#i hope it doesn't come to it and if it does. it works and we get a decent raise and they collapse to board bc GODDAMN YALL

[eraserbread]

MEAN NANAMI, I BEG. He's so annoyed with his wife!! I'm talking hair pulling, (loving) slaps, all of it. I need you to write this I think It'll save me

i'm taking any reason to make kento call u nanami baby, im not sorry. also... who let her out of the house? (≖_≖ )

➽─────────────────────────────❥

kento's in from work, exhausted to the bone, and thoroughly peeved. it's a long story, and he doesn't want to think about it anymore, so the first thing he does is phone his savior.

"dear?" he calls when you aren't at his beck and call immediately. the house was quiet... a bit too quiet for his liking. there isn't any comforting music playing, no comforting smell of dinner on the stove, and more gravely -- there's no you.

but, he gives it another try.

"nanami, baby?" silence. he's fuming.

that's all it took, now the straw is broken over the camel's back.

in your defense, you didn't think he'd be home right at 6. he usually takes his time on his commute back, but he got off a bit early today and didn't tell you. it's your biggest mistake to date. you failed at the one thing he expected of you.

so, you are definitely thoroughly surprised and a bit flustered when you come back home in the car he bought you, flushed from rushing home from a friends place, to see him right in the entryway, fist tightened against the handle of his briefcase.

"ken, i'm so sor-

"hope whatever kept you so long was worth it."

"it was just-" you pause, turning around to click the door shut and locked. with your back turned you make a small, pained face. he drops his briefcase.

"i'm waiting for the excuse..."

"i just got caught up at my friends, we started watching a show and I... i wasn't paying attention to the clock. i should've been home hours ago, I know. I'm so sorry, I'll get right to working on dinner, let me just..." you're all over the place, sliding off your own shoes and shedding your outside clothes. the only thing on your mind was 'what can I make him that takes the least amount of time?'

salad? no. ken would be even more pissed if you handed him a plate of raw vegetables and called it dinner.

omlettes? stew? chicken?

a million options come to mind, and you're not even thinking when you pass right by him and into the kitchen to begin. he just... watches you, shifting so he can keep a constant, deep glare on your back.

"hope you're not forgetting anything." he bites, then drops his briefcase, making quick work of his tie.

then, it fucking dawns on you and you're scurrying over your feet to help him shed his day away. but, you're too late. he already has his fingers tangled in the buttons on his shirt and isn't even looking at you anymore.

yeah, you're an idiot.

so, he has you by the hair, huge fist wrapped tight as he walks you to the bedroom. it's hard -- impossible, really, to keep up with him, so he's doing most of the dragging.

"i hope you see just how upset i am with you." though he's seemingly upset, his voice is still as soft as a whisper, clueing you into the fact that he doesn't actually hate you, but he'd fuck you like he did.

"i know, i'm so sorry. so-

"shut up." he doesn't even flex the single arm that sends you stumbling into the bedroom, needing to steady yourself across the footboard. it's still unmade from this morning, too. your stomach drops.

"just what have you been doing all day?"

he wants an answer. he expects an answer.

"I just - I..."

he waits, raised eyebrows and expressionless. you swallow back a lump, holding your breath as you try and gather your thoughts.

"surely you weren't at her house all day?"

"it was a high school friend, I had to." now, you're begging. for him, for mercy, for more. all of it. ken never gets too mad at you -- not like this. you can see it in his once-kind, welcoming eyes. they're shadowed.

"present yourself to me over the side of the bed." he begins, looking down as he pulls his belt off, whipping it through the loops and letting it drop in a shattering clang.

you don't move for a second, staring open mouthed at him like a fish out of water.

"need i repeat myself?" his tone goes completely left, treating you like an annoying student who wouldn't take no for an answer. he's holding it a bit louder, breathing heavily through his nose. "chest to the mattress. Now."

that gets you going in 2x speed, heart hammering cruelly in your chest as you rush to the bed, keeping your clothes on as you rest your front against the mattress. it's instinctual when you bury your face into the sheets, not wanting to see his disapproving face anymore.

you'd let him do anything to you if it means he'd wipe that look off his face.

"you remember, don't you?" he starts, unbuckling and letting his work pants pool around his thighs once they fall. there's no waiting for a shaky answer, he continues. "few weeks after I proposed, I told you what I needed from you... the one thing I always needed. what was it?"

it's like a fucking quiz. you suck at tests, and he told you a lot back then. "uh-

"you're not stupid." suddenly he's behind you, taking a grab of your ass under your loose cotton skirt. it's too long to pull up like he wants, so he waits. "the one thing."

"dinner?" then, he spanks you and it takes every ounce of willpower you have not to choke out a surprised cry. he's never shown you this side before... you love it.

"shit! i'm sorry, so sorry."

"i work five days a week, nine hours a day... everything you ever glanced at, I've given you. cars, this big house, this fucking skirt on your ass... it's mine. the one thing I've always wanted in return is your comfort after my long day."

you could cry right now, you're so mad at yourself. "so sorry, ken... i'm so sorry, i knew that."

"sorry is nice, but it won't make me feel better." he decides, then leans down to yank your ankle length skirt high above your waist. somewhere inside of him, he debates gagging you, but wouldn't want to miss your pretty cries. so, he decides against it.

he reaches, dragging two fingers through your cunt, swimming in the fact that you're already so wet for him. he was afraid his mood would turn you down, but if anything, you're weeping for him.

now, kento would never hurt you, really. but, he will and is about to fuck you black and blue. after all, you're the naughty one -- just you. he won't tell you his shitty day filled him to the brim with unkempt angst and he had to expel it.

you're whining under his touch, rising to your tippy toes to try and chase it once it pulls away. little did you know, you're trying to chase the quick little slap he lands right over your needy cunt, sending you crying into the mattress.

you're so turned on, it's scary.

but, when you try to turn around to see if ken's just as affected, he closes his hand around the top of your head and pushes you back into the bed. he's got a socked foot pressed into the mattress next to your hips, giving him the perfect alignment to ease inside of you ever-so-kindly, not giving you any clues to the way he's about to,

ravage you like a beast.

"oh, thank you. god, thank you. thankyou, mm."

"hate when you annoy me... just don't be annoying - fuck."

"this 's why i married'u... gonna -- mmf, fuck. I'm gonna make you limp, 'f you're not pre-mgh-gnant now, u're gonna be."

"need to hear you say... lemme hear it, n-nanami, mm, sweet girl."

"iloveyou." you squeal into his hand as he pierces you fully on his cock, feeling the throb and ache of him flooding your insides with him. it leaks and drips as he takes you through it, sneaking a few fingers in your mouth to play with your tongue.

he's panting like a heathen behind you. it's the most you've heard him speak in one sitting in... forever. it's the most expression he's ever showed.

if you could hear his thoughts right now, all you'd hear is s symphony of:

lovelovecomfortprettycomfortingbeautifulselflessselfishinterestinglovingcomforting

you're his everything. but most of all, you're his entire idea of comfort and safety personified. even when he's fucking you halfway to death, he stops to kiss your tears away and tell you,

"'m sorry for bein' so rough. thankyou for takin' it. love you s'much.."

lucky you

[kneelbeforeclefairy]

What I think is most different and most striking about Sunrise on the Reaping is how CYNICAL it is. To some extent we knew it was going to be. This is a midquel. That the reapings go on and the Hunger Games only ends 25 years later is a forgeon conclusion. We know nothing that happens here is going to work.

The book is about implicit submission, and why, with numbers on their side, the many submit to the few, even when the few are unjust. And it's because, the book seems to say, numbers aren't ENOUGH. the Newcomers alliance is much bigger than the Careers. They should be able to team up and defeat them easily. But they don't. Eighteen of them are killed outright, because the Careers have the strength, the skill and the training. And that's just that.

Plutarch asks why the tributes don't overwhelm the Peacekeepers during training, and Haymitch is rightfully outraged at the privilege of this question. Why don't they? Because they probably couldn't kill them all, and even if they could, what good would it do? It wouldn't stop the Hunger Games. It wouldn't change a thing. No one would even know about it outside that room, because the Capitol would change the narrative. Just like Katniss and the Star Squad can't REALLY take on the Capitol single handed and assassinate the president, the scrappy alliance of kids can't really do any real damage to the system the Capitol has in place. All they can do is choose if they want to die now or later. So why don't they, if there's no difference to them, as Plutarch asks. Because, as Snow puts it. Hope. The slight chance that one of them will come out of it. And, more cynically, the hope that if they are good tributes and obey, their families will be left alone. If they choose to rebel and choose to die now they guarantee retaliation against their families and perhaps their entire district. We see that even in the tributes that attack the Gamemakers in the arena. They rise up, they break that bond of implicit submission--and they die bloody for it.

Why don't they rebel? Because they don't have the privilege to lose.

Even Lenore Dove, the Joan of Arc of Twelve, fails to do any real damage or have any real effect. All she does is get herself a reputation for being a trouble maker, and eventually get herself killed. Was she killed as part of the retaliation against Haymitch, or was her punishment because she's a rebel, and that's what happens to rebels? (and Snow hates covey girls.) but she fails because she IS alone. She focuses on small, symbolic acts that do nothing, but that she hopes will rally the people to action.Unfortunately, the people of Twelve don't want their lives to get any worse, and they don't have the privilege of spending time and energy on revolution the way a teenager girl whose family doesn't need her income to survive does--sadly, Twelve will remain this way, in an uncanny valley where they're beaten down enough to need change, but not enough to have NOTHING to lose. They are not one of the districts that rise up. So acting alone does nothing, teaming up does nothing. How does one fight an enemy with better technology, better weapons, and better organization? Beetee's plan doesn't work out. Of course it doesn't. Could it ever? Was it just borne out of grief for his son? And even if it had, then what? What was the plan? Haymitch's poster gets edited away. The Newcomers fail. Lenore Dove dies. The most you can say is Haymitch himself becomes too important to kill, like Beetee, and Snow let him live to fight another day, but so destroyed that he no longer WANTS to.

So, then, what WORKS?

The answer is, quite cynically, Plutarch's version of the world. Numbers mean something, there are more of US than there are of THEM , but that isn't enough. You need weapons, you can't bring a knife to a gun fight, you need EVERYONE on your side. You need organization, not just a series of disconnected rebellions, and you need an Army, provided by Thirteen, as problematic as they are. The timing just needs to be right. And most crucially, what I think Plutarch and everyone involved here learned is that victory belongs to those who control the narrative. Those who control the flow of information and tell their story. And it's not Plutarch, for all his cameras and his propos and his idea behind The Mockingjay, who eventually does that well.

It's Haymitch.

Who learned to tell a story and sell a narrative with himself and the Newcomers. Who tried to paint his poster in the arena only to see it rewritten in front of him. Who won't make that mistake again. When it's time for the deciding factor in the revolution, it's Haymitch who creates the Mockingjay-- and is he also using Katniss and her image? Yes. but he at least sees Katniss and the human she is inside it, unlike Plutarch who hasn't changed much from the man who makes a grieving family do reshoots over and over so he can get his footage, while congratulating himself for letting Haymitch have his goodbye.

When Katniss sets off the spark twenty five years later, the world is ready. The work is in place. Plutarch, Haymitch, Beetee, everyone can say GO , and this time it'll work. So buckle in, and wait for the Long Game, even though only Plutarch really has the privilege to wait, the rest of them don't have a choice. It's cynical. It's awful. People die. The lone rebels and the plucky girls and the alliance depending on its numbers all fail. Plutarch motherfucking Heavensbee, the richest of the rich the privilegedest of the privileged, pulls off the revolution, takes the credit, and lives to see the end of it, without ever once examining his own privilege, and unpacking the fact that despite his head being on the right side of history, he's never managed to see the Districts as PEOPLE . (and you could argue, ANYONE as people. ) But it's just the only way.

But this book isn't the middle of the series. It's the end. How awful would it be to read if we didn't know that Katniss and the Mockingjay rebellion would eventually succeed. We know that despite the cynism of a failed revolution and all its players, that one day it WILL work out. This book is called sunrise on the Reaping....the sun rises on a world where this is inevitable. But one day it won't be.

[bidisasterevankinard]

Buck knows Tommy avoids him. 

He feels him putting the distance between them. Feels when Tommy looks at him with not love and fondness as before, but with something dark and biting. Something that feels like his husband harbors hate for him.

He hopes he's wrong.

But when Tommy doesn’t give him his hand to feel the kick of their daughter he knows it’s true.

Something is wrong between them.

Tommy avoids him. His husband doesn't need him anymore.

“D-don’t you,” Buck coughs, “don’t you want to feel her first kick?”

Tommy slowly looks at his hands, then at the bump.

Buck’s sure with how cold their bed was and with how man never was present when Buck’s changing from his hoodies and shirts, Tommy sees it for the first time in a while.

The silence feels too loud. It surrounds him uncomfortably, like an unwanted hug.

Tommy’s voice breaks it. Buck wished he'd drown it after hearing what his husband said.

“It should have been me.”

“What?”

“It should have been me,” Tommy repeats in the voice so cold Buck needs a jacket, “It should have been me with a bump. It should have been me with morning sickness. It should have been me feeling she was moving all the time. It should have been me!” 

Buck is speechless.

“And yet, it was you! I was trying for months. Changed my diet, read thousands of recommendations, took vitamins, stopped working to prevent stress, but one night! One night when YOU asked us to stop stressing over it and boom! You have all I dreamt about!”

Buck feels like if the words were poison he would be dead. If the eyes could kick he’d be laying near Tommy bleeding.

He doesn’t know how to react.

“I-I though we were happy with it?”

Tommy was smiling when he looked at the test. He held his hand and told him he couldn’t wait to see them.

When did it change?

“That’s what you always do! You think just because it’s easy for you and you’re happy others are too! That I am too!”

“YOU NEVER SAID YOU WERE NOT!” He can’t stop that scream. He’s too angry for their baby. Tommy should be happy she’s there. Not hate that it’s Buck with her.

Maybe he hates that she’s part of you, says that small dark further corner of his brain that Buck believed disappeared after their engagement. 

He coughs and adds in a smaller voice, “you l-looked happy. You were talking about how you can’t wait to see her.”

“Just because someone plays their role doesn’t mean they’re actually happy Evan. But what can you know about it, right?”

“W-hat does it mean?”

“It means that it is always easy for you! You have parents who say sorry and try to have relationships with you and even agree for therapy. You have the family you built in 118 in a year, when I was there for more than decade! You come out in five minutes after finding out you like men! You don’t overcompensate more than one date to prove you’re straight! You don’t spend years upon years trying to love who you are! You get pregnant in one night!”

Tommy turns to look at something. 

“You know what? I’m tired of it all,” he takes his jacket and goes to the door, “I’ll live with Sal. I’ll take my stuff tomorrow when you’re at work.”

Buck rushes to him, grabbing his hand, “Tommy, please. L-let’s talk. If not today then soon, please, W-we can,”

Tommy interrupts him, pulling out his hand and shaking it as if he had stumbled into something unpleasant, “we can’t have anything, Evan. I will send you divorce papers soon.”

Buck never knew your heart breaks in seconds with so much pain that having a fire truck on you is like walking in a park. 

He looks at the door for a long time till his legs feel weak.

He sits on the couch. The last half an hour feels like a nightmare. Strong pinching does not lead to waking up. 

That’s when tears come.

“I’m-m sorry, love,” he rubs his bump, “s-sorry you must have my curse of watching people you love leave you. It’s unfair. B-but, hey, I’m always here for you. Pinky promise.”

He touches his belly with his pinky and feels her kicking that place, so he smiles at her even with tears running down his face.

“And papa hates me, not you, ok? He will be here for you too. Eventually.”

Buck hopes he actually promises her truth. He feels like he never knew Tommy at all.

-

Buck puts the last biscuit on the plate when he feels too dizzy and his pants get wet too quickly. Looking down, he feels nauseous from the amount of blood.

“EDDIE!” 

He knows his voice is too frantic but he can’t help it.

He loses his daughter. He can lose anything, even his life, but not her. 

“Oh, fuck, I’m calling 911, let me see.”

Last thing he remembers is Eddie helping him sit on the floor in his kitchen when he blackouts.

Please let Sky live. Choose me over her if needed.

-

“What do you want, Eddie?” Tommy sighs, sitting on the couch in his new apartment he found a month ago. 

“First Presbyterian,” the man says, basically roars through his teeth, “he wanted you to still be part of her life. Sky needs you.”

“Evan chose the name already?” 

Tommy remembered his ex-husband wanted to wait till she’s here before deciding.

“Yes. And it’s a good thing because if her dad won’t survive she deserves to at least have the name he chose for her.”

“What do you mean?”

“Have you missed me starting with the hospital? Buck had complications. They did a C-section and Sky’s here, four weeks early but passing everything with flying colors. 36 weeks is actually basically not premature. But Buck,” Eddie’s voice breaks. “It’s a miracle he didn’t bleed out at home.”

Eddie ends the call. 

Tommy feels like he ended his life.

Was he too late to make it right between him and Evan?

-

“You said you promised to Sky that you would always be here for her. So do it, Buck!” he hears Maddie’s voice but it’s like it goes from the radio.

He tries to move to it.

“C’mon, Evan,” he feels a soft silky touch of something really small to his pinky. It tugs him up, up, up. Till he opens his eyes and sees the most precious little girl in Tommy’s arms, her pinky is connected to his.

He did as he promised.

“Welcome back,” Tommy smiles.

Buck just nods. 

[moghedien]

hi! was it ever explained in the books how Siuan became the Amyrlin Seat? (also, does she have a Warder?)

Siuan becoming Amyrlin is never like directly discussed at length in the books, but we know a lot of details about how it came about. I will explain if you wanna know, but put it under a readmore in case you don't. It shouldn't really spoil anything that's to come in the show.

The last three Amyrlin Seats before her died in what we'll call "mysterious circumstances" aka they were killed by the Black Ajah. I'm actually not 100% certain if the last one was, but she probably was because the two before her definitely were.

But the thing about those three Amyrlin dying under "mysterious circumstances" is that no one thought it was mysterious. Most people thought they just died of natural causes because they were older and it's a known thing that if an Aes Sedai starts getting old old, they can kinda just drop dead one day because no one really knows what the deal with the Aes Sedai aging and extended life spans does or how long they can last

So three Amyrlins in a row die after having pretty short reigns, and there's some tension in the tower about that and about it not allowing for stability in the tower. So Blue Ajah rising star Siuan Sanche gets suggested and eventually chosen, because not only is she one of the most power sisters in the tower, she's young. Like, she's in her 30s when she takes the Seat and is the youngest Amyrlin Seat that had ever been chosen. So they take the risk of giving this one woman potential hold over the tower for decades if not even centuries in hopes of there being stability rather than the whiplash caused by frequent regime changes with very different ruling styles.

And the reasons why it was Siuan that was chosen is twofold. First of all, after Siuan and Moiraine became full Aes Sedai, Siuan was sorta taken in by an elder Aes Sedai to assist in some of the spy network activities. She wasn't necessarily supposed to know that it was the spy network activities, but she figured it out quickly and from there realized that if she stuck with being this older Aes Sedai's assistant, she could work her way up into the political side of the Blue Ajah and have her hands on the biggest spy network in the tower. When she and Moiraine began pursuing the prophecy, Moiraine needed to leave the tower to avoid getting caught up in something else, but they realized that it was best that Siuan stayed and worked within the tower. I'm not sure "become the amyrlin seat" was the original idea there, but you know, it was sorta the plan.

and yes, book Siuan has a warder. he comes up exactly once in a scene that doesn't entirely make sense with how the Aes Sedai warder bond works tbh. I think if he existed in the show, he woulda come up already though, so I imagine she doesn't have one in the show. he's not terribly important

[intutive-peechu]

This reading is collab w one and only @tarotbyjam24

Pick a card :- Your First meeting with fs 💙

Pile 1. Pile 2 .

Pile 3. Pile 4.

please like , reblog and comment below to let me know it's nice . Thanks you 🫠 now let's start the reading.......

Disclaimer :- This is a general reading, it may or may not resonates with you . If you are thinking that your pile doesn't mach, so you can choose another one . And if someone is not inrested they can leave 🤗💙.

Pile 1 💙

Read by @tarotbyjam24

Hi pile 1 , excited to meet them already? Your 1st meeting is gonna happen when some of your relationships fall apart and you decide to walk away from them in hope of having new good connections for you . When you and your fs you both may want to create something like you guys meet each other through some project collabs. You both initially won't be talking to each other than about work because you may feel somewhat closed off because of your past relationships doesn't specifically have to be with your lovers it can be with anyone. But you both were meant to meet each other because universe have already created a path for you which you both will be walking down together. I can already see a vision of you and your spouse walking down the aisle together which will feel like a path to heaven . You both may share few drinks on your first meet after getting your works done. Your 1st meeting can happen in winters but you'll be wearing your summer clothes hahaa and they'll be all packed with the clothes. You both will be secretly taking glances of each other and trying to hide your smile by looking away . Even tho you both won't be opening upto each other that much but you both will be receptive with eachother you both will be willing to accept each other as you both giving . It's giving we listen and we don't judge hahaa. You both will try to be open minded at your 1st meet. You both may think that you both aren't capable but you both will lowkey want be with eachother and already could have imagined few marriage scenarios. You both will want to to keep each other in your future plans. After few dates you both will open your chained mouths and start telling each other how both of you feel about each other . Initially you both will only want to try out worldy things but nothing too deep like going out t,trying things together. You both giving introverts at first but after few days we turn into extrovert. But trust me it'll proceed into something more amazing . Thank you for reading 😊

Pile 2 💙

Read by @intutive-peechu

Hii pile 2, So when I first time try to channel your pile I got nothing but darkness, and when I was writing this in my textbook my pen died in middle so I think the time when you meet your fs you guys will be going through some problem not a huge one no I'm not getting it but can be work related which make you tensed. So I think meeting with your fs will be unexpected for you , I saw you guys will meet your spouse in a party 🎉 your fs will be someone on higher position I heard " Boss " so they can be actually a boss . Some of you in this pile might work in related to media , news , article, journalism etc. They will be someone known in their work or will be famous between people related to their career. People does respect them a lot I saw a scenario where a man come to attend a party and the time he come down from his car camera light started to flash, and then his eyes meet with someone for brief second before he entered inside ( that someone is probably you ) anddd.....( no his not a celebrity the time I write all this down this msg come soo soon that write this down it's imp ) so no guys they are not celebrity!! Your partner will have an attitude in them , positive negative don't know but chances are you will be getting irritated by them lol 😂 . About them so they might think about you lil , like back of their head but they will ignore it .

That's it pile 2 , hope you like it 💙

Pile 3 💙

Read by @tarotbyjam24

Hi pile 3, your first meeting with your spouse is going to be amazing. You both will be mirroring each other perfectly. You both will feel compatible right after your first meet. But still you may think how come we both get so well with each other being lil skeptical. You'll be dressed beautifully. Your hairs can be tied up when you meet them . Your life may be throwing lemons at you . But after you meet them your heart will a strange wave of peace which you may not find familiar. You'll feel you suddenly got lucky strike or is god mistakenly blessing you with other's blessings but no lol it's all for you . You'll want be a kid when you meet them may even feel sleepy because of how much warmth is suddenly nature is oozing after meeting them. If you are wondering you'll be getting your dream spouse or not the answer is yes you'll get them. When you meet them for first they will be well established already . So there won't be any space left for worries . They'll treat you amazingly. They can even treat you like a child if you would want to be . Anyways they'll be spoiling you right after you meet them . Your first meeting can be set up by your parents. They'll be dressed well too. You may fall for them on first sight because of how handsome they look and their smirk oops 😩 . Your charming prince's\princess's eyes are so seductive . They can have a angular face too that catches up with modern beauty standards . Thank you for reading 😊

Pile 4 💙

Read by @intutive-peechu

Hello pile 4 🥰 for you guys I'm getting two different scenarios but there something is common in them Nature , greenery, flower and trees . So the first scenario is that , that you guys may meet your fs in a garden or park . Where people go for a walk or for doing stretching, yoga etc. I saw scenario where a man holding a peace of paper in his hand walk towards a girl asking for address but the time that girl saw his face her mind got blank like this peaceful feeling washed over me so I think you guys will be the one to hooked . I mean to fall in love with them ( it's cute ) and for another scenario I saw that you guys might go for camping or hiking and loose the track of people and get lost and then you will be meeting your fs they will help you to find your way . Hmm now they can be the guide of group or they come for hiking too , but the time you find them there to help you in that problem, a relief will wash over you . You feel this gratitude towards them and an admiration for helping you . They will be probably handsome or charming and something about their physics too . They might be a lil bulky , you guys might don't feel any attraction ( I mean not getting romantic feelings right away ) but a memory will stay or you might hope to meet them again .

That's it pile 4. Hope you like the reading 💙

Ruh....

[suburbonlegends]

Wanna hear some deranged ramblings about lighting and possible character arc reflections in them?

so every time I watch "Free Fall" and this shot comes up, I find myself fascinated by the lighting decision, and like yes the primary intentional point of it is to convey that they're meeting under this cover of darkness so stay hidden from view, but if we want to get fun and overly analytical about it 👀

Firstly let's get one thing clear: I'm gonna talk about "darkness" and "light" as characterizations, and by this I'm not talking about "evil" and "good." I don't think Peter is bad or evil in any way, and I don't think Neal is pure and good lmao. This is mostly a perspective of the moral gray area around legalities and the pursuit of justice the show later takes on

Anyway, let's start with the obvious: Peter's in the dark because he's only just now learning all the information that Neal is telling him about Fowler, he was metaphorically in the dark and Neal (the light) is now filling him in

But here's where I'll take a leap: This represents the beginning of turning to "the dark" to get things done aka doing things in ways that break rules and conventions that he typically would be really strict of for the sake of the better good. He knows, now, that Neal is innocent, but the "right way" to do things isn't working for this case. He has to help Neal to serve justice, and to help Neal he has to do things like Conceal a Criminal, and Aid and Abet. Peter shortly before this shot lets Neal escape and purposefully sends Fowler on a wild goose chase, telling him exactly the wrong information that we know Peter doesn't believe in from the Pilot:

Now, to me, this is the first time Peter starts actively breaking rules/laws/morals for the sake of both the greater good/justice and just, plainly, for Neal. You could argue that he does this in "The Portrait" but I feel like that exists more in a grey area because of the facts that he doesn't know Neal stole it and that Neal comes to him with a plan of how to use the painting in a way that works within Peter's guidelines. Peter isn't actively breaking any of these himself, he's just kind of ignoring the fact that Neal did something and letting it play out in his favor. In "Free Fall" though is when Peter starts becoming an active participator in these choices. Peter let Neal run, and now he's coated in darkness.

Neal's perspective is a little more vague and less about direct choice happening in this episode, more so just his general character arc. It’s the light of “good” shining on him, guiding him. He’s spent so many years up to this point truly believing that his core is rotted out, that his blood is the blood of a criminal. But here there’s the small light of “good” is placed over him and him alone. In an episode where he’s being framed as the criminal, where everyone, even Peter, didn’t believe in him, Neal’s inner “good” light is still shinning.

On top of that, Peter’s shadow is literally apart of Neal’s light. There’s two ways to view this: 1) Peter is the one guiding Neal’s light, casting that light of “good” over him. 2) It’s Peter’s “dark side” meeting Neal’s “good side.” It’s a metaphysical representation of the gray area between “good” and “bad” that the two are going to create. I flip back and forth between which of these interpretations I think are “more important,” but in this moment I think the representation of Peter and Neal’s gray zone, of them meeting in the middle between light and dark so that they can, overall, do good and put away the bad guys is the winner.

Anyway the lighting in this scene and the possible metaphors make me feral and I hope I infected others 😂

[izunias-meme-hole]

"A extremely flawed flawed rich guy is spending his days duking it out with a dude who's practically a symbol and easily capable of blending in with the blue collar masses"

Now did I just describe Batman & Jokers dynamic or Lex Luthor & Superman's dynamic?

Hear me out. In one corner we have a mortal man with a bank account that's beyond anything anyones ever known along with weaponry and tech that's built for literal warfare. Then on the other corner there's just a guy that's more on the ground that's meant to embody some type of idea and impacts the environment around them with just their existence. I know the circumstances are different, but their dynamics are almost like inverses of one another.

Both Bruce and Lex are fundamentally extremely flawed rich guys that live in cynical worlds, though Bruce has more of a reason to be an asshole than Lex does. Lex's origin has been revamped a fair amount of times, but his reasoning for being evil basically goes down to his belief that life is a zero sum game where you have to fend for yourself, and the fact that he's always had to kill and steal in order to gain and preserve his status cements this mindset. Bruce on the other hand, despite growing up with more privileges and riches doesn't adhere to this philosophy, and a huge factor of it comes down to the fact that he was at least raised right and that he was directly impacted by a byproduct of corruption. Though his issue is an entirely different one, the struggle to either break down before cynicism or become so engulfed by his mission to change Gotham that he becomes something much darker and malevolent. Either way both are obviously extremely flawed mortal men, and these flaws are highlighted every time they confront their main adversaries.

Clark and Joker are as different as they come, but the one common thing they have is that they're both colorful personifications of two of concepts that impact human behavior who can also easily blend in as normal people. Superman is a a good natured man from the stars who was raised on a farm, works as a journalist, spends his days trying to encourage the best of everyone, and ultimately delivers hope with his powers. Joker in complete and utter contrast is a frail and nihilistic nobody who arose from a vat of acid and spends his days trying to deliver fear, cynicism, insanity, and chaos into the world under the guise of a colorful comedian and artist. Yet despite these massive differences, narratively they both function as personifications of hope and nihilism respectively that brings out the best and worst of others. This includes bringing out the best and worst out of their respective richer adversaries

TL;DR: Clark is evidence of how good Lex could've been while Joker is evidence of how bad Bruce could've gone.

[winteringdream]

016. the match

synopsis : the girls soccer team hasn’t been doing great since the school year started. when nicholas starts taunting you about it you make a bet with him. will the two of you figure your differences out when your soccer team has to play against his?

previous | masterlist | next

a/n: verryy long chapter so i hope you enjoy!

THE bleachers are filled with students, lots of familiar faces but also a lot of unfamiliar faces. You glance over to the boys team, they were also scanning the crowd, some occasionally waving when they spot someone they recognise.

“Y/n! Chaehyunnie!” You hear the voices of Ningning and Isa call out. They’re waving bright banners with “Go Girls!” written on them.

Chaehyun and you wave at the girls, and they hold up the banner above their heads.

“Haven’t seen it this crowded since freshman year.” Chaewon tells the team, “Which means we have to win.”

“Ayy come on Chae, it’s not that big of a deal.” Liz laughs, giving her a pat on the shoulder.

“I was trying to be motivational.” Chaewon sighs, “Guess it didn’t work that well.”

The team bursts out in laughter, a few girls telling Chaewon they thought it was very inspiring.

The laughter of the girls causes the boys to look up. Nicholas catches sight of you, one hand on Rei’s shoulder, laughing at your team captain.

“Earth to Nicholas?” Ej calls out, and Nicholas snaps back to reality. The other boys have started warming up somewhere else, he didn’t even notice.

Nicholas can see K and Yuma snickering at him, but he ignores them and quickly jogs over to his team. He needs to get his head in the game, but it is hard to do so when his opponent is his crush.

“Don’t go daydreaming when we’re on the field.” Ni-ki, the center midfielder, comments when Nicholas joins the group circle doing stretches, “Otherwise I won’t pass any balls to you.”

Nicholas turns to Maki, the left wing, who he frequently passes balls to. Maki looks at him with puppy eyes, telepathically pleading for him to pass the ball when playing.

A short whistle sounds from the referee, calling the captains to the center of the field.

When Ej jogs back to the team all eyes are on him. “They take the ball.” He says, earning groans from the team.

“I told you to choose tails.” Taki groans, but he tenses up when he sees Ej glare at him.

Meanwhile Chaewon has also returned to the team. “We take the ball.” Chaewon cheers. “First win of the day, one more to go.”

As the game starts, it is evident that the girls team has improved a lot. Ej was pleasantly surprised by the amount of skill the girls had managed to gain in such a short time.

Nicholas is really trying his best to focus, but the way you play, the way you shout for the ball, the way you play with such passion, it's so attractive to him. He's never felt this way before, but now that he's experiencing it he's sure of it. He likes you.

"Nicho!" He can hear Fuma call out to him, and he snaps back. You had just dribbled past Fuma, and was now heading straight towards Nicholas.

Without hesitation Nicholas starts running towards you, his mind racing on how to steal the ball away from you.

He decides to go for a tackle, but before he knows you're tripping over his feet, falling onto the field. Nicholas doesn't see it, his eyes focused on the ball. Only when he has passed the ball to Ni-ki does he look back.

Nicholas, now kneeling beside you, seems oblivious to the momentary shock. His eyes, wide with realization, darted from the ball back to you, lying there stunned.

A second later, his expression softens, and he quickly reaches down to you with a concerned look on his face.

"I didn’t mean to knock you down like that!" His voice was full of regret as he crouched by your side, his tone soft, almost apologetic. His hand hovered in the air, unsure, like he wasn’t sure if you needed space or help.

You sit up, your body a little heavy because of the collision. The scrape on your arm stung, and your chest felt tight, still recovering from the hit. It wasn't that serious, you realise, as the initial shock of the fall wears off.

"Hey, are you alright?" Nicholas asks, his voice lowered, more careful now. His eyes scan your face, looking for any sign that you were hurt, genuinely worried.

You could see the way he hesitated, like he was holding himself back, unsure whether to reach for you again or to give you a moment. His usual confidence in the game had evaporated, replaced by concern.

"It's fine," You reply, quickly regaining your composure as you lift yourself off the grass. You pat him on the back, telling him not to worry. And before he knows it you're running off towards Rei, who was busy attacking again.

As the game progresses it is clear the boys team is stronger. But for some reason, it didn't bother you that much anymore. It's the first time you're having fun, and the other girls seem to agree.

So, when the whistle signals the end of the game, you, along with Haerin sit down on the ground, exhausted.

"Wasn't this fun?" You pant, looking at the equally exhausted girl next to you. She nods, too tired to process everything.

"There's something even more fun waiting for you." She eventually says in a quiet tone. You almost don't catch it, but as you follow her gaze you realise who she's talking about.

You'd almost forgotten it. The bet.

taglist : @svnoohe4rtsmainblog @trsrina @koishua @renjunba3 @hafsa-hoofsa-heefs @aguamarinee @meginthebuilding27 @kpoprhia @beomgyusonlywife @junhuilvrrr @nichoswag @luvnicho @wwonchii @fae-renjun @meoriapeuda99 @itsthegamemaster @missychief1404 @hyukabean

[sulumuns-dootah]

Your work is so good! thanks for your hard work! I just read your "WHB demons w/ fem!reader who has sore breasts", and got me all feral because my weakness are big guys with big hands!! Can you tell us your headcanons about the same big-hands demons with a lover who loves their hands? Maybe a lover that has smaller flimsy hands themselves? My english is kinda bad, I hope is not difficult to understand...

WHB demons w/ smaller s/o who loves their big hands

A/N: Sorry for the long wait U.U I also added Zepar since he's new and I wanna write for him more (+ hands are his thing)^^

Characters: Amy, Mammon, Glaysalabolas, Beleth, Ronove, Morax, Marbas

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

It's kinda ironic, really...

The way your hands are smaller than his and yet hold so much power over him

But maybe that's the thing

They're the perfect size for all his sensitive parts

So when he tells you it's not the same when he does it himself, he actually means it

It doesn't even need to be anything sexual

It can simply be even just you holding onto him while he takes you out for a ride

       ༺☆༻

The smaller you are compared to him (spoiler: it's a lot - no matter how tall you are), the bigger need he has to protect you

Will have his hands on you all the time

Walking with you outside, he'll offer you to hold onto his bicep instead of holding your hand so it doesn't cramp from stretching your fingers to entwine them with his

Despite that, he can get a teensy forgetful about your size difference and randomly give you one of his rings to wear

You can, however, wear them on a chain around your neck and he'll be just as happy

       ༺☆༻

Glasya tends to have a habit of wanting to carry you everywhere

Most likely bc his other partners aren't able to move on their own

Even while just standing next to him, his hand will be at least supporting your lower back

When it comes to spicy time, he looves running his hands over your body

Huge amount of teasing and 'show me where you need me' type of stuff

I think he kinda shares this with Ronove and Zepar, but he loves to help you get dressed in the morning

Or take you clothes off at any point in the day ;)

       ༺☆༻

Beleth strikes me as the type to pat your head at random times

Oh! And stroke your chin to make you look up at him

This man is a big cat and he will touch you like one too

I can also imgaine standing somewhere and him coming up from behind you to put his hands around your waist

When you tell him how much you like his hands, he'll make sure to make a show of doing anything with them around you

Suddenly, even the basic action of him taking out and lighting up a cigarette is enough to make you want to pounce on him

       ༺☆༻

Having Ronove touch you is a bit of a double-edged sword

It feels so nice, but also makes you a bit anxious each time

He knows what he's doing, but at any moment he could switch from hugging you or holding your hand to tearing you apart

(He wouldn't - he likes you too much to do that just yet)

I also think Ronove is a face cradler

He could spend hours just holding your face in his hands, drinking in your features and the way your eyes dart around the room and his face

       ༺☆༻

(This is a bit hard considering we know only a little bit U.U)

Zepar really likes your legs and running his hands over them

I mentioned that Glasya also likes dressing you, but for him it's more of a control thing

For Zepar, it's about the action and sensation of moving fabric against your skin

Just the sight of you sliding thigh highs up your leg would get him hard

Going back to his hands, I know he would love to do your nails

Also just doing your skin and body care

Yeah...

       ༺☆༻

Morax also likes your skin for how soft and smooth it is

The healer part of him is also happy that it isn't covered in wounds

And if you have a tattoo? Oh boy...

Other than that, Morax would be kinda puzzled as to why you like his hands

Yes, they save lives, but there's that glint in your eyes that tells him there's something else he doesn't know

Though, let's be honest, his fingers are the perfect length ^^

The hand admiration goes both ways too...

Whenever you help Morax change his bandages, it makes his heart melt

       ༺☆༻

You don't even need to tell Marbas that you love his hands

He will know

Most likely even before you yourself know

It's tempting to him, to ask you to undo his restraints so he can show you what those hands can do

But the responsible part of him knows better

So he reserves that question for when you two are alone

Then he'll happily take care of any sore, itch or need your body might need

[merafanbrainthatmerafans]

Hello I’m glad requests are open I didn’t want to send something in without double checking. I was wondering how the members of the bakusquad (+Shinso if possible) would react to the reader being completely oblivious to the guys flirting or crushing on them. They’re very much under the impression that they’re all just being nice, the reader is crushing on them but they’re under the impression that the guys are just good friends.

(I hope this makes sense I’ve been trying to word this as best I can. English isn’t my strong suit)

Lmao same tho I'm Ukrainian and sometimes even grammarly doesn't save me T^T

Anyway, I got you here's what you asked for <33

🧡 Bakusquad (+Shinsou) Reacting to an Oblivious Reader 💥

💥 Bakugo Katsuki

This man is dying inside.

He’s not the type to just say how he feels, but he thinks it’s so obvious—why else would he be tolerating someone this much?!

“Oi, dumbass, I don’t just hang out with anyone.”

He literally glares when someone tells him to confess directly, because he did—at least in his mind.

When you respond with, “Aww, you’re such a nice friend, Bakugo!” he nearly explodes on the spot.

He WILL corner you one day, slamming his hands on the wall: “I LIKE YOU, GOT IT? NOT AS A FRIEND—AS SOMEONE I WANNA DATE.”

If you’re still confused? God help him.

⚡ Kaminari Denki

At first, he thinks it’s kinda cute—until he realizes you actually don’t get it.

He flirts all the time, drops winks, compliments your outfits, even does the classic stretch-arm-over-the-shoulder move.

“You know, you look really cute today.” “Aw, you’re so nice, Kaminari!”

He MALFUNCTIONS. 💀

Will absolutely whine about it to the squad: “HOW DENSE CAN THEY BE?!”

Eventually just straight-up says: “Okay, but what if I wanna be more than friends?” while pouting.

🍡 Sero Hanta

He thinks it’s hilarious at first—your clueless reactions are kinda cute.

But when he casually asks, “Would you ever date a guy like me?” and you say, “Of course! You’re such a great friend!”

Bro.exe has stopped working.

He gives you SO MANY chances to realize it��lingering touches, compliments, lowkey flirting—and yet, nothing.

Will eventually just be like, “Okay, but real talk—I like you. Like, ‘hold hands and kiss’ like you.”

🍗 Kirishima Eijiro

He’s so patient but also SO SHY when it comes to actually saying the words.

Compliments you constantly: “You’re amazing, Y/N! Anyone would be lucky to date you!”

“Aww, thanks, Kiri! You’re such a good friend.”

Visible frustration but still smiling. 😃

Tries to do cute, romantic gestures—like gifting you things, taking you out for food—but you still think it’s platonic.

Eventually has to hype himself up and confess directly: “I really, really like you, Y/N—not just as a friend. Can we go out?”

💜 Shinsou Hitoshi

He thinks you’re doing this on purpose.

Like, there’s NO WAY someone can be this dense, right?

Flirts in his usual deadpan but smooth way: “You know, you’re kinda my favorite person.”

“Aww, that’s sweet, Shinsou! You’re my favorite, too.”

…bruh.

He doesn’t even get mad, just stares at you in disbelief.

One day, he straight-up asks, “What would I have to do to make you realize I like you?”

Once you finally understand, he just sighs: “Took you long enough.”

💖 CONCLUSION: The Bakusquad loves you, but LORD do you make it difficult. Someone (probably Mina) has to step in and spell it out for you. Once you finally get it, though? Worth it.

(Also my gay ass wants to add the girls too so...)

🌸 Mina Ashido

This girl is losing her mind.

Like, she is being SO OBVIOUS. Flirting? ✅ Randomly holding your hand? ✅ Cuddling up to you? ✅ Calling you her “cute little crush”? ✅

And yet, you still giggle and go, “Haha, you’re so affectionate, Mina! You’d make such a great girlfriend for someone.”

EXCUSE ME???

She screams into a pillow later.

Starts getting more and more dramatic about it. One day, she deadass twirls her hair and says: “Soooo, wanna be my girlfriend, cutie?”

“Wait… are you serious???”

She grabs you by the shoulders: “YES, I HAVE BEEN FOR MONTHS.”

Lowkey fake cries when you finally say yes because IT TOOK YOU THIS LONG. 😭

🎸 Jirou Kyoka

This woman is struggling.

She’s not as obvious as Mina, but her crush is painfully obvious to the squad.

Tries to play it cool but always blushes when you compliment her.

“You’re so talented, Jirou! I love listening to you play!”

“Pffft, whatever… thanks.” (internal gay panic)

Writes you a whole-ass song about liking someone oblivious and plays it for you.

“Wow, that’s such a relatable song! I hope your crush likes you back!”

Jirou.exe has crashed.

One day, she just gives up and straight-up says: “Dude. I like you. A lot. Please tell me you get it now.”

When you finally understand, she groans and facepalms but still hugs you super tight.

Final Thoughts:

Bakusquad (and now Mina & Jirou) are fighting for their lives.

You’re just out here thinking everyone’s super friendly while they all suffer. 😭

Someone (probably Mina or Kaminari) eventually LOCKS YOU IN A ROOM and forces you to think about it.

Once you finally get it, they all cheer and lowkey roast you for taking so long. 💀

[shadowfear-art]

More (soulmate au) living shadow au thoughts

Thinking of other ship reactions or how their stories would go

For quick context, between the ages of 13-21 your shadow will become sentient and take the shape of your soulmate of the day you will meet them.

---

Dragon x Crocodile:

Honestly there's the whole shock bit of a pirate realizing he is destined to be with a marine and said marine with a pirate.

Then add the gag of Garp pissed that his son is going to end up with a pirate some day.

---

Buggy x Shanks:

This could be cute or tragic (both is likely) depending when and where the shadow mates appear.

If it's on Rogers ship then we have a small romcom with a break up included along with the hope of reunion again.

If it's after Rogers passing (and their separation) then we get some more angst of two stubborn, mostly the clown, pirates refusing to see each other (again this is mostly Buggy) and only having their shadows for comfort, or to yell at in Buggy's case.

---

Crocodile x Mihawk:

Definitely a softer tone

Tho young Croc has never felt so... Naked under the intense stare of his shadow, makes him want to prove himself a little more at times.

Mihawk finds his pleasant to be around, maybe a little distant, but the shadow has a look of soft yearning. The small boy is quick to figure out what's on his shadows mind.

---

Crocodile x Buggy

Dramatic as hell

Young Crocodile probably puts a good tantrum when his shadow forms into a clown, the two 'fight' a lot with Croc obviously throwing the most scathing insults and the clown sometimes folding. Goes through a phase of looking up legends of "cutting the bonds of your soulmate" in order to rid himself of the shadow. Doesn't work as it all boils down to killing the other or find a devil fruit user with mastery over shadows.(Slim chance of working)

Speaking of legends, there are tales of horror were one finds out their soulmate is a true metaphorical monster, leading to a dreaded doomed unhappy ending to such stories.

Which brings us to Buggy's memories of such tales and horror of how his shadow is so... Unwelcoming. Large, aggressive, definitely powerful, looks fancy and flashy but above all has a look of an animal that's going to "devour" him. Even if the shadow can't harm him the constant switch in moods keeps the boy on his toes as the huge thing goes from annoyed, disappointed to possessive.

Definitely not helping that Shanks is his shoulder to cry on, enraging the shadow even more.

---

Mihawk x Shanks

Not entirely surprised that his soulmate would also be a sword user like himself, what he didn't see coming was how seemingly both laid back but also excited Mihawk's shadow to be around him. His attitude was bright and happy, very different to Mihawk's demeanor, almost the opposite actually. Annoying but in the most endearing way, he's looking forward to meeting this man and his swords prowess.

Just for a bit of angst I put it that Shanks originally hoped Buggy was going to be his soulmate, spurred on that the clown got the "cruel looking" shadow. ( Tying back to the Crocbug)

Shanks really baffled his shadow when he's showing more affection (and protectiveness) towards a clown over him. Shadow Mihawk can only give pitying looks towards the clowns shadow. Shanks does like to speak to him and ramble on about his worries, tho currently they are about the clowns safety in the future, never the less the shadow is happy to lend an ear.

It's only after the passing of Roger and the tragic separation of the two is when Shanks begins to let go.

---

Mihawk x Buggy

A child finding a way to smack the clown with the use of words to make a shadow wish they'd rather be struck by a sword.

Getting crushed by the heavy but silent gaze of shadow Mihawk's judgment ... Other than that the man is pretty chill, Buggy is finding cool with increasing interest. (He does bicker with him a little.)

---

Nami x Vivi

Honestly shadow Vivi just brings so many surprises to Nami. Just being there when she needed her, then meeting, then having to find out her wife is a princess, saving her, THEN having to save said princess's kingdom, SAVING SOULMATE AGAIN. Only to part ways and maybe see each other again in the future.

"I miss my wife, Chopper, I miss her a lot"

Vivi likely says the same thing.

(or we get the alternate timeline where Vivi does join the strawhats at the end of Alabasta)

---

Franky x Robin

This. Having their shadows just makes parts of their backstories less miserable and so much more cuter.

Having to wait twenty years to meet must have given them some level of stress, I know shadow Franky would be apologizing (and crying) if he could for the long wait.

Their helix dance would have to wait till after the Enies lobby battle to do so.

((Tho I did crackle at the thought of the two Shadowmates conspiring in agreement that Franky has to get his balls crushed as a 'cannon event' situation.

Shadow Franky makes a gesture of "Do it honey, crunch my balls. It's the only way."))

[dailydemonspotlight]

Quicksilver - Day 172

Race: Spirit Alignment: Dark-Chaos Evolves from: Poltergeist Evolves into: Raiju March 19th, 2025

Okay, today's DDS is gonna be a bit of a weird case. There's basically nothing to go off of with Quicksilver, and I don't mean this in my usual 'at least there's a Wikipedia page and a few sources' way- I mean this in a 'Did ATLUS just make this up?' way. Thankfully, though, I do have one thing to work off of- of course, @eirikrjs has a cribs episode on this ghost. However, I'm not content just copying off of his work, so I'm gonna try to track down where the fuck this even came from.

In SMT, Quicksilver is described as the following:

Female poltergeists that like to pull pranks. They break furniture and throw things around, as well as write the letter Q on windows and mirrors with soap or lipstick. They are easily bored, not staying in the same place for very long. In general, they are not dangerous spirits.

Where this seems to come from is a book called the 'Encyclopedia of Things That Never Were,' a book chronicling various stories and fantastical creatures from around the world. More specifically, she's mentioned on Page 228, wherein it talks about Quicksilver as a very specific female poltergeist that always marks her arrival by painting a very large Q wherever she goes. However, where did this come from? Like, genuinely. As such, I went to the sources page of the book which it thankfully does have, and began my search.

Given the mention of the English-speaking world in the passage of the book, my first thought was to look in some English books going over ghosts in history. First stop? Peter Haining's Ghosts: The Illustrated History. There is one story recanted here that may match, but beyond being a cursory retelling of a poltergeist in Britain, it doesn't really fit. I think I need to keep an eye out for mentions of the Q- the name Quicksilver might have been an invention of the author, but I don't doubt that the Q is a connecting thread here. The next book that caught my mind was Supernatural England, but that one was a bit of a no-go- the closest place to pick it up was in the fucking Library of Congress. I also couldn't find any online copies of it, which is incredibly uncommon but does happen sometimes- so, I'm gonna ask, if anyone can come across a copy of this book, can you tell me if it mentions Quicksilver?

Anyway, back to the drawing board. Maybe the book The Poltergeist Experience by one Scott Rogo could have it?

You are fucking kidding me. The next place I checked was Dictionary of the Supernatural by Peter Underwood, a guy whose name just sounds like he was built to make a 400 page book about this stuff. Unfortunately? No table of contents. There are some pretty funny pictures I got from reading it, though, and thankfully it's sorted into different letter sections. Doesn't make it less frustrating, though, especially given that Archive.org takes years to load. Also, I saw some old friends in the book, so that's nice.

Okay, uh, while we wait for her to keep sifting through the pages, uh... you wanna tell us about yourself, Quicksilver?

I like to cause problems on purpose!

...Yeah, evidently.

OH MY GOD ITS THERE

nevermind

Back to the drawing board. It's at this point that I'm losing hope, so I'm going to use this opportunity to ask you all for help with this. I'm leaving a link to a picture of the bibliography of this book, and I hope any of you guys will have access to some of these books and can maybe help track down this mystery. I can't offer much of a reward, unfortunately, but I'll be thankful until the end of my days.

So yeah. A very different upload today, I'm well aware, but I do want to find the ultimate origin for this Q-toting spirit. The link to the bibliography is here. Trust me, I'd be doing a lot more of this research myself if I was capable, but I'd rather not burn myself out completely.

[swiiivet-screamathon]

"Thank you Strawberry Crepe for helping us out with the magichanical demonstrations here today, but I believe the school day is coming to an end; does anyone have any final questions before you all go home?"

"It's not related to any of the school work, if that's okay mister."

"I can't make any promises that I'll be able to answer an unrelated question, but go ahead."

"Can we also get a souljam like that?"

"Yeah! Doesn't Shadow Milk have one like yours but just upside down and scribbled on? If he can get one can't we?"

"You're very right, that is quite unrelated. Maybe in the far future we'll be able to get more souljams, but for now these are the only ones that exist, so I apologize children but I don't think you can get one. The reason why we share a similar design is because they're technically the same one; Shadow Milk was the original owner of the souljam, but something went terribly and they all became cruel and corrupted. So what was perceived as only the good parts of the souljam was separated into a new one and given to me. But after this long we should all be quite familiar with the benefits of both truth and deceit in our lives, and that living in such a black and white world is not a realistic one."

"Is the scribble the bad liar parts of his souljam?"

"Haha, I wouldn't think so, I've never considered asking him about it though. Perhaps I will when he's got some free time. But I do apologize for rambling for so long! Thank you again Strawberry Crepe for joining us; the bell rings, you're all free to go!"

...

"Milky!!"

"What contraption do you want me in this time?"

"A contraption of the mind! Pure Vanilla said you were the original holder of the souljam?"

"I was hoping my lies of omission wasn't going to catch up that quickly-- yes that goody two shoes predictably told the truth."

"And it was split apart into two, so I must deduce that the original whole souljam had a combined property. It must be the perceived positivity of truth and negativity of deceit, all I could imagine was Information."

"Getting better at predicting the script are we? Knowledge, it was."

"I'm glad you notice my expertise. ^^ Though since only an aspect of it was removed, not the aspect itself fundamentally changed, wouldn't it simply be the souljam of knowledge with the absence of truth? Not one of deceit, as knowledge can encapsulate imperceivable facts as well, doesn't it?"

"Nyehh-- It is a decently commonly thought of philosophy that to perceive is it change the property of the perceived thing, so things beyond our perception would thus be inherently different compared to one which would be perceived, so although the existence of said object would indeed be a fact, therefore truth of the universe, it would also inherently be beyond our knowledge, and thus not apply to my---..... No, no it isn't. It's the souljam of deceit, hah, what am I on about? Very improper for the main character to fumble his lines so blatantly. I'd issue refunds for such a sorry displa--"

"No, no no, that explains it perfectly-- that's why you're comprised of so much knowledge, not all ingredients get separated into its absolute base components you don't separate frosting down to it's sugar, butter and milk; the absence of truth does not inherently remove knowledge, telling a lie is still something someone can know."

"Is this going to be your new running gag? -.-"

"No, not at all, nothing to me is more aspirational than knowledge, what more is to living than to learn?"

"... A part of knowledge is knowing when to apply wisdom, as in the case of you keeping this to yourself."

"Another part of knowledge is deduction: why so secretive about your origins? Is whatever corrupted you embarrassing?"

"And a final part of knowledge is to know when the cat will meet its end if pursued further."

"And when to be respectful of someone's no. Though I think it might be valuable for you to know that I now definitively see what Pure Vanilla has seen in you all this time, you've for sure got a place here."

"(no you absolutely do not) I suppose this whole shows messed up, everyone's veering hard off script all day, so blatantly out of character indeed. Sooner or later our production is going to be defunded if we keep this up."

"I suppose being vulnerable shows off another kind of knowledge portrayed by someone else. I'm going to go get some more cream, don't you dare touch any of the wafflebots."

"Make sure to get some acting lessons before coming back!"

...

...

...

"(How dare they compare themselves to Vanilly...)"

[sometimes-men-need-help-too]

What do you define feminism as? Because I am both a feminist and an advocate for men, but you seem to only identify as an advocate for men. Do you think feminism is an attack on men?

In the simplest way, without considering all the possible branches of feminism, it's the advocacy of women and to give light to issues that affect us. But that doesn't get into the complexity of the movement nor the reality of where the movement is heading (and has gone to).

I don't believe feminism in and of itself is an attack on men, but I think there are some feminists out there that use it that way. For a couple examples:

The YesAllMen is certainly an attack, I believe. It's certainly possible to talk about abusive and/or rapist men without condemning them all. I try to ensure that the wording on my posts don't do this in regards to feminists/women in general. It's not productive and only leads to unnecessary frustration and conflict. It makes you (not you but I mean in a general sense) look insincere about what you're doing. And don't get me wrong, I think there are some MRA's/anti feminists who do this too, more worried about "owning the feminists" than they are about men's rights or showing why they disagree with feminism. With YesAllMen, their could be valuable discussions that men and women could have that are beneficial to both of them. But that doesn't happen; and any conversation that could take place usually doesn't because guys are rightfully turned off by the insults and whatnot that happens.

Not only that, but it tends to ignore the very real fact that (some) women are abusive and rapists too which does a disservice to both men and women.

Another example: the man vs bear debate. I understand there are women out there who have safety fears but again, what could have been a productive conversation didn't turn out that way. It went downhill from the start because it's really a false equivalency (and I mentioned on here that I'd seen some posts/videos where someone was explicitly saying that bears are more safe than men) when most people are never going to encounter a bear (besides the zoo if they ever go) whereas you come across men in your daily life a lot more and many times, nothing happens. Not only that, but the snide "this is why we choose the bear," comments on social media definitely don't help anything.

Feminism and men's rights could work together if more people were willing.

I also want to clarify that yes, I advocate for men but that doesn't mean I don't also want changes for women. There are issues that I think need to be addressed and dealt with- such as the way some of us are treated by healthcare professionals. I just don't claim to be a feminist nor do I want to use that label. And honestly, labels in general like MRA aren't really important to me either. I care much more about the changes that I hope will happen someday than something to call myself.

Does that answer your question? I'd be happy to clarify on anything or answer anymore questions you have (best as I'm able to)

[zablife]

@brummiereader I've been looking fwd to reading this ever since we chatted about it! As promised, it destroyed me 😭 But I can't complain bc I did ask for the agony 😫 I made so many notes as I was reading, I hope it doesn't all come out an incoherent jumble of thoughts 🙈 Find a comfy chair, I have a lot say!

Ahhh, Tommy talking to his mum's portrait!!! I think I mentioned in my comments from the last chapter that I loved the ref to his reflection in her picture. I might be dwelling on something insignificant, but to me it supports the notion of being cursed to suffer.

A blood-pumping alertness that had his clenched fists straining against his rattling fingers as his eyes snapped to each flicker of noise. What a perfect ensuing description of his PTSD! He's utterly tormented and it must be terrifying to realize you can't shut off that part of your brain.

Stubbornly keeping up the facade of a man sound of mind as he pulled you with him to the front door with an unmoving face. And there's the denial I was expecting. Tommy never shows weakness, does he? Sadly, if he won't talk about it, the trauma will only manifest itself in other ways until it is addressed.

"Why would they wana be me, eh? I don't even wana be me." This is a Tommy line if ever there was one! But I have to remind myself that she knew him pre-war and is unaccustomed to this fatalistic attitude we so often see in canon.

"There she is. My girl" Tommy quietly mouthed, pulling you into his chest as his heart swelled at the smile..." My heart momentarily stopped aching at this adorable display, esp after he's said "pretty pls" 🥹 I knew it was a fleeting moment, however, so I sat and savored it before waiting for the bubble to burst. At least they had one nice day together?

"You know where I am" Sean quickly turned on his heel, confident that if things fell apart you'd return to him as a last resort and uphold your end of the unspoken deal made near a decade ago. Ugh....he is so vile 🤢 I can't even think of a clever insult here bc I'm too speechless at his cruelty.

"Tommy's paranoia plummeting to the bottom of his stomach with a gut-wrenching fear that kept every fighting soldier up at night with worry across the channel in France. Betrayal." No, no, no!!! I just want to pause this thought before it fully enters his mind, splicing in the memory of Y/n in the trench next to him. (This is both rational and possible to achieve, right?... Right, Brummie?? 😫)

"That's what you said in France...." OMG, he is remembering that night! 🤩....Wait...NO, TOMMY NOT LIKE THAT!! Don't turn this memory sour and ruin it for the rest of us who wish to fondly remember.

"Had nobody here to keep you company?" he worked his way around his unspoken accusations. He ruined it 🫤

"But a betrayal nonetheless, you ignored your reasoning behind your actions as you slid down to the wooden floorboards in tears, guilting yourself into believing that when trying to save your own back, you went behind his." Just another crack in my shattered heart, thinking of her punishing herself for something beyond her control. I want to throw my arms around her and tell her that none of this is her fault 🫂

"Tommy, come home" your whispers traveled across the barren land like a shiver down his back. This dream is giving me chills! It's also so well-written.

"you suddenly felt yourself being thrown on to your back, the cold barrel of Tommy's revolver pushed to your temple with darkened eyes lifelessly looking through you." OMG, the tension here as well as the abject fear 😰 I'm shaking at the realism. This was all so beautifully choreographed with the dream.

"I would have never..." he stood to his feet, hand motioning to and from the metal weapon on your cushion, when his guarantees of control surrendered to the harrowing truth in his aunt's eyes staring back him. Tommy realizing he has no control over this is gut wrenching. He can't protect the person he loves most when he is the enemy. I understand he feels he must shut her out to save her, but DAMN, I did not want this to happen to them!

If I were Y/n, I'm honestly not sure I'd ever recover. Not only from the trauma of being attacked, but the notion that this will be the new norm. She will need time to mourn the loss of the Tommy she used to know before attempting to make peace with the new one. I'll be off crying in a corner as she figures it out for us 😭

Sweet Dreams, Darling (Part Six)

Summary: As Tommy's hold over the torment in his mind begins to slip further from his control, Sean relays the unsettling events he witnessed the previous night. But when his sly move to put a wedge between you and Tommy, catches your soldiers eye. You are left to deal with not only his growing paranoia but a harrowing night that'll leave you scared for your safety in the arms of the man who fought to keep you safe.

Warnings: Language, angst, mutual pining, PTSD, hallucinations, depictions of war, depictions of death, suicidal thoughts.

Word Count: 4K

Authors Note: The last scene of this chapter will include a dream sequence that's highlighted in bold and italics so you can differentiate between what's part of the nightmare and what's not. Happy reading!

[Masterlist] [Previous Part] [Trailer]

" Don't say it, mum" Tommy's eyes sheepishly past those of his mother in the framed picture hanging on the landing wall with a heavy sigh of embarrassment as he beat the morning's rising sun, and made his way down the wooden stairs before the house woke to a new day.

Hands brushing through the length of his hair, he sat at the dining table with eyes absently staring at the chipped wood. Waiting with grinding teeth for the first sound of noise as the previous night's hazy events, cleared for its accompanying shame to hurl a barrage of questions at his tired mind. Was he as lost as Danny? As far gone as him?

"Tea?" Polly's voice and creaky steps saved him from the face-slapping reality of how quickly, how easily, he had fallen for his fellow soldiers chanting orders.

" I see" her brow arched at the empty glass of whiskey sat between his hands and the unenthusiastic grunt of a response sent her way as she sauntered to the copper tea pot before she too, reached for something stronger to see her through the day.

With all forms of conversation seemingly off the table, Polly settled herself into the small armchair by the fire. The days' news grasped between her fingers with an observant eye over her nephew and the battle of wills with himself he was losing against.

For just as the first morning rays of sun had begun to appear through the netted curtains of Watery Lane, so had Tommy's heightened senses, still as sharp as his last day of battle. A blood-pumping alertness that had his clenched fists straining against his rattling fingers as his eyes snapped to each flicker of noise.

" We took over a hundred pounds in winnings last month" Polly curiously watched over the printed paper in her hand for a response as Tommy's face flinched away from the shrill of a bicycle's ringing bell, pedaling past their front door. A snapping glance away from each crisp turn of the pages between her fingers. His eyes honing in on the steaming kettle, bubbling its way to its whistling finale.

" No, two hundred..." her voice petered out as she lowered the journal to her lap, watching the information that would in any other circumstance, garner her nephews immediate attention within seconds as a plan to double their intake for the next month simultaneously formulated in his mind.

Eyes glaring at the harmless threat in front of him, Tommy watched the small kettle rumble against the hob of the iron cooker as his tunneling vision blurred out every object, every buzzing noise around him with readiness for the whistling command that would send him over into enemy lines.

Forward lads! Forward!, Tommy closed his eyes, face contorting as he battled against the echoing orders that had followed him home to English soil. Battled with the shrieking hiss of the teapot muffling the sound of his aunt's voice, when another suddenly snapped him out of the sweaty panic rising on the nape of his neck.

" Ready?" you appeared with a smile at the bottom of the stairs, adjusting the pin in your hat as Tommy abruptly launched from his seat with heavy strides towards the blowing kettle, throwing it into the sink beside him.

" Tommy...?" your eyes widened as you watched his shoulders hunch over, fists clench against the tin basin with hissing teeth at the burn blistering his palm.

Frightened eyes snapping to Polly, you slowly took an apprehensive step forward when she came to stand between you and your injured soldier with a shake of her head.

Hand clutching yours, her hazel eyes deepened with dread at the premonitions she had foreseen as they settled upon her lost nephew, stood with his back to you, looking down at his trembling hand and the searing pain radiating under his reddening skin.

Clearing the knotted embarrassment from his throat, Tommy pulled his weighted coat around his shoulders. Blistering palm catching the edges of its padded lapels before darting out to his side for you to take.

"Y/N?" his voice broke through the silence as he stepped from foot to foot. Coated back to you with an unwillingness to come face to face with you and his aunt after his slipping mind had you witnessing the harrowing aftermath the war had on him.

" Please..." his voice croaked with desperation to hide the shame he felt, the urgency he had to forget the uncontrollable whispers he shared with his brothers in arms.

As his splayed fingers ushered you forward, you steadied your trembling lip, brushed back the frightened tears pooling in your eyes as you mindfully reached for his hand and the oozing burn surfacing on his palm.

Without another word, Tommy intertwined his fingers with yours in a tight grasp as he stayed unresponsive to the scorching pain searing his skin. Stubbornly keeping up the facade of a man sound of mind as he pulled you with him to the front door with an unmoving face.

With the sound of the brassy lock clicking shut, Polly lowered herself to perch on the arm of the upholstered chair as the forbading words she had once spoken taunted her with a reality far worse.

For unlike the men that had returned screaming of the horrors of war, Tommy had returned silent. A silence she feared not even you could release him from to let the screams that so desperately needed to be heard, free.

Shit.

Out onto the bustling streets of Small Heath, and away from the terraced house that weighed heavy with gloom since the three brothers return, you walked with hurried steps alongside Tommy down the streets of his childhood town. An outing suggested by him, made in the hopes of not only escaping the pressure of what needed to be addressed, but to decompress back into civilian life with the only thing he needed next to him. His peace, his reassuring comfort. You.

Hand grasped tightly within his, an internal wince for the injury he was adamant on neglecting had your stomach turn with worry as your eyes drifted up to his unwavering stare at the cobbled street ahead.

How long would he keep this up?, your gaze darted to each freckle, to the crystal specks in his eyes catching the morning sun as your heart ached for him to talk to you. Ached to see a glimpse of the man who kissed you goodbye four years ago.

" Welcome home, Mister" a young boy stood to attention with a salute. Stick rifle perched on his shoulder as his dimpled-cheeked, and muddy-kneed gang of friends looked on in awe.

" They want to be like you" you turned into his side, hand resting on his chest with pride as you ushered his attention with a nod of your head to the beaming eyes of children watching a hero in their mist.

"Why would they wana be me, eh? I don't even wana be me" Tommy's grumbling response quickly shrouded the moment as he snapped his scanning eyes away from the smiles and nods of respect sent his way.

"Tommy, don't say such things" your brow furrowed with disappointment at the qualities you saw in him, he had begun to loathe.

" They know nothing of war" he swevered through the streets of people with you in tow. His agitation for the growing bustle that came with the morning rush, felt through his tightening grip on your hand.

" They're Finn's age, Tommy. Kids. They're just kids" you winced, feeling the heat of his injury radiating against your hand as he marched you along the street at a quickened pace.

" Old men make war, so young men can die. And I've seen many kids die. They have no place playing soldier, love" his sentiments for his superiors, for the echoing words he shared with Sean had you digging your heels into the ground as you pulled your hand from his.

" Why would you say that?" your eyes bubbled with anger as Tommy hissed with a darting glance down at the burn to his hand hitting the cool January air.

" What's wrong, Tommy? This morning..." you grabbed his wrist, turning it for him to see the flakey skin scorched by his sudden outburst.

"...last night" your voice quietened as you gently cupped your palm over his, eyes drifting up to see his darting blues searching for something to say that would ward you off from digging any further.

"I'm just...I'm fucking tired, Y/N. Tired of everyone on my back, staring at me like I'm some bloody circus act, alright?" his snapping words came with instant regret, when you released his hand from yours and a lone tear fell to your cheek.

" Are they not allowed to be proud of you, Tommy? Am I not allow..." you held back your feelings of rejection, giving in to the notion that you were the cause of his sour mood for a second day running after being met with nothing but silence from him.

"Just, forget it" your eyes cast down in disappointment as you turned with a heavy sigh to leave him in the peace you believed you were hindering.

" Shit" he huffed under his breath as he brushed his fingers down his furrowed brow before spinning on his heel to the maze of alleyways that would see him back onto the main street and directly in your path.

" Hey!" he appeared from the bricked gulley of potholes with darting feet and steadying hands in front of you. " I didn't..."

" I'm going home, Tommy. So I'm no longer on your...back" you quickly interrupted, hurt feelings made clear as you wiggled yourself free of his hold.

"Fuck sake" he mumbled, tightening jaw and regretful eyes watching you walk down the cobbled street before he jogged back into the row of alleyways to catch up with you.

" Come on, love. Don't do this to me, eh?" he reappeared directly in front of your stuttering heels with persistence to make up for his blundering statement once again.

"Y/N, look at me " he blocked each of your dodging steps as his hands came up to your cheeks, lifting your face to meet the heavy guilt in his.

"I didn't mean you, darling. Never you" his voice softened as he brushed the whispers of hair from your reddened face, wetted with tears.

" Leave me alone, Tommy" you felt the past twenty-four hours of rejection come to a head as you turned your face from his pruning fingers, brushing a lock of hair behind your ear.

" Hey, come on" he kept you in place, battling against your swatting fingers with a heavy sigh.

" I wanted to spend the day with you. Just you and me, eh?" His hands fell to his side in surrender, dipping his head down to catch your eyes as you remained unconvinced with folded arms.

"We'll do anything you want. Shops, a walk down by the cut. Anything just to feel..." he stopped himself from saying how he really felt, from what he desperately needed from you. Normality.

"Please?" his hand brushed down your arm as you looked up through your lashes with doe eyes at the man that could talk you into anything if given the chance.

"Pretty please?" a boyish grin appeared on the corners of his lips, causing you to quickly surrender to its charm with a nod of your head as you left your worries behind for a sense of the same normalcy he craved.

"Fine" you looked up through hooded eyes with a shy smile at the playfulness you had missed, the familiarity that had your heart flutter against your chest as he settled his heavy hand on the curve of your back.

" There she is. My girl" Tommy quietly mouthed, pulling you into his chest as his heart swelled at the smile that he, not Ada, nor Polly or anyone else, had coaxed from you. A smile made just for him.

After a stroll into town, and a pop into the local shops for a basket full of life's essentials, you and Tommy headed home in high spirits. Unaware of the following footsteps of a stray lurking nearby.

" That best not be for me, love" Tommy mumbled through the cigarette perched between his lips as his eyes shot down to the silver-canned staple every soldier had begrudgingly lived of for the past four years in the small basket perched on your arm.

" I thought you might be missing it" you brow furrowed suspiciously at the tinned spam nestled within the many packets of biscuits that Tommy's sweet tooth made sure they saw their way into your woven basket without your knowledge.

"Open me up, and there'll be cans of the fucking stuff" he chuckled, sliding his hand over your waist with a stroking tickle as his eyes creased with a smile at the delightful giggles he'd wooed from you.

" Well, we can't be doing that. I need you in one piece" you rested your hand on his chest with a gentle tap, eyes beaming up at him as his fingers swept over the curves of your hips.

" Do you now?" his gaze darkened with mischievousness as his hand dipped with a smirk to cup your bum.

" Tommy..." you swatted him away as your eyes darted in a panic for any onlookers that might have witnessed his roaming hands trying to cop a feel.

" Tom!" Charlie, friend to the family and adopted uncle to all the Shelby children, appeared around the corner across the bustling road with a wave of his hand.

"Keep those naughty thoughts for when we get back home, eh? I won't be a minute" he whispered into your ear with a quick pinch to your backside before darting through the oncoming traffic for the street across the road.

" Your naughty thoughts" you corrected him with a wave of your finger as he shot you a cheeky wink over his shoulder.

Head turning to the shop window beside you, your fingers came up to your smiling lips as Tommy's returned playfulness left you both with sparks of excitement to pick up from your disastrous attempt to reconnect the previous night, when a whistle snapped you out of your daydreams.

" Lover boys back then. What's left of him that is" Sean appeared, stood with his back against a truck of goods with muddy boots unlaced around his ankles. His chosen spot of approach, hidden from the street of people on the opposite side of the bustling road. Or more importantly, hidden from said lover boy.

"What do you want, Sean?" you mumbled under your breath as you turned to see Tommy shooting you a smile from over the traffic before returning to the list of demands he'd bestowed upon his grunting uncle.

"Won't be long until he snaps too, sweetheart. These brave soldiers are dropping like flies. One, by, one. Don't be telling me you ain't seen it" he sniffed as he settled his hands into his trouser pockets, kicking a pebble across the cobbled street to the bricked building in front of him.

"Not my, Tommy!" you spat back, stepping a foot forward with arms folded in defense as your reddening cheeks betrayed you with the worry you had for the state of your returning soldiers mind.

"Really?" he smirked with enjoyment at your blushing cheeks and the lie he had unearthed as Tommys eyes looked over the steady stream of cars to see you in conversation with someone hidden from his sight.

" Saw him last night, Y/N. Falling about in the middle of the street, shouting like a fucking mad man. He's got a screw loose, darling" he tapped the side of his head, creasing eyes watching the information he'd relayed sink in.

As your eyes rimmed red with the severity of Tommy's slipping hold on his inner thoughts, he caught sight of your retreating feet from the small truck through the bustle of the road separating you.

" Y/N!" his concerns for your wellbeing and sudden change in cheery demeanour had him seeing Charlie off with a nod of his head before he swerved through the traffic to get back to you.

" You know where I am" Sean quickly turned on his heel, confident that if things fell apart you'd return to him as a last resort and uphold your end of the unspoken deal made near a decade ago.

" You alright? Who was that, eh?" Tommy jogged up to you, cupping your elbow as his squinting eyes darted down the street through the lines of people.

" Can we go?" your eyes cautiously drifted up to his, searching for the madness Sean had seen the previous night, for the flickers of unpredictability you had put down to fatigue as Tommy nodded his head with a furrowed brow.

" Here, give it to me" he took the basket from your arm, head snapping over his shoulder to see none other than Sean turning into an alleyway with a smirk glaring back at him. A teasing grin that had Tommy's paranoia plummeting to the bottom of his stomach with a gut-wrenching fear that kept every fighting soldier up at night with worry across the channel in France. Betrayal.

Back in the warmth of your shared home, you unloaded the shopping onto the large mahogany table as Tommy began to circle around you with a nagging need for answers as he shrugged off his coat.

" Hungry?" you giggled with two packets of his biscuit of choice in each hand as an orange spark of a match caught your eye.

With only a shake of his head for an answer, you turned to the cupboard draws to tidy away the pile of groceries as Tommy watched you from across the table, jaw tethering with suspicion as he thumbed over the cigarette perched between his fingers.

" Couldn't sit there and do nothing?" his paranoia finally got the better of him after the many stories of betrayal told to him about his fellow soldiers sweethearts back home in England, began to pick at his memory.

" Hm?" you hummed, tiptoeing to reach the small cabinet of silverware for a place to stash the months' worth of biscuits brought by him. Unaware of the distrust that had already embedded itself into his tired mind.

" That's what you said in France. That you couldn't just sit back in England and do nothing. No?" the turn in his voice had you slowly settle your feet down onto the wooden floorboards as you caught his piercing stare in the silver platter in front of you.

" That's what I said" you lifted your chin in agreement, turning to face him with fidgety hands brushing down the front of your dress as your eyes flickered to and from his unwavering glare.

" Had nobody here to keep you company?" he worked his way around his unspoken accusations as it became clear to you that he'd caught sight of Sean. The mere glimpse of him, enough to provoke his slipping paranoia.

" Well, I had your Aunt and Ad..."

"Always fucking running. What were you running from this time, eh?" he interrupted, unconvinced by the answer that had grated at his mind ever since the day you left the trenches of France. Unconvinced of the story you had told him that spring day in 1914 down by the canal when he quizzed you about your reasons for returning to Birmingham.

"You running from something, Y/N? Someone?" he began to stalk forward, coming to stand in front of you as your hands clutched the kitchen worktop behind you at his frightening approach.

" What are you trying to say, Tommy?" you looked up at his searching eyes, blinking through the fatigue that had him questioning your loyalty towards him.

" Nothing" his lips pursed together, weighted breath lifting from his lungs as he snapped his head away to make space for the reasoning slowly pushing through his foggy thoughts.

So tired, so fucking tired, he pinched his brow as a thumping headache rattled against his skull.

" You...you must rest, Tommy. Sleep" you watched his broad shoulders hunch over the table as his back rose with a heavy sigh.

" Tommy?" you stepped forward, gently resting your hand on his broad frame, only for your gentle approach to quickly slip from him as he turned for the stairs.

"Where you going?" your rimmed eyes followed his heavy steps up the creaky stairs, head craning around the wall waiting on a response. "Tommy?"

" Following fucking orders" he mumbled under his breath from the top of the landing before the door to his bedroom slammed shut.

"Fuck..." you slumped back against the rattling walls, head thudding against the papered concrete in frustration.

Was he right to think you had betrayed him?, you blamed yourself for your decision to withhold the pushing factor that had you fleeing into the eye of the storm. Blamed yourself for the secrets you kept from him to safeguard his heart.

But a betrayal nonetheless, you ignored your reasoning behind your actions as you slid down to the wooden floorboards in tears, guilting yourself into believing that when trying to save your own back, you went behind his.

Yes. A betrayal, indeed. But not one of the heart that Tommy's paranoia would have him believe. But one from a place of care, in hopes of saving him from another crushing weight of worry that would weigh heavy on his mind. A mind that had returned needing to be nursed back together. One that was silently screaming for help. One you would see the depths of darkness it had been plunged into that very night when all those residing on Watery Lane drifted into a peaceful slumber. All but one, that was.

"Steady lads, steady" Tommy held his rifle tightly against his chest, eyes piercing through the heavy film of smog in front of him as his lieutenant walked along the muddy path with calls for the rows of men, stood behind the lines of ladders perched up against the banks of the trench, to keep calm.

"Let it be known that any man that attempts to flee will be shot for their cowardness" the high-ranking captain's command to stand fast echoed through the bitter winter's air as Tommy's icey of breath drew from his lungs into a cloud of fog.

" Anything out there, Tom?" his fellow soldier whispered below as Tommy's creaking boots slowly stepped up the wooden railing to see a shadowy form slowly appear.

Fingers clutching tightly around the handle of his rifle, Tommy maneuvered his weapon over the muddy bank when his eyes suddenly widened in horror.

" Tommy..." your voice drifted to him, turning head searching for him as you walked barefoot through the frosty mud. Ends of your nightie embedded with ash and dirt trailing behind you.

" Y/N..." Tommy began to stir in his sleep as you lay beside him under the warmth of the padded duvet with your hands tucked close to your chest.

"Tommy, come home. Come back to me, Tommy" your voice sang across the empty field for him to reunite with you as he desperately blinked the vision of you from his straining eyes.

"Y/N, get down!" he shouted for you to take cover, startled by the gliding wings of a screeching hawk flying through the still air when the lieutenant in command pulled his reaching body from lunging over before the whistle sounded.

" 'ave you lost your fucking mind, son?! Not until my orders, understood?! he warned him by the scruff of his collar as Tommy's head darted over the bank to see an empty field, with only your voice calling his name.

"Tommy, come home" your whispers traveled across the barren land like a shiver down his back.

"Please, darling. Leave...please, leave" he slammed his eyes shut, chanting silently in prayer for your searching voice to stop, for his mind to stop the torment.

" Please..." you woke to the sound of Tommy incoherently mumbling beside you, eyes flicking behind his lids as he lay deep in sleep.

"Tommy, wake up" you turned, propping yourself onto bent elbows as you watched his face contort below you through the images playing out behind his eyes.

Eyes darting through the fog, Tommy heard the shouting orders from the enemies line preparing to push forward, break through the parting clouds as the sight of you stood vulnerable in the middle of the empty field hopelessly searching for him reappeared.

"Y/N..."

" I said stand down, soldier!" the lieutenant commanded, pulling his gun from its holster as he watched Tommy's booted heel scramble up the last step before running over into no man's land.

Helmet thrown from his head as he raced towards you, Tommy's eyes blurred with tears, face reddened with exertion when the whistle for the British army to follow echoed through the skies.

"Y/N!" he screamed your name as a peppering of bullets hit the ground, the sound of four hundred mens charging feet shook the earth below him.

" Y/N..." Tommy tossed his head from side to side as you pulled the sheets from him to see his straining body drenched in sweat.

" I'm here Tommy, wake up" you brushed his tousled hair from his eyes as a desperation arose in you to release him from his nightmares.

"I'm here, Tommy" locks of hair cascaded around your turning face as you reached your hand out for him to take when the tips of your fingers fell from each other's as a spray of bullets shot through your back. Staining your slip crimson with blood as his name left your lips, and you fell into his chest. "Tommy..."

"No, no, NO!" He fell to the floor, cradling your limp body in his arms as a silent scream, void of life, of a heart shattering into a thousand pieces stole the air from his lungs, until his eyes fell back to the heavens and a primal roar erupted from his chest into the still air.

" Tommy please, wake up!" you began to sob in a panic as you watched the colour drain from his face, his chest rise with heavy labored breaths. " Polly help!"

Brushing his fallen tears from your pailing cheeks, Tommy rocked your lifeless body in his arms as he calmly reached for his gun, pointing the barrel under the soft flesh of his chin with eyes squeezed shut when the enemy charged through the parting fog.

Manic face contorting with fury, Tommy scrambled to his feet as the unstoppable fight within him resurfaced, driving his feet forward to the approaching enemy and the lone soldier he had sought out.

Rifle pointed at Tommy's chest, the young soldier's shaky fingers slipped from the trigger as Tommy threw him to the ground in a hand-to-hand fight that saw them battling in the mud as they both strained to reach for the weapon, slowly sinking underneath the trampled sludge.

" Tommy, wake up!" you screamed, shaking his arms against the spring mattress when you suddenly felt yourself being thrown on to your back, the cold barrel of Tommy's revolver pushed to your temple with darkened eyes lifelessly looking through you.

" Tommy...Tomm..." your lungs battled for air against his heavy hand pushed into the bony flesh of your bruising chest as your strained attempts to throw him off, fought against his finger inching over the trigger.

" Thomas!" the mothering boom of Polly's voice rattled the walls as she threw open the door to see him looming over you with a gun pointed to your head.

"Pol...?" Tommy suddenly snapped himself out of the clutches of terror behind his eyes as he turned to see his aunt standing by the door.

" Put the gun down, Tommy" Polly commanded as she slowly approached, pointing to the revolver in his hand as Tommy eyes drifted underneath him to see your trembling body shaking with tears streaming you cheeks.

"Y/N..." his breath caught in his throat, eyes widening in horror at the gun pointed to your head as his hand went limp, letting the revolver slip from his fingers onto the cushion beside you.

Pulling yourself off the padded duvet with scrambling legs, you threw yourself into Polly's arms with terrified sobs.

" Darling please..." Tommy begged with reddened eyes as he reached for your trembling body, quickly recoiling to the end of the bed when you flinched away from his attempts to comfort you.

Blinking eyes drifting to the loaded gun nestled within the sheets of your bed, Tommy swallowed back the bile of fear rising in his throat as he scrambled to reassure you that things wouldn't have taken a deadly turn.

" Y/N I...I would have woken up. Darling, I would have never..." he stood to his feet, hand motioning to and from the metal weapon on your cushion, when his guarantees of control surrendered to the harrowing truth in his aunt's eyes staring back him.

Lips falling silent, Tommy turned his back to your trembling body as his heart sank to the back of his chest, hardening with a one worded order that threatened to change the course of your relationship, shutting you out and throwing you into the arms of another.

"Leave"

*I'd love to hear your thoughts on this chapter in the comments below 💚*

[Next part] (coming soon!)

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[agalychnisspranneusroseus]

Got any trans HCs for the amphibia trio? I love the many different interpretations I've seen from this fandom

I don't know about specific headcanons, I know I'm considering making Anne trans in RiAAU but I haven't decided yet.

In one hand: it would be interesting to think how she deals with her first periods because, well, amphibians don't have those, and Hop Pop assumes she's dying (she doesn't tell anyone else because she's so embarrassed). Not that he tells her that, but it really freaks him out. He thinks she has some sort of internal damage, and it's only after months of research that he finds out about some rare mammalian species, such as a few monkeys and rodents, that experience the same cycle Anne goes through. The whole point of this is that it makes Anne feel even more out-of-place. She doesn't remember her world or her parents, only that she came from "somewhere" (possibly another continent) full of people of her species, and she wonders if things would have been easier if she grew up with her biological family. I mean, surely this would be easier. It just serves as a reminder that she knows nothing about her species, not even its name, and she has no idea of how her biology works or what is good and bad for her or how long she'll live or what changes she'll go through.

.

BUT, on the other hand: Trans Anne. Let's start with the obvious: amphibians don't have penises or vaginas and they reproduce externally, meaning they like... release eggs and sperm in the water and they mix without the involvement of either parent, meaning no one knows what the cultural significance of a "penis" or a "vagina" tends to be in most human cultures. As a literaly 3yo, Anne probably didn't have an extensive understanding of s.ex and gender, and it wasn't like the clothes she showed up with told Hop Pop much. She just knew that, as time went on, she found herself relating more and more to the female frogs of Wartwood, and she almost subconsciously began to refer to herself as a girl. There wasn't any big coming out moment, more like a point in which, after months of ambiguity (this kid kept using different pronouns for herself) she just settled on some good ol' she/her and began picking somewhat girly clothes when Hop Pop took her to the market.

It's not like the concept of trans people doesn't exist in Amphibia, it's just that Anne didn't realize that was her situation until, at least, meeting Marcy, and noticing the differences between them. It's not like either of them had ever seen another human from up close, so they didn't know what to expect anyway. Anne's only encounters with Sasha beforehand had consisted on magical girl swordfighting in the sky and whatnot. Certainly not enough to discuss their unique biology, which is something Marcy is very excited to discuss, since she's never met anyone with her same "condition" before, and she wants to know everything, so she uses her as her little rat lab whenever she has the chance. Even then, since she also lacks all knowledge of human s.exual dimorphism and its cultural implications, she doesn't associate anything about either of their bodies to any specific gender that could possibly be asigned to anyone based on biological feautures. Since Sasha remembers the most from Earth, she's probably the only one who could maybe possibly remeber her mom or the kindergarden teacher saying something about "the difference between boys and girls", but by the point she's in speaking terms with Anne, and by the time she realizes their bodies are different, she doesn't really care.

That's not to say Anne doesn't experience dysphoria or that she never undergoes any kind of physical transition. It was probably around the time her voice started to change during puberty that she realized her case may be kinda unique: neither Marcy nor Sasha's voices have changed that much, she can tell even though she only sees Marcy in person like once every 3 years and all the words she exchanges with Sasha consist of death threats and insults. Plus, there's a clear difference between """male""" and """female""" voiced in frogs too. She doesn't want to sound like a man! She doesn't want to be anything like a man! Men are gross! Sorry Sprig, Hop Pop, but it's true. Men are icky icky yuck yuck and Anne is a girly girl. She doesn't want to turn into Stumpy! Or Buff Loggle! Oh, no, is that her future? She commits the triple mistake of 1) sending a letter to Marcy that same day, 2) knocking on Maddies' door promising her firstborn if she can save her from turning into Stumpy, and 3) she becomes obsessed researching mammalian biology in the archives. Bad decision. Bad bad. She's discovering things to feel dysphoric about she never even knew existed! Did you know mammalian mothers feed their offsprings with "milk" that comes from their "mammary glands"? Did Sasha and Marcy have those? She hates herself a little for checking out Marcy next time she sees her and she realizes that, indeed, in the past years she's grown a pair of those that Anne does NOT have. She notes that both she and Sasha are pretty much hairless. She used to think hair was a normal mammalian trait! That weasel that tries to eat the frogs every winter sure is covered in it!

Maddie shows up to her door with a bunch of new spells to try out, happy to have a willing subject. Most embarrassingly, Marcy starts doing her own research as soon as she gets Anne's letter and sends her all her discoveries, and now Anne feels mortified because Marcy knows about all the bad bad very bad changes she's going through (Marcy, for her part, is just fascinated by the nature of their "condition").

It takes a bit, but after a few very frenzied weeks, Anne comes to understad what's going on: her species had certain level of sexual dimorphism and she just happened to have been born with the supposed "sex" usually associated with "men" as a social category. When Hop Pop finds out, he burst into laughter. Oh, it was THAT all along! Anne made it sound so complicated, but it was just the same things he went through when he was younger, just the other way around ("Say what now Hop Pop?")! A few curses here and there and she won't have to worry about these so called "mammary glands" and "hair" anymore, though in the meantime, as Maddie perfects a human-friendly curse, she gets turned into all sort of different creatures. By the time it's done, she just wants to feel like... herself.

It's true that there are some things about her body that make her feel weird, like they don't quite fit in, but there are others she only worries about because she compared herself to Sasha and Marcy, which wasn't fair to anyone involved. Did she really want to fundamentally change parts of her body because of insecurities she developed last week over a book about lemurs? Then, a second set of fears come in: what will happen when she goes back to her place of origin? Because she does want to find her birth family. Will they recognize her, if they're looking for a boy? Will they think she's lying if she claims to be their daughter? If she changes only a few things but doesn't "go all the way", will people there think she's a freak? Will she ever be able to fit in with those of her species?

Does she really care so much about what other people think? She just wants to be herself. Some of the changes she's been going through are making her feel less like herself and more like she's being turned into a tax collector from Toad Tower. Those things have to go - her voice, for example. And she wants a more femenine silhouette (she may or may not show Maddie photos of young Mrs. Croaker as a reference). She wants a softer face. She's seeing her face changing in the mirror and she doesn't like it. She wants it to stay round and soft, not to grow hard and sharp or big and rough. She's not so sure she wants those "mammary glands". It's not like she ever thought about having kids, and the whole "breastfeeding" thing just seems gross, but after her research, and finding out she could have kids with, I don't know, maybe Marcy one day (a thought that makes her blush), she thinks it may be a good idea. She'll consider it. Maybe later. Her genitalia... well, she's used to what she has now. It already took her like 10 years to fully figure out what it was and how it worked and starting over with a whole new set just feels like too much work (also, the babies, the potential babies with Marcy). Frogs and toads have neither "penises" or "vaginas" so there's not a lot of information, and based on books about lemurs and her own empirical experience, comparing herself to other mammalian species isn't too useful. She'll leave it the way it is. She'll see if there's anything else she wants to change later, or if she wants to go back on something.

Marcy is surprised next time Anne visits Newtopia. In her letters, she described this strange transformation in excruciating detail, but seeing her in person now, holding her face in her hands, all she sees is the same Anne she's always loved.

A few more ideas:

HEADCANON: in Amphibia, two people of the same "s.ex" can reproduce through magic, which means there has to be a concious effort and intent. The external fertilization process there's no such thing as a pregnancy, and there's no such thing as s.ex. All reproduction is intentional, which means there's no need for abortion either. There are processes to destroy fertilized eggs and embryos, but they look completely different from human abortions.

Amphibians may perform acts resembling s.ex for pleasure or fun but they look different from human s.ex and have no relation to reproduction.

Andrias is the only person in Amphibia who knows enough about humans to know how they reproduce (a process he finds repulsive). He never tells Marcy, of course, though once she becomes queen, she finds his secret library and his hidden tomes on "alien biology", some of which talk about humans. He's also the only one who knows humans can have children on accident, and that Anne is the only human in Amphibia who could cause something like that to happen (he reads all of Marcy's correspondence). He knows his daughter is very close to this weird farm girl penpal of hers, and even though she's still a child, he worries for her future and the future of the crown. This new discovery could land the crown in the hands of a dynasty of aliens if he's not careful. Is it weird that he spends so much time worrying about his 12yo daughter getting pregnant from another 12yo? Yes, yes it is, but he already controls every aspect of her life, it's not like he's going to stop at her sexuality, future, real, or imaginary.

Man now that I wrote it all down, I think this option is more compelling than the first. Maybe I WILL go with this one.