#i have Some savings that i'm going to use towards the trip but also. fear dot png!!!!!

[mycenaae]

this year IS my year of financial responsibility [planning two trips]

[froggywritesstuff]

hero | mm!yandere!leonardo

ship/pairing: Mutant Mayhem!Yandere!Leo x g/n!reader

fandom: TMNT: Mutant Mayhem

warnings: yandere themes, swearing, Leo being delusional, manipulative behaviour, guilt tripping, being tied up, gags, kidnapping

word count: 1007

A/N: i only saw mutant mayhem in cinemas once like a month ago so this might be ooc. 18+ people DNI. i do not in any way support yandere behaviour, please know that this writing is purely fictional, and should not ever be reenacted in real life

Leo exhaled heavily, staring at his reflection in the mirror. He whispered to himself 'you got this,' over and over like a mantra. He was so nervous, nothing could calm him down. You were in the sewers with him, he couldn't even imagine being calm. He gave up on calming his nerves, deciding to greet you as he was, jittery and giddy. He entered the secluded part of the sewers he cleared out just for you, not being able to contain his smile as he met your eyes - your mouth being covered with the gag he gave you. You didn't look as excited as he was...  You were probably just confused, that was all. Once Leo explained everything, you'd be smiling in no time. He neared closer to you, frowning at the way you shuffled back toward the wall, but he rationalised that you were just too excited to meet him, and was just as giddy as he was.

"HEy." Leo internally cringed at the crack in his voice, but kept a calm face in front of you, "Sorry for keeping you tied up so long, I had to finish up some stuff with my brothers." he paused, before realisation dawned on him, "Oh and sorry for keeping that gag on you for so long," he walked your way, stopping in front of you to untie the gag, "I knew you'd be confused and I didn't want you to hurt your throat by-"

"What the fuck are you doing?!" Leo jumped back when you yelled, not prepared for your hostility. 

"Hey," he looked behind him, double checking no one else was near, "Y/N, you need to keep it down, or I'm gonna have to put the gag back on, and I really don't wanna do that." he said, almost pleading with you.

"You have thirty seconds to explain to me what you think you're doing." you spat, glaring at Leo to hide the fear in your eyes. You did stay quiet, so Leo did appreciate that.

He nodded, exhaling quickly, "Ok, so we go to the same school, I dunno if you've ever noticed me, you probably haven't-"

"Yeah, I never noticed four turtle mutants at my school." 

Leo instantly perked up, "So you have noticed me?" you said nothing, staring at him with a frustrated look, "Right, never mind. I- You just looked so lonely at school, I figured you needed a friend."

You scoffed, and Leo didn't miss the feeling of pure fear in your voice that you tried to cover up, "So your first thought is to kidnap me?"

Leo cringed, "Can you maybe not use that word?"

Your eyebrows raised, “Kidnap?” he nodded, "No, because it's the exact word to describe what you're doing."

”Well you’re making me out to be some kind of monster. I just…” he sighed, “I really like you and I thought I could be your friend, or something…”

”Well you could’ve been if not for the kidnapping.”

He brought his hands to his face, laughing awkwardly, “Can you stop? I’m trying to help you, it’s not my fault you’re not taking this well.” he saw your unconvinced expression and stood up, beginning to pace around the room “I’m a hero, you know I’m a hero. My brothers and I saved the city. I'm trying to do a good thing for you, and I really want you to be happy down here, with me. So can you just stop being so negative?"

You just stared at him speechless. You realised pretty quickly that you wouldn't be able to convince him that what he was doing was wrong. It seemed his mind was made up. But you also noticed that he seemed pretty determined to keep you happy, and was convinced that you weren't happy without him.

"Leo listen to me," you began, seeing the corners of his lips turn up slightly at the fact that you knew his name, "I know you think you're helping me or whatever, but you're really not. I'm fine, I really am. You-you can let me go, and I won't tell anyone about this, I swear." you couldn't stop the tears forming in your eyes. You didn't want him to know, but you were truly terrified.

He narrowed his eyes at you, "What do you mean? I-I'm helping. I don't understand why you wouldn't think that..." you opened your mouth to speak but he quickly cut you off, "I-is this because I'm a mutant?"

You furrowed your eyebrows, "What?"

"You just think I'm some kind of monster, don't you?" he asked, a hurt look in his eyes as he stared at you.

"Leo, you're not listening to me-" you attempted to say, but Leo cut you off again.

"Well I'm sorry I'm not a human, but last I checked, no human cares enough about you to give you this kind of help." he scoffed, turning around and beginning to walk away.

"Leo, what are you doing?" you asked fearfully, pulling on the ropes around your hands.

He turned back to meet your eyes, "If you hate me so much, I'll just leave you alone then."

You suppress a groan of frustration, "Can you just-"

Leo turned around sharply, a sharp glare sent your way, but you could still see the hope in his eyes, "Just what? If you're gonna yell at me again, I don't wanna hear it."

"I don't want to be here. You're really scaring me, and I want to go home. This isn't what heroes do, Leo." you insisted, staring deep into Leo's eyes, hoping you would reach him.

In the blink of an eye, you saw his face fall, his once tense and frustrated expression replaced with drooped eyelids, frowning lips and slumped shoulders. He stared at you for what felt like an eternity, before his lips turned upwards slightly, a calm expression forced upon his face, "It's ok, Y/N. You’re confused, you’re not used to this yet. You don't understand now, but you will soon. I promise."

[sp4ceboo]

Stay With Me: Din Djarin x Reader

A/N: we love us some whump

Warnings: injuries, blood, gore, swearing, angst, a helluva lot of crying, death, needles, idk what else lmfao,

Word count: <1200

Fuck, what had you been thinking?

Din himself had warned you against taking the job. He'd taken the time to explain to you all the ways you could get killed or kidnapped or left to die, and you'd taken it anyway, in hope that the money would get the dodgy engine of your ship fixed.

You should have known, Din is always right about this stuff.

Well, partially right, anyway. You did manage to get the bounty - you also managed to shove him in carbonite, although he's at a slightly awkward angle due to your current predicament. Gritting your teeth, you stumble towards the ladder leading to the cockpit and grab the top rung, heaving yourself up with pure arm strength - thank the Maker for the pull up bar Din helped you install. Your eyes water as the various slashes in your arms stretch open, and warm blood starts soaking into your ragged sleeves. Pulling yourself across the floor, grimacing at the red smear you leave behind you, you barely manage to sit up on your knees and stab the button which sets off the distress beacon. Flicking the switch to send a transmission, you wince and wave, aware of how your face must be smeared in blood.

'Hey, Din,' you stutter through your pain. 'I got the bounty, but I - ' You sway, just catching yourself on the pilot's chair. ' - I think I'm going to die.' Heaving yourself up a little, you lift up the hem of your shirt. 'I'm bleeding out, Din. If I - if I don't get to talk to you again, I - ' You wince as pain stabs through you. ' - I just want you to know, I care about you, a lot, and I'll miss it. Whatever we're calling it, I... I'll miss what we had, just between the two of us.'

Suddenly, black roils at the edges of your vision, and the world spins around you before you topple over, collapsing onto the floor.

─── ❖ ── ✦ ── ❖ ───

Din's heart is pounding in his ears as he squeezes through the small space the ramp has made as it lowers, unwilling to wait for it to open fully. Sprinting across the landing bay, he catches sight of your ship and lengthens his stride, putting on a burst of speed at the memory of your words, forced out through your pain.

I think I'm going to die.

I think I'm going to die. I think I'm going to die. I think I'm -

He skids to a halt outside your ship, frantically typing your encrypted mish mash of letters and numbers into the panel by the ramp. Agonisingly slowly, it begins to hum open, and he reaches up and yanks it down, scrambling into your ship and almost tripping over a crate as he makes his way towards the cockpit, where he knows you'll be. There's drops of blood on the floor by the ladder, deep red dotting the metal, and two crimson handprints on the top rung. Fear shoots through him, cold and paralysing, but he doesn't let it delay him for long, not when your life is at stake.

He bursts into the cockpit.

You're lying on the floor, so still he almost thinks he's too late.

Dropping to his knees beside you, right into a pool of your own blood, he gently flips you over. His breath catches in his throat. Half of your torn tunic is soaked red, and his fingers tremble as he lifts it up, forcing himself to inspect the gaping wound for the sake of saving you. The skin around the edges is ragged, and he assumes it's got to be from some sort of jagged viroblade. Blood is still oozing from your wound, and he immediately applies pressure while he searches his memory for where the medkit is. Terror stabs at his heart; he can't let this happen, can't let you go, not when he could have prevented this by persuading you not to take the job.

'Stay with me,' he whispers, his voice cracking. 'Please. Please, I can't - '

Choking down a sob, almost unable to leave your side to get the medkit, he nearly falls down the ladder as he rips open the cupboard to his left and grabs it with shaking hands. Your name on his lips as he scrambles back up into the cockpit, he rips open the neat box of supplies and grabs the bacta shot, praying that he's not too late, that he can still save you.

Carefully, he steadies his shaking hands and lines the bacta shot up so the entry point will be just under your ribs. Biting back his panic, he pushes down the plunger, watching the bacta empty from the syringe. Once it's all gone, he pulls the needle out and drops it onto the ground beside him, desperately watching you for movement. He knows that he could still be too late - there's a certain period of time after a wound where you can apply a shot, but anything after that... well, you might as well be saying your goodbyes.

And he can't say his goodbyes, not with your sweet voice in his head, saying I'll miss it. Whatever we're calling it, I'll miss what we had, just between the two of us.

Not with your sweet voice saying, I care about you, a lot.

Not with his heart begging for you to live, because he needs to tell you how much he cares.

Needs to tell you he can't lose you.

Needs to tell you he loves you. So, so much.

You cough, weakly, and your eyes flutter open. Unable to make a coherent sound, he grabs you in his arms, cradling you to his chest and barely restraining himself from crushing you close to him. He leans the cold beskar of his helmet on your shoulder, his eyes squeezed shut underneath as salty tears drip down his face, shuddering sobs wracking his large frame as he clings onto you, revelling in how warm you are, how alive you are.

'Don't you ever fucking dare do that again,' he growls. 'You should have listened to me, you - you shouldn't have gone, don't ever, ever do that again. You scared me, you fucking scared me so much - '

One of your hands reaches up and presses against the cheek of his helmet. It doesn't matter that there's dried blood on your fingers, doesn't matter at all to Din, because you're alive. So he grabs your fingers and squeezes them, and with his head still buried in your shoulder, he tells you the truth, his voice ragged and broken.

'I love you,' he gasps. 'I love you, I love you, I love you.'

You close your eyes, one hand fisting in his cowl while you bury your face in his shoulder, engulfing yourself in his scent. 'Din, I'm sorry, I'm so s - sorry - ' You cut yourself off, arms locking around his neck as you stare right into his eyes as if the helmet isn't there. 'I love you too, Din. I love you.'

Din rests his forehead against yours, tears streaking down his cheeks, as he holds you in his arms, thanking the Maker that you're still with him.

[catsafarithewriter]

A/N: longer part today of the Bedlam AU, in which Haru makes a friend (?) Enjoy! ;)

PART 3

x

The person who stands before Haru is Baron and yet... not.

There is something of him which puts Haru in mind of a reflection through a distorted glass; his limbs are a little bit longer, a little bit gaunter, and the shadows on his face don't quite sit right. His suit is monochrome, all save for the dusty-blue waistcoat, and the cane is nicked with a different lifetime's worth of scars.

And then, of course, there are the eyes.

Where Haru had come to know (to love) emerald-hued irises, there are only buttons, beetle-black and glimmering. They catch the light differently to the gemlike way Baron's had, still inorganic but... other. A criss-cross of ebony-dyed thread sits in their centres, and Haru tries not to wonder too long on their existence.

The not-Baron takes a step towards her.

She takes a step back.

He halts.

Even changed, even unfamiliar, she still reads all too well the pain which flickers across his face. "Haru? Is that... is that you?"

"Baron?"

The smile which lights up his face, she recognises. His gloved hand curls about his cane in the way she knows betrays his desire to pace. "So you do know me. I'm glad. I had feared maybe the trip here had been too much, caused you to forget–"

"I know of a Baron," she says curtly. "I do not know you." She looks up at the place which is the Sanctuary, and yet – like its button-eyed owner – isn't quite. "Where am I? Why did you bring me here?"

"I didn't bring you here, the Sanctuary did."

Haru recalls her own Sanctuary – no, not hers, not anymore – and its nature of meddling in others' affairs where it saw fit. Some things don't change, apparently. "Why?"

The not-Baron gestures for her to take a seat on sofa (red, but just a shade off) which Haru warily takes. "I have wondered this," he says, sitting opposite her, "and I have concluded that it sensed us both to be in pain and in need of the other."

"Need?" Haru echoes. Faint alarm bells go off in the back of her head. "Look, if this is a soulmate, fated kind of thing, you should know that I've had quite about enough of being told who to love to last for a lifetime."

The not-Baron chuckles; it is that same beneath-breath laugh she has heard so many times while mediating a Muta/Toto argument and it makes her heart constrict. "I know, trust me. My Haru was just the same."

Haru's breath catches. "My Haru?" she repeats.

The not-Baron offers her a soft, sad smile. "Where there is an Other Baron, there there'll be an Other Haru also. You're in a parallel world, you see; one almost identical to your own."

"Well, save for the..." She gestures uneasily to her own eyes.

The Other Baron grins. "Ah yes, the buttons." He brushes a finger along the rim of the right one. "Like I said, parallel worlds. Things work differently here, as you may have gleaned. From what I have seen of your world, however, there are few differences beside this."

"From what you've seen of my world?" Haru repeats. She leans back, caution colouring her words. "And how much have you seen?"

The Other Baron catches the unspoken 'of me' addition, and shakes his head placatingly. "Only that which the Sanctuary deigns to share. I know your world is much alike mine, save that the Baron in yours is somewhat lacking in the..." and he tilts his head, searching for the right word, "courage department."

"My Baron is plenty brave," Haru returns hotly.

"Ah, but he's not. Yours, I mean."

Haru's cheeks redden.

"But if he were brave," the Other Baron says, "then he would be. If he'd had the courage to speak his mind, as you had learnt all those years before, he would not have rejected you so."

Haru looks away. The coffee table before her is walnut – not oak, like her homeworld's Bureau's – and the grain runs in darker grooves. "He doesn't feel that way for me."

"I doubt it," the Other Baron hums. "We Barons do not differ that much."

She knows it is foolish, and yet she still asks, "And you? Did you have that courage?"

He throws her a smile which she realises she has never seen on her Baron's face; it is openly, shamelessly, in love. Her heart breaks anew. "I did," he says. "And for the brief time we shared it was... beautiful."

"I'm sorry. How did she...?"

"A case went wrong. She went right when she should have gone left, and that was all it took."

Haru's left shoulder twinges in sympathy. She rolls it back to numb the ache, and the Other Baron's gaze narrows on the action. Suddenly, Haru is hit with a jarring surety of just how close she came to death that day. "I'm sorry," she says again, for there's little else to be said, "I really am, but I still don't see why I was called here. I'm not her. I'm not... I won't be someone's replacement."

Grief clouds the Other Baron's face, even if his buttoned eyes give little away. "I know. I tried to tell the Sanctuary that, but I..." He takes a shaky breath, dips his gaze. "It didn't listen, and I didn't have the heart to barricade off your way here, not if it meant I got to see you – a version of you, at least – who still lives. Especially when I saw how my other self–" He cuts himself off abruptly, but not quickly enough to hide the disdain. He tries anew. "I suppose the Sanctuary thought our situations were compatible – me, a Baron without his Haru – and you, a Haru whose Baron refuses to accept her."

"He hasn't–"

"He threw you out of the Cat Bureau," the Other Baron reminds her emphatically. "He is a fool."

Haru wants to argue, but the petty, heartbroken side of her holds her tongue. She was good at the Bureau work, invaluable even on some cases, and he had pushed all that away – pushed her away – simply because her heart had fallen for him and she'd been blind enough to tell him.

"Still," she says, stubbornly clinging onto more comfortable truths, "I'm not your Haru. I'm not here to... to step into her place." To be your Haru, is the unspoken addition. "I'm just... I saw a door, I opened it, that's all."

The Other Baron nods. "I know. I just... it would be good to see you again. As a friend," he quickly adds, a half-smile tugging knowingly at his lips. "Truth be told, losing Haru has been hard not only on an emotional level, but a practical one also. We could do with your help on a Bureau case or two – if you wanted to."

Haru's lips twist, failing to hide the wry smile. "I'll think on it."

x

Once the mortal is gone from his world, the Bedlam loosens his shape from the cat Creation facade. No need to fret over her exit – she will be back. He has laid the trap too well for her to walk away without at least a backwards glance.

But now he cannot rest on his laurels; he must prepare for her inevitable return.

He has more webs to weave.

[justmybookthots]

Hush, Hush

The reason I read this? Because a booktuber I was following shared an hour-long video of her reacting to the entire series and I was like: hey! I read part of the first book as a teen! And since I just recently reread City of Bones (see review), why not continue my streak of rereading trashy YA relics? It's the archaeologist in me speaking, I swear. And also the masochist!

Now, after finishing this book, I have come to announce in my review that I am really, really burnt-out. 😂 It's… a lot of teenage angst. I'm only done with the first book and this madwoman pushed herself and read ALL FOUR BOOKS:

The sheer IRONY of her video title given that I read it because I saw her video, LOL.

So I don't even know how to begin this review. First of all, I definitely found City of Bones more enjoyable than this. Does it mean City of Bones is a better book? Eh. I think CoB had more things in the plot to distract me (finding the Cup, lots of magical adventure) from the main leads, but this book circles a lot around Patch and Nora. 

And boy were both of them the weirdest people to exist. 

I want to say they're a product of their time, and in a way they are, but I've also seen other books in this time that aren't this bad. Regardless, you can really see how aged the book is from this interaction here:

All the mean-girl Marcie did call Nora was "geek" and "freak" but Nora? Not just did she slut-shame Marcie, she called her an anorexic pig. This is our heroine, guys. This is who we're supposed to root for. It's genuinely hilarious how the masses collectively ignored how problematic this was in 2009.

In any case: Nora spends most of her days swooning over Patch while simultaneously telling herself how dangerous he is. I get the "dangerous" part, but the swooning? What? HOW? Other than him looking (I guess?) physically attractive, there is NOTHING about him to swoon about. He is so creepy, I swear if he said half the things he did to me IRL, I'd call the cops and file a restraining order. LIKE, I'M NOT KIDDING. THIS MAN HAS ZERO GAME. ZERO. When asked by the biology teacher what he looks for in a mate (I know. The question was already, um, hella weird), Patch says things like: 

"Intelligent. Attractive. Vulnerable."

Vulnerable?? VULNERABLE. This is Creeper 101. Also during his first meeting with Nora, out of nowhere, he goes:

"Do you sleep naked?" he asked.

There's a thousand more examples of him saying the weirdest, creepiest shit, but it'd be tomorrow by the time I list them out. My point is: if this is him trying to flirt, it's giving police sirens. And Nora's reaction, instead of running from him, is to dwell on how conflicted she is about her attraction (??) and fear towards him. At some point, she's stalking his workplace to interview his coworkers if he's a felon or has a criminal record and I KID YOU NOT, her last question ending this is: Does he have a girlfriend?

And I don't even want to talk about her best "friend", Vee. I use quotation marks because this isn't really a friend but bless the author, she seems to believe Vee is remotely some kind of friend to Nora. When Elliot (some dude in the story) assaults Nora, this is what Vee says:

Guys, Elliot is going to feel so horrible tomorrow after assaulting Nora. 🙁 Vee is SO right, we need to worry about the pain he's in instead of taking the matter of assault seriously.  Because fuck your best "friend" since Elliot is more important, am I right?

To make matters worse, Elliot was assaulting Nora to try to coerce her to go on a camping trip with him and Vee. So get this: Vee, despite hearing about the assault, STILL tries to persuade Nora to go on the camping trip because it'd be fun! In the end, Vee going for the camping trip causes Nora to have to rescue her (since Elliot is obviously a deviant), and Nora practically endangers her life to save Vee's sorry ass. Me, I'm not so kind. I'd munch popcorn and sip wine and have a jolly good time picturing Vee getting murdered. Cheers!

Anyway. Negative points aside, I didn't see the Jules twist coming, and I kinda did like that. The downside, however, is that everyone is an idiot, especially Nora. For example, the new therapist Miss Greene was clearly shady from the start—she'd say the sketchiest nonsense, and Nora would just be vaguely suspicious before taking it all in stride. It's WILD. Her behaviour for 80% of this book makes zero fucking sense. The only thing I can commend her for is that she's proactively trying to solve an investigation for most of the book... even if she's going the worst possible way at it.

And also when Patch says at the end of the book that he's fallen for Nora and no longer plans to sacrifice her? I was like, WHEN? When did you fall for her? Most of your interactions were just you saying creepy stuff and her thinking about how hot and dangerous you were. When did the falling-in-love happen, exactly?

I AM SO CONFUSED.

I don't really have more to say about this book other than I am really, really hoping we (as readers or writers) have collectively moved on from this madness in 2023. In any case, will I continue this series? I don't know. I do like trashy reality TV, but too much of it and I might get a stroke. Reading City of Bones and then this almost back to back has taken me out. (And yet… there is a distant INANE part of me that's whispering: Time to go back and reread every trashy YA series circa 2010.)

- 16 Nov 2023

[dream-meister-translations]

THE TALE OF FOOD

NOTE :These translations are done using the SG/MY version of the game, we apologize for any inconsistencies that may come with the official English release.

RED DAUGHTER WINE - STORY #1

━

During dinner, I noticed Red Daughter Wine was nowhere to be found, and went to his room to look for him. The candlelight flickered as he appeared to be applying some kind of ointment to his arm. The pain from his wound made him let out a soft hiss.

RED DAUGHTER WINE : Master? How did you...?

RED DAUGHTER WINE : I'm fine...

The second he caught sight of me, he hastily hid his injured arm in a state of panic. I walked up beside him, gently taking his arm and beginning to bandage it.

OPTION 1 : “Red Daughter, when did you get injured?” RED DAUGHTER WINE : I'm sorry for not telling you... It's just that the reason for my injury... OPTION 2 : “Red Daughter, you're injured. Why don't you go for a medicinal bath?” RED DAUGHTER WINE : It's not a serious injury. I thought I could just apply some medicine myself.

RED DAUGHTER WINE : …You've already figured it out, haven't you? Yes, I was injured last night when I went out to uphold justice and was attacked by that scoundrel.

RED DAUGHTER WINE : But I gave him a good lesson, and I'm sure he won't dare to harass women again.

RED DAUGHTER WINE : I didn't tell you about my injury because I was afraid you'd advise me not to get in trouble. But when I think of those women suffering, I can't help but take action.

OPTION 1 : “I will always support your heart’s desire...” RED DAUGHTER WINE : You mean, even if I get in trouble, we'll solve it together? You... you're too good to me… RED DAUGHTER WINE : You told me that Kongsang is my home, and that here, I could do whatever I wanted. I understand now... OPTION 2 : “How could I not? I'm one of the Red Robed Hero’s biggest fans!!” RED DAUGHTER WINE : Fans, huh? I remember Dumpling teaching me all about them. When we were watching TV together, I saw people on the stage singing and dancing while a huge crowd of people cheered them on from the stands… Dumpling explained that they were “fans” of the people on stage. RED DAUGHTER WINE : So, you don't think my acts of justice are a bad thing... That's a relief... RED DAUGHTER WINE : But I don't want you to be my "fan" because I'd rather... have you stand by my side.

━

RED DAUGHTER WINE : The bandaging is done. I'll take a medicinal bath now. Thank you.

RED DAUGHTER WINE : This letter, you say? Well, I should have told you earlier.

RED DAUGHTER WINE : It's a letter I received from a woman in the city. She says there is a flower thief causing trouble in town today, and this thief has strong martial arts skills, leaving the authorities helpless. The people in town are living in fear, and the poor girls are having to lock their doors at night.

RED DAUGHTER WINE : I can't let such a villain run free! But the situation is tricky, and it might take some time to resolve.

RED DAUGHTER WINE : Oh? You want to come with me? Naturally, that makes me very happy, but I do worry you might end up in danger. I will just have to make sure you're safe!

RED DAUGHTER WINE : Judging by the date on the letter, it seems to be from the era you brought me back from. Who knows, we might meet some old acquaintances on this trip...

━

In the 19th year of the Zhenguan period, Tang Dynasty…

As we scoured the town, we gathered every bit of information about the flower thief we could. The locals told us that the authorities were also looking for the thief, and pointed us toward the local magistrate. They claimed he was a people-friendly person, and that if we wanted any more information, we’d be better off paying him a visit ourselves.

Just as we arrived in the courtyard, a fiery red-clothed woman burst in.

She pushed something to the ground, and upon closer inspection, it turned out to be a man she had tied up. The man had a swollen face and shouted "Save me, Your Honor!" as soon as he entered, but the woman shot him a cold look, silencing him.

RED DAUGHTER WINE : This girl is quite interesting. Despite her young age, she has an imposing aura. I wonder what this man did wrong?

MAGISTRATE : Hong Mei?

MAGISTRATE : This fellow is quite troublesome. You didn't get hurt, did you?

HONG MEI : Hmph, he's just a coward, nothing to be afraid of. Your officials are quite slow in their work, taking such a long time to deal with a thief.

MAGISTRATE : Yes, yes, Hong Mei is absolutely right. However...

The thief was covered in injuries and obviously feared the girl by his side. As the officials took him away, his expression softened into one of relief, as if to say: "I've been saved."

MAGISTRATE : He broke the law, and the authorities will punish him accordingly. Let's not resort to vigilantism next time, shall we?

HONG MEI : For someone as wicked as him, even a good beating is too lenient!

MAGISTRATE : I understand. I won't be lenient with such a person. But isn't it dirtying your hands to beat him?

The red-clothed woman was amused by his words and used her martial prowess to jump onto the roof.

HONG MEI : Don’t worry about the bounty, I don’t want it~ All I want is for you to think about me every day! Farewell, Han Lang!

The magistrate watched the girl as she walked away, his face filled with the softest admiration.

RED DAUGHTER WINE : That girl is genuine and loyal. She doesn't seem like an ordinary girl at all. That little red scar on her forehead seems quite familiar…

RED DAUGHTER WINE : And she called him "Han Lang"... Could these two be THE Han Lang and Hong Mei from way back then?

MAGISTRATE : Your speculations are correct, young heroes.

RED DAUGHTER WINE : What?!

HAN LANG : Since you've come to visit, please come in. I saw the two of you at the door earlier, and it reminded me of the good old days when I’d overhear your conversations with Hong Mei. It brought back a lot of memories.

RED DAUGHTER WINE : Those days...

RED DAUGHTER WINE : Never mind... I was also in the wrong back then. The blame for that incident lay with Zhao Wulang. After the young master explained it to me, I realized it was my fault for being too stubborn and misunderstanding you. But why are you with Hong Mei now…?

HAN LANG : You don't know the whole story... After receiving Pei’s guidance that day… I felt ashamed and didn't want to trouble Hong Mei's family. I was determined to prove myself, so I studied hard, started a career, and then thought about settling down.

HAN LANG : After receiving the grace of the emperor, I was appointed as the magistrate of this city. It was only then that I heard about a young female hero in the area who frequently assisted the local authorities in capturing criminals. That's how I met Hong Mei, and we started working together for the common good. Her sense of justice and her lively character gradually won me over.

As Han Lang spoke about the days when they worked together for the people, a smile formed on his lips. However, in the next moment, his expression turned serious.

HAN LANG : However, one day she mentioned the origin of the red scar on her forehead. It was from when a villain attacked her in the marketplace when she was three years old. After inquiring with her family, I discovered that the criminal was the one Zhao Wulang had sent, and she was also the granddaughter of the Feng family.

RED DAUGHTER WINE : So, you feel remorse for her suffering?

RED DAUGHTER WINE : Well, you don't have to. It wasn't your fault. And if you like her, then you should be straightforward and honest with her. It’s better not to delay...

RED DAUGHTER WINE : Cough, cough, this is what the young master encouraged me to do. If you keep your feelings hidden, no one will ever know.

For some reason, Red Daughter Wine looked directly at me as he said this.

HAN LANG : If both of you are so sure, and as complete outsiders at that, well, then I’m sure Hong Mei will only appreciate it even more…

HAN LANG : I've been meaning to tell her, but I was waiting for the right moment. I didn't want her to think that my kindness was driven by some sense of "guilt." Doing so would be unfair to her, to myself, and to Pei Langjun, who guided me.

HAN LANG : I'm kind to Hong Mei simply because I like her. The feelings of two people shouldn't be influenced by family background, gratitude, or guilt.

HAN LANG : If you both think the same way, it's a sign that the time has come. It’s as you said… Those who love each other should be honest with one another.

RED DAUGHTER WINE : Destiny is strange... The fact you both wound up meeting like this after all you’ve been through… Karma truly is dictated by the heavens. This should be something you tell her in person. Now... since she likes you too, treat her well. If I ever find out you've mistreated her, I will not spare you!

HAN LANG : O-Of course…

━

NOTE : The names of Hong Mei and Red Daughter Wine may vary wildly in the official release. Not only do they share naming conventions (Hong Mei also translates directly to Red Sister, while Red Daughter translates to Daughter Hong), but Red Daughter Wine is a type of Shaoxing Wine (rice wine, yellow wine) by the name of Nü Er Hong that is buried on the day of one's daughter's birth and is only to be dug up on her wedding day to celebrate her marriage. And it's this specific tradition I believe Red Daughter Wine refers to, so that's the name I chose to give him.

[toapaixonar]

re: lydia + the teen wolf movie. i'll have a verse where i oblige with the movie's canon, but as of right now, in lydia's main verse, here are some important things to note about her post-canon:

after graduating, lydia leaves beacon hills and goes to live with her mom in a small town in california (i'm leaning towards sausalito or carmel by the sea). they do this so that lydia can see a therapist and have time to properly heal and process the abuse she suffered in eichen house. also so that they can financially recover from all the hospital visits that lydia had to face throughout the show's canon.

lydia does end up going to uni, but she does not leave the state because they could not afford it (even with her getting scholarships due to her grades). she also has a special permission not to live in the dorms, terrified that she might wake up screaming and become a freak at university too. her years in college are rough and she feels absolutely disconnected from everybody, but she does not know how to create bonds with people who do not know who she is.

her relationship with stiles does not last because they are not in love with each other. they have been, in different points of time, but timing is not on their side. they are, however, best friends and always will be because they are each other's anchors (this is something i have developed with @notsolved throughout the last few years)

lydia ends up choosing to pursue a career in psychology, so that other supernatural people have a chance to talk about their traumas and experiences without ending up in places like eichen or being haunted. she also does it because she wants to help people, since she cannot do it with her powers.

she never properly learns how to tap into her powers. she tries and takes several trips to europe and other places, gets in touch with other families of hunters with chris' help, but there is not a lot of information. she never seeks out other banshees, however, still feeling guilty because of meredith. she also rarely uses her powers again. she does allow herself to tune into the voices (much like in the movie), but her screams/wails and fighting? she is terrified of doing it and killing someone again.

she pushes the pack away because she is always scared of losing the people she loves. which is funny because her biggest fear is being alone but she isolates herself. she is also closer to the younger pack than the older pack by the time she gets her degree, seeing as they all went through college around the same time and it is easier to be friends with them since they didn't see her fail to save her best friend/seeing as she can keep them at arms' length more easily. this is all subject to plotting, however.

she never comes back to beacon hills permanently. the only way she would return is if the pack asked for her help, especially scott. she also visits to see allison's grave. at first, she would go on her birthday, her death anniversary and the holidays. but then it got too hard and too painful so now she goes only once a year. as she grows older, she stops visiting it and chooses to remember allison other places that do not bring her as much pain.

i do not think lydia and jackson would be best friends after everything they went through in season 2. she does love him more than words, but she also knows their relationship was unhealthy and she would keep her distance from him. i could forgive their hug in season 6 because lydia was still young but after that? they do not become best friends. jackson put her through hell and, again, she will always love him because he is her first love, but she also knows they need to go their separate ways. they are civil, however, because she is friendly with ethan (they talk every year on aiden's birthday & death anniversary)

[crispyjenkins]

@malcontent-crow

#amazing!#how long has jango been free? does he keep up with news coming out of Mandalore?#how do the remnants of Jango's followers react to this whirlwind of a padawan wreak havoc across Death Watch?#does Obi-Wan start gathering (intentionally or not) a following of mandos that see what he's doing and want a part of it?#how quickly does he become a general again or does he try to handle everything on his own?#i do like some not-so-negative perspective on Qui-Gon especially when the story shows him actually trying#so having him chasing after his padawan all in a tizzy wanting to help Obi-Wan without knowing how is delicious#and with Sifo-Dyas' coinciding vision how many of them think he either got a vision or...?

*tapping fingers evilly* okay so this depends on whether i make Jango redeemable or not.

so according to canon (whatever that means for star wars; i'm going off years listed on wookieepedia but take that with a grain of salt) Jango escaped slavery about a year before the clan wars, and killed Tor pretty soon after on Corellia, which left Pre to take over Death Watch in time to go to war with the New Mandalorians. for the sake of this story, i'll be using that timeline, and will say Jango never returned to Mandalorian space at all, just went straight into bounty hunting after killing Tor.

i hesitate so hard to make him irredeemable because like. that's my boy. my guy. my problematic vengeful sonboy. but like. it would also be SO INTERESTING if Obi puts all this effort into finding him and trying to convince him to come back to his people, and then fails. fails to convince him, fails to see the man (though young, too young) that the Haat Mando'ade followed into hell and paid the price for it.

and that would also save me the headache of trying to not make this a remix of dha kar'ta, which just isn't something i want to do

SO how abouts this. how abouts it takes Obi-Wan a few weeks to get to Keldabe, booking it from planet to planet taking out pockets of Death Watch wherever he can, helping whoever he can. Mandos start to take notice. Mandos start to surreptitiously follow the reports of the helmetless mandokarla idiot seeming to take DW on singlehandedly. those with a more tactical mind realise he's heading towards something, though they can't fathom what. Qui-Gon and Satine, tripping along in Obi-Wan's wake and always seeming to be four steps behind, start to see the stirrings of rebellion that aligns with neither the New Mandalorians nor Death Watch. Satine fears what that will mean for her people, Qui-Gon wonders if Obi-Wan even realises the movement he's started.

at this point, no, Obi-Wan has no idea. he's ahead of the movement physically (his compassion leaves a trail), and he's making for Keldabe with a perhaps worringly single-minded determination. he has a plan, and he needs to check off step 1 before he can conceivably do anything else. eventually, word of his exploits does get ahead of him, maybe by the time he makes it to Mandalore proper. the people he helps are more likely to help him back, some cover for him when sneaking through DW occupied towns, but most just. ask him if he's alright, if he's on a revenge quest, if he's trying to find his clan. Obi-Wan, running himself ragged a little (though not nearly as bad as he had been the first time he was sixteen), doesn't think before saying no, he doesn't have a clan, he's alone, he isn't running from his guardian but he's certainly avoiding them because they wouldn't understand his quest. the Mando he's talking to (Kal? Walon Vau?) quietly asks what his quest is, and Obi-Wan just says "saving Mandalore".

he does then realise he's made himself out to be like. SUPER adoptable, so smartly books it from the squad that had convinced him to camp with them that night, and starts avoiding actual conversation with anyone lest someone actually tries to like. adopt him. that hadn't happened last time, he has no idea how to deal with this

so he does make it to Keldabe, gets all of Pre Vizsla's info, does a little holonet digging and wracks his memory for what he'd learned about Jango after the start of the Clone Wars, and then steals a ship and heads off to go track the idiot down

MEANWHILE Mandalore is in quiet uproar. Mandos are defecting from Death Watch in small waves, clans that have somehow remained neutral until now are getting swept up in the growing rebellion, and everyone is looking for the kid that started it all. Pre Vizsla is hunting for Satine still, sure, but now he's hunting for the teen that people call Kih'Manda or Mand'ika in whispers. some are calling him a reincarnation, of any Mand'alor that person is most fond of, but usually they say he's a reincarnated Tarre Vizsla, especially by those few that had seen he'd had a lightsaber, though he never used it. Pre is livid.

Qui-Gon and Satine, still trying to find Obi-Wan, are now being housed and sheltered by the rebellion more often than New Mandalorian sympathisers. Qui-Gon is in awe of the... hope and spirit Obi-Wan has inspired in this people that have had so little to rally behind for so long; he wonders if this is what it had looked like with the Young, and is crushed he hadn't been there to see it, to foster it, to support it. or stop it from having been necessary in the first place.

he's keeping the council as updated as he can (they doubt it's a vision, since Obi-Wan hasn't had any since he was much younger, and Satine clarified that when Obi-Wan would have nightmares, he always specified they were memories; from her description of what happened when he changed, it also didn't sound like a vision, at least not like Sifo-Dyas and other Jedi have had, so they tentatively rule that out, though they can't know until they talk to Obi-Wan directly), and they're all at a loss about just what Obi-Wan is trying to do, because surely this isn't another Melida/Daan situation, surely he isn't actually trying to end the entire civil war. and he isn't, not really, he's trying to give Mandalore the tools, the leader they need to end the war themselves.

except. except Jango won't hear of it. Obi-wan tracks him down, succeeds where all others have failed to find Jango when he doesn't want to be found, but Jango? Jango hasn't seen himself as Mand'alor since his armour was stripped from him. he hasn't really seen himself as mando'ade at all since Galidraan, for all that he put the armour back on, for all that he sticks to the Supercommando Codex if not the Resol'nare, for all that he still makes the Mereel clan tiingilar whenever he can source the spices for it.

to answer your question: yes. yes, he has been keeping up on the news in the Mandalore sector, but he only started because Rozatta asked if he'd heard the rumours of the third faction slowly growing in power, she wondered if he had anything to do with that. and of course he didn't, and she'd known that, but she had hoped it might convince him to try and go home. instead, it only further convinces him that Mandalore doesn't need him anymore, look at that they've got some other young upstart to fight for them. Jango's done, Jango's put his term in, and he'd fucked it all right up. the Kih'Manda's real age is kept as secret as possible, especially out of the system, but even in the system, the burgeoning rebellion keeps it as hush hush as they can, because, well. that's a child, by galactic standards, and his clanless status has certainly reached many, many ears. Jango, and Pre Vizsla, have no idea just how young Obi-Wan is.

so when Obi-wan shows up to at first try to rally him, and then try to guilt him into becoming Mand'alor again, Jango is. not impressed. at first figures this is the kid of some verd in the rebellion, though he can't fathom how the kid had found him at all. Obi-Wan feels like he's talking to a particularly obstinate wall, especially when he gives Jango like. actual plans on how to take Mandalore back from Death Watch, things he's worked on on nights he couldn't sleep on his mad dash for Keldabe. but Jango has made his decision, even when he finds out that Obi-Wan is the Mand'ika, the Kih'Manda that he'd only heard the faintest whispers of.

at one time, Obi-Wan had admired Jango's conviction, despite that conviction leading to the creation and enslavement of the clones. he'd admired his code of honor as a bounty hunter before the Kamino job, when he'd learned about it during his mid-clone-wars research. he hadn't liked Jango, in fact he'd harboured some rather hate-leaning feelings whenever he heard a new story of how harsh Jango had been in training said clones, but there were aspects of him that Obi-Wan had respected.

now that he's here, shunted off Jaster's Legacy by a man so broken he hasn't even started healing yet, Obi-Wan realises Jango can't save Mandalore. not as the man he is now, and likely not as the man he'll one day become.

i want Obi-Wan to meet Rozatta (maybe he'd caught Jango on one of his in-person check-ins with her), i want her to pity him and how sure Obi-Wan had been that he'd be able to convince Jango to come back. she remarks on the rebellion and how Obi-wan can probably go join that if he's so intent on saving Mandalore, and Obi-Wan is like "what rebellion" and finds out about the stir he'd caused quite accidentally. he wonders if this is enough, if he's changed enough, that Mandalore can sort itself now.

then he finds out what people are calling the crazy fuckin verd'ika that started this mess in the first place, and he realises he had been right: the Mando'ade need something, someone to rally behind. and fuck, it wasn't supposed to be him, it wasn't, he is in fact terrified what it all means that he's the symbol they've chosen to rally behind, but he can't... he can't abandon them. he can't conscience it.

the Force starts to beat around him like drums, like marching boots, like the Manda.

*white-knuckled and grinding teeth* do not start a time travel fic where obi-wan lands near the beginning of his mandalore mission. do not think about him landing mid-battle with a death watch patrol he struggled with by virtue of being sixteen and run ragged, do not think about him freezing mid-attack and being flooded with future memories and satine freaking out and the death watch commando gets a few hits in but then obi-wan unfreezes and fucking obliterates the commandos. do not think about how disturbed satine is, how obi-wan can suddenly move in his stollen death watch armour like he was born in it, how he looks down at his saber like an old friend he no longer gets along with, how he barely looks at satine when he says they’re going back to mandalore to keldabe. crispy im serious dont think about him single-handedly raiding death watch's main holdout in the keldabe ruins and stealing all the info pre vizsla had about galidraan and using it to track down jango and forcing/convincing him to come back to mandalore to end the clan wars crispy im serious you don’t have time to write this stop thinking ab

[lostvi21]

I finished it 😁 After two weeks of concept, developing the character and drawing this piece, I can proudly announce that I've finished this drawing.

And I've learned soo much in the process. I'm still not sure how I got the horn that shiny but I love his yellow eye and the fire in the background.

I also integrated him into my head-canons for my story "In-Between". His name is Derag and he is a half Demon destroying one world after another. In the process of planning this piece, I took a day time to write a chapter of his story and I also got this to a point where I can call the chapter finished (maybe it's not perfect but I can still improve on writing the next one)

Here it is, if you want to read it (Trigger Warning: descriptive violence):

<...>

One tried to crawl away, even after I cut off his leg. I picked my staff out of the corpse in front of me and slowly walked towards him, "Oh, and on what kind of adventure did you want to embark on?" He was still focusing on getting away but I clearly heard his huffing become louder.

It didn't take long for me to reach him and I kicked him to the ground. He was staring at me with fear and oh, how did I love that expression. The moment when you realize that it'll be over soon. That you don't stand a chance. That you're powerless. I couldn't hold back a smile spreading on my face, "Hey, I asked you something." I ram my staff into his shoulder. He screamed, but since he was the last one, that wasn't a problem at all. I enjoyed it.

I started to spin my weapon around, digging a deep hole in his shoulder, "Honestly, if you had answered me, I might have considered ending it quickly. But now, I don't want to. That's why I'll make it painful. Because you acted rude." I fixed him on the floor by pushing my staff through and took a couple of steps back, "As you can probably imagine, I don't get many possibilities to talk to somebody. But you …"

I turned my attention back to my victim, "… You're boring." I pulled out my staff and sliced his neck. And after he stopped choking there was only calming silence left. Surprisingly, it didn't last for too long. I heard whispers coming from not too far. Were there more than these couple of people? Then why didn't I notice them earlier?! That guy's scream probably warned them! God, dammit! I need to get rid of them quickly before they manage to warn anyone!

I walked towards that direction. I was confirmed to be going in the right direction as the whispers turned into terrified screams. As I arrived at the source of the voices, I was standing before a group of young women. They pushed one of them towards me, causing her to trip and fall. One of them exclaimed, "W-We give you this sacrifice and you leave us alive!"

… I wasn't expecting that. I wouldn't have thought they would be the kind of people 'sacrificing' somebody to save their own skin. What do they think I am?! A bloodthirsty demon, who feeds on his victims? Hah! Then I realized I was still staring at the woman in front of me. She didn't even dare to look up at me. These women were not different from the men I killed earlier. I couldn't stand people like them.

I grabbed my staff and threw it towards the one who talked. The tip of the blade impaled her through her chest against a tree. The others screamed. As one tried to run away, I grabbed her by her neck and choked her to death, "You know, I hate people who abuse weaker ones to hide their own weakness." I dropped the corpse on the floor. One of them stood there terrified with that priceless expression on her face. As I walked towards her she started begging with teary eyes, "P-Please! D-Don't kill me! I-" I smashed her against a tree, causing her to drop dead.

Then I turned my attention to the woman on the floor. She still didn't move an inch and tried not to cry. I guess she was scared. Strangely, I was hesitating about what to do. Normally, I would go and make her death quick, but for some reason that felt wrong this time. Maybe it was because I witnessed how the others treated her.

I went over to the tree and pulled my staff out of the stem, causing the corpse to drop on the floor, "You know, I hate to kill women but these ones were insufferable and deserved it." I noticed how she sat up behind me. As I looked at her, she froze. It almost seemed as if she would have stopped breathing for me to not notice her. But now I was able to see her face for the first time. Her tearful face with her green eyes staring at me hopelessly.

I crouched down in front of her, "They did you pretty bad, huh?" She was still staring at me but carefully nodded. I tilted my head to the side, "Tell me, what's your name?" She answered after a couple of seconds, "A-Amelia." I smiled at her, "It's a pity, I have to kill you, Amelia. But sadly, you would go and warn others about me." I expected her to say she wouldn't and beg for her life, but she didn't. I guess she was probably the type of person to freeze in fear.

I straightened up and stretched, "But the least I can do is promise to make it short and painless." "… C-Can I ask for a last wish?!" I looked surprised at Amelia. She was just going to accept that? Not going to beg for her life? … interesting. I responded carelessly, "A wish?" She seemed to gather all her confidence to speak, "I - … I-If I h-have to … to die … Can I … Can I a-at least k-know your name?"

I burst into laughter, "Hahaha! I wasn't expecting this! You're about to be killed and your last wish is to know my name…" I crouched down and gently took her face causing her to flinch, "You don't need to waste your final wish to know my name, sweetheart. But surprisingly for all the worlds I have been in, you're the first one to ask for it. But it's not that many people would have meaningful conversations with me…"

I got up and prepared my staff to chop her head off, "My name is Derag. I also like to call myself destroyer of worlds… Do you have any last words, Amelia?" First, she stared at the floor. But then, she looked up with a smile, "M-Maybe we meet again in another life, Derag." How was it possible that she smiled in a situation like this? Where was that fearful face of realization when everything comes to an end?

She was … different. I wasn't used to that kind of behaviour causing me to hesitate once again. Then I swang my staff and … I stopped. She didn't move. She didn't even flinch as I was about to cut her head off. She only scrunched her face up, preparing for what came next. But I stopped before the blade reached her neck.

I didn't want to do this. Not to her. Not after she was the only person ever really talking to me. She was betrayed by the other women, gathered all of her confidence to speak to me and it should end like this? That wouldn't be fair, would it? I took my staff aside and she opened her emerald-green eyes. She even looked a little confused.

I was desperate to explain the situation, "I, sigh … Listen, I don't want to kill you, okay? But If I let you go, you'll warn the others and I cannot allow that to happen." She looked at her now-dead companions, "… I guess they would already know if I returned alone." Then she stared scared at me again. I avoided looking at her face and looked back at the corpses. If I couldn't let her go back and didn't want to kill her, then what was I supposed to do with her?

Suddenly, I had an idea, "Amelia… You were the nicest person, I've ever met. So I want to make you an offer. Normally I would kill everyone in a world and then erase it, but I could make a little exception. If you want, you can come with me, or stay in this world. It's your decision."

I reached her my hand. She looked at it with her eyes wide open. Then she looked at me again, "I … I want to go with you." She took my hand and I helped her get up. I smiled at her, "Alright. Then we should leave, Amelia. I'll have enough time to destroy this world the next time." I called out for shadow and he brought us to my world.

<…>

(And if you want to know what happened before, I don't know either 😂 Maybe I'll figure it out after some time, maybe not)

[halfmoonshines]

Hi, can I request a grumpy but overprotective marc to a chaotic good reader 😊 like marc is exasperated/annoyed to reader's antics but deep inside marc really likes how she is, thank you so much!

hello yes of course you can i love you

also im sorry i made this kindaaa hurt/comfort thats my niche, also this kinda got away from me lol

Marc Spector x Reader

Begrudging

Summary; Marc has spent his whole life doing dangerous things for all manner of reasons, but when you come near even a modicum of danger? He's incensed.

It started with the first time you stopped to help someone on the street. You and Marc had been walking arm in arm down the moonlight path, making a way for home.

"I'm tellin' you, you haven't lived until you've tried it." Marc insisted, a sly smile hovering on his face as he gazed at you.

You only gave him an eye roll back, going to reply before you were interrupted.

"Excuse me, miss?"

Marc saw them first and you saw the instant change in him, the working of his jaw and the dark sheen cast over his eyes. You turned toward the voice to find a man, probably not much older than you, smiling politely.

Sometimes Marc was too on the offensive.

"Hello." You replied kindly, keeping your arm twined around Marc's. "Is there something I can do for you?"

"I was just wondering if you might point me in the direction of the Laurelcroft Inn? Tourist and all that." The stranger had kept the same polite smile the whole time, eyes flicking between yours and the man on your arm.

It was a simple enough task. You gave him a few quick directions, pointing in the general way and then you were off again - Marc still following the departing silhouette with his eyes..

You slapped him lightly on the arm, trying to get him to come back to the present. "That man wasn't going to kill us, Marc."

His head turned to you sharply, shaking a bit. "You couldn't have known that. Who stops for strangers on the street?"

"I do. Besides, you were right here the whole time."

----

The first time you stumble into your shared apartment with the smell of blood on you, Marc nearly loses it.

He was sitting in the kitchen, cleaning one of his guns having just come back from one of his trips when he heard the front door open. Happy that you're home but curious why you're late, he gets up to greet you.

The blood dripping down your arm when he rounds the corner almost makes him drop to his knees. Yet you're stood there, a sheepish smile on your face while you hold the wound to your chest.

"What happened?" It's a demand as he approaches, reaching out gentle hands to bring your arm closer to him, noticing the two large cuts running parallel to each other. "Who did this?" His tone is deadly, and begging for someone to take it out on.

Your cheeks were wet, not being able to help the few tears of pain but you shook your head. "I did this. There was a kitten stuck under the opening of a building like, a block away. I reached in to get it out and when I pulled my arm out I cut myself on something."

Your other half paused in his ministrations, tone lightening only a fraction. "This happened because you tried to save a kitten?"

He was exasperated while he bandaged you, demanding that you absolutely never do it again. He doesn't care if a litter of puppies is about to be hit by a train, you stay the fuck out of harms way.

God, he loves you. But he also thinks you might be the death of him.

----

The next time you try to do something good, his fears finally come to fruition.

His heart stops beating after a phone call from you.

"Please come and get me. I'll explain when you get here, just please."

You didn't even have to say please, you could've just said hello and the tears, the fear in your voice would've had him on the street in seconds. You were supposed to be at a work meeting, some sort of event before you brought in another piece of art.

So what happened?

It took Marc almost no time to get there, but the flashing lights of police cars outside the building made something clench in his stomach.

He pushed past the tape barrier, seeing you sitting on the pavement in front of the building, and damn near took the officers head off who tried to stop him. "That's my wife."

Then he was on his knees in front of you, hands resting on either side of your head in an attempt to look you over, check for any injuries. You had a blossoming bruise on one cheek, and the look in your eyes had him breathless. This was a private affair in a house like building owned by your company; what could have happened?

"A man knocked on the door." He didn't know if he could handle how small you sounded. "He said he needed help with his car which is like the oldest trick in the book, I know, but I couldn't just not help him."

Apparently, when she stepped out to hand him her phone to use, he'd grabbed her. Tried to knock her out. But the commotion was heard from inside and one of her coworkers came to her aid.

The man had been taken away already, so there was no one for Marc to bury a bullet in. Just you, sat here, needing him.

His hands were gentle on your cheeks, thumbs moving lightly back and forth to try and comfort you. "Baby. I'm so sorry."

"You were right about me being dumb, I don't know why I try to help people. It's stupid."

That broke his heart. "No. It's not stupid to care about others. That piece of shit took advantage of you." And if I ever see him, I'm going to rip his spine out. "I love your heart and how big it is. Maybe just don't go opening doors anymore." The smile on his face was begging for one from you.

You laughed a bit, a slightly broken sound. "Really?"

He pressed a firm kiss to your forehead. "Really. Now lets get you home."

[dimdiamond]

@saraaborhan

It may sound weird but in The adventures of Tintin the characters do have character development but it's subtle and goes through all the books. Tintin specifically has a very fascinating character development through all his adventures and I think it's interesting to look at it. Take into consideration I have watched the series, the movies and read 3 of the books (The crab with the golden claws, Mission to the moon and Tintin and the Picaros) which belong to the early, middle and last phase of Tintin's adventures so I'm sorry if something seems off or have missed something.

In the first books, until Haddock appears, Tintin travels alone with Milou. The other only stable character appearance are the Thom(p)sons whose role isn't always cooperating with the protagonist. Tintin goes for one adventure to the other, saying yes to new challenges and invitations. Even when he appears to be in vacation and content to have some peace this doesn't stay long and he just accepts one random archaeologist's invitation to accompany him to his research in an ancient Egyptian tomb. It's not only that adventure happens to follow Tintin but Tintin himself chases it. He doesn't seem to regard much of his safety and health and what's important is to live one thrill after the other. We barely see him in his flat or doing something domestic or you know "boring".

After Haddock's appearance this doesn't seem to change. Tintin still chases one adventure after the other, his curiosity leading him towards dangers. But as Haddock takes his estate back and tries to have a simple life in his home Tintin is affected by that subtly. Although some of the adventures are to help his new friends, Haddock and Calculus, Tintin goes again for an adventure of his own and when we think that we're back to his old says Haddock appears and since then they're not separated again. Together they go back to Marlinspike (at this point Tintin already visits them frequently) and Calculus invites them to where he is. A new adventure awaits but this time Haddock asks if they should go and Tintin responds yes but not in a confident way. Could be because he's suspicious if it's indeed Calculus inviting them? Could be because he's reluctant to leave when they just returned? Anyway I find this reaction really interesting and different from his previous ones.

And this is the point where the moon case happens aka the one where Tintin and Haddock are in a new adventure for Calculus and not for themselves. Tintin seems to be excited to go to the moon but it's also the first time he shows genuine fear for himself and his friends. He's even shocked with himself, he didn't even realize that it was fear until the last second. It's like it's the first time he fully realizes the danger he's in. And when Haddock puts himself and the rest in danger, Tintin of course doesn't abandon him but also shouts at him. In this case he has already showed a range of emotions that until now he didn't or at least not in that degree. Maybe it's because at this point he has fully realized that now he has people in his life to care for him and he in return. He has a family. He isn't just a nobody.

Since then we see Tintin living and choosing a more domestic lifestyle. His next adventure finds him in his vacation with Haddock but it's to save Chang, his old friend, not a mystery or criminal chase. Tintin shows the ultimate devotion to his friendships, risking his life for Chang but also determined to live or die together with Haddock. Again he shows all these intense emotions. Since the moon he doesn't hold himself back as he used to and lets himself be a person besides the hero upfront.

After Tibet and in the next stories it's even more clear the fact that Tintin does not chase adventures, they find him in his new home and in his trip back home. He no longer has the need to chase thrills and there's a stability in his life. His emotions are shown more clear than ever and he even jokes and laughs with Haddock's misfortune. There's no reason to hold himself back or be afraid he will lose his friends and he's just himself or to word it better his new self, he has let people not only enter his life but also change him.

When we finally reach the Picaros case all the character development is more evident than ever. Tintin has his "boring", domestic life and he's content with it. He even hugs the cat of Marlinspike, he is an irreplaceable resident of the mansion and member of this family. And even though it's clear that there's a scheme, his first thought isn't to go straight to danger and he doesn't even consider to do anything. And this time Haddock is ready to go but Tintin declares he won't go and Haddock accuses him of being a coward that won't let his comfortable home. This already is a huge difference from the beginning of their friendship even more huge from the period Tintin was by himself. Tintin then and Tintin now are not the same person or at least don't have the same priorities and wants. Of course later he finds Haddock and Calculus because they are his family and when the adventure reaches its end Haddock and Tintin express their relief to return finally home.

Although it's just not that detailed I think we can see that Tintin's character development is clear throughout all his adventures and, because it took time and Tintin himself isn't the most expressive character, subtle too. Tintin changes from a symbol to a person and his journey was long but worth it.

[rhaenizziettie]

the Josie is problematic list please please PLEASE I'm begging🙏🏾

Here you go!

Read before you read the list:

1. Nothing said here has anything to do with ships. Don’t bring it up. 

2. I will be very clear when something is opinion. Unless clearly stated otherwise, these are facts from canon. 

3. It’s hard to say how much is “bad writing” and how much is the character, so I will be holding Josie exactly as she is written.

4. Other TVDU characters’ bad actions don’t excuse Josie’s. Don’t bring it up to justify her actions.

5. Josie doing some good things doesn’t make all the bad things she does okay.

6. You can still like Josie as a character. All I’m saying is that she’s not a good person right now and these are the reasons why people don’t like her. 

It’s also worth pointing out that, yes, Josie is capable of doing nice or selfless things when she wants to. But it’s also very important to pay attention to the people she’s most nice to (Penelope, Landon, Finch … see a pattern?) and the people she’s most often not to (Lizzie, Hope, Alaric). Acting nicely towards people she’s romantically interested in or wants something from neither negates the problem with her nor makes her a nice person. It only proves she can be kind when she needs to be or when it benefits her. 

Also, disclaimer: This is only updated through 3x15. I’ll probably get around to updating it midway through S4 or when something really big happens. Same thing with Hope and Lizzie’s lists; they’re not up to date.

1x01

“Cleanup on Aisle L”

There’s no reason for Josie to be making jokes about her sister’s episodes when she knows how much Lizzie struggles with them.

Lighting Penelope on fire

Exes or not, making out with MG or not, lighting your drunk ex on fire isn’t cool.

1x02

Josie bystanding Dana’s (and everyone else’s as a common theme) comments about Lizzie

I understand Josie not saying anything to Dana’s face, but even just a little, “Hey, your meds don’t make it okay to bully you,” would’ve comforted Lizzie or Josie not acting like it was Lizzie’s fault would’ve been better.

“You really want Dad to stop loving us? Keep it up.”

Textbook manipulation. Josie takes one of Lizzie’s biggest fears (perpetuated by Josie in the first place, but that comes later) and uses it to convince Lizzie to do what Josie wants above what everyone else wanted.

1x03

Poking at Hope about her and Lizzie

Yelling at her dad for saving Hope

At first glance, it’s a harmless scene but after we find out that Josie manufactured the entire rivalry between Hope and Lizzie it becomes much more malicious.

"MG has the impulse control of a preschooler."

More making fun of/blaming people for their mental illness.

I understand Josie being upset about her dad almost dying, but saying it in front of Hope, who has already struggled with suicidal tendencies, that she’d rather have her die than be saved was a low move.

1x05

Gets upset that Lizzie isn’t a mind reader

Josie never once indicated that she was remotely interested in the position - in fact, she went out of her way to make it seem like she didn’t, and then she holds it above Lizzie’s head to make her sister seem selfish.

1x06

“You’re the reason I got buried alive.”

When Lizzie wasn’t on hand to blame, Josie tried to guilt-trip Penelope for her getting buried alive when Josie was the one who broke the rules to let her mother out in the first place.

1x10

(Yes, this was an AU episode, but honestly nothing Josie does here is any different than what she does in the real world.)

“Try to keep it together today.”

Just blatant ableism - it’s not like Lizzie chooses to be mentally ill or have bad days.

“Someone’s clearly having an off day.”

More ableist jokes.

Laughing at Dana’s meds joke

Again, blatant ableism.

“Every time things are going well for me, you have an episode and ruin everything just to steal the spotlight.”

Did someone order more ableism? I didn’t.

“Honestly, Lizzie, if I believed every paranoid delusion that came out of your mouth, I’d be just as crazy as you.”

Ableism with a side of gaslighting this time.

“I have spent my entire life trying to make you feel better about yourself.”

I know this is an AU and we don’t have the history, but Josie carries the same sentiment in the universe we do know while we clearly see that’s not the case, so it’s very likely the same thing applies here.

“Watched Dad try to kill himself doing it too. Why do you think he drinks all the time?” 

I shouldn’t have to say this, but blaming a parent’s addiction on the child (an addiction that started some good twenty years before said child was even conceived) is straight up abusive.

“I am done making excuses for you. I am done worrying about when you are going to snap. And I am done letting you control my happiness.”

1. Same as two points ago. 2. Again with the ableism as if Lizzie can control when she has manic or depressive episodes. 3. Nobody controls Josie’s happiness except Josie, in the real world and the AU world. It’s not fair to say it’s Lizzie’s responsibility to make Josie happy.

1x11

People’s efforts never being enough for Josie

Josie hints at what she wants, the entire witch faction bends over backwards to make it happen, and Josie (spoiler alert) miraculously still ends up as the victim at the end of the episode.

“You’re a terrible sister.”

Lizzie is no more terrible than Josie is, and to have Josie say this after Lizzie spent the entire episode going out of her way to get Josie what she wanted is honestly awful.

1x12

“I didn’t just lie. I started the fire.”

Josie not only told the entire school about her sister’s first episode, then she blamed Hope with the sole intent of driving Lizzie and Hope apart. She arguably ruined Lizzie’s school/social life and then shifted the blame to someone else. Then Josie proceeds to pretend like Hope and Lizzie are the problem the entire episode until she’s forced to confess where she neither apologizes for lying, for spreading the rumors, nor for starting the fire. 

1x14

Josie is jealous that Lizzie chose Hope

Josie really had the audacity to be upset that Lizzie chose Hope as her replacement in an attempt to turn over a new leaf after Josie’s manipulation came to light.

Ignoring Penelope and then playing victim to Lizzie

All episode, Penelope told Josie she should try to win and offered to help. Josie said on four or five separate occasions that she didn’t want to win and refused Penelope’s help over and over. She even said falling down was her idea to try and win back Lizzie after she hurt her. Yet somehow, miraculously, came out as the victim in the end.

Blames Lizzie for letting Hope wear the dress

I don’t know how Lizzie was supposed to know Klaus gave Caroline the dress or why - if it was really such a big deal to Josie - she didn’t say anything sooner and instead waiting until she wanted to wear the dress and Hope could hear.

Is upset at Lizzie for Penelope leaving

Penelope tried for four episodes to get Josie to listen, and Josie refused to hear her. Then, Josie blames both Lizzie and Penelope for not telling her sooner despite her actively ignoring it.

1x15

“This isn’t about needing space. This is about every waking moment of my life being suffocated by you.”

Other than Lizzie’s obvious need for a little extra help from their parents, when has Lizzie suffocated her life? An episode ago, Lizzie wasn’t there enough. Which is it?

“Then you should stay away.”

You know what’s suffocating? The ableism coming from this girl. Why does she think mentally ill people don’t deserve a support system or help when they’re struggling? If Lizzie really is as suicidal and struggling with self harm as Josie says, why would she want her sister to crash alone and potentially hurt herself or worse?

“She did this to herself.”

Oh, that’s right. Because she thinks mental illness is a choice. Do I even need to say “ableism” again?

“She can choose to take her medication. She hasn’t taken it since we went to go see our mom because she doesn’t like the way that it makes her feel.”

I have a hard time believing that Josie Saltzman, who grew up with a sister who took a variety of different meds and supposedly spends every waking moment of her life with her, could “accidentally” be so tone deaf. There is a long list of completely valid reasons why someone would want to stop taking the meds, and the meds making someone worse is one of them (think about how many more violent episodes Lizzie was having from 1x01-1x10 that stopped when she stopped taking the meds). So why does Josie think Lizzie has to suffer bad meds in order to be more convenient for her?

“Letting her crash is the only way anything will ever change.”

Considering that Josie knows well enough to blab about the fact that Lizzie self harms and thinks she is a danger to herself and others when she’s crashing, this is very obviously not true. In fact, what it is - you guessed it - is ableist. 

“All I’ve ever done is worry about you.”

That’s a weird way to pronounce “complain.”

“I’ll come back for the part where you beg me to forgive you.”

Why does she have to forgive Lizzie for saying that codependency takes two people?

1x16

“Like clockwork - victim.”

The hypocrisy is so strong in this one I don’t even think I have to point it out.

“You are unbelievably selfish.”

Lizzie wanting to die with a reason isn’t all that selfish, especially when she’s already been known to be suicidal and someone has been bullying her over the same mental illness for the last week.

2x01

“My sister is the queen of self-harm.”

Lizzie’s self-harm is both not a joke nor Josie’s information to be giving out to anyone. It’s definitely not a brag. 

“I gave up my summer with Mom to make sure you wouldn’t be alone.”

Everybody in the Saltzman family was asking Josie to go to Europe. She refused every time, and then blames someone else for her own decision. 

2x02

Josie making Flirty Witch’s nose bleed for doodling Landon

Josie and Landon weren’t a thing and hadn’t even gone on a first date yet, and Josie is using magic to harm a teenage girl for having a crush.

“I’m always the caretaker.”

Nope. Just nope on this one. Gaslighting is a no.

2x03

The way she treated Hope at the beginning of the match

Josie didn’t even know her, and even if she suspected Landon of cheating on her with Hope, why would she be upset with Hope and not with Landon?

“You bury little Miss Milkshake.”

Her aggression towards Hope is just unjustified and cruel. Again, she suspects Landon of cheating? Why is she only trying to hurt the girl who would have no idea she existed? Why is she encouraging violence anyway?

“You have a problem hitting her or something?”

Maybe some people care about other human beings, Josie.

“Why are you taking her side?”

Read above.

Breaking Ethan’s arm

Joise knew the spell would do something bad. She’s well-versed enough in magic to know, and plenty intelligent enough not to use a spell she doesn’t know. Even after she snaps his arm, she makes no attempts to right what she’s done.

“I hurt someone. I wanted to.”

I think this one speaks for itself. 

2x04

“That’s Japenese for ‘What the hell is she doing here?’”

Again with the bullying of someone who’s not the person who supposedly did her wrong?

In fact, the entire way Josie treated Hope this episode. I’m not going to list them all. My fingers would fall off.

“Guess she’s not the only one who gets to save your life today. So you’re welcome.”

Why does Josie demand thanks when she gives none when she’s saved? 

“You gave me that black magic spell and because of it, I broke that kid’s arm.”

Yeah and if I hand someone a bullet on the street and they load their gun and shoot someone, I’m not the only one at fault here. Take some accountability. 

2x05

Using Lizzie’s reputation (that Josie manufactured) as a threat, even light-heartedly

Josie uses Lizzie’s name when Josie’s the one who wants things done perfectly, hiding behind her sister again to be liked

Josie skipped plans with her father

Not a crime on its own obviously, but when she later blames him for not making time for her, it becomes hypocritical

Josie is forced to confess that she voted out her father

Same as above. Perfectly fine on its own. Horrible when she demands sympathy for it later.

2x06

Josie spying on Lizzie with Penelope’s journal

I’ll let Freya take this one: “Magic and privacy don’t mix well.”

Knocked Freya out when she called Josie out for not wanting to use the spell

I think this one’s easy but attacking people is not nice.

“I needed a push to do the right thing.”

Josie was going to let the people closest to her actively suffer for her own convenience. And when she finally did, all she was worried about was how it would affect her and her relationship.

“At least this one’s got a hot guy guest star.”

More poking fun at Lizzie’s mental illness and struggles. 

2x07

“He’s not the only friend keeping secrets.”

How is Josie both going to not bring back the memories of Hope and be mad that Hope didn’t make her remember?

Ignores Lizzie when she asks her again not to do back magic

Again, not entirely awful by itself (although a little because Josie knows it also affects Lizzie physically) but when she later tells Lizzie she’s selfish for not noticing she was using black magic, it becomes hypocritical

“Cut to the chase. Who are you gonna choose?”

Josie didn’t even go to the actual Landon to talk to him. She tried to go around him and use magic to get answers he didn’t have.

“So SimuLandon is running around telling everyone he loves Hope. I guess I’m just second-rate.”

Josie’s the one who made him and wanted answers out of him, but now she’s jealous that he - not even the real Landon - has no filter? 

In general, the whole way Josie was so unreceptive to Hope’s reconciliation

For someone who supposedly was friends with Hope and remembered everything before Malivore, Josie treated her pretty awfully when Hope was scared to come back to school

2x09

“I thought they were okay, but it’s just bad again.”

Josie treated Hope awfully when she decided to come back and for no reason other than Landon got his memories back. She dragged Hope around emotionally and lied to her instead of just saying how she felt to start with. 

Josie stealing from her father

Once again, not bad on its own. Just when she later tries to guilt him for not noticing how bad she was doing when she was purposely sneaking behind his back for the exact reason that he wouldn’t know.

“Getting rid of magical evidence before my dad overreacts.”

See above. And why does Josie think she knows better than every adult around her?

“I don’t want to be powerful.”

I mean … that’s just a straight up lie at this point. She’s shown over and over again that powerful and strong is all she wants to be no matter who she hurts, but as soon as it has consequences, she throws her hands up and pretends like it wasn’t what she was after in the first place.

“I get upset more easily. I’m on edge. Jealous.” “It’s not all the magic.”

Not so much a problem point, just pointing out that Josie’s issues can’t be pinned on black magic.

2x10

“Maybe I deserve the magic to just boomerang back to me.”

Once again, as soon as Josie faces consequences, she throws her hands up and demands sympathy for her own actions even when everyone else is already trying to help her.

“Distract you from what?”

This is one of those not-a-problem-on-its-own ones again. Josie is just as, if not more, clueless about Lizzie’s suffering than she is of hers, yet Josie always says she’s the one taking care of Lizzie and that Lizzie never pays attention to her. At least Lizzie is vocal about her struggles.

2x12

(Now this is when Dark!Josie comes in, so I’ll start by clarifying that 1. Dark!Josie is Josie. She’s not being possessed by a separate entity or being controlled by someone else. All the characters have said she's doing the things Josie has always wanted to do and the actors, writers, and producers have all said Dark!Josie and Josie are the same person and 2. I personally don’t hold Josie as accountable for Dark!Josie things as I do for her previous horribleness, but that doesn’t mean other people can’t since, again, they are the same person.)

Ties up her father in the prison world where five people want to kill him

Do I really need to give an explanation for that one? I just … that was low. Even for Josie.

2x13

Josie shows no concern for her dying twin.

Yeah, yeah, “Dark!Josie” but dark magic doesn’t make you emotionless. It’s not a humanity switch. Look at literally any other witch who used black magic (and to much larger proportions than Josie’s two spells too)

“I’m back.”

Are you telling me that Lizzie was supposed to sense the dark magic in Josie when Josie couldn’t even sense it in herself? Or was it just a flatout lie?

2x14

Josie in the simulation box

I shouldn’t have to tell you by now that torturing and murdering people is wrong. Yes, it was a simulation. Yes, she had dark magic. No, I will not list everything she did in the box.

“You’re full of black magic. I was too selfish to see it before.”

Josie has Lizzie so convinced that not being a mind reader and that having her own life (that Josie demanded) makes her a bad person. And again, Josie couldn’t even feel the black magic? How could Lizzie?

2x15

Tries to kill MG

Murder bad.

Kills Alyssa.

Murder bad.

Tries to kill Hope.

Murder still bad.

Kills Lizzie.

Murder still bad.

“One less mouth to feed.”

Joking about murder bad. 

2x16

Josie’s sexist and rude comments towards Hope.

I will not list them all. Sure, she “didn’t want Hope to know it was her.” So speak in a British accent or something? Why is sexism your go-to disguise? For that matter, why is ableism your go-to insults in the real world?

Doesn’t tell anyone she turned Hope to stone in her mind

Sure, nothing came out of it. But when Hope was unconscious and not waking up, Josie didn’t think to mention what she had done? She just put her magic away and pretended like it didn’t involve her?

3x01

Plays the victim card when Alyssa (rightfully!) calls her out for murdering her.

I think we can all agree that Alyssa had a very good point here.

Doesn’t tell Lizzie she put her magic away until she can use it to manipulate

Josie had plenty of opportunities to tell Lizzie (before or during field day) that she didn’t have her magic. Instead, she waited until she could throw it back in Lizzie’s face publicly, place the victim, and guilt her sister again. It’s becoming a pattern.

“All your trying, it doesn’t change anything. You’re making everything worse like you used to.”

The entire fandom cringed during that line. Every last one. She just waved her hypocrisy and narcissism like a giant flag. I don’t know why I thought Season 3 Josie would magically treat Lizzie like a human being, but consider me disappointed. 

“This is exactly what you wanted. It’s what you’ve been trying to make me do all day.”

Josie really just gave up on subtle hypocrisy this episode huh. Really just wants to blame Lizzie for everything again huh.

“She thinks that I should be the focus for a change.”

Is it possible to literally explode from too much hypocrisy? Because that what it felt like every time Josie opened her mouth this episode. It physically hurt.

“I know that all you’ve been trying to do lately is help me.”

So … she does know? Because a literal episode ago, she was saying nobody tries to help her. 

3x03

“She can’t decide what she wants, and when she finally does decide, she makes a super selfish choice.

We all heard how disgusted Josie was when a mirror was held to her face. The hypocrisy is literally killing me slowly.

“You gave up on Hope, like, twice.”

Didn’t you want her to die, like, twice and didn’t want to bring back memories of her in Season 2? Starts with “H” and ends with “Y”.

“At first I thought she was selfish, but she was just being honest about how she’s changed.”

Glad Elena changed. You still didn’t. Josie literally went through all of Season 2’s mess and came out the same person she was at the beginning of Season 1. No growth, no improvement, nothing. Just a bigger ego.

3x04

“If you can forgive me for that one time I killed you?”

How hard would it have been to actually say the words “I’m sorry” to the girl who murdered instead of skirting around the apology and immediately demanding forgiveness.

3x05

“You’re in a good mood. What’s wrong?”

Even if it were light-hearted, saying something like this to someone who literally struggles with manic and depressive states out of their control is beyond shitty.

“My sister took the news about me wanting to transfer about as well as you did Maya leaving.”

I don’t have to say it, but I will. Not nice to lie about your siblings, especially when Finch’s (unexplained) reaction resulted in suspension and Lizzie just didn’t give her full support.

3x09

“Please. The LARPers and comic book geeks sit over there. It’s probably more your speed.”

Telling people who they can and can’t be friends with is very school bully-ish.

“Knock it off. No vamp powers.” / “We need to keep it that way or my dad is going to yank us out of this school.”

Expecting MG to be able to just turn his hearing off and then threatening him with a consequence Josie knows isn’t real is a no. A hard no.

Josie wanting Ethan compelled for her own convenience

MG says it best: “No offense, Jo, but what are you really worried about risking?”

“I do know that, Dad.”

Another not-a-point, just important to note for when she uses Alaric “not loving” her or Lizzie for sympathy and manipulation

Josie asking Lizzie to spy on Finch with magic

I’ll use Freya’s words again here: “Magic and privacy don’t mix.” 

3x11

Having to fight with herself to care enough to save someone’s life

Because that’s what the whole Dark!Josie/Josie scene was. It wasn’t some separate entity sitting there. It wasn’t another person. It was Josie’s subconscious projected into a hologram. That was Josie’s internal monologue brought to the screen, no magic involved, having to try that hard to convince herself to help save Hope’s life. 

3x12

“Bringing the Necromancer to the surface sounds like something we’d live to regret.” / “Why are you making me do this?” “Short answer? We used to be black magic frenemies.”

Telling her father he shouldn’t try to bring back the Necromancer only to try to do it herself the second he walked out the door was suspicious at best, not to mention hypocritical. How many people died last time?

3x13

Ignoring Finch’s reluctance to come to SBS and not listening when Finch told her why their situations weren’t the same

She did come around by the end of the episode beautifully and realized what Finch was saying, but it still happened and it still shows her trying to control the people around her.

3x14

“Lizzie went on this witch-y wellness retreat, but I haven’t heard from her in over a week. I think that she might be in trouble.”

Blatant manipulation. Not a new thing, but at least this time might’ve been with good intentions.

Not noticing anything was wrong with Lizzie despite being in contact with her

I wouldn’t normally make this a point, but since Josie complains that Lizzie and Alaric didn’t notice anything wrong with her under black magic, it makes her hypocritical to see nothing wrong when she does it to someone else.

“You’re the one that indoctrinated us into a freaking cult.”

It was Josie’s idea to visit, Josie was the reason Lizzie was there in the first place, she lied to get Hope there, didn’t want to leave when Hope did, didn’t want to leave when Lizzie did, but somehow it’s all Lizzie’s fault that they were in this mess? I think not. And of course, no apology, but on the bright side, some awareness that this is her “normal.”

“All I’ve ever wanted for you is happiness.”

A bold-faced lie edging into gaslighting at this point. Somehow the last decade of how she treated Hope didn’t happen for her.

3x15

“You’re a princess.” / “Why am I not a princess?!” / “You get to be the princess.”

The one time Josie wasn’t the princess (in someone else’s fanfic, mind you), it’s endless complaining and guilting. 

Reading Lizzie’s diary and then blaming it on Lizzie’s MI

Yes, Josie was eleven when she read the diary. She was seventeen when she decided to blame Lizzie’s MI, not apologize for it, and then play victim in all of it. Ableism bad. Lying bad. Manipulating bad. 

Josie reading Lizzie’s diary to the other witches and laughing about it

Even at eleven years old, you know not to bully people about their MI’s. 

[bumblesimagines]

Green Thumb

Part 14

Request: Yes or No

TW: Vision dying, the snap victims

Did I almost cry while writing this? Hell ya lmao I had to watch the movie in order to get everything right but im also just a big crybaby lol

Three for the price of one? More likely than you think

~

You gently leaned Vision against a branch, taking a seat beside him. You looked over at Wanda as she landed nearby. She rushed over to you and Vision.

"Are you two okay?" Wanda asked softly, placing a gentle hand on Visions cheek. He groaned in pain, hand going to the Mind Stone. You frowned, touching his arm.

"What? What is it?" Wanda asked, watching him in concern.

"He's here." Vision breathed out, looking around in a panic. You swallowed, a chill running down your spine. Wanda stared at him, a shakey breath leaving her. The team quickly grouped, keeping an eye out for Thanos. You met Buckys gaze, giving him a tired smile as he helped you up.

"You alright?" He asked. You nodded, leaning against him. You noticed movement, turning your head and seeing the giant. You took a small step away from Bucky, watching him.

"Cap... That's him." Bruce confirmed. Steve nodded, beginning to walk towards him. You watched as he effortlessly took out everyone. You glanced back at Wanda and Vision as Vision tried convincing her to destroy the stone. You frowned, looking forward.

"(Y/N)." Bucky grabbed your arm, frowning. You looked at him, offering a small smile.

"We'll be fine, Bucky." You assured before you walked forward, looking at Thanos. You raised your hands, making roots grab onto Thanos. They wrapped around his arms and neck, pulling back. Even if they didn't stop him, it saved Wanda time. You lowered one hand, crouching down and picking up the dagger. Thanos grunted, struggling against the roots. He lunged forward, the roots snapping.

"Oh, shit." You breathed out. You were close enough to stab the side of his stomach before he grabbed your shoulder, tossing you aside and throwing the dagger as well. You were thrown against a tree, making it snap.

"Fuck!" You grunted, head spinning. You shut your eyes tightly, opening them and seeing Wanda using her powers in the Mind Stone. She cried but didn't stop until it finally broke, sending a blast through the area. You looked up, watching Thanos approach Wanda.

"I know how you feel." Thanos said sympathetically. Wanda glared up at him through watery eyes.

"You could never." She whispered. Thanos gently patted her head, continuing towards where Vision once was. He rewound time so Vision was slowly constructed again.

"No!" Wanda screamed, running forward but she was thrown back. Thanos picked Vision up by the throat, pulling the Mind Stone out of his forehead. Your throat went dry as Vsion turned gray and limp. Thor finally appeared, throwing his axe in Thanos chest. You slowly crawled towards Wanda, brushing her hair out of her face.

"Wanda?" You stared down at her, trying to blink away tears. Wanda slowly sat up, a horrified gasp leaving her when she saw Vision. You looked up, seeing Thanos half burnt body and half destroyed gauntlet. He made a portal, going through it before anyone could react.

"Vision.." Wanda whimpered.

"Steve? (Y/N)?" You turned towards Bucky, eyes widening as he fell, turning to dust.

"Bucky?" You called out softly, watching Steve touch the dust in shock.

"Sam?" You called out in a panic, standing up and looking around.

"I'm here." Sam stood, stumbling forward but he fell, turning into a pile of dust.

"(Y/N).." Wanda whispered, making you turn to look at her. She turned to dust as well, panicked breaths leaving you.

"Where are they? What's going on?" You asked with a trembling voice, tears beginning to slip down your cheeks.

"He did it." Steve whispered. You furrowed your brows, making eye contact with Natasha. She frowned, approaching you.

"Oh, baby.." She whispered, giving you a tight hug. You hugged her back, mind racing. You suddenly pulled back.

"Mom and dad.." You breathed out. Natasha's lips parted, nodding. Steve slowly stood, picking Visions body up. The team made their way to the city. Okoye met up with the remaining Dora Milaje, telling them the news of T'Challa. By the time you all reached the city, T'Challa's mother and sister had gotten word. The Queen Mother greeted you and the team with a solemn look on her face. You could tell she was trying to stay strong and fight back tears.

"I need to go see them." You said quietly. Ramonda had Ayo take you and Natasha to a jet. Ayo held a strong face though her eyes were watered as she piloted. Natasha placed a gentle hand on your shoulder. You stayed silent, staring at the floor. Your mind went blank, trying to focus on calming yourself down. You and Natasha were dropped off at the farm. You felt immense relief upon seeing Clint, running towards him.

"Clint!"

(Y/N), oh thank god!" Clint quickly caught you, arms tightly wrapping around you. You couldn't stop the sobs that wrecked your body, legs buckling beneath you. You and Clint fell to the ground, still holding onto each other.

"They're gone.." You whispered, sniffling afterward as your body trembled.

"Bucky, Sam, Vision, Wanda.. All of them.. They just.. They just turned to dust." You told him in a shakey voice as you pulled back. You could literally see Clints heart break in half. You sniffled, noticing hotdogs on the bench outside.

"Where's mom?" You asked softly, looking at Clint. He stayed silent, staring at the ground. Your brows furrowed as you stared at him.

"Dad?"

"They're gone too, aren't they?" Natasha asked softly, standing behind you. Your face dropped, staring at him as your bottom lip trembled.

"No, no.. They can't.. They couldn't have.." You stood up, stumbling slightly. You glanced at the bench, walking towards the house.

"Mom? Lila? Cooper? Nate?" You called into the empty house, searching for your family. Every room downstairs was empty. You quickly went upstairs, almost tripping as you entered each room. Cooper and Lila's rooms were as messy as always but with no sign of them. You entered Nathaniels' room, almost stepping on a drawing of his. You reached down, picking it up with shakey hands.

"Oh, Nate.." It was of the whole family. It was poorly drawn but it was easy to tell who was who. Tear drops fell onto the paper. You walked towards your room, sitting on the bed. You held tightly into the drawing, holding it against your chest as you cried. You took in short breaths and closed your eyes, letting out a scream full of anger, sadness, and exhaustion. When you opened your eyes, you saw most of your room covered in ice.

"I'm so fucking tired.." You whispered, watching the ice slowly retract.

"I can't have one good thing without it being taken." You muttered, looking out the window. Natasha comfored Clint, most likely having explained everything to him. Natasha left not long after, taking a motorcycle. You licked your lips, hearing Clint step inside the house. It was too silent. You were so used to hearing Laura talking or humming along to whatever song played on the radio, Cooper attempt to teach Nate new words, Lila ask Clint about his work as Hawkeye. You heard Clint heavy footsteps head up the stairs and stop at your door.

"You should take a break from work." Clint said quietly. You kept your stare on the window, mind blank again.

"Okay.." You heard Clint walk away from your room, heading back downstairs. You let out a shakey sigh, reaching out to the device you used to speak to Bucky with. You clicked on the button.

Calling White Wolf...

Call failed.

Your jaw clenched, eyes watering again. Your brows furrowed, noticing one option appear.

Replay previous calls?

You hesitantly clicked on it, brows lifted and lips parting as recordings of all the calls you made with Bucky appeared. You could listen to his voice and see his face again on repeat. You felt some sense of relief. You stood up, grabbing some clothes and a towel. You entered the bathroom, stripping and grunting softly. You turned around, looking at the mirror.

"Fuck.." You breathed out, seeing the bruises. You sighed, turning on the shower and waiting for it to heat. You entered, standing under the water. You watched the blood and dirt go down the drain, slightly leaning against the wall.

"What the hell are we gonna do now?" You closed your eyes, running a hand over your face. You licked your lips, finishing your shower and getting out. You carefully dried off, changing and stepping out. You grabbed your phone, checking the news. Half of Earths' population gone. There was confusion, chaos, and fear.

"Where the fuck is Tony?" You asked yourself, noticing some articles about him missing. They had been published before people turned to dust. You clicked on the video, watching it.

"Tony Stark, also known as Iron Man, was last seen in his suit flying towards what appeared to be a space ship. Since then, he has not made an appearance and his future wife, Pepper Potts, has neither denied or confirmed his disappearance."

"This is a big fat shit show." You whispered, turning off your phone and standing up. You left your room, heading down the steps and seeing Clint staring at Lilas' old toy bunny.

"I didn't know Tony was getting married." You said quietly, watching him. Clint gave an amused smirk, nodding as he looked at you.

"Neither of us were invited.. Wonder why." Clint said softly. You approached him, sitting beside him and leaning against him.

"At least we have each other."

~

Tags: @geek-and-proud @wolfelocksley

[jiaraforeverr]

Dancing With Our Hands Tied

Author's note: Hi everyone! This is my very first fanfic so I would love to hear your thoughts! @arcticaid requested this months ago, I'm so sorry it took so long! I started writing it in May, but honestly forgot about it until after I watched season 2.

You can also find it on Ao3 here!

Pairing: JJ Maybank/Kiara Carrera

Kiara lay awake in the spare bed of the Chateau, the heavy and humid air sticking to her skin and making her whole-body flush with warmth. She could blame her inability to sleep tonight on the typical end of summer North Carolina heat, but there was something else on her mind keeping her up. With all the windows propped open as wide as they would go, she could hear the creaking of the old hammock rocking slowly back and forth, keeping her mind from thinking of anything other than the person she knew was also pretending to be sleeping right now.

A couple hours earlier, Pope had said his final goodbye before getting on the ferry to the mainland, where he would be traveling to UNC Charlotte for his first semester of college. He was finally doing what he was meant to, to pursue the future that his friends have protected and encouraged the last few years. But now he was gone, not coming back to the island for at least a couple months.

And that left Kiara and JJ.

It had been almost two years since the gold summer. Two years since they had last seen John B or Sarah. The loss of their best friend had taken a toll on all of them, but especially JJ. John B had been his brother, the first person he really was able to call family, the first person he felt safe with. Losing him had sent JJ down a dark path filled with alcohol and drugs much stronger than weed. It had taken Kiara and Pope about three months to get him back on track, and luckily that included getting him out of his dad’s house and into the Heyward’s care.

The three of them held onto the Chateau though. No one ever came asking about it, and they never brought it up. Currently, JJ was saving up to officially own it so they would no longer have the constant fear of having the last part of their best friend ripped away from them.

With Pope leaving for college, Kiara was left with the impossible task of deciding what she should be doing now. Much to her parent’s dismay, she had already that college wasn’t what she wanted- at least not right now. She can see herself going in the future, maybe getting a degree in marine biology and opening a conservation center of her own. But that was for later. Now, she knew there were still things she had to do.

Giving up the fight with herself to fall asleep, Kiara sits up in bed, sighing deeply as she presses her hands to her eyes. She could help but think about JJ. She was terrified of what leaving him alone would look like. She couldn’t risk losing another friend. A part of her knew that deep down, she just really didn’t want to leave his side at all.

Things with JJ had always been different than it had been with Pope or John B, but even more so after John B’s disappearance. They had a bond stronger than ever before, and Kiara was unsure how to deal with the feelings that had come along with it. She thinks that they’ve probably always been there in the back of her mind. Every flirty comment or wink JJ had given her growing up had always been accompanied by a small tug in her stomach that she now has a sneaking suspicion wasn’t due to annoyance.

Walking through the empty, quiet house, she took no precautions to avoid the loud floorboards like she normally would, and with an ache in her heart realized it was because no one else was here. As she got closer to the back door, quiet music filled the air, confirming that JJ was most definitely not asleep.

She silently made her way towards the hammock where JJ lay with both eyes closed, but he still opened one eye knowingly as she stopped next to him.

“Couldn’t sleep?” JJ murmurs softly.

“No, I just willingly woke up in the middle of the night for fun,” she responds sarcastically, but with no real bite to it.

“Hmm,” JJ closes his eyes again, “I can’t imagine hating myself that much. What a horrible life you lead.”

“What about you, what’s got you up?” Kiara ignores his quip at her, wanting to get to what was on his mind.

He didn’t respond right away, the silence sitting comfortably between them for a few moments. Kiara reaches down and brushes her fingers softly through his blonde hair, prompting him to finally respond.

“What do we do now Kie?” His whispers, just loud enough so she can hear him.

“What do you mean?” She murmurs back, as if she was afraid speaking too loudly would cause him to retreat back into his mind and close up on her.

“Like, we’re not kids anymore. Pope’s gone, you’ll be outta here traveling the world or whatever soon enough. I just feel like I’ve got nothin’ going for me when everyone else does.”

JJ’s admission makes her heart stop, and her breath catch in her throat. It had been a while since John B’s death, but that in no way meant they were over it. And now JJ was facing the very real possibility that he could be losing his remaining friends as well.

Wordlessly, Kiara reaches down again and gently tugs on JJ’s hand, indicating that she wanted him to get up. Predictably, he groaned in protest, but still slowly pulled himself up from the hammock. They both knew he would do anything she asked of him. Kiara leaned over and slightly turned up the volume of the speaker JJ had set up at the base of the tree. The sound of soft reggae music filled the air making her smile. She didn’t think before stepping closer to JJ so they were chest to chest with their noses just about touching. She wound both arms slowly around his neck securing him to her.

“What are you doing?” JJ asks her, a small smile creeping up on his face as his arms automatically wrap around her waist, closing the small gap between them.

“Dancing,” she responds, burying her nose in the crook of his neck, breathing in the scent of the ocean, smoke, and a hint of sweat. She sways their bodies side to side, and feels him drop his head into the top of hers.

“Why are we dancing?” He mumbles, moving his body with hers.

She ignores his question, and just lets the two of them get lost in the soft music and the feeling of being close to one another. A warm breeze rustles the trees above them causing JJ to grip his arms tighter around her. The fairy lights twinkle in the branches, and Kiara thinks to herself ‘how could it get better than this?’

“JJ,” she whispers into his neck, “how could you ever think that I would leave you?”

“Because this isn’t where you belong, Kie. You should be exploring the world, saving the turtles and probably every other animal along the way.”

“I belong where you are,” she says, her voice just loud enough so that he could hear her. “And if I’m leaving the Outer Banks, so are you.”

“There’s nothing out there for me. I’d be dragging you down.”

“You’ve never been out there, how would you know? You could teach surfing lessons and fix boats in a new country every month. We could ride bikes and never have to worry about a car again. Imagine, me and you hitting every country that has an ocean, surfing every wave we can find around the world. John B would be so proud of us.”

Her voice trails off at the mention of their dead best friend, worried she hit a nerve. But JJ just pulls his head away from hers just enough so that he could press his lips softly to her forehead.

“He really would, wouldn’t he?” JJ says with his mouth against her neck now.

“We’ll make it work, J. We always do. I don’t want to do things like travel the world if I’m not doing it with you by my side.”

“When do we leave, captain?” JJ asks jokingly, but in a way that makes her believe he is serious.

“Planning starts bright and early tomorrow, and I think we’d be much more productive if we got some sleep.”

He says nothing in response and the silence sits between them again as they continue to hold each other.

“Can we do this? In every country all over the world?” JJ asks quietly.

“Do what? Dance?”

“No. I- yes. But I mean more like, just like- be together? Like this?”

Kiara didn’t even try to fight the smile that spread across her face at his words. She pressed a kiss on his neck, right below his ear. She knew what their relationship was right now was complicated, but in that moment, nothing made more sense. She was his and he was hers. Simple as that.

“We’ll always be together. We can be like this for the rest of our lives. On our surf trip to every country around the world, and after it and before. I said I’d never leave you, and I meant it.”

[torterrachampion]

Everything We Know About Teacher

I needed to get some of this off my chest I guess.

Volume 1:

Taught Noé about true names

Sent Noé a letter instructing him to seek out the Book of Vanitas

The wording of the letter being “I hear it’s been discovered there. It really exists- The Book of Vanitas! Find it without fail... and see for yourself... with your own eyes... the true character of the Book of Vanitas-!

Is apparently intrigued by Noé‘s lack of fear towards the blue moon

He is not Murr (only mentioning this because I know it’s a semi-popular theory. Him, Louis, Noé and Murr are all shown together)

Is, according to Noé, stronger than Jeanne

Volume 2:

Sent a letter to Orlok asking him to assist Noé

Is known as “The Shapeless One” and is feared by other vampires

Bought Noé on the black market

Taught Noé about Babel

Says to Noé, soon after buying him (Noé still has bandages over his eye at the time), “I’m having fun. Because you came with me. I’m sure from now on... things will be much, much more fun.”

Has a field of asterisque flowers, which are know to bloom where the world formula is being interfered with

Immediately left Noé alone with Domi and Louis after bringing him home

The first thing Louis says to Noé (after greeting him) is, “You have no luck. Having my grandfather take a shine to you... You poor thing.”

Actively left documents about curse-bearers out for Louis to find

Claims he wants to “observe the process and result” of what Louis does rather than make him do anything in particular

Caused Louis to begin avoiding him

Beheaded Louis

Volume 3:

Appears before Noé after the bal masque in a dreamlike version of Noé's room

Rather cryptically tells Noé in this ‘dream’ to “Engage with the tale of the people surrounding the Book of Vanitas.”

introduced tarte tatin to Altus

Noé addresses a letter to him about their stay in Carbunculus Castle

Hates Lord Ruthven

Frequently changes his name

Noé has not seen him for nearly half a year (during memoire 13, which is only days after arriving in Paris)

Taught Noé to rewrite gravity, and seemingly finds it quite easy himself

Volume 4:

No one knows how old he is or where he came from

Was the first vampire to serve Faustina and did so the longest

Adopted Domi’s dad

Can change his shape

Ruthven calls him a monster and cites uncertainty about his goals as a reason to let Noé live

Volume 5:

Teaches Noé about vampires and blood, and tells him that because of his power he’ll have to be a little more cautious than other vampires

Noé addresses a letter to him when he first arrives in Gévaudan

Volume 7:

In the Love Mission extra he is the director of Zuttomo Private Academy, which he founded as a hobby, the school also has a secret about the vampire queen hidden within it

Volume 8:

Took Louis because getting rid of him “would be wasteful.”

The Marquis de Sade can’t go against him

Volume 9 (working under the assumption that he is Misha’s saviour):

Saved Misha

Claims he has a way of bringing Luna back

Probably gave Misha the metal hand and dog

Other Chapters:

Has not been mentioned again until showing up now

Okay, cool, so we surprisingly have a lot of information about him. Now I'm just going to quickly ramble about some of this.

With Murr I still think there's a possibility of him using Murr to see things that he wouldn't otherwise be able to. I just don't think he is Murr.

The fact that Noé's trip to Paris was timed perfectly to meet Vanitas is incredibly suspicious. If it's not a coincidence and Teacher knew Vanitas would be on that airship it's not impossible that the dhams (specifically Dante) sold him that information. Sorry to throw suspicion on Dante but information brokers are always characters you should keep an eye on. Otherwise I don't know how Teach would've managed this since he doesn't have any connection to Vanitas himself.

The fact that he told Noé things would get more fun near immediately after buying him makes me think he's playing some sort of very Jack Vessalius-esque long game.

It seems like he regularly left Noé, Louis and Domi alone to do god knows what and even in present he's been unaccounted for for months so he's probably juggling a lot of morally reprehensible activities that may or may not be leading towards some end goal.

I'm incredibly intrigued by Louis's first words to Noé. As a reminder they were , “You have no luck. Having my grandfather take a shine to you... You poor thing.” This was far before Louis had his curse-bearer troubles so why did he already feel this way about his grandfather? I mean he wasn't wrong but what did Teacher do to tip Louis off this early?

Teacher talks about Louis like he's a science experiment. "Process and results." But honestly he goes about conducting his 'experiments' in biased ways. He says he doesn't want Louis to do anything in particular but he definitely pushed Louis onto the path he ended up on and without his interference things wouldn't have ended the way they did. He pretends to be a mere observer of events but he actively interferes to obtain the results that are most favourable/entertaining for himself.

Also for the experiments thing, I think the theory that he could be paracelcus, the cause behind the Babel incident, is pretty compelling even if there isn't tons of evidence. I don't remember who came up with this theory but I've always liked it.

Noé addresses a few letters to Teacher but we never get more than the first few lines so it's impossible to tell how much he told him or what he told him. At this point I'm sort of assuming he knows nearly everything that's happened so far.

As for what Teacher is doing currently, I have no idea. He only decided to interfere once Misha was well and truly defeated, after Noé sliced his face open. It's weird that Noé, Domi and Vanitas have all been in danger of dying at various points through this arc and he never stepped in. So either he was confident they'd survive anyway or he didn't care. If he doesn't care though, what's the point in all of this? It's an awful lot of trouble to go through if it doesn't matter who lives and who dies. Whatever his goal is, it's got to involve Vanitas, right? No way he doesn't need his power or his book in some capacity.

He was able to save Misha from either very near death or from actual death so maybe he would be capable of saving anyone he needed for his plans? If that's the case I suppose it wouldn't matter what happened as long as Misha won in some capacity. Whatever he's doing I don't expect another fight to break out right now, he doesn't seem the type to get into one if he doesn't need to, I feel like manipulation will be enough to give him the upper hand. I guess we'll see next chapter.

Also, sort of unrelated, but I wouldn't put it past him to be involved with some of the other things we don't have answers for, including: the new tower of Babel, whatever is going on with Faustina, or Moreau being supplied with both Luna's books and their blood.

[bxllafanficc]

¡Skate/sing your hearts out! (Yuri Plisetsky x reader)

(part one)

part two part three part four part five. Find the rest on; Masterlist

Summary: After last year's cancellation of Figure Skating Grand Prix, Yuri Plisetsky finds himself unable to bring out his inner skater after a year of doing nothing but enjoy life like a regular teenager. That's when you enter the picture; We Are Voice Grand Awards's currently hottest competitive vocalist come first place two years in a row. Just like the other competitors of Grand Prix, it turns out that Victor and Yuuri faces the same issue. With an arrangement between Victor and Yakov, they agree to travel to Japan and hire you as a mutual coach for Yuri and Yuuri to help bring back the emotion into their performances like before, maybe even more intense than ever. Yuri however, who's never experienced issues with his coaches before, for some reason finds this one particularly difficult to coexist along with in their (reasonably) odd partnership. Warnings: none

*Yuri's POV*

"Remind me once again why we're going to Japan? It's clear you'd never take us there just because you miss Victor and I know by experience that it's not because of his apprentice."

First class flight like usual. The view out the airplane window of the sparkling city at nighttime below them would stun anybody but at this point, Yuri has traveled so many times it's only become regular sights and the lights of the streets are only plain colored spots in a dark void to him these days. One thing he will never feel comfortable with though is staying in the same seat for hours on end until the airplane arrives at its destination. His legs are itching from wanting to move around. He'll just have to jog it off back on the ground like every other trip in the past.

"You'll be spending some time with Yuuri Katsuki and Victor the following weeks to gain your fighting spirit back. You need to get back in touch with your emotions, remember?" Yakov slightly turned his posture towards the Russian skater beside him, folding his newspaper in half and putting it in his lap.

He only nodded with a slight hum. He could see Yakov's reasoning, some parts of it at least. He HAD been lacking in emotional performance ever since the new year began and it was time to get back into the mindset of winning yet another Grand Prix gold medal like last year. No, not last year. Last year's competition was cancelled after a minor pandemic spread through Russia and the nearby regions. In fear of the virus spreading, all competitions cancelled and larger crowded areas were forbidden to take place. Therefore Yuri's only been able to practice by himself and keeping himself fit for a possible competition next year. But a year of doing nothing can really change your spirit and afraid to admitting it to his coach, he's been missing several opportunities to hit the rink and stayed home watching anime or scrolled through social media instead.

But one thing he doesn't get is how Victor and Yuuri are gonna make him get his mindset in the right track again. He already won his first gold medal at his senior debut and he doubt that the Japanese skater will be in any better condition than Yuri's currently in right now. Pig-man must've been in a much worse state considering his boo Victor had to stay in Russia during the pandemic, unable to keep an eye on Yuuri's routines.

"Besides, there's a little surprise waiting for you where you'll be staying with the two of them. It better work out fine or else I'm out of ideas."

That caught his attention to say the least.

"Well if it's supposed to save me from the deep end then why be so secretive and hushy with it? Spill the news, Yakov."

The old man only grunted and picked up his newspaper once again and hid his face behind it. Well now he really wanted to know what it was. Clearly he would have to make some effort. Soon the article about a Russian charity event taking place this weekend got replaced with a clenched fist going straight through the back of the paper. Yuri expected some kind of reaction but Yakov only sighed and leaned back in his seat without even a flinch.

"It's no surprise if I tell you. I promised Victor to keep it a secret."

"Tell me."

"No."

Yuri groaned and folded his arms with a sour glare. The display in the ceiling told the traveler's that it was 10 minutes until landing so he gave up his attempts and let his eyes rest for a while. At least he would find out tomorrow, he assumed. It was 2am and he would be staying at a hotel close to the airport since it was too late to make rest of the trip in one day.

Yuri was out with the speed of a lightning bolt the second the plane doors opened. He sped past everyone before him and he didn't stop when he finally got outside. His feet carried him to run circles around the plane meanwhile he was waiting for Yakov to get out the normal way. It's a silly habit of his and he knows he looks stupid doing it but his coach has given him strict orders to not run away at one random direction like used to do at first. It would take like half an hour for him to be found once he took off, but only if he got lost.

"Yuri! Get over here!"

Well, there's his cue to get ready and head to the hotel. Finally he's able to get some sleep before he's forced to wake up early at dawn to head to Hot Springs and meet the two most annoying people in Japan.

...

He didn't even have time to eat breakfast. He overslept and got rushed to the cab with an angry Yakov behind him, newspaper folded tightly in his fist. The trip through the beautiful Japan would've been pleasant if Yuri hadn't dozed off every 10 seconds. He didn't get much sleep after all. He spent at least three hours thinking about the special surprise and raiding the free mini bar before he finally got to rest. At 8am he was woken up with banging on the door and now, at 10am, he was standing at the entrance of Hot Springs waiting for Yuuri's mom to announce their arrival. She hurried away somewhere with her usual bubbly happy self that Yuri had no idea how a person could be so... not moody all day long.

The place was as crowded with customers as last time and the two Russians were told to step inside to the more private parts of the building where the family lived along with Victor at the moment.

"Victor! How come my brand new lotion is used? You smelled a suspicious amount of peaches and wild berries at breakfast and there's no point denying it!" A fairly soft and modulated voice was heard from somewhere to the left where the private shower stalls were located. A couple seconds later a giggly Victor and Yuuri came through the direction of the living room and greeted Yuri with happy cheers. The slender white haired Russian caught Yakov in a bear hug, much to the old man's surprise. Yuuri extended his hand towards Yuri but Yuri didn't give any effort in taking it.

"Food. I'm starving."

Yuuri dropped his hand with a light blush but Victor pouted and let go of his former coach. Strong and clingy arms were suddenly wrapped around his chest and he couldn't breathe.

"So unpolite... Yuriooo we've missed you! Haven't you missed us?"

Yuri thrashed like a fish caught in a net and tried to hit the arms of the bastard trapping him. Yuuri joined in, only to get a kick in the hip. His stomach growled angrily and the endless void in his body didn't lighten up the experience a bit.

"Let go you old man! You too piglet!"

"I hoped you'd say it out loud but I know that deep down you've been missing us, Yuriii." Victor went to whisper in his ear with pouty lips but was swatted away by a backhand in his face. That finally caused him to let go and Yuri jumped out of reach for the two males.

"Hm... Or not." The expression he got from Victor was sad and pouty and the man earned a hand on his shoulder, put there by Yuuri. Yuri could only sigh and shake his head.

"Victor! Did you steal my shampoo too?! I will- Oh? What now?" Yuri turned around abruptly by the unfamiliar yet familiar voice behind him. His eyes widened.

The girl was standing to the left of the hall, seemingly coming from the shower. A curious hand rested against the wall beside her and her face was covered in a grey clay face mask, a toothbrush lazily hanging from the corner of her lips. Her (h/c) eyes glistened with mild shock along with her mouth hanging slightly open.

"You are early... Victor, you told me they would arrive at 1pm1!" She pointed a strict finger at the tall man who scratched the back of his head with a hesitant laugh. Her eyes narrowed and she grabbed her toothbrush. Because even if she was standing unprepared in front of two strangers, she would at least not forget to brush her teeth in the process, as you do.

Yuri might've considered it normal if it wasn't for that she was almost naked. Two towels were the only fabric hiding her, one wrapped around her dripping figure and the other tied up in her hair.

"Yeah, about that! I kind of mixed up the time of their arrival and your meeting with the press, that's, by the way now when I think of it, not actually cancelled but later today. Silly of me to forget, right?"

She eyed him as though her bullshit meter was ticking in the red zone and let out a huff. Yuri had to advert his gaze when it suddenly felt intruding to eye her the way he did. He also turned away because a light tint of pink was creeping up his cheeks.

"Right. Thanks for the early update. I appreciate it, really. I'll be with you again in 30 minutes. Don't wait up for me." And with that, she was gone. The silence of the men maintained for a few moments until Yuuri coughed with an awkward smile, his red cheeks still visible even after the girl had disappeared. 'It's a little weird to blush at your almost naked sister' he thought.

"So food, right? Mom is preparing pork cutlet bowls for you, Yurio, since she remembered how much you liked them last time-" He didn't have to say it twice. Yuri was off to the dining area before the man even finished saying 'pork cutlet bowl'.