you really compete with the angst of two people who love each other, need each other, and want each other, but aren’t together? Can you really compete with the masterpiece that is episode 5x20 of Arrow? Can you really compete with a chaotic, terrifying villain like Adrian Chase?
This season of Arrow was one that left many of us wanting more. Luckily that means that the fanfic inspired by it is a dream come true!
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@blondeeoneexox’s recs:
little wonders (twists and turns of fate) - @alexiablackbriar13 
Oliver and Felicity's drunken mistake of a hook-up in the bunker comes with unexpected consequences in the form of a... souvenir.
Deciding to remain romantically uninvolved, the two of them will have to battle all the trials and tribulations of maintaining a platonic relationship while Felicity is pregnant and the two of them are living together, coping with all the emotional baggage that they both bring to the table - and dealing with the fact that they are still very much in love with each other, but scarred by the events that broke them apart in the first place.
**Award: Most Amazing Outcome of 5x20 That We Can’t Get Enough Of** 
Moving In and Moving On - hoffkk
When Felicity gets kicked out of her apartment and moves in with Thea and Oliver, relationships old and new are put to the test. Some ignite with sparks flying everywhere, while others flame-out. The question is... who can stand the heat?
**Award: Best Alternative Happy Ending That Will Make You Cry So Many Tears of Happiness**
It’s the Little Things - pensandarrows
5 times Billy Malone and Susan Williams see there’s much more to Oliver and Felicity and the 1 time Oliver and Felicity realize it.
(or, what if the Love Interests aren’t evil and are just normal people caught in the riptide that is Olicity)
**Award: Most Angsty Filled, “Please Break Up With These Boring Individuals and Get Back Together!” Fic**
Light a Fire - @smoaking-greenarrow
Set between seasons five and six. Felicity is having a hard time after escaping Lian Yu. Her landlord turns off the heat one night and she is trying to cope with what she experienced on the island. Oliver comes over to check on her.
**Award: Most Protective/Worried Oliver and Sweetest Olicity Reconciliation**
@memcjo’s recs:
You Are My Strength - alanna_the_lionheart
As Prometheus tortures him, Oliver holds on tight to hope. His team, his friends, his family…they are his strength, and they will find him. He trusts them; he trusts all of them. But more than anything, he trusts her.
Felicity.
He knows she will find him, and in the end, she does….
...But at what cost?
Based on the promo for 5x17 (no spoilers beyond what the promo shows).
**Award: Best Use of Felicity Showing Oliver THERE WAS NO CHOICE TO MAKE**
It makes you human - lilliclementi93
Felicity and the team are brought on Lian-Yu by Adrian Chase to make Oliver suffer.
Soon she finds herself willing to do whatever is necessary to stop Prometheus, even lose herself in the process.
Will she give up to the rage?
Will Oliver be able to save her, even from herself?
**Award: Best Use of Team Arrow Working to Help Our Lovely Felicity Smoak See Everyone is Human**
After the Boom - @hope-for-olicity
What happened after the explosions on Lian Yu.
**Award: Best Use of BAMF Felicity Smoak and Hero Oliver Queen Finding their Way Back Together**
A life that’s full - wherethereissmoak
Oliver's POV when he flashes memories of Felicity in the 100th episode.
**Award: Best Use of Swoon Worthy Oliver Queen**
Always - @olicitysmoaky
Post 5x20 fic -- takes place a bit after the episode. Felicity hears a noise at the loft. Oliver comes running.
**Award: Best Use of Oliver to the Rescue**
Not Just a Sock Fetish - @alexiablackbriar13
"I need to buy some socks. Everybody has their thing. I need socks. Bad.”
It's not just a sock fetish. Oliver has a reason for needing and loving socks.
**Award: Best Use of Felicity Smoak Supporting Her PTSD BBY Oliver Queen**
@smoaking-greenarrow’s recs:
Will Fate Allow? - @mindramblingsfics
Seeing her parents marriage dissolve at a young age made Felicity yearn for a healthy marriage of her own. She thought she'd finally found what she was looking for when Billy Malone showed up offering her what her heart desired. She thought she was happy and had everything she could want, but things began to unravel. Slowly she turned to someone who had become a unparalled constant in her life...Oliver Queen.
Oliver and Felicity are the definition of polar opposites. He is the mob boss that strikes fear in the hearts of many, while she is seen as the sweet girl next door, but there is more to both of them underneath the surface. Along the way, they become connected to one another leading to their lives being intertwined forever.
**Award: Olicity Beating All the Odds**
@allimariexf’s recs:
Oliver Queen Finally Lets Himself Relax - @wrldtravler
Oliver and Felicity spend a lazy summer morning together in the aftermath of agreeing to give things a shot again.
**Award: Best Softly Simmering Olicity Reunion**
A Dance With the Devil - @it-was-a-red-heeler
A Season Five re-write, thanks to an idea from a Nonny, an elaboration by jules85, and a push from a very bossy SmoakingGreenArrow. ;)
**Award: Best Angsty Olicity Communication Through Talking and Not Talking, with a Side of Extremely Satisfying Resolutions**
Immovable - @jesileighs
His Felicity--his beautiful, brilliant beacon of hope--how could he have let her fall so far?
Spec based on promo for 5x19
**Award: Best Oliver and Felicity Actually Talk About Their Issues Story**
@tangled23works’ recs:
The Best Deceptions - @smoaking-greenarrow
From the moment Oliver Queen met Felicity Smoak, all he’d wanted to do was keep her safe. But to protect her and his city, he had to become something else. Five years later, Felicity finds herself wrapped up in a dangerous murder investigation and a treacherous relationship. Intent on finding out the truth, she has to rely on a government sector she doesn’t trust, the hacking skills she gave up on, and a man who she thought had given up on her.
**Award: Best ‘Felicity Dates Adrian Chase But Falls In Love With Oliver Queen’ Fic**
Oceans (between you and me) - @dust2dust34
My ficlet collection for Season Five.
It will (hopefully) come to include speculation fics, wish fics, canon fics, elaboration fics, pretty-much-everything-related-to-Season-Five fics...
**Award: Most Amazing Season 5 Ficlet Collection**
@msbeccieboo’s recs:
Some fairytale bliss - @callistawolf
After the events of 5x23, Oliver and Felicity navigate their rejuvenated relationship and other realities of their lives that have cropped up.
**Award: Best UST-filled Return from Lian Yu**
Redemption. - cloverlotus
An Olicity two parter, just because. This story is pretty much base on the Olicity bunker sex flashbacks in 5x20 of Arrow, (but of course I will be changing some things.)
Please be warned: smut ahead
**Award: Best 5x20 Alternative Ending**
5 Dresses - @laurabelle2930
Yet another prompt fic from my dear friend Megan! 
Prompt: I have found the prompt about the dresses that are driving Oliver mad with longing.
1: gold dress (Dodger)
2: red poker dress (finding Walter)
3: grey and orange (when Oliver makes her his EA aka I quit)
4: red peek-a-boob dress (intro to jealous Oliver)
5: pink dress (Moira's party)
Warning: Explicit for me so you’ve been warned. (Not that the gif wasn’t clear enough...)
**Award: Horniest Trip Down Memory Lane**
@it-was-a-red-heeler’s recs:
I’m not him (but I’ll mean something to you) - smoakoverwatch 
In the summer after Damien Darhk’s attack, Felicity meets the new District Attorney, Adrian Chase, and begins dating him. As Prometheus begins his war against Oliver and Team Arrow, Felicity feels the effects worst as she unknowingly allows Chase into her heart.
**Award: Best Season Five Olicity Reunion Twist**
Pizza Time for Two - thecomebackkids99
Post 5x20 fic that includes pizza, Felicity blabbering, and Oliver grinning like an idiot.
**Award: Best Olicity Silliness That Will Suddenly Make You Cry (And Possible Best Oliver Speech Ever)**
What happens in Russia - onceuponaglassofwine
there's a familiarity with the words she says to him. spec pic for 5x12
**Award: Best Kill-Ya-With-The-Feels Moment**
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draken049 · 5 years ago
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Godzilla King of The Monsters Review
So...the other day I went and finally seen Godzilla King of The Monsters and holy balls was it amazing. I have not been filled with so many different emotions from any Godzilla film before this one. Shin came close but King of The Monster?
...It was beautiful. The whole movie is beautiful. The story is simple, the message is clear and standard for the franchise, the characters both human and monster were amazing. The score was heart wrenching and it makes any fan feel like they are watching a pride and true Godzilla film from the homeland of Japan.
I was sitting in a theater room with only six other people, three couples, all of which had an affection for the franchise and the character of Godzilla. By the time the credits rolled, all of us were clapping and even some, myself included, were crying. IT’S ABSOLUTELY CRIMINAL THAT THIS MOVIE IS DOING POORLY...though...it’s not the movies fault...no. In fact, this is really on the hands of Hollywood and the blatant pacing issue it has. This movie is by definition a definitive summer blockbuster but thanks to Avengers Endgame...-grumble grumble grumble- another awesome movie...-grumble grumble grumble- being THE box office monster that it’s been, there just wasn’t any spare change for the film that is undoubtedly the better film for summer. Then of course there was also Detective Pikachu and John Wick Chapter 3 and Aladdin...just too many large named movies coming out within such a short span. There’s no room to breathe, at all and I believe that among these large movies, they all could have benefit if they were not released on the heels of Avengers Endgame.
Now with my two cents being said, I would absolutely love to point out that this is NOT, I repeat, IS NOT your typical Hollywood movie. It just isn’t and you’d be lying to yourself if you said otherwise. What I saw was a movie made by a devout fan of Godzilla, made for the people who LOVE and CHERISH each film in the franchise. This is a movie that was fun filming, fun creating and it made itself known that this IS a Godzilla movie. If you say that the characters are trash, the plot is trash, or the monsterverse is trash...then I’m sorry, you should just stop watching these movies all together or go back and watch the older movies. Yea, you can have your opinions but they’re wrong, they straight up just are. 
Non-Spoiler Territory Ahead
There’s so much this film does right and none that I can see that would make it deserve ill-wanted words. The tone of the movie is excellent. It provides us as viewers with an ever escalating landscape. There’s much more to lose here than there was in Godzilla (2014), that if something isn’t done, we’re going to be in for a world of hurt. The world is affected by the actions of Jonah and his eco-terrorism group to the point that even they would be affected if the source of the problem wasn’t dealt with. 
The character dynamics between Emma, Madison and Mark are simplified but nonetheless strong. It’s your typical family member lost, dad becomes a spiraling drunk, mom isolates herself and arguably loses her sanity and the daughter is left with the fallout from both but is forced to be by moms side. There’s much talk and allusion to redemption which is strongly paid off by two parties, even though I think one was less deserving than the other. Jonah has a motive that is much larger than just some action film bad guy and it needs to be known that he only partially succeeds but never fully gets what he wants. This gives him every reason to be the dark human element of Godzilla vs. Kong. Even by the time the credits rolled, you could tell exactly that he was planning something far more dangerous than what we were given. Dr. Serizawa is a penultimate character that is the yin to Godzilla’s yang. We see that he is still a devout believer that Godzilla is the key to balance among the Titans. His interaction and care for the large deity is something to really behold and it absolutely tugs your heart when it comes to giving the big lovable guy a good kick in the nuclear tank. 
The monsters themselves are all unique despite only seeing like what? Four new titans? The behemoth(????), the octo-spiderboi, a second female muto, and the large mountainboi. They are each dynamic in a way that they almost encapsulate a piece of cinematic history in the areas if which they appeared which I really wouldn’t put past Michael Dougherty because he is a horror anthology guru. However, the four that really shine above the rest are Rodan, Ghidorah, Godzilla and Mothra. 
Rodan; The Fire Demon...such a badass moniker. His initial appearance really draws on his Showa portrayals, being associated with the volcanos that both take and giveth his life. His design is MUAH, perfection. The mix of traditional reptile skin and possible fire feathers really give Rodan a naturalistic but also a unique look for the world of the Monsterverse. I really think he is the most animalistic of the four titular Titans, his actions reflective to that of an eagle or hawk but also as an aggressive bird when Ghidorah finally enters Rodans airspace. 
Godzilla; King of the Monsters...a much deserving title for the apex super predator. I was well and truly shocked when it’s revealed that Godzilla is or was worshiped by ancient peoples of an advanced civilization. His mannerisms, animalistic display intelligence and cunning flesh him out to be this thinking creature. His reservations about humanity is just but he develops an inherent trust of humanity thanks to Dr. Serizawa. It’s this trust that makes Godzilla feel like this unsung and much needed hero of the world. His leadership and stature among the worlds Titans seems akin to Aaragorns position when he finally takes up the mantle of king in Lord of the Rings. They both now have lives to look over and keep in line, to be the order and balance that the title of king implies. I want to point out that with the revelation that Godzilla has an actual home and was worshiped, that this is inspired from the Heisei Gamera films where an advanced civilization create Gamera in order to defend them from the Gyoas. All Alpha models of Gamera were sunk to the bottom of the ocean floor, creating this vast landscape of ancient bodies. The feeling there feels identical to the feeling you get when entering Godzilla’s domain. 
Ghidorah...The One Who Is Many...Sweet baby Zilla...All I can say is that this Ghidorah, this false king, is by far the most intricate, the most developed and the most critically thinking version of Ghidorah in the history of the franchise. He is not one creature but three and feels like three creatures with one body. Each head thinks and acts independently, the right is the follower but hyper aggressive, more so than the middle head. The right will do what is needed by the middle while the middle head is actively the leader. This one is unique because it looks like he is the one pulling the strings, the one actively strategizing and the one getting things done. The left head, I think is adorable...is liiiike just there it feels like. He’s a crucial part to Ghidorah sure but he seems like that one dog who’s hell bent on barking at you but gets distracted when he sees a squirrel and then all of his attention is on that one squirrel. I love it. I really do because it just solidifies that this Ghidorah has independent thought for each head, allowing it different personalities. His roar is genuinely terrifying but also sounds pretty damn close to the his Toho counterpart in the same way Rodan and Godzilla sound similar to their Toho counter parts. 
Mothra...my mothra...GOD WHY IS SHE SO FREAKING PERFECT!?!?!?!?!?! Mothra; The Queen of the Monsters...She is so beautiful, so majestic and hands down THE best monster of the movie for me. What makes her stand out from her Toho incarnations is that this gorgeous lady is actively searching for Godzilla. She doesn’t wish to fight him and as the film suggests, the two have a symbiotic relationship. To me, I believe that the Mosura and Gojira species actively fight together or at the very least come to the aid of one another. Her hovering over the location of Godzilla’s home seems to be odd at best if she were just looking to fight. Now that doesn’t mean I think the two go for booty calls with one another like Barnes thinks. Though, I do feel like this Mothra is highly sentient if not overly tied to the notion of her species naturally fighting alongside Godzilla’s species. She is also a reaallllll scrapper, even though most of her time was spent fighting Rodan. I would have loved loved LOVED to see her fight against Ghidorah at full strength. Her song also plays which is a newly created version of her 1961 musical composition. Any time that she’s on screen and that music plays, I will cry cry cry CRY!!! It’s beautiful in every sense of the word. Her devotion to Godzilla is admirable and her assistance is amazing. 
The climactic battle is a sensation of fighting, roars, destruction’s galore, and a visual spectacle. By the end and Godzilla standing tall, your heart will be filled bliss. However, stand tall until the after credits scene!
LITTLE RANT
So I’m not gonna say what’s at the end for the after credits scene, or at least not until I make a Spoiler Ridden Review but I see so many people claim that mechas or a Mecha-Godzilla type weapon will come to fruition. Yea, okay it’d be cool but where the bloody hell are you going to get that much finite resources let alone a power source strong enough to run the damn thing? Just because the military has a flying super carrier doesn’t mean that a Super X weapons system or a Mecha-Godzilla is going to come to the monsterverse any time soon. When this franchise began (the Monsterverse), it was clear that these movies are grounded in a reality where our resources are not unlimited. You have to stop and think about just how much it’d be to cost for these kinds of weapons let alone if it’s going to work. The amount of metals and other resources you need, it’s just unruly. Maybe if we found a way to harvest resources from stars or planets then sure but in the reality of the Monsterverse, that’s just not going to happen.
FINAL VERDICT: 10000000/10 MUST SEEE!!!!
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lil-creatorwritings · 6 years ago
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To Have and To Protect [Sirius Oswald]
Fandom: Ikemen Revolution Pairing: Sirius Oswald x Alice Word Count: 1573 words Warning: NSFW. And spoilers for Sirius’s route, around part 19. Detail are under the cut. Requested by: Another anon~ A/N: Another request! Hopefully I did it some justice, as I barely remember what exactly happened in that part lol. Anyway, don’t forget to like, comment and subscribe--lol jk, been watching too much youtube. Do leave me a comment on it, anon (I hope you’re still there! T_T)
---
PS: In this scene, Lancelot failed to kidnap Alice because Sirius was headed for the gardens even before Chutney got to him.
--
Tap tap tap.
The pacing didn’t help his nerves. Sirius walked back and forth by the door, waiting for the doctor anytime soon. The tension in his body felt so tight, it was almost hard to breathe. If I had been with her.. If I stayed with her..
Thinking about this morning’s event, his stomach churned at the sight in the courtyard. Lancelot had tried to kidnap her in the heart of Black Army territory, potentially to use her magic as a weapon to win the war. It was hard to see his old friend at the other side of the battlefield, fighting him for answers. To all the whys, to all the ifs, and even in his weakened state from using magic, he refused to answer.
What he did know was that the magic from the sky was not his doing. Could it be the people from the Magic Tower?
The door swung open just before his face collided with the wood. A middle aged man stepped out, his medical bag by his side as he breathed a sigh of relief.
“How is she, doctor?”
“Her wounds aren’t fatal, and she’ll make a full recovery in few days time. I suggest you watch over her closely tonight, in case she starts to feel anything else from the concussion.” He started to stalk down the hallway, pausing after a few steps. “You might want to see her. I think she’s waiting to see you.”
Knocking softly, Sirius waited for the small affirmation to come in. A quiet ‘come in’ came through and he stepped inside, the door closing behind him. Their eyes met from across the room, silence settling in the space between them. She sat upright on her bed, a bandage taped on her cheek. Otherwise, she looked absolutely fine. He approached her bed in a few strides.
“Sirius, thank y--”
In a quick motion, he pulled her close as he cradled the back of her head. “You idiot. What in the world were you thinking..?”
“I was doing the job you gave me.”
“That didn’t involve getting hurt or putting yourself in danger.” He retorted, trying to refrain from scolding her. The way her body shook against him made him realize how much it affected her. “It could have been much worse. What would have happened if I wasn’t there?”
The fear from this morning’s events crept up her chest. Even with Lancelot’s harsh gaze on her, she felt safe with Sirius’ presence. But he was right. What if he hadn’t been there? What would the King of Hearts have done to her?
She slightly pushed away, just enough to look up at him. “I just.. I wanted to tend to the flowers. I wanted to keep my promise to you, so I had to keep the normal and everyday routine. So you have something worth coming back home to, when I leave.”
Sirius’ eyes widened. He remembered that conversation with her, and he didn’t expect that she’d take it to heart, much so to take it this far. The intention was to keep her safe for a few more days until the full moon, to send her back home. Where she belonged.
So why does it feel as if this is where she belongs, in his arms like this?
The expression on her face chipped at the resolve he desperately tried to hold on to. For days, he fought with his emotions, convincing himself that the budding affection he felt for Alice was one of familial love. And yet, he knew at the back of his mind. That conversation in the kitchen with Seth had made him realize why he dotted over her so much, or why he would go out of his way for her even if it never felt like a chore.
“You’re the one I want to protect the most.” he whispered, cupping her cheek. Conviction grew inside him as he confessed. “I love you.”
Alice thought that she would be okay, loving him from a distance. But now that he was so close, hearing those words from him.. She knew she was wrong.
“I love you too..” she replied quietly, afraid that this might be just a dream. But the heat of his body, the moment he captured her lips in a sudden kiss, told her otherwise. Sliding her arms around his neck, she responded to him, kissing him back with as much love as she could muster. He guided her back down on the bed, pulling away to rest his forehead on hers.
Words weren’t enough. He wanted to show her, to make her feel just how much he meant to her.
She mumbled his name softly, his lips leaving gentle kisses as he traveled down her neck. Tilting her head back, she gave him more access. He obliged by unbuttoning her shirt, kissing each new inch of exposed skin.
Just as his fingers reached the last button, Sirius pulled away, meeting her gaze. As if reading his mind, she reached for his hand, sliding it under her blouse. He wanted her, and he didn’t want to push her into something uncomfortable because of him.
“Please..” Her words were heated, tender desire reflected in her ocean eyes. “Touch me.”
With her consent, he pushed her blouse away before tugging on her skirts. A blush spread on her cheeks as she was left in her underwear, resisting the urge to curl up and hide from his eyes.
“So beautiful..” he murmured reverently, the moonlight casting an almost ethereal glow on her slender form. Taking her hand in his, he planted light kisses on her palm and inside her wrist. She shivered in pleasure from the contact, looking up to meet his dark gaze on her.
She reached to undo his shirt, pulling on it as he shrugged it off his shoulders. Pressing their bodies together, his hands roamed her skin, as if making a mental map of the dips and curves of her body. Cupping her breasts, his thumbs ran over her nipples. As he made his way down to her chest, he took one of them in his mouth, earning a gasp from her. She arched her back, urging him to continue.
Leaving kisses on her breasts, he started caressing her inner thighs. With a quick pull, her panties were discarded and tossed off the bed. The scent of her arousal fueled him even more, daring to slide his hand closer to her core. Delicate fingers wandered over his back, the soft grunt encouraging her to reach for his belt. She managed to undo his zipper before Sirius touched her, effectively halting her movements.
He started pressing firmly on her clit, making her squirm underneath him. A finger easily slipped inside her sex, drawing out more noises as he thrusted slowly. The tightness in his pants were making it difficult to keep his focus on her. The sensation was almost too much as he added another finger, hearing her take a sharp breath as she squeezed around them.
He kissed the valley of skin between her breasts before shifting around, pulling out his fingers before discarding the last articles of his clothing. Sirius settled between her legs and rested his forehead on hers, rubbing himself against her folds.
“Mhmm.” She gave him a quick peck on the lips, resting her arms on his shoulders. “I’m ready.”
Guiding the head of his cock, he pushed inside her slowly, groaning at her wet heat. He kept a steady pressure on her clit, making sure that he wasn’t moving too fast. She tangled her fingers in his hair, a cry of pleasure falling from her lips as he stretched her. There was a short pang of pain, and her breath hitched at the feeling of him filling her up.
He nuzzled in her neck, planting kisses along her shoulder. Her walls pulsed around him as he waited for her, trying to ease any pain through distractions. A roll of her hips told him that she wanted more, starting at a gentle rhythm. Her chest heaved against his, their moans echoed in the room as he moved faster.
Watching her tremble with need, her raspy voice calling out to him as he thrusted deep.   Each push sent her closer to the edge, and the more she clenched, the harder it was to control himself. “Sirius..! I’m close..”
Determined, he drew tighter circles on her clit, her body tensing as he hit that sweet spot inside. And the way she shattered in his arms, her orgasm washing over her in waves of bliss, captivated him like no other. With a few more thrusts, Sirius groaned as he found his own release shortly after. She whimpered softly in his ear, her grip on his hair loosening as they both started to come down from their high.
Sirius rested his weight on his forearm, trying to catch his breath as he gently pulled out of her. Carefully lying down beside her, she shifted to move closer to him, wrapping her arms around him. He kissed the top of her head, waiting as their hearts slowed to a normal rhythm.
She was the first to speak, muffled by her face pressed against his chest. “I love you, Sirius.. I really love you.”
“I love you too.” He replied, caressing her hair as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
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demyrie · 6 years ago
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Incoming Call (Erasermight and Devu and Skype all at once)
[inspired by this amazing doodle from @pixiepunch​ and precluding twitter thread on low key jealous Aizawa who can’t speak English and might be a Little Fuckin Touchy about Devu! we’re really getting up to some shit on twitter guys it’s a fun mess and completely enabling im in love
Deets: Erasermight and dave and toshi friendship forever, set post-kamino and post-movie with heavily implied movie spoilers, rated t for implications of the nasty] 
It was about ten minutes into a long-overdue Skype chat with Toshinori that Dave even thought to look away from the ever-shining face of his old hero partner and best friend -- but when he did, he immediately saw the man in the doorway.
His jaw almost dropped, alarm bells going off in his head as he watched the man turn and stare in their direction, hunched ominously with lank black hair falling across his face. He was dressed in black with an enormous pile of fabric slung across his shoulders and what looked like a knife case strapped on the back of a utility belt.
In the foreground, Toshinori was talking, no, raving about his students and their progress and the new experience of being a teacher, something Dave sincerely wanted to share in and contribute to, but he was far too attuned to the potential of villain attacks now. Especially with the bandages criss-crossing Toshinori’s shoulder and forehead, marking a change far more permanent and dire than simple broken skin.
Dave couldn’t find the breath or words to interrupt him, but he did point. He pointed very hard, very directly, right into the camera, feeling his adrenaline spike surreally an ocean away from what he was seeing. Toshinori trailed off, blinking owlishly, and looked over his shoulder.
“Ah! Aizawa-kun,” he exclaimed happily, leaning back and firing off a string of Japanese with his name stuck in there somewhere.
Introductions? Introductions. Dave’s shoulders dropped a fraction and he breathed out. Not a villain.
Across the room, still moored in the doorway, the newcomer just raised a coffee mug to his mouth and muttered something into it. His voice was alarmingly deep. He glared at the monitor and the scarf piled around his neck gave an affronted rustle all on its own, like a snake disturbed from cold repose.
Wait. Aizawa, Dave thought suddenly. A light bulb of recognition flickered on and he reached back in his mental records, combing through everything he and Toshi hadn’t been able to discuss since I-Island. Fragments, promises to explain.
There was so much to catch up on, but he could almost swear that name belonged to --
“Ohiyo gozaimasu, Aizawa-san. O-me ni kakarete ureshi desu,” Dave called as loudly as he dared, putting on a cautious smile and angling his tablet so he could incline his head respectfully. He felt confident that it was a formal enough greeting, or just the usual fare for a hopeful introduction, even as he winced inwardly at his sticky pronunciation. It had been a while.
Not long enough, however, to merit the reaction: in the ensuing silence, the man narrowed his eyes even further, and Dave could have sworn a menacing red light star-bursted out from under his hair. Then he took a breathtakingly standoffish sip of coffee and walked off without a word.
As soon as he was out of frame, Toshi shook his head with a laugh, calling something after him about breakfast. Aizawa’s response was low and short and Toshinori turned back to the screen with a dopey smile. It was one of the happiest, easiest expressions Dave had ever seen on him, the kind he’d missed for years, and it was just from a two second exchange about breakfast.
In that moment, Dave knew his earlier wild guess was right. He felt wild pride and glee fill his chest, because it was written all over Toshinori’s face: honeymoon stage, first degree. It made the man look ten years younger and bliss looked damn good on him.
“Please forgive him,” Toshinori intoned with a hushed, doting voice Dave had plainly never heard before, inclining his frazzled head briefly. “He looks scary, but it’s morning here, and his patrol just ended. He’s had a long night.”
“I’m not going to lie, I thought he was a villain,” Dave offered dryly, righting his tablet and settling back in his chair. Toshinori snorted, shadowed eyes twinkling.
“You’re not the first and you won’t be the last. I can’t say it’s unintentional, on his part. He’s … well, he’s him.”
Toshinori looked extraordinarily pleased with that fact. Boyfriend hypothesis confirmed in triplicate.
“So, that is him,” Dave prompted with a growing smile, giving a stifled little gesture in the direction the nocturnal hero had disappeared. He kept his voice low, even though Toshi assured him weeks earlier that “Aizawa-kun” didn't speak English.
Just courtesy, he thought, if such a thing was applicable to gossiping. His smile widened.
“That's your…”
He trailed off expectantly, having maxed out his limited intel on his best friend’s dramatic new life as a hero instructor. For a moment, there was nothing but silence above the distant buzz of his tablet screen. Toshinori delicately tucked his bangs behind his ears, a nervous gesture that swarmed Dave with memories of glancing between themselves during exams.
“If you want a word for what we are,” Toshi murmured, gaze pinned on his knees. He looked sheepish, but pleased. “I'm, ah ... afraid I don't have one.”
“Oh. Okay.”
Dave’s expectations recalibrate in real time, factoring in the retired hero’s shyness and their time apart and the language gap itself. Interesting, but not unexpected. So Dave tried his best to be reassuring, or just light. He lifted his brows and thumbed his chin with pointed thoughtfulness, putting on his best lecturing voice as if walking through a problem and the most likely solutions.
“Well, let’s see. He's … in your house. Do you want him in your house? Because I was a little worried that you didn’t.”
“Oh! Very much,” Toshi assured him with a startled laugh, waving his remaining free hand. “Yes, we … he stays here sometimes.”
The look on his friend’s face was a peculiar combination of terrified yearning and embarrassment, as if he both relished it and wanted more in the same breath. Incredible. Dave couldn’t hide his grin anymore. It was hurting his cheeks.
Who ever thought he would see the Symbol of Peace squirming in his seat with a crush?
“Are there any specific rooms you want him in?” he said as evenly as he could, trying not to snicker. Toshinori’s flustered smile fell away, brow knitting as he tried to parse the joke beyond its literal translation, then barked a laugh. The laugh tumbled into a cough and he reached off-screen for something.
“Dave!” he scolded over the wad of his handkerchief, eyes twinkling again. Dave shrugged grandly, spinning around in his chair.
“I'm just saying, I hope one of them is the bedroom.”
He watched with glee as Toshinori turned red and sputtered, shocked he would press the joke beyond subtext -- because Americans, right? He waved his hand placatingly, knowing how little teasing Toshinori could actually take, as he leaned forward and finished:
“Because you both look like you could use the sleep after everything that's happened. That's all.”
“Agreed,” Toshinori chuckled faintly when he recovered, giving a small, firm nod.
For a second, the two old friends seemed content to just beam at each other across their devices, appreciating a connection long overdue and much obstructed, but soon Toshinori’s gaze fell. As Dave watched, his expressive face wilted into something oddly vulnerable, or just distracted, and just when Dave was going to ask him what was wrong, the freshly retired hero took a deep, slow breath.
“I’ve never done this before,” he confessed, face downturned. His long fingers picked at the bandages wrapped around his forehead, brow furrowed.
Dave frowned, mirroring him. Was Toshi saying he had never “done” relationships before? Or maybe just normal life -- everything that was possible now that he’d lost what made him All Might. But then, while accurate, Dave knew that was the farthest from the truth.
“And if there’s anyone I know who can tackle something on the first try, it’s you,” he said reassuringly, but Toshi just shook his head and snorted softly, hand rising to self-consciously shade his eyes and their surreal glow; the cave of his cheeks and the exhaustion written in every line of his face. Feeling the physical distance between them like an ache under his ribs, Dave wanted little more than to reach out and put his hands on Toshinori’s terribly thin shoulders and squeeze.
“Hey, buddy. Toshi.”
When he looked up, Dave gave his best impression of the good old All Might smile.
“You’re doing great. It might be new, but this isn’t something you have to worry about winning. There’s nothing to defeat here. I'm happy for you and I want to meet him. You deserve it,” he said, feeling his throat tighten spectacularly as he said it. It was everything he meant and blindly, foolishly fought for that night at the gala, condensed into four words.
“You deserve everything, Toshi.”
When Toshinori just looked at him, shadowed eyes shining with the hope that such a simple thing might be true, all the affection Dave ever felt rushed him again. He felt doubly grateful to have survived his own ego and stupidity to see his best friend’s face again, much less smiling like this. No shining teeth, no promise, no performance. Just happiness.
He was allowed, after all these years. After all those fights, all that loss, Toshinori was allowed to just exist and feel loved, even if his new boyfriend was factually terrifying and Dave was definitely going to pull any and all records belonging to “Shouta Aizawa AKA Eraserhead” the moment they hung up. Just to be sure.
It was a best friend thing. Like best man, but with hacking into the Japanese crime database. Easy.
“Thank you, my friend. I miss you. We still have so much to talk about. I didn't really get to ... see you, on the island, for obvious reasons,” Toshinori said with a grimace, then beamed into the camera. The screen jolted and he flashed a thumbs-up. “I have to go and make breakfast now before Shouta escapes my good intentions, but could we try again soon?”
“Definitely.” Dave gave him a mock salute, pausing only briefly before calling back to what he always said before cutting their radio: “All right, All Might. Shield out.”
Toshinori’s grin lit up the whole room, so bright Dave distantly worried about one of the pixels blowing on his tablet screen. Fantastic. His heart squeezed gratefully.
“Safe travels and best of luck, my friend,” Toshinori said, soft and happy. He raised his brows. “Save the world for me, will you?”
“For you? I’ll do my best.”
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alteredphoenix · 5 years ago
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First Impressions Chapter 50: The Stables Incident (WIP)(Heroes of the Storm)
A/N: So, some context in a nutshell: First Impressions is an out-of-order anthology series that has Sylvanas as the MC in a more Looney Tunes-style Nexus, a central hub where all universes converge and diverge at a singular point due to the Powers That Be that may or may not have summoned them here for purposes that are unknown to them. Except anyone that is brought to the Nexus is infected with a condition called the transition, aka the in-universe term for Out of Character; even the native-born Nexians are not exempt from this, and those that are pulled from their timeline never age, and if they should die they are very shortly brought back aka respawn.
I haven’t touched First Impressions in a long while, mainly because of work, doing WoW fics, and a lot of family drama IRL from 2018 onwards that nearly made me quit writing altogether. But I have felt the itch to get back at it again, even though Heroes of the Storm got its e-sports sector gutted and is running in a slow, lumbering maintenance mode. I’m not really sure if HotS still maintans some semblance of popularity as it did in the past year; I’ve been out of the loop for a while, although I’m sure the minor leagues and community-driven events are still ongoing.
Regardless, I’m posting this preview for archival purposes. I’m also posting it because this marks the start of the legendary Stables Incident, an event in which Sylvanas is accused of slaughtering innocent farm animals (at a place where people store their mounts for matches) out of nowhere. This chapter, however, shows what really happened (spoiler alert: Sylvanas didn’t do it, it was actually an accident, Hammer pressed the button on her tank by mistake during a squabble and, as a result, caused an intergalactic news circus over it).
I’m also posting this because: I love writing smartass-give-no-fucks!Sylvanas, and there must be more of it in the fandom.
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“TURN DOWN FOR WHAT!”
The music kicked up in a roar so loud it threw Sylvanas off the bench onto the ground as though an invisible hand scooped up her from underneath and bowled her over. She awoke with a painful groan, twisting round onto her stomach to sit up on her elbows. Her ears twitched and swiveled, searching for the source of the music.
“TURN DOWN FOR WHAT!”
They flattened down against the sides of her head, shaking more from the vibrations that were causing the ground to quake, the bench to jump, and the squirrels and birds on their respective tree branches to bounce off in chattering, chirping squeaks and squawks than the force driving a jackhammer into her brain. Sylvanas looked behind her, in the direction of the auto body shop with its garage doors opened all the way.
A large, single-barreled cannon was poking its head out, connected to a red plated chassis on massive treads.
Sylvanas snarled, pushed to her feet, and stormed toward the garage.
“TURN DOWN FOR WHAT!”
“HAMMER!” Sylvanas yelled, but she could only hear the word in her head; it was like walking into a nightclub on full blast while the mother of all earthquakes, the Even Bigger One (bigger than San Andreas!), was bringing about The End Of The World As They Knew It. The tools on the walls racks and on the benches were rattling. The overhead fluorescent lights and spotlights were flickering and swinging back and forth. Darkness, even the fuel tanks way in the back were shaking in their cages! And Hammer…
Hammer was standing up out of the manhole, swaying and bumping and grinding like a turkey on antihistamines.
“HAMMER!” Sylvanas yelled again, feeling her throat work to outdo the noise. But Hammer still kept on dancing, oblivious to the world. The Banshee Queen glanced around the area. She saw a boombox from the Twenty-First Renaissance Era (which looked like a pyramidal A-track player) on a workbench...but no, nothing was coming out of it. She’d seen and heard it play before; whatever was running at the time would sound like it was being phoned in from a tin can in another municipal district from across an ocean. Then her eyes flicked behind the tank where, some distance away, were the ‘administrative’ offices that were reserved for quiet paperwork, faxing, phone calls, Internet, and maybe a few Jet Briggs’ beer and Easy Green joints were drunk and rolled in private enlightenment (that definition seemed to wax and wane over the years, apparently, but it usually ranged from a blissful stoner’s high to confusion and then to an agoraphobic fear of unseen, probably imaginative eldritch horrors that ranged between pink elephants, hyperrealistic eyes on the walls, and crab people with the heads of famous celebrities dead, alive, and not yet born crawling all over the place). Her eyes went to the ceiling where the speakers were located...but they shook as well, and offered no indication to her addled ears that the music was coming from them.
That left only one other place. “HAMMER, TURN THAT DOWN!”
“TURN DOWN FOR WHAT!” were the words Sylvanas could read from Hammer’s lips. “WHAT! WHAT! Doo doo-doo doo doo! Nuh-nuh-nuh! Doo doo-doo doo doo, doo-doo-doo--”
“TURN DOWN FOR WHAT!”
Sylvanas clenched her fists, her body shaking in time with the music. She mimicked taking a breath, reared back, and, calling upon the dark magic inside her, focused the font of power to nestle in her lungs and up her throat. Then she leaned forward and screamed. “HAAAAAMEEEERRRRR! TURN THAT THING OFF!”
The last syllable finally knocked Hammer out of her dance-induced stupor, blowing her back (and, Sylvanas thought morosely, not ass over tea kettle off the tank) from the amplified force. She caught herself, looked around, and saw the Banshee Queen glaring death and mayhem below her. “AW SNAP! SORRY, SORRY! EH, UH, G-GIVE ME ONE SEC! HOLD ON! WHERE’S THAT DAMN...AHA!” She doubled over, rooting around for the stereo, and when she found it turned it off.
Sylvanas had never found complete, total silence to be such an aether-given blessing until today. Like nirvana for mind, body, and soul. The quintessential out-of-body experience where one became attuned to nature and all that is not industrial.
Until I leave and she starts up again, she concluded. “You’re welcome,” Sylvanas drawled sardonically.
“Girl, I’m so sorry! I didn’t even know you were down there!” said Hammer. “Y-You weren’t waitin’ long, were ya?”
“I was waiting for an hour.”
Hammer clapped her hands to her cheeks. “Holy shit! Damn, girl, I’m really sorry--”
“Yeah, you should be. I actually just got here.”
“Eh? What? Really?”
“Yes, really!” Sylvanas said. “I was having a nice, simple rest on the bench outside and your stupid music woke me up! I swear to Darkness, woman, are you trying to move the Anchors out of position? Do you want to get us all killed?”
“N-Nah, girl, not at all! It’s just”--and Hammer flailed--”It’s such a nice day out, ya know? And it’s Sunday, which means all the auto shops are closed. An’ that also means I can work to mah heart’s content! No disruptions! No phone calls! No Kaijo suddenly tearing through the fabric of the space-time continuum! I can actually get stuff on time now, and at my own pace!”
“So I guess if I brought a motorcycle in, I’ll be expecting it by next spring as a belated Winter Veil present.”
“What? No! Girl, I ain’t that slow!”
“A tortoise, a snail, and a sloth could compete against you and they’d still win the race.”
“Hell no they wouldn’t! I have a tank, they don’t. I would just run ‘em over!”
Sylvanas rolled her eyes. “You are such a humanitarian it makes my heart bleed.”
“Well that’s what they’d get for messin’ with a siege tank!”
“You do realize there’s a noise ordnance of seventy-five feet, right?”
Hammer grinned wolfishly. “Ain’t no such thing as a noise ordnance if there’s no one around to complain about it.”
“Except for me,” said Sylvanas.
“Are ya really gonna tell on me?”
“No, but I’ll have ten reasons to tell you where to go if you do that again.”
“Ten reasons?” Hammer quirked a brow.. “What are they?”
“I punch you in the face with my left fist and then punch you with my right fist. If I add onto that, I’ll have ninety-nine reasons and a headbutt to make you quiet. Let’s also not forget I can just kick when you’re down, and by that point I’ll have lost count.”
“That’s a helluva lot of reasons to have...and money! Lots of money to pay for medical bills!”
“I can think of ways to accrue the cash and avoid jail time. You think this lackadaisical government can stop me?”
“Well,” Hammer said, digging a pinkie finger into her ear, “they are a little slow on the uptake. They ain’t exactly unnatural like we are. They’re more...what’s the word...normal.”
“You’re far from normal,” Sylvanas muttered.
“Eh? What?” Hammer asked.
“I said, what the hell are you working on that’s made you put the music on full blast?” Sylvanas lied smoothly. “What about it is so important you haven’t had the cops called on you yet?”
Hammer laughed uproariously. “This? This! My good friend! Is the latest in Jeetilopolis technological warfare!”
Sylvanas appraised it with a slow, long sweep of her eyes. “A single shot cannon?”
“Not just any single shot cannon! It’s a single shot cannon bought straight from the auction block all the way in Jeetilopolis! I spent just about my entire checking account on getting this thing, and spent almost the entirety of my savings on shipping and handling!”
“You can’t be that stupid.”
“What people think is stupid is actually smart! Besides, how’s a woman gonna get by in life if she can’t dip a little?”
“Hammer, spending every copper, silver, and gold on a cannon that is more than likely going to be faulty is not dipping a little. That’s jumping headfirst out of a plane without a parachute and hoping you time your angle just right so you can land in a lake that’ll be deep enough to sustain your impact and not kill you on the spot.”
“And when I hit rock bottom, will it be filled with gold?”
“Whatever it is, I won’t be joining you to find out.”
Hammer made an annoyed sound by blowing her lips. “Aw, c’mon! It’ll be fun!”
“Maybe for you, but I have no intentions of going into bankruptcy.”
“That ain’t gonna happen! You know why?”
“No,” Sylvanas drawled dryly. “Tell me why.”
“Because there was one other thing I got while I was in Jeetilopolis. One little thing that’ll give this baby here one helluva big wallop that’ll scare the bejeesus out o’ people! You wanna know what that is?”
“Not really.”
“Guess!”
Sylvanas sighed. “Do I have to--”
“Yeah! Come on! Take a guess!”
“Fine. Let me think.” Sylvanas feigned contemplation, making a show of looking away and tapping her chin. Then she snapped her fingers. “I got it. A brain.”
“Nuh-uh! Already have one,” said Hammer, and rapped her fists on her helmet for emphasis.
“Two brains.”
“No!”
“Three.”
“Now what am I supposed ta do with that many brains, eh? Play tsukkome and bokke with one while the other plays the straight man...brain...thing? Actually, on second thought,” Hammer added, thoughtfully, “I could probably palaver with them and get some pretty neat ideas for the tank. Yeah.” She nodded approval. “Yeah, that ain’t such a bad idea! But, uh, that ain’t what’s in this thing! It’s somethin’ better than a brain!”
“And that would be…?”
“Aether,” Hammer breathed. “I got me some gods be damned aether in a bottle for fifteen thousand gold! That’s cheap!”
Sylvanas gave her a blank stare, then nodded complete and total understanding. “Okay. So you get blitzed off the life-energy of the universe. It all makes sense now.”
“Did you just call me stupid?”
“No.” Sylvanas shook her head slowly, and drawled dryly, “No. Why would I ever say that?”
“’Cause this ain’t just the life energy of the universe!” Hammer slapped a hand down hard on the base of the manhole. “This is the answer to all my problems! This baby right here can store so much oomph in here...why, I think I might have just become a god!”
“Aether-based weaponry is banned from the League.”
Hammer grinned wickedly. “Not if they don’t find out! All’s I have to do is get the energy output tuned to its usual optimized settings and those old bats and goats in the Houses will be none the wiser! Ahahahahahaha! I’m a genius, Sylvanas!” she cried, throwing her arms up in the air. “A bonafide, grade-A genius!”
“Joy to the world, God is good,” Sylvanas grumbled, shaking her head.
“Hey, I’m thinkin’ of taking the tank out for a test firin’ out in the Shadowskirts in a bit; don’t want the authorities to catch wind of this! You wanna check ‘er out before I go?” 
Sylvanas shrugged. “Why not. Not like I have anything better to do.”
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